(WARNINGS: This short fic deals with depression. Please read at your own risk)

Steve was a pretty observant man. So when you began withdrawing and acting odd, Steve noticed. You just didn't seem like yourself anymore. You didn't want to leave the Tower except for missions and even with those you seemed to have lost your edge. You avoided people and activities. You had even blown up at a couple of people once or twice. It wasn't like you and Steve was prepared to get to the bottom of it.

"Y/N?" You cast a glance over at him, but didn't reply. "You okay?" Steve watched as your hands clenched into fists. "I'm fine, Steve. I'd be better if everyone would just stop asking me if I'm okay," you snapped at him with a glare. You got up and stormed from the room muttering, "I'm so damned tired." Confused, Steve went to the one person who might know what was going on with you.

"Y/N has depression. Had it for years. Normally Y/N keeps the struggle to themselves and under control," Bruce explained, "But they decided to come off their medication. They aren't suicidal or I would have insisted they stay on. Y/N just needs new coping mechanisms and people there for them that aren't going to constantly question, pressure, or judge them." Steve sat in thought for a few minutes.

Steve never would have guessed before that you were struggling so much with this mental illness. You had clearly become something of an expert at hiding it. Steve didn't know how to help you, but he wanted to try. "F.R.I.D.A.Y., where is Agent Y/L/N?" After a brief moment, the AI answered saying you were in your room. The super soldier wasted no time in heading there and knocking on the door. "What?" Steve winced a little. Your voice sounded completely void of all emotion, almost like you weren't even there in real life. Opening the door, Steve's heart broke for you.

You were lying on your bed, staring up at the ceiling as the fan went around and around. "Y/N?" You didn't say anything. You didn't even move. You only laid there. "I know you're not okay. H-How can I help?" For a moment, you didn't reply. You simply kept staring up at the ceiling fan. With a soft sigh, Steve walked over to the bed and removed his shoes before climbing in next to you. He was careful not to touch you and made a mental note to thank Tony for providing the largest beds available.

For what seemed like hours, the two of you laid on your bed, not speaking, gazing up at the ceiling. To Steve's surprise, it was you who spoke first. "I like to watch it. It calms me down." Steve smiled a little. At least you were speaking again. "Why didn't you tell anyone? Everyone is really worried about you." You let out a huff through your nose. "Because they can't go through it for me, Steve. There is nothing anyone can say or do to make it better. I'm pretty much a prisoner in my own mind half the time. The meds help but they make me feel like a zombie and mess with my appetite. I don't like it."

"I don't understand," Steve started, making you chuckle humorlessly, "But I'm willing to try. I want to help if I can. Whatever you need me to do." Finally you turned your head so you could look at him. "You mean that?" Steve nodded. "Whatever you need," he reaffirmed. Your lips upturned into a sort of half-smile which was more than Steve had gotten from you in days.

"Thanks, Steve. Do...I mean, would it be alright if I took a nap now? I'm just so exhausted." Steve nodded as he reached down and gave your hand a squeeze. "Sure. If we need you, I'll get you." He moved to get off the bed, but you didn't let go of his hand. "Stay?" you asked when his eyes met yours again. With a shrug, Steve got comfortable again. He knew this was only the beginning, but he was going to keep his word and help you. No matter what.

(a/n: Please don't stop taking your medication without first speaking to your doctor. They may be able to find other solutions. I want you to be safe. And if you do need the meds, don't feel ashamed or guilty. There is NOTHING wrong with needing/seeking help. Please be safe and if you see someone struggling, help how you can and don't judge!)