Years Beyond - Old Soul Sequel

9

<Avalie's POV>

When I returned back to my cell, I felt it close around me like a fist around my heart. I've never been claustrophobic, and even when I first arrived in my cell the small space didn't bother me much. But now that I've had a taste of the outside world, even if it was only briefly inside of the the Avenger's conference room, I want it back. I suppose I was free to leave any time I wanted, but the risk of getting caught was too high. Besides, I didn't want to leave Steve.

I appear on the floor of my cell and Steve's head shoots up. He seems surprised to see me, for he probably only blinked in the time I had travelled to the past and back. To him, I was gone for milliseconds. But for me, it's been hours since I've seen his face, and the relief throws me against him.

I've never been a clingy person. But after being without Steve for weeks while he was a captive, I've learned not to take advantage of these moments we have together. I hold him as tight as I can, knowing that soon, I will be without him once more.

At least then, I remind myself, I will know he is safe.

"How did it go?" he asks me once I pull away. Even then, I keep my hands around his, trying to copy the feel of him to memory. I wonder if perhaps I can contain this moment in the peace of mind Wanda gave me. It would be nice to have him with me still, even when he is gone.

"Good," I tell him. I bite my lip, almost unable to meet his eyes. I try a smile. "We have a plan."

His eyes light up in the way I knew they would, with excitement and intrigue. "Fill me in," he says. "I'll do whatever it takes."

You won't leave me here, I want to point out, but I don't. Instead, I just shake my head. "It's too risky to tell you. You just..." I hold back a wince. "You just have to trust me."

He smiles faintly, his grip on my hands tightening. He leans forward swiftly and kisses me softly. In that moment I don't feel trapped in the cell any longer. I feel like I am flying, out in the blue sky, with him by my side.

I almost don't want to let myself enjoy this time with him. I don't want to set myself up for even more heartbreak. Sure, he is destined to fly and be free. But it will be on his own, without me.

"I trust you," he tells me, his voice as smooth as silk. I want to wrap myself in him forever. "So what happens now?"

I say goodbye, I want to tell him. It hurts not being able to tell him. But it is for the better. And besides--I don't have to say goodbye just yet. "We wait for Natasha and Sam to check out the address I gave them," I tell him. "I'll travel back tomorrow to get intel. In the meantime," I shrug. "We just sit tight."

"Easier to do now," Steve comments. He lifts a hand to hold my cheek. "Now that you're not dying."

I allow myself to shut my eyes, holding his hand on my face in my own hand. He has rough hands, as expected from a soldier who carries around a massive shield. But I've always found the roughness of his palms comforting. "And you're healing," I say. "You're safe. For now, at least. Brunsen promised he wouldn't hurt you as long as I comply to whatever he wants."

Steve freezes, his body going rigid. I open my eyes and see him staring at me incredulously. "You made a deal with Brunsen? You can't be serious." He shakes his head, frowning. "Ave, I can't let you help them just to protect me. I'll be fine, but you--they'll use you and your power until the world is in tatters."

"I know what I'm doing," I say firmly. "I have a plan."

Steve sighs. "I trust you," he repeats. "I do. I just want to get you out of here as fast as possible, before they can use you."