Loki, Bucky, and Eva walked as a single unit, heading for the door. Steve stood in their path, his anger growing again.
"You aren't leaving!" he said.
"What?" Eva asked.
"Captain Rogers," Thor replied, trying to get his friend to calm down, "we can't keep them here. And they seem happier now."
Steve knew Thor was right. They were happier and he couldn't hold them prisoner, not in their own home. But he didn't like that they had gone off half-cocked and didn't tell the team.
"They just got back," Steve pointed out, "after not telling us anything, and you're just okay with it?"
Eva tried to hide her pain as she said, "How hypocritical can you be, Steve?"
Loki and Bucky looked like they were daring Steve to try to deny or defend hiding things from them. Since Bucky had been in the room, Steve knew he didn't have a leg to stand on.
Sam replied, "Look, I support my boyfriend, though," he took Bucky's hand, "I do want him from the night." He smiled devilishly before clearing his throat. "But he's healing and that's more important."
The dark-haired super soldier had to be sure and asked with a stony expression, "You're really okay with me leaving so soon with my new siblings?"
"If that's what you need, then yes, sha."
Bucky had been half expecting Sam to try and convince him to stay or point out how the situation could be hurting him. He was shocked that Sam not only answered quickly but also sincerely.
Knowing he needed to give Loki space but trying one last time to get him to understand, Thor admitted, "And I feel the same, ᛚᛟᚢᛖ- love. I just wanted you safe, Loki, but I went about it the wrong way. For that, I am sorry."
Loki was like wised blindsided by the truth in Thor's sad eyes. But there was no doubt to be found. Steve shook his head, angry that the other two men were not getting his side.
"You can't be serious," the blond super soldier said. "What they are doing is dangerous!"
Sam rounded on Steve, standing next to the man he loved, and responded, "And I'd much rather send Bucky off with him knowing I love him, even if I worry."
"And I want Loki to return to me," Thor said, moving to his partner's side, "knowing my feelings are true."
Steve shook his head again. Bucky and Loki took their men by the hand as a team. Steve couldn't understand how none of them got it. Eva took her brothers' free hands and Steve just stared at them. Look let out a mocking chuckle at the glint in the blond man's eyes.
"Look's like someone is jealous, Bucky," the green god needled.
Bucky smirked and said, "Don't tease him too much, Lokes. He doesn't take it well."
"Really?" Steve groaned. "All I want-"
"And what about what our sister needs?" Loki yelled.
Steve had had enough. "She isn't your sister!"
Bucky got in Steve's face and growled, "Enough, Rogers! God, you are so selfish!"
"I'm just trying to protect her."
Loki retorted, "All you do is hurt her."
"If you can't see that," Bucky added, "then stay away from her."
Upset at the turn the day had taken and for the lack of trust Steve seemed to have, Eva said, "Just leave it, guys. Let's go find some info on her."
The trio walked away, leaving their men alone. Sam came up next to Steve.
"You really hurt her, Steve," he said. "You need to fix this."
Steve ran his hand over his face. Everything had come out wrong somehow. He just couldn't understand how him trying to keep her safe had backfired so horribly.
"I know," was all he could say.