Run and Hide - (s. rogers)

eleven

I followed Steve outside. Mrs. Debutant waved at me as she pulled out of her driveway. I gave a slight wave back.

"Why did he park out front?" Steve muttered as we followed T'Challa.

I stayed silent.

We stopped at the SUV. Steve's eyes were on me, "Jack."

I held up a hand, "Don't say it."

He smiled, "Thanks."

I nodded, "And thank you."

He raised an eyebrow, "What for?"

I fought against a slight blush, "For being there last night. After my nightmare."

His eyes softened, "Oh, you're welcome."

I could feel my heart picking up speed as he pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. I couldn't look away from him.

"I should go." His voice was low and husky.

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

His lips curved in a smile and he leaned forward and placed a little kiss on my cheek.

I fought to control my breathing, panic overtaking me.

He pulled back, a frown forming on his handsome face, "Jack?"

I schooled my features and gave him a slight smile, "I'll see you soon, Steve."

Confusion rippled across his face, "What did I do, Jack?"

I waved him off, "Nothing."

His hand captured my wrist, "Jack, one doesn't panic for no reason."

The pressure of my wrist increased the panic, "Steve."

He looked down at my hand and released his grip, "I'm sorry, Jack."

I met his eyes, his filled with compassion, "Just go, Steve."

His face fell.

"Just go."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

How could I be so stupid?

I knew that someone had hurt her in the past, but I didn't realize how much.

And the aching pain and sorrow in her eyes tugged at me. Me, being a natural protector at heart, couldn't help but want to protect her.

"I'll..." I trailed off, unable to say goodbye. I turned to climb into the car.

Her fingers caught my hand, "Steve."

I turned to at her.

"It's not you." Jack's cheeks reddened a bit, "I mean, I like you, but... Just know it's not you."

I couldn't hold back a grin at her flustered explanation, at her confession, "It's okay, Jack."

There was still fear in her eyes, so I held back my own confession.

I like you too.

"Captain."

I turned to see T'Challa waiting for me, "Coming."

Jack was watching me as I looked back at her. I couldn't help but wish we had had a bit more time before we had to separate. There was so much I wanted to learn about this woman. I wanted to help her fight her fear. Ease her nightmare.

Get a hold of yourself, Steve. You've known her for all of four days.

I nodded my goodbye to her and turned back to the car. I opened the door and slid in. Bucky was tense next to me. T'Challa climbed into the driver's seat.

I glanced out the tinted window to see Jack watching us.

T'Challa pulled away.

Jack waved as the car moved forward.

I fought the urge to wave back.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I spun around and moved slowly back towards the house.

As I walked I pulled out my cell and searched through my contacts for Adam's number.

"Took Real estate. Adam speaking."

"It's Jack." I knew he would understand.

"Ahh, the lady needs another favor." Adam chuckled.

I shook my head, unwilling to be caught up in his silliness, "I have to move in the next five hours. Any chance you can take care of the house for me?"

I heard some shuffling of paper before Adam answered, "Seeing as though the house is in my name, I'm sure I can do something about it."

I held back my sigh of relief.

"I'll put it up on the market in the next two hours. Are you coming into town?"

"No. I've got to disappear again." I pushed open the front door, "But I'll let you know in the next week that I'm still living."

He laughed, but then sobered, "Is the witch close?"

"No. Other problems."

"Good to know." Adam sighed, "Call me if you need anything, Jack."

"Will do." I slipped off my shoes and hung up.

Nat eyed me, "Who was that?"

I shoved my cell into my back pocket, "A friend."

She raised a brow but didn't question me further.

I spotted Sam entering the kitchen and followed him, "Sam."

He turned to face me, "Yeah?"

"Get your people together. We need to be outta here in less than two hours."