Part one - Encounter
Part one – Encounter
You stepped inside a bar. It was filled with people. You had promised to go to a speed dating –night with your friend. First time for a long time you were having a weekend off and your friend had made you to give your word that you would join her when there was a speed date –event happening and you were not working. You got a nametag and sat down by a small table. The host explained the rules; the men always moved one table to the left when the alarm went off. There were always five minutes per table to find out if you wanted to get to know each other more.
The guys did not impress you much, the handsome ones were just too self-absorbed and the not-so-handsome ones were boring. It was a time for a break. You decided to get yourself a drink, there was no way you could survive the second half sober.
You noticed a handsome man surrounded by women. It was Steve Rogers, better known as Captain America. His friend Sam had asked him to be his wingman but had been more like a plot to get him out and possibly meet someone… your case was pretty much the same. He walked to you. You did not tell him that you knew exactly who he was; he probably did not need that BS from every lady in the crowd, besides you were not working.
- Having fun? he asked casually.
- Uhm… it depends on the definition of “fun”. If getting equally annoyed and bored is being considered as “fun” then sure; I’m having time of my life.
- That bad?
- Something like that.
- I get an impression that you did not come here willingly…
- That is correct. I’m here for a friend… who is apparently doing quite well without me. you said and pointed at your friend who was surrounded by guys.
- Ah… I see, well, if it makes you feel any better… my situation is very much the same.
- Yeah, the only difference is that every girl here would die to get a date with you.
- Ha-ha! What makes you say so?
- Well… You have the looks, obviously, and since you’re talking with the most unpopular woman here tonight, it means that either you’re planning to embarrass me, or you feel sorry for me…
- What?
- or… you have a weird taste of women.
Rogers was speechless.
- Relax… I’m only teasing you. you said and chuckled.
You finally got your drink and then the host asked everyone to return to their places. You sat down and looked for the man you had enjoyed talking with the most whole evening. Soon however you had been swept back to the despair and boredom. The man was having fun. He was laughing at the jokes that the women told to impress him. You were annoyed; such a handsome, tall, well-build, polite… man.
- Oh, stop it! you said half aloud when the alarm went off again.
- Well hi there. you heard a familiar voice saying.
- Still having fun?
-Yeah… tremendously. So… Steve… you said as you read his name from his nametag, although you knew his name already.
- Are you having fun?
- I am now…
- Ha-ha! Thanks! you exclaimed.
- No… I didn’t mean it like that… I am having fun in the general meaning of the word.
- Really?
- Yeah… Tell you the truth, after the break, this is the table I’ve been most looking forward.
- You’re kidding, right?
- No… So… (Y/N)… What do you do for living?
- Uhm… nothing too special… I work with computers, quite simple and boring stuff, really. you answered. You were lying partially, but there was a certain line with honesty that you could not cross, not even with your family or closest friends.
- And how about you?
- Well… nothing that special either. Security…
- Ah, should had guessed.
- Why?
- Well… you look like you were practically living at the gym and you’re too pretty to be bouncer.
Steve laughed. You shared a lively conversation with him and then the alarm went off again.
- Thank you for a lovely chat. you said and smiled. You never felt connection to anyone, mostly because of your work. It was rather dangerous to connect with anyone and the risk that you potentially put your closest ones in… No… you just did not do it.
After a few more boring speed dates it was time to go home. You did not see Steve and figured that he had gone home already. You got your jacket from the cloakroom and saw the handsome guy speaking with your friend. “Figures” you thought to yourself as you walked to her.
- Hi… excuse me… you said and got your friends attention.
- I’m calling it a night.
- Yeah… Steve here came to tell me that he was going to take you home.
- Uhm… I did not know that.
- Yes… I saw you getting your jacket so I figured that you might need someone to make sure that you’ll get home safely.
- Well thank you for that gallant gesture but I can assure you…
- It’s not necessary?
- Yes… it really isn’t. I’m not a damsel in distress kind of girl. you told him smilingly. Steve smiled back.
- It will be my pleasure. he said and it was obvious that he wasn’t going to take a no for an answer.
- Very well. you said and wished your friend goodnight.
You walked slowly with Steve. It was spring and trees were blooming. You were almost wishing that things were different, that you were different. It was nice to connect with someone. You stopped in a park for a moment to sit under a tree on a bench. The atmosphere was relaxed but there were sparks between you two.
- You seem far too interesting for a boring office-work… What is it that you really do? he asked suddenly.
- Ha-ha! I never said I work in an office.
- Right… he chuckled. Steve found you mysterious; he bet even your secrets had secrets and you were trapped with them eating you alive. Inside out.
- Tell me a secret about yourself. he asked.
- Excuse me?
- Please don’t get offended, but you seem like a very… restricted person, but on the other hand I feel that you would like to share it with me… I am a complete stranger, and whatever it is… you can rest assured that I’ve heard worse.
- Alright… Only if you tell me a secret about yourself first. you said after thinking about it for a moment.
- Very well… I haven’t connected with anyone like this for a long time.
- That isn’t really a secret… it was a statement… and likewise.
- Okay… I am attracted to you…
- A statement, not a secret. Likewise.
- Well fine, but your secret better be a good one… he said and smiled shyly at you.
- Oh it is…
- I was born almost hundred years ago…
- Well, if it makes you feel any better; you look very good for your age. Well-preserved.
- Haha, thanks! And your secret? he asked. You chuckled nervously.
- Uhm…
- Come on, your secret is safe with me. he said because you looked very hesitant; as if you were battling with yourself whether you should say the thing you wanted to say. Then you decided to go for it.
- Talking with you has made me question what I do for living…
- What do you mean?
- I’ve always thought that what I do, is somewhere in the gray area in the scale of good and bad… but… shit! you said and stood up. You looked around you with an almost desperate look on your face.
- What’s wrong?
- I can’t do this. I’m sorry. you said suddenly and then walked away leaving Steve alone in the park confused.