Summary: After a fairly silent car ride back to the Compound, Steve expresses his regret at meddling with your date. Pairings: Steve Rogers x Reader Word Count: 625 words Warnings: None. Author Note: It’s been so long since I’ve written anything. Here’s to getting back into the grove! Part One | Part Two | Part Three
Neither of you spoke on the way back to the compound. Instead, the car was filled with the soft music of the radio. You leaned your head against the chilled glass of the window, exhausted eyes watching the buildings pass by until the familiar building of the compound came into view. You lifted your head away from the glass as Steve pulled into the garage. There was a heavy pause of silence once Steve shut off the car before you reached for the door handle.
“Wait,” Steve spoke up, his hand shooting out to wrap around your arm.
His touch was gentle, but firmly held you in place. Turning your head, you were met with baby blues that were tinted with genuine concern. It was a look that had your breath hitching in the back of your throat, and you forced yourself to swallow down the sudden wave of strangled emotion that threatened to erupt.
“I’m sorry,” he muttered almost cautiously.
Your face must have betrayed the confusion that bounced around in your head because after a moment, Steve clarified ever so softly. “About how your date turned out.”
The smallest of smiles tugged at your lips before you shook your head. “There’s nothing to apologize for. If anything, I should be thanking you for getting me out of there.”
There was the briefest moment where his fingertips lingered against the bare skin of your elbow before he finally released you. He avoided your eyes as his fingers curled tightly around the bottom half of the steering wheel. When he spoke, it was almost with gritted teeth and dejected tone. “I can’t help, but think that if we didn’t meddle...”
A gasp escaped your lips, your eyes widening as you hurriedly dug through your purse. “I forgot about Nat!” You had become so lost in your endless thoughts and exhausting anxiety on the ride back to the Compound, that you had completely forgotten you’d abandoned Natasha with your date. Clumsy fingers tapped against the screen, Steve’s gaze falling on the backlit screen.
‘I’m so sorry, Nat. Steve took me back to the Compound. I should have let you know before we left. Are you okay?’
Almost as soon as you sent the message, you saw the three dots of a reply.
‘Don’t worry about it, babe. I already loaded his drunk ass into a taxi and I’ll be back home after I finished my martini.’
A sigh of relief passed your lips and a wary smile replaced the once concerned frown.
“You know you shouldn’t worry. She can take care of herself.” Steve’s voice earned your attention once more.
“I know she can,” you leaned your head back against the headrest, “but that won’t stop me from worrying about her. Especially since I’m the one that dumped that problem on her.”
Without a warning, you felt Steve’s hand touch your hip and your mind snapped out of its daze. The click of the seat-belt had you holding back a breath of relief. His brilliant smile could have been considered blinding in the dim overhead car light. “Come on, let’s get you inside. I’m sure Tony’s waiting to hear the report.”
Unable to help yourself, an almost bitter laugh erupted from your throat as you reached for the door handle. “Oh, I’m sure he already knows the results, Steve.”
Steve’s quiet chuckle was oddly comforting against the stillness of the night. It was almost contagious, and you flashed a genuine smile at the super soldier before gathering the last of your strength and stumbling out of the car. It didn’t take him more than a few seconds before he was at your side, carefully guiding you towards the front doors.
You really were thankful for Steve.
