o.0 adorable headcanon? yeah. yeah, I can do that. Zero editing.
When Steve doesn't want you to startle awake, he gives you slow and gentle head scratches until you come to. He always does this when you are facing him in bed (or he kneels on your side) so that the first thing you see is him. He's always showing the softest smile.
Sometimes Steve wakes restless, and either on purpose or subconsciously, he tends to flick his feet against yours. He basically plays footsie in bed.
You have zero clue whether he knows he does it so much. You and he have only joked about it while both clearly awake twice. Several times, you've noticed him doing it reflexively after he's obviously asleep. You don't point it out for fear it will stop him.
It's like his version of a love tap.
You know that Steve has super-senses, so when you first started spending the night together, you sorta tested that theory (or just tested that he was really asleep) by very, very softly saying little praises to him.
He never moves when you do this, so he either is actually asleep or just loves to fake sleep and listen to you talk to him.
Could be both, too. Might be both.
Steve talks a good game about breakfast in bed, but in reality, he hates to leave you there in all your morning glory and cannot stand the idea of crumbs in the bed. Coffee or tea is okay. Those are fine.
They are fine because he bought a waterproof mattress protector. He knows he's got some strange hangups about everything in its proper place and should be done in its proper place. He's willing to make exceptions when you're so cute snuggling into him with a warm mug clutched in your sleepy fingers.
It's possibly the greatest ongoing competition in your relationship: who can get the most 'happy hums' from the other. There's no tally, just a gut feeling. Steve is winning. You do not care that you're losing.
