Fighting for You 🔞

Four

He had watched her the whole time. The way she held herself, and the way she spoke, something told him that she held a lot of secrets. He sat back at the bar, away from the woman, while she ate. It was clear she was hungry. He didn't want to, but he listened into her conversation with the bar woman.

When she had pulled up her top to show off her tattoo, he sucked in a breath. Seeing that much of her skin, the wisp of white lace of her bra, he felt heat sink low in his body.

For the first time in a week, his thoughts were no longer about Hydra. Images of her, burned into his mind.

'Lexi. Thank you for the food, it was really good. If your breakfast is anything like that, I'll see you in the morning'... He heard her say. Stealing a quick glance, he saw her leave.

He wondered if she really was staying here, before he shook his head. He couldn't think anything of the sort. He was damaged, broken. He didn't really know what or who he was anymore, only that he couldn't let Hydra take him back.

Maybe he could stay here a while, he was far enough away, and he could do with a break. He still had enough money from the bag he found, to get a place for a month or two. Maybe he could get a job for a little while, make some cash, before moving on.

'You want another beer?'... His head came up, seeing the woman, Sandy looking at him from the other side of the bar... 'I saw what you did for her. Cal and John always think they can hit on women, but she seemed nice enough to not want to deal with them'

He sighed, he didn't know why he stepped in. She may have been able to handle it herself, but something told him he had to be a gentleman, and defend her... 'Yeah thanks..'.. He slid his empty bottle over to her... 'I just don't like seeing a woman be harassed'

Sandy handed him another beer... 'On the house..'.. He frowned at her. She sighed shaking her head... 'Last time a pretty woman like her walked in here, her boyfriend got angry and a fight broke out with those two knuckleheads. No one around here appreciates their behaviour. They've been arrested a few times for it, but as Cals dad is sheriff, they get let go often'

His hand tightened around the bottle. He didn't like the thought of any man harassing women. Many women could handle themselves, but they shouldn't have to. Men should learn to behave and be nice.

He took a long pull on his drink... 'Is there any jobs going around here?'

Sandy peered at him, wondering what this man's story was... 'You look like you've been through hell'

He quickly thought of an excuse... 'Just got out of a long term relationship. Wasn't exactly the best. Made my life a living hell'... He dropped his head, as flashes of that life flittered across his mind.

Sandy suddenly felt sympathetic, and went into mom mode... 'Oh honey I'm sorry...'.. She sighed, looking around her bar... 'We could do with some help here. You seemed to handle those two idiots well. You look strong enough to lug the barrels too'

His head came up, giving her a small smile... 'Thank you. I can help out wherever you need me'

'You got somewhere to stay?'... She asks, leaning her arms on the bar.

'There's an apartment available. Short term lease. Figured it would be good to stick around for a while. Figured I'm far enough away from the past'

Sandy clicked her tongue, understanding what he meant... 'Well, if they ever show up here, a got a double barrel that hasn't been used in a while, hope my aim isn't off'

For the first time, in what felt like forever, he laughed. It started off a chuckle, until it consumed him. Sandy laughed along with him, seeing him smile.

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Nora looked around at the little apartment, thankful it was furnished and well kept. Meant she didn't need to full the place. It was opposite the empty one, thst she had just secured for Barnes. Giving a heavy payoff to the landlord, having him rip up any paperwork for it.

Heading to the kitchen, she checked the cupboard, and fridge. There was only dry goods, but thankfully she had picked up enough from the store to tide her over until tomorrow.

Kicking off her boots, she continued exploring the place. It only consisted of three rooms. An open kitchen/living room, one bed and one bathroom. Sighjng to herself, she rummaged around, finding clothes that were in her size. Unfortunately, the shoes were a size too small. Shrugging her shoulders, she grabbed a t-shirt and headed for the bathroom. It would be heaven to finally have a decent shower.

Once she felt clean enough, she pulled on the t-shirt, and a pair of her own underwear. Wrapping her hair up, she went to her bag, pulling out her phone. Flopping on the couch, she pulled up his number and called him.

'Adams, its been a while'... She felt a sense of relief knowing he was still ok.

'Been travelling. Taking a break for now. How are you doing?'... She grabs the blanket off the back of the couch, putting it over her legs.

'Still kicking. Doing a bit of travelling myself. I'll be away for a time, in a remote place so you won't be able to get a hold of me. But I'll call when I can..'.. She frowned, where was he going that had no cell reception on that phone? He could be in the middle of the Bermuda triangle and still have signal.

'How's your man? Things going good there?'... She heard him ask.

'Yeah we're good. He's settling well. Taking things slow, but I'm sure we'll get to where we need to be'... She tells him.

'Thats good. I gotta go, but remember that when it gets too much, go home'... He hangs up, leaving her wondering, where the hell was he going.

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He had left the bar, the night sky blanketing all around him. He didn't know where he would stay tonight, but he would find somewhere. Hitching the backpack up on his shoulder, he strolled down the main street, lost in his head.

'Mr Stephens! Mr Stephens!'... The sound of someone calling out, hand him looking around. He saw the older man, across the street looking at him, and waving his arm in indication.

He frowned, crossing the road. He had to remember, he had given the name 'James Stephens'. He didn't want to give his real name, just in case.

'Mr Stephens, I have the keys here for you. I was told you were at the bar, and was bringing them to you. So glad I caught you'... The older man, Mr Alan, held the keys out with a smile.

He couldn't believe his luck, he had a place. Somewhere to call a home, even if it was a short while. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he nodded... 'Uh, thank you'

'Heard from Catherine that you stood up for that pretty girl. Those two idiots are always a nuisance..'.. Mr Alan hands the keys over... 'I know its not fully furnished, but I can have some brought over tomorrow for you'

Barnes was stunned. Aside from the two assholes, everyone here seemed nice, and wanted to help. He shook his head, sighing... 'Its alright. I can make do. I appreciate this, thank you'

The old man smiled and nodded, walking off, heading back to his place. Barnes looked down at the keys in his hand. He didn't know what to think, but he felt something shift in him, not realising that what he felt, was hope.

😘