Note –

Pretty solid theme of friendship throughout the years and being Stronger Together as the title suggests in this one.

Fallout from Pierce's estate and some building / groundwork being laid for the next few chapters in the present. The last big test from 12 years ago at Quantico, and then…There's a flashback to their time together as a team before everything went to hell from eight years ago…that honestly kind of takes over the update halfway through. I do hope you like it. I sure as heck had fun writing it. :) Heavy M material warning ahead. It may even rival ch. 19…because I'm apparently depraved.

It's a long one – shocker I know. But you know by now how I operate by now – there's a theme with these updates, which really are mini stories in themselves that included 4 or 5 'chapters' each.

I'd tell you to spread out the reading over however long you need…but I know I don't do that when there is an update to a story I'm reading. So, read at your own leisure.

I really hope you enjoy the update.

Memories & Reality

I do not own any of this or any part of Marvel or the MCU

Chapter 25 – Stronger Together

Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget - G. Randolf.

Present Day - Driving

"Sam, quit driving like a maniac. You're all over the road!"

The alarm in Natasha's voice resonated through everyone's ears as she kneeled in the space between the front and the middle seat of the SUV. Steve was hunched over on his knees, between Thor and Danny Rand in the back end. And Jessica Jones crowded in the front with Daisy, trying to direct Sam where to go, "No Wilson, we have to stay off the main roads. We'll stick out like a fucking sore thumb if we go that way. Turn here."

To say the tension was high and the available space in the SUV was low, was an understatement.

"Why aren't you driving then?" Sam yelled back at her. The anxiety in his voice was evident as he kept glancing back at who was sprawled across the middle bench.

And Steve and Natasha had their hands full, adding to all the stress.

Danny was passed out to Steve's right, but Thor was more than awake. He was yelling and thrashing around on Steve's left. It was definitely a challenge to keep him still, with his sharp movements causing the SUV to rock at times, even as it was speeding down a back road.

"Rogers, you gotta settle him down!" Sam yelled back towards Steve.

And Natasha?

She was filled to the brim with worry, looking back at Steve trying to help Thor, as she struggled on her own to calm Maria down too. Natasha was crouched into a tiny ball of a position. It wasn't her own discomfort that was causing the panic inside though. It was the fact that she had a blanket tightly wrapped around Maria, trying with all of her strength to hold her in place, "Maria, it's Natasha. Shh, we're on the road. We're going to get you help."

Oh, how the tables turned in this twisted story. Almost two months ago, Steve had been in almost the same exact position, trying to calm Natasha in the seat of an SUV after rescuing her from a rafter. Steve looked over the bench, and for just a moment his eyes connected with hers.

The thought weighed heavily on both of them as the pools of wetness threatened to spread in Natasha's eyes, but she blinked them away and nodded at Steve, silently telling him to stay strong. He was telling her the same thing.

Yes, the SUV was packed. Yes, the sounds were almost deafening from the demands of road directions in the front. And from Thor's bellows and Maria's whimpers. And from Natasha and Steve's frantic breathing. It was dark, and the outside whirled by them as Sam pushed 85 mph on the road.

But it was the smell that lingered in the air, swelling to an extent that almost suffocated.

They were covered in a mixture of dirt, smoke, and sweat. Gasoline had spread on their clothing. And everyone had blood on their hands. Whose blood exactly? It couldn't be determined from the chaos they'd just left. From the chaos they were still in.

Dirt. Smoke. Sweat. Blood. Gasoline.

A mixture thick enough, making them feel like they were drowning in dread. But it was the most pungent of odors that actually caused their mouths to salivate and gag reflexes to lurch.

There was no relief.

Burnt flesh.

The overwhelming stench of burnt flesh invaded the air, settling in, between their nostrils and throats. No, there was no escaping it. And it made the ability to try and compartmentalize what'd just happened, that much harder.

All Wanda heard over her comms was the team in the field yelling, "Wake up! Wake up!"

And then there was silence, which only left everyone back at the warehouse in a panicked state too.

What they couldn't hear or see, was what was happening on the ground outside of Pierce's estate. Both vehicles, holding Tony and Steve's respective groups, came to a screeching halt by the SUV that housed Thor's team.

If you could even call it an SUV anymore.

Gasoline leaking. Shattered glass everywhere. Blown out tires. And crunched metal.

The SUV looked like it was well on its way to being crushed in a junk yard, or like it had been stepped on by a Tyrannosaurus's foot in Jurassic Park. The vehicle had rolled three times before landing on its roof. Scratch that. Before almost collapsing in on itself, on its roof…after the rocket from a goddamn Bazooka had been fired, exploding right below it.

The good news? If there was any…it was that the rocket hadn't hit the SUV directly. If it had, there might not be any remnants to look at, which was an unnerving thought that no one eve dared to think right now.

The bad news? Gas was leaking from the SUV, and there were trickles of it on the road, leading all the way to the fire about 150 feet back, from where the rocket had exploded. The fire was small in size but incredibly dangerous, as it threatened a horrendous thought. At what would happen if the flames made the jump to some of those trickles of gasoline that surrounded it in the night.

More bad news. Tony and Steve could only see Rand and Murdock in the front seat of the SUV, pinned and upside down. Sam and Bucky were yelling at them, "Wake up," before their comms decided to stop working. Rand and Murdock weren't waking up though.

"Where the hell are Rhodey, Thor, and Maria?" Tony looked at Steve.

Everyone else from the task-force poured out of the SUV's, with half of them wanting to run off in all different directions, without a plan to search. And the other half wanted to drive off to try and track down the SUV with the Bazooka.

Breathe. Focus. Triage.

Steve did just that. He looked at Bucky and Natasha and Sam, who all came from the military, "Everyone listen up. Bucky, Sam, Tony, and Castle. You four work on getting Rand and Murdock out of the SUV."

Steve turned to direct the next group, "Natasha, Jones, Cage, and Daisy. Go towards the fire where the rocket hit to see if you can find anyone. Clint, you're with me. We'll work our way out from the front of the SUV, to see if someone was thrown that way. And Hunter and Morse? Go look in the ditches. The hatch popped open, so Maria, Thor, and Rhodey must have been thrown out in the motion."

Steve walked about five feet before saying louder, "Comms are down, but we stay calm and talk to one another." Everyone took off, looking relieved on the outside to at least have some direction and purpose right now.

But on the inside? Steve felt like he always did in moments like these. It was a mixture of fear and anger, forcing a panic that he had to repress. It all made his stomach churn, but his years of training and muscle memory kicked in and he trudged on.

The teams all went in their separate directions. And the only thing that everyone heard during the first minute of searching, was Tony's team trying to wake up Rand and Murdock, while they worked at prying open the crunched doors to the SUV.

Natasha's voice broke through first, "We found Maria…She must have been thrown out right away…No! Oh my god. Someone, get a blanket from the SUV, now."

Maria had been tossed from the SUV. The actual horror followed as Natasha got closer. The right side of her body…specifically the area from her stomach down to her knee, landed in the first puddles of gasoline, before gravity forced her to roll right through the fire.

The flames ignited where her clothing was damp. And Maria's survival instinct kicked in as she rolled around in a frenzy to put the fire out. It'd been only a couple of minutes since it happened, and she was awake again. Shock was setting in as her body shivered and shook, and as she began crying out in pain.

If Maria wouldn't have been found before that moment, she would have shortly after. Because her piercing screams poured out of her, acting as a call signal to everyone Natasha just shouted at.

Natasha swallowed heavily, feeling warm and sick as she came close. First from the sight and sound. It didn't matter that Maria's clothing had only been on fire for a short period of time. The damage was done on her right side. Her tac vest, shirt, and pants were all charred and fused to her skin where she'd been badly burned. Natasha got closer and held back the visceral reaction as she noticed the revolting smell for the first time.

Cage was there with a blanket as Natasha tried to talk, "Hold still, Maria. It's Natasha. We have you. Luke is going to pick you up and put you in the back of the SUV."

Natasha tried to brush Maria's hair behind her ears, but her face twisted from side-to-side in torment. She might have been moving, but she wasn't in a state of consciousness right now. Cage picked her up and Natasha wrapped the blanket around her right side as best as she could. She immediately crawled into the SUV to start clearing space for her and then stayed right by her side as the rest of her search team ran off to help everyone else.

Bobbi and Lance found Thor next, in the ditch right by the SUV.

It wasn't good.

Thor was in shock for a couple of minutes, but he was awake and screaming now. And threatening to do more damage than had already been done. The explosion shattered the vehicle's glass, turning it almost into a form of shrapnel, with a piece flying off and finding its way to him.

It was gruesome.

A large shard of glass was sticking out of his right eye as a discharge of blood and puss ran down his face and neck. "Does anyone have any sedatives?" Bobbi yelled out, as Lance said, "A sedative? How about a fucking horse tranq, Bobbi? This guy's huge. How are we supposed to get him up to the SUV?"

Cage and Jones found them and helped, stopping Thor from rolling on his stomach which would have made it so much worse. Cage lifted Thor under his arms as Jones yelled out, "We gotta lift you, big guy. Don't fucking move, or that piece of glass is going to get lodged in your brain, and then you'll be dead."

"Jesus Christ, Jones. Could you be a little more sensitive?" Luke yelled at her.

But it worked.

Thor must have heard Jessica because he stopped moving, at least for a little bit, as his puffs of breath flared through his nostrils. It was a team effort, but the four of them carried him up from the ditch and put him in the back of the same SUV that Natasha was in with Maria.

Steve was yelling right on top of them, "Open the other SUV! I gotta get Rhodey in the back of it, now."

Clint and Steve were carrying him. He'd flown forward from the SUV and landed at a weird angle on his backside. He was breathing, but he wasn't awake. And his left hip and knee looked like they were severely hurt from the angle his leg was at, "His knee doesn't look right, Rogers. Even through his pants." Clint's eyes were wide as Steve looked over, "Quiet, Clint. Let's just get him to the SUV right now."

The three missing friends were found, as everyone grew quiet again, but it was far from silent.

Natasha was trying to calm Maria, but she was constantly crying and whimpering from pain. She was in a suspended state, where her body was awake, but she wasn't alert to what'd happened yet. That wasn't the case with Thor. He fucking knew what was happening, and was freaking out, violently shouting from the back of the SUV. It was a horror movie come to life, and all he wanted to do was yank the glass out, but he knew he couldn't.

"Tony, what's your status?" Steve asked nervously.

Tony looked back at him, looking less than positive, "They're jammed in here, Cap. Murdock's crushed by the steering wheel because the dash was smashed. The airbags deployed, but it didn't matter. The front of the SUV looks like a dented tin can from where it first hit the concrete."

"Got him!" Sam shouted. He and Bucky finally cranked the passenger side door open as the metal groaned. They cut Rand out of his seat, but Bucky stopped for a second, "Jesus, Sam. Look at his hand."

Danny instinctually tried to protect his face in the accident. But his right hand landed outside the shattered window with the force of gravity as the SUV rolled. Glass was embedded all throughout the skin they could actually see on his face and neck and hand. But that was minimal, because his hand was broken in several places and was bleeding profusely. And pieces of flesh hung off his bloodied appendage. It looked like someone had taken a jagged saw to it in spots, from how hacked up it was.

Sam and Bucky took in the macabre scene with a terrified look. They could see actual bone in a couple of spots on his hand and his face was covered in blood, from the tiny pieces of glass that had cut and scraped away at it.

They swallowed and shook off the chilling feeling crawling through them and carried him to the same SUV that Thor was in, laying him down right by his side. "He must have knocked his head on the door or dash or something because he's out cold. But he's breathing, Buck. That's the important thing."

Bucky listened to Sam and looked at his friend groaning in agony next to Rand as he put his hand on his boot, "Thor, I know you're freaking out, but you gotta hold on for a little longer. You can't move because Rand is right by you, and you don't want to do any more damage to either of you."

Bucky looked over the seat at Natasha and took in the image of Maria as they exchanged a concerning look, both nodding at each other supportively. Through all the commotion, Sam hadn't realized what happened to her either, until right then, "Maria?" Sam sounded like he was the one who'd been injured. Not the three people in the SUV.

Natasha shut her eyes tight and spoke over the seat, "Sam, I know you want to stay here, but Steve needs you. You guys go…get Matt out of the SUV so we can get the hell out of here fast. I promise, I got her right now, Sam." Sam and Maria may have never taken the plunge romantically, during all their years of friendly flirting, but they were always really close, and it sickened him to see her in as much pain as she was in.

Breathe. Focus. Triage.

Bucky pulled Sam away gently and repeated what Natasha just said, telling him that the sooner they got Murdock free, the sooner they could get the fuck out of there.

Steve called everyone else over to the driver's side of the vehicle. Murdock was still pinned and they couldn't get him out. "Listen up. We gotta tip it back over to get to him. Everyone lifts and pushes on my count. One, two, three!"

The remaining team members were lined up along the SUV, lifting on Steve's count, until they were able to turn it all the way over. Gas leaked over all of them in the process, as it landed with a thud on its popped tires. Any remaining glass fell out of the vehicle and clattered to the concrete.

Steve and Tony and Sam and Bucky tugged on the car door with all the strength they could muster. 30 seconds passed. Then a minute. Finally, after two minutes, they heard the sound of metal beginning to bellow as the door finally budged open.

Of everyone they'd found, Murdock was in the worst condition. The steering wheel was smashed into his chest, and he was wheezing heavily. And on top of it, it looked like some gasoline had gotten into his eyes.

Steve looked back at the other two SUV's and knew they didn't have much time. The spot where the rocket had blown up was still on fire, and it looked like it'd grown since they arrived.

Breathe. Focus. Triage.

"Tony, take Matt to your SUV and lay him in the middle seat. Our SUV has Natasha, Maria, Thor, and Rand already. Sam, you drive. Jones and Daisy sit in the front. Rand is out cold, so he shouldn't be too hard to contain, but I'll be in the back helping Thor, okay?

Everyone followed Steve's orders and piled into his SUV. He turned towards the others, "Clint, you drive the other SUV. Bobbi and Lance, you're in front with him. Bucky, Castle…somehow, squeeze into the middle on the floor and try to help Murdock stay still. And Tony and Cage? You are in the back with Rhodey. I don't know how badly he's hurt yet with how he landed, but you gotta keep him still. It'll be tight, but we gotta move. I don't know when Pierce's men will be back, or if they will. But even if they're not, police will be on the scene soon. Eight of us in my SUV. Nine in yours. Let's move…Now."

It'd maybe been 15 minutes since the rocket was fired, but that was all it took for the night to take a sharp turn. Just as the SUV's were pulling away, the fire found the gasoline trail, and spread all the way to the wrecked SUV. A few seconds later, the second large explosion of the night shook behind both vehicles. They all turned their heads around, realizing just how close their brush with fate had been.

It had missed them by about 15 seconds.

15 seconds. 15 minutes. Seconds that felt like minutes, and minutes that felt like hours in the chaos they just left. And now…they had to sit still, realizing how quickly things had changed and how quickly things could've worsened.

Jessica and Daisy were guiding Sam, who was leading the way and trying to stay calm and focus on the road…and not on his worry for Maria and everyone else. And Steve was in the back end, kneeling by Rand as he tended to Thor on his left side. They couldn't communicate with the other SUV since comms were down, but they were caravanning back to the warehouse.

He looked up a Natasha, and for just a second, her resolve fell as she met his stare. Steve saw it. Her eyes shut tight in that second that she let herself breathe.

But then Natasha remembered the whole purpose of this goddamn evening. She frantically felt around inside her vest, remembering the USB drive she had. It was still there. Safe, right next to the small, Faberge egg. Thank god, except she felt anything but thankful right now.

Steve mirrored her and patted his chest quickly and nodded to her, indicating he had his drive too. The drives were the only things that felt safe at this point, because Steve saw everything else rush over her in the moment. The panic and guilt were obvious as her eyes shut tight for a moment and her lip started to quiver. "Don't, Natasha. This is Poseidon. And the closer we keep getting to taking them down, it's only going to get harder. Don't you dare try and feel guilty. Pierce tried to blow up the SUV. No one else. And everyone is breathing right now. So, don't."

Thor finally passed out. Rand was still unconscious. And Maria was whimpering through tired cries into the back of the seat as Natasha kept shushing her. She reached over the seat to find Steve's hand, and they took a deep breath together, through all the strong odors in the SUV and all of the swirling emotions inside their heads right now.

They held on tight. Yes, they were stronger together, and they would have to find a way to be even stronger. Because Steve was right.

This was only going to get harder. Their resolve was being tested, and they would have to stand tall, relying on their own strengths but also on each other.

Stronger Together.

That was what had been ingrained in them from the beginning.

12 Years Ago -

"What if you get shipped off to someplace like San Francisco, and I get placed in Idaho, Wanda?"

Loki was hiding behind a hay bale, holding onto his paint gun as he fidgeted with three gold rings that he often wore on his forefinger. He stared at his friend in her long and loose ponytail, overalls, and clear goggles.

"Loki, come on. We're supposed to be having fun today. Without alcohol. I know how hard that is for you and Tony, with how drunk you got everyone last weekend at Logan's."

"Okay. Did I partake in one of our greatest nights out in history? Sure. Do I take personal responsibility for any of it? Absolutely not. Besides, I'm pretty sure you and Bucky had a good time. And so did Rogers."

Wanda couldn't help it. She laughed, remembering...or not remembering…their frivolously fun evening a week ago.

Another week had passed since that night out. Even though the trainees had access to Hogan's Alley over the last week, they still had to keep their normal schedule of exercises, shooting practice, and classroom work. And they hadn't received any real information on what the week of actual testing would involve. That was next week.

Last weekend's frivolity was felt for three days after the Scooby Gang's shenanigans at Logan's. They weren't going to do that again. Not with testing around the corner.

So, Steve convinced Tony…to help him persuade everyone else…to do something fun outside of drinking.

"Since Cap here can't handle his liquor, he begged me to ask all of you to help keep him, from getting too out of control this weekend."

"Tony…"

"What, Rogers? I can't help it if you almost banged Red on the Quantico lawn for all of us to see. Although, I wouldn't have needed to see it, since I already saw plenty in the locker room…"

"Tony…"

"Right. Right, Rogers. Anyway…I guess Steve has a point. We probably shouldn't start our testing at Hogan's Alley, still trying to hold our vomit in. So, what does everyone think about paintballing?"

That was Saturday morning.

Two hours later they were all dressed in old and ratty clothes with pads underneath, ready to blow each other to smithereens with pellets of paint at a local farm designed for just that idea.

And Loki and Wanda?

They were currently winning this round, only because they'd found a hideout where no one could find them. They got so distracted by talking about the future, that they forgot their friends were all around them...in trees, on the roof of a barn, in tractors, lying in ditches…Everywhere but behind their random bales of hay. And everyone else was shooting each other to pieces with splatters of red, blue, purple, and every other color of paint.

"Loki, I'm not going to end up in San Francisco," Wanda finally answered him from a minute ago.

Loki scowled at her as he twisted the rings around his finger, "That? That is your answer…about me being worried about getting shipped off to the great northwest? What the hell am I going to do in Idaho, Wanda? Get dysentery from being on The Oregon Trail?"

Wanda couldn't help it. Loki was actually concerned, but his dramatization of said concern…was ridiculous. She was cracking up at him now, "Loki, you're not going to get dysentery. I mean your covered wagon might get robbed, and you might have to live off of buffalo and rabbit. But don't worry, you'll be able to find a lot to do there, I'm sure."

Maybe it was the fact they'd been hiding for over an hour now, but she couldn't help it as she almost buried her head into the hay because she was laughing so hard at the vein popping out of his head in annoyance.

But she calmed down after a minute and asked, "Hey Loki, what are those rings you wear on your finger sometimes?"

Loki huffed out a breath, "My mother gave them to me. She said one ring wasn't enough for someone like me. So, I wear all three sometimes." Wanda was trying to be better now as she smiled at him, "How's she doing, Loki?"

Trying to hide the flicker of emotion behind his eyes, Loki tried to make a joke, "Probably about as good as Pietro." It fell flat as Wanda frowned and grabbed his hand. She held it right where the rings lay for a few seconds, and he instantly felt bad and shook his head, "Sorry. I didn't mean that, Wanda. I just…wish she would leave my father. Just like I know you wish your brother could kick his disease. But that's not how it works, does it?"

His mother's pain and his father's greed would only grow as the years went on after this. Just as Pietro's disease would worsen.

Wanda smiled warmly as she squeezed his hand again, "No, it doesn't. And I'm sorry too, Loki. If there's anything to smile about though, it's that…in a way, maybe your mother and Pietro helped us find each other. Choices and paths and all..."

Always finding a way to break through Loki's walls, Wanda managed to pull a smile out of him, "Are you trying to say we were fated to be friends, Wanda?"

The heavy moment was over. And the light heartedness returned instantly as Wanda grinned at him, "Well of course…but you know, I guess we'll have to start writing letters or something, since you'll be in Idaho."

Wanda couldn't help it. It was low hanging fruit, but she swung away and laughed again. He scowled at her, deciding to get even one way or another.

Loki stood up, ready to rat Wanda out to their remaining friends that were still surviving this round. But apparently, Wanda's laughter already exposed them. Because Steve and Natasha were waiting on the other side of the bales of hay.

"We'd say hands up, Loki, but the end result would be the same." Natasha gave a cocky grin to her friend and didn't hold back as she blasted him with green balls of paint, all over his chest.

Loki was about to tell Rogers to shoot Wanda, but Bucky already spotted her when Loki stood up, and he was chasing after her. Steve turned to Natasha in her flannel shirt and khakis as she lifted her helmet, "Nice shooting, Romanoff. But you know we're going to have to go after each other once we knock out Tony, Wanda and Buck, right?"

Her grin transformed from cocky to suggestive, "Is that a promise, Rogers?"

Loki groaned, "Good god. I am supposed to be the one laughing at other's misfortune. Not Wanda. And I am supposed to be making the sexual innuendos that cause people to blush. Not you and Captain Serious Pants, Natasha."

It wasn't that they weren't worried about what Loki was verbalizing. They were. But Loki had a flare for the dramatics. And paintballing was the perfect cure for their stress. The side of Steve's mouth tugged upward as he looked at Natasha, whispering loud enough so Loki could obviously hear, "Am I Captain Serious Pants, Nat?"

Loki looked past them for a second, and then shifted back as he narrowed his eyes jokingly, "You know, your good looks and boyish charm…and beefy biceps will only get you so far in life, Rogers. Someof us are worried about actual important matters, outside of making googly eyes at their girlfriend. Some of us have to worry about things like the entertainment scene in Idaho. You know, where I'll be exiled to in a few weeks, and never see any of you again. You two are ridiculous. And I say that as someone who has mastered the art of being ridiculous."

Natasha lowered her gun since Loki was covered in green, "Aww, Steve. Loki's going to miss us when he's in Idaho. Maybe we should get him some absinthe for his going away party."

Steve frowned, still convinced he could feel the effects from that night, a full week later. He scoffed and then pulled his trigger, hitting Loki with his blue paint on his arm, "Consider that payback for slipping that crap into my drink, Loki. That stuff made me act like a different person."

Loki looked past them again and was grinning now, feeling a little better, "That's the point, Rogers. Apparently, you should let loose a little more because you sure looked like you were having fun. I think it only unleashed the beast from within. We almost all got a preview of the Rogers - Romanoff show, playing tag that night. I know I'd buy tickets to the full performance next time."

Loki's smile was even wider, and Steve groaned at his provoking remarks. But Natasha stared at him suspiciously, "Loki, what is so funny all of a sudden?"

But he didn't need to answer.

Natasha and Steve's expressions both went wide as they turned around. Loki saw two big red splatters dripping down their asses as a result. They'd been hit because Loki had distracted them. Tony snuck up on the pair and caught them off guard, blasting them square in their rumps. And Loki was loving it, "Wow. Thanks, Steve. Not only do I get to pay you back for shooting me a minute ago, but I actually feel a little better now. That's what friends are for, right?"

Now Loki was laughing as he asked, "Where's Barnes? I think he's your only competition left, Stark."

Tony scoffed, "What an idiot. Bucky shot Wanda and felt bad. So, he let his guard down to apologize to her. If you can't shoot your girlfriend, who can you shoot, am I right?" Tony's joke fell flat as he rolled his eyes, "Anyway…I took Barnes out right away. I don't think they minded though. They're probably rolling around in some hay loft by now."

Tony looked smugly at Steve and Natasha, "But you two on the other hand…Boy oh boy. I thought it would take more effort to bring down the great Steve and Natasha duo. But with a little help of my good friend, Loki…It was too easy."

Natasha turned around and threw a fake glare towards Loki, "So, what? You faked being worried about being shipped off to Idaho, just so you could help Tony win? What the crap? I thought we were friends, Loki?"

Loki was full on laughing now, "Romanoff, you just hit me with your green paint. You hit me, and somehow, I'm to blame because you were too busy undressing Rogers with your eyes to notice Stark approaching from the South." Loki lifted his finger pointedly in the air, "And let the record show, I am worried about Idaho's form of dysentery. But I'm an opportunist…you know that. I always have been. I saw Stark behind you. You two were wrapped up in each other. And I figured, why not take out my dear friends with me along the way. If you can't count on distrusting your friends in a game of paintball, when can you?"

Steve and Tony were laughing at something just between them as Natasha smirked at Loki. It had worked. Everyone was feeling better and a little less stress.

And the rest of their friends came into view. Thor and Maria were cracking up at Bruce, who had purple paint caked in his hair. Sam and Rhodey were high fiving, as they walked closer from a barn where they'd been hiding out on top of. They'd lost but felt like they won anyway. And Wanda and Bucky came jogging over. Wanda was shooing him off and picking out...yes, pieces of hay from her hair.

It was the perfect relaxation that was needed as they all were joking and talking about who had the best hideouts and maneuvers. Who had the best shots and aim. And of course, who won the first round.

Tony did, and he didn't let it go unnoticed. But the day was young as Steve yelled, "Round two. Let's see who can dethrone him."

"Is that a challenge to bet on, Cap?"

Steve laughed at Tony, "Well, maybe Tony. What are the wages?"

Tony had a glint in his eyes as he looked at Loki, "Absinthe! If Steve loses, he has to drink absinthe again!"

Everyone laughed at each other's jabs because it was the point of the day. To keep their bodies moving towards the finish line, but also keep their minds busy. To focus only on the present and not worry about past mistakes or future placements.

And at this moment in time, with all of them in sweats and flannels and tattered clothes, with a rainbow of colors caked all over them, they were finding just what they needed…In a wide-open farm turned paintball field, where they were actually training for Hogan's Alley without realizing it.

Campfires. Early workouts. Lounging around. Going out and having too much fun. Stupid arguments that they found a way to work through. And now paintballing. On top of all of their tests and exercises and training and workouts and classwork.

Each and every one of those memories had made them stronger together.

12 Years Ago - Hogan's Alley Week

Friday:

"May. Coulson. You know the drill."

It was Friday. Fury sat with his lead instructors looking at 11 files, belonging to the trainees he'd been focusing on for quite some time now. They'd spent the week testing at Hogan's Alley. And now? It was assessment and placement time. This afternoon they'd let the entire class know where they were headed after graduation.

But first, he had to read the last piece of their testing this week. Assessments written in 100 words or less by another assigned trainee. Fury started going through them, one-by-one.

Maria's Assessment, written by Sam:

Hill aspires to rise in the ranks, possibly even outside of the FBI. Focus is needed on the present to continue to strengthen her knowledge and skills. Above average in technological use, but has shown great improvement since arriving here. She excels in tactical and hand-to-hand skills. Hill comes from a family of law enforcement. Loyalty and instinct are engrained in her. These, along with being exceptionally driven, will only continue to make her a stronger asset and agent down the road. The FBI will be stronger, together with her.

Rhodey's Assessment, written by Bruce:

Being an FBI agent can be political at times. Rhodes' aversion to politics, may be a roadblock down the road that he'll need to overcome. He is above average with technology, but struggles in leadership roles at times, like myself. But that is only because he excels as a teammate. Make no mistake, James Rhodes served this country as a Marine, and he continues to want to serve in the FBI. Service. Duty. Honor. All words that truly make up this man. Rhodes will be an excellent agent, and the FBI will be stronger, together with him.

Thor's Assessment, written by Rhodey:

Thor is a physical presence, which is intimidating, but his actual strength is what can't physically be seen. He was raised by a family of fighters, but is well above average in the classroom and technology. Communicating effectively will be an area he needs to continue to work on. Thor is fierce, and even when he is tired of fighting, he finds a way to continue on, for his friends and family. For his team and the FBI. And for his country. The FBI will be stronger, together with him.

Bucky's Assessment, written by Steve:

James Buchanan Barnes is my brother and my best friend. But that is not what I am writing about. I am here to tell you that yes, he can be hot-headed. And yes, he stubbornly challenges authority. But while those can be his weakness, they can also be his strength. His knowledge and skills in weaponry, tactical, and hand-to-hand skills are superb. He is loyal to his team and loved ones, until the end of the line. I would be lucky to have him as my teammate. And the FBI will be stronger, together with him.

Four files in, Fury narrowed his eyes in annoyance. Not because the team didn't impress him. But because he didn't like his mind games being disrupted. But this group has been different from the get go.

Specifically, the 11 friends formed a type of team chemistry that was too good to ignore, but it didn't mean that Fury couldn't be mildly irritated, "Let's review the individual and team drills from earlier in the week. I need a break from this sappy, 'Stronger Together,' crap."

Tuesday:

After a weekend of paintballing and one last day to run through Hogan's Alley on their own, Tuesday was here. The first day of testing.

There'd been an awful lot of tests leading up to this point.

Constantly being monitored with running and physical fitness. With weapons, coursework, and surveillance. And with strength training, and shooting practice.

And then specifically, there were the tests to build trust. To push beyond their stress and exhaustion at TEVOC. To hone in on individual strengths, but also improve on weaknesses. And to learn through the mole test that sometimes, nobody wins.

This was the last big exercise.

The idea behind Hogan's Alley was to show the result of their skills and knowledge from Quantico.

Yes, next week they would have their final physicals, and written exams. But before then, placements would come out. And this final exercise - Hogan's Alley - would play a big part in those placements.

While trainees got to submit their top choices, it was really an illusion meant to distract. Placements were based on skill levels and recommendations by Fury with the help of his assessment team. And placements were always finalized right after Hogan's Alley. They were also based on where people were needed throughout the country.

For example, 'Agent Smith' picked the L.A. office. But L.A. wasn't taking many rookies that year, and Agent Smith wasn't at the top of his or her game. Guess what? 'Agent Smith,' would be shit out of luck.

Agent Smith might actually get placed in a place like...yes, Idaho. Just like Loki was worried about.

In reality, the assignments for Idaho came from the Salt Lake City field office in Utah, due to lower population in the Northwest. So, if someone did end up in Idaho, it might be even less active than what Loki was thinking. And if an agent wanted to be in a lower populated and less stressful office when they were done? Great. There were purposes for those offices too. And not every agent fit into one type of mold.

Some people might want less action…But not them.

Their group of 11?

They were hungry. They were fresh and talented, both individually and as a team. And Fury, May, and Coulson noticed that strength long before this week.

Hogan's Alley Week.

Hogan's Alley was the town within a town. It was a fake community constructed over 30 years ago near the FBI Academy.

The 'town' had a post office, a bank, a residential area, streets, a park, and a bar. Hell, it even had a used car lot and a diner. It was an actual small community, made-up of locals acting as 'citizens,' happy to help this year's crop of agents, as they acted as victims, perps, and even the local barkeep. And that was just the tip of the iceberg.

It was almost like a movie set from a western movie.

And it was all part of living in actual Quantico, VA. The locals loved it for the most part. It was part of who they were, and they took pride in getting to help each class going through the FBI Training program.

The actual testing was the time for trainees to display the summary of their skills. But as much hype as this week had. And as much as the locals in Quantico, Virginia loved it. It wasn't Fury's favorite. It was a lot of pomp and circumstance if you asked him. Sometimes, high ranking politicians would treat this week like a 'Homecoming' of sorts, and even visit to watch.

How fucking annoying. Fury thought it every year.

If Fury was really hard pressed, he might admit that TEVOC and the mole test were his favorite tests. He was in control then. Fury…would say those tests pushed trainees to their breaking points, separating the strong from the weak. The trainees would say it was because Fury just liked to fuck with them.

But alas, it was protocol and tradition, going back decades. So, Hogan's Alley was a must, and it was last. But the week wasn't without merit. And this year in particular, Hogan's Alley was of more interest to Fury than others. That was because of the 11 trainees he'd been watching closely.

"We haven't seen this type of team chemistry since Hunter, Johnson, and Morse from a couple years ago," Coulson noted on Tuesday morning. May answered, "Yeah, but there was only three of them, Phil. This is 11. I know you don't like to throw out accolades that much, Fury. But you have to admit. What we've seen so far from this group is…impressive."

Fury looked at his two lead instructors skeptically, "Impressive? They're strong. I'll give you both that. But let's leave words like 'impressive,' for when they receive Knighthood from the Queen of England or the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the U.S., okay?"

Phil and Melinda both smirked at Fury. He could act cynical and scowl all he wanted. But they saw it in his eyes. He was impressed, and was planning something big for them. They just needed to stick the landing while testing.

The testing which began today.

Tuesday was Individual. Wednesday, Partners. Thursday, the Team. The trainees had the objective to exemplify three things:

*Knowledge to assess and secure the scene.

*Skills to arrest and protect innocent civilians.

*Instinct. The X factors. Showing they could sway from protocol when needed, and use independent judgement to make decisions while remaining calm if things didn't go according to plan.

The first two (Knowledge and Skills) were the foundation. Instinct was the most important though. Because honestly? Things rarely went according to plan in real life. They would all find that out soon enough. Instinct was something that was innate, either strengthening or weakening in trainees throughout their time at Quantico.

Fury looked to the group on Tuesday morning, "You will have multiple scenarios given to you individually today. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can fall back on great teamwork or working with a partner if you lack in a skillset on your own. Things happen when you're on assignment, where you have to make split second decisions, and all of a sudden...you're on your own. The plan is out the window. If you can't stay alive and protect others on your own out in the field, what good are you on a team? Don't let me down."

Fury walked off, leaving them stunned as Sam muttered, "Rousing pep talk as always."

Loki turned his head to the left and right, "Is anyone going to ask, why we're separated from the rest of the class?" Tony scoffed, "Yeah, Loki. I volunteer you. Why don't you let us know how that goes? I for one, am going to shut my mouth today. Who knows what Fury has cooking this week."

Steve and Bucky smirked at each other. They saw something in Fury that they'd seen in another man in their life - Colonel Phillips. Both military men. Both ornery, military men. Yes, Fury was much more secretive and manipulative, but they recognized something in his voice just now. As odd as it sounded, they recognized a twisted sense of…hope? Or at least a message within his message. When he said 'Don't let me down,' he shined a little light on that gruff cynicism, because what he was actually telling them, was that he expected something good from them.

They were onto something, they just didn't know specifically what it was yet.

Natasha recognized it too, but in the back of her head, she had other voices playing.

She would see Ivan and Oksana in less than two weeks at graduation. And then she would tell them she was done. That she wasn't going back with them. She could only hope that she was placed near Steve by that time, so she could find the strength to follow through with it.

Steve's voice drew her out of her own head as he gripped her knee, "You okay, Nat?" She nodded back, "Yeah...I just want this week to be over...and next week for that matter." They stood up and joined everyone going out into the middle of Hogan's Alley this morning. May and Coulson would focus on the 11 of them while Fury navigated his way between the entire class. "It's all gonna work out. You can trust me, remember?" Steve nudged her shoulder playfully, "And I'm always honest."

"Well, someone's chipper for realizing how much is riding on the next couple of weeks."

"Well, call me optimistic, but I just have this feeling that we're gonna be okay."

He didn't let her fret. Steve put his arm around her, "Come on, Romanoff. I want to see you kick some ass out there today. It's time for you to shine since it's all solo stuff today."

She nudged him back, just as Bucky's name was called first.

Bucky's individual drill was inside the fake grocery store, which didn't look pretend at all. The building was turned into an actual store. Apparently, all the food would be sold and given to locals after this week was all said and done with.

Stocked shelves, check-out lines with customers, and even fake employees were all inside. Bucky had to stop a 'customer' (drug dealer he'd supposedly been following for a while) who was attempting to buy a large amount of Sudafed for making meth.

The perp became angry and pulled a gun because Bucky was on the scene. Bucky saw the man's partner (who was disguised as his wife) leave the store. He quickly apprehended the shopper, cuffed him to the grocery cart rack, patted him down and ran out to stop his wife. Bucky chased her down by her car, and improvised, stabbing a tire with his knife, so she couldn't drive away. He took her down to the ground instantly as she got out. A minute later, he had the man outside too as they were both read their rights and placed under arrest.

The FBI really got into the make-believe aspect of each scenario. Melinda May showed the car trunk to the group. It was packed full of empty Sudafed boxes, showing that in the grand scheme of things, stopping the getaway vehicle was just as important.

The morning was full of similar but different scenarios. Bruce stopped a postal worker who'd been stealing individual's mail. Maria, Thor, and Rhodey each broke up a bar fight successfully without using their weapons, which was always a positive. Tony stopped a man stealing a car. Steve, Wanda, and Loki each stopped some local gang members from attacking innocent bystanders.

The exercises seemed trivial and small to the group. And while the 11 of them didn't say anything out loud, their disappointment was shown with each roll of eyes and sideways glance.

Coulson saw their skeptical faces, "Listen up. You have to know and prove how to hammer a nail well, before you can build a house."

The team all looked around confused, as May glared at them and spoke louder, "Assessing and stopping smaller scenes will fill up a lot more of your time, than the grandiose adventures you have in your heads, involving helicopters and exploding buildings. If you can't do the small stuff, you won't be ready when those large and chaotic horrors happen. You each did well, but check the attitudes at the door. Each life you save as an agent, is important."

The team had no idea how May's words foreshadowed so many chaotic horrors in their actual futures.

That left Natasha for the individual test, who was placed in the same location as Bucky.

She looked around the grocery store. Her assignment was simply to 'Find and catch the gunman.' He'd run inside from the street to try and lose law enforcement. The fluorescent lights were bright as the soft elevator music played over the speakers. Everyone was aware of the new drill, and was now acting as if everything was normal, changing the entire scene from when Bucky was inside. The attention to detail the 'locals' and FBI put into this was beyond impressive. Cash registers working. Laughing and small talk commencing. A supervisor telling a worker to rotate the fruit on display.

But honestly? Natasha didn't really care about any of that right now. She had a mission – determine which local was the gunman, and make the arrest. She scanned the produce area. Nothing out of the ordinary. She peeked down the first two aisles of canned and boxed goods. Nothing abnormal.

More customers shopping, and a couple of workers, stocking shelves.

Walking by the meat counter, Natasha smiled at each person working as they asked if they could help her. She politely declined but noticed one of them flinch. Like he'd been accidentally hit in the knee. Like someone was hiding behind the counter and holding a fake gun to them.

Natasha smirked and stepped back to grab a can of diced tomatoes off of an end display. She tossed it off to her side. The loud clang made the gunman stand up as Natasha pulled her gun and yelled, "Hands in the air. This is the FBI. You're under arrest."

Just like when Loki stood in front of her while paintballing over the weekend, Natasha didn't hesitate. The gunman didn't listen and was going to try and shield himself with an employee turned hostage. He was clear for another second, and that's all she needed.

Natasha took her shot.

Green paint splattered on the man's chest and the exercise was done. The 'citizens' were safe and Natasha had stopped the gunman using her knowledge, skills, and most importantly, her instinct.

She came out of the fake grocery store to the cheers of her friends who'd officially 'checked their attitudes.' And surprisingly, Melinda even smirked at her, "Nice work there, Romanoff. Way to keep your head up to notice the little things."

How far Natasha had come, from her initial tussle on the mat with May almost five months ago…

Steve looked like he was modeling for a dentist's office with how wide he was grinning at her, "That's my girl. Way to kick a little ass."

Wednesday:

It was partner day.

Since arriving at Quantico, almost five months ago, the trainees had an assortment of partner drills. At times, they picked their own. Others, they were assigned randomly. And then there were times like with the driving test at TEVOC. When they were assigned the one partner they didn't want.

So, who knew what Fury was up to today. He stood in front of them inside the shelter house in the park of the fake town, "Sometimes, when you're part of a larger team, you know your role and place. That can have its advantages. No man left behind. There is no 'I' in team. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and all of that type of bullshit. You get my drift. When you're in a team, you all share in the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."

"Wow, inspiring words as always from our fearless leader," Loki whispered to Wanda as she elbowed him to be quiet. "No, he's right," Tony leaned forward and added under his breath, "I mean, Fury really knows how to boost our self-esteem." Maria stomped on his foot and pointed at Fury. Tony's promise to keep quiet, didn't even last 24 hours.

Fury was glaring at both Stark and Loki as he went on, "So, when you're working on your own...or talking on your own, when it should be silent, it's all on you. But when you're with your team, and you just can't seem to keep your damn mouths shut, you make everyone look bad. Is that inspiring enough for you?"

Melinda and Phil had to look at the ground to hide their emerging smirks.

Fury was laying it on thick, but it did the trick.

Tony and Loki got the drift, sinking down into their seats as he continued, "As I was saying, while working on your own can be daunting at times, it can also create a sense of relief as an agent, because it's only your ass on the line if something goes wrong. But when it's you and a partner, everything is shared. Equal blame, equal glory. Equal guilt and worry. Equal planning and responsibility. When you go into a store to catch a criminal that is trying to lose you…anyone that's hurt in the store? It's on both of you. And it's also on both of you to keep each other alive."

He took a breath and continued, "You've all proven you can work with the strongest and weakest partner we've paired you with. I know you've all been trying to figure out what twisted way I'll be pairing you up today. Guess what? It's random. Think of it as a test run, because you have no idea who your partners will be when you find out your placements at the end of this week. Rogers, you're up first."

Well that was like being doused with a bucket of ice water. No one had to say anything under their breaths. They were all thinking the same thing – Fury was making it random, because their partner could literally be anyone…in any corner of the United States. Not anyone in this group.

May was holding a small tin canister with everyone's names inside, "Obviously if you choose your own name, pick again, Rogers." May's sarcasm was thick, even for her as he reached in and pulled out a name, "Thor, looks like it's you and me up first."

Rhodey yelled out, "Arm Wrestle!" as the rest of their friends snickered, remembering how wasted everyone was a little over a week ago.

"Let us show off our strength in other areas besides our biceps, Rogers." Steve patted Thor on the back as they got their assignment – to stop a man in a homemade suicide vest in a crowded street. There were about 20 locals all in place on the street, right outside of the diner and bank. The man with the vest stood in the middle of the crowd shouting. Steve shoved down actual memories under Colonel Phillips' command, similar to this overseas.

Steve spoke outside of everyone's earshot to Thor, directing him to a rooftop, "As soon as you get a clear shot, where no civilians will be harmed, you take it. Got it, Thor?" Only the two of them knew where Thor was headed. "You try to talk him down, don't let my location be known, Rogers," Thor spoke into his earpiece as he darted down an alleyway, making his way to a roof.

It threw their friends, the locals, andthe instructors off because everyone expected both of them to approach the man. Rogers played the part of the lone wolf FBI agent, first on the scene. "Sir, I'm going to put down my weapon, so we can talk. You don't have a gun pointed at me, and I don't have one pointed at you."

Steve talked calmly with the vested man for several minutes as he said his rehearsed lines. Steve went on, "Why don't we let some of these people go. What would you say about that?" The man acted nervous and raised his voice, and Steve raised his hands again, "Okay. No one leaves. I understand. How about letting this pregnant woman and everyone else rest their feet, so they can sit on the ground at least? Would you be okay with that?"

The conversation continued as Steve and the man were the only ones in the site of Thor's rifle now. While shooting wasn't Thor's strongest area, he was still pretty dang good, and he'd improved a great deal over the last five months. Plus, the distance wasn't that long, and it was daytime. The point of the exercises this week, was to showcase that each trainee could execute a wide range of tasks and skills on the job.

Steve's voice remained calm, "Sir, are you okay if I tie my boot? I don't want to trip or for anyone here to get nervous and trigger happy." Up to this point, the man's hand had been holding the switch, but he didn't have it flipped.

Kneeling down, Steve signaled Thor. Just as the man caught on to what might happen, it was too late. Thor's yellow paint was splattered in two spots on the local's chest. He would have been dead almost instantly, but Steve finished the job…just in case. He went up and took the switch from his hand and secured the scene, "Nice work, Thor."

The assignments were more difficult than the individual rounds, but similar to Steve and Thor's.

Bucky, Loki, and Bruce tripled up. They had to secure a bank robbery scene with three criminals. They managed to do so without shooting any weapons. Wanda and Rhodey had to save two children who'd been kidnapped and were in the park with their captors. And Maria and Sam had to settle a domestic disturbance call, that turned out to be a home invasion by two gunmen. They all handled the surprise element factors well and apprehended the locals without any problems.

That left Natasha walking up to May as Melinda joked, "Well, I'm sure Stark would love to have his name called out. But no need. You two are up."

Natasha and Tony were in a car, parked in the street on Hogan's Alley. The mission was simple – stop the two gunmen. Two cars flanked theirs, and each had a gunman inside. The two 'criminals' immediately started firing paintballs at their vehicle. Lowering their seats to stay out of sight, Tony cocked his eyebrow at her, "As much as I'd like to lay here and chit chat about all of our hopes and dreams…what's the plan here, Red?"

Natasha didn't miss a beat, "Don't get out of your side. That's what they're expecting because it's closer to the sidewalk, Tony. Pop down the back seat, and crawl into the trunk. I'll pop it when you're inside. Then we can use the trunk and car as a shield and protect our feet."

Tony nodded and did as she said. He was in the trunk first, after rolling on his stomach and army crawling inside. Natasha popped the trunk from the keys in the ignition, and Tony shot back at the gunman to his left, covering his partner. Natasha made her way through the backseat, but opened up every door first to try and shield any angles to the gas tank. She was right by Tony now, kneeling in the trunk and focusing on the shooter to their right.

Loud gunfire played over a couple speakers in the street to add to the atmosphere.

Tony grinned at her, "Nice thinking, Red. Let's change it up and gain the upper hand now. Focus everything we have on my side; it'll force the shooter to join his friend. The I'll box them in and charge at them from the left."

Natasha nodded, kneeling behind Tony as they kept firing, driving the man to the left, farther and farther from his original position. After a couple of minutes, he was forced right by the other shooter. She shot at both of them as Tony had a moment of coverage and ran and circled around, closing in on the paintballing duo from behind.

Within two minutes, the gunmen had their hands in the air and guns tossed to the side as Tony and Natasha made their arrests.

For a pair of classmates that started off as natural rivals, turned to staunch competitors, they played off of each other smoothly. It went to show how talented they were, yes. But it also showed how much they'd grown as friends since arriving at Quantico. "Nice shooting, Red. You're not so bad when you're not trying to kick my ass or yell at me."

Natasha laughed, "And you're not so bad when you don't give me a reason to yell at you. Good idea on boxing them in."

Two down. One to go.

Friday:

"Hard arguing with Tuesday and Wednesday's results, Fury. You have to admit, it's a good group to take a chance on."

Holding strong with his own bout of stubbornness, Fury stared coldly at Coulson but avoided giving out any praises, "Who's assessment is next?"

Sam's Assessment, written by Maria:

Wilson is ex-military, and it shows through his gifts as a talented trainee, supporting his team. With help and encouragement, he will be ready to be a leader in the FBI down the road. Weaker in technology, but makes up for it in his strengths in weapons, tactical, and fighting skills. Consistent and reliable, which are invaluable in the field as an agent. But above all, Wilson's loyalty is irreplaceable and needed in any strong team. The FBI will be stronger, together with him.

Bruce's Assessment, written by Thor:

While Banner may physically not be the strongest trainee, his mental prowess boasts over all others. His quiet confidence is a balance to stronger egos amongst teammates. And while fieldwork may not be his end goal, the need within a team for a man as strong as him, is vital. For Banner's greatest strengths lie in his medical gifts, his psyche, and his knowledge. The FBI will be stronger, together with him.

Wanda's Assessment, written by Loki:

Maximoff doesn't know how talented she is behind a computer. When she steps out of the box, her natural abilities are even stronger than mine. That is not an easy thing for me to admit. She's vastly improved with weapons and driving, but she's weakest here and will need to practice in order to instill more confidence and muscle memory. Beyond her specialty in technology, Wanda's greatest strength is emotional intelligence. Her value to the group cannot be overstated. She is part of the glue, making a team chemistry like ours work. The FBI will be stronger, together with her.

Tony's Assessment, written by Natasha:

If anyone could write 100 words, regarding annoyances with Tony Stark, it'd be me. Tony's ego is his greatest weakness, and his greatest strength. Yes, it makes him competitive, but it also makes him ambitious and wickedly talented in many areas. I'm a witness to his growth and change since being here. Change comes from opening up. With friends. With family. He's found that here, and he'll find that in any field office. His ego won't give him another choice, for his strength vastly outweighs any weakness, and we're luckier for it. The FBI will be stronger, together with him.

Coulson grinned after making it through four more files. "Sir, I believe the team may have a plan with these assessments." May chuckled, "It seems that they've met your mind games with one of their own. A mantra of sorts."

Fury blew out a breath and tossed Tony's file on the table, "They. Are. Exhausting. What am I getting myself into with them? Let's review the last day – team day. One last time."

Thursday:

The last day was here. Team day.

May gave the 11 trainees their file in the park shelter house. They wouldn't be split up. The exercise would require everyone's participation on this mission.

While they may have been skeptical on Tuesday with more miniscule exercises, excitement and nerves ran rampant now. And any competitiveness that got the best of them at times over the course of their five months at Quantico, was long gone in this moment. They were hungry and ready, and wanting to showcase their strengths.

May and Coulson had a little bet if there would be an argument over who would try and lead the exercise. Fury ignored them, but was just as curious. Teams needed leaders, and he needed to see what happened here.

Everyone knew internally, who the leader of the group was. Maybe due to natural positioning, or internal reasoning. Or maybe…because it was apparent from day one.

Some trainees may have had stronger personalities at times. And somedays, this particular trainee was just as flawed as anyone else. But it was obvious to the other 10 members of the group.

The strongest personality belonged to Tony, but Loki had the gravitas. Maria was the most driven, while best supporting player went to Rhodey. Yes, Bruce had all the knowledge. And Sam's loyalty was something to admire. Thor's physicality was enough to intimidate. Leaving Bucky as the fire and fury. And all the while, the heart of the team beat with Wanda. And when every skillset they'd been tested on was combined, it was Natasha who was the most gifted and talented overall. For reasons unknown, except to the man, who was the leader, and unnamed so far. Steven Grant Rogers.

It was Steve who was a Captain in the Army, for similar reasons as to why he led here. It was Steve, who tried to defuse and keep his friends on the right path…Who helped out struggling teammates at TEVOC, even when he and his girlfriend were in a knockdown, drag out fight. And it was Steve, who found a way to break through Natasha's walls, connect with her on the most uneven of paths, as they found their way through the murky waters of their past and present together. It was Steve who got through to her, when she so foolishly downloaded files during the mole test.

He was the one to be trusted. The one who would still be trusted down the road, even after the secrets he kept were revealed, because people were drawn to him in a natural way. It was Steve who was the moral compass.

And the leadership role belonged to him.

The mission.

Knowledge. Skills. Instinct.

Use their knowledge to surveil and secure a warehouse at the end of the street in Hogan's Alley. Use their skills to break in and apprehend the criminals, running a drug ring inside. Rely on instinct when needed, and listen and look out for their team members.

Tony and Steve stood in front of everyone as they reviewed the minimal details on their sheet of paper. Stark looked at his teammate and friend, "Call it, Cap."

Steve grinned and naturally fell into that leadership role, "Okay, listen up. We don't have computers, but neither do they. But we should operate like we would in the field. Maximoff, Banner, and Loki. Cover the rooftops on the opposite side of the street, and use our earpieces and binoculars. You're our eyes and ears for everything you see outside, and from the aerial vantage point. You can move out."

The three of them did, and foreshadowed the positions they would be in, for years to come on the 42nd floor of the FBI building in New York City.

"Hill, Thor, and Rhodey. You're casing the perimeter. Guard the front and back entrance and circle the sides as you shift between them to provide cover for the windows."

They moved out as Steve spoke to the remaining four individuals, "Wilson and Stark. Once inside, you circle the interior perimeter of the floor. We don't know what the inside looks like yet. If there is an upstairs, you will need to clear it. Romanoff, Barnes, we cover the actual floor. It'll cause them to scatter, so everyone will need to be on the lookout. Does everyone copy?"

Bucky, Tony, Sam, and Natasha nodded to him. Everyone else responded with an affirmative over comms. Steve opened the front entrance quietly and the five of them took to their positions inside.

Fake guns drawn with colored paint. Tactical gear on. Team in position.

Steve, Natasha, and Bucky waited behind two steel columns. There was an upstairs, and Tony and Sam were clearing the open area as they circled the catwalk quietly. They had already apprehended and 'gagged' two men watching from above. "Clear up here, Cap. We can see 12 people at six tables, sorting drugs downstairs," Sam said as Tony added, "And there's three men in the back office, counting cash."

Rogers peered around the column to take the site in and watched for 30 seconds. Two people left their tables to go to the restroom, and Steve made his next move, "Stark. Wilson. Grab the two going to the bathroom, and then make your way to the office area to arrest the cash counters. They're probably the 'leaders' of this operation, so stay alert. We're going in."

Steve led the way, "This is the FBI. Hands up where we can see them." Natasha and Bucky fanned out to the sides, looking for any sign of guns. No one on the floor had them, but they did try to run. Three ran out the back where Thor and Maria were. Thor held two with his arms as Maria chased the third down and tackled him from behind. That local would be feeling their volunteer efforts for days.

A fourth 'employee' tried to run out the front, but Natasha jumped up and put the man into a choke hold. He was an actor and didn't want to walk away with scrapes and bruises like the man Maria had just taken down would have. He gave up right away.

A fifth person tried to jump through break-away glass that'd been put into one of the windows, but Rhodey was waiting for him. He'd caught the difference on his perimeter sweeps between windows, and predicted that the locals were told to jump out of that one.

As they were cuffing and putting the other 'workers' in zip ties, the men in the office made their presence known. They drew their paintball guns and started shooting right away at Stark and Wilson.

Sam hit one of the men right away with his silver paintballs as he drew his gun. But the other two men escaped into the warehouse, and killed the lights. It wasn't night time. But their vision was diminished now.

They'd utilized their knowledge and skills. It was instinct time.

Everyone else was cuffed and tied up, and two remained. Wanda's voice came through, "I can see through the upstairs windows. One's moving to the second floor. One is staying in the shadows against the east wall."

Thor, Rhodey, and Maria gathered all four people who tried to escape outside at the back entrance. Rhodey watched over them as Maria and Thor came inside to help.

The gunman in the shadows escaped through the front as Bruce's voice came through, "He's heading around the west side of the building." Steve nodded at Tony and Bucky. Tony threw a brick through an actual window as glass shattered. They were improvising.

Tony cupped his hands to give Bucky a boost. And Bucky cleared the shards of glass with his jacket, and was out the window seconds later, following Bruce's directions. He had the criminal cuffed within 30 seconds. He joined everyone else at the back entrance.

And then there was one. He'd made his way back downstairs, but they couldn't see him.

Steve and Tony worked side-by-side, as Loki looked through his goggles, "Rogers, there's too many people standing up." Steve yelled out instantly, "FBI team, on the ground, now."

Everyone dropped to the ground, and Loki saw the one remaining figure standing, about 20 feet away from Tony and Steve, "Behind you, Rogers. 20 feet south. Tony and you will walk right into him if you keep going. Don't get shot."

Steve nodded at Tony, to spread out. They did and told Loki to watch for any movement. They came up from behind the guy who actually kicked it up a notch and tried to fight Tony and Steve. He was a local and apparently was feeling pretty competitive because he was the last man standing.

Tony kicked the back of his knees out but the man tried to fire his weapon anyway. Steve shot him in the chest three times with his blue paintballs, without hesitation. Tony laughed in the local's ear, "Nice try, bud. Maybe next time, you'll have some less talented trainees come through though."

The room was clear. The mission done.

Two men were shot out of 17 criminals, who both had their weapons drawn.

Knowledge, skills, and instinct on full display.

Fury, May, and Coulson were watching on their monitor from a vehicle in Hogan's Alley like they were on a stakeout. "Only two people shot in that warehouse? That's pretty damn successful if you ask me, Fury."

Fury looked over at Coulson as May added, "Phil, when was the last time you saw a group of trainees come through here and actually make Fury try to hide his smile? I think Morse, Hunter, and Johnson brought out a little twinkle in his eye. But a threat of a genuine smile on a day like today?"

Fury finally chuckled at his two instructors, "I think I remember smiling at two pains in the asses that came through here about 20 years ago. I also think it's time for those same two pains in the asses, to get back out into the actual field. If I'm going to take this team with me, then you two need to get back out there too."

"Never one to stay on the mushy stuff, are you Fury?" Phil looked at Melinda, knowing they'd already decided this would be their last go around at Quantico for a while. If anything, these 11 trainees had sparked a missing feeling in them as well.

Fury finally grinned at his two lead instructors, "Well, if you can't count on your friends to call you out when you need it, what are friends for? Speaking of calling out friends. Let's go break the news, that their week isn't over yet."

Now that really brought the twinkle out in Fury's eye – pulling another surprise on the group. He had an extra pep in his step as he yelled at the 11 of them to come over to the park.

May and Coulson were grinning and told them all good job, but Fury wore his scowl perfectly again, "You may think you're done. Or maybe some of you know me well enough to know…there's always something more that can be learned. You'll have to assess another team member that we assign to you. Same rules apply from the trust test a few months back. 100 words or less. Not a syllable more. We want truthful assessments, listing strengths and weaknesses related to knowledge, skills and instinct. Tell us why your fellow teammate should be an FBI agent. Some of you went easy on your friends a month in. I would suggest you not make the same mistake twice."

They all knew what the objective was. To give praise when deserved. To show they could be honest and raise concerns to superior officers. To call out friends and teammates when needed, and have the thick skin to handle being called out.

If Fury, May, and Coulson were all being truly honest? The 11 of them deserved a hell of a lot of praise.

The team was impressive. And they were feeling high as a kite right now from kicking ass all week long.

What Fury didn't predict, was the little twinkle in each of their eyes too. Would they be honest? Sure. But would they put their own little stamp on the end of their assessments, just like they'd put their own little stamp on Quantico over the last five months?

You bet your ass they would.

They'd shown it all week long. And now they were going to say it. How strong they were, together.

Friday:

"Who's left?"

Phil slid the remaining three files over to Fury, knowing that the decision was already made, and that this little 'assessment' exercise was Fury's attempt to just be himself one more time with them.

May let out a laugh, "You know, Fury. You do get to keep riding their asses after this, since you'll still be with them. I'd think you'd be happier about that."

Fury pursed his lips. His last stand, against the emotions wanting to burst from inside of himself. The struggle to be okay, feeling as…hopeful…about a group of individuals as he did, deep down. Hope was not a word he ever used, nonetheless felt. He was a man that was cynical, yes. But his deep-rooted skepticism came from experience and harsh realities learned along the way in his life, starting with the horrors he'd survived in Vietnam as a fresh-faced kid.

He picked up the first of the three remaining files:

Loki's Assessment, written by Wanda:

100 words is a hard limit for a man like Loki. Is there an ego, acting like he doesn't care at times? Does he need to listen more and speak less? Yes. While those are weaknesses, his strengths outshine them, just as his personality outshines the sun. He tests limits, which is needed for someone like myself. His intellect and technological talents, are equal strengths. But he's also the flavor in our mixed bag of ingredients, with his cleverness and mischief. He is irreplaceable. Without him, we wouldn't be us. That's why the FBI will be stronger, together with him.

Natasha's Assessment, written by Bucky:

Romanoff is stubborn as hell. She's more trusting and has grown with us as a team, but still only really opens up to my brother. Is that a weakness? I'm not so sure anymore. I think it'll always be that way between them. Believe me, I wish I could think of other weaknesses. It's infuriating how she kick's ass at everything. Athletic, deceptively strong, and scary with weapons. Smart as a whip and she excels on her own. You'd be a fool to not have her in the best field office. The FBI will be stronger, together with her.

Steve's Assessment, written by Tony:

You're really making me do this? Compliment, Rogers? Let's start with his weaknesses. Romanoff…Full stop. His stubbornness, annoyingly crushes any other shortcomings. I believe, sometimes you gotta run before you can walk. And following is not really my style. But I relent. I come in peace. Because, somehow over these five months, I've found myself willing to follow Cap. He balances out my need to act first, think later, and I guess that's Steve Roger's greatest strength. Worming his way in, with his morality and heart. You know the rest. The FBI will be stronger, together with him.

Fury wiped his hand over his face.

He was still trying to not break from his façade, "Well, I know you two don't have any objections. Let's go post the lists, and tell the class where their placements are."

May and Coulson sat back in their chairs and smirked at each other as they crossed their arms. They weren't used to seeing Fury try to hide how impressed he was with anyone. He never had to hide it, because he was rarely impressed.

But somehow, this rag tag group of 11 trainees from all walks of life had done just that, as they found each other in the process.

There are friends, and there is family. And then…there are friends that become family.

Over the past five months, they grew together in a transformative way. They all desired to become an FBI agent, yes. And they'd all bonded over shared experiences, past hardships and pain, and even some tragedies. Some, much more than others. And some, found love, both unexpected and life changing along the way. But they also found a family amongst each other. As they became a family of friends.

It might be hard to believe that a group of 11 people could form such a unique bond over the course of five months. But friendship doesn't have set parameters and boundaries. And it isn't about who you've known the longest. Friendship can be complicated, but at its root, when all the messiness is peeled away, it can be rather simple.

Listen and laugh. Learn and love.

Friendship can truly be about who is in your life. About proving that they're there for you, when paths cross and time is shared, for however long that may be.

On the mat or in the ring. At the range or in the classroom. Off-roading in a car, or taking a test behind a desk. On a run or in each other's rooms. And at a bar or around a campfire.

Whether it was any of those memories, or even now, in a fake town within a town…what they found, was that they were there for each other. Listening and laughing. Learning and loving. And a true bond had formed. A bond that would tether each of them together, even when their futures ripped them apart.

May and Coulson recognized that bond. The rest of their class recognized it too. Fury even had to relinquish his cynicism for once, as a grin appeared again. Because he recognized it too.

They would all make great FBI agents. They would all make a formidable team. And no matter what lied ahead of them in the future, they would be stronger together as a family of friends.

Present Day -Task-Force Compound

"Where are they? It's been too long, Loki."

Wanda was pacing around the meeting room.

It was unusual for her to show how upset she was…to wear her worry on her sleeve like this. But communication had been cut off for well over an hour now. It would take the team that long to drive back here, yes. But it was unnerving for her to have to sit here with no information, and just wait in the dark.

Betty had Peter upstairs in bed. Laura was sleeping in a chair, and Pepper was working on her computer to see if she could find anything online. Loki nervously fidgeted with those same gold rings on his finger, that his mother gave him so long ago. He looked over and saw Sarah standing in the doorway to the room, and gave her a concerning look. Honestly? He was looking to her for help.

Seeing Wanda this frazzled was freaking him out too, and Fury was not getting any responses back from Ross right now. Sarah took a big breath, calming herself, "Wanda, I know we don't know specifics right now, but you have to stay positive. James is with the absolute best people at their job tonight. So is Steve. If something happened, and they needed yours or Nick's help? Then they would've found a way to communicate with you. Whether it was by pay phone, Morse Code, or carrier pigeon."

Loki smirked at Sarah, who somehow managed to drop half of a joke, trying to stay positive. He definitely noticed that she'd been referring to Fury as 'Nick.' It was something that was a rarity amongst the rest of the team, but Sarah only referred to him by his first name.

"Wanda, listen. I hear a break in the static coming through on comms," Bruce was trying to do something on the computer, and he turned the volume all the way up again.

It was Steve's voice. He was coming in and out between the crackling sounds of their comms, "Wanda. I keep...not getting response...I'll keep trying...15 minutes away...injured...everyone alive...agents down… … ...Need medical help ASAP."

Static again.

Fury's voice was stern and a little loud. He was nervous too and was worried about what was going on, "Bruce, can you get ahold of Strange? Not that I want more people to know about where we are, but he seems to have ways to get to places undetected. Get him here ASAP, and see if he can bring any trusted help." Bruce was on it as Fury kept talking, "Sarah, get Laura up, and try to get as many of the medical supplies ready as possible. We have two gurneys available, but I think there's also a few cots in the garage, so we can bring them inside."

Sarah moved immediately to wake up Laura as Fury made his next directive, "Wanda, go make sure that little guy of yours is asleep and stays upstairs. Betty will stay with him. Maybe have him turn on a movie a little louder than normal. He doesn't need to see whatever happens down here." She ran upstairs, happy to have some sort of direction.

Fury looked at his last team member in the room, "Loki, make sure all of the security checkpoints are in place. Triple check even. Then clear a little space in the garage area so Strange will have space for whatever he shows up in."

Fury was more or less keeping everyone busy because it was what was needed. He went back to type out a message to Ross, to calm his own nerves because the truth was, he was worried as hell too.

It was actually about 30 minutes later when Steve and the two packed SUV's pulled into the garage. Absolute chaos ensued as everyone helped carry in their five injured friends.

Rhodey and Murdock appeared to be the most severely injured. Maybe not in the most pain right now, only because they were both still unconscious. That was clearly Maria. When Steve carried her in his arms, he had to put a little pressure where her flesh had been so badly burned to keep her in place. And she let out a blood curdling scream, haunting enough, that it made the entire room's skin crawl.

It made everyone pause for a second, but Bruce and Sarah took over. Bruce directed Murdock and Rhodey be placed on the gurneys. And Sarah told the team to put Maria, Rand, and Thor on the cots.

Thanks to Tony, the warehouse was well equipped. Thanks to Laura and Sarah, the medical suite they'd organized over the last several weeks, was already prepped. But as good as all of that was, the medical demands, clearly outmatched the supply right now.

Gurneys. Medication. IV bags. Sheets and blankets. More heart monitors. More oxygen tanks. More gurneys. More, more, more. Tony was on the phone with Happy Hogan immediately, ordering additional supplies for the compound that Sarah was rattling off rapidly to him.

Anyone with any sort of first aid training was assisting at Bruce's orders. "Sarah, Morphine for Thor, Rand, and Hill. Start them small with small doses to get their bodies accustomed. And get them all sedated, because we need to get an IV in them ASAP and clean their wounds."

Triage.

Everyone was fighting their own nerves right now, and soaked up any orders Sarah and Bruce and Laura gave out, feeling relieved to have some sort of purpose.

Sarah called over Sam and Bucky, and Steve and Natasha to assist her. Laura waved Wanda over to hold Murdock still as she cut his shirt away and then Rhodey's pants to get a better look at what they were dealing with. She was calm until she got Murdock's shirt off. Hesitating, she stood back for a second. Laura looked up and glanced over to Clint. She told him with her stare to get Matt's team away from the area.

But they were not in the mood to be coddled, "No, Barton. How about you fucking tell me what she's not. What's going on with the kid and Murdock?" Castle was angry. Not at anyone in the room, but at how screwed up the situation was, and that Poseidon had them against the ropes right now. Cage tried to calm him down, but Jessica spoke louder, "Clint, what the hell is going on? What was with that look Laura gave you?"

The look was clearly, showing worry. Murdock's chest was a deep purple, almost black. Gurgling sounds bubbled from the back of his throat, from the severe internal bleeding. The smell of gasoline lingered in the air from the task-force's clothing, and Matt's eyes, which Wanda was trying to flush out right now. The fuel had trickled onto his face as the SUV rolled, and the steering wheel had crushed his chest, his body showed the result.

Tony hung up his phone and nodded at Loki. They needed to help Clint calm his team as Stark spoke, "Jones, I think the look was serious enough to know, that we need to give them all some space. Nothing good is going to happen from watching like a hawk. If we can't directly help, then we need to help how we can. Let's get into the meeting room so Loki can start going through the drives Steve and Natasha have."

Tony got done talking and looked a little wild…they all did. He turned back to Pepper who gave him a quick smile of relief. She was so thankful that he was okay, but now wasn't the right time for a romantic embrace. It was the same look that Wanda gave Bucky across the medical area.

Everyone else was corralled into the meeting room and got to work, for no other reason than to keep their minds busy right now.

And Laura was still looking at Bruce as he was trying to assess who needed his help the most right now. From the appearance of Matt's chest, it was obviously him. "Okay Sarah, as soon as you sedate Rand, Maria, and Thor, come back over. Work with Wanda to start figuring out what's going on with Rhodey. There's deep bruising all over his stomach and left side and back."

Bruce had his scrubs on already and looked stressed as he looked to Laura, "It's clear Murdock has a cracked sternum and ribs. I don't know what's been punctured inside him, but it is severe." Banner listened to his chest with his stethoscope, "Blood is pooling in his lungs. We need to drain it immediately."

Laura ran over to the counter for supplies and grabbed the needle and tube for the thoracentesis that Bruce was going to perform, "Laura, hold him still. We got to get his breathing under control, then we can medicate and move forward." Murdock was out cold, but Laura placed and arm on his forehead and on his stomach, just in case.

Bruce stuck the needle into his chest, and 30 seconds later, they both breathed a sigh of relief as Murdock's breathing immediately improved. It wasn't great. But it'd improved. The tube that was inserted, successfully decreased the pressure in his chest cavity.

"I leave you all for a few weeks, and this is what happens? My god, it's amazing to me that you all manage to put one foot in front of the other most days."

Dr. Stephen Strange's voice rang through the air as Tony brought him back to the medical area, "Strange, I'll say this once in my life, so enjoy it while you can. Your voice is literally music to all of our ears right now."

Strange nodded at Tony as his mouth tugged at the corners, "Stark, you even managed to make this place somewhat livable. I'll give you that. But your medical suite is no five-star hotel, I hate to tell you." Tony smirked at Strange's quip as he went back to the meeting room.

Stark smiled at the two other women behind Strange as the Doctor introduced them to everyone helping Banner.

"Laura, Sarah, Dr. Banner. This is Dr. Helen Cho, and Dr. Jane Foster. They're as trustworthy as anyone here. I spoke with them at a medical conference in Las Vegas two weeks ago, and I invited them up last week to begin a study on eastern medicine practices and how they might benefit the west. We should all be thankful for my knack of impeccable timing, since they can serve as reinforcements, just like you requested, Banner."

They might've yelled at Strange, to stop his soapboxing, but they didn't have the chance. He was talking, endlessly. While putting on scrubs, washing his hands, and while handing Cho and Jane their garments as well. If it were a lighter time, someone might've suggested that Tony would need to leave the premise because Strange's ego rivaled his.

But no one said a word, because they needed Strange's help. He looked around the area and shook his head in dismay, "Well, ladies. I think we'll have to make do, won't we? Dr. Banner, I see you've administered pain medication to the patient with burns, and the eye and hand injuries too. Good."

Strange stepped over, in between the two gurneys that held Rhodey and Murdock, "And you've already performed a thoracentesis. Well done. Laura, I hope you haven't been too bored here. I have my iPod in my coat jacket. Why don't you take a five-minute break, and get fresh gloves on after starting my music? Then I can get to work."

Was he arrogant? Yes.

Might some people even take how he was talking to Laura as demeaning? Absolutely. But it was how Stephen Strange operated. Honestly? Laura was used to it. She smiled, and was actually relieved to get a minute to collect herself. She threw her gloves and mask in a red hazard bag and plugged in his iPod to a portable stereo from the kitchen. Janis Joplin's voice was serenading them within five minutes.

Strange took in everyone else next, "Romanoff, this is all very 'pay it forward' of you. You receive medical help, and now you're giving it. Well done, but you're officially relieved. Same with you, Maximoff. And Wilson, Rogers, and Barnes…I regret to inform you; your services are no longer needed."

Steve looked over to Sarah and she shook her head, "This is our job, Steve. James, you too. You all go clean up, so you can do your jobs."

Fury stepped out of the meeting room and nodded at Rogers. He held up his hand to him, indicating to take five minutes, just as Laura had. Wanda and Bucky went upstairs quickly so they could go check in on Peter and Betty. Sam cleaned up in one of the downstairs bathrooms, and Steve and Natasha went up to their room.

The door shut, and Natasha immediately started shaking, feeling everything that'd happened over the last couple of hours. The weight of the inevitable guilt came rushing back.

Steve took off his long-sleeved shirt and came over and grabbed her hands right away, "Natasha, you listen to me. Please. Everything that's happening downstairs right now? It's not your fault. It isn't Clint's fault. It isn't my fault. And I was the one giving orders tonight. I was the one who told Tony to figure out a way to delay Pierce. And it wasn't because you asked me to."

Natasha's forehead creased as she looked up, "I practically begged you to stay in Pierce's mansion, Steve. If I wouldn't have…"

Steve pulled her head against his chest, "If you wouldn't have done that, do you know what we would have ended up with tonight? Nothing. I don't know what's on those drives, but if it was hidden behind a fake bookshelf, inside the Secretary of Defense's mansion? I'm sure it's pretty big. I gave the order to Tony, because it needed to happen. And you helped that happen. We're all a team, and we're stronger together, remember?"

Natasha finally took a breath as Steve held her tight, "Besides, Natasha. Even if we would've left in time, and Thor's team wouldn't have delayed Pierce, he would've found the house staff and guards. And then we would've had a different problem on our hands. We wouldn't have any intel, and they'd be searching for us now. And his asshole with the Bazooka might have still found us."

Natasha knew Steve was right. Even more so, she knew she needed to pull herself together, because there was no rest for the weary or the wicked. Poseidon was going to keep going no matter what, and the task-force needed to as well. The important thing, was that Thor and his team were receiving the medical help they needed right now, and the best thing the rest of the team could do was to figure out the rest of Poseidon's plan.

She let herself have a minute of just being held as Steve ran his hands along her spine, "Nat, we're all in this together. No matter what happens. We stay focused on taking Poseidon down, before they cause any other harm in this country or the world. We take them down, for what they've done to you and Clint your entire lives…We take them down for our child."

Steve squeezed harder for a moment as she wrapped her arms around him now, "And we take them down for our team, and for our friends and family downstairs. Every single person down there, wouldn't hesitate to repeat tonight, Nat. Because it's the job. Just like that warehouse mission when the guy had his gun on you. Just like when we took down Wilson Fisk and his men at the strip club. Just like every fucked-up mission in the Army and Navy. It's the job, and we have to dig in right now."

Natasha held Steve a little tighter and found that strength in herself that they brought out in each other. Stronger together. It didn't just mean in the field. It meant in moments like these. They grounded one another and calmed each other's nerves when it was needed. And right now, Natasha was the one needing it. She nodded her head, "Yeah, let's clean up and get back downstairs."

Loud voices travelled up the stairs as Steve and Natasha were coming down them.

Apparently, it was a party at the warehouse. A morose party with five members of their team being treated in yet another, makeshift hospital that was off books.

Steve held Natasha behind him for a second, because Clint was yelling. And so was Fury. But not at each other. The situation had gone from bad to worse, because Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross, was standing outside of the conference room, inside the Warehouse compound. He was by himself, but his face was as red as a tomato.

He was livid and had come in, ready to fight, "Fury, you and your goddamn team have really screwed the pooch on this one. I'm sure Miss Potts will find out soon with her PR connections…the news headlines for tomorrow are starting to drop soon. And it's not just bad. It's a fucking nightmare. And it's all because of Barton and Romanoff's people."

"They're not our fucking people, you asshole."

"Barton, quiet." Fury tried to regain control of the situation, but tempers were running hot as Ross continued, "Fury, you can try to protect this group of misfits all you want, but I've had it. I went along in the dark, quietly, while you did your search and discovery. But do you know what kind of heat I have on me right now? Sweden and Australia were attacked. The FBI was attacked in New York. The President is demanding answers, and the response?"

Fury looked back at Steve and told him with his stare to keep Romanoff away right now. Steve backed her up to the second floor. Everyone was talking more than loud enough that they could hear Ross continue to speak, "Damn, Fury, you don't get it. You do it first, or you do it better. Pierce beat you to it. He has no idea that you have intel, but it doesn't matter. Sitwell's in the wind...and Rollins was killed. And I'm sure Ivan and Oksana have been in Pierce's ear non-stop. He was suspicious tonight after everything at his mansion, and decided to strike first. He's trying to snuff you out."

Fury stepped in front of Clint now as Ross kept going, "Pierce spoke with President Ellis tonight. He said you, Assistant Director Nicholas J. Fury, are not only alive, but you're in hiding with your team. And that you're playing for the other side. He has some grand story he's concocted about you and your special ops team working with the 'traitorous siblings,' Barton and Romanoff. He said their international ties from being on the run for the last seven years, caused a backfire in Kazakhstan. And that they're working with some middle eastern terrorists now."

A couple seconds of tense silence passed before Ross almost yelled, "Fury, they're framing you and your entire team, setting you up as terrorists because you don't have any proof."

Clint yelled back, "What about Sitwell, and the data? And the Lemurian Star? And Stark Industries?"

Fury pulled Barton away from Ross, but repeated the question as Ross shook his head, "Jesus, Nick. You just don't get it. That's all conjecture and circumstantial evidence at best, which doesn't play well in the papers. You want to try and convince the American public with what? Thousands of data points that show contact to Russia, but with no specifics or explanation behind them. Some phishing emails that tracked porn on Sitwell's home computer. And some vague ties to an off-shore holding company for money…that what? Happen to have two men tied to it from Stark Industries? I hope you're all laughing inside, because it's damn funny if you think the American public will believe that after the media twists it all around. It all looks minimal compared to…"

Everyone else poured out of the meeting room now, and Sarah pulled the curtains closed on the medical suite while Laura cranked the music a little louder to drown them out.

"Compared to what, Ross?" Fury demanded.

Ross glanced around and saw a room full of pissed off task-force members glaring at him. He got defensive and spoke in a harsher tone, "Compared to the entire file that Poseidon sent you, seven years ago on Barton and Romanoff. It's been sent to the major press publications. The New York Times. The Washington Post. The Wall Street Journal. All of them have the same information. Hard evidence with photographs, of Barton and Romanoff in Russia. In Kazakhstan. In the Ukraine. They have the evidence that Romanoff and Barton broke six Russians out of their transport from Rikers Island, seven years ago. And that they stole intel from the FBI that included plans for the building in New York. It sets you all up really nicely because that same fucking building was attacked in case you forgot. Fucking data points? You've gotta be shitting me."

Tony was getting involved now, "You arrogant son of a bitch. You think we don't know the building was attacked, Ross? We were in the goddamn building when Pierce's terrorist friends shot it to hell, and tried to kill us! Where the hell were you that night? Oh, that's right. You were with your #2, who disappeared. You were with Sitwell, who happened to be working under your nose for years...for Poseidon, without your knowledge."

The gasoline had just been poured on this fire. Emotions were volatile and Clint jumped on Tony's words, "You want to talk about blame, Ross. Look at yourself, asshole. You let Sitwell into the State Department, for years!"

Fury tried to step in again as he shut Clint and Tony up, "So what's your play here, Ross…Are you going to shut up and keep quiet to protect your own hide? That sort of shit didn't help in Vietnam did it? It's why we set out on the paths we did. To try and protect this country. Pierce obviously went down a different road than us. So, are you going to do what's easy? Or are you going to act like the soldier you were back then, and actually fight for what's right?"

To say it was odd to have The Rolling Stones, 'Paint it Black.,' playing in the background, was putting it lightly. The music played over the tension and their booming voices as the entire task-force stared at Fury and Ross. They looked like they were about to hit each other. The concoction of sounds wasn't just odd. It was fucking weird, and made the huge compound feel tiny with all the emotions being hurled back and forth.

Ross was pacing, and pissed off. They were all upset, but Ross was out of his element, and was looking for an easy target to blame right now as he bellowed out, "This is all because of Barton and…" Ross looked around and narrowed his eyes, "Where is she? Where's Romanoff?"

Steve's heart was beating fast as he tried to stop her, but Natasha was enraged after hearing everything. She'd already slipped by him. Her emotions were about to boil over, and with good reason. The world she was forced into for her entire life. The world that kept her away from her brother and Steve and her family. The world that took her child from her, and tortured her for 21 months. And now, the sadistic world that was trying to turn the entire fucking world against her, and frame her and everyone here for their evil doings.

It sickened her. And it took her anger and hatred, and elevated it to an entirely new level. But more importantly, it pissed her off to an extent, that it shook any guilt she was feeling, right out of her system. Natasha came down the steps ready to fight, "You have something that you'd like to try and blame me for, Mr. Secretary?"

The tone of her voice could send shivers down someone's spine. It did…as Ross looked up at her, but he deflected and blamed, and placed all of his frustrations on her, "The world's being threatened, and you think all is forgiven?" She was right in front of him, standing by Fury with Clint on his other side. Steve stood right by her too as Natasha looked at Ross with fire in her eyes, "I'm not looking for forgiveness, and I'm way past asking for permission."

Steve jumped on her words, "We're all here to fight. To fight the right people. To protect this country. If you wanna stand in our way; then we'll fight you too."

In a rousing moment, that didn't need any direction, every person in the room who wasn't trying to help out their five injured friends, came and stood behind Clint, Fury, Natasha, and Steve. Every single one of them. And they all mirrored Natasha's glare towards Ross.

Stronger together.

Natasha held back tears in her eyes, feeling every bit of strength and encouragement from her friends and family, new and old.

Ross glanced back between Fury, Steve, and Natasha, before he spoke directly to her, "Let's not forget, Romanoff. You did betray this country and this team. You betrayed the FBI seven years ago. There are consequences for those actions."

Stubborn as always, she was not to be trifled with right now.

Natasha stepped forward, "You want to arrest me? Let me tell you, you can threaten me all you want. Arresting me would be fucking paradise compared to what I've been through over the last two years…over my entire life. I'm here, trying to stop the actual people who killed innocent Swedish and Australian and American citizens. I'm here, trying to prevent further attacks. All I can see you doing, is trying to save your own ass."

Natasha pulled her phone from her back pocket and flipped to the photographs she took earlier at Pierce's mansion, "Take a good look at this photo, Ross. Do you see who's in it with Pierce? It's Ivan and Oksana. Let that sink in. The people who've been forcing our actions for most of our lives. The people who tortured me for almost two years, because I did the right thing in Kazakhstan."

She looked at Steve for a second before the raw emotion crept into her voice, "They murdered a very good man, right in front of me, Ross. They murdered my unborn child. And that's only the tip of the iceberg. And Pierce? He's fucking worse than them. He's more insidious, more hidden, and has much higher prospects."

The room was thick with emotion, and Wanda had tears in her eyes. So did Steve. He was proud of Natasha for finding her voice in the most difficult of times. But he was so hurt and angry, just like her. And his heart was crying out inside of him as he listened to the pain in her voice. His heart, that'd been scarred over and over again, from the pain of losing her. And then their child.

And then and then and then.

For so long, there was more pain than his scarred heart could hold. But not now. Now, he looked at her in awe and that image of a phoenix flashed through his brain with how brave she was. With how strong she always was.

Natasha took a shaky breath and flipped to the other picture on her phone. The one of Fury, Pierce, and Ross from their Vietnam days, "Now take a look at this picture, Ross. You see those three men? Three soldiers who were fighting for their country in a far-off land? Look at it. Doesn't it piss you off, knowing that one of those men, has sold his country out? That he's trying to see his country burn? Don't come in here and tell me about hard evidence. It's bullshit. My entire life, and the few memories I can actually remember from the last two years, are hard evidence. Pierce is rotten, and he wants to watch the world burn. Because he believes in Poseidon's manifesto and teachings."

Ross was shaken. It was apparent as he looked at the photo of him, Fury, and Pierce. That wasn't why Natasha took it. She took it because it was right by the other photo, of Ivan and Oksana. But it was doing the trick right now.

Surprisingly, Tony came to Natasha's defense next, "Ross, instead of wrongfully focusing all the blame on Natasha, why don't you take a step back, and realize how scary this shit actually is. Clint and Natasha have been controlled and picked apart their entire lives. Sitwell slid under your radar the entire time you knew him. Two men I've known my entire life, Justin Hammer and Obadiah Stane, who's my goddamn godfather by the way, have been supplying Poseidon with weapons, through my father's company."

Rawness was everywhere as a quiver found its way into Tony's voice, "So, let's all acknowledge Poseidon's ties run far and wide, and we've all missed something over the years. But Natasha? And Clint? And their band of merry mercenaries? Two of whom sustained severe injuries tonight, along with three of our friends and teammates…"

"Tony," Natasha started but Tony waved her off. This was a long time coming. The guilt and the blame? They could go to hell, right along with Ross, if he wasn't going to recognize what was actually going on here. If he wasn't going to actually stand up and do what he could to help, "Ross, you're right. It is only because of Clint and Natasha, and their team, that we're all standing here. And thank god for that. Because if they wouldn't have stopped the money transfer in Kazakhstan, almost two years ago…Poseidon would've probably already attacked. And who knows how many people would be dead. Instead of blaming Clint and Natasha, you should be groveling at their feet."

This was hitting too close to home for everyone.

For Tony, it viscerally hit him because of his father's company, and the involvement of Stane and Hammer. It didn't matter that he wasn't responsible for Stark Industry's weapons being the tools Poseidon used to wreak havoc. This was fucking personal to him.

Steve cleared his throat and took over, "Mr. Secretary. It is only because of Natasha and Clint, that we still have time. They stopped the flow of cash two years ago, and now we have time to try and take a stand. To try and avenge what we've all lost. Are you going to let us do our jobs and help?"

Ross looked at the team, standing…to avenge what was lost. Standing against him and anyone else that stood in their way as he looked at Tony, "How were you guys planning on beating Poseidon?"

"Together," Tony took a step forward.

Ross huffed out a breath, "And if you lose?"

"Then we'll do that together too," Steve stepped right by Tony as Natasha followed him. Loki. Bucky. Clint. Wanda. And everyone else, took a step forward, showing how unified they all were right now.

Ross looked over at Fury, who was right in the middle of his team. His family.

Ross thought of the photo that Natasha showed him. Fury was right. There was an easy way out of this. The news outlets would all have incriminating evidence on Natasha and Clint. And the media would jump on the 24-hour news cycle, shaping the conversation into, 'Homegrown Spies on the Run, Return to Seek Revenge on America." Or something like it. Ross could almost visualize the loglines tomorrow morning. The headlines were writing themselves. Yes, it would be easy to fall in line. But it wasn't right. It was the furthest thing from right.

For the first time in this heated conversation, Ross relented from the team that was standing strong before him. He took a step back, physically and emotionally, and tried to cool off, "Look, I know what you're saying is true. But you realize you're going to have everyone gunning for you now though, right? They're going to try and convince the military that you're all enemies of the state."

Steve wrapped his arm around Natasha's waist as Fury stepped back into the conversation, "Ross...you and I? We aren't dead yet. We have a lot of friends in the world and in the military. I say it's time we start calling in favors and pulling strings. They might try to shape the narrative, but we have enough people that will stand and fight along with us. We just have to know when and where to fight. Loki, what have you found on those drives that Romanoff and Rogers recovered?"

Loki grinned, "Well, I didn't want to be rude and interrupt this nice reunion here. But Secretary Ross, your thoughts on there being no hard evidence? We have it. Rogers' file has Poseidon's history. Ross isn't in any of the intel, so I'm afraid his narrative to the media and any frame job he's put out there…is going to do the trick and get the American public on his side. Media is a finicky thing…But it does have everything on Ivan and Oksana. Their camp where they raised their own little Manchurian Candidates. It has people they've killed…money they've stolen. It has other operatives in the states. And yes, it has everything that Clint and Natasha have done too..."

The fact that Pierce protected his own name from being attached to any solid evidence didn't surprise Natasha. And at this point, she could care less about her information being out in the public. She had her friends and family, and she had Steve in her life. That was all that mattered right now, "What about the drive I had, Loki?"

Loki winked at her, "Even better, Natasha. It has the plan of attack, scheduled for a week from now. At all the main military academies, and at Quantico and Langley, just like Natasha predicted. But it has the locations overseas too. In Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Australia. Six continents including America. Six plans to take out the major defense systems within those areas. But the U.S. by far, is the most targeted with several points of attack."

Fury interrupted, "We can't wait to attack them when they're planning to strike all of the academies and Quantico and the CIA. We don't have the weapons or manpower. We have to hit them at their base of operations."

Loki took a step closer to Natasha and Steve as he continued, "Well, that's the thing. Not everything is on the drives. The bad news? Wherever their base of operations is at…it's not on the drives. We don't know where their little army of assholes is hiding out at…or where all of their weaponry is at either."

Two steps forward, one step back. They had a lot, but they didn't have what they needed most. Loki didn't miss a beat to try and cheer up the room, "But…there's more good news too. I mean, you could frame it as good news at least…"

"Loki, spit it out," Fury sighed.

He shrugged and looked back at Steve and Natasha, "Well, the good news…remember how I put a hit out on the dark web for any criminals that might want to help take down Poseidon? We got some responses. Some lower level criminals that I encountered over the years who are resourceful and can help eventually. Valkyrie. Skurge. Korg and Miek. The Grandmaster. And the Collector."

Natasha raised her eyebrow at him, and he shrugged his shoulders, "Natasha, they're criminals. They're not going to go by the name John Smith. But that's not my point. The 'good news' is that another person contacted me. Or at least, he had someone on the outside contact me for him. You're not going to like it, but I think we need to do it. His message was simple. Visit him at Rikers Island, and he'll help us find what…and who we're desperately looking for."

"Jesus Christ." Steve muttered it, knowing what Loki was going to say next. So did Natasha. They knew exactly who Loki was talking about as he continued, "Even though he's incarcerated, he's still very connected. And the truth is, if what he says is true? It'll be well worth the visit. We need to know where Poseidon is hiding and where to strike, because Fury's right. We can't defend every place they're planning to attack…we don't have the resources."

Loki sighed as he finally finished, "The criminal we need to meet with is Kingpin himself…Wilson Fisk."

Wilson Fisk was brought to justice eight years ago. He was ruthless, and New York City was safer each day that passed without him on the streets. But he was still connected, even after being locked up. Steve squeezed a little harder around Natasha's waist, "We cannot trust Fisk…Wait, what do you mean, 'we,' Loki?"

Loki chuckled, "Always perceptive, Rogers…First, we don't have a choice. We're up against a ticking time bomb. If he had someone contact me, he knows something. And second…Fisk made it clear. He wants to see the three of us. You, me, and Natasha. We're going to need to move quickly though. I say as early as tomorrow, because as soon as news breaks about all of us, our faces are going to be plastered all over the news, and it'll be harder to sneak around."

This was just the cherry on top.

Steve didn't like the notion of meeting up with a man like Fisk again. He hadn't even thought of Fisk in years, because he'd been locked away for life. But their backs were against the wall, and they were running out of time. Steve didn't trust Fisk. But he did trust Natasha, and she nodded at him, agreeing with Loki. If there was a chance that Fisk had the final piece to this torturous puzzle? Then they needed to suck it up somehow, and find a way to make the meeting happen.

They ended their conversation at the moment because they heard Dr. Strange's voice.

It'd been close to an hour since Strange had arrived, and he and Bruce came out of their little hospital suite to give everyone an update, "Aren't you the Secretary of State?" Dr. Strange started, but waved him off, clearly not caring at all about whatever dramatics were going on outside of his medical area, "Well Stark, looks like you are going to get your wish. I'm going to be staying here for a little while. I will have my own suite and bathroom, I trust?"

Tony was baffled at the arrogance coming out of Strange's mouth, but nodded anyway as he continued, "Great. Well, the good news is that all five of my patients are alive. But they're going to be out of commission for your night watching, or watch dogging, or whatever it is you're doing."

Fury sighed, "Dr. Strange, that is the least of our concerns right now. We want to know how they are."

Strange stared at Fury, and waved his hand in the air, as if to say that he was getting to that part, "Murdock is in critical condition, and I need to perform surgery to repair the damage to his lungs and chest cavity and liver inside. His eyes were damaged from the gasoline. We don't know to what extent yet. Rand's hand will need several metal rods screwed in permanently for broken bones that are beyond repair. The tall one...Thor? The glass is out of his eye. He'll need an eyepatch for some time...We don't know if his vision will be okay or not yet."

"Rhodes's hip was broken in three places, and his femur in one. And he has two slipped discs on his back, but he is one lucky man. Because he was within a breath of having his spinal cord severed, but with a lot of physical therapy, and a much less physical job, he'll be okay. And Hill? She's going to have a very painful recovery. Burn patients often experience an excruciating amount of pain. But she will recover. Laura and Sarah are treating her wounds right now."

In a rare moment of being genuine, Strange spoke a little quieter, "I heard how you prevented the rocket from hitting their SUV directly. You all saved their lives by doing so. And you saved them again, with your quick thinking and getting them back here as soon as you could. Good job."

Right as Stark was about to say something about Strange having a grace and humbling presence for once, the Doctor spoke again, "Now, Stark? We'll need you to get your supply chain manager for this place on the phone ASAP. Some of these materials are average at best."

Mostly everyone else filed back into the meeting room as Steve held Natasha back. They heard Ross go up to Bruce. It was too bad Banner wasn't with them earlier, because with their history and Ross's non-existent relationship with Betty, they could tell that Ross was intimidated by Bruce.

"Don't even think about trying to see her, Thaddeus. If you ever want to have her in your life again, you need to let her come to you. Not the other way around."

That was all Bruce said as he returned to the medical area. Ross looked over at Steve and Natasha and shook his head before he walked towards Fury muttering, "I'm the damn Secretary of State."

Loki was talking with Wanda as Tony came over to Steve and Natasha, "I'm putting Pep in charge of supplies. She can work with Strange…I can only take so much of his hot air."

Steve let out a breath as Natasha looked at him, "Tony...I don't know what to say about what you told Ross. I…"

Tony sighed in relief too. It'd been a long fucking day and night, on top of a long couple of months…and years. He smirked at Steve and Natasha. Two people who he'd been natural competitors with in his life. But they were also two people who he considered family, and loved very much, "Hey Red? We grew apart sure. But that doesn't change where we started. We all grew together at Quantico, and have a hell of a lot of history. So, whether we like it or not...our roots will always be tangled. And I for one, am glad for that."

Natasha smiled at him, trying to hide tears that were trying to fall, "That almost sounded poetic. Are you trying to prove that Tony Stark actually has a heart?"

Steve was grinning too, and Tony shook them off, "It's all Pepper. Without her, I'd still be that asshole, trying to best you at Quantico. But all of our history? Roots and all, we're stronger together because of it. I see that now."

Natasha went up and kissed Tony on the cheek, pulling him into a hug, "I for one, am glad for that too, Tony. Thank you."

Tony was in rare form. They all were, feeling each sincere word and thought. With everything weighing heavy, he hugged her back before he and Steve went into the meeting room, leaving Wanda, Loki, and Natasha alone.

Loki was fidgeting with his pointer finger, pulling his three rings off as he grinned at the women, "You know…you probably remember how much I used to wear these. But after everything that happened…Well, I pretty much stopped after my mother died. But…I don't know. There's something about being around everyone. Around the two of you again…"

These fated paths.

It wasn't just Steve and Natasha, or Wanda and Bucky. It wasn't just Loki with his best friends that he was around once again. It was all of them. They'd grown as a family of friends through their own choosing as they began at Quantico, which felt like an entire lifetime ago. But somehow, over the last two months almost, they'd all found each other again.

The three of them were back in each other's lives now, realizing the foundation that formed years ago, was still there. And it was as strong now as it was then. Strong enough to last…through almost anything. Loki sharing something so personal with them, after the day they had, only made their hearts feel a little warmer.

Wanda looked at Natasha as Loki placed a ring in each of their palms, and kept the third for himself, "You two helped me find a reason to put them back on. To help me remember the good times with the bad…To remember my mother in her good times too. I don't know, this all has me feeling rather sentimental. Maybe she gave me three, because I was meant to give two away. I want you both to have one. Stronger together…or something like that…"

Natasha was able to hold it together with Tony, but she felt a few tears fall now. So, did Wanda. No matter what happened in the past, they were here now, as friends that became family, and Loki just surprised them with his rare moment of sentimentality. Natasha lifted Steve's chain around her neck and placed the ring on it as Wanda slid hers over her thumb. And the three of them joined in a hug as they smiled at him, "Yeah Loki, stronger together."

Many hours later, it was well into the early morning of the next day. The absolute insanity and chaos inside the compound had finally calmed down.

Ross had taken off, fully understanding what the plan was for the task-force and what his mission was…to get through to President Ellis and delay any nation-wide manhunt for Fury and his team. For at least a week. Pierce's goal in leaking the false narrative to the press was obviously, to misinform the nation and public. To put the spotlight on the team, using Clint and Natasha as scapegoats. All the while, Poseidon would be gearing up for an attack in a week from now.

People were doubling up in rooms, to create space for the new arrivals staying at the compound now. And the four Doctors, along with Sarah and Laura, were all exhausted. Their stamina was tested tonight, but they'd made it through.

As Strange said earlier, everyone was alive. Murdock's surgery was successful, but his vision couldn't be assessed yet, and it would be a long road to recovery for him. But he was stable. As for Rhodey? He'd had corrective work on his back performed, and a steel rod put into his femur. He also had a brand new hip that'd been happily delivered by Happy. Rhodey's entire left side was pretty much bandaged up, and Pepper and Tony were right by his other side, sleeping in two recliners.

Rand's cuts were all cleaned, and he had steel rods put in his hand that had a cast on it now. Thor looked like a pirate with puffy gauze in place of a patch. He'd woken up and knocked over the small table next to him. Dr. Foster was taking the first night shift and was at his side, trying to help him.

And then there was Maria.

As Strange had warned - her injuries may have not been the most serious internally. But superficially, she would struggle with immense pain. She'd woken up once screaming about an hour ago, and they gave her a stronger dose of Morphine, knocking her out again. Sam looked like he wouldn't be getting any sleep as he rested beside her bed.

Most everyone else had gone to their rooms. It was going to be a hard few days of planning, with going to see Fisk and trying to figure out every last detail before they preemptively made their moves against Poseidon. Clint gave Natasha a big hug, "You were awesome against Ross, Tasha. A lot cooler than my hot-headed ass. I'm proud of you for sticking his head where the sun don't shine."

Natasha grinned against him, "How many metaphors can you fit into one sentence, Clint? Thanks for sticking up for me...for all of us before I came downstairs. It never gets any easier, does it?"

He chuckled, "If it were easy, Tasha...everyone would try and take down a world terrorist organization, and cram into a warehouse turned into a hideout. I'm gonna go sit with Murdock and Rand for a bit. See you in the morning."

"And Laura too?" Natasha smirked at him as he shook his head muttering what a pain in the ass she was.

That left Wanda and Bucky, who had brought Peter downstairs finally. They got him a glass of milk and sat with him in the living room, trying to show there was nothing to be scared of. That everyone was there, and even some new friends were too. He ran right into Natasha and Steve's arms, "Nat, I did it."

Steve held him as Natasha cupped his face, "What did you do, Peter?"

He gave a big yawn as he held onto his sippy cup of milk, "I helped. I read a book with Pepper and watched a movie with Betty. We had a…summer party. I helped." Wanda grinned over at Natasha and mouthed, "Slumber."

Natasha smiled and looked up at Steve as his face softened, feeling so grateful that everyone was here and alive. They were tired and hurt, and five of their team members were severely wounded and had long roads ahead of them. But they would get through this, because they were stronger together.

In that moment when he met Natasha's eyes, Steve finally let his heart relax. He finally let himself breathe again as he took in her appearance. He brought Peter into a big bear hug as Natasha kissed his cheek, "I'm proud of you, Peter. You did such a good job." And then he was off to sit on the couch with Wanda and Bucky for a little while.

It was odd.

After hearing hours of classic rock, a long and bellowing argument between the Secretary of State and all of the task-force, and all of the noises from surgeries and planning that evening…for it now to be quiet. The only sounds in the air were soft beeping heart monitors, whispers between parents and their toddler, and murmurs in the meeting room as Fury and Sarah talked and had a late-night (very early morning) coffee.

Yes, it was odd, but so incredibly peaceful after a day of chaos and worry, for Natasha and Steve to be going upstairs. The bedroom door shut, and just like before, Steve pulled her into an immediate hug. But this time he was the one shaking a little. The day had caught up to him.

The what if's and almosts.

The near misses of the rocket, and how close they were to carrying five bodies back, instead of five wounded friends. The impact of the intel that they'd recovered. And the stand-off with Ross, as Natasha stood up and stood tall with a fire in her heart and her friends and family at her back.

Steve looked at her like he'd come within a breath of almost losing her again tonight, because that's how he felt. And in truth, it was that close.

But everything settled between them as he held on tight. It'd been almost two months since Loki had been arrested, turning Steve's world upside down. He'd never been so grateful for such a chaotic time period, because he was staring at the woman who'd changed him 12 years ago, and continued to change him right now. She impressed him with her strength, and calmed him with her resolve. Just as he did with her.

Their fated paths.

A term Steve thought of when she was in a coma…when the beautiful words in her journal, bombarded him with all of the pain and heartache on each page.

But their fated paths represented more than just pain.

It was as if they were meant to find each other, 12 years ago. Because even with all they'd been through and lost, they stood here now, together. Yes, with pain, but withlove too, guiding their way.

So much love.

There was no question. Steve and Natasha were meant to find each other. And part of what was lost, was found again. And surviving this first mission out in the field together, reminded Steve of all he had to gain with her.

Natasha squeezed around his waist tight, "Hey...hey...Steve?"

Leaning back, she looked up at his intense stare, like he was trying to memorize every last moment, "I'm right here, Steve. So are you. We're all here."

Steve let out another breath, and kissed her forehead as she led them to bed. They didn't even bother changing out of their clothes they'd thrown on before. They just needed to lie down. She pulled the blanket over them as she curled into his side, "Are you okay with what we're going to plan tomorrow? Going to see Fisk?"

Steve pulled her in tighter as he kissed her forehead again and then her nose this time, "Not really, but I have to be, Nat. But it has me thinking back to when we took him down. About a year before you left…"

The fact that Steve and her could mention things like when Natasha left, showed how much they'd grown over the last several weeks.

They'd avoided talking about anything from their past that could open up wounds, when Natasha first woke up. But they didn't avoid now, nor did they want to. Old wounds would bring pain, sure. But it brought those tangled roots that Tony talked about to the surface too. It brought wonderful memories of the love they formed and shared. And they needed those memories, to battle painful ones they'd have to live with forever too.

"Yeah, it has me thinking to when we took him down too, Steve." Natasha kissed his beard and nuzzled into his side, "We were stronger together back then, and we will be tomorrow too."

8 Years Ago -

The door to Steve and Natasha's apartment slammed shut.

Bucky sat down next to Steve on the couch as they both nursed their injuries. He winced as he took off the sling that Bruce had given him. His left shoulder and arm were pretty banged up, and the bruising was hideous. And Steve's left knee was bandaged under his pants. The bleeding had stopped a few hours ago, but the dark red stains on his torn jeans were a reminder of the scraped-up flesh underneath, and just how ugly his swelling and bruising were too.

The pain was evident on both of their faces as their hands kept trying to massage the minor injuries. At least minor in physical terms.

Natasha walked in behind them, first. And Wanda brought up the rear. She'd been the one to slam the door, "Thanks Natasha, for letting us come here since it was closer."

Yes, the physical pain Steve and Bucky felt, was nothing compared to the worry inside of them. Worry about the tongue lashing they were about to receive from their girlfriends of four years. The mission was over and successful, but the remnants from the last three weeks were still more than evident in the space between the four of them.

The mission?

It was designed to be simple.

Simple…Even though no one on the team especially liked it. Especially Bucky and Steve. The team planned to infiltrate one of Wilson Fisk's new strip clubs, believed to be his 'home base' of operations, in order to collect incriminating evidence and bring him down.

Drugs and sex trafficking were a disease in parts of the city because of men like him. But most of all, it was his thuggish behavior, leaving bloodied and beaten corpses of his competitors, enemies, former 'employees' and really, anyone that got in his way, scattered across Hell's Kitchen over the last several years. His operations were small-scale and isolated mainly to New York. He wasn't even on the FBI's most wanted list, nation-wide. But to locals and to the actual FBI in New York City? He was the number one criminal they wanted to take down, and had been for years.

Fury's talented team finally had a strong lead that a big operation was happening soon. So, they planned and planned. And yes, it was designed to be simple.

Natasha and Maria would start working at his latest 'club' as waitresses. And the rest of the team would trail them the entire time. If there was even a whiff of worry observed through their surveillance, Steve and the rest of the team would swoop in on a moment's notice.

Steve didn't like the mission from the start, but he knew better than to try and let his concern out of love show. And that tiny little hint of jealousy he felt inside? Jealousy because Natasha would be traipsing around in a skimpy waitress outfit at a strip club full of ogling men…yeah, Steve definitely wasn't going to let that show either.

Because his concern truly wasn't about that. Steve just didn't like it, when Natasha was in the field without him. It was unnatural, and he felt uneasy about it from the get go. But still...he couldn't deny that jealousy had reared its ugly head deep inside either.

For Bucky? It was more or less the same at the end in a way. But how things ended and how they began were vastly different.

Three weeks prior to the Brooklyn Boys nursing wounds on Steve and Natasha's couch, when this godforsaken mission kicked off…Bucky was in a different place mentally, because Wanda wasn't directly involved.

Hell, Bucky even tried to reason with Steve at the beginning, when everything was supposed to be so damn simple. The night before the mission started, just the two of them went out for a couple drinks, and Steve revealed his concerns to his brother, "I just hate it when we're not out there together, Buck. And I'm not particular fond of the idea of men watching her as she gives them drinks like they're watching a stripper either."

Steve's smooth jawline was clenched as he sipped on his whiskey. Bucky shook his head and tried to tell his brother how ridiculous he was being, "Steve. Come on, man. If any guy tries to get handsy with Natasha, she will literally slice their fingers off. You got nothing to worry about. Her and Maria are perfect for this assignment. They got this."

Yes, it was easy for Bucky to say that to Steve, with all the logic in the world. Because he didn't have to worry about Wanda in the same way…then. She would be safe and sound, back on the 42nd floor of the FBI building, observing from afar like she usually did. But in an operation like this, 'simple' becomes complex, and rapid changes occur in the blink of an eye. And that blink of an eye happened the very next day, on the first day of the mission.

Day one, Maria and Natasha entered the club called, 'King Pins.' Apparently, originality in club names was not Fisk's strong suit.

After years of success as the crime lord of Hell's Kitchen, the local media and people of New York referred to Fisk as Kingpin. The FBI hated the name. A massive man with a bald head was leaving trails of body in his tire tracks, literally and figuratively, and the alias only made him seem like some comic book character.

Apparently, Fisk liked the nickname though. And the fact that the alias rubbed his success and the failure to arrest him, in the FBI's faces? Well, it was all the sweeter for him.

Fisk hired Romanoff and Hill on the spot because they'd dressed the part. High skirts, tall leather boots, eyeliner for days, and low-cut tank tops, more than sealed the deal.

But Fisk made it very clear from the start. He had one rule for them to follow, "No men you know are to be here." The club was for his people. His constituents. His buyers and dealers and men in the area, to pour money into his trough of tawdry pleasure.

"If I find you fighting with jealous boyfriends. Yelling with friends. If I even catch you chatting it up with a former male boss that happens to be here? You're out. If someone comes in here that you know? You tell my men, and they'll get them to leave. Do I make myself clear?"

He did. Crystal clear, as they nodded back at him. Natasha knew better. Wilson Fisk had a lot of similarities to the Russian thugs she'd been around her entire life. The difference was Fisk was local. He didn't have pride as motivation for Russia or any country. The area of Hell's Kitchen in New York City was his world. And if he ruled that with his intimidation and money and clubs? Then that was all he wanted.

Natasha warned Maria and gave her tips, "Don't look him in the eye. Keep your head bowed. Fidget with your fingers and look timid. Bite your lip. Look nervous. It's all to make him feel powerful. And don't ever talk back or question him." They planned and planned leading up to the start, and felt more than prepared.

And day one, the women were hired. But again, things changed immediately. With Fisk's stern warning, Maria and Natasha knew they couldn't have a couple of shady looking vans full of men outside, surveilling them the entire time. He and his men would catch on too quickly, so their simple plan changed.

Fury called Melinda May in from Dallas, where her and Phil were working on assignment for the last month. She made the suggestion to bring Wanda into the field with her. They would surveil Natasha and Maria from a couple blocks away.

The initial change did not go over well.

Bucky was soon eating his own words that he told Steve the night before at the bar. And Wanda and him got into a huge argument about her not being a field agent. She told him the same exact thing he'd told Steve earlier, "You have nothing to worry about, James. I'm with May. And we're only surveilling. It's the job, and this is too important. I need to help where I can."

His scowl mirrored his brothers, but he kept his mouth shut afterwards. For that night at least.

And the team didn't have anything to worry about, for a week.

But the entire mission felt like a ticking time bomb back at the office.

Each day, Steve had to keep his mouth shut, and watch as the four women left. With Natasha and Maria dressed down to practically nothing in a long trench coat with their 'uniforms' on underneath.

Uniforms was a laughable term when Steve first saw it and heard the word thrown out. Policemen wore uniforms. Nurses and Doctors even wore scrubs as uniforms. This goddamn thing was not that. Their 'uniforms' consisted of tight black shorts that basically had their asses hanging out the back, four-inch high heels, and a 'top' that was essentially part of a string bikini. On the right triangle, that barely covered anything, it said, 'King,' and on the left, 'Pins.' The words were in sequined rhinestones.

King Pins seemed like a real classy joint.

Natasha made the mistake of calling it a top the first night after she wore it. They were back at their apartment, and Steve finally let his frustrations show, "It's a bra, Nat. A fucking bra." Natasha didn't get a chance to respond before Steve kept going, "Hell, Natasha. You have actual bras that cover more skin than that piece of string does." She glared at him as she shot back, "It's a simple question, Steve. Do you trust me and my abilities out in the field or not?"

Shit.

This was going to be stressful. That much was clear on day one. Steve apologized right away, and they had make-up sex shortly after.

It wasn't the jealousy driving him mad. It was his worry, like always. Yes, he trusted her, but he absolutely hated not being in the field with her. They'd had undercover missions before, where Natasha had to flirt and seduce men, practically wearing nothing. And while Steve didn't love those times, they never bothered him like this mission did. Steve had never let himself get this worked up, in regards to their field assignments before.

But that was because this time was different. They weren't in the field together. And Steve knew that Fisk reminded Natasha of men from her past. Of Ivan. So yeah, he fucking hated that he wasn't out there with her. But he kept his mouth shut after that first night when he initially cracked. He trusted Natasha, and he was just going to have to gut this out.

But each day, as the women left the 42nd floor, Steve had a scowl on his face that could cut glass as he popped a couple of antacids into his mouth from his stomach being in knots. Bucky was upset too, that Wanda wasn't in the office, but they'd ironed things out after that initial argument. And he wasn't consumed with worry like Steve…yet.

But he'd soon join Steve. Because a week into the operation, things rapidly changed again, causing Bucky to start popping antacids too.

After a week, Fisk caught Maria and Natasha outside for their 'cigarette break.' They were talking with Wanda. In reality, they were giving her their daily burner phones that had pictures and recordings from around the lounge area, below the dance floor and poles.

"Who's your pretty friend, Kiki?" Kiki was Maria's fake name, and Natasha went by Talia. 'Kiki,' responded, "This is Nikki, Mr. Fisk. She was just…"

Fisk cleared his throat and looked annoyed as he towered over them, "Kiki. Talia. I know I told you I only had one rule – no men you know. But I think you should know that it was implied, that there is a bigger rule. My employees don't lie to me. So, don't degrade yourself by telling me that Nikki was just in the area chatting with you."

Natasha shifted on her feet, looking nervous and playing the part, thinking of something to say as Maria stayed silent and puffed on her cigarette in the background. Much to their surprise, Wanda spoke up in her soft and timid 'Nikki' voice, "Sorry, Sir. Tally and Kiki here…just didn't want you to know they were getting high on the job."

Natasha's eyes flitted over to her as Wanda pulled a couple of dime bags from her coat pocket. Melinda thought it was best to be prepared a few days ago and have it on hand as an excuse. When in Rome…act the part. Or something like that.

Fisk gripped Natasha's shoulder hard, "Is this true, Talia? Are you working the floor, while getting high?" Natasha played up the nervousness as she shifted back and forth in her heels again. Rubbing her arms, she pretended she was shivering and nodded slowly.

The important part was that he bought it. Fisk laughed boisterously, bringing Kiki and Talia inside his sizable arms, "Why didn't you ladies tell me you wanted a little pick me up on the job? There's plenty here. Nikki, you come inside with us, and I'll put you to work too."

Damn.

A week in, and things didn't just change. They took a sharp turn.

Bucky was freaking out back at the FBI building, and Steve had to stop him from driving off as he grabbed his keys, "Buck. It's towards the end of their shift. They'll be back here soon. Natasha and Melinda and Maria have Wanda's back. They'll be okay for right now."

They were okay. But the women came back to a very tense conference room because Steve was trying to calm Bucky, but also quiet his own out of control thoughts too. And Loki and Tony were loving it. Of course they were. They'd been out of Quantico for four years, but by no means had they fully matured. In times like these, it was all too easy to fall back into old patterns.

Natasha was taking her coat off in the corner, revealing her 'uniform' as she slipped into a sweatshirt. And Loki just couldn't help himself as he let out a long and dramatic whistled, "Your ass and tits have never looked better, Natasha."

And Tony couldn't stop himself if he tried. He didn't try though, "Hey Red, I know Fisk said 'no men you know.' But what if I stroll into the club with my own alias. I'd really like to see how many tips you ladies are collecting on this little side gig of yours."

"You could go by Tony Stank," Rhodey laughed as Tony was officially cracking up now.

Natasha rolled her eyes, knowing they were trying to get a rise out of her…and the Brooklyn Boys. She wasn't taking the bait, but Steve looked like he was going to punch Tony.

Fury shut them all up though, "Loki, zip it. Stark, quit being an asshole. And Barnes and Rogers? Quit being overprotective Neanderthals. You're all here because your smart and talented. Act like it." He groaned a little and turned towards Wanda, "Maximoff, are you okay with this change in plans? I know you don't usually go into the field, but this op is a great chance to takedown Fisk."

Her opinion and the women in the field with her, were the only ones Fury cared about at the moment.

Wanda was nervous at first, but she really wanted to take down Fisk. She'd buried her own brother because of drugs two years ago. Yes, Pietro overdosed and was sick, but it was scum like Fisk who fed his disease. And the fact that Fisk was a sex trafficker on top of it, and a ruthless brute, leaving dead bodies in his path…almost mocking the FBI? Well, it only made her motivation that much higher.

"I'm in, Fury. I'm fine. Maria and Natasha will help me prepare."

Bucky was pissed off, "You wanna call me a Neanderthal, fine. But it's not smart to have three of our teammates out there, with only one person as back-up. I don't care how scary May is. They're gonna need more help if something goes wrong, Fury."

May actually agreed with Barnes, but it was the other change in plans at the one-week mark, that caused Fury to allow the rest of the field team loose.

Because of how attractive 'Kiki, Nikki, and Talia,' were, Fisk moved them to the night shift immediately, promising them better tips. Which didn't help the tension in the room. But Fury allowed Bucky and Steve and everyone else to surveil with May starting the next day. But they had to keep their distance and stay at least a few blocks away.

Steve kept it together at the office, but he was more worried than ever about the change to the nightshift. He'd heard the recordings from the burner phones. And he had to listen how men disgustingly catcalled at the women over the last week at the club. And that was in the daytime.

Steve couldn't hold his tongue any longer at dinner in their apartment that evening, "Nothing good happens at a strip club after the sun goes down, Natasha."

Natasha put her fork full of spaghetti down and actually laughed at him, "Steve, nothing good happens at a strip club…ever. So, let's just drop this idea that there's certain times when it's okay for women to work for sleazy men, and certain times when it's not. You have got to stop with this jealousy." Steve became quiet, and she got defensive, "You know what. We were starving when we got home, but I'm not hungry anymore." She usually showered and changed after being done at King Pins for the day, but with the turn of events during the day, she hadn't yet.

Natasha stood up from the table and took off the same sweatshirt she'd covered up with earlier at the office when Loki whistled at her.

The fact that she was in her skimpy uniform did not help the situation at all right now. Steve tossed his fork on his plate, "You want me to admit I'm jealous because you're only wearing six more inches of clothing than the actual strippers? Fine, Natasha. You win. Yeah, I don't like the idea of you getting slobbered all over by creepy old men in tracksuits. In fact, I fucking hate it. But that's not what this is about."

Natasha was tired and was trying to win the argument, so she unhooked her top and threw it on the ground as she shimmied out of her shorts. It was a dirty and cheap play, but they were in the heat of the moment. She stood completely nude in front of Steve now, as his mind tried to focus. Challenging him, she took a step forward, "Then what is this about, Steve?"

"You and me."

Steve's voice softened as he turned away from her. He didn't want to get distracted right now, "I trust you and me in the field, no matter what, Nat. I just…can't stand the feeling of not being by your side. That's what it is. I swear. Yeah, it makes me sick that men are staring at your ass. But I hate that I'm not there. That we're not there together watching each other's backs."

All the tension was sucked out of the room, and Natasha didn't want to win any argument anymore. She just wanted to make Steve feel better, because she heard what he was saying.

Natasha came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his stomach as her fingers skimmed underneath his shirt to feel the warmth there. She kissed his shoulder, "Steve, you do have my back, always. You'll have it from three blocks away. We have the best friends and team anyone could ask for, even counting Loki and Tony when they're jackasses. I trust them all in the field, almost as much as I trust you. So, you gotta rely on that same feeling. Because you're driving yourself crazy. Maria and I can handle this. And Wanda will be fine."

Natasha grounded him. Always. And having her so close with her arms around him, did make him feel better. They were together. By their dining table. In their apartment.

And Natasha was walking backwards now, pulling him towards their bathroom, "Come on, Soldier. You want to watch my back so bad? Come join me in the shower." Steve couldn't help but laugh and follow, "I think I'm done with dinner too, Nat."

Natasha had calmed his nerves that night.

And each evening after that, Steve and Natasha would get back to their apartment around 2:30 am, after her night shift and his surveillance shift had ended. They tried to settle each other's nerves in the safety of each their arms as they listened and talked. Wanda was doing the same thing with Bucky in their apartment too.

They tried, but god, it was hard.

Each morning they'd all get up and go to work, piecing together what they had on Fisk. Each afternoon, Natasha, Wanda, and Maria would work on Talia, Nikki, and Kiki's plan for the evening. And each night, they'd leave, with Natasha's Navy tattoo covered up with make-up…and with all three of them in those damn trench coats. To go off to the strip club, serving drinks to drooling men.

They repeated that new cycle with Wanda, over and over for a week and a half. Bucky would never admit it, but the cycle seemed to actually run pretty smooth.

But it didn't last.

Because at that point…two and a half weeks after this whole thing started when Natasha and Maria first got hired on, Fisk flipped the script. He had other ideas for his three recent hires. Three new waitresses, who'd garnered almost as much attention as the dancers on the poles did.

Fisk called them into the back. And five minutes later, Kiki, Talia, and Nikki sat in his office that was filled with cigar smoke, black leather, and blood red rugs as he grinned at them, "How would my favorite trio like to see an uptick in their income?"

Maria stayed quiet. Natasha looked nervous. Wanda seemed eager.

They played their innocent parts well as he went on, "Kiki, with your legs, and Talia's breasts, and Nikki's whole doe-eyed innocence, I have more men asking for private dances from the three of you, than from any of my actual strippers. That is quite the impression you ladies have made in just a short time."

Natasha could almost hear Steve and Bucky's internal voices yelling as she nervously said, "Mr. Fisk...I'm not a trained dancer. I don't think I'd be good for business."

The other two women nodded their heads in agreement as Fisk interrupted, "That's why they all love you so much. The sex appeal that the three of you exude is natural. It isn't forced like the women on stage and in the back rooms. And it has men salivating for you. Let me rephrase the question."

Fisk puffed out more smoke from his cigar and his tone darkened, "I have a couple of interested parties. Very interested parties, in the three of you. Let's just say, these men are important to me. And their business means a great deal to me. So…how would the three of you like to see a happy boss, create happy customers, and we're all richer because of it?"

Fisk was no longer asking. That much was clear. He was telling the women, they were going to do as he said. Wanda played her part up, "I'd like to make more money, Mr. Fisk. I'll try to learn whatever dance moves I can. What do you want me to do?"

Natasha would never admit it to Steve right now, because he'd flip out. But she could hear the nervousness in Wanda's voice. She felt the same way inside now, too. So, did Maria. These men that Fisk talked about could be crucial to taking him down. But men like that, also meant it would increase the amount of risk and danger they'd be in.

Fisk used Wanda's acceptance for all three of them, "Good girls. Friday night then. It'll be private here, for my best girls and my best customers. I have three men in particular, that have requested the three of you…in one of the private rooms together. They want a natural experience, so don't try too hard with them. Act like you do while serving drinks."

There was no calming Steve and Bucky's nerves that night. They were livid. Mostly because they knew if the women were going to go through with this, then they'd have to take their earpieces out. They would have to be radio silent from the team.

Fisk gave them Thursday night off to 'get themselves ready.' Natasha was sick at the thought of what that meant in regards to grooming and prepping their bodies. He'd basically pimped them out as escorts for these 'business partners' of his. So, they all sat in the conference room early on Thursday morning, trying to decide what to do.

It was so tense you could hear every shift of a chair, every breath, and every tap of the finger on the table. Loki and Tony didn't dare crack a joke. They even knew their limits in a situation like this. And honestly? They were worried as hell too. They loved them their family of friends. And Loki in particular was very close with Wanda and Natasha.

Steve and Bucky looked like their heads were about to explode. Fury broke the ice though, "We pull the plug on this the second any of you three decide you can't move forward. Any single one of you backing out right now would raise suspicions. So, I'm afraid at this point it's all or none of you."

Bucky had, had it, "Can I ask what the hell you mean by, 'all of you,' Fury?"

Fury sighed as Wanda tried to put her hand on his leg but it was too much. Bucky was up and pacing, "Don't try and BS me here. I mean, are we talking about our three co-workers and friends...two of whom happen to be in serious relationships with two other members of this team...One of whom is ME. Are we actually talking about these women putting their bodies on the line as some sort of female escort, so we can take down a leading thug in the city?"

Maria…had, had it too. She was beyond aggravated right now but for different reasons, "I appreciate the concern, Bucky. Really, I'm sure all of it is actually directed towards me."

Her dry sarcasm landed flat with everyone, except with Natasha and May, who grinned at her remark. But Maria went on, "Look. This isn't easy, but it's the job. And it's what Fury and everyone tried to warn us about at Quantico. We wanna get people like Fisk off the streets? Then we have to play a little dirty."

Maria took a breath and leaned forward in her chair, "Before you and Steve freak out at what I meant by dirty, stop. Just stop, Bucky. We're not going to fuck some dirty old men, just to take down Fisk. And you know that. We use the tactics we've all been trained in for years. And we get them to talk. The cell phones have already been planted in the back room, and they'll be able to record everything when Loki turns them on remotely. You just won't be in our ears this time. But we'll get what we need."

Looking at the other women in the room, Maria finished, "And then we drug the bastards, and get the hell out of the strip club and never look back. Tomorrow night will be it. Right ladies?"

Fury glanced around the room. Everyone was on board except for Steve and Bucky, so he spoke very clearly, "Barnes. Rogers. If your personal involvement means you can't show the trust in your team, then you'll be sitting back here with me. The rest of the team can swoop in and take Fisk and his men down when Romanoff and the women come out with their evidence."

Steve swallowed as he stared at the middle of the table. He was thinking the same things Bucky said out loud. But he trusted his team. He trusted Natasha. And he'd be damned if he was going to be even farther away from her, "No, Fury. I'm going to be there."

"Good, that's what I thought," Fury excused the team and Bucky blew out a breath, nodding in agreement as they all parted ways.

That evening was one of the more difficult nights in their recent memory. Natasha and Steve laid in bed and tried to talk, but there was a desperation in him as he touched every inch of her over and over. Like he was trying to memorize everything. She laid in his arms, knowing tomorrow was going to be hard, no matter what, "Steve, I know you're worried. I'm not going to lie, I am too. But you have to have faith and trust in the team and in me. When we all work together, we are stronger from it."

Steve pulled her in tighter, "You know I trust you, Nat. With everything. It's just…at Quantico, we were taught to expect the unexpected and to learn how to deal with uncontrolled variables. We've done that together over the last four years. Tomorrow just seems like one huge, uncontrolled variable to me, and I don't feel good at all about not being near you. About you going radio silent on us for a few hours."

Natasha propped herself up next to him with the sheet barely covering her body, "Steve, we have to go quiet. You know in the back rooms of clubs like that, they're going to scan our bodies. We placed the burner phones in a ceiling panel in the backroom already, so they won't catch them. When we go in, Loki will turn the phones on, and he'll be recording the entire thing. If he hears anything go wrong, he'll let you know right away."

"Yeah, but there will be a delay with it. I won't be directly connected with you, Natasha."

Steve sat up now too, letting his bare chest show as the moonlight hit his smooth jawline, "You promise me, Natasha. I mean it. If it doesn't feel right at all, you get the fuck out of there right away. You promise me."

"I promise, Steve."

They barely got any sleep that night, because Steve still couldn't keep his hands still with his reeling thoughts and worry.

The next evening was upon them. Loki and Sam were giving Maria a pep talk, while Steve and Bucky hugged their girlfriends. Somehow, the brothers were able to step away as Maria, Wanda, and Natasha got in their little blue, Volkswagen beetle that'd seen better days. It was the perfect undercover car for them.

And then the rest of the team was in motion too.

Steve looked over before getting into their van, "Loki, I want you to update me with every single thing going on in that back room, do you hear? And if you get the slightest inkling they're in trouble, you tell me, and we'll pull them out."

So, how did the team do that evening?

There was a reason Fury took notice at Quantico, and they all ended up together. That evening, they worked like a well-oiled machine. Just like in Hogan's Alley.

And it started with Kiki, Talia, and Nikki playing their parts and going through the motions of getting frisked and scanned.

Acting innocent and coy, they were perfect in the red tinted room in the back, nervously fretting around in their uniforms. Three older men were waiting for them. They were from South America with accents to match, and had greased back hair and cigars. And they each leered at the women like they were their next meal.

The tallest man laughed at Maria, "Don't be nervous, sweetheart. I won't bite...hard."

They were all sitting right underneath a ceiling panel on a long leather couch. The ceiling panel with three cell phones above, recording everything. Maria kept the conversation going, "Say Mister, this is my first time and all...dancing for someone. Would you mind just talking to me for a little bit. I think it'll calm me down."

He gave her a toothy grin, because Maria showed off her legs and ran her fingers down her thighs in front of him. She already had him eating out of her palm as he spoke in that accented drawl through his broken English, "My partnership with Fisk…already lucrative. You're like Christmas bonus, Kiki."

Natasha picked up on Maria's lead and sat on the middle man's lap. Straddling his thighs, she leaned forward to shove her cleavage in his face as she spoke, "Ooh Kiki. Partnership. Like, are we gonna get more places to learn how to dance at, Sir? That type of partnership?"

The man grunted through his words, "No. You dance…for no one but me. That type partnership. Type partnership to keep Fisk in drug business for long, long time. We sell him routes for money. But maybe I change deal. Maybe I say…we sell routes for money, and you…my sexy little red-head."

Loki was not relaying this message to Steve and Bucky. He could tell the women were still in control and were feeling okay (as okay as could be), but the Brooklyn Boys would definitely lose their shit if they heard this.

Wanda nervously toyed with the ends of her hair as she shifted on her feet and glanced up at the man in front of her. He had an almost evil glint in his eyes as he patted his knee, "Yes. I like new deal. We get cash and women. Fisk gets drug routes. Perfect for everyone. Come here little one. Have seat on knee."

Natasha caught Maria's eye out of her peripheral, telling each other silently, if Wanda says their code word, "absinthe," then they will end this right now. The running joke from long ago at Quantico, kept going and going into their years as agents. It was the word they told Loki to listen for, and he would send the team in then.

Wanda wasn't playing nervous. She was nervous. Maria and Natasha had more training for something like this. No matter how much practice Wanda had over the last two weeks, she was still not anywhere near their comfort level.

But it played into who she was portraying, and Wanda proved them wrong in that moment. She dug in, and sat on the disgusting pig's knee, laughing nervously, "My name's Nikki. Thanks for being so nice to me."

She disarmed him with her eyes, brushing her fingers along his cheek as he said, "You sweetest little thing, yes? Yes, I keep you all to self. Let Fisk run drug and sex rings fully in city. I don't care. I think we get better end in deal. Money and only innocent women left in city."

All three women had to hold back their gag reflexes from the foreigners' filthy tones.

It was the tall man. The man that Maria was currently shimmying her ass in front of that put the nail in the coffin as he reached out to grab her behind, "Do we stop Fisk? Stop transfer for his money now for drug routes? Stop, so we upgrade deal upstairs? Or maybe we wait. Have fun with our women. Have round one. Then change deal."

The FBI finally had the fact that Fisk was transferring money for routes recorded. It sealed the deal. They had enough now to move in and raid the joint. But the women had to get out safely first.

Maria was holding back the urge to vomit. She was checking every box on her cliché meter by bending over to touch her toes as she looked back at her teammates, "Hey Nikki, Talia. You know what'd be fun? If we got some tequila to loosen up." She said tequila. Not absinthe. Telling Loki their plan was still in place.

They would slip the drugs hidden behind the bar, in the men's drinks and sneak out with the cell phones. They'd meet up with the team, gear up, and then join in on arresting everyone at Fisk's place. Loki communicated with the rest of the team, that the ladies were almost done and would probably be back at the van in 15 minutes.

The team was a well-oiled machine. They were not perfectly oiled.

Steve and Bucky practically put a hole in the van from their tapping feet. 15 minutes had come and gone, and their nerves and worry got the best of them. They didn't even wait a minute longer before barreling out. They sprinted three blocks, with the team following behind.

They rushed into Fisk's seedy strip-club in their tactical gear, desperately looking for their teammates. Desperate looking for Natasha and Wanda.

They should've waited because they barged in, and Wanda, Maria, and Natasha…were on the stage. With only Fisk and the three men in the sitting area. They were pretending to learn how to dance, grabbing onto the stripper pole in between a fake fit of giggles. Maria's cliché meter was overflowing by now.

Fisk called for his men in back immediately at the site of Steve and Bucky. And fifteen minutes of chaos followed with guns being fired, fighting, and three women in skimpy scraps of clothing, kicking ass in four-inch heels.

But they didn't escape unscathed.

One man struck Maria in the back. Another kicked Wanda in the stomach, and Fisk came over and grabbed Natasha's arm, slapping her hard against her cheek before she said to him, "You're done for, Fisk. We've got everything we need on you. So why don't you sit down, because you're under arrest."

In the surprise of their grand entrance, the Brooklyn Boys were caught off guard. Fisk's men poured out from the back office, circling around them. The brothers got a few shots off, with one of Steve's bullets hitting the man that Natasha had been sitting on only 15 minutes ago. Steve didn't know that, but it didn't matter. The man was dead.

But they were overpowered quickly. There were simply too many members of Fisk's gang surrounding them right now. As a result, Bucky's left arm took a beating as he was knocked on the ground. Shouts and yells poured out as one guy pinned his hand under his boot, while another stomped and kicked at his arm and shoulder, over and over again.

After 30 seconds, Steve was knocked on his ass too as Fisk's minions swarmed him. They kicked his stomach first, but then repeated the same pattern as the perps with Bucky had. Only they focused on Steve's knee instead, beating and bashing it relentlessly, as two other men held him down.

Fisk wasn't the type of criminal to murder his enemy right away. He was the type of thuggish goon to beat a man to a bloody pulp first, before finally killing him. That's what his lackeys were trained to do, as Bucky and Steve's groans rang loud until their teammates arrived a minute later, and they finally broke free. But their injuries already settled in.

All because they ran inside, fully-cocked and half-brained.

But the advantage was regained instantly with their team's arrival. Maria jammed her thumb in the tall man's eye before she took him down and stomped on his dick with her heel. Wanda grabbed a glass and smashed it over the guy's head, who had her sit on his lap. Blood splattered on her face as he was knocked out cold and fell to the ground.

Natasha's criminal had already been shot by Steve. But she didn't miss the chance to throw a high kick at the son of a bitch behind this whole operation. She flung her leg up and let her stupid, four-inch high heel knock the air out of Wilson Fisk's wind pipe, and then followed it up with a knee to his groin and a kick to the back of his knees as he landed on his ass, "I told you to sit the fuck down, Fisk. Because I'm with the FBI, and you're under arrest."

Some of Fisk's men ran. Some were shot, but most were arrested, like the two surviving South American criminals.

But the temporary damage was done to the Brooklyn Brothers' limbs. Bucky's arm hung limp and Steve hobbled around through hisses in pain.

And the FBI ran through the motions as sirens sounded and agents flooded the scene. The cellphones were backed up and bagged as solid incriminating evidence. The recordings of the drug trafficking routes, along with additional contracts and pictures found during the raid in Fisk's office, would eventually place him and the South American men in prison for a long time.

Months later, Fisk would even be brought up on murder charges for a police officer that went missing last year. The team found actual evidence of the man's death in their raid. Fisk would be put away for life for the murder, on top of all of his other crimes. He'd never even been arrested as a suspect for any of his kills over the years. There was simply no evidence, which was beyond chilling. So, the fact that the FBI put 'Kingpin' away for life, and justice was served for at least one death…Well, it meant a lot to the family members of murdered men and women.

Kiki, Nikki, and Talia were wiped from existence, leaving Maria, Wanda and Natasha. They were key to the success of Wilson Fisk's takedown. And they were in tennis shoes, sweats, and FBI jackets now, thanks to their friends that brought the clothing for them. It was a successful operation. The team wanted to celebrate that night. Maria was all for it, telling Sam she'd show him her clichéd ass shake that had men spilling drug trade routes from here to South America.

But four people didn't go out with them. Wanda and Natasha were furious. And their boyfriends were in pain. Yes, it was temporary, but they were hurt. Not to mention, Natasha had a red mark on her cheek and Wanda had bruising, from the boot mark on her stomach.

So, four hours later after processing and debriefing, and paperwork was completed, the two couples were back at Steve and Natasha's apartment.

The door to the apartment slammed shut.

Bucky sat down next to Steve on the couch as both men nursed their wounds. The physical pain they were displaying, was nothing compared to the tongue lashing they were worried about receiving.

Natasha brought two ice packs over. She grabbed a couple of bags of frozen peas from the freezer too. Bucky made the mistake of waving Natasha off, "No, you take the ice packs for your face and Wanda's stomach."

A sarcastic laugh from Natasha followed, "Wow, what a gentleman. First, you and my idiot of a roommate and boyfriend, come to our rescue before we called you in. All because you had to try and save the day. And now, your oozing with heroics, trying to take a bag of peas and leave us wimpy girls the ice packs."

They knew this was coming.

Steve and Bucky had driven separately, trying to give them some space. "This is going to be as bad as TEVOC back at Quantico," Bucky said anxiously on the drive home. Steve sighed in the SUV, adjusting his left knee again, "Can't we just…all be thankful everyone's okay and that this goddamn undercover op is over?"

Bucky glanced over quickly, "Yeah...I don't think it's over though, Steve. I think we're in for it tonight."

And they were. Bucky wasn't going to argue with Natasha, just like Steve wouldn't dare say anything to Wanda. They had to wonder if Natasha and Wanda were doing this on purpose right now. Talking to the opposite man they lived with, in order to keep them quiet, "Fine. I'll take the ice pack, Natasha."

Wanda grabbed a pack from Natasha as she walked over to Steve, "Are you going to stupidly argue over an ice pack, Steve? Or are you done being a hero for the night?"

Steve winced as he held his hand out, but Wanda shoved the pack down on his knee. His knee with hideous red and purple swelling, underneath bandages and torn jeans. Steve hissed, but Bucky's gasp was louder when Natasha did the same thing to his shoulder, pressing down hard where it hurt the most.

The women finally sat in the recliner and loveseat adjacent to them. The only sounds filling the air right now were frozen peas crinkling against Wanda's stomach and Natasha's face, and a couple of sighs, from a couple of guys walking on thin ice.

Instead of trying to talk this out like civilized adults, Bucky spoke first…which was a mistake. Because he was tired. And he was agitated that he felt guilty, when he'd truly been scared sick about Wanda. He was worried about Natasha and Maria too, but it wasn't the same. And their little argument wasn't about him being worried over either of their well beings. It was about Bucky and Wanda.

So, he dug in, "You know what, Wanda. I know you want me to grovel and beg for forgiveness. But how about shining the mirror on yourself. I was scared to death for you, and I had to sit back and shut up for almost two full weeks while men slobbered over you. I heard those fucking recordings. So, don't tell me I'm overreacting. I heard how that bastard wanted to basically buy you from Fisk and take you away forever. Think about what would've happened if something went wrong today? It'd be a lot fucking worse than me icing a banged-up shoulder, I'll tell you that."

Bucky stood up and started pacing, "Screw this. I gotta get out of here. I'll talk to you later, Steve." He wasn't just pacing anymore. He grabbed his keys off the counter and was out the door five seconds later and slammed the door again. Wanda was shocked. She looked over and Natasha nodded for her to go after him. Apparently, the couples were having this talk separately after all.

Yes, there were some similarities to TEVOC with this argument. But there were some stark differences too. This argument didn't involve worries over placements and driving tests. And it didn't deal with two couples naively embarking on their first real fight.

They'd all been working together at the FBI for years now. They'd found their groove as a cohesive team, and were as close of friends as could be. And Bucky and Wanda, and Steve and Natasha, had been together for four years too. First, living with friends, and for the last year, living together as couples. They'd only grown closer as time ticked on.

But today was a blunt reminder of how quickly things could change. How quickly they could lose each other. Steve and Bucky's minds were reeling during the hours they couldn't communicate with their girlfriends. And when they barged into the strip club at the end, it was because they were convinced something was wrong. Loki said, 'give them fifteen minutes.' And each minute that passed felt like an hour, because they were picturing the worst.

Of course, they barged in.

And part of what Bucky said, was right. The problem was, the women were right too. Steve's brow pinched together as Natasha spoke, "I assume everything Bucky just said, you're feeling too?"

Natasha wasn't yelling though. Bucky was coming at this from an angle of being more worried because Wanda wasn't typically a field agent, and that added some drama to their dynamic. And he just blew up, surprising the hell out of both Wanda and her.

So, Natasha was really trying to stay calm and not let any other petty remarks come out.

Steve ran his fingers through his hair as his elbow rested on his good knee. He let out a huge breath, "Yeah, Natasha. More or less. I heard the recordings…I'd be lying if I told you it didn't make my blood boil, listening to those men and how they degraded you. And what they wanted to do with taking you away. But I swear…I didn't barge in because I was jealous. I swear…"

There was a hitch in his voice as he trailed off at the end. Natasha heard the shift in his tone as she stood up and stretched. She picked up Bucky's ice pack and put it on her own face now and came over to sit by Steve on the couch.

"Didn't you trust that I would've called for help if I needed it, Steve? Loki was listening the entire time. Maria and I had our eyes on Wanda the entire time. We knew she wasn't as experienced. And if something went wrong in that room…I swear to you, I would've ended those three men's lives before they had a chance to count to 10. If I felt something going the wrong way..."

Steve turned his head in his hand to look at her, "I don't doubt that, Natasha…I don't doubt that you could've protected Wanda and Maria in the backroom. I can't help it though. I should've been in there with you somehow. I couldn't stand not having an ounce of control in the situation."

Speaking of not having control, there was more than just a hitch in his voice right now, "I heard everything, Natasha. You didn't stay in the backroom. And Loki didn't call us in…because you didn't say absinthe. Fifteen minutes went by…and when we came inside, and you were all on stage like a Vegas Strip Club…I kind of lost my mind for a minute because I didn't know what was going on."

Natasha arched her back as she turned, now sitting against the sofa arm as she drew her knees up in her sweats, "Steve. We had to distract them to drug them. We were about to do that when you ran inside."

Steve shook his head and scoffed at her words, "Funny, I didn't see them actually drinking any tequila. I saw the bottle on stage with the three of you. I think they didn't have any intention of drinking, Nat. What if they were planning on drugging you instead, so you wouldn't know where they were taking you. Did you ever stop to think about that?"

Damn.

Yes, Steve and Bucky came in the second 15 minutes was up. Yes, they didn't secure the scene before charging in. Yes, they got themselves banged up in the process. And yes, they let their worry and fear blind them. But…Steve had a point. And somewhere in the back of Natasha's head, she was sure Bucky had one too, in whatever argument he and Wanda were in the middle of right now.

She was listening to every word he was saying as his voice grew a little firmer, "You were away from the phones. The only connection I had with you was gone. Knowledge. Skills. Instinct, Natasha. You had everything planned, perfectly. Every detail was accounted for leading up to today, but they diverted and got you on stage. If something happened out there, Loki wouldn't have known it or been able to warn us. So, your damn right I barged in at 15 minutes, and I'd do it again. And it's not because I don't trust you." He had to take a breath to calm himself, "God, I trust you with everything. You're my best friend, Natasha."

Steve put his other elbow on his bandaged knee, not caring at all that it hurt like hell anymore. He sat there with his head in his hands as emotion dripped into his voice, "What I don't trust…is what happens when we're not together in the field, Natasha. That's what I don't trust. You make up for my weaknesses…for taking on too much at times. You ground me and keep me calm. I keep you from running off half-cocked, trying to prove yourself, like you were forced to for so long under Ivan and Oksana. We're stronger together. Our entire team, sure…But I'm talking about you and me, specifically. We are stronger together, because we know each other inside and out, and can see what the other one can't sometimes."

His voice grew quiet, "I felt like I was missing a part of myself not being with you. And I went in there, and saw you on that stage and...I know you felt that way too. Things could have gotten away from you three really fast up there."

Despite all their stupid arguments they'd had over the years, Natasha's anger was tempered right now. Because Steve wasn't acting out of jealousy or a lack of trust in her. She felt that in their deep connection only the two of them could fully understand.

It was back to what May and Coulson had told them at Quantico.

Working together with the one you love most in a job like this, demanded sacrifice, patience, and understanding. It was simply different than other couples who worked together in other job settings. And times like these? Yes, the stress and the danger were there. But it was more than that. It was the fact that Steve had to watch his partner in every sense of the word, go off, without being able to physically have her back. It was beyond difficult. It was almost impossible.

Natasha had relied on her knowledge and skills over the last three weeks. First with Maria, then with Wanda. And they were all talented and smart, there was no doubt about that. But the instinct piece...Steve was right. Natasha's was impeccable, but Steve only made it stronger as they fed off of each other.

How could he not make her stronger? Their bond was as solid as stone. Steve saved her as they fell in love at Quantico. And Natasha found a way, to save both herself and Clint as a result. To find themselves in a life now. An actual life, where she could argue about things like trust and jealousy.

Things that were never possible before she knew Steve.

Steve was her other half. And together they made each other whole.

They had no idea how true that statement was. And how instinct would save them both…down the road in Russia, and then years after being torn apart by pain and agony. That was in the future.

This was now.

And right now, Natasha knew Steve was actually right. She was too. Two things could be right at once. So, maybe this argument was more about listening instead of proving who was more right or more wrong. The point was yes, they were stronger together. With their friends and team, but most importantly, with each other.

She scooted closer to him, much to his surprise and dropped the ice pack on the ground again. Her knees were pushing into his thigh as she sat on her heels and drew his head up from his hands. Running her fingers along his smooth chin, she looked at him with all the sincerity she was feeling, "Steve, you're right. And I'm right too. I honestly didn't think of the possibility of them drugging us, and that was a mistake on my part. If you were there, it would've been better. I can admit that. We are stronger together, always."

Steve took a deep breath and leaned into her touch. He sat back as Natasha rested her side against the couch now, "You're right too, Natasha. And I know the three of you had to do it all for the mission, and it's just something I have to keep getting used to. But you need to know...I'll say it again. Yes, I hated how they were looking at you. Yes, I fucking hated that you had to shove your chest in that man's face. But I swear to you, jealousy wasn't driving my actions. I was just scared to death. I can't promise you I'd do anything different. But I can promise you, I trust you with everything."

The point was made.

They'd listened. The bad guy was caught. And this one in particular, was a really bad guy. They would learn from this, even though neither one would drastically change anything. That wasn't what this was about. More or less, it was about learning they'd have to live with the discomfort at times in order to get to the end.

Sometimes they'd have to get through the bad to get to the good…Sarah had told them that so long ago, when Natasha first met her on a night away from Quantico. It was just as true now, as it was then.

Natasha was pretty sure Steve was as done with this round and round apology session as she was. They'd showered at the FBI after they were done debriefing, so, her 'uniform' was bagged and would never enter their apartment again.

Thank fucking god.

But that didn't mean something useful couldn't be brought to this little resolution party of theirs. Natasha drew her finger between her teeth to match her suggestive tone, "You know...If you want to look at the silver lining with this whole thing, Steve…I think I picked up a few moves over the past three weeks, traipsing around in that uniform I wore."

There it was. The initial beat, cluing them both in that things were about to get interesting.

Steve cleared his throat as he caught her gaze with a raised eyebrow, "I uh. I didn't realize you were taking classes undercover. I thought you were there to just…make an arrest...not to learn anything."

His arm was laying on the back of the sofa now. And they were no longer just clued in. They both sensed it. The air instantaneously shifting around them as a charge filled the space in between. It was so fast and quick, that it all felt…almost electric as their bodies began to hum.

Natasha was safe. Steve's knee was bandaged and hurt, but not badly. They were both okay, and the truth was, the team was damn successful at putting away a very bad man and his men. And the city was safer because of it.

It was a great day in the grand scheme of things.

And now? They'd both apologized.

No, it wasn't always easy. There were times they argued over stupid things like laundry, getting beer, not setting the alarm, or cleaning the bathroom. There were times they argued over not stupid things, like taking too many risks in the field and taking on too many responsibilities in the office. And then there were times when stubbornness won. When they didn't talk…making their fight at TEVOC with the driving test look like a schoolyard scuffle.

That was life.

Each argument and stupid fight came from loving and living with someone, who was as strong of a force of nature as their partner was. Steve and Natasha may have been meant for each other, but they weren't perfect. No one was. And being in love wasn't a fairytale of fluff. Loving someone. Sharing a life with someone. It meant accepting each bump and bruise. Each flaw and imperfection.

Falling in love was only the beginning, when things felt perfect. Staying in love was the actual journey, when learning and growing and acceptance took hold.

This particular moment in time, was a stop along their journey. When their learning and acceptance led them through, after three long and arduous weeks of worry. They were exhausted and so glad the mission was over. It helped that they'd won and that no one was severely hurt. And it helped that Natasha listened to the desperation in Steve's voice, knowing it wasn't jealousy behind his words. It was him being worried sick because of what he said. They were always stronger together, and it was that much harder when they were apart.

It also helped they'd apologized, admitting they were both wrong, and both right. And now? It was over, leaving Steve and Natasha staring at each other. Not just having a clue or a sense anymore. But knowing where their immediate future was headed.

Natasha smirked at Steve as her finger travelled from her mouth to his forearm, tracing a line along his skin as the tickling sensation left goosebumps in its wake, "You know, Steve…I'm a smart girl. I can't help it if I happened to pick up a few moves while we were trapping the bad guy." She looked down bashfully, playing up this whole routine and shrugged her shoulders, "I mean...I guess I can just try and forget what I'm thinking right now. Consider it as gone as my uniform. I won't bring it up again."

Feisty and stubborn, even now. Natasha let out a sigh as she pretended to try and leave the couch. God, did he love her even more for it, but he was stubborn too. Steve snatched her forearm closest to him, keeping her right where she was, "I didn't say I didn't want to know." His Adam's apple bobbed, "I just said I was surprised. Surprises can be good."

He was putty in her hands, and he was more than happy to be.

Steve tried to shift his position from the corner of the couch, but Natasha placed her hands on his shoulder and thigh, as her tone sank into a sultry range, "You got a bum knee there, Rogers. I think you're going to have to just sit and enjoy this one until I call on you to participate."

Okay, if there was any inkling of hesitation...before she slid one leg off the couch, followed immediately by the other? It was gone now. Natasha looked like a cat slinking onto their wooden floor. And Steve couldn't wipe the stupid grin off of his face now if he tried. And boy, he didn't want to try.

Natasha was head-to-toe, covered in sweats. In an old pair she kept at the FBI for cases like this one. When they needed to shower and have a change of clothes for debriefing and processing. It was just a simple, dark grey hooded sweatshirt and pants, with white athletic socks. Her hair was in a loose ponytail, and she didn't have a stitch of makeup on.

She'd never looked more seductive to Steve with the look she had in her eyes.

Steve was more than attentive as Natasha peeked over her shoulder, grinning as she walked over to the little table besides their gas fireplace she just turned on. The flames came to life as she powered on their iPod and stereo. And she flipped to a song, that had her grin growing wider. Her back was turned, but he watched her every move, taking in her reflection off of the television hanging above the mantle.

He tried to play it cool, but he was feeling a little unhinged, knowing that every dirty thought in his head, was matched by the salacious ones in hers.

The truth was, Natasha had picked up nothing at all, besides the immediate need to shower the minute she left King Pins over the last few weeks. She didn't learn how to use a stripper pole or give a lap dance. Let's just say they weren't on her to do lists.

But she felt like a weight had been lifted right now, and she needed Steve to feel that carefree feeling too. Pushing away any hesitation, debating if she was really going to attempt this or not…she just said, 'Fuck it,' internally, and pushed play.

Standing upright with her back to Steve, Natasha ran her hands down her thighs, almost like she was smoothing over a slip. Glancing over her shoulder one more time, she winked at him as the music started to play.

Baby take off your coat
Real Slow
And take off your shoes
I'll take off your shoes
Baby take off your dress
Yes yes yes

You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on

Steve chuckled right when Joe Cocker's voice first started singing, 'Baby take off your coat.' He gave a single loud clap, before running his hand over his mouth to take a deep breath. He clearly approved of her song choice, but still had no idea what he was in store for.

What he did have an idea of, was just how much he fucking loved Natasha Romanoff.

By the time she turned around at the end of the first lyric, Steve started to realize what Natasha was thinking…and doing right now. And as a result, any control over his frazzled emotions went right out the window. The woman in front of him was in complete control as her hips slowly started to move. The song had just started, but she was already successful with her little seduction charade.

Lifting her arms up toward the ceiling, a sliver of pink skin emerged on her stomach. Only a few seconds in, and her arms disappeared through the cuffs of her sweatshirt. And Steve was already gripping the end of the couch, feeling a little like a teenage boy about to look at his first naked woman.

That's how badly he wanted to see more of her right now.

Natasha said it earlier to Maria and Wanda. She wasn't a trained dancer. But her and Steve had taken lessons once, and she could follow a beat pretty well. Beyond that though, she was with the man she loved more than anything, and felt sexy as hell with the way he was staring at her.

Rigid body. Chiseled and smooth jaw. Dark eyes. All the signs were there. Steve was already loving this, and it'd only just begun.

Natasha's fingers taunted, as they emerged from the hem of her sweatshirt while the melody played, telling her to take off more clothes. She obliged, and the baggy hoodie was off and flying towards the door.

She was dancing on a wire right now, where part of her felt like bursting out into a fit of laughter, and the other part felt like running over to Steve and ending this already to just feel his hands and mouth. But Natasha kept going. Because riding that line, not knowing what side she was going to land on in this little dance, was as thrilling to her as it was to him.

And Natasha was clearly turned on.

Only in her sweats and socks, and his Army chain over her sports bra, nipples protruded as purple fabric stretched. Steve wet his lips as she twirled toward an end table, where his Dodgers hat seemed to be waiting for her. A shake of her head as the ponytail came out. A swirl of her waist as she arched her back. And another goddamn wink as she followed the direction of the song, settling his cap over her red tresses of hair.

Steve was pretty sure if someone were to take a picture of him, he would look like someone with slack jaw. It wasn't that she was giving him a professional striptease. It was that she was Natasha. His Natasha, giving him his own personal striptease. This side of them? It was only for each other. Just the two of them in their own little world.

Patience was dwindling, and he was already moving to get off the couch. Natasha could tell, but she wagged her finger at him flirtatiously, silently saying, 'Don't you dare.' How could he argue with that? Arguing was over as he settled back into his seat.

Go on over there
Turn on the light
No all the lights
Come over here
Stand on this chair
That's right
Raise your arms up into the air
Now shake 'em
You give me a reason to live
You give me a reason to live
You give me a reason to live
You give me a reason to live
Sweet darling

You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on
Feeling
You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on

Laughter and desire. Running hot and cold, as burning hormones met flushed skin and cool air.

It was all an exhilarating mixture to say the least.

The gravelly vocals ordered her to turn on all the lights, and Natasha strutted toward the door, locked it tight, and did the opposite, leaving only the fire burning bright.

The glowing ambiance accentuated each and every one of her moves now. A turn. A twist of her hips. And then Natasha was right there, taunting him with wild eyes and a wicked grin.

Standing before him like some temptress, each sock slid off and was thrown to the side. Her toes teased, dancing along his thigh before finding the floor again. And Steve's throat went dry as Natasha's fingers followed. Splaying her hands on his uninjured leg and bending over, her cleavage bounced before his eyes blown wide.

Steve was warm before, but he felt like a furnace now, gaping at that inviting crease in her chest. And their burning desire grew, both begging to touch and be touched, but holding off for a little while more.

How could Natasha make taking her socks off sexy?

Steve didn't know nor care because blood travelled south and his pulsing dick blocked out all coherent thought. He wanted her. Natasha knew it and savored each thought unravelling inside her. But this was a tease after all…so she moved away quick, leaving him only with a titillating taste.

Natasha felt a little delirious with her brain moving a mile a minute, but she didn't stop to think. She just kept moving. Pulling a chair from their table, she was back in front of Steve seconds later. Running her hand along the back of it. Circling it. Glancing at him and then standing on the wooden seat above him.

Steve couldn't get enough. Craning his neck, he watched every writhing motion of her body, until their eyes met again in that magnetic pull. Somewhere over the last 30 seconds, the playful mood had darkened. He could see it in her pupils. He could feel it in his own.

Steve's own personal striptease in the middle of their living room.

Natasha's own personal stage on the chair in front of him.

He had always been so easily enthralled by her. Her looks and body, yes. Someone would have to be blind not to notice how attractive Natasha was. But it was so much more than that. How Steve felt in these moments…It was because of their connection and chemistry and love. It was felt deep within both of them.

The safety and security. The love and lust. The strength from them being together in every way.

Natasha gazed down at him, and Steve couldn't help it. Right on cue with the lyrics, he mouthed to her, "You give me a reason to live." With a surge of heat churning through her stomach, she simply responded with, "I know, sweet darling," and blew a kiss.

Was it all a little hammy and over the top? Yes. So, over the top.

But it was something that was also needed after the three weeks they'd had. It was something they didn't even know they needed. It was the good after the bad.

And all of it, only made Steve claw a little more at the end of the couch as he pressed down into the cushion to just feel a little friction. To just feel…something. Natasha was driving him positively crazy right now as his jeans became a little uncomfortable. And the discomfort definitely wasn't due to his banged-up knee.

By the time the second chorus arrived, the music was in perfect harmony with her slow undulations. Like a genie out of a bottle, or a cattail in the wind, she swayed and coiled, enticing him with every curve. And the tension only grew as her pants peeled away, revealing every creamy inch of thigh underneath.

His breath was shaky. And her pants pooled at her feet. They were around Steve's face next as she flung them his way. He laughed and then groaned, catching the scent of her bodywash before tossing them aside. As unrestrained as he felt, he couldn't move. He was completely lost in her as she stepped back to the floor.

Only covered by his hat and chain, and her bra and Navy cotton underwear, Natasha was officially wearing more inches of clothing than she had on over the last three weeks. But all Steve could think, was that she looked sexier now than she ever did in that stupid uniform. That was a fallacy. This was real and so much better. This was her. And now she was tempting him with every move and breath, provoking a fantasy that neither of them knew was ever wanted or needed.

Sharp moves followed the next beats of the song. Palms spread onto the seat of the chair. Her back bowed as her ass perched in the air. Another spin, and she was sitting perfectly straight with her legs squeezed together.

And then Natasha's hands were on her knees, spreading her thighs open wide, grinding down to the sensual blends of music and her own moaning in the air. Fingertips followed a line up her leg until she stopped at the Navy seam and bit her lip down hard.

A titillating taste indeed.

"Fuck."

Steve muttered the word without even realizing it as he took in every gyration and groan. And as she stood tall and turned, shimmying that derriere that he loved so damn much.

It was funny that Steve kept looking at Natasha, like she would reveal something he hadn't seen before. When in fact, it was all something he'd seen and drawn and touched a thousand times. None of that mattered though. And it didn't matter that she was in a sports bra and mismatched underwear either.

Beauty was in the eye of the beholder.

And to Steve? She was so goddamn beautiful in moments like these. Feeling carefree. Losing herself in a moment with him. Feeling fully immersed in their life. Their bubble. Their love. It was something they'd created and fought for. It was only for each other. And it only increased the stimulating nature of this whole charade.

It was something they'd have to fight for, harder than they could ever imagine in the future. But that was a story for a different day.

Today's story was about how much Steve wanted to ravish his girlfriend right now, as Natasha used the back of the chair for balance and more taunting moves, keeping her eyes on him the entire time. Bending over as she touched her toes. Snapping back up as she ran her fingers up her thighs. And then toying with the band of her panties, as the tips of her fingers traveled inside an inch and then two.

Steve responded with his own moves. Raising blood pressure. Sweat forming at the base of his neck. A blush creeping up on his smooth cheeks…And plump lips being licked as he imagined what was inside where her fingers just were.

He caught the blush creeping up her own neck too as she turned to face him for the last time. And Steve slipped his shoes off on the floor. He couldn't help it. Sitting still was getting to be an option...no more.

Suspicious minds a talkin'
Try'n to tear us apart
They don't believe
In this love of mine
They don't know I love you
They don't know what love is
They don't know what love is
They don't know what love is

I know what love is
Sweet darling

You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on
Feeling
You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on

Natasha was done staying away. Her nerves were sputtering inside and honestly, she didn't know if she could think of any more moves before she burst into a fit of giggles or actually combusted and begged Steve to touch her. Her dance on that razor thin wire was done, and she needed to make a move.

A dramatic swerve to the left and then the right, and Natasha was within an arm's reach of him. The rumble in his throat was rough as his words traveled through her ears and into every nerve ending in her body, "It's about time. Any longer, and I would've chased you down."

Natasha saw Steve's fingers digging into the arm of the sofa a little harder as she smirked at him, "Good things come to those that wait, Rogers." Closing the distance, she finally touched him again, running her hands up and down his pantlegs first. She took his socks off, one-by-one. Never missing an opportunity though, she grazed her nails along the bottoms of his feet.

Steve jerked from the stimulation and shook his head at her.

Playful. Stubborn. Heated.

The atmosphere was filled with all three, and he'd had enough of the first two.

First his ankles. Then his calves. And then his thighs. Her hands kept moving, rubbing slowly along his jeans and carefully avoiding his knee. Each time, she moved a little farther north. A little more towards what was causing him to look at her like she was a glass of whiskey he wanted to swallow in one gulp.

"Natasha."

"Shh," she silenced him, puckering her lips as she shoved his legs apart. Bracing herself on his upper thighs, she leaned toward him like she was leaning over the chair a minute ago, "Quiet, Soldier. I'm trying to show you all that I learned, remember?"

By now, the big secret was revealed…Natasha really hadn't learned a damn thing working at King Pins. That didn't matter to either one of them.

Letting his inseam be her guide, Natasha's fingers trailed up the insides of his thighs. Inching closer and closer to him. Until she finally brushed over where he needed her. A stifled sound came out of Steve as she cupped the bulge within the confine of his pants. And Natasha realized just how uncomfortable he was as she lifted her brow, "All that for me?"

"Fuck, yeah it is, Nat."

It felt incredible. Knowing that she could turn him on so much, just like this. Just by being them.

Fumbling fingers were on his belt next, as the metal clasps sounded. Her greediness revealed itself, as she grabbed the thick leather and yanked hard, freeing it from his pants. Steve's nostrils flared, huffing out a breath. And Natasha rested a knee between his thighs as she began working on his shirt.

Driving him crazy was putting it mildly.

Steve slipped his jacket off and tossed it to the side.

"That was my job," she smirked. But Natasha kept moving, starting with the bottom button as her knee nudged into him a little now. Steve shut his eyes for a second, before opening them up again to stare at her through a shaky breath, "I wanna touch you, Nat."

"Not yet."

The fact that Natasha was driving this train fully, directing his every move. The fact that she purposefully kept his hands from touching her right now. The push and pull only aroused him (and her) even more. She could feel that arousal against her knee. And she could feel it in between her legs as a warmth pooled in one of the only two pieces of fabric she was still wearing.

Another two buttons were undone, and she couldn't wait anymore. Natasha grabbed both ends and pulled hard as three buttons scattered to the floor. Steve's blue flannel hung open. And then it was off and behind the couch, and his undershirt was pulled off almost as quick. She held it in her hands and shrugged her shoulders as she tossed it behind her this time, fully sprinkling the room with their clothing now.

A rush of movements followed. Pants were unbuttoned. Natasha stood back up as he lifted himself off the couch. A tug and a couple of pulls later, they were off, along with his boxers. Minus the nude bandage wrapped around his knee, Steve was fully exposed as he found his seat again.

Red tip and leaking. Steve was rock hard. He sounded even more desperate this time.

"Natasha."

She was filled with depraved thoughts, and he was filled with incoherent ones. And it was all so delicious. Natasha turned around, slipping her hands through her sports bra as smoothly as she could. It wasn't smooth. But she could've been doing the robot right now, and Steve would've thought she was pirouetting like a ballerina.

The fog was thick, and they both had a one-track mind.

Right on cue as the last line of the song came through, and as she was lifting her bra overhead, Steve spoke in a raspy tone, "You can leave your hat on."

He might as well have been blowing on her skin with that deep register in his voice, because goosebumps emerged at the sound. Natasha turned around again, and all Steve could see was a blur of images. Red hair escaping from his Dodgers hat. Long legs of milky skin. Her graceful neck leading him to her breasts. And two pink and erect nipples staring right at him.

She saw his lashes flutter as his eyes opened and shut. He was straining not to touch her. He was straining not to touch himself. But this little game was more than provocative. It was erotic as fuck and Steve wanted everything Natasha was willing to give.

The jazzy beats to the music were dying out, and over the last five seconds of the song, Natasha slid her panties down her thighs. Her cool veneer had faded as she let out an airy breath.

"Steve."

It may have been an erotic game, but it was over. Because as he took in her full form, staring at her hips and naval, and the flash of red leading him south…one thing was absolutely clear. He needed her now, "Natasha get over her."

Giddy with desire, Natasha was back in front of him as another song started playing. What it was, or what the lyrics were, neither one could tell in that moment. Because the air had thickened, muting everything else, outside of their bubble.

Much to Steve's surprise, Natasha lowered herself, kneeling between his legs. She leaned over and kissed his bruised and bandaged knee, and then smiled at him as she put her hand around his cock.

His poor leaking cock, begging for her relief.

"Fuck, Nat."

Running her thumb along his leaking tip, she brushed back and forth, pulling several heavy breaths from him. He wanted to taste her. He wanted to feel all of her. He wanted to be inside of her. More than anything, but god Steve couldn't move. He fully succumbed to Natasha, knowing he would do anything she asked of him in that moment.

And he loved her all the more for it.

Natasha tipped the bill of his cap up a little on her head.

If it was possible to look like the most adorable woman in the world at the same time as looking sexy as hell, she'd mastered it. Smirking at him again as she came closer, Steve was utterly powerless. All he could do was watch Natasha's every move as his breathing increased. He saw her puckered mouth slide over him. His pre-come coat her luscious red lips. And her wrist relax, as her fingers wrapped around his base.

And fuck, he couldn't help it as his head fell back against the sofa. Steve didn't know how the hell he got so lucky, but he wasn't going to question it. Natasha started kissing softly around his tip, making him think she was going to go slow, but she surprised him again.

Stroking his shaft, with her fingers and thumb and mouth all playing their parts, a moan came out of her as she dipped her head lower. Dragging her tongue along, Natasha followed the thick vein underneath, covering every inch of him from root to tip. Steve sounded like a broken record, because all that came out of him were grunts and ragged breaths, until he finally husked out, "Fuck, Nat," a little louder this time.

Natasha knew he was going to try and stop her. To move inside her or take control soon. So, she thought of another distraction. Honestly? She needed a little release too, from how warm she was between her thighs. Her other hand skirted down between her legs as she took him in her mouth.

Lips forming an O. Pushing over his ridge. Purring against his pulsing red flesh.

Steve was at a loss for words. And then he caught Natasha's other movement. Her own fingers finding her lower lips, pushing inside and feeling how soaking wet she already was for him.

Right on cue, Steve's hand found her shoulder, trying to guide her up. He needed to kiss her, but she had other plans right now. Her fingers slipped out of her as she took more of him in. He shouldn't have been surprised, but he couldn't think straight. The next thing he knew, coated fingers were running along his parted lips, "Jesus Christ, Natasha. You're going to kill me."

But that was all he said, because he was licking her insides off her hand next as her bobbing began.

Moaning. Heaving. Sounds of saliva along his length.

It all mixed with some faded music in the background. Her fingers hooked inside his mouth as she rubbed her thighs together. Sucking a little harder. Moving a little faster. Steve lifted his hips, meeting her mouth as his hands finally moved again. A gentle grip on her shoulder with one. And pulling her hand from his mouth with the other. He kissed her palm, lacing their fingers together as muffled words came out, "Natasha, I'm not gonna last long."

She pulled on their joined hands, pushing them into the couch to find a little friction. A little leverage. To feel a little more of Steve as she took him all in now. Natasha was as far down as she could go, humming and feeling his tip prod against the back of her throat. Slow movements followed. A couple inches up, and a couple back down as her eyes began to water. And then her wrist resumed its position, stroking faster and faster now.

"Natasha. God…Nat," Steve strained, struggling to keep his eyes open. Their hands squeezed tightly together. And Natasha grazed him with her teeth, with the gentlest of touches.

It was all on the right side of almost too much. Her hand moved quicker, pumping up and down as her lips hovered over the ridge, before sliding back and forth and back and forth again. And then Natasha felt it. A shudder. A grunt. And the flexing of Steve's thighs as she felt the warm sensation in her mouth. He was over the edge, coming inside her as she sucked and swallowed, making sure she drank every last drop. She moved off of him with a soft pop and licked her lips clean.

And her fucking hat was still on.

Steve's breathing was heavy and uneven, "Fuck me, Nat. Jesus."

"Oh, I intend to, Steve. I'll give you a little breather though, don't worry."

Steve felt like he was on fire, but he had no intention of taking any sort of break, "Get up on this couch now."

Steve patted the seat next to her, and she looked at him with worry, "Your knee." He shook his head, "I'll live. I need…Fuck, Nat, I wanna make you feel good." Right now, Natasha was wondering how in the hell she got so lucky too.

She went to sit on the couch and was a little embarrassed as she realized just how aroused she was. Grabbing his flannel shirt that she'd tossed aside earlier, she laughed at Steve, "I figured I already ruined it." She sat down on it as Steve leaned over to grab the back of her neck, "I've been wanting to do this since we walked through that door." His lips were on hers a second later as she let out a sigh and fell into his touch.

Steve was all over the place, internally. He was still calming down from a moment ago, but the urge to go down on Natasha was so much stronger. Awkwardly sliding off the couch onto one knee, Steve kept his left leg as straight as he could. Yes, he was hurt, but his craving overruled any discomfort. And any pain felt tomorrow, would be more than worth it.

Looking down at Natasha, Steve grabbed the end of his cap on her head and wiggled it a little as they both let out a laugh.

And then he was in his familiar spot between her legs, cupping the backs of her knees and tugging her towards the edge of the cushion. A soft little yelp came out in surprise as Steve pulled Natasha's body, directly towards his mouth. The way she looked right now, heaving breaths and parted legs. Red lips that gave him so many moments of pleasure. And that goddamn hat. Her look and feel…and her scent. It was all so intoxicating, making him want to taste her even more.

Steve knew right then he wasn't going to need nearly as long to grow hard again. He started slow with sensual moves. Palms running up and over her knees. Spreading her open a little wider as she drew her lip between her teeth. It was all a lead up. The prologue…with the curves of his hands gliding over soft skin until they finally rested in the grooves of her inner thighs.

The warm air increased. And a nervous breath came out of both of them because they both knew what was next. Feeling her soft and damp curls, Steve inched closer and closer to her center. And then he felt her. His thumb brushed inside her folds. And god, it was like liquid heat.

A throaty groan came out of him instantly, and a breathy whine out of her. Steve grinned at Natasha, being the ever-teasing little shit that he relished in these moments, "All this for me?" She wanted to laugh, but she couldn't. A pleasure-filled sound escaped her instead, feeling as wound as she was while he was throwing her own words back in her face, "Fuck yeah it is, Steve."

Steve wasn't trying to waste time. He was simply enjoying every second, taking every part of Natasha in. He'd gotten a small taste from her fingers before, and he wanted more, now that he was so close.

Only inches away, he brushed his nose along the junction of her thighs as he closed the distance. Steve was gentle, kissing her swollen peak first, not wanting to overwhelm her right away. Lips tracing downward, he found the inviting warmth. Farther and farther, he kept teasing. He kept tasting, brushing along the outside…taunting her, until he was finally at the base of her core.

Natasha could feel Steve's humid breaths coming out, blanketing her as he held back. It was maddening as she tried to wriggle her hips, but he stopped her. Pushing down around her belly button, he could feel the trembling underneath.

Their eyes met for a moment. A standoff with her begging silently and him loving every second. But then Steve saw her toes, curling into the floor. It was just enough of a push, and his teasing stopped. Wetting his lips, his tongue was inside her a second later. Splaying his hand over her stomach, he pushed down and licked up. Lusting after her slick, he moved from bottom to top and took all of her in.

Steve finally found what he'd been hungry for, ever since he got a taste from her fingers. Ever since she first pushed play on the stereo.

Warmth and wet and wanting.

There was nothing like it. The first taste of her on her fingers. The first feel of her with his own. The first lick with his tongue. It consumed both of them, always.

A throaty cry came out of her as he lapped along, immersing his tongue inside her. Steve would lose himself sometimes in these moments, completely rapt with her every breath and move. Soaked sounds. Heaving breasts. Yes, he was fully engrossed in her as coveted thoughts ran rampant. And as he drank every needy drop of her in. Natasha squirmed against his mouth as much as he'd allow. But he kept his hold on her, with his hurt leg stretched out to the side. Steve kept all the pressure on his other knee as he licked a little deeper now.

To feel what he did to her. To smell and taste and see. To hear how turned on she was by him…and both of them together. Steve felt like he could almost go mad too. Not caring about anything else but their own little world. Forgetting about every thought and worry outside their door.

That's what she did to him.

It was always so much, but never felt like enough.

Natasha looked down at him as her fingers found her nipples, tugging and pulling at them harder than usual. The sensation was exquisite. She was so turned on, that there was no discomfort at all.

"Yes, fuck, Steve. Right there."

She gnawed on her lip as he looked up at her again. Wearing his hat. Eyes barely open. Squeezing and playing with her nipples. Her hips begging for more with her thighs squeezing around him.

And he felt the stirring within right now as blood started to travel south again. She was moving more, trying to fuck his tongue instead of the other way around. Who was winning, neither could tell, but he pushed down and tried to keep her still.

They both needed a little more during this battle, so his hand joined the fight. First one finger. And then two, as her aching pussy swallowed them whole. Pumping in and out, Steve didn't let up as he found her clit. Kissing above her lips. Sucking relentlessly and sinking farther and farther in.

Everything moved quicker now.

Soft whines. Swirling emotions. Squeezes on her swollen breasts.

His devouring tongue and soaked fingers, plunging in and out and around her. Natasha finally lowered a hand, raking her fingers through his hair as she pulled a little too hard, but it was all just enough.

"God. Fuck, Steve. Yes."

Steve finally released his hold over her waist and found her hand as they held onto her breast together. Natasha immediately picked up the slack he'd given her, writhing against his mouth now. Bucking against the rhythm of his fingers slipping in and out of her. They both could tell it wasn't going to be much longer.

Natasha couldn't hold back. Flexing her legs harder. Holding his hand tighter. Her breaths became uneven with each thrust of her hips. With each sensual second that passed.

"Please…Steve, Please…"

That's all that came out as he sucked with more fervor. Natasha was approaching the edge, and Steve turned his fingers over inside, hooking against her swollen walls with each graze. Another lick, another squeeze, and another press of his fingers, and she was there.

She hugged him tight with her thighs, holding him in place as he kissed her through her collapse. Her hips convulsed as a long and low cry spilled out. Spasms around his fingers followed. And the feeling of warmth was everywhere as she came.

Her panting evened out as Natasha pressed the back of her hand against her eyes, trying to take what just happened in. That's exactly how Steve felt. Like he could pinch himself because this was so goddamn good. So passionate. So perfect for what they needed.

Steve kissed around her, soothing along her inner thigh and then up around her hip. And then her stomach. Natasha grabbed both of his hands and helped him resume his spot on the couch where he was before. It took a few extra seconds, but the first thing she noticed, was that Steve was almost hard again.

She laughed, a little in disbelief, "What's gotten into you, Steve?"

"Fuck, Nat. I could ask the same of you"

There they both sat, side-by-side. Disheveled and debauched. In a blissful state already, from their orgasms that could only be described as overwhelming. But this was Steve and Natasha. And this was them in rare form right now. Last night, Steve had been desperate to touch and memorize every part of her, worrying about the mission today.

But right now? It was different. Their yearning was a craving that wasn't satiated. A hunger that wasn't satisfied. And they both needed more.

Natasha chuckled, grinning at Steve as she finally took the Dodgers cap and tossed it on the floor. Steve scooted away from the arm of the sofa, knowing that she was about to come a little closer. And she did. She stood over him with a little wobble from how positively wrecked she felt. Finding his hands for support, she bent over and kissed his knee. And for a second she paused, looking a little worried, "Are you sure you're not too hurt, Steve?"

Steve smirked and started pulling her hands and as a result, her entire body down toward him, "I promise you I'm telling you the truth, when I say this is the best my knee has felt all night. Besides, I don't plan on you being anywhere near it, Nat."

Natasha laughed again, "God, you're such a little shit, Steve." He pulled a little harder, and Natasha draped her knees over both sides of his thighs, letting her ass settle in the cradle of his hold. She let out a rousing sigh. His fully hard cock brushed against her tender flesh. And that was all it took, for her to go from being a tad too sensitive, to feeling like her insides were overheating again.

Steve sat back against the couch, pulling her close by the small of her back and digging into those adorable dimples at the top of her ass. Her chest was flush against his now as her breath hit his neck. As her nipples brushed against his. As his own breathing increased, blowing heated air along her pulse.

Natasha looked deep in his eyes as she ran her fingers gently through his hair. The need was urgent as ever, but the frantic edge from before had retreated a little, leaving them right here. Against each other and moving slow as she claimed his lips with all the love and care in the world.

Beckoning for more, she felt a gravelly sound come deep from within his chest. Her ass pushed down, feeling another graze between them. His fingers pressed a little harder, and their kiss became a little deeper. Their tongues finally found one another as he licked her lips and she responded in kind.

Harsh pants of breath. Soft breathless moans. Sounds of both of their orgasms lingering from before.

They pleaded to each other, without any actual words right now. Understanding each other. Knowing each other inside and out. It was felt in the field and in each part of their life. But it was felt even more right now. Their kiss turned feverish and unpredictable with the growing temperature between them.

Flexing his ass and thighs, Steve lifted against her straddling hold. Just a little. Just enough, to tease his now thirsty cock against her wanting pussy. His moan turned into a grunt. Her pants of breath into a whisper, "Steve, I love you."

Caressing her back, Steve slid his hand over her shoulder as he cupped her cheek. In some ways, he was acting just like he did last night, painting her skin with his touch and tangling his fingers into her hair. Both of their eyes were dilated and dark, but he still found a little green as he looked at her, "I love you too. So much, Nat."

Natasha was about to start kissing his neck, but Steve couldn't wait anymore. He pulled back a little on her hair, stopping as he looked at her again and rubbed along her slick folds.

"I want to look at you, Natasha."

He wanted to see how her eyes expanded as he slid into her. He wanted it. And she needed it as a little whine came out, "Fuck." Natasha didn't want to wait anymore either. Lowering her hand between them, she grasped his rigid cock and guided the way.

Tilting her hips, Steve supported her from behind. And then he was at her entrance. Natasha's mouth opened wide, pressing down as his eyes narrowed in focus. He held her neck tight as they both moved together. As they stared at each other the entire time. First the tip. Then the ridge. Then every delicious inch swallowed whole as she sank down onto him.

A choked sound from Steve. A hoarse breath from Natasha. They felt flushed from the heat inside and around them. From molding together as they adjusted to the feel of him filling her.

Steve's hands skimmed up her chest and back down again, before settling back on her waist. Her perfect curves that felt like they were made just for him. It's how he felt from their very first time on.

He was throbbing inside of her, "God you are gorgeous, Nat." She shut her eyes for a second. And then Natasha arched her back as a slow rock of her hips followed. The first move as she started this dance. The actual dance that her striptease was all building to. To them finally feeling and filling all of each other.

Steve was here for where Natasha was taking him right now. Because she wasn't just stunning. She was breathtaking. She felt the same exact way as her eyes found his again, "You're not so bad yourself, Steve."

She moved a little more, writhing against him now as his fingers pressed into her skin.

"Natasha."

The hunger kicked up a notch, with him grabbing her hips now, pulling down and lifting up into her as they fell in sync. It made each motion a little deeper. Each thrust a little harder.

She picked up the pace as wet sounds and rasped breathing increased. Natasha dug her nails into Steve's shoulders as she started bouncing up and down now, over and over again on his cock. No words came out. Just the look in their eyes as every sense swamped the air around them. The feel of their fingers digging into the skin underneath. The scent of musk and sweat between them. And the taste of her still in his mouth as he sat up to feel more.

Sliding her hands around his back, Natasha held him in place as their lips became lost in a longing kiss. She moaned into his mouth and found his tongue once more. Her breasts fell in rhythm too, rising and falling against his chest. Steve pulled her even closer, skimming his hands along her spine as he hugged and held her tight.

Each move drew them closer. Each grind and thrust. And each buck and bounce. Until they were so close that they could only rut against each other. Every move was felt in and around where they were joined. It was sloppy and no longer coordinated as her fingers dug into the meat of his back. And as his arms tightened around her even more. Natasha's lips ran along his jaw before finding his neck as she whispered, "Steve, I'm close."

It was slow again. And deep and hard.

And with each one of those slow drawn out thrusts, they stepped toward the edge. They felt warmer. They felt closer as the sweat pooled between the creases of their thighs.

"I'm right there too, Nat."

Natasha sucked at his neck, and Steve kissed at her pulse, both moving frantically now. Both covering each other's skin with hot and sticky breaths.

Steve felt her tense first as a strangled cry came out of her. Needing to be there with her, he grabbed her hips again, and drove into her repeatedly. One, two, and three more times, until his body tensed too.

She tightened around him, milking him as they came together. As they dissolved into ecstasy, with nothing between them except skin and sweat and slick sounds. Each spasm. Each jerk. Each push and pull and purr that came out was felt throughout their bodies. Until he was spilling into her swollen walls. Until only a mantra of repeated words came out of them in the softest of breaths.

"I love you."

"I love you."

"I love you."

Over and over again, breathing and holding each other through it all.

Soft kisses followed as he stayed inside her. Up Natasha's neck. Along Steve's jaw. Until they found each other's lips again. He held her protectively. And she held onto him like she didn't ever want to let go. What had started light and playful, turned intense and profound as it often did with their repeated statements of love. And now, they were coming down from a high, that left them satiated and sleepy.

Steve groaned a little as he held her tight and started to stand.

"Steve, your knee."

"Natasha, your so goddamn light, I probably won't even be able to tell. I don't want to let you go right now. So, shush. Just let me carry my beautiful girlfriend to bed, okay?" A light laugh came out of her, feeling a little dizzy as she thought of where the day started, and then the turn of events that it took, and finally, where they were right now.

Steve got up slowly, slipping out of her as she sighed. But she wrapped her legs around him and held on tight. As he gingerly walked them back to the bedroom with a limp, being careful of his knee.

They stayed wrapped in each other all the way to the bedroom. And Natasha looked back at their living room and smiled. A rain cloud of fabric left scattered showers of clothing all over the place. The stereo was still playing. But whatever song was on, they didn't care or take notice. Many more songs would play that night, and they wouldn't remember any of them. But they'd never forget the one that started it all.

They fell asleep with twined hands and in a tangle of limbs, knowing the bad guy was put away. That they were both alive and safe at the end of the day. And that their team was stronger together, more so than ever before.

End Note –

Well…whew. That 8 years ago scene was a heck of a lot of fun to write. I hope you enjoyed the little peak into their time as a team during their 5 years together. And yeah, it rivaled 19 as far as possibly the steamiest thing I've written between them – can you blame me? This story kind of calls for it, and honestly, I needed a little fun before I push 'go' on the next few chapters. This was kind of a calming before the storm. I say that, fully knowing how emotionally compromised I am with these characters and this story.

I am not ashamed to admit, that there were even a few scenes in this chapter that caused me to shed some tears.

You all are just the best, and I will say it every dang time – thank you. Thank you, thank you. This started as a seed about a year ago when I first thought of the first little plot line of this story, and started jotting some notes down…which soon grew as a Frankenstein style monster in my brain, and then I posted the first chapter in March of this year. My enjoyment and writing of this story of course began, because of my adoration of the MCU and my love of crime dramas, etc.

My enjoyment has become that much richer. And my love for these characters has only deepened, in large part because of all of you. So again, I say thank you 😊

Oh and of course. How can I forget…Joe Cocker's 'You Can Leave Your Hat On,' gave me inspiration for a big part of the last scene. Did I over indulge? Maybe. Would I do it again? Abso-effing-lutely. I would probably even add a few extra beats. If you haven't watched the clip of his song, to 9 ½ weeks (the movie from the 80's), go and watch it. It's like 4 minutes. It's kind of the most adorable part of that movie, and welp – Steve & Nat just fit perfectly. At least with where they were in their life 8 years ago in the story.

I love hearing from you, so let me know your thoughts on this chapter, and where you think we might be going as this 'Poseidon Adventure' keeps ramping up to the climax.

Have a great weekend everyone! Cheers!~~ Kat