If he's completely honest with himself, Matt hasn't spoken words this affectionate and intimate to anyone in his life. Not Claire, not even Elektra. There's a depth to his feelings for Steve that he's not sure any other person could be capable of matching. Steve isn't only his oldest and best friend, he's part of Matt's soul.
And all of this is something he thinks -- something he knows -- he should be saying aloud. But what if it's too much? They've always been ridiculously affectionate with each other, to an extent that brought the occasional teasing from other kids at the orphanage. Matt never cared. A thousand of them would never have been worth one Steve Rogers. So what if all of this, the embraces and the soft touches and the way Steve's heart skips and his skin warms, is just an extension of how they've always been? What if Matt tries to make something more from it and just ruins everything instead?
Besides, this is good. This is safe, and comfortable. He understands what Steve expects from him, and they've already proven that their friendship can weather some pretty difficult things. Romantic love is so fragile, and it makes people fragile too. There are only so many times Matt figures his heart can stand to break.
God, it's hard not to rush right over that invisible line, though, when he feels Steve's lips against his cheek. "I can mostly burn my own food. Now, properly folded sheets, that's a skill I'd keep you around for."
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And all of this is something he thinks -- something he knows -- he should be saying aloud. But what if it's too much? They've always been ridiculously affectionate with each other, to an extent that brought the occasional teasing from other kids at the orphanage. Matt never cared. A thousand of them would never have been worth one Steve Rogers. So what if all of this, the embraces and the soft touches and the way Steve's heart skips and his skin warms, is just an extension of how they've always been? What if Matt tries to make something more from it and just ruins everything instead?
Besides, this is good. This is safe, and comfortable. He understands what Steve expects from him, and they've already proven that their friendship can weather some pretty difficult things. Romantic love is so fragile, and it makes people fragile too. There are only so many times Matt figures his heart can stand to break.
God, it's hard not to rush right over that invisible line, though, when he feels Steve's lips against his cheek. "I can mostly burn my own food. Now, properly folded sheets, that's a skill I'd keep you around for."
Jokes are easier than confessions.