Hi again :). Okay, I know I promised a battle scene, but I just wanted to add in another preparation chapter before everything happens. I also wanted to highlight that Steve does still want to save Bucky, and I needed time for that. So, next chapter the battle will begin, I swear. Thank you all for reading and feel free to leave a comment and/or follow if you have enjoyed so far!

Disclaimer: If I owned Captain America… well I don't, so I'll have to get over it

Steve woke up early the next morning, stretching silently in the chair. His back ached from sleeping upright all night, but it was worth it. Neither Natasha or him had nightmares.

Steve got up slowly, trying to not wake Natasha, and went into the kitchen to make breakfast. He cooked bacon and eggs, a simple breakfast that would hopefully give them enough energy to take down the helicarriers.

As Steve was plating the food, Natasha walked into the kitchen, her hair slightly messy from the bed.

"Morning," Steve said as he put down her plate at the table.

"Morning. Thanks for the food," she replied and gave a small smile.

They sat down and ate in silence, each one knowing the plan by heart, knowing what had to be done. Steve finished first and was soon followed by Natasha as they place their dishes in the sink.

"Thanks," Natasha murmured.

"It's just food," Steve smirked.

"Well, for that, and for last night. Thanks for being there." Natasha wouldn't meet his gaze. Steve wondered how many people had seen her in the state she had been in last night. Probably not many. Maybe none.

"No problem. How's your wound?"

Natasha slid down her shirt. The bandage was a clean white, showing that the bleeding had stopped.

"About as good as a bullet wound gets," she smiled. Steve still looked uncertain. She slid her shirt back up. "I'm not going to hold us back, Rogers. You and your ninety-year old legs had better keep up with me."

Steve smirked in response. "You got a suit to wear?" he asked.

"Yeah, but I have to go pick it up," she replied.

"Same with me. Meet back here in an hour?"

"Aye aye, captain," Natasha smiled and started pulling on her shoes.

"I'm not a ship captain," Steve stated and tied up his running shoes.

"So? Only so many ship jokes someone can make," she turned and smirked as she opened the door and left.

Was it risky spitting up? Yes. But they had a tight window to get the helicarriers down. Each of them getting their suits at the same time would ensure that they had extra time in case something in the mission went wrong.

"Something always seems to go wrong, even on the simple missions," Steve thought to himself. He tried to think about something else, but not soon enough. He wad thrust into another flashback.

Flashback

Bucky grabbed Steve's shield from where it had fallen and proceeded to shoot at the HYDRA agent. The agent fired his blasters and Steve could already tell that the shield was not secure in Bucky's hand. He bit back a scream as Bucky flew backward, the shield clambering to the ground.

Steve rushed forward and picked it up, throwing it with all his might at the agent, finally knowing it down.

He took off his helmet and made his way to the side of the train, where Bucky was hanging on a small strip of metal. The snowy ground passed by them at hundreds of miles per hour and Steve looked own at the cliff. If Bucky fell, he would never get back out.

"Take my hand!" Steve yelled. His eyes fixed on Bucky's.

Their friendship was one unlike any other. One where calling the other person names symbolized your love for them. Where the big guy always stood up for the little guy, even though the little guy may have more heart. They were closer than friends, hell, they were closer than brothers.

Bucky reached his hand up to meet Steve's and the metal began to creak. Bucky's eyes filled with fear, a sight that Steve had never seen.

Bucky, afraid.

Steve didn't think it was possible.

He tried to move his lips, to say something to Bucky, but nothing came out.

Time seemed to slow as the metal gave way and Bucky plummeted to the ground hundreds of feet below, his hand still stretched out as if Steve could still have a shot at grabbing it.

End Flashback

Steve shook the memory from his head and brushed goosebumps from his arms. Bucky would be there, no doubt.

But was he still even Bucky? He hadn't remembered Steve. And that hurt more than watching Bucky fall.

When he fell, Steve knew there was nothing he could do. Now, however, Bucky was within his grasp, and he had no idea how to bring him back.

Steve picked up his keys and made his way uneasily to the door, picking up and hat and placing it on his head.

The museum was only a few miles away, so a five minute jog would get him there. Steve adjusted the hat on his head and walked out the door, locking it behind him.

Once he got to the museum, it was too early in the morning for it to be open. He snuck through an open window and made his way to the exhibit.

It was strange, seeing himself all around. His missions, everything.

Bucky was there too. Steve averted his eyes as he passed the panel where all of the information about Bucky was held.

He made his way to the outfits and was glad to see his old outfit there. Even though it was made in the 40's, it had stood the test of time. Sure, the red and blue wasn't as vibrant as it had once been, but Steve doubted that an enemy agent would really care about the uniform he was wearing before he killed them.

Steve quickly removed the uniform from the pedestal and folded it up, tucking it under his arm.

Without a second glance at any of his dead comrades' uniforms, Steve slipped out of the museum undetected.

When Steve got back to his apartment, Natasha was already there in uniform, lacing up her boots.

"Took you long enough," she smirked.

"Well, I had to commit a crime to get mine back," Steve gestured to the uniform he held in his hand.

"Oh, the great captain america is a thief." Natasha gave a small laugh at the statement.

Steve went into the bathroom to change and when he came out, Natasha was finishing attaching multiple guns and knives to places on her outfit.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Natasha replied.

They made their way out the door and hopped on Steve's motorcycle, bound for the Triskelion.

Hope you enjoyed this long preparation chapter :)

I know Natasha may not be exactly in character, as she seems a little nicer and smiles more, but this is my take on her, so dealio with it. Okay, see you in a few days.

Happy Thanksgiving!