Marvel One-Shots/Imagines

A Changed Man (Steve Rodgers- 1940s)

The knock on my apartment's door broke my concentration from the book I was currently re-reading for a piece of comfort, The Great Gatsby. I put the book down on the table in front of the couch. Blinking away my connection I worried over what news the person behind the door could be bringing. After a minute I suppose I hesitated long enough for the person to take another knock to the door. Gathering my courage I walk over to the door and take a shuttering breath thinking of Steve and Bucky. The lock makes a loud noise and move to swiftly open the door.

"Steve!" There was news of a man that undergone some type of procedure. The man now well known everywhere as Captain America. This man was going to be putting on one of his shows over the next few days. I never would have guessed this man to be my Steve. "What happened to you?"

"Just a bit of training." We both laughed softly and I moved aside for him to enter the small room. Still gapping at conflicting image of the tall man with the one of his original form we walk over to the couch. Steve opens his mouth to say something but I move quickly to hug him tightly. Returning the hug Steve smooths my hair just as Bucky did many times before. "Y/N, what's wrong?"

I tighten my hold before releasing him and sitting down. Steve sits next to me and takes one of my hands in his grasp. The other hand I use to wipe away the tears that built up in seeing my good friend for the first time after a long time apart. "Nothing." Seeing Steve's unbelieving face I relent. "Really. It's just a shock after not seeing you for so long. I missed you, Steve. The both of you." Steve shifts his body toward me and holds my face.

"I've waited a long time to become a man that a dame like you could be proud of Y/N." I move his hands away from my face and hold them close.

"You have always been a strong man. It is what is inside you that matters the most. You have the strongest spirit I have every encountered." Cracking a smile I add. "Don't tell Bucky." Pushing aside some of his misplaced hair my mischievous smile changes to one of fondness. "I have always believed in you."

Clearing his throat, Steve's eyes shift around us. "You still have that book? I thought it would have fallen apart with how many times your reread that thing?" He picks up the well-worn book and inspects the spine.

Frowning I take the book away and hold it close. "It is in perfect shape." Confident in my reply I smoothly run my hand over the book's cover.

"As long as that is what you believe and the pages don't start falling out." Steve looks at the book again and shakes his head. "What in that story could possibly provide so much comfort?"

My eyes flutter as I remember the reason. "The green light. Gatsby's dream of Daisy." My own dream. "My green light." I stop and think about what else to say to one of my closest friends. This changes everything about our relationship. The result either being very good or bad.

"Who is in your dream?"

Putting the book on the table I lower my gaze and shut my eyes softly. "You. It's always been you."

"Y/N, look at me. Open your eyes." I consider just peaking but realize I'll have to look at him eventually. "You are it for me. You are my dream."

"Really? How long?" I could hardly believe he felt the same way.

"As long as I can remember. I just didn't think you could ever like nonetheless love someone so weak, so-"

"Steve, your strength has always been there even when you and others couldn't see it for what it was." I lay a hand on his arm. "This isn't what matters." My hand moves over his heart. "This is what matters."

Steve stands and I follow his lead. "Maybe our dream could be our reality." Tilting my head to the side I gaze at Steve I wait for Steve to continue. "Will you be my gal, Y/N?

"I'll be your gal if you'll be my steady man."

"Nothing would make me happier." We move closer to each other and lock together in an embrace. At last our lips met with our soft first kiss.