Stray (Steve Rogers XReader XBucky Barnes)

Stray Pt VIII

"Do you actually need more tests?" YN asked when Tony showed no sign of slowing down.

"Not exactly." He replied as the elevator doors opened.

She hesitated as she reached out to him, feeling for any sign of malicious intent. Finding only the curiosity she had grown used to from him, she moved to stand beside him. He didn't say a word until they arrived on the floor that contained Pepper's office.

"After you so kindly revealed your past identities I called in a favor."

He held the door open for her, following her in before taking his spot behind the desk.

"Even Nat was impressed by how far you had buried it but she was eventually able to find that sizable offshore account you have."

At the mention if the former assassin a chill ran down her spine. Natasha had been here only a few times since she had moved in. YN had avoided the other woman at all costs, knowing she would quickly see through her facade. She had to admire Tony's dramatic timing as said account was pulled up in front of her eyes when he paused.

"What I found even more impressive was how you built this little nest egg of yours."

He motioned for her to sit as the color drained from her face. Her mind was telling her to run. Just get out and start over. She'd done it countless times before, surely she could do it again. The difference was, this time she didn't want to leave. She had formed a friendship with Steve more substantial than anything she had allowed herself in the past. Then there was Bucky. The chance to get to know the soul that had changed everything for her had her lowering herself into the offered seat.

"Penny shaving isn't a new concept although, it may have been when you came up with it. The code alone is quite complex in itself. Implementing it without any affiliation with said companies, even with your abilities, is somewhat of a miracle."

She turned to him then, opening her mouth to defend herself. He stopped her with a raise of his hand.

"Please, let me. It's my favorite part." He whispered with a grin. When she shut her mouth he began to type away  again.

"All of the companies you stole from turned out to be run by some high ranking Hydra agents."

The faces of several men and women popped up on the screen, one after the other.

"And funny enough, their covers were blown only days after your program was terminated."

He turned and leaned against the desk so he could face her. His pride practically glowing from him.

"I had to find a way to live. It's not like I could make a lot of money and stay relatively invisible."

"Plus, you got to stick it to some of the people who did this to you in the process. Like I said, impressive."

She was confused. If he wasn't upset with her, what exactly was the point of filling her in on things she already knew? She wasn't exactly pleased with his answer when she asked him just that.

"We could use you on the team. I want you to start training. I want you to become an avenger."

Her blood ran cold. She stood quickly, forcing the chair she was sitting on to topple unceremoniously on its side.

"I've been used before and have no intention of going back to that." She spat through gritted teeth.

"Hey, hey," Tony stood and backed away a few steps. "We're the good guys, it won't be like that."

A mirthless laugh erupted from her as an eerie calm settled over her. She recognized it for what it was. The calm before the kill. The knowledge that you could end the life in front of you and the thrill of watching them realize that too.