It's Been A Long, Long Time // Steve Rogers

Chapter 7

Rebecca's POV

"Becca? Are you alright?? You're crying?" Steve's face was etched with worry as he pulled me inside the apartment. I tapped my face and sure enough there were fresh tears falling from my eyes. God. I hadn't even realized I was crying. I must look like a total mess.

"I'm sorry for coming, I just had to leave." I said, soft sobs leaving my lips. "Becca, what happened? Talk to me?" He led me over to the couch and let me sit down as he sat next to me. "It was all too much. One minute I was having a decent time and then I met Howard Stark. Then I let it slip that my brother was Captain America's best friend. Then Howard introduced me to the Howling Commandos and they all started talking about Bucky and how he was a hero and then you...and it was too much Steve. It was too much." I cried. Possibly none of that making any sense.

Steve didn't question anything, he simply just pulled me into a tight hug. "You're okay." He whispered, rubbing his hand soothingly on my back. "I'm sorry." I cried slightly. "Hey, you have nothing to be sorry for. It was a lot. I understand." His chin rested on my head as I held him close.

"I should be sorry Becca. I shouldn't have come back. You shouldn't have the burden of knowing I'm alive and not being able to tell anyone." He whispered. My hand gripped tighter onto the shirt he was wearing. "I'm glad you're here." I whispered. "I just miss him."

"I miss him too, Becca. I wish I could have done more." I felt Steve's grip on me tighten. "You wouldn't have been able to do anything Steve. I know that."

I pulled away and my brown eyes met his deep blue ones. He reached over towards me and wiped a few tears off of my cheek with his thumb. "Do you miss them all?" I asked. "Every day." He said softly. "Why can't you just tell them you're alive?" I asked. Howard, the Howling Commandos...those were his friends. "It's hard to explain but I knew coming here was a risk. While things in the future can't be altered, it could create various alternate realities...I think. I'm not very scientific and didn't quite understand what Bruce, the big green guy I told you about, was saying." He said. I really didn't understand what he was talking about but why would I. He barely seemed to understand.

"You being here with me? Is this an alternate reality?" I asked. "I don't know." He sighed.

"When I returned the time stone...something the ancient one, and I know you don't know who that is, but what she said to me makes me feel like I was meant to be here. In this time. Someone always had to return the stones and that someone was always me. Maybe I was always meant to come back but not for Peggy." He said softly, his eyes gazing into mine. My heart rate increased as I looked over his features.

"You know, I just noticed there's a bit of green in the blue of your eyes." I whispered, causing him to smile and look down. "Steve?" His eyes met mine again and I leaned forwards, pressing my lips against his. My lips moved against his so perfectly. It felt like two puzzle pieces fitting together. His hands found my face and pulled me as close as he could.

This shouldn't feel as perfect as it does. This should feel wrong. But it doesn't. It felt right. Steve was Bucky's best friend. I'd known him for most of my life. But Bucky wasn't here. Bucky was dead and probably rolling over in his grave seeing Steve and I kiss.

Our lips continued to mesh together as I let my tongue slip into his mouth, flicking his tongue with mine. Steve was the first to pull away and abruptly stand up. He looked around and ran his hand down his face. "Shit."

I watched him pace back and forth. "God. Becca, I'm sorry..."

"Don't be sorry. I kissed you." I stood up and placed my hand on his bicep. He stopped pacing and looked into my eyes. I ran my hand up his arm until it was resting on his cheek. He relaxed under my touch. "I shouldn't have kissed you. I'm sorry. I should go." I dropped my hand from his cheek and he swiftly picked it back up.