Swan Song of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Epilogue 6

''Thanks,'' I said giving the payment to the cashier and taking the phone. I tore it from the plastic and put the battery in. I'd already got a hold for Steve's number via telepathy so I dialled it as I pulled my sunglasses back down covering my eyes and headed back out it the Californian sunshine.

I'd figured the best place to hide was in plain sight and L.A. had a high population with tattoos so I could blend in with them just by disguising my wings. Even so, I still stuck to security camera blind spots as much as possible on my way back to my motel for that week.

I was about to give up on my phone call when finally a familiar voice answered, ''Hey, this is Steve's personal assistant how may I help you?''

''You can help me, Bucky, by putting Steve on the phone.'' I stated.

''Liz? Is that you? I'm sorry I'll put him on now.'' He apologised sincerely and there was shuffling at the other end distorted by technology.

''Liz, long time no speak.'' He laughed nervously, I felt a pang in my chest at the sound I hadn't realised just how much I'd missed him until that very moment.

''Steve--'' My breath caught in my throat, ''I miss you.'' I felt the tears dripping on my blouse before I even realised I was crying.

''What's wrong are you alright?'' He asked concerned at my pause, I shook my head and got myself on track.

''Yes, sorry. Can you meet me?'' I was reluctant to get the answer but a dead drop would be safer than burner phones.

''When and where?'' He was so sure even though he had no idea I was three time zones away from where I'd last seen him.

''Do you have a pen?'' I paused before continuing, ''Meet me at these co-ordinates in 36 hours, 29°55'19.6" North and 90°07'56.3" West. Steve, I have to go in case someone's trying to trace this call. I love you, bye.'' I hung up before he could convince me to speak any longer.

When I returned to my motel I gathered my belongs which consisted of a doctored passport for Coulson and a bag of clothes which I had either made myself or brought in L.A. I would miss the City of Angels while I met up with Steve but I knew I would return sooner or later.

* * * * * *

It was the middle of the Louisianan day when the 36 hours were up. The Audubon Zoo was buzzing with people it was the perfect place to meet up with Steve inconspicuously. He hadn't recognised me when I first waved to him across the Carousel, until I spread my wings. Most people couldn't see them but he did, he came over to me then.

In all fairness I couldn't blame him I'd been taught to blend in and in the City of Flowers and Sunshine was blonde hair and sunglasses, which I'd brought with me to New Orleans in place of my long dark hair that Steve was used to.

''I never pegged you as a blonde,'' he stated.

''Exactly why I chose it, besides it makes it a little easier if I only have to hide my wings.'' I handed him some candy-floss that I'd been eating while I was waiting. ''We don't have long you know.''

''I'm not going to beat around the bush Liz, why didn't you come to us with Nora? You could have fought by our side.'' He took my hand in his as he spoke, weaving his way through the crowd with ease.

''I couldn't. You know that deep down, if I stood with you I'd tip the balance and the same goes if I stood with Tony.'' I sighed, this was going to be harder than I thought. ''I'm just too powerful for any one side to have in their arsenal.''

''Why couldn't you let me that to my face, instead of disappearing?''

''I'm telling you now, I couldn't come with Nora in case my brother spotted us. I wouldn't have been fair to him. I agree with you we shouldn't have to put our loved ones in danger but...'' I shook my head. He waited patiently for me to continue, ''I couldn't fight with you it wouldn't have been fair, Steve. You have to understand I fully support Anti-Registration, but you're asking me to betray my blood.''

''So you'd betray me but not your brother?'' He asked, still concentrating on navigating through the crowd.

''Steve! Why would you even think that?! If my brother wins he'll allow the Government the power to imprison my mutant family. If I could stand with you I would.'' I was trying to make him see, but clearly I wasn't very convincing.

I stopped walking forcing Steve to look back at me. Even though there were people all around us in that moment it was just the two of us. ''Steve, you're the man I love. I would never betray you, but you can't ask me to betray my brother. So you see I'm in a no win situation here!''

He pulled me into a bear hug. His embrace a safe haven where there were no sides just me and him.

''Liz, do you think I'm doing the right thing?'' He whispered in my ear a little uncertainty creeping into his voice.

''Steve, you're standing up for what you believe in, how can that be wrong?'' I asked rhetorically.

''I love you.'' He kissed me cupping my face in his hands, before taking my hand again and continuing through the crowd.

* * * * * *

We only stayed in the Big Easy for one night curled up in each other's arms in Steve's motel room. I crept out while he was still asleep unable the thought of telling him goodbye, for what could be the last time.

On the bedside I left him an envelope with a date and time in it. We'd agreed a dead drop would be safest in future and were going to use the location where we had met today or at least one of bins in the surrounding area.

I wouldn't see him again for some time now. I took one last look at the man who held my heart before slipping out the door and into the dawn light.

* * * * * *

The designated date arrived quicker than I'd thought it would. I taped the prepared envelope underneath the bin bag as agreed and walked away. I did my best to re-integrate with the crowd, until I felt a hand on my shoulder.

''Hey, telepath.'' Bucky said as I whirled around to face him.

''What are you doing here?'' I asked him annoyed that I'd let my tradecraft slip.

''Running interference, for Steve. You know if you want to see him up close I'm sure he wouldn't mind. He's been like a bear with a sore head after you snuck out on him the last time.'' He tried to make like of the situation, typically Bucky.

''No. I don't want to lose my nerve, I have to stay away until the conflict is at least partially concluded.'' I smiled, ''But thanks, Bucky. You'll tell him, I miss him?'' I asked as I saw Steve retrieve the envelope I'd placed.

''Of course,''

''Thank you, Steve's lucky to have a friend like you.'' I smiled.

''You both are.'' He said with a wink and a smirk before moving off to stick with Steve.