𝑾𝑰𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑫 𝑫𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑴𝑺 ━━ 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜

21 The Aftermath

Steve's eyes fluttered open, the soft melody of Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man" washing over him as he adjusted to the sterile hospital room. The sharp smell of antiseptic hung in the air, a stark contrast to the warmth he felt from the figure seated next to his bed. Kalum, with his sandy blond hair tousled as if he'd been worrying or pacing, was deeply engrossed in the committee hearing being broadcast on the small TV. A proud smirk played on Kal's lips as Natasha's defiant voice called out the committee, her words sharp and unapologetic.

The sound of Steve's soft chuckle broke the moment, drawing Kal's attention away from the screen. His eyes lit up, and a broad grin spread across his face as he leaned closer to Steve.

"Aye, Captain. My Captain," Kalum mumbled, the grin never leaving his face. Without hesitation, he threw himself into a hug, resting his head on Steve's torso.

Steve groaned slightly, the pain from his injuries flaring up with the sudden contact, but he managed a small smile. Kalum clung to him, prolonging the hug with an exaggerated sniffle, feigning tears as he acted like a child reunited with a long-lost parent. After a moment, Kalum chuckled, pulling back and settling into the chair beside the bed.

"How are you?" Kalum asked, his tone shifting to one of genuine concern. "That was quite the beating you got, Steve."

Steve brushed off the concern with a dismissive wave. "I've been through worse." His voice was steady, but there was a hint of weariness that hadn't been there before. He hesitated for a moment before asking what had been gnawing at him since he woke up. "Any word on Zerena?"

Kal sighed, his expression softening as he ran a hand through his hair. The lightheartedness from earlier faded, replaced by a more somber tone. "Well, people haven't exactly been cooperating since you brought down SHIELD. But I did hear from a very nice 'nurse,'" he emphasized with a knowing look, clearly referring to Agent 13, "that Zerena was brought to the hospital too. After the crash, you two were found near the water. Since she's half-human still, they were able to nurse her back to health, but she only lasted two days unconscious before she was gone. No word since then."

Steve felt his heart drop, a heavy weight settling in his chest. He had hoped—no, foolishly believed—that she might still be there when he woke up. But she wasn't; the loss felt like a fresh wound reopening. He forced himself to remain composed, pushing the hurt deep down as he had done many times before.

"Will you be okay?" Kalum's voice was gentle, his concern for his friend clear.

Steve tried to smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Nothing a good nap can't fix."

Kalum chuckled, but the sound was tinged with sadness. "Totally, except that wasn't what I meant."

"I know." Steve's voice softened. "I'll be okay once I find her. I'm not giving up on them."

Kal nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. Steve's resolve was unwavering, but Kalum knew that the path ahead would be difficult. Still, there was no question of where his loyalty lay. He wasn't about to let Steve face this alone.

"Count me in, Cap," Kalum said, his usual uplifting attitude returning. He winked at Steve, his grin back in full force. "Not letting you do this alone."

Despite the pain, despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead, Steve couldn't help but smile. He looked at Kalum, at his unwavering support, and felt a surge of gratitude. He really did have the best team.