Helping a Friend In Need

[losthunter]

Hunter was glad that he might know someone who would help Steve. It was just a matter of introducing Steve to April, and hope that the other woman can help Steve. Hunter really hoped that she could.

He arranged for a table of three at the Nexus cafe, sending the coordinates to both Steve and April.

His arm was better, with just the bones left in his hand left to regrow. It felt nice to not have to wear a full arm sling anymore. And his hand was protected by a simple glove that ensured that the healing process would continue.

Hunter had already ordered a hot chocolate. And was just waiting for his guests to arrive.

Comments

[losthunter]

Hunter gently pulls Steve into a comforting hug. It seems like the other man needs that support right now.

"Good. I am so glad."

April is shaking a little herself. She feels very thirsty right now. And is trying to keep calm. "What time is it?"

"It has been hours since you guys went into the mindscape," Hunter answers.

[juststeverogers]

"Thank you for being here." Steve sucks in a deep breath and tries to relax into the embrace. Get his bearings about him again. Hours? That doesn't sound right. Steve looks up again.

"We were only in there a few minutes though." Still, when he looks around, he can tell a lot of time has passed. It's alarming but no one seems to be hurt.

"I'm sorry Hunter. Leaving you here for that long."

[losthunter]

"Time passes differently in the mindscape." April explains. Her voice sounds a little deeper. Huskier. She does not look hurt, but she is paler. And her teeth seem more pronounced. Her fangs show when she speaks.

"But that time was needed to successfully break free that word, so it would no longer have any power over your friend."

"I was just worried about you both." Hunter explains. "You must be exhausted."

[juststeverogers]

Steve's had nothing but positive evidence that April is a good person looking to help others, but his stomach still clenches slightly when he sees her fangs. The red eyes. He nods toward April.

"Are you okay?"

He looks back at Hunter and gives a small nod.

"I'm way more tired than I expected to be."

[losthunter]

"I just feel drained. I will be fine, once I can go home." April reassures him.

Hunter offers Steve some assistance to get back to his feet.

"I still want to help remove the rest of the words. We should make a schedule of when we can come back. If you are willing," April suggests.

[juststeverogers]

Steve gets to his feet with a soft sincere 'thanks' murmured to Hunter for giving him help. The other has been incredibly supportive during this and Steve doesn't know if he'd have been able to do this without him.

"Yes. We need--whatever it takes. If you can free Bucky from that, I'll do whatever it takes."

[losthunter]

"I will be more prepared next time." April is good at making plans.

"I am here for you both, if you want me here." Hunter offers.

[juststeverogers]

"I think...after making you sit here for hours worrying over me I owe you a meal and a nice stress free evening." Steve gives Hunter's shoulder a gentle squeeze before turning to April.

"I know you said you weren't going to ask for anything in return but...this is an awful lot to do for a stranger. Is...there anything I can offer you in return?"

[losthunter]

"We can definitely do that." Hunter smiles. He is glad that April was able to help Bucky. And he is hopeful for a complete recovery for Steve's friend.

April tilts her head. Smiles softly, her fangs still showing. "You seem like the kind of person who protects others. You deserve a little of kindness in return. Without expecting anything back."

"In a way, you remind me a lot of Clark. My husband."

[juststeverogers]

"Well, yes ma'am. But that's my job, protecting others. I live to serve."

His country, humanity in general. Just really the kind of guy who wants to do his best to keep others safe.

"You told me that last time we talked, too. I hope that's a good thing."

[losthunter]

"It is." April smiles again. "And I should get home to him. And the children."

She pulls out her PINpoint device, so she can give Steve her direct contact information for next time.

[juststeverogers]

"Thank you."

For a century old man Steve navigates the PINpoint installed on his Starkphone pretty well. It only takes him a moment to enter in April's contact information. Once finished, he gives Hunter a sideways glance.

"Ready to go back to the Nexus?"

[losthunter]

"We are." Hunter nods.

[and a good scene.]