Every New Beginning... (Chris Evans AU)

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My lip automatically trembles at his words. "Really?"

His tender smile matches the small nod of his head, "really."

The sigh that escapes me comes out more like a sob, relief wrecking my chest this time. Chris reaches over, taking the warm liquid from my hand for fear of me spilling it all over myself. He sets both cups on the table before enveloping me with his arms. He just holds me, and it's everything I need.

"Now," he starts, causing me to lift my head from his chest. "Good morning, gorgeous." That infamous smirk across his lips enticing me enough to bring my lips directly to his own.

"Good morning indeed," I reply as his hands smooth my hair away from my face.

"Take a seat, Ope. I made breakfast."

I do as I'm told, my eyes narrowing. "You cook about as much as I do, Sergeant." He walks two plates to the table, setting one in front of me. I stare at the breakfast casserole, eyes going between it and him. "You didn't make this."

He reels back in shock, his hand going to his chest, mouth wide. "Yes I did."

I shake my head from side to side, my brow quirking as I look at him. "This has Mila written all over it." I take the fork, lifting the casserole up. "Yep. Hashbrowns crispy on the bottom. That's her signature with casseroles." I point the fork at Chris who has now crossed his arms against his chest. "Explain."

"It was in the freezer. I followed the directions. I cooked you breakfast. End of story." He bobs his head side to side as he give his explanation.

"You're a mess," I smile at him over my coffee cup, "and I love you."

He just gives me a wink as he stabs his fork through the dish and lifts the bite to his lips.

Chris POV

Dishes cleaned and a couple showers later we find ourselves back at the hospital. I had already messaged the group to tell them we wouldn't be there until around ten so they could plan accordingly should they be joining us.

The walk through the halls feels different today, and for good reason. There's hope at the end of them this time.

Opal speaks to me this time, walking beside me, holding my hand. I even witness a couple of smiles as we pass by the maternity ward. I give her hand a gentle squeeze, seeing her eyes light up at me.

"You wanna come in with me?" she asks as we reach the CCU. We walk past the waiting room, seeing it empty with the exception of one man.

"If you want me to," I say, giving her the option.

"Well silly, I did just ask you didn't I?"

"Good point," I reply, lifting her knuckles to my lips.

We stop just shy of the room, using the hand sanitizer from the container attached to the wall. Opal quickly rubs it into her hands before sliding Pops' door open. "You decent, old man?" she asks him even though she's well aware he won't answer her. It gives her a sense of normalcy and I can't fault her for it. "Who am I kidding? You're never decent." She leans over the bed giving him a quick kiss to his cheek.

Her actions today warm my heart. Her behaviors are exactly the way they would be if we were visiting him at his home. She pulls the chair up next to him today, grabs his hand and just holds it. I take a spot across the room, leaning back against the wall and just watch the two of them. Even now, their bond is evident.

"I've got a secret to tell you," she says to him over the breaths of the vent. She leans up on the bed with her elbows, casting a glance at me. I look back at her, confused with where she's going with this. "Chris and I tried to pull a you and Granny."

A deep chuckle rumbles through my chest and over my lips causing her to look at me again.

"But then you had to go and pull this stunt, putting a halt to the whole shebang," she playfully teases him. "I was all ready. Had Granny's wedding dress on and everything. Chris looked so handsome in his suit. I was ready to throw all caution to the wind and take the insane leap and become his wife." I just continue watching her with him, the jest and the intimacy within this moment. "I told Chris you might try and beat him up for it, but I think he was right. You'd have been okay with it, wouldn't you have, Pops?" She takes a small breath, the exhale coming out a bit ragged as she moves his hand up to rest against her lips. "So, since you kind of put a whole stop to the first wedding, I'm gonna need you to be here for the second one. When they take you off the vent this afternoon, I'm gonna need you to fight one more time for me, okay?"

I feel the warmth of the tears fall down my own cheeks as I see hers landing on his wrinkled, bruised hand. I swipe mine away quickly, hopeful to catch them before Opal notices. But, instead she looks up at me as I lift my hand.

"Looks like I got an old softy like you, Pops." She returns my smile with one of her own, through her tears. She places his hand back gently on the bed before coming towards me, tucking her head in my chest, leaning into me. My hands automatically begin rubbing her back, my lips resting on top of her head, the stray hairs from her messy bun tickling against my nose.

"You'll have a softy with you forever, Ope," I assure her. "That will never change."

"Hmm..." she hums against me.

"What is it, love?"

"Something about that just sounds familiar. I can't place it though," she admits, looking up at me. I lean down pecking a kiss on the tip of her nose causing her to scrunch it up.