𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙾𝚋𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 - 𝓑𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼 [1]

21. {Work Partners}

As you make your way to the medical wing of the newly appointed SHIELD headquarters, the past two months weigh heavily on your mind. The months have been a blur of recovery and introspection, punctuated by the occasional news update from the world outside.

Your injuries have healed remarkably well, thanks to the skilled hands of SHIELD's medical team. The broken ribs have knitted together, and the bruises have faded into mere memories. Your leg, though still bearing scars, serves as a testament to the battles you've fought and survived. Thankfully, you no longer need a crutch, nor do you walk with that irritating limp.

After countless hours of physical therapy and rehabilitation, you've finally been given the green light to return to active duty. The prospect both thrills and terrifies you in equal measure. You've missed the rush of adrenaline that comes with fieldwork, but the events of recent months have left their mark, casting a shadow of doubt over your abilities.

SHIELD itself is in a state of flux, teetering on the brink of collapse yet somehow managing to cling to life. With half its resources depleted and no new director in sight, the organization struggles to maintain its footing in a world that grows more chaotic by the day. The interim board of directors has stepped in to oversee operations, their decisions guided by a sense of urgency and uncertainty.

Rumors swirl about potential candidates for the directorship, with names like your work partner, Steve Rogers and Maria Hill floating through the ranks. Yet, nothing has been confirmed, leaving the future of SHIELD shrouded in uncertainty.

Your own suspension was revoked without much fanfare, a small mercy in the wake of the attack on SHIELD. With the organization in desperate need of every able-bodied agent, reinstating your status seemed like a logical choice. The same could be said for Bucky, though you've heard whispers of a mark now on his record for his role in the events in London and for his additional confession during your suspension hearing.

But amidst uncertainty, there's a deeper disorder brewing within you. The last words Bucky spoke to you at Fury's funeral echo in your mind like a haunting refrain, their meaning and implications lingering like a shadow in the corners of your thoughts.

You've spent countless sleepless nights tossing and turning, wrestling with your feelings for him and the lingering conflict that hangs between you. Part of you wants to reach out, to break the silence that has stretched between you for far too long. You're unsure why, but it's clear both your lives have taken you away from trying to sort anything between you both. Yet, another part hesitates, afraid of what you might uncover if you delve too deeply into the depths of your own heart.

As you step into the medical wing, the familiar sights and sounds of the infirmary wash over you, grounding you in the present moment. You take a deep breath, steeling yourself for the physical and emotional challenges that lie ahead.

But as you approach the reception desk, your hand instinctively reaches into your pocket, fingers brushing against the small, metal drive that Fury decided to entrust you with before his death. The weight of it is a constant reminder of the secrets that lie buried within, waiting to be unearthed.

You nod at the nurse on duty, who gives you a reassuring smile. Before you can say anything, a familiar voice calls out your name. Turning, you see Steve Rogers striding towards you, his expression a mixture of concern and relief.

"Hey," he greets, stopping just short of the desk. "How are you holding up?"

You manage a smile, the weight of the past few months momentarily lifting. "I'm getting there. They're about to give me the final assessment."

Steve nods, his blue eyes studying you closely. "Good to hear. It'll be great to have you back in the field."

The nurse checks your name off a list and directs you to one of the examination rooms. Steve follows, a comforting presence by your side. Inside, Dr. Simmons, one of SHIELD's top medical officers, awaits. She greets you both with a professional smile, her demeanor calm and confident.