Welcome to the 21st Century, Captain.

Chapter 5

Elena POV

Fire. That's what surrounded me. Burning, hot and livid fire. 

I woke up with a scream. It took me a few seconds to realize that I was having the nightmare again. Damn, two nights in a row? What's happening?

This time I broke out into tears, not being able to contol th emotions inside of me, All of a sudden I felt a warm hand on my back. I looked up to find Steve looking at me with a worried expression.

"Are you alright?" he whispers to me as he scooted himself a little closer, all the while rubbing my back to comfort me. That was new. I haven't had anyone to comfort me in over 15 years, since my parents died. After they died, I went to live in an orphanage in Italy. I was treated horribly and nobody ever showed me any kindness. So when Steve is always nice to me and acts like a gentleman, it shocks me. I was so used to being shunned and looked down upon, but when I was with Steve I felt completely normal and even cared for. 

"I'm f-fine," I stutter out as I continue to cry, "Just a b-bad d-dream." Steve looks at me sympathetically as he pulls me to him and embraces me. I burry my head in the crook between his neck and shoulder as wrap my arms tightly around his neck. Sobs began to wrack my body as I clung onto Steve for dear life. I just could not stop the tears from falling down my cheeks. So much emotion coursed through me and I held onto Steve tighter.

"Shhh," he said as he continued rubing my back. "It's going to be okay. It was just a dream. It wasn't real."

"No!" I said as I sat up and looked at him, tears still running down my face. "It wasn't just a dream! It actually happened! It was real!" Steve looked at me sadly as I hiccupped and new sobs started to form.

"What was your dream about?" he whispers slowly as he pushes my hair over my shoulder. I sniffle and try to tell him.

"M-m-my parents," I say while crying, "A-A-And how th-th-they d-d-died in the plane c-c-crash." Steve looked at me with such uncomprehendible sadness. Why is he sad?

"I'm sorry," he whispers sadly. "I know what it's like to lose your parents. It's hard." I just nod, not being able to get any words pasy my quivering lips. 

"I'm here. Don't worry. I'll take care of you." I looked back up to Steve as he spoke those words. How can a man that I met two days ago be this caring? Now, tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks.

"Please, don't cry." He begged me, "Pretty girls should never cry." I choked out a laugh. He wsa so sweet.

"No, Steve," I whispered as I looked into his blue eyes, "I'm crying because I'm happy. You're the only whose really cared and I met you two days ago. I know I have other friends, but they just didn't understand." I hug him so tight that my arms begin to hurt. He hugs me back with even tighter. I don't think Steve realizes his own strength, considering he was nearly crushing me to his chest. I wouldn't be complaining under normal circumstances, but I couldn't breathe.

"Steve . . . can't . . . breathe," I gasped fro air as his hold loosened on me. He smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry," he says shyly, "I always forget how strong I can be."

"I'll say," I laugh at him and feel his bisceps. Sweet heaven, this man had some muscle.

"I didn't always have these muscles," he said as he looked down at himself, "I was really skinny and short. Women never gave me a second glance, I still think they don't."

"What?!" I nearly shout, "Steve, you are crazy!" He raises an eyebrow to me, gesturing for me to explain.

"You're so handsome," I tell him while I look down and blush, "You've always been handsome in my opinion. I've seen old photos of you and I think you're just as good looking as you are now."