WILL TO LIVE

10.

I woke up to the sounds of Trinity getting up to head out for work. She reached over as she slipped on her boots and ruffled my hair. "I'll call you on my break, kay?" She said quietly before rising up. I gave her a small noise of affirmation before rolling back over to close my eyes for a few minutes. I'd probably end up getting up shortly to starting doing things around the house or the very least make some kind of breakfast for myself.

It was hard to sleep now that I was on my own in this house. I had told Sam that it was the same and in some ways that was true but it hadn't gotten any easier. Every time I turned around I expected to see my mom smiling or laughing about something. She had left me with a hole that I couldn't quite figure out how to mend. In some way maybe that was a good thing. I didn't want to forget her.

Finding it harder to go back to sleep I let out a sigh and reached over to click on the lamp that was sitting on my nightstand causing the room to be dimly lit. I didn't need anything else for the moment as I slipped off the bed and stretched a little trying to work out all the uncomfortable positions that I usually felt in my legs. There was a little stiffness in my shoulder but that was something that had been dealing with ever since the incident. It was lesser than it had been which I was grateful for.

I moved along to go the bathroom for a quick shower and the like before heading through to the kitchen so that I could tackle it while fixing something quick to eat. I'd probably manage to get a few work chats started before I did anything else. My mind was already running and it was 6:55 by the time on the clock that I passed as I headed towards the entrance to the kitchen. I stopped, and turned around quickly when I realized that I wasn't completely alone this morning.

How I could forget that Sam Wilson had stayed over, not cool. I decided to check on him or at the very least make sure he was still comfortable as he slept. Making silent footsteps to get to the back of the couch. I found Sam laying still looking as at peace as he could be with one arm in a sling and the other just barely tucked outside of the blanket and falling against the floor. He seemed to be okay.

It was enough for me to resume what I had been doing albeit with a question on my mind; what was I supposed to do with him now that he was here? I could probably help him move into one of the other rooms? Last night I hadn't even thought of it. He had struggled enough as is getting into the house with Steve Rogers. He'd be more comfortable in one of them. I'd probably have to make sure the room was livable.

It really shouldn't be a problem. My mom used to keep rooms at a time for guests in case we had any. When she was still alive we had plenty of people over who sometimes kept me in my old room or varying in when I came around if I was still in my old apartment. There were two upstairs with my mom's room and one below closest to mine and the bathroom. The ones upstairs were much nicer but I found myself thinking it would be easier for him at the moment to move towards the one downstairs.

A part of my brain was question if that was all there was to it. The voice sometimes sounded like Emilie causing me to shake my head of it. It was just the best solution for the time being. That was all.

I washed the dishes first, before grabbing a bowl of Honey-Nut Cheerios and planting myself on the chair opposite of Sam where I spent time checking my emails – most of which were from my job passing along cases for me to do today, a few from old classmates inquiring how I was doing, a few coupons from stores that I frequented, and one email from someone I didn't know titled 'You're in danger.'

I stared at the subject line for a few moments thinking that maybe I shouldn't open it. I had a hell of a lot on my plate as is. I didn't need to add any more worries to my trouble.

I looked over at Sam again, he had shifted slightly to the side. He wasn't in any danger of falling off the couch but he was turned in my direction. I could have sworn for a brief moment I had seen him look at me but I was already looking back at my monitor.

I minimized the window, deciding to leave it for later. There was more thing I wanted to do before even tried to settle back down into work mode. Anything else could wait.

-x-

Sam had to admit that this was the best sleep he had in long while. Sleeping in silk sheets of Asgard was the weirdest experience, comfort he usually found when he was still touring for the military. A couch should have been the least comfortable place but the found it quite homey for the hours that he did fall asleep. His eyes opened just as they did off and on all night unsure of if it was really safe to sleep at all.

This time in particular he spotted Bee sitting in the chair that was tucked closest to the door. She had done something to her hair. The handful of times that he had seen her since meeting her it was always down in her natural curls. Very fitting to her. Not much of that had changed except half of it was twisted back out of her face in a few lines that met in middle of the half that was curled. It was a very interesting look but she seemed to pull it off. Especially paired with her rather 'I'm clearly at home' relaxing outfit of tights and a large sweater that hung off her shoulders. She was on her laptop while also juggling a bowl of cereal in her hand.

He could help but smile at the picture before sleep tugged back at him once more.

It wasn't much longer that he was awake again but the woman of the house was gone. He let out a sigh as he used his good arm to try to sit up as much as he could so he could have a better look around. The front room was completely empty besides him.

He could hear the sound of music coming from somewhere further in the house. This would give him a reason to get up and look around more. He wasn't trying to invade her space but he would be lying if it hadn't got him curious. Plus, he definitely had to use the bathroom.

So he took the necessary precautions to push himself into standing and slowly moving about. That friend of hers – Trinity definitely had a point. It hurt to move but he had a mission in mind and he would do his best to make sure that it happened as quickly as he could manage it.

The hallway that he had seen both women duck behind had minimal lighting but he managed to find the source of the music and the bathroom. They were across the hall from each other. He elected to relieve himself before finding out about the former.

It was with luck that by the time he came back out that the music hadn't stopped but it had definitely reached the end of the song. He got to see the wild curls of Bee as she moved her fingers against the keys of a piano and a very large room that was nearly vacant apart from the several pillows and the piano itself. There was a few photographs hung around the walls. He wanted to look at each one but stuck to leaning against the archway of the doorway until she was finished playing.

She was pretty good although she kept stopping every couple of seconds as if she forgot how to proceed. Maybe she was out of practice but it sounded fine to him.

As the song came to a close he finally let her know he was there. "You're pretty good."

She jumped, instinctively obviously not expected him. She twisted her head around and gave him a hesitant smile. "Uh…why are you even up? Doesn't that hurt?" She was obviously trying to get out of accepting the compliment but he had learned to roll with her on most things so far.

He laughed, briefly before the pain set in once more. He wanted to curse Thor and his bad luck for bringing the aliens to his life time and time again because how was laughing on his list of CAN'T DO now?

"Yeah." He said once he could breathe again.

Bee was frowning. She wasn't happy that he was in pain.

Sam let out a sigh as he jerked his upper body off the wall and started walking towards her. She moved over a little so that he could sit. He was grateful for that, truly. "I had to use the bathroom and I heard the music. How long have you been playing?" He asked as he peered down at her. Her hands were in her lap now and she was clearly fidgeting.

"Close to all of my life. Mom taught me when I was younger. I haven't played in a while…" She trailed off.

"It sounded good." He commented causing her to lift her head and look over at him with a slight grimace. "Thank you but I'm very rusty." She paused a moment to look him over, trying to check on him. "So how did you sleep?"

Sam smiled. "Actually really good. I kept waking up for some reason. Not used to sleeping on a couch. Though it was definitely better than the past few days. They have very satin sheets in Asgard. Not the best for a man who was injured."

He could tell by the look on her face that she was about to make a joke so he prepared himself. "Oh, you're telling me you didn't enjoy the finer things that that place had to have?"

"Bee, you misunderstand me. It was great but I'm not that kind of guy. I've been around Tony Stark long enough to not care for that. The good thing about Thor is though yes he's lived with it all his life he seems to not care as much."

"That's what happens though when you are born into that. It's good it didn't go to your head though. I wouldn't know what to do. I think I went to one of those gatherings once with rich people you know, yeah I'm not suited for that life. I like to keep to keep it simple."

"I don't think you'd fit there either." He nodded.

"Gee thanks." When Sam opened his mouth to respond she laughed. "Kidding. You can relax you know."

He shook his head at her. At the very least he was glad that she wasn't upset anymore. She seemed to be in a better mood today.

"I have a question." Bee said after a while of the two of them sitting there quietly. Sam had tested a few keys of the piano but other than that they were comfortable sitting in solitude.

"What's up?"

She drew in a deep breath before asking him. "What's your deal? Like what makes you keep flinging yourself into danger for Steve or I guess Bucky too? Why do you do that? I mean I would do as much as I could to keep my grandparents and Trinity safe because they're all I've got but these are people who came into your life. Are they just that important? Or is there something else keeping you on this road?"

Sam wasn't as surprised by her line of questioning as he thought he would be. They had only talked minimally about how his second job was saving the world with the Avengers and that Steve Rogers had got him in. He hadn't shared everything though. She knew about Riley, yes. But there was more there than that.

"There's one thing that I didn't tell you before. I asked him to let me help. I guess I was tired of not being able to do more than offer words of strength to people; not that I don't like that, I love that when I get a chance to do it but now I can do more than before. It reminds me of what I used to be able to do. I saved lives – most of them – and if that's something that counts then I want to be able to do it. Steve said that people hated him and yes, that's true but I'm also a part of that. I can't kid myself into believing that everyone is going to like me. I'm a black man who wears a suit that helps me fly and take down bad guys. That has to turn some heads."

She nodded.

"I get it. Trust me, I do. I was never gonna tell you this but it's sort of inspiring as a black woman to see people kind of like me doing things like that. I might not like what it does to you because you've done more for me than anyone who didn't already know me and accept that I struggle harder because of my past and I'm gonna tell you about that soon I swear it's just you seem to be dealing with so much already. I'm not gonna be the one to add more to your plate."

Sam placed his hand on top of hers stilling her twitching movements. "Bee. Just because we don't spend every day together doesn't mean that I'm not worried about what's going on in that head of yours. It's clear that something's bothering you and want to talk about it. I'm here when you're ready. No questions asked."

"Thanks." She said quietly. "I ramble a lot, sorry." She sounded sheepish.

"It's endearing." He added as he squeezed her hand before retracting his hand. She shook her head at him.

"If that's what you want to call it, then sure Sam." He had the urge to laugh at her but knew that he couldn't considering his body was currently telling him no.

Bee slipped off the bench and looked about the room as if she was looking for something. When she stepped over to the clock she had clearly found it. "Do you want something to eat? It's around lunch time, Bucky and Emilie should be on their way with food."

Sam agreed and she came back over to help him up. He was glad for the help back into the sitting area. While they waited Bee told him about the room that she was going to make up for him. He tried to get her not to do that because the couch was fine but she is pretty stubborn. He seemed to be surrounded by people like that.

"It's not a big deal. I take care of my friends. Plus it's been awhile since I've done this sort of thing. I have a feeling with your friends I'll have to open up the ones upstairs too."

"How many rooms are in this house?" He smiled.

"A lot. Mom got it on a deal it. There's six rooms. One mine, the other was hers; not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, two and a half bathrooms and the lounge room that we were just in. I never realized just how much space there was until you asked." Her eyes widened.

"It'll be fine. You don't have to do anything with all of it by yourself."

She hummed thoughtful before she rushed over to her laptop and sat in the chair. "Um, so I hope you don't mind but I have to start on work I'll expect they'll call me and ask what's wrong with me."

"How do you work from home? I think Emilie said something about chats or something." He asked as he watched her begin logging in.

She explained it much like how she explained it to Emilie before. "It gets me the hours." She shrugged.

He let her get to it for a little while before the doorbell rang once more. She shot him a stern look as he tried to get up. He had to chuckle at that. She was pretty adamant about making sure he did as little as possible. It was sweet but he didn't see it lasting too long. She was going back to work in a few days. What did she expect him to do then?

-x-

It was strange to feel the atmosphere change the moment I let Bucky and Emilie inside the house. The air felt stiff as we all got settled in with food and drinks thanks to my best friend who had certainly sent a lot of food. Did she expect that we would eat this all or was she simply hoping it was one thing for me not to worry about? Maybe a bit of both.

Bucky had brought a duffle for Sam. "Steve went to your house. Don't worry, I wasn't with him." He told him as he sat it on the floor next to Sam's feet.

Sam thanked him silently.

I shot Emilie a worried look. "So what happened?"

Emilie tried to reassure me with a smile. "We took care of it. Nothing to worry about. Probably gave Tony a headache in the process considering I left a group of guys tied up near Avengers HQ."

"Did you really?" Sam snorted.

"Yup. Some new crime organization trying to start something with the mob. We took care of it for them. I expect to see a letter soon."

I drew in a deep breath as I closed my laptop after telling the newest client that I would resume our conversation after I had a late lunch. "And that doesn't freak you out? We're talking about the mob knowing of your existence."

Bucky seemed to find this amusing. "Most people know who I am but Emilie can take care of herself. It's not like we attacked them. We merely helped them out. It wasn't for their benefit, Bee. Stop thinking for a second. Everyone you care about is fine. Trinity looked like she wanted to kiss me honestly."

"And me." Emilie admitted as she took a sip of her soda. "Truly, Trinity will tell you the same when she gets off later. The Sketchy Mission is complete."

I couldn't quite wrap my head around the idea that the mob was somehow involved with Trinity. I was always going to be looking over my shoulder now out of association. One look at Sam however seemed to prove that he knew what I was thinking and he gave me a soft small as if to say 'C'mon. Just for a day, relax.'

I had told him just as much earlier. I offered him a grimace in return. It seemed to be enough. We both turned back to the duo who were recounting just how uncomfortable seeing a known assassin and his girlfriend strolling into a sweets restaurant and pretend as if everything was normal.

"It was really fun." Emilie commented.

She seemed to be really happy so I couldn't exactly rain on that today. I trusted her to tell me if something bad had happened.

Once we had all finished eating what of the large trays of food that we could I took the rest to the kitchen where Emilie followed me. "How was it?" She immediately asked.

When I didn't answer her she came up behind me and peered over my shoulder. "Um, good?" I questioned not sure what I was supposed to say.

She just laughed. "So no development?"

"I don't know what you call development, Emilie. We both woke up this morning and he found out I play the piano."

This seemed to bring out a smile on her face. "It's something at least. I can't play an instrument to save my life."

I shrugged. "I'm good at a few things." I paused and looked back up at her. "Okay, I know you like being nonchalant but how was Trinity during all of this? I know she was freaked last night after you guys left. She can be rambunctious at times but I know she was pretty out of it because of this this morning. Hell she didn't call me on her break like she said she would." I was frowning.

"She was scattered, I can admit that but I had to go back inside after we took care of the group and she seemed to have calmed down a bit. It could also have something to do with my boyfriend's steady and calming way of dealing with things."

"How do you mean?" I inquired as I stowed the last of the food in the fridge and pulled out the pitcher of water.

"Well, he's very blunt when he needs to be. It used to bother me but in the same vein I think that's what I like about him. It's good to have someone who will be straight with you even if it hurts a little bit. I think you're like that too in some way. Sure, you have your secrets but I think everybody has those. As long as it isn't hurting you I don't see the problem. But really to answer your question there's something about his eyes that keep you centered. I don't know if you've had a good look at them but they're pretty clear. I'm pretty sure he could probably be trying to be do something highly illegal – he probably has – and still it would be the most intense moment of your life. He uses it for good though. I wouldn't want any other partner."

I had to smile at the unveiled affection she had for the former assassin. It was constant but it was awfully sweet.

I could only nod. "I'm glad you have him. You seem to work well together."

I could see some color come to her face at the compliment. "Thanks." She slipped her hands in her multicolored hair. "It's been a very long road for the both of us. It's nice to know that people can see how much we care about each other."

"Not only that." I intercepted. "You seem to work great out in the field. I don't know the first thing about all of this nonsense but you don't seem to shy away from the action." This got a laugh out of her.

"That was my problem. I was hiding when I met him – not from him, mind you – but my past with" she drew in a deep breath as if hating talking about this but she wanted to talk to me about it for some reason, "LUKE the man who abducted me and practically hurt me, nearly killed me before I did what I did because I hated the why people saw me afterwards. Bucky never judged me because he's truly worse off than I am. He's done more, seen more. It works because we get it. I sense that your issues is something of the same but you don't know how to talk about it but for Sam I have a feeling it doesn't matter to him. He likes you."

I scoffed. I didn't know if that was true.

"Bee." She reached out and put her hand on my shoulder to stress the importance of what she was saying. "He does. I mean I don't know to the extent but he wasn't in any hurry to leave despite what his best friend was trying to do. Steve means well, he always does. It's just Sam isn't used to people taking care of him from what I've seen. He takes care of us. It's nice to have someone who's there for him when he needs it. I know you're in denial but it's the truth."

"I wouldn't call it that." I sighed. "It's just I'm still dealing with my past and I don't want to be. It messes with my head a bit."

"And that's okay. I think in some way we're all still coping. At least you're not alone. You have your family and us too." She trailed off.

"Thanks." I smiled at her.

Nearly right after I spoke there was the clearing of someone's throat from behind us; Bucky stood there looking pretty apologetic for interrupting us. "Steve messaged me. Wants us to come over to talk about something. He won't say what. You know how he is about this technology stuff, doesn't trust it." He added for my benefit.

"Doesn't trust people, you mean." I mumbled in return.

"That too." Bucky concede before stepping fully into the room, and folding his arms.

"He wanted me too?" Emilie asked, as if she was surprised.

Bucky pulled his phone from his pocket. It was so amusing to watch him concentrate to pull up the messages. "I don't mind if Emilie is there. You seem to work better together and we might need her. Let me know if you can. – Steve." He quoted.

"You guys go ahead. We're fine here. I'll make sure he hops into the shower and relaxes and if Steve needs to come by tomorrow tell him its okay." I explained. I didn't want them to feel like they had to hang around. Sam would be okay. I would be fine.

Emilie shot me a questioning look. I shrugged in return. She reached over and wrapped her arm around my neck and pulled me closer to her before planting a peck on my cheek. "You're the sweetest. I'll call you in a little while, okay?"

I felt myself nod but otherwise wasn't quite sure how to function now that she had done that. Bucky looked amused from where I was standing. I don't know if I would ever understand their relationship but I suppose that was how it was supposed to be.

At some point I heard the door close so I padded my feet on over to the couch where Sam was still sitting up. I plopped down next to him and let out a sigh.

"You okay?" He asked.

I slowly turned towards him. I nodded. "Remember when you were making sure I wouldn't do anything stupid because of Emilie?" I watched him nod but from the look on his face he wasn't sure where I was going with this line of questioning. "Tell her not to kiss me next time. It has a very good-bad reaction on me."

Sam chuckled. "She kissed you?" I just stared at him. "Huh. Well it's hard to tell her what to do. Odds are she won't follow the instructions if she doesn't see the harm in it."

"Sounds like someone else I know." I breathed. I looked away from him for a second. "Do you want to take a shower? I can make sure everything is ready."

He was silent momentarily before responding, "Sure. It might help."

"Okay." I got back to my feet and headed down the hallway. It didn't take terribly long for me to make sure everything would be in his reach. When I came back I helped him up and we moved down the corridor. I left him inside the bathroom to do his thing. He told me he'd be able to make it back just fine.

I spent the time he took to himself to set up the guest room and start work on my laptop. I had made it through two quick conversations when my doorbell rang.

"I wonder who that could be." I whispered to myself as I headed to get it.

Upon opening the door I found Pa standing there with a smile on his face. "Hey." He greeted.

I held the door in one hand unsure how to proceed. I had a man in one of my showers and my grandfather was at the door.

"Pa. What are you doing here?" I sighed.

"You missed our weekly dinners. Your grandma was worried, also I can come to my daughter's house can't I?" I didn't think he was feeling wistful. He had something in particular in mind.

I heard some shuffling behind me in the room but I registered the fact that Sam had not said a word. He was waiting on me to either close the door or let whomever was there in.

"Sorry. It's been a trial for me. Trinity hasn't wanted me to leave the house."

"You could have called, Bumble Bee." He returned quickly.

He had me there.

"Forgot. Lot on my mind."

"Are you going to let me in?" He paused. When I didn't move he pushed the door open himself. He smiled even brighter when he spotted Sam back on the couch freshly showered.

"Mr. Wilson, hello."

Sam for his part lifted his good arm in the air and gave him a short wave. "Sir."

From the way he was looking it was clear to me that he was waiting for my cue. I shut the door as my grandfather came in. He made a line for the chair that I had previously been working in. I had few stacks of paper on the floor near it but he just moved across it and made himself comfortable.

"How do you know who he is? I never told you his whole name before." I commented as I bent down to pick up my papers and my laptop and sat them on the table since I wouldn't be getting any more work done today.

"I'm old but I do know how to use the internet, Bumble Bee."

I shut my eyes. Did he have to call me that right now? It was embarrassing in present company.

"You talk about me." Sam said at the same time that I had opened my mouth to respond to my grandfather.

"I wouldn't say talk. Briefly mentioned once."

"A few times." Pa corrected me.

I groaned. "Can we not talk about this right now?"

"Fine. So Mr. Wilson what happened to you? You look rather beaten up?"

Sam though hesitant to talk about his other job seemed to not want to shy away from my grandfather for some reason. I sat on the arm of the couch furthest away from the wing man. "I lost a fight in a bad way."

"Where were you Avengers at this time?"

"Pa! I don't think he's at liberty to say." I butted in.

Sam chuckled at my insistence to try to shield him from my inquisitive relative. "Its okay, Bee." He told me before turning back to my grandfather who was looking strangely between the two of us. As if he had just realized something but he wasn't going to share it with the class or me rather. "But we were off world. In space sort of."

He hummed, mulling over Sam's answer for a tick before continuing his questions. "Would this also be the reason my granddaughter got injured a few weeks ago?"

I desperately wanted to do something but I wasn't sure how any of this was going to go. My grandfather already knew that that was the reason and yet he still asked. It was like he was testing Sam. I didn't get it.

Sam frowned but answered him all the same. "Yes, sir. I'm really sorry about that by the way. I didn't mean for that to happen."

Pa simply waved it off. "Good. I think that speaks of your character at least. The last guy she was around was not so noble."

I stiffened even more if that was possible. He couldn't tell him, could he?

"It's not the time to talk of bad seeds in the ground. Bee, your grandma wants to see you tomorrow after work. She sent me because she was annoyed and you know how she gets. I'll be there if that makes you more willing to come over."

"Do you want me to bring you anything on my way over?"

"The order you usually get from Trinity will do. Might help a bit."

I just nodded. It was taking that then I was in for a lecture the moment I got there.

"That was all. I wanted to see how you were too since you're scheduled to return to work tomorrow."

"I'm fine, Pa." I sighed.

He nodded. "I see. I'm glad."

There were a few moments of silence before he was back to his feet again. "It was nice to finally meet you, Sam." I watched Sam smile and return the pleasant greeting. He turned towards me as he took the few steps to get to me. He reached forward and twirled one of his fingers in my hair, he bent forward and kissed my brow. "I will keep this meeting a secret. She'll want to meet him at some point but I'll leave that in your hands. Take care of yourself until tomorrow, kay?"

I gave a firm nod.

He grinned before sliding backwards and then slipping out the door.

I put my face in my hands as the door clicked.

"He seemed like a good man." Sam stated.

"He is. It's his wife that gives me a headache." I pushed off the couch.

"Love is like that in families, you know Bee." He tried to cheer me up.

I turned around as I fluffed my hair up a bit. He looked better, the shower had definitely helped. "Yeah well it isn't that simple. I digress."

Sam grinned. "It can't be that bad. You turned out okay, didn't you?" He posed the question with an eyebrow raised. That eye of his was probably the worst thing I'd seen in a long time, not counting the alien creatures from weeks past.

"Thanks to my mother. Yeah, I suppose."

Sam looked like he wanted to say something to me or ask me something. "What? You obviously have been itching to ask me something so just go for it."

He chuckled. "Okay. Even though you don't want to talk about it your grandfather is making it awfully hard. Who was the guy who none of you seem to care for?"

I drew in a heavy sigh as I looked up at him. He had a point. We all tried to avoid the subject of my ex-boyfriend who also could have killed me. It seemed to be his intention at the time but I've had to think a lot about that and I still wasn't any closer to knowing the truth.

I bit my lip before looking up at this wonderful human being once more. He looked curious and it helped my resolve. I could talk about him a little.

"He wasn't all bad. They always are right. Um, well his name is-was Jay." I cleared my throat. I didn't think it would be this hard to talk about it. With a guy you was starting to like it was ten times harder I believed.

"Just J like the letter?" He seemed amused although there was some careful glimpses in his eyes that he knew that it was serious that I was willing to talk about this at all.

His response made me laugh though. "Not exactly. J-A-Y. I'm not sure if that was his full name but that's all I've ever known. We met my senior year of college and were together for about six years – so until two years ago."

I couldn't look away from Sam's judgement unsure of how much I could tell him right now and what he was thinking. He wasn't the easiest person to read but not in a bad way. It was strangely calming to see him think.

"That's a long time to be with someone."

I exhaled, nodding. "Yep. My mistake."

-x-

Sam could tell how hard it was for her to talk about it which is why he wasn't pressing her about it. There was something significant about this Jay guy that had left her confused even when it was clear he had done something to hurt her in a bad way. He wanted to know what it was but at the same time he was worried once he found out his thoughts on things at present would drastically change. He wasn't sure if that was such a bad thing as of yet.

He was still gathering his wits about Bee and how easy it was for him to be with her in the moment. They kept colliding with each other. He'd mostly have to thank his friends for that.

"It was an experience. I don't think you should regret that." He told her after a few seconds of him watching her twitch in mournful thought at what she had lived through. The thing that she had mentioned she had walked away from. It made her the woman he sat with comfortably all the more worth knowing.

She turned towards him and splayed a smile on her face. It wasn't full but it was something beautiful. "You're too good for this world, Sam Wilson."

That was the last thing she said to him before she helped him get to the room where he could rest for the night.

Before he could let her leave him he used his good arm to pull her into an embrace on his good side. He heard the quick intake of her breath as she made sure to hold onto him either so he wouldn't fall or she needed something to hold to. He smiled a little. "Goodnight, Bee."

"Yeah. You too." She muttered on her way out once they had fell away from each other and he was sitting on the bed once again alone. He didn't feel it as much though. He felt the retreating warmth of that gesture and that was enough for him to sleep for one more day.

This is the longest chapter I've written for this fic so far (I've been working on it for a little over a week on and off) and I don't even know what to say. So many things happened. I promised the Sam/Bee. I brought some Sam/Bee. I seriously hope you enjoyed. I would love to hear what you thought!

much love,

day