The Choice (Steve Rodgers x Reader)

Twenty Two

Steve's hand rested on your shin as you both sat quietly on the sofa. Your legs were thrown over his lap a few hours ago when you started the movie you had watched. But now it was over and both parts remained seated long after the credits had rolled.
Truth be told, you didn't want to go to bed. The last few nights in the apartment felt wrong. The first night you pegged the inability to sleep as being in a new room. But by the third night you realised it was because the bed was empty. You were thankful that Dorothy hadn't slept well one night and slept in your room.
Tonight she was out like a light and you felt the sinking feeling in your chest knowing that you'd be staring at the ceiling until the sun came up.
"I guess we better go to bed." Steve smiled sleepily and you nodded, a melancholy smile on your face.
You lifted your legs off of Steve's and he helped you off the couch. You walked quietly down the hallway and waved to each other when you reached your doors.
The bed was cold and didn't smell of anything. You couldn't stand it and it made it harder to fall asleep.
As predicted, you lay on your back staring at the ceiling. You didn't know it, but Steve was in the exact same position.
He tossed and turned and sighed in frustration, just like very other night in this apartment.
You played with your fingers, feeling the shape of them and softness of you skin. Normally they'd be interlaced with Steve's if you'd had a bad day or you were nervous.
Steve's hands were your favourite hands. Whether they were just resting on you or playing with your hair, you wouldn't trade them for the world. You felt bad for it but you preferred them to Bucky's. Well, his right hand, anyway.
What you'd give to be holding his hand right now...
Jolting into a sitting position, you placed your head in your hands and sighed. This is stupid. It isn't like Steve wouldn't understand that you couldn't sleep without him. It's normal right? You've just gotten too used to sleeping next to him. It's like when you change your bed and you have to get used to it again.
You threw back the covers and crept to the door. As you grabbed the handle, another thought crept into your mind.
What if he's sleeping soundly? He didn't seem upset earlier when he said he wanted to sleep. Maybe he's fine and you're just going to wake him up and disturb his slumber and he'll find it all an inconvenience but won't say anything because he's too polite.
As your door opened, you were proven wrong when you saw Steve standing before you. He was sporting his classic plaid trousers and vest top and had his hand up as if he was about to knock.
There was a deadly silence as you both stared at one another, realising you both needed the same thing. Each other.
You let out a small laugh and opened the door more so he could step inside. He copied your giggle and shook his head, picking you up suddenly to carry you to the bed. You let out a small squeal and pushed the door shut as he walked forward, dropping you onto the mattress as you smiled.
His arms were around you in seconds and you were filled with the familiar yet missed feeling of content.
You lifted the sheets onto the both of you and let your head lie on his chest. You breathed in his scent; a warm, comforting yet strong smell. It summed him up perfectly.
"I guess we have a guest room after all." You whispered. Steve chuckled and rubbed your back.
"Is that an invitation to become bed sharers?" He smirked as you looked up at him.
"I won't lie. I haven't slept properly since we've moved in." You admitted, waiting for his reply.
"Me neither." His smirk turned into a soft smile. He lent down and kissed your head gently before settling back and closing his eyes.
You followed and before you knew it, you were blissfully asleep.