Finding Death

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Captain America

Sam doesn't answer the first time I call him, which is weird. I tap the tablet's 'call again' button and wait for the connection to his Quinjet's comms to, well, connect.

Eventually, Sam's tired face appears on the screen. I think I must've woke him up so now I feel bad but I don't mention how exhausted he seems. It's been a couple of days since we last spoke- over a week since Detroit, and I'm not willing to annoy him.

'Hey, Cap,' Sam says quietly. 'What's going on?'

"Is Rikki there?"

'Sleeping.'

"Can you get her? I want to talk to both of you."

Sam raises his eyebrows at me, unwilling to wake her. I'd be a little wary too; you never know if she'll stab you or not, like Nat threatens to do if anyone wakes her up. He does get up though, and although I can't hear what he says he brings Rikki back to the cockpit with him. She looks drained- not just physically.

'Hey Cap, what's cooking?'

I haven't heard that in a long time. Since the war long time. "We've been talking. Back in New York City."

'Okay?'

"Well... basically they don't hate you. As much. Anymore."

Sam laughs. Actually laughs. Rikki glares at him. 'I have no idea how you did it, but thanks.'

'That mean we can come back and sleep in the actual tower now?' Sam smirks, at me this time.

"That was going to be my next question," I admit. "There's floors sorted out for both of you. But don't expect friendships right off the bat, okay Rikki?"

'I'm expecting disgust from 'Talia,' Rikki sighs. 'It's fair, considering.'

"She'll come around. I promise. She knows you helped her in Detroit."

'We'll see you soon, Cap,' Sam interjects, his attention not on me but on the Quinjet's controls. 'We should really get going if we want to be there by nightfall.'

Rikki stands up, muttering something about 'going back to bed' and disappears from the screen. Sam hangs up on me soon after. Is he mad at me? Anyway, it'll be good to have him around with us. Rikki too- as long as no one starts any fights. Fingers crossed.

*

Nomad

The sun is setting when Sam lands the Quinjet on Stark Tower's Helipad. It's odd being here- actually being invited to places isn't a feeling I'm used to. I just wish Bucky could be by my side too. I miss him with my entire being.

Steve and Clint are here to welcome us. I'm not surprised everyone else is staying out of my way, to be honest. "Hi," I say. It's cold out here.

"Hi," Steve smiles at me. "Sam, you know where your floor is. Rikki, want to come with me?"

I nod and follow him inside, risking a wave at Clint on our way past. The brunet winks at me- his eyes are blue. Have I noticed that before? I'm worried about my mental state at this point, I really am.

More importantly, when Steve said there were floors sorted out for both of us he really did mean an entire floor. One storey of this huge tower is mine. Gosh. I've never had this much space before. Still, I'd rather share it with someone in particular- I'm sure you can figure out who I mean by that. Steve stands in the doorway to the bedroom while I check out the fully-stocked en suite (a shower and a bath! In the same room!) and the walk-in closet. "I guessed your size," Steve says.