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The next morning, Ophelia woke up to a new dress on the edge of Steve's bed. Sarah had left an old dress from her teenage years for Ophelia to wear before she left for work.

Ophelia had always been an early riser, along with Loki. They always pranked Thor while he was asleep. He slept like a bear, and should have known better since he lived with the God of Mischief and Lies, and a younger sister who he always gave into.

Ophelia got dressed and made the bed as neatly as she could before leaving the room.

"Good morning, Steven," she greeted, eyes momentarily glancing over to the tall man standing beside him. "Who is this?"

"James Buchanan Barnes, ma'am."

Bucky grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. Steve resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He knew women always fell for Bucky's charms, and while he knew he had no chance with Ophelia, he still felt slightly bitter.

"Charmed," she simply said, going over to Steve to kiss his cheek before taking a seat on a stool. "I'd like to go sightseeing today. Will you be joining me or will I be going alone?"

Bucky was momentarily shocked at the fact that a woman who wasn't Steve's mother had kissed his cheek. He snapped out of it and smacked Steve's back proudly.

"I have a shift at the factory," informed Bucky. "I just came over to grab a peek at the pretty dame that Mrs. Rogers talked so much about."

"Ma did?" asked Steve.

"Oh, yeah, passed it onto my ma and sisters 'bout this pretty dame who captured your heart n all that," teased Bucky.

"Get outta here, you jerk!"

Bucky cackled, waving to Steve and Ophelia as he opened the door. "See you later, doll." Then, he closed the door behind him.

"He was quite amusing," said Ophelia.

"Amusing isn't the word most gals use when they meet him," said Steve.

She tilted her head to the side. "I like you more."

"Huh? You can't - can't say things like that," he murmured shyly.

"Why not? I'm only telling the truth."

He glanced at her before looking away. "I bet you say that to all the guys."

"Only the ones I like, of which have been you and only you," she informed proudly, standing up to take his hand. "Now, I want to go sightseeing."

Steve showed Ophelia around Brooklyn, and she was always in awe at everything she saw. He didn't have much money, but he didn't mind buying her an ice cream scoop when her eyes lit up at the sight of the dessert.

People stared at her, and Steve was always uncomfortable when the gazes switched from her to him. He knew what they were thinking, but it never hurt less.

Why is she with him?
He's so puny.
I could be a better match for her.

"Steven, what's the matter?" questioned Ophelia, reaching out to put her hand on his forehead.

His cheeks warmed up and he backed away from her hand. "Sorry, nothing's wrong."

She narrowed her eyes at him before switching her attention back to the ice cream cone in her hand. It was beginning to melt, dripping down her knuckles. She dipped her head down to lick the sweet liquid off her flesh.

Steve's cheeks felt warmer than before, and his eyes darted around. He was a man, after all. His imagination ran wild, and with a beautiful dame around him, he couldn't help but picture her naked. It was disrespectful, but she made it so easy when it seemed like she cared about him.

She finished the ice cream, throwing away part of the cone that had gotten soggy. She wiped her hands on a napkin before extending a hand to Steve who took it. He expected her to let go, but instead, she held onto his hand and continued to walk down the street.

"Ophelia, people are looking," blubbered Steve.

She grinned at him. "Let them look."

"But, what if people think we're together?"

"Who cares?" she retorted. "What we are to each other is our business."

"Well, we're friends, right?" he hesitantly asked.

She simply smiled at him and continued to drag him down the street, hand in hand.

"Ophelia, what does that mean?" he questioned.

She giggled. "Steven, let's have some fun! Ignore the stares. They mean nothing."