Dancing Under The Stars

17

Steve felt stupid, of all things, he had to spark another argument with Natasha? Or at least he thought so. After he came out of the bathroom, Natasha was gone. Only her duffel bag remains on the coffee table.

It felt silent that Natasha wasn't here, which was weird. He'd gotten used to the silence in his apartment ever since he woke up in the 21st century. But somehow, this silence is strangely uncomfortable to him.

He slumped against the sofa and rubbed his temple with his fingers. It felt suffocating, to have a fight with Natasha because they were such a good duo during missions and a stupid, idiotic fight, was going to stop them.

Steve knew Natasha hadn't meant what she said yesterday, but he couldn't help but doubt the truthfulness in it. What if she meant it? It sent Steve on edge that she didn't see how Steve cared for her. It made him wonder, did Natasha ever knew he liked her? Or did she just ever assume that he was still not over with Peggy?

He groaned and slumped his head backwards. This was bad, and frankly, he'd never ever fought with Peggy since they had such little time together. He was completely lost.

You can apologize. A small voice whispered in the back of his mind. But he didn't want to, after all, it's not his fault right? Right?

Except for the fact that you called her coward.

He glanced at the king-sized bed and climbed on it, before covering himself with the covers. Natasha will come back, she will.

∆∆∆

Natasha kicked the pebble away from her. She hated this, she hated having to be in a fight with Steve. Whenever she was angry, or upset, Steve would never, ever try to argue with her. Yet here she was, running away from him. Such irony.

She had to admit, it was kinda her fault and she did snap. But Steve couldn't just play with her fucking feelings while she knew deeply, he still loves Peggy. Even after 70 years.

She didn't want their relationship to turn into hers and Bruce's. They had more connection than her and Bruce's. While her and Bruce's affection for each other was very temporary and short, hers and Steve was more steady, and was built up by trust, missions and a lot of night talks.

If someone in the past had told her that she'd put her most vulnerable moments in front of a guy, she'd probably laugh. However, that wasn't the case.

She let herself did the thing she told herself not to.

She fell in love.

It dawned to her slowly and slowly that she was very much in love with Steve Rogers.

"You had it coming, Natasha, you did." She chuckled bitterly. Of all people, she had to fucking fall in love with a guy who loves another person.

Which meant one thing, she was going to break her heart again.

She was so occupied with her thoughts that she didn't realize she walked right into someone.

"Hello, Natasha."

She raised her head up and saw grey, stormy eyes that were staring right back at hers.

"Grant! What are you doing here?" She laughed. It's been so long since she saw her good friend, and for once today, she was thrilled. Grant pulled Natasha into a bear hug, his huge arms engulfing her entirely.

"Got a promotion nearby, heard you're here from Fury, so I decided to check in."

Natasha smiled, green eyes twinkling. Grant was charming, nice and polite, she was more than glad too see him. Especially if she needed someone to talk to. He is a pretty good listener.

"Tell me everything about you recently. How's Lulu?" Natasha chuckled at the thought of Grant's energetic puppy. Grant also chuckled, " Lulu loves it here, she wags her tail so much that I was afraid it would fall off."

After a comfortable silence, Grant spoke up again, "I miss you, Natasha." Natasha felt her cheeks heaten up.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't-"

"No, don't. I do too Grant, trust me, I do."

Both of them fell silent for the second time. Natasha didn't know how to feel, she liked Grant a lot, however despite this, it felt wrong to flirt with him.

But, Steve, on the other hand, doesn't even like her, he was nice to everyone. Plus, she did encourage him to go on dates with other girls. He seemed to enjoy the one with Sharon a lot, and Natasha do feel happy for him.

She wouldn't have that bitter taste in her mouth maybe, maybe if she falls in love with another guy, she wouldn't feel anything for Steve, and they can continue their friendship.

It's perfect. Too perfect.

Mustering her courage, she opened her mouth, "I'm kinda in an argument with my mission partner right now, so would you mind if I crash in your place?"

Grant eyes widened, taken by surprise, and for a moment Natasha thought she messed up, but Grant's grin widened even more and laughed, "More than okay , I would be very glad, after all, it's the least I could do after you saved my life."

Natasha breathed out a sigh of relief then smiled, genuinely, "Come on douchebag, you owe me a dinner and some vodka."

Grant shook his head at her playfully then mimicked a "ladies first" gesture, making Natasha chuckle.

She tried to ignore the guilt rising in her heart, but then pushed it away. If it meant her happiness, she is going to and will forget her feelings for Steve, no matter how hard she loved him.

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This is the end of chapter 17 y'all!!! Thanks for reading, I love you guys 🥺❤️

P.s. what will happen to Steve and Natasha's relationship? Stay tuned!