Work Text:
Looking out across the room, you can’t help but sigh. Everyone seemed to fit in. They had their place. And you… you were just there. No one knew you. Not the way you wanted to be known, anyway. And it stung more than you thought it would. Because you’d always been an outcast of sorts. The one hovering to the side. Just there for the sake of it.
So it surprises you when Bobby appears next to you and says, “I’m proud of you, ya’know? And congratulations.”
“I’m sorry?”
Bobby smiles. “On your one year of sobriety.”
Your chest tightens. How did he know? “How–”
“You left your phone on the counter earlier. I didn’t mean to look but I noticed a notification you got from one of those apps. It said you hit one year of being sober.”
“Oh.”
He raises his hands slightly. “I’m sorry for invading your privacy. But I need you to hear this from me, okay?” He drops his hands and smiles. A genuine smile that reaches his eyes. There’s a fondness to his gaze. Care. Love. “I know it’s hard to talk about this stuff. And I understand why you’ve never mentioned it before. I’m sorry for bringing it up unannounced. But one year is important, and I know it’s hard. I know you’ll be thinking a lot of bad thoughts right now–trust me, I’ve been there. But you’ve been so strong. And I’m proud of you. And everyone else is too, even if they don’t know what for.”
You take a moment to process his words and he lets you, never once leaving your side. His presence comforts you immensely. After a while, you finally let a smile grace your face. “Thank you, Cap. I mean it, that means a lot.”
“Always.” He reaches out to pat your arm, squeezing comfortingly. “And I’m here for you… if you ever wanna talk about it.”
“I appreciate it. And I’m here for you too, if you ever need someone who understands.”
Bobby squeezes your arm again. “Thank you.”
“Always.”