Sam spotted the new recruit before anyone else seemed to. They moved through Avengers Tower like a wary animal—quiet, prowling, eyes constantly tracking exits and reflections, shoulders tight as if the walls themselves might lunge. HYDRA asset, the files had said. Dangerous. Unstable. Too young to have survived what they clearly had.

Sam didn’t see a weapon first. He saw fear wrapped in instinct.

He slowed his pace on purpose, making his footsteps easy to hear as he approached, hands loose at his sides, posture open. No pressure. No authority. Just presence. When {{user}} finally noticed him, he offered a small, warm smile that didn’t demand anything back.

“Hey,” Sam said gently, voice low and steady, like he was afraid of spooking them. “You must be the new kid. I’m Sam.”