Steve paused by the bathroom as well and washed the last of the fluids from his chest and stomach, then climbed into bed. He didn't expect Rumlow to join him, thinking wistfully that they had probably risked too much already, and it was late. But Rumlow surprised him, pleasantly so, and he nuzzled in close as Rumlow wedged himself in next to him.

The next day, Steve received the news that he was selected for Dr. Erskine's program. That evening, he shared schnapps with the Doctor - well, the Doctor drank the schnapps, and Steve watched. The other recruits had already packed up all of their things, and Steve faced a sleep all alone for the first time in weeks.