Marvel Universe Imagines and One Shots

Life's too short - Steve x Reader

"Earth to Steve. Cap, ya with us, man?" Tony chuckled, as he clicked his fingers in front of the Captain's eyes. Steve finally shaking himself from his thoughts as (Y/n)'s figure disappeared from out the common room and made her way to the outside of the compound. Tony and the others rolling their eyes as Steve pulled the cloth from his little painting project, pretending that absolutely nothing had happened. But Bucky, in particular, had obviously known Steve long enough to realise, that whatever was going on with him as far as (Y/n) was concerned, was a lot different to what happened when any other woman came fawning around the captain.

It was true that Steve had no reputation as far as the ladies were concerned. That other than Peggy, he had always shied away a little when women had swamped the male members of the team, whenever they went out in public. But since (Y/n) had joined the Avengers some time ago, Steve seemed to have eyes for no one, and nothing but the exquisite weapons expert. None of the boys failing to notice how the usually cool and calm captain, would appear to blush ever so slightly when he showed (Y/n) and the others his plans for their latest mission. Strangely always seeming to have something special to discuss with her, when he had finished with everyone else.

"What? Yeah, fine." Steve finally replied absentmindedly, as he looked at the creation in front of him. Placing the bristles of the brush in his mouth as he pondered what he should do next.

"What ya working on?" Tony continued, despite knowing full well what Steve was up to.

In the past, Tony and the others had seen Steve use his artistic abilities to create the most beautiful paintings and drawings. But this time, this particular project seemed more important. The captain having worked on it for weeks to ensure that it was the best thing that he had ever done. Even better than the numerous etchings and watercolours that were in his room. The piece, a true work of art. A labour of love.

"Nothing......Just something.......Nothing." Steve replied. Bucky shrugging at Tony, as his old friend seemed to be making no sense at all, as he dabbed delicately at the item in front of him.

Bucky had to admit that he had never seen Steve quite so enchanted before, by anyone or anything. Steve appearing lost in his thoughts whenever (Y/n) was around. But Bucky had to admit that he couldn't blame him. That there was something about their new recruit. That he could understand why Steve had lost himself. For (Y/n) had a heart of gold, bigger than anyone else's he had ever met. And something like that was a rarity in their line of work. Yet (Y/n) managed to combine kindness with the ability to kick serious ass, seamlessly. None of the others blaming Steve for losing his heart, but just wishing that he would actually take a chance and say something to her. Anything.

"Well? Which is it? Something or nothing?" Tony asked as he looked over Steve's shoulder.

"Now, if you were to ask me. I would say that that was definitely something. In fact, I'd say, that it looks like a violin to me. Hey, Clint. Didn't (Y/n) say that she played the violin? I would imagine that she would love something like that." Tony chuckled, as Clint joined him, looking over Steve's other shoulder. Both of them watching the captain's every intricate brushstroke. Steve doing his best to ignore the pair.

"Yeah. I seem to remember she does. I think she said that she's been playing it since she was a kid. And it's funny that ya should be painting it like that, Steve. Bucky? Doesn't (Y/n) have a thing for pale flowers like that, with all those vines and everything? And the Dia de los Muertos thing. Isn't that one of (Y/n)'s favourites too?" Clint called out to the other old soldier, despite already knowing the answer. Steve sighing as he finally dropped his paintbrush.

"Ok, very funny. You got me. Yes. It's for (Y/n). I.........."

"No shit. When are you gonna tell her how you feel? Come on, Steve. You know just as well as the rest of us, that in our line of work, any day could be your last. So, don't waste what time you have left. Enough of your life has been taken from you already. And we aren't blind. Since the moment (Y/n) stepped foot in this compound, you've been different. Go tell her, before someone else comes along, or something happens. Life's too short to not take a chance. You know that." Tony interrupted, as Steve looked down at the instrument that he had finished over a week ago. But had told himself wasn't completed, just so that he didn't have to present it to (Y/n) and maybe be told that she didn't feel for him, as he felt for her.

"You're right. I should do something. I've waited far too long." Steve sighed again as he got to his feet, reaching for the violin's case, and placing the instrument inside.

"Buck. Will you take all my supplies back to my room for me? I have to do this now." Steve simply said, as he made his way to the door. Tony, Clint, and the rest of the team, smiling as they watched Steve disappear out of the room.

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The walk to (Y/n)'s rooms had seemed to take forever. Steve feeling ridiculous as he realised that it was like he was young again. He was that sick little kid with a crush on the best looking girl at school. That at his age, he should know exactly what to say to a woman he had fallen in love with. Yet, as he stood before her door, his mind was still filled with all the things that he could possibly say. And all the terrible ways that he could completely mess it up.

"Steve? Is everything ok? Are you ok?" (Y/n) asked, as she appeared from behind the door. Steve not realising that he had even knocked.

"Hi, (Y/n). Er......yeah. Everything is fine. I just brought you something." Steve replied, as he handed her the case. (Y/n)'s eyes growing wide, as she opened it to reveal the gift.

"This is for me? But why? I mean, I'm not complaining, Steve. This is absolutely beautiful. It's everything I love. But why.........."

"Can I talk to you, (Y/n)? I mean........can I take you somewhere to talk? I want to show you something special. And yeah, it's definitely for you." The nervous captain interrupted. Feeling his heart beat quicker, as (Y/n) smiled. Her fingers ghosting over the exquisite work of art.

"Of course. Steve. Just let me put this inside, and we can go wherever you want." (Y/n) chuckled. Taking the violin into her room, before re-appearing in a jacket. Steve offering her his arm, as they made their way down to the garage, to find his old bike.

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The bike ride had gone far too quickly for Steve. The old soldier savouring every moment, as (Y/n) wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. The two laughing as the world flew by. The pair now sat looking over the lights of the great bustling city.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" (Y/n) suddenly asked. Steve not noticing the scenery, as his eyes stayed firmly fixed on (Y/n).

"Er......yeah. (Y/n), I ......." Steve coughed. Trying to regain his composure as (Y/n) turned to look at him. Her eyes sparkling perfectly in the light of the full moon.

"Steve." (Y/n) said. Stopping him before he could go any further. Her hand reaching up and brushing a few stray strands of hair away from in front of his sapphire, blue eyes.

"You know. I know that you might struggle a little with finding the right things to say to a girl. So, if you're ok with it, I'll help you a little." (Y/n) continued. Her hand resting gently on his cheek.

"I like you too, Steve. And given that, what do you say to us taking a chance, and you kissing me? Then, we can go from there." (Y/n) chuckled, as she brushed her nose against his. Steve wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close as their lips connected. Both of them knowing that this was going to be the first kiss of many to come. Because after all, life is too short to not take a chance on love.