Lessons in Rule Breaking and Other Reader-Inserts*Steve Rogers*Reader*

Hug It Out - Pt.3/4

Plus, Steve seemed very uncomfortable, a blush creeping up his neck and the hint of red giving him a look so adorable for such a huge man it was just ridiculous. And cute. Really freaking cute. About as much as his stutter.

"I—I'm not- that's not-"

"I literally caught you red-handed, Rogers. What would the American citizens think, seeing you lying like that? Tsk-tsk..." she mocked him, the red on his skin turning a shade darker; also, he seemed a bit alarmed, judging by the tension in his shoulders.

It plucked up your curiosity. It reminded you of when you mentioned the Americano. Was this Natasha woman the one coming up with it? You wondered what that was about. Maybe he was like a stereotypical American? Americano, perhaps apple pie, baseball and American flag hanging in his apartment? The picture made you giggle mentally.

A hand appeared in front of you and you blinked, realizing you zoned out. You followed the line of the jacket, your gaze stopping at the redhead's face. Her eyebrow was slightly elevated in a challenge and you noticed Steve was massaging the bridge of his nose as if he was tired.

"I'm Natasha. It's nice to meet you."

You reluctantly accepted her hand, for some reason expecting some kind of a trick. She seemed like a tricky person. Good in their core, but sneaky.

As you introduced yourself as well, you thought about why did her hold feel firmer than Steve's – perhaps she wasn't afraid of breaking you. To be fair, there was an air around her, something telling you she could break you as easily as Steve. It was something in her stance, maybe? Or the situation, hinting you they worked together and since you had assumed Steve was with police, or rather military--

"Well, I'm glad you two met, now... I'm sorry I have to cut this meeting short, but we should go," Steve babbled out hastily, laying down a twenty on the table while stumbling to his feet.

"Well-"

"I had a great time," he reassured you with a quick sweet smile, "thank you for the coffee."

You opened your mouth to note that he had left money for it – despite paying earlier when getting it –, but Steve already had a hand on Natasha's shoulder, pulling her away.

"Wait, I want hug!" she complained under her breath, yet loudly enough for you to hear.

You blinked, stunned, but rose to your feet to fulfil what your t-shirt read. If Natasha wanted a hug for whatever reason, she deserved one for free.

"Natasha-" Steve growled, not unlike when he was getting rid of J-whatever.

"Hush," she hissed over her shoulder, embracing you with one of her hands dangerously low.

You felt something hard being slipped behind your jeans. She squeezed you tighter at that, so you kept your mouth shut, sensing it was safer not to protest. Plus, your curiosity stopped you – you kinda wanted to know what that was about.

When she let go of you, she gave you a tiny wink, the same mischief in her eyes as before.

"Thanks," she smiled briefly. "Really needed that."

Steve shot her a very weird look, scanning you as if he was afraid she cracked your neck or something. Was Natasha not a hugger then?

"You're welcome."

The redhead reached for the twenty on the table, handing it to perplexed Steve. "I think this is yours."

"Right. Now let's go so we're not late. Thanks again. See you around!"