Chapter Three
Dashing toward it, I positioned myself in front of it, staring through the metal and meeting the driver's gaze. His movements became stiff, rigid, as he brought the tank to a grinding halt.
Rumlow slammed into the side at the sudden loss of movement, before climbing out and into another truck. This one had at least five others in it, and it took off in an instant.
Rumlow must have warned them about me; none of them so much as turned my way.
"They're getting away with the weapon!"
Fuckin' hell. I shoulda gone skinny-dipping with Stark…
"Aurelie, go!" Cap shouted through the earpiece, grunting as he ducked and rolled away from Rumlow's next shot, "help Sam; get the weapon!"
"What about you?!" I exclaimed, taking a few hesitating, running steps toward him, "I can stop Rumlow! If I can-"
"It's too dangerous!" he retorted sharply, "go!"
"Ah, fuck!" I groaned, dashing away from the courtyard and ignoring Steve's scolding. It made more sense to stay and help him; with Wanda dealing with the gas and Nat and Sam after the others, that left Cap to his own devices. But he knew what he was doing, at least, I could only hope he did. Sometimes that chivalrous asshole was too damn good for his own good.
It didn't take me long to reach the bazaar, where people dashed about in every direction, screaming at the peril that surrounded them. Peering through stalls and locals and goods, I caught sight of the two mercenaries dashing, unhindered, through the market. A quick glance revealed Nat and Sam after their own baddies, so I shot into the thick of things. Over upturned barrels and overturned food carts, I raced through the crowded alleys after the two men in black.
Golden eyes darting quickly over their forms, I could find no sign of the weapon on either of them. Sweeping my gaze to the left, I zeroed in on one of the men Nat was after. There, in one of his many cargo pockets, lay the vial he and the rest of Rumlow's men had come for.
"Nat, you got him!" I shouted, ignoring her nod of thanks and returning my attention to the men I trailed after.
Though neither of them possessed the biological weapon, that didn't mean they weren't still a threat. They were armed, each with a gun and a foot-long hunting knife, and, with so many people around, there wasn't a chance in hell I would let them be.
Pushing myself further, faster, I maneuvered around and over anyone or anything that got in my way. As I neared one of the men, I ran up onto one of the stalls and dove at him, tackling him to the ground and rolling myself on top of him. He struggled in vain for only a moment; when I captured his gaze, I forced him to forget his mission, his loyalty to Rumlow and HYDRA. He stared blankly at the sky, his brow partially furrowed, no doubt confused by his sudden loss of memory.
Patting him down quickly, I kept my eye in the direction that the other man ran. Retrieving the gun at his hip, I brought it down hard against his temple; I didn't have time to tie him up, not with the other on the run. Certain that he was unconscious, but alive, I hopped to my feet and sped after his companion. He zigged and zagged, this way and that, but I watched him through the wooden walls of the stands, through the bodies of those still panicking and flooding from the market.
When he was certain he had lost me, I dropped low and plowed my shoulder into the back of his legs. He dropped, tumbling through a basket of oranges, but was still about himself enough to reach for his gun. He shot three bullets my way and I could only duck and dive into one of the stalls to avoid him. The gunfire paused momentarily and I narrowed my gaze, watching him through the wall I hid behind as he reloaded and cautiously rose to his feet. His bullet would take me out before I could meet his gaze, I knew.
Cursing under my breath, I brought the gun I had lifted from his fellow merc and leveled it at the wall. Scooting back to avoid the splinters and shrapnel, I unloaded four rounds through the wood. Bits and pieces went flying and I shielded my eyes with a hand; two of the bullets didn't make it through, falling to the dirt uselessly. The other two, however, connected with his thigh, just as I had hoped, and he was down.
Leaping to my feet, I vaulted over the stall, reaching for my zipties and lashing his hands together. He groaned, writhing and reaching for his leg; I met his gaze, blocking the pain from his mind. Tapping the bud in my ear, I rose to my feet, making my way back to the other mercenary, "I've got two of them. Nat, you got the weapon?"
"Yep, thanks, girl. Sam, are you-"
A sudden explosion rocked the bazaar and I instinctively dropped to the ground, hands covering my head. When I was certain I wouldn't be hit, I growled, "What the fuck was that? Cap? Sam?"
"Sam, we need… we need fire and rescue on the southern side of the building…"
Cap was breathless, stunned, and I sought him out through the crowd. He stared, aghast, at a massive white building, the entire side blown to bits. Debris fluttered to the ground and screams began echoing through the streets. Wanda was on her knees, tears flowing freely down her ashen face; hands pressed to her mouth, she sobbed at the chaos I could only assume she had some hand in.
Dashing toward the chaos, I caught her shoulder, meeting her gaze, and knew instantly what had happened. I saw the scene play out through her eyes; Rumlow setting off an explosive vest, her attempt to stop it, the blast that took out concrete and steel and flesh.
Tearing away from her gaze, I jogged toward Cap, who began to escort those still alive from the building. Without a word, I scanned the building, searching for survivors, and entered the rubble, he, Nat, and Sam hot on my heels. I pointed out those trapped beneath concrete slabs and steel beams, the two men working together to free them. Nat lent a shoulder to anyone she could, walking them out to the awaiting ambulances.
Draping a wounded young man's arm over my shoulder, I wrapped my arms around his waist, allowing him to drop his head to my shoulder as I whispered comforting words into his ear. Walking him through the dust and broken glass, easing him into the arms of a waiting EMT.
Staring out over the now empty bazaar, watching bits and pieces fluttering down from the destroyed building, I exhaled heavily, sliding my glasses over my nose and into place. Reaching into my pocket, I tapped four ibuprofen tablets from their bottle and into my hand, tossing them into my mouth and struggling to swallow them dry.
A large, solid form fell into place beside me and I glanced up at the captain. His head was lowered, his jaw set and his brow furrowed, his eyes screwed shut. Scanning him surreptitiously for injuries, I found none and queried softly, "You okay?"
"He taunted me, used Bucky against me," he muttered, rubbing his jaw roughly and avoiding my gaze. I knew he didn't fear me using my powers against him so much as he didn't want me to see the shame that no doubt blazed in those baby blues of his. "Distracted me. I didn't see the vest and then…"
"Steve, you didn't cause this," I shook my head adamantly, catching his elbow and attempting to turn him my way. He didn't budge, so I stepped around him, in front of him. Still, he refused to meet my gaze so I ducked my head; it wasn't hard, he was more than a foot taller than me. He had nowhere to look but me and I fought a triumphant grin when he finally looked at me. I didn't invade his thoughts, his memories; instead I simply offered him as much sympathy as I could with a warm smile. "You didn't. It's not your fault or Wanda's. It's Rumlow's. He caused this. He brought the vest, he fought us, he stole the weapon. He's a bad guy; he thrives on shit like this. He wanted this to happen, and it did. None of it would've happened if it weren't for him. We were just here, trying to stop it. We did our best and we stopped him from using that weapon. We stopped him."
"But we didn't stop that," he nodded behind us, a frown still marring his handsome face.
"We can't win 'em all, Steve," I shrugged helplessly, "we just have to do the best we can and hope that that's enough. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. People died today and it's terrible; I'm gonna have nightmares tonight, but we did do some good today and that has to count for something."
He dropped his gaze, lifting only his eyes, a tiny grin appearing on his face, "You know, your pep talks remind me of someone."
"Peggy?"
"Bucky. I think he'd like you a lot."
"Well when we find him and get him back on track, we'll see about that," I laughed, hugging him tightly, "you did great today, Steve. You all did. You Avengers are such badass mother-"
"Aury," he chuckled despite himself, resting his chin on the top of my head, "you did good, too. Still don't know why you won't consider joining us, but I sure appreciate the help."
"Anytime, Cap'n, anytime."
/
Tiredly shoving the door of the SUV open, I climbed out along with the others, intent on heading to the driver's seat and having FRIDAY drive me home. The sun had long since set and everyone was dead on their feet; I didn't look forward to the trip back, though I was more than thankful that I wouldn't physically be forced to drive. I could just kick back and fall asleep, a thought that I was all for as my eyes drooped further shut.
"Yo, GG, you stood me up!"
Snorting, I shook my head, forcing my eyes to stay open as I rounded the hood of the SUV and leant against it. Tony, Vision, and Pietro had come out to greet us, the Sokovian wrapping his arms around his bawling sister, Vision watching on sympathetically. Tony only continued to stare at me, his brows high on his forehead, his gaze accusing.
"Uh, I distinctly remember you saying you'd be there to pick me up," I retorted easily, "one o'clock came and went, buddy; no you."
"Yeah, well, things came up," he frowned suddenly, his eyes darkening as he raked a hand through his hair in agitation. I didn't question him, though I knew it had to do with something other than our stint in Lagos.
"Yeah, true," I agreed softly, tugging my glasses from my face, "I better get going, guys. Pete's prob'ly already wondering where the hell I am. Prob'ly out on the streets as Spidey, huntin' me down."
Cap shook his head, as did Tony, the latter strolling to my side and slinging an arm around my shoulders. Pressing a noisy kiss to my temple, the billionaire replied, "Nope. Text him. Tell your radioactive boy-toy that he'll have to miss out on the sleepover tonight. You're having one with us. It's way too late, you're already here, there's an elegantly designed room with your name on it; well, actually, my name on it, but I'm more than willing to share, 'specially with you, GG."
"Do you ever stop, Tony?" Steve queried, shaking his head and rolling his eyes upward, flushing as the dark haired man replied suggestively, "Only when the ladies tell me to."
"Aury, there is a room across from my own," Pietro announced suddenly, his cheek resting atop Wanda's head, his azure eyes meeting mine. I glanced away quickly, willing my face not to redden at the thoughts I saw floating through that silver head of his. "I'm sure the captain will not mind if you take it…"
"No, that was supposed to be yours anyway," Cap agreed, shrugging slightly when I shot him a disbelieving glance, "we didn't honestly think you'd turn it down. But c'mon, let's get inside."
Tony bowed low at the waist as I approached, offering me his elbow, "Milady."
"Lord Stark," I hooked my arm through his, leaning against him as my feet dragged against the sidewalk, "any chance at a piggyback ride?"
"Uh, the Lord of Winterfell does not give out piggyback rides," he replied sharply, though his dark eyes twinkled in amusement, "then again, could be kinda kinky. Ya know what, hop on."
Shoving him away from me, I laughed, "You know nothing, Tony Stark. I need to sleep, not fool around with you. Not to mention-"
Pepper would kill me.
I didn't say her name, but Tony knew all the same. He offered me a sad smile and nodded, ruffling my short hair and swallowing his sadness. He beamed, clapping his hands together, "Get some sleep. But if you get the urge, need a late-night booty call-"
"You'll be the first one I call," I winked, though I caught Cap's gaze over his shoulder and solemnly shook my head, pointing at him with another wink.
Cackling, I waved them both off, fishing my phone from my pocket. Strolling toward Pietro and Wanda, I sent Peter a quick text to let him know I wouldn't be around if he came looking for me the next morning. He immediately responded, questioning my whereabouts with about a dozen question marks and exclamation points.
I ignored him for the moment, following quietly after the Sokovian twins. Wanda had ceased crying, but Pietro hadn't let up with his soft, comforting murmurs. The silver-haired man shot me a slight smile over his shoulder, mouthing, 'one minute' as he walked his sister into her room. I lingered, glancing at my phone once more and shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot.
'What if someone comes looking for you? Where should I tell them you went? Is this part of that top secret mission you went on this morning?!'
Rolling my eyes, I responded quickly, 'Yes. I had to meet with the president and it took longer than I expected. Didn't wanna catch a red eye back from DC. Staying at the White House for the night. See you tomorrow.'
Tucking the phone away, I gave Pietro a small smile as he returned from the room. He heaved a heavy sigh, raking his hand through his hair, "She will not tell me what happened."
Nodding my head down the hall, I followed after him as he led me to my room. I avoided all eye contact with him, not wanting to see his thoughts, not wanting to know if I was still in them.
"It was an accident," I replied with a sigh, "the explosion. Not her fault, but she doesn't see it that way. She'll need time, but I think she'll be alright. She probably shouldn't be alone tonight."
"I will stay with her," he agreed, "I have always watched out for my baby sister. Now is no different. Though, it should have been me out there, not her. She's not ready."
"She never will be if she doesn't get out there." We stopped before two doors, one on either side of the darkened hallway. "And besides, we needed her skills out there. Though, not gonna lie, could've used yours, too."
"Well, what can I say?" he shrugged, feigning modesty and laughing lightly, "I am good at what I do."
His gaze met mine briefly and I looked away hastily and returned the glasses to my face, "That's true. Well, night, Pietro. I'll see you in the morning?"
Lowering his eyes to the floor, he nodded once. Whether he was embarrassed or not, I couldn't tell; it was far too dark and I don't think I could have handled the flush on his scruffy face. Nor did I want him to see mine.
Waving, I slipped into my room, forcing him to return to his sister and preventing him from mentioning the dangerous thoughts floating through his mind. The way he saw me, the lightness, the warmth he always felt about me… it was overwhelming. Sweet, but overwhelming. And after everything that happened in Lagos, I honestly couldn't handle any more overwhelming thoughts.
With a long-suffering sigh, I threw myself onto the bed in the center of the room. Tossing my glasses onto the end table, I shoved my face into the soft, cool pillow and drifted off.
/
