The title for this comes from the song The Maker Makes by Rufus Wainwright. It's similar to a line in Pushing Me Away by Linkin Park but Wainwright all the way baby. His voice is just… sex. Also, one of the reasons I dreaded starting this is because I have a bad memory. I saw Winter Soldier the day it came out and I remember big plot points but the little things I can't remember. I was planning on waiting until it came out and watch it like 20 times until I memorize it buuuut as you can see I didn't. Plus August/September is just soooo looooong away. So I'll just wing it. Also… I keep changing my mind on plot points.
Avengers: Astounded
Part 1: Heart in a Blender
Chapter 2: One More Smile I Fake
After they all split up, they didn't really keep in contact much. Tony with Banner a bit in the beginning, all science and tech related. But both had their own lives to attend to. Thor had been flitting back and forth between Earth and Asgard since the dark elf attempt. Clint was still off on sabbatical, assumed still recovering from Loki's interference. Natasha seemed the only one unaffected, doing Fury's bidding as she had for so long. As for Steve, he had nowhere else to go, nothing else to do. So he remained under Fury's thumb. But now… without SHIELD, he didn't even have that anymore.
Wind.
It had a calming effect.
Peaceful. Chilling. Astonishing.
He spent most days on his bike since… well he just did. Bike, gym, bike, gym, eat, sleep. Calls from Natasha or Fury or a run with Sam or a visit with Peggy. Natasha asking how he was in her monotonous way. Fury asking when he was coming back to work, even though there wasn't a 'work' to come back to. Sam didn't talk much other than to complain about the times that Steve would lap him. And Peggy… on her good days, they talked about everything. Her life since they parted oh so many years ago. The 'good ol' days,' the futuristic current days, the Avengers… that thing he tried to not to think of involving that person he didn't want to think of… On her bad days… well… he just sat there, letting her babble on and on about how it was so good to see him and that she was looking forward to their dancing date next week and what funny clothes he was wearing.
On those particularly bad days, Steve Rogers – Captain America – went home to his new, tiny, shoddy apartment that was barely big enough for him… and he cried. For Peggy. For Bucky. For Fury and SHIELD. For Natasha and the Avengers. For everything. For… himself.
That's what Steve Rogers – Captain America – was.
A big. Fucking. Crybaby.
If he used that kind of language, of course.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
4:00 AM.
He didn't have to roll over to know what time it was. His internal clock told him it was 4 am. This wasn't the army, he knew that subconsciously. He didn't have to be up so early. But he was. Like clockwork. Every morning. Not that he slept well anymore. He couldn't even remember the last time he actually slept without waking up once an hour with Bucky's name on his lips.
He'd been up staring at the ceiling, since Bucky's fall from the train woke him up around 2. But he was determined not to get out of bed until 4 AM. Any sooner and he was just a pathetic mess.
Well… he was a pathetic mess.
He sighed deeply and rolled out of bed. He showered and dressed quickly, and downed a huge bowl of cornflakes. Not the healthiest, he knew. But at least better than the sugar encrusted cinnamon things Natasha kept trying to make him buy on their shopping trips. That much sugar that early in the morning didn't sit well with him.
At 4:55, he was heading out the door and at 5 he was walking into the 24 hour gym across the street. It paled in comparison to the SHIELD gym but it was something. He had to modify his workouts. Don't hit the punching bag quite so hard. Don't lift so much weight on the weight bench. Don't run so fast or far on the treadmill. The meager workouts didn't do much for him physically – though he someone wondered if he even needed to anymore with the serum – but they kept him occupied. Kept his mind busy.
He returned home promptly at 6:30 for another shower and wardrobe change, more cornflakes, and a couple protein bars. And right on time, as he sat down on the couch, his phone rang. He'd gotten used to the morning calls. Every morning, on the dot. Clockwork. He'd say, "Hello." And Nick Fury would say, "Captain Rogers." And he'd answer, "Yes sir." And he'd ask the same question every time.
Steve no longer bothered with hellos. He simply said, "Fury," as he answered the phone. Less time spent talking to the man, the better. Steve still respected him and trusted him – as much as he could. But he wasn't ready yet. He told himself every day, he just needed one more.
"Coming back to work?"
"No."
"We need you."
"Not ready."
"I'll convince you tomorrow."
Steve sighed as he pulled the phone from his ear. He wished the man would give up. Not permanently, but at least give him some breathing time. How much… he didn't know.
But just… something!
He wanted something!
He hopped on his bike and drove around for a few hours. Not exactly going anywhere. Just as far as it could take him one way until his phone rang.
And it was Natasha. On time. "Lunch. 1, usual place."
"Alright." So he turned around and headed back, hoping not to be late. He wasn't. She was already there, a large deluxe pizza and iced teas sitting on the table in front of her, in the corner booth. Just like always. He smiled as he slid in opposite her. "I thought you said 1."
She blinked at him. "I did. Because I knew you'd be here at 12."
He leaned back and shook his head slightly but he was still smiling. "I am that predictable." Statement. About his currently boring life.
She tilted her head slightly. "Dependable."
He nodded. "I like dependable." At least it sounded better.
"Good. Wouldn't want to offend the great Captain America."
"Somehow… I don't think you could."
She cracked a smile. "So how are you?"
"I'm fine."
"How are you really, Steve?"
He looked down at the pizza and picked up a slice. He took a few bites and set it down on his plate. He chewed slowly. He knew he was dodging the question. He knew she knew as well. But she let him and he appreciated it. He finished chewing and swallowed. And he had no other reason to stall. He leaned back and drummed his fingers lightly against the table top. "Better than yesterday. Better than the day before. Hopefully better tomorrow."
She smiled again and took a swig of her tea. "Better is good."
He nodded slowly. "I think… Fury's weakening me. I wanted to say yes this morning."
She leaned forward on the table, looking all the more serious than her normal always-the-same serious face. "Don't." She said stiffly. "Wait."
He sighed and picked the slice of pizza back up. "Why?" He asked between bites. "You keep saying that. I mean… I'm not saying I want to get back out in the field right away. But paperwork or filing or dressing up in the spangly outfit and being a dancing monkey again trying to get funding… it beats sitting around doing nothing and feeling…" He stopped himself from saying it out loud. Depressed. He didn't want to say it. He didn't want to admit it. Depressed. What reason did he really have to fell such anyways? He was alive. He was the lucky one, the special one. He should have died long ago. Admitting that that very thought depressed him callously diminished all the sacrifices of those that weren't still alive.
"You deserve more than being his dancing monkey." She said softly.
"What about you?"
"I don't." Her lips twitched. "So for the time being, keep saying no. It won't be much longer."
Steve wanted to question her further but he didn't. Because he trusted her. More than Fury. They ate in silence for a few minutes. It was comfortable. It was welcome. Steve almost hated breaking it. "Heard from Clint recently?"
Her eyes widened slightly. It was her equivalent to face brightening. "This morning. He's being released for duty next week."
"I don't know why it's taken this long." Steve said, shaking his head. "I knew right away Loki no longer had control of him."
"Because I told you."
He leaned on the table towards her, looking her straight in the eyes. "I trusted you." He said sincerely. "With my life." He leaned back again. "I still do. Always will."
"Fury did too. The quarantine was SHIELD protocol. Fury wanted to override it, wanted him out a year ago. But Hawk… he wouldn't let him. Said he needed to be sure himself."
Steve sighed and shook his head. "He can't honestly blame himself for what he did under Loki's control."
"He did."
"Did?" He said relieved.
"I believe he's finally coming to terms with it. That's why he's letting them release him." She leaned back. "Banner's back from Africa." She changed the subject fluidly.
Steve raised his eyebrows.
"Thor too. He's been Earth bound for a few weeks now."
A smile slowly spread across Steve's face. "So… all the Avengers… are on the same continent at the same time?"
She cracked a smile too. "Exactly."
"Does Fury know?"
She nodded. "I've been keeping tabs on everyone. He wants to get us all together again. For real this time."
"Together…"
"That is why you need to keep saying no." She said forcefully.
He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Nat…"
"Captain, when you get your team back, we need you in one piece. We can't have you falling apart at the seams."
He couldn't fight her logic with that one. "So Fury's lobbying for funding?"
She nodded.
"Is he getting anywhere?"
She shook her head. "No. SHIELD has been secretly funded by Hydra since its creation. It's hard to get anyone or any organization to get on board with that fact. And without the funds…"
"We can still fight." He pointed out.
"Yes. We still have our talents… our skills. But we relied on our tech. And that costs money."
He ran his hand through his hair. As much as he wanted to, he really couldn't deny it. Everything needed money. "There is one option."
She let out a laugh, reading his mind. "Fury considers that a last resort."
Steve considered for a moment. "I think he is the only resort."
"I agree." She inclined her head. "But now probably wouldn't be the best time."
"Why? What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Calm down, Captain." She smiled. "He's fine. Or at least as fine as he can be. He and Pepper split up."
Steve paused for a moment before asking, "Is he okay?"
"He signed over half his company to her. And hasn't been seen in public since it happened. He's shut himself up in his tower. But Jarvis assures me he's still alive."
"You're keeping tabs on his… whatever Jarvis is."
She tilted her head slightly. "So to speak. I called and asked him."
"Tony?"
"No, I called Jarvis."
"Oh…" He tried not to think about Jarvis too hard. He accepted it… him… as a… living thing. It was easier that way. Who was Steve anyways to say what was and was not real? "Tony would have to think it was his idea."
She shrugged. "Probably. He doesn't trust Fury."
"Fury doesn't exactly trust him either." He pointed out. "We really are a special team, aren't we?"
They both laughed at that and they finished their lunch, chatting about random, pointless things. When they finished, they walked outside and headed towards Steve's bike. Natasha pulled up, watching as he swung his leg over it. "So what are the Captain's plans for the rest of today?"
He looked down at the bike as he gripped the handlebars and shrugged. "Going to see Peggy and then meeting Sam for a run."
"Dependable."
He shrugged. "You won't let me make a change."
"I'll see you tomorrow Captain." She waved and turned and walked off.
Steve glanced back, more out of habit than any sort of fear she needed watching. Because he knew she didn't. He watched her retreating form until she rounded the corner and was lost to him.
An hour later, he was walking through the doors of Peggy's nursing home. He smiled and waved and made polite chitchat to the nurses he passed. To most of them, he was Mark Thompson, Peggy's grandson. It was the best option. When he showed up, they were left alone. They didn't have to be careful and watch what they said.
"Mark! It's nice to see you again!"
He smiled at the nurse and waited for her to leave the room. Then he shut the door behind her and sat down beside Peggy's bed. "You look well, grandma."
"Screw you." She said, laughing. She shook her head slowly as she sat up. "Imbeciles. All of them. All over the news. TV, newspapers, billboards… how does anyone not know who you are?"
"Lack of spangles?"
She laughed again. "Oh yes. That's it. Show up next time in costume. I would pay to see that. Seriously. Bring the shield too. Hell, bring them all here. Thor and Iron Man; really cause some heart attacks."
"Peggy!"
"Oh come on! I'm just teasing." She reached over and squeezed his knee. "Now… tell me everything since we last talked."
He rolled his eyes. "I was here two days ago. Nothing has happened."
"Give me something! It's so boring here!"
So he told her about Nat's Avengers assumption and that he was considering being Fury's dancing monkey.
"You're better than that, Steve."
"Nat said the same thing."
"Smart girl. Pretty too."
He shook his head. "No." He promptly changed the conversation. Their favorite topics? Always the same. Hydra, SHIELD, her life, his lack-of-life, nothing new. But it was comforting. It was familiar. It was boring.
"Still no sign of him?"
Steve shook his head. "I honestly don't know if they're looking. He probably doesn't want to be found yet."
"Do you want to see him again?"
"Yes!" He said quickly and then let out a sigh. "I don't know… I just want to help him. I want him to remember."
"You want him to be Bucky again."
Steve sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "He was my best friend my whole life. Without him…" He trailed off and inhaled deeply. He didn't want to think about it.
"What?" She prompted softly.
He looked over at her and sighed again. "I feel… lost." He admitted. "And guilty. And I don't want to talk about it anymore."
She rolled her eyes. "Captain Avoidance."
After his visit with Peggy, he met up with Sam. And it was the same as every time they went. Steve kept pace with Sam and Sam tried to push himself to outpace him. All in good fun. Sam knew he could never beat him. But it still didn't stop him from trying. And Steve didn't mind. Not all that much. Though sometimes, it got old. The competition. Everyone wanted their chance at him. And he never lost. He didn't even have to try.
But with Sam, he really tried not to mind. He knew his new friend meant no harm. So when Sam sprinted ahead of him suddenly, Steve rolled his eyes but matched his pace.
Sam was out of breath when he pulled up finally. "Okay." He said, bending over and taking a deep breath. "I'm done."
Steve smiled and nodded and pretended to catch his breath as well. It wasn't necessary. Running with Sam didn't do anything for him physically. It was just… something else to do. He pointed towards a bench and sat down. Sam staggered over and slunk down gratefully. "Sam…"
"One of these days, I'll beat you." He insisted.
Steve forced a smile and nodded. "Maybe."
Sam laughed and slapped him on the back. "I'm not delusional. I know I won't ever beat you. But it's fun."
Steve leaned back and looked up. "So…" He said, changing the subject. "Any news on the Falcon?"
"It doesn't look good." He said, leaning back. "It's too complicated. No one wants to touch the wingpack."
"What about the person who built it? The designer?"
"I'd get my ass reamed for breaking it." He shrugged and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I'll figure something out."
"I may have… a tech… mechanic friend."
"May?"
He shrugged slightly. "I'm not really sure how much of a friend he is. It's Tony Stark."
"Oh… Oh!" Realization dawned on him slowly and he smiled. "Do you think he'd take a look at it?"
Steve laughed. "I can ask."
Sam clapped him on the back and jumped up. "Damn! Thanks man!"
Steve nodded and stood up. "You may regret that. Tony is…" He didn't finish and they both laughed.
So that was it. He said goodbye to Sam and headed home. He ate, he watched the news on TV, and he crawled into bed. That was his day. That was his every day. And it was boring him. But he didn't want to complain.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
The next day? The next day was a bad day. It started out bad. Nightmares kept him up all night. Nightmares of a different kind. Nightmares brought on by all his recently talk of the Avengers, he was sure. Of Sam's wingpack failing and him plummeting to the ground. Of Natasha taking on too many and falling under assault. Phil's death, Fury's car accident. Agent Hill. Thor, Clint, Banner. Then the Iron Man suit failing and Tony…
He didn't even try to stay in bed. He was up across the street at 2 am. A little mishap and misunderstanding involving a broken treadmill had him kicked out and asked not to come back. The routine call from Fury had gotten more heated than normal.
"Motherfucker!" Fury hissed. "Damnit, Steve! I need your help. You need to get over your shit and man up. I need Captain America!"
"No." He snapped before he realized it. "You want your dancing monkey. You need to grow some fucking balls and call Tony."
"Stark?" Fury sounded surprised.
Once he started yelling, he couldn't stop. "I'm getting tired of your bullshit. If you want us back so much, call Tony." He hung up the phone and immediately felt immense guilt. He didn't think he could possibly feel worse. And then Natasha called.
"I said wait." She sounded tired. And angry. "I didn't say cuss out the operative."
"I didn't mean to…" He said slowly. "I thought maybe… nudge…"
"There's nudging and there's pushing off a cliff."
He sighed and shifted the phone to his other ear. "You said he knew it was his last resort."
"I was working on it, Steve." She said quickly. "They are both stubborn assholes."
"I'm tired of waiting, Nat. I'm tired of sitting around, feeling alone and… depressed!" He said it out loud. He admitted it.
"That's your own problem."
"Nat…" He stumbled back, physically shocked by the tone in her voice.
"I can't babysit everyone all the time." She snapped loudly. It was the first time Steve had ever heard her do so. "Fury, Tony, Clint, Banner." She mumbled. "All a bunch of whining infants!" She hung up the phone.
Steve had stared at the phone then, willing it to ring. For her to call back. For him to apologize. He didn't mean to upset her. How had he upset her? She was always so… He just…
He went to see Peggy. He needed someone to talk to, someone to help him go over the conversation. Or he needed someone to slap him. But the second he stepped into the building, he knew something was wrong.
"Mr. Thompson!" He was greeted by a nurse. "Dr. Canns wanted a word with you."
He frowned but nodded and followed her to Peggy's doctor's office. The doctor dismissed the nurse and pulled Steve inside. "I was hoping you were coming in." The man said with relief in his voice. "I was considering calling you."
His heart sank immediately. "What happened?"
"One of the orderlies decided it was okay to wear his Captain America hoodie when he took her outside. She was really quiet, wouldn't talk to anyone, practically catatonic. Then the moment he brought her back in, she flipped out. She kept screaming about you, the you-you, not the fake grandson. She's accused every member of the staff of keeping her hostage so she can't save you."
"Shit…" He ran a hand through his hair. "So it's a bad day."
The doctor nodded. "The worst she's had yet. I'm afraid she's going to hurt herself if we can't calm her down."
Steve nodded slowly. "Should I leave?"
The doctor shook his head quickly and grabbed Steve's arm. "I think you should talk to her. Maybe showing her that she doesn't have to save you will snap her back."
Steve nodded quickly. "Of course. You can call me anytime you think I could help her. I'd do anything for her."
They hurried to her room and the doctor dismissed the nurses and orderlies. Once they were alone with her, the doctor approached her bed slowly, his harms up. "Peggy… someone here's to see you."
"No! Hydra demon! Get out! GET OUT!" She grabbed the nearest thing she could, a framed photo on her nightstand, and hurled it at him.
Steve pushed the doctor out of the way and caught the assaulting frame. "Peggy!"
The change was instant. Panicked fury to calm serenity. Her face brightened and she reached for him. "Steve!"
He rushed to her side, setting the frame back in its place, and bent down. He let her throw her arms around his neck. "Peggy…"
She tightened her grip and sobbed against his chest. "I don't know how they got me!"
"Who?"
"Hydra! They're keeping me hostage! I tried to get away! I tried to save you!"
He suppressed a sigh and held her frail body against him. "It's okay, Peggy. You did. You saved me. I'm right here. I'm alright." He sat there, on her bed with her, letting her cling to him for hours. It helped her, it made her feel better. He knew that most likely, she would forget this happened when she woke up tomorrow. She usually didn't remember.
So he ignored his own needs, his own sadness, and listened to Peggy's dementia rattled ramblings. He had loved her once. If things had gone differently… He still loved her. He always would. He owed it to her, helping her anyway he could. He had caused her pain. He owed it to her.
He was lying beside her, holding her against his side with one arm and stroking her hair with the other. His eyes were closed and he was half asleep when she mumbled something. He shifted slightly. "What did you say Peggy?"
She blinked at him slowly, her eyes cloudy with confusion. She blinked again and squinted. "Why didn't you love me enough to come back?"
That took him back. Was she having a brief moment of lucidity? Was she even awake? Had she been dreaming? "I did." He said softly, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'm right here. I'll always be here." He wasn't sure if she heard him. Her eyes were closed and her breathing slowed. He waited a few minutes; to be sure she was asleep. Then he reached above the hit and hit the Call button.
A few moments later, a nurse walked in. "She asleep?" The man whispered, relieved. "I'll get Dr. Canns."
Steve gingerly detached himself from Peggy and excused himself. He promised to check on her tomorrow and the doctor promised to call next time she asked for him.
He went home, ate something because his stomach rumbled, and went to bed. He closed his eyes tight, so tight it actually hurt. But it still didn't halt the tears. Curled in a ball on his bed, he cried for the second time that week. It was happening more often. Ever since...
He pulled his pillow over his head and took a deep breath to still his chest. It hurt. It actually ached. His heart. He was alone. So alone. And he just…
A rattling on his nightstand made him lift the pillow. He peaked out from under his cocoon, sniffling a bit. What… The glow of his cell phone lit up the small room. He pushed the pillow and blanket away and sat up. Reaching for the phone, he wiped at his eyes and frowned. He thought maybe he knew the number. Maybe it looked familiar. Maybe. But it wasn't Natasha or Fury. Or Sam or Peggy. And it was after 2 in the morning.
He pushed the phone against his ear. "Hello?" He choked out, trying in vain to squelch the sob that threatened to wrack his entire body.
"Do you want a cat?"
He pulled the phone from his ear and blinked at the screen. He put the phone back to his ear. "What?"
"Do you want a cat?" The familiar voice repeated.
"Who is this?"
There was a pause. "Goddamnit, Steve! What the fuck did you do to it this time?"
Now he was even more confused. "Tony?"
"Yes it's fucking Tony. Phone, Cap."
"Phone?" What the… Oh… "Uh… I… broke it." He admitted, ashamed.
There was a paused on the line, followed by an indignant grunt. "My indestructible model designed for Banner and Thor? In case the Hulk wanted a new chew toy or the lightning God dropped Mjolnir on it?"
Steve tried not to smile at the visuals as he didn't answer.
"Captain Fucking America." Tony muttered. "How the fuck?"
He pulled his pillowed up behind his back and leaned against them. "It was sort of an accident involving my shield."
"How?"
"It's not important." He said quickly. "It's been like a month. Fury gave me a new one."
"So he can keep tabs on you."
Steve didn't say anything again.
"Probably a tracker in it. Or a microphone. Or a body scanner with a magnetic core and a…"
"Tony!" He interrupted. "Why did you call me?"
Tony was silent a second, like he had forgotten. Steve had no doubt that he did actually forget. "Uh… to yell at you about the phone?" He finally said.
Steve rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You said something about a cat?"
"Oh yeah!" He said loudly. "Do you want a cat? He's a dickhead."
"The cat?"
Tony groaned. "It keeps pissin' on my suit designs."
Steve was trying to follow Tony. He really was. But he was confused. "What?"
"He was supposed to be litter trained." Tony went on. "Damn kid told me he was. I'm gonna kill him as soon as I find him. I don't remember what pet store I found him in."
"Can't Jarvis just tell you?"
Tony was silent for a second. "I didn't have Jarvis with me?" He said it with an upward inflection, like it was a question. Like it was some deep, dark confession.
Steve was honestly shocked. "You NEVER go anywhere without Jarvis!"
"The damn fucking kid tricked me into the dick head cat!" Tony snapped.
Steve rolled his eyes. "Tony, why do you have a cat?"
"Because Pepper told me to get her a cat. But she was confused because I guess she wanted a dog but she told me cat. So I got her the cat but she still left me. And now I'm stuck with Sir Dickhead Cat because I don't where I got it. Can you return a pet anyways? A used pet?"
"Tony, it is 2 AM here."
"Yeah, I know. Genius. Do you want a dickhead cat or not?"
"Not really." Steve said, glancing around. "My place is too small."
"Fuck." Tony breathed out. "Well… I don't think Jarvis would let me get rid of it anyways. He likes the damn thing. I think he's getting a kick out of it. I know it. He's probably been somehow making the cat pee in my workshop."
"Sir!" Steve could just barely hear the AI's distressing voice over the line. "I assure you this is not true!"
"Shut up Jarvis! I'm on the phone!"
"Sir! I really think you should…"
"La la la la la la la la!" Tony said loudly. "I can't hear you!"
Steve couldn't help himself then, he tried to hide it. Tried to cover it with his hand. But the laughter was loud. Really loud.
And it stilled Tony over the line. "Are you laughing at me, Cap?"
He laughed still, another couple minutes, before regaining control of himself. "Never."
"Good, because the only one allowed laughing at me is me. And I do it quite often. Very cathartic."
Steve smiled, really smiled. And it felt good. But it soon faded and he let out a sigh. "I'm sorry about Pepper." Tony was quiet so long that he feared he hung up. "Tony? Tony!"
"Don't yell." He said softly. "I'm right fucking here."
"I'm sorry." He repeated.
"I heard you the first time."
"Are you alright?"
He let out a sharp laugh. "It's me. Tony fucking Stark. No, I'm not alright. But…" He paused. Then he snorted and sighed. "Fuck it. I don't think… I actually mind all that much. Makes me sound like an ass." He added quickly. "But I guess it's like… I love her enough to let her go and now she's gone and I don't think I care very much."
"Tony…"
"Honestly… I mean it's like… shit… what is it about you and brutal honesty? It's like seeping through the line and leeching into my brain! Or some shit."
Steve laughed again.
"Look… it's getting a little too touchy-feely for me just now. I'll just see you tomorrow."
He laughed again until what Tony said sunk in. "What?"
"Noon work for you?" Tony asked quickly. "I have a two hour block free."
"For what?"
Tony sighed. "I'm bringing you a new phone." He said it in a duh tone.
"I have a phone." Steve pointed out. Because he did. And it worked fine.
"Yeah, without my number and my face."
"Your face?"
"Yes!" Tony snapped. "When I call you at 2 in the morning, it needs to pop up so you don't waste 20 seconds of my valuable time asking ridiculous questions because you don't know who it is."
"Tony, really. I don't need some complicated contraption that…"
"Sorry, Cap. I think you're breaking up. Must be that shitty Fury approved phone you have. Good thing you've got a new one coming."
"Tony, wait!"
"No! You're taking the damn phone!"
Steve laughed. "Okay but… before you hang up…"
"What Cap? It's really late. I need my beauty sleep."
He rolled his eyes. He felt like reminding Tony that in fact he, Tony, had called him. Steve should have been the one whining about sleep. "My friend, Sam Wilson?"
"Falcon?"
"Yeah, well… not so much anymore. The winkpack thing was destroyed."
"Aw. Falcon got his metal wings clipped. Bring him along." Tony said quickly.
"Really?"
"Sure. I'll have a look at his wings and see what I can do."
"Thanks Tony." He bid goodnight and pulled the phone away from his ear and he smiled again.
Because…
Because he remembered that maybe he wasn't so alone.
Maybe he just needed to be a part of a team again. Maybe Fury and Natasha were right. He did need the team.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Author's Notes: I wasn't ready to post this yet. There were two more scenes, one of which was yet written, but someone's been PMing me and bugging me so HERE YOU GO! CHAPTER! Don't blame me if the missing scenes seem weirdly placed in the next chapter.
