2018

"Okay, this was the best I could get. Ready for a new style, Eve?"

"Why do I have the feeling that you're enjoying this so much more than I am?" I frown at Sam and he just laughs light-heartedly. I have the feeling he's the only one who's not too bothered by being a fugitive, considering how he hasn't changed at all after the Accords unlike all the others, including myself. Sam Wilson is still the relaxed and loyal friend everybody needs in their life.

"Oh, come on! I think it's pretty cool!" He defends himself and opens the little package, shaking the little tube and preparing the brush. "I always wanted to dye someone's hair. And the cool thing is that you have such long hair, so it'll be fun."

"Yeah, just don't screw it up." I warn him in a playfully strict tone which makes him grin.

"Aye, aye, ma'am." Sam even salutes and opens the tube, pouring its content on the brush before spreading it over my hair. The cool sensation and the chemical smell feel odd and foreign to me but I trust him with the task. "You know, you could also cut your hair."

"A new hair color already feels odd, now you're suggesting I get a new haircut?" I lift a brow and he nods. "I don't know, I've always had long hair, it gives me these old Brooklyn vibes. And Bucky would have a heart attack."

"I thought short hair was a trend back then?"

"Oh, it was. I was one of the few who had long hair and always got stared at. But Steve and Bucky always defended me." I almost smile with nostalgia at this memory and Sam nods, understanding why I want to keep it.

"Huh, a little rebel. Nice. Okay, what about me? Should I get an afro or nah?" The former soldier asks in the most serious and indecisive tone ever and I have to snort, the first chuckle since forever slipping through my lips. "Ah, look at that, the veteran can actually laugh. And I was afraid I had a rough audience."

"Sam Wilson, you truly are a blessing." I praise him with a genuine smile.

"Well, I hope so. Barnes ordered me to keep your mood up while he's with Cap, seems like I'm doing everything right."

"He did?" I lift a brow in surprise and Sam nods. Sighing, I slightly shake my head at Bucky's gesture. He's always looking out for me, why am I even surprised? "Of course, he did. He's my husband after all, typical James. Obviously, the Accords did ruin everything but this doesn't mean that I'm gonna be depressed the whole time."

"He's just really concerned about you, you know?" Sam reasons and I sigh, nodding.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. Always. There are even some advantages about the whole situation. I get to spend more time with you, try out new hair colors, have been in some new countries... it's pretty exciting." I try to assure him and Sam chuckles.

"That was a poor attempt to be optimistic, Barnes. But it's a start. Hell, even I'll admit that I miss Stark's special shower heads, they were heaven." He murmurs and I playfully roll my eyes.

The rest of the evening goes peacefully quiet, just a few comments now and then. In the end, he manages to do his job and my hair color is no longer the strong chocolate brown. It's not bad though, too many people started to recognize me, so it was time to be better disguised. I'm still pretty sure though that Bucky will be shocked to see me with this new hair.

"Okay, I think now's the best time to leave and head to the next location that Clint's given us. This motel is dreadful and depressing, I'm pretty sure our room neighbor is a drug dealer." Sam complains and I agree with his decision, knowing that we can't stay at one place too long anyway.

"Let's go." Grabbing my backpack and cap, I put them on as we head towards the balcony.

"Let's charge these babies." Sam places his wings on the ground, so I can charge them with electricity. That's how we have always been doing it since we split up, Sam basically functions as our means of transport while I boost them with energy. That way, it's easier not to be spotted.

Kneeling down, I lay my hands on his wings and focus on creating electricity and this is when my heart almost drops to my toes. The usually noisy sibilance only appears weakly, almost silently and I frown when the little blue light streams out of my hands. What's wrong? Why do I barely feel any energy although I'm trying so hard? Panic starts to invade my chest as I focus again, this time stronger but the amount of electricity remains the same. What is going on with my powers?

"Not to complain but I think we need a bit more to be able to fly." Sam jokes lightheartedly, not realizing the problem yet.

"I... I can't..." I mutter in shock and concentrate again, but there's just a little sparkle coming out of my hands. With gritted teeth, I try again but with little success. Shit.

"Wait, what?" His eyes widen in disbelief, staring at me and just now noticing how severe the situation seems to be. Looking up at him, I do my best to remain calm although it's difficult since my freaking powers seem to get weaker and disappear.

"We have a problem."

A/N- One.