I know the last chapter wasn't the best. But now it's time to get back to Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
So, we finally get to see Sam. I know I didn't show the running scene, but I thought that showing Dalla on the mission on the Lemurian Star was more important. Plus, I don't see Dalla as an "early morning workout" type of person.
Differences in this chapter: Steve takes Dalla to meet Sam.
Steve and Dalla made their way to the VA, though Dalla had no idea why and asked Steve about it. He smiled down at her.
"Well, I started meeting a guy on my morning runs," he explained. "He served in the Air Force, 58th Pararescue to be exact. But he now counsels people here, helping out other veterans."
"He sounds like a good man," she replied. "I can hear the respect in your voice. But why bring me here?"
"To meet him." They walked down the hall. "Let's follow the voices."
"The thing is," said someone as Steve and Dalla made their way toward them, "I think it's getting worse. A cop pulled me over last week. He thought I was drunk." Steve and Dalla stood in the doorway, looking at Sam at the podium as the person, a woman, continued to talk. "I swerved to miss a plastic bag. I thought it was an IED."
Steve crossed his arms as Sam then said, "Some stuff you leave there. Other stuff, you bring back. It's our job to figure out how to carry it. Is it going to be in a big suitcase, or in a little man-purse?" Dalla put her arm through Steve's and laid her head on his shoulder, knowing that they both needed this speech just as much as the woman. "It's up to you."
After the session, Steve and Dalla stood waiting. Sam made his way to them, a smile playing on his lips.
"Look who it is," he said, "the running man. And who is this? The one you can't wait to get home to each morning?"
"I am Dalla Odinsdottir," she replied. "And he has mentioned how his runs are much more enjoyable as of late."
"Well, I'm glad to be of service, ma'am."
"Just Dalla is fine."
"And you can call me Sam."
Steve cut in and said, "Caught the last few minutes of the meeting. It's pretty intense."
"Yeah, brother," Sam responded, picking up the brochures, "we all got the same problems. Guilt. Regret."
"You lose someone?" He felt Dalla squeeze his arm, but she was otherwise unaffected.
Sam's face spoke volumes as he nodded. "My wingman, Riley. Flying a night mission. Standard PJ rescue op. Nothing we hadn't done a thousand times before."
"It only takes one," Dalla said softly.
"Yeah. It was fine until an RPG knocked Riley's dumbass out of the sky." He looked after those who had left. "Nothing I could do. It's like I was up there just to watch."
"I'm sorry," said Steve.
"After that," Sam continued, "I had a really hard time finding a reason for being over there, you know?"
"Me too," said Dalla, looking up at Steve, who put his arm around her. "I returned to Asgard because it was too hard."
Sam nodded. "I learned about you in the history books. Never thought I'd have something in common with a couple of legends."
"But you're happy now?" Steve asked. "Back in the world?"
Sam looked around again, a little smug. "The number of people giving me orders is down to about zero." He looked back at the couple with a smile. "So, hell yeah. You two thinking about getting out?"
"Not at the moment," replied Steve.
"We've talked about it," continued Dalla, "but we don't know if it's the right decision at this time."
"We don't really know what to do with ourselves if we stopped."
Dalla got a cheeky smile. "Well, beyond the obvious fun stuff. Right, Captain?"
Steve stood up straighter. Sam snickered, seeing how Steve had a look that said he wanted to throw Dalla over his shoulder and take her home for some of that "fun stuff." Dalla ran her hand up and down Steve's arm, wanting her Captain to punish her for that remark.
"There's also ultimate fighting," said Sam, smiling and earning him a glare from Dalla since continuing the conversation would delay them. "Just a great idea off the top of my head." The three of them chuckled. "Seriously, the both of you can do whatever you want to do. What makes you happy?" Dalla and Steve looked at each other, earning a laugh from Sam. "Besides the two of you!"
"I don't know," said Steve.
"You love drawing," Dalla replied. "You are amazing. Why not become an artist?"
"That's an idea," responded Sam. "And you, Dalla?"
She smiled. "It isn't appropriate of a princess, but I did always like metalwork and glass blowing."
"Who said that?"
"My father."
"Well, screw him and build you a forge and anything else you might need for your work."
"We'll think about it," said Steve.
"The community center is always open. And I'm sure there's a metal workshop and glassblowing studio that would be happy to help you hone your craft."
"I will have to look into it," replied Dalla. "And I'll have to make Steve go in for a session at the community center. I do enjoy watching him draw."
"Oh, you do, do you?" Steve asked, pulling her closer.
"And just like that," Sam said, shaking his head, "I feel very single."
Dalla looked at him and responded, "I'm sure there is someone out there for everyone. It's just the drive to find them." She looked at Steve. "Of course, the best people come when we least expect it."
Sam chuckled. "Well, as inspirational as that is, it doesn't give me a woman today."
"Well, the next time Stark throws a party, you can join us. Having more friends among the people he invites is always welcome. And the Avengers after-parties are even more fun."
"Well, Nat's still single," said Steve. "Maybe you two could go on a date."
"Ignore him." Dalla smiled. "The poor girl has eyes for a scientist that turns green at the moment. That could change, but don't get your hopes up."
"I'll keep that in mind," chuckled Sam. "Well, don't be strangers. If you need anything, you can come to me at any time."
"You may come to regret that," said Steve. "Neither of us seem to have the ability to cook and she's the Goddess of Fire."
"To be fair," Dalla pointed out, "my specialty is burning stuff. Hence, my interests still involve fire and burning stuff."
"Better than arson," Sam joked. "Alright, I gotta go. I'll see you for a morning run, Steve."
"Did you get that new lung you wanted?" Steve teased.
"Ha, ha. You're hilarious."
"That's not a word often associated with Steve," Dalla chuckled. "Handsome, dashing, delicious…"
"All of those you've used, Dalla," Steve said, his voice husky.
"But hilarious is not one of the words people put in the same sentence as Steve Rogers."
"Well, now you're going to get it when we get home, princess."
A shiver went through Dalla. He only called her that when she was really pushing Captain's limits… and she wouldn't be able to walk the next day. The look in her eyes told Steve she was excited for what they were going to do, and admittedly, so was he.
"Go home, you two," Sam said. "Before the next group get a free show and see a new side of Captain America."
With a giggle, Dalla ran out, Steve right behind her, saying, "See you later, Sam!"
"Anytime, Cap!"