Imagining Steve

Valentine's Day

Holy crap I've been going back and looking at your guy's comments and my old one shots and it's crazy how long I've been writing this book. OVER A YEAR. Like, wow. Thank you all for your continued support! Last year I wrote a breakup story on Valentine's Day if you can believe it. So this year, I wrote something a lot cheerier and more appropriate for the holiday!

2 short snippets are what I had time for.

I THOUGHT I UPLOADED THIS YESTERDAY OH MY GOSH SO SORRY YOU GUYS!

Only Need You

It was february 12th and your boyfriend was packing his bags for a three day mission. You had come to his apartment and insisted on spending the day with him, no matter how mundane packing may be. This wasn't the first time that he would be gone on Valentine's, this was the second time in as many years. You understood that being a superhero was not convenient, and things were never certain, and that this was all just part of life with Steve. You wouldn't give him up for anything- definitely not something as small as a lonely Valentine's Day or two.

You weren't a superhero like he was, you were just an old soul with deep eyes who had managed to capture the Star Spangled Man with a Plan. You were sitting on his bed and making small talk. Your dad was getting out of the hospital again, your sister was finally getting her butt into college, Peggy wanted you to visit soon, and you were in the process of spring cleaning. You often talked when there were moments where Steve was stressed- he said that your voice just calmed him.

"Mom was wondering if you wanted to go out for dinner together soon?" You prompted, fiddling with your sleeves. You looked up at him and met his eyes. He smiled slightly but you could see the worry hiding behind those turquoise orbs.

"It's going to be fine." You murmured, standing and walking close to him. You couldn't help but notice just how tall he was. He took your hands tenderly, lightly tracing circles in your skin with his thumbs.

"I'm just worried. 3DIST has been so active lately and I don't want you unprotected. Maybe you could stay at the farm with Laura, under the radar." His worry leaked from him, seeming to stretch it's tendrils in the air. You pushed it away.

"Of course I will, I want you home and you might not be back if you get too distracted worrying about me. FRIDAY can fly me down in the quinjet tomorrow." You slipped your arms around his waist and his arms folded around you. You let out a sigh- you always felt so safe in his arms.

"I'm sorry about Valentine's," Steve pressed his face into your hair. "You know that I'd spend it with you if I could, right?"

"I know, it's alright." You whispered, nuzzling into him. You would miss being held; the next couple days would be really lonely. "We can celebrate later."

"You deserve better." He murmured.

"I only need you."

Surprise

You weren't expecting a fancy dinner or a handsome date. You'd been under the impression that Steve was out on yet another assignment. It was fine and expected. You weren't too bitter about it. But when Nat shoved you into a very nice dress and Steve greeted you at your apartment door in a tux while carrying a bundle of roses you were shocked.

"Steve?" You asked, your heart soaring. He smiled down at you. Aaaand now your heart was lying in pieces on the ground.

"Surprise, doll." He offered you the bouquet and you promptly sniffed the red roses in an effort to hide your face for a moment. You smiled happily up at him.

"Steve, I don't know what to say!" To say that you were glowing was an understatement. You were practically shining with pleasure- you were so pleased by this turn of events.

"You don't have to say anything." Steve smiled wider, and he followed you into the kitchen. You put the flowers into your favorite vase.

"Really, thank you." You set the flowers down and walked over to him, stopping inches away. You beamed up at him. He offered you his hand and you took it easily. You walked to his car, what was really one of Tony's more modest vehicles, and he opened the door for you. You got in and patiently waited for him to hop in. Once he did, you pondered what to say.

"You aren't going to tell me where we're going, are you?" You asked, watching your boyfriend with a raised brow and a smile.

"Nope!" He said cheerily, turning the radio on with a carefree smile.

"Fair enough," You conceded, smiling with the corners of your lips.

An hour later your deserts were being brought out, and you smiled at Steve for the hundredth time that night. "Any plans after this?" You asked innocently. Steve shrugged.

"I guess it depends." The plates were set down, but you didn't even bother looking down and away from his face.

"On what?" You were somewhat coy with your answer, but you were genuinely curious.

"On whether or not you say yes." Steve deliberately cast his eyes down at your plate. You followed his eyes and there, instead of a slice of chocolate cake, was a ring. Nothing too flashy or fancy, it was polished and pretty. It was traditional and timeless. You felt the air fly out of your lungs and you stopped breathing. There was an engagement ring on your plate.