Still don't own the Marvel characters, please R&R! This story is going to have some twists and turns along the way so hold on!

An Unexpected Funeral

Sam rose at his usual 6 a.m. and half expected his house guest to already be up and ready to greet the day. The closed door to his room told him otherwise and he figured it was for the best. The good Captain needed to get some rest. Tying on his running shoes he left a quick note just in case Steve woke up and set out at a brisk run. Dawn was just splitting the horizon when he came to the place he and Steve had first met and a familiar black car was parked. Casually, he jogged over to it.

Tapping the window he called, "Knock knock."

The tinted passenger window rolled down. "Get in."

Sam did so and the door locked behind him. Widow pulled back into traffic. "We've got to stop meeting here. People might get the feeling we're an item."

"Cute bird-boy; I'm about to ditch the car, among other things but I figured you'd be here. Where's Rogers?"

"Recuperating. Where have you been the past week? I thought you two were friends."

"I'm out of covers…and I couldn't risk putting him in danger. How's he doing?"

"Better. He wants to find Barnes."

"I figured he would…he text me before I blew up the phone. Asked for some info."

"You blew up your phone? Isn't that slightly extreme Natasha?"

"A lot of people want me dead Wilson," she told him quietly. "Listen, there's going to be a funeral at Capital Cemetery, 1500 hours. Bring Steve with you."

"A funeral?"

"That's all I can tell you," Natasha said as she pulled up to his apartment. "Tell Steve to be on his guard. Both of you, be on your guard."

"Always," Sam said as he got out and watched her drive away. Shaking his head, he wondered what he was doing, getting involved in all of this again.

Steve awoke to someone outside the door and became instantly alert. Glancing around frantically he found himself in an unfamiliar room and his eyes scanned the area until they landed on the sought after item; his shield, placed in a chair on the left side of his bed. His heartbeat slowed as he remembered he was at Sam's house, and it was probably him outside the door. Running a shaky hand through his hair he glanced at the clock. 7:00 a.m. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept that late.

Swinging his legs over the side of the bed he stood quickly, his vision blurring as a wave of dizziness swept over him. Man he wished he'd hurry up and heal he thought as he stumbled out the door. Sure enough, he could hear Sam in the kitchen.

"Hungry?" his new friend asked as he followed the aroma of eggs and bacon. "I made breakfast."

"I could eat," Steve said as he slid behind the table. "You totally should have woken me up."

"Why, so you could go running with me?" Sam chuckled. "I think we both know you're not quite up to that just yet, and there was no sense in waking you up just to sit around. I ran into your friend though."

"A friend friend, or one of those enemy friends I seem to have a slew of."

"Whatever you consider Romanoff."

"Oh…what did she say?"

"Apparently we've been invited to a funeral at 1500."

"I see…and who is it we're mourning."

"Didn't say, but if I had to guess I'd say a certain one-eyed pirate."

Steve exhaled loudly. "Wonder who else is invited."

"I'm guessing it's going to be a private affair."

At exactly 1500 the two stood casually in front of Nick Fury's grave. Sam was right; there was no one else there.

"Well this is awkward. We're standing over a not so dead-dead guy's grave, at an empty funeral. Why would Widow do that?"

"Hey fellas," a familiar red-head strode toward them. "So…what did I miss?"

"The corpse," Steve crossed his arms over his chest. "What's this all about?"

"Don't worry, it's weird for me too," a tall man in dark sunglasses and gray beanie walked towards them. He glanced at his grave and up at Steve. "You've been through this before…"

Steve thought about his own grave at Arlington Cemetery. "You get used to it."

"Not for long; I'm out of here. There's lots of rebuilding to do."

"Maybe something's should stay buried." Steve said and Fury nodded. "Don't worry Rogers, I've learned my lesson. Take care of yourself Cap, I'll catch ya on the flip flop."

Waving, the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. left without a backwards glance.

"That's his way of saying thank-you," Natasha offered with a small smile.

"What about you?" Steve asked, raking a hand over his sweaty forehead. He was starting to feel lightheaded again. "You gonna stick around?"

"Fraid not Rogers," Natasha shook her head. "I've blown all my covers…gotta go make up a new one."

"That could take a while."

She smiled. "I'm counting on it. Take care of yourself Rogers, and you too Wilson."

"Will do," Steve felt a little sad as she turned then spun back around. "Here's that file you wanted."

She handed it to him and hesitated for a moment. "Be careful with that one Steve. You may not like what you find with that one."

"Thanks." Steve opened the manila folder, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "When do we leave?"

"You don't have to do this Sam," he said as he snapped the file shut. "This might not be pleasant."

"Yeah…so let's go get a cup of coffee and figure this thing out."

Steve smiled. "Sounds good to me."

Sorry I changed the ending scene little…I couldn't remember the full dialogue. Enjoy!