Helios (Steve Rogers x Male!OC x Darkling)

XIII

Your next few days were filled with PR training, interview skills, speech training, and diplomatic techniques. You were a bit annoyed at first but the people you were working with grew on you. You started looking up to your speech training classes in particular because the trainer, Josh, was actually pretty hot and didn't treat you like Captain America's husband as most other people did. He was kind of strict but explained things well. Sometimes he'd even talk about how stupid all of it was, to judge people on the manner of their speech and presented self which was nothing but a performance to fool the audience. Nonetheless, he helped you shape yourselves better for the interviews. 

Steve had started demanding mock interviews before every official interview or event, which happened at least twice a week though most of them didn't require you to speak much. Your major part in those interviews was mostly physical performance, learning small acts like holding Steve's hand during tougher and more personal questions, rubbing his arms on any question about his past or the wars, or even kissing him at every possible candid opportunity outside of the interviews where cameras may be present. It was exhausting but you could see how all of it came with its perks. Mark had set up your social media accounts which you checked rarely. Though your reception had started with its fair share of adversities with people sending you hate-mails and leaving hate comments about how you don't deserve Steve or even homophobic comments like how you were responsible for Steve being into guys, things had gotten easier as people had started enjoying your subtle presence and occasional witty remarks. 

Even during the Avengers' meetings and interactions, you could see how the attitude of everyone had changed. Thor had gone back to Asgard and you only really spent time with Clint whenever he was free. Anytime you spent with Steve was either for training or in front of cameras. He had asked you for dinner dates in his room a couple of times but after being rejected, he had mostly left you alone. You hardly heard from Phil in those few days except for short stolen calls. Even though you told yourself you were okay with everything, it was stressful. Your powers had grown unpredictable and it had started to seem like years worth of control and restrain had gone down the drains. It was also greatly a reason why you couldn't do much. Steve was really good at arguing and getting his way and lately, you'd had to shut up and focus on calming yourself. Steve had apparently noticed this as well. 

"Are you okay?" He asked one day after the team had left the conference room after a mock interview. 

"I thought the mock was over," You said nonchalantly as you grabbed your phone and water bottle before getting up.

"I'm serious," Steve said as he walked across the room and leaned over the table next to you. "You don't look the same." 

"No shit," You scoffed. "On the bright side though, the process must be working."

"It's not to change who you are, Lios." He said as he lightly caressed your cheek to which you didn't resist. "I like you the way you are. If you think-"

"If I think I don't want this, would you stop?" 

Steve pulled back his hand and sighed, "If that's the case, we could look for other ways."

"Like?" You rolled your eyes. Steve seemed much calmer that day like he had seemed when you had gone on real dates before the media had been involved. You had started to think that Steve's feelings were real despite all of the 'professional, "all-business" he liked to present. 

"I had a word with your team." He said. "You've shown progress. We could stop the training right now if you feel like it," He said and before you could speak up, he continued, "On one condition."

"Of course,"

"You move in with me." He said, his eyes carefully locked with yours as if trying to figure out your very thoughts and intimately assessing your reaction. "Just hear me out before you slap me again." He said. The 'before you slap me' had become a running joke, though only from his part. "Mark says it's good but your physique is still too practiced. It needs to come naturally and maybe if we spend more time together, it'll help you present more naturally for the camera."

"I'd rather have the training." You said.

"Alright then but just so you know, Josh's been paid and sent off if that's why you're taking that road. Your speech training is complete as it is." He said and you saw a satisfied look in his eyes as if he had just caught a thief sneaking around his place. "Dissapointed?" He asked when you looked at him, too confused and ashamed to say anything. 

"I don't like your room." 

"You've never been there." 

"Still don't like it."

"I could ask Tony for the penthouse," He said as he turned to look at the city through the huge glass windows of the conference room. "Until we find our own place." He said and you were about to object but just sighed instead. Of course it was inevitable. You'd have to live with him at some point for at least some time, might as well do it now with so many people around to help you distract. 

"The penthouse it is." You said and Steve looked at you, his face devoid of any expressions. You'd almost expected to see his smug I'm-the-best grin but he still seemed puzzled.

"I'll make dinner," He said and walked closer to you. He was about to put his hand on your waist but reclined before he could touch you, his hand wavering over your side for a second before he rested them back on the table. "I want to get to know you, Lios. I don't care if you get mad or whatever but I really do." He said and sighed. "Whatever it is that's troubling you... I know it's not just this," He said and looked down. "There's more, isn't it?" 

"Am I dismissed?" You said curtly before finally walking towards the door.

"Lios, all I'm saying is that you don't have to suffer alone," He said. "I can be there for you if you let me." He said louder as you approached the door but you walked straight through and left, leaving him alone yet again like everyone else in his life had.