the hug • j. thompson

1.

' not everyone came back from the war wanting a hug . ' jack snickered softly , scoffing , while walking past daniel with a pat onto the shoulder .

jack surely didn't came back for a hug . he was broken . yet it only made him stronger , giving him more will to avenge his fallen camarades .
he was not expecting either , to meet a young woman in the streets and to fall for her , just as much as she had fallen for him .

_

it was december . a few days only before new year , 1946 . jack was making his way back at home , after a long day at the office . his hat onto his head , hands into his pocket , he was walking silently and seemed nonchalant , yet his blue eyes were always scanning around , as if to make sure no dangers were around .
the war had made him more careful , jack had learned to never let his guards down .

a soft frown made its way to his face , as he saw a young woman sitting down onto the pavement . he was not one to help .. but he did recognize her . he was new to the office , but he would have bet he had seen her with marge .. if he was not mistaken , she was related to another soldier who had given his life to the country .
why jack went to her ? not even him could answer it . perhaps it was the spirit of christmas . or even the pity , or the guilt , that he hadn't been able to save that man who she had been waiting to come back .
he slowly walked over , before stopping right in front of her . the young woman slowly looked up , her piercing blue eyes looking up into his , silently , full of a mix of questions and anxiety .

' come on . it is not a weather to stay on the streets . ' jack abruptly urged her , before making a soft movement of the hand and walking away . he had no idea of how to nicely ask her to come - after all , he had a reputation , and he didn't want it to be ruined because of a woman .

the blonde girl hesitated , but as she saw him leave , she drew her bag close , and got up to follow him . she was softly limping , and seeing this , jack reached out for her bag , still silent , yet letting out a soft sigh .

' you are from the ssr, aren't you ? ' the woman murmured while trying to walk faster to keep up with him . as expected , no answers came from him . yet the blonde knew somehow he would help . she could sense he was not like others who had invited her to their place . he was not doing it for the same reasons ... if he even had reasons to do that .

only a few minutes passed before they reached for the man's apartment . jack opened the door , walking in first before holding it for her . ' a bit messy . don't mind it . ' he mumbled , closing the door and locking it after she went in . ' make yourself home . ' he added while taking his hat and jacket off .
with another frown , the woman spoke up again . ' thank you but - why are you doing this sir ? ' she murmured . slowly she was realising what she had just done - accepting the invitation of a man she knew nothing about . oh- her brother would have killed her for this .

' don't bother asking . and the name is thompson . ' jack responded , not saying anything more onto his identity . ' got kicked out by your man ? ' he asked , a soft smirk drawing onto his face as he scoffed.

' my name is alice - and no . for a fact .. i don't have a man . ' she murmured and brought her arms around herself . ' war kicked me out . ' she simply stated with a murmur . she couldn't say more . as many people , she was struggling to get over it . the economic situation was getting better - yet not for everyone . the richness of some was making the poverty of others . others including alice . she had never worked , her brother had always managed to work for the two of them , either at the docks , or later at war . yet now it wasn't exactly paying off for the young lady .

the tall man gave a soft nod . he knew that look too well . he tossed her bag onto the couch . ' you can stay here for some time . ' he promised . ' streets are dangerous for women . at least for most of them . ' he hummed , walking over to a drawer where he pulled some brandy from . ' want some ? ' he asked , at the same time as he drew two glasses .
' i don't drink . ' alice shook her head softly and stood awkwardly , rather uncomfortable as jack turned his head toward her , an eyebrow raised , staring at her . ' really ? ' he asked as she nodded in answer . with a shrug , he poured himself some of it , before handing her the empty glass . ' let me see if i got water . ' he huffed and walked to his kitchen  . ' and feel free to sit ! ' he called out from there .
alice did so , sitting onto the couch . it felt weird to be inside a house again - she quite liked his . it was slightly messy , yet rather quiet and cosy . quickly getting lost in her thoughts , alice didn't even heard jack in the kitchen , causing the man to walk up to her , snapping his fingers . ' you there ? ' he frowned at her softly .
after a quick startle , the young woman nodded , reaching out for the glass of water he had taken for her . ' thank you very much . ' she smiled , a soft smile - to which he did not answer , walking to grab his brandy back , before leaning against the table and sipping it a bit .
most people would have had freaked out with a man like him - not alice . she had seen steve , rogers , the man she grew up with , acting the same during the few moments she saw him- when he broke the news concerning her brother . the man couldn't and wouldn't let anyone else tell alice . the three of them had grew up together and were closer than anyone else .

for a while , none talked . until jack broke the silence . ' the bathroom is upstairs . feel free to go use it . ' he said while getting up , walking to the kitchen . ' want a sandwich ? '
the blonde looked up at him , and hesitantly nodded . ' if you don't mind ? ' she added with a gentle smile .

for the first night , not many words were exchanged . jack didn't seemed exactly at ease with a woman , and alice didn't want to disturb him . he brought her cushions and blankets , before bidding her goodnight and heading up to his room .

for the first time in a few days , alice was able to sleep in a proper and comfortable place , not having to fear being disturbed by men .