The next few months flew past. Peter's Aunt May invited them to her house for thanksgiving dinner, and her and Sam hit it off. Later, Sam skyped with his parents and sister, introducing them to Peter. It wasn't the same, but none of them had the time or money to visit in person. For the first time in a long while; Sam felt whole. Peter's Aunt loved him, and his own family liked Peter.

Life was good.

Before Sam knew it, it was almost December. He had no idea what to get Peter for Christmas, if he wanted something he would just buy it. Sam was on the couch, bent over his laptop searching for gift ideas when Peter came home.

"Hey, Petey." Sam closed his laptop and stood to greet his boyfriend. "How was work?"

Peter sat his bag on the floor and pulled Sam into a tight embrace. "It was great. They announced our holiday party- finally." He rubbed his nose on Sam's. "It's formal, I can't wait to see you in a suit."

Sam groaned. "No bueno."

Peter laughed. "Is your precinct having a party?"

Sam shook his head, "No, I don't think so."

"Bummer. Well, we have over a month to find you a suit. My coworkers are excited to meet you." Peter gave him a quick squeeze then bounced down the hallway to change.

Sam stared at his feet. He hated dressing up. He hated parading around in front of people and acting like he cared about their opinions. He also hated lying to Peter.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. He quickly crossed the room and opened the door.

"Clint?" His partner usually called him if there was an emergency. "Everything okay?"

"Oh, yea, fine. You left your lunch bag in my patrol car yesterday, figured you'd need it for tomorrow."

"Ah, thanks! You didn't have to." He glanced behind him to make sure Peter was still in the bedroom.

"Eh, there was a call a block over, figured I'd do ya a solid."

Behind him he heard Peter walk into the living room. "Sam, who's at the door?"

Sam turned his head to face Peter. "Uh, my partner, Clint."

Peter waved from where he stood by the couch. "Hello!" Sam was relieved when he faced away from them and rummaged through his bag.

"Well, thanks again. See you at work tomorrow." Sam tried to subtly push Clint out of the door.

"Ah, so that's the roommate you talk about? Nice to put a face to the name." Clint gave a chuckle, "Have you got yourself a date to the New Years party yet? You know I'm not letting you skip it."

"Um. Talk tomorrow?" Sam closed the door in Clint's face and put his hands on it to brace himself. He heard Clint mutter through the door, then heard his retreating footsteps. He knew it was impossible that Peter hadn't heard any of that and he was thankful he had at least been facing away from Clint.

Sam's hands were shaking when he turned around. Peter was still facing away and leaning over his work bag. "Pete." His voice wavered.

Peter didn't respond or make any indication he heard Sam. With a swallowed breath and heavy heart, Sam walked over to stand in front of Peter. "Love?" He knelt down and lifted Peter's chin.

Tears were freely flowing down his face, dripping onto his paperwork. Sam's heart stopped as he took in the broken expression on his boyfriend's face.

Peter's lips quivered as he whispered, "Roommate?"

"No, no. I love you Pete. You're my whole world!" He reached to pull Peter into an embrace but was pushed back.

Peter stood up and wiped at his eyes. He shook his head. "You….you…"

Sam ran a hand through his hair, trying not to break down. He needed to explain before Peter thought the worst. "Being gay on the force isn't really an option. They wouldn't accept me. So, I lied…Peter, I'm sorry. I never-"

"You're ashamed of me?" Peter took another step back.

"No! I love you, Petey."

Peter rushed past him and into their bedroom. Sam chased after him but was too late and the door was slammed in his face. He heard the soft click of the lock and banged against the door. "Peter. I'm sorry. I- I…" He slumped against the door, letting his tears flow freely. "Peter, talk to me."

He heard Peter moving around inside the room. A few moments later the door was flung open and Sam almost fell into Peter.

"Pete…." He tried to block Peter's way out. "I'm sorry."

Peter shifted and Sam realized there was a duffel bag in his hand. "Move."

"Peter."

"I won't be someone's…someone's little secret again!" He squared his shoulders. "I won't. I'll be back tomorrow after work and I want all of your stuff out."

Sam felt his knees threaten to collapse. "Don't…Petey…I love you. You're not a secret, we have so many friends that know about us. I- I just can't tell my coworkers! I'd get harassed and- and I'd never get a promotion-and-shit-Pete." His breath was coming in shallow bursts. "Don't leave me. Please."

Peter closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. "You have until 5pm tomorrow or I'll call the cops."

Sam's knees buckled and he collapsed against the wall. He looked up to Peter who refused to meet his gaze. "Please…."

Peter stepped over him and Sam watched as his future walked out the front door. Sam stared at the door for hours, willing Peter to come home. He lost track of the time, but as the sun started to rise he threw everything he could find into a box and left the apartment.

FACE =.=' I gave myself heartburn writing this. ORIGINALLY they were going to fight over the hours they worked/the dangers of Sam's job. But then that thing happened in NYC with the whole cops beating up that guy and calling him slurs and I was like…it must be super hard to be a gay cop in NYC. so. bam. this. urgh. I hated writing this.

Also, I like Hawkeye and think him and Sam would be good police au police partners and I just may do a short of their antics…