Chapter Text
Steve knows he shouldn't get his hopes up when his landlord tells him there's a new tenant moving in next door.
It seemed sometimes that the apartment in the shared hallway was cursed. There was Sharon Carter, the grand-niece of his war-time crush. There was the old lady who tried to give him a rock-solid fruitcake every Friday. There was the pothead who smoked so much weed that the smell that had permeated the walls between the two apartments had lasted longer than he had.
Then there was Percy.
Steve never knew his full name- not in the beginning, anyways. The first interaction they had was in the hallway, when they crossed paths.
"Hi," Steve introduces himself as he realizes who this kid was. His new neighbor. "I'm Steve."
The kid glances up at him, tired eyes making an effort to seem happy as the pair move to their respective doors.
"Percy," He responds, as if he only just realizes what he should be filling the silence with. Steve sends him a soft smile as he goes to unlock his door.
"Welcome to the neighbor hood, Percy," Steve says. "Let me know if you need anything."
Percy looks at him, nods, before disappearing into his apartment slowly and quietly.
Steve watches as the door shut slowly, barely making a sound. It's as if the kid wants to be as quiet as possible. He frowns.
He carries on with his day.