Purpose (Steve Rogers + y/n)

Chapter 6

Y/n's Pov

I continued to cook the chicken while the pasta boiled.

I was in the process of making Steve's favorite meal, Alfredo Pasta.

I heard the door open and looked over to see Steve walk in. He took his shoes off and hung his jacket up before walking over to me. His blond hair was tousled by the wind from riding his bike. As our eyes met, a foreign look crossed his face. I reached an arm out and pulled his button up closer to me. 

"Hey Steve," I whispered on his lips before quickly pecking them. I was thankful Steve was home now.

"Hey..." He said sadly. I quickly pulled away and saw a new sad look in his eyes.

"What's the matter?" I questioned, turning the stove down so I could focus on him.

"She's not doing very well." Steve whispered, looking down at his feet. I squeezed his hands and led him over to the kitchen table.

"Tell me about it." I urged, sitting him down and walking over to strain the pasta.

"She told me that I should retire. Walk away from it all."

"Sounds like a smart woman." I gently said, stirring the chicken and sauce together.

"Then she forgot who I was and we had to start the whole conversation over... Eventually I left after telling her I was doing good and letting her rest." He said, pulling a glass of water to his lips.

Silence overtook my apartment as we both were lost in thought. I dished the plates up and set them in front of him and I, the silver where being the only thing breaking the silence. 

"Steve. I'm sorry. It's hard to watch someone you love going through something like that." I said, filling up a pitcher and setting it on the table. 

Steve sighed and took my hand. He looked at his plate and decided to change the subject.

"Alfredo?" He smiled at me. I sat in my chair and smiled.

"Your favorite!" I grinned.

We both said grace and started to eat. Steve overexaggerated about how good the dinner was and I just laughed. I was no chef, but Steve liked to pretend I was. 

"So you remember that guy we ran into when we were running?" I said later that night, as I scooped ice cream for the both of us. Steve walked up behind me and held my waist.

"Yeah."

"I did some research." I said, turning around and smiling. Steve leaned in.

"Mmmm, I like it when you do research." He said, kissing me. I pushed him away and laughed at his flirty mood.

"I think you should go visit him." I laughed, turning my attention to scooping ice cream again. Steve took the scoop from me and began to finish the job.

"Okay, I'll go tomorrow." He said, handing me my bowl. I got spoons and handed one to him. We both took a bite before Steve set his ice cream bowl on the counter. He took mine from my hands and set it next to his.

"Hey!" I laughed, reaching for the bowl. Steve took my hand and spun me around. He slipped his hands onto my waist and began to sway.

Smiling up at him, I laughed and continued to sway. I hadn't been the best at dancing when I had met Steve but he had slowly taught me. After a lot of painful lessons for Steve, I had started to join in on our dance nights more effortlessly. Steve spun me around and danced me out my door. 

"Where are we going?" I giggled.

"We need music, doll." Steve said, opening his door and setting a record down. Vintage music rang out through the apartment and Steve was quick to pull me closer to him.

"You know..." Steve whispered into my ear. One hand was holding mine up and the other was on my waist. I pulled my head back so I could see his eyes.

"I've been waiting for the right partner since 1940. I'm so thankful I found you." Steve continued, looking lovingly into my eyes. I felt my heart flutter and couldn't help but hide my face in his shoulder.

"I'm glad I found you." I whispered back.

We continued to sway quietly through his house till the record stopped. I looked up at Steve and pulled him into a soft kiss. We both just stood and looked into each others faces.

I loved him so much. I don't think he realized how much I loved him. I closed my eyes and prayed that him going to see Peggy wouldn't make him realize there were better options than me.

At first, I had resisted telling Steve about Peggy. I knew he had left unexpectedly from their life. A life I was sure would have ended up with them together. But now, Steve was here, with me. He wouldn't leave if given the chance. Would he?

Steve's Pov

The music ended and Y/n looked up at me. She leaned in and I met her in the middle. Her lips were soft and filled me with warmth. She seemed to hold back though. I looked down and saw her looking at me lovingly but a hint of something else swirled in her eyes.

Right now was perfect. I could pull out the ring and ask her.

My heart was pounding as I reached into my pocket. I couldn't find anything though. My shoulders dropped slightly. I had taken it out before we left for the mission this morning. I looked up and saw the jewelry box on the counter.

Y/n couldn't see it, otherwise it'd ruin everything.

I pulled her around to my living room and opened a window to let air into the room. Y/n jumped onto my couch and laid down. I walked over and laid next to her, holding her closely in my arms.

I looked down and saw her big y/e/c/ eyes looking back at me. She smiled and laid her head on my chest. She was quick to fall asleep and I was quick to follow.

Both of our ice cream bowls were already melted and forgotten. 

~~~