Chapter 46
The next time I opened my eyes I wasn't in the pit anymore. I wasn't home, I wasn't in New York… well not any part of New York I knew. I was in a hospital bed with a sheet over my face.
I yanked it off my face when I sat up trying not to choke on my puke.
I jumped off my bad and grabbed the first thing I could use as a bucket. When I finally got it all out I looked around and saw that the room has floor to ceiling windows on a wall and as I looked out I was greeted with a very familiar sight.
It was the training field of the Avengers compound in upstate New York.
“What the hell?” I said. I wasn't gone long enough for this place to be set up already.
The room door opened and in walked Rhodey.
“Uh… Hi.” He said sounding both surprised and confused.
“Rhodey,” I greeted.
“Uh Miss…. You know who I am?” Rhodey said
“Yeah you’re…” I said before I noticed the high tech braces on his legs and the way he was walking. “Oh…”
“Rhodey, what happened with the dead girl Friday said she’s …” Tony said running in and stopping when he caught sight of me. “Not dead anymore.”
“Doesn’t look that way.” Rhodey said.
“Hi.” Tony said.
“Hi Tony.” I said awkwardly. Obviously I wasn't in one of the two universes where I know people.
“Hi….” He said again. “Sorry we didn’t catch your name while you were… out.”
“Hanna.” I said.
“Hanna, right. Uh, you want to get back in bed while we wait for the doc to look you over.” Tony said.
“Uh… I can’t move. It takes a minute for the rigor mortis to wear off.” I said.
“So you know about the…” Rhodey said.
“Being dead. Yeah that happens lot.” I said feeling a bit nauseous.
“Okay, let’s get you up.” Tony said carefully putting an arm around my waist and helping me back onto the bed.
The doctor came in and looked me over which only left him more confused. There wasn't a reason to keep me in medical any longer so I was discharged and taken to a room, given some clothes and left alone to clean up.
I looked at the clothes they picked out it was an indigo blue embroidered tunic with a pair of blue cropped distressed jeans and slip on black toms.
I slipped put them on then followed the lights to the common room where Tony and Rhodey were still discussing something, which was obviously me because as soon as they saw me walk in they stopped talking.
“The clothes fit.” Tony said.
“We had to guess you’d be around Wanda’s size.” Rhodey said.
“We can grab you some clothes later.” Tony said.
“You don’t have to do that. I’m not going to be here long.” I said.
“You have somewhere to go?” Rhodey asked.
“Yeah, home. I just need to find the closest 10 story roof to jump off of or if one of you could blast me that works too.” I said.
“What?” Tony and Rhodey said.
“My heart needs to stop so I can jump over to where I’m supposed to be, so…” I said waiting for either directions or them to suit up.
“I think we need to get you back to medical because it sounds like you just asked to kill you.” Tony said.
“Did I forget to say please?” I asked.
“Alright Hanna maybe you should, explain everything from the beginning.” Rhodey said.
So I did, obviously not the part where I’m Tony’s soulmate from another universe because that would just make things weird.
“Let me see if I’m getting this right, You die, but you don’t stay dead, you just wake up in another parallel universe.” Tony said.
“Is that even possible?” Rhodey asked.
“Thor’s a Demi-god, Bruce turns into a giant green rage monster, and the there’s Vision.” Tony said. “So maybe?”
“I can prove it.” I said. “Just kill me.”
“No.” Tony and Rhodey said.
“Guys, it’s really nice of you to want me to not die but I’m not supposed to be here. I’ve got a kid I need to get back to so I need you to just trust me and go with it.” I said.
“Do you know how crazy you sound?” Tony said.
“Can’t be crazier than the guys that fly around in suits of armor, fight aliens and judging by the look of you two Ultron and Sokovia already happened?” I asked.
“How do you know about that?” Rhodey said.
“I've been to a lot of universes, Ultron happens in most of them, I actually went to the one where Ultron did end all life on Earth.” I said. “Wouldn’t recommend it.”
“How many universes have you been to?” Tony asked.
“I’m not sure. I lost track around the 50th universe.” I said.
“You’ve died 50 times?” Rhodey asked.
“More than that, and not always on purpose. Frankly it’s embarrassing how often it happens. With me it’s like everything that can go wrong will go wrong. I can’t even cross the street without getting hit by a bus which is why I really need to get back.” I reiterated.
“What if you don’t come back? What if you die and this time it sticks?” Tony said.
“I doubt it. It didn’t stick even when I wanted it to.” I said.
“You know what, you had a big day, you’re probably tired. How about you take it easy for a few days and we’ll circle back.” Tony said.
“Guys it’s really not that big of a deal. If you don’t want to do it I can do it myself.” I answered.
“You’re not helping your case.” Rhodey said.
“Okay then, I’m leaving.” I said walking out of the room. “Also what is up with this place? It’s huge and there’s like no one here.”
“Old tenants recently broke their lease and moved out.” Tony said. “Look just take the night, we’ll talk in the morning.”
“This is a waste of time.” I said.
“Think of it as a vacation.” Tony said. “There’s a theater, pool, gym, 24-hour concierge, go nuts.”
“I went through this with Hercu-Thor and even he came around.” I said. “Can we just fast forward this to the good part?”
“No.” Tony and Rhodey said.
“Uh…” I groaned.
Three Days Later…
Tony and Rhodey had not come around to the idea of letting me go. They had even enlisted Vision as my babysitter to make sure I wouldn’t take matter into my own hand.
I was starting to get desperate so I started making moves, learning the layout of the compound. Where all of the security camera were and this place was air tight. I was not a super spy like Clint or Natasha.
That’s when it hit me…
“Clint!” I said. Clint and his really bad habit of moving around through the airducts. There wouldn’t be any security cameras in them. They go through the entire compound. I could sneak out through them.
There was a broom closet right down the hall with a vent opening I could go through I just had to watch out for my babysitter. Vision had a bad habit of phasing through walls when you least expected him to. I needed to move quickly.
I grabbed slipped on a brown suede moto jacket I had snagged from what I’m guessing was this Universe’s Natasha’s closet to go over the striped cropped tee shirt and dark distressed jeans from Wanda’s closet I was wearing.
I cracked my door room door open and made sure no one was in sight before making a run for it. I ran into the closet and quickly stacked the step stool and buckets to give me a boost up to the vent.
It was a struggle but I got in and started crawling in. I will admit in hindsight that I did jump ahead and should have planned my escape a bit better. Like maybe not popping out of the vent in the garage at the same time Tony was walking into the garage.
“I think you and Barton would get along.” Tony said making me aware of his presence.
“Oh Hi, heading out?” I said.
“Yeah, I was going to go… check on things.” He said. “Having fun with, whatever it is you’re doing?”
“Yeah, you did a great job designing the place, from top to bottom.” I said.
“It’s what I do.” Tony said as we sat there just staring at each other. “Do you want to come with me, get out for a bit?”
“I don’t want to crash your plans.” I said.
“It’s not crashing if you’re invited.” Tony said opening the car door. “Come on.”
“Sure.” I said getting in the car.
One of many constants in every universe was Tony’s lead foot when he drove. I watched him and they were nearly identical. This Tony was a bit older, his hair was starting to get lighter.
“I don’t know what the rule is in other universes but in this one it’s not polite to stare. Unless I have something on my face.” He said as we started hitting traffic on our way to Manhattan.
“You’re fine. You just remind me a lot of someone I know.” I said.
“Boyfriend?” He retorted.
“I’m not sure that’s the right word for it.” I said. “It’s more of a situationship.”
“Sounds messy.” Tony said.
“When isn’t it?” I retorted.
“I just got out of a really long situationship.” Tony said.
“Aww you and Pepper broke up?” I asked.
“You know Pepper?” Tony asked.
“You and her are a thing in most universes. I ship you guys.” I said.
“Well, in this universe she left me.” He said. “Can’t really blame her. I always promised her I’d either stop being Iron Man or figure out a good work life balance and I never did.”
“That’s because a work life balance doesn’t exist.” I said.
“You really think so?” Tony said.
“You can’t have a life unless you have a stable work life to provide for your life. Life is going to move on with or without you. You think I’ve always made it to my kid’s school for his plays or concerts or was at every soccer practice? Of course not. I work my ass off to provide for him so that he’ll have everything he needs to have a good life. It’s an oxymoron because while everything I do I do for him, I rarely see him.” I said. “That’s life.”
“I think it’s a little different when you’re, and I’m not saying it to brag but… I’m rich.” He said.
“Really? I hadn’t noticed with the top of the line sports car that isn’t on the market yet, the compound and security agency you fully fund and the watch?” I asked.
“Good eye.” Tony said.
“Super power.” I answered. “You’re a superhero, if everyone could do what you do you would have retired a long time ago.”
“Exactly.” He said. “This is going to sound strange but when I see you I get this feeling that I know you or I’ve seen you somewhere.”
“I’m fairly sure been I’ve in never been in this universe before.” I said. “In fact I’m from 2024 and we’re in 2016. One of the universes that I've spent a lot of time in is in 2014. I think I may be time traveling when I jump universes.”
“And I thought seeing Thor get beamed up to Asgard was the best way to travel.” Tony said.
“At least he doesn’t have to worry about traffic.” I said.
“Lucky him.” Tony said.
It was another hour before we pulled into the tower’s garage.
“Oh I have missed this place.” I said.
“You’ve been here before?” He asked.
“In another universe.” I said smiling following him into the elevator.
“Someone’s been using my elevator.” Tony said.
“So?” I asked.
“The floors are scuffed.” He said.
“They are moving your things out. Besides the new owners are probably going to remodel the entire place.” I said.
“Guess you’re right.” He said.
“Are you going to miss this place?” I said. “You had a lot of good times here.”
“You know it’s really freaky that you seem to know everything about me and I know nothing about you.” Tony said.
“I’ve met a Tony or two in my travels.” I said as the elevator doors opened and revealing a team of movers packing everything up while Happy followed behind them with a clip board.
“Just, hang tight. I’ll be quick.” Tony said going to check in with Happy.
I took a seat at the bar and enjoyed the view of the city.
Different universe, same view.
I liked the compound. There was more room. The air quality was better but the tower was.. home.
“Excuse me miss, you can’t be here.” Happy said.
“I’m just waiting for someone.” I said.
“I don’t think so…” Happy said.
“She’s with me.” Tony said holding a box and a phone which he handed to me. “And this is yours.”
“I don’t really need a phone.” I said.
“I managed to salvage the memory card from the shattered phone you had when we found you. This one won’t break as easily as that.. iPhone.” He said in disgust.
“Thanks.” I said turning it on.
“Who’s she?” Happy asked.
“Stowaway.” Tony said. “Don’t wait up.”
“Call the kid.” Happy called out.
“The kid is fine.” Tony said.
“What kid?” I asked.
“Just, a mentor program trial run.” Tony said as the elevator doors closed.
“Oh you mean Peter?” I said.
“You know about the kid?” Tony said.
“I know about the kid. Great kid.” I said. “Taking him to Germany for his first big job though, not the best decision.”
“He did great.” Tony said.
“He came home with a black eye. How is his Aunt not mad at you?” I said.
“Because the kid is fine.’ Tony said.
“So you’ve talked to him?” I asked.
“No but I've heard his voicemails.” Tony said.
“You really have no experience with kids do you?” I retorted.
“Parker doesn’t need hand holding. He’s laying low. Taking care of the little guy.” Tony said.
“Are you sure about that?” I asked.
“I’ll prove it.” Tony said taking his phone out. “Friday, find the kid for me.”
“I've entered his location to the car’s GPS?” Friday asked.
“I miss Jarvis.” I said.
“We still have Vision,” Tony said as we got into the car.
“Jarvis didn’t phase through walls.” I reminded him.
“Vision’s working on it.” Tony said. “He just misses Wanda.”
That is how we ended up in Queens. Of course Tony being Tony couldn’t help himself and instead of doing the normal mentor thing of calling his mentee and setting up a meeting, we were watching him from a rooftop across the street from his friend’s home.
“This is not what I had in mind.” I said flipping through my phone.
“Parker’s like an overactive puppy when he gets attention. This is better.” Tony said looking at what I was looking at on my phone. “That’s your kid?”
“Yeah, this is Jamie.” I said turning the phone so he could see the photo of us from our last roadtrip.
“He looks just like you.” Tony said. “He’s big.”
“I was a young mom. Not in the way you’re thinking.” I said. “He’s adopted.”
“How does a teenager end up adopting a kid?” He asked.
“Life.” I said as if that explained it all before locking my phone.
“You’ve seen the kid. Is this enough for you?” He asked.
“Is it really enough for you?” I retorted. “You signed the Sokovia Accords because you think superheroes need something to be accountable to.”
“Yeah but he’s a kid?” Tony said.
“Exactly my point. I love my kid. I trust him, but I’m also extremely aware that he is a kid still figuring out how life works. My kid doesn’t have powers, but yours does and he’s figuring them out as he figures life out.” I said.
“I get it, but up until now he’s been doing great.” Tony said.
“Tony,” I said giving him a look.
“I’ll check in on him in a few days.” He agreed.
“That’s a good idea.” I said.
“You hungry? I know a good Italian place that delivers. Last dinner at the tower?” Tony said.
“I could go for Italian.” I said as he got back into the suit. “You know we could take the stairs.”
“I’m already in the suit.” He said waiting for me to hold onto him before he flew us back down to the car.
It felt weird to be in the tower with most of the furniture already packed away or moved out of the common room. It also felt weird that everyone was so scattered and Tony was, with the exception of Rhodey and Vision alone. It didn’t matter what universe you were in Tony Stark did not do well alone.
Now where have I heard that before?
“Alright, what are we drinking?” Tony said.
“You’re driving later.” I reminded him.
“The car can drive itself.” He said.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.” I said.
“Scotch?” Tony asked.
“Okay.” I said as he poured us a drink. “It’s the end of an era. You’re really not sad about letting this place go?”
“I’m a lot of things. Nostalgic isn’t one of them.” He said. “Besides this place comes with a lot of baggage.”
“I get that. Well then a toast to new beginnings. The Compound is a great place to do that and the air is really clean.” I said making Tony laugh.
“Did you really think you were going to sneak out through the vents?” Tony said.
“I was almost outside.” I said.
“Friday let us know you were in the vents two seconds after you wiggled your way into it.” Tony said.
“Yet another reason why I miss Jarvis.” I said. “You actually let me think I was going to make it out?”
“It’s good to test out the system.” Tony said making me laugh.
“I’m not AntMan.” I said.
“You’re really not.” Tony said chuckling. “Since I’m pretty sure this is the best universe you’ve been in so far…”
“Eh… I wouldn’t say best universe.” I answered.
“Really?” He asked.
“You’ve never met Hercu-Thor.” I said.
“You keep saying that like I know what it means…” he said.
“You know the story of Hercules? Son of Zeus, but he was raised on Earth…” I started.
“Oh, A Thor that was raised on Earth and didn’t know he was the god of thunder.” Tony said. “Does he have a Hammer?”
“He has a surfboard.” I corrected.
“No,” Tony said.
“Yeah, and he starts all of his sentences with a ‘Brah’ and ends them with a ‘gnarly’” I said chuckling. “Great guy though.”
“What’s the worst universe?” He said.
“It’s a three-way tie between the world where Ultron destroyed the world, Hydra rules the world and then there’s the zombie universe.” I said.
“There’s a zombie universe?” Tony said.
“That universe stinks. Literally.” I said.
“Dead bodies?” He asked.
“Dead bodies. What they don’t tell you on the walking dead or any zombie movie.” I answered.
“For good reason.” Tony said.
“So what’s next for you?” I asked. “You know besides mentoring the next generation of superheroes.”
“Not sure yet.” Tony said. “The Avengers aren’t really the Avengers anymore. Rogers and Barnes are in the wind which is fine. I think the world is a safer place with Cap out there fighting the good fight.”
“I’d have to agree with that.” I said.
“And.. uh I don’t know. Work some more with the foundation. We did a lot of damage in Sokovia and there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done there.” Tony said.
“Not all heroes wear capes.” I reminded him. “Or suits.”
“You’ve got a little something,” Tony said pointing to the corner of his mouth.
“Cheesy Gnocchi.” I said wiping my mouth. “Did I get it?”
“No, just missed it.” He said. “Here, I…”
Okay I obviously suck as reading people and most of my dates never really went anywhere so I couldn’t tell that what was going to happen next.
Tony did wipe the invisible cheese sauce off my face before leaning in to kiss me. We kissed and it took me completely by surprise.
“Uh…” I stayed still awkwardly before laughing once he realized i was not doing much.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” He said moving away.
“No it’s nice really…” I countered putting my hand on his.
“I read this wrong. I thought we were having a moment and…” Tony started.
“I can see how it may have come off that way but…” I said and then I thought of something. This Tony barely knows me. He has absolutely no reason to be so... nice. So I leaned in and kissed him briefly but there was nothing. In fact i think i felt more when i almost kissed other Tony than actually kissing this Tony. “Huh…”
“Huh?” Tony said.
“You wanted to kiss me?” I said.
“I thought you’d be open to me making a move. I’m sorry.” Tony said. “It’s been a while…”
“No No that’s not… In this universe people don’t have soulmates right, like the real deal. Scientifically proven soulmates?” I asked. “Like you can see all the colors of the spectrum before meeting the person you’re supposed to be with?”
“There’s a universe where soulmates are real?” Tony asked confused.
“Tony answer the question.” I said trying to now lose the momentum of this moment... this idea.
“No, soulmates aren’t real. Dating is a numbers game.” He said.
“So you barely know me, but you liked me enough to make a move?” I said.
“I’m starting to think I shouldn’t have.” Tony said.
This universe’s Tony didn’t know me, wasn't obligated to feel anything towards me and he naturally felt a spark and I felt nothing when he kissed me because all I could think about was my other universe’s Tony and how I wish we had kissed that night in LA which meant…
“Oh my gosh, It’s real! It’s all real!!!” I shouted. “He’s my person. They’re all my persons!”
“He?” Tony said reminding me that I was not alone and that I really, really had to get back home. I put my hand on Tony's shoulder and made him look at me.
“Tony, you’re going to get Pepper back. Stop being an idiot, she is your endgame, make sure Happy still has that ring he’s been carrying around for ten years and make sure he has it everyday until you get your chance. There is no one for you but her so stop trying to make moves on people that aren’t her.” I said. “Do you understand?”
“No, what’s happening here?” Tony asked very very confused as i got up and slipped on my jacket.
“What’s happening is that I’m going home.” I said kissing his cheek. “Thank you for everything. You’re my favorite Avenger. Don’t tell anyone I said that.”
“Hanna…” Tony said getting up and following me out.
I ran out to the balcony to the edge and jumped plummeting to the ground and then plummeting doen that endless dark pit. For the first time ever I wasn't afraid when I hit the bottom.
“Hello again…” The voice whispered.
“Fuck off.” I said looking up. “Come on, come on already…”
The clicking sound was louder.
“That wasn't very nice.” It taunted as I heard the splashing get closer.
“Pull me up!” I shouted.
“There’s no one up there.” It taunted. “It’s just you and me Hanna.”
“No it’s just you.” I said. “Pull me up!!!!”
“Alright then.” It said before everything went quiet and even the water stopped dripping from the ceiling. I didn’t see the hit coming as I felt something hit me on the side hard enough to throw me aside. My head hit a wall and knocked the wind out of me. I tried to push myself back up to my feet but as started getting up something grabbed both of my feet and dragged me into the dark.
Universe 616-
It had been exactly one month since Hanna had disappeared, again. They had not learned anything from their trip to Norway and were even more confused as to why Hanna would even attempt to climb a cliff. No matter where they searched they found absolutely nothing.
As much as they would have liked to keep looking they were wasting time they could not lose. Fury called back Steve, Natasha, and Clint to DC while Thor, Bruce and Tony went back to New York.
There was no sign of Hanna which was only putting everyone more on edge.
Tony was essentially living in his lab, working non-stop on his suit when he felt it. It was as if his heart had skipped a beat and when he looked up the bonsai tree on Bruce’s desk was green again.
“Jarvis, Check to see if we have a signal.” Tony said moving towards his desk.
“Miss Marin’s bracelet has started transmitting a signal.” Jarvis said.
“Where?” Tony asked.
“Washington DC.” Jarvis said bringing up the exact location on a map.
“Call whoever’s closest and tell them where. I’m on my way.” Tony said.
“Sir you have an incoming call from Agent Hill.” Jarvis said.
“Take a message.” Tony said.
“Sir my protocols are being overridden.” Jarvis said.
“Stark.” Maria greeted.
“I’m kind of busy.” He said. “and on my way out.”
“Director Fury is down.” Maria said. “He’s gone.”
“Was it…” Tony started.
“We suspect it was.” She said. “We need you to be on standby. They’re making their move.”
“Jarvis, call Romanoff.” Tony said. “Put the tower on lock down, No one comes in or out.”
Washington DC -
Natasha snuck out of the hospital. Fury was gone and Steve was being taken to SHIELD by the Strike team. Something was going down and it whatever it was, it was going to happen quickly.
She was almost at her car when her phone started ringing.
“Romanoff.” She greeted.
“I just dropped a ping to your phone. Get there now.” Tony said.
“Stark, I don’t have time…” Natasha started.
“It’s Hanna.” Tony said.
“I’ll get her somewhere safe. Don’t call this number, I’m losing the phone.” Natasha said ending the call. She quickly memorized the coordinates Tony had sent before dropping her phone in a storm drain.
The location was less than mile from the hospital which was good timing on Hanna’s part. Natasha was pressed for time. She didn’t trust Steve to keep it together especially if Bucky was involved. She turned into an alley following the GPS’s direction. She was almost at dead end when she saw Hanna lying on the ground.
“Shit.” Natasha said slamming the breaks and getting out of the car. “Hanna.”
Natasha looked her over and after checking her pulse confirmed that she was still dead. It took a lot of heavy lifting but Natasha managed to get her in the car. She quickly drove off to find somewhere safe while she figured out their next move.
Early Morning…
There was only one place Natasha could think of to stash Hanna while she figured out what the next move would be. She had prepared for this since the day SHIELD recruited her. While her personnel file did have an address on record that was not the apartment she stayed in. She had another apartment held under a different name that only the people she truly trusted knew about. It was a safehouse of sorts.
Fury was dead, Steve was taken to SHIELD for who knows what reason and every STRIKE agent was being very twitchy. To make things worse Clint was out on a mission due back that very morning and he had no idea what he was walking into.
And then there was Hanna. The unconscious blonde on her bed… well Natasha was choosing just to pretend that she was just sleeping because in reality she was still… not breathing. It was nothing new except this time, it was taking longer for her to wake up.
A lot longer.
Natasha stared at the alarm clock on the nightstand. They were almost at the 12-hour mark and still nothing.
The most it had ever taken before was 4 hours.
Natasha needed to move but she couldn’t move Hanna. She looked at the pack of gum and the flash drive Steve thought he had stashed in that vending machine. She needed to go.
Natasha got up and quickly moved a trashcan right next to the bed, a water bottle and protein bar on the nightstand and wrote a note. She looked at Hanna and looked at how long her hair had gotten…
“Bangs.” She said with a smile and shaking her head before kissing her forehead and giving her hand one last squeeze before leaving. She knew what she had to do.
Natasha grabbed her phone and called Clint’s phone from a pay phone a few blocks away from the apartment.
“Hey, just wanted to let you know they dropped off that package you’ve been waiting on this morning. It’s at my apartment and you should pick it up first chance you get. We don’t want it to expire.” Natasha said before hanging up.
Here’s hoping Clint got the hint.
Meanwhile…
Steve had just been ambushed by his Strike team in an elevator. He had fought off his former STRIKE Team, jumped out of an elevator and was now running through the forest on the outskirts of DC on the run.
There were Quinjets flying over him searching for him.
“Drop the SHIELD.” Clint said notching an arrow into his bow.
“Barton.” Steve said.
“Drop it. We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Clint said as he could hear over his coms as reinforcements notified him, they were on their way.
“I can’t do that.” Steve said.
“Hard way it is then.” Clint said hearing the footsteps of the approaching. He had trained with Steve and knew which side he tended to favor with his shield so that’s the side he aimed for to bounce the explosive arrow off the shield and towards the strike agents coming their way.
He and Steve went at it and when he got close.
“There’s a tracker in your suit.” Clint said low enough for only Steve to hear.
“What?” Steve said.
“Ditch the suit or they’ll keep finding you. Make it look good.” Clint said with a wink before pushing him back. He shot a few arrows before Steve landed a punch and Clint pretended to be knocked out.
They took him to medical where they told him he probably had a concussion.
Clint was having a morning. His mission ran long, the second the jet hit the ground he found out Fury was dead, His best friend wasn’t answering her phone, he was finally debriefed and about to get ready to go home when he was called out to hunt down Captain America and now he had a black eye and a concussion.
He snuck out of medical and went to change out of his uniform. He slipped off his boots and had his shirt off before noticing he had a new message on his phone from a number he didn’t recognize.
He picked up the phone and listened to the message.
“Hey, just wanted to let you know they dropped off that package you’ve been waiting on this morning. It’s at my apartment and you should pick it up first chance you get. We don’t want it to expire” Natasha said before hanging up.
“Package?” Clint said before listening to the message again. He knew Natasha never asked to meet at her apartment. They only met at the real apartment was in case they needed to have an off the books conversation.
Things are happening.
He quickly got dressed in clothes that helped him blend in before sneaking out of the Triskelion.
Across Town…
When I opened my eyes I was on a bed. It wasn't the worst place I had ever woken up in. That was all I noticed before I had to puke. Fortunately someone had left a double bagged trashcan right next to the bed so I was covered.
“Buah!” I coughed up the smoothie and cheesy gnocchi I had for dinner.
I heard a door opened somewhere outside of the room but I couldn’t move and it wouldn’t stop coming out.
“Nat?” Someone called out.
“Buah!” I barfed out.
There were footsteps as the door slowly creaked open.
“Hanna?” Clint said surprised dropping his gun and kneeling behind me to hold my hair out of my face.
“Uh… I forgot how gross that is.” I groaned.
“Here.” Clint said opening the water bottle someone had left on the nightstand. “Rinse out your mouth.”
“What universe am I in?” I asked.
“Uh… You’re back.” He said helping me sit up.
“2015?” I asked.
“April 2014.” Clint said. “You were gone a month.”
“A month?” I said. How did that happen? I've been gone over a year.
“Yeah…” Clint said looking me over. “You’ve missed a couple of things but right now we need to go.”
“Go where? And where are we?” I asked.
“We’re in DC, Nat’s safehouse and I need to get you out of the city. Back to New York or another safehouse.” Clint said.
“You said April… It’s happening isn’t it?” I asked.
“Fury’s dead.” Clint said.
“He’s not dead.” I said.
“Hill said he’s dead.” Clint said.
“She said that in the movie too.” I said. “He faked his death. Steve and Natasha are on the run.”
“I don’t know where they are.” He said.
“We don’t need to know where they are. I know where they’re going to be and I know where Fury is now.” I said trying to get up but feeling sore and I couldn’t full move my legs.
“Whoa…” Clint said helping me back onto the bed.
“I’m fine… I’m fine… rigor mortis… Give me a minute.” I groaned.
“We need to go to New York.” Clint said.
“No.” I said.
“Hanna.” Clint said.
“They’re going to be watching every way in or out of the city. It’ll take too long to get out and the tower is the first place they’re going to go looking for you, Natasha and Steve.” I said.
“Then another safehouse. I have a place that’s off the grid…” He said.
“Or we could regroup. Wait for Natasha and Steve where we know they’re going to be.” I said. “They’re going to need you.”
“Was I in this movie?” Clint asked.
“No, your actor had a timing conflict.” I said bending my knee and trying not to wince at how sore I was. “Doesn’t mean they couldn’t have used your help.”
“Do you have a plan?” He asked.
“Part of one.” I said finally getting to my feet. “First I need to clean up and you should pack a bag for Natasha and if there’s anything for Steve I’m sure he’d appreciate it.”
“You got it?” Clint asked.
“I got it, I’ll get Sam Wilson’s address.” I said grabbing my phone out of my pocket.
“Who’s Sam Wilson?” Clint asked as I closed the bathroom door.
I took a breath and leaned over the sink. My legs were sore and it wasn't rigor mortis. This was different. I took a breath and unbuttoned my jeans slowly pulling them down. Around both of my legs, up to my thighs, there were bruises wrapped around them. It looked as if something had grabbed me by my legs... which it had.
“Shit.” I said.
I have died and come back probably more than a hundred times at this point and not once, no matter which way I died have I ever come back with so much as a hair out of place but now… I don’t know what this means but I knew it wasn't good.
Now was not the time for this.
I took a breath, pulled my pants back on washed my hands.
Clint knocked on the door.
“Hanna, we need to go.” He said.
“Just a sec.” I said taking a minute, probably the last minute I was going to have in a while before walking out the bathroom. “Okay I found Sam on Facebook and there’s a photo of him next to his mailbox when he moved in.”
“Great.” Clint said taking away the phone.
“Hey.” I said reaching for it but Clint stopped me.
“First rule of being on the run, ditch your phone.” He said.
“That phone’s from another universe and doesn’t have service.” I said asking for it back. Clint thought about it for a second before looking at the lock screen. It was a photo of me, Jamie and Theo at the Grand Canyon.
“Nice photo.” Clint said sounding very clipped as he handed me the phone back.
“He’s not very far from here.” I said getting back to business. “Finding Fury is going to be a bit trickier.”
“You don’t know where he is?” Clint asked.
“The movie didn’t give specific addresses. Especially since this one was filmed in Cleveland.” I said. “He’s hiding out in an abandoned dam. Does that sound familiar to you?”
“I think I know where but’s it’s not in DC.” Clint said. “And we’re at least.. 3 hours away by car. They’re going to be watching all the highways.”
“Bus stations?” I asked.
“Just as bad, we can take a train out of the city and once we’re close enough we can drive there.” Clint said.
“There’s our plan.” I said. “Where’d you park?”
“I ditched the car, I’ll get us a ride. Wait here.” Clint said.
“Don’t you need a lookout?” I asked.
“Nope.” Clint said walking out and slamming the door shut with more force than needed. Oh yeah, he’s mad.
I sighed stuffing my phone in my pocket. I deserved it. I’ve been a pretty shitty soulmate and I have a lot to make up for. Guess I should start by packing snacks, and getting Clint some coffee. He can’t be mad at the person that gets him coffee.
The kitchen was pretty sparce, obviously Natasha Romanoff lived here. I found a thermos for the coffee and a couple of protein bars, candy bars, pistachios and chocolate covered almonds. That should hold us over for a while.
I stuffed them into a tote bag I found lying around.
“Let’s go.” Clint said popping up behind me without making any noise.
“You didn’t steal a bug right?” I teased but Clint wasn't buying into it. “You’ll understand next time you’re in Germany.”
“Sure.” Clint said putting a hand behind me and leading me out. “Keep your head down and stay quiet.”
We took the stairs down to the first floor and exited the building through the laundry room into the back alley. Clint had ‘borrowed’ a grey Chevy Cruz with tinted windows.
I got in the passenger seat and buckled up as Clint sped out of the alley onto the street.
“Which way?” He asked.
“Straight, turn left in 3 blocks and straight down for 2.1 miles.” I said reciting the directions I had memorized. “The house will be on your left.”
“Who is this Sam guy?” Clint asked not taking his eyes off the road.
“He’s Steve’s running buddy.” I said.
“What?” Clint asked. “Do you even know this guy?”
“Not in person but Steve trusts him.” I said but Clint was still looking unsure. “He works at the VA and runs a support group for Veterans. He was in the Air Force and did 2 tours in Afghanistan. He’s from Delacroix, Louisiana. His parents ran a fishing business that his sister, Sarah took over. She has two kids or will have 2 kids not sure on the timing. I don’t know what else to say other than someone needs to teach Steve about stranger danger because it wasn't a thing in 40’s.”
“This Sam guy sticks around?” He asks. Clint did not trust easily.
“He does. Next to Bucky, I’d say he’s Steve’s closest friend.” I answered. “You’ll like him.”
“Great.” Clint said not saying much else. He didn’t say a word for the rest of the car ride.
Once we got to Sam’s house he parked across the street and started getting out of the car.
“Wait.” I said.
“What?” Clint said.
“I should go alone.” I said.
“No, we need to stick together.” Clint said.
“It’s like 20 feet away, you’ll have eyes on me the entire time. Besides my face isn’t as recognizable as yours or murdery.” I said making Clint scowl at me. “Plus you’re a better getaway driver.”
“Two minutes.” Clint said leaving no room for argument.
“In and out.” I promised getting out of the car and grabbing the duffle bag from the back seat. It was heavy. How much ammo did Clint pack?
I carried it to Sam’s front door before ringing the doorbell. I was just about to ring the doorbell again when he opened the door.
“Sam Wilson.” I greeted.
“Can I help you?” Sam asked confused.
“I’m a friend of Steve Rogers.” I said making Sam look me up and down. “You know, Captain America, The star spangled man with a plan or you might know him better as the world’s most annoying running partner?”
“I know Steve.” Sam said eying me suspiciously.
“Well Steve is in a bit of a pickle at the moment and is dealing with some… stuff.” I said trying to keep it short and simple. “There’s a very strong chance he and another friend of ours are going to pop up here at some point, probably at your back door. Would you mind holding onto this for them?”
“What kind of trouble is he in?” Sam said crossing his arms.
“I think it’s better if he explains it.” I said offering him the bag.
“Should I be worried about what’s in this bag?” He asked taking the duffle bag and realizing it was heavier than he thought it’d be. “Am I even allowed to look inside of it?”
“Only if you want to see Steve’s tighty whities.” I said with a smirk turning to the car in the driveway. That’s the very same car Bucky will yank out the steering wheel of tomorrow. “Uh, a little advice. You should increase your car insurance coverage, max it out and maybe get GAP if you’re not done paying it off.”
“Okay?” Sam said looking confused.
“And you should do that today.” I said. “See you around Sam.”
“Hey!” Sam called out. “You never said what your name was.”
I didn’t answer that, there would be time for introductions later.
“We’re done.” I said to Clint.
“He’s not a spy.” Clint said.
“No, he’s a soldier.” I said noticing how he was tapping his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel. “Are we okay?”
“Our train leaves in 30 minutes and we need to ditch the car.” Clint said putting the car in drive and speeding away.