The Choice (Steve Rodgers x Reader)

Twenty Five

"He's okay though." Pepper added afterwards as she stroked Dorothy's head, who was clinging to her leg.
You nodded as you swallowed the lump in your throat. "Um, how-how did it happen?" You croaked, leaning against your counter.
Pepper smiled sadly. "Y/N. He's alright. He's stable-"
"But how did it happen?" You asked again, voice more solid this time.
She sighed through her nose. "He was trying to help a civilian up and didn't see the soldier coming behind him. They shot him in the back and luckily Clint was near and shot the soldier before he could do anymore damage." You took in a deep breath.
"And when is he due back?" You looked up at her. She looked down to Dot and then to you again.
"Three days. Bruce requested you don't visit Steve as he needs rest and knowing him, he'd try and leave with you." She mused, hoping to lighten the mood.
"I wouldn't let that happen." You argued, slightly maddened at the request.
"But you know how stubborn he is. No one else is allowed to visit him either. It's not just you, sweetie." She placed a soft hand on your shoulder before dragging you into a hug. "He's okay and he'll be home before you know it." You nodded against her.
"Dorothy's missed him." You stated.
"And you haven't?" She smirked, pulling away from you. "Hey, how about it have Dorothy the night Steve comes home? Gives him a night just with you." She suggested.
"Why would he need that? We see each other everyday." You asked in confusion. She only shrugged in reply, that slim Pepper smile adorning her lips. "And Tony would've just arrived home too. It's not fair on him." You reasoned.
"Are you kidding? He keeps complaining to me that he misses the little rascal. He'd have her in a heartbeat." You smiled warmly at the thought.
You pondered on it for a second. "Then sure. Thank you Pepper." You smiled gratefully.

"How are you feeling?" Bruce asked as he looked down at Steve on the hospital like bed.
"Better." Steve grumbled as he sat up. "See? I can move no problem." He pointed out, hope evident in his voice. It had been three days since he arrived in the hospital part of the tower and he needed to see you, desperately.
"It was a close call, Steve. A few inches to the right and you'd be paralysed." Bruce chided, grabbing his trusty clipboard. "But seeming as you have the serum, I think it'll be okay if you went home." Steve went to stand up but Bruce stopped him. "Only if you rest. That means no straining movements and no missions for a few months." Steve sighed in dissatisfaction.
"Fine. Can you get me my clothes?" Bruce rolled his eyes and went to fetch them.
Steve decided it was time. He needed to tell you how he felt, regardless of your feelings. He could've died on this mission and you wouldn't have known that he loves you, that it was your face he saw when the bullet hit his back. You would've been his last thought if he died.
And now that he was set on telling you, he couldn't wait to get home.

You paced the floor by the door as you waited on Steve's arrival. You had a call from Pepper saying he'd be home today and so she'd fetch Dorothy.
She had taken your child hours ago and you had cleaned the apartment in hopes it would calm your nerves, and for some part it did. But when it was done and you had showered, all there was left to do was wait.
You stopped in your tracks as you heard keys jingle in the door. Your heart raced rapidly. The door swung open to reveal Steve in his white shirt and grey jogging bottoms. Your favourite.
When Steve saw you waiting by the door, tears ready to spill from your eyes that held so much worry and fear, he couldn't help himself. He saw how much you cared for him and decided that actions speak louder than words.
He stepped forward quickly with determination. You did the same, all logic and overthinking gone.
All you cared about in this moment was the man in front of you.
As soon as he was in reach, you flung your arms around his waist, his hands going to your face, and at lightning speed, your lips joined in a needy and passionate kiss. A kiss that said: I need you and I missed you and I almost lost you for good.
You'd never imagined kissing Steve in the middle of your hallway, pulling him impossibly closer. You never thought it would happen but you're so happy that it was right now.
You both pulled back slightly, breathless and chests heaving a little. "Don't you ever do that to me again." You croaked before kissing him again.
"I won't, I promise." Steve muttered against your lips, his hands cradling your neck and head.
"I thought I lost you. I can't loose you." You whimpered as his forehead rested against yours. "I can't loose you Steve, I don't know what I'd do. And Dorothy wouldn't under-"
"I love you." Steve interrupted. You stopped and let him continue. "I have since we played hide and seek and you made me hide in the vents with you." You smiled slightly at the memory. "You're not gonna loose me. I said I'd always come home and I will, because I love you and I couldn't possibly leave my best girl all alone, could I?" He tried for a smile and you let out a teary laugh.
"I love you too, Stevie." And that's all he needed to hear before placing his lips on yours again.
"Where's Dot?" He asked breathlessly. You grinned up at him.
"With Pepper, she insisted she have her so we could have some time together." You admitted sheepishly. He let out a small laugh and let his hands slide down your arms.
"Well, lets take advantage of that." He smirked. "I call the Chinese, you find a movie."