A Heart Break In Time

I Think We Both Need To Get A Life.

The four of them were sitting on the floor talking when I approached. I didn't unlock the door but I stood until they saw me.

"We have some things we'd like to discuss with you all." I started. "First, we've all officially agreed you can stay here." I watched as their faces all went wide with surprise. "You will be on a probationary period, FRIDAY will be monitoring you. You'll have a curfew. Things will be off limits."

"So essentially we're grounded." Eva joked.

"Yeah, basically." I smiled back and then shook my head, composing myself. "Maria, we've noticed that you have an... ability to manipulate electronic devices. Did you know?"

"Yes." She replied hesitant.

"Okay. Can you control it?"

She looked to Angel. Angel nodded and then Maria looked back at me. "Yes."

"When we rescued you, one of our own was taken. We have his location. We want to get him back. We think your ability can really help us, if you're willing. You won't be in danger. You'll be staying by the jet, with guards." I explained. "You can say no. You are not being forced to do this in any way." But please, for the sake of my sanity, say yes.

"I-" Maria looked shocked. I wasn't sure if it was the request or the fact that she wasn't used to being able to say no. Then her face suddenly changed, she looked determined. "I'll do it."

I sighed with relief. "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me, to us."

"What about us?" Kai spoke, not looking at me. His eyes staring at the ground.

"Angel will be coming with us, as a guard for her sister. The two of you will be staying here. FRIDAY will be watching you, if you do anything suspicious the entire compound will be locked down." I said with as little emotion as possible. It may have been true feelings, but I don't forgive Kai. I almost risked Bucky for him. It could've ruined everything. Over a liar. I wouldn't forgive that. "Thank you again, Maria. We will come get you two when it's time. Do you need anything in the mean time?"

Maria and Eva both shook their heads. Kai still stared at the ground. Angel played with the hem of her shirt. "Is... is Sam okay?" She asked me.

"I'm not talking about him with you. Anything he wants you to know is going to be for him to tell you." I said firmly.

"Okay." She sounded disappointed. I couldn't blame her. But this was way more complicated than anything we've dealt with before.

I went back to the lab and everyone was talking. "She'll do it."

Rhodey nodded. "Her guards. Obviously Steve."

"Steve and Wanda, I think. And Angel." I added. I wanted her to feel safe with someone she trusts too. And Wanda can keep an eye on her mind as well.

"I don't like it. But it makes sense. I'm with you, then." Sam stated.

"You and T'Challa both will be with me." I agreed. "Shuri, Rhodey stay on the jet. Bruce, Clint, mind playing babysitter?"

Bruce laughed. "Never." Clint only smiled as he nodded.

"You're the best." I smiled at them. "FRIDAY, Eva and Kai are under the jailbird protocol." I silently thanked Tony for his millions of random protocols.

"Yes, Miss Aimilios."

The computer Shuri was on beeped and we all froze. Shuri quickly spun to look and jumped up. "We have him!"

"All right everyone. Suit up and meet on the jet." I said loudly before turning to Steve. "Hey. You okay?"

Steve flashed a big smile. "Always."

I reached out and touched his arm. "Steve. Come on. It's me."

"I'm okay. I just." Steve ran his hand over the back of his head. "I still don't feel fully like me. And I want to be with you, fighting. Just back and babysitting isn't my style. I know it's the best thing, but I'm not feeling good about it."

"I understand. But really, my main thought process is we don't know if she has the serum or not... if it comes to strength, I need you there. This is all about your muscles, nothing else." I smiled, hoping that would ease his frustration. Steve was right, he wasn't one to sit back and wait, especially not when Bucky was concerned.

It helped, he laughed. "Oh, well that makes me feel a lot better, thanks."

"Hey, any time. I gotta go get changed. I'll meet you on the jet."

"Thanks, Talia." Steve wrapped his arms around me. Just like before, hugging him felt off but this one felt...almost like before. Closer, at least.