FWD Two Weeks.

“You’re doing it again…” Sam says, walking into my office before James’ appointment today.

“Doing what?” I ask, more interested in the report I’m typing up than his statement.

“You’re falling for another patient.” He states, causing me to look up at him over the rim of my glasses,

“Homeboy say what now?” I ask.

“You’re falling for James, Erin, you can’t lie to me.”

“Sam, you’re my best friend and know me better than most people,” I begin, “but I’m not in love with James. You can’t be in love with someone if they don’t even know who they are.”

“I thought you said he was remembering things, or at least starting too.”

“He’s slowly getting there but it’s going to be awhile before he can tell what’s a dream and what’s a memory on his own.” I explain, “there are only so many things I can prove. There are only so many stories I know.”

“But you think he’s well enough to go to the benefit tomorrow?”

“Yea, he’s well enough.” I confidently say, “he’s stable and talking and he’s remembering. Sure he thinks they’re dreams but they’re memories and that’s amazing. Once I get him to the point where he’ll open up to Steve, he’ll remember everything; at least all his memories before Winter Soldier.”

“You’re not going to focus on what he could possibly know about Hydra?”

“Why would I want to know that?” I’m almost afraid to know his answer.

“Curiosity,” he replies, “not even a tad bit curious?”

“My only concern is James getting better and giving Steve his best friend back.” I tell Sam, “what he knows about Hydra isn’t a concern.” Not anymore at least…

**

“Think this is a good idea?” Steve asks as we sit in the tailors while James gets fitted to an old school 1940’s military uniform, much like the one he used to own.

“He jumpstart a few memories or so,” I shrug, “plus I always had a thing for men in uniform.” Steve just laughs, “I think he needs some kind of change in his life; new clothing and a haircut is in order.”

“Not a fan of long hair?” Steve laughs again, this time causing me to laugh too,

“Not really,” I reply, “maybe if we get him somewhat back where he knew who he was he might remember.”

“Is that why you’re taking him to the benefit?” Steve asks, “to put him in an environment where he might catch something familiar and remember?”

“You’re starting to think like me now.” I smile, “but yes, that’s my general plan. Plus getting out and having fun could be good for him, ya know? You can never have too much fun.”

“I know I’ve said this before,” Steve says before licking his lips, “but thank you so much for doing this. It means a lot.”

“No problem Steve,” I smile, “who can say no to Captain America?” I laugh. “But even if you weren’t you and were someone else, I’d still help.”

“Sam told me as much,” Steve smiles, “he really cares about you, doesn’t he?”

“He’s been there for me through hell and back,” I agree, “I don’t know where I’d be without him.”

“You guys never dated?”

Before I could answer, the tailor walks out with James. My heart skips a beat when I get a good look at him. He’s gorgeous. Minus the hair, he looks exactly like how I’d picture him back in the 40’s.

“Wow, you look amazing.” I verbally say after a couple minutes of silence.

“Really?” He asks, kinda insecure.

“I don’t lie,” I say as I walk closer to him, getting a better look. The details are spot on and he just looks amazing. “Once we get you a haircut, you’ll look the part completely.”

“Is all of this really needed?” He asks.

“You can’t tell me you’re a fan of that hairstyle.” I chuckle, “change is good. Believe it or not. But you don’t have to get the haircut if you don’t want you. This is highly up to you.”

“I think it’s time for me to get rid of the long hair,” he states, “when do we go?”

“As soon as you put your regular clothing back on, Soldier.” I smile, earning one from James before he goes back into the dressing room to get changed out of his uniform.

“You got him to smile,” Steve notes, “that’s amazing. I thought I’d never get to see him smile again.”

“And soon, you’ll get him back completely.” I tell him, “baby steps but he’s coming back. I can feel it, by the end of the year your best friend will be completely back to normal. Well as normal one person can get after regaining their memories.”

“How do you think he’ll react when he remembers what Hydra did to him?” Steve asks the one question I’ve been fearing.

“Honestly, I’m terrified of that day.” I tell him, “I don’t know how he’ll act and that’s terrifying. He’s a weapon, a bomb waiting to detonate. I can’t even tell you if or when he’s going to blow. Not knowing is scaring me.”

“You and me both, Erin,” Steve says, “you and me both.”

“I like James,” I admit to him, “I don’t want to see him get hurt or see him hurt anyone else. I’ve grown attached in the last month or so.”

“He’s grown attached to you too,” he tells me, “you get him to talk and smile, which is amazing. I’ve known him since we were kids and I can’t even do that. Bucky trusts you, Erin. I don’t think you’ll be under fire if anything snaps.”

“Thanks, Steve.” I weakly smile at him, “thanks for that.”

“No problem, Erin.” He smiles, “but I’m serious. He won’t hurt you; I won’t let him.” I just smile as we continue to wait for James in complete silence...

Notes

Erin

So do you think Erin likes James as more than a patient or a friend?