The Only Hope | Captain America

Chapter Eleven : Crush?

 There was an awkward pause between Steve and the two girls. After Grace left for work, the girls cleaned up their plates and started their morning work. Steve tried his best to help the two, trying also not get in their way. Steve didn't know much about the two girls. One of them was Grace's little sister, Steve soon recognized. She looked so alike to Grace; Steve could easily confuse the two. The other was a tall caramel colored brunette, whose name was alike to a man's name, James. Steve never got the chance to talk to the two girls. While they worked, the two girls would look over at him, mesmerized by his large and built body. To hide his bashfulness, Steve turned away from the two.

 Were women always like this?

 As he finished the dishes, he walked back to the balcony. Moments of the early morning conversation Grace and him had reflected in his mind. Steve thought his comment must have scared Grace or confused her. Her expression was speechless and she seemed to be dumbfounded on what to say. Steve rubbed his temples as he continued to think about the comparison between Peggy and Grace.

 How were the two alike?

 Steve never thought about his comment. The words just quickly slipped out of his mouth before he could stop them. For a minute, Steve hated himself for the comment. Peggy was independent woman, not letting anyone's comments or opinions affect her actions and beliefs. Also, being in the army was unusual for a woman. Back then, they would support their husbands in their decision to fight for their country. To Steve, he felt Grace was the same.

 Grace did so much for Steve. She found him a place to stay, toured the city with him, and even offered her apartment for him. He felt helpless and wanted to do things himself. It was a common feeling for Steve, ever since his parents died. The skinny boy from Brooklyn wanted to take action of his life. There was nothing to prove if he'd joined the army. Steve just wanted to take action and defend his country. Luckily, to his good moral standards, he was accepted into a different project.

 But all that is now history, a different blur now.

 Knowing Steve was a newcomer to the newly developed city, Grace extended a hand to him. Even though Grace was a newcomer herself, she thought of Steve instead of herself. It was an act Steve was known for; this was something he wasn't used too. He didn't like when others would put their time for him. Steve was a man who would do things himself with nothing to prove. But Grace managed to help in Steve's time of need.

 He wanted to reward Grace of her generosity and for the help she'd given him in his time of need. A simple thank you wasn't enough for Steve. A real gentleman would do something special for woman's help. Steve thought about the situation for a moment. Nothing was coming into his mind. Though, he wanted to take her out to dinner. What would the two talk about? He didn't want Grace to feel awkward or anything but Steve wasn't the best at talking to women.

 First of all, where would the two go?

 Steve didn't know exactly what Grace liked. That didn't seem to help with his dinner planning. As James passed by the balcony, Steve called her in. At first, James was a bit surprised that Steve was calling her.

 What would he want with her?

 She came in, her brown colored locks swaying along with her movement. James remained silent for a couple of minutes, smacking her gum with boredom and confusion. Finally, Steve spoke.

 "I'm planning to take Grace to dinner tonight, but I'm not very sure on where to take her."

 James turned her body to face Steve before raising a brow at his question, "You're taking her out to dinner?"

 Steve nodded slowly, "Is tonight too soon? Should I do it tomorrow?"

 "No, tonight is fine. Is there some reason why you're taking her out to dinner?"

 "Just to thank her."

 "Really? Is there more?"

 Steve gave James a confused look, "More? What do you mean?"

 "You don't have some feelings for her right?"

 "No. Just friends, I just want to reward her for the gratitude and kindness she's given me."

 "Okay, just making sure. Grace loves Italian food by the way."

 "Italian food? Okay, thanks."

 James nodded silently before walking out, leaving Steve alone again. Steve never tried Italian food before so certainly tonight would be a big experience for him. He couldn't help but reflect back to James' comment about him having feelings for Grace. All he wanted to do was take Grace to dinner, like a gentleman. No feelings were included in his plan.

 Steve did have slight feelings for Peggy still, even though she isn't around anymore. He continued to think about James' comment and his actions toward Grace that week. He complimented Grace a couple times on her beauty, at least tried to compliment her. Did James think Steve liked Grace because he complimented her? It was a normal thing to do, well to charm a woman.

 Looks like things around here weren't the same back then. Steve didn't really understand how things worked around here. It would take a long time to get used to the new process of things. Simple comments to charm a woman were turned into signals, showing them a man was interested. Possibly, Steve might have some feelings for Grace. But for now, he decided to keep it cool, and let it slide.

 It was just a simple crush. 

A/N: James think Steve likes Grace , what do you think ? Is Steve acting like himself in here ? I really hope I'm writing him right , just takes away the fun if I wasn't . Well , what do you think ? (: