I put a lil Gemma and Steve fluff here for you guys! as always, enjoy!

TWENTY FOUR

Steve didn't wake up for another day, but it happened to be the same day as Natasha's hearing. Just ten minutes before, in fact. Gemma hadn't been there, exactly, but instead getting snacks to bring for her and Sam to eat as they watched. So, when she did enter Steve's hospital room, trying to set her laptop up, she was in for a very pleasant surprise.

That was if she actually let Sam or Steve get a word in edgeways.

"I'm so sorry I'm late!" she exclaimed, the words rushed out of her like a waterfall. Gemma placed her laptop down and focused in on the screen so that she couldn't see Steve or Sam. "They held me up at security because of the laptop, but how else are we meant to watch Natasha annihilate the Committee General? Also, yes, there are more cookies in the bag, but they're not fresh. Nat says whilst she's packing up I can't create any more mess so-"
"Hi to you too," she heard a mumble. Gemma moved her head past her computer screen to see, in fact, Steve was awake and talking. She froze for a minute, astounded, blinking. Steve's lips twitched into a smile.
"Hi," she said gently, moving to place a kiss on his forehead, glaring at Sam. "I told you to call me!" He chuckled.
"I'll leave the lovebirds to it," he said, getting up. "I'll be back to watch Nat." Gemma watched him leave.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke up," Gemma mumbled, stroking his unbruised cheek lightly.
"I'm pretty sure I wasn't that exciting unconscious," he said, grinning. "And as you said, you had that problem at security?" Gemma nodded.
"There are guards everywhere. I think they're trying to make sure no-one kills you," Gemma explained.
"Bucky could've, but he didn't," Steve said, drawing his brows together.
"I'm glad he didn't. And that must be a good sign," Gemma added, "You got through to him."
"How's your shoulder?" Steve inquired, changing the subject. Gemma understood this was tricky for him and complied. She shoved the sleeve down on the offending shoulder.
"Sore, but nearly sorted. I'm mostly on mild painkillers, so it doesn't hurt."
"Good. I'm glad. How's that stomach ache?"
"Gone until next time." Gemma grinned. "Come on, I'll tell you about it after Nat's conference." Gemma turned the laptop so she could continue sorting it, but in the bed, Steve moved over and patted the space he'd made.
"Hmm?"
"Get in." Gemma sighed but smiled nonetheless, climbing into the hospital bed with him.
"Now we gotta put up with Sam's 'get a room' jokes, I hope you know that, Captain," Gemma commented.
"Captain?" Steve echoed. Gemma finally leaned back in the bed, done with the computer.
"You are the Captain, aren't you? Weird question, is there an actual army uniform you have to go with that title?"
"I've never heard you call me Captain, before. It's always Steve. Or Cap, maybe, once or twice." Gemma covered his hand with hers.
"You're just Steve to me. But seriously-"
"Aww, come on, get a room!" Gemma and Steve shared a look as their newfound friend came into the room.
"Told you," Gemma sung, turning the laptop so Sam could watch, too. Natasha had just been sworn in; they were beginning the questioning.
"Why haven't we yet heard from Captain Rogers?"
"Because he's half-dead," both Gemma and Sam said, although Natasha's answer was slightly different.
"I don't know what you guys are talking about," Steve mumbled. He turned to look at Gemma. "However, I get what you mean about busting out."
"As much as I want you out, you're staying," Gemma stated strictly.
"As your Captain?" he tried. Gemma bit her lip.
"I'll never try to bust out of a hospital again," Gemma promised.
"You'd do that?" Sam asked.
"I did, once, actually." Gemma grinned.
"That's not something to be proud of. Oh, it's over." They all looked at the screen, showing Natasha walking away.
"We'll tell her she did a great job," Gemma said, closing her laptop. "But she'll know. Do you know when you're getting out?"
"Tomorrow," Sam answered. "They just want him for one more night."
"Great. Here's what's happening," Gemma started to say. "We're going back to New York, Sam included. I have a new job but Tony's setting something up so you guys can keep dealing with HYDRA bases and finding your friend. You can either bunk with me until you find a place or at the Tower, your choice."
"That's the only choice?" Steve asked.
"Even Maria's relocating. Listen, rule number fifteen? Always work as a team. Can't do that if we're not together."
"I like that rule. New job?"
"Stop with the twenty questions and rest up. When Nat goes, so do I. I'm helping her pack up."
"I feel so single," Sam muttered. "So single."

"Maybe we'll spend a day out here together. I'll even take you to see my exhibit," Steve said.
"Don't make that a promise," Gemma teased. "What if I fall in love with pre-serum Steve?"
"He would be easier for you to kiss." Gemma whacked his arm.
"I like kissing post-serum Steve." They were driving down to New York, the back of Gemma's car filled with all of Steve's belongings. The gang had chosen Gemma over Tony for the first few days whilst they each attempted to find housing in New York, although Gemma had told them they could each stay as long as possible.
"You like feeling up my arms," Steve corrected.
"Okay, partially, yes, but also, I just like kissing you," Gemma responded vaguely. "It's an extra perk." She peeked at Steve, then grabbed the hand that was resting on his thigh. "Is there one for me?"
"You smell nice. Always." She felt Steve squeeze her hand.
"Wow, you had that one ready to go." Steve chuckled, letting go as Gemma changed gears.
"So, you're a fed, now? Does that mean you'll be safer."
"A true fed. I don't know how different cases will be," she added, placing her hand back in his.
"You ever consider a job where you don't get shot?" Steve asked.
"Ha! This is America. Name one," she joked.
"Fair enough, doll. Just want you safe," he said earnestly, bringing her hand up to his mouth, placing a kiss on it.
"I know. Wait, doll?" she echoed.
"You don't like it?"
"No, I-" Before Gemma could answer, her phone buzzed. "Oh. Who is it?" Steve picked the phone up.
"Natasha. She says stop being cute and hurry up so we can let her and Sam in." Gemma and Steve shared a look.
"Do they know we've only just left? We're in deep shit."

"Well, here's to… I'm not sure what we're actually celebrating." Gemma lowered her glass as she pondered that thought.
"New beginnings?" Steve suggested. Gemma nodded.
"Boo! Optimist," Natasha teased. Steve rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, we'll toast that," Sam said, grinning.
"So, what exactly is it you guys are gonna do?" Gemma asked, placing her glass down.
"Maybe I'll become a freelance assassin and annoy Clint for the rest of his days," Natasha commented. "Also, why don't you cook for us more?"
"Cause I can only cook pasta. Only pasta. I've been living off pasta since I was eighteen," Gemma responded.
"That is incredibly depressing," Sam said. "Just pasta? really?"
"I did wonder why you only ate pasta," Steve added.
"Off-topic, guys!" Gemma exclaimed. "Steve, what would you like to do now that SHIELD has collapsed?"
"Take down the other HYDRA bases, find my friend," he answered. "You know, the usual."
"I'm gonna take hella holidays," Sam said. "And then what Cap said." Gemma gasped, a grin forming on her face.
"No! You gave her an idea," Natasha moaned, placing her fork down. Gemma clapped her hands.
"Group holidays!" Gemma sang. "I mean, come on! It's team-building. We need that. We're not a team. We're a jumble of friends. A chemically altered old man, an assassin, two birds, a god, a billionaire with issues, a scientist with seven PhDs who also turns into crazy Shrek and a fed."
"Good descriptors," Sam noted. "But also, does that mean..?"
"Yeah, you're an Avenger," Steve said. "In the same way Rhodey is, I guess."
"I thought Rhodey was only around to keep Tony in check," Natasha muttered.
"Then why is Rhodey never actually around?" Gemma wondered.
"Now, see, I just feel left out."

They continued on with their dinner until eventually both Sam and Natasha separated and left Steve and Gemma alone for the night. They were cleaning away plates together, leaving the kitchen spotless. Well, Gemma wasn't letting Steve do anything ("You're guests! I can't have that!"), but instead bustling around the kitchen. The main question that was hanging in the air was where Steve was going to sleep. Gemma didn't want him to feel like he had to sleep in her bed, but she wanted him to sleep in her bed. But she didn't ask him.
"Your kitchen is spotless, doll," Steve told her, grabbing her waist as she went past. She let him, placing her arms around his neck.
"Doll," she repeated again, a smile on her face. They started swaying very lightly. "I do like it." He twirled her around before resuming the same position.
"I'm sure Natasha will have fun with it," Steve said. "And Sam, too." Gemma squeezed her eyes.
"Oh, balls. Double the trouble." Gemma started stroking his cheek gently, noticing the bruise was gone. They kept moving in silence a little while longer until Steve spoke up again.
"You wouldn't mind if I slept with you, would you? I-"
"No," Gemma interrupted, "that's fine. Of course, you can."
"I also don't trust Nat not to pull a prank if I sleep by myself."