HADES' HELLFIRE ▹ S. Rogers

FIVE.

AMBROSE AND STEVE RIDE THE ELEVATOR IN SILENCE. STEVE'S HEART IS POUNDING. AMBROSE DOESN'T MISS THE FLUSH ON THE BLOND MAN'S FACE.

The shaft opens, and they're soon on the ground floor. The two make their way through the massive lobby before entering the dark New York streets. The cold air kisses their faces as the setting sun paints the world in pretty golds and oranges.

"I'm sorry to take you away from the party," Ambrose apologizes as they begin their walk. "I know you enjoy them."

"Who told you that?"

"Every magazine to ever publish a piece on the Avengers. Which, funnily enough, seems to be every magazine ever." Ambrose shrugs. "Yeah, you have to take the media with a grain of salt. They rarely say anything accurate about me." Steve warns, shaking his head at the thought. "The worst part is that people believe them."

"They don't know the Steven beneath the stars and stripes, it sounds."

"Exactly. It's really annoying sometimes." Steve shoves his hands in his pockets. "But, seriously, leaving Stark's party isn't the worst thing on Earth."

"I'm glad I'm not too much of a bother." Ambrose smiles earnestly. "Now, do you know any good bars? I think I owe you a drink."

"Owe me a drink?" Steve copies confusedly. "What for?"

"Well," Ambrose's fingers ghost the skin of Steve's hand. "Disturbing your night, even if you claim that I haven't. Also, I just want to take you out. If you're interested, of course."

"Who am I to say no?" Steve gives the brunette a small smile.

The two stroll down the streets of New York together, the chilled air mingling with their heated skin. And, as happy and doting as everything seems, all good things come to an end. This is the part of the story where everything goes downhill. Where blood begins to splatter on the ground.

For lack of better words, shit's about to hit the fan.

To be completely truthful, I'm not quite sure if Steve is better off accepting or declining the invitation. Either way, Steve will quickly regret his decision. And maybe Ambrose will regret his.