After multiple run-ins with death and many shocking self-discoveries in the course of a few months, all America Evans wants to do is hide away in Washington with Steve until she finds out who she really is. But life as an Avenger doesn't allow for a...
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AMERICA'S POV
Finally, my hair looks decent. It's taken hours. Maybe I shouldn't have gone on a run in the rain earlier after all. Either way, I'm late for Tony's party. I'm not a big party person, but I did promise Steve a dance. I straighten up and check my reflection before leaving.
The long-sleeved red dress Natasha helped me pick out shimmers every time I move. The neckline is low but not too low, and it's short but not too short. I'm almost six feet, after all, and the matching red heels only add to it. My hair falls in loose curls around my face, and I've left my makeup pretty neutral. No jewelry. I'm sparkly enough.
"Looking good," I whisper to my reflection, winking. Then I laugh at myself and head to the elevator. "Hey JARVIS, take me down to the party." No response. That's odd. I manually put in the floor number and wait.
The party is in full swing by the time I arrive. The Avengers are mingling with guests, the music is booming, and the bar is full. I spot Sam and Steve a little ways away from the action, on one of the different levels. Even in heels, I can run, so I sneak up behind them.
"You two not having fun? This is a party, you know. Revels." We all laugh, and I give Sam a hug. I haven't seen him since we left Washington.
"Hey America," he says.
"Hi, Sam. Steve, you okay?" He hasn't spoken at all, and at my words he finally comes back into the present.
"Yeah. Sorry. You, um, you look amazing." He blushes. I still love that I can make Captain America blush. It never gets old.
"This old thing?" I joke, playing with the edge of my dress. "I just pulled it out of the back of my closet."
"You should more often."
Sam glances from me to Steve, who gives him a slight nod. "I'll see you two around." He claps Steve on the back before going to talk to Rhodes.
I look at Steve, confused. "What's with him?"
"I don't know," he replies. "Some party, isn't it?"
"It's really loud," I note. I snatch his glass and take a sip before giving it back.
"Let's go outside for a minute." I nod, and he leads me out onto the balcony. It's a nice night, cool but not cold, and much quieter. "Better?"
"Yeah." I look out at the cityscape, all of the skyscrapers of New York City. "It's beautiful out here."
Steve sighs. "Listen, I've been meaning to ask you something for a while now, and there really hasn't been a right time."
"What is it?" I take his hand, trying to put him more at ease. He smiles a bit.
"We met almost two years ago. Here, in New York. And since then, we've gotten closer and we've almost died and we've decided that we love each other. It's crazy. So much has happened, but each day I wake up and I love you more. And I don't want that to end. You're my best friend, and you're my best girl, Mer, but I want us to be more than that." He gets down on one knee and fishes a small box out of his pocket. My hand flies to my mouth in shock. "Will you marry me?"
