It weighed too much for Steve to deal with but he didn't give up. The mission was simple in theory: stop a Hydra terrorist cell from killing civilians in New York City. Simple didn't exist when it came to Hydra. They were evil. It was an old fashioned concept that few believed in today, but to Steve evil was real. Hydra was evil. And when you embraced their philosophy and goals you became evil.
Since Strike team six along with Natasha and Clint were on a mission in Eastern Europe, Steve thought he could deal with this threat with the Avengers. Now he was holding up a floor from crushing four children, an adult female, and an injured Wasp. This was why Erskine wanted him to have the serum and not some perfect specimen because Steve knew what it was like to be bullied, to be afraid, and he never gave up. This was a good man. He yelled for JARVIS to tale over communication for him.
"Sir, how can I help you?" asked JARVIS.
"Building we are in is about to collapse. I am holding it up, JARVIS. I need someone to get these children, a young woman and an injured Wasp out of here," he said.
"I shall let Mr. Stark know your situation," said JARVIS.
"Thank you," said Steve.
"It is always a pleasure, Captain," said JARVIS.
The voice in his ear stopped. Steve had to admit that he liked JARVIS and had started to think of him as real not just a computer AI. Now he needed JARVIS to hurry before he collapsed and let everyone get crushed.
It was a part of Manhattan Tony didn't play in – Washington Heights. He was even surprised when Hydra decided to bring chaos and death to this part of town. But, Hydra was all about the surprise and the body count and there were plenty of unprotected people here. Tony blasted the Hydra drones. He and Rhodey were tasked by Cap to clear the sky. Their work was almost done.
"Sir," JARVIS spoke to him.
"Yes, JARVIS," said Tony.
"Captain Rogers is holding up the first floor of a building in order for the rest of the floor not to crush some civilians. Miss Van Dyne attempted to assist him but she got injured. His strength is waning and needs help before the civilians are killed," JARVIS explained.
"Shit," Tony growled.
Thor was in Asgard and Peter Parker was in high school. The team was short handed. Scott was in Giant Man mode taking out ground troops along with Wanda. Pietro could be a partial solution.
"Yo, Usain Bolt, I need you to grab some civilians and an injured Wasp out of a building before it collapses. Cap is holding it up," said Tony.
"Consider it done," said Pietro. "Which building?"
"The one about to collapse," Tony replied.
Pietro took off at full speed. He stopped in front of the kids then he looked at Steve. Steve had a grimace of shear termination on his face, as sweat poured down his face. His muscles were aching and the lactate was building up in them, but he was determined to hold up this building as long as was necessary.
"Okay, two at a time," Pietro said to the kids.
He grabbed two of the kids then he disappeared. In what seemed seconds he returned and grabbed the rest of the kids and disappeared. Finally, he appeared and grabbed the female and Wasp and disappeared. Steve was alone. He could finally afford to scream from the pain.
"Ahhhhh," he screamed. It didn't matter if his strength gave out now because the civilians were safe. A shudder of relief went through Steve's body.
Pietro reappeared and he looked at Steve.
"Cap, how can I get you out of here?" he asked.
"You're fast but not that fast," grunted Steve. "I let go and this building flattens us."
"Wait, I have an idea," smiled Pietro.
He returned with his sister. Wanda immediately enveloped them in a red orb, an energy field to protect them. Steve collapsed to his knees as Pietro used the orb like a guinea pig ball and ran them out of the building, which collapsed the second they exited. Wanda checked on Steve. She took off his helmet. His hair was bathe in sweat. He looked exhausted.
"You'll be okay, Captain," she smiled.
"I...," Steve started to talk then he collapsed. His effort overcame him.
AVENGERS
Steve woke in the tower's medical ward to discover that the Avengers were being called a menace by some of the news media. His own heroics were called reckless. Hydra was barely even mentioned by those who wanted to blame this on the Avengers and not Hydra. Steve got out of the hospital bed, changed his clothes and joined the rest of the team in the communal area in the penthouse. Pepper was there. She was on the cellphone.
"Hey, Cap," Tony greeted him. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," he answered.
He watched the film that the news people took. It made the Avengers look reckless. Steve sighed. He understood publicity and this was bad publicity for a good act. Pepper hung up.
"Between Giant Stadium and this it appears congress wants to have hearing on superheroes, masked vigilantes," she told them. "There is talk of a registry that you'd all have to sign so that the government can keep track of you and have power over you. The Avengers are their primary target."
"No," Steve said firmly. "I won't be a puppet for a government."
"You are a military man. This shouldn't bother you. You already work for the government," said Rhodey.
"I don't trust governments like I used to and for good reason," said Steve.
"Secretary Ross is a Medal of Honor winner," said Rhodey.
"So am I," replied Steve.
"Maybe we can get Thunderbolt and Steve to wrestle and the winner gets his way," smiled Tony.
"We need to discuss this," said Pepper.
"I'm hear and I have open ears," said Tony. "I'm willing to discuss it. I'm also willing to do as the government says for a while. The Avengers are too important to become illegal."
"I'm due back in DC," said Steve. "I'll talk later."
"Steve, don't make an rash decisions. We can work this out. The Avengers need you and no one wants Captain America to be an outlaw," said Tony.
"I won't go against my conscience, Tony," said Steve. "I won't sign up for something I don't believe in."
"Just think about it," said Tony.
"My motorcycle is in the garage, right?" asked Steve.
"It is, Cap," said Pepper.
"Thank you," he said. "I need to pack and leave."
AVENGERS
Steve rode his motorcycle back to DC. Instead of heading off to Natasha's apartment, he checked into the Triskelion. Fury was back to work after his injuries. Dressed in jeans, a white oxford shirt, and leather jacket with his shield over one shoulder and his overnight bag over the other shoulder, he burst into Fury's office. Fury was in a talk with Deputy Director Hill. They both looked at Steve.
"A registry for heroes?" he questioned them.
"I know. I'm working on it," said Fury, who sat back in his black leather chair. "Ross wants to put most of you in a jail cell that is in the middle of the ocean. We built it for highly enhanced and difficult villains like Loki, but he'd like to see you in it."
"I won't sign and I won't be taken without a fight," said Steve.
"Captain Rogers, I wouldn't say this to many people," said Hill.
"This is something Hydra would want not a democratic country," said Steve.
"I know. It has me worried," said Fury.
Steve took a deep breath then looked down at his feet. After a few moments he looked up.
"How's Bucky doing?" Steve asked.
"He's made remarkable strides," said Hill. "Sam Wilson is actually been offered a position with SHIELD."
"Especially when I found out he was a para-rescue and knew how to use the Falcon," smiled Fury.
"Can I see Bucky?" asked Steve.
"He'll be glad to see you," said Fury.
"I'll take you to his new quarters. He's now in a security wing, but not in a cell. He's in an apartment," said Hill.
"Does he know his history?" asked Steve.
"Yes, he does, Cap. He remembers Brooklyn and the Howling Commandos," said Fury. "I've talked to him about them."
Steve smiled.
AVENGERS
Sam Wilson left Bucky's rooms. Steve nodded and offered him his right hand.
"Thank you for everything you've done," said Steve.
Sam shook his hand then laughed.
"Captain America. Sir, I do anything for you," said Sam. "I grew up admiring you."
"Well, the name is Steve and I hope you and I can be friends Sam," said Steve.
"Consider it done," said Sam.
"How's Bucky doing?" asked Steve.
"He's doing great. I'd say he's eighty percent back," said Sam. "He's biggest problem is guilt."
"Well, he was raised Catholic," smiled Steve.
Sam laughed then he shook Steve's hand again.
"I hope we met again,"said Sam.
"We will," said Steve.
Steve entered Bucky's rooms. Bucky was sitting in an armchair watching the news. He turned and looked at Steve.
"Sounds like you fucked up, Punk," said Bucky.
"It was Hydra," said Steve.
"Evil sons of bitches," said Bucky.
"I know, Buck," said Steve, who then sat down on a hardwood chair.
"So, you are remembering things," Steve started.
"Yeah, I am. I want to visit Brooklyn one of these days," he said.
"Really, visit your family?" asked Steve.
"I had them checked out. I've a a great nephew who is my current age," said Bucky. "I've got great nieces, too. I'd like to meet them and find out about my siblings."
"That would be nice," smiled Steve.
"You hungry?" asked Bucky.
"Yeah, I am," said Steve.
"I'm allowed to go to the cafeteria if I'm with security. You look like security to me," said Bucky.
"Okay, let's go," smiled Steve.
The two men headed out of the max security area with Steve signing Bucky out then they went to elevator bank and headed to the second floor. When they entered the cafeteria people started to look at them and whisper. Bucky appeared used to this.
"Some pretty women around here," Bucky grinned.
"There are," Steve agreed.
"You got a girl yet?" he asked.
Steve blushed and didn't answer.
"You've got a girl," laughed Bucky. "I was afraid you were still a good boy."
"Let's get something to eat," said Steve.
They walked over to the grill area. Steve ordered two cheeseburgers and two hot dogs along with waffle fries. Bucky ordered the same except he had onion rings. They both then grabbed large orange sodas and found a table and sat down. Both of them started to dig into the food.
"I don't believe the appetite that fucking serum gave me," chuckled Bucky. "And you have even more potent serum. I'm hungry a lot."
"Me, too," agreed Steve. "I usually keep power bars and snacks on me to eat to for the fuel."
"I'll have to remember that," said Bucky. "Fury said if things go okay he might be able to offer me a job."
"SHIELD, huh?" smiled Steve. "That would be great for you."
"I have there is some trouble for you, though," said Bucky. "Something about a registry."
"Signing up masked vigilantes and heroes for the government to track and control," said Steve.
"I thought we fought a war to stop shit like that," said Bucky.
"I did, too, Buck," said Steve.
"You're not going to sign up, are you?" grinned Bucky.
"Nope," he answered.
"Going to cause trouble, aren't you?" said Bucky.
"It looks like that," said Steve.
"I have your back. You know that, right?" said Bucky.
"Till the end of the line, right?" smiled Steve.
"That's right, Punk," said Bucky.
AVENGERS
Natasha got off the Quinjet feeling tired and pissed. The mission went three days longer than anticipated and ended with a fight that almost got her and Clint killed. Steve's Strike team saved their asses. With her backpack over her shoulder, she tossed it to the quartermaster then stopped to stretch and yawn. Clint came up behind her.
"Food, shower, sleep. And you?" he asked.
"I hope to fit Steve in there somewhere," she smirked.
"Ohh, gross," he said then he kept walking until he was out of sight. Natasha pulled her secure cellphone out and dialed Steve.
"Hello," he answered.
"Where are you?" she asked.
"Your place. I finished cooking dinner for you. We are having Chicken Kiev," he told her.
"I love you," she purred. "Wine or vodka?"
"A white Rioja and vodka," he answered.
"You're getting laid tonight," she smirked.
"Yes, ma'am," he said.
"I'll take a shower here then I'll be home," she said.
"I'll be waiting."
Dinner was eaten then he served her pineapple cheesecake. Over coffee they caught up then Natasha did what she wanted to do since she entered the apartment and slipped into his lap and kissed him long and hard. The kiss lit a fire in Steve. Within seconds he had her pants and panties off and had his face buried in her. Natasha was groaning in pleasure, as Steve poured all his sexual frustration from missing her into this act. Once she had an orgasm, he stripped off his own clothes then he entered. For the next hour he pushed her to new heights of pleasure and stamina until she came for the third time and he came for the first time.
Lying there on the sofa, Natasha shivered from the after effects of their making love. He nibbled on her neck.
"You missed me," she purred.
"You have no idea," he sighed.
Natasha knew that voice. She knew that something happened and he wasn't telling her. She pushed him aside and sat up then she looked at him seriously.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Avengers dealt with a Hydra terrorist act in Washing Heights New York and things didn't go well. The media is after us along with congress. There is talk of a registry and … Nat, I'm getting tired," he admitted. "I fought a war then ended up frozen. Instead of dying I was thawed out and put back to work doing what I do best. And now I'm being told that what I'm doing is wrong. A registry? That's Nazi Germany, that's Hydra, not here."
"Steve, whatever is going to happen, I'm with you," she said.
"I love you," he smiled.
"I love you, too," she said.
"Bucky is doing better," he said. "He remembers a lot."
"He's no longer the Winter Soldier?" she asked.
"He remembers everything he did as the Winter Soldier. Every murder, everything," he told her.
"So, he's dealing with a lot of red on his ledger," she said. "I can understand that."
"He's like a brother to me. Whatever happens with this registry I have to make sure he is protected," he said.
"Then he needs to beside you. If we have to go rogue and disappear then he'll have to come with us," she said.
"You mean that?" Steve asked.
"I mean that, Steve. I know what Bucky means to you. Clint means that to me," she said.
"It sounds like most of the Avengers will sign, though I'm not sure about Thor, Bruce, Wanda, or Pietro," said Steve. "Tony will be able to convince Parker, Rhodey, and Lang doesn't need anymore legal trouble and Hope follows Scott."
"This is going to be nasty," sighed Natasha.
"It feels like Hydra is manipulating things," said Steve.
"What does Fury think of it?" Natasha.
"He's not happy with it," said Steve.
"Why don't you and I get into bed and forget about all of this?" Natasha offered.
"Just forget about things, huh?" said Steve.
"Oh, Captain Rogers, I can make you forget," smirked Natasha.
"I know you can," he said then he picked her bridal style and started to carry her into the bedroom.
"You know I can walk," she said.
"I know," he smirked.
Natasha started to nibble on his ear. Steve moaned and she chuckled.
AVENGERS
Congressional hearings started. Tony Stark was called to be an expert witness, as was Colonel James Rhodes. There were many witnesses called such as Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and more. Fury kept Steve's name off the list of expert witnesses. He didn't want Steve to deal with congressional hearings. There were some in congress who thought Captain America was an antique, a cliché, who didn't need to be revived.
Clint watched the hearings with Natasha at her place, while Steve watched them with Bucky in his rooms. When Tony showed up in a Tom Ford thee piece suit wearing sunglasses and a wide grin. Steve knew right then and there that this wasn't going to go well. Tony was charming and convincing when he wanted to be.
"So, Punk, you decide what you are going to do?" asked Bucky.
"I'm going to fight it the best I can," said Steve.
"Yeah, I knew you would," smiled Bucky.
"I'm going to speak at the UN next week and I'm going to come out against the registry," Steve told him.
"You won't be alone, Punk," said Bucky. "Plenty will follow you."
"Let's hope I don't lead them into something that is wrong," said Steve. "I don't want to hurt anyone."
"Steve, just be you and we'll follow you," smiled Bucky.