CARTER

The day Sharon was dreading finally arrived. She woke early in anticipation for her meeting with Ross. Bucky was still asleep, sprawled out across the bed on his stomach as she quietly got ready for the day. He reached out for her when she initially slipped out of bed, but a soft brush of her fingers on his cheek had him dozing off again within seconds. She grabbed her bag before quietly meeting Sam in the entryway and hitting the road. Sam was meeting a friend for brunch and agreed to drop her off. Why waste gas when they were both going to the same city?

Ross was waiting next to a black SUV on the curb when they pulled up to the address he gave her. Both Sam and Sharon glanced at each other warily over the center console.

"He's up to the something." Sam said quietly. She was thankful for her tinted windows so Ross couldn't see them. "You think he's going to take you somewhere or just have a private talk in that car?"

Sharon stared out the window. Ross was eyeing their car as if he knew it was them. "Either way, I'm probably not going to like it."

"I would say let's just ditch him, but I know he's threatening jail time if you don't take this meeting. I'll cancel my plans and warn Buck."

His eyes were focused over her shoulder at Ross who was looking impatient. "You shouldn't cancel."

Sam's eyes met hers. "Sharon, I'm not letting you get into that car and then just drive away as if I'm not concerned about what is going to happen to you. I'm not letting you out of my sight until I know you're safe and he's not going to pull some shady shit."

Sharon gave him a fond smile. Damn she loved their friendship. "Drive away and track my phone. Make sure you keep your distance. He'll be expecting you to follow us." She patted his shoulder and slipped out of the car. She watched as Sam pulled away and into traffic before stepping toward Ross.

"It'd be nice if for once someone would just ask nicely for a meeting with me instead of threatening me with my friends to get me to show." Sharon shoved her hands in her pockets as she glared at Thaddeus Ross.

"I'll keep that in mind for next time. Come on, we're taking a field trip." He held the door open to the black SUV. Sharon was skeptical, but slid into the backseat without complaint. It's not like she could say no anyway, if she did he would just call security on her and make good with his threats to charge Sam and Bucky with treason for having the shield at their home. It was one thing to threaten her, it was another thing to threaten them. She sat stiffly with Ross beside her the entire twenty minute drive to their destination. She frowned when they pulled up to a crowded outdoor arena full of people wearing the Captain America symbol. He brought her to a stupid U.S. Agent rally.

"I need a favor." Ross finally spoke. "The American public isn't getting on board with U.S. Agent as quickly as we'd like. Even after all the interviews and events, he still isn't being received like we thought. We need his ratings and approval to go up before he can get clearance to be in the field."

Sharon raised an eyebrow. "You mean the American people aren't intrigued by another unremarkable white man being flaunted as a symbol of the people? Shocking." She said dryly. "It's not so easy to replace Steve Rogers is it?"

"You seemed to manage fine." Ross replied with a knowing smirk. Of course he knew about her and Bucky. The snake thrived on gossip and blackmail.

Sharon's eyes narrowed. "Not that it's any of your business, but neither Sam nor Bucky are replacements and I'm not one for them either."

He ignored her comment. "The people want a symbol to get behind, they are just hesitant to show support in these times."

"No, they are hesitant to show support to a stranger thrown in their faces by the government. The government that made half the Avengers outlaws including Captain America, turned them against each other, and then tried to stifle them from saving the world. They don't want to get behind someone new, they want someone they know and trust. You wouldn't have this problem if you had let Sam Wilson take the mantle publicly and not snatched it from beneath him." Sharon retorted.

"He would have never let the government have any say in his actions or do any press for us." Ross defended.

"You're right. And the the American people would have loved that. They don't want a government lackey, they want a hero who stands with them. Who looks like them."

"Don't make this about race." Ross scoffed.

Sharon turned to him. "You made it about race when you chose another white man to do your bidding. Times are different and Steve giving Sam the shield was the perfect opportunity to show anyone in this country can be a hero, no matter their race. You stole that moment from Sam and the people."

Ross threw open his door. "Get out." Sharon bit back an insult but did as he said. She slammed the car door shut harshly. She followed behind Ross and his security as they rounded to the backside of the outdoor stage. Sharon could see Walker ahead of her laughing with his bodyguards as they made their way through the hustle and bustle of the backstage crew.

"What do you want?" She rounded on Ross and stopped him from leading her forward any further. "And what are you going to offer me in return?" She folded her arms in front of her. She was tired of this charade, she just wanted to know what the hell he wanted and go home. The crowd began to roar and a band started up. She watched as entertainers rushed out onto the stage with Walker trailing behind in his ridiculous get-up.

Ross nodded his head toward the wings and she begrudgingly followed. "This outdoor arena can hold ten thousand people. There are only four thousand here today. This should be sold out." Sharon's eyes darted around the crowd.

"I want you to endorse Walker. It'll get the hesitant intelligence agencies to finally show support and I have an entire marketing team ready to take your story with Rogers and showcase it in a way that paints you as being loyal to him and wrongly accused of being a wanted fugitive to the public. You get free reign in how it is portrayed that you came to support Walker as long as it is positive." His eyes met hers.

"And why would I agree to this?" Sharon's eyes challenged his. "And how does Walker feel about this? I'm guessing he hates my guts after I kicked his ass in front of his lackeys."

"He'll get on board, I'll make him. And he'll need you when you do press conferences together. He may be a smooth talker, but no one charms like you do Carter. People will love your legacy with Captain America." Sharon frowned.

"You want us to charm the public together? So people will see us a duo? Or should I say a couple?" Her jaw clenched. If she opened her palms she would surely see tiny half moons indented into her skin from how hard they were clenched in order to contain her rising temper. "I know how your mind works. And I know people just love a good love story. No one can resist good ole Captain America falling in love, can they? Not to mention the guaranteed spike in ratings that would come with it."

The way his eyes shifted to glance at Walker let her know she was right in her assumption. She scoffed at him. "You're unbelievable."

He turned back to her. "I'll give you what you want if you do this. I'll give you the shield. I'll change the record back to be property of Steve Rogers and Wilson can take it so long as it stays under-wraps."

Sharon kept her eyes neutral at his statement. What the hell was happening right now? Was he trying to play her? Or was he seriously going to give them back the shield for her endorsement and compliance? Was Walker really that important to his agenda that he would make her this offer?

She stepped away from Ross to stare onto the stage. Walker was waving to the crowd and throwing the shield. She watched it ping off a few strategically placed poles and zip back to his arm. The small crowd was eating it up. Walker sat down on one of the chairs provided and grabbed an offered microphone to answer questions from the event presenter.

Could she really endorse him? Was it worth getting the shield back? She wanted to say yes, but it would come at a cost. Her name with the Avengers and Intelligence community would be ruined- they would all know instantly that it was lie on her part. She would be a public figure and it would force her to give up being a spy. Fury would probably kill her with his bare hands which in retrospect might not be so bad. Yes, Sam would get the shield in the end, but that was it. He wouldn't even get to use it or be Captain America. It would just be sentimental knick-knack sitting in his home.

And if they did spin this eventually to make it seem like they were a couple? All it would take was one strategic photo and a lie and it would spiral into a full-blown love affair that the American public would eat up no matter if it was true or not. Bucky and Sam would probably never look at her the same even if it was a sacrifice for them. And how the hell would it affect her relationship with Bucky? There was no way they could be together publicly if they forced her narrative to be in love with Walker. And that was assuming Ross didn't pull some shady shit and ruin her with the public if she did something he didn't like. And who knows how long Ross would trap her in this deal…

"This deal only lasts until the end of this event and I won't make it again." Sharon looked to him. "And if you say no, I will see to it that the shield never leaves the hands of the government again."

He was trapping her. It was a shit deal and he knew it. "I need a minute." She moved to brush past him.

"You have thirty." Ross threw over his shoulder. "Oh and I should add that if you say no I'll be charging you with treason again for having the shield and assaulting a military official, you'll get at least five years in prison if I'm feeling nice, and if I even catch a whiff of you attempting to continue your spy-work after prison, I'll have you thrown in The Raft for the rest of your life."

The world spun at his words. Her vision blurred and she suddenly couldn't breathe. She didn't know what to do. She tried to think what Steve would do or Sam or Bucky but her mind wasn't working properly. It was shouting at her to fucking run because this was Ross punishing her. Whether she said yes or no, she was being punished. Punished for stealing the shield and wings years ago. Punished for Steve never signing the Accords. Punished for having Hill and Fury fight for her pardon which was granted despite Ross' protests. Punished for teaming up with Sam and Bucky. Hell, punished for everyone that was able to get out of from under his control. She was his revenge for the years of the Avengers never complying to his will. Blind panic was creeping into her limbs. She stumbled away from Ross and to a dark corner where she collapsed to her knees.

She felt tears in her eyes as she pressed her phone to her ear shakily. "Hey, I'm parked a few blocks over, why the hell did he take you there?"

"Sam, I…" Her words caught in her throat as she tried to hold back her rising bile. Her breath was ragged and she was seeing spots as Ross' threat rang through her entire being. Either be a puppet of the government or a traitor to the government. Trapped in a ruse or trapped in prison. Either way, she was going to be completely out of control of her own life. Her hands were shaking so bad she thought she might lose grip on her phone. Her life was ruined.

"What's wrong?" She could hear him shuffling around on the other line.

"Ross… he wants me to endorse Walker and… and if I don't…" She put a hand to her eyes to try to stop the tears from flowing. She choked back a sob. "If I don't he's going to ruin me. He's threatening the shield and the Raft."

"Sharon, don't give him an answer. Get out of there."

"I can't." Her voice cracked. She was being watched and followed. She could see Ross' men watching her from the corner of her eye. She was trapped. And running was giving him an answer. And could she really go on the run again? Could she really choose the loneliness of running the rest of her life? Bucky would go with her, he didn't give a shit about the government, but at what cost would that life be to him? And Sam would forever be watched for any sign of contact with either of them.

She took deep shaky breaths to calm herself and keep her composure. She refused to let Ross see her this worked up. She refused to let him win. She was a Carter, she needed to pull herself together and think clearly.

Her ears perked at a sudden booing from the crowd. Sam was shouting something in her ear, but she ignored it as she stumbled to her feet and back to the wings of the stage. Multiple security officers bumped into her in their rush toward the commotion.

"Steve Rogers was twice the man you are!" Someone from the crowd shouted.

"Yeah! Fuck you!"

"We want the REAL Captain America!"

Sharon watched Walker's eyes go dark as a barrage of insults floated up from the crowd. People were cheering and booing and trash was being thrown. Somehow the crowd was turning on him. The standing crowd was pressing in on the stage while those in the surrounding stands were either pushing to join the angry mob or get out of there before chaos ensued.

"Why don't we all just calm down!" The male presenter said nervously. "Captain, why don't you tell us again about your military experience?

"YOU'RE NOT MY CAPTAIN AMERICA!" The crowd was deafening as they continued to boo, shout, and rampage at Walker who was now on his feet.

"FUCK YOU! FUCK ALL OF YOU!" Walker was suddenly shouting at the crowd. "I'M YOUR CAPTAIN AMERICA NOW!"

"Get him off the stage! Turn those cameras off!" Ross was yelling from beside her. The crowd was roaring in anger and trying to push their way onto the stage past security. Sharon watched in horror as a man broke free and stormed up the stairs and toward Walker only to be knocked down by the swing of the shield. Sharon saw red. The shield was a symbol of hope. Of the people. Sharon was not going to let Walker taint it's legacy with his behavior.

Sharon rushed out onto the stage. Security was useless as people began to stumble up onto the stage to get to Walker. Walker was rampaging and knocking down anyone he could with the shield.

"GET THAT CAMERA OUT OF MY FACE!" She threw herself in front of an innocent camera woman that Walker had his sights set on. His arm swung back and forward as he launched the shield at her. Sam's solid form landed next to her and caught it just in time.

Walker's eyes were murderous as they took in the pair. "Stand down. These are innocent civilians." Sam tried to reason calmly. His free hand was outstretched in front of her as a protective presence.

"AHH!" He charged at them. Sam stepped forward and blocked his punch with the shield. Sharon turned and helped the camera woman into the wings of the stage and away from the upset crowd.

"SHARON!" She turned to find Sam on the ground and Walker rushing into the wings. He smashed through four security men on the war path to get to her. She collided with a crew member and helped him to his feet just before Walker reached her. He slammed the shield into her, forcibly knocking her off her feet. He came to stand above her, rage in his eyes. She threw her arm up to defend herself when Sam's strong arm wrapped around Walker's neck and pulled him back.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" A circle of guns enclosed Walker. She stood on shaky legs and watched as the shield was wrenched from Walker's hands.

"No one will ever accept a black Captain America." Walker growled at Sam before he turned to Sharon. "And I will fucking end you bitch." He lurched forward only to be met with Sam's fist.

"Watch your mouth." Sam shoved him around and held his arms behind his back until someone came forward to cuff him. Sam's eyes met hers as he followed behind Walker as he was led away. Neither of them could believe what just happened. Ross was absolutely furious and barking orders. She briefly wondered what Ross was going to do to her now that Walker ruined his deal.

Sharon stepped away from the spectacle and silently retreated from the venue unnoticed. People were rushing in all directions to get away from the arena as fast as possible. Car horns were blaring, people were shouting, and kids were crying. She slumped into a chair at the abandoned security checkpoint near the gate. She sat there for a long time, watching the lessening crowd until the place was almost devoid of fans. Her phone was blowing up from Bucky, but she continued to ignore his calls. She wasn't quite ready for his barrage of questions. Sent off a quick text telling him she was okay and would talk to him later.

"I know you don't need me to defend your honor, but damn, it felt good to punch him in the face." Sam fell into the chair next to her.

Sharon smirked half-heartedly. "Bucky will be jealous."

Sam's hand came to clasp hers. "Are you okay? You were in an absolute panic when you called. It scared the shit out of me."

Her other hand came to cover his. "Yeah." She gave an unconvincing smile.

His eyes didn't quite believe her. "Sharon, what happened with Ross? You said he threatened you. It had to have been bad to terrify you like that."

Her eyes watered at the thought of his deal and the absolute panic that overtook her in an instant. "I'll tell you about it later." His hand squeezed hers in an effort of comfort.

"Wilson. Carter." She held back an exasperated sigh at Thaddeus Ross approaching them.

"My answer is no." Her eyes pierced his. "My answer will always be no so go ahead and charge me with what you want and throw me in the Raft. I'll never support that asshole or anyone else you try to force onto the American people." She folded her arms and leaned back in the folding chair. Sam's eyes challenged Ross to even attempt to lay a hand on her.

Ross put his hands in his pockets. "Walker just hit a civilian with the shield on National TV. He's done. And I should probably thank you both for helping stop him before anyone else got hurt." Sam and Sharon shared a glance. That was the best apology and thank you they were going to get. Sharon rubbed her eyes tiredly.

"What do you want General?" Why was he still here and talking? Shouldn't he be on damage control? There was more up his sleeve to come out and personally talk to them instead of sending someone to shoo them off.

"Take it before I change my mind." Sharon turned to see one of his men stepping forward with the shield. Sam stood hesitantly and took it.

"What's the catch?" Sam asked.

Ross sighed. "No catch. Maybe I just realized when Walker was beating up the public that maybe Ms. Carter were right earlier. The people want someone who they trust and stands with them. Wilson, you would never lose your temper and jeopardize the safety of others. The legacy is yours if you want it."

"I… Thank you." Sharon stood and put a hand on Sam's shoulder. His body was rigid with disbelief and emotion. His eyes met hers and she could see them glassing over. He shook Ross' hand formerly before she pulled him in for a hug. He relaxed against her and held her tight.

"You know," she put him at arms length and glanced at her watch, "you could still make a late lunch with your date if you wanted." She winked at him. "Get a celebratory drink. I'm sure she would understand why you canceled brunch, Captain."

He quirked an eyebrow. "I never said it was a date."

Sharon patted his shoulder. "Again, your lack of knowledge is a little unsettling. I'm a spy Wilson, you can't hide a date from me." She grinned and winked. "I won't tell Bucky."

He laughed and ran a hand down his face. He dug in his pocket and handed over the car keys. "You can take the car. I'll fly back." Next, he handed her the shield. "Tell Buck to be ready to play frisbee when I get home."

"Good luck." Sam just smiled and turned to Ross one last time. "Thank you General."

Ross shook his hand one more time. "Don't make me regret this."

"I won't." Sam gave Sharon another one-armed hug and pressed a friendly kiss to her temple before extending his wings and taking off. Sharon watched him go with a smile.

She turned back to Ross once Sam was out of sight. "So does this mean I get to live another day as a free woman?"

Ross stuck out his hand as a peace offering. She shifted the shield to her other arm so she could shake his hand out of sheer politeness. "Keep your nose clean Carter."

"I'll try sir. Oh, and I'd like a copy of the official record stating that the shield belongs to Steve Rogers again."

Ross gave a tight smile. "Of course you do."

"SIR!" Sharon turned as Ross' panicked aid came rushing toward them. "They need you to report to headquarters immediately. There's been a break-out. Zemo sir, he's missing." Sharon's body stiffened at the name. She felt as if a bucket of ice water was suddenly tipped over her head. Her arm dropped and the shield slipped from her numb fingers to hit the ground. The world spun on its axis as her eyes met Ross'.

"Where is Sergeant Barnes?"