till the end of the line

19 Second Chances

Losing sight as I collided against the water, I soon opened my eyes again as I fought for air.

I sat up on dry ground and looked over to see Steve beside me, unresponsive, "No, Steve! Please, no! I can't do this again! Steve! I can't lose you too."

Hitting his chest, I closed my eyes as I lowered my head. I listened but I couldn't hear anything. It was empty and I felt empty.

I bit my lip as I sat back up and looked down at Steve, "Stripes, don't leave me..."

Sitting back, I leaned against a rock.

I threw my head back as I looked up before I turned and noticed something, Bucky leaving. He looked back and met my eyes before shaking his head and walking away. I let out a shaky breath before hearing a shuffle.

"You can't get rid of me that easily."

Snapping my head, I looked over at Steve and smiled as I quickly helped him sit up, "We need to get you checked."

He nodded and I helped him stand only for him to fall to his knees. I created a barrier around him and flew myself and Steve to the SHIELD's healing room.

As Steve was receiving care, I was placed under court, along with many others.

~

Being taken to court, I sat beside Natasha as we were questioned. I stayed quiet for everything as she answered.

"Why have we not heard from Captain Rogers?"

I lowered my head as Natasha placed her hand on mine, "I don't know what there is left for him to say. I think the wreck in the middle of the Potomac made his point fairly eloquently."

A committee member then turned to us and leaned forwards, "Maybe you could explain why this country is expected to maintain its national security now that he and both of you have laid waste to our intelligence apparatus."

I sat up and shook my head, standing up, "HYDRA was selling you lies, not intelligence."

"Many of which your partner here seemed to have had a personal hand in telling."

I looked at Natasha and she shook her head as I sat back down.

"Agent Romanoff, you should know that there are some on this committee who feel, given your service record, both for this country and against it, that belongs in a penitentiary. Not mouthing off on Capitol Hill."

Natasha barely moved as she smirked, shaking her head, "You're not going to put me in a prison. You're not going to put any of us in a prison. You know why?"

"Do enlighten us."

She glanced at me and then back at the members, "Because you need us. Yes, the world is a vulnerable place, and yes, we helped make it that way. But we're also the ones best qualified to defend it. So if you want to arrest us, arrest us. You'll know where to find us."

She smirked and then stood, grabbing my arm as we both walked out together.

I looked back and lifted my gaze, "Have a good day, committee."