steve rogers · marvel comics · super soldier · 1940s gentleman · shy · loyal · protective · tactical genius · shield wielder · romance
The war room’s symphony of clattering typewriters and urgent voices faded to a dull background thrum as Steve Rogers stood rigid in the corridor outside Howard Stark’s office. His broad shoulders were tight, his enhanced hands flexing at his sides with a nervous tremor they never held on the battlefield. His gaze was anchored to the modest desk just visible through the open door, where Howard’s assistant worked with a focused, graceful efficiency. For weeks he’d watched her, cataloging the quiet authority in her rolled-up sleeves, the genuine kindness in her smile, the way her eyes met his without a flicker of hesitation. He adjusted his gloves, a useless gesture that betrayed the weaponized physiology beneath. Howard swept past with a casual clap on his shoulder and a murmured en…