Coming Down ➢ Steve Rogers

thirty two

Chapter Thirty-Two

Steve contacted Delaney about ten minutes after Natasha left.

She felt his mind brush against her own, and she opened up at once. His touch was so familiar to her by now: his mind, to her, was like a plate of freshly baked chocolate chips cookies with a complimentary cup of coffee, warm and comforting.

Lane, you still there?

I'm here. 

One of the benefits of her power was the absent need of a communications device.

I'm going to walk back with Sharon. There's some... personal matters I want to ask her.

Peggy?

You got it in one.

Of course. I'll see you soon.

Thanks. I love you, Lane.

Her cheeks turned slightly pink. It had nothing to do with the cold. And I love you, Steve.

His mind faded away. Delaney bit her lip and lowered her eyes. She wrapped her arms around her chest. She wasn't jealous of Sharon, just empty. Of course Steve would want to know more about Peggy - he had been frozen in the ice for most of her life. 

But with all the chaos and confusion ongoing between the Avengers, Delaney at least wanted Steve nearby. He was steadfast, a reassuring presence, just like a rock. It gave her a glimmer of hope that things didn't have to change too drastically. As long as he was there, a constant, she was fine - for as far as Delaney was concerned, her life had only truly started once she met him and the Avengers.

It won't be too long, she told herself. We'll be reunited soon. Breathe for now, Delaney Esquivel.

Delaney drew in a breath and held it, grounding herself once more. She willed her fears to flow out with her released breath. She repeated the action until she felt cleansed, more steady. She opened her eyes after she reached this state and stood.

Sam was approaching her, two takeaway cups in his hands. He handed the left one to her. "One hot chocolate, ma'am."

"Thank you, kind sir."

Delaney didn't realise how cold her hands were until she wrapped them both around her cup. It felt like her palms were burning. Steam rose from the opening and billowed onto her chilled face as she took a hasty sip.

The liquid just about scalded her tongue, but it was delicious, like devouring rich velvet. It was one of the best things she'd tased. She took another sip: heat blossomed outward from her stomach to the rest of her body. 

"Where's Steve?" Sam asked, between draughts of his own drink. Cappuccino, Delaney presumed. It was Sam's favourite. 

"He told us to go ahead. He wants to talk about Peggy with Sharon."

"Understandable, I guess. I wonder what he wants to know?"

"Whatever Peggy didn't tell him? Her late life, what she knew and didn't know about him?"

"Perhaps."

They both drank deeply from their cups.

"Say," Sam said. "It's really cold. Want to find a place to warm up while we wait for Steve? There's no point waiting for our backsides to freeze off."

Delaney smiled. "I'd like that."

Sam Wilson, she reflected later, was the kind of person everyone depended on. He was reliable, sincere, and honest. He was also a very good friend. Delaney didn't know she needed to unwind until she was seated in a private corner of a quaint little cafe, nor she she know she felt down until she was laughing endlessly at Sam's jokes. The red velvet cake and green tea combination she'd ordered was also very much welcome and appreciated.