Best Friends With Benefits... Or More?

Another New Friend With A Pretty Face

While he was in town, since he only had shows and not rehearsals now, Chris began coming out with our group regularly.  Needless to say his zest for life was addictive and his laugh was contagious.  Everyone always talks about how infectious his laugh is and it's true.  He was definitely that fun friend, but he was also a flirt.  It was fun though. 

We had exchanged numbers after our first hangout. Having no boyfriend, I enjoyed a little attention without the commitment, and he doted over me at times.  I wasn't one to necessarily flirt, but he usually brought out a giggle I didn't know I had just because he was so jolly.   We got to know each other during the times we had hung out in our group here and there, but I felt like he probably made friends with everyone he met.

On this particular night though, everyone had things they were doing except for Seb and I, so we decided to order take out and eat at my apartment. I noticed right away that something seemed to be bothering Sebastian, but chose to wait to see if he said anything before I asked.   After we were done eating, I stood, gathering the dishes, and took them to the kitchen. After placing them in the sink, I turned, only to find Seb right behind me, a very solemn expression sitting on his handsome face before I spoke quietly.

I rubbed his cheek as I spoke, mainly because his beard was so soft and I liked it. "What's going on inside that head of yours Stan?"

"Nothing. Just tired." He threw his empty water bottle in the bin while he answered.

"Sebastian Stan, I know better. Something's definitely bothering you. You're overthinking whether you want to say it outloud. Wanna talk about it?"

Seb was quiet, obviously thinking about my question as he bit the inside of his mouth.  I could tell this was his mannerism where he was deciding how to word something carefully.  It had happened a few times before now, especially when we'd find ourselves crossing over into a longing look, or when a gentle brush of one another's skin turned into a feeling that there may be something else there.  I knew I felt it.  A lot.  I just found it hard to believe he would feel the same.  That was, until moments like this one, but I wasn't positive it actually did go both ways.

Walking back to the living room, I spoke as he followed me and we sat.  "It's okay if you don't want to talk. I know sometimes you like to let things sit in your mind a while so you can compartmentalize them. I just thought I'd offer though."

Sitting forward, elbows resting on his knees, he spoke quietly as he turned to look at me. "It still amazes me how quickly you've grown to know me, sometimes better than myself. Anyway, ...so, here it goes, Chris asked if I'd mind if he asked you out."

It took me a moment to realize who he meant. As soon as it registered though, I gulped, eyes widening, a bit in shock. I knew my voice was louder than I meant for it to be. "Chris? As in Evans?"

"Yes, as in Evans. I know, I know, Captain America, woooohooo." He motioned his hands around in the air for more of a dramatic effect.

I couldn't help but laugh at his comment and hand gestures as he tried to pretend Chris was high and mighty.  Trying to lower my voice back down to normal, I questioned him.  "No, that's not what I meant when I realized who you meant, I don't look at the glitz and glamor." I did my hands like he had when I said it. Then I finished. "What did you say?"

"To Chris? I said I'd think about it."

"Uh, first, a few things I feel the need to say. Why doesn't he just ask me himself? And second, why would he need your permission? And... why would you need to think about it? It's not like you're my boyfriend, my keeper or anything like that. I mean, I am a single adult."