Time Unchanging

Chapter 48

Eva looked at Steve. She could tell he was still upset, but this time, it had nothing to do with who was comforting her or why. He was upset with himself. She couldn't bear to see him like that.

"I'm sorry we made you jealous, Stevie," she said.

Her statement shocked him. He hadn't expected or even needed her to say sorry to him. She had nothing to atone for. He did.

"You don't need to apologize," he replied.

"But how can I expect you to understand if I don't explain?" she asked. "It wasn't fair to you. I should have just told you why instead of getting angry."

He shook his head. He saw how much pain she was in telling him what he knew was a white-washed version of what she and Loki went through that day. He couldn't imagine putting her through that to explain to everyone, or even just him and Bucky, why Loki was able to touch her when they always had to ask. He shouldn't have been upset when he should have already known, or at least suspected. He had seen firsthand during the war how some soldiers needed specific people to look after them because of the traumas they suffered, never mind at the hand of someone their loved ones called a friend.

Steve looked at her, saying, "But that's just it. You shouldn't have to spell it out for me. I should have known from the start. He's your best friend."

"Why are you trying to take all the blame?" she inquired.

"Because it was my fault. How you reacted was normal. Especially with the trauma you both faced together." Eva placed her hands in front of her face, trying to stop the tide of emotion welling up in her. "I told you I would wait, give you time, and I meant every word. Now, I need to show you that."

Eva knew she had to take some steps forward. Well, the one she was choosing was more of a leap than a step. It could end badly, or it could end in triumph. She gave him a small smile and took a breath.

"Maybe," she said, "I can try sleeping next to you again."

"You don't need to push yourself," he tried to explain. "If you're not ready-"

She took his hand in her shaky one. "I want to try, Stevie."

He returned her smile. "If that's what you want. I love you."

"I love you, too."

She slowly leaned in and gave him a feather-light kiss. It was hard to get past everything, but she wanted her normal back as soon as possible. If she had to battle with the traps SHE set in Eva's mind, so be it. The purple-haired woman wasn't going to let HER take Steve from her. Never again.

"I won't be mad," he said, causing Eva to pull back in shock. "If you can only stay a few minutes in the bed with me at night. Don't push yourself too hard. Please, baby."

"Okay," she responded. "I won't."

"I'll keep the door unlocked, the window open. You name it, and I'll do it so that you know-"

She took a tighter grip on his hand. "I know this is real, Stevie. I'll have my moments, but I know you are here and that we finally got out."

He smiled, tears of joy slipping out. She knows it's real.