BLUE [BUCKY BARNES]

I NEVER SAID PILOT

A knock on the front door caught Elizabeth's attention from her place in front on the tv. She paused the show she was watching, making sure that the sound wasn't a figment of her imagination. They never got any visitors, her family was either dead or god knows where and Sam's family was all the way out in New Orleans.

It's been a few days since her run in with Steve Rogers and ever since then she made sure to be extra careful with who she talked to. It was silent for a moment as she listened carefully. Then, two more loud knocks sounded from behind the door.

The sound of the pipes creaking from above signaled that Sam was still in the shower after his usual morning run. Getting up from her place on the couch, she made her way towards the door warily.

She unlocked the door and it swung open to reveal a very scuffed up Steve Rogers and a red headed woman that she recognised as Natasha Romanoff. And might she say that she looks even better in person, even with dirt covering half her face. They both had multiple scratches covering their faces and what looked like soot all over their tattered clothes.

Steve was the first one to speak, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry about this," he said. "We need a place to lay low."

"Everyone we know is trying to kill us," Natasha added with a mocking smile.

Elizabeth could only open the door wider inviting them in. Before the two could enter, a voice from behind her spoke up. "Not everyone," Sam corrected as he walked up to the trio with a welcoming smile to the two fugitives. He had changed from his earlier running attire to a plain green t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

Thanking the two, Steve ushered Natasha inside quickly. Elizabeth stuck her head outside the door cautiously, making sure no one had seen the two enter the house. She shared a wary look with Sam before closing the door behind her. Making sure to lock it and close the blinds.

Sam got out two glasses and filled them up with some water, handing them to their guest who took it hungrily. They sat in silence as Steve and Natasha caught their breath. Elizabeth, grabbed a couple of chocolate bars from the fridge and tossed in on the table in front of the two.

"I'd give you some proper food but you guys look like you could use these more," she commented just as Natasha and Steve took one bar in their hands and began to open the wrapper. It was quiet for a moment except for the sound of some soft chewing and the wrappers crinkling loudly.

Steve was the first to  break the silence, "By the way." He brought his blue eyed gaze to meet Elizabeth's. "I never got to thank you, for helping that night. You kind of pulled a disappearing act before I got the chance."

"Yeah, this one can be a real Houdini if she tries," Sam joked as he put an arm around Elizabeth's shoulder. Smiling lightly to himself as he recalled all the times he'd have trouble finding her after an argument or a particularly bad day where she wanted to be alone.

She waved Steve's thanks away with a small shake of her head. "It's no problem, just happy to help."

"Wait a minute," Natasha spoke up after a beat of silence. All heads turned to her as she furrowed her perfect brows, her eyes on Elizabeth. "That was you? You were the one who kept Fury awake?"

"In the flesh," she held open her arms exaggeratedly before resting them on her hips. "How is that pirate guy anyway?"

The minute the question left Elizabeth's mouth she immediately wished she could take it back. She felt a strong sense of loss and sadness coming from both Natasha and Steve, but more so from Natasha. 

Elizabeth knew the answer even before Steve spoke up. "He didn't make it," he answered in a low voice, his head hung low. Instead of saying anything in response she focused on taking most of the sadness away from Natasha, feeling that she needed it more than Steve. She saw that her efforts were successful when Natasha let out a relived sigh and slumped back into her chair.