A fresh start. That’s all this was. There was no need to overthink things. A chance to start anew, tie up any remaining loose ends and strengthen the remaining bonds he had to certain individuals. No matter how many times Steve tried to repeat the mantra over and over in his head, it didn’t settle the butterflies swarming within his stomach as he felt the subway lurch at his stop. He’d had his furniture boxed up and sent to his new apartment a couple of days earlier so that he could travel light on the way there. It seemed the most sensible approach.
Adjusting his baseball cap to try and remain as inconspicuous as he possibly could, Steve kept his head down as he followed the street signs directing him towards Elysium. God, it felt hot out today. Or was that just him? Were his nerves really getting the best of him at a time like this? He hoped he’d arrive in one piece at this rate. It wasn’t as if he had any real reason to panic; no one knew he was arriving today. He’d given a false name when giving his address for the delivery of his boxes. He’d deliberately chosen one of the smallest rooms available for comfort. Smaller spaces reminded him of home; of the bedroom he used to fall asleep in every night when he was no taller than 5′5″, coughing his lungs up every night. At least some things had changed.
Despite hoping his nerves would settle it didn’t take long for Steve to take a detour, stopping off instead at the first coffeehouse he stumbled upon. He wasn’t entirely sure how near ( or far, for that matter ) he was from his so-called fresh start but right now he didn’t particularly care. He needed something to drink. To settle his nerves for good. And naturally, coffee was the best idea. Settling down at a table out front, Steve removed his cap and sunglasses with a tired sigh, running one hand through his hair as he took in the sights. He really did need this, no matter what he told himself. Leaning forwards to blow at his coffee, Steve paused as he felt someone’s gaze burn into him, soon glancing up at the individual in question curiously before a small smile tugged at his lips.
“Sorry-- was this your seat?”
