The Unlikely World Jumper

Chapter 4

The cursing probably didn't give off a good impression but like that shit is involuntary. I tried to go a week without cursing and literally a few minutes later a 'fuck' just came right outta my mouth.

"Uh I mean sorry sir I don't really have money to pay for that right now I actually left all I had on the counter thing over there," I pointed to the place where the person that manually dispatches metro cards is supposed to be. My meager pile of coins was left there.

Steve looked to where I was pointing and the frown lessened to something more understanding. Honestly I didn't know what to call him obviously I'm not going to say his name that'd be creepy he doesn't know me, but I don't know what to call him in my head.

I can't say Mister Rogers because that reminds me of the horrid show Daniel Tiger and it's impolite to call him Captain America like he's not a person and he's probably as tired of that as I'm tired of America. Can't call him Steve because that sounds too personal and I realize I'm overthinking over something meaningless but that's how my anxiety works.

I guess Cap or Captain Rogers will do.

"I can see that." Cap looked down at my hand which was fidgeting because that's one of my nervous ticks and his lips turned upwards slightly. 

"How old are you kid?"

I was now thinking about the stranger danger thing but this was literally a dude who jumps out of buildings to fight for the people. Plus he was friends with Sam Wilson and anyone Sam deems worthy is A okay in my book. Have I mentioned how much I love Sam Wilson and Anthony Mackie I swear it's like if you want to find perfection like he's just it. I will follow Anthony Mackie to the grave and I'm getting off topic now but have you seen those arms just...

"Fifteen." I finally responded and I could see how Cap's eyes softened and he nodded.

"Fifteen huh, you just get out of school?" He asked eyeing my backpack and uniform and continued when I gave a small affirmation, "I'm Steve Rogers."

"Alison Mercedes but I prefer Al." Cap held out a hand for me to shake and I did even though I was barely understanding the situation.

"You got a firm handshake there Al," he told me with the Captain America wholesome voice.

"Thanks I've actually been told that before."

I'm a little (a lot) socially inept when meeting new people but I've tried to at least be polite and I was talking to STEVE ROGERS.

"I don't doubt that," he let go of my hand with his eyes crinkling kindly. "You trying to get back home?"

I was so thankful this guy was making it easy because I don't know what I'd do if some random person confronted me for not paying the turnstile. Probably run away.

"Yeah I am and I sort of didn't think about the money thing." I gave a small embarrassed grin grabbing one of my bag straps tightly.

"Next time try to be more careful though you could have gotten hurt doing that." Cap seemed genuinely concerned which baffled me. Especially for a guy that used to run into H.Y.D.R.A. bases without decent plans.

"It's alright I've done this plenty of times befo..." My voice tapered off as I realized last minute that maybe I shouldn't have admitted that I had repeatedly broken the law.

"Oh really?" Cap raised an eyebrow and had a teasing disapproving expression on his face.

"Ha did I say that? What I meant is no that was my first time doing that I pay every single time I just wanted to show off my parkour skills today Mister Rogers." I tried to save myself I really did. Did I succeed? Probably not.

"Yes of course perfectly reasonable, I completely believe you."

 Well okay sarcastic Rogers on the loose.

"See thank you finally, I've been trynna find that one person for so long bro." I acted like I didn't breathe sarcasm and gave a thumbs up with my signature trying-to-smile grimace.

Rogers chuckled and put a hand on my shoulder.

Which I mean I never thought there'd be a day where I would be able to say Captain America patted my shoulder but we learn new things every day.

"You can call me Steve." He was smiling and he, bro Steve Rogers let me be on first name basis with him. I'm okay. I'm perfectly fine.