Chapter Text
Four years of undergrad, plus your certification, and your current placement in law school at Columbia Law had helped you secure your new, paralegal position/law intern position at the Avengers Law firm. It was the premier law firm in New York, and you had slayed your interview with their Chief Human Resources Officer, Pepper Potts. She could tell you were driven, and she could see the benefit of hiring you with the possibility of advancement up to attorney when you finished Law school.
Your first day you showed up, dressed for success in a modest blouse, pencil skirt, with a matching blazer and sensible but cute heels. You found your desk and quickly got to work filing motions, doing inquiries, briefings, and getting your hands on any research asked of you.
You started as the paralegal to one of the junior attorneys, Brock Rumlow and after working for him for a solid 18 hours the first two days you were sick of it.. He was abrasive, quick to anger and frequently berated you and the other staff. It didn't help that you hated the way he looked at you up and down like he was trying to see through your clothes with some kind of X-ray vision. He was disgusting, you had decided. But you were determined to keep showing them how amazing your work was.
"You get used to it," One of the other girls had said but you didn't think you would be comfortable, at least not working for him.
You watched as a handsome man in a charcoal suit entered Rumlow's office.
"Who's he?" You asked, eyes following his figure.
"Thats Rogers. He's one of the partners. He's actually a nice guy, apparently. None of the girls have a problem with him. He's nice to interns. Plus he's hot as hell."
"Agreed." You looked at him, glancing through the window in the door in Rumlows office, eyes following the line of his form.
"WHO DID THE RESEARCH ON THE FURY CASE?" You heard a voice calling out into the sea of cubicles.
You sighed and raised your hand turning, "I did sir." You looked up and into the bluest set of eyes you had ever seen, and it was Rogers. He was even more stunning up close. An actual adonis. His suit perfectly tailored, his tie matching his eyes, and that chiseled jaw, with his neatly trimmed beard, were amazing.
"I wanted to let you know that your notes are outstanding. Rumlow tried to take credit for them but I knew they were obviously not his. I've seen his work before. Have we met before?"
You shook your head. "No, It's my first week." You introduced yourself to him. "I just started with the firm."
"Well. I'm Steve Rogers, it is an absolute pleasure to meet you. I'd actually love your help doing some more work on the Fury case, since you're already familiar. Do you mind coming up to the legal library and working on it with me?"
"Of course, sir." You said, rising from your desk, grabbing your laptop. "I'm happy to help."
He gently ushered you down the hall to the elevator, and reached pressing the button for the appropriate floor when you noticed the glint of gold from around his left- hand ring finger.
Of course a man this insanely hot would be married. You fought back the disappointment, after all you were just thrilled to be leaving Rumlow's floor for a few minutes.
"Rumlow treating you alright?"
"Nothing I can't handle I suppose." You shrugged.
"So he's being an ass?"
"Pretty much." You chuckled. "I'm sure he's good at what he does. But I don't like the way he talks to people." Or looks at me. "I will say he does have high standards. And I have to say coming to work for a firm like yours, I shouldn't have expected much else."
"Expected what?" Steve asked looking at you.
"Demands of excellence. The firm boasts a fabulous success rate. It's why I wanted to work here."
"We run a tight ship here." Steve noted with a shrug. "But we get the work done and make money for the clients, and keep them happy. Come on let me show you the library."
The library was stunning, like something out of a book, the dark mahogany shelves from floor to ceiling with different legal tomes, as well as rows of large sturdy tables. There were multiple other computers stations set up as well as charging stations throughout.
"You haven't been here yet?" Steve asked.
"No... I think it might be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." He chuckled at that as he gently ushered you towards a table by the arm.
"It's nice than the law library at Columbia. Or at least the chairs are more comfortable than what I remember."
"I go to Colombia now. I'm an L3." And as you sunk into your chair, you agreed with his assessment. "Totally right about the chairs. Way more comfortable."
"Almost done then. Congrats."
"Thank you." You smiled. "Shall we get to work on the case?"
"Of course."
He guided you through what information he wanted, and together the two of you set to work. He occasionally asked you a question about what you had found, and you occasionally asked about different cases and precedent and if you could argue them in the court room.
Steve was a brilliant teacher as it turned out and he would launch into reasonings behind why or why it wouldn't work, and would recommend you look up several other cases for personal research. Suggestions about what kind of arguments would and wouldn't work. Whether or not you hung onto every word he said because he was gorgeous or a genius was another matter.
"Will this case even go to trial?" You eventually asked.
"Probably. We have tried numerous mediations outside of the courtroom but I have a feeling that we'll be in court in a few weeks." He sighed, running a hand through his hair, before glancing at his watch. "Sheesh, it's already 7 PM. Where did the time go?"
"Well we got a lot of work done," you reasoned. "At least we made some progress."
"I should let you get home." He said. Steve grabbed a few of the tomes you had looked at and placed them on a cart to be re-shelved in the morning. "It was a pleasure working with you. I enjoyed our conversation."
"I did as well." you smiled at him. "I'll see you around?"
"I'm sure I will."
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You came in the next morning ready to be back as Rumlow's lucky only to have an email from Pepper saying to pack up your desk.
Am I fired? What the heck? What did I do?
You looked at the email confused, and were about to call the strawberry blonde when you spotted Steve wearing a darker suit, holding a box.
"You get the email?" He asked.
"To pack my desk up?" You asked.
"You're moving to work in my department. Now come on, we don't have all day." He grinned widely.
Having only been at the job a few short days, you didn't have too many things to use. A picture of your family from your graduation from undergraduate, a cute little succulent, and a small array of office supplies in your favorite color. You quickly shoved them in the box, which Steve grabbed for you, and carried to the elevator.
"I appreciate you getting me out of Rumlow's department." You noted once you got in the elevator.
"Are you kidding? With your work you're doing for me, I couldn't risk not snatching you up for my own department. You'll love everyone up here. It's a good crew." He smiled at you.
He placed you at a much nicer, larger desk than you had downstairs, and introduced you to the people around you.
"This is Natasha, my personal assistant" He said referring to the petite redhead at the desk right outside of his office.
"The title is assistant but he means life saver. I save his ass all the time." The redhead laughed. "Welcome aboard."
"Thank you." You laughed and smiled. You had a feeling the two of you would get along quite well. He introduced you to a few other people and then the two of you set to work. You were much more at ease in this department and you felt productive without the letcherous gaze of Brock Rumlow on you all the time.
You quickly found yourself fitting in with everyone else. Steve was attentive and polite. He would bring you and almost everyone else coffee in the morning once he found out your order and mid day you found yourself running and getting him an Americano from the building's Coffee Cart. You could tell when he needed a second one by the way he rubbed his forehead and pinched the bridge of his nose, and he could tell you were getting frustrated with a case when you kept putting up and taking down your hair. He would stand up behind you and rub your shoulders for a moment, remind you to breathe, before you would get right back to work.
"Morning, Nat." You greeted. "Morning Steve." You smiled at the taller man.
"Morning doll," he smiled and god you nearly melted like butter "I got you a pumpkin muffin. I know you said they're your favorite and tis the season."
"He brought you a muffin this morning. He must love you. I've been demoted." She teased. "I used to think I was his work wife. It's definitely you now."
"Yup sorry Nat. We're getting a divorce. This one over here is my new work wife." Steve said with a grin, an arm slung around your shoulders.
"Thanks for the muffin hubby." you grinned with a wink, relishing in the feel of his arm around you. He eventually dropped it, and you missed the weight of it immediately.
"Hey do you mind staying late tonight to work on the case? We go to trial tomorrow and I just want to run through everything one last time." Steve asked you. "Dinner on me."
"Of course, not a problem. I'm happy to help."
And that night you chatted over Chinese take away, in the conference room, stealing dumplings and food from each others containers with chopsticks, laughing all the way as you went through his points and he drafted an opening statement.
"Do you like memorize it? Like a monologue?" You asked him.
"My opening remarks? No. But I usually do outline what I want to say. I have to say I've always been a decent orator and I've honed my craft over time so its been okay when I wing things. But I was in the scouts, so you know... always be prepared."
"Perfect Steve a Boy Scout. Why am I not surprised?" You teased.
"Hey... I learned a lot there. Then the army." He said with a sad smile. "It's how I paid for law school. That and scholarships."
"Well thank you for service." You smiled at him. "And thank you for insight into how that brilliant mind works."
"I wouldn't say I'm that brilliant...." He grinned. "But I gotta shape the future minds of tomorrow. After all just a few short months and you'll be handling your own cases."
"One step at a time." You sighed. "I have to finish school and take the Bar exam."
"You'll pass." He grinned. "No doubt in my mind. You already have great instincts and experience with cases. You're gonna be great." He smiled at you reaching over and squeezing your hand.
"Thank you." You smiled.
Once he was done with his statement, he began to pack his things up.
"Good luck in there tomorrow, hubby." You teased.
"Thank you wifey." He laughed, pulling you into a hug, pressing a kiss to your cheek. "I'll keep you updated."
"Please do."
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The next morning, you shot Steve a good morning text and wished him luck once more before heading into work.
It was much more quiet without him there( and slightly less caffeinated). But you got some work done on a few other cases you had been assigned to.
Midday your phone rang.
"Steve?"
"Hey, I have a few case briefs on my deck that I forgot. I want them for after recess think you could bring them? I'd normally ask Nat but I know her car is in the shop."
"Not a problem. I'll see you in about 20?"
"You're a goddess, thank you wifey."
"Anything for you hubs." You grinned. You grabbed the case briefs off his desk, tossing them into your tote bag.
"Nat, I'm running these up to Steve at the courthouse. Want me to pick up lunch on the way back?"
"Oooh I'll order Shawarma? Bring some to Steve. It's right down the block from the courthouse "
"Deal just text me the details."
You quickly picked up the Shawarma, and found Steve looking absolutely stunning in his suit outside the courthouse.
"Brought you lunch and your case briefs." You said finding him, handing him a bag and the briefs.
"Shawarma? You're too good to me wifey." He pulled you in and pressed a kiss to your cheek again, and you could feel your cheeks heating up.
"Nat thought of it. I just executed the plan." You said through your blush.
"Well you're the most beautiful delivery girl I've ever seen. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. You got time to eat with me?" You blushed even further under his praise, your gaze going down as you tucked a piece of hair behind your ear.
"I have Nat's shawarma in the car. I should probably bring it to her. Otherwise I'd be yours."
"Mine." He laughed. "I like the sound of that." He smiled at you. "I'll let you bring Nat her food then. You know she's dangerous if she's hangry."
"Too true. Good luck hubs." You smiled at him.
"I'll call you and let you know later how it's going."
"Talk to you then."
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He called you when you had settled into a bubble bath, glass of wine in hand, while you had your textbook propped up on a tray.
"How was trial today?" You asked.
"The prosecution is an asshat." You heard him scoff.
"Is that a legal term? Ass hat?" you laughed. "I'm not familiar."
"No but it should be. He's the worst." Steve groaned. He filled you in on the details, arguments that had been made, statements, when the client had put his foot in his mouth hand how much work he'd have to do to fix that mistake.
"You have him on the ropes. I'm sure you'll get him."
"Your unwavering optimism is appreciated." He chuckled. "Not sure it's warranted."
"It is. I know you're a fantastic attorney Steve. You'll show them."
"I'll tell you how trial goes tomorrow."
"Good luck, hubby. Good night."
"Good night sweetheart." He said and you heard the line went dead.
You groaned as you hung up the phone. The way he called you sweetheart, had stirred something inside you and you wanted more than he could give you. You slugged down the rest of your wine. And just relaxed into the warm water for a moment.
----------------
It was a week later when he called you late in the afternoon.
"We won!" He proclaimed.
"Steve that's wonderful!" You smiled.
"Spread the word we're meeting at "White Wolf's" for drinks later. Drinks on me."
"Count me in. See you there later."
"Looking forward to it." He stated.
After your work day was done, you adjusted your hair and fixed up a little bit of your makeup, before driving to the bar he had stated earlier.
It was a nice place, a few blocks down from the office and you found yourself smiling at the cute bar tender when you found your place at the bar besides Nat.
He mixed you a cocktail with grace and you observed with a smirk before you thanked him and introduced yourself.
"Bucky," he grinned, reaching out a hand, and shaking it.
"Bucky leave her alone she's my best asset." Steve said. "Without her hard-work on the case, I don't know that I'd have won."
"I'm just being friendly is all." Bucky grinned at you. "Besides, no ring on her finger, and I don't see her complaining."
"Not complaining." You murmured into your fruity cocktail.
Once everyone had a drink in hand, Steve clinked his glass, getting everyones attention.
"This case has been a whirlwind, I'm sure you all know. It has been late nights, early mornings, countless hours of research and a lot of other resources. But the judge ruled in our favor. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for each and everyone of you and all of the work you do. You make this job a pleasure and a privilege. To the team!" Steve raises his glass.
"The Team!" You all cheer in unison.
You sipped on your cocktail and made small talk with Nat and Maria Hill, one of the other paralegals. You could feel Steve's gaze on you at one point and you turned back and smiled at him.
You ordered another round for yourself, and you felt Steve take the seat beside you.
"Hi wifey." He grinned at you.
"Hey hubs." You smiled back.
"You want the blow by blow of today?"
"Absolutely" and you watched him, enamored by how passionate he is talking about this case, and you hang on every word. The drinks continue to get poured and handed to you, and you keep sipping as you listen.
You half ignored all of your other coworkers as they started to file out. Quick Half-hugs, and "See you tomorrows" in between the days events.
"Be right back." Steve told you and his normal kiss to your cheek, moves a little too far inward and his lips brush yours quickly. But instead of addressing it, he just continued walking to the mens room
Your fingers quickly brushed your lips, already missing the warmth of his.. Of course the one time, his lips touch yours, he had walked away and not said anything.
"He likes you, you know?" Bucky said to you.
"You reckon?" You asked.
"He talks about you when he comes here after work sometimes." The man shrugged. "Why he didn't want me flirting with you. Says you're brilliant"
"Don't know about that." You blushed.
Steve returned a few moments later.
"Hey wifey... You ready to head out after this round?"
"Sure thing." You said. "Just might need to get a coffee before I go."
"You good to drive?" Steve asked you.
"I will be." You shrug. "Just need a few minutes."
"Two coffees Buck? And ... what do you want to eat?" Steve turned to you.
"I have some take out at home. I'll just eat when I get home. Just a coffee is fine." You protested.
" You're eating something before you go. Or I'm calling you a cab and then I'll still order you food. So your choice. Nachos or Pretzels." He said with such authority.
"Nachos." You said quietly.
"I'll put those right in for you." Bucky said handing you each a cup of coffee, and sliding you a glass of water.
"Good girl." Steve said, a hand cupped your cheek. You practically melted into his touch, and god the things you felt in your core when he called you a 'good girl, the heat rising to your cheeks.
You sipped your coffee and soon after the plate of nachos arrived and you had to admit, Nachos were always an excellent idea. You happily enjoyed the loaded chips and were finally feeling like your head was clear again, and your phone buzzed.
"Boyfriend?" Steve asked.
"Don't have one of those. Been single for a while. It was Nat texting me she got home safe." You said.
"Good. Don't waste your time being with the wrong person, and don't get married because you think its what you're supposed to do." He sipped his coffee.
You looked at him, and you could see the sadness in his face.
"Military guys get married fast if you didn't know. Not the best plan but it felt right. I was so young. And I didn't have any assets then so no pre-nup, so now we just live in separate sides of the penthouse and ignore each other because we don't love each other but I also don't want to pay all of my hard earned money to alimony. So wait is my advice."
"Oh Steve..." Your hand went and reached out and gently squeezed his arm.
"It's fine." He shook his head. He slid Bucky his card, and shortly after, Bucky slid him is receipt which he signed and handed back, slipping his friend a tip.
"You ready?" Steve asked you, and started helping you into your jacket.
"Where are you parked?" he asked.
"Few blocks down. I'm fine."
"What kind of man would I be if I didn't walk a lady to her car at night?"
His arm was around you as he lead you through the cool crisp air down the few streets.
"This is me." You said, unlocking your small car. "I had a great time tonight. Thanks for everything."
"Anything for you," He smiled.
"Night Hubs." You said, and you went to go turn to open the car door, but before you could he had grabbed your hand and pulled you flush against him to kiss him, his lips pressed against yours, before he gently sucked on your bottom lip, causing you to let out a moan.
"Steve..." You gasped out when he finally let you come up for air. "What-"
"Tell me you don't want this. Tell me if I'm misreading it."
"I want this. I want you." You said.
"Get in the car." He ordered. "Back seat."
You unlocked the door and slipped in the back seat, and he slid in beside you, his hands pushing your coat from your shoulders, it falling behind you on the seat.
"My apartments only-"
"I can't wait. I just need to touch you." He said, lips pressed against your neck leaving open mouthed kisses, making you shiver, hands going to his hair, gently fisting it. "Just need your mouth beautiful. Just need those lips on mine."
He nipped and tugged at your lips gently with his teeth, and eventually his tongue swept over your lips, begging for entrance, and you couldn't help but moan as you granted him the entrance he had requested.
"Keep making those pretty little noises for me." He told you, pulling you against him further, a hand cupping your breast.
"Steve..." you gasped out his name. Your hands sought out his tie and pulled him back to your lips, your hands going to his jacket, trying to push him out of his suit. Jacket off, and your hand had rubbed against his thigh, brushing agains the already noticeable bulge in his pants. His moan was intoxicating, and you would do anything to hear it again. Your hand had reached for his belt, when you felt his hand wrap around your wrist, stopping you.
"Christ..." He exhaled. "Wifey... we should stop."
You pulled back and looked at him.
"You're probably right.... public indecency." You said, running a hand through your hair, blushing.
"No... we shouldn't do this. "
"You don't want me?" You asked, hurt by his rejection.
"God no.. that's not it. Of course I want you baby." He cupped your face and pressed a kiss to the top of your head. "I've been wanting you since that first day I spent with you in the library."
"Then why-"
"I can't ruin your career. Not like this." He said. "You are too bright, too talented to be accused of sleeping your way to the top."
"Nobody needs to know." You said, tracing the edge of his tie before grabbing it pulling him closer to you.
"I don't know if I'll be able to keep my hands to myself at work now, knowing that you want me just as much as I want you." He whispered.
"Then don't," You closed the gap between the two of you, once more finding your lips on his . "Touch me Steve. Please"
"You're a vixen."
"I'm yours." You told him, eyes meeting his once more.
He kissed you tenderly before pulling away. "And I'm yours. God wifey am I yours."
He held you against him for a moment, turning you to be pressed against his chest
You could hear his heart pounding in your ear.
"I will have you." He whispered in your ear. "Not tonight. Not in the back of your tiny car... but I will. And I will make you feel so good, I can't wait to watch you fall apart for me sweetheart. "
You shivered against him.
"Don't push me away. Please I want you." You whispered.
"I won't but you need to get home. We'll figure out details tomorrow with clear heads. After work, my office?"
"Are you sure that's a good place?" You asked.
"It's private and its not bugged. No cameras."
"Cameras?" You raised an eyebrow.
"I used to change in my office a lot before going to the gym. Security saw me and after that they took the camera out of my office." Steve chuckled. "But mostly for client confidentiality."
He climbed out of your car, and readjusted his jacket, slipping it back on. You followed him out, slipping your coat back on.
"Tomorrow." He grabbed your hand, raising it to his lips, pressing a kiss to your knuckles. "Text me when you get home."
"Yes sir." you said. He shot you a look. "What?"
"If you call me sir like that, I'm not going to leave."
"Maybe I don't want you to." Your eyes flicked up to meet his, and you smirked.
"Home. Now." He said with a groan, placing another kiss to your forehead. "I'll have your coffee ready in the morning."
"A man after my own heart." You sighed. "Goodnight hubs."
"Goodnight sweetheart."