Always you (A Catching Feelings sequel)

Chapter 4

The whole Rheya incident had left Steve feeling distressed with regards to Tiana's safety. Keeping her safe had become his top priority. Tiana thought that he was going a little overboard with the overprotection but she didn't want to tell him that. She revelled in the fact that she was able to spend more time with her boyfriend, who is usually preoccupied with missions. It was also entertaining to see how hard he was trying to make everything perfect for her as if he wasn't the perfect boyfriend before.

By the end of the day, Steve had overexerted himself, collapsing onto the couch as he rested his head on Tiana's lap. "Babe,are you okay?" Tiana asked, as she gently ruffled his hair. "Hmm," he responded, sleepily. "You can take a nap. I think you earned it." She chuckled, kissing the top of his head. "What about you? What if you need anything?" He asked, worried something might happen if he falls off to sleep. "I'll be fine. Just rest. It's my turn to take care of you." She smiled, feeling her heart glow with affection for her boyfriend. A few minutes later, he passed out in her arms. She held him close to her, just wanting to make him feel safe the same way he did.

A few hours later, Steve woke up with Tiana's arms wrapped around him. He smiled to himself. He enjoyed being in her arms, it felt as if nothing could go wrong if he laid there forever. He slowly removed himself from her grasp, trying his hardest not to wake her up. He made a promise to himself he wouldn't let anyone or anything harm Tiana ever again, not while he was around. He would make sure to stick by her side all the time. He knew she wouldn't be too happy with that as he knew how much she valued her independence but at this point, her life was in danger and he knew she wouldn't be safe until they found Rheya. Rhea was still out there, putting everyone he loved in imminent danger. He had about enough. He wanted to be the one who put her behind for good. She will no longer be able to hurt the people he loved.

The sound of his cell phone ringing broke him off from his thoughts. He answered, expecting it to be Sam or Bucky. "Hello, Steve. It's so nice to speak to you again. How are you and your girlfriend?" The unexpected voice taunted. "Rheya! Please stop this. You don't have to keep doing this to us. It's not too late to change your life. I should have said this earlier but anyway. I'm so sorry about what happened to your father and your mother." Steve apologised, hoping it could change her mind. "Don't pretend that you're sorry. You and the Avengers are so pathetic with your apologies. You don't even mean it. I know what kind of person he was. I know he killed people. I know for sure that you are not sorry that he was killed. You were just trying to guilt me into doing the right thing. That's a load of BS. You superheroes and your lame ass self-righteous attitude. How are people not sick of you?" Rheya thundered, causing Steve to flinch in response.

"Listen, Rheya. Your father's ideals involved massacring innocent people. It's not like he was innocent in that situation. You have to try and understand the situation Please." Steve tried reasoning with her. "What I don't understand is why you had to kill him in cold blood. You could have arrested him, not just murder him. You call yourselves heroes. You disgust me." She spat, before cutting the call. Steve was unsure how to proceed further, not wanting to offend her anymore. He knew she was tormented by her father's death. It was understandable. All he wanted to do was ease her pain. If he couldn't even do that one simple thing as an Avenger, does he even deserve to be called an Avenger?

Steve sighed, anxious about Rheya's next move. Her being blindsided by a vengeance only made her even more dangerous. He was at a loss. He thought about putting Tiana in a protection program believing that was the only way for her to be safe. Although, he knew she wouldn't agree to it. That wouldn't work out. Ruffling his hair in frustration, he decided to go and make a cup of coffee.

Before he could do so he heard a loud thud. Tiana. He thought, racing towards the lounge where he found her on the ground, her head buried in her hands. "Tiana, are you okay?" He asked, as helped her onto the couch. " Does it look like I'm okay?" She snapped, not looking up at him. "You should've called out for me." He hesitated. "I just wanted to do this one thing by myself. I'm tired of not being able to do anything. It's so frustrating." She groaned. "That's why I'm here. I can help." Steve said, trying to make her feel better. "To be honest, you're kinda getting on my nerves as well. I don't need you at my beck and call every five minutes. It can be quite suffocating." She rolled her eyes, visibly irritated. Her eyes grew wide, realising the impact of what she had just said.