The Other Stark

Depature

I knew that SHIELD would be looking for me. No doubt they will guard Stark tower. I had that first moment in my life that I had no where to go. I am not going to lie I was lucky when Maria Hall walked up to me, "Where are the others". I did not know if I could trust her so I said, "I have no clue who you are talking about". I tried to walk away but froze in my tracks when she said, "He is alive". I knew instantly who she was talking about. Nick Fury. Before I even had to ask she told me, "You can see him". Against my best judgement I trusted her. I wanted to trust her. We went deep underground. Nick didn't look up to physically doing much, but a grin sneaked on my face as I said, "Nick, you're not looking too hot". A weight lifted of my shoulder when he chuckled, which was soon followed by a coughing fit. Maria looked happy to and it was almost like a small family reunion. Nick had caught me up to speed on what from he could tell was happening. I was confident that between him and agent Hall that I could do what was needed to take down Hydra and the winter solider. My face sunk when Maria came into the room with news about Steve and the others. All three of them got taken less than a day after I left them. Nick looked at me, "must be trouble in paradise for you not to be with your other half". I felt my esophagus get dry and clench together, "there is no more paradise sir". He nodded but also added on, "I will still need you two to go get them. I have a plan, but it does require for everyone to be present". I went into business mode with a "yes sir" as he continued with the plan.

I watched as the van with everyone pulled up under the over pass. Maria should of knocked out the other guard. I started my duty and knocked out the driver. Steve looked at me and nodded but I drove them off to the edge of the Forrest.  Back at the secrete base Nick explained everything that happened to them. The doctor look at Natasha and I tried to stay back. Something happened to Steve, I could see it in his eyes. Maria looked at me and back to Steve, without words asking if something happened. I shook my head as Steve looked from her to me, looking for my response. I simply did not give her one. I walked over to my bag and grabbed an apple out before heading out to guard the base, with everyone together they would want us dead more than anything. Steve came out and said, "It's time" before I headed in and listened to Nick explain to them the mission. Barnes? I had no clue who that was, but Steve was talking about taking down shield. If Maria thought it was a good idea then I would follow her. At the end the meeting was a waste, Captain was giving the orders. Captain, not Steve. 

I had to go out to think about if I was to join, only to see Steve there. I turned around to find another spot when he called to me, "You don't have to go". I turned back to him walking, "and what is that suppose to mean", he replied "you have to think as well, there is plenty of room for us to think separately" I nodded at him, "Well what do you have to think about?" A part of me wanted him to say "you" but everything was currently bigger than we expected, bigger than us. He took a minute before saying, "Back before I was frozen I had a friend, Bucky" I instantly remembered the name from the guy at the museum, but did nothing to lead on that I knew. He continued,  "I thought he had died, but hydra has done something to him, he is the winter solder. I just know I can get him back to normal some how". My voice may have come off more hard then intended, "Well captain that seems like a lot, guess I should be getting out of your way". Before I could completely turn around I was engulfed into a hug. A hug that I had wanted for so long, "Are you going to stay?" I breathed into his chest, "Nick said you needed me. As long as Captain America is calling the shots and not Steve Rogers I think I can listen" I felt his chest move rapidly with a small chuckle, "You are right, that brain of your would come in quite handy, you asked me what I was thinking about, what about you Toni what is it that you want?" I pulled away and took a deep breath, "Steve I have had people telling me what to do my whole life, I have never once lived for myself. If I have to spell it out for you now, then clearly you haven't been listening. Besides I think that my personal matters are not something I should be discussing with Captain America". He shook his head, "You know ever since I first took the serum I have found great difficulty getting people to see past Captain America, get them to see Steve Rogers, but I never had that problem with you. I could see that you were not happy with our situation, but I put it on the back burner  because even when you were mad at me, I was content with you being mad in return for you being safe. I would rather I have you mad than not have you at all. I wasn't there last time to protect you and you almost died. I know that we haven't told each other everything but if us separating will keep you safe then so be it. I really do want you happy." I scoffed, and watched as our new friend approached us, "Oh stop it Steve, no one likes a marauder. I know Natasha would be more than happy to help you move on. I'm a sick puppy I guess, I almost hope you can't move on with me like you can't with Peggy, who knows that nurse down the hall really has a thing for you", and with that I left the boys alone to talk. 

Once the boys entered back I knew it was time. The narcissism came out when I put on the shield uniform, after all I am a Stark with a rock'n body. I even caught Steve staring at me, he didn't look too bad himself in that old uniform. With a single nod we took our separate paths. I could hear sirens from the helicopter, "Nick they are launching it", He gave me the most patient look, "No worries Toni I need you at the big computer, soon. Just keep it steady" I parked and Furry told me, "looks like Capt may need some help I should be safe now" I nodded and took off again before adjusting it to auto pilot and jumping onto the last ship. I ran straight in only to have the winter shoulder tackle me to the ground. He tried to punch me when I kicked him off, which took a lot more than expected, he must be like Steve. Steve landed with Sam, only to have the solider attack them. Once they were gone I stood up and the winter solider and I went back to our dance. He started to choke me out and I could hear Steve's voice but could not make out what he was saying as I was becoming light headed. I was tossed to the side and Steve began his fight. When Steve dropped the chip I automatically ran over to grab it. As Steve and the winter soldier started fighting again I ran to the other chips. When I herd guns ringing I turned to shot back at the solider. Only to get hit with one myself. I yelled out in pain, but secured it. I felt light headed again and when the ship went down I fell. I fell all the way onto the glass bottom. I herd my name but something fell on me. I tried to get a clear head and see straight. I pushed and pushed. Every big push the steel moved only a little and I would crawl out a small bit. Then it was completely lifted off of me, and I was kicked into the water. I swan up and tried to get to shore. Only to see "Bucky" stand over Steve. I tackled him to the ground and started punching. He never fought back tho. When I finally stopped we stared at each other, with me still on top of him, until I broke the silence with, "Who are you? Why did you save me?" He never replied, just looked me in the eyes. Neither of us knew the answer. We where both lost, we could see it in each others eyes. I asked, "You want to kill Hydra for what they did to you" I got off him as he nodded and we knew we had the same mission. Eliminate HYDRA. I looked down to Steve and frowned before looking at the man with the iron arm, "good, me too"

Bucky and I didn't immediately leave the city. I watched Steve in his coma when no one was there. I left him a note and kissed the top of his head. I had to do this to protect him, as well as my father and the others I loved. I had to avenge my mother and grandparents. It was time to work with the enemy.