Marvel: The Devil’s Reign

JM watched the holographic interface of his system flicker, displaying a set of new notifications. He dismissed them with a thought, focusing instead on the man sitting across from him—Steve Rogers.

The supersoldier looked uneasy, his usual composure wavering under JM's sharp gaze. His fingers curled slightly around the coffee mug in front of him, the warmth doing little to calm his nerves.

"You're angry," JM observed, leaning back in his chair. His voice was smooth, calculated.

Steve blinked, his grip on the mug tightening. "What makes you think that?"

"Your pulse spiked when I walked in," JM stated. "And you're avoiding my eyes."

Steve exhaled, finally meeting JM's stare. Those piercing blue eyes—so strong, yet so vulnerable in moments like this.

"I'm not angry," Steve muttered. "Just… frustrated."

JM tilted his head slightly. "Frustrated with what?"

Steve hesitated before speaking. "You asked me to take up a new skill—said it would help me in the long run."

"I did," JM confirmed. "And?"

"I don't see the point," Steve admitted. "Ballet? That's what you chose for me?"

JM chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. "I thought you'd appreciate the discipline. The precision. It's an art of control—something I assumed you'd value."

Steve's jaw tightened. "I don't need ballet to prove my control."

JM smirked. "Then what would you prefer? Combat training? Strategy? Or maybe something that lets you throw yourself into danger like you always do?"

Steve sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just—" He stopped, looking away.

JM leaned forward, voice softer this time. "Steve, I don't ask you to do things for no reason."

Steve looked back at him, his expression conflicted. "Then tell me the real reason."

JM's system flickered, offering him multiple dialogue choices. He ignored them, deciding to speak from his own thoughts instead.

"I wanted to see if you'd follow an order without questioning it," JM admitted. "To see if you trusted me enough."

Steve's lips parted slightly in surprise. "You—"

"Yes." JM's voice was firm. "I push you not because I enjoy control, but because I need to know where you stand. If you can trust me when the stakes are low, you'll trust me when they're life or death."

Steve was silent, processing his words. Then, slowly, he exhaled. "That's… a hell of a way to test someone."

JM smiled slightly. "And yet, here we are."

Steve gave him a long look, something softer flickering behind his gaze. "You're impossible, you know that?"

JM's smirk widened. "And yet, you love me anyway."

Steve's breath hitched. JM had said it so easily, so casually.

JM saw the hesitation in Steve's expression—the way his hands twitched, the way his pulse raced. The system chimed softly in his mind:

[Emotional response detected: Flustered. High likelihood of reciprocation.]

JM stood, stepping closer. He reached out, his fingers grazing Steve's jaw. "Say it," he murmured.

Steve swallowed. "JM…"

"Say it," JM repeated, voice a whisper against his skin.

A long pause. Then, in a voice barely above a breath—

"I love you."

JM's system lit up with a new notification.

[Achievement Unlocked: The Soldier's Heart.]

JM smirked. "I know."

And then he kissed him.