Welcome To New York (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

5

The chauffeur looks a little bemused when we tell him that we're going to walk to collect Sophie from school, but relishes in not having to go back out into traffic. "We're doing him a favour". Steve says as we walk out of the building and take the route to school. "To be honest, I don't even know why we bother driving her to school when it's not too far to walk".

"Which does she prefer?" I ask.

"Walking, she likes to take the park route but dad likes to have her driven because she's home quicker". He sighs, "he's missing out on her being a kid and not letting her actually be one in some respects, it's literally go home, do homework, eat, bath and bed".

"I could always tell him that we will walk, purely for educational purposes. I can spin something learning about certain environments and animals? If it gives her a chance to be a kid". I say. "What did the old nanny do?"

Steve shrugs. "She wasn't there long enough for me to really study. But Soph didn't like her. I think she was more to dads old fashioned standards but she had to move back home to look after her elderly mother. Sophie was pleased obviously".

I nod at this. "I'll see what I can do, anyway what's this amazing pizza place that you were talking about earlier?"

He cracks a broad smile now. "Mine and Sophie's favourite hangout spot when I'm home. A place called Zemo's. When dad was away, I took her out one evening and we went there. Honestly, best pizza in all of the Upper East Side".

"What if I told you I hate pizza?" I smirk.

"Then I'd say you're a psycho". He chuckles. "I'm kidding  - besides if you're vegetarian then they have those options too, great beers - although if you're looking for a bar then Ultron's is where most people around our age hang out".

"If it's you and your frat buddies then I'll avoid it like the plague". I joke as we head through the park.

Steve just looks down at the ground with a knowing expression. "We're not that bad. I promise".

"I didn't mean it like that, anyway you said you're not how you've been made out to be, so I guess I can see you're not the kind of guy to lie".

He shakes his head at this. "Mom and dad brought me up never to do that. To always be honest. We've tried to install the same values on Sophie, but I'm not sure whether we've been successful. Wish my Mom was here, she was always good at that stuff".

We don't have time to carry on as we now arrive at the school, just as Sophie's class are being let out. "Steve!" She runs over and into his open arms. "You came with Nanny Lu?"

"Sure did, you wanna get some pizza?" He asks as I take her bag and let her walk hand in hand with him.

"At Zemo's?"

"Where else?" He asks as though it's the most obvious thing in the world. "Plus, we need to introduce Copper to our hangout".

Sophie now turns to me and exaggerates, "the milkshakes are insaaaaane - you gotta try them!"

"I think I'm gonna be excited for them more". I grin and watch as Sophie skips happily along beside her big brother, hand clutching his.

"Are we going through the park?" She asks as we head in that direction.

Steve nods. "You know we have to if we wanna get there quicker".

Sophie looks up at him. "Can I go on the swings, pleeeeeeese?" She begs.

He looks at me, "Nanny Lulu? Can we go on the swings?" There's that pout again and I roll my eyes.

"You really don't need to ask for my permission to take your sister on the swings".

Steve shrugs at this. "Just didn't know whether you had your own schedule to adhere to".

"Sophie's schedule is my schedule. She wants to go on the swings then she can". I look at her as she waits to hear my verdict and wink.

She punches the air. "You're the best nanny ever!"

It's clear that the old nanny has never let this child actually be a child for some time. Sure there are rules that Sophie and I need to follow, such as her schooling - but school's out from the end of this week, so it will be our chance to actually have fun.

"Are we going to The Hamptons again this summer?" Sophie asks.

"No idea, depends on dad's schedule, and mine I suppose".

I stray behind a little so as they can have their conversation- of course they have a home in The Hamptons, why wouldn't they? I do wonder whether a guy like Mr Rogers even has time to relax, considering I haven't seen him since the interview which wasn't even that.
Settling myself on a bench, I watch as Sophie relishes being able to play. Steve watches from a distance but then comes over to join me. "This is what she should be doing. Ok sure, homework is important - but she needs to be a kid. Playing with her dolls in her room doesn't count, she's too cooped up indoors".

"We'll I'll do what I can to make sure she goes to places where she can play too - even coming here during the summer".  I tell him.

He looks across to me. "I think you'll be good for her, a hell of a lot better than some of the others she's had".

Just how many nannies has Sophie even had? Was it Mr Rogers who got rid of them because they weren't up to his standards? Well aside from the horrible one before me. "Have there been many?"

"Oh, god no I didn't mean like loads - only a couple. But they left because of their own personal lives changing. Nothing to do with Sophie or dad, or even me before you ask". He wants to make it entirely clear he never fucked the nannies before me.

I chuckle. "Relax, I wasn't going to - besides I know you wouldn't go that far"

Now he looks at me serious. "I suppose it would depend".

"On what?"

"On whether I had a chance with her after, not just for a night..."