Hell Froze Over*Avengers*Captain America*Reader*

3) The Rush-girl

Learning that the enhanced girl was not hiding in a warehouse was a terrific surprise and a pleasant change. Planning on descending to the attic of an old church near Saint Brigit's, using ropes and tackles, you headed to the nearby building as inconspicuously as possible.

It helped that the darkness fell on the city, hiding at least a bit of your distinctive looks; you didn't want to change, mostly because you needed to represent. You had talked about the mysterious girl several times and come to conclusion she wanted to catch Avengers' attention. So, the Avengers coming to her it was.

You wordlessly watched Steve as he tackled the stripes around you wrists to make sure you wouldn't fall even when letting go of the bar. When he met your curious gaze, he gave you a reassuring smile.

"Better safe than sorry."

"Will you have safety straps too?" you questioned, not unkindly. His face darkened in response.

"Have I almost fainted on the battlefield today?"

You opened your mouth uselessly and closed it again, silence falling between the two of you for several moments. Your heart swelled and ached at the same time. You adored Steve, but he was... being a bit overprotective now. To be fair, you didn't want to become a splat on a pavement either, so you didn't call him out on it.

You swallowed a snarky response – the one scolding him for babying you ,– kissing the corner of his mouth instead. "I'm fine now, you know."

His hands fell on your hips, turning you 180 degrees so you would face the open space between the two buildings.

"You should know by now that it's not about me not trusting you. I just rather not be taking any necessary risks," he whispered to your ear. Your chest warmed at the promise spoken in his voice.

"Then wear your helmet," you hummed back sweetly, making him cackle.

You took a deep breath. Alright, let's do this.

"Fair enough. Be careful, I'm right behind you."

You pushed your legs, jumping off the window, trying to ignore the leap your stomach made as the thick rope slacked a little under your weight. This you would never get used to.

The ride was almost too short, but you definitely didn't complain. Your feet soon hit the surface of the flat part of the roof, running on their own with the momentum. You released a shaky breath, feeling the adrenalin pulsing in your veins.

Well, that was the easy part. You unbuckled the safety straps, rolling your wrists, turning to check if Steve was on his way already. He wasn't, probably wanting to be sure he wouldn't slam your body down if he caught up with you while you were still on the rope.

Ever the gentleman.

Deciding to start closer observation on your own – mostly because you were afraid you would be spotted before making a single move –, you made your way slowly and discreetly to the attic, using a small window instead of the door, simply because you could. Steve would never fit into it, because broad shoulders, but you easily slipped in, soundlessly landing in the abandoned sanctuary.

The space was poorly lit with a few candles, giving it an aura of mystery and a holy place. Several sculptures of angels watched you with disapproval and you crossed your heart in apology; this was your first visit to a church in more like ten years. It would be a ridiculous gesture, wasting a precious time, but the row of sculptures actually provided a good hideout, dividing the smaller space from the main room, so you figured you were fine.

You glanced over the stone. What you assumed was your girl was dressed in a hoodie and jeans, curling onto herself, occasionally rubbing her hands, breathing on them in attempt to warm them up. You could see a bit of her blond hair sticking from under the hood, swinging as she paced back and forth. She was about your height, rather thin, but with her baggy clothes, it was hard to tell – she had to have some muscle under after all and you wouldn't want to underestimate her.