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

If You Stumble... Pt.2/3

Your brain was a scrambled mess, heat pooled in your belly, but you nodded, forcing your mind to get straight.

Dancing now. Foxtrot. Horizontal tango might come later. Ugh...

To your surprise, you actually managed to dive back in, the catchy tunes entering your body and leading you through. You practiced the combinations some more, your feet finally getting the message, growing familiar with how one step followed another, turn after turn, figure after figure.

You weren't warned it was the last song of the evening until it ended, your dance finished without a single fault, resulting in delighted grin on your face. Finally allowed, your gaze left the left upper corner and shifted to Steve as you straightened.

You were taken aback when he didn't quite mirror your expression. His eyes were on you, yes, bright and full of wonder, but only subtlest smile on his full lips.

"What is it?" you whispered, partly because you were worried people might hear, partly because the atmosphere didn't feel like it should be disturbed by loud voices. Peripherally, you noticed the couples were wrapped each in their own bubble as well. Good.

Steve lowered your joined hands to your side and then let go of, his fingertips running up your arm, shoulder and neck, ending with his thumb tenderly brushing your cheek.

You were embarrassed at what the innocent touch did to you, but that was of no importance. Steve's gaze was, growing serious, yet remaining soft, just like his voice.

"I... I thought I'd fit in here better than into today's world," he spoke lowly, his smile widening a fraction, a tiniest shake of his head following as if in disbelief. "But it turns out I just fit with you."

Snap. Shot right through your heart, knocking air from your lungs. Your lips parted in silent shock, your bones melting as you understood why he was looking at you like that.

Oh, oh, heavens.

"Steve..." you whispered, touched by the sweetest words, the genuine and endless affection in his expression. He didn't seem to mind the slip of his first name. This was beyond some little game. This was so, so much more true.

"I love you. I know it might be too soon to say that and you don't have to say anything in return. I just think you deserve to know how special you are to me," he continued softly and your whole world begun floating.

He loves me.

A tide wave of delight washed over you, the blue and green of his irises drowning you. He loved you. This incredible wonderful human being loved you.

Yeah, you should have probably figured that out by now. You saw the video, little voice in your head supplied and you had to admit it wasn't wrong.

'This holds the greatest importance!'

'With due all respect, Senator Brendon, so does she.'

The familiar pressure of unshed tears assaulted your eyes, your whole being, your very soul moved beyond words.

"Oh Steve, I love you too."

The whole room seemed to light up and disappear; Steve's smile turned blinding, his thumb grazing your lips. Oh, how you wanted to kiss him, to feel he loved you as he claimed.

Someone cleared their throat rather loudly and your private bubble burst with a deafening pop. Your head snapped their direction, only to see the dance teacher with the corners of his lips twitching.

"Madam, sir, I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave. We'll be shutting lights for the day."

You blinked in confusion, looking around; everyone had left already. You were the only pair remaining.