Steve Rogers

Steve had been furious when he realizes what happened. He’s going to get Valerie back. He grabs Williams shoulder. “Yes we are, or we could step outside and talk.” His voice fills with cold anger as he yanks on William’s, pulling him outside roughly . “Where is she!”

Valerie is on her couch when he walks in looking battered and shaky. Pale. There's blood seeping into the black fabric. "Hey, Steve..." More unsteadiness to her voice this time. "You made it."

“Hey…” Steve look incredibly worried. “What happened?” He crouches down, looking her over with worry.

Valerie takes a few shuddering breaths. "Got shot," she says, shifting so she can tug up the back of her shirt, slick with blood. "Can't reach the bullet."

“Shit- who shot you?” Steve winces and opens a medlkit, digging though it. “How long ago?” He looks over the wound.

"Mm, long story," she says, pushing herself onto her stomach. The bullet clearly narrowly missed her spine, hence why she can't reach it. "Ah, hour or two?"

Steve touches right by the spot, frowning deeply. “I’ll take care of it…” He looks worried as he starts to inspect the spot.

"Thanks," she mutters, wincing when his fingers brush against the wound. "Think its started healing around the bullet."

Steve curses softly. “I’m sorry, that’s always the worst… do you want me to try to find something to numb it?” He hands Val some painkillers, pressing his hand by the wound.

Valerie takes the painkillers and then shakes her head. "Don't worry about it. Just get it out of me before it heals more."

“Okay. Deep breaths, I’m sorry.” Steve winces before digging in, working to get the bullet out.

Valerie cries out quietly in the first moment, but quickly her eyes glaze over and she goes silent instead.

“I’m sorry…” Steve whispers, working as quickly as he can, hating chasing her pain.

Valerie shakes her head. "You can.. stitch it," she says through gritted teeth.

“Breathe.” Steve reminds her as he pulls the bullet out, he frowns and grabs a cloth to clean her up.

Valerie grimaces when he pulls the bullet out. There are plenty of half healed bruises under the blood. "Thank you..."

“Of course…” Steve frowns and very gently cleans the wound, he winces in sympathy. “I’m so sorry…”

"Mm, you're not the one who shot me," Valerie points out. She shifts slightly, groaning lowly. "Haven't been shot in years."

“I’m sorry you have to go through this.” Steve corrects himself. He frowns and nods, gently pressing a hand to her back. “Don’t move honey, I need to stitch it up still.”

Valerie rolls her eyes fondly at the correction. "How healed was it?" She asks, cause it hurt like a bitch to get the bullet out. She obligingly lies back down.

“Pretty healed…” Steve frowns and looks at the bullet before he starts gently stitching her back. “You want to talk about what happene?”

Valerie nods slightly. No wonder she'd been having such difficulty getting the bullet out. "Thinks its pretty clear what happened," she says evasively.

“True… but not clear who did it.” Steve glances st her. He mumbles apologizes as he finishes stitching it, slowly bandaging it up.

Valerie looks over her shoulder at him., trying not to pull the stitches. "Some guy from the Den. He's been following me."

Steve bandages it firmly. “Bastard.” Steve mumbles, wiping his hands off. “He shot you…?” he looks highly alarmed.

Valerie grunts in affirmation. "He tried to stab me, but I stole his knife. So. Long range was his next best guess. Thought he was unconscious or he wouldnt have made the shot."

Steve frowns and shakes his head. “What an awful excuse of a human.” He mumbles, he gently helps Valerie sit up a bit. “How’re you feeling?”

She shakes her head. "It's fine. I beat him in front of some of his buddies a couple weeks back." Of course she blames herself-- She begrudingly lets him help her, swallowing down a pained groan. "I've been better," she says tightly.

“That doesn’t mean he gets to shoot you or stab you.” Steve shakes his, hating she blames herself. “Want more painkillers?” Steve digs through the medkit worried,”

"Maybe not. Still. I should've seen it coming. I knew he'd been following me," she says bitterly. She shakes her head. "They won't do anything unless they're yours anyway."

“Doesn’t matter if you should’ve seen it coming, not your fault.” Steve frowns and sits back. “I have mine.” He opens the bag he’d grabbed on his way out, fishing a few out.

Valerie shrugs, though it's clearly more to indulge Steve than any reall sense of not being at fault. "Thanks," she mutters, swallowing the enhanced pain killers. "...I'm glad you came.."

Steve sighs, he sits back and nods, softening. “Of course, I’ll always come if you call.” He walks into the kitchen, starting to wash his hands.

"You're sweet." She sighs and looks away as he rinses his hands. "this isn't the first time this has happened. I think I attract violence."

“I think what you have to do to stop your failsafe from happening attracts violence, but not you as a person.” Steve leans back, drying his hands off carefully. “You know Val…” He trails off and shakes his head.

"Maybe. Maybe not." She's in a weird mood, clearly. Being shot will do that to a person, after all. She looks up when he trails off. "What is it? Tell me."

Steve hate how off she is, but he gets it. He moves over and starts to clean up the blood, scrubbing at the floor. “I was just going to say, some days you could come to me, instead of going to the Den… I’m a super soldier, I could take it.”

"I can help with that," Valerie offers. It's not exactly a good idea, but she doesn't like sitting by uselessly while he works. She sighs. She had a feeling he'd offer eventually. "I don't know if that's a good idea, Steve..,"

“Valerie.” Steve says in a firm yet still gentle voice, giving her a look that clearly says. ‘It’s fine, you were shot.’ “Just rest please.” He smiles softly before he continues to scrub at it. He shrugs. “It wouldn’t be that bad, I’d be fine with it. If you didn’t have to go to that horrible place as often.”

Valerie holds up her hands in feigned surrender and lies back on the couch. "Fine, fine," she says. "I know you'd be fine with it. But I don't want to hurt you. It's not like play fighting."

Steve sits back as he finishes with the blood spot, he meets her eyes. “I’m well aware of that, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t know what it entailed. I don’t mind being hurt if it helps you, I’ll heal and it keeps you safe.”

Valerie drops his gaze, she feels guilty enough making him take care of her like this. "I know that you'd heal. You're probably the best person to go to. Can't exactly do it with Bucky. Still feels wrong, though."

Steve shifts and sits on the couch next to Val, snagging a blanket and draping it over her gently. “I know, but it also feels very wrong to watch you go to a place like the Den… we could try it, just once… just try”.

"It's really not that bad," Valerie protests, wrapping the ridiculously soft blanket tightly around her shoulders. "...but maybe we could try it once. But you can't hold back."

“But it’s not good.” Steve counters. He gets up, moving back into the kitchen, starting tea. “We can try once.” He pauses, almost forgetting he’d have to fight back. “I won’t as long as you don’t.”

She sighs. "...no, it's not." She watches him carefully as he starts to make the tea. "I won't be. That's why I'm not thrilled by doing it to people I care about... if it doesn't hurt, it doesn't work."

Steve walks over and hands her a mug of tea. “I’m not exactly looking forward to hurting you, and I wouldn’t do this if the Den was a safe place, because I don’t want to hurt you. But it’s not safe…” He gestures to the gun wound. “And I hate knowing you’re there…”

Valerie takes it, wrapping her hands around it, glad for the heat emanating through the ceramic. "I'm not particularly looking forward to hurting you. But you are my only option outside of the Den. Bucky always holds back. So does Winter, if I can even manage to get him to agree." She sighs. "Technically, this was three sreets away from the Den." She looks at him. "You don't need to worry about me, Steve..."

Steve settles down next to Valerie, sipping his tea. “Yeah but it came from the Den.” Steve shakes his head a bit. “You’re my friend, of course I’m going to worry. You’d be worried if I went to a place and fought, got the shit beat out of me, fought someone back then got shot on the way home wouldn’t you?”

She grunts in acknowledgement. "Yeah," she says with a sigh. "Of course I would." She takes a slow sip of her tea. "It's not the same," she tells him, even though it kinda is. "You're...." she trails off, simply gesturing at him.

“Exactly.” Steve sets his tea down, turning to face her properly. “It’s no different Val. Sure, we have very different pasts, but if I was doing that, you wouldn’t want me to, just like it hurts me knowing those people hurt you, that you’re not safe there. You’re my friend Val…” Steve reaches out and squeezes her hand.

"Sure, I wouldn't be happy knowing that, but.." She doesn't know how to put what she's feeling into words. "I don't know. I guess I feel I deserve it," she says quietly. "I mean, I already need it, don't I?"

Steve hums, leaning back into the couch. “You don’t deserve it Valerie. I know, I know saying that doesn’t take away that feeling. But know you don’t deserve it. You can’t help what you were born into.” He squeezes her hand gently. “Need it, sadly yes. Deserve it? No. You shouldn’t have to go through more pain… and im so sorry you do, so please… let me help that pain a little?”

"Maybe not, but I still can't take back everything I did. I can't get rid of the things I feel about that place." She swallows thickly, looking completely ashamed. She clings to his hand, nodding a little. "I'll let you help but... what if I can't be fixed, hm? You really wanna sign up to getting hurt twice a week cause of my problems?"

“I know, I know that.” Steve says very gently. “You also really didn’t have a choice, you were a child. Just don’t forget that, okay? I’m not saying you have to be okay with what you did, just remember what it really was like, how controlled you were. You didn’t have all this freedom you do now.” He shifts and pulls Valerie very gently into his arms. “I’d sign up to be hurt every day to keep you safe.”

"...yeah. I know that." Valerie nods blankly, and winces when Steve pulls her into his arms, but she shifts so she's settled in a way that doesn't cause her much pain. "And you say I'm the self-destructive one," she teases him softly.

“But sometimes you forget… and that’s okay, you have people for remind you.” Steve makes sure she’s comfortable, keeping her snuggly in his arms. He laughs very softly. “Hey… we can both be self destructive.”

"I'm glad I have you, Steve," Valerie admits. She leans against him. She's not really this comfortable with many other people, not being held like this. Carlos, her father..s, Steve, Anna, that's about it. "I suppose we can be. For a good cause, though. Captain Martyr."

“I’m glad I have you too, you mean so much to me.” Steve rubs her arm gently, so glad she’s so comfortable with him. He rests back against the couch, a soft smile on his face. “Of course, for a good cause.” He laughs softly.

"You were my first real friend," she tells him, looking up at Steve from where she's lying against him. She laughs with him, the ache in her back finally dulling. "Naturally. Beinng beat up for the greater good."

Steve softens, a soft gentle look coming into his eyes. “I’m very glad I met you, you’re a true friend to me.” He squeezes her gently, making sure to keep her in a comfortable position. He hums and laughs softly. “Hey, that’s what I used to do before the serum, get beat up for the greater good”.

"So are you," Valerie murmurs. "I can't believe I ended up having Captain America as my best friend," she mutters, laughing to herself. She looks up. "Oh yeah? That so?"

Steve smiles and shakes his head. “Well I’m very glad you’re my best friend.” Steve snorts and grins. “What? Bucky never told you about little pre-serum Steve getting his assed kicked in alleys everyday because he couldn’t stand a bully?” He grins.

Valerie very quickly kisses his cheek and then pulls away to shake her head. "Bucky and I don't really talk about you. I mean, we don't avoid it, but.. no. He didn't tell me about that."

Steve smiles at the kiss, he shifts and plants a kiss to the top of her head before sitting back. “Right, that makes sense.” He’s smiles and looks down. “Yeah… that’s pretty much what I did back then. I didn’t like people getting away with things, I’d try to fight and well… I was 5’4 and 90 pounds, plus many chronic illnesses. Bucky used to pull me out of alleys.”

Valerie shrugs sheepishly, then smiles at his story. "I didn't knwo that... though that does exactly like something you would do," she tels him with a grin.

Steve smiles and nods, chuckling to himself. “Yeah… I haven’t changed all that much, I just don’t get beat up by none enhanced people anymore.” He smiles and ducks his head.

"I can see why Bucky liked you," Valerie says, shaking her head fondly. "Winter was always getting in trouble looking out for other people." She smiles at him. "It was good of you to do."

Steve hums and nods. “He saved my life a few times, I would’ve bled out in those alleys.” He nods slowly. “I believe it.” He smiles over at Valerie. “I just wanted everyone to be… good. Fair. There was so much… hate.”

"That sounds like him." She chuckles and then softens when Steve says that. "People suck, "she tells him resolutely, because frankly why would she think otherwise? "I'm glad you made them suck less."

“People do usually suck.” Steve reaches out and squeezes her shoulder.”but there’s good ones out there.” He smiles a bit, looking to the side.

"I suppose thats true," Valerie says. "Hopefully yhe good ones outnumber the bad ones. That would be nice."

“I hope so too… that’s why I still fight.” Steve rests his head back against the couch.

Valerie nods slightly. "....For you think bad people are redeemable?" She asks.

Steve lets out a slow breath, thinking for a long moment. “I like to think anyone can be redeemed, but I know that’s not true. Some people are just… bad. Not all… but some people…” He lets out a sad sigh.

"Do you think im like that?" Valerie asks quietly. "I know you know it wasnt my choice but I... what if I cant be better?"

Steve immediately shakes his head, gently grabbing her hands. “No, no Valerie. I don’t think that. You can be better, you’re not like them, you’re not bad.”

Valerie is on her couch when he walks in looking battered and shaky. Pale. There's blood seeping into the black fabric. "Hey, Steve..." More unsteadiness to her voice this time. "You made it."

“Hey…” Steve look incredibly worried. “What happened?” He crouches down, looking her over with worry.

Valerie takes a few shuddering breaths. "Got shot," she says, shifting so she can tug up the back of her shirt, slick with blood. "Can't reach the bullet."

“Shit- who shot you?” Steve winces and opens a medlkit, digging though it. “How long ago?” He looks over the wound.

"Mm, long story," she says, pushing herself onto her stomach. The bullet clearly narrowly missed her spine, hence why she can't reach it. "Ah, hour or two?"

Steve touches right by the spot, frowning deeply. “I’ll take care of it…” He looks worried as he starts to inspect the spot.

"Thanks," she mutters, wincing when his fingers brush against the wound. "Think its started healing around the bullet."

Steve curses softly. “I’m sorry, that’s always the worst… do you want me to try to find something to numb it?” He hands Val some painkillers, pressing his hand by the wound.

Valerie takes the painkillers and then shakes her head. "Don't worry about it. Just get it out of me before it heals more."

“Okay. Deep breaths, I’m sorry.” Steve winces before digging in, working to get the bullet out.

Valerie cries out quietly in the first moment, but quickly her eyes glaze over and she goes silent instead.

“I’m sorry…” Steve whispers, working as quickly as he can, hating chasing her pain.

Valerie shakes her head. "You can.. stitch it," she says through gritted teeth.

“Breathe.” Steve reminds her as he pulls the bullet out, he frowns and grabs a cloth to clean her up.

Valerie grimaces when he pulls the bullet out. There are plenty of half healed bruises under the blood. "Thank you..."

“Of course…” Steve frowns and very gently cleans the wound, he winces in sympathy. “I’m so sorry…”

"Mm, you're not the one who shot me," Valerie points out. She shifts slightly, groaning lowly. "Haven't been shot in years."

“I’m sorry you have to go through this.” Steve corrects himself. He frowns and nods, gently pressing a hand to her back. “Don’t move honey, I need to stitch it up still.”

Valerie rolls her eyes fondly at the correction. "How healed was it?" She asks, cause it hurt like a bitch to get the bullet out. She obligingly lies back down.

“Pretty healed…” Steve frowns and looks at the bullet before he starts gently stitching her back. “You want to talk about what happene?”

Valerie nods slightly. No wonder she'd been having such difficulty getting the bullet out. "Thinks its pretty clear what happened," she says evasively.

“True… but not clear who did it.” Steve glances st her. He mumbles apologizes as he finishes stitching it, slowly bandaging it up.

Valerie looks over her shoulder at him., trying not to pull the stitches. "Some guy from the Den. He's been following me."

Steve bandages it firmly. “Bastard.” Steve mumbles, wiping his hands off. “He shot you…?” he looks highly alarmed.

Valerie grunts in affirmation. "He tried to stab me, but I stole his knife. So. Long range was his next best guess. Thought he was unconscious or he wouldnt have made the shot."

Steve frowns and shakes his head. “What an awful excuse of a human.” He mumbles, he gently helps Valerie sit up a bit. “How’re you feeling?”

She shakes her head. "It's fine. I beat him in front of some of his buddies a couple weeks back." Of course she blames herself-- She begrudingly lets him help her, swallowing down a pained groan. "I've been better," she says tightly.

“That doesn’t mean he gets to shoot you or stab you.” Steve shakes his, hating she blames herself. “Want more painkillers?” Steve digs through the medkit worried,”

"Maybe not. Still. I should've seen it coming. I knew he'd been following me," she says bitterly. She shakes her head. "They won't do anything unless they're yours anyway."

“Doesn’t matter if you should’ve seen it coming, not your fault.” Steve frowns and sits back. “I have mine.” He opens the bag he’d grabbed on his way out, fishing a few out.

Valerie shrugs, though it's clearly more to indulge Steve than any reall sense of not being at fault. "Thanks," she mutters, swallowing the enhanced pain killers. "...I'm glad you came.."

Steve sighs, he sits back and nods, softening. “Of course, I’ll always come if you call.” He walks into the kitchen, starting to wash his hands.

"You're sweet." She sighs and looks away as he rinses his hands. "this isn't the first time this has happened. I think I attract violence."

“I think what you have to do to stop your failsafe from happening attracts violence, but not you as a person.” Steve leans back, drying his hands off carefully. “You know Val…” He trails off and shakes his head.

"Maybe. Maybe not." She's in a weird mood, clearly. Being shot will do that to a person, after all. She looks up when he trails off. "What is it? Tell me."

Steve hate how off she is, but he gets it. He moves over and starts to clean up the blood, scrubbing at the floor. “I was just going to say, some days you could come to me, instead of going to the Den… I’m a super soldier, I could take it.”

"I can help with that," Valerie offers. It's not exactly a good idea, but she doesn't like sitting by uselessly while he works. She sighs. She had a feeling he'd offer eventually. "I don't know if that's a good idea, Steve..,"

“Valerie.” Steve says in a firm yet still gentle voice, giving her a look that clearly says. ‘It’s fine, you were shot.’ “Just rest please.” He smiles softly before he continues to scrub at it. He shrugs. “It wouldn’t be that bad, I’d be fine with it. If you didn’t have to go to that horrible place as often.”

Valerie holds up her hands in feigned surrender and lies back on the couch. "Fine, fine," she says. "I know you'd be fine with it. But I don't want to hurt you. It's not like play fighting."

Steve sits back as he finishes with the blood spot, he meets her eyes. “I’m well aware of that, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t know what it entailed. I don’t mind being hurt if it helps you, I’ll heal and it keeps you safe.”

Valerie drops his gaze, she feels guilty enough making him take care of her like this. "I know that you'd heal. You're probably the best person to go to. Can't exactly do it with Bucky. Still feels wrong, though."

Steve shifts and sits on the couch next to Val, snagging a blanket and draping it over her gently. “I know, but it also feels very wrong to watch you go to a place like the Den… we could try it, just once… just try”.

"It's really not that bad," Valerie protests, wrapping the ridiculously soft blanket tightly around her shoulders. "...but maybe we could try it once. But you can't hold back."

“But it’s not good.” Steve counters. He gets up, moving back into the kitchen, starting tea. “We can try once.” He pauses, almost forgetting he’d have to fight back. “I won’t as long as you don’t.”

She sighs. "...no, it's not." She watches him carefully as he starts to make the tea. "I won't be. That's why I'm not thrilled by doing it to people I care about... if it doesn't hurt, it doesn't work."

Steve walks over and hands her a mug of tea. “I’m not exactly looking forward to hurting you, and I wouldn’t do this if the Den was a safe place, because I don’t want to hurt you. But it’s not safe…” He gestures to the gun wound. “And I hate knowing you’re there…”

Valerie takes it, wrapping her hands around it, glad for the heat emanating through the ceramic. "I'm not particularly looking forward to hurting you. But you are my only option outside of the Den. Bucky always holds back. So does Winter, if I can even manage to get him to agree." She sighs. "Technically, this was three sreets away from the Den." She looks at him. "You don't need to worry about me, Steve..."

Steve settles down next to Valerie, sipping his tea. “Yeah but it came from the Den.” Steve shakes his head a bit. “You’re my friend, of course I’m going to worry. You’d be worried if I went to a place and fought, got the shit beat out of me, fought someone back then got shot on the way home wouldn’t you?”

She grunts in acknowledgement. "Yeah," she says with a sigh. "Of course I would." She takes a slow sip of her tea. "It's not the same," she tells him, even though it kinda is. "You're...." she trails off, simply gesturing at him.

“Exactly.” Steve sets his tea down, turning to face her properly. “It’s no different Val. Sure, we have very different pasts, but if I was doing that, you wouldn’t want me to, just like it hurts me knowing those people hurt you, that you’re not safe there. You’re my friend Val…” Steve reaches out and squeezes her hand.

"Sure, I wouldn't be happy knowing that, but.." She doesn't know how to put what she's feeling into words. "I don't know. I guess I feel I deserve it," she says quietly. "I mean, I already need it, don't I?"

Steve hums, leaning back into the couch. “You don’t deserve it Valerie. I know, I know saying that doesn’t take away that feeling. But know you don’t deserve it. You can’t help what you were born into.” He squeezes her hand gently. “Need it, sadly yes. Deserve it? No. You shouldn’t have to go through more pain… and im so sorry you do, so please… let me help that pain a little?”

"Maybe not, but I still can't take back everything I did. I can't get rid of the things I feel about that place." She swallows thickly, looking completely ashamed. She clings to his hand, nodding a little. "I'll let you help but... what if I can't be fixed, hm? You really wanna sign up to getting hurt twice a week cause of my problems?"

“I know, I know that.” Steve says very gently. “You also really didn’t have a choice, you were a child. Just don’t forget that, okay? I’m not saying you have to be okay with what you did, just remember what it really was like, how controlled you were. You didn’t have all this freedom you do now.” He shifts and pulls Valerie very gently into his arms. “I’d sign up to be hurt every day to keep you safe.”

"...yeah. I know that." Valerie nods blankly, and winces when Steve pulls her into his arms, but she shifts so she's settled in a way that doesn't cause her much pain. "And you say I'm the self-destructive one," she teases him softly.

“But sometimes you forget… and that’s okay, you have people for remind you.” Steve makes sure she’s comfortable, keeping her snuggly in his arms. He laughs very softly. “Hey… we can both be self destructive.”

"I'm glad I have you, Steve," Valerie admits. She leans against him. She's not really this comfortable with many other people, not being held like this. Carlos, her father..s, Steve, Anna, that's about it. "I suppose we can be. For a good cause, though. Captain Martyr."

“I’m glad I have you too, you mean so much to me.” Steve rubs her arm gently, so glad she’s so comfortable with him. He rests back against the couch, a soft smile on his face. “Of course, for a good cause.” He laughs softly.

"You were my first real friend," she tells him, looking up at Steve from where she's lying against him. She laughs with him, the ache in her back finally dulling. "Naturally. Beinng beat up for the greater good."

Steve softens, a soft gentle look coming into his eyes. “I’m very glad I met you, you’re a true friend to me.” He squeezes her gently, making sure to keep her in a comfortable position. He hums and laughs softly. “Hey, that’s what I used to do before the serum, get beat up for the greater good”.

"So are you," Valerie murmurs. "I can't believe I ended up having Captain America as my best friend," she mutters, laughing to herself. She looks up. "Oh yeah? That so?"

Steve smiles and shakes his head. “Well I’m very glad you’re my best friend.” Steve snorts and grins. “What? Bucky never told you about little pre-serum Steve getting his assed kicked in alleys everyday because he couldn’t stand a bully?” He grins.

Valerie very quickly kisses his cheek and then pulls away to shake her head. "Bucky and I don't really talk about you. I mean, we don't avoid it, but.. no. He didn't tell me about that."

Steve smiles at the kiss, he shifts and plants a kiss to the top of her head before sitting back. “Right, that makes sense.” He’s smiles and looks down. “Yeah… that’s pretty much what I did back then. I didn’t like people getting away with things, I’d try to fight and well… I was 5’4 and 90 pounds, plus many chronic illnesses. Bucky used to pull me out of alleys.”

Valerie shrugs sheepishly, then smiles at his story. "I didn't knwo that... though that does exactly like something you would do," she tels him with a grin.

Steve smiles and nods, chuckling to himself. “Yeah… I haven’t changed all that much, I just don’t get beat up by none enhanced people anymore.” He smiles and ducks his head.

"I can see why Bucky liked you," Valerie says, shaking her head fondly. "Winter was always getting in trouble looking out for other people." She smiles at him. "It was good of you to do."

Steve hums and nods. “He saved my life a few times, I would’ve bled out in those alleys.” He nods slowly. “I believe it.” He smiles over at Valerie. “I just wanted everyone to be… good. Fair. There was so much… hate.”

"That sounds like him." She chuckles and then softens when Steve says that. "People suck, "she tells him resolutely, because frankly why would she think otherwise? "I'm glad you made them suck less."

“People do usually suck.” Steve reaches out and squeezes her shoulder.”but there’s good ones out there.” He smiles a bit, looking to the side.

"I suppose thats true," Valerie says. "Hopefully yhe good ones outnumber the bad ones. That would be nice."

“I hope so too… that’s why I still fight.” Steve rests his head back against the couch.

Valerie nods slightly. "....For you think bad people are redeemable?" She asks.

Steve lets out a slow breath, thinking for a long moment. “I like to think anyone can be redeemed, but I know that’s not true. Some people are just… bad. Not all… but some people…” He lets out a sad sigh.

Valerie is on her couch when he walks in looking battered and shaky. Pale. There's blood seeping into the black fabric. "Hey, Steve..." More unsteadiness to her voice this time. "You made it."

“Hey…” Steve look incredibly worried. “What happened?” He crouches down, looking her over with worry.

Valerie takes a few shuddering breaths. "Got shot," she says, shifting so she can tug up the back of her shirt, slick with blood. "Can't reach the bullet."

“Shit- who shot you?” Steve winces and opens a medlkit, digging though it. “How long ago?” He looks over the wound.

"Mm, long story," she says, pushing herself onto her stomach. The bullet clearly narrowly missed her spine, hence why she can't reach it. "Ah, hour or two?"

Steve touches right by the spot, frowning deeply. “I’ll take care of it…” He looks worried as he starts to inspect the spot.

"Thanks," she mutters, wincing when his fingers brush against the wound. "Think its started healing around the bullet."

Steve curses softly. “I’m sorry, that’s always the worst… do you want me to try to find something to numb it?” He hands Val some painkillers, pressing his hand by the wound.

Valerie takes the painkillers and then shakes her head. "Don't worry about it. Just get it out of me before it heals more."

“Okay. Deep breaths, I’m sorry.” Steve winces before digging in, working to get the bullet out.

Valerie cries out quietly in the first moment, but quickly her eyes glaze over and she goes silent instead.

“I’m sorry…” Steve whispers, working as quickly as he can, hating chasing her pain.

Valerie shakes her head. "You can.. stitch it," she says through gritted teeth.

“Breathe.” Steve reminds her as he pulls the bullet out, he frowns and grabs a cloth to clean her up.

Valerie grimaces when he pulls the bullet out. There are plenty of half healed bruises under the blood. "Thank you..."

“Of course…” Steve frowns and very gently cleans the wound, he winces in sympathy. “I’m so sorry…”

"Mm, you're not the one who shot me," Valerie points out. She shifts slightly, groaning lowly. "Haven't been shot in years."

“I’m sorry you have to go through this.” Steve corrects himself. He frowns and nods, gently pressing a hand to her back. “Don’t move honey, I need to stitch it up still.”

Valerie rolls her eyes fondly at the correction. "How healed was it?" She asks, cause it hurt like a bitch to get the bullet out. She obligingly lies back down.

“Pretty healed…” Steve frowns and looks at the bullet before he starts gently stitching her back. “You want to talk about what happene?”

Valerie nods slightly. No wonder she'd been having such difficulty getting the bullet out. "Thinks its pretty clear what happened," she says evasively.

“True… but not clear who did it.” Steve glances st her. He mumbles apologizes as he finishes stitching it, slowly bandaging it up.

Valerie looks over her shoulder at him., trying not to pull the stitches. "Some guy from the Den. He's been following me."

Steve bandages it firmly. “Bastard.” Steve mumbles, wiping his hands off. “He shot you…?” he looks highly alarmed.

Valerie grunts in affirmation. "He tried to stab me, but I stole his knife. So. Long range was his next best guess. Thought he was unconscious or he wouldnt have made the shot."

Steve frowns and shakes his head. “What an awful excuse of a human.” He mumbles, he gently helps Valerie sit up a bit. “How’re you feeling?”

She shakes her head. "It's fine. I beat him in front of some of his buddies a couple weeks back." Of course she blames herself-- She begrudingly lets him help her, swallowing down a pained groan. "I've been better," she says tightly.

“That doesn’t mean he gets to shoot you or stab you.” Steve shakes his, hating she blames herself. “Want more painkillers?” Steve digs through the medkit worried,”

"Maybe not. Still. I should've seen it coming. I knew he'd been following me," she says bitterly. She shakes her head. "They won't do anything unless they're yours anyway."

“Doesn’t matter if you should’ve seen it coming, not your fault.” Steve frowns and sits back. “I have mine.” He opens the bag he’d grabbed on his way out, fishing a few out.

Valerie shrugs, though it's clearly more to indulge Steve than any reall sense of not being at fault. "Thanks," she mutters, swallowing the enhanced pain killers. "...I'm glad you came.."

Steve sighs, he sits back and nods, softening. “Of course, I’ll always come if you call.” He walks into the kitchen, starting to wash his hands.

"You're sweet." She sighs and looks away as he rinses his hands. "this isn't the first time this has happened. I think I attract violence."

“I think what you have to do to stop your failsafe from happening attracts violence, but not you as a person.” Steve leans back, drying his hands off carefully. “You know Val…” He trails off and shakes his head.

"Maybe. Maybe not." She's in a weird mood, clearly. Being shot will do that to a person, after all. She looks up when he trails off. "What is it? Tell me."

Steve hate how off she is, but he gets it. He moves over and starts to clean up the blood, scrubbing at the floor. “I was just going to say, some days you could come to me, instead of going to the Den… I’m a super soldier, I could take it.”

"I can help with that," Valerie offers. It's not exactly a good idea, but she doesn't like sitting by uselessly while he works. She sighs. She had a feeling he'd offer eventually. "I don't know if that's a good idea, Steve..,"

“Valerie.” Steve says in a firm yet still gentle voice, giving her a look that clearly says. ‘It’s fine, you were shot.’ “Just rest please.” He smiles softly before he continues to scrub at it. He shrugs. “It wouldn’t be that bad, I’d be fine with it. If you didn’t have to go to that horrible place as often.”

Valerie holds up her hands in feigned surrender and lies back on the couch. "Fine, fine," she says. "I know you'd be fine with it. But I don't want to hurt you. It's not like play fighting."

Steve sits back as he finishes with the blood spot, he meets her eyes. “I’m well aware of that, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t know what it entailed. I don’t mind being hurt if it helps you, I’ll heal and it keeps you safe.”

Valerie drops his gaze, she feels guilty enough making him take care of her like this. "I know that you'd heal. You're probably the best person to go to. Can't exactly do it with Bucky. Still feels wrong, though."

Steve shifts and sits on the couch next to Val, snagging a blanket and draping it over her gently. “I know, but it also feels very wrong to watch you go to a place like the Den… we could try it, just once… just try”.

"It's really not that bad," Valerie protests, wrapping the ridiculously soft blanket tightly around her shoulders. "...but maybe we could try it once. But you can't hold back."

“But it’s not good.” Steve counters. He gets up, moving back into the kitchen, starting tea. “We can try once.” He pauses, almost forgetting he’d have to fight back. “I won’t as long as you don’t.”

She sighs. "...no, it's not." She watches him carefully as he starts to make the tea. "I won't be. That's why I'm not thrilled by doing it to people I care about... if it doesn't hurt, it doesn't work."

Steve walks over and hands her a mug of tea. “I’m not exactly looking forward to hurting you, and I wouldn’t do this if the Den was a safe place, because I don’t want to hurt you. But it’s not safe…” He gestures to the gun wound. “And I hate knowing you’re there…”

Valerie takes it, wrapping her hands around it, glad for the heat emanating through the ceramic. "I'm not particularly looking forward to hurting you. But you are my only option outside of the Den. Bucky always holds back. So does Winter, if I can even manage to get him to agree." She sighs. "Technically, this was three sreets away from the Den." She looks at him. "You don't need to worry about me, Steve..."

Steve settles down next to Valerie, sipping his tea. “Yeah but it came from the Den.” Steve shakes his head a bit. “You’re my friend, of course I’m going to worry. You’d be worried if I went to a place and fought, got the shit beat out of me, fought someone back then got shot on the way home wouldn’t you?”

She grunts in acknowledgement. "Yeah," she says with a sigh. "Of course I would." She takes a slow sip of her tea. "It's not the same," she tells him, even though it kinda is. "You're...." she trails off, simply gesturing at him.

“Exactly.” Steve sets his tea down, turning to face her properly. “It’s no different Val. Sure, we have very different pasts, but if I was doing that, you wouldn’t want me to, just like it hurts me knowing those people hurt you, that you’re not safe there. You’re my friend Val…” Steve reaches out and squeezes her hand.

"Sure, I wouldn't be happy knowing that, but.." She doesn't know how to put what she's feeling into words. "I don't know. I guess I feel I deserve it," she says quietly. "I mean, I already need it, don't I?"

Steve hums, leaning back into the couch. “You don’t deserve it Valerie. I know, I know saying that doesn’t take away that feeling. But know you don’t deserve it. You can’t help what you were born into.” He squeezes her hand gently. “Need it, sadly yes. Deserve it? No. You shouldn’t have to go through more pain… and im so sorry you do, so please… let me help that pain a little?”

"Maybe not, but I still can't take back everything I did. I can't get rid of the things I feel about that place." She swallows thickly, looking completely ashamed. She clings to his hand, nodding a little. "I'll let you help but... what if I can't be fixed, hm? You really wanna sign up to getting hurt twice a week cause of my problems?"

“I know, I know that.” Steve says very gently. “You also really didn’t have a choice, you were a child. Just don’t forget that, okay? I’m not saying you have to be okay with what you did, just remember what it really was like, how controlled you were. You didn’t have all this freedom you do now.” He shifts and pulls Valerie very gently into his arms. “I’d sign up to be hurt every day to keep you safe.”

"...yeah. I know that." Valerie nods blankly, and winces when Steve pulls her into his arms, but she shifts so she's settled in a way that doesn't cause her much pain. "And you say I'm the self-destructive one," she teases him softly.

“But sometimes you forget… and that’s okay, you have people for remind you.” Steve makes sure she’s comfortable, keeping her snuggly in his arms. He laughs very softly. “Hey… we can both be self destructive.”

"I'm glad I have you, Steve," Valerie admits. She leans against him. She's not really this comfortable with many other people, not being held like this. Carlos, her father..s, Steve, Anna, that's about it. "I suppose we can be. For a good cause, though. Captain Martyr."

“I’m glad I have you too, you mean so much to me.” Steve rubs her arm gently, so glad she’s so comfortable with him. He rests back against the couch, a soft smile on his face. “Of course, for a good cause.” He laughs softly.

"You were my first real friend," she tells him, looking up at Steve from where she's lying against him. She laughs with him, the ache in her back finally dulling. "Naturally. Beinng beat up for the greater good."

Steve softens, a soft gentle look coming into his eyes. “I’m very glad I met you, you’re a true friend to me.” He squeezes her gently, making sure to keep her in a comfortable position. He hums and laughs softly. “Hey, that’s what I used to do before the serum, get beat up for the greater good”.

"So are you," Valerie murmurs. "I can't believe I ended up having Captain America as my best friend," she mutters, laughing to herself. She looks up. "Oh yeah? That so?"

Steve smiles and shakes his head. “Well I’m very glad you’re my best friend.” Steve snorts and grins. “What? Bucky never told you about little pre-serum Steve getting his assed kicked in alleys everyday because he couldn’t stand a bully?” He grins.

Valerie very quickly kisses his cheek and then pulls away to shake her head. "Bucky and I don't really talk about you. I mean, we don't avoid it, but.. no. He didn't tell me about that."

Steve smiles at the kiss, he shifts and plants a kiss to the top of her head before sitting back. “Right, that makes sense.” He’s smiles and looks down. “Yeah… that’s pretty much what I did back then. I didn’t like people getting away with things, I’d try to fight and well… I was 5’4 and 90 pounds, plus many chronic illnesses. Bucky used to pull me out of alleys.”

Valerie shrugs sheepishly, then smiles at his story. "I didn't knwo that... though that does exactly like something you would do," she tels him with a grin.

Steve smiles and nods, chuckling to himself. “Yeah… I haven’t changed all that much, I just don’t get beat up by none enhanced people anymore.” He smiles and ducks his head.

"I can see why Bucky liked you," Valerie says, shaking her head fondly. "Winter was always getting in trouble looking out for other people." She smiles at him. "It was good of you to do."

Steve hums and nods. “He saved my life a few times, I would’ve bled out in those alleys.” He nods slowly. “I believe it.” He smiles over at Valerie. “I just wanted everyone to be… good. Fair. There was so much… hate.”

"That sounds like him." She chuckles and then softens when Steve says that. "People suck, "she tells him resolutely, because frankly why would she think otherwise? "I'm glad you made them suck less."

“People do usually suck.” Steve reaches out and squeezes her shoulder.”but there’s good ones out there.” He smiles a bit, looking to the side.

"I suppose thats true," Valerie says. "Hopefully yhe good ones outnumber the bad ones. That would be nice."

“I hope so too… that’s why I still fight.” Steve rests his head back against the couch.

Valerie is on her couch when he walks in looking battered and shaky. Pale. There's blood seeping into the black fabric. "Hey, Steve..." More unsteadiness to her voice this time. "You made it."

“Hey…” Steve look incredibly worried. “What happened?” He crouches down, looking her over with worry.

Valerie takes a few shuddering breaths. "Got shot," she says, shifting so she can tug up the back of her shirt, slick with blood. "Can't reach the bullet."

“Shit- who shot you?” Steve winces and opens a medlkit, digging though it. “How long ago?” He looks over the wound.

"Mm, long story," she says, pushing herself onto her stomach. The bullet clearly narrowly missed her spine, hence why she can't reach it. "Ah, hour or two?"

Steve touches right by the spot, frowning deeply. “I’ll take care of it…” He looks worried as he starts to inspect the spot.

"Thanks," she mutters, wincing when his fingers brush against the wound. "Think its started healing around the bullet."

Steve curses softly. “I’m sorry, that’s always the worst… do you want me to try to find something to numb it?” He hands Val some painkillers, pressing his hand by the wound.

Valerie takes the painkillers and then shakes her head. "Don't worry about it. Just get it out of me before it heals more."

“Okay. Deep breaths, I’m sorry.” Steve winces before digging in, working to get the bullet out.

Valerie cries out quietly in the first moment, but quickly her eyes glaze over and she goes silent instead.

“I’m sorry…” Steve whispers, working as quickly as he can, hating chasing her pain.

Valerie shakes her head. "You can.. stitch it," she says through gritted teeth.

“Breathe.” Steve reminds her as he pulls the bullet out, he frowns and grabs a cloth to clean her up.

Valerie grimaces when he pulls the bullet out. There are plenty of half healed bruises under the blood. "Thank you..."

“Of course…” Steve frowns and very gently cleans the wound, he winces in sympathy. “I’m so sorry…”

"Mm, you're not the one who shot me," Valerie points out. She shifts slightly, groaning lowly. "Haven't been shot in years."

“I’m sorry you have to go through this.” Steve corrects himself. He frowns and nods, gently pressing a hand to her back. “Don’t move honey, I need to stitch it up still.”

Valerie rolls her eyes fondly at the correction. "How healed was it?" She asks, cause it hurt like a bitch to get the bullet out. She obligingly lies back down.

“Pretty healed…” Steve frowns and looks at the bullet before he starts gently stitching her back. “You want to talk about what happene?”

Valerie nods slightly. No wonder she'd been having such difficulty getting the bullet out. "Thinks its pretty clear what happened," she says evasively.

“True… but not clear who did it.” Steve glances st her. He mumbles apologizes as he finishes stitching it, slowly bandaging it up.

Valerie looks over her shoulder at him., trying not to pull the stitches. "Some guy from the Den. He's been following me."

Steve bandages it firmly. “Bastard.” Steve mumbles, wiping his hands off. “He shot you…?” he looks highly alarmed.

Valerie grunts in affirmation. "He tried to stab me, but I stole his knife. So. Long range was his next best guess. Thought he was unconscious or he wouldnt have made the shot."

Steve frowns and shakes his head. “What an awful excuse of a human.” He mumbles, he gently helps Valerie sit up a bit. “How’re you feeling?”

She shakes her head. "It's fine. I beat him in front of some of his buddies a couple weeks back." Of course she blames herself-- She begrudingly lets him help her, swallowing down a pained groan. "I've been better," she says tightly.

“That doesn’t mean he gets to shoot you or stab you.” Steve shakes his, hating she blames herself. “Want more painkillers?” Steve digs through the medkit worried,”

"Maybe not. Still. I should've seen it coming. I knew he'd been following me," she says bitterly. She shakes her head. "They won't do anything unless they're yours anyway."

“Doesn’t matter if you should’ve seen it coming, not your fault.” Steve frowns and sits back. “I have mine.” He opens the bag he’d grabbed on his way out, fishing a few out.

Valerie shrugs, though it's clearly more to indulge Steve than any reall sense of not being at fault. "Thanks," she mutters, swallowing the enhanced pain killers. "...I'm glad you came.."

Steve sighs, he sits back and nods, softening. “Of course, I’ll always come if you call.” He walks into the kitchen, starting to wash his hands.

"You're sweet." She sighs and looks away as he rinses his hands. "this isn't the first time this has happened. I think I attract violence."

“I think what you have to do to stop your failsafe from happening attracts violence, but not you as a person.” Steve leans back, drying his hands off carefully. “You know Val…” He trails off and shakes his head.

"Maybe. Maybe not." She's in a weird mood, clearly. Being shot will do that to a person, after all. She looks up when he trails off. "What is it? Tell me."

Steve hate how off she is, but he gets it. He moves over and starts to clean up the blood, scrubbing at the floor. “I was just going to say, some days you could come to me, instead of going to the Den… I’m a super soldier, I could take it.”

"I can help with that," Valerie offers. It's not exactly a good idea, but she doesn't like sitting by uselessly while he works. She sighs. She had a feeling he'd offer eventually. "I don't know if that's a good idea, Steve..,"

“Valerie.” Steve says in a firm yet still gentle voice, giving her a look that clearly says. ‘It’s fine, you were shot.’ “Just rest please.” He smiles softly before he continues to scrub at it. He shrugs. “It wouldn’t be that bad, I’d be fine with it. If you didn’t have to go to that horrible place as often.”

Valerie holds up her hands in feigned surrender and lies back on the couch. "Fine, fine," she says. "I know you'd be fine with it. But I don't want to hurt you. It's not like play fighting."

Steve sits back as he finishes with the blood spot, he meets her eyes. “I’m well aware of that, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t know what it entailed. I don’t mind being hurt if it helps you, I’ll heal and it keeps you safe.”

Valerie drops his gaze, she feels guilty enough making him take care of her like this. "I know that you'd heal. You're probably the best person to go to. Can't exactly do it with Bucky. Still feels wrong, though."

Steve shifts and sits on the couch next to Val, snagging a blanket and draping it over her gently. “I know, but it also feels very wrong to watch you go to a place like the Den… we could try it, just once… just try”.

"It's really not that bad," Valerie protests, wrapping the ridiculously soft blanket tightly around her shoulders. "...but maybe we could try it once. But you can't hold back."

“But it’s not good.” Steve counters. He gets up, moving back into the kitchen, starting tea. “We can try once.” He pauses, almost forgetting he’d have to fight back. “I won’t as long as you don’t.”

She sighs. "...no, it's not." She watches him carefully as he starts to make the tea. "I won't be. That's why I'm not thrilled by doing it to people I care about... if it doesn't hurt, it doesn't work."

Steve walks over and hands her a mug of tea. “I’m not exactly looking forward to hurting you, and I wouldn’t do this if the Den was a safe place, because I don’t want to hurt you. But it’s not safe…” He gestures to the gun wound. “And I hate knowing you’re there…”

Valerie takes it, wrapping her hands around it, glad for the heat emanating through the ceramic. "I'm not particularly looking forward to hurting you. But you are my only option outside of the Den. Bucky always holds back. So does Winter, if I can even manage to get him to agree." She sighs. "Technically, this was three sreets away from the Den." She looks at him. "You don't need to worry about me, Steve..."

Steve settles down next to Valerie, sipping his tea. “Yeah but it came from the Den.” Steve shakes his head a bit. “You’re my friend, of course I’m going to worry. You’d be worried if I went to a place and fought, got the shit beat out of me, fought someone back then got shot on the way home wouldn’t you?”

She grunts in acknowledgement. "Yeah," she says with a sigh. "Of course I would." She takes a slow sip of her tea. "It's not the same," she tells him, even though it kinda is. "You're...." she trails off, simply gesturing at him.

“Exactly.” Steve sets his tea down, turning to face her properly. “It’s no different Val. Sure, we have very different pasts, but if I was doing that, you wouldn’t want me to, just like it hurts me knowing those people hurt you, that you’re not safe there. You’re my friend Val…” Steve reaches out and squeezes her hand.

"Sure, I wouldn't be happy knowing that, but.." She doesn't know how to put what she's feeling into words. "I don't know. I guess I feel I deserve it," she says quietly. "I mean, I already need it, don't I?"

Steve hums, leaning back into the couch. “You don’t deserve it Valerie. I know, I know saying that doesn’t take away that feeling. But know you don’t deserve it. You can’t help what you were born into.” He squeezes her hand gently. “Need it, sadly yes. Deserve it? No. You shouldn’t have to go through more pain… and im so sorry you do, so please… let me help that pain a little?”

"Maybe not, but I still can't take back everything I did. I can't get rid of the things I feel about that place." She swallows thickly, looking completely ashamed. She clings to his hand, nodding a little. "I'll let you help but... what if I can't be fixed, hm? You really wanna sign up to getting hurt twice a week cause of my problems?"

“I know, I know that.” Steve says very gently. “You also really didn’t have a choice, you were a child. Just don’t forget that, okay? I’m not saying you have to be okay with what you did, just remember what it really was like, how controlled you were. You didn’t have all this freedom you do now.” He shifts and pulls Valerie very gently into his arms. “I’d sign up to be hurt every day to keep you safe.”

"...yeah. I know that." Valerie nods blankly, and winces when Steve pulls her into his arms, but she shifts so she's settled in a way that doesn't cause her much pain. "And you say I'm the self-destructive one," she teases him softly.

“But sometimes you forget… and that’s okay, you have people for remind you.” Steve makes sure she’s comfortable, keeping her snuggly in his arms. He laughs very softly. “Hey… we can both be self destructive.”

"I'm glad I have you, Steve," Valerie admits. She leans against him. She's not really this comfortable with many other people, not being held like this. Carlos, her father..s, Steve, Anna, that's about it. "I suppose we can be. For a good cause, though. Captain Martyr."

“I’m glad I have you too, you mean so much to me.” Steve rubs her arm gently, so glad she’s so comfortable with him. He rests back against the couch, a soft smile on his face. “Of course, for a good cause.” He laughs softly.

"You were my first real friend," she tells him, looking up at Steve from where she's lying against him. She laughs with him, the ache in her back finally dulling. "Naturally. Beinng beat up for the greater good."

Steve softens, a soft gentle look coming into his eyes. “I’m very glad I met you, you’re a true friend to me.” He squeezes her gently, making sure to keep her in a comfortable position. He hums and laughs softly. “Hey, that’s what I used to do before the serum, get beat up for the greater good”.

"So are you," Valerie murmurs. "I can't believe I ended up having Captain America as my best friend," she mutters, laughing to herself. She looks up. "Oh yeah? That so?"

Steve smiles and shakes his head. “Well I’m very glad you’re my best friend.” Steve snorts and grins. “What? Bucky never told you about little pre-serum Steve getting his assed kicked in alleys everyday because he couldn’t stand a bully?” He grins.

Valerie very quickly kisses his cheek and then pulls away to shake her head. "Bucky and I don't really talk about you. I mean, we don't avoid it, but.. no. He didn't tell me about that."

Steve smiles at the kiss, he shifts and plants a kiss to the top of her head before sitting back. “Right, that makes sense.” He’s smiles and looks down. “Yeah… that’s pretty much what I did back then. I didn’t like people getting away with things, I’d try to fight and well… I was 5’4 and 90 pounds, plus many chronic illnesses. Bucky used to pull me out of alleys.”

Valerie shrugs sheepishly, then smiles at his story. "I didn't knwo that... though that does exactly like something you would do," she tels him with a grin.

Steve smiles and nods, chuckling to himself. “Yeah… I haven’t changed all that much, I just don’t get beat up by none enhanced people anymore.” He smiles and ducks his head.

"I can see why Bucky liked you," Valerie says, shaking her head fondly. "Winter was always getting in trouble looking out for other people." She smiles at him. "It was good of you to do."

Steve hums and nods. “He saved my life a few times, I would’ve bled out in those alleys.” He nods slowly. “I believe it.” He smiles over at Valerie. “I just wanted everyone to be… good. Fair. There was so much… hate.”

"That sounds like him." She chuckles and then softens when Steve says that. "People suck, "she tells him resolutely, because frankly why would she think otherwise? "I'm glad you made them suck less."

“People do usually suck.” Steve reaches out and squeezes her shoulder.”but there’s good ones out there.” He smiles a bit, looking to the side.

I’m so nauseas, fuck it’s weird- haven’t felt this nauseas since the serum… anyone have anything?

Steve blinks a few times as he tries to remember, it’s all fuzzy. “Good… that’s good… thank you love.” He whispers, leaning into the kiss, his eyes still a bit pained. “I know you wouldn’t.”

"Don't strain yourself... I don't know exactly what was wrong but, you weren't okay Steve. Let me take care of you today okay?" Norman strokes his cheek softly.

Steve nods before letting out a frustrated breath. “This is so stupid, I shouldn’t… it was just a bit of nausea…” He shakes his head, but leans into Norman’s soft touch.

"It was much more than nausea... Besides nausea as a symptom is indicative of several conditions, including anxiety, depression, hunger, migraines, heart attacks and more. The human body uses the digestive system as a warning sign for literally everything."

Steve blinks a few times, a little out of it still. “Right…” He mumbles, curling up further under the blanket. “Am I okay now?” He frowns deeply, clearly upset but trying to hide it.

Steve nods slowly. “Right. I’m still a bit nauseated… heads a little fuzzy, but okay.” He hums happily at the hand in his hair. “Feel a little bitter.” He closes his eyes for a long moment, his color looks better.

"Is there anything I can do to help you?"

“Maybe some pain relief for my stomach?” Steve shifts a bit.

I’m so nauseas, fuck it’s weird- haven’t felt this nauseas since the serum… anyone have anything?

Steve blinks a few times as he tries to remember, it’s all fuzzy. “Good… that’s good… thank you love.” He whispers, leaning into the kiss, his eyes still a bit pained. “I know you wouldn’t.”

"Don't strain yourself... I don't know exactly what was wrong but, you weren't okay Steve. Let me take care of you today okay?" Norman strokes his cheek softly.

Steve nods before letting out a frustrated breath. “This is so stupid, I shouldn’t… it was just a bit of nausea…” He shakes his head, but leans into Norman’s soft touch.

"It was much more than nausea... Besides nausea as a symptom is indicative of several conditions, including anxiety, depression, hunger, migraines, heart attacks and more. The human body uses the digestive system as a warning sign for literally everything."

Steve blinks a few times, a little out of it still. “Right…” He mumbles, curling up further under the blanket. “Am I okay now?” He frowns deeply, clearly upset but trying to hide it.

Steve nods slowly. “Right. I’m still a bit nauseated… heads a little fuzzy, but okay.” He hums happily at the hand in his hair. “Feel a little bitter.” He closes his eyes for a long moment, his color looks better.

Valerie is on her couch when he walks in looking battered and shaky. Pale. There's blood seeping into the black fabric. "Hey, Steve..." More unsteadiness to her voice this time. "You made it."

“Hey…” Steve look incredibly worried. “What happened?” He crouches down, looking her over with worry.

Valerie takes a few shuddering breaths. "Got shot," she says, shifting so she can tug up the back of her shirt, slick with blood. "Can't reach the bullet."

“Shit- who shot you?” Steve winces and opens a medlkit, digging though it. “How long ago?” He looks over the wound.

"Mm, long story," she says, pushing herself onto her stomach. The bullet clearly narrowly missed her spine, hence why she can't reach it. "Ah, hour or two?"

Steve touches right by the spot, frowning deeply. “I’ll take care of it…” He looks worried as he starts to inspect the spot.

"Thanks," she mutters, wincing when his fingers brush against the wound. "Think its started healing around the bullet."

Steve curses softly. “I’m sorry, that’s always the worst… do you want me to try to find something to numb it?” He hands Val some painkillers, pressing his hand by the wound.

Valerie takes the painkillers and then shakes her head. "Don't worry about it. Just get it out of me before it heals more."

“Okay. Deep breaths, I’m sorry.” Steve winces before digging in, working to get the bullet out.

Valerie cries out quietly in the first moment, but quickly her eyes glaze over and she goes silent instead.

“I’m sorry…” Steve whispers, working as quickly as he can, hating chasing her pain.

Valerie shakes her head. "You can.. stitch it," she says through gritted teeth.

“Breathe.” Steve reminds her as he pulls the bullet out, he frowns and grabs a cloth to clean her up.

Valerie grimaces when he pulls the bullet out. There are plenty of half healed bruises under the blood. "Thank you..."

“Of course…” Steve frowns and very gently cleans the wound, he winces in sympathy. “I’m so sorry…”

"Mm, you're not the one who shot me," Valerie points out. She shifts slightly, groaning lowly. "Haven't been shot in years."

“I’m sorry you have to go through this.” Steve corrects himself. He frowns and nods, gently pressing a hand to her back. “Don’t move honey, I need to stitch it up still.”

Valerie rolls her eyes fondly at the correction. "How healed was it?" She asks, cause it hurt like a bitch to get the bullet out. She obligingly lies back down.

“Pretty healed…” Steve frowns and looks at the bullet before he starts gently stitching her back. “You want to talk about what happene?”

Valerie nods slightly. No wonder she'd been having such difficulty getting the bullet out. "Thinks its pretty clear what happened," she says evasively.

“True… but not clear who did it.” Steve glances st her. He mumbles apologizes as he finishes stitching it, slowly bandaging it up.

Valerie looks over her shoulder at him., trying not to pull the stitches. "Some guy from the Den. He's been following me."

Steve bandages it firmly. “Bastard.” Steve mumbles, wiping his hands off. “He shot you…?” he looks highly alarmed.

Valerie grunts in affirmation. "He tried to stab me, but I stole his knife. So. Long range was his next best guess. Thought he was unconscious or he wouldnt have made the shot."

Steve frowns and shakes his head. “What an awful excuse of a human.” He mumbles, he gently helps Valerie sit up a bit. “How’re you feeling?”

She shakes her head. "It's fine. I beat him in front of some of his buddies a couple weeks back." Of course she blames herself-- She begrudingly lets him help her, swallowing down a pained groan. "I've been better," she says tightly.

“That doesn’t mean he gets to shoot you or stab you.” Steve shakes his, hating she blames herself. “Want more painkillers?” Steve digs through the medkit worried,”

"Maybe not. Still. I should've seen it coming. I knew he'd been following me," she says bitterly. She shakes her head. "They won't do anything unless they're yours anyway."

“Doesn’t matter if you should’ve seen it coming, not your fault.” Steve frowns and sits back. “I have mine.” He opens the bag he’d grabbed on his way out, fishing a few out.

Valerie shrugs, though it's clearly more to indulge Steve than any reall sense of not being at fault. "Thanks," she mutters, swallowing the enhanced pain killers. "...I'm glad you came.."

Steve sighs, he sits back and nods, softening. “Of course, I’ll always come if you call.” He walks into the kitchen, starting to wash his hands.

"You're sweet." She sighs and looks away as he rinses his hands. "this isn't the first time this has happened. I think I attract violence."

“I think what you have to do to stop your failsafe from happening attracts violence, but not you as a person.” Steve leans back, drying his hands off carefully. “You know Val…” He trails off and shakes his head.

"Maybe. Maybe not." She's in a weird mood, clearly. Being shot will do that to a person, after all. She looks up when he trails off. "What is it? Tell me."

Steve hate how off she is, but he gets it. He moves over and starts to clean up the blood, scrubbing at the floor. “I was just going to say, some days you could come to me, instead of going to the Den… I’m a super soldier, I could take it.”

"I can help with that," Valerie offers. It's not exactly a good idea, but she doesn't like sitting by uselessly while he works. She sighs. She had a feeling he'd offer eventually. "I don't know if that's a good idea, Steve..,"

“Valerie.” Steve says in a firm yet still gentle voice, giving her a look that clearly says. ‘It’s fine, you were shot.’ “Just rest please.” He smiles softly before he continues to scrub at it. He shrugs. “It wouldn’t be that bad, I’d be fine with it. If you didn’t have to go to that horrible place as often.”

Valerie holds up her hands in feigned surrender and lies back on the couch. "Fine, fine," she says. "I know you'd be fine with it. But I don't want to hurt you. It's not like play fighting."

Steve sits back as he finishes with the blood spot, he meets her eyes. “I’m well aware of that, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t know what it entailed. I don’t mind being hurt if it helps you, I’ll heal and it keeps you safe.”

Valerie drops his gaze, she feels guilty enough making him take care of her like this. "I know that you'd heal. You're probably the best person to go to. Can't exactly do it with Bucky. Still feels wrong, though."

Steve shifts and sits on the couch next to Val, snagging a blanket and draping it over her gently. “I know, but it also feels very wrong to watch you go to a place like the Den… we could try it, just once… just try”.

"It's really not that bad," Valerie protests, wrapping the ridiculously soft blanket tightly around her shoulders. "...but maybe we could try it once. But you can't hold back."

“But it’s not good.” Steve counters. He gets up, moving back into the kitchen, starting tea. “We can try once.” He pauses, almost forgetting he’d have to fight back. “I won’t as long as you don’t.”

She sighs. "...no, it's not." She watches him carefully as he starts to make the tea. "I won't be. That's why I'm not thrilled by doing it to people I care about... if it doesn't hurt, it doesn't work."

Steve walks over and hands her a mug of tea. “I’m not exactly looking forward to hurting you, and I wouldn’t do this if the Den was a safe place, because I don’t want to hurt you. But it’s not safe…” He gestures to the gun wound. “And I hate knowing you’re there…”

Valerie takes it, wrapping her hands around it, glad for the heat emanating through the ceramic. "I'm not particularly looking forward to hurting you. But you are my only option outside of the Den. Bucky always holds back. So does Winter, if I can even manage to get him to agree." She sighs. "Technically, this was three sreets away from the Den." She looks at him. "You don't need to worry about me, Steve..."

Steve settles down next to Valerie, sipping his tea. “Yeah but it came from the Den.” Steve shakes his head a bit. “You’re my friend, of course I’m going to worry. You’d be worried if I went to a place and fought, got the shit beat out of me, fought someone back then got shot on the way home wouldn’t you?”

She grunts in acknowledgement. "Yeah," she says with a sigh. "Of course I would." She takes a slow sip of her tea. "It's not the same," she tells him, even though it kinda is. "You're...." she trails off, simply gesturing at him.

“Exactly.” Steve sets his tea down, turning to face her properly. “It’s no different Val. Sure, we have very different pasts, but if I was doing that, you wouldn’t want me to, just like it hurts me knowing those people hurt you, that you’re not safe there. You’re my friend Val…” Steve reaches out and squeezes her hand.

"Sure, I wouldn't be happy knowing that, but.." She doesn't know how to put what she's feeling into words. "I don't know. I guess I feel I deserve it," she says quietly. "I mean, I already need it, don't I?"

Steve hums, leaning back into the couch. “You don’t deserve it Valerie. I know, I know saying that doesn’t take away that feeling. But know you don’t deserve it. You can’t help what you were born into.” He squeezes her hand gently. “Need it, sadly yes. Deserve it? No. You shouldn’t have to go through more pain… and im so sorry you do, so please… let me help that pain a little?”

"Maybe not, but I still can't take back everything I did. I can't get rid of the things I feel about that place." She swallows thickly, looking completely ashamed. She clings to his hand, nodding a little. "I'll let you help but... what if I can't be fixed, hm? You really wanna sign up to getting hurt twice a week cause of my problems?"

“I know, I know that.” Steve says very gently. “You also really didn’t have a choice, you were a child. Just don’t forget that, okay? I’m not saying you have to be okay with what you did, just remember what it really was like, how controlled you were. You didn’t have all this freedom you do now.” He shifts and pulls Valerie very gently into his arms. “I’d sign up to be hurt every day to keep you safe.”

"...yeah. I know that." Valerie nods blankly, and winces when Steve pulls her into his arms, but she shifts so she's settled in a way that doesn't cause her much pain. "And you say I'm the self-destructive one," she teases him softly.

“But sometimes you forget… and that’s okay, you have people for remind you.” Steve makes sure she’s comfortable, keeping her snuggly in his arms. He laughs very softly. “Hey… we can both be self destructive.”

"I'm glad I have you, Steve," Valerie admits. She leans against him. She's not really this comfortable with many other people, not being held like this. Carlos, her father..s, Steve, Anna, that's about it. "I suppose we can be. For a good cause, though. Captain Martyr."

“I’m glad I have you too, you mean so much to me.” Steve rubs her arm gently, so glad she’s so comfortable with him. He rests back against the couch, a soft smile on his face. “Of course, for a good cause.” He laughs softly.

"You were my first real friend," she tells him, looking up at Steve from where she's lying against him. She laughs with him, the ache in her back finally dulling. "Naturally. Beinng beat up for the greater good."

Steve softens, a soft gentle look coming into his eyes. “I’m very glad I met you, you’re a true friend to me.” He squeezes her gently, making sure to keep her in a comfortable position. He hums and laughs softly. “Hey, that’s what I used to do before the serum, get beat up for the greater good”.

"So are you," Valerie murmurs. "I can't believe I ended up having Captain America as my best friend," she mutters, laughing to herself. She looks up. "Oh yeah? That so?"

Steve smiles and shakes his head. “Well I’m very glad you’re my best friend.” Steve snorts and grins. “What? Bucky never told you about little pre-serum Steve getting his assed kicked in alleys everyday because he couldn’t stand a bully?” He grins.

Valerie very quickly kisses his cheek and then pulls away to shake her head. "Bucky and I don't really talk about you. I mean, we don't avoid it, but.. no. He didn't tell me about that."

Steve smiles at the kiss, he shifts and plants a kiss to the top of her head before sitting back. “Right, that makes sense.” He’s smiles and looks down. “Yeah… that’s pretty much what I did back then. I didn’t like people getting away with things, I’d try to fight and well… I was 5’4 and 90 pounds, plus many chronic illnesses. Bucky used to pull me out of alleys.”

Valerie shrugs sheepishly, then smiles at his story. "I didn't knwo that... though that does exactly like something you would do," she tels him with a grin.

Steve smiles and nods, chuckling to himself. “Yeah… I haven’t changed all that much, I just don’t get beat up by none enhanced people anymore.” He smiles and ducks his head.

"I can see why Bucky liked you," Valerie says, shaking her head fondly. "Winter was always getting in trouble looking out for other people." She smiles at him. "It was good of you to do."

Steve hums and nods. “He saved my life a few times, I would’ve bled out in those alleys.” He nods slowly. “I believe it.” He smiles over at Valerie. “I just wanted everyone to be… good. Fair. There was so much… hate.”

I’m so nauseas, fuck it’s weird- haven’t felt this nauseas since the serum… anyone have anything?

Steve blinks a few times as he tries to remember, it’s all fuzzy. “Good… that’s good… thank you love.” He whispers, leaning into the kiss, his eyes still a bit pained. “I know you wouldn’t.”

"Don't strain yourself... I don't know exactly what was wrong but, you weren't okay Steve. Let me take care of you today okay?" Norman strokes his cheek softly.

Steve nods before letting out a frustrated breath. “This is so stupid, I shouldn’t… it was just a bit of nausea…” He shakes his head, but leans into Norman’s soft touch.

"It was much more than nausea... Besides nausea as a symptom is indicative of several conditions, including anxiety, depression, hunger, migraines, heart attacks and more. The human body uses the digestive system as a warning sign for literally everything."

Steve blinks a few times, a little out of it still. “Right…” He mumbles, curling up further under the blanket. “Am I okay now?” He frowns deeply, clearly upset but trying to hide it.

Valerie is on her couch when he walks in looking battered and shaky. Pale. There's blood seeping into the black fabric. "Hey, Steve..." More unsteadiness to her voice this time. "You made it."

“Hey…” Steve look incredibly worried. “What happened?” He crouches down, looking her over with worry.

Valerie takes a few shuddering breaths. "Got shot," she says, shifting so she can tug up the back of her shirt, slick with blood. "Can't reach the bullet."

“Shit- who shot you?” Steve winces and opens a medlkit, digging though it. “How long ago?” He looks over the wound.

"Mm, long story," she says, pushing herself onto her stomach. The bullet clearly narrowly missed her spine, hence why she can't reach it. "Ah, hour or two?"

Steve touches right by the spot, frowning deeply. “I’ll take care of it…” He looks worried as he starts to inspect the spot.

"Thanks," she mutters, wincing when his fingers brush against the wound. "Think its started healing around the bullet."

Steve curses softly. “I’m sorry, that’s always the worst… do you want me to try to find something to numb it?” He hands Val some painkillers, pressing his hand by the wound.

Valerie takes the painkillers and then shakes her head. "Don't worry about it. Just get it out of me before it heals more."

“Okay. Deep breaths, I’m sorry.” Steve winces before digging in, working to get the bullet out.

Valerie cries out quietly in the first moment, but quickly her eyes glaze over and she goes silent instead.

“I’m sorry…” Steve whispers, working as quickly as he can, hating chasing her pain.

Valerie shakes her head. "You can.. stitch it," she says through gritted teeth.

“Breathe.” Steve reminds her as he pulls the bullet out, he frowns and grabs a cloth to clean her up.

Valerie grimaces when he pulls the bullet out. There are plenty of half healed bruises under the blood. "Thank you..."

“Of course…” Steve frowns and very gently cleans the wound, he winces in sympathy. “I’m so sorry…”

"Mm, you're not the one who shot me," Valerie points out. She shifts slightly, groaning lowly. "Haven't been shot in years."

“I’m sorry you have to go through this.” Steve corrects himself. He frowns and nods, gently pressing a hand to her back. “Don’t move honey, I need to stitch it up still.”

Valerie rolls her eyes fondly at the correction. "How healed was it?" She asks, cause it hurt like a bitch to get the bullet out. She obligingly lies back down.

“Pretty healed…” Steve frowns and looks at the bullet before he starts gently stitching her back. “You want to talk about what happene?”

Valerie nods slightly. No wonder she'd been having such difficulty getting the bullet out. "Thinks its pretty clear what happened," she says evasively.

“True… but not clear who did it.” Steve glances st her. He mumbles apologizes as he finishes stitching it, slowly bandaging it up.

Valerie looks over her shoulder at him., trying not to pull the stitches. "Some guy from the Den. He's been following me."

Steve bandages it firmly. “Bastard.” Steve mumbles, wiping his hands off. “He shot you…?” he looks highly alarmed.

Valerie grunts in affirmation. "He tried to stab me, but I stole his knife. So. Long range was his next best guess. Thought he was unconscious or he wouldnt have made the shot."

Steve frowns and shakes his head. “What an awful excuse of a human.” He mumbles, he gently helps Valerie sit up a bit. “How’re you feeling?”

She shakes her head. "It's fine. I beat him in front of some of his buddies a couple weeks back." Of course she blames herself-- She begrudingly lets him help her, swallowing down a pained groan. "I've been better," she says tightly.

“That doesn’t mean he gets to shoot you or stab you.” Steve shakes his, hating she blames herself. “Want more painkillers?” Steve digs through the medkit worried,”

"Maybe not. Still. I should've seen it coming. I knew he'd been following me," she says bitterly. She shakes her head. "They won't do anything unless they're yours anyway."

“Doesn’t matter if you should’ve seen it coming, not your fault.” Steve frowns and sits back. “I have mine.” He opens the bag he’d grabbed on his way out, fishing a few out.

Valerie shrugs, though it's clearly more to indulge Steve than any reall sense of not being at fault. "Thanks," she mutters, swallowing the enhanced pain killers. "...I'm glad you came.."

Steve sighs, he sits back and nods, softening. “Of course, I’ll always come if you call.” He walks into the kitchen, starting to wash his hands.

"You're sweet." She sighs and looks away as he rinses his hands. "this isn't the first time this has happened. I think I attract violence."

“I think what you have to do to stop your failsafe from happening attracts violence, but not you as a person.” Steve leans back, drying his hands off carefully. “You know Val…” He trails off and shakes his head.

"Maybe. Maybe not." She's in a weird mood, clearly. Being shot will do that to a person, after all. She looks up when he trails off. "What is it? Tell me."

Steve hate how off she is, but he gets it. He moves over and starts to clean up the blood, scrubbing at the floor. “I was just going to say, some days you could come to me, instead of going to the Den… I’m a super soldier, I could take it.”

"I can help with that," Valerie offers. It's not exactly a good idea, but she doesn't like sitting by uselessly while he works. She sighs. She had a feeling he'd offer eventually. "I don't know if that's a good idea, Steve..,"

“Valerie.” Steve says in a firm yet still gentle voice, giving her a look that clearly says. ‘It’s fine, you were shot.’ “Just rest please.” He smiles softly before he continues to scrub at it. He shrugs. “It wouldn’t be that bad, I’d be fine with it. If you didn’t have to go to that horrible place as often.”

Valerie holds up her hands in feigned surrender and lies back on the couch. "Fine, fine," she says. "I know you'd be fine with it. But I don't want to hurt you. It's not like play fighting."

Steve sits back as he finishes with the blood spot, he meets her eyes. “I’m well aware of that, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t know what it entailed. I don’t mind being hurt if it helps you, I’ll heal and it keeps you safe.”

Valerie drops his gaze, she feels guilty enough making him take care of her like this. "I know that you'd heal. You're probably the best person to go to. Can't exactly do it with Bucky. Still feels wrong, though."

Steve shifts and sits on the couch next to Val, snagging a blanket and draping it over her gently. “I know, but it also feels very wrong to watch you go to a place like the Den… we could try it, just once… just try”.

"It's really not that bad," Valerie protests, wrapping the ridiculously soft blanket tightly around her shoulders. "...but maybe we could try it once. But you can't hold back."

“But it’s not good.” Steve counters. He gets up, moving back into the kitchen, starting tea. “We can try once.” He pauses, almost forgetting he’d have to fight back. “I won’t as long as you don’t.”

She sighs. "...no, it's not." She watches him carefully as he starts to make the tea. "I won't be. That's why I'm not thrilled by doing it to people I care about... if it doesn't hurt, it doesn't work."

Steve walks over and hands her a mug of tea. “I’m not exactly looking forward to hurting you, and I wouldn’t do this if the Den was a safe place, because I don’t want to hurt you. But it’s not safe…” He gestures to the gun wound. “And I hate knowing you’re there…”

Valerie takes it, wrapping her hands around it, glad for the heat emanating through the ceramic. "I'm not particularly looking forward to hurting you. But you are my only option outside of the Den. Bucky always holds back. So does Winter, if I can even manage to get him to agree." She sighs. "Technically, this was three sreets away from the Den." She looks at him. "You don't need to worry about me, Steve..."

Steve settles down next to Valerie, sipping his tea. “Yeah but it came from the Den.” Steve shakes his head a bit. “You’re my friend, of course I’m going to worry. You’d be worried if I went to a place and fought, got the shit beat out of me, fought someone back then got shot on the way home wouldn’t you?”

She grunts in acknowledgement. "Yeah," she says with a sigh. "Of course I would." She takes a slow sip of her tea. "It's not the same," she tells him, even though it kinda is. "You're...." she trails off, simply gesturing at him.

“Exactly.” Steve sets his tea down, turning to face her properly. “It’s no different Val. Sure, we have very different pasts, but if I was doing that, you wouldn’t want me to, just like it hurts me knowing those people hurt you, that you’re not safe there. You’re my friend Val…” Steve reaches out and squeezes her hand.

"Sure, I wouldn't be happy knowing that, but.." She doesn't know how to put what she's feeling into words. "I don't know. I guess I feel I deserve it," she says quietly. "I mean, I already need it, don't I?"

Steve hums, leaning back into the couch. “You don’t deserve it Valerie. I know, I know saying that doesn’t take away that feeling. But know you don’t deserve it. You can’t help what you were born into.” He squeezes her hand gently. “Need it, sadly yes. Deserve it? No. You shouldn’t have to go through more pain… and im so sorry you do, so please… let me help that pain a little?”

"Maybe not, but I still can't take back everything I did. I can't get rid of the things I feel about that place." She swallows thickly, looking completely ashamed. She clings to his hand, nodding a little. "I'll let you help but... what if I can't be fixed, hm? You really wanna sign up to getting hurt twice a week cause of my problems?"

“I know, I know that.” Steve says very gently. “You also really didn’t have a choice, you were a child. Just don’t forget that, okay? I’m not saying you have to be okay with what you did, just remember what it really was like, how controlled you were. You didn’t have all this freedom you do now.” He shifts and pulls Valerie very gently into his arms. “I’d sign up to be hurt every day to keep you safe.”

"...yeah. I know that." Valerie nods blankly, and winces when Steve pulls her into his arms, but she shifts so she's settled in a way that doesn't cause her much pain. "And you say I'm the self-destructive one," she teases him softly.

“But sometimes you forget… and that’s okay, you have people for remind you.” Steve makes sure she’s comfortable, keeping her snuggly in his arms. He laughs very softly. “Hey… we can both be self destructive.”

"I'm glad I have you, Steve," Valerie admits. She leans against him. She's not really this comfortable with many other people, not being held like this. Carlos, her father..s, Steve, Anna, that's about it. "I suppose we can be. For a good cause, though. Captain Martyr."

“I’m glad I have you too, you mean so much to me.” Steve rubs her arm gently, so glad she’s so comfortable with him. He rests back against the couch, a soft smile on his face. “Of course, for a good cause.” He laughs softly.

"You were my first real friend," she tells him, looking up at Steve from where she's lying against him. She laughs with him, the ache in her back finally dulling. "Naturally. Beinng beat up for the greater good."

Steve softens, a soft gentle look coming into his eyes. “I’m very glad I met you, you’re a true friend to me.” He squeezes her gently, making sure to keep her in a comfortable position. He hums and laughs softly. “Hey, that’s what I used to do before the serum, get beat up for the greater good”.

"So are you," Valerie murmurs. "I can't believe I ended up having Captain America as my best friend," she mutters, laughing to herself. She looks up. "Oh yeah? That so?"

Steve smiles and shakes his head. “Well I’m very glad you’re my best friend.” Steve snorts and grins. “What? Bucky never told you about little pre-serum Steve getting his assed kicked in alleys everyday because he couldn’t stand a bully?” He grins.

Valerie very quickly kisses his cheek and then pulls away to shake her head. "Bucky and I don't really talk about you. I mean, we don't avoid it, but.. no. He didn't tell me about that."

Steve smiles at the kiss, he shifts and plants a kiss to the top of her head before sitting back. “Right, that makes sense.” He’s smiles and looks down. “Yeah… that’s pretty much what I did back then. I didn’t like people getting away with things, I’d try to fight and well… I was 5’4 and 90 pounds, plus many chronic illnesses. Bucky used to pull me out of alleys.”

Valerie shrugs sheepishly, then smiles at his story. "I didn't knwo that... though that does exactly like something you would do," she tels him with a grin.

Steve smiles and nods, chuckling to himself. “Yeah… I haven’t changed all that much, I just don’t get beat up by none enhanced people anymore.” He smiles and ducks his head.

I’m so nauseas, fuck it’s weird- haven’t felt this nauseas since the serum… anyone have anything?

Steve blinks a few times as he tries to remember, it’s all fuzzy. “Good… that’s good… thank you love.” He whispers, leaning into the kiss, his eyes still a bit pained. “I know you wouldn’t.”

"Don't strain yourself... I don't know exactly what was wrong but, you weren't okay Steve. Let me take care of you today okay?" Norman strokes his cheek softly.

Steve nods before letting out a frustrated breath. “This is so stupid, I shouldn’t… it was just a bit of nausea…” He shakes his head, but leans into Norman’s soft touch.