Two Weeks Later-
Steve and Tony were standing opposite Fury with each a different expression on their face; Fury looked weary, Tony was angry and Steve was just plain worried. The deaf man tried to read the other's lips as they argued and he could only hope that Tony was representing his point of view well.
"He doesn't want to do it." Tony was trying not to raise his voice at Fury but he wasn't particularly good at keeping a level head.
"He has to do it. He got hurt in the last mission and the public want to know what has happened to their favorite hero." The eye-patched man sighed, "He just needs to let them know that he's made a full recovery and answer a couple of questions."
Tony turned to Steve and signed, He's saying you have to do it. You have to answer questions about your health. The public need to know, He pulled a face as a signed the last sentence.
Steve huffed out a breath and looked helplessly around the room, No choice? Fine but I want you there instead of an interpreter.
Tony nodded, "He is willing to do it on the condition I can be his interpreter." His fiery stare dared Fury to not allow them Steve's one request.
"Fine but we'll be watching you carefully." The boss replied as he strode for the door, "Now come on, they've been waiting for hours."
Tony nodded at Steve to confirm that his condition had been met so they followed Nick out towards the media room where they held all of their broadcasts and interviews.
Steve was nervous; his palms were sweaty and he was glad he didn't have to speak as he could feel dryness in his mouth so could only imagine the difficulty in speech. The soldier didn't mind talking to large groups but his deafness wasn't something commonly known yet which, he was certain, might make for an awkward interview. SHIELD had offered to release a statement when he first joined the team but Steve didn't want to make a big song and dance over something he considered so everyday. Why should they have to announce his deafness when they'll find out naturally anyways; he was tired of always been a spectacle.
Steve felt a squeeze around his hand just before they walked through the door which caused him to peer across gratefully to his partner. They smiled before dropping hands and entering the room. Today wasn't the day to reveal their relationship when it was all so new.
Cameras flashed as he climbed on stage and took his seat behind the table. People were moving around and talking, journalists were interspersed with members of the public, and Steve could imagine that it would be so much more overwhelming if he could hear the maelstrom of noise.
Tony touched his arm and Steve looked over at the man. He signed, Ready?
The soldier nodded even though he knew Tony could probably read the nervousness in his face. The inventor turned to the crowd.
"Before we start with questions, Steve would like to make a statement regarding his injury and recovery." After finishing the sentence, he turned to Steve to indicate that he was ready to interpret.
Steve began signing and suddenly the flashing of cameras suddenly exploded as many got the very first shots of Captain America signing in ASL. Every journalist in the room knew full well that this would make headlines despite the original story just being a regular interview. He watched the crowd suddenly become chaotic as he described his experience.
Unfortunately, as is the nature of our work, sometimes things happen unexpectedly. This was one of those occasions as, due to my deafness, I was unable to respond sufficiently when warned of danger. However, a new alert system has now been utilised to ensure it never happens again and that we can maintain the safety of the whole team.
Tony followed the words and spoke them out to the best of his ability considering that Steve was using words that he wouldn't use in everyday conversation. However, he somehow muddled through successfully.
I am grateful for the team as they responded so quickly to my situation and I want to say a big thank you to all the doctors and medical professionals who ensured my recovery. They truly are heroes. Thanks to them, I was back on my feet within a week and am feeling back to normal. I am looking forward to learning from this experience and helping again wherever possible in the future. I'm now happy to take any questions.
Steve's soft smile shifted across his lips as he watched Tony finish off the translation and begin fielding questions.
He seemed reluctant to interpret this one to Steve but the soldier encouraged him.
Is your deafness a side effect of the accident?
No, I've been deaf since birth and I'm proud of my deafness as it allows me to participate and interact with the most incredible deaf or hard of hearing communities. He ensured he mentioned his pride as he could foresee the next question asking if he was going to try and hear.
The questions went on in a similar vein for a while longer until they were nearly at the end. He answered about his recovery, the mission, his team and, obviously, his deafness. Tony's translations were growing slower and Steve himself was beginning to feel weary as they were approaching an hour. He permitted a couple more questions before they left and he was forever glad that they did those extra.
There seemed to be some sort of commotion as Tony stood and talked to someone in the crowd. People were looking behind them to see where in the audience the question was asked from. Steve frowned in confusion as in the hubbub nobody was telling him what was going on. He tried to watch to see what was happening but before long it became apparent.
The crowd was parting to let a small boy through to the front. He must have only been 8 or 9 but was brave enough to come right to the front and stand across from where Steve was sitting. His tiny Captain America costume melted the man's heart.
The soldier turned his head to watch Tony's interpretation but the genius only chuckled and pointed his attention back to the boy. Steve frowned and peered down at the blond kid.
Steve's mouth fell open when the boy began to sign, I did not know you are deaf. I am proud to be deaf now I know you are. If anyone is mean to me at school for being deaf I'm going to tell them that I am just like Captain America and I'm happy to be deaf.
Steve struggled to gather his thoughts as his emotions were flying all over the place. He had to wait a moment before he was able to sign. A stinging in his eyes almost distracted him but he pressed through.
You should always be proud of who you are. Don't listen to anyone that tells you otherwise. You're special and, most important, you're you. I'm so happy to have been able to meet such an awesome kid and if you keep being true to yourself you will become a hero to so many people, including me.
He rose and stepped down from the stage until he was situated in front of the boy. Before he had the chance to even fully open his arms, the boy had run into his embrace. The cameras went mad, snapping photos that would doubtlessly make the front page. The tight hold of the tiny figure reminded Steve of exactly why he'd never wanted to hear. The deaf and hard of hearing community were full of the most special kids who needed someone to look up to and identify with. Steve was glad that for this kid that could be Captain America.
As he stood, he looked up at Tony with tears welling up at the bottom of his blue eyes and his partner quickly wrapped up the interview.
"Well, I think that's a perfect note to end on so Steve wants to thank everyone for coming and he looks forward to seeing you next time." Steve didn't actually say any of this as he was too busy rapidly signing at the child, asking about his school and family.
Steve took the boy by the hand and led him out of the door whilst signing to Tony to find the mom because he had just decided that he was taking them out for ice cream. Turns out the boy had wasted no time in telling his new friend about how much he loved strawberry ice cream. Tony found the mom easily and led her back to meet Steve.
—
Later that night, Tony lay next to Steve in his king size bed with their fingers interlinked until Tony wanted to sign. The soldier looked across at him.
You were really good with that kid today.
Steve smiled, I remember when I was a kid in Brooklyn and my family didn't know a single other deaf person near us. It was such an isolating experience when only your family can talk to you. I was lucky I found Bucky a few years later and he knew the basics. Besides, kids can be mean and everyone needs to see someone like them in the press to feel normal. Tears were threatening again. He rarely took the time to think about what it had been like to be raised deaf in a hearing family and the challenges it brought for them.
I think you made his week. Tony smiled and rested his head against Steve's shoulder while watching him sign.
I think he made mine.
He leant his head to rest on top of Tony's and placed a gentle kiss against his hair. They linked their fingers together again now that they'd finished signing as both of them were more than happy to sit together in companionable silence until they drifted off to sleep.
As always, Tony fell off first and was snoring within minutes. Luckily, Steve couldn't hear it to complain.
