Mercury // S. Rogers (Book Three) ✔

So, You Like Cats?

After being taken into custody, they're currently being transported to the local government's headquarters in Berlin. They had been stripped of their gear and forced to change into civilian clothes. The collar is still around Freya's neck, making her weak and preventing her from using her powers. Because the collar inhibits them, her ability to quickly heal has been taken away. Her wounds have been dressed, but she's still in an enormous amount of pain. T'Challa sits in the front row, Freya and Steve are in the middle, and Sam is in the back. Due to how weak she is, it's difficult for Freya to sit up straight. At this point, she's leaning on Steve's shoulder with her eyes closed as she tries to ignore the pain. Steve's eyes won't leave her. He's beside himself with worry.

"How are you feeling, Doll?"

"I'm okay, just tired."

"Tell me the truth, Freya..." he gently demands.

"I'm in a lot of pain right now," she sighs. "And I feel weak."

"I'm so sorry, Frey."

"Don't be, it's not your fault. I got distracted. I should've been more careful," she admits. He leans his head down and presses a kiss to the top of her head before resting his on hers.

"I love you."

"And I love you," she hums. The van hits a bump in the road, causing Freya to involuntarily groan in pain. T'Challa looks over his shoulder at her.

"I apologize for harming you, Mrs. Rogers. I did not mean to cause you so much pain."

"It's the collar," she slightly shakes her head at him and speaks in a weak voice. "It's not letting me heal."

T'Challa frowns at the information and faces the front again. He might currently be enemies with Freya, but that doesn't mean he isn't worried for her. He can easily tell she's a good person, just, in his eyes, a little misguided. Silence falls upon them only to be broken by Sam.

"So, you like cats?"

"Sam," Steve scolds him while Freya lets out a weak snort.

"What?" Sam asks seriously. "Dude shows up dressed like a cat, you don't wanna know more?"

"Your suit... It's vibranium?" Steve assesses.

"That's why his claws cut through me and my suit so easily," Freya nods in confirmation against his shoulder.

"The Black Panther has been the protector of Wakanda for generations," T'Challa explains as he slightly looks over his shoulder at the couple. "A mantle, passed from warrior to warrior. And now, because your friend murdered my father... I also wear the mantle of king. So, I ask you, as both warrior and king, how long do you think you can keep your friend safe from me?"

Steve and Freya look at each other, both afraid for Bucky.

They finally arrive at their destination as the motorcade drives into an underground tunnel. Steve helps Freya out of the van and keeps an arm around her waist for support. They both turn to look at Bucky, who avoids any eye contact with them. Up ahead, they spot Sharon and a shorter guy waiting for them.

"What's gonna happen to him?" Steve asks as the trio approaches.

"Same thing that ought to happen to you. Psychological evaluation and extradition," is the short guy's snarky reply.

"This is Everett Ross," Sharon introduces him while she tries not to roll her eyes. "Deputy Task Force Commander." She keeps glancing at Freya, noticing how pale and weak she looks. Her heart breaking at the sight of her current condition.

"What about a lawyer?" Steve asks.

"Lawyer. That's funny," Ross chuckles. "See their weapons are placed in lockup. We'll write you a receipt."