He and She

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters nor the song, but I sure love them lots and lots ^^.

A/N: So I have an issue with unfulfilled OTP, and this is one of the most lingering and heartbreaking of my ships. AU in a way that Steve was found almost immediately, and woke just as quick. I'm a hopeless romantic so I'd love for my favorite couple to have a normal timeline, rather than 70 years apart. Hope you guys enjoy reading. Constructive comments are highly appreciated.

AAN: I proofread as much as I could, but I might miss something. I hope you guys can enjoy the story without being bothered by minor errors.

(Inspired by Hozier's "Like Real People Do")

He stayed still while she kept sobbing.

It was way past the dead of the night, when even the streetlights had dimmed and motions receded, the only things discernible in the lull of the night were the soft whiffs of wind through their blinds, his steady breathing and her lithe frame lightly shaking beside him.

He knew she thought he was sleeping soundly. Too peacefully. Just like the way he was found, eyes shut and feeling way too cold for her trembling hands. When they called her in to identify him, she almost collapsed, because he was laying there so calmly, like he had done so many time before, except then she could never hope to see him wake up, just one more morning.

He managed to amaze her, like he always did when she least expected. When he woke she was standing by the hospital window, eyes dazed. She did not make a sound when she turned around and saw him smiling, albeit tiredly. She just strolled over and hugged him close. He put a hand on her back and knew that she was letting the tears fall freely.

That was just the way she was. Quietly vulnerable. Others mistook it for strength.

He healed. She took him home. They went dancing. They once again confirmed that they were right partners all along, in sickness and in health. The chaos of battle seemed so far gone now. Their jobs would never be without the occasional stitches and scars. And they were okay with it. She never flinched when she saw his wounds. He knew it was her way of being supportive. And a way, rather deceiving, to make him careless enough to never hide them from her.

But in the middle of the night when all is fine and quiet, she would startle awake and start crying quietly.

She thought he was sleeping. But he knew she once again saw his pale face and cold body, in the depth of her restless slumber. Once again she was back in HYDRA headquarter, keeping her tears at bay while ordering him to be "on the dot". Once again, they were jerked away from each other, and all that was left was the stillness of it all: the radio, the room, the dark. And most frighteningly, her loneliness.

It frightened him just thinking about it.

So he waited a moment before rolling over on his side, wrapping a protective arm around her. She immediately turned, snuggling into his chest, into his warmth, making sure that he was here and he was fine and he was hers.

They fell asleep in the gentle embrace, like real people do.