The Night We Met | Steve / Bucky

twelve - eye of the tiger

The team disbanded, heading to different areas of the tower - Pietro, Wanda, Clint and Tony leaving to suit up and stock up on weaponry and get changed. Tony, while in the lab, uploaded the F.R.I.D.A.Y. system he developed - J.A.R.V.I.S.' replacement. 

Katherine approached Tony, who sat perched in a chair, typing on the computer in front of him. "Let me come with you."

"No." Tony answered abruptly. 

Katherine was taken aback. She furrowed her brows and tutted, "Tony, please. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself." 

Tony sighed, taking his eyes from the computer and looking to his sister, "Kat, I can't." Katherine pouted her lips at his response and folding her arms tightly across her chest, "You're not ready." Katherine sighed, leaving the lab. She retired to her room. Tony assumed she'd stay there for the night and that she wouldn't get up to too much mischief while she was alone in the tower. "F.R.I.D.A.Y." Tony spoke. 

"Yes, boss." The womanly voice spoke back. 

Tony sighed, almost regretting saying the words before saying them, "I need you to keep a close eye on Katherine while we're gone."

Katherine returned to her room, sighing at Tony's dismissal of her. But Katherine was a Stark. Starks were stubborn and stuck to their guns. Without hesitation, Katherine headed straight to the closet and pulling out the outfit Tony had so obviously left there for her.

Tony left the lab, once he was ready updating his suit, and met with Steve and Bruce in the living room awaiting Clint and the Maximoffs. Thor and Vision stood on the balcony outside, their capes floating simultaneously behind them. Bruce stood wrapped in a sweater, while Steve sat on the arm of the couch looking up at Tony. "No way we all get through this. If even one tin soldier is left standing, we've lost. There's going to be blood on the floor." 

"I got no plans tomorrow night." Steve slightly smirked. 

"I get first crack at the big guy. It's Iron Man's the one he's waiting for -"

"- And where do I fit into the equation?" A voice was heard approaching the three men. The trio turned their heads, their eyes meeting Katherine. She wore the leather trousers that awaited her in her closet, along with a black crop top to match. Her holster was wrapped around her waist, where it felt most comfortable - not sitting on a shelf waiting to be used. Steve couldn't help but take her in, standing in front of decorated in leather awaiting combat. Steve smiled to himself before meeting Tony's stern eyes.

Tony exhaled, rubbing his fingers across his forehead, "Kat," Was all he managed to say. 

Katherine smiled to him, holding out her hand. Tony looked to her hand and then back to her eyes. Tony reached into the back of his trousers and pulled out two pistols from his belt. He placed them into her palm. Katherine clasped her hand around her weapons and placed them in their rightful spot, on either hip. Katherine cleared her throat, holding out her hand again. Tony rolled his eyes with a smirk and pulled out four blades from behind the couch cushion closest to him. He placed them in her hands and Katherine returned them to their rightful place, down the side of her thighs, wrapped tightly in the holster. Tony held out the final piece of equipment Katherine was missing. A small in-ear piece, the means of communication between the team once they were in the field. Katherine smiled, taking the in-ear piece and placing it in her left ear.

Steve looked on impressed. He genuinely wasn't expecting Tony to let Katherine tag along. Steve would have protested but Ultron was the biggest challenge the team will face and he too was worried for Katherine. Katherine tweaked her neck, cracking it and intertwining her fingers together and stretching them out in front of her, the cracking sound ringing in her ears. "It's good to be back."