For the Love of My Life

Chapter Two (End)

You woke up the next morning alone, stretching spread-eagle across the full surface of the bed with a smile on your face. Last night was unexpected and while you still didn't know what it all meant, you tried not to overthink things. Stepping out of the shower, you saw a few text notifications on your phone.

Bucky's read:

Hey babe. Up for Ultimate Frisbee in the park and a few burgers?

then clicking over to Steve's message:

Good morning, Y/N. Are you free this afternoon?

You typed out a reply to the blond.

Sure. Lunch? I know a great little cafe.

Sounds good, came the reply, so you sent him the address and set a time.

Next you replied to Bucky:

Can't today. Grab a slice this evening?

You knew a conversation had to happen, so you confirmed plans with him for tonight and hoped you'd have more clarity by then.

Arriving at the cafe early a few hours later, you chose a table near the windows and sat down. Steve entered after a moment, prompt as always. He pulled you into a hug and even pecked a kiss on your cheek before sitting. The server came to your table and you each ordered something light. The cafe was small, but specialized in fresh, local ingredients with artisan bread baked daily. It was one of your favorite spots.

You asked about the wedding this weekend and his plans for the rest of his trip. The both of you ate slowly, prolonging your time together. There was a lull in the conversation and the tone turned more serious as Steve shifted in his seat.

"Y/N...I feel I should ask...I wanted to last night, but didn't want to seem presumptuous. Are you seeing anyone?" he inquired, leaning forward.

You considered the question a moment before replying. "I...have been. Nothing serious, but....I heard you were dating a girl in Boston."

He sighed with a nod, "Sharon. That ended almost a year ago. Didn't quite fit. Y/N....forgive me for being selfish, but I know if I don't ask, I'll kick myself for the rest of my life. Although, considering you broke it off last time, I might just be a masochist. Could we...is there any chance for us?"

You opened your mouth to speak, but Steve rushed forward.

"I know we're in different places right now and it's been so long, but I have to say, seeing you again...my feelings haven't changed. I love you. And I would marry you in an instant." Eyes wide at his admission, he stuttered on, "That's not what I...I didn't mean right now, but maybe.."

"Steve," you cut him off, "I confess...seeing you again has stirred up feelings I wasn't sure I still had for you. I thought they might just be buried under all the guilt from letting you go. You were so amazing to me and I...it just wasn't the right time."

"I never blamed you for feeling that way," he replied, clasping your hand in his on the table before you. "And I never stopped loving you. As far as timing goes, I won't push or ask for anything you're not ready for, but...I'm open to a future together and I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

Hope and confusion swirled underneath the surface as you took in this information with surprise. Staring into his bright blue eyes, all those years full of love and joy, but also highs and lows, came flooding back. As a couple, you weren't without your troubles, but he had steadied you when you found yourself teetering over the edge with your tendency for drama. It came with the territory of majoring in theater and spending time with people so similar to yourself. Steve had been your rock, bringing you back to earth when needed, and you were the one to pull him out of his shell when he was buried in medical texts and craved levity, although he'd never come out and say it. You balanced each other well.