Chapter 48
Once everyone had their part of the plan they scattered. I seriously doubt any of us would be getting much sleep.
“You knew what he was going to say.” Fury said looking well defeated.
“Anyone could have seen that coming.” I said. “After everything that’s happened over the last two days did you really think there was a way for things to go back to the way things were?”
“I guess not.” Fury said opening another crate and pulling out a bottle of scotch along with 2 tumblers. How did I not find those earlier? He poured us each a glass. “Over 30 years and this is how it all ends.”
“Would you really be able to pick up where you left off not knowing who in that building would be the next person to try to kill you?” I said. “Or if they hadn’t already tried.”
“All part of the job.” He said sipping his drink.
“It’s the end of a chapter not the story.” I said. “The job is still the same, there just won’t be as much paperwork.”
“I won’t miss that.” Fury said.
“Besides I don’t think retirement would suit you, you’d drive the Mrs. crazy.” I said and Fury gave me a hard look. “Guess she doesn’t exist in this world. My mistake.”
“I still find that hard to believe. Another world.” He said.
“Worlds.” I corrected. “It’s hard for me to believe sometimes.”
“Are we starting the victory party early?” Natasha asked.
“I wouldn’t call it a party.” I said offering her my glass. “More like a living wake.”
“I’m going to go see about getting us a chopper.” Fury said getting up.
“Should you even be out of bed?” Natasha asked.
“What’s the worst that can happen? I’m already dead.” Fury retorted as he walked away.
“I think he took the news pretty well.” I said. “I was expecting more yelling.”
“The pain killers probably helped.” Natasha deadpanned looking at me and smirking. She reached over and gently ran her fingers through my bangs. “Bangs.”
“Yeah, I went in for a trim and came out with these.” I said. “They just scream quarter life crisis don’t they?”
“No they’re good.” She said smiling.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, It’s not the first time I get shot.” Natasha answered looking exhausted. “Clint said you guys had a fun road trip.”
“It was a good one. Not as exciting as yours.” I said.
“That just means you did everything right.” Natasha said. “A whole year?”
“A really long year.” I answered. “I told Theo about you guys.”
“You told him about us?” She said in disbelief.
“Not the dying and falling into another universe part. I had to take some creative liberties with the story because if I told him I was dating superheroes he’d have me committed.” I said.
“So what did you tell him?” Natasha asked.
“I told him that I when was in Bali digging wells and building houses I met these amazing 6 people that for some insane reason kind of liked having me around. These 5 very different guys and this incredible woman that made me feel a very certain way that I have never ever felt before and that it totally freaked me out and I ran away.” I said.
“You did.” Natasha said.
“It was pretty bad.” I said.
“You went to Norway.” She deadpanned.
“No idea why I would think to go there. It’s cold, pickled fish shouldn’t be considered a delicacy and you have to walk everywhere. Even when its negative degrees outside.” I answered. “Never again.”
“How’d he take the news?” Natasha asked.
“Theo? Pretty well, he wanted to throw me a parade.” I said. “And then I told him how much I missed you and that I hoped you hadn’t given up on me yet because I’d really like a chance to be soulmates.”
Natasha didn’t say anything. She took a sip from the glass while staring at me, intensely. Probably trying to geta. Read on me to see if I was kidding or if I meant it all.
Finally she put the glass down and took a seat next to me.
“You have really bad timing.” Natasha said.
“I wish I could say I’ll work on it but I can’t even cross a street without getting hit by a bus.” I said.
“Did you look both ways?” She teased.
“I was on the phone but the light was red and I have really good peripheral vision so I…” I started but she just smirked. “And you’re just messing with me. Cute.”
“After.” She said with a smile taking my hand. “If there’s an after.”
“There’s an after.” I confirmed.
“After then.” Natasha confirmed. I leaned over tried resting my head on her shoulder. I don’t think we’re at the PDA phase yet and also we’re in the middle of planning the downfall of a major spy organization. A side hug would do for now. Though I probably should have checked which shoulder I was trying to put my head on. “Ah!!!”
“Shit! Shit! Wrong shoulder.” I said immediately putting some space between us.
Natasha groaned but did not let go of my hand.
“It’s fine.” She said.
“I think you might be bleeding.” I said trying to check her bandage but she swatted my hand away.
“That was already there.” Natasha said.
“You need sleep.” I said standing up and helping her get up and leading her to the room where Clint and I had slept in the night before. Fortunately for Natasha I had found some blankets earlier when I was snooping around so she wouldn’t be cold.
Clint walked into the room as I was draping the blanket around Natasha who knocked out the second her head hit the pillow I improvised out of my jacket.
“She’s out.” Clint observed.
“Two days on the run, taking a bullet and major blood loss will do that to you.” I said.
“It was a close one.” Clint said.
“How are you doing with all of this? SHIELD’s been your life for most of your life.” I asked.
“Are you calling me old?” Clint teased.
“Steve’s pushing 90 and Thor over 1500 years old. I think it’s a bit too soon to be worrying about getting old.” I said.
“I was 16 when I first got recruited and I’m not sure you can really call it that. They told me I either joined or spent the rest of my life in a cell.” He said.
“But you stayed. You could have left.” I said.
“I could have but if I had things would be different and not in a good way.” Clint said looking at Natasha and I knew what he meant. If he had left, they would have sent someone else after her and they wouldn’t have made the same call he did.
“Things have a funny way of working themselves out.” I answered.
“Tomorrow’s going to be a long day. You should sleep.” Clint said.
“What about you?” I asked.
“I’ll take the floor.” He said.
“Clint it’s freezing.” I said. “And I don’t know if you noticed this place has a not so minor rodent problem.”
“I’ve had worse.” Clint said shrugging it off.
I was not convinced. We had one cot left.
“Come on.” I said patting the cot.
“You are not sleeping on the floor. I’ll be fine.” He said.
“No one is sleeping on the floor. We’ll make it work.” I said.
“You sure?” He asked.
“You’re a really good pillow.” I deadpanned. Clint chuckled as we shuffled around to lay down. We ended up spooning facing Natasha who was also laying on her side facing us.
“This okay?” Clint whispered.
“Almost.” I said sitting up to grab the other blanket and spread it out over us. “That’s better.”
“Where’d you find the blankets?” He whispered.
“I got bored and did some snooping.” I answered.
“Did you find any coffee?” Clint asked.
“Unfortunately that didn’t make Fury’s essentials list.” I said.
“Damn.” He said with a sigh. “You should stay here tomorrow. If we lose…”
“You won’t.” I said.
“But if we do. You’ll be safer here.” Clint said.
“If that were to happen, which it won’t, there won’t be anywhere that’s safe. I could be here, New York, sipping Mai Tais in Hawaii, there wouldn’t be a safe distance. Besides if I die tomorrow it just means I’ll get back sooner.” I answered. By the way he tensed and the way his hand gripped the blanket tighter I knew he didn’t like that answer.
“I don’t like when you go like that.” He said.
“Neither do I.” I said closing my eyes.
It was a good night’s rest until it wasn't. I was asleep but then I wasn't on the cot next to Clint.
I was on a hard stone floor but it was wet. It was dark and the only light was coming in from above.
The only sounds I could hear was the water dripping onto the wet ground.
“Hanna…” The voice taunted.
“Go away.” I said staring up at the light waiting for the familiar pull. Waiting to go back because no matter what universe I ended up in, it was better than this pit.
“That’s not very nice.” It taunted.
“Go eat someone else.” I retorted.
“Don’t you ever wonder why you always come back here?” It asked.
“Not really.” I said tapping my fingers against my thigh as I looked up.
“The answer’s pretty obvious.” It said as the clicking sound it made as it moved got closer.
“Come on.” I whispered.
“It’s the same reason it’s taking longer and longer for you to get pulled out of here.” It said as it made that clicking sound yet again..
“Come on…” I said getting more and more impatient.
“Or hadn’t you noticed?” It taunted. “Don’t you want to know why?”
“Please…” I said not taking my eyes at the light above as I felt it start to breath down the back of my neck.
“It’s because you’re a mistake.” It said as something wet and slimy wrapped around my neck. “And pretty soon they’re going to realize that this is where you are meant to be.”
It’s grip on my neck tightened before it dragged me away.
“Ah!” I gasped opening my eyes remembering that I wasn't dead. I was on a cot with Clint snoring behind me and Natasha laying on the cot next to us just staring at me.
“Bad dream?” She asked.
I didn’t say anything, well I couldn’t say anything. I was still trying to breathe again.
Natasha didn’t say anything except reach out to hold my hand and give it a gentle reassuring squeeze.
“I need to pee.” I said wiggling out of Clint’s grasp. “Go back to sleep. It’s still early.”
With that I ran off to the restroom. I splashed some water on my face and pressed my forehead to the sink as I tried to ground myself.
There is no pit, I’m alive.
There is no pit, I’m alive.
There is no pit, I’m alive.
All better. Except for Hydra trying to kill everyone they considered a threat today.
Somehow that was not as bad as the pit.
I needed to shake it off. I’m not in the pit. That was a dream and it can’t hurt me. Except for the bruises I still had on my legs.
Nope, Hydra. That was today’s problems.
Bruises I could deal with. It wouldn’t be the first time.
I got this.
I washed my hands and opened the door to reveal Steve who looked as if he was about to knock on the door.
“I uh… you’re up early.” Steve said.
“Thought I’d get an early start.” I said stepping out of his way.
“Natasha and Clint?” He asked.
“Still asleep. It’s still early. They can squeeze in another hour.” I said. “Sam?”
“Also asleep.” Steve said. “You… you left us the bag with him.”
“I thought you’d appreciate a clean set of clothes.” I said.
“We did.” He said rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m not good at this.”
“You never have been.” I deadpanned making Steve deflate. “It’s not a bad thing. It’s kind of endearing. I missed it.”
“You’re the one that left.” Steve said.
“So I've heard.” I said. “Theo and Jamie say hi.”
“How are they?” Steve asked.
“They’re good. Actually,” I said taking out my phone and showing him a photo of the three of us at Theo’s graduation.
“That’s Jamie? He’s tall.” Steve said.
“Huge.” I answered. “All legs. Guess it’s a good thing we put him in soccer.”
“He must be good.” Steve said with a smile.
“He’s getting there.” I said.
“Is that where you went after Norway?” He asked.
“One of many places. I don’t really remember Norway, it’s all a blur.” I said Steve gave me a pensive look. Like he wanted to say something but didn’t think I’d take it well. “Before I left, I’m getting the feeling something happened. Not just me moving out which I don’t regret just to make that clear.”
“No you were pretty clear about that before.” Steve said. “The part where you slammed your door in my face because you had your neighbor over…”
“Why would I have my neighbor over? Stranger danger is a very real thing Steve. I would never.” I said.
“But you did. He was locked out of his apartment and you let him wait in your apartment.” He said.
“That doesn’t sound like me.” I said
“I was surprised too.” Steve said.
“This is starting to become a problem.” I muttered to myself.
“Well you’re back now. I guess that’s all that matters.” He said but one look and he knew I wasn't back. “But you’re not back.”
“Not yet.” I said. “I have a few loose ends to tie up at home. You’re mad.”
“No, not mad just…”
“I swear if you say you’re disappointed I’m going to make you ride the cyclone until you puke.” I said.
“Of course you know about that.” Steve said with a chuckle.
“I’m sorry I’m a crappy soulmate.” I said.
“You’re not.” He said.
“I am.” I said not letting him shrug this one off.
“I… I don’t understand you. I’m trying and I’ve been to your world and I know things are different but I don’t and I know that is probably going to make things worse…” Steve said.
“It’s not. Before I jumped off that building 2 years ago the only person I had ever felt safe with was Theo.” I answered. “We bicker constantly and argue and sometimes yell at each other but at the end of the day I know that he will always be on my side. I've never doubted that and I was lucky that I found someone I could trust like that in my world. I have never met anyone else that made me feel safe like that until I met all of you. Even now on the run, fighting Hydra I still feel safe because you’re my soulmates.”
Steve didn’t say anything he just looked at me, looking shocked and dazed as if he couldn’t tell if he had heard right.
“I…” Steve started.
“Steve.” Sam greeted interrupting him. “Hill’s heading out for a supply run if you want to grab your suit… Oh hi…”
“Uh yeah…” Steve said not taking his eyes off of me. “I’ll uh… I…”
“You should…” I said giving him a small smile tilting my head to let him know he should go.
“I need a uniform.” He said trying to explain.
“It’s okay.” I said giving him a small smile. I’d blown off conversations before for less important and even petty reasons, Steve actually had something important to do. “And don’t feel bad for breaking and entering, the suit was yours first.”
Steve nodded before walking away with Sam.
“How does she do that?” Sam whispered to Steve as they left.
“Who would’ve thought a goodie two shoes like Steve Rogers would steal a car, kidnap someone and break into a museum to steal something.” Natasha said popping out of the room as soon as Steve was out of earshot.
“People can surprise you.” I answered.
“You okay?” Natasha asked.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I answered pretending she hadn’t seen the look of pure terror on my face when I woke up from that nightmare.
Natasha stared me down trying to see if I’d crack but I didn’t. She reached behind her back and took out a gun.
“Have you ever used one of these?” She asked offering me her gun.
“Can’t say that I have.” I said. “I’m actually in favor if tighter gun controls.”
“If you’re not going to stay here, then you need to know how to use a gun.” She said.
“Can’t I just use a taser or something?” I asked.
“The people that will come after you won’t be using tasers.” Natasha said taking my hand and pulling me up to my feet.
So for an hour she taught me the basics of gun safety. The gist of it was point, shoot. Don’t pull the trigger, squeeze it. Don’t close your eyes when you shoot. Don’t wave the gun around if the safety isn’t on.
“Don’t hesitate.” Natasha said.
“What if I’m not sure the person coming at me is Hydra?” I asked.
“If they’re shooting at you, they’re Hydra or they’re just as bad.” She deadpanned.
“I don’t think I should have a gun.” I said trying to hand it back.
“You need it. Even if you miss it’ll give you time to run away or for one of us to make the shot.” She said firmly not taking her gun back.
“This makes me really uncomfortable.” I said.
“And we’re all uncomfortable with you being out there. This is a compromise.” Natasha said. “Show me your stance again.”
I took a breath and held the gun with both hands aiming for the tree a few years away from us.
“Your arm needs to be higher. Legs shoulder width apart.” She said correcting my posture.
“Don’t forget to exhale as you squeeze the trigger.” Clint said. Natasha and I turned around to see him leaning against a tree holding a cup of what looked like coffee.
“Is that coffee?” I said lowering the gun.
“Safety.” Natasha said firmly. I quickly flicked the safety of the gun back on before putting it back in its holster.
“Whoops.” I said. Natasha and Clint exchanged looks. “Guy’s I haven’t cracked your language of looks. Can one of you tell me what’s going on?”
“It’s time to go.” Clint said.
“We’re splitting up.” Natasha added. “We need head to the airport. You’re going to be with Hill.”
“Or you can stay here?” Clint said in a last attempt to get me to stay away from the fight. “You’ve already told us what we need to do. You’ve done enough.”
“Nice try. I’m still going.” I answered as I started walking back inside.
“It was worth a try.” Clint said reaching out and gently grasping my arm and pulling me into a hug. “Don’t leave without saying goodbye.” He whispered.
I nodded letting him know I was going to try not to die before I got a chance to say bye.
“Be careful.” Clint said kissing my forehead. I looked around but Natasha was nowhere to be seen. “She’s not good with goodbyes. We’ll see you after.”
“Yeah.” I said watching Clint walk away.
There would be an after. There had to be, unless I’ve screwed things up enough to change the way things happened. Clint wasn't here originally so anything he did would be unaccounted for. I also shouldn’t be here but the worst thing I could do would be get killed, so not a big issue there.
It would be fine.
Things moved pretty fast from there. Everyone had their tasks and now we just had to get to the Triskelion. We met up with Steve and Sam and made our way into the building. Hill quickly deactivated the communications dish to set the security at the entrance on a loop. We went up the stairwell before coming into the control room where some of the techs were chatting away.
“I've been parking there for two months.” One said.
“But it's his spot.” The other answered. Different universe, same office complaints.
“So where's he been?” The first one asked.
“I think Afghanistan.” The other answered.
“Negative, DT-6. The pattern is full. Well, he could have said something. Ow!” One said yanking out his earpiece.
“Must be the dish.” He said.
“I'll check it out.” The parking thief said opening the door only to come face to face with all of us pointing our guns at him.
“Excuse us.” Steve said barging in as both tech immediately put their hands up.
“Move.” Hill said gesturing towards a broom closet on the far side of the room. Once Sam and Hill had tied them up and locked them in the closet we got to work.
“Hanna, see if you can find Pierce.” She said quickly pointing out the monitor next to the one she was working on.
“Easy.” I said bringing up the feed. “Right about now he should be on the top floor with the World Security Council getting ready to toast to a successful launch.”
I quickly swiped through the cameras as I found the feed for right outside of his office.
“Yahtzee.” I said and spotting Natasha who was in position as planned.
“Time to crash the party.” Hill said turning to Steve and handing him the microphone. “You’re up Cap.”
“Attention.” Steve started.
“You have to press the button.” Sam said.
“Right.” Steve said clearing his throat before starting again. “Attention, all SHIELD agents. This is Steve Rogers. You've heard a lot about me over the last few days, some of you were even ordered to hunt me down. But I think it's time you know the truth. SHIELD is not what we thought it was, it's been taken over by HYDRA. Alexander Pierce is their leader. The STRIKE and Insight crew are HYDRA as well. I don't know how many more, but I know they're in the building. They could be standing right next to you. They almost have what they want: absolute control. They shot Nick Fury and it won't end there. If you launch those Helicarriers today, HYDRA will be able to kill anyone that stands in their way, unless we stop them. I know I'm asking a lot, but the price of freedom is high, it always has been, and it's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not.”
“Did you write that down first, or was it off the top of your head?” Sam teased.
“Too much?” Steve asked.
“No, it was all you.” I reassured him.
“You two need to get moving.” Hill reminded him.
“Are we clear?” Sam asked.
“All clear.” I said.
“Hanna.” Steve said. “About earlier…”
“It’s not a big deal.” I said. “You were busy, we’re still busy…”
“Did you mean it? When you said we’re your…” He asked.
“You’re my soulmates.” I said. “I meant all of it. My delivery kind of sucks and I still have to have this talk 3 more times so hopefully it gets better. I haven’t blown my chance have I?”
“No more than I have.” He said taking my hand. “Can we try this again, after?”
“There might be a line.” I said.
“I’ve waited 70 years, I can wait my turn. You’re worth the wait.” Steve said.
“Guys.” Sam said. “Bad guys, outside.”
“I got to…” Steve said smiling down at me.
“I know.” I said smiling back but he still wasn't moving.
“If you’re going to kiss, just do it already!” Hill snapped.
Steve took a step closer but I put my hand on his chest stopping him.
“Whoa, I’m not Peggy Carter, I’m not going to kiss you right before you go crash a plane let alone three.” I said making Steve blush as Sam cleared his throat trying to cover up his laugh. “Go and remember not to pull your punches.”
“I uh…” he said.
“Go!” I said letting him go. Steve nodded before running off.
“They're initiating launch.” Hill said.
“Steve, Sam run faster.” I said.
“Hey, Cap, how do we know the good guys from the bad guys?” Sam said over the comms.
“If they're shooting at you, they're bad.” Steve deadpanned right before they split up.
“And now we wait.” I said to Maria.
That was all I did for the majority of the fight. I sat behind a screen and watched the blinking dot signifying Steve and Sam’s location as they moved from plane to plane.
“Hellicarriers are at 3000 feet.” I said.
“Falcon, status?” Hill asked.
“Engaging.” Sam called back. “Alright, Cap, I'm in…Shit!”
I looked at the cameras outside and saw that a jet was firing at Sam.
“Try to stay in the jet’s blindspot.” I suggested.
“Eight minutes, Cap.” Hill announced.
“Working on it.” Steve said.
“Maybe work faster, you’re about to get some company.” I said watching as a jet that was attempting to takeoff from the hanger exploded.
“Bucky?” Steve asked.
“Yeah and he looks pissed.” I said.
“Alpha locked.” Steve said a minute later.
“Falcon, where are you now?” Hill asked.
“I had to take a detour!” Sam shouted.
“Bogies.” Hill said.
“Find a tight corner.” I said to Sam. “I’ll talk to Tony about that for the next upgrade.”
“Is Stark hiring?” Maria asked.
“I’m sure we can find something for you.” I said.
“I'm in. Bravo locked.” Sam called out.
“Two down, one to go.” Hill said.
“The hardest one.” I said.
“Charlie Carrier's forty-five degrees off the port bow.” Hill said guiding Sam. “Duck.”
“What?” I asked as she pulled out her gun. Oh Duck!
I quickly dropped down as Maria quickly took out two agents.
“Thanks.” I said.
“Six minutes.” Hill said continuing as if nothing had just happened.
“Hey, Sam, I'm gonna need a ride.” Steve said.
“Roger! Let me know when you're ready.” Sam said as Steve jumped off the hellicarrier.
“I just did!” Steve shouted. Sam quickly intercepted his drop and caught him before flying him off to the last
“You know, you're a lot heavier than you look.” Sam retorted.
“Muscle is more dense and heavier than fat.” I said.
“You’ve put a lot of thought into that.” Hill said.
“Just stating a fact.” I said.
“I had a big breakfast.” Steve defended just as they were about to make their way into the hellicarrier Bucky appeared and threw Sam off the hellicarrier. I really needed to talk to Tony about an upgrade.
“Steve!” Sam shouted.
“Cap? Cap, come in. Are you okay?” Sam called out as he slowly parachuted down to the ground.
“Yeah, I'm here! I'm still on the Helicarrier.” Steve said. “Where are you?
“I'm grounded, the suit's down. Sorry, Cap.” Sam said.
“Don't worry, I got it.” Steve said.
“Don’t pull your punches.” I reminded him again.
“All SHIELD agents regroup at Rally Point Delta.” The speaker sounded throughout the building.
“It’s crunch time.” I said spotting Rumlow on one of the cameras making his way upstairs. “Sam where are you?”
“Making my way inside.” Sam answered.
“Rumlow's headed for the Council.” Maria said quickly.
“I'm on it.” Sam said.
“He’s here.” Steve whispered.
“People are gonna die, Buck. I can't let that happen.” Steve said but still got no answer from him. “Please, don't make me do this.”
“Drop it! Drop it!” We heard Steve order Bucky.
“Steve you have one minute.” I said watching as the targeting system on all three hellicarriers started targeting Fury, Natasha, Clint, Steve, Maria here in DC before increasing it’s range and taking AIM at Avengers Tower, specifically Tony, Bruce, Thor, Pepper, and another handful of employees.
“Thirty seconds, Cap!” Hill said.
“Stand by.” Steve groaned. “Charlie... Uh!”
“Steve?” I called out.
“Ah, Charlie locked.” Steve responded as the targeting system was deactivated.
“Reprogramming, they’re going to shoot at each other.” Hill said.
“Steve, get out of there.” I said.
“Fire now.” Steve said.
“Steve.” I warned him.
“Do it! Do it now!” He shouted back.
Maria turned to me and I nodded. She entered the commend and the hellicarriers shot at each other.
“Steve, he’s not going to stop.” I said.
“I can’t leave him. Not again.” Steve groaned.
“I know, but the second you lift that beam off of him he is going to come at you again.” I said.
“That’s a chance I have to take.” Steve said groaning as they started going at it again.
“We need to go.” Maria said as the crash trajectory of the hellicarriers showed on the computers to be right on us.
“Steve, Fight back.” I said.
“You know me.” Steve said ignoring me.
“He can take the hit. Knock him out. It might reset him. It worked for Nat when Clint was brainwashed by Loki.” I said getting up and following Hill out of there.
Reset him…
Reset him…
Oh…
That’s it.
“Sputnik!” I shouted.
“Potato?” Hill asked confused.
“Steve, listen.” I started. “In some of the comics there’s a kill code for Bucky’s programming. It won’t hurt him, it’ll just put him to sleep for a bit. Say “Sputnik””
“Bucky…” I heard before the comm cut out.
“Steve?” I called out but all I got was static. He didn’t hear a word I just said.
“Comms are down. We need to go.” Hill said grabbing my arm and leading me out.
“Are we going up?” I asked.
“No time,” She said leading me to the car garage and quickly breaking into one.
“I’ve got to learn how to do that.” I said getting in the car before Maria sped out of the garage. “Stay near the river.”
“We don’t want to be near the river when those Hellicarriers hit the ground.” Hill said.
“Steve got shot, not to mention all the other hits he took to the head.” I said. “He’s going to need medical attention.”
“Where?” Hill asked.
I looked out the car window to get a better look.
“That side, somewhere along that tree line.” I answered.
“Hold on.” Hill said slamming her foot on the gas as we sped across the bridge, while there was still a bridge to cross.
Hours later…
I was in the hospital watching the doctors operate on Steve. Even with his healing factor he was in rough shape.
Natasha, Clint and Fury were still wrapping things up.
“You let him go.” Hill said.
“He’s a super soldier with over 70 years of training and 50 or more kills. Even if we tried, we wouldn’t have been able to stop him.” I said finally noticing the blood on my hands from trying to stop Steve from bleeding out while we waited for the ambulance. “He wasn't the priority.”
“Not sure Steve is going to see it that way.” Maria said.
“He’ll understand.” I said as the door opened and Natasha and Clint ran in.
Natasha didn’t say anything just pulled me into a tight bone crushing hug. Once I regained feeling in my arms I retuned the hug just as tight.
Once she pulled back she looked me over.
“There’s blood on your hands.” She said immediately checking me for any injuries.
“It’s not mine.” I said. “You okay?”
“EMP arrowhead did the trick.” Natasha said with a smirk.
“That must’ve been a fun surprise.” I said as Clint took his turn looking me over.
“They never saw it coming.” Clint said looking over the operating room where they were working on Steve. “How’s he?”
“He took a few hits, but he’ll live.” I said.
“At least it’s over.” Clint said
“For today.” I said and they all turned to me. “You know what they say, cut off one head and another will take its place. I doubt all of them went down with those ships.”
“Great.” Hill groaned.
“Am I the only one that’s weirdly really hungry?” I asked them watching as they took the bullet out of Steve. “Some shawarma would be really good right about now.”
“Not sure about Shawarma but I’ll see what can find.” Clint said exchanging a look with Natasha.
“You need to clean up.” Natasha said.
“I will after they’re done with Steve.” I said.
“It’s going to be an hour or two.” She said.
“Then I’ll clean up in an hour or two.” I said. I could feel the stern look Natasha was giving me but I was not moving, not until I knew Steve was going to be okay. Like, 100% sure, not just because I saw it in a movie.
Natasha eventually relented and started cleaning the blood off my hands with a hand towel, bottle of water and some wet wipes. That got rid of most of it.
Finally when the surgery and the surgeon popped into the room to let us know everything had gone well did I let Natasha drag me to an empty hospital room to get cleaned up.
After the past three days, feeling the warm water just pour over me it was like a giant weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Like I could breathe again. Then I opened my eyes and looked down at my legs to see the bruises wrapped around them.
I needed to go home and to do that, I was going to have to go there again.
A part of me, the very selfish and cowardly part of me, thought that maybe I should just stay here for good. Jamie saw me die and he could go on thinking that.
No, it wasn't right. He’s been through so much already. I couldn’t do that to him. I couldn’t do that to Theo. I had to take this chance for them.
And then I had to figure out how to explain that I was back from the dead.
Fuck, how was I going to do that?
What I would give to stay in this shower and never come out… but I had to get out, not only because I was starting to prune but because there was no more hot water.
I groaned as I dried off and got dressed in the straight cut blue jeans Natasha had picked out that were just the right amount of baggy, a cream colored Henley and because she already knew how easily I got cold, a very cozy looking grey knit cardigan. I slipped on the black converse she had left by the door for me.
“Better?” She asked.
“Much.” I said as there was a knock on the door.
Natasha opened the door a bit to see who it was before letting Clint in holding bags of Chinese food.
“Foods here.” Natasha said.
“I didn’t know what you were in the mood for, so I got a bit of everything.” Clint said.
“Potstickers?” I asked.
“Doubled up just for you.” He said offering me a box.
“You’re the best.” I said popping open the box and taking a bite of the perfectly doughy dumpling. We sat down to eat not saying anything. Though I could tell they were both having one of their silent conversations again.
“Everything okay?” I asked once I was done eating.
“Nothing you need to worry about.” Natasha said.
“Then why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?” I retorted.
“SHIELD’s gone and when Nat dumped all those files onto the internet, it wasn't just SHIELD files.” Clint said.
“We’re both compromised.” Natasha said. “Everything we did during our time with SHIELD and before that…”
“It wasn't all… good.” Clint said. “And they’re going to want someone to blame for all of this.”
“We have proof HYDRA was SHIELD. You’re not going to get arrested.” I said.
“It’s not the government we’re worried about.” Clint said.
“I’m handling them.” Natasha said.
“We pissed off a lot of people.” Clint said.
“That’s nothing new. So maybe undercover work isn’t really an option but didn’t stop you both after New York.” I retorted.
“And just like after New York, we’re thinking the best thing to do while all of this blows over is to lay low for a while.” Natasha said.
“I’m sure Tony won’t mind having you guys back at the tower. It’s not like there isn’t enough room.” I said but by the looks on their faces I understood what they were trying to say. “You’re not going back to New York.”
“We will just, not right away.” Natasha said. “And we’ll keep busy. Like you said, not everyone went down with those ships.”
“When are you guys leaving?” I asked.
“I’m sticking around for a few days while I wrap up a few loose ends.” Natasha asked.
“I need to go tonight.” Clint said.
“They’re still putting out the fires at the Triskelion. Can’t it wait?” I asked.
“He needs to go before they start looking for him.” Natasha said.
“Hanna,” Clint said reaching out for my hands. “It’s not forever. Just a few weeks until the worst of it blows over. I’m probably going to be back by the time you get back from seeing Jamie and Theo.”
“Are you sure the tower wouldn’t be a safer place to hide out?” I asked.
“Not if it leads them right to you.” Clint said.
“This sucks.” I said.
“Yeah, but for just a little while.” Clint said pulling me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around him trying to make the most of the last hug I was going to get from Clint for who knows how long.
“We need to get moving.” Natasha said.
“Yeah.” Clint said hesitantly letting me go as Natasha handed me a very familiar looking small handbag with a wallet.
“We picked these up in Norway for you.” She said.
“I don’t think the vending machine down the hall accepts Krone.” I teased.
“I swapped those out for you.” Natasha said. “No matter what happens tomorrow, what you see or hear, you need to stay in the hospital. It’s the safest place for you right now. Don’t leave until someone comes to get you.”
“I’m not leaving until Steve wakes up.” I said. “He should see a friendly face when he wakes up.”
“You’re going to have to fight Sam for the armchair.” Natasha teased.
“If he’s picking the music, I get to pick my seat.” I said getting up to follow Natasha to Steve’s room.
Sure enough Sam was already in the chair next to Steve’s bed when we walked in.
“Should I be concerned about this turning into a love triangle or is this going to be a throuple situation?” I said watching Sam panic.
“What? No, no I… I’m not… not that you’re not…” Sam started only for Natasha to glare at him.
“I’m messing with you.” I said before Natasha strangled him. “You’re lucky there’s an extra chair.”
I walked over to the opposite side of Steve’s bed and got comfortable in the chair.
“You two sticking around?” Sam asked.
“There nowhere else I should be right now.” I said. “Have you called your sister?”
“Yeah, I…” Sam started before looking up from his phone to look at me. “How did you know I have a sister?”
“That’s what I do, I drink and I know things.” I answered with a shrug.
“That’s your superpower?” He asked making Natasha chuckle.
“No superpowers, just caller ID.” I said pointing to his phone as I gently took Steve’s hand and looked at the scabs on his knuckles. Maybe he got a few good hits in.
“So what else do you know, other than I now have to go car shopping?” Sam teased.
“Aren’t you glad you got that extra coverage?” Natasha teased.
“I don’t think there’s enough coverage for all the damage you three can do.” Sam asked.
“Why am I included in this? My driving record is perfect.” I said.
“Trouble by association.” Sam said with a smirk.
Eventually the day caught up to us and we were too tired to keep bantering. Sam knocked out first followed my Natasha. I, on the other hand decided to stay up for as long as possible. As if that would save me from the nightmares but it was worth a try.
I was starting to doze off when Natasha got up early to try to sneak out.
“Good morning.” I said making her jump a bit.
“You’re supposed to be asleep.” Natasha said.
“Is this going to be a thing when you stay the night?” I asked.
“I’m going to sleepover?” Natasha grinned.
“Not sure about this universe but in mine if you’re with someone and it’s going somewhere, there are quite a few sleepovers.” I said.
“That’s good to know.” Natasha said. “I have to go get ready. I have a senate hearing.”
“Black pantsuit, black scoop neck top, not sure about shoes but there’s no wrong answer.” I said recalling the outfit I saw her wear in the movie.
“We’re picking each other’s outfits now?” She asked combing her fingers through my hair.
“You picked mine.” I said.
“I guess I should start thinking about the next outfit, something for us to go somewhere. A coffee shop?” She suggested.
“Are you asking me out on a date?” I asked. “You know I’m very picky about my coffee.”
“I’ll make sure they have matcha lattes.” She said.
“Dirty matcha lattes.” I corrected.
“Extra shot, extra matcha.” She said remembering my coffee order. “With oat milk.”
“You remembered.” I said smiling.
“Hard to forget.” She said taking my hand. “Remember what we told you.”
“I know. Be careful.” I said hugging her.
“Get some sleep. You need it.” Natasha urged. “I will drug you.”
“Kinky but I should tell you noncon is a hard no and a dealbreaker for me.” I said making her arch an eyebrow.
“Sleep.” She insisted. “I’ll check in on your later.”
“Don’t piss off too many senators.” I said.
I wrapped the cardigan around me as I curled up as best as I could in that chair facing Steve. I could stay up if I wanted to. I wasn't that tired. Besides I could sleep the next time I’m dead.
It wouldn’t be the first all nighter I've ever pulled.
Oh no, I didn’t need sleep. I was perfectly happy to curl up in this chair and watch Steve breathe all night. Yup. All good. I’m just going to rest my eyes for a minute and… mmmmh
Hours Later…
To say that Steve took a beating would be an understatement. He hadn’t felt this sore the first time he woke after almost 70 years in ice.
The first thing he noticed was the sterile smell that could only come from a hospital. Seventy years later and that smell had not changed. The next thing he heard was music.
He slowly opened his eyes to the glaring fluorescent lights of his hospital room. He said the phone that was playing the music he was hearing. Upon closer attention he saw the cover of Marvin Gaye’s Troubleman Album.
Steve turned to his right and saw Sam sitting at his bedside reading a magazine.
“On your left.” Steve said making Sam look up at him and smile.
“Welcome back Cap.” Sam greeted. “You feeling okay?”
“Sore.” Steve said.
“That’s what happens when you get shot, crash an aircraft into a river, break a few ribs, take a couple hits to the face, I heard something about a concussion…” Sam said.
“Is that all?” Steve said. “How’d I get out?”
“You should ask her.” Sam said nodding to the opposite side of Steve’s bed where Hanna was curled up in her chair asleep. “She’s the one who found you.”
“How long has she been here?” Steve asked.
“She hasn’t left your side.” Sam answered. “Natasha practically had to drag her out to make her shower and eat something. I think it’s safe to say that she's into you.”
“I think you might be right.” Steve said smiling as he watched Hanna sleep. “Where’s Bucky?”
A little while later…
Hospitals got a bad reputation for being a hard place to sleep in. Sure the chair I was on wasn't very cushioned. The plastic cover on it should not be recommended for summer use but if you curled up in just the right position you wouldn’t feel how uncomfortable it was until you tried to get up.
I didn’t want to get up but I smelled something. Not the intense smell of disinfectant but something wonderful. The only thing that could make having to open my eyes right now bearable.
“Coffee…” I groaned.
“Look who’s up.” Sam said.
“Coffee.” I groaned trying to sit up but not liking how sore I was feeling I opened my eyes to Sam sipping his piping hot cup of joe. “Ow… Coffee is the only thing worth waking up for.”
“You sure about that?” Sam asked looking to Steve who was awake and smiling.
“Definitely, but you’re a close second.” I said taking Steve’s hand. “How are you feeling?”
“Sore, but I’ll live.” Steve said.
“Guessing you didn’t hear my tip about the potato?” I asked.
“Potato?” Steve asked.
“Doesn’t matter.” I said gently rubbing his knuckles.
“What happened to Bucky?” Steve asked.
“He left.” I said.
“I thought I was getting through to him.” Steve said disappointed.
“You did.” I said. “He was the one who pulled you out of the water.”
“You saw him?” Steve said.
“Briefly.” I said. “I saw him pull you out and he just walked away.”
“You didn’t try to stop him?” Sam asked.
“The guy has been tortured and brainwashed into following Hydra’s orders. It felt wrong to take away the first real decision he’s made for himself in 70 years.” I answered. Steve and Sam couldn’t argue with that.
“Will he hurt anyone?” Steve asked.
“No one that didn’t try to hurt him first. He’ll be okay, he just needs some time.” I answered looking at the time on the clock hanging over the door. “And speaking of time, now would be a good time to turn on the news.”
Sam grabbed the remote from Steve’s bedside table and switched on the TV, flipping through a few channels until he finally got the right one and right on time for Natasha to be sworn in before her committee hearing.
“Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth?” The balif said holding a bible that Natasha had her hand on.
“I do.” Natasha said before taking her seat. It was a few minutes of introducing the committee, briefing statement and posturing before they started digging in.
“Why haven't we yet heard from Captain Rogers?” The committee general said.
“I don't know what there is left for him to say.” Natasha said. “I think the wreck in the middle of the Potomac made his point fairly eloquently.”
“Well, he could explain how this country's expected to maintain its national security now that he and you have laid waste to our intelligence apparatus.” He retorted.
“HYDRA was selling you lies, not intelligence.” Natasha deadpanned.
“Many of which you seem to have had a personal hand in telling.” One of the senators added.
“Agent, you should know that there are some on this committee who feel, given your service record, both for this country and against it, that you belong in a penitentiary, not mouthing off on Capitol Hill.” Scudder said. Boy I would love to see them try.
“You're not gonna put me in a prison.” Natasha said without a single doubt. “ You're not gonna put any of us in a prison. You know why?”
“Do enlighten us.” Scudder said trying to make it seem like he wasn't intimidated by her which he obviously was.
“Because you need us. Yes, the world is a vulnerable place, and yes, we helped make it that way. But we're also the ones best qualified to defend it. So if you want to arrest me, arrest me. You'll know where to find me.” Natasha said getting up and walking away after the ultimate mic drop moment. The media went crazy trying to get a comment from her as she left.
“Should I start looking for a lawyer?” Sam asked.
“Normally I’d call SHIELD. Do we call Tony?” Steve asked.
“Nope, the senate just needs to make it look like they actually have a handle on the situation even though everyone knows that they don’t and are completely out of their depth. It was all for show.” I said. It was the same in any universe. “You should still lay low. At least until media attention dies down.”
Hours later…
Sam and I got kicked out of Steve’s room while his nurse changed his bandages and probably tried to give him a sponge bath. I was going to tease him about that later. We were sitting outside of Steve’s room as started thinking about how I was going to explain my dying, disappearance and sudden reappearance to Jamie and Theo. Nothing I could come up with would keep me out of the looney bin.
“You’re going to wear out the floor.” Sam said. “They’re just changing his bandages.”
“I know.” I said.
“You okay?” Sam asked.
“I need coffee.” I said.
“You’ve already had two cups.” Sam said.
“Just two? No wonder I’m so antsy, I’m behind schedule.” I said. “Want anything?”
“I’m okay.” Sam said.
Little did I know that as I was going to hunt down a decent cup of coffee, outside a very flashy Audi with familiar vanity plates had just pulled up and parked at the curb.
Third Person’s POV-
Steve was still in bed but they had finally removed the IV and the heart monitor. Sam was back in his seat by his bedside as they discussed where they were going to start looking for Bucky.
Someone knocked at the room door and Steve groaned.
“Is it time for your sponge bath?” Sam teased.
“Ew no…” Tony said sauntering into the room.
“Tony?” Steve said surprised.
“Aren’t you happy to see me?” Tony teased. “I would have been here sooner for the fun part but apparently you forgot how to a phone.”
“I was going to call.” Steve said.
“Were you? Lucky for you a certain former deputy director was nice enough to let us know what was going on.” Tony said reaching down to uncover something he had pulled out of the wreckage of the hellicarriers in the Potomac. “Including to let me know you misplaced your favorite frisbee.”
“They pulled it out of the river?” Sam asked.
“I pulled it out of the river. Gave me a chance to try out my new scuba suit and sonar.” Tony said looking around the room almost as if looking for something or someone. “I’m pretty sure I have tinnitus but the shield completes the whole apple pie look you’ve working.”
“Thank you.” Steve said.
“It’s what I do, even when I don’t get called.” Tony said trying to check the bathroom.
“She’s not here.” Steve said knowing exactly who he was looking for.
“Your nurse? Guess you’re not getting your sponge bath today.” Tony said.
“Hanna.” Steve said.
“Oh she’s here? Really?” Tony said.
“She went to go get coffee.” Sam said.
“Oh, it is almost time for her third cup of the day.” Tony said tapping on his watch. “Well I just wanted to drop this off. Try not to lose it this time.”
“Promise and thank you.” Steve said.
“Don’t thank me, call me next time.” Tony said before turning to Sam. “And you, next time you’re in New York stop by the tower and we’ll talk about your upgrade.”
“I don’t think I’ll need one.” Sam said.
“Sure you will, especially if you stick around this guy.” Tony said with a smirk before walking out.
“Talk about a quick visit.” Sam said.
“He’s not here for me.” Steve said with a grin.
Hanna’s POV-
Just my luck, just when I finally decide to venture down to the cafeteria, they decide to close early. Guess I was going to have to make do with the watered down stuff from the vending machine.
I headed back upstairs and went straight to the machine. I put in my quarters and the cup dropped down. The hot water poured into the cup before the machine just stopped.
“Come on.” I said pressing the button again but no luck. “Uh… stupid machine.”
I could actually kill for a cup of coffee right now.
Defeated I turned around and decided to go back. Maybe I could convince one of the nurses to take pity on me and grab me a cup from their lounge. No way all of these nurses got through their shift without one. Or maybe Natasha could get me one on her way here when she visited.
I was about halfway down the hallway when I saw a very familiar face turn the corner and stop when he saw me.
“Tony. Hi.” I said not expecting him at all.
“Hi.” He said with a smirk as we both just stood there staring at each other. “I know that look. No coffee?”
“The cafeteria’s closed and the machine isn’t working.” I said.
“What kind of hospital is this?” He said outraged on my behalf.
“No wonder nurses keep going on strike. Who can work under these conditions?” I said.
“You’re having a rough couple of days.” Tony said.
“Rough year.” I corrected.
“Year?” He said looking me over and noticing how long my hair. I could tell he caught what I was really trying to say.
“Year.” I confirmed.
“I heard Norway can do that to a person.” Tony said not looking at all happy about my impromptu vacation.
“So I've heard.” I answered. “I missed you.”
“Not enough to call?” He asked.
“I was out of my phone carrier’s service area.” I retorted. “Have I mentioned I missed you?”
Tony looked like he wanted to be mad and I deserved it but instead he pulled me into a hug. I didn’t hesitate to put my arms around him and hug him tight. He started to pull away to say something but I pulled him back
“What…” he started.
“Not ready.” I mumbled into his shoulder refusing to let go.
“Okay.” He said putting his arms around me again and not moving until I was ready.
Eventually, I let go of him when I realized I had no idea why he would be in DC. It’s too early for Sokovia.
“Why are you here? Please tell me Hydra didn’t already grow another head.” I said.
“No, uh…” Tony said. “I uh, came to get Cap his shield back. Took me a couple of hours to drag it out of the Potomac, also thought Natashalie might need dome PR help.”
“Damage control.” I said.
“Among other things.” He said gently taking my hand to check on the bracelet. “Still does the job but I think it might be time for an upgrade, especially if you’re going to be in the field.”
“Oh no, that was a last minute, best option available sort of thing.” I said. “Besides I like my bracelet. I rarely take it off.”
“Works even better when I can track it.” Tony said. “If you let me.”
“It’s not my fault Jarvis likes me.” I answered. “It’s probably a design flaw.”
“That’s not a bad flaw to have.” He said with a smile.
“I…” I started to say what I had been waiting a year to say only for Tony’s phone to start ringing.
“Sorry.” Tony said sending the phone to voicemail. “You were saying.”
“I really…” I started again but his phone started ringing. “You should take that.”
“No it can… oh actually it can’t wait. Just one…” Tony asked.
“Go for it.” I said.
“This is really not a good time.” Tony answered not taking his eyes off of me. “Uhuh… yeah that does tend to happen when you tell the US government where to stick it.”
“Nat?” I asked and Tony nodded.
“I can get you a hotel or I’m heading back to New York tonight. There’s plenty of room on the jet…” Tony said. “Yeah… okay… then why…. She’s here. Wasn't planning on it. She wants to talk to you.”
I took his phone already knowing where this conversation was going.
“How many senators did you piss off?” I asked.
“Just a few.” She said. “They’re watching my apartment.”
“Which one?” I asked.
“The one on record but it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re already watching the hospital.” Natasha said.
“You have to go don’t you?” I asked.
“This isn’t how I wanted to go.” Natasha said.
“And here I was hoping we’d be able to squeeze in that coffee date before I left.” I said. “Mostly because I’d kill for a good cup right about now.”
“I’m going to have to take a rain check.” She said.
“I’m holding you to it, I’m still waiting on my dirty matcha latte.” I teased.
“You should go with Tony.” Natasha said. “Steve’s going to go after Bucky. All eyes will be on him.”
“Think he’ll be okay alone?” I said.
“I don’t think his new sidekick is going to leave him alone anytime soon.” She said.
“And he’s still in denial about the superhero life now being his life.” I said.
“He’ll come around once he gets new wings.” Natasha said probably already having a plan to make him come around.
“Yeah, I’ll put Tony right on it. You sure about this?” I asked.
“It’s not the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last.” She said.
“I guess I’ll see you when I get back.” I said. “Be careful.”
“You too.” Natasha said before hanging up.
“You’re going somewhere?” Tony asked.
“Yeah… I have a couple of things I need to catch you up on.” I said handing him back his phone.
“Like?” Tony asked.
“Do you have a coffee maker on your plane?” I asked.
“Espresso maker.” He answered.
“Let me go say bye to Steve.” I said marching over to Steve’s room.
It was a quick goodbye with me telling him not to look too hard for Bucky. He wouldn’t be found until he was ready to be found.
Tony didn’t let me wait until we got to the airfield for me to get my cup of coffee. We hit a Starbucks drive through on our way and once we were in the air the stewardess brought me an espresso without me even asking for it.
“So?” Tony said.
“So….” I started. “Norway. I don’t know what I was thinking but it happened and I guess I thought it was going to figure… this out. I needed answers and instead I got pushed off a cliff.”
“Someone pushed you off a cliff?” Tony said. “You were murdered?”
“Thor’s dad does not like me, it’s mutual. I could have gotten over getting killed, the memory thing is becoming a problem.” I said.
“Memory thing?” He asked.
“He used magic and everything that happened in Norway and the lead up to Norway is a blur. I remember bits and pieces. I remember our talk but how I found Odin, I have no idea.” I answered. “I fell, died, woke up in another universe… rinse, repeat.
“And you came back.” Tony said.
“Not right away.” I said.
“A whole year.” Tony said.
“I was going to come back but I had to be a mom and a friend for a while.” I answered. “And while I was there I decided to go see Elaine.”
“Elaine? Therapist Elaine?” he asked.
“Therapist Elaine of my world.” I answered before I corrected myself. “My other world.”
“How was she?” Tony asked.
“Just as good but not as nice.” I said. “Tougher, did not let anything go. She made me dig deep. Really deep which just confirmed what I said to you before I left. You are not the problem, it was all me.”
“It wasn't all you.” Tony said.
“Don’t do that.” I said.
“Do what?” He said.
“Sweep it under the rug. I’m trying to take some responsibility for the mess I've made.” I explained.
“It’s not a mess. The Hydra Fiasco is a mess. Romanoff telling the US Security and Defense committee to kiss her ass is a mess. You’re…” he started and I gave him a look. “Working on it. We all are. Must’ve been a really busy year for you.”
“You don’t know the half of it.” I answered. “I actually got to meet another Tony Stark.”
“Another me? What was he like?” Tony asked.
“Exact same guy from the movies, does not live up to the original though.” I reassured Tony.
“Not as good looking?” Tony teased.
“No, there was just… something missing.” I said thinking back to our kiss. Tony probably didn’t need to hear about that part. “Great guy though.”
“I can imagine.” He said. “One whole year huh?”
“It wasn’t the plan but they needed me.” I said. “And I needed the space and mean Elaine.”
“I’ve met Elaine, I can’t imagine her being mean.” Tony said.
“Wish I could say the same thing.” I answered. “Her methods were… a bit more direct but effective.”
“And now you’re back.” Tony said.
“Well…” I started.
“You’re not back?” He asked. “You were there for a year.”
“I was and I am coming back, I was actually wrapping up there.” I said.
“So you are staying.” Tony said.
“No I actually need to get back. I got run over by a bus, in front of Jamie.” I said.
“Ouch.” He cringed.
“Not sure how I’m going to explain that one.” I said. “A coma maybe, or maybe one of those times your heart rate was just really slow and I woke up in the morgue?”
“That would explain how you’re alive not the disappearing part.” Tony said.
“Bad CGI?” I teased. “I’ll think of something. My boss is not going to be happy, when he gave me my job back I promised I wouldn’t drop everything without some notice… wait do I still have a job here?”
“You’re a bit behind planning the gala but your boss did approve your leave.” He said.
“Thanks,” I said sipping my espresso. “After I’m back though, we should do something.”
“Like?” Tony asked.
“I don’t know, it’s been a while since we’ve been on a roller coaster.” I said.
“What? Taking down bad guys wasn't enough of a thrill for you?” He asked.
“I wouldn’t really call that a thrilling as much as terrifying. If you’re not in the mood for rollercoasters we could just stick to grabbing burgers and shakes. Is a Ramen burger a thing yet because that could be a good date.” I said.
“I’m not sure what a ramen burger is or if soup should go with a burger… wait did you just say date?” Tony asked.
“No soup involved, or at least I don’t think so…” I started.
“You said date?” He said again.
“Instead of the buns you just have ramen noodles squished together to act as a bun.” I explained. “I never got to try one but it looked good.”
“I heard date.” Tony said.
“Yeah, if not a ramen burger a normal burger would be good too.” I said but Tony just stared at me in shock. “I totally did this wrong didn’t I? Three tries and still haven’t figured out how to this right.”
“Are you trying to ask me out on a date?” Tony said in shock.
“No… well yes… kind of…” I admitted. “I jumped the gun didn’t I?”
“No I’m just confused because this is really out of the blue…” Tony said.
“And I blew my chance didn’t I?” I said.
“No, I’m just… I think we need to slow down… and wow I can’t believe what just came out of my mouth.” Tony said.
“A complete 180 from a year ago… or should I say a month ago?” I retorted. “Maybe I should start at the beginning?”
“That’s a good idea.” Tony said.
So I did… by the time we were landing in New York he was all caught up and he said nothing. It was quiet for about five minutes before he just said…
“I… I don’t know what to say.” Tony said.
“Anything is good. Witty comeback? Snark?” I said.
“I… No. I’m drawing blanks.” He said.
“If I totally blew my chance at being soulmates I wouldn’t hold it against you.” I said.
“No! No, you’re it.” Tony said. “Completely without a doubt, you are what I've been waiting for my whole life, and the past two years. You’re it.”
“I’m it?” I asked.
“It’s you. It’s always been you.” Tony said.
“Sorry for the wait.” I said.
“No need. It’s the right place, right time like always.” Tony said. “You were asking me out on a real date right? Not like saying it’s a date like the date is set?”
“No it’s a date date.” I said.
“As in this is not a strictly platonic thing anymore? We’re a serious thing?” Tony clarified.
“I’ll put it to you like this, as soon as I get back, we should consider going down to HR to formally turn this situationship into a relationship on paper.” I said.
“I can’t wait to go to HR with you.” Tony said.
“Wait until I after I have this talk with Bruce and Thor.” I said.
“You may have to wait a bit. Pointbreak’s in London and Bruce went with him to pick Selvig’s brain about something.” Tony said.
“That gives me some time to work on what I’m going to say.” I said. “Might be easier without an impending global threat.”
Hours Later…
Tony had a few calls to make to finish wrapping things up in DC, I took advantage of that to answer a couple of work emails. Jarvis did an amazing job pulling out the most urgent emails.
It was almost dinner when Tony finally called it a day.
“Are we ordering in or should we go out?” Tony asked.
“Actually, it’s time for me to go.” I said.
“Oh.” He said. “You don’t want to eat first?”
“It’s actually better if I don’t.” I said. “My rendition of the exorcist has not gotten better.”
“Right.” He said looking like wanted to go for a hug but second guessing himself, so I initiated the hug.
“Stay out of trouble, no evil robots, rocks from outer space, trying to make Bruce go green…” I said.
“Promise.” Tony said.
“No lab binges.” I said.
“Oh… that might be hard.” He started.
“Sleep at least 6 hours a night.” I continued.
“I’ll try.” He said.
“No impulse remodeling.” I said.
“You sure? Your room…” He started.
“Keeping my apartment.” I said.
“I thought we were…” Tony started.
“haven’t even been on our first date yet.” I said.
“Can we talk about this when you’re back?” He said.
“Yes but the answer will be the same.” I said letting go of him.
“It’s an easier commute.” Tony argued.
“Talk later.” I said shrugging off my cardigan leaving me in a short sleeved white Henley. “I really like that cardigan and it’s a pain to get blood out of cashmere. No wild parties.”
“I’ll save it for the gala.” Tony said amused. “Maybe we should switch the theme and make it a toga party.”
“No one needs to see that much of your board.” I said and he cringed.
“We can always take them off the list.” He suggested.
“I’m sure Pepper will love that.” I said walking out to the balcony. “Easy on the terminator jokes, Steve is sensitive.”
“Are you stalling?” Tony said.
“No, there’s just a lot to go over.” I said as I kept walking while Tony stopped.
“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Tony offered.
“I have to go save my kid from a lifetime of mommy issues.” I said. “Which reminds me, I don’t think you should be the one to tell Thor his dad killed me…”
“I’ll wait for you to tell him.” Tony said. “Is that all?”
“That covers it.” I said. “I’m gonna jump.”
“I’ll see you soon.” Tony said not following me out and staying by the door. He probably didn’t want to watch this next part. I couldn’t blame him.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I said going to the edge of the balcony. Tony had gone back inside. I looked down at the street some ninety-something floors down and dreaded what was waiting for me at the bottom.
Then I realized I forgot something really important and ran back inside.
“I almost forgot…” I said as Tony quickly his the glass of scotch he was about to drink.
“Honey whatever it is…” He started before I gently grabbed his suit vest and pulled him closer and I stood up on my tiptoes to kiss him.
Tony instantly shut up and put his hands on my waist holding me close as he eagerly returned the kiss. Unlike the last time I kissed a Tony Stark this time it was electric. Fireworks were going off and it felt right, confirming what I already knew to be true. He was it for me, they all were.
“Wow.” Tony said once we both came up for air.
“Yeah… that’s better.” I said smiling.
“Yeah?” Tony said with a grin.
“Yeah.” I said giving him one last kiss.
“We’re definitely doing more of that later.” I said before running out to the balcony and jumping off the edge.
Totally worth dying for.