theempathywithin

Juniper smiled contently as Steve settled into the covers. This was the first time she had actually seen him look comfortable. His position allowed a perfect spot for her to join him, and she timidly nestled in next to him, head resting on his chest. “Are you gonna sing to me?”

“If you would like.” She said shyly. Singing was something that was something dear to her. Rarely did she let someone hear her sing, yet in this moment, it felt like exactly what Steve needed. “Love of my life can’t you see? Bring it back, bring it back. Don’t take it away from me because you don’t know what it means to me.” she sang the first song that came to mind, a song her mother sang all the time. As she sang, her eyes slipped shut and her hand splayed over his chest rising and falling.

Steve let himself listen, closing his eyes after the stress of the day. It was nice to hear someone sing. It brought back memories of Bucky, and even though he was upset, he relaxed because he could never resist a good song. He hummed appreciatively as she finished, smiling an reaching to run his hand through her hair. “Thank you, June.” he murmured, leanign to kiss her forehead. “Do you need to call your sister?”

theempathywithin

“Thank you June.” he said softly, followed by a chaste kiss to her temple. These were the moments she would cherish forever. It made her feel useful to be able to help someone, to be some sort of consolation while he grieved. “Anything for you Steve. I wish I could be of more help. Sadly I do not possess  the ability to find someone. I can only feel your feelings.” she frowned, scooting closer to Steve.

Her hand clasps tighter around his. She listens closely to the timely thump of his heart as they sit, legs grazing against each other. If she couldn’t find his friend, at least she could provide a distraction. Gently, she raises his hand and presses her lips to the back of it. “You look tired, why don’t you lay down?” she suggests as she pats the bedspread with her free hand.

Steve gave a weak laugh. “I don’t think there’s anything that can find him right now.” He answered. “He’s been the Soldier for so long, likely tortured, brainwashed…” The possibilities of what could have happened to his best friend ran through his mind and it was enough to make him feel sick. “Finding him isn’t going to be easy, June. I accepted that after I woke up in the hospital when he pulled me from the river.” He went quiet, wondering if in some way, he could draw the real Bucky back to the surface.

Blue eyes lift to look at her, tilting his head at the gesture. He was still adjusting to the new way so many thought in the day to day, so he waited before wanting to ask. Before he could, however, she suggested he lay down and for the first time in days, he let his body give into the exhaustion and he adjusted to lay down over the blankets, one arm moving to rest under his head. “Are you gonna sing to me?” He teased with a light smile, the movement just barely curling his lips up.