Is This Love?

Chapter 15 - Friends?

Nat's POV

I. Asked. Rogers. On. A. Date! Whelp this shall be interesting. He is one of my closest friends, I just hope I don't make this awkward because our friendship means everything to me. Last night we didn't talk much about anything serious. We just went to dinner and then went to bed, both excitedly anticipating the events of the next day.

The truth is, I have never been on an actual date before. Sure, I had been on many dates as parts of missions but never with someone, I actually cared about. As much as I hate to admit it, I am bubbling with excitement for tonight. Strange, considering he is only a friend.

To pass the time I decided to invite Steve on a run around the island. He accepted it and so I was now changing into a sports bra, leggings, and joggers. I walked out and Steve was also in a tight t-shirt, shorts, and joggers.

I applied some sunscreen to my face as we walked out the door. My Russian skin is not as accustomed to the heat as it is to the cold. We did a few warm-up stretches in comfortable silence, both of us deciding to save our energy for the run.

We started off with a slow jog around the island to familiarize ourselves with the track. Most of the run would be on different paths and boardwalks however there was one section where we had to run through a beach to continue on. I could tell Steve didn't like running in the sand much, I would use that to my advantage later.

Once had jogged the entire track we arrived back at the villa. We both grabbed a quick drink of water before heading back outside. I decided to switch it up a little and race him.

"First one to run around the island 3 times gets to throw the other one into the ocean," I instructed. I so wanted revenge for yesterday. Sure we were even but I still wanted revenge. He literally threw me in fully clothed.

With that, I took off down the boardwalk. Steve quickly caught up to me and I winked at him. I think Steve was a little taken aback by how fast I was but I have said it before and I will say it again, Steve is not the only one with super-soldier serum.

For the first two laps, I let him get a little ahead of me. Not enough that I couldn't catch up, but enough that he got comfortable with the fact that he was faster than me. Catching people off guard is my thing. It's how I complete missions and it is how I am going to win this race. About 1 kilometer from the villa I sped up and gave it everything I have, breaking into a sprint.

I completely caught Steve off guard. Idiot, surely he knew I would do something like this. Apparently not. By the time he realized what had happened and sped up I was already way too far ahead for him to catch me resulting in me getting back to the villa first, hence winning the race.

I smirked at him in triumph as he stopped back at the villa beside me.

"That is so not far, catching me off-guard, you play dirty Romanoff." My smirk grew wider.

"Yeah, well dirty is kind of my thing," I said in a husky voice, winking at him before turning and walking into the villa triumphantly leaving a blushing, spluttering Steve Rogers behind me.

*Time Skip to that evening*

I got dressed in a short white dress with black butterflies and black flats.

I felt the dress perfectly complemented my fiery red hair. I stepped out to find Steve in a nice button-up shirt, tailored pants, and shiny black shoes. He had also shaved and done his hair nicely. He looked HOT if I do say so myself.

He gawked at me as I stepped out of the bathroom.

"Wow, you look absolutely stunning as always." He breathed before offering his arm for me to take as we walked out of the door. I had prior arranged with the staff, a date on one of the private beaches on the island. I locked the door behind us, still not letting go of Steve's arm. We got into the back of one of the Ute that was to take us to the beach.

Steve had no idea where we going but we were both speechless when we arrived at the venue. It looked absolutely stunning and the sunset backdrop reflecting off the water made it look even more magical. There was a table surrounded by candles, laden with all different kinds of foods.

"Wow." We both breathed in sync. We walked over to the table silently deciding to eat first. Steve pulled out my chair for me and I sat down, smiling kindly at him as he walked around to his seat.

"This place is absolutely magical," I said as I looked around fully taking in my surroundings before focusing back on him.

"Yes, it truly is. I can't believe this is where you sent us," he replied.

"Yeah well, I wanted to make Captain America's first date absolutely perfect," I said, blushing a little. Hopefully, it wasn't too noticeable under my makeup. He gave me an appreciative smile before handing me a glass of champagne as we both served ourselves some food, both falling into a comfortable banter.

After we had both finished our meals, I heard a slow song come on the radio that was playing quietly in the corner. I got up, earning a confused look from Steve as I went and turned the song up. I then walked back over to him and offered him my hand.

"Care to dance?" I asked in a mock chivalrous voice, winking at him.

"Nat... I can't dance, I'll probably step on your feet or something." He argued but I was not having it. I wanted to make this date perfect and part of that plan was to take him dancing. There was no way that I wasn't going to fulfil my plan so I grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the chair.

He pouted at me but I brushed it off dragging him over to a clearer space. I then wrapped my hands around his neck and instructed him to wrap his arms around my waist. I then started to sway in time with the music and he copied my actions.

He was a quick learner and after one song he was quite the natural. I placed my head on his shoulder as the next song started, breathing in his scent. He smelled like vanilla. We stayed in this position for a few more songs getting lost in each other and the music.

I was so content right now, I felt like there was nowhere else in the world I would rather be than in his arms. Is this love, Agent Romanoff? Clint's words played through my head.

I had always been so careful not to get dependent on anyone. Not to love anyone and yet with Steve everything just felt so natural, like it was meant to be. Did it scare me? Yes, but I was willing to take the chance and fall for him if it meant I could have him in my arms every day.

I pulled my head off of his shoulder and stared deep into his ocean blue eyes. He is so perfect, too perfect in fact. I could not find a single thing I didn't like about him, he was absolutely perfect in every single way. Maybe this is what it is like to love someone?

I felt a sudden pull towards him like he was a magnet drawing me in and I inched my head closer to his until...