Wanted to post this a couple days ago but the site was down. Working now! So here is the next chapter :D Enjoy! And review what you think, I love your guys' comments.

"Steve!" Peggy said, snapping her fingers to gain his attention, "Where's your focus? I need you to start taking pictures! This shoot needs to go quickly so we can get the story up and into the newest issue. Come on, focus soldier!"

Blinking in embarrassment, Steve lifted the camera and took a shot of the newest millionaire who had moved to New York. A new rise to fame, rivalling the throne Tony Stark so proudly held. The article was on his life and where he what he was going to do with his new fortune and upcoming company.

While everyone assumed he was going to replace Tony, Steve knew deep down there was no way Tony would ever give up his throne. Nor would anyone ever amount to the fame he had. The guy was one of the most important people in the world.

He snapped several photos, different poses. Humouring the guy into thinking he was some kind of model. Chances were, he'd be big and important for the month the magazine ran his story and then the world would forget about him. That's usually what happened. If you didn't keep appearances, no one gave a damn that you were rich.

After the shoot, they said goodbye to their interviewee and Steve headed off to his desk so he could load and touch up the pictures. He loaded up the computer and sat back, letting them load. His small frame looked even frailer in the big desk chair. He slid down and moved the chair back and forth, focusing fully on the screen.

There was a thump beside him and a hand landed on his shoulder, causing him to cry out and jump about a foot in the air.

Steve glanced over in a panic and blinked up at a giggling Peggy. Glaring he sat up straight and crossed his arms "That wasn't very nice." He muttered.

Peggy stifled her laughter and smiled kindly at him "My apologies, I didn't mean to scare you Steven."

"It's fine, I'm not usually that skittish." Steve replied, leaning forward to observe the pictures he'd taken, determining which ones were the best. "What can I do for you Peggy?"

"Can you get the pictures to me by this afternoon? I want to do them before I leave." She asked, still smiling at him. Peggy hopped off the desk and leaned over his shoulder to see the pictures along with him "Choose three. I'll probably only use two, but having an extra will at least give me some options."

Steve nodded "Yeah sure, I can do that no problem."

"Thanks Rogers," Peggy smiled and headed off back to her own desk.

Steve smiled as she left and turned back to his own work. He scrolled through the multitude of pictures that he'd taken and picked out three. Sending them off to Peggy, he signed off and headed home for the day.

He wanted to get back to the café, hoping that maybe the beautiful stranger would be there again. He'd been all Steve could think about during the day. He was absolutely perfect and everything he could have ever asked for in a drawing subject.

If the universe liked him at all, they would let him see the man just once more. Just once would be fine… Maybe.

Truthfully, Steve wished he was brave enough to talk to the man. That is, if he ever got the chance to see him again. That was a big if. Few people visited that coffee shop as religiously as he did.

Still, there were the regulars, maybe this guy would turn out to be one of them.

Steve walked down the busy streets if New York and walked straight to the coffee shop. He ordered his regular, just as he did every day, and hid in the back corner where no one would see him. He pulled out his writing pad and set in on the table in front of him. Smiling at the drawing he'd done last time of the beautiful stranger, he flipped to a new page and looked around for inspiration.

When he didn't see the stranger he tried to withhold his disappointment and focused on someone else in the café. He thanked the barista when he brought him his drink and continued to draw. About a half hour later, when he'd drawn about two other sketches and all but had dinner at the café, he finally saw the stranger walk in.

Today his hair was gelled into a controlled ruffled look and he was wearing a tight leather jacket with loose dark jeans. His eyes swept the coffee shop and a smile pulled at his lips but Steve couldn't figure out why. The stranger ordered and took a seat closer to the blond this time. He stretched his arms and rested his chin on his hand, gazing out at the people passing on the street.

Steve grinned, he really was perfect to draw. Photogenic and settling into comfortable poses without a second thought.

Discreetly, Steve got to work right away.

When he finished, he sat back with a proud smile. The stranger ran a finger through his hair, in perfect time too. From what Steve could tell he'd barely moved the whole time he'd been drawing. But he must've shifted a little when he'd been looking down. Otherwise he would be stiff the next day. Besides, if he hadn't moved that almost made it seem like he knew Steve had been drawing him. But that couldn't be so, he definitely would have said something… Right?

No matter though, Steve closed his book and got himself a tea instead of a coffee. He did want to sleep tonight. He didn't have to go into work tomorrow so he decided to call Sam and see if they wanted to meet up. He didn't particularly like going out, but he did make a conscious effort to see at least one of his friends once a week.

Just a little thing to let them know he was still alive. For some reason they worried about him. Like he couldn't take care of himself. Though… To be fair… He did get his ass kicked an awful lot.

Sitting back down, Steve sat back and did his best not to stare at the beautiful stranger. He was reading the paper now, eyes scanning over the words. Steve smiled at the sight and did his best not to open his book again and start on another drawing. He was definitely tempted to.

If he did more than just the one, the man might actually notice. And as much as Steve wanted to talk to him, he couldn't do that. Not just yet. Maybe, if he became a regular, a conversation would just strike up naturally. Like if they were in line at the same time. Or if he "accidentally" sat down beside him. Then they could talk and it would seem natural.

Not creepy like it would now.

Steve admired the way the man seemed to pose. Like a model, he always seemed at ease in the position he rested in. His disarray hair was so inviting, Steve wished he could run his fingers through what looked like softness.

Sighing, he forced himself to pack up. If he stayed much longer he would speak to the man. Say something stupid and ruin the whole moment. Right now he was in bliss and Steve could admire him from afar. Secretly wishing and dreaming up scenarios where they could talk. Get to know each other more…

But he was fooling himself. People tended to look at him with pity, or like he was a small puppy who needed to be protected. That wasn't what Steve wanted. He wanted someone to view him as an equal… Though he doubted that would ever happen. He'd been cursed with so many illnesses and conditions that people would always view him as a victim to his own life.

Never like he was in control.

Shoving his book into his bag he began his exit out of the coffee shop. As he walked, he got distracted by the man stretching and running his hand through his hair. His eyes widened at the sight of his shirt raising just the slightest and his midriff being shown.

He felt his foot catch on something and he crashed to the ground. His bag falling from his grasp and the books falling out of it. He hit the floor hard, the wind being knocked out of him. His cheeks burned with embarrassment as he heard people chuckle around him. He was used to that he supposed, but it still hurt to know people would rather laugh at someone than help them.

What he didn't expect was the sight of someone kneeling beside him and helping gather his things. Steve glanced over, cheeks still red to find the man there with a kind smile on his face.

Steve's face wouldn't smile back, he just stared at him in awe. He grabbed the books that were offered to him and shoved them into his bag once more. He shot up, stumbling to his feet and grabbing a chair for support.

His cheeks were flaming as he stared at the man. He managed to squeak out "T-thanks." Before losing his nerve and sprinting out of the café, leaving the man standing there in confusion.

Halfway down the street, Steve collapsed against a wall and stared across the street.

Smooth Steve… Very smooth. He thought in annoyance at himself. He'd had the perfect opportunity to talk to him and he'd thrown it away. The man had been right there! He'd helped him while the others laughed. He deserved more than a squeaky thank you!

Even still, Steve couldn't go back now. It would be more embarrassing to do that. The beautiful stranger would probably laugh at him if he did. And Steve didn't think his beating heart could take that. It was still trying to calm down from the whole ordeal.

His breath was coming in short gasps and he felt around for his inhaler. He tugged it roughly out of his jacket pocket and took a swift puff from it. His breathing regulated and he leaned heavily against the wall.

He should go home and there was nothing more to do here. Besides, he still needed to call Sam and let him know he was alive.

Standing up straight, Steve walked away from the curb and hurried home. He didn't have to go into work tomorrow, so he decided if Sam did want to see him as proof that he hadn't been fighting then he could. If he tried to postpone those things, then Sam got suspicious. Though, generally, he was right and Steve was just trying to let them heal a bit so they didn't look as bad as they could.

Sam knew this, but couldn't exactly prove it.

Back at his house, he trudged upstairs and collapsed onto the couch. His heart was still pounding but it was strange to have it going crazy over something that wasn't a fight. If he was honest, it was a nice change.

When he got his breath back, he pulled out his cell and dialed Sam's number.

"Hello?" Sam's voice answered after the second ring.

Steve smiled "Hey Sam, just letting you know I'm alive and well. Just like you said to do."

Sam laughed on the other line and replied "Thanks man. You know I worry about you. All alone in the big city. You should come live out here. It's safer and I can keep an eye on you. Make sure you don't do anything stupid."

"I'm capable of taking care of myself Sam. Believe it or not. Besides, I'm not alone. I have friends at work, and Tony doesn't live too far from here." Steve replied with a slight eye roll.

"Far enough." Sam replied "I'm actually coming into town soon. We should meet up, get the whole crew together again."

Smiling to himself Steve nodded "Yeah… Yeah that sounds fun."

"Really?" Sam asked in surprise "You're not trying to get out of it? No dogs to save at the animal shelter this time?"

"Shut up." Steve laughed "I'm serious. Don't make me regret it." He paused and decided to explain "I haven't seen you guys in some time, and work is pretty slow right now. I just finished a shoot for this week's edition. Plus, I need to get out of the neighbourhood. It's been a strange couple of days."

"Oh? How so? No fights? More than usual?" Sam questioned, genuine curiosity in his voice. It was mixed with uncertainty about whether Steve had been getting into more disputes. He did really worry about the smaller man.

Steve shrugged, answering honestly "No more than usual. I… I uh I found someone new to draw."

Sam's laughter rang out once more as he said teasingly "Oh do you now? Are they cuter than the last one? You don't tend to draw people more than once unless they are."

"Come on Sam, that's not true." Steve chuckled "But yeah, yeah he is cute… It's strange. I've never seen him before. Not on the streets or anything. It's like he just came out of nowhere!"

"Well have you asked around about him?" Sam asked.

"No." Steve muttered. "I don't want to be obvious."

"Sounds like you already are."

Sighing Steve couldn't help but agree. The man probably saw the look in his eyes when he'd helped him gather his things. The small squeak that had come out of him. He had to withhold a groan at how pathetic that had been. What would the stranger think of him now?

Would he even come back? Or had Steve scared him off, made him go find another coffee shop because the weird artist had a freak out in front of him?

Just his luck.

"Steve?" Sam asked, prompting him to make sure he was still alive. "Everything okay?"

Jumping slightly he let out a soft breath and nodded "Y-yeah. Yeah I'm good. Just, just got lost in thought." Steve explained with a blush "I'll uh… I'm gonna go make some dinner. Text me the time and place for tomorrow? That'd be great."

"Okay, sure thing Steve." Sam replied, an amused smile on his lips "I'll talk to you later man. Have a good dinner." He stopped a moment before saying "And Steve?"

"Yeah?"

"Try not to be too obsessive." Sam replied, still sounding amused.

Steve rolled his eyes "I'll see you tomorrow."

"See ya." Sam laughed and hung up the phone.

Tossing his phone aside, Steve stood up and headed for the kitchen. He pulled out pots and ingredients for a small meal and mulled over the events of the day. Reliving the moment when he met eyes with the stranger. The brunet with the beautiful features. Perfect jawline and form for drawing.

He was the muse Steve had been searching for. The one who could give him the kind of inspiration he needed.

It was strange of these things worked out.

He wouldn't get to see his muse tomorrow but that was okay. He needed a break from his obsession anyway. Besides, seeing his friends would be a good idea. Despite enjoying being on his own more or less, he did enjoy spending time with them.

Sitting on the couch in the living room, food in hand, he turned on the TV and spent the rest of the evening in a relaxed state, ready for the excitement that tomorrow would bring.

If Tony was there, he would probably have to keep the rest of his friends in line. That man certainly knew how to get a whole club of people riled up. It didn't take much, as the group of friends had discovered. Just a few choice words and you could have an entire club at your command.

There was a reason Tony was in the business of selling his products to the government and any other organization that needed help. He was a business man, he knew how to make people like him.

Shaking his head with a smile, he leaned back in the couch and awaited Sam's text. Surprisingly eager to go to some bar or club, the next day.