Warrior

CHAPTER SIX

NATASHA'S POV

James has been out of hospital for a few days now, staying with Steve while Clint, Tony, Dion and myself get a few bits and pieces for his new apartment above the gym. Mrs Belle has been informed of what happened and she's very mad about James being hurt, not because he can't do the performance but because she cares for him like a son. She's beating herself up wishing she had done something. A lot of people are, Ms Rogers' - Steve's mum - especially because she has called numerous times but the police were unable to do anything until now.
I'm currently on my way to pick James and Steve up with Tony and Clint from Steve's house to get dinner and to take James to his new flat.
I've been hanging out at Steve's with James after school for the past couple days and I'm becoming increasingly worried about James. He's quiet and distant from everyone and not really eating much. Steve and I both have shared our worries about James living alone but if James had heard, he doesn't let on because he refuses to talk.
"Hey Ms Rogers," I greet the lovely short blonde lady after she answers the door. She grins widely and hugs me before pulling me in. "Looking for the boys."
"Stevie's room." Ms Rogers tells me. I nod and make my way to the room.
"Hey boys," I smile softly when I see James, leaning against the bedroom door. Steve's got a sad smile. Not a good today then. "Ready to go? Tony is waiting in the car, he wants a kiss from his boyfriend."
"See you two down there." Steve blushes, getting all flustered as he runs out the door with one backpack. James is shakily packing the other.
"Hey," I crouch next to James who goes from crouching to sitting on his feet, his hands shaking so much he can't finish packing. "Am I allowed to touch you?"
"Can I get a hug?" Hearing him talk shocks me almost as much as the question and the puppy-dog eyes but I nod and wrap my arms around him.
I hear a soft little sigh when he places his forehead against my shoulder. We stay like this for a little while with my hand going up and down his back and I find myself questioning when he was last hugged like this. I also question why I care so much. I hardly know him but I feel like I've known him a lifetime. Hell, my father even likes him and is worried about him and they've met like twice.
"Let's finish packing, yeah?" I suggest, rubbing his back one last time before letting go.
James just nods and pulls away to finish. He's less shaky this time around and manages to get all his stuff into his bag and get to his feet without any help even though his face is full of discomfort.
I say goodbye while James gives her a little hug. I think he even smiles a little when she lectures him on not being a stranger and to come visit often. James doesn't say anything but he nods his answer which satisfies her.
James and I catch Tony and Steve borderline aggressively making out in the front seat of the Mustang while Clint is looking anywhere but at them, though by the cheekily smirk on his face, he took photos.
I chuckle while James rolls his eyes a bit and we both climb in the backseat, with me in the middle of the backseat but I don't mind because I'm close to James.
The two love birds in the front finally stop kissing and we drive off with a very bright red Steve and a smug Tony.
At the little pizza place, we order a bunch of pizzas and sit at a table to eat and we all dig in. Everyone except for James. He has a couple bites before sitting quietly, his hands in his lap. While putting some food into my mouth with one hand, I reach under the table and slip my hand between his. I get a confused look but I just smile at him to tell him everything will be okay.
Whether the others notice, they say nothing but I feel James' hands wrap around mine like gloves that are way too big but extremely nice and warm.
When Clint has finished his second pizza, - seriously, where does all the food go? - we get the others wrapped up and take them with us for later.
Dion is outside the flat to greet us, gladly handing over the keys to the place to James along with a little hug, though James doesn't hug back very much.
We walk into his flat after him, watching his eyes go wide and his jaw drop open.
The flat is actually quite big, it spans across half the gym, the other half is another flat where Dion lives. Tony and I convinced our parents to give us some money to buy some furniture and everything a teen could love. Like a couple couches, a massive beanbag, a huge TV with a couple games systems and lots of games, a new electric guitar and some other things. Steve had gone to Bucky's old flat and grabbed a few of his things to make him feel more comfortable.
The five of us stay in the lounge and let James check everything out by himself through the rest of the house. I put his pizza in the fridge that has been freshly stocked with food thanks to Dion.
"Thank you, all of you." James fidgets with his fingers, his cheeks red from blushing.
"Would you like us to stay for a bit?" Steve asks after giving his mate a hug.
"If you want." James shrugs, awkwardly moving to the couch and perching himself on it, as if he's scared he'll be yelled at. I guess he did at his old home.
"Can I sit next to you?" I ask while everyone is settling in around the room. Steve, Tony and Clint have taken to the gaming console which surprises no one, and Dion is scavenging pizza from Tony's box. James nods silently, so I plop down next to him at a safe distance. "How are your ribs?"
"Bit sore, I'll admit." He murmurs, his eyes not meeting mine, and his fingers once again twisting together in his lap. "Will you be able to stay the night? I-I don't want to be alone."
"I'll call my father but I'm sure he'll let me." I smile gently at him, lightly rubbing both his hands before getting up to go call my father.《Hello father,》
《Hello little one, when are you two coming home?》Father answers the phone. I'm still not used to him being so involved but it's awesome because mother isn't with us in America.
《About that, James has asked me to stay the night,》I lean against the doorway, watching everyone. Dion has joined in on the video games while James is just watching with a sort of distant look. He really hasn't been the same since the other day. 《May I stay? James looks like he needs someone.》
《Are you getting attached?》Father doesn't sound mad or annoyed which I'm glad for. He hasn't exactly approved other the other's that I've crushed on but he seems to like James.《I won't be mad if you are. You may stay the night. Do you need anything dropped off?》
《No, Father, I'll borrow a jersey and pants from James.》I say, managing to keep a grin off my face while watching what's going on in the lounge. 《Thank you, Father.》
We exchange a couple more words before I hang up and go join my blue eyed friend behind the others.
"He said I can stay." I tell him, using all my willpower to not cuddle into his side.
"Awesome." James has a shy little smile on his face that is absolutely cute.