"I'm going to have to frame this Steve." you clear your throat as you sit on the couch across from him.
He slides you a sandwich. He doesn't say anything. You look up from the sandwich confused. Steve is just looking at you. His facial expression was soft, enamored even. You couldn't help but feel him longing to say something.
"Why do you look at me like that?" you tilt your head almost as examing him.
*the dryer buzzes*
He smirks gently and looks back toward the dryer, "You make me feel...like I belong." he hops up over to the dryer.
"You can't just say something like that and walk away," you chuckle.
He looks over his shoulder and furrows his eyebrows.
"I mean sure you're 'Captain America' but you're still a person. You still feel emotions and you just so happen to be a part of this world. I know the world watches you, they see your every move. I can't imagine what that is like at all. I know I just met you, anyone would've told me I was crazy for letting a man I just met into my apartment. I just felt safe, I felt like I've known you forever. I would do it all over again. Steve, you're company has been such a pleasure and I hope you know I've loved every moment. I know Steve Rogers, Captain America is who the world knows." you finally reach his eye contact.
"I feel as if I don't want today to end..." he clears his throat and walks back over to the couch.
"... you've made me feel like a person. I'm constantly under a microscope. I get special treatment or people hate me. I only ever feel 'normal' with those I work with, they are the only people I talk to and all we ever talk about is the mission at hand. With you, I forget even for a moment that the world I live in exists. I forget about Captain America. Natasha always tells me to live my life, to date...." he pauses to catch your expression. You smile at the floor.
"... and not just move from mission to mission. I never thought it would be possible until I met you. When I do what I do, it gets hard to talk about anything else, especially when I'm from a different time and place. Small talk is even troublesome for me because I barely even understand the current world at all. You've shown me otherwise. Y/N, If you'll have me, I'd love to have you in my life. What do ya say?" he leans forward.
You sit there taking in everything he just said. It was sweet and so kind, it makes you feel warm that you create a space for him to belong but your heart aches because who knows how long he has felt out of place. It's such an older generational way of asking to be friends, you can't even think of a time someone asked to be your friend. You just became friends with people.
"I don't know how to answer that, I figured I'd just tell you what I'm thinking and apologize later. No one asks to be friends anymore but that was probably the sweetest thing to witness. Of course, I want to be a part of your life, Steve. I'd love to be your friend" you smile sheepishly.
He smiles and slightly tilts his head, "I know, how old of me. I genuinely enjoy your company. I don't feel pressured to fit in I guess. I always feel the need to be Captain America around strangers because it's easier. That sounded soo sad. What I'm trying to say is that I'm relearning who Steve is. You remind me to be myself without saying anything out loud. You're probably regretting letting me in here now." he rubs the back of his neck looking toward the floor.
"You're being vulnerable Steve and you might not be used to it. I know I don't regret letting you in. I hope you don't regret letting me in either." you reach out and place your hand on his lap.
He keeps his stare down to the floor and takes a hold of your hand.
"I know what helps me is a cold shower, You're welcome to if you'd like." you try to regain his eye contact.
