A Heart Break In Time

To Try And Become Whole Again, Try And Find Purpose.

Everyone was meeting on the jet, it was time. Most of us were silent, I was replaying old memories in my head. I felt the absence of the other team members missing. I sighed, grabbing the rest of the first aid things from the medical wing. I wanted to be extra prepared.

When I left the room, Steve was waiting outside. "Talia, wait."

"Oh. Hi, Steve." I felt awkward. What do you say to your brain warped ex fiancé now that you're dating his best friend?

"Wanda... started to fix me... she tried. I feel... I don't know. But I see what Buck was trying to tell me last night. I didn't know anything was wrong before. Wanda... helped me understand? I see it now. And Bucky told me everything... and that you're going without me today. I just... I hate not being out there with you." He kept pausing, hesitant of his own voice. I couldn't blame him. He just leaned his own mind wasn't to be trusted. I can't imagine. I was wrecked with emotions about it. To be actually experiencing it?

"I know, Steve. But we gotta get your brain all fixed." It came out of my mouth sounding hollow. There was so much more to be said. But where to even begin? This wasn't the time, I told myself. I'd say more when we get back.

Steve nodded. "I know just... stay safe, okay Talia?" And then he quickly wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tightly. I hugged back, patting his back before he let go and walked away without another word. Weird. But what wasn't weird to me right now?

I went to meet the rest of them on the jet and we went through the plan one more time. I pointed at Shuri.

"Stay back here as back up." Shuri said.

"Stay in the sky, close to the jet. Protect the Princess." Rhodey nodded.

I looked to T'Challa. "Eliminate potential threats.

"Run the perimeter." Eva nodded.

"Stay connected to Eva, and fight if needed." Wanda smiled.

I turned to Angel and Sam. "Stay in the sky, providing directions." Angel leaned against Sam as she spoke. I didn't have to be a mind reader to know how anxious she was feeling. Her new family was about to risk their lives to save her sister. She'd be insane to be not anxious.

"Keep her safe." Sam nodded.

"And I'm with you." Bucky winked at me. I ignored the butterfly feelings that gave me and moved to Kai.

"And then I'm burning it down."

"Great. Shuri, mind putting in the coordinates and getting us there?"

She grinned. "I thought you'd never ask." She got into the pilots seat and settled in.

"Everyone else, suit up."

Even after I changed, I couldn't shake the feeling I had from last night. Worry. I was terrified. Wanda sat next to me and placed her hand on mine, stopping my leg from shaking. I didn't even notice I was doing it. "You know, I won't let anything happen to you."

I smiled at her. "I know. You too."

"Oh, that I'm very aware of now."

I giggled. "Yeah? I even followed you to New Jersey. Glad it finally sunk in for ya." Wanda nudged me gently, laughing with me. "I just can't shake this feeling. This... worry. Like we should just turn around and go home."

"Do you think it has anything to do with Steve?" She questioned.

"Hm." I paused. Does it? My ex fiancé's brain is scrambled. I'm on a mission without him. Is it because he's not here? Do I miss him? "I don't know, honestly."

Wanda nodded, but she didn't press any further. She kept her hand on mine and we sat there. I looked over to see Kai looking out the window. "Is he okay?"

Wanda started at Kai for a minute, she tilted her head briefly and then nodded. "I think so."

I didn't have time to question it further because Shuri yelled, "Two minutes out!"

The closer we got to the location, my anxiety picked up. Wanda squeezed my hand and I felt a calming energy surround me. "Thank you." I whispered.

"Of course, but Bucky is worried about you." Wanda whispered back, getting out of the seat. I saw Bucky looking at me and waved him over.

"Well, hello handsome." I smiled at him.

He gave a soft smile as he sat next to me. "Hey. Does something feel off to you?"

"Kind of. Yeah." I sighed. "Wanda thinks it's because Steve isn't here."

"Huh." Bucky leaned back in his seat. He seemed lost in thought but didn't press it any further.

"Hey, Shuri says we're about to land." Sam walked towards us. I sighed and sat up, waiting. We landed and everyone turned to me.

"Okay, everyone. Stay connected. If I call for you on comms, you get one minute to respond before I call this whole thing off and we all come looking for you." I turned to Eva." No funny business. No pranks." I turned to Kai. "This is serious. This isn't training when you can tap out." And then I turned to Angel. "I want to get your sister. But I will not lose you in the process. Are we all clear?"

"Yes." Everyone responded.

"Wait a second, aren't I supposed to be the new Captain now? Why aren't I in charge?" Sam looked around.

I laughed. "You got anything to add, Cap?"

"Yeah." He cleared his throat. "Stay sharp. Don't die. Listen to Talia." He ended it with a firm nod.

Everyone gave a small chuckle. "All right, that being said... let's move out, team."