(A/N) I'd like to thank all of those who have subscribed and/or favorited this story. You are all the reason my friend and I can keep writing! So again thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! I would also like to ask that you stay patient with us. As you can see, as the story progresses the chapters are starting to get longer... we can't help it. So enjoy and review!

Disclaimer: I do not own the avengers initiative... Director Nick Fury does...

Chapter 4: Negotiation; Captain America

Steve Rogers was surprised when another meeting was called less than a half an hour later. Reentering the briefing room, Rogers saw there was a heated argument going on between Stark and Director Fury.

"I am NOT one of your agents!" Tony yelled.

"I never said you were!" Director Fury yelled back.

"Has it occurred to you that maybe this is what they want you to do, Stark?" Natasha added from her spot at the table. "I mean, this is exactly what Loki did. Are we really going to fall for it again?"

"They're just girls!" Tony snapped at the Russian.

Natasha erupted from her chair. Clint grabbed her arm and slowly coaxed her back into her seat. "Well, Rogers was there. He saw first-hand how dangerous these 'girls' can be!" Natasha replied indignantly.

"You know what? I'm actually with Stark on this one." Steve spoke up as three and a half pairs of eyes found their way to the Star Spangled Man.

"Ha!" The genius exclaimed. "See! Goody-two-shoes even agrees with me!" Tony finished as he walked across the room to stand near Rogers.

Fury raised his good eyebrow at the Soldier. "Oh, really now?"

"Well, all they did was help after all. Normally they would get an award for their help, but instead S.H.I.E.L.D. locks them up." Steve replied defensively.

"What exactly would you do, if you don't mind me asking?" The Director asked exasperated. "I'm all ears."

"Well, I understand that we need to find out why they are different. But maybe instead of locking them up like lab rats, we treat them like the people they are!" Steve suggested.

Director Fury had on a thoughtful expression.

"A handful of honey attracts more flies than a bowl of vinegar." Clint added, nodding toward Rogers.

Stark slapped the patriot on the back. "I agree with Cap." He announced proudly.

Nodding, Director Fury spoke. "So, how exactly would you proceed, Captain?"

"Wait, me? Why me?" Steve asked, suddenly losing his nerve.

"You were the one with the bright idea." Fury pointed out. "It should be your responsibility."

Rogers paled. "Well, I don't think I'm the best choice."

Tony stepped forward. "That is right. The Captain here isn't really all that sociable. No, two pretty little things like that? I think the Cap would wet himself." Tony finished chuckling to himself.

"Oh, like you handled yourself so much better during your last visit, right Tony?" Natasha commented, earning a glare from the billionaire.

"No, no, no. I believe that freedom fighter here should take care of this." Director Fury said. "Seeing as he feels so strongly about it, that is."

Steve just scratched his head, trying to think. "I guess I could try."

Steve was noticeably nervous. He could feel the two sets of curious eyes on him as he worked trying to open the door. "Sorry." He muttered as he attempted to work the technology. "I'm not the best with this kind of thing."

"Oh, it's alright!" The more enthusiastic of the sisters, Kit, giggled as she reassured him with a smile. Her sister, Lore, nudged her. After a moment of silence, Steve finally came to the conclusion that the twins were apparently having some sort of silent conversation.

"Ah ha!" Steve exclaimed as the gears whirled into action. The door opened and the two girls walked out. Well, Kit bounded out. Lore looked antsy, like she wanted to make a run for it. Steve made a mental note to keep an eye on her.

"So, does this mean we can go?" Kit asked as she skipped around Rogers.

"Sorry, but no." Steve informed with a sheepish grin. "I'm here to treat you guys to an early lunch."

"…" Lore folded her arms over her chest.

Steve frowned. "Look, it's not like I want to keep you here." He stated.

Lore just raised an eyebrow.

Steve didn't like the way Lore's eyes seemed to scan the area. Just as he was about to say something, Kit skipped up to her sister.

"Loralore, come on! How often do we get to eat lunch with THE Captain America? At least he's making an effort to be nice." Kit's eyes pleaded with Lore's wandering eyes with an intensity that suggested she were asking for more than civility. Lore sighed, her wandering eye turning into that of a lazy gaze; her crossed arms uncrossed and instead clasped themselves together behind her back.

Steve sighed, taking note of Kit's influence over her sister.

They headed to the Cafeteria, which had been cleared for safety reasons. "Get anything you like." Steve said, motioning to the various food stuffs that lined the hot and cold plates. Kit's eyes seemed to light up as she quickly filled her tray with plates pilled high with food. Lore wasn't nearly as enthusiastic. She scrutinized everything until she settled on a small bowl of ice cream. Instead of getting a plate of his own, Steve lifted Kit's food-filled tray. Kit giggled and thanked him before skipping to a corner table.

After settling, the group was silent for a long moment as Kit ate like she had been starved. Lore only stirred her ice cream as she gazed lazily at the man across from her. Her posture was relaxed, but formal; shown by the way she sat unslouching with her legs crossed. Kit, on the other hand, was only as polite as she needed to be; no elbows on the table and not chewing with her mouth open.

"So…" Steve began nervously, fiddling with the note pad he had brought. "Would you guys mind if I asked a few questions?" His asked flashing a nervous grin.

An auditable clanking noise was made as Lore dropped her spoon into her bowl. "You think letting us out of that metal monstrosity changes the way we feel?" Lore leaned forward. "Well, let me tell you this: A cage is a cage, no matter how spacious or lavish."

Steve sighed. "Look, I'm doing the best I can, O.K.! I got you out of the holding cell and I got you lunch. If that's not enough for you, then fine. But if you want more, I'm going to have to get something in return! So, can you please tell me why you were at the bank?"

"I go there to cash my checks." Kit answered shrugging off Lore's glare.

"Checks meaning you have a job?" Steve asked, smile on his face. Kit's trust in him was encouraging.

"We have to make a living." She informed once more while Lore slumped dejectedly back in her chair.

"Right, and how old are you exactly."

Kit's smile faltered. "I'll tell you if you believe me."

Steve chuckled. "I myself am over 90 years old. Try me."

"We're 58 years old." Kit said proudly as she took a bite of her salad.

Steve stared wide eyed at the twins. With their long, dark brown hair, green eyes, creamy skin, and all around small features, the girls looked barely old enough to pass as 20. "So, the slow aging, the healing, the cat ears, the super strength, the invulnerability… is there a story behind all this."

Kit faltered, setting down the fork and staring at the table.

"Look, I know it's hard. But this is something we need to know." Steve said, reaching over and patting Kit on the head. He earned a sad smile in return.

"As children, we were abducted and tested on." Lore stated.

Steve stared surprised at the girl. "Oh… well-"

"If you're going to keep interrupting, I'd be less inclined to tell it." Lore rolled her eyes.

"Sorry."

"At first they used us to do simple things like trying out mechanical inventions. It wasn't long before they started to test chemicals on us." Kit and Lore both visibly shuttered at the memories. "They were trying to recreate a chemical agent that gave special properties to humans. It wasn't until recently that we found out that chemical agent created the Captain America."

"So they recreated it? The serum that is?" Steve asked feeling the hairs on the back of stand.

"Yes and no."

Steve stared at her confused.

Lore paused, thinking carefully about what she said. "Kit was one of the first to be tested on. The crude serum cause a reaction in her basic cells causing uncontrollable adaptation based on her instincts. It did amplify her cellular reproduction process, but as a result she can project that energy onto another person, if only for something small."

Steve held up a hand to stop her. "So, your saying that Kit is the only one who can heal?"

Lore nodded.

"Does this mean that the others that were tested on can also heal?"

"The others reacted to the serum, but in a much more… violent way." Lore said uneasily.

"And you?" Steve pressed.

"I was their success, or at least that's what they originally thought."

Steve stood up frustrated. "What does that mean? Stop speaking so cryptically!"

"As soon as they proved I had the enhanced strength and cellular reproduction, a few of the scientists working with the division tried to take the serum and all of the copies of the formula. Kit and I used this as a time to escape."

Steve stared at the girl incredulously. "You don't know who has the serum?"

Lore matched his gaze confidently. "No one did. The laboratory exploded. Kit and I personally inspected the grounds. There were no survivors."

Steve breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down. "Alright. So then what did you mean by 'that's what they thought?"

Lore shrugged. "I am not Captain America."

Steve waited for her to elaborate, but she didn't. "How so?" He asked.

Lore shook her head. "I have been more than generous so far. I believe now is an appropriate time to ask for a reward for our generosity."

Steve smiled. "I think that's fair. Why don't you two finish eating, then I'll take you to the boss."