𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙾𝚋𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 - 𝓑𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼 [1]

29. {Epilogue}

"There were a total of fifty-eight fatalities aboard that train, Rogers."

Steve holds the phone to his ear, pushing past the twinge of discomfort as Maria Hill speaks sharply to him. Despite the ache, he lets out a small sigh before she continues, her tone no less stern. "Whether we both believe there's more to this than meets the eye, we can't ignore the reality that Y/L/N and Barnes neutralized each faction's top operatives in a single night and have since vanished."

"Maria, they didn't just vanish, they're on the run. And with that damn drive—" He begins to argue, but she cuts him off.

"Yes, the damn key that Y/N stole from SHIELD!"

"If you truly believe that, Hill..." Steve's voice trails off over the phone, carrying a sense of resignation. There's a moment of silence before she too emits a sigh.

"I don't know what to believe anymore, Rogers. But it's been weeks, and there's been no sign of them. The board is breathing down my neck over this, just as I'm sure they are on yours."

"If you're asking me if I've heard anything, you already know the answer to that question."

"Bucky nor Y/N would be foolish enough to reach out to any of us, Steve," she remarks, her tone tinged with disappointment. "But we need to get this ball rolling. We have to make a decision today."

"No top-tier agent will willingly take on this mission... To hunt them down? Would you?" Steve's argument carries a hint of skepticism.

"I don't think the board is giving any of us the luxury of a choice anymore, Rogers... I have to go. We'll talk later." With that, Maria Hill abruptly ends the call.

Steve lowers his phone, standing solitary in his apartment, a profound sense of exasperation enveloping him. Another deep sigh escapes his lips as he mulls over the predicament. His attention shifts to his other hand, where he tightly grasps the flimsy postcard that arrived earlier in the day. He's pored over its message repeatedly, unable to release it from his grip. With yet another exhale of breath, he sets his phone aside and raises the postcard once more, scrutinizing its contents with unwavering focus.

Steve,

If I've planned this correctly, this should arrive before yours or Maria's promotion. Congratulations to both of you regardless.

Y/N and I are holding up. She's driving me up the wall, and I'm sure I'm doing the same to her, but when have we not?

We've got each other's backs, like always. And yeah, we know we've fucked 'em off, but we're doing what we gotta do. Can't say too much here, but just know we're safe for now and we are doing what is right. 

Take care of yourself, pal. We'll catch up properly soon.

BB

Steve turns the postcard over, observing the absence of a postal stamp indicating its origin. He realizes that his friend has taken meticulous precautions to conceal their whereabouts. The scenic depiction of Istanbul on the card strikes him as incongruous; he knows that neither of them would likely be staying there presently. In the four weeks they've been evading pursuit together, it's improbable that they've even made it to Istanbul.

He can't help but smile at the thought, finding reassurance in the knowledge that his unconventional friends are united and secure. Despite their unorthodox approach to life and each other, he trusts them implicitly. Yet, amid this sense of comfort, he can't shake the feeling that much of this situation doesn't quite add up in his mind.

The drive, once retrieved by him and Barnes for SHIELD, now rests in Y/N's hands. There's a crucial element missing from this puzzle, one that remains elusive to him. He understands that the only ones who hold this final piece are his friends and the board.

A knock on the door disrupts his thoughts, and as it opens, Natasha walks in with her trademark smile gracing her lips. Their lips briefly meet in a greeting kiss before she asks, "You ready?" Steve tucks the postcard into a cabinet drawer before reaching for his jacket to join Natasha at the door.

"What was that?" she inquires curiously as they step out, allowing him to secure the door before he envelops her with his arm over her shoulders. She intertwines her fingers with his as they make their way down the corridor together.

"A postcard," Steve confirms, and Romanoff smiles knowingly.

"So, where are they?" she asks, glancing at him.

"Not in Istanbul, that's for sure," he chuckles, shaking his head as they stroll down the hall at a leisurely pace.

"Well, wherever they are, I'm sure they're driving each other crazy," she remarks with a laugh, and he joins in. 

"Yeah, that sounds about right," Steve agrees with a chuckle, thinking of Bucky and Y/N. "But at least they're together. That's what matters most."

Natasha nods in agreement, her expression softening with empathy. "They'll figure it out, Steve. They always do."

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their situation, Steve finds solace in Natasha's words. With her by his side, he feels confident they can overcome whatever challenges lie ahead, just as they always have. And he makes a solemn vow, whether the directorship of SHIELD is within his reach or not, he will spare no effort to unravel the truth behind what happened to his friends and that train. To understand the significance of this drive. He is determined to do everything in his power to ensure their safe return home. What are friends for, after all?

Fin