Quinjet picked up a crash team, a doctor and a nurse along with equipment, from a SHIELD base Germany then flew at top speed back to Washington DC and the Triskelion. SHEILD HQ had two floors of medical that rivaled any hospital in the country and they were able to bring in specialists easily. Once they landed Steve was rolled off to the OR. Natasha took advantage of some down time to go change from her catsuit to civilian clothes. When she returned Tony Stark had joined Phil and Fury in the waiting area.
"Hey, Red," Stark greeted Natasha.
"What are you doing here?" she asked him.
"Nice greeting. I flew Banner here. He is one of the foremost experts in Steve Rogers," said Stark.
"And he has a medical degree among his other degrees," added Phil.
"Yeah, my bro is a genius. It's why we get along so well," said Stark.
Before any more conversation could continue, Bruce came out of the back area. He was dressed in an operating gown and he looked annoyed.
Fury stood up and asked, "Banner, how's Rogers?"
"In constant, nonstop pain. Nothing we give him alleviates his pain. Pump him up with morphine to the point of overdose and you'll get maybe two minutes of relief. Of all the benefits that serum has having a metabolism that burns off pain meds in seconds isn't one of them," he ranted.
"Bruce, other than that, how is he?"asked Stark.
"His system started to feel itself before we could take out the last bullet in the spine. We are going to give him a rest then go back in take the bullet out, repair any damage that was done to the spine and let him heal and eventually rehab," said Bruce.
"So, he's going to be okay?" asked Coulson.
"After a time, yes. A normal man would be dead. Steve is going to have to do some P.T. But he'll eventually be fine," explained Bruce. "I'd give him a month, maybe six weeks and he'll be fine."
"Thank God," said Fury.
Natasha exhaled but kept quiet. Whatever help Rogers needed during his rehab she'd supply it.
"When do you expect to operate on him again?' asked Coulson.
"A couple of hours," said Bruce. "The man doesn't complain but the pain he's going through during an operation is... I don't know how does it."
"Thank you for coming and helping, Dr. Banner," said Fury. "Do we need to set you up in a hotel for the night?"
"No. I got a place here in DC. We'll be staying there. It's just a townhouse in Georgetown," smiled Tony.
"Sounds nice," smiled Coulson.
"I need to get something to eat and drink," said Banner.
"Will you be assisting when they operate again?" asked Fury.
"Yes. The lead surgeon thinks my understanding of Steve's biology helps. Plus, Steve likes having a familiar voice talking to him during the painful parts. We became friendly the few times we met each other," Bruce explained.
"Thanks, doc," said Natasha.
Bruce smiled at her then headed off to get food and drink. Stark looked at his watch.
"I have calls to make. I think I'll go somewhere else," said Stark.
"Phil, why don't you show Stark to an unused office," said Fury.
"Sure, Nick," said Phil.
Stark and Phil left the area. Natasha sat down in a chair. Fury sat back down. He looked over at her.
"Looks like it's just you and me," said Fury.
"Phil will be back," said Natasha. "He's a fanboy."
"And what are you?" Fury asked.
"Someone who owes him her life," she said.
Fury smiled then he leaned back in the chair and closed his one good eye.
AVENGERS
Steve didn't know when he fell asleep, it was either because of the pain or when the pain finally stopped assaulting him, but he finally did. Slowly, he opened his eyes. It was painful, so groaned.
"Steve, you're awake," said Natasha.
He turned his head to see Natasha in an uncomfortable chair beside his bed. She looked tired. He smiled at her.
"I guess I'm going to be okay," he said.
"In time, Old Man. You need to heal and then do some physical training, but you'll be fine eventually," she said then fought off a yawn.
"Go home, Nat, get some sleep. You don't have to babysit me," he said.
"I want to be here," she said.
"You're tired. Go home," he said again. "Hey, when you come back you can do me a big favor and bring me a steak sub or a burger. I need fuel for my body to heal and I know the food here is going to stink."
She smiled then she stood up.
"I'll bring you something," she said. "See you and a few hours, Old Man."
She touched his cheek then she left the hospital room. Steve touched the spot she touched. She's out of my league, he sighed.
AVENGERS
It was a new meeting in the black site. They waited until Steve was released from medical. Natasha drove him, as he was using crutches to walk. When they arrived Melinda May, Coulson, Quartermain, Nordstrom, and the Countessa were already in conversation with Hill and Fury. Steve made his way to an empty chair at the conference table and sat down.
Fury looked at Natasha and Steve then spoke, "It appears your hitting Rappaccini's lab spooked both AIM and Hydra, which means they are working closer together then we realized."
"How's the rat hunt going in SHIELD?" asked Steve.
"Hydra is dug deep into SHIELD," said Hill.
"We are making lists of agents, admin and field agents, as well as connections to outside sources such as politicians and military," said Fury. "This is going to be a war."
"How do we keep it quiet?" asked Quartrmain.
"At some point we can't," stated Coulson. He looked at Nick.
"When we have more than enough proof, I do to the president," said Nick. "I go over the council and go directly to the president."
"Can I have the sixth Strike team as my own?" asked Steve.
"It's yours, Cap. I'll let Rumlow know tomorrow. They begin training with you right away," said Fury.
"Actually, until I'm healthy Id' like Agent Romanov to train them," stated Steve.
He looked at Natasha, who looked surprised at this request.
"You agree with that, Romanov?" asked Fury.
"I'll do it," she said.
"Good," smiled Fury. "Roger's Strike team can lead to new ones that are SHIELD and loyal to SHIELD."
"How do we handle the current Strike teams?" asked Hill.
"We give them only missions against AIM," stated Melinda May.
Fury smiled, "I like that."
"She is an original," Coulson spoke up.
Natasha smirked, "Do you have a crush on someone, Phil?"
Phil blushed, which made Steve like him even more. Hill tried not to laugh, though the rest of the group, except Steve, Fury, May, did laugh.
"Are we children?" Fury asked them. "Because if we are children we are going to get our asses kicked by Hydra. Now I want you to start submitting names to me, that Hill and I will check out. It's time we round up all these damned rats and traitors."
"Yes, sir," several of them mumbled.
"Let's get to work," Fury stated.
Everyone got up a drifted away from the conference table. Steve was the last to stand. He got up using his crutches. Natasha waited for him. As they walked side by side, she kept glaring at him.
"You could have told me about wanting me to train Strike team 6," she said.
"I thought you like surprises," he smirked.
"What gives you the idea that I like surprises?" she asked.
"The way you keep breaking into my apartment. I've offered you a key, but you like to surprise me by breaking in," he said.
"Rogers, you are a pain in my ass," she said.
She picked up her pace leaving Steve behind. He didn't complain as he found that he couldn't take his eyes off of her buttocks.
AVENGERS
Steve finished his four hours of P.T., which was supposed to be two hours. After a week he was using canes instead of crutches. After he showered he made his way to the gym to check up on Strike team 6 and Natasha. As he entered he was in time to see Natasha wrap her thighs around the head of the team leader and throw him to the ground. She then was on top of him with one of her knives in her hand. The team watched with a mix of fear and awe of her. Steve shook his head and chuckled to himself then he made his way to the ring.
"How's it going, Nat?" he asked.
"They're learning," she smiled.
"How long have you guys been at it?" Steve asked.
"Three hours, sir," said on of the Strike team members.
He looked at her. She shrugged then said, "Take five laps around the gym then call it lunch. I'll see you in two hours at the shooting range."
"Yes, sir," said the team leader.
The Strike team gathered themselves together and started their laps. Steve waited for Natasha to exit the ring. She sensuously slipped through the ropes and jumped down beside him. He found himself exhaling slowly.
"So, buy a girl lunch?" she asked.
"Cafeteria or outside?" he asked.
"Considering it's cold and rainy out, I chose the cafeteria," she said.
"Let's go," he said.
As they headed out of the gym, Steve noticed Rollins was keeping an eye on them. He didn't like it, but he acted like he didn't notice. Knowing Rumlow and Rollins he wouldn't be surprised if they made a move against him or Natasha. She would be a prize to take down for Hydra, but he would be the big prize.
"You noticed Rollins clocking us," she said.
"Yup," he replied.
"Looks like we have targets on our backs," she noted.
"I know," he said. "I've had one on my back when it comes to Hydra for a lot of years."
"I'll take it as a compliment that I've joined you," she smiled. "So, I was thinking of trying the meatloaf you always eat. Should I?"
Steve grinned, "I think you need to metabolism of a Super Soldier to eat it. I don't recommend it for you."
"I've seen you get seconds," she pointed out.
"I'm a glutton for punishment. Look you're my best friend since I came out of the ice," he laughed.
"I'll try the chicken pot pie then," she smirked. Best friend, she thought. There are times that best friend aren't enough. Natasha opened the gym door for him.
"Thank you, ma'am," he said.
"Sure thing, Old Man."
AVENGERS
The Avengers Christmas Party invitation came on a Tuesday. By Wednesday, Steve had three calls from Stark making sure that he was coming. He told him that he could come in a day early and stay at the tower and Stark could show him the Captain America uniform he mad for him. Steve finally agreed, but only after he got Natasha to go with him. She agreed because Fury wanted her to keep a relationship with the Avengers.
"How are you going to New York?" she asked him.
"My bike. I'm done with P.T.," he said. "Get there the 20th and leave the 22nd."
"I guess I'll drive my corvette down," she said.
"You still catching up with Barton after this for a few days?" he asked trying not to sound disappointed.
"Yeah, I promised him that I'd spend Christmas with him," she said.
"Give him my best," Steve said. "Well, I have to pack."
"See you later, Old Man," she said then hung up.
Steve sighed. He was hoping to spend Christmas with Natasha, but now he'll be on his own. Maybe, he'd check out the old neighborhood instead of spending Christmas in DC all alone.
AVENGERS
Tony and Bruce showed Steve around the tower and to the floor with the apartment he was going to use. Steve dropped his bag and placed his shield down when they got into the apartment.
"The last time you were he you were more ice cube than man," Stark teased.
Bruce sighed then he said, "I see your fully recovered from the spine injury."
"Good as new," Steve grinned.
"Are bones are like as hard as steel, right?" asked Stark.
"I've been told," said Steve.
"It would be interesting to see how well you stood up against my armor," said Stark.
"Tony, put the dick away," snapped Bruce. "Steve is a friend to us."
"He could be one of us if he wanted to join," said Stark.
"I'm already a member of SHIELD," said Steve.
"That reminds me. Let me show you the suit I made you," said Stark. "Follow me."
They exited the apartment. JARVIS had an elevator waiting for them. Dutifully, Steve followed. He feared that the uniform was more armor than what he'd want to wear. They stopped on the 12th floor and the doors opened. It was a big research area and lab for Tony. Against the back wall in cases were several Iron Man armors. On a dummy in the center of the room was the Captain America uniform. Steve was impressed. It looked a lot like his World War II gear. There was a helmet like the WWII uniform. There were red combat boots, red fingerless gloves, a utility belt, and a blue uniform with a red and white mid drift and a white star on his chest. He actually like it.
"That's it. What do you think?" asked Stark.
"I'd be honored to wear it," said Steve.
"Well, when you are ready to be Captain America there it is," smiled Stark.
"Good job," Steve said then he walked up to it. He was suddenly reminded of his Howling Commandos and Bucky. Even of Peggy. Recently, he called the home she was in to see if he could visit. After he explained who he was the doctor told him that he'd fear Peggy would go into shock if she saw him. He recommended against, so Steve agreed. He was alone.
"Hey, Steve, you okay?" asked Bruce.
"Oh, yeah," he smiled sadly. "Just memories."
"How about we head upstairs. I suspect some more of my guests are here and Pepper is probably home from shopping. Maybe we can scare up some lunch," said Stark.
"Sounds good," Steve said.
He followed them out of the lab and into the elevator. They talked but he didn't listen to them. His mind was on fallen friends, as well as lost ones. When the elevator doors opened Natasha was there with Janet Van Dyne, Scott Lang, Thor, and Colonel James Rhodes. They were talking and laughing.
"Guys, you all know Captain Steve Rogers, formerly Captain America," said Stark.
Steve nodded a greeting.
"Who's up for lunch?" asked Stark.
"I am always willing to eat," announced Thor.
"Hey, Steve, finally someone with your appetite," Natasha teased.
Thor walked up to Steve and offered his hand to shake. Steve shook it.
"I have heard tales of you. You are a great warrior. I am honored to get to know you," said Thor.
"It's my honor, too," said Steve.
Thor raised his hand and willed Mjolnir to him. The hammer fly from where Thor had placed it down into his right hand. Steve didn't know how to react.
"This is my hammer Mjolnir. Only those worthy can wield it. I hope some day that you and I battle together. Mjolnir and your shield, which I heard so much about," said Thor.
"Sounds good," said Steve.
Thor slapped Steve on the back then laughed, "Warriors response. Let us eat."
Stark spoke up, "How about Chinese? It's on me."
AVENGERS
The Christmas Party was festive enough. Stark had waitress dress in sexy Mrs. Claus costumes, as well as a buff bare chested bartender Santa Claus. The music was seasonal and the guests were a mix of Avengers, their significant other, and people Stark wanted to impress. Steve wore a black blazer, chinos, and a blue oxford shirt. When Pepper saw she remarked that she'd love to take him shopping. He looked for Natasha, but couldn't find her right off. When he did find her it was in a corner of the room and she was on her cellphone. He decided not to bother her.
Grabbing a scotch from the bar, and a tray of appetizers that appealed to him, he made his way out onto the balcony. He was eating the stuffed mushrooms and crab puffs when someone joined him.
"What is it with you, Captain, you like the cold?" asked Stark.
"Too many people," he responded.
"Ahh, don't like crowds. Considering all the adulation you got in WWII, I'm surprised you don't like crowds," said Stark. "Didn't you win a congressional medal of honor?"
"Never went to the ceremony for it. I had someone else stand in for me," said Steve.
"President probably loved that," said Stark.
"We took down Schmidt's main lab, so he didn't mind," said Steve.
"My father told me that you humble but that you weren't a pushover. He admired you so much," said Stark.
"Howard was a really good man," said Steve.
"Was he?" Stark replied. "We are his two greatest creations. I still say that makes us like step brothers."
Steve smiled then he said, "Thank you for inviting me. It's a great party."
"You hate it," smiled Stark.
"No, I don't. It's just that I come from a different time. If my mother saw a Christmas without a creche or a buff Santa Claus, she'd leave and immediately go to church," Steve smiled.
"You believe in God, Rogers?" Stark asked seriously.
Steve looked at him with great earnestness and answered, "Yes, I do. And I believe everything that has happened to me is for reason, even if I don't understand the reason."
"I have a party guest in their, Thor, who is a Norse God," said Stark.
"He's definitely different, Stark, but he's not a God," smiled Steve.
Suddenly, they heard laughter and yelling coming from inside. Steve and Stark look at each other with curiosity then go back inside. Sitting on the table is Mjonlir. Thor is allowing everyone to take a try and lift it. So, far Scott had failed, Rhodey, She-Hulk, and bartender had failed. Stark and Steve walked over and Bruce, who was seated on the large sofa, shook his head.
"Give it a try, Tony. Who knows you might be worthy?" said Bruce.
Tony walked up to the hammer and grabbed it with both hands. Natasha, who had finished talking with Clint, made her way through the crowd to watch. Tony tried to lift the hammer but it didn't even move an inch. After a few minutes he gave up.
"This has to be a trick," he said.
"No, trick. You are not worthy," said Thor.
Stark looked at Steve and grinned then said, "Your turn, Captain."
"No thank you. I know I'm not worthy," he said.
"Please, Captain, give it a try. I would be honored," said Thor.
"Okay," shrugged Steve.
He walked up the hammer. Taking off his blazer, he tossed it to Natasha then he rolled up his sleeves. With his right hand he grabbed the hammer and felt an electric buzz go through him. He tested the hammer with his right hand. It moved. It moved easily. Steve picked up the hammer.
Thor stood up and looked at Steve with awe then he said, "You are worthy. Well done, Captain, you are worthy."
"Son of a bitch," said Stark.
Natasha felt something unexpected. Watching Steve lift the hammer made her insiders turn to molten lava. Thor grabbed Steve in a big hug and lifted him into the air.
"I guess he's worthy," mumbled Stark.