The Fangirl that Saved the World

Chapter15

Natalie's POV

Steve, Bucky, and I are all gathered in a small room after their little chat with Maddie.

If that's even her real name.

Who am I kidding? It probably is.

"Okay, so do we trust her?" Steve asks.

"No, there's more to her. She's holding something back," I say.

They both looked at me and I decide to further explain. I enjoy educating those who are blind with a quiz.

"When you talk to her, what can you see about her? Body language? Any particular look?" I ask.

They both shake their heads and I roll my eyes. I pull up the footage of the interview they had and fast forward to a particular moment.

"Pay attention to her, okay?"

"How did you escape Hydra?" Steve asked.

She looks up at Bucky and her glance is sad. I feel bad because he isn't the Bucky she knew. I'm sure they were close. There's something more about that look though. I hope they notice.

"It was while we were on our mission. To get the Black Widow, Falcon, and Captain America. Rumlow took STRIKE in and we followed the van after they were taken. Bucky told me all about his friendship with Steve and how we could trust him. We just had to get to him. We never made it there though. Rumlow found out we followed and we were knocked out. Next thing I know, I wake up in DC with no Bucky. I looked for years, but I heard that you with these guys now and I decided to come and get you. I should be asking what the hell happened to you," she scoffs.

I paused hoping they saw what I saw.

"What am I looking at?" Steve asks.

"Tisk, tisk, tisk. I thought you were supposed to be an expert at this sort of thing. Aren't your eyes like enhanced and crap. You can program fighting patterns in your brain, but you can't read a person? I'm disappointed," I shake my head.

"Just tell us, would you?" Bucky sighs.

I go back to the second it happened and paused the footage. I zoom in on her face.

"Her eyes. She's hesitant."

Bucky looks at me with an agreeing look.

"What is she hiding?" he asks.

"Only one way to find out."

"Guys, she's probably hiding it for a reason. If Natasha has taught me anything, it's that you shouldn't pry. She'll tell you when she's ready," Steve tries to steer us away from pressing her any further.

"Fine. I won't push her. It's not like she would tell me anyway," I grumble.

"Good. I have newbies to train, and Natalie, Natasha is waiting for you," Steve says before he leaves the room.

"Bucky, keep an eye on her for me. There's something she's hiding and I don't like secrets," I tell him with a demanding finger.

"I was planning on it, doll."

My breath hitches at the nickname. I'll never get used to it. I still feel really terrible, even guilty, for not being with Steve. He isn't as kind and affectionate as he used to be. Even when I was was cold to him, he still looked at me with puppy eyes.

Now it's more upset, almost angry.

I would like to think otherwise, but it's definitely anger. Maybe jealousy? I'm not with either Bucky or Steve which is only making them even more upset. I feel like they just want an answer.