The military base is always buzzing with activity, but today, the energy shifts the second Sam and Joaquin step onto the grounds. You feel it before you even see them—your stomach tightening, your posture stiffening, the weight of old emotions settling onto your shoulders like an old, ill-fitting uniform. It’s been almost a year since you and Joaquin ended things, months since you last spoke. And now, here he is, walking beside Captain America like he belongs in a whole other world.

You stay rooted in place as they approach, keeping your expression neutral, professional. Sam greets you first, easy and polite, like he doesn’t know—or maybe doesn’t care—about the history between you and Joaquin. But Joaquin? He hesitates. Just for a second.

“Didn’t think I’d see you here,” he says, voice carefully controlled.