Reina pulled her hair into a tight bun, stretching her arms as she prepared for her morning run. She tapped the tip of her shoe on the ground. Two years past since the Battle of New York, and those two years were mostly calm and peaceful for her. Not that she was complaining. Battling another army of aliens was not at the top of her list. She still saw Steve on a regular basis. He had thrown himself into Shield, taking on missions and doing whatever he could to help. She couldn't blame him for that, knowing he was still trying to deal with this world he was thrust into. What better way to deal than to occupy your time with something else. Reina herself was a victim to doing just that.

She saw Tony every once in a while, and even Banner too now that he moved in at Stark Tower. No one knew this, of course, and Tony made sure to keep Banner off the radar. She hadn't seen or heard from Thor or Sigyn since they took Loki back to Asgard. And Natasha and Clint were barely around because of shield.

So, Reina bided her time doing what she originally did when she left the military. Counseling.

After WWII, Veterans Affairs became even more needed than before. After Reina refused the mantel of the New Captain America when Steve was lost, she formed a counseling group to help those returning home from PTSD.

She met so many amazing people. She was able to help and heal many more. As she began to step away from that life, she would recruit other people to become counselors. Most were members who were greatly impacted by counseling and, like Reina, wanted to help others too.

When she first started back up in counseling after the battle, she met Sam Wilson. He was a former Air Force pararescue airman, having only left just a few months before. After his comrade, Riley, died. He, like so many others Reina met, was broken and thought that he was beyond repair. It was a long and tough road, but Sam was able to see that light through the darkness.

People always assume after getting treatment those problems are cured. But there is no cure, only coping. Even after 70 years, Reina would still wake with a nightmare or not be able to fall asleep at all. Sometimes, a noise would set her off. Or she would just have this sense of danger and dread running through her.

"Reina?"

Reina blinked, coming back to reality. She had zoned out.

"You ok?"

Reina looked to Sam, forcing a small smile.

"Yeah. Just thinking" Reina rolled her shoulders, she had been tensing them. "Ready for our run?"

"Always" Sam flashed her a smile.

This became their routine. A 5 mile run, some coffee at either of their places, then to the VA. Sam had just been hired on as the new counselor for the group, Reina helping him in any way she could.

The two took off at a steady pace. Reina, naturally, could go much faster and even longer than 5 miles. But, she enjoyed the company.

"On your left"

Reina blinked, looking back to Steve barreling towards them. He shot past them, running ahead at a full sprint.

"…Was that?" Same looked to her.

Reina laughed, nodding. "Yea. That was Mr. America"

Reina wondered when Steve got back from his last mission. She counted in her head. He was gone for at least a month, over to Germany for whatever reason.

They continued on, making their way in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

"On your left"

Reina heard Steve's voice again, smiling to herself.

"Uh huh. On my left" Sam was starting to get annoyed now.

They jogged down the reflecting pool, heading towards the Washington Monument. Reina heard Steve's footsteps behind them, noticing Sam picked up his pace.

"Don't say it. Don't you say it!" Sam yelled.

"On your left" Steve shot past.

Sam hurried to try and catch up, running out of breath. "Come on!"

Reina laughed, jogging back alongside Sam.

"I don't think you'll out run him, Sam" Reina peered to him.

They finished their run at Union Square, Sam collapsing at the base of the tree. She held his ribs, gasping for air. His sweatshirt was practically soaked through with sweat. Reina stretched, not even a bit tired.

"Need a medic?"

The two looked back as Steve jogged up to them. Sam chuckled.

"I need a new set of lungs" He huffed, sitting up. "Reina, is that why you never even break a sweat?"

Reina shrugged, smiling. "I could probably beat him in a run" She glanced to Steve as he smirked, shaking his head.

"So what, you jog slowly to take pity on me?" Sam asked.

Reina smiled. "I happen to like your company. I'm not like Steve, I like to live my life a little slower"

"Good to see you again, Reina" Steve clapped her on the shoulder.

Reina smiled, nodding at him as he turned his attention back to Sam.

"So, what unit?" Steve asked.

"58, pararescue. Working down at the VA with Reina now"

Sam raised his hand, Steve taking it as he helped him stand.

"Sam Wilson" He introduced himself.

"Steve Rodgers"

"Yea I kind of put that together" Sam laughed slightly. "This all must be hard for you"

Steve shrugged his shoulders. "I mean, the foods a lot better...no polio is awesome. Internet, so helpful. Reina's been helping me best she can"

Reina smiled slightly, nodding. "He keeps a little notebook with stuff to research"

Sam nodded, pointing to Steve.

"Marvin Gaye, 1972. 'Trouble Man' soundtrack. Everything you missed jammed into one album" Sam smiled.

Steve pulled out his notebook, jotting it down. He stuck the notebook back into his pocket, his phone dinging with a message. He looked down at it.

"Well, duty calls" Steve looked to Sam, then to Reina. "Wanna join me?"

"No, not this time" Reina smiled. "See you later Steve"

Reina hugged him, squeezing him. A silent, be careful please.

Reina pulled back from him, shaking hands with Sam.

"Thanks for the run. If that's what you wanna call running" Steve smirked.

Sam chuckled. "Oh, that's how it is?"

"Oh that's how it is"

The black car pulled up, stopping in front of them. The tinted window rolled down, revealing Natasha as she pulled her sunglasses off.

"Hey, fellas. Either one of you know where the Smithsonian is? I'm here to pick up a fossil." Natasha broke a small smile.

"Hilarious" Steve was less than amused as he climbed into the passenger side.

Reina walked to the car, leaning down as she smiled.

"Hey Nat. When you two get back let me know, we'll go for lunch"

Natasha smiled, nodding. "Sounds nice"

Reina looked back to Sam eyeing Natasha.

"How you doing?" He asked.

"Hey" Natasha was less than interested, putting the car in drive and shot off.

Reina laughed, slapping Sam's arm. "You've got a real bad track record, Sam. First the girl at the front desk and now Nat"

Sam scoffed. "I think it's you. They all think we're together" Sam shot her a sly grin.

Reina shot one right back to him. "Yea, in your dreams. Come on, coffee is on you this time"

!

Reina sat at the back of the room, a silent observer. Sam was at the podium, talking with the veterans as they shared their stories. She had known Sam was going to be a natural at this. It was the reason she personally recommended him for the job. He just had a way of connecting with people, making them feel instantly at ease without even a word. He knew when to use his humor, and when to leave it out.

Reina blinked, having been lost in thought again. The veterans were filing out of the room, the meeting over. Reina stood, stopping as she watched Sam and Steve talking. She watched Steve, he looked exhausted and like something was bothering him. His shoulders were tense, and his hands were stuffed inside his jean pockets.

She waited back a moment, letting them finish their conversation. Steve's eyes connected with her own, Steve nodding to Sam before making his way to the back of the room.

"…What's wrong?" Reina asked as he approached her.

"Hey to you too" Steve smiled.

"Something happened" Reina stated this as a fact rather than a question.

"No, not really. It's just…" Steve looked around the empty room, like there was someone listening to them.

"Come on, let's go to my house. We can speak freely there" Reina gestured him to follow her.

"Thanks Reina"