Author's Note:
No triggers for this chapter. Slight angst as Astrid and Steve still try to figure themselves out. They have a long road ahead. As always please review and let me know what you think.
Five days. Five days since the escape and Astrid was on edge. Honestly surprised that they hadn't run into any other patrols. Despite the fact, they were in the heart of enemy territory. While the lack of attacks calmed the troops down it only raised Astrid's nerves. Last thing she wanted was to be caught off guard. Which was why she was out patrolling with Falsworth as backup.
"I'm surprised that you asked me to come along," he whispered. Astrid rolled her eyes. Wishing more than anything that she could just connect their minds and communicate that way. Instead of risking someone overhearing them. "Surely Captain would be a better choice."
"He's got too much else going on," she replied. That was true but if Astrid was honest with herself, she didn't trust Steve to be completely alone with him yet. Far enough away from the unit where if something did happen the chance to be rescued was slim.
"I mean you're sure that you aren't being a bit paranoid? We could have run into a streak of good luck."
Astrid scoffed. "Since when have we been that lucky? No. Something is definitely up." She sent out a mind probe but all that she could sense was Falsworth next to her and the troops behind her. Maybe they were right. It was possible they were going to get out of this without harm. Still, she would rather be safe than sorry. Continuing her patrol. Falsworth by her side.
"You still haven't answered the question though," Falsworth added as they walked further along. Navigating the terrain with ease. Almost as if he belonged in the woods.
"You had a question?"
"Why pick me?"
Astrid rolled her eyes. "Isn't the answer obvious? You technically hold the highest rank out of all of us, are not injured in some capacity and besides myself have the most combat experience. If I was going to pick anyone to go into battle with right now it's going to be you." With Steve being…Steve and Bucky still recovering, Falsworth was a good third choice.
Falsworth had no response to that. Instead keeping his eyes peeled for enemy combatants. That was another reason that she picked him. He was feeling the same way that she was. She sent out another mind probe. She really needed to work on her distance. Just as she was about to give the all-clear she picked up on someone. Actually, a group of someones. A large group of someones. Heading in their direction. It was what Astrid was worried about. Still, it offered some relief. At least it wasn't Hydra again.
"See something?" Falsworth asked. Astrid raised her hand for silence. He complied immediately as she figured out what to do. If the enemy stumbled upon them now it would be bad. Probably lose a lot of men. If her and Falsworth headed back then there was a chance that they could muster some sort of defense. But not supremely quickly and not without risking more lives. However, if Astrid could buy them some time…
"Falsworth," she whispered getting his attention. "I need you to head back. Tell them we got enemy combatants approaching. I think at least 50. Possibly even more."
It spoke of his immense trust in her that he didn't even question her about the enemy. The plan on the other hand.
"And what are you going to do?"
Astrid unsheathed her blades. "Buy you some time until you get back and we finish off these bastards for good." She gave him a hard look. "The longer you wait the closer they get and the worse it's going to be. Go."
He still looked immensely doubtful and she got the feeling he wasn't going to listen to her.
"Cap would kill me if I left you alone out here." That might actually be the truth. Depending on what the serum did to Steve.
"I'll deal with him." She turned to Falsworth. "This isn't my first-time fighting troops by myself and I'm still standing. A lot of us won't be if we don't do something now." That finally got Falsworth going. Giving her a salute and taking off towards their men. Astrid heading off in the opposite direction. Dawning on the mask that was part of her uniform.
One of her father's more brilliant inventions. It covered her face completely. Shaped after a human skull it brought terror into the hearts of men. Something that Astrid was banking on. More importantly, the mask amplified sound and had telescopic vision. Allowing her to see the enemy coming from miles away. Only downside was that she couldn't talk with it on. Not that it mattered. She had ways around it.
Silently she crept up into the trees. The height advantage giving her the element of surprise as she hopped from branch to branch. Just like the good old days. Before everything went south.
It didn't take Astrid long to find them. Hearing them before seeing them. She crouched down on the branch. The tree cover hiding her. Letting Astrid analyze the situation. There were multiple angles of attack. Perhaps a distraction. Buy enough time for the others to arrive. Though the more goons, she took out the better their chances. So, she did what she did best. Pushing some of those with weaker minds to the edge. Pulling them away from the group so that she could slowly pick them off one by one. Slitting their throats with ease. It was only when they were down seven guys that they started to notice that something was off. Fanning out to see if they could find out who was attacking them. Astrid gave a wide smile under the mask. Perfect. Couldn't ask for a better outcome.
She took down 9 more before she was finally caught by a young recruit. Staring at her after she sliced the throat of another one of his comrades. Probably just young enough to join the army. Shame really but she had to do what she had to do.
His entire body was shaking. Unable to even raised his gun as Astrid lunged towards him. Letting out a bloody scream just as Astrid stabbed him in the heart. Not quick enough to keep him quiet. She cursed as bullets started flying. Hitting the ground immediately. Waiting for the men to approach her before she struck. Plunging two blades deep into the chest of one of her attackers before launching herself at another. Her blades cutting through all. Sending blood flying through the air and bodies plummeting to the ground. But all the skill in the world could sometimes not compete with raw numbers and soon she found herself surrounded.
Astrid looked around. At the guns pointed at her. Men ready to pull the triggers when she sensed something in her mind. She let out a chuckled. Looked like the cavalry arrived. Jumping up and grabbing onto a nearby tree branch. Pulling herself up just as a rain of gunfire came in from the side. Leading the charge was Steve and Bucky. Falsworth and Dugan also with them along with a handful of other men.
With the enemy's attention drawn somewhere else, it gave Astrid an opening. Pouncing on one of the men below her and slashing at him. Her blades definitely needed to be cleaned after this. The tide now turned the rest was easy. Making quick work of the rest of the men. It was a massacre.
Astrid removed her mask and shot a smile at Steve. "You took your time. Almost had to clean up this mess myself."
Steve shrugged walking over to her. "We had to get ourselves organized. Make sure we were defended if they were any stragglers. Besides it's not like you couldn't handle them by yourself."
"Though you could have saved some for us," she heard Dugan shout earning himself a chorus of laughter.
Falsworth was kneeling over one of the bodies Astrid killed. Examining the wounds. He let out a low whistle. "You are absolutely bloody brutal. Honestly think I would have preferred being shot."
Astrid bobbed her head side to side. "Not sure about that. Both are super painful." She looked around at the carnage. They really made quick work of it. "Make sure they're all dead. Don't want them to suffer in the woods for no reason. And no stragglers. Last thing we need is reinforcements."
Steve nodded giving out the order and men started conducting the search. Checking on the bodies. Making sure there were no escapees. Meanwhile, Astrid and Steve stayed where they were.
He looked at her. Relief obvious in his eyes. He may vouch for her abilities but he was still worried. Astrid didn't blame him. She would be worried too.
"Revenge," she stated unsure what else to say. Why was she so awkward around him? He was her husband. He gave her a strange look. "For all the times that you've made me worried."
A wry smile appeared on his face. His hands twitching. As if fighting the temptation to reach out and touch her. He really was trying. Something that Astrid appreciated. Maybe she should at least try to meet him halfway. Just as she was about to reach out for his hand she heard shouting. Before she could fully process her and Steve took off towards the sound. Steve making quick headway. They didn't make it far before they heard a gunshot. Astrid feeling a white-hot flash of pain across her neck. As if she had been burned.
Letting out a string of curses she clutched at her neck. Steve shouting her name. Feeling blood seep through her fingers. But it looked worse than it really was. The bullet only nicked her. If it was just a little closer then this would be a different story. She heard several more gunshots before a few other men trotted towards her. Steve fretting over her.
"Can you relax?" she snapped at him. He was going to work himself in a panic. "This isn't the first time I've been shot." The pain was already fading as Astrid pushed it to the back of her mind. Just as she been trained to do. She started carefully examining the wound. "It's only a nick."
"That's a nick?" Steve asked. His face was paler than usual. Astrid had already gotten a roll of bandages out of her pack and was dressing the wound. She would prefer that she didn't have to use it on herself but there wasn't much choice. She would do more when she got back to the main group.
"Let me," Steve suggested softly. She shot him a look.
"I can handle it, Steve." She almost regretted her words as soon as she saw the hurt look in his eyes. But this wasn't his concern. He was only going to get in her way.
"Sorry," Falsworth stated trotting up to them. "One of the men was alive. Managed to get off one last shot."
"He's dead now right?" Steve asked. Falsworth nodded. "Alright let's head back. We can make it a few more miles before nightfall." He gathered up the men and Astrid watched him. Falling in line with the others. He was leading this motley crew but every once in a while, she saw him glance back at her. Making sure that she wasn't lagging behind too badly. Bucky was next to him. The way he had slung his arm around his shoulders made it seem like he was reassuring Steve about something.
"Don't you think that you're being a little bit cruel?" Falsworth asked her. He was walking beside her. Probably to make sure that she wasn't going to collapse.
"What?" she questioned giving him an odd look.
He gestured towards Steve. "He just watched his wife get shot in front of him. And she won't even let him touch her."
"It's just a nick." She rolled her eyes. It wasn't even hurting that badly anymore. Or at all. Not even registering on her pain scale.
"That's not what it looked like from where we're standing." He looked over her and Astrid glanced down to look at herself. She was stained with blood. Showing up even on her black clothing. Granted most of it wasn't hers but still. She scoffed. Didn't take her too long to get used to being covered in blood again. At least the uniform was easy to wash. Another mark of her father's genius.
"It's complicated."
Falsworth shook his head. "There's nothing complicated about it. He loves you and you love him."
That piqued her interest. "What makes you think that I love him?"
Falsworth let out a sigh. "Because you wouldn't be looking at him with such sad eyes if you didn't." He glanced at her. "Whatever happened between the two of you don't let it take away from your love. I almost let that happen with my wife and I almost lost her."
Astrid let out a laugh. "You are a real romantic aren't you?"
He threw her a wink. "That's what's my wife tells me." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You got a good head on your shoulders Lady Liberty. But there are some things that you shouldn't overthink.
"That's not my-" The rest of the conversation was lost as they were met by the rest of the soldiers. Many of whom asked how she was doing. Noting the bandage around her neck. They couldn't stay too distracted however as Steve had them on the move again. Astrid took her chance and moved to the edge. Unwrapping the bandaging and stitching up the gash with her powers. Keeping her bad side towards the woods where no one could see.
They ended up settling for the night near a lake. Many of the men grateful. Giving them a chance to wash up. Setting up shifts so that each man could have a turn. Meanwhile, Astrid thought of ways she could patch things up with Steve. Falsworth did have a point.
It was pitch black by the time all the men had settled down. The only ones awake were the guards for the night and Steve. Sitting on a log staring out into the darkness. Astrid could barely make out his figure.
"Steve?" she asked sitting down next to him. Fighting the urge to keep a gap between them. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Anything," his answer was immediate.
Astrid took a deep breath. This was both something she needed and was a good test. "Would you mind keeping watch as I bathe in the lake? Kinda don't want blood on me for the entire trip."
Even from where she was sitting Astrid could hear his breath stutter. That familiar sound brought some strange sense of relief.
"You sure you don't want Bucky? I mean…"
Astrid let out a chuckle. In the dark where it was impossible to see it felt like she was talking to Steve. Not the man who was injected with the serum but her Steve. The man she married.
"Bucky hasn't seen me, naked dear. Nor do I plan for him too. Or anyone else for that matter." She let out a laugh. "Though in this darkness it may not matter.
"Is it really that dark? Looks like dusk to me."
Astrid gave him an odd look. Did the serum really enhance his vision that well? She wondered what he was seeing right now.
"Are you going to join me or not?" Astrid asked. She got up and nervously held out her hand. The hand that grasped hers in return did not match the voice. Too big. Too smooth. Unmarked by the callouses of an artist.
"I would love to." Astrid let him guide her to the lake. Focusing on his voice alone. It felt like the early days of their marriage.
It didn't take long to reach the lake. Sending out the probe Astrid could tell that the two of them were truly alone. He let go of her hand and surveyed the surroundings. Determining the same thing she just did.
Biting her lip she took the plunge and undid her uniform. Letting it fall to the ground. She would wash it in the lake after she was done. No point in getting clean only for blood to leak through onto her body again. Not that she minded the feel of blood. Granted she would prefer not to be covered in it but she was so used to it at this point that it didn't matter. Astrid also undid her bra and took off her underwear. She wrapped her arms around herself. The cold air nipping at her skin.
"You're gorgeous," Steve muttered. She was grateful for his presence. Being able to feel that he was there but unable to see him.
She turned in the direction of his voice. Holding out her arms. Showcasing herself. She might not be able to see him but he could definitely see her. Giving a cocky smile before heading into the water. Slowly. She didn't want to get her wound wet.
Ignoring the cold water she walked in. It was actually quite deep. Astrid having to tread water. Her feet just grazing the bottom.
"You going to join me? Or are you just going to stand there?" This was the real test. The truth was she didn't really need anyone to stand guard. She set up a mental barrier dissuading any people from approaching. What she really wanted to know was what Steve's reactions going to be. To know if he was himself.
He stood there for a few moments. Processing what she asked him. "Right. Sorry. But I can't swim." Points in his favor. Even with the serum, he was still prone to his dumb moments. "I mean I don't really know. I swam once but…"
"Steve you're like six feet tall. You can stand and the water will only reach your shoulders." That seemed to knock some sense into him. It's like he forgot that he could do stuff like swim. Astrid waited as he stripped down himself. Feeling the water ripple as he stepped in. Moving towards her.
Soon she could feel him standing right next to her. Close enough to feel his hot breath against her skin. But it was hitting the wrong spot. To high up. She gulped. Thinking about it now this was a really really bad idea. If this wasn't Steve….
"Is this okay? I can back away if you need me to."
Astrid blinked a couple of times. Getting used to the fact that the man standing next to her was Steve.
"Just keep talking to me okay." Her words were rushed. Nerves getting to her. But he did as she asked. Telling her everything that she had missed and more. He poured his heart out to her. Whispering soft words into her ears. How much he loved her, missed her. The fear that clutched at him when he heard that she was captured. That same fear when he saw that she had been shot. Blood pouring out of her.
Tears pricked in her eyes and all she wanted to do was wrap him up in her arms and never let him go. But that wasn't really possible now. Didn't mean that she couldn't surprise him. She raised her arm out of the water and brought it to the back of his head. Lifting herself up so that her mouth was right next to his. Close enough to feel his breathing quicken. The warmth of his body combating the cold air. Going quiet as he waited for what she was going to next. Astrid was so close to closing the gap. Feeling his lips underneath hers. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. Anyone could come up with pretty words. Steve in particular. She had to be damn sure.
"We should get out now," she stated. She could feel the disappointment wash over him.
He nodded and walked away from her. "Do you need help getting out?"
"I'm okay." The two of them getting out of the water and redressed. Astrid dipping her uniform in the water to wash out the blood. Instantly drying once it hit the air. If only her father actually put his talents towards making clothing. She put it on and turned. Noticing that Steve got dressed as well. His back turned to her. It was obvious that he was hurt. Astrid steadied her nerves. Taking a deep breath. Falsworth was right. She couldn't lose him. Not until she was sure.
"I'm sorry," she said walking towards him. He turned to face her. She wished she could see his facial expressions. "I just have to make sure you're still… you."
"What do I need to do to prove it to you?"
She felt her voice crack. "I don't know Steve." She felt tears threatening to spill over. Losing her voice she sent the thoughts over. 'I wish I could tell you the magic words to make this all better. But I don't know if they exist. All I know is that I don't want to lose you.'
'You are never going to. I'm going to be with you for as long as you want me.'
Astrid closed her eyes. Letting a tear fall. 'I love you, Steve. I hope that is enough.'
'More than.' He held out his hand and Astrid took it. The warmth soothing her body and soul. Together they walked back to the others. She may not have had figured out Steve yet but at least she wasn't going to lose him while she did so.