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“Hey, Katya,” Steve said, making an effort to come up to her in the slim bit of time before he knew he needed to get to sleep so he would be mostly functional during his next shift.
“Steve!” she said, her eyes bright and smile so excited. “Always good to talk to you! What’s the latest?”
Steve’s heart started to race, sending bile into his fingertips and blood to his cheeks. “Oh, you know,” he said, producing the painstakingly hand-bound copy of Katya’s food-fiction and holding it out to her. “I just thought I’d let you know that I really liked your story.”
“Actually, you can keep that one,” she said, her giggle filling the air with music just as magical as the sound of her tambourine. “I’ve got a few other copies all bound up and illustrated already. That one’s all yours!”
“Oh,” Steve said, tucking it up into his arm. “Thanks! I-, uh, really do appreciate that. Haven’t had much chance to read for fun lately, so... It was a nice change of pace.”
She smiled at him and showed off two pointed fangs. Steve almost felt awful for wondering if she could pierce through his lips with them. “So glad I could help out! Did you want another title to read? I’d offer another original, but it’s still in the works, and all. I’ve got a few off-the-shelf classics to keep you busy, though!”
“It’s fine!” Steve said, holding up a hand and trying to settle his heart. “I wanted to talk about something else, too.”
“Totes! What’s up?” she asked, tilting her head, ready to listen intently.
“I just wanted to know if, uh...” He stopped to take a deep breath. “You know. Once all of this Day of Unity stuff blows over, do you think you’d maybe want to go on a date or something? Maybe not something super big or extravagant, since we’re probably going to have to do a lot of work to rebuild things, but, I just-... I wanted to know if I should add you to the list of things I’m fighting for.”
Katya took in the lightest of gasps. “Wait, really?” she asked, hands open at her sides and eyes wide.
“Well, yeah, I wouldn’t just mess with you like that,” he said, unsure of whether or not he should reach out to her. “I think you’re really special.”
Katya turned and buried her face in her hands.
Steve bit his tongue.
He blew it.
“You know what,” she murmured, looking up to the ceiling before turning back to him. Her face glowed anew. “I think I’d really like to go on a date with you once this is all over.”
Steve didn’t even realize he was beaming until his cheeks hurt. “I guess it’s happening, huh,” he said. “Best of luck on the battle field.”
Katya’s eyes sparkled. “Best of luck to you, as well,” she told him. “It’s been good getting to know the real you. I’d love to see more in a brand new light.”