i'm with you, every step of the way

Chapter 22

Natasha called in Pepper and Maria the first thing in the morning after the dance, saying that they have to go to her house as soon as possible, and they were there just after a couple of minutes after the call.

"What's up?" Pepper said, walking into her room with Maria behind her, their brows furrowed. Natasha didn't explain over the phone. They plopped on her bed, with Natasha standing in front of them, pacing.

"Okay, don't freak out," Natasha started, "but there may have been something that happened last night..." she trailed off.

"What is it? Sorry, we kinda left early," Maria said, blushing and not meeting Natasha's eyes.

Natasha paused and eyed her friend for a moment. "Um, Steve and I may have... um... kissed." she finally admitted and looked at the two of them for their reactions. They were quiet at first, blinking at her. After a few more seconds of silence, the two exploded.

"WHAT"

"WHY"

"NATASHA EXPLAIN THIS"

And a lot more shocked screaming from them. When they finally seemed to have all their questions out, they stayed quiet for Natasha to explain.

"I know this is a shock, and you guys are the first ones to know." she said, sitting between the two and holding their hands. "So basically, Buck left me and I went to look for you guys then I sat at the patio. Then Steve came and we danced and it just... felt right," she sighed and smiled at them. She could feel her cheeks turn red at the memory of the kiss.

"Oh my, our baby Nat finally had her first kiss, and it's with Steve, awwww," Maria cooed and nudged her gently. Natasha gave her a wide smile in return.

"So, what happened after that?" Pepper asked.

"Uh, Bucky came." Natasha answered and the two made a face. "Oh don't worry, he didn't see it," she added, but they were still wincing. "Okay, that was a douche move to be with Steve when Bucky's my date but I was upset, you know? Bucky just blew up at me and left me and..." she sighed and moved her hands to cover her face.

"And...?" Maria asked, poking her side jokingly.

"I guess I just really like Steve and he looked so handsome and I just really wanted to kiss him," she muttered, her face still covered. Maria and Pepper squealed at that and hi-fived.

"Finally!!! Took you so long to admit it," Pepper said with relief. "I'm glad you're being honest to yourself now, Nat," she grinned.

"Wait, you said I should be with Bucky," Natasha moved her hand to look at Pepper.

Pepper shrugged. "I know. But I see the way you're with Steve and no matter who it is, what I want is who you're happy with. Don't get me wrong, you definitely look happy with Bucky as well, but I dunno, you're different with Steve. So I'm happy for you."

"Aww, thanks, Pep," Natasha said and side-hugged her.

"Sooooo, how was the kiss? Was it good?" Maria asked, nudging Natasha and wiggling her eyebrows. Pepper mirrored her actions until Natasha's face matches the shade of her hair.

"Yeah..." she answered sheepishly. "He was gentle but pressing and it was definitely escalating until you know... but it was perfect," she said, breathily as she was reliving the moment in her mind.

"That is so cute," Maria squeaked and pinched Natasha's cheek. "So what happens next? Did you guys talk about it?"

Natasha pouted. "No. Bucky came and we pretended like nothing happened... but I dunno. I don't know if it really means something. I mean, Steve may not even like me like that -" cue Pepper and Maria rolling their eyes and Natasha glaring at them "- but I don't think we're gonna be like, dating anytime soon."