Steve does as he’s told. He sleeps through the entire day. School goes unattended and work goes missed, both his first and his second jobs. They’re used to this, though. Steve isn’t the healthiest of students or employees and so he misses from time to time. There are a few texts on the phone he’s left on the table but none inquire where he is, just that they hope he feels better.

Sixteen hours pass and it’s dark again when his eyes open. Steve stretches, forehead a little wet from sweat, but he feels pretty damned good. He flexes all of his muscles, toes to fingertips, and adjusts the waistband of his jeans. He feels uncomfortable, like what he’s wearing is just a little too small.

Likely, it’s because he slept in them and he pays it no attention.

“Buck!” It’s probably not normal for most people to lay on a friend’s couch and demand them to be present, but that’s what Steve does, eyes closing as he rolls onto his back. “What are you cooking? It smells amazing!”