The Soft Side of Winter

Sick

            It was quiet and dark, like a blanket had settled inside the huge house. Taking careful steps, Winter edged toward the kitchen silently. Opening one of the cabinets, he dropped a few cans of soup into his backpack, along with a couple things of medicine. Moving into the fridge, he tossed a few bottles of water and soda into his bag. He knew it was wrong to steal, but you were sick, and you were always his first priority. Besides, these people were dripping with money. He wouldn't be stealing if he had money, but when you escape from Hydra, funds tend to be low.

He took a few more things and made his way toward the window. He took one last glance around the house to make sure he left no traces of him, before sneaking out of the house. He made his way toward where you guys were currently staying, which was a rundown abandoned house downtown. As he neared closer to the house, he could hear your painful coughs, and he winced. It sounded like it hurt a lot.

He entered quickly and set his backpack down as he took in your current state. You were shaking and curled up into a ball as another round of coughs forced their way out. Your eyes were rimmed with red, and Winter walked over to you. He pressed his lips to your forehead and sighed when he noticed your fever wasn't down.

"I got some stuff to make you feel better." He mumbled as he grabbed his backpack and pulled a few things out.

"W-winter," You voice was hoarse from all the coughing. "Where did you get all that stuff?"

Shaking his head, he opened one of the medicine bottles. "It doesn't matter where I got it. You're what's important. Now open up."

You partially sat up and slowly drank some of the medicine he had poured for you before laying back down. "Baby, please tell me you didn't kill anyone for this stuff. It looks expensive."

"I didn't kill anyone, promise. I...I don't do that anymore." He said twisting the cap back on as he looked at you fondly. "Would you like some soup?"

You nodded your head just as you broke into another coughing fit. He kissed your forehead and wandered over to the kitchen area to get the stove working. Once he managed that, he grabbed a spare pot from the cabinet and began heating up the soup. He looked at you as you pulled up the thin blanket tighter against you and shivered. He hated seeing you like this, mainly because there was only so much he could do. Your body would just have to fight this off.

The soup finished and he poured some into a bowl. He helped you sit up all the way and he sat on the edge of the bed with the bowl and spoon in his hands. He dipped the spoon in the soup and gently blew on it before holding the spoon to your mouth.

"Winter, baby, you don't have to feed—" You coughed again, and Winter squeezed his eyes shut.

"Just...just please let me help you. Let me do something good." He whispered as he lifted the spoon toward you again.

You weakly nodded and let him feed you. He was patient and made sure not to give you too much, or you might throw up. He doesn't think his heart can bear seeing you like that again. He brought a water bottle to your lips as you sipped it. You needed to stay hydrated. After he screwed the lid back on, he set it on the bedside dresser, along with the soup bowl. Winter gave you some different medicine and checked your temperature again by pressing his lips to your forehead again.

"Seems to be going down." He whispered against your skin. "That's good."

You wrapped your body around him, and he held you tightly. Feeling your body shake with coughs, he rubbed your back soothingly and peppered kisses into your hair.

"I've got you."

Once your body calmed down, he gently laid you on the bed and spooned you from behind.

"You need rest." He breathed. "I'll be right here. And I promise, Hydra will never take us away from each other. I...I love you."

You yawned and reveled in his warmth. "I love you too, Winter. Thank you for taking care of me."

"No need to thank me. I'll always care for you. Now rest."

He held you close as you drifted off. He thought about how one day you two wouldn't need to run anywhere and he could give you everything you needed. And you would both be happy. He sighed before closing his eyes, images of better days playing in his dreams.