Lessons in Rule Breaking and Other Reader-Inserts*Steve Rogers*Reader*

Hug It Out - Pt.4/4

Did he usually shoot people? You couldn't quite imagine that despite the crazy 'flip demonstration' in the park. You didn't want to get shot; by him, of all people on top of that.

"Yeah. He wouldn't do that, invade your privacy unless he thought you were a threat. Not gonna vouch for him, he can be all too righteous ass. But other than that, he's a great guy."

She crossed her arms on her chest, looking out of the window as well.

Despite the crazy situation – what was happening again? –, you chuckled at that, sarcasm creeping into your voice.

"Didn't sound like vouching for him at all..."

The corner of her lips twitched higher. "He's still a friend. I'm not gonna blemish him, he can do that on his own. Just... it might not look like it first, but he'll be happy to see you."

You casted a glance at her, thinking about what she said. A knot of nervousness, forgotten for a short moment, returned in full force, attacking your stomach. What if he was going to be mad?

"How... reassuring."

She scoffed. "He likes you. He just tends to overthink things. Don't take it personal if he's cold at first. Try to stick around."

The elevator stopped abruptly, nearly giving you a heart attack. The door slid open so you turned to it, only to see more people entering the elevator, each of them applying a card. You looked away so they wouldn't want to murder you for seeing their identity; after all, they did have guns on them. Jesus.

You just absently checked which floor you were on, making sure it wasn't your stop.

Only three more floors. You resisted the urge to bite your nails, which was a bad habit you of which you had thought you had successfully got rid of. Apparently, not so much.

You exhaled in relief when you stepped out, an empty hallway opening in front of you and Natasha. She gave you a tiny reassuring smile.

"You know where to go now. Good luck," she wished you and in quick pace, she walked away along with your confidence. She only said you one more thing over her shoulder. "And when he says he's gonna kill me or something, he's joking, don't worry."

You made your way along the doors, searching for the 19.18 with your heart in your throat. What were you even doing here? If Steve wanted to contact you, he would have, right? Were you being a creep? A stalker? One of those terrible fans who were-- yeah, no, you were no fan of his public persona per se, you genuinely liked the guy who saved your ass and you had coffee with, it wasn't that-

You almost passed the right office without noticing with how lost in your thoughts you were. You took an abrupt stop, your heart threatening to jump out of your ribcage. When you eyed the door number, a little plaque with Steven G.Rogers on it, you felt like you were gonna puke.

This was it. This was how you were gonna blow it up. Oh shit.

Come on, woman up! you heard Natasha's voice in your head and you actually had to look around to make sure she wasn't by your side with how real it sounded.

You were going insane.

You quickly knocked on the door before you could change your mind.

"Come in, Natasha," a voice called out and you closed your eyes, letting the sound wash over you. He sounded just like you remembered – except maybe more professional. Less relaxed.

Well, just wait until you walk in. You'll see about professional when you get escorted out. Or shot. Or knocked out by the famous shield.

You didn't even want to think about how he knew/thought it was his redhead friend. You really didn't.