At Once Returned

Chapter 6

Steve knew something was up. Once Natasha's cold had disappeared, she made more trips into the forest and was gone for longer than usual. She always came back with a couple of squirrels and birds, but he also noticed she took the phone with her. On the one hand, he knew she was working with Tony on fixing the Accords, but on the other, he was concerned about how often she was gone.

Part of him was beginning to worry they were having difficulty with the Accords. He was worried they'd have to stay hidden longer than anticipated and while that wasn't a bad thing, it was a pretty long time. He'd nearly convinced himself this was the case, so when Natasha returned from the woods squirrel-less and grinning like the Cheshire cat, he was confused.

"We're going home," she announced with preamble.

Wanda's head snapped up and her eyes widened. At her questioning look, Natasha nodded.

"The Accords went through quicker thanks to Rhodey's help," she explained. "Tony's already sent a jet."

"Yes!" Wanda jumped to her feet and threw herself at Natasha.

Although clearly caught off guard, Natasha still laughed as Wanda hugged her tightly, lifting her up off the ground.

"So that's what you've been talking to Stark about?" Steve asked, grinning as Wanda set Natasha back on the ground. 

Natasha nodded. "We're safe to go home."

They didn't waste any time gathering the little supplies they had. Within fifteen minutes, the shelter was cleared out and they were on their way to the train station with Steve leading the way.

"I can't believe we're finally able to return," Wanda said, stepping over a fallen tree. 

Steve glanced back to see the smile that had been on her face since the first announcement was still there. 

"I can't wait for a cheeseburger," Sam replied.

Natasha snorted and Steve's smile widened.

"Some hot fries, fresh out of their oil bubble bath."

Sam sighed happily and Steve would be lying if he said his mouth didn't water a little at the idea. It had been a really long time since they'd had good food.

"I'm just excited for my bed," Natasha said and they all nodded in agreement. 

"I will never take my bed for granted ever again," Wanda agreed.

As they neared the town, they slowed their pace. Instead of walking in a line, Natasha hung back to walk beside Wanda, letting Sam walk beside Steve in front of them. Stopping just outside the train station, they waited as Natasha typed Stark's credit card number into the ATM and withdrew more than enough cash to buy them all tickets to the nearest airport.

Steve watched as she navigated the German ticket machine without pause. After listening to an announcement over the speakers, she told them they had ten minutes to get to their train.

They had barely found their seats before Wanda pushed through them and dropped into a seat by the window.

"Window seat," she declared, pulling Natasha down into the seat beside her then turning her full attention out the window.

Steve and Sam sat across from them and closed their compartment door. Even though they were in the clear when it came to being fugitives, they didn't want to draw more attention to themselves than necessary.

"Will Stark be there when we arrive?" Steve asked. 

Natasha checked the phone for the time then nodded. "The jet left two hours before we did, so it will have just arrived when we do."

"Good," Sam said, leaning back in his seat. "I am not in the mood to wait in an airport."