Silence filled the room as the Avengers sat around the table. Despite being pardoned, the table was split down the middle. On one side sat Tony Stark, James Rhodes, and Natasha Romanoff. On the other sat Steve Rogers, Clint Barton, Bucky Barnes, and Sam Wilson. Seated that the head of the table was none other than Bruce Banner.
The doctor eyed everyone uneasily as they avoided looking at one another. Not one person spoke since that sat down. Occasionally Clint would secretly make a face that would get a small smile out of Natasha but other than that, silence. It was as if they were waiting for someone on the other side to make the first move.
The silence was interrupted by the opening and slamming shut of the door. Director Fury walked in, coming to a stop at the front of the room. He eyed everyone through his one good eye, getting a feel for the room. Silently judging to see if the choice he was about to make would be a good one.
A voice grabbed his attention, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Director Fury-cat, to what do we owe this pleasure? Are we going on a trip to roast marshmallows and sing songs?"
Fury glared at the scientist before tossing a pile of folders at him. Tony grabbed the pile before passing it down to the next person, who passed it down to the next, until everyone had one.
"Against my better judgement, I'm sending you on a mission. Don't get too excited, it's nothing major. This is more of a test run, to see if you are still able to work as a team or if I need to send you all to go roast marshmallows." Fury stated as he sent a pointed glare at Stark. Sam cracked a smile before looking at the file.
"What is it?"
Fury resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "If I told you, then that would defeat the purpose of me forcing you to speak to each other. Dr. Banner, I've called you here to be a referee, if needed."
Bruce nodded as he looked around at his friends. "You all," Fury called out into the room as he looked at each and every person individually. "You all will be leaving in two days." With that he walked out the room.
"And people say I'm dramatic," Tony mumbled as he read the file. Once again silence filled the room as everyone read through the file. Bruce watched as everyone's chest moved up and down in an even fashion, everyone except Steve's. To the untrained eye it would appear normal, but to a professional like Bruce it was noticeable. He made a mental note to speak to the first avenger about it. Right now. He had a job to do.
"Okay, so I'm sure you all have had a chance to look over the files. Now who wants to go first?" All eyes looked to Tony and Steve. Everyone held their breath. Both glanced at the other before looking down at the files in their hands.
This is obviously going to take some coaxing, Bruce thought as he stared at the two men. Clearing his throat, he tried again. "Tony, any thoughts on the assignment?" The scientist looked at him with a glare.
"Why do I have to start?"
"Because I said so."
Bruce almost chuckled at the small pout the scientist gave before he straightened his face into an unreadable one. Tony looked at Steve before his eyes dragged over to Bucky. Steve stiffened in his seat as if he were ready to jump in between them.
"I think," Tony said as if he was trying out his voice. "I think this assignment is boring." He threw the folder down in true Tony Stark fashion. Steve relaxed before looking down at his file.
"Okay then, Steve, how about you? Any thoughts?"
The soldier stared at the file in his hands without speaking. To anyone else it would appear that he was reading it, but to Bruce's trained eye, he saw the man not moving. He just stared at the page, or rather through it. For a few seconds that's all he did was stare.
"Anytime today Rogers. Teacher Bruce says we all have to participate," Tony said as if he were speaking to a child. Team America glared at the scientist who raised an eyebrow, so nobody but Bruce noticed how Steve slightly jumped.
"Why don't you give the man a moment to read thought everything?" Sam voiced.
"If he needs glasses then that can be arranged. He is pretty old and-"
"Tony, you're not helping," Colonel Rhodes whispered. Tony opened his mouth but stopped when Bruce shook his head. Now was not the time for them to get into another fight and break everything.
Plus Team America was sending heated glares at Tony, indicating the man was already on thin ice with them. Bruce opened his mouth to tell them to calm down when a deep yet firm voice filled the room, commanding attention.
"We should break into small teams and go in from each side. If there is anyone there, we can catch them off guard. Clint and Natasha come in from the south. It has the most cover in case something happens. You guys can hide out there. Sam and Rhodes should come from the east, while Stark comes in from the West. Bucky and I will come in from the North."
"So I get to be the lone Ranger? Where's my buddy?" Tony questioned with another eyebrow raise.
"Don't you normally go off and do your own thing anyways?" Steve asked. The question was innocent enough but given the current situation everyone stiffened.
Bruce took that moment to speak up. "Does anyone have any objections?"
Tony raised his hand as if he was in school. Bruce looked at him and nodded, playing along rather then scolding him, knowing it would only make things worse.
"I don't think Bucky should be going."
Steve stiffened again before looking at the scientist. "Why not?"
A snort left Natasha's mouth before she could stop it causing America's first hero to look at her. "Sorry."
"Do you have something to share with the class?" Tony asked still playing into his classroom, teacher Bruce comment from earlier.
"I agree with Tony, Bucky shouldn't go."
"Really, I'm flattered." Natasha rolled her eyes.
"You keep saying that but won't say why," Clint pointed out.
Natasha raised her eyebrow at him which he returned. "Simple. We're going to be storming a Hydra headquarters. It's a risk to take Bucky along. What happens if he gets brainwashed again?"
Steve opened his mouth to respond but Bucky spoke up. "It's fine. I can stay back with Bruce." Steve looked at his friend his eyes holding a silent yet loud question. Bucky nodded. Steve once again opened his mouth to object but Tony stood, clapping his hands.
"Good it's all settled. Anyone up for a drink?"
