Chapter 17
By: MysticFantasy
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Steve could feel himself being moved but the sedations were actually strong enough to keep him feeling weak.
He knew he was on something with wheels because he was moving in a smooth fluid motion.
Then...he felt it.
The bitter cold.
It was all over him and he suddenly felt the need to fight. He needed to get away or else history would repeat itself.
He tried to get his hands and legs to move but nothing was working. The air was getting colder and Steve was sure that he could feel ice forming on his body already.
He needed to move. Needed to open his eyes.
He didn't want to sleep for another seven decades, didn't want to be in another time he didn't belong in and he especially didn't want to wake up and find out that everyone he cares about is gone.
But the more he struggled, the harder it was to get his body to do what his brain ordered.
With his body still and growing colder by the second, Steve had a sick feeling that his nightmare would become a reality.
"Steve?"
Voices. Just like he heard before going under. A woman's voice.
It was beautiful, even if it was just calling his name.
"Steve, wake up."
But he can't.
He's trapped in the ice again. He can't wake up for another seventy years. That's how it happened the first time and that's how it has to happen again.
"Come on, Cap. Show us that famous stuborness that keeps you going." a male voice added.
Wait...There wasn't a man talking to him the first time. Just a woman.
Why would he be hearing a man's voice?
"Lord Steven, your friends are at your side."
Well, this was all new.
"Come on, Steve. Time to wake up. We're all here waiting for you." another man spoke.
"Wake up, Steve."
"Time to wake up."
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l~*~*~*~*~*l~*~*~*~*~*l~*~*~*~*~*l
l~*~*~*~*~*l~*~*~*~*~*l~*~*~*~*~*l
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His eyes felt like ten ton weights but he somehow managed to open them. His vision was blurry but it quickly cleared and allowed him to see worried faces looking down at him.
"Hey Steve."
"T-Tony?"
"The one and only. Hold the applause."
Steve lightly swallowed, his mouth feeling like a desert. So dry and scratchy.
"What...happened?"
"Oh you know, same old. Bad guys wanted clones of you and Natasha to make a perfect army of super models to conquer the fashion world." Tony said lightly, hoping to ease the mood.
It seemed to work for a while. Thor gave a deep chuckle at his friends antics and said spy gave Tony a light slap upside the head.
Steve tried to give a small smile at Tony's comment but his muscles felt so stiff.
"How are you feeling, Steve?" Bruce asked as he walked over and felt for a pulse on the soldier's wrist.
"Tired." he answered. "What happened?"
"You were caught back in the Hydra base. They got some blood from you and then...put you on ice." the scientist answered. "You've been asleep for about nine days."
Steve's eyes looked around at everyone. Possibly making sure that everyone was still the same as they were when he last saw them.
Making sure they were still the same in appearance and not aged and greying.
"Just nine days have passed. Nothing more." Clint confirmed, then added. "Despite Tony's grey hairs."
Another slap sounded and this time more laughter could be heard.
After a quick check up, Bruce declared that Steve was recovering well and that he should get some rest.
The Avenger men wished their captain a peaceful rest and the promise of another visit. They quietly left but Natasha stayed behind.
She sat quietly on the chair next to the bed, having been quiet the entire time the others were there.
"You ok?" she asked softly as she reached over and gently took his hand.
"Yeah. Just tired." Steve answered, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
"You should sleep."
"Are you alright?" Steve quickly asked.
"Yes." Natasha answered with a small smile. "I'm ok. I was worried about you though. I was really scared."
"I'm ok now." Steve assured. "I'm glad that you're ok."
"Likewise." Natasha replied. "Now, sleep."
Steve nodded and settled back against his pillows. Before he fell asleep, he felt Natasha's lips on his forehead.