Saving Steve (Steve Rogers x Reader)

Chapter 5 - Bullies

Somehow you know that here, in this small closet, guarded by the stranger in the door - you're safe. Nothing can get to you as long as he's there.

Blair's grip on you tightens as she speaks. "I know I...I just don't have anyone to cover this shift and I can't leave the shelter unattended," says Blair desperately. "Y/n...are you feeling well enough to drive?"

"She shouldn't be traveling on her own," the stranger asserts. "She's in shock. She needs an escort."

"Well what would you have me do, Hasselhoff? Stick her in a cab with a random guy? In this condition?!" hisses Blair. "I don't think so."

Blair and the man are silent for a moment, both thinking.

"I...I could take her back to her home," the man says quietly. "If she feels comfortable with that."

"Um, excuse me mystery man but I'm not comfortable with that," Blair retorts. "We don't even know you."

The stranger smiles sadly, taking a small step inside the storage closet and kneeling beside you and Blair. He looks to you, and a sudden sense of calm flows through your body. Your trembling stops and your breathing slows.

Movement catches your eye as you look down and see your own arms reaching out towards the man. He takes your hand in one of his massive paws, rubbing gentle circles on the back of your hand with his thumb. 

But it's not enough.

Desperate for his arms to surround you, to keep you safe, you try to crawl from Blair's grasp into his. Blair tenses when you try to pull away, holding you tighter. But those blue eyes seem to feel your need to be close to him, and he slowly reaches out with his other hand, allowing his fingertips to graze your cheek - the same way they had the night of Henry's first attack. You relax into his touch and with a gentle, sweeping motion the man wipes away your tears and tucks a strand of hair behind your ear.

"You're right," he says, speaking to Blair but keeping his eyes on you. "You don't know me. But I promise...I'm just here to help. And if you'd let me, I'd like to get her home safely."

"Why?" says Blair skeptically, pulling your hand out of the man's. You whimper at the loss of contact, earning a confused glance from Blair, and a concerned twitch of the brow from the stranger. "Why do you care?" she asks.

The stranger lets out a long, tired sigh.

"If I see a situation pointed south, I can't ignore it," he answers, looking up at Bee. "And I saw a situation. I'd like to see it through. If you'll let me," he says, looking back to you as he speaks.

"It's okay, Bee," you whisper quietly, speaking for the first time.

"Y/n?" she says, looking down at you. "Are you sure?"

You nod as the stranger offers a hand. You take it hesitantly and allow him to pull you gently to your feet as Blair pushes herself off the ground.

"Oh, um-," the stranger's cheeks burn bright red as he averts his gaze, looking towards the wall.

You watch him, confused, until Bee steps between the two of you.

"Here," she says gently, reaching forward and re-buttoning your jeans and pulling down your shirt, which had been pushed up your torso. Your face flushes as your stomach flips once more at the site of your unbuttoned pants. 

"Sorry," you whisper, embarrassed yet relieved they hadn't come off your body.

Bee simply gives you a sad smile and a gentle hug before stepping from between you and the stranger, whose gaze finds yours once more upon realizing that you're now decent.