Devotion

C19: Invitation

I was up making breakfast earlier than I would've liked to be. The sun was just barely coming in through the windows, I'm pretty sure it wasn't even 7 yet.

Steve was stirring on the couch as the blanket fell off of him onto the floor. His blonde hair flopped in his face as hand reached out for the blanket. He struggled to find it and instead sent his whole body rolling off the edge of the couch onto the floor.

I laughed as he mumbled things to himself into the floor. I balled up the towel next to me and threw it at his face.

"Get off the floor." I smiled.

"Nah I'm good." He muttered into the towel.

"Why are you always so defiant?"

"I'm not."

"I made breakfast." I taunted.

His head bolted up and he grabbed the table to pull the rest of his body up.

"I'm up, I'm up."

He stumbled into the kitchen and exhaustedly plopped down in a chair at the table.

"Why are you up so early Buck?" He sighed.

"I have to go to work Steve, I only spent the night here because the twins are sick and I didn't want to get sick myself."

I cringed. Maybe I could've said that a little easier... It's not like I minded being here.

"Oh. I didn't know you went in so early..."

"Well actually I have to head out now, but I just made you breakfast for when you decide to go yourself."

"Thanks Bucky."

"No problem Steve." I smiled.

I walked out of the kitchen and into the living room to grab my coat by the front door. A card fell out of my pocket, I picked it up and read the cursive handwriting that looked like my sisters.

"Her birthday! How could I forget?" I whispered to myself.

"Did you say something?" Steve mumbled from the kitchen.

I peaked my head into the doorway and held out the card to him.

"It's an invite from Caroline I just found. I can't believe I forgot."

"It's your sisters birthday?"

"Yeah she's 21. Unbelievable."

Steve choked on his food and looked up at me.

"What?! Really?"

"She's always been a few years younger than us."

"No but I had no idea she was that old."

"Neither did I." I sighed thinking about days when she was small enough to carry on my shoulders. "Anyways... You got any plans tonight?"

"I'm assuming I do now?"

"She's having a party at her place, I'll pick you up after work if you want to come help us set up... And keep me some company in a house full of her friends?"

"I guess. Sounds like fun." He sighed.

"Are you being sarcastic?"

"No. I'll come... Really."

"Thanks Steve." I smiled as I messed up his hair and left the room.

"Be careful." Steve whispered when he thought I couldn't hear.

"Always." I said back, slipping on my shoes. "Oh and be ready by 7."

"Alright."

I stared at the front door for a minute and then finally decided to leave.

When I walked out, the brisk morning air met my face as I shoved my hands in my pockets. It was bitterly cold, Steve would be freezing out here, hopefully it warms up by tonight.

Tonight.

The first time in a long time Steve and I have done something together.

I'll see my sister and him at the same time. It's almost perfect, like it used to be.