#Just the two of us

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Just the Two of Us: Helping Hand

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Steve Rogers

Summary: you meet someone you never expect at the grocery store.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

You sway back and forth holding your few staples. You wait patiently for checkout, happy enough to do so as you avoid the typical awkward interaction of the checkout lane. Some might dread it, but you prefer self-checkout. It spares you the face-scalding small talk with the cashiers and you’re certain they don’t hate you for it either. 

The man at the machine just ahead of you hisses and tips his head back. He takes a deep breath and sets his chin straight, scratching his blond hair as the machine beeps at him. He seems frustrated by the scanner as he waves a jar of peanut butter back and forth over it. 

“Come on...” he mutters then stops to look around. The attendant is at another machine, helping a woman key in her produce. “...should just leave it...” 

You watch him as he turns back to the screen and taps it in exasperation. There’s something familiar about him. In a city this big, odds are you could see the same face a dozen time in the same day and not know it. 

“Um, excuse me,” your bag of sourdough rustles as you tiptoe slowly close, “do you want some help?” 

He turns to you and you’re stricken as you recognise him at once. It’s Steve Rogers. Captain America. The homegrown hero of New York! 

“I’m so sorry. I know I’m taking forever here,” he pushes his hair back. It’s a mess from his anguished scratching and combing. “I’m trying, I swear.” 

“Here, er, do you mind,” you balance your armful as you near. He steps back and shakes his head, “you got a better chance of figuring this dang thing out.” 

“Alright, no promises, but I used to work retail, so, I think I can,” you carefully set down your groceries at the edge of the small metal shelf of the self-checkout. “Peanut butter, please.” 

He looks down at the jar then hands it over. Your fingertips brush as you take it and find the barcode. You angle it down and the machine scans it right away. He groans and puts his palm to his forehead. 

“Of course,” he sniffs. “I promise I’m not a total disaster. I thought this would be faster.” 

“It’s fine, I don’t mind,” you smile. “Least I can do for the First Avenger.” 

He visibly cringes, “right.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry,” you shake your head. “I wasn’t... meaning to... do you need help with the rest?” 

He nods and looks down. Now you feel awful. You didn’t mean to embarrass him. You take his bunch of bananas and key in the number then weigh it. You put it aside and finish with his pulpy orange juice and a can of ovaltine... Ovaltine? 

“Right, I think that’s it,” you gather up your stuff. “You’re all set and there’s a machine free so I’ll get out of your hair.” 

He slips his fingers into his pocket and slides out his wallet, “thanks. Appreciate it.” 

You sidle away and claim the next machine. You scan through your bread, cans of salmon, six-pack of muffins, and the little odds and ends. You unfold your reusable bag and put each inside before you pay. 

“Ahem,” the deep noise draws you away from the pinpad. “Hey, uh, I’m sorry if I came of... rude. It’s not you. The dang machine just—got the best of me. It’s not you and I mean, you were just being nice. And helpful.” 

“Really, it’s no problem,” you smile as you keep your hand on the debit machine. 

“I know but I almost made it one.” 

“No, it’s nothing,” you turn back to finish before the machine times out. It thinks as he lingers close by. 

“You’re really nice. I don’t deserve that. Captain should know better,” he says. “But I do prefer Steve.” 

He holds out his hand as you swipe your card free and tuck it away. You shove it back in your purse and face him. You take his free hand and shake it as you offer your name. “Nice to meet you, Steve.” 

“You, too.” 

“Um,” you look behind him, “don’t wanna be in anyone’s way.” 

You quickly snatch up your bag and hurry out of the checkout area. He follows you with long but easy strides. As you pass through the door, he’s only a step behind. 

“Look, I’m sure you have somewhere to be,” he says as he catches up. “But, uh, could I carry your bag or something? I feel like I owe you.” 

“Oh, no, it’s not very empty,” you assure him. “But thanks!” 

“Hmm, well, how about...” he looks around, “coffee?” 

You follow his gaze across the street. You’re not really in a hurry but you didn’t plan to be sitting down at a cafe. Your leggings a loose sweatshirt aren’t exactly trendsetting. 

“I mean it, you know, it wasn’t anything at all.” You insist. 

“Yeah, but how many nice people do you meet around here, huh?” He asks. As if to make his point, he grabs your elbow and angles you away from the edge of the sidewalk as the man behind you nearly walks right over you. “Gotta admit, you’re the first friendly face I’ve met since I got out of the ice and that was a while ago.” 

“Uh, wow, that’s sweet. I suppose a coffee won’t hurt,” you say. “And I know what you mean, I’ve been here two months and I don’t know anyone. I thought a made a friend but she stole my shoes and never called me back.” 

“Really? Someone did that to you?” He flutters his lashes in disbelief. “That’s rotten.” 

“I suppose she really liked them. Besides, they weren’t very practical. Kind of uncomfortable so really, she did me a favour,” you laugh. “One thing I learned, the city moves fast and you gotta keep up with it. So, I just keep going. As best I can.” 

“Hm, well,” he turns with you as you reach the crosswalk. “I think we wear a different size so I promise, I won’t steal those.” 

You glance down at your knockoff Uggs in purple and snort, “oh, you think so?” You move your foot closer to his and compare the difference with his large leather shoes. “I think you could squeeze in.” 

He laughs, a rocky rumble that fills you with warmth. Or maybe you’re a bit starstruck. If you had any friends, you might just brag to them that you met the Captain. You guess you’ll just have to savour it to yourself. 

[enii]

Us💕

[dehsenh0s]

Os aziracrow 💖

[believealittlebitlonger]

"It was like there's only the two of us in the scene"

[grippysocks-grippybox]

🌺Cover me in kisses and marks 🌺🦇

[lunat1cc]

Just the two of them

[tategaminu]

don't u ever cry because they are so in love

[spiderman2-99]

[i know I said I wouldn’t do any digital art of ballguel but…, my own hubris won.]

[pochiikou]

[shoujo-dump]

Douse, Koishite Shimaunda.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Just the Two of Us: Starry Night

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Steve Rogers

Summary: Steve stops by unexpectedly.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

Your phone buzzes again. You’ve been ignoring it. To you, it’s more a nuisance than a convenience. The only people calling want to sell you something and your work only emails. You get your assignments and you complete them. Simple as. 

You prefer simplicity. You’ve lived in chaos before and you hope you never do so again. Ironic to think you came to New York, then. Well, it’s easy to blend in there. 

You finally pull your eye away from the lens and check the screen. You hover your finger over dismiss before you read the ID. Steve? You tap ‘answer’. 

“Hey?” You utter, “what’s going on? It’s late?” 

“Ah, you know, bored,” he answers. 

“You’re bored so you’re calling me at nine?” You scoff. 

“What? Are you surprised the old man stays up past six?” He chuckles. The background noise is a garble of passing cars and a few honks. It all seems to echo dully. 

“No, I’m just...” 

“Busy?” He intones. 

“No. Just didn’t expect you to call.” 

“Ah, were you about to turn in? Bit early,” he turns the judgement on you. 

“I wish. Kinda restless.” You admit. “Wait, I thought you were out of town.” 

“Yeah, I just got back. Hey, do me a favour and tell me which one of these buildings is yours.” He says. 

You hesitate. Huh? Your silence leaves the line to drone. He says your name. 

“Where are you?” You ask. 

“I don’t know, that’s the problem.” 

“Aren’t you from New York?” You challenge. 

He sighs, “okay, let’s rephrase. I don’t know where you are.” 

Once more, you pause. You’re not exactly prepared for company. In fact, you’ve never let anyone else into your tiny apartment. On top of that, you’re huddled under a blanket on your balcony, in a pair of old sweats and an oversized cotton tee. 

“You’re coming here?” 

“Sure. Ah, come on, I’m wandering around. I’m starting to get looks from the creeps like I’m one of them,” he quips. 

“Alright,” you murmur and recite your address. “Buzz up. Code is 1147.” 

“Right, think I can handle that.” You hear scuffling on his end. “See ya soon.” 

The call cuts and you lower the phone. Steve is cool. Well, he is a hero. An Avenger. You don’t really get why he still hangs around. You’re lame. You’re just you. Yet here he is stopping by like an old friend from college. It’s strange, as you think of it, how abruptly he just barged in on your night, but he is the Cap, so what’s the big deal? 

You should be grateful. It’s been a while since you had a friend. Since you even had the choice to have one. 

You stand, careful not to knock into the telescope, and pull the blanket around your shoulders. You step into your apartment, brisk from the night air, and look around. You don’t have much, but enough. 

You clear off the futon and fold it up into a couch. The squeal of the metal hurts your ears and is capped off by the buzzer’s horrid drone. You go to answer, peering around your bachelor in dread. Why didn’t you think of it before? This place isn’t fit for Steve Rogers. 

“I’m here,” Steve chimes through the static. 

“Uh, yeah, er, are you sure—we could go somewhere?” You offer, even if you’re not in the mind to leave. 

“Nah, can I come up? Everything okay?” 

“It’s fine,” you assure him, “one sec.” 

You press the other button and your stomach flips. Great. That’s it then. He’ll see how you live and realise he’s too good for you. 

You wait by the door and peer through the peep hole. When you hear his footsteps from down the hall, you flip back the lock and look out around the wood. You wave to him as he approaches. 

“Oh my god,” you can’t help but exclaim he reaches you. He has a gash across his hairline. “What happened to you?” 

He frowns then reaches up to try to tug his hair over the cut. “It’s fine. It’ll be all healed up by the morning.” 

“The morning? That’s a nasty one.” 

“Yeah, well, the serum...” 

“Right, right,” you roll your eyes at yourself. How can you forget? 

“Well, you look cozy,” he smiles and gestures to you.  

You look down at the fringed edge of the blanket hugged around you. 

“Yeah, I was just outside.” 

“Really? In this weather?” He wonders. 

“Mhmm,” you hum. “I guess you wanna come in then.” 

“Ideally, yeah,” he snorts. 

“Okay, but uh, like, it’s pretty small so...” 

“Oh, don’t even worry about it. I’m used to small things. I was around in the 30s, you know? I’m sure I’ve seen worse,” he chuckles. “Besides, anything’s better than a foxhole.” 

You step back and nod. You never really forget who he is but you don’t always consider everything he’s done. Everything he’s been through. It makes you feel a little less cursed yourself. 

He steps inside and looks around. You see the twitch in his brow but nothing else. No reaction, but you’re certain he’s judging. 

“I told you--” 

“What were you doing outside?” He bowls over your embarrassment. 

“Um, looking at the stars.” 

“You can see them in this stuff,” he squints. 

“I have a telescope,” you close the door and he bends to untie his boots. 

“Really? So, it’s like a big thing for you. All professional and stuff.” 

“I just like to look,” you shrug. 

“That’s... cute. Interesting. Probably see more outside the city though,” he muses. 

“Probably,” you agree. “So, I don’t have much else going on. You want a hot chocolate or something? I was about to make some.” 

“Hot chocolate?” He echoes as he strides around the small space. “That sounds delicious.” 

“Just the cheap stuff,” you counter. 

“I don’t mind,” he turns his back to you and sits on the futon. It creaks perilously under his weight.  

He doesn’t seem bothered as his head tilts and he seems to stare at the papers stuck to your wall to form a haphazard star map. You cringe. You’re an uber nerd sometimes. He must think so. 

“You did that?” He asks as you dip around to the small kitchen, penned in with only a counter. 

“Uh, yeah. It’s just... It’s not very accurate I’m sure...” You mutter. 

“Still pretty interesting,” he leans forward, his arms on his knees. 

“I’m sure you’ve seen more interesting things,” you argue as you fill the kettle. “You don’t have to lie to me, Cap. Aren’t you supposed to be honest?” 

“I’m not Abe Lincoln,” he chuckles. “I’m being honest though. I like to draw too.” 

“It’s not really drawing.” You twist the stove knob as you put the kettle on the burner. “Just... making dots and lines.” 

“I don’t know. It’s still artistic in a way,” he says. 

“Alright,” you say doubtfully. “So, what has you so restless that you’re knocking down my door?” 

You come out to the front room, not that it’s very separate from everything else, and step up next to the couch. 

“Well, to be honest, my other friends are too busy for me these days. But also, I’m too busy for them. You’re more fun.” 

“Oh, fun? Hot chocolate and stars,” you shake your head. 

“Yes,” he insists as he looks up at you. “Can I see the telescope?” 

He stands up and you lean back on your heel. He’s a lot bigger up close. You tend to steer clear of others. You’ve never been very comfortable with proximity. 

“Uh, sure,” you back up, barely restraining your frantic nerves. “Sure, I’ll show you.” 

You sweep around the back of the couch, the blanket flapping against your back and go to the balcony. You sense him behind you. You step out and hold the door before he can catch up. He emerges and you turn your focus to the scope. It’s easier when you have a distraction and you could go on for hours about all the cool features of the one thing you splurged on in the whole place. 

[rakiah]

Chapter 22 : Do not snub me

From Just the two of us as always ♥️ @disownedbytiime 🫶

[andromebaa]

Kokichi’s snarling lips opened to speak, or heckle, or curse. Kaito never found out what he wanted to say because without thinking he had propelled himself forward as far as possible. Wrapping his arms around the smaller body to anchor himself, Kaito pressed his mouth against Kokichi’s.

Shout out to the amazing @bossubeats for this incredible commission. I can’t stop looking at it, it’s so wonderful 😭

If this i n t r i g u e s you (trust me the context is so much more horrifying than it looks) please check out the horror/hate/love story that is Just the Two of Us - https://archiveofourown.org/works/44893594/chapters/112957387

[beclight]

Just the two of them.

[the-omega-artist]

“The Two of Us”

Acrylic.

[agogtokyo]