#sam: threads

The skyline glittered with sharp lights. Sam leaned against the railing of a rooftop, one boot hooked over the rung of a stool, wings tucked away but he was never really off duty.

for @lookedinfinite | Maeve & Sam

Sam hovered in the doorway for a moment, watching her for a moment before he left himself be know. ❝You know, I keep trying to talk myself out of being worried about you.❞ He started, voice low. ❝I don’t like that anyone would die to feel your touch.❞

Sam wasn’t sure if it was the exhaustion catching up with him or the eerie quiet that always seemed to come right after things went down. He could still smell smoke on the air, taste metal in his mouth. His wings were retracted, armor scorched from the last blast he’d taken while trying to pull people out of the rubble. He’d done what he could. It hadn’t been enough.

He crouched beside one of the victims. Just a young guy, barely breathing. The medics were still a block away, and Sam’s hands hovered uselessly, bloody and shaking.

That’s when he saw Maeve moving through the wreckage. Sam stood slowly, wary but drawn in despite himself. He didn’t know who she was. He hadn’t seen her before on any team, any mission.

❝I’m not gonna say thank you for taking that hit for me. Mostly ‘cause I’m still pissed you thought I couldn’t handle it myself.❞

Sam stood in the doorway, arms crossed, a half-smirk playing on his face. He watched Bucky silently for a moment, taking in the way the other man sat, slightly hunched like he hadn’t fully unclenched either. ❝You ever think about slowing down? Maybe letting someone else jump in front of the bullets for once.❞ His tone was light, teasing even, but underneath it, concern flickered sharp and real.

He stepped inside, dropping his pack with a thud. ❝I brought food. And before you get all 'grumpy old man' on me, yeah, I remembered your order. You’re welcome.❞

He pause, then a glanced over his shoulder at Bucky.

Sam stepped out, surrounded by silent guards. He didn’t need the escort, but protocol was protocol. He glanced over his shoulder letting them know to step back, before he addressed Ross.

He sighed softly. ❝I didn’t expect to be in this position, and I’m sure you didn’t either. But here we are. The world is changing, and we both know that things have been moving pretty fast lately. You’ve been around long enough to understand how it goes.❞

Sam landed lightly on the rooftop, wings folding as he got his footing. He took off his goggles, squinting through the wind as he spotted her, spider-suit standing out against the grey of the hazy city.