Within a few weeks the news media got wind of Heidi temporarily retiring as an Avenger because of her pregnancy. The news spread like wild fire all over the globe. While people were thrilled of a beloved public figure like the Duchess of Austria being pregnant, it made others nervous and scared.
"Who's to say this won't start a new generation of genetically enhanced people…or mutants," an angry politician retorts to the screen, "This could be a dangerous situation. If the Duchess' baby is born genetically enhanced, would it be a danger to public safety some day? Besides, we have no clue who the father is. Is it one of the other Avengers? If so, there's a big chance that this baby could be a human weapon," he argues. "But we're talking about a person not even born yet Senator," the news anchor states. "But we need to make precautions now!"
Heidi turns off the t.v. She was tired of hearing about her and the baby so negatively. She gets up and enters the kitchen to make some warm tea. "Do you want some?" she asks Bucky. He just shook his head, not leaving his gaze from the blank television. The Avengers never thought the world would be divided this way. Who would've thought people would be outraged by a baby? After brewing a mug she joins him on the couch. He wraps his arm around her protectively. "I'm scared," she simply said. "I know. Me too…but we've got each other."
"And Steve…" she adds.
"And Nat…" A small smile starts to appear on his stony face.
"And Wanda and Vision."
"Even Sam and Stark, shockingly."
"Don't forget Bruce, Sam, Rhodes, and Clint," Heidi remarks and snuggles closer to him.
They were interrupted when they heard footsteps enter the living area. The pair got up from the couch and turned to see Steve and Tony with Maria Hill. "How are you feeling Heidi?" the woman asks. "Restless. What can we do for you?" the blond responds. Maria shifted uncomfortably. "I suppose you've been watching the news," she starts. Heidi rolls her eyes. "Unfortunately it's unavoidable." "Well…I'm here on behalf of the Secretary of State" Bucky steps forward defensively. "Why?" he asks in a low voice.
"Because they're wanting Heidi to be…well, I don't know how to put this, but…they want her to disappear. At least until the baby is born," Maria fumbles. "What exactly do you mean?" Heidi asks as she glares at the brunette. "Just hear her out guys," Tony interjects, "We talked with Maria and we've thought we can conduct some measures that would make the U.N. more comfortable." "We?" Heidi snorts. Steve shifts his eyes away from the pair. Heidi chuckles to herself. "Unbelievable, so you two have been working things out without discussing anything with me first?" "We're discussing it now! Even Bucky was aware of this," Tony adds. Heidi jerks her head to her partner. "Oh really?" she mutters. "Heidi, the world is scared. We need to put them at ease by showing them good faith," Steve explains.
The woman crosses her arms and steps up to him. "And what exactly does that look like Cap?" she demands. Her golden eyes were glowering at him. "You're pretty much grounded, well, under house arrest," Tony responds bravely. "What?" "But regarding your political title you can still travel and make public appearances for work but you are temporarily retired as an Avenger," Maria explains, "Ross agreed to it as long as you are with two or three members of the team or a squadron assigned to you." Heidi snorts again and backs away. "Unbelievable. You expect me to agree to this? It's hard enough that I can't go on missions. Now you want to lock me up like an animal…" she walks away to grab her tea and chucks it at a wall.
"So that the world can forget that I'm dangerous…that my baby is dangerous. This is the thanks I get after all that I've done for the safety of the world before this." She flips the table and smashes it to the ground to pieces. Tears fall freely down her cheeks. Bucky reaches out to her to hold her but she smacks it away and points an accusing finger at him. "How dare you go behind my back!" she hisses. "Heidi, I'm sorry but Steve is right," he says slowly, stepping forward again. She just shakes her head at him. Her lips quiver. "I don't want anything to happen to you…or the baby. I don't want people to see you as dangerous. This is to protect you. It's only temporary." Heidi was silent for a moment, unable to think of anything to say. She starts to walk out the room but as she passes Maria she says, "Guess I have no choice."