A/N
I can't believe we've made it through most of Civil War, my friends. It's been a lot of fun writing this. Let's hope I can continue to make this a fun story for those reading(fingers crossed).
Review Question Answered
Lucien The Lostlight: Yes I am aware of the possibility if character deaths in Endgame. And if it happens... I'll eventually pick myself up off the floor, stop sobbing, and see where the story takes me. Even if that means heartache and turmoil for one of the main characters in my story :(
Irkutsk
Furia stood with her arms crossed as she gazed out the window overlooking the city of Irkutsk. The safehouse, where a man loyal to T'Challa resided, was small and plainly decorated. In the distance, the Angara River could be seen as Furia admired the beautiful Russian architecture that surrounded them.
Bucky, who was still asleep, began to snore causing Furia to smile. She turned to look at him before moving to lay beside him. The twin mattress was quite snug but considering she'd started sleeping with him three months ago, being in tight quarters wasn't a problem for either one of them.
Furia, laying on her side, pressed her body against his. Bucky, without waking, seemed to relax into her touch and released a long breath of contentment. She kissed his forehead, running her fingers through his hair before he wrapped the only arm he had around her waist. Finally rousing, Bucky ran his hand along her back before she suddenly winced. His eyes shot open at the jolt of her body, realizing he'd touched the large bruise that covered the center of her back.
"Ah, I'm so sorry, doll." His brows furrowed with concern. "I didn't mean-"
"James stop." She smirked. "I'm practically covered in bruises so unless you plan on not touching me at all get used to a few flinches from me."
"I hate that you got hurt." He admitted shamefully. His eyes went distant as she vibed the regret he felt for ever pulling her into all of this.
Furia gave him a stern expression. Her face grew warm at the sudden irritation toward the man she loved rushed through her.
"James Buchanan Barnes." She started out, causing him to sigh. He knew by the tone of her voice and the way she'd said his full name he was in trouble(that and her hair had suddenly frosted).
"You have got to stop with this bulshit. I'm a big girl. I knew what I was getting into the first time I vibed you. The Winter Soldier is a part of you."
She pushed Bucky back so his head rested on his pillow before straddling his waist. Her right hand pressed against his chest while the other gripped some of his hair. Bucky licked his lips. Somewhere between her sexy irate expression and the way she sat across his waist he'd been extremely turned on and by the sultry look in her eyes he knew it had been what she'd intended all along.
"I have readily accepted every part of you. Don't you think it's time you stop acting like I'm some kind of victim of all the trouble that follows us?" She leaned toward him, their lips practically touching at that point. "It's such a waste of perfectly good time." She said softly, her hand roaming dangerously close to the brim of his boxer briefs. "Besides." With her other hand she grasped his moving it toward her own back and let his palm rest on the bruise. "A little pain never hurt anyone."
With a growl, he pulled at her tank top as she readily assisted(things weren't as fluid without his metal arm). With impressive maneuvering, Furia managed to slide his boxer briefs down to his thighs without moving from her position. As Bucky's hand reached for her shorts, the sound of a soft knock while the door began to open had Bucky quickly yanking her now bare back toward him. Furia ripped the covers upward in an attempt to cover herself as she pressed her chest against Bucky's.
"Oh God." Steve said, closing his eyes. He slammed the door. "I- I'll come back in an hour." He said loud enough for them to hear before turning on his heel. "After I burn my eyes out of my skull." Steve murmured to himself rushing down the hall.
"I think I'll go die now." Furia said with her forehead pressed against Bucky's shoulder.
He chuckled. "That oughta teach him not to barge in."
Furia groaned. "I'm ninety five percent sure I will never look Captain America straight in the face again."
Bucky kissed her cheek. "To be continued?" He asked with a small grin."They're probably waiting for us to go over the game plan."
She sighed. "Fine. But only because I want a pancake." She paused taking in his unconvinced expression. With a smile she said, "Pancakes."
T'Challa stood in the small living room of Akache's house. He'd been a close ally since his father had first become king. T'Challa had reached out to him the moment Steve, Furia, and Bucky had needed a safehouse until they could discuss a solid plan. He was trustworthy, but also the nearest friend he had when they'd left the Siberian mountain range.
As Furia walked into the living room with Bucky, she swallowed; her eyes meeting Steve's who sat near Akache on the leather couch. She tried to appear nonchalant but failed miserably.
"Captain." She said.
"Furia. Bucky." Steve answered attempting to unsee everything but finding it difficult.
T'Challa glanced between each of them curiously, obviously having missed whatever was making them so uncomfortable. Choosing to ignore it, he spoke. "Zemo is under Everett Ross's custody and from what I understand his cell is highly secure. It may not be the justice any of you truly seek but enough blood has been spilt on his behalf."
"You've done more than enough, T'Challa." Steve admitted before looking to Akache. " And we can't thank you enough for letting us stay here."
Akache made a gesture like it was no big deal. "Anything for my king." He smiled. He was a lean older gentleman with umber skin and grey hair. His dark eyes were full of wisdom and even though he looked around sixty, he carried much confidence, making it clear he wasn't to be trifled with.
"With the help of my sister, I was able to get a full schematics of The Raft.' T'Challa projected a holographic image as he spoke. "It would seem Raft Control does not raise the structure without facial and voice recognition from the approaching aircraft; which will need to be recognized. From there it is simply a matter of getting a Kimoyo Bead onboard- and I shall supply you with several- where my sister can infiltrate their security and communications. After that we only have the guards."
"Sounds like a cakewalk." Furia said sarcastically.
T'Challa smirked. "We have a photostatic veil for one of us to impersonate none other than Mr. Stark." He said matter-of-factly. "I have been trying to reach someone I am certain can help us obtain one of his jets."
Steve's brows raised. "If she does, they'll know for sure it was her."
T'Challa shrugged. "Unfortunately, Ms. Romanoff was classified as rogue after letting all of you go. It would seem her loyalty to you, Captain, is exactly what we need to accomplish this."
Steve sighed, feeling suddenly guilty. He had never meant for Nat to end up being wanted as well. He was perfectly content knowing she would be safe at Avenger tower, but the woman Steve loved had never been one to take the easy road and he knew she was more than capable of evading capture. Still, now more than ever, he wished Nat was right beside him.
"Have you been able to contact her?" Bucky asked, still standing near Furia.
"It would seem despite my excellent resources, the Black Widow lives up to her reputation." T'Challa started out. "I hoped you night have a way, Captain."
Steve nodded. "If there's any chance she's looking for me, I know exactly where she'll go." Steve held back a smile, remembering the day they'd named the spot. It was their randevu location if they were ever separated. "But we'll need a jet to get there."
T'Challa nodded. "You will take one of mine, Captain. With the help of Ms. Romanoff I am certain your friends will be out of The Raft in no time." He then looked to Bucky. As for you Sergeant Barnes. I believe the sooner we get to Wakanda the better. It is there we can be rid of the Winter Soldier once and for all."
Bucky grabbed Furia's hand. She looked into his gorgeous bright eyes and saw the sudden peace within them. Bucky could finally be free. And to give him that was more than Furia could ever hope for.
"Sounds good to me." Bucky said, smiling.
Steve rose to his feet, moving to Bucky's side. He extended his hand for Bucky to take. "Guess you get off with a vacation and I have another mission to complete." Steve said, playfully.
"Yeah well, you were always the overachiever." Bucky quipped.
Steve raised a brow. "I distinctly remember that being you, Mr. 4.0."
Bucky shrugged. "That's just cause I've always been the one with the brains."
The two hugged, slapping each others backs before Steve turned to Furia. "I seriously can't thank you enough for everything."
Furia could see the sincerity in Steve's eyes and it touched her heart deeply. Having spent most of her life alone, she hadn't been affectionate with anyone but Bucky, and in that moment she wondered whether or not she should hug the man that had continuously protected hers and Bucky's life. Feeling suddenly uncomfortable, Furia reached out her hand, settling for a simple handshake. "I'll always be there to help, Steve." She stated, honestly.
Bucky smiled before adding, "Til the end of the line."
Paris
Steve walked amongst the large crowd on 25 Rue des Saints-Pères. The narrow road was surrounded by antique architecture on both sides and was just a short walk to the Seine River.
He donned a denim hooded jacket with a black t-shirt and jeans. His baseball cap was low and his eyes were hidden behind dark shades.
Walking inside a hotel/cafe, Steve scanned the area. It had been the third day he'd gone, hoping she'd find him. He'd order a drink, sit in the most secluded part of the hotel's atrium, and wait. Always keeping a careful eye out for danger while doing his best to remain invisible.
After ordering a coffee, he headed toward the same two seated table, tucked behind a hedge. When the table came in view, Steve suddenly stopped. A woman, wearing a black jacket and jeans was already there. Her blonde hair was cut to her shoulders and it had only taken half a second for him to recognize her figure.
Sitting across from Natasha, Steve smiled. She looked up from the book she was reading and grinned.
"bonjour monsieur." She said, sipping her tea.
"It's good to see you." Steve admitted.
"It's always good to see me." Natasha smirked.
"You look great as a blonde." He flirted.
"And you look tired." She started out. "Been a rough few weeks?" She asked, jokingly
Steve smirked. "What was it you said? Same stuff different day?"
Natasha rolled her eyes. "It's shit. And you know it."
He chuckled, feeling suddenly so much lighter with her near. "Yeah, I just don't say cuss words as good as you. It sounds like I'm trying too hard."
"Forever the Golden Boy." Natasha said with a side smile. "Whaddya say we get outta here? I'm sure we've got a lot of catching up to do." She finished.
Steve nodded, rising to his feet. "As usual, I need your help and if this is gonna work we'll have to have the ultimate game plan."
"Sounds like fun." Natasha said, leading the way out of the atrium.
Natasha and Steve stood inside a small hotel room as the sun began to set just outside their window. Having just gone through every detail of what they had to do, Natasha ran a hand through her newly blonde hair.
"We'll have to make sure Tony's in the compound and we'll need to keep him busy long enough for you to impersonate him without Tony finding out."
"That part is covered." Steve said awkwardly. He pulled a small device from the mechanical briefcase he had open on the bed.."It's a sedative. Lasts 11 hours. And with Rhodes still in the hospital we should be able to get passed Vision if we-"
Natasha raised a hand "No need. I'll go there myself. I can make Tony believe I'm there to talk, get him under, and be gone before anyone realizea." She pursed her lips before finishing. "Tony's gonna be so pissed when he wakes up though."
Steve suddenly looked grateful. His eyes took in her entire figure as he smiled gently. "Nat, I-"
She rolled her eyes. "Stop. I don't need you to thank me. I fucked up. And because of that Clint's behind bars. This is just the right thing to do."
She'd been friends with Clint for so long she hated what they'd done to him. To all of them really.
Steve sat on the bed beside her. Being this close, he realized how much he missed her. Her quick wit. Her beautiful eyes. Her intellect. Even the walls she'd built to protect herself that, over time, she'd brought down finally trusting him. To Steve, Natasha was incredible. And he loved every piece of her. Flaws included.
"I missed you." He said, almost too honestly.
She looked at him surprised, but quickly held back her emotions, choosing instead to tease him. "Aw, is Steve Rogers getting sentimental again?"
He knew what she was up to, and this time he wasn't going to let her avoid the one conversation he'd been dying to have. He was tired of holding back. And maybe in the end she'd reject him; still holding on for Banner. Even so,, Steve had seen what having Furia had given Bucky. He was ready to have that too.
"With you? Always." He said, gently.
Natasha swallowed. Her face was unreadable as she shifted on the bed. "What's that supposed to mean?" She asked, a little coldly. It wasn't Steve's fault but Natasha had spent her entire life alone and the one guy she'd opened up to had made his choice. The idea of being honest again seemed a hell if a lot harder than any mission she'd ever faced.
Steve smirked. He ran a hand through his hair before a memory flooded his thoughts. "I ever tell you the last thing Peggy and I talked about before I crashed?"
Natasha's eyes narrowed uncertain where he was going with this. She shrugged, waiting for him to continue.
"A dance." He smiled. "I didn't know how, and she wanted to teach me." Natasha knew how much Peggy had meant to him and she could see it in his eyes as he imagined her face. "I never got the chance to love her the way I wanted. And by the time we saw each other again, it was too late." He paused, scooting toward her Steve touched her cheek. "I really don't want to go through that again. Not without a fight at least."
Natasha drew in a breath. Her heart began to race as she looked into Steve's bright blue eyes.
"Nat." He whispered gently. The way he said it made her shiver as she closed her eyes. Everything she wanted seemed to be happening right before her and she wondered if it was truly real.
"I know how you felt for Banner, and honestly if this is unrequited I can deal with that. But what I can't deal with is never having tried." Steve stopped, cupping her face in both hands. "Nat, look at me."
She opened her eyes, and with a deep breath she finally spoke. "Banner was a mistake. It should have always been you."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Steve captured her lips with his. She returned his kiss with every ounce of the love she had for him; her hands roaming from Steve's back to his hair.
He was being gentle, and she knew that was just his nature. Ever the gentleman, Natasha thought to herself, before parting his lips with her tongue. She wanted more. Hungered for every piece of him and he welcomed her urgency.
Pulling him down on the bed, his body pressed against her, Natasha wrapped her legs around his hips. Her hands reached for the button of his jeans before he suddenly pulled back.
Natasha could see how badly he wanted her, and she knew it must have taken every bit of strength to stop, but as she rested her hand on his zipper, she raised a curious brow, waiting for him to speak.
"We don't have to go too fast if you don't want to, Nat. I'll still love you in the morning either way."
She exhaled, feeling slightly annoyed. He was just so god damn kind. Smiling, she realized that for however long she was his(Nat wouldn't stop being a cynic despite finally getting a shot at love. It was kind of her thing and she wasn't one to hide it), he would always be this good to her. "Will you do me a favor and just get me laid, Steve Rogers?"
"Yes mam." He said quickly kissing her once more; holding nothing back for the woman he'd loved. The woman he would always love.
Wakanda
Shuri crossed her arms as her brother stepped out of his jet. She wore a curious smirk at the sight of the pale woman with silver hair and strange markings standing beside the man she knew her brother had hunted upon their father's death.
Looking to Okoye, she shook her head. "He loves to keep us on our toes."
Okoye sighed. T'Challa had always been strong minded and capable of great kindness. And she admired him for it. He'd explained everything to then both before his arrival, but as The Winter Soldier approached, Okoye couldn't help but worry that the side of Sergeant Barnes that was extremely dangerous would make an appearance. Putting their people at risk. "I just hope he knows what he's doing." She admitted.
"Okoye. Shuri." T'Challa started out as he approached his sister and closest friend and general of his elite bodyguards- the Dora Milaje. "This is Sergeant Barnes and Furia."
Shuri gave them both a tight nod as T'Challa continued. "They will be residing with us for a while."
The five of them walked toward the Wakandan Design Group's main building, in which Shuri was the leader of. "But I asked you both to meet me here first, on Sergeant Barnes' behalf."
Shuri looked to Bucky. She eyed him suspiciously before realizing what her brother must have had in mind. "Tired of the mind control so you've come to me for the cure?" She said, with a smug grin.
Shuri had always been extremely confident in her own capabilities and for good reason. She was easily the most intelligent person in all of Wakanda and her skills in technological advances were unmatched.
"At this point I'm willing to try anything." Bucky admitted.
Furia glanced around the building, amazed at the various electronic devices as they moved up a flight of stairs. The glass walls showcased Wakanda's vast beauty from its' grassy plains to the many trees and mountains that surrounded it.
Okoye leaned in toward T'Challa. "Are you certain he won't be overtaken by the Winter Soldier." She paused, glancing at Bucky for a moment. "I'd hate to kill the first white man to come to Wakanda in ages."
T'Challa laughed, looking back at both Bucky and Furia. "I do not believe he will. This woman. She keeps him grounded."
Okoye nodded, choosing to trust her new king. As they entered Shuri's main lab, Okoye glanced to Furia, who was still in awe over everything around her. She smiled when her eyes caught sight of the Vibranium caves.
"Wow." Furia said moving toward the windows. She stared in wonder as the mining cars whizzed by on the large white tracks. "This place is amazing."
"I'd say so." Bucky moved beside her, taking in the view as well.
Grabbing her Handheld CT Scanning device, Shuri moved toward Bucky. "There seems to be some kind of anomaly in the cerebrum. I think, given time, we could counter the effects with similar techniques that HYDRA used but we would have to be very careful."
"How long?" T'Challa asked.
Shuri considered his question. "I'm not sure. I would need a better analysis. Perhaps." She paused, looking to Bucky, uncertain if he would be willing.
"What?" Bucky asked.
"If we were able to place you under cryo it might shorten the time frame. Considering that was a part of their technique."
Furia swallowed, she looked to Bucky taking in his demeanor. She could see how desperately he wanted his chance at freedom.
"All I want to know- all I need to know is you can help."
Shuri smiled. She'd always been a sucker for love. "Yes. I assure you, I can."
New York
Natasha sat beside Steve as they flew toward Manhattan, heading for the Avenger Tower. They'd left after just two hours of rest but Natasha and Steve were both accustomed to little sleep and needed to time this entire plan perfectly.
The sky around them was still dark, but flashes of color began to dance in the distance with the sun almost ready to rise.
Looking at Steve, Natasha held back her smile; the night before filling her thoughts. Steve had been incredible. She'd been with plenty of men and all of them seemed to fall short. The way he kissed her. The way he moved. The way he took his time, making sure she reached every point of possible pleasure imaginable. And in that moment, taking him in, she couldn't wait for round two.
"Go ahead " Steve started out as a smirk formed on his lips. "Look as long as you'd like. I'm all yours."
Natasha bit her lip smiling. "I gotta ask." She started out. "Was that-" She stopped tilting her head as she narrowed her eyes. "Was that your first time?"
Steve tilted his head back and laughed. "Really?"
"What?" She laughed. "I have never seen you with a girl. Not one time. And I'm fairly positive you were as pure as snow before the war."
Sighing, Steve shook his head. "Figures you'd ask me something like that. I feel like we're back a few years ago when you asked me about my first kiss. But no. It wasn't my first time."
"Hmm." Natasha raised a brow. "Was she as pretty as me?"
Steve made a scoffing noise with his lips. "No one is as beautiful as you." He paused, looking down at their navigations system. "We're in position." He said, looking to Nat. "Scrambling their radar-" He paused, double checking each system that helped them remain undetected. "We're invisible." He finished with a nod.
With the cloaking device still activated, They hovered about a thousand feet above the tower. Natasha moved toward the hatch, waiting for Steve to release it.
"Good luck." Steve said as Natasha gave him a wink.
Natasha placed her chute on her back before, falling from the jet, gliding with excellent skill toward the compound below. The many clouds helped conceal her fall and when she'd reached the right elevation, Natasha pulled her chute.
Landing on her feet, she pulled her chute toward her. wrapping the chords around her arm until she was able to fold it and set it aside.
"Scanners already detected motion coming my way." Natasha informed Steve over com, as she her wrist;a notification blinking in red as it moved toward her position. "Probably Tomy curious whose barging in unannounced."
A small hatch quickly opened on the floor, as Tony stepped onto the roof. He held a drink that appeared to be scotch in his hand.
"Nice of you to drop by. Where'd you get the jet? FRIDAY wasn't even able to pick it up." he asked sounding as sarcastic and arrogant as ever.
"T'Challa." Natasha explained. "Look, Tony, I'm only here to pass along a message."
He gave her a stern expression. "Steve is a wanted man and I don't plan on helping him evade that." He said coldly.
"This isn't about your assistance. This is about Zemo's accomplice." She started out. "And we think we know where he might me headed next."
Tony narrowed his eyes for a moment, contemplating what he thought he should do. Finally, he made a gesture for her to follow as the hatch began to open.
As they walked inside, Natasha looked around for Vision(incase plan B was needed). "Where's Vis?" She asked.
"With Rhodey. I am taking a much needed break but I'll be back to see later."
"Is that why you're drinking scotch at four AM? She pointed out.
"Still on Berlin time." He retorted.
When they'd made it to the Avengers main floor Natasha didn't waste another minute. She pulled out her tranq-gun aiming it for Tony's throat. The small needle pierced his skin in seconds before he jerked around to face her.
As his eyes began to go unfocused, he tried to speak. "You're here for- to- The Raft." He tumbled for the ground before Natasha caught him.
"Sorry buddy. You're gonna be pretty pissed about this once you're awake, so-" She paused once she'd dragged him to the carpet. "I gotta get going."
Patting his cheek, Natasha raced for the the garage, where their jets were located, before FRIDAY could be heard. "Agent Romanoff, what have you done to my systems?
"I kinda figured you'd try to alert Vision." Natasha started out. "But it seems Shuri is just a tad smarter than Tony." She revealed the Kimoyo bead that had been sitting comfortably in her pocket. Once Tony had been knocked out she'd activated it to override all the controls of the compound, including FRIDAY.
Just as she'd approached the elevator, the red light that seemed to indicate a 'no access',, turned white before Natasha clicked the button to go down. With a smile, she stepped inside.
The last time she'd been here, things had still be okay between herself and Tony. With a sigh, Natasha reminisced of a time when Steve and her had been on this very elevator getting ready for a mission. Now, they'd be on the run for sure.
"Still good?" Steve asked.
"Just about to hijack his best jet." She said with a smirk, having finally made it to the garage.
"We'll give it back." Steve said which made Natasha smile.
"That's very polite of you, Rogers." taking control of the commands jet, the hatch began to slide open, before she stepped inside.
She headed for the pilot seat. Using the controls, she opened the garage hatch, getting ready for take off.
"See you in a bit." Natasha said to Steve, firing up the jet.
With the help of T'Challa things had almost been too easy. "Hopefully things at the raft go this smoothly."
"If they don't, we'll improvise." Steve answered.
As planned, Natasha headed for Iowa, where they planned to land Steve's jet(still under the cloaking device of course) until they could return to it.
"Meet me in Waverly?" Natasha said, somewhat playfully.
The open valley surrounded by dense forest was really the perfect place to keep the jet and knowing they"d be by there once they had Clint just made sense.
"Just a few miles from Barton farm." Steve replied.
Flying undetected, Steve and Natasha made their way west for Iowa. From there they would head straight for open waters toward The Raft. Scott, Sam, Wanda, and Clint needed them. It was time to rescue their friends.
After seven hours of air-time, Natasha and Steve were now just several miles south of The Raft. With the photostatic veil already in place, Steve sported an expensive suit and watch, playing the part of Tony as best he could.
"You look so." Natasha paused, searching for the right words. "Impossibly egotistical."
Steve side grinned. "So I look the part then."
"Exactly." Natasha glanced at the navigation curious at their distance from the underwater prison. "You know once they're free each of them will have to run. Just like us. I'm not sure Clint and Scott will be up for that."
Steve nodded. "But the choice will be in their hands." He pointed out. "This place. Isn't for them. Agent Everett Ross seems like a good guy. I don't think he ever intended for them to be at The Raft. If they turn themselves over to him, I think he'll be a heck of a lot more reasonable than the General."
Natasha sighed, not fully convinced. "I hope you're right."
Steve gave her a small grin. "Me too."
We're in range of their radars." Natasha pointed out.
"Alright, I'll take it from here." Steve told her, before she stood from the co-pilot seat and remained hidden.
Steve took a deep breath, trying to take on Tony's persona. A flash on his screen indicated someone was trying to reach him. Clicking it, a gentleman with black hair and dark eyes appeared on his screen.
"This is Raft Control. Mr Stark, the General isn't currently here."
"I'm not here for the General. I need to speak with Wilson. I have a deal approved by the General in exchange for information on Rogers."
The man on the screen gave a courteous nod. "Good luck, Mr Stark. You're clear to land."
As The Raft began to rise above the waters, Steve approached with caution. He moved the jet toward the opening hatch, as the guard he spoke with waited just outside his landed ship to greet him.
Steve checked his coms as he moved toward the hatch.."You good?" He asked Natasha.
"Just get that bead in there and we'll see who takes out the most guards. It'll be a friendly competition. Loser buys me dinner."
Steve smiled while the hatch began to open. "You got it."
"Mr. Stark." The guard said, greeting him.
"Have any of them communicated anything?" Steve to continue his charade.
The guard shook his head. "Not a word. And if i'm being honest I doubt they'll go along with your deal."
Steve shrugged as they approached a set of heavy steel doors. "General's orders. He thinks he knows everything." Steve quipped, trying to act as cocky as Tony.
The guard smirked. "Guys like him usually do."
Stepping into the control room, Steve's eye immediately caught the sudden glitch on the monitors.
The three other guards began to narrow their eyes; clicking several buttons and murmuring amongst themselves.
"Excuse me, what seems to be the problem with your AV?" Steve said, acting oblivious. The screens suddenly went dark. "Hey, what the heck is going on? l" He added, trying to sound angry.
"Check the status on our AV and locking systems.." The guard who had greeted Steve ordered.
"We've lost AV and coms sir, but our locking mechs are fully operational.' One of the guards unformed him.
Suddenly the room went dark. "What the hell?" Steve said sounding as shocked as he could.
As the emergency generator lights came on, Steve dashed toward the nearest guard, striking him with a cross body punch.
As the three remaining guards moved to attack, Steve was quick to block the first punch before contering with several kicks, forcing one to crash into the control panel. Steve then turned, and with an axe kick, caused the next man to drop to the ground instantly.
Pulling out his gun, the last guard attempted to fire but Steve disarmed him before his finger could touch the trigger, elbowing him in the chin.
As the guards lay unconscious at his feet, Steve moved to reopen the doors he'd entered.
"We're in." He announced, as the doors began to move.
Natasha, who was already making her way through, moved next to Steve. "Only four so far?" She said, clicking several buttons on the control panel. "I'll catch up by the time I open up the next set of doors."
As the doors to the cells swung open, several guards rushed them; with three moving toward Steve and two coming at Natasha.
The guards fired several shots but both of them were able to avoid their aim; Natasha using her Widow's bite while Steve attacked with various aerial kicks.
As four more guards approached, Steve ripped several hornet grenades from one of the unconscious guard's pocket. He pulled the pins and tossed them toward the four, before yanking Natasha back against a wall for cover.
As the .45 Cal rubber balls thrashed around the open space, the guards groaned and yelled in pain as Steve and Natasha remained out of harm's way.
When all was finally silent, Steve moved back with a smug grin. "I'm a simple guy. I'll take pizza."
Natasha rolled her eyes. "That was cheating."
Moving forward, one of the guards that had been struck by the rubber bullets tried to stand as blood dripped from his swollen lip. Natasha gave him a quick kick to the face before he dropped with the rest of them.
"What the hell is going on?" They heard Scott say in the distance.
Sam smirked. No one could have gotten in. No one would have tried. No one but him.
Steve moved toward Sam's cell as the two greeted one another with a smile.
"Told you he wouldn't leave us behind, Clint." Sam said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Clint, who had been laying down rose to his feet. His eyes met Steve's before he Natasha. "Well aren't you two a sight."
"Sorry I couldn't make it here sooner." Steve said, grinning.
"We'll try not to hold it against you." Sam answered
As Natasha finished messing with the projected image off her Kimoyo bead, their cells swung open.
Natasha moved toward Wanda, who let out a sigh of relief. "What's that around your neck?" Natasha asked as she used a small device to break the restraints from Wanda's body.
'If I use my powers, it shocks me."
"What a dick move." Natasha said, eyeing the device carefully as if trying to see how she could remove it.
"It's good to see you." Wanda admitted. "I'm sorry about the airport."
"Don't." Natasha started out. "I've been on the wrong side of things." She helped Wanda to her feet. "I need to get a fully analysis on the jet of that restraint. I don't want to risk hurting you, but we'll take it off there."
Wanda nodded, just thankful they had come.
As the toward the boys, Scott ran a hand through his hair. "Look- going on the run- I- Cassie needs me-."
Steve waved him off. "I've got an idea for that. And one that I really hope works." He paused glancing between Scott and Clint. "One that I think will work for both of you. But you'll have to seek out Agent Everett Ross. Trust him. And only him."
"Let's get the hell out of here." Sam said with a smirk.
With a slight jog, the six moved their way through The Raft. No longer the Avengers, most of them would be wanted and on the run. But that wouldn't stop them from doing good. It didn't matter who was after them. They would still be known as Earth's best defense.
New York
After the effects had worn off, Tony found himself lying comfortably on the floor. FRIDAY was quick to ask if he wanted the authorities notified, but something in Tony, possibly the regret of several of his choices, made him decide otherwise.
He knew Steve would have gone with Nat to set their friends free. He knew Ross would contact him for information but Tony wondered if letting it happen might be the right thing. He'd been there. He'd seen the place his friends had been imprisoned and it hadn't been right.
He still wished Cap would have signed the Accords but given how much control had been lost and now resided under Ross' hands, there was a tinge of doubt that those documents had ever been right.
In the end, Tony did nothing. Their friendship was over and so much had already been lost. He still hated Bucky and maybe he always would. But he was glad they'd gotten away. If he'd have killed him, the guilt would have eaten him alive.
Now, standing next to Rhodey, as he tentative walked beside two parallel bars, Tony glanced toward the tech he'd given his friend to help him walk.
"It's just the first pass" Tony said.
Rhodey nodded his head, gripping the bars as he strained to keep moving forward. "Yeah." he replied, a little breathlessly.
"Give me some feedback. Anything you can think of. Shock absorption. Lateral movement. Cup holder?" Tony said with a smile.
"You may wanna think about some AC down in-" He started to say before losing his grip and falling to the padded floor.
"Let's go. I'll give you a hand." Tony began to kneel beside Rhodey who shifted away from his grasp.
'No, no, don't. Don't help me. Don't help me." Moving to his hands and knees, Rhodey rolled on his side. His eyes grew sad before he spoke. "138. 138 combat missions. That's how many I've flown, Tony. Every one of them could've been my last, but I flew 'em. Because the fight needed to be fought. It's the same with these Accords. I signed because it was the right thing to do. And, yeah, this sucks. This is- this is a bad beat. But it hasn't change my mind. I don't think." He gave a side grin before accepting Tony's hand.
"You okay?" Tony asked.
Rhodey gave him a nod. "Oh yeah."
A sudden knock on the window drew their attentions as a Fedex driver looks toward them both.
"Are you Tony Stank?" The older gentleman asked.
Rhodey snorted, raising his hand to point at Tony. "Yes, this is- this is Tony Stank." You're in the right place. Thank you for that!" He chuckled before continuing. "I'm never dropping that, by the way. Table for one, Mr. Stank. Please, by the bathroom."
"Great. I can't wait for that." Tony smirked, moving to accept the package.
He looked at it, realizing it was without a sender. Raising a brow he said, "Are you reading anything dangerous off this FRIDAY?"
"No sir." She replied.
"I'm gonna take this in my office. Why don't you take five?" He said to Rhodey who gave him a nod.
Once he was alone, Tony opened the package. Inside, was an old cell phone and an envelope. Opening it, Tony sat as he began to read the letter.
Tony,
I'm glad you're back at the compound. I don't like the idea of you rattling around a mansion by yourself. We all need family. The Avengers are yours, maybe more so than mine. I've been on my own since I was 18. I never really fit in anywhere, even in the army. My faith's in people, I guess. Individuals. And I'm happy to say that, for the most part, they haven't let me down. Which is why I can't let them down either. Locks can be replaced, but maybe they shouldn't. I know I hurt you, Tony. I guess I thought by not telling you about your parents I was sparing you, but I can see now that I was really sparing myself, and I'm sorry. Hopefully one day you can understand. I wish we agreed on the Accords, I really do. I know you're doing what you believe in, and that's all any of us can do. That's all any of us should do
"Priority call from Secretary Ross. There's been a breach at the Raft. Are we remain aloof, sir?" She asked.
"Just put him through." Tony requested.
"Tony, we have a problem." Ross started out.
"Ah. Please hold." Tony answered.
"No. Don't." Ross said angrily before Tony pressed the button to silence him.
He gave a crooked pleased grin before finishing the letter.
So, no matter what. I promise you, if you need us, if you need me, I'll be there.
I am so glad I was able to update this time so quickly. I have been working as hard as I can to finish this out and move on the Infinity War, while still taking care I am telling you all a good story. I hope you enjoyed my changes as I have yet to see any explanation in how Steve broke into The Ragt(perhaps there is but I am unaware) Anyway, I just went with my own thing and loved having Steve and Nat work together(Romanogers forever y'all!).