AVENGERS CIVIL WAR

Chapter 10

Sorry my updates are coming in so slow. I've been very busy.

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She felt the lurch of the vehicle underneath her body first. Natasha's eyes opened slowly, beginning to notice her surroundings. It was the back of a S.H.E.I.L.D van. She was laying on the floor, next to Bucky. He was still unconscious. Whatever they'd injected them both with was certainly potent.

They were S.H.I.E.L.D agents that were taking them in. Despite Natasha's apprehensions and concerns, she knew that putting up a fight would not help their situation at all. She didn't trust S.H.I.E.L.D and never would, yet deep down she knew they were just a group of people trying to do their jobs. She could relate to that.

Her neck ached. She tried to massage it with her fingers. She turned it slightly to check on Bucky again. He was sleeping soundly, probably his first restful sleep in years. Natasha reached over, making sure he was comfortable, before she herself lay back.

Natasha wondered what awaited her at S.H.I.E.L.D. Surely nothing good. There had already been tensions before she left and Natasha had always been the chief person to smooth out the frayed nerves. God only knew how things were back at Avengers Tower.

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"I'm not going to sign it," Steve told Sharon.

They stood on top floor of Avengers Tower, looking out through the massive windows at the city. It replicated an observatory, displaying a sweeping view of New York City. This floor was where the Avengers went when they needed time to clear their heads, to process things.

Sharon had joined Steve up here, sitting down on the bench in the middle of the room. "Steve, you need to think this through. It may have drawbacks but it's logical."

"It gives away our freedom, the only thing I have ever fought for." Steve gazed out at New York City. It had changed so much since he was a boy; new buildings rose from the concrete earth, cars jammed the streets, shops cluttered every sidewalk. And pavement. Pavement was everywhere. It was a concrete and steel jungle.

People changed too. What used to be friendly neighbourhoods turned a cold shoulder to newcomers. People hurried location to location, bumping into each other without a single apology. It was easy to drown in the sea of people that crowded the streets. No one said hi anymore, or asked about how you were doing. The people that recognised Steve as an Avenger either had two reactions, one of respect or one of disgust. Steve wondered if he'd ever get used to it.

Sharon sighed softly. "Peggy always said to 'comprise where you can'. It would be a sacrifice, but compromising is wise."

Steve felt his heart skip a beat at the mention of Peggy's name. Her loss hung like a rain cloud on even his sunny days. He joined Sharon on the bench, resting his head in his hand, wearily. Sharon reached over, putting her hand on his shoulder.

"I know you'll do what's right, Steve. And I'll support you in whatever your choice is."

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"Agent Carter?"

The voice summoned her out of her thoughts. She opened her door, catching sight of a young man standing in the hallway.

"Yes?" She inquired.

"Nick Fury wishes to see you."

"Very well." Peggy left her bedroom, locking the door securely. It had been days since he'd summoned her and Peggy prayed it only meant one thing; she could see Steve again.