Joaquin is in the hospital. He almost died trying to disarm a missile in the Indian ocean, and flew from the sky like Icarus himself. The doctors had to re-start his goddam heart. Oh your stupid, too brave, selfless boy.

You've known Joaquin for years. Since before the blip, since before he was the falcon or even joined the air force. You've been close for as long as you can remember, and seeing him in the hospital like this is killing you. You've helped fight countless of the scariest battles known to man, but this is the worst feeling in the world.

You haven't been home in days, sleeping in the chair at his bedside and having sam bring you food. Right now, you're asleep. Head on Joaquin's bed, slouched over. Sam and Congressmen Barnes are outside, looking in through the view window. It's the closest to peace with Joaquin still asleep and recovering.