A Blue Dress
The next morning found Kat in Pepper's car on the way to the shop, to pick a dress up for the wedding. She had called Nat, telling her what happened, although she already knew, it had been all over the news and she was pissed at them for not calling her, but she said she would love to come down for the wedding. Rhodey and Happy would be there too. Nobody could get ahold of Bruce though, he was off the grid, working things out with the Hulk.
Steve had gone with Tony to pick out a tux, and Kat was suddenly nervous for him to see her in a nice dress. She started tugging on her fingers and Pepper glanced over at her. “Are you okay Kat?” She asked. Kat nodded, looking over at her and giving her a small smile.
“Can I ask you something? You do not have to answer if you don’t want.” Pepper told her.
“What is it?”
“Is there something going on? Between you and Steve?” She asked. You looked up at her, then back down at your hands. “I’m sorry, it just seems like you two have gotten very close, and I was just curious.”
Kat sighed. “I honestly don’t know. He’s helped me heal Pepper. He’s been there for me and done everything you could possibly think of to make my life better. He’s amazing. He’s my person. I don’t know that I could have gotten through this without him.” Kat told her.
“Then what’s the problem sweetie?” She asked softly, pulling into the parking spot of the dress shop.
“I still love Loki.” She almost whispered. “I don’t know if that will ever go away.”
She felt a hand on hers and looked over to Pepper, the older woman smiling at her softly. “I think Steve knows that honey. What you and Loki had; it was powerful. I think Steve would understand that. Has he told you the story of Peggy Carter?” She asked. Kat nodded. “He once told Tony that he would love Peggy for the rest of his life, but that it didn’t mean that he couldn’t find love again. I think that Loki would want you to be happy Kat, and just because you move on doesn’t mean you have to forget him. It just means you’re opening your heart more.” She said.
Kat smiled at her. “Thank you Pepper. You’re really smart, you know that?”
Pepper laughed. “I have been told that from time to time. Now, lets get you a dress, shall we?”
Kat browsed the racks of dresses while Pepper had a final fitting for her dress. She picked out a few different ones that she liked and headed to the dressing room. The first one was a black, floor length, open back, halter dress. It looked good on her, but she thought black might be a little too depressing. The second was a red one, also floor length, short sleeves, plunging neckline. She liked that one, but red was Tony’s color, and she was sure he had snuck some kind of red something into the wedding in lieu of Iron Man.
The last one was the one. It was blue, close to the color of Steve’s uniform actually, knee length, sleeveless, criss crossed in the back. It hugged her in all the right places and it showed off her legs. “Did you find one?” Pepper asked from the next room. “I think so! How’s your dress look?”
“I’ll show you, if you show me!” She called out. Kat smiled and pulled back the curtain, stepping back into the shop. Pepper stepped out right after, stepping up on the platform in front of the mirrors. She looked beautiful. Her dress was sleek and clung to her body like it was made for her. Plunging neckline, and Kat was grateful she hadn’t chosen the dress with the same, small train, open back. Kat’s eyes swelled up with tears. “Pepper…you look beautiful.” She told her.
There was a brilliant smile on Pepper’s face. “Really? You like it?” She asked. Kat nodded her head. “Pepper, it’s amazing. Are you sure Tony’s heart can take it?” She teased. Pepper laughed and looked through the mirror at her. “Are you sure Steve’s can handle yours? Seriously Kat, that dress looks perfect on you. “
Kat blushed and stood in front of the mirror. “Thanks Pepper. Now all I need is some shoes.”
“And jewelry!” She called out, stepping back into the dressing room, snapping a picture of Kat in the dress to send to Tony.
Pepper: Make sure Steve’s tie matches this dress. 😉
Tony: What are you up to now Pep?
Pepper: Who, me? Nothing sweetheart. See you soon 😊
Kat was able to find matching pumps and Pepper picked out a teardrop necklace and earring combo, and a bracelet to go with it. After paying for everything, much to Kat’s dismay, they put everything in the car and headed back to the house to make the boys lunch.
Tony smirked at Pepper’s text, he knew she was trying to push Cap and Kat together. Steve was a good man, and Tony knew that he would treat Kat right, he was just so protective of her, and he knew that she was still hurting over Loki. He also knew that Steve would never push her into anything, and that made him relax about it.
Tony went to work finding the right color for the dress, enlisting the help of the shop owner, while Steve was browsing the racks. Ever since Pepper and Tony had told them about the wedding, Steve had wanted to ask Kat to be his date. He wasn’t sure if he should though, with everything that happened yesterday. He felt responsible for her getting hurt still, and even though she told him she didn’t blame him, he still felt it was his fault.
“Hey spangles, I’ve got something for you.” Tony said, coming around the corner and handing Steve something. It was a blue vest and tie, it fit perfectly with the tux Steve had in his hand.
“Uh Tony, any reason for this particular color?” Steve asked, knowing Tony was up to something. Tony just shrugged and went back to pulling his tux jacket on. “I don’t think I’m allowed to tell you Cap. Sorry.” He said. Steve shook his head and went to try the suit on.
He kind of figured the color had something to do with Kat. So, he figured he was going to have to ask her to be his date. Just suck it up and do it Steve. Worst that could happen is she would say no. Steve really hoped she didn’t.
Pepper and Kat were already back at the house when Steve and Tony got there. They had made sandwiches and had several bags of chips sitting out. “So, Pep, how did it go?” Tony asked. She gave him a pointed look. “It went fine Tony, don’t you dare go snooping for that dress, or I’m not going to marry you.” She told him. Kat snorted and Tony put up his hands in surrender.
After lunch Kat went and took a long shower, thinking of what Pepper had said to her. She cared deeply for Steve, but she didn’t know if it was more than friendship, or family. She didn’t know if she could love anyone else. Loki had come into her life and his love hit her like a mack truck. It knocked the wind out of her. Then he was gone. And there was Steve, picking up the pieces, putting her back together. She wasn’t sure if he felt anything for her, and if he did, he was a complete gentleman about it and won’t say anything.
She toweled off and put some comfy clothes on. Pepper and Tony had suggested having a movie night. When she opened the bathroom door, she saw Steve sitting on the bed. “Hey.” She said softly, smiling at him. She tilted her head to the side, he looked nervous. “Are you okay?” She asked.
Steve nodded and smiled at her. “Yeah, I’m okay, I just wanted to ask you something.” He told her.
She sat down on the bed facing him. “Okay, what’s up?”
“Would you wanna, if it’s okay…be my date to the wedding?” He asked quietly, looking down shyly. Damn, that was adorable. Kat smiled and tapped on his arm, making him jerk his head up to look at her.
“Who else would I go with Steve?"