The First Time (August 2002)

The past 5 weeks had been amazing for Steve. Kate was so incredible that he could barely stand it. He took her to a movie, restaurants, she showed him her favorite hiking spot upstate though they slept in separate rooms overnight. They made out in the car, her car, in her apartment and in his apartment in the tower. Never in public though, Steve was not big on PDA. Kate was young, strong, active and gorgeous though Steve had never seen her without clothes on. There had been some heavy touching, over the clothes but that was as far as they had gone so far.

For Steve, dating and having a woman to talk to and be with was a completely new experience. There were women that gave him their numbers and propositioned him but he wasn’t that kind of man. Kate had seeped into his heart and she had become his world. There was a major charity event that Isabella and Tony put on in the tower every year and Steve wanted to invite Kate. It was definitely a tuxedo and cocktail dress kind of thing and he had never seen Kate in a dress. Steve sent Happy in the limo to pick her up. Bucky was invited as well and Steve helped him get dressed and helped him with his bowtie. Even Theo was in a tux and he stepped into Serena’s room to ask for her help.

“Serena! I can’t figure out this stupid bowtie!” He said as he waited for her to come out of the bathroom.

Kate had never felt happier than she had these past few weeks. They talked nearly every day and on days they both had off they spent together. Kate felt relaxed around Steve and perfectly comfortable with him. They laughed easily and often and when they were together they were nearly always smiling. They hadn't gone past kissing, but they made out...a lot. Kate had been to the Tower a few times and had met the rest of the team and had even met Bucky. Their meeting had initially been a little awkward, but they had eventually relaxed around each other.

This event tonight was an important one and Kate felt honored and excited that Steve had invited her. This was a big step in their relationship. This was the first time they were going to be seen at a public event together and she wanted to be sure she looked nice. She had gone out shopping for a new dress and shoes just for the occasion.

This was the first year that Serena and Theo were going to be allowed to be at the event. Even though they were only 12, they also had to look nice. That meant a tux and dress. Serena was in the bathroom fixing her hair when she heard her brother calling for help. She stepped out wearing a knee length, sleeveless, dark blue dress. There was a sheer piece of fabric around the collarbone and shoulders, and with her hair pulled back it made her look very grown up. The dress was a designer label and very expensive, but Serena didn't really know that. All she knew was that she liked it and the way she looked in it. Her body was starting to change and fill out a little in places and one could already see that shape forming underneath the dress.

She smiled and walked over to her brother and began to fix his bowtie. "I heard that Steve invited Kate."

Theo tended to get frustrated easily but he had had it with this tie! His frustration died though when he saw Serena in her new dress. He actually goggled when she came toward him. His cheeks colored when she moved right up to him. So far Theo only really saw his sister as another guy. They wrestled, mostly for the projector controller, they fought and did things together but she was always in jeans or pants. This was...something different altogether. He knew girls had...boobs but he never really thought about them on his own sister.

“You look...great Serena,” he said finally as he deliberated on what exactly to say. He tried not looking at her chest, she must be wearing a bra, he thought. He didn’t recall her wearing one before. He sensed that she noticed and her embarrassment filtered over to him and his cheeks grew even redder.

“Yeah, I stopped sensing them on purpose when they’re together. It’s...well, It’s embarrassing I guess. Kate loves Steve, I think. I can feel it sometimes coming from her. “It’s worse when I catch thoughts…” he said with a wince. Because she was touching his flesh he could sense hers...unfortunately.

Serena still felt rather embarrassed and awkward about her body. It was still changing. But thankfully her mother was easy to talk to and made her feel ok about what was going on. Her biggest concern was about her brother and how it might change their close relationship. She didn’t want that to change.

She heard his compliment and she blushed slightly. “Thank you. You look very nice in your tux.” She was quiet a moment as she concentrated on the tie. She messed with it and then smiled and stepped back. Now, his outfit was complete. “So, do you think this party is going to be boring?”

“Yep,” Theo said quickly. Then he sighed. “My...my powers though, they are getting stronger Serena,” Theo said. “I pick up on mostly the bad things...I don’t want to, but I can’t stop it most of the time. Grownups to terrible things Serena. I mean, not all of them. Not mom and dad. Not Steve ofcourse and not Kate. But...But Bucky? He’s hurt so many people. And its hurting him every day,” he said and then took her hands into his. “You won’t leave me...during the party will you? Please say you won’t. If you’re close its like your my center. I can just focus on you if you’re close,” he said, almost pleadingly. Their long time together as siblings gave him that ability. He could just focus on her and not hear the thoughts and emotions of others. Today, it was going to be a lifesaver.

Serena looked at her brother and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I won't you leave you Theo...I promise."

Kate had been told that Isabella always wore a burgundy dress to this event and so Kate chose a different color dress. She was nervous as Happy opened the door to the car and offered her his hand to help her out. She walked inside and security took her invitation. They also recognized her, but she still gave over the invitation as a formality. They called the elevator for her and she stepped inside. She took a deep breath and then smiled as she thought about Steve in a tux. She hadn't seen him in one before, but she could only imagine how handsome he might look.

The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Kate stepped out and found a good number of people were already there. Then, she spotted Steve across the room just as he saw her. Kate was wearing a black, length, v-neck, asymmetrical lack cocktail dress. The v-neck showed off just enough cleavage without being obscene. Her blonde hair was down and curled softly and she wore minimal eye makeup, with a bold, red lip.

Steve was talking to Dane Forrest, an up and coming New York City prosecutor when he saw her. He lost his train of thought, and the pause was for so long that Dane turned to see what had taken his attention. Dane smiled and nudged Steve toward Kate with his shoulder. Dane knew who Kate was and he gestured to her with his flute of champagne as Steve moved up to her. “Wow Kate, you look amazing,” he said as he gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. His skin prickled when he hugged her. Her dress seemed...quite thin as she pressed her body up against him.

Bucky was there in a tux as well and he spoke to an older couple...likely about World War II. Steve offered his arm to Kate and together they moved up to where the action was. He took 2 flutes of champagne from a tray and handed one to her. Then he clinked his to hers and took a sip.

Tony and Isabella were engaged with Greg Wallace and his wife Sarah. Greg was a New York Congressman and he and Tony often saw eye to eye on a lot of things.

Theo held Serena’s hand as they went right for the dessert table. All kinds of desserts, mostly small plate affairs that could be eaten in one bite filled the table. Tonight, there were no rules about food for them. Just as Serena stuffed a large chocolate covered strawberry into her mouth someone tapped at her shoulder. It was Harry Osborn and he looked devilishly handsome in his tuxedo. Norman was there as well but he saw their parents and moved off. Theo shook Harry’s hand but Harry seemed to only have eyes for Serena.

“Hey Serena...I love that dress,” he said smoothly. Everything about Harry was smooth. He had an aura of confidence that alot of girls liked. He was always around girls but Theo knew he had a thing for Serena. Harry liked smart girls and Serena was the smartest. Theo tried to contain his mirth as Serena tried to be lady like as she chewed down the berry that was a bit too big for her mouth.

Kate smiled warmly at Steve as he walked over to her. He looked even more handsome in his tux than she could have imagined. As she hugged him she took in the scent of his cologne and it mingled with her perfume. "You clean up rather nicely yourself," she said with a smile. She took Steve's arm and together they moved in towards the rest of the guests. The event was being catered and there were waiters moving around with trays of champagne. She took a flute that Steve handed to her and they clinked glasses and then took a sip. They moved over to where Bucky was and he broke off from the couple he had been talking to and moved over to them. Kate was surprise by how handsome he looked in his tux. "You look very handsome tonight James."

Serena and Theo immediately made their way over to the desert table. Serena had a serious sweet tooth and she immediately picked up a huge chocolate covered strawberry and took a big bite. Just at that moment she felt someone tap her shoulder. She looked over and saw Harry Osborn. Harry was the same age as Serena and Theo and they knew him because their father knew his father, Norman Osborn. Serena heard Harry's compliment and she blushed. Her mouth was stuffed with the strawberry and she had to chew it and swallow before she could respond.

"Thank you," she said almost shyly with a smile. No guy had ever complimented her before. This was certainly new, but she thought she liked it. "You look nice as well."

Theo got the sense that Harry wanted him to leave them and he saw the way Serena looked at him. He didn’t want to be alone but he did see his mother looking at them. “I’ll be back,” Theo said and avoided Serena’s attempt to grasp his hand. He stuck out his tongue at her playfully as he stepped away and left them to talk. Harry’s father, Norman, was a genius like their father. And wealthy too but he wanted his only son to experience school like he had. So, like Theo and Serena, he went to public school, their school.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while Serena but you’re always surrounded. No troops to keep the wolves at bay here though,” Harry said with a grin that made his eyes sparkle. “I was wondering if...if you’d go to the movies with me,” He said finally. “I really like you Serena,” he said in a softer tone. His dark eyes took all of her in right then as well.

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“You look beautiful Kate, too beautiful for this lug,” Bucky said with some of his usual swagger. The comment made Steve almost beam. It was much like old times he thought. “Is there any word on...my friend?” He asked hesitantly. He did not want to mention her name in public but he wanted to know.

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Theo moved up to Isabella. “Is adult stuff always this boring mom?” Theo asked.

Serena had never been alone with a boy who she thought liked her. She wasn’t sure how to react and tried to keep Theo from leaving her side. However, he managed to get away and she watched as he walked over to where their mother was standing.

She was left alone with Harry and she felt rather awkward and unsure of herself. It was a new feeling for her. She had always been the confident twin. Why was she feeling this way? He was someone she knew. When he asked her if she would go to the movies with him sometime she felt her heart start to beat more quickly. His grin made her knees feel like jello and her mouth felt dry.

“...Sure,” she finally managed to say. “I would like that.”

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Kate smiled at James’ compliment and felt herself blush a little. She took another sip of her champagne and then looked back at him when he asked about Natalya. She shook her head a little.

“Nothing yet. I’m sorry.”

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Isabella was talking to the caterer when Theo came over. She was surprised to see him alone, but then glanced over and saw Harry talking to Serena. She wondered how Tony was going to feel about that. However, she smiled down at her son.

“Sometimes, but I think when you’re older you will change your mind about some of these things.”

“

Harry’s grin grew into a full smile. “Theo can come ofcourse. So your father won’t think it's us actually going on a date,” Harry said with a wink and a smile. “So, what's good? Those strawberries look amazing,” he said as he reached up and wiped a bit of chocolate from the corner of her mouth with his thumb then he sucked on it. “Mmm, yum!” he said as he stepped up to the table with her. “Wow,” he said as he took a gander at it all.

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Theo wanted to disagree but he really was in an accommodating mood tonight. Careful not to touch anyone, he was always looking around himself. But then he looked up at Isabella's face. “You look beautiful tonight mother, There are alot of people here who think so,” He said with a smile. “Steve and Kate are in love, isn’t that really nice?” Theo said. For himself, he didn;t really know what ‘love’ was beyond how he felt for his family. What he felt from Steve and Kate was different than that though. Especially when they looked at one another. That just made Theo feel warm inside. He liked that feeling, that happy warmth.

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James just nodded and his expression did not change. “Enjoy the party you two,” James said and stepped away from them. More people had come in and the party was really getting underway. Tony got up to make a speech. To settle everyone down he tapped a knife on the edge of his champagne glass. All talking eventually ceased.

“Once again, Isabella and I welcome you all to our magnificent home. The Stark Relief Foundation celebrates its third year and as promised, Stark Industries has agreed to match, dollar for dollar all of your donations. For those who don;t know what the Stark Relief Foundation does, it helps provide relief to the needy as well as to handle any casualties incurred during battles involving the Avengers. Fighting threats and crime is not always easy. But with your continued generosity, it is our hope to make it far less difficult on those adversely affected by it. I, my family and the Avengers, thank you all for your generosity and support,” Tony said and raised his glass to an explosion of clapping. Tony stepped back into the crowd and all went back to their normal conversations.

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Isabella had coached Steve a little bit more about Kate. Tonight, Steve allowed his hand to rest on her back, shoulder and shoulder and neck. Occasionally using his thumb to rub the back of her neck. This was something he was not at all used to, especially in public but she seemed to like it when he did that and it gave him an excuse to remain close to her which was what he liked. Only when someone wanted to shake his hand did he pull his hand down to greet them.

For Kate, the entire evening was truly special. Tony and Isabella Stark made her feel welcome in their home and it was nice to be able to be seen at a public event with Steve. There was a live orchestra there and when they began to play Steve asked her to dance. They danced and talked for most of the evening. Kate felt truly happy with Steve and began to realize that she was in love with him. That thought both terrified her and excited her at the same time. However, she wondered if he felt the same about her. The way he touched her though left her with little doubt that his feelings matched her own.

Around midnight, Isabella sent Theo and Serena to bed. Norman had left by then with Harry. Harry had spent the entire evening with Serena and Serena felt giddy that Harry liked her, so much so that she had had a very difficult time falling asleep.

It was around 12:30 when Kate said that she should be heading home. Steve offered to drive her. Before she left though, Kate gave Tony and Isabella the check she had brought with her for the Stark Relief Foundation. It consisted of contributions from Nick, Phil, and herself and Tony and Isabella were very appreciative of the donation. Steve drove her back to her apartment and walked her up. They stood there at the door for a moment and then Kate looked at him.

"Would you like to come in for a few minutes?"

The whole evening was like a dream for Steve. A beautiful woman on his arm who looked at him with adoring eyes. Unlike other women though, her adoration meant so much more. She respected and cared for him as he respected and cared for her. He did not want the night to end but all good things came to an end, eventually. He offered to drive her home.

To his surprise she asked him to come up. He had planned to kiss her goodnight but he figured that he could do that upstairs too. “Alright, lead the way,” He said as he felt her take his hand as she used her key in the door.

“I really enjoyed the dancing and the music. You’re a really good dancer,” Steve complimented. He ofcourse was used to dancing to that kind of music so it had come naturally to him. Bucky danced as well, a few dances with Isabella. They took the elevator up to her floor and he followed her to her apartment. The hall was fairly well lit but even so, he could see the moon through the large windows. She led him to her door, opened it and with his hand in hers, she led him inside and closed the door behind him.

“I think even Bucky enjoyed himself,” Steve said.

Kate was glad that Steve agreed to come up with her. She didn't want the evening to end and her intentions were innocent. She just wanted to spend some more time with him and perhaps kiss a little more. She smiled over at him when he commented that he thought Bucky enjoyed himself.

"I believe he did. I thought I saw him smile a little when he danced with Isabella."

She walked over to the bar cart she had and poured them each a small amount of bourbon. She then invited him to sit on the couch with her and handed him one of the glasses. "Thank you for inviting me. I had a truly wonderful time."

The moment Steve entered Kate’s apartment he had ‘hopes’ that there would be more kissing. He liked kissing Kate, her lips could set his entire body on fire. He accepted the bourbon and took a sip as he felt her sit next to him, one leg draped over his. She faced him and he could smell her perfume. “What is that? I love it,” He asked as he shifted to smell her neck. He decided to kiss her there as well before he pulled back to look into her eyes. The lights were dimmed it appeared but he could still see her clearly. He smiled.

“Do you go back to work tomorrow?’ Steve asked. Usually it was Kate that initiated everything and then he just followed suit. He decided to just follow her lead. Just being with her was nice too, she looked so beautiful in that dress, he thought.

Kate sat close to Steve and even draped one leg over his. She was feeling very relaxed from the all the alcohol she had consumed that night, but wasn't drunk. She felt her cheeks warm when Steve leaned in to smell her neck and then when he kissed her she felt her desire for him grow. Up until now it had only been kisses, but tonight Kate hoped there might be more. She knew Steve had never been with anyone before, but that didn't bother her. She was in love with him and wanted to experience that level of intimacy with him.

"I do...but I thought perhaps you could stay with me tonight."

Steve’s eyebrows drew up when he heard what she said. “Stay...with you?” He repeated as if he didn’t quite understand her meaning. Perhaps it was the few drinks he had or just the bourbon but he began to think that he’d like that. Her couch seemed comfortable enough. Steve smiled. “I think I’d like that. Oh, but...I didn’t bring anything to sleep over,” He heard himself saying. He didn’t even have a toothbrush.

Kate quickly realized that she was going to have to be slightly more direct with what she meant. She reached over and gently took his hand into her own. "I didn't mean that you would be sleeping on the couch. I was thinking that you would be with me...in my room...in my bed..."

Steve’s cheeks turned red and he suddenly felt warm all over. ‘Did he hear her right? She wanted him in her bed?’ Her words made butterflies do somersaults in his stomach and he felt suddenly giddy and light headed. He swallowed what was left in his glass in one, large gulp then set his glass down on the table next to the couch. Steve had an old-fashioned heart and soul. Dating didn’t involve sleeping with a woman. That came usually with a promise of marriage or something akin to it. But he did feel as if he loved Kate though he had never told her so. But, he did want this. He wanted her. He leaned into her ear. “I’m in love with you Kate, and I think you love me back. We don’t have to do this to prove anything,” He whispered. “But I know I want to...with you,” He added.

Kate felt a shiver go down her spine at Steve's words. Just knowing that he loved her was enough to make her heart want to burst. She was happy and in love with him and she wanted to share that love with him. She slowly stood up and he stood up with her. She walked with him back to her room and the door closed...

...Kate lay in Steve's arms in her bed. Their clothes were discarded on the floor and they had a blanket pulled up around them. Neither of them had yet spoken. What had just transpired between them truly needed no words. Kate knew that she would never love anyone else like she did Steve. She looked up at him and into his eyes.

"I love you Steve."

“That, was incredible,” Steve said as he lightly kissed Kate’s lips. He loved the feel of her against him and the touch of her fingertips on his face. He loved her eyes and her scent. He wanted to make love again but he decided to wait a bit and talk.

“So, what happens now? We...go about our lives wanting to be together but doing what we do, instead? I’m crazy about you Kate, completely, off the wall, bonkers,” He said with a smile as he lazily kissed her.

Kate lightly caressed his cheek with her fingers as they lay there facing each other. She couldn't help but smile at his last comment. However, after their lips parted she decided to go back to the question he had asked. "We'll still be together. We'll see each other when we aren't working, just like we have been."

There was a question stuck in Steve's throat but he just left it there. It was too soon, ofcourse it was too soon. And she had grown up in and around SHIELD. He could not ask that of her but he wanted her by his side. Maybe it was for the best? He would need to take time to explore his feelings about dating someone who could die.

Steve smiled and let that train of thought dissolve. he shifted to come back to laying on her. He brushed back her long, blonde hair then kissed her again but much more passionately. "I want to...make love again," Steve said softly. he loved 'that' feeling that she brought him and he wanted to feel it again. He was surprised when she shifted them so she was the one on top. He felt her kisses on his neck and then his chest and then he felt them go lower and lower...

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Light hit him right in the face as his eyes fluttered open. She had blackout curtains but they hadn't put them down last night. He smiled when he felt Kate stir, she was half way atop him. Her hand was on his chest near his neck and his arm was behind her and tingled as if it had fallen asleep. He heard her murmur...something but his ears didn't catch them. Steve smiled. Tony told him that if the woman fell asleep, than he pleased her sexually. Was that true? He truly hoped so. Some things they did came instinctively and somethings didn't. He needed to use the bathroom but he didn't move. He didn't want to disturb her.

Kate slept soundly that night...when they finally fell asleep that is. She slept deeply and peacefully just knowing that he was there next to her. Slowly, she began to stir. Steve's scent filled her nose and she smiled as her eyes slowly began to open. She shifted so he could move his arm and she smiled warmly at him...her eyes filled with the love she felt for him.

"I had hoped that last night wasn't just a dream I had. I'm very glad it wasn't."

She glanced over Steve's shoulder at her clock and knew she needed to get up. However, she snuggled closer to him for a moment. "I have an extra key to my apartment...would you like to have it?"

Steve flexed his massive arm when the pressure of her head was off of it then he set it back down against her back. “A key? What does that mean?” He asked. “I mean...I guess I know what it means but I also, don’t,” he said with a frown as he tried to figure out what she really meant by the gesture. He knew they weren’t ready for the whole ‘cohabitation’ thing. He rubbed his face as he tried to wake up.