Something Worth Saving

Chapter 6

"That's for faking your death," Natasha said through gritted teeth as she punched Coulson in the face.

"I deserved that," he said as he rubbed his jaw. "Though technically it wasn't faked."

She engulfed him in a hug a moment later. "I don't care. Thanks for not being dead."

He cradled her head and smiled into her hair. "You couldn't get rid of me if you tried."

She took a step back and Clint walked up to him. Coulson braced himself for the punch but it didn't come. Clint shrugged, "I figured she would take care of that for me." He, too, wrapped his ex-handler in a hug and grinned, "if you die again, I'll kill you."

Coulson chuckled as the man let go of him and the rest of the Avengers walked towards him. Steve Rogers was the first to hold out his hand, "it's great to see that you're alive and well, Phil."

Tony walked up next and frowned. "If she hadn't already punched you, I would." He then stepped forward and hugged the man. "Pepper will be over the moon to hear you're okay."

After re-introductions and introductions were made with Banner and Bucky Barnes, who Steve had been searching for since the collapse of S.H.I.E.L.D. Coulson got down to business. "Two of my team members have been taken by Hydra. Normally, my team and I would be able to get them back on our own but they're being held at headquarters."

"Which is why you need reinforcements," Natasha nodded.

"Exactly."

"Alright, Boss," Clint grinned, "what's the plan?"

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After Coulson had explained the plan and laid out the blueprints of headquarters, Natasha furrowed her brow. "It won't work. We still need one more man."

Coulson shook his head. "We'll be fine."

"Coulson," she said sternly, "I've been on plenty of these missions before. We need one more man. Choose someone from your team and make them join us."

Coulson shot a pained look over at May and she shrugged. "She's not wrong. Besides, we both know he's always had a soft spot for Skye."

Coulson pinched the bridge of his nose to stop the headache that was about to start, and sighed. "Fine. Get him. But make sure he knows that if he steps out of line he'll have you, me, and all of the Avengers to answer to."

May nodded and headed to Vault D.

Tony looked around the room. "Anyone else confused?"

All of the Avengers raised their hands.

"Not just me, then, good. Who are we getting?"

"Grant Ward," Coulson sighed. "He was on our team but he turned out to be a sleeper. He says he's only worked for Garrett and never Hydra, but-"

"Ward," Natasha breathed.

"You know him?"

"We were at the Academy together after Clint rescued me. He and I were top of the class. Trust me, he's not loyal to Hydra."

"Nat, he was a sleeper," Coulson explained. "He'd already been working for them at that time."

"Yeah, Garrett, sure. But he would never work for Hydra. Trust me on this, Coulson."

Just then, May appeared in the doorway with Ward in front of her, arms crossed. "May's already explained what would happen if I stepped out of line," he informed Coulson. "No need to tell me again."

Coulson glared but handed him the blueprints. "We need one more man to get us here. It's where they're likely keeping Trip and Skye."

Ward nodded and handed the blueprints back. "I'm in. Not that I have much of a choice, but I'm still in."

Natasha smirked from the other side of the room. She nodded when Ward looked over at her and he nodded, silently, back at her.

"Good," Coulson nodded. "We leave in fifteen. Get ready."

The rest of the Avengers headed for the helicopter where they were keeping their things while Natasha walked towards Ward and May. She ignored May and instead smiled at Ward. "Eye candy, really?"

Ward smirked and shrugged, "needed to delay them."

Natasha shook her head, "I should punch you for that, but since I actually find it funny, I won't."

"Appreciate it," he smiled.

"Are you two ready to go?" May asked from behind Ward, making sure he wouldn't dart away.

"Oh, we've got this," Natasha smirked.

"Just like the good old days?" Ward asked.

Natasha just smirked.