Saving Steve (Steve Rogers x Reader)

*Chapter 22 - Take It Slow*

It's obvious in the way Steve's tongue falls clumsily around your mouth, and the way his teeth get in the way that he has precious little experience kissing. 

But it's still the best kiss you've ever had. 

Moving slow and staying gentle, Steve runs his fingers lightly through your hair, deepening the kiss as he drags his other hand tenderly up and down the side of your waist in comforting touches. 

But the kiss doesn't stay slow for long. 

As you wrap your arms around Steve's neck, you feel him shift above you, and the two of you lean back on the bed. Steve now on top, your lips never part as his gentle caresses run longer and lower down your sides and over your hips. With his weight atop you, the final semblance of your self control melts away and you can't hold back a breathy moan.

"Steve..."

At the sound of your own voice you freeze, suddenly realizing exactly the situation you're in. The moment your body tenses, Steve pulls away and scrambles from on top of you. 

"Y/n? A-are you okay? God I'm...I'm so sorry I shouldn't have-"

You sit, holding up a shaky hand to stop his rambling as you swallow nervously. You take a moment to breathe before looking over at him, his blue eyes staring back in concern. But he holds his tongue, waiting for you to speak.

"Steve," you say quietly, looking back into his gaze. "That wasn't your fault. I'm sorry. I froze I-I haven't...," you trail off, struggling to find the words to describe how you're feeling.

But Steve is patient, and simply crawls over to your side to take your hand in his. Your heart melts at the raw emotion you feel as his fingers curl around yours. You look down at your intertwined hands. 

"It's been a while," you say quietly, looking back up at him. "Almost three years."

Steve laughs and shakes his head. "Try 98."

Your jaw drops and Steve sighs. 

"Wait...you've never...?"

Steve blushes deeply, and shrugs. "There was this...this USO girl once," he says timidly. "Back in 1943. She was nice. But I couldn't...I mean, it wasn't right, you know? Let Tony believe we did, though. Got him off my back."

"Woah, hold on," you exclaim softly. "So, was that your first kiss, then? Not counting the one in my apartment, I guess?"

"That bad, huh?" Steve asks bashfully.

Now it's your turn to blush as you scramble to avoid insulting this kind, sweet man.

"No! No, th-that's not what I meant, I-ugh!"

Letting out an exasperated groan, you facepalm, trying to hide the deep scarlet brush crawling across your cheeks. 

"Hey...it's okay. I'm not offended," Steve laughs, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. "And no, that wasn't my first kiss. I'm 98. Not dead."

"Oh God," you groan, your cheeks warming even further, which you didn't think was possible. 

But Steve simply laughs, and you feel his strong arms wrap around your shoulders, pulling you into his chest. And as mortified as you are, you instantly feel soothed. Calmed by the the scent of rain and cedar trees. It's a drug, and without thinking you turn your head into his chest and nuzzle into his t-shirt, breathing deeply to soothe your beating heart. Steve tightens his grip, seemingly pleased by your affection as his heart beat thrums in your ear.

As he holds you, you realize that Steve had stopped. 

He had actually stopped. 

The moment you showed any discomfort - any sign of not wanting to keep going - he backed off.