Venom 8

"Behind you!"

Thor and Venom fought relentlessly against the Hydra agents, Loki sneaking around as he attacked from afar. The goal was simple: take over the facility, but she was confused about why they would ask Thor and Loki to help with such a minimal task.

"Remember, Supercuts. We need the file in the office. Think you can handle it?"

"Roger, Stark. Go, Lady Rainlily." Thor ordered.

"Can I eat their brains?"

"Yes, Venom, you can!"

Venom took over her again, fighting ruthlessly before barging into the main room, their operations. So many systems were around, but I saw the only computer remaining and went to work. Venom retreated as she took over the system, plugging in a USB that Stark supplied her with, "It's in."

"Good, hold it down until the download is done."

"Oh yeah, sure, no problem. It's not like we're being hunted down." Lily said sarcastically. The door busted open, and Venom hit him, knocking the person out, "Thank you, Venom."

"Your 'thank-you' always pleases me, you know? I feel like a real team with you."

"Well, I'm glad you feel that way."

"You're speaking out loud to yourself again, darling." Loki stated through the comms, making her roll her eyes as she shot at the incoming enemies. "Force of habit, pet." She teased right back before more came in.

"Venom!"

"Go time!" Venom overwhelmed her once more, a feminine figured Venom attacking once more. Still relentless, Venom managed to eat a few to sate themselves before heading back to the console.

"Done. Get out of there."

Lily parted a moment from Venom to grab the USB before Venom consumed her again, running his way out of the facility, "I placed the bomb as requested. See you outside." Thor spoke through the comms when Venom saw the flames heading their way.

"Oh shit, fire bad!"

Venom didn't waste any time running out before being hit by the fire, allowing Lily to be in control again, "So, fire too, huh?"

"I don't want to talk about it!"

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry I asked." Lily said, Thor slapping a hand on her shoulder happily. "You did well today. You make a fine Avenger. Not the strongest, but one of the stronger ones." Thor complimented her, making her smile. "Thank you, Thor. That's high praise coming from you."

"Don't let him sway you with those honey words," Loki spoke as he came to stand close to her, "he says that to every warrior." Lily threw Thor a playful glare, who cleared his throat. "Yes, well, this time it was truly awe-inspiring."

Loki wrapped an around her waist, pulling her close as Thor readied his hammer to take them back. "Just so you know, darling," he whispered in her ear, "you are someone to be feared. Nice to know only I can make you fold." She blushed hysterically as Thor latched onto the couple, returning to the compound.

Returning to the compound, the trio entered the compound where Bruce and Nat were already in the meeting room going through all the information. "Here you go, Nat." Lily said, handing her over the USB drive. "Thanks, Lily. Tony said he needed to see you, but he's at the Tower with Barnes," Bruce spoke, "I can take you once I'm done here."

"No need, I will take her myself." Loki advised, making Bruce look at her carefully. "Do you want him to take you?" Bruce asked her.

"Of course. That'll be fine with me."

"Okay…thanks Loki." Bruce said carefully, watching the pair as they left the room. "It's good that you're open with him." Nat spoke, still looking at her work. "It's her that trusts him, and I trust her." He told her. "Sound's familiar, doesn't it?" Nat teased him, creating a slight smile on him.

"Suppose you are right, but still, it'll take some time."

"That's a start."

Arriving at the Tower, Loki stood close to Lily as they entered the conference room. Tony stood with his arms crossed, his eyes showing suspicion on the unknown man facing him. Bucky had been leaning against the wall, looking at the couple expectantly. "Good, you're here." Bucky said softly. The man approached the two newcomers, with Tony following him slowly but carefully, walking over to them, offering his hand.

"Hi there, my name is Eddie Brock. I'm a journalist back in San Francisco." He introduced himself.

"Oh, um, hi. I'm Rainlily Santiago." She spoke, shaking hands with him. Eddie offered his hand to Loki, but he narrowed his eyes, his intense stare on him. The reporter smirked, dropping his hand, but turned back to Tony, still observing him.

"Mr. Brock here said he said some information on Life Foundation." Tony said, allowing her a moment to process this. "Yeah, Life Foundation has been on my radar for some time. But recently, there have been tips coming in that they've been taking people off the streets, and an anonymous source informed us of inhumane experiments. I didn't believe it at first until I had someone hack their system," Brock explained before holding up a screenshot on his phone, "I found their point of interest. Something Stark has in possession."

Lily looked at his phone, and her eyes widened for a moment; it was her.

"I guess you're that something. I didn't realize you were theirs. Are you a subject of theirs?"

Bucky suddenly sprung at him, grabbing him by the neck collar. Loki smirked when he saw the fear in the reporter's eyes as he was slightly lifted from the ground. "She is not a thing." Bucky grunted through his lips. "Put him down, Barnes." Tony warned him, but he remained unmoved. Lily came to him, touching his stomach and pressing close to him.

"Buck, please put him down. I'm fine." Bucky took a deep breath, looking at her before releasing him. The man coughed, straightening himself as he looked at the two men when Tony cleared his throat, "Yeah, I'd advise avoiding making them upset. They're a couple of loose cannons." Tony warned him.

"Good to know," Brock stated, clearing his throat, and turning to look back at Tony.

"So, why come here? What was your plan, exactly?" Tony asked, not being around the bush.

"I want to know why the Avengers are protecting her. You could've confessed everything to the public, but you haven't. So, I've come to find out for myself," Brock asked, "what are you hiding? Nothing about this situation smells right because I'll tell you now."

Tony clasped a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back a little when he saw the reporter edging closer to him. "You're a reporter; you know her word is nothing without proof. She came to me, that's why you found me in the reports. I'm handling this my way, and the Avengers, we aren't taking this lightly. She's a friend of a friend, so trust me, there's nothing additional going on. But we can both agree that she knows something, and I'm not sheltering another person, especially a busybody," Tony explained, "So do me a favor, go home and report on something else."

"This would only take a minute, if I can just talk to her." Brock insisted but the door opened, revealing Tony's friend and assistant, Happy. "No need, I'll send you a transcript of her every detail, okay? Take care buddy. Happy, show him out, will you?" Tony advised, waving his hand. "I'll be at the Holiday Inn if you change your mind." Brock shouted before Happy closed the door, gripping Brock's shoulder, guiding him away.

"Well, that's not concerning…" Lily whispered, rubbing her arms subconsciously. "He's the right though, we went through the information we managed to salvage from the lab." Tony stated, "it looks like they are desperate for you."

"Speak plainly, Stark." Loki stated.

"They're main office is in San Francisco. Seems that they want her for whatever they're doing," Tony answered, "we should head their ourselves. Bruce and I were planning the layout when this reporter interrupted us."

"You head back then, pet. The sooner we stop them, the sooner you can rest." Loki spoke, Bucky tugged on her arm. "Come, I'll take you this time." Bucky said, Tony rolling his eyes. "I'll see you love birds later. I trust you can find your own way, Reindeer Games?"

"Yes, I'll join you after my business is done in Asgard." Loki said shortly, following the duo out of the office. Making their way out of the building, Bucky guided her towards his bike. "Let's go, doll." Bucky said as he held her hand, but Loki grabbed her arm, pulling her back. "Don't wander ceaselessly. Stay close to him." He warned her, and she smiled, placing her hand over his, "I will, I promise. Just come back soon." She swore. He carefully kissed her forehead before letting her go. He eyed Bucky, receiving a knowing nod from the soldier as he guided her onto his bike.

When she reached for the helmet. "Here." Bucky helped her wear the helmet, enjoying the small moments with her. She adjusted her helmet when he placed it on his, starting the bike. She held onto him tightly before he took off down the road. Lily smiled when she enjoyed the closeness but felt a tingling sensation down her back.

"We are being followed."

"Buck, we've got a tail." Bucky looked at one of his rearview mirrors, noticing two SUVs behind them, and quickly turned left. Observing, he tensed when both SUVs turned as well and took a sharp right at the next intersection. The cars sped up, the tires screeched behind them, and he knew she was right, "Hold on."

Lily tightened her arms around him as he sped off, realizing they were going into a high-speed chase, and relied heavily on him. Dipping and diving through tight spaces, Bucky managed to escape them, parking immediately near a diner before climbing over. He took her, guiding her towards the diner up the street quickly. "Call Rogers, we need back up here." Bucky told her. She didn't waste time, calling him but Venom was frustrated.

"THIS IS RIDICULOUS! Let me take care of them for us."

"Not now Venom…" Desi whispered, calling Steve. The phone only rang once before she heard him on the other end, "Hey, it's Steve."

"Bucky and I are being tailed at the corner of 4th Street and Lexington."

"Understood, I'm coming to you. Do you have a place to lay low?"

"We're heading inside the diner at the corner, Flo's Diner. It's public enough."

"Good call, stay there until I get there. We are close-by."

The call dropped as they entered, Bucky holding the door open for her. The couple sat immediately at the corner of the diner, sliding into a booth. Bucky slid in beside her, ensuring to keep her close in case anyone came inside. Pulling up the diner in hopes to blend in, she looked over to Bucky with a small smile: "You know, this wasn't how I imagined you'd take me on our first public date."

He flashed her a small smile, wrapping an around her shoulder, "When this is all over, I'll take you on a proper one."

"So, yesterday didn't change your interest in me?"

"No, it didn't. I'm willing to take it slow, figure us out. With or without Loki. But I want us." Bucky told her truthfully. Lily smiled, "I'd like that." He tensed when he saw four men walk in with earpieces, and squeezed her arm more tightly, "Did Rogers tell you anything?"

"No, but he said he was close-by," she answered, "but I think I could take them."

"I know you can but humor me, will you? As badass as you are, let me protect you this one. Before you let Venom out to play." Bucky pleaded with her.

"Okay, Terminator. I'll let you lead on this one." She said, kissing his cheek. As they get closer to them, she heard her phone ping and looked down to see Steve calling. She quickly answered, "Hey."

"We're on approach. Come out as soon as you can."

"Buck, go." She spoke as she ended the call. He didn't have to be told twice, getting out before grabbing her wrist, pulling her close beside him as they made them away around the approaching men.

Once they made their way outside, Lily hissed when she felt someone grab her other arm, attempting to pull her back but she struggled more with Venom yelling at her to let him loose. Bucky felt her being tugged away and spun around, pulling out his concealed pistol. He pulled her behind him proactively, aiming his gun at the man who grabbed her. The armed man aimed his pistol back at him, his three companions surrounding them.

A black SUV with the SHIELD logo drove up to them, and the doors swung open with Nat and Steve jumping out. Nat stood beside her, aiming her dual pistols as Steve stood in front of Bucky, his shield in full show, "Gentleman, do we have a problem here?"

The men looked at one another but no one said anything as they put their guns away. "IT's not personal, but our boss wants her back. She has something of ours." The man who had aimed his gun to Bucky previously spoke.

"She won't be coming, I'm afraid. She's with us now. Tell your boss to stop this before this gets more out of hand." Steve told him.

"We've tried, but know this," he spoke, looking over to Lily, "he won't rescind the order. Bring her to us before things become more drastic." Steve stepped closer, not liking his words, "What do you know?"

"Nothing I can share," he answered, "but I'd be careful. He's growing more…desperate."

"Captain." Nat warned him, noticing civilians getting closer to watch. "We're leaving." The man spoke, backing away a few steps as Bucky pushed Lily backwards into the vehicle. "We're clear, we should go." Nat told him as Bucky climbed in. Steve watched the men leave before he and Nat got back into the car, taking off to the compound.

"Growing desperate?" Tony repeated.

"They want both Venom and her. Reports show none have survived before, they must have plans for her." Bruce stated, looking over to Lily briefly. "If they want her, why not bring her to them? Plan the attack and shut them down. It'll only grow worse." Nat advised.

"Nat's right, we should do this now. Catch them off guard." Steve supported her statement.

"Yeah, Capsicle, we can't just charge in. We need to plan this down to the little detail. This isn't Hydra or a terrorist group; this is a corporation. We can easily be made the bad guys here, and we need to clear this with General Ross."

"He has been notified if she isn't left alone. She'll be coming with us."

"She should be safer here and besides, we can't leave yet anyways, the Twins, Scott, Sam, and Peter aren't here. We should wait until they get back. They can watch her hear while we go after them." Clint spoke.

"You don't get to decide that." Tony spoke.

"We are a team; we need to plan this- together." Steve said.

Lily watched the team argue with each other, Bucky going to stand beside Steve, but she sighed softly. She hated them fighting over her, knowing this was her problem but the man's words ran through her head. Drastic? Becoming desperate? She remembered when they attacked the compound when she was alone. They weren't going to wait around.

"We need to get to San Francisco ourselves. Perhaps that Brock character can help us get there?"

"I don't know…"

"I need you trust me this once."

"Okay…I will." Lily didn't wait around, slipping out of the meeting room before heading down to the exit of the compound. She had to think this through: they'd know if she took a car but… "Venom, I could use your help. Without triggering alarms." She asked of him. "Finally! Let's do this!" Venom took over and sped off into night back to the city.

Brock had just finished typing out his report when he got a call. He was alarmed, not expecting a call but answered it anyway. "Eddie Brock speaking."

"Brock, it's Lily…from earlier."

Surprised to hear from her, he straightened up, his body filled with adrenaline, "Hey, yeah. I'm surprised to hear from you. I- "

"I'm sorry to cut you off but I'll make a deal with you. Get me to San Francisco tonight, and I'll tell you everything I know and answer anything." She spoke. He scrambled, grabbing his duffle bag, grateful he hadn't unpacked anything yet. "I'm coming down right now, don't move. I'll see you in the lobby shortly." He agreed before hanging up.

Making his way down the lobby, he immediately saw her pacing in the lobby, looking around the room cautiously. She saw him and approached him, hooking arm with him, "Play it cool, I might be followed."

"What?"

"Life Foundation is hunting me down. What's the safest way to get there?"

"To drive but in this case, we should head to the airport. I'll call in a favor," he told her, "Is there anything else I need to know?"

She smiled apologetically, "Noise-cancelling headphones and some chocolate?"

He chuckled, "They got those there too."

"Fine, we all agree then. I'll tell General Ross the situation and head out by the end of the week, okay? We have our plan." Tony spoke; hours were spent arguing, planning, and negotiations. "I'm just glad it's finally coming to an end for her." Bruce said, when he noticed Bucky charging in.

"She's not here." Bucky stated.

"Who?" Clint spoke.

"Lily. I can't seem to locate her." He answered.

"I'm sure she's fine, FRIDAY? Where is Rainlily right now?" Tony asked, pulling up the map of the compound. "She's not in the vicinity. It seems she has left the compound several hours ago." The AI answered, Bucky's eyes widening.

"Did someone take her?" Steve asked.

"No. It appears she left on her own, the video shows Venom took over and has run off. Unknown on location."

"We need to find her. Now." Nat said, pulling up beside Tony as she began to look through everything. Steve saw his friend distraught, but so did Banner; rarities in themselves.

"We'll find them, I promise you both." Steve swore. Bruce nodded but Bucky looked up at him, "She wouldn't leave without a reason. We should find Eddie Brock."

"Who?"

"The reporter, that's right," Tony realized, pulling up the video screen, "FRIDAY can you look up Holiday Inn, hack into their surveillance?"

"Hacked and loaded, sir."

The screen loaded up to see Lily pacing in the lobby, waiting patiently until she saw Brock come down and had immediately left with him. Bucky felt slight relief but grew more worried for her. "If I know Rainlily enough, she's going to face them head-on. I'll call Ross now; we leave in 15. Suit up everyone."