"Okay, I've got the soup." Steve says gently, closing the front door behind him as he walks into your apartment.

You glance up from your position on the sofa. Steve's brought you your favorite kind of soup, straight from that guy down the street who sells it from his cart. You can see the steam wisping from the cup, and stretch out your hands, grinning drowsily.

He sets the cup down on the coffee table, and kneels in front of you, checking your temperature with the back of his hand. "You're still burning up, but you've got goosebumps..."

He bites his lip, and disappears from the room, reappearing a few moments later with yet another blanket. You honestly weren't aware you had this many blankets, and you're slightly confused as to where he's getting them all from. He drapes the blanket across your body and passes you the soup, watching closely as you start it.

"You gonna watch me eat this?" you ask with a smile on your face, and he nods, unamused.

"You're not well. You're also incredibly tired. The last thing I want is you falling asleep and dropping scalding soup on you."

You roll your eyes, but secretly you're glad Steve's here. You came down with the flu about three days ago, and this is the first time he's been able to get out of SHIELD to spend the day with you. You enjoy his company, although he worries more than your mother, who, by the way, he continuously calls with updates on your situation.

You finish the soup and hand it back to him, wrapping your arms around yourself again, pulling the blankets tighter. He sets the cup back and immediately turns to face you. You know exactly what you look like; a wreck. Your hair is unwashed and there are dark circles under your eyes, but the rest of your skin is as white as paper. Steve strokes a hand against your cheek, and you're surprised he can stand being this close to you.

Surprising you, he stands up, and pushes you so you're sitting up. With a little difficulty, he shimmies in behind you and wraps his arms around you, bringing you in closer. The warmth from his body behind you sends shivers down your spine, and you snuggle in closer to him.

"You don't have to try and make me feel better you know." You mumble, pulling the blanket up above your nose and reaching for the remote with your free hand.

"Of course I do." Steve says quietly. "You can't be miserable, alone and sick. It's horrible."

You frown, "You'd know?"

He chuckles gently, "Yeah, before the serum I was a pretty sick kid. Just like you are now," he adds teasingly.

You dig an elbow into his ribs, "In that case, I think you should let me get some sleep."

"You're comfortable?"

"Yeah."

He kisses your temple gently, leaving it tingling from his touch, before resting his forehead on the nape of your neck.

"I love you." he whispers, and you never get the chance to reply, because as you open your mouth, you fall into a deep sleep.