Lieutenant - Daughter of the Captain

Chapter 20.0 - H.Y.D.R.A.

Carter sat at the kitchen counter after being dropped off at the apartment by Tony's driver, Happy Hogan.

Steve was due home any second, so they didn't worry about her being there alone.

Her smartphone buzzed- the newest StarkTech, a birthday present from Tony -and she checked the notification to see a 'motion detected' notification from the secret sensor outside their door.

In a matter of seconds she had ducked under the counter and grabbed the mini handgun she kept there.

She held her breath, focussing on the vibrations she could feel.

Heavy footfalls, a small draft.

Then, the lights flickered once.

Then twice.

Then three times.

"You're late," she quipped, crawling from under the counter and taking a seat once more.

Steve rolled his eyes, setting his duffle down by the door and walking towards her.

"There were...complications..." He muttered, shoulders stiff and sporting a scowl.

"Are you hurt?" She asked, knowing she wasn't allowed to ask questions about his missions.

He shook his head, leaning his shoulder against the wall and watching her.

"I have to go back to S.H.E.I.L.D. for a meeting with Fury..." He said, eyeing her reaction.

"So I'm going back to the Tower?" She asked, exaggerating her annoyed tone.

"Do you wanna come with me?" He asked abruptly, a smirk on his face.

She stared at him, gauging his facial expression. He didn't crack a joking smile, he didn't even twitch. There was no waiting for a reaction this time.

He was serious.

She didn't respond, but the way she walked a little too fast to put on her shoes gave him all the answer he needed.

She had been itching for this day.

She found him by the front door, waiting with his hand in his pockets.

"So why now? Why is this time different?" She asked, slinging her mini backpack over her shoulders. It held the basic daily necessities.

"I'm pissed at Fury," He said simply, earning an eyebrow from Carter.

"So you're going to get back at him, by bringing me?" He nodded, "That'll end well," she scoffed, but followed him out the door anyway.

By the time they made the three hour trek to DC and the Triskellion, Carter was actually getting nervous. This was the place she hoped to work one day. They place she had escaped to find.

The only place she would ever fit in.

She took in every detail as Steve led her through the lobby. Agents of all levels darted about with tablets and tech and weapons and...

...and the elevator doors closed before she could get too good a look at it all.

She sighed, but rode the elevator patiently.

Steve however, grew more and more restless with every floor. Carter found it amusing, and was almost excited to witness the oncoming argument.

They reached Fury's office, a large room with a lounge area, and an official-looking desk facing away from a huge corner-window.

"You just can't stop yourself from lying, can you?" Steve started as soon as they stepped foot into the room, striding over to Fury's desk briskly.