#the balcony door view didn't allow me to draw the kitchen too

[sayanel]

Did I made good progress on the edition on my fic?

aha what a silly question. of course I did-

[endorspeaches]

We Can Just Talk pt 2

Part 1 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Gender Neutral Reader

Warnings: bit a fluff, a bit of angst.

Pairings: Reader x Steve Rogers

Summary: Spending a whole day with Steve Rogers and you're catching feelings?!

Listen with: New Home - Austin Farwell

Masterlist

A/N: I hope you're enjoying this series <3

"You really have it all don't you?" Steve smiles as he ties his robe.

"That robe I took from a hotel a few years ago. Luckily for me, they didn't keep my deposit. But you haven't seen anything yet," you open the door to your washer and dryer.

"In the unit? Wow. I really am impressed. In all honesty, I thought you were just going to hand me my clothes in a bag." he walks over to you with his coffee-stained shirt.

"I had to beg for this, so don't go telling the rest of the building. Also if I did hand you your clothes in a bag, would you walk out onto the street in a robe?" you joke.

"No, not at all, I would just stay in this apartment until you move out. May I?" he tilts his head toward the machines.

"I wasn't just showing off Steve. The detergent is on the shelf" you turn back to the kitchen and grab the mop bucket.

"I spilled my coffee, let me clean up." He says as he shuts the washing machine.

"You're not gonna out manner me Steve, I'm pulling the 'You're a guest' card right now." You say as you pull the mop out of his hands.

"Besides, most of the spill fell on your shirt." you laugh.

He smirks and nods his head and walks back over to the washer and dryer. You finish cleaning up the spill and turn to put the mop and bucket away and you bump straight into him dropping the mop on the floor.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I was going to try to help you put the mop away," he says as he leans over to pick up the mop.

"It's okay, my first instinct was to wack you with the mop but I dropped it instead." you laugh as you reach out for the mop

He pulls the mop behind him, "Please allow me."

You look up at him. You inhale deeply at him," Alright you win."

You hand him the mop and bucket and he stands in front of you for a bit longer and keeps eye contact before he chuckles and you turn away. You can feel your cheeks become flushed so you hurry over to the window.

You pull the curtains and open the door allowing the soft morning light to enter your space. You stand at the door looking out to the city hoping to forget the moment in the kitchen.

"I don't think I'll ever leave," he says softly.

"It's hard for me to leave sometimes too," you sigh as you stand and look out the glass door. You become flustered again and shake it off before turning around. He's talking about the view, relax Y/N. You take a final deep breath before you turn to sit on the couch with Steve.

You find him looking at you, only for him to glance down and look right back at you with a smile dangling on the corner of his lips. The sun softly caressed his face. In that very moment, you realize he wasn't talking about the view of the sunrise keeping him, but of you. You smile back at him.

"Do you wanna paint or something?" you say as you look away.

"Paint? Yes, actually I enjoy drawing. Maybe I'll finally impress you for a change." he says as he fully lays his head on a pillow looking up to the ceiling.

You tilted your head to one side while listening.

"Is there glitter in your ceiling paint?" he propped himself up onto his elbows.

"Yeah actually. I bought it as a joke and I ended up loving how it looks. Around noon when the sun fully shines in here it looks amazing." you stand looking up.

"If you don't mind, I'd love to see that," he says sitting up.

"I do not mind, it's nice having company. I just hope I'm not too boring." you give him a small wink.

"Come, we can hang out in here or on the balcony." you reach out for his hand.

He reached out for your hand and stood upright in front of you. This time you catch the smell of his cologne. It's soft on his skin but its lingering scent makes little butterflies form in your stomach.

-

"You sure you don't want a sweater, I'm sure I have an oversized hoodie. Or we can always go inside to do this." you look over at him and he's really focused on his drawing.

Without looking he says, "I actually don't mind it, I run kinda hot. Especially after I got the serum, I don't get cold. I also can't get drunk my body just burns it off." he looks up from his drawing almost as if he's making sure he's getting your features right. He immediately glances around your apartment trying to find something to direct his concentration.

"Wait, are you drawing me?" you laugh trying to look at his work.

"What makes ask that?" he asks as he lifts the notebook to his chest.

"I just don't wanna feel bad for selling it online," you joke as you go back to drawing.

...

Y/N POV

*Keeping your focus on your drawing you notice in your peripherals him glancing at you every so often trying his best not to make it obvious*

Is he looking at me the way I think he is or do I need to cool it? He is so kind, he's funny, he understands me and my humor. The way he looks at me is nothing like I've ever felt. I was in love before wasn't I? Is this love? It's a crazy thought I know. Maybe what was believed to be love wasn't that at all. Maybe I wished it so much I believed it. I haven't felt embarrassed or bashful at his stares. He wants to spend time with me. I don't have to be to have his attention, he in a way demands it. Is he just being nice to me? Am I reading too much into it? What is this that I feel?

...

"I'm kinda hungry, Do you wanna stay for lunch?" you say as you close your doodle-filled notebook. You look over at him still focused on his drawing.

"I'd love to, are we ordering in or cooking something up? I'm fine with both." he finally looks up at you looking for a response.

The sky has a soft gloom and a gentle cool breeze that passes by every few moments is making your curtains dance.

"This weather is making me want to curl up on the couch if I'm being honest." you look out to the city.

"How about I make us sandwiches and we can order dinner in? Again, only if you'll have me." he flashes a grin.

"Umm yeah that actually sounds nice." you lean forward pressing the notebook between your arms and your thighs.

"I'm told I make a mean sandwich." he leans forward smiles so intensely at you. He hands you the notebook and gets up out of his chair.

You look down at the drawing and it's you. Sitting on the chair looking out over the balcony. His artwork made you see yourself through his eyes. You look beautiful. Anytime you looked in a mirror, you thought of nothing. You believed not having thoughts on your appearance was better than having negative thoughts. Before you can say anything he's already walking back inside your apartment. You sit there looking at the drawing. Looking at his drawing made you almost tear up 1. Because you see yourself in beauty and 2. That's what he sees. He stops right at the door and looks back at you admiring it. He bites his lip and shakes his head. He chuckles to himself before heading inside.

[black-streak]

Saturday night's alright for fighting (but Sundays are meant for rest) - Curious New Hobbies

Part 11!

My god this took a while to write! Special thanks to @st0rmy-w1th1n and @mysnis (hope this is your correct Tumblr) for bouncing ideas with me and @kceedraws for giving permission to use her breakdancing au as inspiration for this!

Tagsss: @persephonebutkore @emjrabbitwolf @mystery-5-5 @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @fandomkitty8 @dast218 @silvergold-swirl @shizukiryuu . @my-name-is-michell @kurogaya913 @elspethshadow @thecatnipmademedoit @shamefullove @ladylucina28 @crazylittlemunchkin @rayray384 @cassiejaydee @yuulxd @ladysblackcat @naclychilli @caffeinetheory

~---~

They had meant to go the arcade for their date tonight. In fact, they'd even walked in and started scoping out games to play, but alas it wasn't to be.

Within moments of arriving, who else but Damian would single Mari out and immediately tell them to leave.

And of course she protested. In response, Damian only pointed at Jon over at the pacman machine (how dare he, that's the game Marinette was searching for!) and mentioned his lack of ability to keep secrets and suddenly she turned and dragged Tim right back out the door.

Walking down the sidewalk, he side eyed her, considering the best way to start his interrogation.

"So. You trying to keep me secret then?"

"No! Of course not. Just might've forgotten to mention something like… over a month ago."

"And it involves not letting Jon know we were there?"

"Only because he's a nark who would've ruined the fun. And heaven knows Damian and I wouldn't be satisfied with a void bet."

"You made a bet about our relationship with Damian?"

"About your family," she partially corrected.

"Do I even want to know."

"Was supposed to tell you a bit ago so you wouldn't ruin the stakes, so probably not, but im telling you anyways."

Sighing with false exasperation, he gestured for her to continue.

"We have an ongoing bet over how long it'll take everyone to figure out that you and I are together and not Dami and me."

With that, she relayed all the details of their bet and his part in it, manic grin spread across her face as her gait gained a small skip to it. Tim couldn't help but shake his head at her antics, amused despite an itch in the back of his mind saying this wouldn't end well.

"Alright, I'll play along. Honestly, I think you'll both lose. Your predictions are too specific. Too many potential outlying factors."

"True, but we did give set time frames. So at least one part of the bet will absolutely be clear on who won. Plus, I find victory in the fact that Damian didn't think of that possibility. That we'd both be wrong."

"On another note, we need to find a plan b. Anything in mind?" He asked, reaching out and snagging her hand to draw her closer. 

Shrugging, she looked about them, seeing if anything caught the eye. Suddenly Tim stopped, accidentally yanking her back when she kept walking. She let out a sound of protest only to see his eyes locked on the building across the way with a considering look. 

The building was gray brick with no windows, however a neon purple sign to the right of the black wood door declared it "The Underground", a well known club amongst Gotham dancers and while neither were necessarily that, word had gotten around enough for both to have heard of the place before from word of mouth.

"How do you feel about checking it out?" Tim asked, a curious look about his eyes, studying her.

"I'm not opposed to the idea. Little surprised you're interested though," she commented, letting him lead the way inside.

A quick ID check and they were in, the room dark with neon tube lights flashing across different surfaces and strategic spotlights placed to bring attention to the various raised platforms. It was strange actually. The wall directly to the left of the hall they entered from held the bar on a raised level only to slide into a ground level dance floor which was normal enough, however in the opposite corner was a raised platform where different people would hop up to take advantage of the spacing to show off both freestyle and blatantly choreographed moves. Another few spotlight platforms raised up randomly in the floor, but the main focus was a rather large circular one in the center of the place, raised just enough to make it easy to see from anywhere in the place, but not so high as to block the view across the way. These places were the most lit up, allowing the anonymity to the dancers below while allotting the attention to those who choose to step up. Beyond that, there were many crevices and alcoves holding tables into the walls and a small hallway across the way presumably heading to the bathrooms. An upper balcony held only the DJ.

While Mari took in her surroundings, she felt Tim lead her out into the crowds, before turning back to her with a questioning look. Leaning in she spoke into his ear, a spark gleaning her eyes, "You've been before, haven't you?"

"A few times. It's the perfect place to destress without the nonsense of keeping an image. As long as you stay in the crowd, no one cares who you are," he replied, spinning her around before stepping in so her back pressed to his chest.  His hands ghosted down her sides to grasp her hips, starting to guide her into the beat.

For a while, they stayed like that, separating slightly and coming back together to follow different dances as the music flowed and changed around them. Turns out Tim was a surprisingly good dancer. 

Cheers broke out as a new song turned over, the first beats of Bum Bum Tam Tam coming over the speakers drawing attention towards the main platform as a pair jumped up, starting to get into the beat, working around each other only to burst into perfectly synced choreography at the first breakdown, resulting in more cheers. The two dancers would break away after that into a more freestyle, only to flow back into more rehearsed moves once more.

"Wait is that," she trailed off to a groan pressed to her shoulder.

"Yeah. That's them. Didn't know they came here."

As the song came to an end and the two on the platform jumped down, they could only stare as none other than Dick and Kori unknowingly made their way towards them. Tim pulled back from Mari subconsciously, not quite comfortable being so fully on display in front of people who actually knew them. Which made exactly zero sense when considering how much they cuddled in the manor. 

Finally the two spotted them, their grins widening and a new energy emerging as they rushed over. 

"Timothy! Starshine! You guys are here!" Came Kori's exuberant greeting, grabbing them both up in a hug.

"Hey, Mar, Damian not like dancing enough? Had to drag Timmy out?" Dick teased.

"Dami's at the arcade with Jon. And actually, coming here was Tim's idea," she answered amicably, conforming to the rules of the bet and not correcting Dick's obvious assumptions. "That was amazing by the way. You two looked great up there!"

Tim smirked down at her, seeing through her antics, especially now that she'd let him in on the rules of her game. Doesn't mean he couldn't play into it himself, he thought as he wrapped an arm around her waist and placed his chin atop her head.

"She's a great dance partner," Tim mentioned after both Kori and Dick had thanked and waved off Mari's compliments. "Considering learning something more structured with her, myself. Maybe give you two a run for your money."

"You definitely should! I can help with figuring out a style for you two if you'd like!" Kori offered immediately as Marinette turned to look at him in excitement.

"She has to agree first. Who knows, maybe this was a fluke and Mari will never dance with me again," he sighed in defeat.

Marinette turned, practically bouncing in anticipation, "Are you kidding? I'd love to! I want to come here again too."

"Even if you don't take my help with the dancing, I can record you two so you can look back and see for any needed improvements? That's what Richard and I do," Kori further offered up, Dick jumping back in right after.

"Oh yeah, it helps immensely. Especially if you were wanting to perform it on the platforms here."

Tim and Mari met eyes, before coming to an agreement, "Yeah, we'd appreciate that actually."

"Great! We'll set up some time here soon. In the meantime, I could definitely use a drink," Dick stated, looking back towards where he'd originally been headed. Kori grabbed onto Marinette instead, leading her back into the fray of dancers.

"We should invite Stephanie next. She would make a most interesting dance partner," Kori rattled on, suggesting a girls night that Mari agreed to immediately before getting back into the music with her new dance partner of the moment, Tim and Dick rejoining them shortly after. 

The night continued on this way, the four trading off between them, two not aware that it'd become a double date by this point. Eventually parting ways from the two, Tim and Mari made their way back towards his apartment, breathless and happy despite the unexpected interruptions to their night.

"How come we never end up at your place?" He asked suddenly.

"Because my apartment has become workzone number 2. Seriously, the place has essentially become a studio for my work that just so happens to have a kitchen and bedroom. Among other secrets not meant to be divulged… yet."

"Is that pertaining to the mystery of your magic."

"Perhaps."

"Mmm, whenever you're ready, I'll be happy to keep them for you. Though I can't imagine anything bigger than holding two technical gods in your pockets at all times."

"Shhh, don't let them hear you say that!"

He only chuckled, leading her into the complex and up to his penthouse. Silence overtaking them until the door had clicked shut.

"You staying the night, sweetheart?" Tim asked, toeing off his shoes and walking towards his room to get changed.

"Mm, think I might," she replied, following him in and stealing a shirt before wandering into the bathroom to get first dibs on a shower. She still found it lucky that while he might be the shortest of his brothers, she was still small enough to be buried in his clothes. Made it easier for night like these.

Finishing up, she plopped herself on his bad as he went to shower as well. 

Eventually, the door reopened, Tim entering in only pajama bottoms, hair still damp and in his face. She hummed her appreciation, enjoying the view and reaching out to tug him closer.

"Is it weird how comfortable we've become in so little time?" 

"Only if you're uncomfortable with it."

"I'm not."

"Good."

With the affirmation, he picked her up only to lay her out further up the bed. Stretching out at her side, he pressed kisses to her cheek and down her neck, hand trailing against exposed skin, clearly enjoying having her in his home, in his bed, in his shirt.

'Hmm, what were two raging insomniacs to do with the rest of their night?'

… 

Bonus:

Not a week later, after a long discussion with Damian to ensure that Kori was not included in the bet and swearing the alien to secrecy, they asked her to film something for them. A dance they had come with that was just for them. Not anything that could be performed in a club or for anyone to see. Maybe one day they'd post it somewhere or show Dick, but for now, it was theirs alone.