Beautiful

I need more now! This was breathtakingly beautiful. Your capture of the characters is so grounded and real. Just wonderful!

I'm so glad you got this up. I was waiting ALL DAY to read it. And it was worth it.

Steve likes women with layers. They're the ones who appreciate the depth in him.

Maria can do more at Starks. She was being followed by three agencies. She was too public to be the head of this outlaw SHIELD. That needs a dead man.
She's a good friend to Steve. Extra feelings or not, she's a good friend.

Ugh, I love it. I've never shipped Steve/Maria but I totally buy it here, especially where they're both sort of awkward and unsure, and Steve's just so BROKEN and UGH I LOVE IT