the only exception

chapter one: i can't let go of what's in front of me

Bob looked towards him, reaching for the sponge and some dish soap--- scrubbing at the dishes. "I'm just... doing the dishes."

"No, I... I mean, it's..." Yelena looks towards John Walker, subtly nodding her head. "It's nice that... you've found something to keep you... occupied."

"Helps with the..." Bob sunk his teeth into his lips, leaning up against the sink.

"With the constant negativity. The... negative voices in my head. I--- I feel like... I don't know, instead of just... sitting and... not knowing what to do, if I... do something about it? It's... more manageable. And... if I'm going to avoid the... Void..."

"Rhymes," Yelena said, giving him a grin. She fixed her platinum blonde hair, smoothing a hand over her charcoal colored roots. "But--- continue, Bob."

"... if I'm going to... avoid the... shadow that--- messed everything up," he said, "The... Void, then... I need a positive outlet."

"What, like therapy or something?" John Walker said.

"Just— anything. Something... something to take my mind off of my thoughts for a while."

"Well, I'm glad it helps you."

Bob looked at him, quietly, like a puppy who's been picked up off the side of the road. "I— thanks." He gave him a slight smile, scrubbing some more.

John Walker paused, the grin fading as he stared into the mug for a second too long.

"You know, I get it." He said. "And I have empathy for you. I don't have the same empathy for myself. I fucked up in life," he said, reaching for one of the dishes and scrubbing away.

"Pushed everyone away from me. My wife, my... kid. Got discharged for... for good reason. I... have a lot of baggage. And, I..." he lifts his shoulders. "I'm trying to... unpack it."

"Anyways, I..." He looked over at the tall, slender man. "We've all got baggage. And I know that I don't always open up, but..." He sighed. "I'm here for you, man. We all are."

John Walker looked towards Yelena, who was busy placing a Doordash order for Bob.

Yelena gave him a thumbs up, placing in an order for some chicken tenders.

"But you've got— people who love you. I mean— our whole team. I know I give you a lot of slack, but—" he patted his friend on the shoulder. "... you're the glue to this team."

"I— thanks." Bob gave him a sheepish smile, stepping to the side after all of the dishes were clean.

"Sorry to break up the bromance," Yelena said with a slight smile, looking between the two of them.

"I bought the chicken tenders for Bob. And..." she said, looking at John Walker, "I got everyone else some food, too. Chicken tenders and... barbecue sandwiches. I know you like those."

"I do," John Walker said, flattered. "Uh... thanks."

"Any time." Yelena could tell that John was... changing. For the better. That he had been working on himself— his frustrations, his trauma. They all had. She found herself smiling, brushing away a tear near her smudged, blue waterline.

"Hey," John Walker said, "I'll see you guys in a bit. I'll swing by the grocery store before the food gets here."

"Perfect," Yelena said, waiting for the order to arrive, tapping her combat boot against the dark colored floor.

Bob rinsed off his hands in the sink, tapping them to dry them off before brushing them against his baggy t-shirt. Because who needs paper towels when you have... clothing?