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

Nothing but the Truth - Pt.3/8

3. The Engagement 

Tony was kind enough to point out that the ring worth two dollars wouldn't do.

No fucking kidding.

So, he also took the liberty of scheduling an appointment at some fancy jeweller's shop; your gut clenched at the idea of buying an engagement ring.

With Steve.

For your fake relationship.

What the hell is even my life, you questioned as you walked beside Steve, your fingers interlaced with his.

Oh, yeah, that was another wonderful (read: super-awkward) thing to experience: the talk about physical contact and boundaries. Part of you had screamed at you to tell him that you were his to do whatever he pleased (unless you would very clearly and loudly asked him to stop), while the other part of you hoped he would keep the touching tuned down to minimum, because then there might be a chance for you to come back to friends-mode after he wouldn't be forced to pretend affection anymore.

No, you did not believe that he would magically fall in love with you during your little show for the public and the kidnapper(s). Your life wasn't a romantic comedy.

Though that was debatable, seeing as you were momentarily going to buy a fucking engagement ring together.

You casted a side-glance at him, marvelling at the soft absent smile on his lips and for the millionth time since you had met him, you wondered what was on his mind. He seemed rather content now, but you didn't trust yourself to be able to tell anymore; here he was, appearing at ease and with a spring in his step despite the fact that during 'the talk', his body language had hinted you that he had been about as nervous and uncomfortable about discussing boundaries as you had been, at least at first.

Staying behind as Tony Stark wanted you to sign some forms – including ones in which you promised not to share the information concerning this case with a third party or the ones in which you agreed to wear a tracker on you 24/7 for your own safety –, you went to find Steve in his office to talk more about what you two just got yourself into, to discuss your 'battle plan'.

You nearly collided with Sam who stormed from the very door you were heading to.

Freezing in spot, you watched him stride towards you, his eyes narrowed and menacing. He pointed an accusing finger at you, taking a steading breath; you only guessed he was trying to keep himself from shouting at you, as he no doubt had at Steve.

A wave of sympathy for the Captain washed over you. Judging by the expression on Sam's face, it had not been a pleasant talk and it had not concerned the photo, but your plans for the future – which, what the hell, since when news travelled that fast?!

"You and I are going to talk about this," he threatened, jaw set tight, looking you dead in the eye. "Call me when you finish... whatever you're about to do with that-- jerk."

You nodded curtly, swallowing on nothing, and continued your path.

Your knock on the door was hesitant, possibly too quiet for anyone but a supersoldier to hear.

His permission for you to enter was nearly as quiet and sounded rather exhausted.

You opened the door slowly, peeking in the office and finding him at the desk, forearms resting on the table, fingers interlaced.

He smiled up at you despite his weariness. "Hey you."

You couldn't but reciprocate that. "Hey yourself."