Hello all! Wanted to say thanks again for hanging in there - this is a long journey, but we're definitely coming to a middle ;)

I appreciate all the support, reviews, etc. You're the best! I hope everyone has a wonderful new year, and sticks with me to see how Norah's story wraps up!

Norah opened her eyes to rocking motion and a wall of dirty blue fabric.

She was in a ship covered with blue fabric.

Her breathing began to accelerate - where were they taking her? What could they possibly want with her now? Why did she feel so warm?

Wait, that wasn't right, was it? She shouldn't feel so cradled in the belly of a Hydra ship.

Then she remembered the alarms, the long climb up the stairs, and the wall exploding. "Steve" she breathed out as she realized she was being carried. Her heartbeat slowed back down, as she realized she had been rescued. They had finally come for her.

She twisted her head around, peering up for a view of something other than blue, but just met more blue. Eyes that is. And at that moment, more than any other, they were the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen.

The edges crinkled up, half-smiling, half-concerned. "Hey, you're ok Norah. I'm going to get you home." Norah began looking around, catching sight of a winter-draped forest as they made their way through the trees. "Are you in any pain?" Norah felt his words more than heard them, as they rumbled through his chest. She just swallowed and gently shook her head side to side. She was too relieved to feel any pain at this point. "Norah, can you tell me what they wanted? What they did to you?" Norah wanted to answer, but she felt so comfortable, and so tired. Even blinking felt like it took effort, so she just sighed as her eyelids began to droop again. "Ok, it's ok. Hang in there a little bit longer. Stay with me for a little while longer." Steve's voice began to sound more and more concerned as his arms tightened around her. "Norah? Can you hear me? Stay with me" his voice almost sounded like a warning now. The kind a parent might give to a child who was running out in the street. The kind so full of concern that the threat of punishment is almost laughable.

"Mmmnot goin' nnnywhere. Mmm jjusstssleepy." She whispered, as her head began to roll closer to his chest. Steve sighed in relief, and almost chuckled. "Ok then. You rest. I'll be right here when you wake up." Norah felt his arms tighten around her slightly, almost like the promise of a hug, and then drifted away again. Only this time, she felt completely safe.

As they neared the jet, Tony went up ahead to get ready to leave, and to brief the rest of the team about Norah. Steve followed more slowly, cradling her to his chest. She was weak, exhausted, bruised, and who knows what else - but she didn't seem to be seriously injured. For that Steve breathed a sigh of relief, but he could only wonder if she was only minimally harmed physically, what had Hydra been doing with her all of that time? He could only try not to imagine, and wait until Norah could get checked out completely. As he boarded, Natasha had already cleared a place for Norah against the wall - Barton was in worse shape as far as they could tell, and needed to stay put. Steve nodded his thanks and placed Norah gently on the pallet, draping a blanket over her now shivering form. He sat back and eyed her critically. She was thin - too thin, and there, what he had feared. Tiny pricks, running up and down the inside of both arms. Needle marks. He felt a presence next to him and turned slightly to find Bucky peering over his shoulder.

"How is she?" He asked. Obvious fear in his voice. He had recovered more and more memories of his time with Hydra, and he knew what they could do to a person. "I think she's ok, but..." Steve's voice trailed off as he reached out and turned her arm slightly, revealing the evidence of drugging - or worse - to Bucky. "I had Tony leave behind a few drones to conduct a search of the area, maybe find where they were holding her, or anything that might tell us what they were doing."

Bucky's jaw clenched at the sight of her arms, and his eyes met Steve's. "We don't know anything yet", he said "and Norah is strong. We just have to wait till she can tell us herself, or until the drones find something." He sounded as though he were trying to convince himself as much as Steve. It didn't matter though, he was right. Steve nodded firmly and stood to check in with the rest of the team.

Aside from Clint's injuries, everyone was well. Thor was energized, finally having completed the mission and found the scepter. Bruce was slightly less enthusiastic - "I wasn't prepared for a code green" Steve overheard him say. Agent Hill had been in touch, and they were finally headed home. Steve took a deep breath, his gaze returning to Norah's prone figure.

Bruce came over to his side, kneeling next to Norah - "how is she?" his question was directed over his shoulder at Steve, who could only shrug and sigh in response.

"She seems... ok. Which doesn't make a lot of sense." Steve finally said. Banner's gaze drifted over to Bucky, who had taken up residence at Norah's feet. "I know what you mean" he said grimly as he gently checked her over, noting the needle tracks inside her arms and taking her pulse. "Her pulse and breathing are fine", he said almost to himself "and there are no broken bones or obvious sign of injury..." He sat back on his heels. "So why do you look so concerned?" He said, looking up at Steve.

He only clenched his jaw. He had no response. Should he just take the win? Was he turning into Fury - trusting nothing?

Mission complete. So why did it feel like they had missed something? He shrugged the feeling away for now, it was time to go home.