Mister Rogers ⍟ || Steve Rogers

2

A cold breeze rushed into the Quinjet as it landed, the main door opening. My eyes fluttered open at the sound of Rumlow and the S.T.R.I.K.E. team leaving in a hurry.

"Jones, Rogers," Natasha nodded to us before exiting the Quinjet.

I stood, feeling the glass move slightly in my leg, and quietly winced at the pain. Steve stood, wanting to help, but unsure where to start.

I wrapped my arm around his waist again, leaning on him for support. His hand settled on my lower back, steadying me without a word. No other words were needed as he guided me toward the infirmary at the Triskelion. Every step sent sharp pains shooting through me, and I quietly gasped with each one.

We found an open room, and I collapsed onto the cot, letting out a long breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"I'll get a nurse," Steve said, closing the door behind him as he left.

For a few seconds, I lingered in the quiet, tempted to drift back to sleep. I sat up, gritting my teeth as I peeled off my tank top over my swollen shoulder.

A soft knock drew my attention. Steve poked his head in. "A nurse recognized your name, she'll be here soon."

I smiled, "Rosie! She's been my nurse since I first started working here."

He nodded, settling into the seat beside me. "Come here that often?" asked Steve.

"My abilities had only been discovered recently. Training was a... rushed process," I explained shyly.

Unlike other agents, I never had the luxury of time or a steady pace. Having started only a year ago, I was thrown straight into classes far beyond my level.

"Well, for what it's worth, I think you're a good fighter," he complimented.

"I owe it all to my abilities," I admitted.

"I owe it all to the serum. I mean, without it..." With the shake of his head, he redirected the conversation. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright, I promise," I assured. "Rosie can take care of me. You don't have to stick around."

Steve tilted his head. "I'm a part of your team. You're injured. It's customary of me to ensure you don't die on our missions."

"Too late, I'm actually a ghost," I admitted.

"Strange," hummed Steve, "You seem a bit too smiley for a ghost."

"I haunt people by making them smile more than they expect to," I laughed.

"That's a ghost I'd like a visit from."

As our chuckles faded, I flashed him a sincere smile. "Well, Cap, this ghost is telling you your departure is okay."

"If you say so," he agreed, standing. He took a few steps towards the door before turning my way again. "Oh, uh. Good work today, Addy."

Suddenly, Nurse Rosie burst through the door, scolding, "Addy Jones! It's been so long! Why are you back?"

"Mission," Steve and I said at the same time, instantly looking at each other.

"Hello, ma'am," greeted Steve, placing his hands on his hips. "She took the force of a grenade and was thrown into a computer. I'm pretty sure her shoulder is dislocated, and her leg-"

"Relax, hun. I've got her. Just let me grab Doctor Brown and my tweezers. I believe I left them in the break room," said Rosie. She waddled out of the room.

"I could have answered myself," I said.

"Just let me help you, Addy," he sighed. He hesitated before stepping closer to the cot I sat on, placing his calloused hand on top of mine. "To me, you're more than just a good agent."

Then, he left, taking a part of my heart with him.

-

Dr. Brown exhaled, "Three...two...one."

I sharply inhaled as my shoulder was painfully jerked backward. I bit down on my lip so hard I felt blood. I opened my watery eyes.

"Are you okay?" His eyes were filled with concern.

"Never better," I winced. He gave me a sling and some precautions I didn't care for before leaving.

Blinking away tears, Rosie approached me with an abnormally large pair of tweezers, the nurse gave me a warm smile, "Alright hun, this might hurt a bit."

My stomach churned looking at the piece of glass wedged my leg. I glanced back to her, raising my eyebrows, "A bit?"

"Sorry dear."

"Let's just get it over with," I sighed.

As she started to pull the piece from my leg I yelped, my grip on the cot tightening. She continued, quickly yet gently removing it. It only took a few more seconds and she was already stitching me up.

"Thank you," I sighed, leaning my head back against the headboard of the cot.

"No problem, dear," she smiled, offering me a paper cup of water. Leaning in closer, she asked, "Now, what's with you and the Captain?"

My eyes widened and I choked on the water. After a fit of coughs, I turned back to her, "What?"

"Honey, even if he wasn't in here blabbing all about you the other day, anyone could see it," scoffed Rosie.

"You really don't waste any time," I chuckled. "There isn't anything between us though," I answered honestly.

"Whatever you say, dear," she sighed, using a damp cloth to clean my stitched wound.

I rolled my eyes with a soft smile, tucking my hair behind my ear, "Am I okay to go?"

"Yes but please be careful, sweetie. Also, you might want to change into these," she held up a brand new pair of black leggings.

I thanked her again, accepting the pants.

She sweetly smiled at me, her eyes crinkling as the corners of her mouth turned up, "Go get 'em, Agent."