i'm with you, every step of the way

Chapter 5

The Homecoming game is here. Everyone at school is so riled up about it, they've lost five years in a row and they need to change that streak. Steve is beating himself up in practice, staying longer and longer, just to make sure he is in his absolute perfect state during the game. It's either him or Thor for the captain's title next year, and even though Thor is one of his closest pals, he needs that place.

Natasha wasn't at all interested going to the game nor the dance because she hates the school and its football team, so what's the point? But Bucky has been pleading her because he wants to experience that and get to know the school more. Pepper and Maria are also going because well, of the football team guys. Natasha has always suspected that Pepper has a thing with Tony but she doesn't really put much thought into it because she trusts Pepper and knows that if they do have a thing, Pepper would have Tony under her control; she's just amazing like that. Also, Sam has been eyeing Maria during homeroom and she totally likes it. So she figured she might as well go to the game and the dance, as to Bucky's wishes.

The game was a Friday night and the dance is the following day. The whole school was absolutely loud that Friday, with everyone wearing their school colors, green and yellow, everywhere. Natasha looked at the cheerleaders and their painted faces and cringed, the memories of last year resurfacing. She suddenly had the urge to either throw up or cry - whichever, because she was so furious and a wave of emotions went through her. Nevertheless, she calmed herself down and pushed her thoughts away.

That night, they went out to eat, her, Bucky, Pepper, and Maria, before going to the game. They stopped by Taco Bell, where apparently most of the students are at, since there's still plenty of time before the game.

"Wow, Tasha, I'm surprised you're going. I really thought last year was your last football game ever," Maria casually commented before biting into a taco. Pepper glared at her and Natasha shot her a look.

"Why?" Bucky asked, looking between the three and eyes furrowed in confusion.

"Nothing," Natasha said through gritted teeth. "Just some complications, is all," she said, dismissively, and the subject was effectively dropped. Bucky kept looking at her though, as if he knows something is bothering her. Natasha noticed this and tried to hide all negative as much as possible, keeping a passive and mostly happy face.

They finished their food and went to the stadium. There's 30 minutes left before the game starts to it is a little busy, but they still got good seats on one of the middle rows. Pepper and Maria left them alone to sit almost next to the cheerleaders up front, to cheer on their boys, no doubt. Natasha rolled her eyes and just sat next to Bucky and avoided any glances or looks towards and from the cheerleaders.

The game has started and everyone rose to their feet. Their school anthem was played the marching band and everyone was cheering; it was almost deafening. They all have cheers of their own and everyone went even crazier when the football team started marching in. Everyone settled down for a few moments while their principal gave a speech and some other ceremonies took place. Then the hype went back up as the football teams ran to the middle of the field and went into position.

At this time, Natasha just sat back down after Bucky did watched the game. She wasn't too interested, but since she's here, she might as well have fun. It took her a while to identify the players, their helmets can really conceal their faces, and once she settled on Steve, her eyes would always unconsciously follow him. She could tell he's nervous with the way he's very tense and serious, almost like a machine made to play football.

The second half just started and the school is leading by one touchdown. Steve ran back to the team after getting a small drink of water and held his helmet on his arms. He listened intently to the captain as to what their play is. Everyone is determined to win, but Steve is even more intent on being one of the reasons of that win.