Everyone agreed Wanda would have more luck destroying the mind stone than any of the others thanks to Strucker's experiments, but no one was sure her skills had developed enough yet to even destroy that one safely. The logical move was to make their first attempt in the mirror dimension under the direction of the Ancient One.

Steve opened the portal to Kamar-Taj with ease. He was getting the hang of things now. The team, other than the woman he loved, was impressed as the portal sprang to life.

Tony and Bruce walked over to it in utter amazement. Brice pulled out a scanner and started taking readings. "Amazing, this portal doesn't match up with a single theory associated with moving matter from one place to another, but it still works. The guys at M.I.T. would have a field day trying to explain it.

"It's not science," Steve said with a smirk, giving Wanda a wink before continuing, "it's magic. Don't worry about trying to explain it. Just leave the sorcery to Wanda and, well, me."

Wanda didn't say anything as she looked at the portal, but Steve could see the wheels in her head turning. He had just given her a glimpse of one of many things she would soon learn. Her life was already better than the one she'd seen in his memories. Steve was pleased he could give her a better chance. "Wanda will master these a lot faster than I did. Soon, the quinjet will be obsolete."

Tony rolled his eyes. "You know, Cap, I honestly think you learned this trick just so you could out do the science bros. Don't forget, you still need us. Magic alone isn't going to cut it."

"Oh, I know," Steve agreed. "It's going to take all of our strengths to win this war."

Once everyone was finished admiring the portal, Natasha teased him a little before walking through it. "Sure it's safe Steve? I'd hate to end up somewhere cold with no way back. Wanda doesn't need to watch us share body heat."

Wanda groaned, but Steve just grinned at the prospect. He never minded sharing body heat with Natasha. "I know what I'm doing Nat. If you want to share body heat, we'll take a trip to Siberia without Wanda."

Natasha winked at him before stepping through the portal. Wanda just groaned and said some phrase he couldn't translate, but if he had to guess it was probably something along the lines of "save it for the bedroom" then she followed Natasha.

The Ancient One, Wong, and Rahul were waiting. Rahul was standing a bit behind the other two. He looked uncomfortable . Steve recognized his friend's distance as what it was and gave him a nod and a smile. He'd seen the same look on Natasha the first time they saw each other after the battle at the airport. She hadn't known what to say. Neither had he honestly. They both made a few mistakes thanks to Zemo's meddling. A nod and a smile broke the ice for them. He hoped it would work with Rahul.

Steve put out his hand and Rahul shook it. "Good to see you're back home," he said.

"I should never have left. I am sorry for putting you in danger," Rahul said. He looked towards Natasha who was introducing Wanda to the others. "For putting the woman you love in danger, you would have every right to hate me."

"Nat can take care of herself. We made it. You helped her get to me after our fight with Hydra. I appreciate that more than you know, Rahul. The past doesn't matter. We have bigger things to worry about now."

"I've been updated. You can count on me to do whatever is necessary," the man said. "We have the advantage. Thanos will not succeed."

"Not this time," Steve agreed.

Once the introductions were out of the way, the six of them entered the mirror realm. Rahul and Natasha collected all the stones except the mind stone, so they could remove them from the mirror dimension. They weren't completely sure what would happen if the other stones were nearby when they tried to destroy one, and nobody wanted any more surprises.

As Natasha was leaving she hugged Steve. "You sure you want to stay?"

"Wanda needs someone she trusts nearby. I can't leave her here," he said, rubbing her lower back as he held her in his embrace a bit longer. "It'll be fine. Besides, I need to see this for myself."

"Of course you do," she said, giving him a quick kiss before joining Rahul in the Ancient One's parlor.

Steve sat the mind stone on the ground about ten foot away from Wanda before moving to her side. "I was a little busy when you did this the first time, so I'm not really sure what to tell you."

"It's okay. I think I'm going to have to figure this out for myself," she said, raising her hands into position. "Just stand behind me."

"Concentrate on the stone," the Ancient One said, "focus on why it needs to be destroyed. Don't let fear enter your mind, but use the anger you witnessed in Captain Rogers' mind. Just don't allow that anger to consume you. You are in control, and you must retain your control. Can you do that?"

Wanda nodded and set her sights on the stone. Steve, the Ancient One, and Wong made shields and held them steady. Wanda took in a deep breath and yelled as she moved her hands in a rhythmic motion. As soon as the blast left her hands, the others moved their shields to cover her body. The shields were barely in place when the stone exploded, rumbling the space with so much force the shields immediately dissipated, causing them to fall to the ground.

Steve's eyes never wavered from where the stone had rested. He watched the tiny shards cover the area, first rising towards the ceiling and finally covering the ground. He stood up and walked to where the stone had been. He reached down and picked up the dust in his hand. It was hot to the touch, but he didn't care. They'd done it. One stone was gone. The gauntlet could never be completely filled. "One down, five to go," he said, letting the dust fall from his hand.

Wong helped a weak Wanda stand and nodded. "We know it is possible now, but this one needs to rest."

The Ancient One touched Wanda's hand and smiled. "You are completely drained. We should put the other stones off until another day. You've done well, child. Perhaps, you should stay here awhile. With training, tasks such as this will not be as difficult."

Wanda looked to Steve for confirmation. He smiled. "It would only be for a little while. If they can teach someone like me, imagine what you could learn."

"If you think it's best, I'll stay," she said, "but what if Thanos finds out what we've done? He won't be happy."

"The mirror dimension acts as a buffer. Anything we do here is hidden from those outside. As long as the particles remain here, he will not know what has happened," the Ancient One said, "but, make no mistake, we will not be able to hide what we've done forever." She turned to face Steve. "We will need to be prepared."

"We've faced him before. Without the gauntlet, we can take him. In his garden, we managed pretty well."

"He was weakened and alone. If you face him again, he will have his army. Do not underestimate your opponent. I fear the consequences will be grave if you are not ready," she said. "But, that is a matter for another day. For now, we should get a cup of tea and allow Ms. Maximoff to rest.

Avengers Compound

Steve tossed a change of clothes in his duffle bag, while Natasha did the same. He was watching her closely. She was putting more care into packing than he was, and it hit him again that this would be her first time off the planet. "You don't have to go with me, you know that, right?"

She stopped packing and put her hands on her hips. "We've talked about this, Steve. No more side missions without me."

"It's hardly a side mission. I'm not expecting any trouble," he said, daring to look her in the eyes. "Thor and I can handle this one."

"Like you handled your last trip with Thor? Oh, I don't think so," she said, never wavering as she glared into his eyes. "You're going after an infinity stone on an alien planet."

"It's not exactly in enemy hands. If I've timed it right, the Guardians will be delivering it to the Nova Corp. All we have to do is convince them to hand it to us instead."

Natasha frowned. "The words if and all don't exactly fill me with confidence. These Guardians don't know you yet. They don't even really know each other. What happens if you can't convince them? Or, what if you haven't timed it right? Do you plan on just convincing the Nova Corp to hand it over? They know what it is, Steve. Why would they entrust it to you?" She plopped down on the edge of the bed. "There's a lot that could go wrong. You need back up."

Steve scooted her over so there was enough room for him to sit beside her. "Is that what this is really about? Or, is there something else on your mind? Because, Thor's pretty good back up."

"Thor isn't me. He doesn't have the same vested interest in seeing you survive. I need to be with you. Steve, you're important to me. When this thing between us started, you were just another mission-a mark." She stopped speaking and shifted her body so they could look each other in the eyes. "Falling for you was not the plan, but it happened. I think I understand why you're so desperate to see things go differently this time. I don't want to face a world without you anymore than you want to face one without me. We're partners. I don't ever want to not be partners."

Steve's eyes roamed down to her lips. He desperately wanted to kiss her. They'd declared their love for each other so many times over the last few months, but here she was making it clear she wanted him for the long haul. He'd hoped she felt that way, but hearing her say the words made his heart skip. He cupped her chin in his hand and tilted her lips up to meet his own and kissed her. "I don't ever want to not be your partner either."

"Then stop trying to leave me behind," she said, her voice soft. "If there's danger, we face it together."

"Together," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "Things are good between us, right?"

She laughed. "If you have to ask, maybe I need to make myself more clear." She kissed him again and things started to escalate as they often did when they were alone.

Steve pulled back. "We haven't been together long, not really. I need to say something, but I'm afraid it's too soon."

"Too soon is better than too late. Whatever it is, I can take it."

Steve pressed his lips close to her ear. "It's more of a question than a statement, and I don't want to cause you to run."

"I won't run unless you're running with me," she said, without breaking eye contact.

Steve watched her face as he got off the bed and knelt at her feet. His heart was racing. This was so different from the way he proposed to Peggy. With Peggy, he had the ring for months while he tried to make himself do the honorable thing and just ask. With Peggy, he proposed not so much because he wanted to marry her but because she was all he had left. This time, he had no ring, no plan, but he had the woman he really wanted to spend his life with in front of him. "Natasha, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You're my right partner. I've lived more than my share of lifetimes, and one thing is a constant. You. You are always the person I trust most, the one I depend on when everything goes wrong, the one I want to celebrate with when things go right. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?" He said the words in a rush before he could talk himself into waiting, but his fear of her answer got the better of him in the last minute. "It's too soon. I should have waited longer. You don't have to answer."

Natasha smiled and shook her head. "Not too soon for you. You've been waiting a long time."

"But, you haven't. I should have-"

She put her finger over his mouth to shush him. "Not too soon for me either. We don't have the luxury of taking our time. Anything could happen. I'd rather know we said everything we wanted to say before we missed our chance. Let's go get that stone then let's do it. Let's get married."

"That's a yes. You said yes?" Steve asked as he picked her up and twirled her around. He couldn't believe it. He'd wanted a yes, dreamed about what there life could be like for so long, but she said yes. No hesitation, just yes.

"Yes, definitely, yes," she said squealing as he put her down unceremoniously on their bed and kissed her again, "but mission first. We can tell everyone after we get this stone. For now, we keep our focus and do our job, okay?"

Steve nodded. "Whatever you say. You've made me happier than I ever thought possible. I'm not going to quibble over the details. We'll do this your way."

She laughed. "If you always keep that attitude, we are going to have a very happy marriage."

Xandar

Natasha was quiet as she waited with Steve and Thor on the landing platform where ships on unofficial business landed. They knew the Guardians were fugitives at the moment, and this slightly seedy section of the city was the only logical area they could land.

She was breathing in air on an alien world. It didn't smell any different. The atmosphere was remarkably similar to Earth's, but Earth was far away. She marveled at how much her life had changed since Steve Rogers woke up from his supersized nap. She'd met gods, fought aliens, and travelled through portals created by sorcerers. They took down a sinister organization hell-bent on world domination. Okay, so maybe that last bit was just another day at the office, but this was extraordinary.

She was the alien here. She was surrounded by people who looked mostly human, but weren't. Her partners were the future king of Asgard and a super soldier-her super soldier, her future husband. This was so much more than she ever thought she would have, and it was almost too perfect.

Coming along on this trip was about keeping Steve safe, but it was more than that. Natasha wanted this experience. The other her made two trips into space. Granted, she didn't return from her second, but Natasha wasn't about to risk never leaving Earth's atmosphere, knowing she had seen more of the universe in some other timeline. This was one opportunity she wasn't about to pass up.

Natasha saw the Guardians coming before they were close enough to engage. They didn't look much like a team, but she guessed they really weren't one yet. According to Steve, they were still strangers thrown together on their own quests for the power stone. Nebula wasn't in the mix, as expected, and Natasha found that particularly sad. Steve told her how the blue woman had been an integral part in saving the universe. He also told her how pained she had been by her tyrant of a father. Natasha couldn't help but feel a kinship to the woman she would hopefully one day meet, but her eyes were on Nebula's sister as the band walked towards where they waited.

Gamora, the other victim of the soul stone, was holding it-the box they needed. The others were walking in step with her, minus Groot, who was understandably absent after sacrificing himself. It still blew Natasha's mind a tree-like creature even existed, let alone cared enough to make such a sacrifice, but who would believe a product of the Red Room would make such a play? Yet, she did.

Gamora was obviously the one who had made this decision. Like her sister, she had seen and done unspeakable things for Thanos. Natasha could see a familiar glint in her eye. She recognized it in a way only someone who had been there possibly could. They were cut from the same cloth. If you skipped out on the tiny detail that they grew up on different planets, they could almost be the same person. Gamora was a woman on a mission, and they were here to stop her from fulfilling it. She was the one they'd need to convince, of that much Natasha was certain, and it wasn't going to be easy.

"Steve," Natasha said, nudging him slightly, "you're going to have to get her alone. Convince her we can stop Thanos, and the others won't be a problem. Thor and I will handle her partners."

"You sure? That wasn't the plan," Steve said, stiffening slightly.

"It's the smart play. She already knows where the soul stone is and she's fought to keep this stone out of Thanos's hands. She's like me, like I was when Clint found me. She wants to do the right thing. Persuade her this is it."

Steve nodded. "I'll do my best. How are we going to get her away from the others?"

"Leave that to me," Natasha said, pulling her batons from their holster. "Thor, might want to get your hammer ready."

"So, we're skipping the reasoning with them step?" Steve asked.

"Look at them. Do they look reasonable to you? They're still outlaws. They're expecting trouble. I say we give them a little."

"Three of us, four of them," Steve said, obviously mentally preparing for battle.

"I like our odds," Thor said, spinning Mojlnir as he took a battle stance.

"Alright then, on my mark," Steve said, strapping his Shield to his wrist.

The Guardians caught one glimpse of the trio in ready positions and immediately fell into their own. Peter looked the most irritated. "Are you kidding me? Look, I don't know who you people are and I don't care. We're really not in the mood, so move along and nobody gets hurt, okay?"

"We don't want to fight you," Steve said, in the authority Natasha mentally dubbed as Captain America mode. "Just give us the infinity stone and we'll leave."

Gamora put the box in her pouch, raised her sword, and lunged towards Steve. "That's one thing we cannot do."

Steve blocked her sword with his shield. "The Nova Corp can't protect it. We are you're best chance."

Drax and Thor had already locked up in hand to hand, with Rocket in and out of the mix. Peter rushed at Natasha, but she easily tossed him on his back. "Ouch, okay, lady, you have skills, but you've never danced with Star Lord," he said as he moved to his feet.

"That's a ridiculous name," Natasha said before wrapping her legs around his neck and putting him into a choke hold.

Gamora and Steve were meeting each other move for move. As she ducked an attempted punch, she shook her head. "If you know what we have, you know why we can't give it to you. We don't even know who you are."

Steve moved back into his ready stance and took a small step back. "Steve Rogers, but Star Lord over there might know me as Captain America."

Natasha let Peter go from her hold long enough to see if the name brought any recognition. She wasn't disappointed. Peter shook his head. "That's impossible. Captain America was the greatest hero Earth ever had, well, before me. He died in the 40's on Earth. I wore his underroos and read all the comics they wrote about his adventures. There's no way-"

"Look at him," Natasha ordered, pointing at Steve. "Recognize that face from your underroos, Quill?"

Peter gave a puzzled look. "How do you know my name?"

"We know a lot of things," Steve said, "like leaving this stone here will not keep Thanos from coming to collect it." He looked Gamora in the eyes. "Give me five minutes alone. If I can't convince you then we'll fight it out."

Gamora pulled back her sword. "Is he who he claims to be?"

Peter looked Steve over. "He certainly looks like him. It's just impossible. How are you here?"

"A long nap in the ice and the hammer of a god," Steve said. "Shall we?" he asked Gamora, pointing towards a bench not far away.

Gamora gave a slight nod. As they walked away, the others stood looking at each other in uneasy silence until Peter finally spoke. "For the record, my underroos did not have Captain America's face on them. They had stars and stripes like his old uniform-the cool one," he paused. "Guys don't wear other guys faces on their underwear."

Gamora opted not to sit beside Steve on the bench. He wasn't surprised. He really didn't know this woman. He knew and respected her sister and her friend, Rocket, but she was dead when he met them. How was he supposed to convince her he was here to help?

"Your time is dwindling. State your purposes for the infinity stone," she said, crossing her arms.

"I intend to destroy it," Steve said, making eye contact with Gamora.

"Impossible! No one can destroy an infinity stone, and no one would if it were possible. They are too powerful. With even one stone, the owner can destroy any enemy. The power is too much of a temptation."

"Yet, you have one and you can't wait to turn it over to the authorities." When he noticed the change in her posture, from standing at attention to a slightly more normal stance, he knew he had her full attention. "I know you know where the soul stone is, that you're hiding it. I know where it is, too. We aren't so different. Neither of us want Thanos to get control of all six stones." He paused and watched her face. She wasn't quite as good as Natasha at keeping her facial responses in check, but he had to hand it to her for trying. "I'm happy to report he won't get the chance. My friend already destroyed the mind stone just last week. It took a lot out of her, but, with time, she is willing to destroy this one and others already safely hidden from Thanos's grasp."

"Why? I know my reasoning, but what is yours?" she asked, fin as lily taking the seat next to him.

"We both know what he intends to do. I'm just unlucky enough to have lived through him succeeding. It's a long story and a little hard to believe, but if you leave this stone here, he will come for it. And, he won't leave one man, woman, or child standing when he leaves this planet. Can you live with so many deaths on your conscience?"

"What you're saying does not make sense. You couldn't have lived through something that hasn't happened. It's-"

Steve gave her a small smile. "Impossible? Yeah, I've heard that. Doesn't make it any less true. The how isn't as important as making sure it doesn't happen again."

Gamora pursed her lips together. "Even if I chose to believe your story, I know Thanos. He believes it is his destiny to bring balance. He would never kill everyone on this planet. Half is his way."

"I know his MO, and I can't give you a full explanation of why he did things differently here, but he did. A friend of mine, Carol Danvers, visited not long after Thanos's victory. What I told you is true. This planet was lifeless," Steve paused for just a moment. "We faced him again-twice actually. I guess we made ourselves a bit too much of a nuisance. He threatened to wipe out all life everywhere and start again. Maybe the Nova Corp was a nuisance, too."

Gamora looked around. Steve followed her line of vision. She was looking at passersby. "They deserve to live, but you are asking me to trust a stranger."

Steve pointed at Natasha. "My partner over there doesn't trust easily either. She was raised to be an assassin, and she was really good at her job. Like you, she made a choice to be more than what they made her to be. She's here on an alien planet trying to save the universe. This isn't your home world either, is it? Your home fell victim to Thanos a long time ago. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe Thanos spared you so he could turn you into what he is, but, like Nat, you saw the truth. I think you were really spared so you can stop him." Steve slowly put out his hand and touched Gamora's shoulder. "I think you know deep down leaving the stone here is only a temporary solution. You're probably already wracking your brain, searching for a better option. I'm it."

Gamora didn't respond initially, but she allowed his hand to remain on her shoulder. "If you destroy the stones, he will come for you."

"I'm counting on it, and I hope you and your new friends will be at my side when he comes. We can win together. There are others who'll stand with us. He isn't invincible." Steve lowered his voice slightly. "I know that from experience, too."

"I will come with you now," she said, standing from her seat. "Thanos must not succeed."

Steve stood and caught up to her before she could reach the others. "You can't, not yet. You have things to do first. Your sister, Nebula, helped us before. I'd like to have her help again. Go with the others. When you meet her again, she will have seen the error of her ways. That's when we'll need you. See, we don't exactly have a ship. When we hit the soul stone-"

"You're going to need a ride. I see. It isn't my ship. I'm not sure I will stay with this group for long," she said, glancing over at Peter, who seemed to be monopolizing the conversation. "They are a bit difficult to work with."

"I've got a feeling you've found your place. I'll see you in a few years." Steve put out his hand and looked at the box. "I'll take that with me if you don't mind."

She stared at him. Finally she put the box in his hand, but she didn't let go. "If I learn you did not destroy this stone, if you betray my confidence, you will not need to fear Thanos's wrath. You will face mine, and you will not survive."

Steve nodded. "I won't let you down."

When they arrived back where the group was standing, Peter was talking. His voice was much deeper as he bragged to Thor about his exploits. Thor was barely paying him any attention. Natasha looked annoyed. Drax was walking around Thor, sizing him up, while Rocket held his gun, pointed towards the ground, and waited for Gamora's explanation for why Steve now possessed the stone.

Gamora cleared her throat, causing Peter to stop talking. "The infinity stone is going with them."

"What?" Peter asked, in his normal voice, before repeating the question in a deeper one. "Why?"

Gamora gave Steve a sideways glance before looking at Peter. "What's wrong with your voice?"

Drax crossed his arms. "I believe he is mocking the god man. He has not stopped talking since you left. He wants to impress these perfect specimens, but he is not very impressive."

Peter shook his head and seemed to stand a bit taller. "I'm not mocking anyone. This is my voice, and I am very impressive. They don't call me Star Lord for nothing."

Natasha groaned. "Why would you want anyone to call you that?"

Peter glared at her. "Anyways, that's not the point. Why are we giving something so powerful to the people who just ambushed us."

Gamora narrowed her eyes. "Because I believe they can destroy it and Thanos."

Drax walked over to Steve and appeared to be sizing him up, as he had just done with Thor. "Is this true? Thanos killed my family. It is my duty to not rest until I have avenged them. If you are with us, I will go with you and slay him myself."

Steve smiled. "You'll join us before the day comes, and who knows? You might get your shot. If you do, go for the head. Seems to be more effective."

Rocket stroked his gun a few times before bolstering it on his back and doing his own survey of the group. "My friend gave everything over this stone. Anyone who can destroy it has my vote. When it comes to taking down Thanos, I'm in."

Thor laughed. "And, so you shall be, sweet rabbit. We will prevail together."

As the two groups walked back to the Guardians' ship to open a bottle of Contraxian wine and discuss their new alliance, Steve casually took Natasha's hand. "You were right. I needed you here. If you hadn't read the situation and realized a show of force was necessary, this might not have turned out so well."

Natasha interwove their fingers on the joined hands, and slowed her pace. Steve slowed to match it. "You still would have found a way to convince them. It's your real super power, Steve. You make people want to trust you, even when trusting you makes absolutely no sense." She raised up on her tip toes and kissed his cheek before smirking. "Keep telling me I'm right and we're going to have a very happy marriage."

Steve grinned before going in for her lips. "Happy wife, happy life?"

She winked. "Something like that. Let's finish this bonding session and go home. I want to tell our friends we're getting married."