Spencer couldn't keep the imagine of the man who shot Nick out of her mind; the steel arm and the animalistic way he had looked as he easily caught Steve's shield and threw it back towards her. Steve being Steve took the brute force of his shield slamming into his mid-section like a champ but that spilt second had been enough for that assassin to disappear into seemingly thin air. Spencer would remember his face and that steel arm.
Steve and Spencer stood in a separate room watching Nick as he was trying to be saved by surgeons; Steve stood against the two-way mirror, gazing at Nick intently, and while Spencer sat back into a chair with a thousand things running through her mind; she hadn't received any word from her father and she was insanely worried.
Maria Hill had been in the room but despite showing brief concern for Spencer when heroes first got there…Maria had been deathly silent and stuck to the shadow of the room much like Spencer. The room was too tense…it was almost suffocating.
Someone had been bold enough to take out her Godfather who was to say that they wouldn't' go after her father? Victoria Hand? Melinda May? Clint? Natasha? Her mind was forming an awful headache and Spencer wanted to take her frustrations out on something, anything but at the moment, Nick needed her to be strong.
Steve glanced over at her and he couldn't form the words to ease her misery and frustration; he felt like a very bad best friend now. The doors to the room they were in were slammed open and Spencer felt some short-lived relief that Nat was okay and looked perfectly fine despite what had happened; it seemed like no one but Spencer and Steve had known that SHIELD had been compromised. Both superheroes would have to be on high alert because there would be a massive target on their backs; Steve had to protect Spencer…for him it was easy to see that because of who her father was and who Nick had been to her, that it only made sense that whoever tried to take out Nick would go after her or her father.
Steve's muscles tensed at the thought—he couldn't lose Spencer, not if he had anything to say about it. Nat rushed in and immediately went up to the window, her eyes wide with slight shock, and Spencer noted that the Black Widow was wearing her civilian clothing.
"Is he going to make it?" Nat whispered looking around the room until they landed onto Spencer's hunched form in the back. Nat immediately went towards the young girl and gently cradled Spencer's face with her cold hands—speaking in silence, eyes saying everything instead.
"I…don't know." Steve watched the almost intimate exchange between the two women; bonded tightly like sisters or perhaps even a mother-daughter relationship seeing as Nat was quite a few years older than Spencer.
"Hey, baby spider," Nat finally broke the silence and vividly remembered how Spencer had been after that bastard Loki stabbed and killed Phil almost a year ago. The emotions were there but not as colossal and raw as before; it brought some relief to Nat because seeing Spencer in such a state before had almost became too much for Nat to handle; those looks she could take from everyone else in the world but not her baby spider.
Spencer looked at her with a look of loss and grief and there were unshed tears that Spencer was afraid to let out, "I haven't heard anything from my dad, Nat…" Spencer's voice was low and wobbly as the thought of something happening to her father again was more painful than seeing him die in her arms.
"I'm sure he's fine, baby spider, your dad is tough but remember he's leading that new team now." Nat whispered back to her tucking some hair behind Spencer's ear, "He might be too caught up in something else to respond back at the moment."
Spencer gave a dull nod finding Nat's words bringing the young girl some relief and lessened her worries. Nat, reassured, that Spencer wasn't falling apart asked out loud, "Tell me about the shooter." Her voice had gained some iciness.
"He's fast," Steve answered turning his back towards the surgery and towards the two women. His expression was furrowed with agitation now.
"Strong…too strong almost," Spencer muttered with narrowed eyes full of venom.
"He had a metal arm." Steve added with a gruff voice.
"Ballistics?" Nat asked.
Maria answered, speaking for the first time in hours, "Three slugs, no rifling, completely untraceable." Maria's face was pulled into a scowl as if this information was a nuisance for her and Spencer could empathize with the woman. Whoever shot Nick had gone to great lengths to do so…
"Soviet-made." Nat stood by and turned to look through the window; watching as the nurses and doctors tried to save Nick Fury's life. Maria watched too, but Steve watched Spencer because he was now facing a challenge in trying to protect her. Nick had told them not to trust anybody but did that extend to Natasha and Maria? Both women had played a major role in Spencer's life…but surely they would never turn on Nick…would they?
It was severe frustration that boiled in Steve's veins at the moment. Though he worried for Nick's survival…his utmost concern and priority was Spencer. Spencer briefly worried about Cooper but knew her furry companion was safe; she had called in a favor from Stark to discreetly pick up Cooper and get him somewhere safe. At least she didn't have to worry about her furry best friend.
Maria glanced at Nat, "Yeah." Maria answered.
"He's in V-tach," A male nurse stated as Spencer rushed to the mirror and watched with horror as his vitals depleted.
"Nurse, help me with the drape." The doctor snapped.
"He's dropping!"
"Defibrillator!"
Spencer watched with a numb expression as the nurses and doctor scrambled like ants as they tried to bring Nick back to the land of living. Her heart stilled…everything around seemed to fade as she watched them try to save her Godfather's life. The nurses pulled back Nick's cover to expose his chest as they readied to use the defibrillator on the man.
"I want you to charge him at 100." The doctor ordered.
Spencer watched with tears streaming down her face as Steve grabbed a hold of her and pulled Spencer to his chest' Nat and Maria holding expressions of shock and horror; watching the man they worked for…die.
Nat was whispering under her breath, "Don't do this to us, Nick…Think about Spencer."
Spencer couldn't stand to watch and buried her face into Steve's shoulder with a muffled sob coming out of her mouth. Steve held onto her tightly but he couldn't make himself look away from the terrible ordeal happening before his very eyes; he had witnessed death…but not to this extent not when one of the most important people in his life was having her heart ripped out once again.
After two more attempts trying to bring Nick back, Steve took Spencer away. She trembled under his firm hold and an agent was able to guide them to a temporary room because Steve wasn't going anywhere with Spencer in such condition. Spencer laid curled up in the bed, the sheets over her trembling frame as she silently cried, her face was buried into her pillows that muffled her whimpers, and Steve could only listen and feel his heart break for Spencer.
Spencer fell asleep and for once, the nightmares never came.
She guessed she should be considered lucky…perhaps her mind had decided to be merciful that night…Spencer couldn't be bothered as she dreamed nothing but soothing darkness. Waking up to reality came too soon for her liking but eventually she found herself standing over her Godfather's dead body and found herself not being able to shed anymore tears.
Steve hung back and let Natasha embrace you into a tight hug; Steve found it surprising and interesting whenever Nat showed such tenderness towards you especially given her reputation as cold and heartless.
"I need to take him." Maria's soft voice came from behind Spencer and Nat.
Steve looked down at the ground not wanting to rush Spencer and Nat's mourning so soon…he pushed himself off the wall and came to stand behind the two grieving women. "Spencer…"
"I know, I heard." Spencer whispered as her lips trembled and the tears she thought were gone were now back and they were stinging the hell out of her eyes. Nat sniffled and touched Nick's bald head with a thousand things on the tip of her tongue but Nat stepped back and walked out of the room.
Spencer leaned down to kiss Nick's cheek and whispered, "I love you, Nick." A stray tear falling onto Nick's face and Steve pulled Spencer back, tucked her body against his, and guided her out of the room. Spencer paused before passing Maria and Maria offered a small smile and placed her hand on top of Spencer's head.
"Please, don't do anything reckless." Maria murmured because Maria and Spencer were somewhat similar in age, Maria knew that Spencer would take revenge and wouldn't stop until the man who shot Nick was withering in agony by Spencer's own hand.
Spencer gave a curt nod as Steve took her out of the room.
Natasha was waiting for them and suddenly asked, "Why was Fury in your apartment?" Her tone was sharp. Steve felt his jaw clench ever so slightly because he knew that Spencer would want to tell Nat but Steve wasn't keen on the idea…he needed to protect Spencer and Fury had told them both not to trust anybody.
Steve answered before Spencer could, "I don't know." He even added a sigh for added flair. Spencer tensed under him for a moment but seemed to understand what he was doing and even though Spencer wanted to trust Natasha right now…Her godfather had told them not to trust anyone within SHIELD. Spencer didn't doubt Nat but she knew that Steve would doubt the older assassin given what happened on their last mission.
"Cap. Spencer," Rumlow sauntered up from behind them, "They want you both back at headquarters." And it sounded like there was no room for arguments.
"Yeah, give us a second." Steve responded going to turn his attention back on Nat.
But Rumlow added, "They want you now." A strange urgency was heard in his voice that didn't sit well with Spencer. Steve tensed as Nat looked towards Rumlow with a sour expression for interrupting their conversation. The last place Steve wanted to go at the moment was the Triskeleton because that place would be crawling with traitors but what other choice did he have?
"Okay, we heard you." Spencer pulled from Steve and glared at Rumlow, "But we need a few seconds, I just lost my fucking Godfather, Rumlow show some god damn compassion." Spencer's voice was fierce and full of anger and Rumlow knew better than to piss off the young assassin especially with Captain America and Black Widow at her side.
He held up his hands in surrender, "Sorry, but we are on a time limit." Rumlow stated before walking away.
Nat looked at Steve and gave her infamous smirk, "You're a shit liar." Nat turned to Spencer and her gaze and smirk softened instantly, "I know something is going on but I trust Steve to keep you somewhat safe, so, I'll see you later. I'll see if I can establish communication with your dad." Nat kissed her forehead, "Be safe, baby spider."
"Always." Spencer muttered as Nat walked away.
Spencer traded looks and it was obvious to Steve what Spencer was silently asking about. His gaze flickered to his pocket where the USB drive was tucked into his pocket before looking at the vending machine beside him; a work had it open and was fixing it. Spencer followed his gaze and although it was a major risk…it was better than walking into the Triskeleton with it in their pockets.
A few seconds later, Steve and Spencer were walking towards Rumlow who had been waiting for them down the hall. His team armed just a few feet away and it unnerved Spencer and a warning bell was going off in her mind. "Let's go." Steve said trying to look as casual as possible.
"You good, kid?" Rumlow asked looking at her.
"As good as I can be given that some asshole killed my godfather," Spencer remarked with some snark and gave Rumlow a terrifying smirk, "But don't worry because when I find the men responsible, I'm going to make them wish that they were never the sperm to win the race and been born."
"I feel sorry for the guy." Rumlow attempted to laugh but it sounded strain.
Spencer felt her fits clench…if this fucker had something to do—Steve draped his arm over her shoulder and whispered into her ear, "Not right now, Spencer." Spencer relaxed and begrudgingly calmed herself down.
"I feel sorry for his asshole because I'm shoving guns up his anus." Spencer continued as Steve fought the urge to smile because Spencer could be so child-ish in such a scary ass way.
Steve and Spencer suited up once they arrived at the Triskeleton; Both felt safer in their uniforms and despite not having guns or Spencer having her dual wields, at least Steve had his shield and Spencer had her enhanced powers.
They were escorted to the top of the tower to speak to Alexander Pierce; that alone sent an uneasy feeling in Spencer's stomach but they weren't given much choice, at least Spencer knew she was capable to sending the entire room to the ground with the blink of her eye in case anything was tried.
As Steve and Spencer rounded the corner, Agent 13 was exchanging goodbyes with Alexander Pierce and Spencer almost wanted to laugh at the sour look on Steve's face when Agent 13 greeted them both, "Spencer," Agent 13 nodded to her, "Captain America."
"Neighbor." Steve icily stated without even gazing at her.
Spencer snorted, "Nice one."
Steve gave her a dry glare, "Not right now."
Spencer just shrugged as Pierce smiled at them, "Ah, Spencer, I haven't seen you in a while." Pierce kissed her cheek and Spencer gave a fake smile, "Captain." Pierce turned to Steve and they both shook hands, "I'm Alexander Pierce."
"Sir, it's an honor." Steve professionally stated.
"The honor is mine, Captain, my father served in the 101st." Steve perked up a bit but didn't let his guard down, "Come on in, you two." Pierce gestured them to follow him, "I know you might be a bit irate with me, Spencer, you just lost your godfather but things here must move on." Spencer and Steve were given photos…years ago when Nick first met Pierce but Spencer didn't bother and just sat down and listened to Pierce drone on about something that she had heard countless of times.
"So, you gave him a promotion?" Steve asked.
"Never had cause to regret it," Pierce stated and there was a few seconds before Pierce asked, "So, why was Nick in your apartment last night?" Pierce looked at both Spencer and Steve now and directed the question at both of them now.
"We don't know," Spencer spoke up, "You know Nick does as he pleases and doesn't like explaining why."
"You know it was bugged?" Pierce asked.
"We did, because Nick told us." Steve was keeping a cool and collected façade on his face, his senses on high alert because he needed to be ready in case something happened.
"Well, did he tell you he was the one who bugged it?" Pierce asked irking Spencer in a bad way that had her silently fuming despite the plain look on her pretty face. When neither answer, Pierce continues, "I want you to seeing something." Alexander brings up footage of an interrogation happening.
"Who hired you, Batroc?" A voice droned.
"Is that live?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, they picked him up last night in a not-so-safe house in Algiers." Pierce answered as Spencer noted the man did not have a metal arm.
"Are you saying he's a suspect?" Steve asked with a frown.
"The dude doesn't even do assassinations." Spencer quipped.
"No, it's more complicated than that," Pierce stated before explaining, "Batroc was hired anonymously to attack the Lemurian Star and he was contacted by e-mail and paid by wire transfer. And then the money was run through seventeen fictitious accounts, the last one going to a holding company that was registered to a Jacob Veech."
"Are we supposed to know who that is?" Spencer responded icily.
Pierce hands Spencer a file and both heroes open it and glance through it as Pierce droned on, "Not likely. Veech died six years ago. His last address was 14-35 Elmhurst Drive. When I first met Nick his mother lived at 14-37."
Spencer felt the urge to throttle Pierce because it almost sounded like this fucker was trying to frame her Godfather. "Are you saying that Nick Fury hired the pirates?" Steve didn't even want to see the expression on Spencer's face or even know what was running through her mind, "Why?" Steve asked.
Pierce didn't even bother to look at Spencer and continued his focus on Steve, "The prevailing theory was that the hijacking was a cover for the acquisition and sale of classified intelligence. The sale went sour and that led to Nick's death."
"If you really knew Nick you'd know that's not true." Spencer hissed at Pierce.
Pierce nodded, "Why do you think we're talking? See, I took a seat on the Council not because I wanted to but because Nick asked me to, because we were both realists," The jackass got up and walked over to his large window overlooking the bridges of the Triskeleton. Steve followed but Spencer remained rooted to her seat and listened very carefully to Pierce. "We knew that despite all the diplomacy and the handshaking and the rhetoric, that to build a really better world sometimes means having to tear the old one down. And that makes enemies; those people that call you dirty because you got the guts to stick your hands in the mud and try to build something better. And the idea that those people could be happy today, makes me really, really angry."
It seemed like Pierce paused for moment and it almost looks like he's hesitating, "Captain," He looks over at Spencer, "Spencer, you were the last ones to see Nick alive and I don't think that's an accident…and I don't think you two do either."
Spencer tensed but Steve remained calm, "So, I'm going to ask again, why was he there?" Spencer got up and stood beside Steve as she glared down Pierce without a single care in the world.
Spencer waited for Steve to answer because her mouth would have a few nasty things to say to Pierce if she opened it, "He told us not to trust anyone." Steve admitted calmly.
Pierce didn't seem to like that answer, "I wonder if that included him."
Steve felt a tension step into the room and it set him off, so, his first instinct was to get Spencer out of her as fast as possible. "I'm sorry but those were his last words," Steve turned to pick up his shield, "Excuse us." Spencer followed suit but Pierce spoke again.
"Captain…" Steve stops and glances over at Pierce but the man's gaze rest on Spencer, "Spencer," He almost cooed, "Somebody murdered your Godfather and my friend and I'm gonna find out why…anyone who gets in my way, they're gonna regret it," Pierce's gaze steels for a moment as they stare at Spencer but the assassin reveals nothing but irritation, "Anyone."
Steve and Spencer exchange looks and look back at Pierce, "Understood." They said in unison before they both took their leave; Steve knew something was wrong and his mind kept replaying the look Pierce had given Spencer…they were after her.
Steve and Spencer waited for the elevator to come up. Spencer sighed, "Is it weird that I just want to take a nap and forget the last two days never happened?" Her tone indicated that she was frustrated and stressed out. Steve wondered if maybe leaving her somewhere safe would be a better option than her tagging along with him…Spencer would disagree. She would probably tell Steve that he was an idiot and that they were going to stick together through thick and thin.
Steve let Spencer go inside first before following suit, "Operations control."
"Confirmed." Chimed the computer.
Before the doors closed, Rumlow and some of the members of his strike team boarded the elevator too. Spencer didn't like this…Steve seemed to agree by the way his back tensed at their unwelcome and shady presence. Steve turned around and Spencer begrudgingly followed suit to greet Rumlow, "Rumlow." Steve greeted casually.
Spencer kept her hands on the metal railing as Rumlow spoke, "Evidence Response found some fibers on the roof they want us to see. You want me to get the tac team ready?" Rumlow questioned, his eyes briefly flickering to Spencer, "Maybe you should go home and get some sleep, kid." He suggested.
Spencer gave a smile, "I'm good, Rumlow."
Rumlow shrugged and looked at Steve, "No, let's wait and see what it is first." Steve responded quietly.
Rumlow nodded, "Right." Rumlow turned his attention onto his two other team-members. It was quiet and Spencer was busy staring outside the window as Steve noted how armed the strike team was and one of the men had their hand securely on their holstered gun. Steve narrowed his eyes briefly before the elevator came to a stop and four more suits came inside the elevator.
Spencer clenched her jaw and pretended to be preoccupied with the view and not notice the sudden crowd in the elevator. Steve grabbed Spencer's arm and tugged her to the front and closer to the doors. Spencer grumbled, "Need food."
Rumlow heard and responded, "I'm sorry about what happened to Fury, kid." Although there wasn't much emotion in his voice; Spencer came to the conclusion that Rumlow was a shit actor. "Messed up what happened to him…"
"Thanks." Spencer remarked softly. She couldn't wait to knock his ass into the ground. The elevator chimed again and let three more men into the elevator; Spencer and Steve having to back up to allow them room. Spencer kept her gaze bored while Steve glanced around with a look of mild annoyance. Spencer could feel the men shifting around…moving around to basically trap them in the middle of the elevator.
Spencer scoffed.
Steve's smooth voice echoed through the small space, "Before we get started, does anyone want to get out?" Always the gentlemen, Spencer mused. It was quiet for a few seconds before the man in front of Steve charged his stick and aimed it towards Steve in hopes of tazing him. Spencer, not really in the mood for a whole fist fight inside the elevator, rolled her eyes as Rumlow attempted to grab her.
The moment he did, Spencer sent out a massive shockwave to burst inside the small space, sparing Steve of course, and all the men hit the ground as dead weight. "Thanks," Steve looked impressed by her handiwork since she had avoided a massive fight, "You must be really hungry, huh?" Steve teased.
Spencer mildly glared at him but smirked, "I skipped breakfast."
Steve slapped the button on the elevator to resume its course but it chimed and immediately, Spencer and Steve were greeted with a mob of strike team members armed to the teeth. "Put down the shield and put your hands up!" Someone yelled in the back.
Spencer glanced at Steve, "I really don't want to fight at the moment."
Steve rolled his eyes and slammed his shield into the side of elevator and cut the track lines of the elevator. Spencer felt her stomach squirm as they were suddenly plummeting down and mumbled, "Thank god I haven't eaten yet otherwise I would have thrown up everywhere." Spencer eyed Rumlow's and kicked him in the face because she felt like it.
"Spencer." Steve gave her a look as the elevator came to a screeching halt.
"What? I didn't do anything." Spencer gave him an innocent look.
Steve rolled his eyes and pried open the doors only to see the strike team already charging down the hall towards them. Steve grunted with annoyance and closed the doors before looking out the side of the elevator and down onto the main lobby of the Triskeleton. He would make that jump but not Spencer.
Spencer was looking and said, "I can make it."
"No, you can't. You don't have your hoverboard." Steve deadpanned.
Spencer gave him the look which meant that she was going to prove him wrong in the next five seconds; he knew that look very, very well and almost groaned when Spencer unfolded an almost plastic looking wallet from her back pocket and it immediately unfolded to reveal…her stupid hoverboard.
"More modification from Fitz?" Steve muttered.
"Cool, huh?"
There was angry banging on the elevator doors and they were ordering for their surrender. Spencer rolled her eyes, "Do they honestly think they can takes us?" Steve chuckled.
"Gotta give them some recognition for being bold." Steve responded as he took a step back, propped his shield in front of him, and charged through the thick glass. Spencer hooked her hoverboard under her feet and eased down into the slightly thicker, new board. Spencer dived in after Steve smashed through the glass roof; she zoomed by him, grabbed his arm and softened his fall.
"Thanks," Steve breathed as he didn't really stick the landing., "I don't think your board can take two, so, garage." Steve told her before they both started running towards the garage. Steve hopped on and Spencer put away her hoverboard into her back pocket figuring it was better to take his motorcycle and stick close to him.
"Here." Steve smacked his helmet to her chest before revving the engine and taking off.
"Seriously?" Spencer demanded as she slapped on the stupid helmet.
"You can't be too careful." Steve shouted back at her as the gates were beginning to close but Steve's motorcycle was faster and they were both barely able to get through. Up ahead, the security gates were brandishing their spikes to close off escape and suddenly the whoosh of a Quinjet flew by them and settled in front of them. "Stand down, Captain Rogers! Stand down!" The Pilot commanded.
"Spencer." Steve called as the Quinjet unlocked their guns.
"Got it." Spencer responded as the Quinjet began firing at them but the bullets all bounced off as Spencer had put up a thick shield of energy. Steve threw out his shield and it hit the Quinjet causing it to sway to the side.
"Drive!" Steve yelled as he jumped towards the Quinjet.
Spencer was quick enough to take the handles as Steve single-handedly took down the Quinjet without much problem. Pieces of debris were bouncing off of her helmet. Spencer mentally sighed at the smug look that Steve was going to have. Steve, having landed over the security gate and its nasty look spikes, threw his shield powerfully to wipe the spikes out of Spencer's way.
Spencer threw out small energy balls into the security booth and knocked out the armed men in there. She snorted with amusement as she held out her hand for Steve to grab and helped him jump onto the back of the motorcycle. She felt Steve thump on the helmet, "I told you." Steve's voice sounded smug just like she imagined.
"Shut up." Spencer sighed knowing this was going to be a very long day, "Where to, Cap?"
"We gotta get the UBS drive back." Steve told her.
"The hospital it is." Spencer sighed not really wanting to go back there since it reeked of Death to her.
Sorry if you saw any errors in this chapter, I was just trying to get through it because honestly, it was kinda boring and tedious. I hope you enjoyed it anyway and if you didn't, well, I don't hold it against you, hehe. If you saw any errors, please feel free to correct me. I feel like I may have gotten something wrong, lol.
Until next time!