Always you (A Catching Feelings sequel)

Chapter 18

Over the past few weeks, Tiana was swamped with work, barely having time with Steve. Steve understood how important this new job was to her so he didn't say anything. He hoped things would slow down for a bit. He wanted to spend some time with his fiancé.

Tiana would come home from school and immediately dive into lesson planning for the next few days. She would be entirely focused on what she was doing she sometimes didn't even register Steve's presence. Steve had never seen Tiana work so hard before. "You need to slow down, otherwise you're going to burn out," Steve warned her, as he sat beside her. "I can't slow down, I need to do everything I can for these kids, Steve. I must give them my best. I don't want to fail these kids." She explained to him one time when she only finished at midnight. "You are the most incredible teacher that I know. You care so much for them more than any teacher I knew. It would be impossible to fail them. I must add that, you shouldn't be neglecting your health. Remember to take care of yourself as well." Steve said to her, as his concern about her continued to rise. "Thank you, Steve. Don't worry, I won't neglect my health." She said nonchalantly, dismissing his concerns. That didn't stop Steve from worrying.

***

It was the day of Steve and Tiana's first anniversary of being together. Steve couldn't stop smiling when he woke up, he turned to his side to see Tiana still fast asleep. It was the weekend, meaning Tiana wouldn't have taught today. He saw her eyes fluttering, he gently caressed her cheeks. "Mmm. That feels nice." She smiled, slowly opening her eyes. She turned to face him. "Happy Anniversary." She said groggily, as he pulled her closer to him. "Happy Anniversary to you too." He smiled, as he gently kissed her lips. "All I want is just to spend the whole day in bed." Tiana smiled, nestling into Steve. "Me too." He said before kissing her passionately. " I know it's been a bit hectic lately, I haven't been much fun to be around. I'm sorry." She pouted, apologetically. "I know how much this means to you. You don't have to apologise." Steve chuckled, at her dorkiness.

Before Tiana could say anything, her cell phone started ringing. "Give me one second." She told Steve before answering her phone. Steve didn't know what the caller was saying but he knew it wasn't good because he saw the smile on Tiana's face, disappear. She then hangs up the call, looking upset. "Is everything okay?" He asked, noticing her unusual silence. She shook her head, unable to speak. He could see the tears in her eyes. " Tiana, what is it?" He asked, gently, rubbing her arm reassuringly. "The school called, they said I need to come in and do a tutorial. The teacher that usually does it called in sick so they had to call me." She said, choking up. "Don't worry. I understand. You should go. Those kids need you." Steve said, supportively, as he gave her a quick. "Thank you, Steve. I love you so much!" She said, joyfully, kissing him passionately. "Go get ready, you don't want to be late." He ushered her.

Tiana got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. Steve slumped in the bed, he lied to her. He was devastated that Tiana had to go to school. Especially since it was their first anniversary. He obviously couldn't tell her that, she was already upset by it as well. A few minutes later, Tiana came out of the bathroom, already dressed. "Wow, that was fast." He laughed. 'Yeah, I had to be." She laughed as well. "I promise, I'll be back in time for dinner." She said, giving him a quick kiss before she ran out of the house. Steve sighed, he couldn't even have one day with her.

As much as he loved to see her flourish at her new job, he couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness and jealousy. The students get to see her more than he does. He hated himself for having those thoughts but it was the truth. He just needed some alone time with his fiancée.

Since his plans for the day were gone, he decided to go visit Nat and Bucky. He was certain that they would be at home. When he got there, he found that the door was slightly ajar. He found that suspicious because he knew they always locked their doors. Something must have happened, he thought to himself. He quietly, stepped inside, checking his surroundings. He saw everything looked fine, nothing was out of place. He then heard sounds coming from the bedroom. Walking to the bedroom, the sounds came louder. He then pushed the door open, only to find Nat and Bucky lying on top of each other, with a look of utter shock.