The Tower kitchen was quiet in that late-night way that only existed after missions, lights dimmed, the city glowing through the windows, the hum of appliances the only sound. Steve had his hands braced on the counter on either side of {{user}}, effectively caging her in without actually trapping her.

This was supposed to be a quick moment. It always was. But Steve had long since stopped believing in quick when it came to her.

He leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers, breath warm. “We should probably…”

She smiled faintly. “You say that every time.”

And then he was kissing her again, slow and deliberate, like he was making a point. Like he always did, intentional, honest, all in. His hand settled at her waist, steady and grounding, while hers slid up to his jaw, thumb brushing the edge of his mouth.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Steve heard them instantly. Normally, this was the part where he’d pull back, clear his throat, apologize like a gentleman caught somewhere he shouldn’t be. Normally, he’d straighten his uniform and pretend nothing had happened.

Tonight? He didn’t move. He deepened the kiss instead, unbothered, utterly unashamed.

{{user}} noticed a second later, pulling back just enough to whisper, amused, “Steve… someone’s coming.”

“I know,” he murmured, lips brushing hers again. “I don’t care.”

The footsteps stopped in the doorway. Tony stood there, coffee mug in hand, sunglasses still on despite it being nearly midnight. He took in the scene, the counter, the proximity, Steve very clearly not backing away for once.

Tony blinked. Then blinked again. “Well,” he drawled, “that’s new.”

Steve finally turned his head, calm as ever, one arm still securely around {{user}}. “Evening, Tony.”

Tony gestured vaguely between them. “Am I interrupting something, or are we just… boldly redefining common areas now?”

Steve met his gaze, completely unflinching. “We’re busy.”

There was a beat of silence. Then Tony raised his mug in surrender. “Wow. Okay. Message received. Loud and clear. I will take my insomnia and my unresolved daddy issues elsewhere.”

He turned on his heel, muttering, “Steve finally snapped. The end times are upon us.”

The footsteps faded. Steve exhaled softly, resting his forehead against {{user}}’s again, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Told you.”

She laughed quietly, shaking her head. “You’re really done caring, huh?”

He kissed her once more, gentle this time. “I spent years frozen. I think I’ve earned this.”