[ he doesn't either, though his chest does tighten with the feeling of her heartbeat against his. he doesn't think about how long it's been, or that this isn't something he can call his anymore, even if it's familiar. comfortable. nice. he thinks instead about how she must be as terrified as he is, as confused and out of her depth, but at the same time, steve is more than just a little aware that she's probably taking all of this so much better than he has. because she is nancy wheeler. because she just is.
they stand there holding each other for an extended few moments. more moments than he is probably allowed. but he can't bring himself, still, to pull his arms away from her. so while she steadies her breathing, he runs a hand comfortingly across her back, just tries to steady his own heart rate. takes a breath, and then another, and then its nancy who is pulling away from him. looking back up at him with an almost smile, and he can tell she's been crying. or almost crying, completely silent.
his heart tightens, his chest pained, and he forces himself to take a breath - reaching up to tuck some of the hair that's come free behind her ear. a quiet hi as he gives her a small, nearly-apologetic smile in return. like he could apologize for all of this, for her being here.
he's so glad she's here, but in the same breath, wishes she wasn't. wishes she didn't have to deal with this, too.]
that's my usual order for starbucks anyway. absolutely perfect.
they stand there holding each other for an extended few moments. more moments than he is probably allowed. but he can't bring himself, still, to pull his arms away from her. so while she steadies her breathing, he runs a hand comfortingly across her back, just tries to steady his own heart rate. takes a breath, and then another, and then its nancy who is pulling away from him. looking back up at him with an almost smile, and he can tell she's been crying. or almost crying, completely silent.
his heart tightens, his chest pained, and he forces himself to take a breath - reaching up to tuck some of the hair that's come free behind her ear. a quiet hi as he gives her a small, nearly-apologetic smile in return. like he could apologize for all of this, for her being here.
he's so glad she's here, but in the same breath, wishes she wasn't. wishes she didn't have to deal with this, too.]