Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad that you feel as though I managed to validate such a very complex relationship. I'm also glad you enjoyed (if that's the right word) the journey.

Made me a bit sad, too.

Oh me too. The only way I could see it working was if they were totally broken and breaking Steve so badly just hurts me. Especially since I can't imagine this situation could possibly have a happy ending. But I had to follow that pesky muse.

Thank you for reading and commenting on this fic!