A/N: Many thanks to my team of betas and support: xxdustnight88, gaeilgerua, & mystrana. The three of you are amazing. Enjoy Chapter two.

Warnings: Explicit Sexual Content, Language, Canon Typical Violence.

Disclaimer: All non-original characters, plot points, and information belongs to those at Marvel Studios, Warner Brothers, or J.K. Rowling. The story plot and dialogue belongs to me. I do not write for profit.

Chapter Two

"Hermione, I'm so glad you called," Ginny gushed over the Muggle phone that she had borrowed from Harry. "I've been meaning to reach out to you."

Hermione smiled into the receiver. She snuggled up on her sofa, cuddling one of her throw pillows as she chatted. "Ginny, it's nice to hear your voice. I've missed you." Her heart hurt a little in her chest as she listened to Ginny talk. It was moments like this that she was quite homesick.

"I've missed you," Ginny said. "Mum has been trying to plan everything for the wedding, Hermione. It's been driving me bonkers. I wish you were here to help." She sounded utterly exasperated with her mother.

"I'm sorry, hun, but I'm sure you've been managing," Hermione answered, laughing. "Your mother is just trying to help, you know that." Although, Hermione was secretly glad that she didn't have to directly deal with Mrs Weasley's antics. She loved the woman dearly, but she could certainly be a handful.

"I know," Ginny said. "She's just trying to help, but it's getting bothersome. She won't leave Harry nor me alone!" Ginny laughed. "Even Dad told her that she needs to give us some space!"

Hermione shook her head. "What else is new? How are the boys?" she asked. "I miss them."

"Harry and Ron are both doing well! They both miss you, of course. Harry's been busy with the Aurors, and Ron has actually retired from his Auror career and is helping George run the shoppe." Ginny paused for a moment. "He's seeing a witch… She was a Ravenclaw a few years below us. Not sure how they met, but he seems happy."

"That's good," Hermione said. She had been nervous that Ron was going to hold onto the idea that they were meant to be. A brief kiss during the battle had certainly proved that theory wrong for her, and she was glad that Ron also moved on. He deserved to be happy with someone.

"Enough about us," Ginny said excitedly. "Tell me about you! How's your new flat? Do you like your new job? Have you met any cute wizards or Muggles?"

Hermione laughed. "One question at a time, Ginny!" She shook her head, picturing Ginny bouncing excitedly as she waited for her response. "But to answer your questions, my new flat is quite small, but it does what it needs to. It's very close to work, which I like because I can just walk. Also, there's a cafe right down the street. The coffee here is delicious, the tea, not so much." She paused to take a breath. "Work has been okay. I'm mostly just settling in still. My supervisor is nice enough, but my case is top secret so unfortunately, I can't give you much information about that." She smiled to herself. "It's certainly going to be interesting and much different from what I've done previously with our Ministry."

"And where's the nearest library?" Ginny asked, her voice teasing. "Within walking distance, I hope?"

Hermione laughed. "You know me so well. Right down the street. It's very nice, and quite large, too. Also, they have various Muggle groupings there. So it's very community-based." Hermione paused, taking a deep breath. "Actually, Ginny, that's why I was calling."

"What's up?" Ginny asked, noticing the change in Hermione's tone of voice.

"A group of people meet there every other week to discuss their post-traumatic stress disorders," Hermione explained before pausing to nibble her lower lip nervously. "The next meeting is tomorrow, and I was thinking about going."

"Hermione, I think that is a brilliant idea," Ginny told her. "It would be good for you to talk about everything that happened to people who don't know what happened." She laughed nervously. "If that made sense?"

"That's what I was thinking," Hermione said. "I can't keep it to myself any longer, but I don't want to tell someone who knows who I am or already knows what's happened."

"It sounds like this support group is just what you need."

There was a pause in the conversation. Hermione took another deep breath. She knew Ginny would be mad at her for asking, but she had to ask it anyway. "Ginny, do you think I'm weak for going?"

"Hermione Granger, you stop that right now. You are not weak, or any less strong, for wanting to seek help for yourself. If I were with you right now, I would hex you for saying such a thing."

Hermione laughed, knowing that Ginny was being truthful. "Thank you," she murmured. "I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

"And I'm lucky to have you in my life," Ginny told her back.

"Bye, Ginny, I'll talk to you later."

"Let me know how your meeting goes," Ginny told her. "Love you."

"Love you, too. Bye, Ginny."

"Bye, Hermione!" Ginny chirped before hanging up the phone.

Hermione smiled. She hoped that she was right in that the support group would be beneficial. She was tired of the sleepless nights and nightmares that haunted her dreams. She needed closure… or something.

Hermione worried her bottom lip, looking at the clothing options she had laid out on the bed. One was too casual, one was too fancy…

With a groan, Hermione shook her head. She was going to a PTSD support group, not an outing with friends or a date. She knew her nerves were to blame, but she couldn't help but feeling foolish for stressing over what outfit to wear.

She settled on jeans with a light blue sweater. Slipping into her work flats, she pulled her hair back into a loose bun. Dabbing on some lip gloss and mascara, she knew that she was as ready as she would ever be.

Grabbing her trusty beaded purse, Hermione made her way down the street towards the library. Her heart thudded nervously in her chest as she walked along, and halfway there, she came to a full stop. She briefly contemplated turning around and going back to her flat, but she knew that Ginny would ask how it went and she didn't want to lie.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed forward. She arrived at the library in no time and headed down the stairs to the meeting area. Looking around the room, she saw there was a table with light refreshments and a handful of people. Some were helping themselves to food, and a few were already seated and ready to begin.

"Hi, there," a man greeted her, coming over and smiling.

"Hi," Hermione replied nervously.

"Sam Wilson," he said, holding out his hand. "I'm the organiser of the group."

"Hermione," she said, shaking his hand lightly.

"Is this your first time at something like this?"

Hermione nodded nervously. "Is it that obvious?" she asked, laughing, though the sound was slightly forced.

"Don't worry about it," Sam assured her. "Help yourself to some refreshments and take a seat. I usually recommend that people just listen their first time, but if you want to talk, just jump in."

Hermione nodded. "Thank you, Sam."

"Of course," he replied with a smile. "We'll be starting, so make yourself comfortable."

An hour later found Hermione sitting in the circle, completely enthralled with what her peers were sharing. For so long, she had thought that she was the only one who felt the way that she did.

But it wasn't true.

Other people had nightmares. Other people would lose their 'cool' in public while recalling a specific memory. She wasn't the only one that had flashbacks or triggers.

One woman was sharing about how her ex-husband had abused her—emotionally and physically—and how she had to deal with the aftermath continuously.

While their situations weren't the same, Hermione could relate. Clearing her throat, she looked to the woman, hoping to speak.

"Hermione, would you like to share?" Sam asked, looking at her.

She nodded her head before taking a deep breath. Clearing her throat, she began. "I… this is my first time seeking any sort of help for my PTSD. I've been having nightmares for almost a year now, and I felt so alone because I knew none of my friends were affected like I was. My experience was different from most of yours, but I feel the same way."

She cleared her throat again. "I have to live with the scars—physical and emotional—every day. I can't move in a large crowd without feeling like it might swallow me whole. I struggle with being in cramped spaces as I feel like I might suffocate. Smells or sounds may trigger an experience that it's difficult to deal with." Coughing lightly, she reached up and wiped a few tears from her face. "I just wanted to say thank you all for sharing your struggles and triumphs. It's given me hope that I may be able to move forward and heal." She closed her eyes, nodding.

"Thank you, Hermione, for sharing that with us," Sam said, after allowing a few moments of silence. "We'll meet again next week, same time. I hope to see you all there, and I hope that all of you have a hopeful and positive week.

Hermione sat in her chair for a few moments, feeling absolutely frozen to her seat. She wanted to get up and leave, but a part of her knew that she needed to decompress.

Steve watched from the corner of the hallway. He had arrived late to the meeting and didn't want to disrupt. Steve listened in, completely surprised to find that people felt similar to him. He had no idea that so many people were haunted by their path in such a way that it would affect their everyday living.

He was especially drawn to the brunette who sat quietly most of the meeting. She shocked him when she spoke out, saying much of what he was thinking. It was almost as if she could read his mind—the way she thanked those that had talked and the way she spoke of a renewed hope for moving forward. Steve could tell that this woman had been through a lot, though it seems she wasn't quite ready to share her whole story. It left him intrigued.

Steve made a mental note to thank Sam for inviting him to the talk. It had been more beneficial than Steve could have ever imagined it to be. He watched as the meeting drew to a close and people began to exit the room.

To his surprise, the brunette woman who had spoken earlier did not get up and leave right away. She sat in her chair, her body rigid. Steve knew that she was likely decompressing. Sharing a part of yourself like that, no matter how minimal, was tolling on the soul. He knew that she was probably struggling. He knew that he would be if he had opened up in front of a group of strangers.

"Steve!" Sam exclaimed, coming over once he noticed Steve lingering in the hall. "I'm so glad to see you. I didn't think you were going to make it today."

Steve grinned, moving towards Sam and shaking his hand. "I arrived late, so I didn't want to disrupt," he explained.

Sam nodded. "Understandable. It can be hard when talks like this are interrupted." He let out a deep breath. "Did you hear anything that could be useful? Or anything that was relatable?" Sam asked. "I invited you because I wanted you to get something out of this."

Steve nodded. "Honestly," he said, "It was more than I expected." He laughed dryly, his eyes moving towards the woman who was still in her chair. "Everyone who spoke tonight had a lot to say and, to be honest, I enjoyed hearing most of it." Steve cleared his throat. "Not enjoyed, per say, but you know what I mean. I found it to be rather... Uplifting to know that others feel the way that I do," Steve said.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Sam said. "If you don't mind, Steve, I'm actually going to check in with Hermione. Tonight was her first night, and I hadn't expected her to share. I want to make sure that she's feeling all right after this."

"Of course," Steve said, nodding. "Um, I'll just help myself to some cookies," he said, moving towards the refreshment table.

Steve watched as Sam gently alerted the woman to his presence. "Hermione," he said softly.

"Oh, yes," she said, turning to look at him. "I'm sorry, I was lost in my thoughts." She looked embarrassed.

Sam smiled, reassuring her. "No worries, Hermione. I just wanted to make sure that you were in an okay space."

Hermione nodded, "Thank you, Sam." She looked down at her lap once more. "Tonight had been very eye-opening for me," she shared quietly. "I'm new to the area, and well, I've been through a lot. I was hoping that this meeting would be some sort of a comfort to me." She paused. "You made quite the warm and open environment here, and I think I will be coming back."

Sam grinned at her. "I'm glad to hear that, Hermione. I would be more than happy to welcome you back." He paused. "You know you weren't the only first timer that was here tonight." Sam grinned, looking over at Steve. "May I introduce you to my friend? It was also his first time listening in, and I suspect that he was just as nervous as you were."

"Of course," Hermione said looking around. She stood from the chair, stretching slightly. Sitting for so long must have left her sore.

Sam gestured for Steve to come over and join them. Steve had been quiet the entire time, trying not to listen in to their conversation. He hadn't expected Sam to introduce them, or for Sam to share that it was also his first time at the meeting.

"Hermione, this is Steve," Sam introduced. "He's a friend of mine, who um, is also a little bit recent to the area. I mean, we've only just become friends," Sam said with a grin.

Hermione's eyes widened, and at once, Steve knew that she knew who he was. "You're Captain America," she stated, surprised.

Steve nodded. "Yeah, I'm Captain America. And you are Hermione?" He asked, not wanting to let onto the fact that he had listened in on their conversation moments ago.

"Hermione Granger," she said, offering her hand out to him. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard about you."

Steve groaned. "I'm sure you have. Despite my best efforts, the public just wants to stay in my business."

Hermione laughed. "Well, I don't know what the public says about you, but all that I've heard has been good."

Steve cleared his throat. He wasn't sure what it was about the woman, but something about her drew him in. Steve cleared his throat once more awkwardly. "Would you be interested in maybe getting food with me?" He asked, unsure of where the idea came from. "There's a coffee shop down the street, and their chai lattes are delicious." He looked at Hermione before nervously glancing at Sam. He saw that his friend seemed quite smug.

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded. "I am actually a little hungry," she admitted. "Not that your cookies weren't delicious, Sam." The three of them laughed.

Steve looked at Sam. "Would you like to join us? We'd be happy to have your company."

Sam shook his head. "I'm actually running a little late for dinner with my girlfriend. You two go, though."

Steve looked at Hermione, suddenly nervous. "Don't feel pressured to come if you don't want to."

Hermione smiled. "No, I'd love to. I don't know much about the area, and I'd be happy if you could show me around."

Steve grinned. "It would be my pleasure, ma'am." At the use of his word, he noticed that she blushed. Steve thought that the blush on her cheeks made quite the pretty picture.

"Lead the way, sir," she murmured, swinging her bag over her shoulder. As she walked by, he noticed that she smelled of lavender and honey.

The two of them walked in silence down the street towards the small cafe. Hermione wasn't sure what possessed her to say yes, but she imagined that it was Ginny's knowing voice.

"Here we are," Steve announced. He opened the door for Hermione.

"Oh, this is cute," Hermione said looking around the small cafe. "Do you come here often?" she asked.

"Umm, no," Steve admitted. "I could just really go for something warm right now."

Hermione laughed. "I can totally relate to that. I just started a new job," she explained. "Quite honestly, it's exhausting. Sometimes, you just need something warm and caffeinated."

"What do you do?" Steve asked.

"Research," Hermione answered. "It's a bit complicated."

Steve laughed. "I know complicated."

Hermione laughed as well. "I'm sure that you do." Hermione knew that Steve worked with Director Fury. She knew that Steve was part of Fury's project involving enhanced individuals.

"What would you like to get?" Steve asked. "You can take a seat, and I'll order for us."

"You don't have to do that," Hermione assured him. She pinned him with a look that would have worked on either Ron or Harry. But not Steve, it appeared.

"But I want to," Steve replied firmly.

"Here, let me give you money at least." Hermione went to reach for her purse.

"Hermione," Steve said, "You know I'm old-fashioned. Please, let me pay for your coffee." Something in his gaze showed that he wouldn't back down, and Hermione sighed.

She bit her lower lip but nodded. "Thank you. I'll take a vanilla chai and a blueberry scone, please."

"Of course," Steve said. "I'll be there in a moment with our order."

Hermione found a small seat near the window. Sitting down, she tried to figure out what she was doing there. She wondered what Steve wanted to talk about or if he wanted to talk at all. Maybe he felt obligated to invite her out because they had been introduced? He did have some lovely mannerisms. She enjoyed that he was a gentleman.

"Here we are," Steve announced, coming over. "I also got a vanilla chai." He sat the two cups down. "Be right back, just going to grab our scones."

Hermione watched as he walked away, her eyes drawn to his tight, firm arse. Eyes widening, she quickly looked away, embarrassed that she had been staring. Hopefully, he didn't notice. It would have been very embarrassing if he had turned around to find her gaze right on his arse.

"Here we are, two scones," he announced, putting the plate down and sitting across from her. "I got cinnamon."

"They smell amazing," Hermione said. Her stomach chose that moment to grumble.

Steve grinned, taking a bit of his. "So, how did you find out about the talks?"

Hermione looked at Steve. "Well, I moved in down the street. I'm a bit of a book lover, so I had to find the nearest library. A few nudges from my friends helped me decide to go. You?"

"Sam and I work out together," Steve said. "He invited me."

"He's quite kind to organise this." She sipped at her drink.

"He's one of the nicest people I know," Steve said. He grinned. "He means well, but he can be a bit brash at times."

"I'm sure everyone has a bit of that sarcastic side to them."

The rest of the evening passed in a similar manner. They finished their drinks and food while making small talk. The more they talked, the more Hermione found herself actually drawn to Steve. He was kind and funny.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it out, she saw a text.

Free to talk? From Agent Romanoff.

Give me a moment, she texted back.

"Steve, I'm sorry, I have to take a call," Hermione said, ignoring the way her heart fluttered at the sad look on his face. "I.. I'd like to go out again, sometime, if you're interested."

Steve grinned. "Yeah, here's my number." He scribbled it on one of his napkins. "Give me a call, yeah?"

Hermione took the napkin and smiled. "Yes, I'll call you." She stood, grabbing her bag. "Thank you again, for the refreshments."

"It was my pleasure, Miss Granger." Steve grinned at her again.

Returning his smile, Hermione beamed before exiting the small shoppe.