The following morning brought a cold, lashing springtime rain to the streets of New York. Natasha found Steve in the hotel's conference room, staring pensively out the window at the grey skies. She suspected he might have been standing there all night.
"You're up early," she greeted him.
Steve gave her a weary smile. "It's been a busy morning."
"Is everything all right?"
"Tony was subpoenaed last night."
"What?" Natasha was horrified.
"Don't worry - he's not in jail," Steve assured her. "But just so you know, the lawsuits are starting to roll in."
Natasha sighed and sank into one of the conference room chairs. "Well, I guess that was to be expected," she allowed. "But it's still depressing."
"I talked to Tony this morning. He says his lawyers have everything covered, and not to worry. But he's basically under house arrest for the time being."
Natasha groaned with dismay. "These idiots do realize that Tony was busy saving all their lives, don't they?"
Steve seated himself in one of the chairs across from Natasha. "This isn't going to go well for us, Natasha. We're not entirely without fault here. If the fact that Stark and Banner helped create Ultron ever became public knowledge, it would end the team."
"Maybe it already has," Natasha answered grimly.
"For now, the authorities have another scapegoat they're focused on."
"You're worried they're coming after Wanda."
"I think they already are. Tony was targeted because of what happened in Johannesburg -"
"Hey, there's no way anybody possibly made a positive ID on Tony, not in that suit-within-a-suit," Natasha protested.
"Agreed. But the bottom line is, Tony funds the Avengers - and the Avengers are known to have taken Wanda into private custody. They want her, so they start with him."
"What? Nothing for the rest of us?" Natasha managed a taut-lipped smile.
"I'm sure it's just a matter of time," Steve admitted.
"What do we do, then?"
"Get off-grid. As quickly as possible. Tony is volunteering to take heat for us as the public face of the Avengers. His legal team is the best there is. And he's done this dance before. The rest of us need to drop out of sight."
"Please tell me we're not handing Wanda over to the authorities."
"Not voluntarily, we're not."
Natasha sighed with relief. "Thank you for that."
"Wanda made some terrible mistakes," Steve allowed. "But so did the rest of us."
"As far as I'm concerned, Wanda's been punished enough," Natasha muttered angrily.
"You're being very tolerant, seeing as she turned your head inside-out," Steve observed.
"So are you," Natasha shot back.
Steve shrugged. "Wanda sided with the Avengers, when she realized what Ultron was really planning. I think she's basically a good kid, who just needs the right opportunity to show that to the rest of the world."
"Clint told me that Wanda saved his life in Sokovia," Natasha confided. "And you and I both saw how fiercely she fought, when we tried to save the city. She's not the villain here, Steve. She lost her brother. Her only living relative. And her home. Whatever mistakes she's made, she's more than paid for them."
"And I agree with you. We just need to give Tony and his legal team time to bring everyone else to the same conclusion."
"What about the Vision?"
Steve sighed heavily. "So far, nobody knows about the Vision, except for us. Frankly, I'd like to keep it that way. At least for now."
"You're worried people will think he's another Ultron."
"Wouldn't you?"
"Probably," Natasha admitted. "If I didn't know him better. If I hadn't seen him fight by our side."
"Or the fact he can pick up Thor's hammer."
Natasha's eyes went wide. "He didn't."
"Yeah, it's too bad you weren't there to see that," Steve grinned. "It was pretty impressive."
"What did Thor say?"
"Well, nothing, really. He seemed as surprised as the rest of us. Then, I don't know, he actually seemed quite pleased."
"Wow." Natasha shook her head in disbelief. "That's just... wow. You're right. I'm sorry I missed that." She looked back at Steve, trying to force herself to stay on the topic at hand. "So, what do we do now?"
"Is there somewhere you can take Wanda? Someplace off the grid?"
Natasha nodded thoughtfully. "I know a place, yeah."
"Then go there. And I mean, right now. As fast as you can. Don't tell anyone where you're headed, not even me. And go dark. Turn off all your phones, and disable any other device that might have GPS."
"You're serious."
"Yeah. I am."
"What about a car?"
"Maria is bringing one with all location services disabled. She'll have it here within the hour."
"Maria's sticking with us?"
"She is." Steve smiled, his first unforced smile all morning. "She told me that we're beyond paychecks now. She says she wants to be paid in blood."
"She actually said that?"
"Yeah. It's taken me a little while to get used to her sense of humor," Steve admitted with a rueful grin.
"Thank God she's staying," Natasha murmured. "I can't even imagine trying to do this job without her."
"A good XO is often the difference between success and failure," Steve agreed. "Maria's the best I've ever worked with."
"I don't suppose she's heard from Fury?"
"I didn't ask. I'm sure Nick is watching all this very closely. Not that he can do anything for us on any official level."
"How can I get in touch with you?"
"For now, you don't. You're on protection detail now, Agent Romanoff." Steve gave her a terse smile. "Get Wanda to someplace safe, and the two of you keep your heads down. As soon as I can, I'll come looking for you."
"I'm the bodyguard. Got it." Natasha's mind was already racing, coming up with ideas to leave a trail of breadcrumbs that only Steve or Tony could follow. "What are you going to do?"
"See what I can do about keeping the team together. We may not have the firepower we used to, but I thought that when things calm down a bit, you, me, Sam and Clint could take a run at shutting down the remaining active HYDRA cells - before they can cause any more harm."
"Sounds great. I'm in."
Steve smiled gratefully. "Sam's already been looking into where HYDRA might have taken Bucky. I'll ask him to start looking for Banner, too. But frankly, after Johannesburg, I don't know if we could use Banner in the field again - or if he would even want to join us."
"I just want to know that he's safe," Natasha declared.
Steve nodded sadly. "Yeah. Me too." He pushed his chair away from the table, getting ready to stand up. "Tony will play defense for us on the legal end for the time being. Maria's headed back to the upstate facility. The Vision is with Tony and Pepper at Stark Tower - and nobody knows that, except for you, me and the Starks," he cautioned.
"Confidential info," Natasha nodded. "Not to be shared."
"Right. Now, go grab Wanda, and get yourselves lost." Steve managed a grin. "Not that you need any advice from me on how to disappear. I really need to take a master class from you on that subject one day."
As they got up from the table, Natasha impulsively pulled Steve close, and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you," she murmured.
"For what?" Steve asked, bewildered.
"Just... for being the good man that you are. It means a lot." She released him, and gave him a tender smile. "And the next time I see you, we're so splitting a case of beer," she declared.
Steve almost laughed. "It's a date," he promised.
"Watch your back, Steve. I'll see you soon."
Natasha quickly exited the room.
"Wanda? We're here."
Natasha Romanoff set the parking brake on the car, shut off the motor, and looked over at the young woman seated next to her. "Wanda?"
Wanda Maximoff was fast asleep, her head supported by a small throw pillow wedged between her cheek and the passenger side door. She'd slept nearly the entire drive from Manhattan to upstate New York, and it was the first unbroken sleep she'd had since arriving from Sokovia. Even though Natasha and Wanda had spent the last week in one of the finest luxury hotels in New York, neither had slept well. It was more accurate to say they'd barely slept at all. Wanda's sleep had been broken and fitful at best. She would drop off for a few minutes, but then she would wake, either screaming or sobbing piteously after having terrifying nightmares. Natasha had taken it upon herself to sleep in the same room with Wanda, offering a literal shoulder to cry on, comforting the grieving girl every time she woke. It had been an exhausting experience for both of them. Now, in the relative isolation of the countryside, Natasha was desperately hoping they might both find some badly needed peace and quiet.
The safe house itself was a comfortable stone cottage nestled deep in the upstate woodlands, several hundred miles south and west of the new Avengers headquarters, and at least five miles off the two-lane interstate that wound its way through the relatively secluded wilderness. As Natasha peered out through the windshield at the reassuring stone walls, hemmed in by large, old growth pine and oak trees, she suddenly felt sure she'd made the right call. This was not just a place to disappear. It was a place to heal.
Natasha looked over at Wanda again with genuine concern. The young woman looked haggard and exhausted, even in sleep; there were dark circles under her swollen eyes, skin that was far too pale, lips cracked, mouth slightly agape, and even her breathing was uncomfortably shallow. I've got to get her to eat something, Natasha reminded herself sternly. Wanda had barely touched a bite of food since they arrived in New York over a week ago, and if the girl didn't eat soon, she was going to make herself sick. Natasha made a mental note to check the kitchen for provisions. Maybe Wanda could be tempted with some good old-fashioned comfort food. With any luck, Natasha thought she might be able to improvise a plate of paprikash.
Natasha unbuckled her seat belt and, as quietly as she could, opened her driver's side door. Wanda didn't stir. Natasha slipped out of the vehicle, unlocked the trunk, and took out their overnight bags from the rear hatch.
Another thing to add to the list, Natasha sighed to herself. To say they were traveling light was an understatement. Wanda had only two outfits, both of which Natasha had purchased for her in New York during their brief stay. Natasha wasn't much better off, having only whatever would fit in her own overnight bag. She had plenty of clothes in her midtown apartment, none of which helped her now, being hundreds of miles away.
She put the bags down on the porch, but, before looking for the house key, she made a quick visual inspection of the perimeter. Satisfied that there were no immediate threats, she found the door key in its expected hiding place, and unlocked the door.
Natasha didn't enter the front room immediately. She wasn't carrying a sidearm with her, but she still wanted to make sure the interior was clear before waking Wanda. She cautiously pushed the door open with her boot. Everything seemed perfectly still inside. There was enough light coming in from the front window to assure her that the living room was clear, at least.
Moving silently from room to room, Natasha did a quick visual inspection of the tiny cottage. Living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, all were clear, with no apparent signs of any unauthorized visitors. Relaxing slightly, Natasha pulled the luggage into the living room, and then hurried back to the car to get Wanda safely inside.
Wanda was so groggy that Natasha nearly had to drag her across the threshold. After helping Wanda her to the nearest couch, the young woman immediately collapsed on it, falling back into a deep, impenetrable sleep in a matter of seconds.
"So, you finally crashed," Natasha murmured sympathetically. "Bless you, Wanda. Your timing's perfect."
Natasha took a quilt from the chair, and carefully draped it over the sleeping girl. Next, she turned on the gas fireplace. It wasn't uncomfortable in the room yet, but the night was expected to be a cold one.
Natasha wanted to check the cabinets for provisions, but decided that her first priority was to let the network know that the safe house now had residents. Over the years, Natasha had accumulated a fair number of contacts, not just in espionage circles, but in almost every social circle imaginable. She knew the owners of this particular cottage, and also knew they had the property surveilled. She slipped outside, found a large rock - almost the size of a basketball - on the right side of the driveway, a few yards from the cottage. With some effort, she rolled the rock over to the left side of the driveway, which would indicate to anyone coming to inspect the property that the house was now in use, and that the occupants were not to be disturbed. Not that a car tucked away on the side of the house isn't a dead giveaway, Natasha grinned ruefully to herself.
Natasha slipped back inside the cottage, but she needn't have bothered to keep quiet. Wanda was sound asleep, for all practical purposes dead to the world. Someone could have dropped a set of china plates on the floor next to her, and Wanda wouldn't even have noticed. Natasha watched the sleeping girl for a moment, a wistful expression on her face. Her own weariness was rapidly overtaking her, and watching her companion dozing was very suggestive.
Natasha decided not to fight against the long accumulation of sleep-deprived nights. Wanda was resting, she should do the same. Everything else could be sorted out later. Slipping out of her boots, Natasha pulled an ottoman over to a large, upholstered chair in the corner of the room, grabbed one of the throw pillows and another quilt, and curled up for a quick power nap.
Sleep when the baby sleeps, she thought as she yawned expansively. She settled herself into the chair, which was seductively comfortable, and within moments she too was fast asleep.
Sam Wilson was just wrapping up his group therapy session at the VA when he noticed Steve Rogers hanging back in the far corner of the room, doing his best to look inconspicuous. As soon as the meeting broke up, Sam hurried over to him.
"Man, where have you been?" Sam exclaimed, the worry evident on his face. "I saw all that stuff about Sokovia on the news - I've been trying to reach you for days -"
"I got your messages," Steve nodded with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry I couldn't contact you before now, Sam. Thought it might be best if I dropped by in person."
"I'm glad you did. You're all right?"
Sam looked his friend up and down critically, trying assure himself Steve was unharmed.
"A few new bumps and bruises. Nothing serious," Steve promised.
"Man, you have got to start calling me, when shit like that goes down."
"Actually, that's kind of why I'm here. Is there someplace where we can talk?"
"Yeah, absolutely."
They ducked into an empty office, and Sam closed the door behind him.
"We should be safe enough in here," he announced, perching himself on the edge of a disused desk. "So, been a busy week for you."
Steve gave his friend a rueful smile. "You could say that."
"I saw video of that whole dust-up in South Africa with Banner. That was messed up. I'm assuming that was Stark in the Hulkbuster suit."
"Yeah."
"So, what happened? I thought Banner still responded to you guys, even when he got all... big and green and whatever."
"He was..." Steve paused. "Well, the easiest way I can explain it is, Banner was brainwashed. He wasn't himself."
"No kidding," Sam retorted dryly. "Here's not here in DC, is he?"
"Banner's in the wind. Nobody knows where."
"And Thor?"
"Back home, in Asgard."
"And did I hear Stark's in jail?"
"Just detained," Steve corrected him. "Tony's lawyers are handling it. Still, things are about to get really ugly on the legal front."
"Tasha and Clint, they all right?"
"Barton's with his family. Natasha left this morning to spend a few days off the grid." Steve paused. "Sam, we brought someone back with us, a young girl from Sokovia. She has powers - incredible powers. She can do things I've never seen anybody do."
Sam grunted softly in surprise. "Coming from you, that's saying something."
"There's a chance she might be Avengers material. But she needs work. Most of all, she needs a mentor. Someone who could be both a teacher and a drill sergeant. I was kind of hoping I could talk you into working with her."
Sam frowned in puzzlement. "Me? I don't know anything about super powers."
"No, but you know about instilling structure and discipline, and you know what it's like to serve in a combat unit. And you are a good teacher, Sam."
"So, what, you want me to come up with a boot camp experience just for her?"
"Something like that. But I was also thinking about something a little more long-term." Steve paused. "I need a wingman, Sam."
Steve let that statement hang in the air for a moment, and as Sam realized the implications of Steve's words, his eyes went wide.
"Wait, did you just ask me to join the Avengers?" he demanded.
"You interested?" Steve feigned nonchalance.
"This is serious. On the level? Official?"
"That's right."
"You want me to hang with you, and the Thunder God, and the millionaire playboy with the super suit?"
"Well... with me and Natasha, at least," Steve's rueful smile returned.
Sam frowned. "What aren't you telling me?"
"Like I said. Banner's in the wind. Even if we can find him, I'm not sure we could use his services again - not after what happened in Johannesburg. I'm not sure when or even if Thor's coming back."
"And Stark's gonna be fighting lawsuits from here 'til doomsday."
"Tony was looking to get out of the Avengers, even before the whole Ultron fiasco came up. But I have a feeling all the legal actions will keep him sidelined for a while, whether he wants to be or not." Steve gave his friend an apologetic smile. "It's not the Avengers you've seen on TV, Sam, but we could sure use you right about now. There are still a lot of HYDRA cells out there that need to be swept up, not to mention a new recruit with real potential, but she's as raw as they come. And after you helped me and Natasha out with Project Insight - well, I thought maybe you might be willing to get back in the game."
"You thought right," Sam declared solemnly. "Hey, man, I'm in. Whatever you need."
He offered his hand, and Steve clasped it warmly.
"Sam... thank you."
"Don't thank me yet," Sam retorted. "I don't come cheap. What's this gig likely to pay?" he asked jokingly.
"Blood, sweat and tears," Steve grinned. "Like always."
"Well..." Sam got up off the desk. "If that's how it is... when's the last time you ate?"
"I can't remember," Steve admitted. "I've been stuck in a hotel for the last week, and it's all right as far as that goes, but..." he made a face. "I really hate room service food."
"I hear you, man, I hear you," Sam declared sympathetically, and then his face brightened. "Hey. I know a little place, about six blocks from here," he said. "Great burgers. A dozen brews on tap. All quality stuff. You can give me all the details over a decent meal. I call that multitasking. What do you say?"
Steve Rogers grinned at his friend. "Sounds great," he said. "Lead the way."
