How do you heal?

Chapter 73: Break Down Here

Happy and Sam pulled into the driveway at Alex's house expecting to find it empty since her roommate usually worked weekends but as soon as Happy put the car in park the front door opened to reveal Iris.

"Hey, Iris. I didn't think you would be here." Sam called as he got out of the car and waved at Happy, who was heading back to the Easton's since Sam would be driving Alex's car back.

"Alex texted me to let me know you were coming. I left work early so I could help you get whatever you need." Iris said, holding the door open to let him enter.

"Thank you, Alex gave me a list but it will be helpful to have someone who knows where everything is. Save me some time."

Sam showed Iris the list and the two began moving about the house to gather the necessary items. The list wasn't long, clothes, shoes, car keys, and a few other small items so it didn't take long and Iris had already pulled a few outfits from both Alex and Annie's closets.

"I know Annie probably has something packed but it's always nice to have options." She said zipping up garment bags and handing them to Sam who just nodded. "How is she?"

"Not great," Sam replied, double checking the list before picking up the bags and heading to the garage. "She hasn't said anything since we got to the compound but I think being with her family will help."

Iris put a hand on Sam's arm. "Oh, no you misunderstood me. I have no doubt Annie is an absolute wreck but how is Alex?"

Sam looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Fine?"

Iris took the bags from Sam and put them back down, pulling him to sit at the table. "Sam, Alex doesn't know her father. She has an elusive brother and a mother with whom she shares a cautious relationship at the best of times. For nearly thirty years the Eastons have been her family, Ferris more so than any of the others. He stops," She paused and looked down. "Stopped over every few weeks with a tool box and some lie about home maintenance before taking Alex to lunch or breakfast or pulling out some local home made jerky he found for her."

"I didn't know that." Sam replied, shaking his head.

"Of course not, Alex is a fortress. But I'm sure right now she is a fortress that needs to be breached because for all intents and purposes she lost her father too and Annie has no doubt locked herself away in her own mind and cannot help Alex right now."

When Sam had arrived back at the Easton house he was deep in thought. The more he thought about it, Iris was right. While packing Annie's bag, the ride to the airport, the flight back, Alex had been distant, turning away from him or running onto the next task as soon as she could. He thought she was just worried about her friend but... Stepping out of the car he saw Pietro tossing a trash bag into a can at the side of the house.

"How's everyone holding up?"

Pietro looked at the door and scratched his head. "Hard to say. Annie and Alex were back with April and the other kids until just about an hour ago when we brought food but there isn't much talking going on. I had them save you a plate, if you are hungry."

"Thanks man," Sam said and they started to walk to the door but he stopped. "Hey when we get to the hotel tonight could you do me a favor?"

"What's up?"

"Take Annie and get her settled. I know Alex is going to try and help but I think she needs some time to herself."

"Sure thing."

When they stepped off the elevator sure enough Alex began to follow behind Annie and Pietro but Sam held her back.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Let Maximoff handle Annie tonight." He said, pulling her towards their room.

Alex tried to break from his grasp. "I just want to make sure she is settled. It won't take long."

"Alexandra," Sam gave her a stern but concerned look and carefully worded his reply to play on her need to get things done. "Pietro's got it tonight. You need to get some sleep so you can be ready to tackle whatever comes for the Easton's tomorrow."

Alex sighed and looked back to where Pietro was opening the door to Annie's room before nodding. "You're right. He's got it."

Entering their own room Sam tossed down their bags before turning back to Alex, who was rubbing her temples looking exhausted.

"Come here." He said and pulled her into a hug. The moment he did so Alex let loose. A torrent of ugly sobs and gasping breaths and he just rubbed her back and let her go as long as she needed.

Alex didn't like emotions. They were messy and complicated and too human for her liking. Part of why Annie and Alex worked so well together was the balance of Annie having all the emotions and Alex having none. But right now, in the arms of stupid, beautiful, sweet Sam Wilson, she was going through a lot of them. She'd let herself have this. This quiet, private breakdown and tomorrow she's have her shit together so the could handle whatever needed to be done with her usual take charge attitude.

"If you tell anyone you saw me cry I will deny it, murder you, then dump you."