[A/N]: Catching up! Enjoy!
xXx
Steve hated the situation he was in. He had friends on both sides, and that was only one part of it. He didn't know what was right.
Most issues he'd faced before were cut and dry. Black and white. One side was right, one side was wrong, there was no grey area. But this one was different. On one hand, he could protect Bucky, his best friend for decades that he'd just gotten back. On the other, he understood that some could see the Avengers as dangerous for working outside any government restrictions. He didn't exactly like the idea of being kept in check like they would be, of becoming a dancing monkey yet again, but he understood where they were coming from.
On one side was Bucky. And Clint, Sam, and Wanda. They were his friends, those he'd come to trust. They'd lay down their lives for him, and he'd do the same for them. He had complete confidence in them.
On the other side was Tony, and Natasha. Two individuals he'd become close to since joining the team. Sure, he and Tony had fought a lot and hadn't always seen eye to eye, but he knew him better now. Arguments and insults were his defense mechanism as much as fists and the shield were for Steve. Tony was a good man, but sometimes he made decisions Steve didn't agree with. Tony tried to do what was right, and Steve respected him for that, but mistakes are made. He happened to make a lot of mistakes, but they were made of an effort to do good. They didn't make the mistakes go away, but the idea helped.
And Natasha. After the S.H.I.E.L.D. collapse, they'd become close. He saw a new side to the spy that he hadn't seen before. She could be playful and joking, right alongside serious and curt. They spent much time together, sparring or catching him up on pop culture, or hanging out with Clint and Sam.
But that all was before. Now he was being forced to choose between his friends. He had a twist in his stomach, knowing that no matter what he chose, someone would be hurt. It wasn't what he wanted, but it would be what happened.
He'd try to convince Tony and Natasha and the others to see things how he did. If the whole team was together, it would be easier. If they'd learned anything these past years, it was that they were stronger together.
And that was how he hoped they remained.
xXx
Inspired by Creedance Clearwater Revival's song 'Bad Moon Rising'.