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

Ground Rules (for Love and War) - Pt.2/2

Steve proposed to end the game with that (even when he was surprisingly on his way to win despite your debacle), but it felt unjust.

"I trust you, Steve. You'll win this. And it's okay for you to have fun. I'll just watch how you fight over it like children," you teased lightly, grinning up at him despite losing.

"Okay. Whenever you get too bored, we'll stop," he declared and your expression softened at the gentle gaze boring into your eyes.

You couldn't remember the last time you kept staring at each other like that – more often than not, either you or him would eventually avert the other's gaze. There ultimately was something different about tonight. You certainly didn't find it a bad thing though. If you were being completely honest, you liked it. Steve truly was the sweetest guy you had ever met and you weren't oblivious to his appearance, nor to his alluring personality. It was simply the assumption of having zero chance with him that had been making you hold back. But tonight... it seemed there might be a possibility even.

Was there?

Letting your thoughts wander, you watched with a fond smile on your face as the two friends fell into a merciless fight over fake money and real estate. The two world's supersoldiers bickering like an old couple, yet resembling children.

It was when the tiredness from the whole day on your feet started settling in. First, it showed in a subtle way; goosebumps rose on your skin, uncomfortable shiver running through your whole body.

It didn't go unnoticed; eyeing your outfit, only consisting of thin t-shirt and jeans, as you curled up into yourself on the couch, a concerned wrinkle appeared on Steve's face.

You flashed him a drowsy smile, shaking your head so he wouldn't worry. Ha, as if that could work! He scanned the room and then strode away, unmistakably finding the blanket you had discovered earlier in one of the cabinets. He gently laid it over your shoulders before returning to the game, stealing a glance on you ever so often.

At least you thought so. Adding warmth to the mix was the perfect recipe for your eyelids growing heavier by the second. Before you knew it, your head lulled, the motion instantly causing you to jolt awake.

A chuckle escaped to both of your companions; except Steve had enough decency to try and sound subtle. Bucky, not so much.

"It's almost over," he grinned and had you had the energy, you would raise your eyebrow to show your skepticism; it was never almost over with Monopoly. Or, more precisely, the 'almost over' usually lasted about two hours.

"It can be over right now," Steve offered kindly and you shook your head stubbornly, the movement causing the world swim.

"Nope. You win," you attempted to say, your words slurring, your tongue feeling as lead-like as your eyelids.

A shift in Steve's posture caught your attention as he scooted a little closer to you on the couch and the shock of his skin nearly making contact with yours nearly brought you back to full consciousness.

"Just lean in whenever you need," he whispered barely audible, as if he was letting you into his darkest secret.

You mumbled something doubtlessly incomprehensible – even to yourself – and allowed your temple to fall on his impressive shoulder. You almost moaned in bliss.

"Warm..."

How was he so warm? He only wore a t-shirt, like you.

Why would Tony call him a Capsicle? He was more like a space heater... eh, you'd figure it out... later... later...