Learning To Fall: A Steve Rogers Love Story

Chapter 47

"So," Steve begins, stepping back from the recruits, the soft scrape of his boots against the training floor echoing faintly, "I've been thinking about putting together another mission. Nothing major—just something low-stakes for the newbies. Any thoughts?"

I shrug, trying to mask the flutter of nerves in my chest, "Yeah, I don't see why not."

"Do you wanna come with?" he proposes, voice low, eyes meeting mine briefly, "It would be more of a supervising role like last time."

My gaze flashes up at him, hesitating, "I don't know. I mean, teaching isn't really my thing."

"I know it isn't," he says, keeping his voice gentle, almost coaxing, "but I thought you might enjoy getting back out there. It's been pretty quiet here, and I don't want you to get stuck in your head."

I grin, squeezing his hand lightly, the warmth of his skin anchoring me, "Thank you for the concern, but I think you guys will be better off if I just stay here. You know, hold down the fort."

He cocks his head slightly, skeptical but trusting me anyway.

"Okay," he agrees, retreating to give orders.

I exhale, a soft sigh that carries more relief than I expect, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly. 

I hate hiding things from him, but I don't want to be a distraction. 

These recruits need a leader— focused, not worried about me.

I turn toward the kitchen to "lunch," convincing myself that's the reason. 

My stomach twists at the thought of a full meal. 

Eating now seems impossible.

I snatch an apple from the fruit bowl, the crisp scent of it mingling with the faint aroma of fresh coffee lingering in the air.

Steve stops me on the way back to the elevator, concern etched in his features, "Not going to eat anything?"

"I already did," I fib, holding up the apple, "Just grabbed it for the trip back."

He chuckles softly, though it lacks its usual warmth. 

My throat tightens.

I move to leave, but he gently grabs my wrist, scanning my face. 

"Is everything okay?" he murmurs, eyes sharp, "You seem... off."

"Yeah, I'm fine," I wave him off too quickly, hating the lie, "I guess I'm just not sleeping well lately."

"Because of what happened in the kitchen a few weeks ago?"

I hesitate, swallowing the lump in my throat, "I don't know. I just... I hate that he still gets under my skin," I admit quietly.

"Hey," he says, pulling me closer, his chest warm and steady against mine, "It's okay. We're gonna get past this together."

I nuzzle into him, taking comfort in the rhythm of his heartbeat against my ear. 

Today. 

Today I'll get past this. 

Once and for all.

Steve draws back, gripping my cheeks firmly. 

His thumbs brush across my skin, grounding me. 

"Nat and I are gonna check out a few leads," he explains, voice low, serious, "But if you need me, I want you to call me, okay? I mean it. No matter how unimportant it might seem."