The Lakes (Steve Rogers AU)

14

The night sky was lit up from the flames, the smoke and heat in the air as Bucky and Nell pulled up at Steve's. 

"Shit!" Bucky scrambled from the car as Nell quickly followed, seeing Sam now with Phil...

And Steve...

"Oh thank fuck" Bucky sighed with relief as Banner and Cho were examining him, whilst the fire department worked on putting out the flames. "You alright pal?" 

Steve nodded, "Yeah..." he coughed and put the oxygen mask over his face again to take some air. "Had to find a way out that wasn't gonna burn my ass off". 

"You know what happened?" 

He shook his head. "I was asleep, then the damn alarms started going off. Next thing I know the whole place is burning...had to break a window to get out but what's a broken window when your whole house is like this?" He now watched, the flames still climbing as they tried to be extinguished. 

"This is too much of a coincidence pal...first Nell now you? You must know it was a targeted attack". 

Steve nodded. "I know, but we'll only find out when the report comes in. Any news on Walker?" 

"No, which makes me believe he's one hundred percent behind this - I know we can't just to conclusions but it's obvious". 

"Phil said the same. He's got people out looking to see if he's still in the area, plus he's looking at CCTV to see whether we can trace him".  His eyes still focused on his home. "Every last bit of Sharon was in that house. Pictures, jewellery...it's just gone..." 

Nell looked to Bucky and then sat next to Steve, "All that matters is that you're ok. I know it won't help bring back what you've lost. But you're still here". 

Steve looked down at his lap. "Yeah...still here..." 

"We need to take you to the med centre to check you over some more. Get that arm patched up that's bleeding. Just check there's no glass in there and whatnot. We also need to make sure about the smoke inhalation". Bruce now declared as he came up to them. 

"Do what you need to". Steve said, getting up and heading off with him. 

Nell watched him go and then pulled her cardigan around her a little more, watching as the last part of Steve's memories went up in smoke, the roof now collapsing in on the home. 

Sam came and stood next to her. "You alright?" Now seeing her glaring at the scene. 

"Walker needs to be found, before he can hurt anyone else". 

"Or you, I wouldn't put it past him to have gone to lurk at yours..." He trailed off as they both looked at one another. "Stay with Phil. Bucky! I think I may know where John could be! Bring the others, we may need backup!" He yelled as they all sprang into action, patrol car after patrol car now leaving as fast as they could. 

Phil now came to Nell and led her away. "Come on, let the guys deal with it. Let's just go and support Steve as best as we can..." 

She sighed. "This is all my fault, it's because of me that he's lost everything. The last links to his wife, their home...so many memories..." 

"But he still has the memories, nothing can replace those. Once everything is in order, we can help him rebuild - everyone in town loves Steve, they're not gonna see him without a roof over his head". Phil explained, "and none of this is your fault. He was looking out for you, as both a friend and an officer of the law. Anyone else would do the same as well". 

Nell nodded. "I know he may not want to, but he can stay with me. I have an extra room, he looked out for me so I'm doing the same to him". She looked at Phil. "Christmas is around the corner...he still won't have a house by then". 

Phil smiled. "You've got a kind heart Nell, that's what makes you fit in well with the community. If he does take up your offer, then if you need anything I'll be more than happy to help". 

The pair arrived at the medical centre where Helen Cho was just coming out of the examination room. "Ah, Sheriff - Steve's doing well, we were worried about the smoke, but we've run some tests. He'll be ok, just needs to take it easy. Bruce is patching him up, he'd cut his arm bad from breaking that window". 

"Can we see him?" Nell asked. 

"Go ahead". Helen nodded. 

Phil decided to stay outside while she went in, and once Bruce had left them alone, Nell turned to Steve. "If John hasn't committed arson on my place, I want you to come and stay with me until we get your house back up again. And I'm not taking no for an answer. You've helped me out and now it's my turn. It's my fault this happened anyway". 

Steve sighed. "It's not. John's had it out for me for a long time..." They'd not exactly been on great terms even before she'd arrived. 

"This hasn't helped though. Come home with me, and if it turns out that I prove to be a terrible housemate then you can go and seek sanctuary at Bucky's" She smiled. "Please Steve - let me do this for you". 

He paused, contemplating her offer and then nodded, knowing that he'd be needing a roof over his head and someone to stop him from letting his mind overcome him. 

"Alright..."