Steve was leaning against the coffin. He did not like the idea of it being a coffin, but the shape and the purpose of it were just suitable. He tried to calm himself down in an attempt to feel anything from the … box. He hoped to feel the heartbeat, any energy… he was able to just feel a man who approached him. But now? Nothing! He did not want to hope that he will meet Peggy Carter again. He did not want to believe in their happy ending. But now, standing there, he realized that the hope that appeared the moment Tony called him, has not disappeared, that it was there and that the hope is now dying, suffocating in him and he was dying with it. One more reason to stay in bed, waiting till they find him, arrest him, and let him rot in prison. There is no other reason to live, is there? He is a man out of time, who found friends he cannot be in contact with because they would all be in bigger danger than they are now. He hated his life. He hated the fact that the hope woke up and now that he will have to kill it … once again. That's for the famous Captain America. Who is he? No one.
"Here it is!" Tony exclaimed.
"What?" Natasha was watching Steve closely, trying to analyse his thoughts, ready to stop him from doing anything stupid.
"This button should thaw her out."
"Does it still work then?" Natasha's eyebrows rose.
"Yes, it's my father… of course, it does work." Tony sounded offended. As if he never doubted his own father.
"So, are we ready?"
Steve straightened up.
"NO!" Natasha almost screamed, pushing Tony's hand away.
"What's up with you?"
"Was not she frozen because she had her spine broken?"
"Yes?"
"So, should not we think that her spine is still broken and that she will need surgery?"
Tony realized what could have happened if he pressed the button and slowly withdrew his hand.
"Well... you might be correct."
"But… can we help her now?" Steve's voice was raw, nervous.
"Well... if Helen Cho can't help her, nobody can. And nobody will be able to, because thanks to my sponsorships, she is twenty years ahead of other doctors."
"But how can we transport … this… to Helen Cho's lab?"
"We can't… we need to transport Helen, not the coffin."
"Let's stop calling it coffin," said Steve nervously.
"Whatever." Tony shrugged his shoulders. "I am calling Helen."
"Is it safe?"
"Are you asking me whether calling the only woman who can help the… Ice-Queen, and who is also paid from my money, is safe?"
"Yes Tony, I am asking just that. And do not pretend to be offended, you know why I am asking."
"Yes, Natasha. I know. You decided to play against the team."
"Do not start with that Tony…"
"No, I want to start! We were a team! You decided to leave us, to do what YOU think is the best! And where did it lead you? To the place where you cannot even decide WHAT is the best, where you must be hiding before every eye!"
"Do you really want to start this discussion?" Natasha started seeing red.
"Stop it!" Steve almost yelled.
"Tony, if Helen is willing to help us, then call her, please." Steve looked back at the coffin.
Tony was still red in his face and glared at Natasha, who was as angry with Tony as he was with her. But they both nodded, and Tony started calling the doctor.
"Doc? Yeah, that's your favourite… ok, Helen, it's me. I have a special task for you. You will need your cradle. Yes, the patient will need surgery. I do not know; do you trust anyone in there? But... I mean really trust. It's strictly confidential…. Spine surgery… How many? But… do you trust them? Ok, ok, just… I will send you our coordinates, ok? Yes, there is a room which may be originally served as an operation theatre. I think you will find everything needed here. When will you arrive? That's splendid! Great! Yes, I will be there. Bye."
Tony turned to Steve and Natasha.
"She will arrive in approximately five hours."
Steve's throat went dry. He turned to look at the coffin, one hand placed on the lid… and waited.
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