The Choice (Steve Rodgers x Reader)

Twenty Four

Steve had been wary when Y/N first joined the team. She wouldn't speak to anyone and constantly looked like she was ready to fight if needs be. She was unsettled and on edge constantly.
It wasn't until three weeks in to her living at the compound had Steve warmed to the idea of her being around.
She had been forced to partake in team night by Tony. It was out of character for him to pester someone like her until she'd say yes. Usually he'd be scared as to push her out her comfort zone. But she finally said yes and found herself placed on Steve's team for hide and seek.
Steve was shocked when Y/N gestured for him to follow her, asking if he could help her in to the vents. He gladly obliged and then followed her when she reached her hand down.
"It's so cramped in here." He grumbled, mouth hanging open when he heard her giggle.
"You're not exactly small..." He laughed with her, glad to see this new side to her.
"This is the price to pay when you take on the power of America." He smiled when she rolled her eyes but grinned nonetheless.
"Well, mr America, be quiet or we're going to get caught." She whispered. He silently agreed, happy to finally be making a friendship with her.

Y/N had come such a long way since the team picked her up. It didn't take long for her and Steve to become good friends, and that why Steve wanted her to be one of the first ones to meet Bucky.
The plane Steve was strapped into finally set off and he took a deep breath.

That hide and seek game was the moment Steve knew he'd love Y/N. Her beauty was shocking, inside and out, and he always felt amazing whenever she was around.
Truth be told he couldn't get enough of her, but then again, he was too scared to do anything about it. What if she rejected him? Tony wouldn't let him hear the end of it.
He reminded himself of this as he watched Y/N and Bucky conversed at the bar. After three years, Y/N was fine at parties. Bucky however...Well, Steve didn't expect him to be comfortable with them. But he was seemingly thriving as you laughed at something he said, hand on his arm and leaning into him.
Great.

"Y/N and Bucky seem to be getting very well." Sam smirked as he sat next to Steve at the breakfast bar, gesturing to the two on the couch. They were playing a weird game where on would try and slap the others hands.
Steve only grunted in agreement.
Sam looked towards his friend and smiled to himself. "And it looks like you have a date with jealousy." Steve whipped round to look at him.
"What?" His eyebrows furrowed.
"You're jealous that Y/N is so close with you buddy. Don't worry. I'm sure he's still your best friend." Sam smirked again, slapping Steve's arms softly.
"Haha, yeah." Steve said halfheartedly. That was close...

Steve continued to stare at Bucky as he waited patiently before him.
"Steve?" Bucky asked quietly.
"Oh. Um, what, sorry?" Steve questioned, even though he had heard perfectly before.
"Do you think it's a good idea if I ask Y/N on a date? I mean, if she's not involved. Do you think she might be interested?" He looked behind him to see if anyone was listening. "And even if she is, am I ready for that?" He looked at his best friend again. "I just don't know. I really like her." It wasn't like Bucky to ramble. He must've been really nervous which meant he really must have liked her.
"Buck take a breath." Bucky smiled and did as he was told. "If you like her," he had a choice here. He could be selfish, or he could give Bucky what he deserved. "Go for it. I think she likes you." Steve finally said, smiling as best he could.
Bucky smiled thankfully and walked away.
At least he'd be happy. At least he'll finally get the love he deserves and the happiness he's always wanted.

"We'll be landing soon." Tony called from the front, knocking Steve from his memories.
He doesn't regret telling Bucky to go for it. The couple had had many happy times together, giving each other as much love as they could give before Bucky's demise.
But that's just it. Bucky wasn't here anymore, and he still loved you. But Steve thought it wrong to tell you. Bucky was his best friend and you were his girl.

He'd just have to go on loving you without you knowing, just like he had done since that hide and seek game.