The next morning came too soon. I awoke to Friday letting me know breakfast and my medications were ready. I grabbed some clothes and hobbled my way down the hall to use the bathroom. The sound of whispering met my ears and I peeked around the corner to see Bucky and Tony at the end of the hall. I retreated a few steps before pausing to listen.

"It doesn't look good to the public," Tony was saying as quietly as he could.

"I don't care if it looks bad. We weren't getting out while Pierce was alive." Bucky sounded angry, but he matched Tony's whisper.

"James-"

"Don't call me that."

"Until all this settles down you're going to be on probation. No missions, no meetings."

"How have I not earned the right to help? I got us into that base. Aoife is safe again. Just like I promised you. Don't think that I'll sit here like a caged animal."

I heard Tony take a deep breath and I imagined him pinching the bridge of his nose as he always does when frustrated. "I get it."

"Do you?" Bucky huffed.

"Yes. Please, just hear me out."

"You've got ten seconds."

"You didn't hear it from me but we're going into another Hydra base. We found some encrypted data that may help us to shut them down for good."

Bucky made his impatience clear by tapping his foot.

Tony ignored him, "Everyone is going, except-"

"Except me."

"And Aoife."

Silence followed for about 20 seconds. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Wanda. I put my finger to my lips and pulled her close.

"Wha-" she started to ask before I put my hand over her mouth. I motioned toward the two talking and she peeked around the corner before nodding. I tilted my head to listen again.

Bucky seemed to be speechless.

"She's going to want to go with us. I need you to keep her occupied until we're out," Tony was explaining.

"Seems easy enough."

"You haven't seen her at her best yet. When angered, she's quite deadly."

I felt my face become hot.

"I can't hear what they're saying," Wanda whispered. I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Tony wants Bucky to babysit me while you all go after Hydra."

Wanda's mouth opened but she didn't say anything.

"Fine," Bucky finally said. "I'll keep her occupied."

"Sounds like they're done," I let Wanda know. She put her hand on my arm and gave me a warning look.

"Don't do anything rash. You still need to heal."

I rolled my eyes before pulling out of her grasp and heading toward the two men as fast as the crutches would allow.

"So you're just going to leave me here?" I demanded. Tony whipped towards me and then dragged a palm over his face.

He raised his eyes to the ceiling, "Super hearing, how did I forget?" He turned his gaze toward me. "Aoife, you know you're in no condition to fight."

"Then wait a few weeks until I can go," I growled.

Tony looked at me as though I were a petulant child. "We can't wait. They know what we've found and they're probably already clearing house as we speak. This isn't up for debate."

"I was injured when we fought Ultron," I stated. The feeling of Loki's staff pushing into my chest filled my head. I knew immediately it was the wrong thing to say.

"Yeah, and if you remember correctly, you died, which is something you can't do anymore. Don't forget, this is your last life. Don't waste it."

I glared at him about to argue some more when Bucky tried to touch my arm. I leaned away, just out of his grasp, and sent him a silent warning with my eyes glowing red.

"Aoife-"

"I have to pee." I left them standing there as I hobbled to the bathroom. I took my time getting dressed as the conversation played over in my head. I knew I shouldn't have let my anger control me. What Hydra had done to me was unforgivable, but my team didn't deserve my wrath. Then I carefully braided my hair, wrapping it around my head. I looked down at my clothes. It was a simple outfit, loose joggers, and a skin-tight shirt that would be easy to move around in. Then I walked out with my back straight.

Bucky was waiting for me. He started to say something but paused as he saw what I'd done. "I know what you're planning," he warned. I scowled and pushed past him.

"I'm not planning anything. I'm going to eat my breakfast and take some painkillers. Don't know if you realize but broken ribs hurt."

He followed me silently.

We made it to the kitchen without speaking. Nat came in a few seconds after.

"Aoife, Tony told me you know."

I groaned. "Nat, I can't tell you how much I don't want to hear it."

She rolled her eyes. "How long have you been alive?"

I sat back, surprised by the question. "Too long."

She nodded, "And when's the last you ever felt this vulnerable?"

I stared past her, thinking. "I don't know."

"I know you're angry about Hydra, but remember, you don't have anything to prove. Not to us and certainly not to yourself."

I breathed deep allowing her words to sink in. Natasha always seemed to know what I needed to hear. "You're right. I've done enough."

Bucky looked between us, confused. "Wait what?"

Nat grinned, "Aoife's only weaknesses. Logic and basic psychology. Works every time."

It was my turn to roll my eyes. "Whatever. Just make sure you kick a couple of extra butts for me."

Nat turned to walk away. "Of course," she said over her shoulder before disappearing out the door.

I listened for her footsteps to disappear before turning to Bucky. "After they're gone, I need to gather a few things. There's something I want to do."

He eyed me carefully. "What are you planning?"

I leaned my head to the side and scoffed. "Nothing extreme."

"I thought Redhead convinced you to stay here?"

"No, I'm not going to sit here. I want to go home. And since you're babysitting me, you have to come."

"Your place?"

I sighed with exaggerated annoyance. "You really think I wouldn't have my own place? I may be an avenger but that doesn't mean I'm with them all the time."

Bucky shrugged. "Fine."