y'all gonna hate and love me for this chapter

btw here's nat's look for tonight:

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ C H A P T E R T W E N T Y ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Natasha was the queen of making entrances (though Tony would probably disagree), seeing that she arrived almost half an hour to an hour late at the party, she may feel bad about it. Or not. 

Okay, so maybe she did spend a little too much time on her makeup and hairdo, but in her defense, this wasn't a usual thing for her.

She isn't quite sure but there was something about tonight that made her put an extra effort to look good. Perhaps, no matter how much she tries to deny it, she was hoping to catch a certain someone's eye?

Oh, she did alright. As soon as she walked down that staircase, everyone's eyes were on her.

Everyone including—

"Remind me to remind myself that I'm the luckiest man in the world right now." 

She'd say the same, only the person that told her that wasn't the person she wanted to hear those words from.

Bruce gushed, eyes gazing at her, "You look stunning, Natasha."

She thought she was selfish. His compliment sounded so sincere that a part of her was guilty for not being able to reciprocate the same level of interest Bruce gave her. She smiled fondly, "Thank you, Bruce."

Natasha thought she was going on solo flight for tonight's party, but Bruce surprised her by asking if he could go with her. She still isn't sure about where they stand with everything that's going on lately, but maybe, just for tonight, she could pretend like everything's okay.

Bruce offered his arm, "Shall we meet the others?"

She chuckled, complying. "Lead the way, doctor."

They still had the music going but, unlike earlier, it wasn't loud enough to the point where they needed to shout words out to hear one another. It held a fancier tune, changing the atmosphere to a dinner-night party than a disco party.

Natasha spotted Clint and was glad to see him. "I hope you're not taking too much of that." She eyed the couple of shot glasses on the bar, "I'm not ready to see another video of Hawkeye twerking in his underwear on Youtube."

"Haha. Very funny." Clint deadpanned, "For your information, this is just my third glass. My metabolism's getting stronger."

"Right. I'm gonna pretend that's true." 

Bruce piped in, "So did anything magical happened before we arrived?"

Clint shrugged. "Nothing special. Same old, same old. Rhodey kept telling his awful jokes again."

Bruce grimaced. "Really? He's still not over that?"

"Unfortunately, I don't think he ever will be. Now he's torturing Scott and his cousin because they're the only ones patient enough."

Natasha turned to him, raising an eyebrow, "Scott has a cousin?" 

"Yep, and she's hot."

She almost smacked him in the head. "You have a wife, idiot."

"Chill, Tasha. You know Laura's the only gal for me. Tony might have his eye on her though, I think he's considering to recruit her."

Her eyes narrowed. "Why? What's her thing?"

"I think she's got some superpower or something, but I did get this from James so I'm not really sure about anything yet." Clint nodded at Bruce, "I think you should talk to them. Maybe they got something helpful for the team in terms of her assets?"

"I don't think asset's the proper word for that," Bruce chided, "But now that you mentioned it, I'm intrigued."

Natasha took a glass of champagne from the server who passed by, muttering a "thank you" as she took a sip. "You should talk to her while she's still here. Maybe her powers or whatever it is could be essential enough for a spy."

"Oh, you don't mind if I..." Bruce trailed off, glancing behind them.

Natasha shook her head, "Not at all. I've got this doofus to keep me company, don't worry."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

Clint waited for their exchange to be done before speaking up. "Just find Scott, I'm pretty sure she's with him."

"Got it." Bruce said, before disappearing through the crowd.

Then it was just her and Clint. She could tell even Clint became more relaxed as soon as they were left alone. Remembering the last conversation she had with him, she'd understand why he acted like this.

Looking at the spot Bruce was formerly at, Clint furrowed his eyebrows as he tapped his chin. "Is it just me or did you just blow your date off?" 

"I didn't blow him off. He was curious so I let him." she explained, unconsciously taking the smaller pieces of ice cubes left in the champagne to chew it. 

Clint ignored her lame defense. "Before I say anything else, I first want to acknowledge how great you look." 

"I'd rather you stop there so I can say thank you politely like a good friend would." Natasha said, sarcasm dripping off her tone.

"But—"

"Woops. There it is." 

She already knew what he was going to say.

Clint sighed, "But, seriously, you're still together with him? I know you don't need someone looking after you,

"You're right, Clint, I don't."

"But I thought I had made a point."

"You did." 

"Then what's this?"

"It's not that easy." Natasha defended, and she could see the way Clint rolls his eyes for the umpteenth time. He was getting tired from hearing all her excuses. "And he was the one who offered to take me to this party, and I was going to go anyway so I don't see what's wrong here."

"You're making this more complicated, Nat. I'm telling you." Clint reprimanded, taking it down a notch when he realized the mood was slowly getting killed. "But I'm not here to ruin your night. I just hope you think about it."

"I will, sooner or later."

"Sooner than later." Clint said, then his eyes drifted to the approaching figures behind Natasha. He raised a hand, ushering them over.

Sam, Maria, and Rhodey soon appeared by their sides.

Natasha was about to comment how good they all look tonight when Maria suddenly spoke, "See? I told you she wasn't wearing black tonight."

Sam looked at Natasha incredulously, "How could you not wear black?"

Natasha suddenly felt conscious without even wanting to. That question just threw her off guard that she didn't know how to answer it. "Uh... is it that bad?"

"Hell, no." Sam quickly dismissed, his lips tugging up to a wide smile. "Did u see the look on these people's faces when you made your grand entrance a while back?"

"Yeah, Nat. I don't think you were exactly going for lowkey with that. Sam didn't believe me when I told him you weren't wearing black, which reminds me," Maria added, looking back at Sam and laying out her palm, "Pay up."

Natasha gave both of them a look. "You bet on this?"

Sam grudgingly took out a five dollar bill from his pocket. "Yeah, and not a wise idea either." He asked without glancing up, "What made you not wear black anyway?"

Truth be told, Natasha didn't know the answer herself. She just doesn't feel wearing black this time. Weird? Yes, she thinks so too. "I don't know, really. I guess I just wanted something different? A good different though."

Rhodey chimed in, assuring with a smile, "Don't worry, you look great, Nat."

Natasha smiled, flattered at the simple yet thoughtful compliment. "Thanks, Rhodes." Whatever she was going to say next died in her throat when she noticed someone joined their little group.

Sharon joined them, her eyes immediately landing on her. "Look who finally decided to show up, I was worried you wouldn't come." She said, obviously teasing, but Natasha couldn't find it in her to share the same enthusiasm as she did.

Thankfully, she managed a smirk though. "I can't let you guys have all the fun, can't I?" The playfulness in her quickly disappeared once her gaze fixated on the person beside Sharon. She suddenly felt trapped, her heart racing a bit faster than it was just seconds ago. 

That person who gave her a smile was enough to make her feel the warmth she was longing for. What she doesn't understand is why Bruce couldn't, but this person could without even as much trying. "Hi, Nat." 

She already felt the corner of her lips tugging upwards before she could even think of doing it. "Hey, Steve."

She wasn't exaggerating the least bit when she says Steve looked ridiculously attractive tonight. He was wearing a charcoal gray tux with a black polo underneath. He wasn't even wearing a tie of any kind. It was simple... so him. 

It was just like Steve Rogers.

Natasha nodded at him, attempting to cover up the way her stomach was flipping. "New tux? I'm surprised."

"Uh, yeah. Tony bought it for me." Steve said, eyes drifting down to his tux before going back up to meet her eyes. He smiled shyly. "He said my old tux was way overused."

Sharon chuckled, her hand went to brush the side of Steve's arm. "He looks amazing, right?"

If Natasha wasn't so focused at them, she wouldn't notice the way Steve lightly flinched at Sharon's touch, but he quickly composed himself, clearing his throat awkwardly.

The sound jolted Natasha back to reality. She didn't even realize she was gripping the glass too tightly in her hold, deeply bothered by the sight in front of her.

"Tony really didn't give me a choice, said I'm not allowed to go the party if I'm not going to ditch my old tux." Steve explained, placing his hands inside his pockets, "So here I am."

Sam piped in, "If I was you I would've bought the most expensive one while I was at it. If Stark's paying then this suit's basically worth a penny for him."

"Oh, knowing Tony, this would be the most expensive one. Who designed it?" Maria asked, glancing at Steve.

Steve racked his brains for the answer, trying to remember what was it. "Uh... something like Dolce? I think?"

Clint's eyes widened, almost sputtering while he gestured to Steve's outfit, "This is Dolce? He bought you Dolce while I'm stuck with these pants?"

Natasha couldn't help but laugh, glancing down at his pants. "Why, what's wrong with those?"

"It doesn't show off my ass!" 

"That's because you have no ass."

"I do too." 

"Hey, guys!" A feminine voice broke through their conversation.

All heads snapped towards the two teenagers walking towards them. Allie dragging a Peter Parker by the wrist, while she greeted them with such enthusiasm that it was impossible not to do the same.

"Wow, isn't this fun. The gang's all together. Hiya, Allie." Clint was the first to acknowledge her, looking at the teenage boy beside her. "Who's the new kid?"

Allie tapped Peter's shoulder as she introduced him, eyes beaming, "This is Peter Parker. He works for an internship with Mr. Stark."

Peter nervously waved, but they could all sense the giddiness in him. "Hey, everyone." he said.

'Hi Peter' 'Nice to meet you, Peter' They greeted in unison.

Natasha asked with interest, "So what do you intern for?"

"I actually uh-I have this thing..." Peter stammered, brushing the back of his neck. His cheeks already turning light pink. He still couldn't believe he was standing in front of the heroes he's looked up to since forever. Much less talk to them. He blurted out, "I'm Spiderman."

Realization dawned on all their faces. 

"Oh, so you're that." Maria acknowledged.

Peter nodded, smiling bashfully, "Yes ma'am."

"Wow, he's got your old-fashioned language, Cap." Sam commented.

At the mention of Steve's name, Peter's gaze flickered over to where he was. His nervousness doubled and his words just tumbled out in excitement, "Hey, hi, hi. Cap-Captain America." His hands perched themselves on his hips, then motioned at himself, "Big fan."

Allie tried to bite down the giggle forcing to escape from her lips. The thought of Peter fanboying over her dad was just too funny.

Steve chuckled at that. He extended his hand, "Nice to meet you, Peter. I'm honored." Peter took his outstretched hand, and Steve added, "However, Tony might not be pleased to hear you say that."

"I might have mentioned it to him a couple of times, and he did threaten to take out my internship." Peter admitted.

They laughed at that.

Steve might have remembered Tony talking about a 'Spiderman' but he didn't pay enough attention to it then. From the sound of it, he assumed that this Spiderman was probably another superhuman being out of this world, apparently, he was wrong. 

He was impressed to find out he wad just a kid.

"You've got heart, kid." Steve praised, "Where you from?"

Peter's eyes lit up at the compliment, "Queens."

As did Steve's when he shared back, "Brooklyn."

Before anyone of them could say anything else, the sound of the mic gaining feedback got their attention. They all turned to the front and saw Tony at the center of the stage.

"Hello, mic test."

Allie heaved in a breath, knowing exactly what was going on.

It was game time.

—————————————————————————————   

"Well, it's time." Tony said, checking his watch.

James sighed nervously, "This better work."

"Fingers crossed kid."

He sauntered towards the stage where the band was currently playing (yes, Tony Stark had hired an official band solely for this matchmaking plan of theirs).

James waited until Tony went to talk to the lead singer of the band. It took a few seconds but eventually, the band stopped playing and the lead singer had passed his microphone to Tony.

Tony bopped the mic lightly. "Hello. Mic test. Sound check. One. Two. Five. Eight."

That got everyone's attention. Those who were swaying their butts off slowly calmed down, confused as to why the music suddenly stopped.

"Yeah, hi people. It's me again, sorry. Hope you're having a wonderful evening, everyone. But I guess I've improvised something just for tonight. Something special." He sneaked a glance at James, who gave him a thumbs up, Tony smirked in response. "I want to try something new, and I hope everyone joins."

The crowd silenced, now listening more intently to Tony with curiosity

"Gentlemen, I-uh. I'd like to ask each of you to invite a lady that you did not accompany this evening to dance the King and Queen's waltz." Tony grinned proudly at himself, only to lean forward to the mic again, "Again, someone you did not accompany. No cheating or no bonuses for the next month."

Tony signaled for the band to start up, handing the stage over to the lead singer once again.

He took the spot next to James as they watched the crowd move, the men reaching out to find a random lady they could share the dance with.

Without taking his eyes upfront, he asked James, "So, who's the lucky lady you're gonna dance with?"

James laughed like the idea was crazy. "I'm not dancing."

Tony snapped his head towards him, "What?" He exclaimed in disbelief, shaking his head, "This won't do. Go find yourself a partner, Jamester."

"Uncle Tony I really don't--"

"Oh, there! That girl! That brunette in the corner."

"I'm not in the mood--"

"Oh, stop your whining and man up. You sound too much like your old man." He nudged the boy forward, "Go. Have fun."

"But--"

Tony eyed him flatly, "It'll be easier to keep an eye on your parents if you're out there waltzing."

That convinced James. "Fine."

Tony grinned inwardly while James asked the brunette girl for a dance. From the looks of it, Tony knew the girl was very happy with James as her partner.

He almost laughed. James being the eye of every female his age in this party mirrored too much of Steve Rogers.

Speaking of, Tony took the time to try and find the stubborn lovebirds. Finally, from a distance, he found them, and almost sighed in relief.

"Hey, Ironman," Pepper's voice cut through his thoughts. He looked over and saw her smirking at him, "Does the rule you said apply to us too?"

Tony adjusted his tie, "Well, that depends on you, I guess."

Pepper rolled his eyes, giving him a chaste kiss on the lips. "Let's dance, Mr. Stark."

"As you wish, Ms. Potts."

Soon after Tony had his special announcement, the group started to find themselves a partner for the night. Since no one really had any dates after all, except for one couple and one former couple, they figured to just ask someone within the group.

Sam had beat Rhodey in asking Maria first, making him find someone else to dance with instead. 

Clint, on the other hand, saw his chance to make their plan work. "Sharon," he called out, offering his hand and a cheeky smile, "May I have this dance?"

"Oh," she faltered. A slight trace of disappointment lingered on her face when she glanced back at Steve, probably hoping to dance with him instead. But Steve simply nodded his head, an indication that he was okay with it. So, she had no choice, forcing a smile instead. "Sure."

Clint shot Natasha a final glance, and she was smart enough to know what it meant. It took every ounce in her not to roll her eyes at him, she already knew what game he was playing. 

Allie couldn't stop grinning when Peter had offered to dance with her. It was too cute and funny to watch him almost turn red like his Spiderman suit. "Uh... you wanna," he stuttered, smiling as politely as he could, "Wanna dance?"

Peter wasn't this fidgety in their time. He was still kind of that nervous kid in Queens sometimes, but not this much. Peter Parker was such a dork, and she meant this in a good way.

Allie chuckled, grabbing his hand to tug him towards the dance floor. "Come on, Spiderman." She took a peek over her shoulder to take a look of her parents one more time, the amusement she had on her face earlier quickly died down at the thought of them. 

She sighed, she really hopes this works.

—————————————————————————————   

Natasha looked fairly composed on the outside, but on the inside she was everything but that. Their friends clearly knew what they were all doing when they left her and Steve alone. They probably teamed up on them, especially Clint, oh don't let her get even started on that little shit. That bastard knew this was the last thing she wanted right now because she wasn't ready to face Steve.

She wasn't ready to face the truth. Not just yet. Unfortunately, that was all too late now.

Steve was just as uncomfortable as her. The silence ensuing between them was unbearable. She was trying very hard not to look at him, but she could see from the corner of her eyes that he was doing the opposite.

"Uh..." Steve started awkwardly, clearing his throat, "Is Bruce..." he trailed off, not exactly knowing what to ask because he didn't know which question to ask. 

Thankfully, Natasha understood him. She always did, anyway. "He's probably around, somewhere." she said nonchalantly.

There was a brief pause.

As a couple more seconds went by, Natasha couldn't stand the silence anymore. A part of her was hoping, hoping of the fact that Steve would ask her, but a part of her shot down that thought. Obviously, it was far from happening, and she wasn't going to be the one to ask. Nope. Just no.

She sighed, brushing off the disappointment lurking in her chest. "Well, uh, hope you have a good time tonight, Steve."

As if something clicked in him, Steve's mouth fell ajar. His heart pounded, felt his hands trembled slightly, and all because of the person standing next to him. He could already hear the music starting up, and if he wanted to make the most of tonight, he was going to have to suck it up like a man.

He's waited long enough, and it's about time he does something right as Steve Rogers.

He sucked in a breath, mustering up all the courage he has left and for the first time tonight, he finally and really looked at Natasha. And he swore, every time he did, she didn't get any less beautiful.

Just when she was about to walk away, he stopped her. "Nat," he muttered.

He thought she wouldn't hear it, but she did, and he waited. He waited until she turned to face him, her green irises gazing back into his blue ones. The silent, yet hopeful glint in her eyes was an enough push to keep him going. It was now or never. 

His features softened. He held out his hand, which was shaking terribly by the way, but he kept his cool. He needed to do this. He wanted to. "Dance with me?"

Natasha would've melted. From his captivating eyes down to the shy smile he wore, it would be impossible to say no. She ignored this certain feeling in her stomach and gently took his hand, brushing his fingers so they'd stop shaking.

Normally, she'd tease him or put up a witty remark, but this time, she just settled for a genuine smile. "I thought you'd never ask."

Steve guided her until they reached the center. He placed his hand on her back, while she on his shoulder, and their free hands met together. The music was intended for a slow dance, so that's what they were doing. She expected to be the one to guide the both of them, since she knows Steve can't dance, but was surprised to find Steve doing it instead.

You're in my arms
And all the world is gone
The music playing on
For only two

Natasha quirked a brow, her lips stretching wide with amusement, "So, Captain America knows how to dance now?"

"Yeah," Steve ducked his head to make sure he won't step on her, still leaving a respectable distance between them, "Been practicing."

For some reason, his answer spiked a bitterness in her. "With Sharon?" 

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Allie taught me, remember when we were on that mission in the PH?" He corrected, looking back at her again. "She said it would come in handy." And it did.

She hated the way she felt relieved at his answer, but she was. "That's sweet of her. Never thought there'd come a day where I'll see Steve Rogers dance, much less, with me."

"I guess it's too soon to say that this is the "new me" now, huh?"

"Well, you do have new clothes so..." She shrugged, playfully smirking, "This is the new you."

"How 'bout you then? It's kind of a shock to see you wear that tonight." 

"You know, you're like the fourth person to tell me that. I'm starting to think that it looks really bad, but, honestly, it's really strange for me too." She defended, rambling on, "I know how black's my thing and it's been me for as long as I can remember but for some reason I just thought--"

"Nat," Steve cut her off, assuring her in the most sincerest tone he could've possibly given her. "It's perfect."

Her brain couldn't think of anything to say in response to that.

Seeing her stunned face, he chuckled, "You worry too much."

As if to make matters worse for her, someone had bumped into her back, pushing her even closer to Steve's arms.

Natasha looked up at him with wide eyes, mouth going limp. Whatever respectable distance they had with one another before, it was long gone now. She was close enough to smell his cologne, and it was not helping her at all to get a grip at her fucking heart. It was making it almost impossible to ignore.

Steve wasn't doing so well either. Their faces were just inches apart, and the sudden thought of pressing his lips to Natasha came out of nowhere. 

So close to reaching that famous happy end

Almost believing this one's not pretend

And now you're beside me, and look how far we've come

So far, we are so close

This was too much. Too dangerous. Too risky. She couldn't stay any longer or else she knows she's going to give in. "Steve—"

"Nat, what are we doing?" he suddenly asked.

Confusion filled her face, and despite the tension engulfing the both of them, she pathetically used her dry humor as means of escape. It was her only option. "Well, last time I checked we're dancing in the middle of—"

But Steve wasn't having any of it. "No, I meant... what are we doing?"

She pretended to be oblivious. "What do you mean?"

"I meant us." Steve stated, all the uncertainty he had before, all the shyness and awkwardness, it disappeared before her. The man standing in front of her now wanted answers to the questions he had for a long time, and she was sure he wasn't leaving without one. He spoke with the truth, baring his emotions out in the open for her. "I know we agreed to be just friends because we don't want to end up hurting people--"

Oh, God. He really was doing this. "Steve, not now." she mumbled.

"But we can't just pretend that nothing happened."

Natasha narrowed her eyes, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yes, we can."

"No, we can't. I-I can't." Steve disagreed, every word pouring out of his mouth felt like every piece of his heart was pouring out too. "And I know you can't too."

"We have to, Steve!" she exclaimed under her breath, somehow finding it harder to speak, "What about Sharon, huh?"

"Sharon and I broke up."

There was an obvious trace of shock in her eyes, but it went away as soon as she blinked. She was so torn between dreading and being pleased by the news, because she knew that it was because of her. Of this. "Why?"

"We both knew it wasn't right." Steve said, eyes boring straight into her very own, "We both knew it's wrong to be with someone... when you're in love with someone else."

Everything Natasha had thought of before—every moment, every scene, every exchange of words between her and Steve that she knew was bound to happen some day—it all came crashing down now. 

And despite practicing it over so many times in her head, she still wasn't ready for it, and she didn't know when she'll ever be.

Natasha doesn't deserve him, she can't let him settle for someone like her.

"I lo—"

"Don't." She stopped him, ducking her head to try and prevent the tears from falling. She didn't want him to see her like this. "Don't say it."

Steve's face fell. He frowned, muttering under his breath, "Nat, look at me."

Natasha shook her head vigorously. "No. No."

Oh how could I face the faceless days

If I should lose you now?

They weren't even dancing anymore, hands already falling to both their sides, but neither stepped away from each other's grasp. Both could hear their uneven breaths, and the soft yet broken whispers of their feelings coming together.

"I don't know a lot about women. Like you said, I'm completely clueless." Steve admitted, "But I know when something feels right, and it's this." He gulped, "It's us."

When she looked back up, Steve felt his heart clench when he saw her eyes looked watery than before. "There's no us." she snapped.

His heart broke for a millisecond, but then he remembered this was Natasha. She knew him like the back of her hand; she said he wore his heart on his sleeve and was an easy book to read. All of it was true. If Natasha knew Steve better than anyone else because of the time they've spent together all these years, he also knew her better than she thought he did.

And right now? He knew she was pushing him away because she was scared.

His gaze hardened. "Then why did you kiss me?"

"I already told you it was a mistake."

"You're Natasha. You never make mistakes."

"There's a first time for everything, Rogers.

"You're probably gonna hate me for saying this... but you're lying." Steve tried again, "You don't just do something for the heck of it, Nat. I know you. If that kiss meant nothing to you then why did you do it in the first place?"

"I-I don't know! Everything's just so messed up, lately. Every time you're around... I.... I can't think straight. What I feel... I don't know." She told him, feeling her walls slowly crumbling down. 

It was enough to stir the hope back up in Steve. "So, you do feel something?" 

She shot him down. "It doesn't matter."

"It matters to me." 

"Dammit, Steve—"

"Could you be honest with me? Just this once?"

Natasha stayed silent, waiting for him to speak. He tipped her chin upwards so they were looking directly at each other.

"Do you love me?" he whispered.

Her eyes widened, a single tear escaping.

She stammered. "I..."

Then Steve felt a tap on his shoulder. He instinctively stepped back from Natasha, looked to the side and saw Bruce. He tried not to show his disappointment. 

"Bruce," he said numbly.

"Cap, mind if I I cut in?" Bruce asked, giving a strained smile. "I haven't dance with my girlfriend yet since we came here."

Steve was tempted to say no. He wanted to so bad.

But he can't.

The emptiness in his eyes contradicted the upturn of his lips. "Sure."

We're so close to reaching that famous happy end

Almost believing this one's not pretend

"Enjoy the rest of your night, Nat." he mumbled, coldly, stepping backwards.

Natasha couldn't process what happened next. All she remembered was Bruce taking her in his arms and asking if she was alright. She saw Steve spare her a last glance. She could be wrong, but his eyes looked moist and damp like hers did; an undecipherable look on his gorgeous face. He was frowning, looking like his heart was broken into a million pieces, before he tore his gaze away from her and left.

"Natasha," Bruce called out again. She snapped out of her thoughts. "Are you really okay?"

She blinked the tears away, but couldn't stifle the sniff that had sounded. "Yeah."

Bruce noticed this. "You want to get out of here? Get some fresh air for a while?"

She doubt it would ease the pain she was feeling right now but it would have to do. "If it's okay with you, Bruce, I just... I'd like to be alone for a while."

He seemed to be more concerned but he didn't argue with her. "Okay, call me if there's any problem, alright?"

She nodded. "Thanks."

Natasha made her way out of the dance floor, quietly slipping away, along with the tears that were threatening to fall minutes ago.

Let's go on dreaming, though we know we are

So close, so close, and still

 So far

—————————————————————————————   

Allie quickly took out her phone and dialed her brother's number. 

James answered after the second ring. "Als? What is it?"

If there's one thing she got from her mom that she liked the best, it was being able acquire her spy-like qualities. As soon as she saw Natasha striding out of the room, she knew something was off. It doesn't mean it's not right, though, because if anything, she knows their plan had worked.

Their parents just needed a little more push.

"I saw mom taking off."

"What? Why?!"

"Well, I think our plan worked. Sort of. I've gotta find her. Can you take care of dad?"

"Dad walked out too? In the middle of their dance?" James snorted, "They're always so dramatic."

Allie rolled her eyes. "Just find him and talk to him!"

"Wait, about what? What do I say?"

"I don't know, give him a pep talk or something. Anything that would work to push him and mom together. We're almost there, James. We can't give up now."

"Okay, okay. I got it."

"Good luck, James."

"You too, sis."

The last chance to make this work if they didn't want to end up as history.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ E N D O F C H A P T E R ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

I think this is my longest chapter yet? Almost around 5k words lmao.

AND ALSO, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS EVANS!!

So, what are your thoughts about this chapter?

I'm so proud of Stevie since he finally had the guts to step up and confess what he truly feels for Nat. He isn't scared to face his feelings anymore.

Nat, however, poor Nat. She's pushing Steve away because she thinks she doesn't deserve him so she settles for Bruce instead. Gotta give it to Nat, she's smart but she can be really dumb sometimes too when it comes to human emotions.

Maybe Allie and James could help their parents face their little problems together? Hmm. Find out in the next chapter! ;)

I think this book has about two or three chapters left before it ends. So, don't worry, Romanogers won't be long before it happens.

AND THIS MAGICAL SCENE IN ENCHANTED GUYSSSS I STILL THINK THIS IS SO ROMANTIIIIIC