Retaliation

Chapter 22 Mistakes Were Made

"Better hustle, Cap. Things look like they're just about wrapped up here," Tony communicated through our earpieces.

"Got it. We're approaching the elevator now," Steve replied.

"Do you think Jasmine and Tony will be fine? Together, I mean." I asked him.

"Scott will keep them in check."

"That's not very reassuring."

"Mr. Rogers, I almost forgot that that suit did nothing for your ass," Tony scoffed.

"No one asked you to look, Tony."

"It's ridiculous."

"I think you look great, Cap. As far as I'm concerned, that's America's ass," Scott interrupted.

I couldn't help but let out a light chuckle. Steve didn't bother to reply to that comment and continued towards the elevator, leaving me behind.

And I did indeed look at that behind...for science. Only a person who hates biology would not look. 

"I know you're looking," Steve smirked.

"Sorry, I can't help it. Seriously though, how do you expect people not to look at that thing?"

"By not addressing it."

A couple of minutes passed and we observed Tony flying past us through a window. I saw the faintest outline of Jasmine following him, her eyes meeting mine as she flew by. So far everything was going to plan.

"All right, Cap, I got our scepter in the elevator just passing the 80th floor."

"On it," Steve replied while pushing the elevator button. "Head to the lobby."

"All right, I'll see you there."

The doors opened to reveal the whole strike team. They stared at us, especially me, with confusion. It was making me nervous but I had to keep my serious composure if I wanted to be convincing. Following Steve's lead, I stepped onto the elevator with him.

"Captain. I thought you were coordinating search and rescue, and who is this with you?" A bald man dressed in a suit with glasses asked.

"Change of plans," he said while pushing himself into the middle of the group. I stood by his side. "This is a new recruit to the Avengers, Elara. She just joined today. One hell of a first, right? I forgot to introduce her on account of all of this."

"Hey, Cap. Hello, Elara." A man with black hair and brown eyes greeted me. I was eyeing me specifically, giving me a suspicious look. 

"Rumlow," He greeted back. I simply smiled at him.

I noticed multiple eyes siding us and many placed their hands on their holsters. We needed to do this fast before they literally jump the gun on us.

"We just got a call from the secretary. We're going to be running point on the scepter," Steve said. This caused them all to fidget even more. The man with the glasses turned around in confusion to address Steve and me.

"I don't understand."

"We got word there may be an attempt to steal it," I said.

"Sorry, Cap. Miss. We can't give you the scepter," Rumlow pushed.

"I'm going to have to call the director." The man in the suit pulled out his phone but Steve stopped him.

"That's okay. Trust me." He leaned in close to him and I leaned close to Rumlow. "Hail Hydra," we synchronized. And like that we exited the elevator with the scepter in hand, leaving the confused Hydra agents dumbfounded in the elevator. Both of us walked with confidence with a smile on our faces.