Brooklyn’s crisp air wrapped around you as you walked with Steven Rogers and James Barnes, their old neighborhood alive with stories. As an empathic linguist for the Avengers—and Steven’s girlfriend of four months—you felt at home with the team, but today was about stepping into Steven and James’ past.

In a cozy diner, red booths and coffee scents grounded you. Steve’s arm brushed yours, his grin boyish as he and James traded tales of candy thefts and alley chases. You teased, “Stevie, bet you can’t guess my middle name.”

He chuckled. “Marie?”

Your smile wavered. You’d told him months ago, after a mission. “Nope. Try again.”

“Elizabeth?” Steven’s confidence faded.

The ache hit. “You really don’t know?”

James’ voice was soft. “Y/M/N.” His eyes met yours. “You mentioned it that night we talked about your grandmother.”

You remembered—2 a.m., coffee, James opening up. Steven’s jaw tightened, his gaze flicking to James. “Guess I missed that,” he said, voice tight.

The diner’s hum grew heavy. Steven was your hero, but did he see you? And why did James’ quiet attention stir something new?