Remembering Freedom

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Jemma was really tired of waking up in hospital rooms, but the sight that greeted her was worth it.

James' head rested on her arm, his expression the calmest she'd ever seen it.

She didn't dare move her arm in fear of waking him from what was clearly a peaceful sleep. Instead, she reached up with her free hand and carded her fingers through his soft dark hair. "Thank you for coming back for me...thank you for saving me."

He leaned into her touch, surprising her as he turned to kiss her palm. "I will always come for you...Always."

She brought his lips to hers in a deep kiss, ignoring the stiffness in her body as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The warmth of his lips, his hands was like coming home. He would never let anything happen to her. The urge to breathe pulled her away and she smiled up at him, running her thumb over his lips. "I love you."

He leaned his forehead against hers, closing his eyes. "You shouldn't love me."

She kissed him softly. "That's too bad James...you're stuck with me."

"Why though? I've hurt you so many times...you should hate me." He went to pull away.

"Don't tell me how I should feel James." She tightened her hold, tears burning her eyes. "We've been through too much just for you to push me away...I could never hate a man who's sacrificed so much for me. I love you, James...I will always love you."

He brushed her tears away. "Don't waste your tears on me."

"You're worth it James."

He pulled away and she finally noticed he was still donned in his tactical gear he'd worn when he rescued her. There were shadows under his eyes that told her that he probably hadn't slept since then. "If the lady says so."

She could see through that charming smile. He didn't fully believe what she was telling him. What could she do to make him see that? Why couldn't he see that he was worth everything she'd been through, that he was worth her blood, sweat, and tears?

"Am I interrupting?"

"Clint you're okay!"

The archer was leaning heavily against the doorframe, an IV stand clenched tightly in his other hand. "Okay's a relative term."

"Are you supposed to be out of bed?"

"Don't worry about me...I have my own assassin hovering over-ow!"

Said assassin had smacked the back of his head with an amused look. Natasha smiled at them both as Clint muttered something under his breath. How could she still look threatening in a gray hoodie and running pants? "How are you feeling Jemma?"

"Good...pain killers take away the worst of it."

"That's what I'm telling you, Tasha...the painkillers make me feel good as- ow! Okay, okay, I'll go back to bed. Sheesh...violent woman."

James snorted, but his expression sobered when he met the redhead's eyes. He said something to her (in Russian, of course), his eyes were sad as she left.

"James...What's going on?"

"I'm leaving."

Her voice was caught in her throat. After all she had told him, he was still leaving... Was she not good enough?

"I'll be back Jemma." He read her worries easily. "I'm coming back."

"Why are you leaving?"

"Hydra won't give me up so easily Jemma. I have to make sure they can never hurt you or anyone else again. The rest of the Avengers agree. We'll be leaving soon."