Instead of feeling the jagged rock smash into me, I swung into something else, still hard, but nowhere near as painful. I felt arms wrap around me tightly, and looked up at Steve's familiar jaw, his hair soaked, but his body warm. Though the momentum of the force slowed down, we didn't stop, however Steve had managed to control the rope enough so when we did hit the cliff he took the brunt of the force.

"I've got her. Pull us up!" I heard him call, and I was so grateful to hear his calm voice. I couldn't see that far up, but the speed with which we were suddenly ascending had me thinking Steve, thankfully, hadn't come alone. I saw another flash in the sky but instead of the boom that had been following the last few, this one was muted. Looking behind me I could see Thor in the sky, lightening surrounding him, his eyes burning with blue electricity. He seemed to aim the energy upwards, the sky flashing bright white. As quickly as the flash disappeared, the storm seemed to go with it. The clouds dispersing, the rain slowing and the wind dying down.

We were finally at the top and I took Bruce's extended hand dragging myself up before lying flat on the cliff edge. I breathed hard, trying to catch my breath as I heard the final sounds of Steve making it up.

"You alright Toni?" Bruce's face came into view, as did Tasha's teary one. Geez, had she been crying? Maybe the situation was worse then I'd thought. "I'm good." I managed to puff out.

I was good until I felt myself being yanked up by the front of my shirt. My feet were nearly off the ground as Steve's furious face came to view, "What the hell did you think you were doing?"

Grabbing onto the hands fisted there in an attempt to steady my balance, "I misjudged. I thought –

"-You didn't think!"

"Stop it Steve!" Tasha tried to intercede, gripping his bicep.

The look he turned on her was enough to make her cower. Pure fury.

"Her death would be on your shoulders." Tasha's face paled at his harsh words and I struggled against his hold.

"Well I'm not dead! I'm fine!" I spat, any gratitude I had was now lost in my anger of our treatment. Maybe we did deserve to be rebuked, but Steve didn't have to be a dick about it.

"You're fine because of me!" His voice so loud I flinched backward. He'd never yelled at me like this before, his entire body seemed to be shaking, but unlike me, his wasn't from the cold.

A long moment passed where Steve and I maintained eye contact, both of us out of breath. I could see him wresting control of his emotions. He didn't seem to be winning if the pulse in his jaw was anything to go by.

"Steve." Bruce broke into the moment, always the voice of reason, "She's shivering. We need to get her back."

That seemed to do the trick as his hands, which were still clenched tightly to my shirt, finally released me. A guard came over his face so I could no longer see the anger sparking in his eyes.

No one said anything as we piled into the vehicle they'd brought. High tech enough for the rocky terrain. Clint was in the drivers seat, while Banner unfortunately took the passenger.

Thor pushed Tash into the back seat. A glower formed on her face but she remained silent as Thor slid in beside her. I'd vaguely noticed how he hadn't really left her side since playing the lightening rod but I didn't have the time to dwell on it as I took my seat. Steve slid in next to me. The door closed automatically as Clint started the engine. I felt Steve's arm come around my shoulder which under normal circumstances I wouldn't usually have an issue with, but this was something I felt uncomfortable with now since we were both in a bad mood. When I leaned slightly forward and made to shrug off his arm, I felt his hand latch onto my forearm, giving it a light squeeze.

"Relax." He murmured softly. His thumb rubbing circles in what I assumed was an attempt to soothe me. It didn't work. Not when he was holding himself equally stiff, an indication he was still mad.

When Barton pulled up next to the car Tash and I had taken, I was the first to speak up, "I'll drive it back." I made to unbuckle my belt but Steve's hand caught mine before I had the chance.

"Me too." Nat called from behind, I heard some hushed words beings whispered that were cut off when Steve ordered,

"Bruce will."

It seemed they'd already had this plan in mind because Bruce was already out of the car, giving me and Tash a soft smile as he closed the door behind him.

"I can keep him company." Tash tried again.

"You're staying here." Thor's voice was firm, and I rolled my eyes knowing you didn't tell Tash what to do. You phrased it in a way that made her think it was her idea. Rookie move Thor.

She surprised me however when she bit out, "Fine," I turned my head to glance back at her wondering if she'd suddenly sprouted another head but then she continued with, "But i'm only staying for Toni."

That made much more sense.

I didn't bother arguing with Steve's decision, already knowing he wouldn't budge from the look in his eye. I was miserable and wanted to get home asap, if staying silent helped that then so be it. Clint started up the car once more. When we pulled up to a motel room only 15 minutes later I frowned.

Steve turned unbuckling his own seatbelt, as well as mine.

"What are we doing here?" I asked as he pulled me from the vehicle, he wasn't rough but he didn't give me a choice either.

"You both need to get out of your clothes." Steve answered before lacing his fingers in mine and pulling us towards the reception. I didn't argue knowing he was right. Even though I didn't feel cold anymore I was soaked through and goosebumps covered my arms.

I glanced at Tasha and Thor who followed behind us, her face pale from cold, and hair still dripping.

Once the transactions went through, Steve passed a key to Thor before grabbing my hand again and pulling us towards our room.

I would have rather stayed with the others not liking the mood Steve was in, but I kept quiet not wanting to make a scene.

Steve turned the key to our room, pushing us both inside before shutting it and locking it behind us.

We'd been silent for the walk here, and he finally broke it ordering, "Take your clothes off."

"What?" I asked unsure if I heard him right.

"Your clothes." He scowled, "Take them off."

"Uh-" I looked at him uncomfortably.

"You're soaked through, you're lips are blue and you stopped shivering 10 minutes ago. Trust me when I say that's concerning." He snapped, "Now please, take off your damn clothes."

The irritation was building in him, that much was obvious. It normal circumstances mine would be rising too, but my exhaustion seemed to be catching up with me and I didn't have the energy to argue. Instead I did as I was told. I fiddled with the buttons of my shirt, getting it undone and pulling it off before yanking up the tank top I had on. Throwing the clothes on the floor at my feet, I started on my pants pulling them of easily. I was standing in my underwear as Steve finished messing with the beds, pulling all the blankets off one and piling them onto the other.

"Take off your under garments, shove this on" He pushed a silk robe my way, barely giving me a glance. If I wasn't so cold, I'd be annoyed he hadn't even glanced at my body. I had a fabulous body, and my bra and panties matched. A sight worthy of appreciation. Instead he turned his back to me.

"You done?" He asked, even though he'd only just turned. Rather than commenting on how impatient he was being, something I didn't think would help the situation, I managed to stutter out,

"D- d- done." Even though I'd stopped shivering, my breathing hadn't steadied still coming in hiccoughs I tried to control. Steve glowered every time one slipped out.

"Good." He responded turning back around. It was only then, I'd noticed he'd taken off his shirt, and was in the motion of pulling off his white singlet. My breath caught as I took him in. I'd seen him shirtless many times, and though I'd always appreciated the view, I always made the conscious effort to look away. Whether it was from exhaustion, or maybe the tension that had been in the room since we'd entered, I found myself unable to drop my gaze. Taking in all the glory that was Steve Rogers. From his rock hard chest and muscled arms, to his beautifully sculpted abdomen that curved up and down so perfectly my fingers tightened into fists to stop my sudden urge to touch him. My eyes trailed lower to the prominent v of his hips, dusted sparingly with dark hair that finally dipped to the waist of his jeans. "What are you doing?" I spluttered out, finally finding the will to draw my eyes from his body and glare at this face. He didn't seem to notice my momentary brain glitch as he shot me a bored look.

"Get in." He ignored my question, pulling back the covers on the bed.

Pulling the waist length robe around me tightly. I did as I was told, careful to crawl in as dignified as possible. When I was in and lying down, he pulled the blankets up over me, tucking it in tightly.

"Rest." He ordered, walking away from the bed. I let my eyes shut, thinking this was a good idea.

I felt the bed depress behind me and felt the draft as the blankets pulled back again, knowing Steve was hopping in. I opened my mouth to question him when I felt his arms wrap around my waist, the wall of his chest pressed against my back. The intense heat of his body against mine had me jerking in his grasp.

"Relax." His voice was a murmur in my ear and though his voice was soft, I could still hear the annoyance he was trying to hide.

"Steve." I paused trying to figure out how to bring up the conversation without setting him off, "Are you mad?"

I heard him breath out a sigh before he spoke, "Let's not talk about it."

I didn't like the response. It basically confirmed he was.

And what did he have to mad about anyway? It wasn't like I'd done it on purpose. As soon as things had started heading south, I'd done my best to rectify the situation. I was a victim of bloody circumstance and he was acting like I'd somehow orchestrated the whole thing.

"Why are you m-mad?" I pushed for an answer, "Everything worked out fine."

"It worked out fine, because we were there to save you." He bit back angrily.

I stiffened at the comment and I know he felt it when his arms tensed around me.

"Yeah you're right. We're l-lucky you were there," I confirmed, "That doesn't change the f-f fact we're fine. So once again Steve, why are you mad?" I tried turning to face him, but his arms remained tight around me, refusing to let me move.

"Because you were being reckless and stupid!" His voice was angry again and his body that was plastered against mine, heated more with the argument. "You never should have put yourself in that position to begin with!"

"I w-wasn't being s-stupid!" I really started to struggle in his grasp, "It was a bl-bloody mistake!"

I was already mad and the fact I couldn't stop stuttering pissed me off more. On top of that, the shivering was back. I couldn't argue effectively when I barely had my body under control.
"A mistake that could have cost your life!"

"Let m-me go!" I growled, the heat of him was sinking into my bones, the numb stage I'd hit disappearing.

"Stop moving!" He barked out, not letting me move an inch.

"Stop t-telling me what to do!" I cried out. I could feel my emotions bubbling up and I tried to clamp it down but couldn't stop myself from blurting out, "I know I fucked up Steve! I nearly f-freaking died! I don't need you to list every dumb decision that l-lead to that! I don't need you to t-t-tell me how dangerous it was, I-"

"Toni-"

"-know it was dangerous Steve. I was f-freaking there! I was hanging there thinking I was about to die! Plummet, god knows how far down, to jagged rocks and r-rough waves! I was cold and scared and on top of that, the rope snapped! It freaking snapped Steve!"

"Toni stop-", Steve tried to interject but I had so much to say, I couldn't stop myself.

"And I was so fucking happy when you came! When you wrapped your arms around me! I felt safe and c-calm! Because I knew you wouldn't let me get hurt" I barely stopped for a shuddering breath when I began again, "Newsflash Steve! I don't actually like getting hurt!"

"Toni."

"And now you're yelling at me, ordering me around, being a complete asshole!"

"I'm s-"

"You don't need to make me feel like shit Steve! I already do! I'm tired and I'm cold, and I'm scared and I can't stop shivering! I'm miserable!" I finished on a wail, covering my face with my hands. My body was still shaking.

"Listen to me Toni." Steve's arms stayed around me, but he lifted his arm to clasp my hand in his giant one, lacing his fingers with mine. He pulled our clasped hands away from my face, and I felt him press his lips to it.

"I don't want to listen to you being mean."

"I won't be mean Toni." His voice was low, any fight that had been in it all afternoon, gone. I felt his head dip to my nape and he pressed a kiss to my neck. A shiver ran down my spine that had nothing to do with being cold. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have reacted like I did."

Other than the breath I was trying to catch, we were quiet. Steve holding me tightly as I shook in his embrace. I felt his lips press down once more on my neck, then again on my shoulder.

"Steve." I began my voice soft, "I didn't mean for everything to turn out li-."

"Shhhh." Steve cut me off, kissing my head. "Just rest Toni."

"Okay." I whispered relaxing into his embrace.

When my eyes opened sometime later, Steve was gone. I could still feel the heat from where he'd been, so knew he hadn't been gone long. I stretched my limbs feeling relaxed and warm.

When the door opened, I sat up watching Steve come through with a back pack.

"You're awake." He seemed surprised. He held up a back pack in his hands bringing it over to me. I moved my legs out of the way, when he made to sit down. "Bruce dropped off a change of clothes."

I took it from his grasp, opening the zipper to see what was inside. Big shirt, grey sweats, hoody and underwear. Steve's hand came into view as he tucked a strand of hair away from my face before tilting my chin in his direction. I moved my gaze to his eyes, watching his roam over my face.

"Your colours back. Warmth's back too" He observed. I rested my cheek against the palm of the hand he had pressed against my face. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." I smiled, "Thanks."

"You hungry?" He asked concern in his voice. My insides warmed at his question. I felt spoiled with the attention he poured on me.

I nodded.

"Go get changed, we'll head out to eat." He took his hand back and I tried not to feel sad by the loss of his touch.

I jumped in the shower, doing as he asked, noticing how Steve had my wet clothes hanging on the towel heating unit to dry. So bloody thoughtful.

By the time I'd finished in the shower and was dressed, Steve was ready to leave.

"We'll grab food for the others on the way back. Tash is craving subway." Steve spoke throwing on his jacket.

"How is she?" I asked putting my shoes on.

"She seems fine." He responded but I could hear amusement in his tone and when I looked at him questioningly, a grin broke out on his face.

"What?" I asked my interest suddenly peaked, "What do you know? Spill the tea."

"Oh it's nothing." He responded shrugging, like it wasn't important but I was already on my feet slapping his arm.

"Don't play coy! Tell me!"

He chuckled before explaining, "I'll just say I think I got off easy with you, especially if the black eye Thor was sporting was anything to go by."

I laughed at the revelation, "Hmm.. if I didn't know better," I looked at him pointedly "I'd wager she didn't like being ordered around."

"I'd wager you were right." He smiled, grabbing the keys from the table before we set off. He lost the amusement in his eyes when he stopped me at the doorway. Putting a hand on my face again he asked, his tone serious, "You okay to go out?"

"Steve I'm good." I grinned, pretending the butterflies in my stomach were hunger pains. When he searched my face, like there was a chance I was lying, I pulled his hand towards lips to kiss his palm. His eyes warmed at the gesture. Breaking the contact, I exited the room speaking over my shoulder, "I want to know more about Tash and Thor."

"If you want more information, ask Tash about her trip to Paris."

My eyes widened in interest, "Paris? What happened in Paris?"

"I can't say, I'm constrained by 'bro code.'" Steve replied putting quotations around the word, "Whatever that means."

I hooked his arm with mine, bro code was it?

"How fascinating."

I couldn't wait to see how this unfolded.