Summary: Steve has a realization and he didn't like it one bit.

Steve sighed as he watched the room to his and Bruce's shared bedroom close. He had taken his laptop and left, instructing Jarvis -who was thankfully still up- to transport his clothes to another room using the house-wide wardrobe system that Tony had made. He needed time to think after realizing something.

Bruce had complained about getting a heartburn and Steve promptly pulled out a kicked puppy look which in turn, prompted a response from Bruce that really stung Steve.

'...and you're not at all concerned.'

Steve had bit the inside of his cheek when he heard that. He knew that Bruce didn't need to be sassed after his stressful day working with Tony down at the labs. He also didn't want to start a fight. They had been doing so well, after all...well at least in his opinion.

That comment made him re-assess things though.

Did he really appear to not be concerned at all with Bruce when it was the other man who needed the comfort and concern? Steve didn't know really. So he decided to distance himself for a while and leave Bruce with a letter that would explain things once he wakes up.

Bruce,

I had Jarvis haul my things out of the room so please don't be surprised if the closet is half empty when you wake up to dress up.

What you told me last night bothered me and I couldn't get it out of my mind as I tried to stay awake long enough to take the medicine for this strange bug I caught while we were in Asgard.

I'm sorry if I come off as unconcerned sometimes, Bruce. I really don't mean it. And because I don't mean it, I don't notice it at all until the time comes that you point it out to me. Again, I'm sorry.

I'm going to distance myself for a bit, I think. I won't totally ignore you or anything like that...I'll just be taking a wide step back from everything. I need to re-assess myself if I come out like this to others, especially to you. The last thing I want is to hurt you because of my carelessness.

If you think about it, our relationship has been catering more to me lately and it isn't fair for you. I'm really sorry about that...

Hopefully I'll get myself sorted out soon.

Yours,

Steve