Cover Affair | Natasha Romanoff - _User0013 (User0013) (2024)

Chapter 1: Intros

Chapter Text

Jenna Grey Sinclair

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Age: 20

Birthday: February 14th

Aliases: Agent Zero, Experiment 013, Inferno

Power: Fire power and healing abilities

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Were you sent by someone who wanted me dead?
Did you sleep with a gun underneath our bed?
Were you writin' a book? Were you a sleeper cell spy?
In fifty years, will all this be declassified?
And you'll confess why you did it and I'll say, "Good riddance"

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Natasha Romanoff

Age: 25

Birthday: December 3rd

Alias: Black Widow

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Even if it's handcuffed, I'm leavin' here with you

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Chapter 2: Unexpected Guest

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The gentle morning sunlight poured through the windows of Jenna's cozy apartment, painting the small kitchen in a warm, inviting glow. With a hum on her lips, she expertly flipped a pancake, relishing in the serene solitude of her morning routine. However, the tranquil ambiance was swiftly disrupted when the door to her apartment swung open unceremoniously, revealing two unexpected visitors: Nick Fury and Maria Hill.

Jenna's gaze sharpened as she turned to face the intruders, her spatula still poised mid-air. "Nick? Mia?" she inquired, her tone tinged with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Nick Fury, renowned for his stoic demeanor, sported an uncharacteristic smile as he entered, followed closely by Maria Hill. "Good morning, Jenna," he greeted cheerfully, as if their sudden appearance was a mere social call. "We thought we'd drop by and whip up some breakfast."

Maria added with a mischievous grin, "Yeah, we've missed you."

Jenna's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. She had known Fury and Maria for some time, and their unexpected display of warmth was entirely out of character. "Miss me?" she echoed incredulously, still stirring her pancake batter. "Maria, you live down the hall... and Nick, we literally had dinner together last night." They exchanged a knowing look. "Oh god, what did you guys do? Who are you hiding from? Who do we need to get rid of?"

Fury and Maria exchanged a fleeting glance, their smiles faltering for a moment before Fury leaned casually against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms with a hint of solemnity. "Fine, We've come with a proposition, Jenna," he began, his tone betraying the gravity of his words.

Jenna's spatula paused mid-stir, her curiosity piqued. "A proposition?"

Fury nodded gravely. "We want you to help with the Avengers initiative."

Jenna's grip on the spatula slackened, the weight of Fury's words sinking in. "The Avengers?" she repeated, her skepticism palpable. "Is this some elaborate attempt at persuasion?You butter me up with breakfast that I am already cooking?"

Maria stepped forward, her expression earnest. "Call it what you will. But the truth is, we need you. "

Jenna's mind raced with questions, her gaze shifting between Fury and Maria. "Why me? Surely there are others better suited for such a task."

Fury's gaze held steady, his tone unwavering. "Because you're special, Jenna. You have qualities that set you apart and we desperately need you." A flicker of uncertainty crossed Jenna's features, her skepticism warring with a newfound sense of purpose. "And what if I refuse?"

Fury's gaze softened, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "The choice is yours, Kid. But know that your skills would be invaluable to us."

Maria interjected with a playful smirk, "And let's not forget your gourmet pancakes. We'd be lost without those."

Jenna couldn't help but crack a smile at Maria's jest, "If you want one just ask Mia not need to beat around the bush", a glimmer of determination lighting up her eyes. "but, if you're going to recruit me, I suppose the least you could do is finish making breakfast."

With a shared chuckle, Fury and Maria set to work alongside Jenna, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air.

Chapter 3: Whip Cream Theif

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As Jenna settled into her chair at the table, her mind still buzzing with the unexpected proposition from Fury and Maria, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement. The aroma of the meal filled the air, a comforting reminder of the normalcy she was momentarily stepping away from.

"So" Fury began, his tone serious yet measured, "What do you say?"

Jenna took a moment to gather her thoughts before nodding slowly. "Fine," she replied, her voice steady. "I'm willing to help, but I want to make one thing clear: I won't fight, and I won't hurt people. That's not who I am."

Fury and Maria exchanged a glance, understanding evident in their eyes. "We understand smalls," Maria replied, her tone gentle. "We're not asking you to compromise your principles."

"Stop calling me smalls", Jenna pouted.

Jenna let out a sigh of relief, grateful for their understanding. "Good," she said, a weight lifting from her shoulders. "Because I don't think I could live with myself if I did and I can't join the Captain Hook team if I lose an eye in the battle, I don't want to be Mr.Smee."

As they continued their discussion over dinner, Maria reached for the whipped cream, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Pass the whipped cream?"

Jenna shook her head with a playful smirk. "Sorry, Mia. Whipped cream is reserved for people I love and doens't ask me to join a boy band of super heros at 8AM."

Maria chuckled, withdrawing her hand. "boy band?"

Turning back to Fury, Jenna addressed the matter at hand. "So, what exactly do you have in mind for me?"

Fury leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Be the heart and brains of the operation. Your kindness, intelligence, and unparalleled understanding of technology will make you invaluable to us."

Jenna couldn't help but feel a surge of humility and gratitude at Fury's words. "You think I can do it?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and determination.

Fury nodded, his expression earnest. "Absolutely."

A warm smile spread across Jenna's face. "Okay, Ill help," she declared, her voice unwavering. "But on one condition: I do things my way."

Fury nodded in agreement, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Agreed."

As they discussed the details of Jenna's role over breakfast, Maria couldn't resist injecting a moment of playful mischief. She grabbed a stray blueberry from the fruit bowl and flung it towards Jenna's face with surprising accuracy.

Jenna's eyes widened in surprise as the blueberry bounced off her cheek, and before she could react, Maria had snatched the whipped cream from her hand and dolloped it onto her pancake with a mischievous grin.

"Really?" Jenna exclaimed, her voice a mixture of amusem*nt and exasperation as she looked at Maria incredulously.

Maria simply shrugged, taking a bite of her pancake with a satisfied smirk. "What can I say? You snooze, you lose."

Jenna rolled her eyes, but before she could respond, Maria's teasing tone turned to a yelp of surprise as Jenna tapped into her latent fire power, causing the whipped cream on Maria's pancake to melt into a gooey mess.

"HEY!" Maria exclaimed, her expression a mix of indignation and amusem*nt as she wiped the melted cream from her plate. "No powers at the table young lady."

As Maria wiped the melted whipped cream from her plate, Jenna couldn't help but grin mischievously, knowing she had gotten a rise out of her friend.

Suddenly, Fury cleared his throat, drawing their attention. He sat there, his expression a carefully constructed mask of faux disappointment, but his eyes twinkled with suppressed amusem*nt.

Jenna and Maria exchanged a knowing glance, barely able to contain their laughter.Fury continued, his voice tinged with mock seriousness. "I'm beginning to wonder if recruiting you two was a mistake after all."

Maria's eyes widened in feigned shock. "What? No way, Nick! We're indispensable!"

Jenna nodded in agreement, her grin widening. "Yeah, you'd be lost without us."

Fury couldn't hold back any longer. A chuckle escaped his lips, and soon he was laughing along with Jenna and Maria, the tension of the moment dissolving into shared laughter.As they sat there, enjoying the camaraderie of the moment, Fury couldn't help but reflect on the unlikely bond that had formed between them. These two, with their mischief and their banter, had become like family to him. And as he looked at them now, laughing together over a dinner table, he couldn't help but think, these are the kids I decided to adopt. Unbelievable.

Chapter 4: Into the Fray

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The sleek black quinjet descended gracefully towards the helicarrier's landing pad, its engines humming softly as it prepared to touch down. Jenna glanced out the tinted windows, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This was it – her first mission with S.H.I.E.L.D.

As the quinjet's doors opened, Jenna adjusted the mask she wore. She had insisted on wearing it, adamant about maintaining her anonymity. Despite her newfound role, she still longed for the semblance of a normal life.

Fury stepped out of the quinjet first, his commanding presence casting a shadow over the landing pad. Maria followed suit, her expression a mix of determination and anticipation. Jenna took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead, before joining them on the helicarrier.

Once inside, Fury led them to a secure briefing room, its walls lined with monitors displaying various data feeds. Maria took a seat beside Jenna, offering a reassuring smile as they waited for Fury to begin.

"Alright, listen up," Fury began, his voice commanding attention as he paced the room. "We've got a situation on our hands, and it's gonna take everything we've got to handle it."

Jenna listened intently as Fury outlined the mission – the of the events in New York City where Loki, wielding the power of the Tesseract, is planning to unleashed chaos and destruction

As the briefing concluded, Fury approached Jenna, a stack of files in hand. "These are for you," he said, handing her the documents. "They contain everything you need to know about the Avengers – the best of the best. Study them carefully."

Jenna nodded, taking the files with a sense of solemnity. The Avengers – Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Thor Odinson, and Tony Stark – absorbing every detail.

But her reverie was interrupted as Fury produced another item – a sleek, high-tech mask unlike any she had ever seen. "This is for you kid" he said, offering her the mask. "It's equipped with facial recognition technology and fingerprint scanning capabilities. It'll help keep your identity secure."

Jenna accepted the mask, marveling at its design. With a quick swipe of her finger, the mask opens up, obscuring her eyes from view. It was the perfect solution – a way to protect her identity while still allowing her to do her part.

"Thank you, Nick," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude. "I appreciate it." As the words left her lips, Jenna couldn't help but notice that her voice sounded slightly different, masked by the technology woven into the fabric of her new identity. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she couldn't resist adding, "Woah... Luke, I am your father." Nick chuckled softly.

Jenna couldn't help but chuckle at the name. "Wait- Agent Zero?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Really, Nicky? You couldn't have come up with something cooler?"

Fury's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Hey, it's simple, it's effective, and it suits you," he replied with a shrug.

Jenna rolled her eyes playfully. "Fine, I'll embrace it," she said, a grin spreading across her face. "But don't expect me to answer to it outside of work."

Fury chuckled, a rare moment of levity in the midst of their serious conversation. "Fair enough," he conceded. "Now, let's get to work, Agent Zero."

Maria sidled up to Jenna, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, Agent Zero, how does it feel to be a agent?" she teased.

Jenna shot her a playful smirk. "Ass-tounding," she quipped, earning a laugh from Maria as they headed off to prepare for their mission.

"Oh god. Don't ever speak agian." she said with a grin as they headed off to prepare for their mission.

As Maria walked away, Zero called after her, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Come on, Mia, it was a good one, right?" she shouted, earning a chuckle from Maria, who quickened her pace, hoping no one had overheard their banter and connected her to Zero's questionable pun.

Chapter 5: The First Meeting

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I hope its okay that I use Jenna, Zero, and Agent Zero interchangeably as they all refer to the same person. If it gets confusing, don't hesitate to let me know, and I'll stick to one name for clarity.

Ps. If it wasn;t clear Jenna's idenity is hidden to the avengers only Nick,Maria, and Coulson knows.

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The hum of the helicarrier's engines filled the air as Agent Zero made her way through the bustling corridors. As she rounded a corner, her attention was drawn to a figure stepping onto the deck.

It was Natasha Romanoff. Zero watched with intrigue as Natasha approached Fury, their conversation too distant to overhear. But even from a distance, Zero could sense the air of confidence and determination that surrounded Natasha.

As Natasha turned to head towards the interior of the helicarrier, her gaze briefly met Agent Zero's. In that fleeting moment, Zero was mesmerized. Natasha's vibrant red hair seemed to catch the light, her piercing green eyes filled with an intensity that demanded attention.Zero couldn't help but admire Natasha's presence – the way she carried herself with such poise and grace, even in the midst of a mission. It was clear that Natasha was not just another agent.

Shaking off her momentary reverie, Zero continued on her way. (ahem gay)

---

A quinjet descended gracefully onto the landing pad, its engines humming softly as it touched down. The hatch opened, and Agent Coulson stepped out first. Steve Rogers followed closely behind.

"Agent Romanoff," Coulson greeted, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips as he acknowledged Natasha. His gaze then shifted to Jenna, surprise flickering briefly across his features. "And... Kid?" he added, his tone carrying a note of shock "This is Captain Rogers".

Steve addressed Natasha with a respectful "Ma'am," acknowledging her as a superior officer. Natasha glanced at Steve, a small smile playing on her lips at his formality. "Hi," she replied casually, her tone light as she returned his greeting.

Then, Natasha turned her attention to Coulson, her expression becoming more serious. "They need you on the bridge; they're starting the face trace," she informed him, her voice carrying a sense of urgency.

Coulson nodded in acknowledgment, his professional demeanor kicking in as he prepared to attend to his duties. "See you there," he replied briskly, before turning to Jenna.

Jenna stepped forward, offering a polite nod to Steve. "Pleasure to meet you," she said with a warm smile, her aura exuding a sense of friendliness. "I am Agent Zero."

Coulson glanced at Jenna, a reassuring smile playing at his lips. "Come to the bridge with me, Kid," he said, his tone gentle.

Steve smiled back at Jenna, appreciating her friendly demeanor. "Nice to meet you too," he said warmly, before turning to Natasha as they walked off, their conversation shifting to Coulson's vintage collectible card.

With a nod of determination, Jenna followed Coulson towards the bridge.

Alone in the corridor leading to the bridge, the tension of the mission seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of camaraderie between Jenna and Coulson. As they walked, their serious work demeanor began to crumble, giving way to genuine warmth and laughter.

Coulson couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced sideways at Jenna, his eyes twinkling with amusem*nt. "You agreed to help?" he asked incredulously, his tone filled with genuine surprise.

Jenna grinned back at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yeah, can you believe it?" she replied, her voice tinged with exhilaration. "Where were you this morning you missed pancakes with Nick and Mia?"

"YOU MADE PANCAKES WITHOUT ME?" he remarked, shaking his head in mock disbelief.

His tone light and jovial. "Now you'll have to make it up to me somehow".

Jenna nudged him playfully with her elbow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, don't worry," she teased, her smile widening. "I'm sure I can find some way to make it up to you. How about after this mission, we indulge in a pancake feast until we're sick and can never look at a pancake again?"

Coulson chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners with amusem*nt. "I'll hold you to that, Agent Zeroo," he replied, his tone teasing. "I'll even bring my own maple syrup."

Jenna grinned back at him, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Deal," she said, her voice filled with laughter. "But only if you promise not to eat all the blueberries this time and keep it away from Mia."

As Jenna and Coulson bantered their way towards the bridge, Jenna's phone suddenly buzzed with an urgent notification. She glanced down at the screen, her brows furrowing slightly as she read the message. "Looks like Fury needs me in the lab," she said, her tone apologetic as she looked up at Coulson. "Sorry to leave you hanging." With a quick smile and a wave, she turned on her heel and headed off in the direction of the lab. Coulson Watched her with a proud dad expression on his face. "Take care, Jenna," he said warmly as she began to walk away. Just as she reached the door, Jenna paused, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Hey! Remember, secret identity!!" she disappeared through the door, leaving Coulson chuckling to himself as he resumed his duties on the bridge.

Chapter 6: Why does no one tell me anything?

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As Jenna briskly made her way through the labyrinthine corridors of the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier towards the lab, she passed by the flight room, its walls adorned with a multitude of computer screens displaying various feeds and data streams. One screen caught her attention, showing a live feed of Loki standing in front of an elegant building. Curious, she approached a nearby agent who was monitoring the screens.

"What's happening?" Jenna inquired, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected sight.

The agent glanced at her briefly before returning their attention to the screen. "They sent the Avengers to Germany" they replied tersely. "Loki's attempting to acquire iridium"

Jenna's expression shifted to one of frustration. "Why does no one tell me anything?" she muttered under her breath.

With a sigh, Jenna found herself a nearby seat and settled in front of the screen, her eyes fixed on the unfolding events in Germany. However, her focus wavered as she noticed Natasha Romanoff,on another screen, piloting one of the quinjets with her characteristic skill and grace.

Despite her frustration at being left out of the loop, Jenna couldn't help but be mesmerized by Natasha--Natasha's effortless control of the aircraft.

Lost in the mesmerizing spectacle before her, She found herself momentarily forgetting about her own grievances as she became absorbed in the action unfolding on the screens.

As Jenna continued to watch Natasha piloting the quinjet, her focus suddenly shifted as the unmistakable sound of AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" blasted through the speakers. Her attention snapped back to the screens as Tony Stark, clad in his Iron Man suit but without the helmet, made a dramatic entrance to the scene.

---

In the quinjet, Tony and Steve Rogers stood behind the co*ckpit, exchanging banter as they prepared to confront Loki.

--

With Loki strapped down in the back of the plane.

Fury's voice crackled over the quinjet radio, his urgency palpable as he urged Natasha to get Loki to their location swiftly.

As Steve expressed his doubts about the situation, Tony's trademark sarcasm filled the air, their playful banter contrasting sharply with the gravity of their mission.

"What? Rock of Ages giving up so easily?" Tony quipped, his tone light despite the tension in the air.

Steve's expression remained serious as he replied, "I don't remember it being that easy. This guy packs a wallop."

Tony's smirk widened. "Still, you were pretty spry, for an older fellow. What's your thing? Pilates?" he teased.

Steve's confusion was evident as he asked, "What?"

"It's like calisthenics. You might have missed a couple of things. Y'know, doing time as a Cap-sicle," Tony explained with a smirk.

Meanwhile, Natasha's voice cut through the chaos as she addressed the team. "Where's this come from?" she inquired, her gaze focused on the stormy sky.

Steve Rogers, ever the beacon of courage, turned his attention to Loki, the mischievous god who seemed unfazed by the brewing storm.

"What's the matter? Scared of a little lightning?" Steve taunted, his voice laced with determination.

Loki's response was cryptic yet foreboding. "I'm not overly fond of what follows," he admitted, his gaze fixed on the ominous sky above.

Suddenly, there was a crash on top of the quinjet, jolting everyone inside. Tony Stark, Steve, and Natasha exchanged shocked glances as they looked up to see a shadowy figure clinging to the aircraft.

It was Thor Odinson, the God of Thunder, with another flash of lightning, the quinjet was bathed in an eerie glow.

Natasha wasted no time, speeding up the quinjet as Steve made a dash for his cowl and Tony grabbed his helmet, attaching it to his suit with practiced ease. With a push of a button, Tony opened the ramp of the jet, preparing for the inevitable confrontation.

As Thor entered the quinjet, his presence commanding attention, he wasted no time in taking action. With a swift motion, he knocked Iron Man aside, causing him to collide with Captain America. Grabbing Loki by the neck, Thor leaped out of the plane with determined resolve.

Iron Man, unfazed by Thor's abrupt entrance, quipped, "Now there's that guy," as Natasha questioned the new arrival's allegiance. "Another Asgardian?".

Captain America,"That guy's a friendly."

"Doesn't matter. If he frees Loki,or kills him, the Tesseract's lost.", Natasha responds.

With Iron Man already in motion, flying out of the jet with a battle cry, and Captain America preparing to dive out with a parachute, Natasha cautioned,"I'd sit this one out, Cap.". But Steve, resolute in his duty, insisted, "I don't see how I can," as he strapped on his chute and prepared to face the unknown. "These guys come from legend,they're basically Gods." Natasha warns. "There's only one God ma'am, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that." Steve said beofre diving out of hte plane head first.

Jenna watched the events unfolding through the monitor, her eyes flickering between the intense action on screen and Fury standing. As she observed the dynamic between the Avengers, she couldn't help but let out an exasperated sigh.

"Men," she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes at the predictable bravado and posturing displayed by the superhero trio. Despite their impressive abilities, their tendency to leap into action without considering the consequences grated on her nerves.

Jenna gracefully maneuvered past the agents. As she approached the communication age, "Excuse me," she said politely, her voice carrying the same warmth as her smile. Without missing a beat, she reached for the headset, her actions confident yet unassuming. Taking it from the surprised agent, she offered him a quick nod of gratitude before slipping it on, the device fitting comfortably over her ears.

"Thank you," she said sincerely, her voice clear and reassuring as she addressed Natasha over the communication channel "Are you okay?" she inquired, her words laced with warmth and sincerity. Despite the chaos unfolding around them, She waited patiently for Natasha's response, ready to offer support and reassurance however she could.

Natasha's voice crackled through the headset, carrying a hint of her trademark standoffishness but also a clear sense of determination. "I am fine, I don't know about them though," she replied curtly, her tone sharp and to the point. As Jenna turned to leave, a voice crackled through the comms, cutting through the tension with its authoritative tone. "Are we done here?" came Captain America's voice, firm and resolute. Then, she was met with the sight of Director Fury approaching her with purposeful strides. His stern countenance softened slightly as he addressed her, a glint of appreciation in his eye.

"Agent Zero," Fury began, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "I need you to set up the lab for studying the Tesseract. We need to analyze its properties and potential risks."

Jenna nodded, a playful glimmer dancing in her eyes as she replied, "Aye aye, Captain." She couldn't resist teasing Fury, knowing full well his preference for efficiency and formality.

Fury raised an eyebrow at her lighthearted response, but a ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Just get it done Smee," he said, though his tone held a hint of amusem*nt.

Jenna couldn't help but chuckle at Fury's playful reference. "Hey, I am not Mr. Smee," she retorted with a grin, her tone light and teasing. "But I'll make sure everything's shipshape in the lab"

Chapter 7: What is Galaga?

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As Jenna stepped into the lab, she was met with the soft hum of machinery and the gentle glow of computer screens casting shadows across the room. Her eyes scanned the space until they landed on a figure hunched over a workstation at the far end. It was Bruce Banner, the brilliant scientist whose name preceded him.

Approaching him with a hesitant yet friendly smile, Jenna cleared her throat to announce her presence. "Hey, Dr. Banner," she greeted, her voice carrying a warmth that mirrored her genuine curiosity. "Mind if I join you?"

Bruce looked up from his work, his expression shifting from intense focus to mild surprise at the unexpected company. "Oh, uh, sure," he replied, offering Jenna a small smile of his own. "Always nice to have another pair of eyes on things."

As Jenna settled in beside him, a sense of camaraderie blossomed between them, fueled by their shared passion for scientific inquiry and discovery. They exchanged anecdotes and theories with an ease that belied their relative unfamiliarity, each finding in the other a kindred spirit. (SHES A NERDDDD!!!)

"Oh, by the way, I'm Zero," Jenna interjected, a playful smile gracing her lips as she extended her hand in greeting.

Bruce accepted her hand with a friendly shake. "Nice to meet you, Zero," he replied warmly, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "So, how old are you? And how do you know so much about thermonuclear astrophysics?" Jenna couldn't help but laugh at Bruce's question, a twinkle of mischief dancing in her eyes. "Old enough," she replied with a playful smirk, her tone light and teasing.

Before long, their conversation turned to the Tesseract, the mysterious artifact that had brought them all together. Bruce's eyes sparkled with intellectual curiosity as he delved into the intricacies of its properties, his enthusiasm infectious.

Lost in their discussion, Jenna and Bruce were momentarily oblivious to the world outside the lab. But their reverie was abruptly interrupted as Jenna's phone alerted them to come to the meeting room.

Bruce and Jenna all piled into the room, their presence commanding attention as they converged on Coulson,Maria,Thor, Natasha, Tony, and Captain America. The atmosphere shifted from one of quiet contemplation to one of urgency and purpose, the weight of their mission pressing down on them like a heavy shroud.

As the team gathered, the weight of the impending threat hung heavy in the air. Steve Rogers, ever the strategist, voiced his concerns about Loki's plans, seeking insight from Thor. "Loki's gonna drag this out. So, Thor, what's his play?" Steve inquired, his tone laced with a sense of urgency.

Thor's response was grave yet resolute. "He has an army called the Chitauri. They're not of Asgard nor any world known. He means to lead them against your people. They will win him the Earth, in return, for the Tesseract," he explained, his voice tinged with solemnity.

Bruce Banner, the brilliant scientist among them, interjected with his own analysis. "So, he's building another portal. That's what he needs Erik Selvig for," Bruce remarked, his brow furrowed in thought.

Thor's mention of Erik Selvig prompted Natasha Romanoff to reveal a troubling truth. "Loki has them under some kind of spell - along with one of ours," she added, her voice betraying a hint of frustration.

Steve's mind was racing with questions, his determination evident as he sought answers. "I wanna know why Loki let us take him. He's not leading an army from here," he mused, his gaze fixed on the task at hand.

Bruce, ever the voice of reason, cautioned against underestimating their adversary. "I don't think we should be focusing on Loki. That guy's brain is a bag full of cats, you can smell crazy on him," he warned, his tone tinged with concern.

Thor, loyal to a fault, defended his brother despite his atrocities. "Have care how you speak. Loki is beyond reason, but he is of Asgard, and he is my brother," he asserted, his voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and loyalty.

Natasha's reminder of Loki's deadly actions served as a grim reality check. "He killed eighty people in two days," she stated matter-of-factly, her words hanging heavy in the air. "He's adopted", Thor counters. Jenna couldn't help but feel a tug of amusem*nt at the assessment, her lips twitching with the effort to stifle a laugh. Natasha, ever perceptive, caught Jenna's reaction out of the corner of her eye and shot her a knowing smirk.

Bruce's scientific expertise shed light on the mechanics of Loki's plan, prompting Tony Stark and Agent Coulson to enter the room. Tony, as always, brought his trademark wit and charm to the conversation, effortlessly blending humor with insight. "It's a stabilizing agent. Means the portal won't collapse on itself like it did at SHIELD," Tony explained, his words punctuated by a sly remark to Coulson about keeping love alive. Then Addressing Coulson with a playful smirk. Leaning in closer, he added in a hushed tone, "I'm saying, take a weekend; I'll fly you to Portland. Keep love alive."

Coulson, ever the consummate professional, nodded in acknowledgment before peeling off from Tony's side, his attention shifting elsewhere. Meanwhile, Tony made his way over to Thor, his casual demeanor belying the gravity of the situation.

As he approached the Asgardian, Tony couldn't resist a quip, his words laced with sarcasm. "No hard feelings point break, you got a mean swing," he remarked, his tone light yet tinged with a hint of admiration for Thor's formidable strength.

Thor shot Tony a quizzical look before proceeding to the control panels, his attention focused on the task at hand. Meanwhile, Tony's attention shifted back to the command area of the ship, where he couldn't resist a playful jab at the expense of the personnel monitoring the screens.

"Also, means the portal can open as wide and stay open as long as Loki wants," Tony quipped, his tone laced with amusem*nt as he addressed the incredulous looks of the personnel around him. "Ah, raise the mizzen mast, ship the topsails. The personnel look at him strangely. "That man is playing Galaga! Thought we wouldn't notice, but we did." Then he turns to Hill "How does Fury even see these?"

As Tony continued to tinker with the screens, his playful demeanor contrasted sharply with the gravity of their mission. Maria Hill, ever the embodiment of efficiency, couldn't help but respond with a touch of attitude. "He turns!" she retorted, her tone implying both annoyance and begrudging admiration for Fury's uncanny ability to manage the chaos.

Meanwhile, Jenna leaned in closer to Bruce, a quizzical expression on her face as she whispered, "What is Galaga?" Her curiosity piqued by Tony's reference, she couldn't help but wonder about the context of the seemingly obscure term.

Bruce's eyes widened in disbelief at Jenna's question, his surprise evident as he responded incredulously, "You don't know what Galaga is? Wait, actually, how old are you?" The realization that Jenna might not be familiar with the classic arcade game elicited a mixture of shock from Bruce.

Tony's response was characteristically flippant, his focus divided between his work and his banter. "Sounds exhausting!" he quipped, his attention momentarily diverted as he stuck something discreetly under the underside of a desk.

Meanwhile, the gears of Tony's mind continued to turn as he contemplated their next steps. "The rest of the raw materials, Agent Barton can get his hands on pretty easily," Tony mused aloud, his thoughts already racing ahead to the next phase of their plan. "Only major component he still needs is a power source of high energy density. Something to kick start the Cube."

As Tony continued to analyze the situation, Maria Hill couldn't help but express her skepticism. "When did you become an expert in thermonuclear astrophysics?" she questioned, her tone tinged with disbelief.

Tony's response was characteristically flippant yet confident. "Last night," he quipped, his smirk never faltering. "The packet, Selvig's notes, the extraction theory papers - am I the only one who did the reading?"

"No, I did too," Jenna interjected with a grin. "They wants it for its implications on stabilizing the Quantum Tunneling effect," she added. Meanwhile, Natasha, who had been silently observing the exchange, appeared genuinely surprised. Her usual stoic facade momentarily slipping.

Tony raised an eyebrow, his playful demeanor taking a more teasing turn. "Hello, who are you?" he joked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. However, his attempt at humor was met with incredulous stares from Maria, her expressions bordering on lethal as they exchanged a silent yet scathing rebuke.

Realizing he may have overstepped, Tony quickly raised his hands in surrender, his expression shifting to one of mock innocence. "Poked the bear too hard there..." he quipped, his tone light despite the tension in the air.

Amidst the banter and analysis, Bruce provided crucial insights into the power source needed for Loki's plan to succeed. "He'd have to heat the Cube to a hundred and twenty million kelvin just to break through the Coulomb barrier," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of his scientific expertise.

Tony, always quick on his feet, offered a potential solution. "Unless Selvig has figured out how to stabilize the Quantum Tunneling effect," he suggested, his words sparking a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

As the team delved deeper into their discussion, the gravity of their situation became increasingly apparent. With each revelation and analysis, they inched closer to understanding Loki's plans - and the daunting task that lay ahead.

As the tension in the room began to ease, Bruce Banner's calm demeanor provided a welcomed respite. "Well, if he could do that, he could achieve heavy-ion fusion at any reactor on the planet," he explained, his words carrying a weight of expertise.

Tony Stark, never one to miss an opportunity for banter, responded with his trademark wit. "Finally. Someone who speaks English," he remarked, extending a hand toward Banner in greeting.

Steve Rogers, still trying to catch up with the conversation, glanced around the room with a puzzled expression. "Is that what just happened?" he asked, seeking clarification from his teammates.

Meanwhile, Jenna, ever the observer, discreetly scooted herself over to Maria, hoping to share a private moment amidst the chaos of the discussion. However, in her attempt to be inconspicuous, she accidentally bumped into Natasha's chair, nearly tipping it over in the process.

"Oops! Sorry!" Zero whispered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she hastily regained her balance. Ignoring the curious glances directed her way, she continued her mission, finally reaching Maria's side.

Leaning in close, Jenna whispered to Maria with a mischievous grin, "Are they all nerds?" Her attempt at discretion was foiled by her previous mishap, but she couldn't help but find humor in the situation, grateful for Maria's camaraderie amidst the sea of intellectual banter.

Maria couldn't help but chuckle at Jenna's mishap, a playful glint in her eye as she teased, "Careful there, Klutz."

Meanwhile, Natasha observed Jenna's antics with a raised eyebrow, her thoughts betraying a hint of skepticism. Is this really the agent Fury picked? she pondered silently, her gaze lingering on Zero for a moment longer before returning to the ongoing discussion.

Banner and Stark exchanged a handshake, with Tony seizing the chance to inject some humor into the situation. "It's good to meet you, Doctor Banner. Your work on anti-electronic collisions is unparalleled. And I'm a huge fan of the way you lose control and turn into an enormous green rage monster," Tony joked, his grin widening as he waited for Bruce's response.

Bruce's reply was simple yet sincere. "...Thanks," he replied, offering a small nod in acknowledgment.

Their interaction was interrupted by the entrance of Director Fury, his presence commanding attention as he addressed the assembled team. "Doctor Banner is only here to track the Cube. I was hoping you might join him," Fury explained, his tone conveying a sense of urgency.

Steve wasted no time in suggesting a course of action. "I'd start with that stick of his. It may be magical, but it works an awful lot like a HYDRA weapon," he suggested.Fury's response was measured. "I don't know about that, but it is powered by the Cube," he explained. "And I like to know how Loki used it to turn two of the sharpest men I know into his personal flying monkeys."

The mention of monkeys prompted an unexpected reaction from Steve. "Monkeys? I do not understand," Thor interjected, confused by the reference.

But Steve's follow-up caught everyone off guard. "I do!" he exclaimed, a hint of excitement in his voice. The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Steve in surprise.

"I...I understood that reference," Steve clarified, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Meanwhile, Tony Stark, always one for levity, decided to lighten the mood. "Shall we play, Doctor?" he asked, gesturing for Bruce Banner to join him.

Chapter 8: Shrek?

Chapter Text

As Banner and Stark moved off to work on tracking the Cube, Jenna found herself perched on the counter nearby, engrossed in a book. Banner scanned the scepter with a device, noting, "The Gamma readings are definitely consistent with Selvig's reports on the Tesseract. But it's gonna take weeks to process."

Stark, ever the innovator, offered a solution. "If we bypass their mainframe and direct route to the Homer cluster, we can clock this at around six hundred teraflops," he suggested, working on a screen.

Banner, perhaps feeling the weight of their task, joked, "All I packed was a toothbrush."

Stark chuckled, his enthusiasm undimmed. "You know, you should come by Stark Tower sometime. You too Zero. Top ten floors, all R and D.All the books you can read. You'd love it, it's a candy land."

Banner, however, seemed hesitant. "Thanks, but...last time I was in New York I kind of broke...Harlem," he admitted, a shadow crossing his features.

Jenna's eyes widened in realization as Banner spoke about breaking Harlem. Memories flooded back, and she couldn't help but blurt out, "Wait, you were the guy who I thought was Shrek when I was 12 in harlem??"

As Jenna made her revelation, Bruce put his head in his hand, shaking it in embarrassment. Tony, catching on to the situation, couldn't contain his laughter. "8? That was 8 years ago? Wait, you're 20??? You are a child??" he exclaimed, his in shock evident in his tone. "I hit on a child, oh my god Pepper is going to kill me". Tony murmured to himself. "Oops" Jenna said knowing Fury is gonna be upset about this one.

Stark, ever the optimist, reassured him. "Well, I promise a stress-free environment. No tension, no surprises," he said, before playfully zapping Banner in the side.

As Tony playfully zapped Banner in the side, a chorus of reactions ensued. Banner winced, exclaiming, "Ow!" while Steve interjected with a stern "Hey!" Tony's irreverent demeanor remained unchanged as he quipped, "Nothing?" in response to Steve's reproach.

Steve, visibly concerned, stepped forward, questioning Tony's cavalier attitude. "Are you nuts?" he asked incredulously, to which Tony retorted, "Jury's out!" His carefree demeanor seemed to rub Steve the wrong way, prompting him to express his disapproval. "Threatening the safety of everyone on this ship isn't funny. No offense, Doc," Steve admonished, his tone stern.

However, Banner, ever the voice of reason, diffused the tension with his calm demeanor. "No, it's alright. I wouldn't have come aboard if I couldn't handle pointy things," he assured them, his words laced with a hint of amusem*nt at Tony's antics.

Tony, undeterred by Steve's admonition, continued his banter, urging Banner to adopt a more confident stance. "You're tip-toeing, big man. You need to strut," he advised, his tone light but earnest.

Steve, growing increasingly exasperated, urged Tony to focus on the task at hand. "And you need to focus on the problem, Mister Stark," he chided, his patience wearing thin.

Tony, however, remained defiant, his mind already racing ahead with questions and suspicions about Fury's motives. "You think I'm not?" he retorted, his voice tinged with frustration. "Why did Fury call us in? Why now, why not before? What isn't he telling us? I can't do the equation unless I have all the variables."

As the conversation shifted to Fury's potential secrets, Tony's suspicions took center stage. "He's a spy. Captain, he's the spy. His secrets have secrets,"

Jenna's attention was suddenly drawn away from her book. She glanced up, her brow furrowing slightly as she processed the implications of Tony's words.

Tony, catching Jenna's gaze, seemed to realize her presence anew. "Oh, I forgot you work for Fury," he remarked, a touch of concern in his tone. Then, with a hint of pleading, he added, "You won't tell him, right? We are friends now. I invited you to my house for a sleepover and everything."

His attempt at persuasion was met with a mixture of amusem*nt and incredulity. "You think bribing me is going to work?" she quipped, unable to suppress a smirk.

Tony expression bordering on hopeful. "Hey, it was worth a shot," he admitted. Jenna scoots over near Tony , "Maybe next time, try bribing me with money." Her playful tone matched his, hinting at a camaraderie that transcended the seriousness of their current situation. Tony's eyes widened in mock astonishment, a grin spreading across his face at Jenna's cheeky response. "Should've tried that one first" Tony quipped. Tony asserted, casting a knowing glance towards Banner, sensing a shared unease.

Banner, caught off guard by the scrutiny, attempted to refocus on his work. "Uh, Aah, I just wanna finish my work here and..." he trailed off, but Steve wasn't about to let him off the hook.

"Doctor?" Steve prompted, his tone firm yet understanding.

Resigned, Banner acknowledged the tension with a wry comment about Loki's jab at Fury regarding the Cube. "A warm light for all mankind," he remarked, alluding to Loki's cryptic message.

Steve, catching the reference, acknowledged its significance. "I heard it," he affirmed, realizing the veiled threat aimed at him.

Banner, ever insightful, suggested that the message might have been meant for Tony. "Well, I think that was meant for you," he remarked, gesturing towards Stark, who responded by offering Banner a blueberry. Jenna's voice cut in, "Wait, give me some" she interjected as her memory flashed back to Maria that morning hitting her with a blueburry.....bitch. Tony's gaze shifted to Jenna, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he plucked a few blueberries from the bag and passed them to her.

The discussion then turned to the Stark Tower, prompting Steve to inquire about its significance. "The Stark Tower? That big ugly-building in New York?" he queried, to which Banner provided some enlightening details.

"It's powered by an arc reactor, self-sustaining energy source. That building will run itself for, what, a year?" Banner explained, shedding light on the tower's innovative design.

Tony, never one to miss an opportunity for self-promotion, interjected with a hint of pride. "It's just the prototype. I'm kind of the only name in clean energy right now, that's what he's getting at," he added, with a subtle nod towards Steve.

Bruce's question lingered in the air, prompting Tony to consider the implications. "So, why didn't SHIELD bring him in on the Tesseract project? What are they even doing in the energy business in the first place?" Bruce inquired, his curiosity piqued by the organization's motives.

Tony's response was characteristically confident, tinged with a hint of mischief. "I should probably look into that as soon as my decryption program finishes breaking into all of SHIELD's secure files," he remarked, his tone casual despite the gravity of the situation.

Tony's confident demeanor faltered slightly as Jenna's question caught him off guard. "Wait, what did you do?" Jenna's curiosity piqued, and Tony swiftly passed her a hundred-dollar bill with a sheepish grin. "Consider it hush money," he quipped, trying to play it cool. Jenna raised an eyebrow. "I've been bought... He just bought me" she declared dramatically, holding up the bill. "But," she added with a smirk, "I'm gonna have to tell Fury about this. Sorry, Tony. I am keeping this by the way.".

Steve Rogers, ever the voice of reason, expressed his concerns. "Yet you're confused about why they didn't want you around," Steve pointed out, his gaze fixed on Tony as he awaited a response.

Tony shrugged off Steve's comment with a nonchalant wave of his hand. "An intelligence organization that fears intelligence? Historically, not awesome," he quipped, his smirk unwavering in the face of uncertainty.

Steve, however, remained steadfast in his commitment to the mission. "I think Loki's trying to wind us up. This is a man who means to start a war, and if we don't stay focused, he'll succeed. We have orders, we should follow them," Steve asserted, his tone firm and resolute.

Tony, true to form, couldn't resist a snarky retort. "Following's not really my style," he remarked, his smirk widening as he teased Steve about his adherence to protocol.

Steve shot back with a pointed remark of his own. "And you're all about style, aren't you?" he countered, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

As Cap exited the lab, Tony and Bruce were left to contemplate their next move."That's the guy my dad never shut up about?" Tony remarked, a wry smile playing on his lips, "Wondering if they shouldn't have kept him on ice."

Bruce, however, couldn't shake the feeling of unease. "Guy's not wrong about Loki, he does have the jump on us," Bruce acknowledged, his tone tinged with apprehension.

Tony remained confident in his abilities, convinced that Loki's plans would ultimately backfire. "What he's got is an ACME dynamite kit. It's gonna blow up in his face, and I'm gonna be there when it does," Tony declared, his confidence unwavering.

Tony's response was equal parts reassurance and determination. "Mhm, or, you'll be suiting up with the rest of us," he remarked, his gaze locking with Bruce's as he spoke.

Bruce couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability. "Now, you see, I don't get a suit of armor. I'm exposed, like a nerve, it's a nightmare," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.

Tony, however, offered a different perspective, his gaze softening as he spoke. "You know, I've got a cluster shrapnel, trying every second to crawl its way into my heart. This stops it," Tony explained, tapping the arc reactor embedded in his chest. "It's part of me now, not just armor. It's a terrible privilege."

Their eyes turned to Jenna, waiting for her story. She paused mid-blueberry, caught off guard by the sudden attention. "Um, I don't have any issues... I'm normal unless you count mentally ill.... but thats because I am gen z..." she said, trying to deflect the spotlight away from herself.

Bruce listened intently, his expression contemplative as Tony wiped clean the screen between them. "Hey, I read all about your accident. That much Gamma exposure should've killed you," Tony remarked, his tone conveying genuine curiosity.

Bruce couldn't help but marvel at the irony of his situation. "So you're saying that the Hulk - the Other Guy - saved my life? That's nice. That's nice sentiment. Saved it for - what?" he mused, his thoughts drifting to the uncertainty of the future.

Tony's response was characteristically cryptic yet hopeful. "I guess we'll find out," he replied, his gaze meeting Bruce's with a shared sense of determination.

Bruce couldn't suppress a wry smile. "You may not enjoy that," he remarked, his tone tinged with humor as he considered the unpredictable nature of his alter ego.

Tony, however, remained undeterred. "And you just might," he countered, his confidence unwavering as he prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

In the corner, Jenna observed the exchange thinking "Fury needs to start investing in an at work therapist".

Chapter 9: The Sunshine and...Um Loki?

Chapter Text

As the discussion in the lab between Tony, Bruce, and the others continued, Jenna couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to inform Fury about Tony's activities. Concern etched into her features, she excused herself, murmuring something about needing to find Fury.

Navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the Helicarrier, Jenna's footsteps echoed softly against the metal floor. Her mind raced with thoughts of the potential consequences of Tony's actions. However, her quest to find Fury took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon a heavily guarded area. Peering through the reinforced glass, Jenna's eyes widened as she saw the figure of Loki, imprisoned within the cell. Before she could turn away, Loki's voice cut through the silence like a knife. "Well, well, what do we have here?" Loki's voice carried a hint of amusem*nt as he regarded Jenna with a piercing gaze. "An agent seeking to extract information from me, perhaps?"Jenna shook her head, a wry smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Nah, man. I'm just lost," she replied, her tone light despite the gravity of the situation.Loki's smirk faltered slightly at her unexpected response. "Lost? In a place as meticulously organized as this?" he remarked, his tone laced with skepticism.Jenna shrugged nonchalantly, her gaze never wavering from Loki's piercing stare. "Guess I took a wrong turn somewhere," she quipped, a playful glint in her eyes. Curiosity piqued, Jenna found herself drawn into conversation with the enigmatic god of mischief. She couldn't help but question him, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity. "Why are you doing this?" she asked, her words echoing in the confined space of the cell.

For a brief moment, Loki's facade wavered, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability. "I seek only to reclaim what is rightfully mine," he replied cryptically, his gaze distant as he spoke of his motivations.

However, Jenna's probing seemed to strike a nerve. Sensing Loki's growing agitation, she pushed further, her words cutting through the tension like a knife. "Do you have trust issues or something? Does it stem from mommy issues?" she ventured, her tone laced with a mix of curiosity and teasing.

Loki's reaction was immediate, his expression darkening with anger. "How dare you—" he began, his voice dripping with venom.

But Jenna was undeterred. "No, no, daddy issues, isn't it?" she pressed on, her tone softer now, tinged with sympathy.

For a moment, Loki said nothing, his silence speaking volumes. Jenna's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the pain that lay beneath Loki's facade.

Realizing she may have crossed a line, Jenna softened her tone. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—" she started, but Loki interrupted her with a wave of his hand.

"It matters not," he replied tersely, his gaze turning away.

Undeterred by his brusque response, Jenna met Loki's gaze squarely, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and empathy. "Maybe it's you with the issues," he remarked casually, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

Jenna's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Touché," she conceded, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "But then again, maybe it takes one to know one."

To her surprise, Loki's demeanor softened slightly, a glimmer of interest sparking in his eyes. "You are unlike any mortal I have encountered," he remarked, his voice tinged with a note of fascination.

As Jenna and Loki engaged in their unexpected exchange, a new presence made itself known in the cell. Natasha approached silently from behind Loki, her presence unnoticed until she spoke.

"Hm. There's not many people that can sneak up on me," Loki remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice as he turned to face Natasha.

Noticing Jenna's presence in the cell, Natasha's expression shifted from curiosity to suspicion. "What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice sharp with concern.

Caught off guard by Natasha's sudden appearance and harsh tone, Jenna stumbled over her words, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I... I'm sorry. I got lost trying to find Fury," she admitted, her voice tinged with unease as she backed away from the cell, eager to escape the tense atmosphere.

"you'd figured I'd come," Natasha remarked coolly, her voice betraying none of the apprehension she felt.

Loki's smirk was both unsettling and strangely alluring. " After whatever tortures Fury can concoct, you would appear as a friend, as a balm. And I would cooperate," he replied, his tone dripping with smug confidence.

Natasha's eyes narrowed, her resolve hardening. "I wanna know what you've done to Agent Barton," she demanded, her voice steady despite the tension that crackled between them.

A flicker of amusem*nt danced in Loki's eyes as he considered her question. "I'd say I've expanded his mind," he quipped, his words carrying a hint of malice.The implications of Loki's words sent a shiver down Natasha's spine. "And once you've won. Once you're king of the mountain. What happens to his mind?" she pressed, her voice tinged with urgency.

Loki's smirk widened at her inquiry, his gaze lingering on her with unnerving intensity. "You are kind of boring. Bring back the little sunshine one before you; she was an... interesting one," he remarked casually, a subtle threat underlying his words.

Natasha felt a wave of unease wash over her at Loki's mention of Zero. She couldn't quite put her finger on why, but something about his words struck a nerve, leaving her stomach churning with a mixture of apprehension and dread.

"Leave her out of this," Natasha insisted, her voice firm as she met Loki's gaze head-on, refusing to show any sign of weakness in the face of his taunts.

Loki's response was chilling in its simplicity. "Is this love, Agent Romanoff?" he mused, his tone mocking yet strangely contemplative.

Natasha's voice was calm, but there was a steely resolve beneath her words. "Love is for children. I owe him a debt," she stated, her eyes fixed on Loki's piercing gaze.

Loki's smirk widened as he sensed an opportunity to unravel Natasha's resolve. "Not for him, but for her," he remarked, his voice dripping with malice.

Loki leaned forward, his expression curious. "Tell me," he demanded, his tone tinged with a hint of intrigue.

Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Natasha began to recount her past. "Before I worked for SHIELD, I, uh... well, I made a name for myself. I have a very specific skill set. I didn't care who I used it for, or on. I got on SHIELD's radar in a bad way. Agent Barton was sent to kill me, he made a different call," she explained, her voice tinged with a mixture of regret and gratitude.

Loki listened intently, his gaze never leaving Natasha's face. "And what will you do if I vow to spare him?" he inquired, his interest piqued by her story.

"Not let you out," Natasha replied bluntly, her words carrying a hint of warning.

Loki chuckled softly, his amusem*nt evident. "Ah, no. But I like this. Your world in the balance, and you bargain for one man?" he mused, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.

Undeterred, Natasha held her ground. "Regime's fall every day. I tend not to weep over that. I'm Russian, or I was," she stated matter-of-factly.

Loki raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her defiance. "And what are you now?" he inquired, his curiosity evident.

"It's really not that complicated. I got red in my ledger. I'd like to wipe it out," Natasha confessed, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.

Loki's expression darkened as he delved into Natasha's past sins. "Can you? Can you wipe out that much red? Drakov's daughter? Sao Paulo? The hospital fire? Barton told me everything. Your ledger is dripping, it's gushing red, and you think saving a man no more virtuous than yourself will change anything? This is the basest sentimentality. This is a child, a prayer. Pathetic,...You lie and kill in the service of liars...and killers. You pretend to beseparate, to have your own code...something that makes up for thehorrors. But they are a part ofyou, and they will never go away." he spat, his words laced with contempt.

The air in the room crackled with tension as Loki's rage boiled over, his fist slamming against the unyielding glass. Natasha instinctively recoiled, a flicker of fear flashing in her eyes.

"I won't touch Barton! Not until I make him kill you. Slowly, intimately, in every way he knows you fear," Loki declared, his voice dripping with malice. Natasha's heart pounded in her chest as the full weight of his threat sank in.

Her breath caught in her throat as Loki's words painted a vivid, horrifying picture in her mind. "And then he'll wake just long enough to see his good work," he continued, his voice echoing in the confined space. Natasha turned away, unable to bear the thought of such cruelty.

Tears welled up in Natasha's eyes as she struggled to compose herself, the sound of her sobs filling the silence. "You're a monster!" she cried out, her voice trembling with emotion.

But Loki's grin only widened in response to her anguish. "Oh, no. You brought the monster," he retorted, his tone dripping with venom.

Natasha lifted her head defiantly, her face a mask of determination. "So, Banner? That's your play," she remarked coolly, her voice steady.

Loki's expression faltered, confusion flickering across his features. "What?" he stammered, taken aback by Natasha's unexpected response.

With practiced ease, she activated her earpiece, her voice cool and collected as she relayed crucial information."Loki means to unleash the Hulk. Keep Banner in the lab, I'm on my way. Send Thor as well," Natasha instructed, her words carrying a sense of urgency.

But before she could leave, Natasha paused, her gaze locking onto Loki's visage. With a hint of sarcasm laced in her tone, she offered a faux expression of gratitude. "Thank you, for your cooperation!" she quipped, her voice tinged with irony.

Chapter 10: Oh Brother

Chapter Text

As Natasha stepped out of the room, she was met with the sight of Zero sitting on the floor, looking up at her with a sheepish expression, reminiscent of a loyal pet awaiting its owner.

"What are you doing?" Natasha inquired, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Zero shrugged slightly, a faint blush coloring their cheeks. "Sorry, I don't know this place well. I'm not sure where to go," they admitted, their tone apologetic.

Natasha regarded Zero for a moment before nodding in understanding. "Follow me," she said simply, gesturing for them to accompany her.

As they made their way through the corridors, Natasha couldn't shake the nagging feeling of suspicion lingering in the back of her mind. "What were you doing talking to Loki?" she questioned casually, her tone carefully neutral.

Zero's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the directness of the question. "I got lost." She replied quickly, their voice tinged with sincerity.

Though Natasha remained skeptical, she chose not to press the matter further as they approached the lab. Jenna, Thor, and Natasha entered the room, their presence immediately drawing attention. Banner glanced towards Natasha, a silent question in his eyes.

"Did you know about this?" Banner inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Natasha's response was blunt and to the point. "You wanna think about removing yourself from this environment, Doctor?" she suggested, her expression serious.

Banner chuckled at her suggestion. "I was in Calcutta, I was pretty well removed," he retorted, a hint of amusem*nt in his voice.

But Natasha wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily. "Loki's manipulating you," she insisted, her tone firm.

Banner's response was equally defiant. "And you've been doing what exactly?" he countered, his gaze unwavering.

Natasha didn't flinch under his scrutiny. "You didn't come here because I bat my eyelashes at you," she shot back, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Banner remained resolute. "Yes, and I'm not leaving because suddenly you get a little twitchy," he retorted, his stance firm.

Interrupting their tense exchange, Banner redirected the conversation to a more pressing matter. "I'd like to know why SHIELD is using the Tesseract to build weapons of mass destruction," he stated, his tone serious.

Jenna, who had been listening intently, looked up at Fury in shock. Fury met Jenna's gaze briefly, his expression unreadable, before turning his attention back to Banner. Jenna couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. The world was far more precarious than she had ever imagined, and she realized that she was now a part of something much larger than herself.

Fury stepped forward, pointing towards Thor. "Because of him," he declared, his voice commanding attention.

Thor appeared puzzled by the accusation. "Me?" he questioned, a furrow forming on his brow.

Fury proceeded to recount the events of the past year, highlighting the arrival of extraterrestrial threats and the havoc they had wrought. "Last year earth had a visitor from another planet who had a grudge match that leveled a small town," Fury explained, his voice grave. "We learned that not only are we not alone, but we are hopelessly, hilariously, out-gunned."

Thor interjected, emphasizing his people's desire for peace with Earth. "My people want nothing but peace with your planet," he asserted, his tone earnest.

But Fury's words were sobering. "But you're not the only people out there, are you? And, you're not the only threat," he stated ominously. "The world's filling up with people who can't be matched, they can't be controlled."

Steve voiced his frustration, directing his ire towards Fury. "Like you controlled the cube!" he accused, his tone accusatory.

Thor attempted to clarify his intentions, but Fury redirected the conversation back to the looming threat. "Your work with the Tesseract is what drew Loki to it, and his allies," Fury asserted. "It is the signal to all the realms that the earth is ready for a higher form of war."

Steve's incredulity was palpable. "A higher form?!" he exclaimed, his disbelief evident.

Tony couldn't resist adding his trademark sarcasm to the mix. "Nuclear deterrent! 'Cause that always calms everything right down," he remarked, his tone dripping with irony.

The tension in the room mounted as accusations flew and tempers flared. The gravity of their situation weighed heavily upon them as they grappled with the reality of their predicament .As the argument intensified, Jenna felt the tension in the room reach its boiling point. With a resigned sigh, she scooted back, perching herself on the edge of the table. Popping her AirPods in, she rolled her eyes at the escalating drama unfolding before her. "Oh brother" she sighs.

In the midst of the heated argument, Fury's voice cut through the chaos like a knife. "Remind me again how you made your fortune, Stark?" he demanded, his tone laced with accusation.

Tony, always quick with a retort, raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Wait-Wait! Hold on! How is this now about me?" he protested, his hands gesturing wildly.

But Steve wasn't about to let him off the hook. "I'm sure if he still made weapons, Stark would be neck deep," he remarked, his words dripping with disdain.

Tony bristled at the implication, his frustration evident. "I'm sorry, isn't everything?" he shot back, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

Thor, ever the outsider, looked on with a mixture of confusion and disappointment. "I thought humans were more evolved than this," he remarked, shaking his head in disbelief.

But Fury was having none of it. "Excuse me, did we come to your planet and blow stuff up?" he retorted, his voice booming with authority.

Natasha, ever the voice of reason, interjected with a sobering reminder. "Are you boys really that naive? S.H.I.E.L.D monitors potential threats," she pointed out, her words cutting through the tension. Jenna leans over to grab the rest of Tony's blueberry and just watches it all play out, thoroughly entertained by the superhero drama unfolding before her thinking, "God this is so much better than love island".

As the argument escalated, the scepter in the center of the room began to glow ominously, casting an eerie light on the scene.

Tony, unable to resist the urge to provoke, turned to Steve with a smirk. "You're on that list? Are you above or below angry bees?" he taunted, his words dripping with sarcasm.

Steve's patience was wearing thin. "I swear to God, Stark, one more crack..." he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

But Tony wasn't about to back down. "You're a threat. VERBAL THREAT! I FEEL THREATENED!" he exclaimed, his tone mocking.

As the tension reached its peak, Banner couldn't help but inject a note of levity into the situation. "YEAH MAN HANDLE ME NOW, THAT'LL BE GOOD!" he yelled.

Amidst the chaos, Fury's voice rang out like a thunderclap. "That's not your concern, doctor!" he bellowed, his eyes flashing with intensity.

Caught in the crossfire of egos and agendas, the room descended into chaos, each member of the team grappling with their own fears and insecurities. Little did they know, the true threat lay just beyond their grasp, waiting to strike when they least expected it.

As tensions reached a boiling point, Thor's booming voice cut through the chaos. "You speak of control, yet you court chaos!" he declared, his eyes blazing with righteous indignation.

Banner, ever the voice of reason, chimed in with his own perspective. "It's his MO, isn't it? I mean, what are we, a team? No, no, no. We're a chemical mixture that makes chaos. We're- we're a time bomb," he observed, his words carrying a weight of truth.

But Fury wasn't having it. "You need to step away," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.

Tony, always one to stir the pot, couldn't resist the opportunity to provoke. "Why shouldn't the guy let off a little steam?" he quipped, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

Steve, however, wasn't about to back down. "You know damn well why! Back off!" he retorted, his voice tinged with anger.

But Tony was unfazed. "Oh, I'm starting to want you to make me," he goaded, his tone mocking.

Steve's patience was wearing thin. "Yeah, big man in a suit of armor. Take that off, what are you?" he challenged, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

But Tony wasn't about to back down. "Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist," he replied, his words laced with arrogance.

Steve, undeterred, pressed on. "I know guys with none of that worthten of you. I've seen the footage.The only thing you really fight foris yourself. You're not the guy tomake the sacrifice play, to laydown on a wire and let the otherguy crawl over you."

As tension reached its zenith, Tony's retort was sharp and confident. "I think I would just cut the wire," he remarked, his voice tinged with bravado.

Steve's response was measured but firm. "Always a way out. You know, you may not be a threat, but you better stop pretending to be a hero," he stated, his words carrying weight.

Tony, never one to back down from a challenge, continued to spar verbally. "A hero, like you? You're a laboratory experiment, Rogers. Everything special about you came out of a bottle," he countered, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Steve, unyielding, issued a challenge. "Put on the suit, let's go a few rounds," he proposed, his voice steady.

Thor, observing the exchange with amusem*nt, couldn't help but laugh. "You people are so petty, and tiny," he remarked, his tone lighthearted.

Bruce Banner, ever the voice of reason, interjected with a reminder of unity. "Yeah, this is a team," he emphasized, his voice calm amidst the escalating tension.

Director Fury, sensing the need for intervention, directed Natasha to escort Banner back to his quarters. But Banner's response was unexpected, his revelation silencing the room. "I got low," he began, his voice heavy with emotion. "I didn't see an end so I put a bullet in my mouth and the other guy spit it out. So I moved on, I focused on helping other people," he confessed, his vulnerability palpable. Jenna's attention was quickly diverted by the sudden flashing from the monitor. "Uh, guys? Hey, guys," Jenna chimed in, trying to draw their attention to the monitor. She gestured toward the screen, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern, eager to see what had captured their focus.

As Banner's words hung in the air, the tension in the room thickened. Banner's eyes widened as he saw something on the monitor. "Oh my God," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Meanwhile, Barton's jet exploded, causing chaos outside the helicarrier. Inside the Wishbone lab, the force of the blast sent everyone flying in different directions. Fury and Thor took cover behind a table, while Tony and Steve were blown toward the entryway. Banner, Natasha, and Jenna were flung out of the lab and into the lower equipment room, their world spinning in disarray. Jenna's headphones was sent flying out of her ear, "I didn't even get to the bridge of the song" she groaned. The world spun around her, disorienting her senses until everything went black, and she passed out, her last thought lingering on the unfinished melody in her head.

---
POV you are her airpod: your midas touch on the chevy door novermber flush and your flannel cure

Chapter 11: You're Doing Great Sweetie

Chapter Text

As Jenna slowly regained consciousness, she groaned, her head pounding from the impact of the fallen pipe. Blinking through the haze, she took in her surroundings, her eyes widening in alarm as she saw Natasha trapped under the heavy pipe and Bruce in the midst of his transformation.

A nervous laugh escaped Jenna's lips, "Oh god, it's like I'm 12 all over again, and Shrek is gonna murder me," she quipped.

Summoning her resolve, Jenna pushed herself up and stumbled over to Natasha's side. Despite the fear gnawing at her, she forced a smile, determined to help in any way she could. "Hey, how are you?" she ask. Natasha cast a quick glance at Jenna, her expression a mix of disbelief and urgency. "Are you serious right now?" she asked incredulously, her tone edged with a sense of urgency as she assessed their precarious situation.

Together, Jenna and Natasha strained against the weight of the pipe, their combined efforts slowly but steadily lifting it off Natasha's trapped foot. With a final grunt of effort, they managed to free her, Natasha breathing a sigh of relief as the pressure on her leg eased. As Natasha stands, she locks eyes with the Hulk, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Without hesitation, she turns and sprints up the catwalk stairs, her heart pounding in her chest as the monstrous figure gives chase.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Natasha swings over a catwalk and grabs Jenna, pulling her along as they dodge debris and obstacles. Jenna's protests fall on deaf ears as Natasha rolls them both under a turbine, narrowly avoiding the Hulk's massive grasp.

As Natasha continues her frantic escape, leaping through small openings and darting between pipes, Zero can barely keep up. "Please slow down, woman! I am not agile!" she cries out between gasps.

As Natasha and Jenna huddled under the engine, the darkness enveloped them, broken only by the faint glow of emergency lights. Natasha's senses were on high alert, her grip tightening on her gun as she listened for any sign of movement.

When the footsteps grew louder, signaling the approach of the Hulk, Natasha tensed, her heart pounding in her chest. With a swift motion, she pulled her gun and positioned herself protectively in front of Zero , motioning for Zero to stay close behind.

Suddenly, the Hulk leaped at them, his roar echoing through the narrow passage. Reacting quickly, Natasha fired her gun at a pipe above his head, releasing a burst of gas that momentarily disoriented him. Seizing the opportunity, she darted along the passage, the Hulk hot on her heels.

But despite her best efforts, Natasha couldn't outrun the relentless force of the Hulk. With a powerful swing, he backhanded her against the wall Zero, still dazed from the impact, instinctively wrapped her arms around Natasha, shielding her from the brunt of the blow. Though she felt the impact reverberate through her own body, she held on tight, determined to protect her friend. And she passes out again. (This girl can't catch a break)

As the Hulk loomed over Natasha, his fist raised , it seemed like all hope was lost. But just as he prepared to strike, a sudden crash reverberated through the air as Thor tackled him through the wall, sending debris flying in all directions.

Jenna's eyes fluttered open, her head pounding as she took in the scene before her. With a groan, she pushed herself up, rubbing her temples as she muttered, "This is worse than a hangover, dear lord." Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at Jenna's remark, the sound echoing softly in the tense atmosphere. Jenna let out a small smile at Natasha's laugh.

As the tension momentarily lifted, Natasha's gaze softened, her eyes meeting Jenna's. Jenna, sensing Natasha's distress, reached out a hand to offer comfort.

Just as Natasha was about to accept Jenna's outstretched hand, they both heard Fury's voice crackle over the earpiece, cutting through the momentary respite."It's Barton, he took out our systems. He's headed for the detention lab. Does anybody copy?" Fury's urgent tone brought Natasha back to full alertness. Natasha quickly regained her composure, her training kicking in. She rose to her feet, ready to spring into action. "This is Agent Romanoff. I copy," she responded into her earpiece, her voice firm and resolute.

--

Jenna watched in tense anticipation as Natasha and Barton engaged in a fierce struggle. Peeking up from behind a nearby rail, she couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"Do you need help?" Jenna popped her head out from under the stairs and called out, her voice wavering with concern as she witnessed the intense confrontation unfolding before her.

But Natasha could respond, "Zero I swear to god stay down". Barton's actions spoke for themselves. With a swift and calculated move, Natasha grabbed Barton's arm, attempting to disarm him. He resisted, groaning as he shifted the dagger to his free hand. Natasha, undeterred, seized his other hand as well, but Barton managed to hoist her up, his grip tightening.

In a desperate Barton grabbed Natasha's hair, pulling her head back and exposing her neck to his dagger. As Barton grabbed Natasha's hair, Jenna couldn't help but intervene, her voice cutting through the tension. "You shouldn't do that without permission, sir," she admonished, Jenna spotted a loose pipe nearby and, without thinking twice, grabbed it and hurled it at Barto. The pipe soared through the air hitting Barton right on the head. "OOPS SORRY I WAS AIMMING FOR... Well um I don't know what I was aimming for but it wasn't your head.....". his eyes blazing with anger. Realizing the gravity of her actions, Jenna's heart skipped a beat. "Oh god," she muttered under her breath, bracing herself for whatever retaliation Barton might unleash. Natasha grabs him and knocks him down Barton crashed to the ground, groaning in pain, but his determination remained unyielding. Despite his injuries, he looked up, his gaze meeting Natasha's with a mixture of defiance and desperation.

"Natasha?" Barton questioned.

Natasha wasted no time in delivering a swift left hook, her punch landing squarely on Barton's jaw. Zero looks over at Natasha and gives her a thumbs up smiling like an idiot.

But her momentary respite was shattered by the urgent voice of Fury crackling through her earpiece.

"Agent Coulson is down," Fury's voice echoed, the words sending a chill down Jenna's spine. In that moment, the weight of the situation bore down on her like a ton of bricks, and she felt her whole world crashing down.

Jenna's heart skipped a beat. Without a moment's hesitation, she bolted towards Coulson's location, her mind racing with the desperate hope of saving him. Ignoring the protests of her weary body, she reached Coulson's side and knelt beside him, tears welling up in her eyes.

With trembling hands, Jenna placed her palms over Coulson's body, channeling every ounce of her healing into him. But as seconds stretched into agonizing minutes, it became painfully clear that her efforts were in vain. Coulson remained still, his life slipping away despite her best efforts.

The realization hit Jenna like a physical blow, and she felt her strength draining away along with Coulson's fading life force. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she fought to keep him with them, her vision blurring with exhaustion and grief.

But ultimately, the battle was lost. With a soft cry of despair, Jenna collapsed beside Coulson's motionless form, her body succumbing to the overwhelming strain of her futile attempt to save him. Darkness enveloped her once more as she slipped into unconsciousness, the weight of her sorrow and exhaustion too heavy to bear.

Chapter 12: Godzilla?

Chapter Text

Zero woke up in and sat in a wave of numbness, Natasha's face came into focus in front of her, and Zero realized she was in the med bay next to Clint Barton, who was still waking up. Barton was strapped to a hospital bed, his breathing labored as he strained against the bonds.

Natasha moved to sit by Barton's side, her expression filled with concern as she tried to reassure him. "Clint, you're gonna be alright," she said softly.

But Barton's voice was filled with desperation as he spoke, his words tinged with fear and uncertainty. "You know that? Is that what you know? I gotta go in though. I have to flush him out," he insisted.

Natasha gently urged him to calm down, emphasizing that it would take time for him to level out. But Barton's words revealed the depth of his anguish, as he described the torment of having his mind manipulated and replaced by another.

Natasha began to remove the strap restraints, allowing Barton to move more freely. He turned to her with a haunted expression, seeking answers amidst the confusion and pain. "Natasha, how many agents?" he asked, his voice trembling.

But Natasha refused to let Barton dwell on the past, reminding him of the dire threat they faced. "Don't do that to yourself, Clint. This is Loki. This is monsters and magic and nothing we were ever trained for," she replied solemnly.

As Barton expressed his desire to stop Loki, Natasha acknowledged the gravity of their mission. "We gotta stop him," she affirmed, her determination unwavering.

Barton's resolve hardened as he spoke of putting an end to Loki's reign of terror. "If I put an arrow through Loki's eye socket I'd sleep better I suppose," he remarked grimly.

Natasha, however, acknowledged the transformation within herself, revealing the haunting truth of her past. "He didn't, I just—" she began, before Barton interrupted her with a knowing look.

"Natasha," he pressed, his gaze penetrating.

Finally, Natasha confessed the weight of her guilt, the burden of her past sins. "I've been compromised. I got red in my ledger. I'd like to wipe it out," she admitted, her voice heavy with remorse.

Clint's gaze shifted to Jenna, who was still in a dazed state, and he furrowed his brow in concern. "Who is that? What's wrong with her?" he inquired, nodding towards Jenna.

Natasha glanced over at Jenna, a faint smile touching her lips despite the seriousness of the situation. "That's Agent Zero. She just got knocked out three time," she explained, her tone laced with a hint of amusem*nt.

Clint couldn't help but chuckle softly at the irony of the situation. "Three, huh?" he remarked, shaking his head incredulously.

Natasha walks over to tended to the cut on Jenna's head, Jenna looked up at her, concern evident in her gaze. Natasha noticed Jenna's expression and gently asked, "You've never lost someone before, huh?"

Jenna shook her head slowly. "Not really," she admitted quietly.

Finishing up with Jenna's wound, Natasha glanced up to see Jenna extending a hand toward her, offering to help. Despite her own injuries, Natasha smiled faintly at Jenna's gesture. "It's nothing I can't handle," she assured.

Jenna frowned, her determination evident as she grasped Natasha's arm. "Stop being a stubborn ass, sit," she insisted firmly, urging Natasha to let her help.

As Jenna began cleaning the blood off Natasha's wound, Natasha found herself inexplicably breathless, her heart racing as she watched Jenna's gentle movements. The scent of fall and vanilla surrounded them, enveloping Natasha in a comforting embrace. She couldn't help but notice how close Jenna was to her, their faces mere inches apart as if time had slowed down just for them.Natasha felt a strange flutter in her chest, her thoughts momentarily clouded by the intensity of the moment.

Jenna looked up to see Natasha staring at her, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. Before Jenna could say anything Steve walked into the room, fully suited up and ready for action. Natasha stood, her attention shifting to him as he spoke.

"Time to go," Steve declared, his tone decisive.

Natasha's brows furrowed slightly in confusion. "Go where?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Steve glanced at her, a sense of urgency in his expression. "I'll tell you on the way. Can you fly one of those jets?" he asked.

Barton emerged from the restroom drying his hands, interjected confidently, "I can."

Natasha nodded in agreement, silently acknowledging Barton's capability.

Steve turned his gaze to Barton. "Got a suit?" he questioned.

Barton nodded. "Yeah."

"Then suit up," Steve commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As Steve surveyed the room, his eyes fell upon Jenna he paused, "You got a suit?" Steve asked.

Jenna blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Um, no?" she replied uncertainly, feeling a bit out of place amidst the seasoned heroes. She couldn't help but wonder about the logistics of their superhero lifestyle. "Does everyone just have suits lying around, ready for a superhero moment?" amused by the thought of a closet full of capes and masks waiting for action.

Steve regarded her for a moment before nodding thoughtfully. "Oh, come anyways," he decided.

---

In the control room, Maria Hill approached Fury, her expression serious.

"Sir," she began.

"Agent Hill," Fury acknowledged, turning his attention to her.

Maria continued, her tone measured, "Those cards, they were in Coulson's locker, not in his jacket."

Fury's gaze shifted to the cards, his thoughts momentarily lingering on Coulson's memory. "They needed the push," he remarked, his voice tinged with a mix of resolve and sorrow.

As he watched the Quinjet and Iron Man take off towards the city, Fury confirms,"They found it. Get our communications back up, whatever you have to do. I want eyes oneverything.'. Maria nodded sharply. "Yes, sir," she affirmed, swiftly turning to carry out Fury's orders.

As the communications came back online and connected to the quinjet, Fury wasted no time in reaching out to Natasha, Clint, Steve. Jenna's eyes widened at the sudden appearance of Fury and Maria on the screen. She gave them the most innocent doe-eyed smile ever, greeted them. "Oh, hey there, Fury! Fancy seeing you pop up on my screen."

Maria couldn't help but roll her eyes, while Fury's expression remained unamused, his eye narrowing at Jenna's casual demeanor. "What are you doing in the jet???".

Jenna smile widening. "uh Jet? Oh, you mean the flying tin can I happened to stumble into? Thought it was just a subway. I'm just going out for a quick bite... you know" she replied innocently.

Maria couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at Jenna's audacity, while Fury just shook his head in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered.

Fury's frustration was palpable as he tried to make sense of Jenna's nonchalant attitude. "A subway? Really? Last time I checked, subways don't have wings," he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Jenna shrugged, undeterred by Fury's sarcasm. "Eh, details, details. So, what's up, Fury? Need a lift somewhere?" she asked with a playful twinkle in her eye.

Fury sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I swear, dealing with you is like herding cats," he muttered under his breath. "Listen, kid, I need you to stay out of trouble," he instructed, his tone firm but tinged with a hint of concern.

Jenna flashed a grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Trouble? Me? Never," she replied with faux innocence. "Just be careful out there." Fury's expression softened ever so slightly. Jenna looking up after hearing the sound of godzilla charging up, seeing a portal open from the sky... "Define careful..." she mused, as she glanced out of the quinjet's window.

"What's that sound? What's going on?" he began, his voice trailing off as he tried to process the unfolding chaos.

"What sound? Huh?"She feigned innocence, inching closer to the communication console.

Fury eyed her suspiciously. "What are you doing?" he demanded, his patience wearing thin as he tried to focus on the unfolding crisis.

But Jenna was already on the move, slowly creeping towards the end call button. "Sorry, Fury, what was that? I can't hear you," her finger hovering over the button as she prepared to cut off the communication.

Fury's frustration reached its peak "Agent Zero, don't you dare—" he began, but before he could finish his sentence, Jenna pressed the button ending the communication abruptly.

As the communication abruptly ended, Natasha, Clint, and Steve exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why Zero had cut off Fury mid-sentence.

Zero chimed in with a shrug. "He needed to focus on other things instead of worrying about me," she offered casually, her tone implying that she was more than capable of taking care of herself.

Chapter 13: Send Her To The Ward

Chapter Text

As the alien invasion swept through the streets of New York City, chaos reigned supreme. The sky darkened with ominous clouds as the Chitauri descended. Natasha voice echoed over the comms, "...three heading northeast."

Tony's retort crackled through the speakers, "What, did you stop for drive-thru? Swing that park, I'm gonna lay 'em out for you."
With precision and agility, He maneuvered around the towering structure of Stark Tower, deftly evading the incoming threats. His swift movements caused some of the Chitauri troops to collide with the building, sending debris flying in all directions.

As the quinjet hurtled through the air, Loki's keen eyes spotted their target. He hurled Thor to the ground, then aimed a devastating blast from his scepter at one of the jet's rotor blades, causing it to burst into flames.

Thor, fueled by anger charged at Loki, tackling him fiercely even as the quinjet plummeted towards the ground.

Inside the quinjet, Steve,Jenna,Natasha and Barton braced themselves, clinging to whatever they could as the aircraft veered dangerously close to buildings. As the quinjet finally crashed onto the street below, Natasha and Barton swiftly removed their headsets, their hearts pounding with adrenaline. With practiced efficiency, they opened the ramp, allowing Cap and themselves to exit the damaged aircraft.

Stepping out onto the chaotic scene outside, Jenna couldn't shake the nagging doubt that crept into her mind. "oh dear lord, I shouldn't have agreed to join," she murmured softly to herself, her voice barely audible over the sounds of destruction.

Natasha's eyes scanned the chaos around them, her movements swift and decisive as she fired both her guns at an incoming group of Chitauri, determination etched into every line of her face.

"We got this. It's good. Go!" she declared to Steve, her voice steady despite the intensity of the situation.

Steve glanced at her, concern evident in his expression. "You think you can hold them off?" he asked.

Barton grinned confidently. "Captain, it would be my genuine pleasure," he replied, grabbing an arrow and launching it with precision, taking out multiple Chitauri with a single shot.

As Natasha continued to fend off the alien attackers, she noticed Jenna hesitating nearby. Without a second thought, she grabbed a gun and extended it towards Jenna, "Here, take this," Natasha urged, but Jenna hesitated, shaking her head. "Um, I'm good, thanks," she replied, her voice hesitant but resolute as she turned her attention to aiding the civilians instead of engaging in combat.

As the chaos raged around them, the Avengers stood together, ready to face whatever threat came their way. Captain America's voice cut through the din, his unwavering resolve echoing in the tumultuous air.

"What's the story upstairs?" he inquired, his gaze sweeping over the assembled team.

Thor's response was resolute, "The power surrounding the cube is impenetrable."

Tony Stark's voice crackled over their earpieces "Thor is right, we gotta deal with these guys."

Natasha Romanoff posed the critical question, "How do we do this?"

Captain America's answer was simple yet profound. "As a team."

Thor voiced, "I have unfinished business with Loki."

Barton, poised with his arrows, echoed Thor's sentiment. "Oh yeah! Get in line."

But Steve intervened, "Save it. Loki's gonna keep this fight focused on us and that's what we need. Without him these things could run wild."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Bruce Banner on a motorbike. As he surveyed the destruction around them, Natasha attempted to downplay the severity of the situation.

Banner, acknowledged the dire circ*mstances. "So, this all seems horrible."

"I've seen worse," she remarked, her words belying the gravity of their predicament.

But Captain America's reassurance was firm. "Just like you said, Stark. We got him."

Meanwhile, Tony Stark, piloting his Iron Man suit, "Then tell him to suit up. I'm bringing the party to you."

Natasha voiced her uncertainty as the Leviathan approached, "I don't see how that's a party".

With the Leviathan bearing down on them, Captain America urged Banner to unleash the Hulk's fury. "Doctor Banner, now might be a really good time for you to get angry."

Banner response, "That's my secret, Cap. I'm always angry." And with those words, Banner transformed into the Hulk.

As the Avengers stood in their iconic circle, poised for battle and ready to face whatever came their way, Jenna found herself engaged in her own skirmish with the Chitauri. Alone amidst the chaos, she muttered to herself, frustration evident in her voice.

"They call themselves superheroes, but they're nowhere to be found when I'm being attacked," she grumbled under her breath.

Jenna effortlessly dispatched five of the alien with swift and precise movements,but she remained keenly aware of her surroundings, ensuring that her actions went unnoticed by the other Avengers. With a quick glance around to confirm that no one had witnessed her battle, she made her way over to where the other six Avengers were striking their dramatic poses.

"And here I am, doing all the heavy lifting while these idiots strike poses like they're on the cover of a superhero magazine." Jenna muttered sarcastically.

As Natasha continued her relentless assault on the Chitauri warriors with a swift move, she was thrown onto the vehicle, but she didn't falter. In a quick and calculated maneuver, Natasha deployed her Widow's Bite, stunning her opponent and buying herself precious moments to regain the upper hand. Seizing a Chitauri gun, she retaliated with precision, forcing the alien back with a barrage of shots.

Moments later, Natasha sensed a presence behind her and swiftly turned, ready to strike. To her relief, it was Captain America who had landed behind her. She lowered her guard and leaned against a nearby car, acknowledging his arrival with a nod.

"Captain, none of this is gonna mean a damn thing if we don't close that portal," Natasha remarked, her voice filled with determination.

Captain America shared her concern, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Our biggest guns couldn't touch it," he admitted.

Natasha considered his words for a moment before offering her own perspective. "Well, maybe it's not about guns," she suggested, her gaze drifting skyward towards the swirling vortex of the portal.

Realizing that Natasha had a plan, Captain America stood ready, his shield at the ready. "You wanna get up there, you're gonna need a ride," he stated.

Natasha replied, "I got a ride. I could use a boost though".

Captain America glanced at her, concern evident in his expression. "You sure about this?" he asked, raising his shield defensively.

Natasha hesitated for a moment, "Yeah, it's gonna be fun."

With that, she sprinted towards Captain America, who positioned his shield to give her the boost she needed. As Natasha soared into the air she grabbed onto a passing Chitauri vehicle and disappeared into the distance.

"Turn, turn, Ah!" Natasha exclaimed, her voice drowned out by the chaos of the battle raging around her.

Jenna stood frozen in disbelief, watching Natasha and Captain America, "Holy sh*t, everyone here is insane! Oh my god, what the f*ck!" she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible over the cacophony of combat.

With a bewildered expression, Jenna clutched her head, feeling as though she was having a complete mental breakdown in the midst of the battle. "I mean, seriously, who does this kind of stuff?" she exclaimed, her words tinged with a hint of hysteria on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Chapter 14: And then shawarma after?

Chapter Text

A midst the rubble and wreckage of the devastated Quinjet Jenna fumbled with the communication equipment, her fingers flying over the controls as she desperately tried to establish a connection back with Fury. "Note to self: hanging up on Fury was a bad call," she muttered. Just as she managed to establish a tenuous link to the command center, Jenna's eyes widened in alarm as she caught sight of the urgent video conference unfolding before her.

In the helicarrier, Director Fury eyes fixed on the array of monitors displaying the urgent video conference with the World Security Council

Fury's voice cut through the tension like a blade, "I recognize the council has made a decision, but given that it's a stupid ass decision, I've elected to ignore it," he declared, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

A councilman's voice crackled with urgency. "Director, you're closer than any of our subs, you scramble that jet!"

But Fury's resolve remained unshaken. "That is the island of Manhattan, Councilman. Until I'm certain my team can'thold it, I will not order a nuclearstrike against a civilianpopulation." he retorted, his tone dripping with disdain for the callous disregard of civilian lives.

The councilman pressed on, his tone desperate. "If we don't hold them in the air, we lose everything."

Jenna couldn't help but interject, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Uh, hi there, Mr. Councilman. Just a quick question: Are you guys going for a 'How to Make Friends and Influence People' record? Because, if so, you're nailing it."

Fury's response was swift and unequivocal. "I'd send that bird out, we already have," he stated bluntly and ended their meeting.

Fury's piercing gaze fell on Jenna. "You!" he exclaimed, pointing a finger in her direction. "You hung up on me!" His tone was incredulous.

"Not now, Nick! There's a nuke headed my way!" she shot back,"I can't believe you dragged me into this mess. I'm missing my lecture for crying out loud!" Her words flew out faster than a squirrel on a caffeine high. "And to make matters worse, I had to tell my professor that my already dead parents are dead again just to get out of it! Unfortunately, they can't die twice" she exclaimed.

Fury's urgency cut through Jenna's moment of self-reflection. "Okay, save your mommy issues for later, we've got to warn someone about the nuke," he barked, his tone brusque.

Jenna's eyes widened "Am I not good enough?" she retorted.

Fury fixed her with a stern look. "Do you have the power to stop a nuke?" he countered, his tone blunt and to the point.

Jenna's retort died on her lips as she considered Fury's words. After a beat, she simply shrugged. "Uh, good point".

Maria Hill's urgent voice cut through the tension of the command center, catching Fury's attention. "Sir, we have a bird in motion!" she announced, her eyes fixed on the monitors displaying the unfolding situation.

Fury bolted out of the bridge "Anyone on the deck, we have a rogue bird. We need to shut it down!" he barked into his earpiece.

Catching her off guard, an alien attacker lunged towards Jenna. In the scuffle, her earpiece was accidentally knocked loose and shattered on the ground.

"Come on, man!" Jenna exclaimed in exasperation.

"How long?" Tony's voice echoed inside his helmet.

Fury's voice crackled over the radio, delivering the grim prognosis. "Three minutes. Max. Stay low can wipe out Midtown".

"JARVIS, put everything we got into the thrusters," he instructed.

--

As the tension mounted in the command center, Jenna found herself in the Stark Tower elevator, her only companion the upbeat tunes of elevator music. The rhythmic beat of the elevator music filled the air, and she couldn't help but sway gently to the melody, humming along under her breath. . "This is a nice-ass elevator," she murmured to herself

Unbeknownst to her, Tony found himself in a dire situation, but Jenna remained blissfully unaware. With her earpiece broken, she was oblivious to the urgent conversations.

As the elevator reached the top floor and the doors slid open, Jenna stepped out into the Stark Tower penthouse. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she witnessed the scene unfolding before her: the Hulk hurling Loki back and forth like a ragdoll.

Her jaw dropped, and she couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "What the...?". Jenna decided she didn't want to deal with the scene unfolding before her. With a shake of her head, she made a beeline past the Hulk and Loki's tumultuous tango, muttering a quick, "Hi Hulk," as she passed.

To her surprise, the Hulk paused mid-throw, glancing up at Jenna with a curious expression. With a grunt that could have been interpreted as a greeting, he raised a massive hand and waved in acknowledgment.

Jenna offered a small wave back, her mind still reeling from the absurdity of the situation, before continuing on her way toward Tony's bar.

Lost in her thoughts, she happened to glance up and spotted Natasha standing on the outside balcony.

A smirk tugged at the corners of Jenna's lips as she observed Natasha (checking her out) With a shrug, Jenna decided to pour herself and Natasha a couple of drinks.

Natasha held Loki's scepter in her grasp Natasha's voice crackled over the earpiece "I can close it. Can anybody copy?" she transmitted urgently, "I can shut the portal down!"

As Steve urged, "Do it"

Inside his Iron Man helmet, Tony's voice crackled with urgency over Cap's earpiece. "No, wait," he cautioned.

But Steve's concern was clear. "Stark, these things are still coming!"

"I got a nuke coming in, it's gonna blow in less than a minute." Inside his helmet, Tony's voice remained resolute. "And I know just where to put it."

As Tony plummeted towards the portal, the tension on the rooftop was palpable. Natasha stood poised, her gaze fixed on the swirling vortex.

"Come on, Stark," she murmured, a sense of urgency in her voice.

Meanwhile, Cap's voice echoed with determination. "Close it."

With a swift motion, Natasha plunged the scepter into the heart of the device. Just as the portal began to close, Tony fell through back to earth, eliciting a collective sigh of relief from the Avengers.

As Tony reappeared, the Avengers looked up in astonishment. Steve's exclamation captured the moment perfectly. "Son of a gun!"

But their relief was short-lived as Iron Man continued his descent, plummeting towards the ground at an alarming speed. Thor's words expressed the growing concern. "He's not slowing down."

Jenna's eyes widened as she witnessed Tony's freefall, and she turned to Hulk with a hopeful expression. "Hey, man, can you do me a favor and catch the red power ranger falling out of the sky?" she quipped, her tone lighthearted yet tinged with urgency. Hulk simply nodded.

Jenna sauntered over to where Natasha stood, holding two glasses in her hands she extended one glass to Natasha. "Here you go, saved-the-world drink, on the house," she quipped, her tone playful.

Natasha arched an eyebrow, eyeing Jenna skeptically. "Are you even old enough to drink?" she asked, a hint of amusem*nt in her voice.

Jenna's grin widened. "Well, I just helped save the world, so does it really matter?" she retorted.

Without missing a beat, Natasha took the glass from Jenna's hand and passed it over to Selvig, who looked bewildered by the exchange. Jenna's expression shifted from amusem*nt to mild indignation. "Well, that was rude," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head in disbelief at Natasha's audacity.

--

Meanwhile on the ground, Hulk tossed Iron Man aside "What the hell? What just happened?" Tony exclaimed, his voice filled with confusion. "Please tell me nobody kissed me."

"We won," Steve announced, his voice filled with pride.

Tony blinked in disbelief. "Alright, hey. Alright. Good job, guys. Let's just not come in tomorrow. Let's just take a day," he suggested "You ever tried shawarma? There's a shawarma joint about two blocks from here. I don't know what it is, but I wanna try it."

Thor's expression turned serious. "We're not finished yet," he reminded them.

"And then shawarma after?" he inquired eagerly, already planning their post-battle meal.

Chapter 15: Natasha's Soon-To-Be Favorite Bartender

Chapter Text

The television news montage painted a vivid picture of the aftermath of the extraterrestrial attack, with reports highlighting the heroics of the Avengers amidst the devastation.

"...devastation of what has been confirmed as an extraterrestrial attack, the extraordinary heroics of the group known as the Avengers," the male reporter's voice narrated over the images.

Amidst the citizens expressing their gratitude and concerns, one voice stood out among the rest. "It's really great knowing they're out there, you know. That someone's watching over us," a male citizen remarked, reflecting the sentiment of many.

"I love you, Thor!" a female citizen exclaimed, her adoration clear in her voice.

But not everyone shared the same sentiment. "I just don't feel safe with those things out there," one husband expressed to his wife, highlighting the underlying fear and uncertainty in the aftermath of the attack. "It seems like there's a lot they're not telling us," his wife added, echoing his concerns.

"Superheroes? In New York? Give me a break!" A man quipped. ;)

However, not all voices were supportive. "These so-called heroes have to be held responsible for the destruction done to the city. This was their fight. Where are they now?" the senator's voice rang out, reflecting a sentiment of blame and frustration.

--

The Avengers and Jenna gathered around a table, eating and stuffing their faces. The workers cleaned up the destroyed place.

As the Avengers sat around the table, Jenna couldn't help but voice her disbelief, holding up a newspaper with a photo of the Avengers in their iconic circle pose minus Jenna. "Seriously, guys? I missed the photo shoot trying to stay alive?!? " she exclaimed.

Steve chimed in. "Hey, you were busy saving people and you should be proud of yourself kid." he pointed out.

Jenna raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Yeah, I was doing that all by myself while you so-called 'Avengers' were posing for the camera," she quipped, her tone teasing yet playful.

Clint leaned over to Natasha, a smirk playing on his lips. "Talk about priorities," he whispered, earning a snicker from Natasha as she shook aher head in amusem*nt.

Tony, with a mouthful of food "Hey, Kid, next time we'll make sure to save a spot for you in the photo op. Maybe we can get you a nice action shot," he suggested with a grin.

Jenna rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, sure, Tony. Just like you promised me lots of books in Stark Tower and I went and there was none."

Tony responded, "Hulk smash here decided to destroy my collection." He gestured dramatically, mimicking Hulk's actions.

Jenna rolled her eyes, "Sure, blame it on the big guy and not the collection of playboys I saw on your shelf instead. Next, you'll tell me Thor's hammer accidentally crushed your espresso machine," she teased, shaking her head in mock disappointment.

Tony exclaimed, "wait you broke into my tower?!"

Jenna raised an eyebrow, "Well, is it breaking in if there was a hole on the side of it?" she retorted with a smirk. Jenna rolled her eyes, a playful scowl on her face. "and stop calling me Kid, I'm not a child," she retorted.

Natasha couldn't help but smirk at the exchange. "You're not even old enough to drink," she pointed out, teasingly.

Jenna crossed her arms and pouted at her seat, shooting Natasha a mock-offended look.

Natasha chuckled, "You do make a good bartender"

Jenna raised an eyebrow. "Says the one who stole my drink", remembering the incident all too well.

Natasha feigned innocence, flashing a sly grin. "Oh, that? I considered it collateral for a mission well done or what did you call it a 'Saved-the-world drink'" she quipped.

Chapter 16: The Nerd Herd

Chapter Text

As Jenna returned home after the chaotic aftermath of the Battle of New York, exhaustion weighed heavily on her shoulders. Seeking solace in the familiarity of her own space, she trudged to the kitchen, her stomach grumbling with hunger.

Opening the fridge, she was met with a sight that struck her to the core—a container of pancake batter, a remnant from the morning when Fury and Maria had joined her for breakfast. The sight brought forth a flood of memories—the laughter, the camaraderie, the promise she had made to Coulson.

Tears welled up in Jenna's eyes. The promise of indulging in pancakes until they were sick, once a lighthearted pact, now served as a painful reminder of Coulson's tragic demise. The sight of pancake batter filled her with a profound sense of loss and emptiness. Now just the sight of pancakes will make her sick.

She stared at the container of batter, her hands trembling with emotion. Never had she imagined that something as simple as pancake batter could hold such power over her. Grief washed over her like a tidal wave, threatening to drown her in sorrow. The weight of Coulson's absence bore down on her, suffocating her with its intensity.

Unable to contain her anguish any longer, Jenna sank to the floor, her sobs echoing in the empty kitchen. The promise of pancakes had been shattered, replaced by an unbearable sense of loneliness and despair.

From that day forward, Jenna could never bring herself to look at or eat pancakes again.

--

Note: I didn't want to leave you on a angst, so let's shift gears to something happier.

--

"Hey, Zero, you ever think about interning for Stark Industries?" Tony proposed casually as they discussed the aftermath of the battle.

Zero raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the offer. "Interning, huh? What's the catch?" she countered with a playful smirk.

"No catch, just need an extra pair of hands around here," Tony replied with a grin

With a shrug and a smile officially becoming Tony's intern at Stark Industries. Tony's motivations ran deeper than just needing an extra set of hands- he saw a reflection of his own past, a reminder of the innocence and potential he once possessed. He felt a sense of responsibility towards her.

In between assisting Tony with his various projects, Zero found herself drawn to the lab where Bruce Banner spent most of his time.

--

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Stark Industries, Jenna found herself in a whirlwind of things, splitting her time between assisting Tony with his latest suit upgrades and helping Bruce to control the Hulk.

In Tony's lab, she studied at the intricate designs of the Iron Man suits, offering her insights and suggestions as Tony tinkered away.

What do you say we add some rocket boosters to the suit? You know, for those extra dramatic landings."

Jenna shot him a playful glare. "Rocket boosters? Really, Tony? Do you want me to become a human firework?"

Tony flashed her a grin, undeterred by her skepticism. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure? Besides, I already ordered the sparklers."

Jenna with a bemused expression. "Please tell me you're not actually considering adding rocket boosters to the suit Pepper is going to kill you." She deadpanned.

Tony shrugged nonchalantly. "She doesn't need to know, but hey, the more firepower, the better, right?"

Jenna rolled her eyes, suppressing a laugh. "I think we'll stick to the conventional thrusters for now, Tony

Tony chuckled, glancing over at Jenna with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Will you ever take that mask off? It's really showing your trust issues right now," he joked.

Jenna shot him a mock offended look, "Hey, I'll have you know that this mask is a fashion statement."

Tony flashed Jenna a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling with amusem*nt. "Come on, Zero, if you take it off, I'll build you a cooler one with my tech," he tempted "Think about it—imagine all the upgrades I could add. Stealth mode, enhanced communication features.

Jenna arched an eyebrow skeptically, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter. "What is it with you always bribing me?" she teased. Jenna rolled her eyes playfully, shaking her head at Tony's antics. "You're lucky I find your sense of humor amusing, Stark," she replied with a grin, before turning her attention back to the suit designs

Later that night in the dimly lit laboratory , Bruce, Zero, and Stark sat huddled around a cluttered workbench, their brows furrowed in concentration. Papers scattered across the table, alongside half-finished prototypes and discarded ideas.

Bruce, his glasses perched on the edge of his nose, chewed on the end of a pen as he pondered aloud, "How about the Nerdy Neurons?"

Jenna, leaning back in her chair, shook her head. "What? NO"

Stark smirked from behind his holographic display. "How about the Science Squad?" he suggested

Jenna wrinkled her nose in disdain. "Too cheesy," she replied, shooting Stark a playful glare.

As they continued to brainstorm, Pepper suddenly walked into the lab "What are you nerd herd doing?" she inquired, her voice laced with playful incredulity.

In unison, Bruce, Jenna, and Stark whipped their heads around to face her, their eyes lighting up with excitement. "The Nerd Herd!" they exclaimed in unison, a chorus of laughter filling the room.

Pepper blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by their enthusiastic response. "What is wrong with you guys" she remarked.

Chapter 17: Act 2: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Chapter Text

Lily Mae Marshall

----

Age: 20

Student At Columbia

--

"Do you think they have vodka?"
"Lily we are at the Capitol building"
"So no?"ly we are at the Capitol building""So no?"

Chapter 18: It's Five O'clock Somewhere

Chapter Text

Sam jogged his routine around Washington, D.C. growing irritated "Don't say it! Don't you say it!" Steve Rogers effortlessly zipped past Sam "On your left.

In the midst of this playful banter, Steve accidentally collided with two girls who were walking together. Jenna, taken by surprise, stumbled backward lost her balance and tumbled to the ground, scraping her elbow in the process. Steve, realizing his mistake, hurried over to help Jenna up. Jenna felt a pang of nervousness realizing it was Steve, but Steve remained unaware it was Agent Zero.

As Jenna regained her footing, Lily's eyes widened in recognition. "Holy sh*t, you're that Yeti dude that came from the ice, Stan, Stefan, Sven or something," she exclaimed. Sam couldn't contain his laughter at Lily.

Jenna couldn't help but chuckle at Lily's mix-up. "Sven is the reindeer from frozen idiot its Steve Rogers," she corrected with a smile, extending her hand in greeting "Jenna, This is Lily, Nice to meet you."

"Hi, Im Sam," he added, his tone taking on a flirtatious edge as he introduced himself.

Sam leaned in slightly. "What are you ladies doing around here?" he asked.

Jenna exchanged a glance with Lily before replying, "We're here for a school project."

Sam's expression faltered momentarily. "School?" he repeated, his flirtation quickly replaced by concern. But Jenna, unaware of his sudden change in demeanor, nodded in confirmation.

Lily, catching onto the misunderstanding, quickly interjected, "College!"

Sam let out a relieved chuckle, relaxing once he realized. "Ah, gotcha".

As Natasha pulled up in her car, The group turned their attention toward her. Natasha rolled down the window with a smirk.

"Hey, fellas. Either one of you know where the Smithsonian is? I'm here to pick up a fossil," Natasha quipped.

Steve chuckled. "That's hilarious." He walked over to her car and hopped in, leaving Sam to give Natasha and her car an appreciative look.

Lily leaned in closer to Jenna, whispering, "She's hot, right? It's not just me or the alcohol in my system?"

Jenna stifled a laugh. "It's 9 am! What do you mean alcohol in your system?" she teased back.

Lily shrugged "Hey, it's five o'clock somewhere, right?"

"Yeah, but it's not here," she retorted, shaking her head at Lily's antics.

Lily grinned "Well, I call dibs!"

Jenna raised an eyebrow incredulously. "You can't call dibs on someone you don't even know," she countered.

But Lily was undeterred. "What?? No , I know her! She's that lady who helped saved New York"

"How you doing?" Sam greeted Natasha.

"Hey," Natasha replied casually as Steve settled in beside her.

"Can't run everywhere," Steve remarked.

Sam nodded in agreement. "No, you can't." He watched as Natasha quickly pulled away turning back to the girls, Sam smiled warmly. "So, what's your project about? Need any help with it?" he offered.

"Thanks," Jenna replied"We're actually doing research on urban development in D.C.," she explained.

Lily turned to Sam with a bright smile. "Hey, why don't you join us for coffee?".

Chapter 19: We'll Have Pancakes Again Later

Chapter Text

The aftermath of the Battle of New York left the corridors of the S.H.I.E.L.D. building busy. Zero, having been involved in strategic matters with Director Fury, became a familiar presence in the bustling hallways. It was during this time that Natasha found herself crossing paths with Zero on several occasions.

Their encounters started off as brief exchanges, mere nods of acknowledgment as they went about their respective duties. However, as time passed, Natasha and Zero began to spend more time together.

Late nights became a common occurrence for Natasha and Zero, with Zero often found at Natasha's side, assisting her with mission reports or asking for her input on strategic plans. Natasha, in turn, appreciated Zero's analytical mind or Zero's offer to help Natasha write her mission reports and in turn Natsha tells her what the mission was about. On rainy days when Zero found herself reluctant to make the journey back to campus, she sought refuge in Natasha's Office , spending hours together, working on reports, sketching, or simply working on her school work.

Their friendship extended beyond the confines of work, with Natasha and Zero sharing meals from late-night takeout or impromptu trips to the gas station for ice cream. But despite the familiarity they developed, Natasha and Zero remained enigmatic to each other, their real names and personal lives shrouded in mystery.

---

Somewhere over the Indian Ocean:

"The target is a mobile satellite launch platform: The Lemurian Star. They were sending up their last payload when pirates took them, 93 minutes ago," Brock briefed.

"Any demands?" Steve inquired.

"A billion and a half," Brock replied.

"Why so steep?" Steve questioned.

"Because it's SHIELD's," Brock explained.

"So it's not off-course, it's trespassing," Steve deduced.

Natasha interjected, "I'm sure they have a good reason."

Just then, Agent Zero chimed in over the comms, her voice firm but with a hint of playfulness. "Enough, boys and Romanoff, Let's focus and get working, please."

Brock greeted her with a chuckle. "Hi, Zero."

"Hello, Rumlow how was the resturant I told you about?" Jenna replied cheerfully.

Brock's face lit up at the mention of their previous conversation. "It was amazing! Thanks for the recommendation."

Zero grinned. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Steve and Natasha exchanged a glance. "You guys are friends?" Steve inquired.

Brock chuckled at their reaction. "Yeah, we've crossed paths a few times," he replied. "She's got this knack for making friends wherever she goes."

Steve and Natasha responds, "Oh we know.".

As they readied themselves to dive off the jet, Steve swiftly activated a secure channel.

"Secure channel seven," Steve communicated through his wrist communicator, his voice resolute.

"Seven secure. Did you do anything fun Saturday night?" Natasha teased, her tone playful.

Steve chuckled softly before responding, "Well, all the guys from my barbershop quartet are dead, so... No, not really."

"Coming up by the drop zone, Cap," the pilot's voice crackled over the radio, signaling their approach.

Natasha couldn't resist. "Then who were those two girls I saw you and Sam talking too?"

Steve's response "Just some college kids I accident ran into"

"Too shy or too scared?" Natasha smirked.

"Too busy!" Steve retorted with a hint of amusem*nt before leaping out of the jet without hesitation.

"Was he wearing a parachute?" one of the STRIKE agents wondered aloud, a note of incredulity in his voice.

Brock's smirk was unmistakable as he replied, "No. No, he wasn't."

---

As Natasha worked Zero guided her through the process, navigating her through the ship's systems.

"Alright, Natasha, you're almost there," Zero's voice crackled through Natasha's comms.

"Got it, Zero. Thanks," she acknowledged quietly.

"So, have you ever tried New York pizza?" Natasha asked.

"Can't say I have," Zero responded with a chuckle.

Natasha couldn't help but be incredulous. "What? No way! How do you live in New York but never had pizza from here?" she exclaimed.

Zero explained with a hint of amusem*nt in her voice, "I didn't grow up here, and I hated pizza as a kid."

Natasha smirked. "Well, I'm gonna change that. I'll get you to unhate it"

Zero laughed, a lightness in her tone. "Is 'unhated' even a word?" she teased back.

As Natasha finished backing up the SHIELD intel, Steve walked in concerned. "You're saving SHIELD intel," he observed.

A voice crackled through Natasha's comm. "Oh, Sounds like you're in trouble. I'm out," Zero chimed in, her tone laced with amusem*nt as she swiftly disconnected her comms.

Natasha shrugged casually. "Whatever I can get my hands on," she replied nonchalantly.

"Our mission is to rescue hostages," he emphasized.

But Natasha had her own agenda. "No. That's your mission," she clarified, pulling out the flash drive. "And you've done it beautifully."

Before Natasha could leave, Steve reached out and grabbed her arm, his expression serious. "You just jeopardized this whole operation,".

Natasha remained unfazed. "I think that's overstating things,"

Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a grenade being thrown. Reacting quickly, Steve deflected the bomb with his shield, grabbed Natasha, and leaped through a nearby window just before it exploded.

As they landed safely outside, Natasha couldn't help but acknowledge her role in the close call. "Okay. That one's on me," she admitted.

Steve glanced at her, a mixture of frustration and understanding in his eyes. "You're damn right," he replied firmly.

--

As Steve entered Fury's office, the tension in the room was palpable. Fury stood stoically behind his desk and Jenna seated on the couch, her mask on as she absentmindedly tossed a ball up and down. "Ooooo, Nick is in trouble" Jenna murmured.

"You just can't stop yourself from lying, can you?" Steve's voice was firm, laced with disappointment.

Fury met his gaze evenly. "I didn't lie. Agent Romanoff had a different mission than yours," he replied coolly.

Steve's frustration was evident as he continued, "Which you didn't feel obliged to share."

Fury's expression remained unchanged. "I'm not obliged to do anything."

"Those hostages could've died, Nick," Steve insisted, his voice tinged with concern.

Fury's response was blunt. "I sent the greatest soldier in history to make sure that didn't happen."

Steve shook his head, his disappointment evident. "Soldiers trust each other, that's what makes it an army. Not a bunch of guys running around and shooting guns."

Fury's tone softened slightly as he replied, "The last time I trusted someone, I lost an eye."

Their conversation continued as the two stepped into the elevator. "Wow, golden boy shows up, and suddenly I'm forgotten about," Jenna muttered to herself.

As Jenna left Fury's office and wandered through the corridors noticing the friendly nods and waves from her fellow S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. She waved back enthusiastically.

Turning a corner, Jenna nearly collided with Natasha , who was walking briskly down the hallway. "Oh, hi, Nat!" Jenna exclaimed, her face lighting up;

Natasha raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusem*nt in her expression. "Hey, Zero," she replied, returning Jenna's smile.

Jenna's eyes sparkled "Where are you headed?" she asked.

Natasha glanced at Jenna, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "I was thinking of grabbing lunch in the cafeteria," she replied casually.

"No way Romanoff, let's ditch the cafeteria lets get pizza" Jenna exclaimed.

Natasha arched an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "Pizza? Greasy food at this hour?".

Jenna nodded," If I remembered correcctly someone promised me the best pizza in New York" she reminded Natasha with a playful grin. "Time to live up to your end of the deal, Romanoff."

With a chuckle, Natasha relented, unable to resist Jenna's energy. "All right, you win," she conceded, her lips quirking into a smile. "Lets go."

--

Jenna and Natasha sat across from each other at a cozy corner table in a quaint pizzeria."So, What should I get?"

Natasha chuckled, her lips quirking into a smile. "It's pizza Zero" her tone filled with amusem*nt.

Jenna grinned,"Hey! I said I haven't had pizza since I was a kid" she replied, her excitement palpable.

Natasha shrugged, her gaze thoughtful. "I'm a fan of the classic margherita," she suggested.

Jenna nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the menu once more. "Sounds good to me".

"Tell me about Buapest" Jenna asked, her curiosity piqued.

Natasha's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned back in her chair, considering her answer. "Oh, You heard me and Clint huh?" .

As they waited for their pizza to arrive, Jenna listened intently to Natasha. After they finished eating, Jenna suggested they take a stroll around the city as they set off into the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the skyline, Jenna and Natasha found themselves sitting on a bench overlooking the Hudson River.

Natasha found herself appreciating the comfortable silence that enveloped them. She glanced at Zero grateful for the lack of pressure to fill the quiet with conversation. There was something comforting about Zero's company, a sense of understanding and acceptance that Natasha had rarely experienced before. She was thankful that Jenna didn't make her talk about anything.

Meanwhile, Zero not noticing Natasha's thoughtful introspection, Zero was unwittingly engaged in a battle of wits with the most persistent duck in New York City fighting to get a piece of bread stuck under a rock.

As Natasha and Jenna walked back to the S.H.I.E.L.D building, their lighthearted conversation was abruptly interrupted by simultaneous calls on their phones. Their expressions turned grave as they listened to the urgent news about Nick Fury being hospitalized.

Natasha wasted no time, immediately taking charge. "I'll drive," she declared.

Arriving at the hospital, Natasha and Jenna were met by Steve, the gravity of the situation evident in his eyes. They watched in tense silence as doctors operated on Fury, their hearts heavy with worry.

"Is he gonna make it?" Natasha asked, her voice strained with concern.

Steve's response was somber. "I don't know."

Their attention turned to the discussion about the shooter, each detail adding to the sense of urgency and danger surrounding Fury's condition. When Fury's state began to deteriorate rapidly, Natasha, Steve, Jenna and Maria Hill stood by, helpless witnesses to the desperate efforts to save his life.

As the medical team fought to revive Fury, Natasha's voice trembled with emotion. "Don't do this to me, Nick," she pleaded, her words a desperate plea to fate.

But despite their efforts, Fury's condition continued to worsen until the heartbreaking moment when the doctors finally called his time of death.

Steve's gaze fell to the flash drive Fury had entrusted to him, a tangible reminder of the loss they had just endured.

Jenna's heart pounded with anxiety. She leaned into Maria, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Maria, sensing Jenna's distress, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering silent comfort. "We'll have pancakes again later," she whispered softly, her words a subtle code to reassure Jenna.

Initially, Jenna felt a wave of confusion wash over her at Maria's cryptic words. "What?" she whispered back, puzzled by the unexpected mention of pancakes in the midst of their current situation.

But as Maria's reassuring gaze met hers, Jenna's confusion began to dissipate, replaced by a dawning realization. Memories flooded back to her of the mornings they had shared together, before Coulson's passing, when they would gather around the table to enjoy a breakfast of pancakes. Jenna recalled how Fury would always find an excuse to leave midway through, claiming he needed to go get fresh fruits to accompany their meal as an excuse not to cook the pancakes, but he always came back.

Understanding the subtle message hidden beneath Maria's comforting words, Jenna murmured softly, "Oh," her heart warming at the recollection of those cherished moments. She squeezed Maria's hand in silent acknowledgment of their shared memories and what she had meant. Jenna clung to Maria's presence, finding solace in the facade of mourning they maintained.

Maria announced she had to take Fury's body, the reality of their loss hit Natasha like a sledgehammer. Without a word, she turned and walked out of the room.

Outside the room, Natasha's grief threatened to overwhelm her, but before she could fully succumb to it, Jenna appeared beside her.

"Hey" Jenna said softly, her voice filled with compassion.

Natasha glanced at Jenna, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pain and gratitude. In that moment, Jenna felt a pang of guilt gnawing at her conscience.

"I have to go," Jenna murmured softly, her voice tinged with regret. "But call me if you need anything okay?"

As she left the room, Jenna stole a glance at the vending machine nearby, where she saw Steve had hidden the flash drive. Even though Fury must have faked his death for some reason, Jenna couldn't shake the feeling of doubt. Trusting Natasha on blind faith seemed foolish, but she couldn't deny the soft spot she had for the red-headed spy.

Approaching Natasha, Jenna leaned in and whispered, "Steve hid the flash drive in the vending machine."

A small smirk tugged at Natasha's lips as she met Jenna's gaze. "I saw it too, Thanks" she replied quietly.

Their hands lingered for a moment longer, neither wanting to let go. But with a final squeeze, Jenna reluctantly pulled away, leaving Natasha to confront her grief alone.

--

Steve Rogers' voice was edged with urgency as he demanded, "Where is it?"

Natasha Romanoff met his gaze evenly. "Safe," she replied, her tone calm yet firm.

Steve wasn't satisfied. "Do better!" he pressed, his frustration palpable.

"Where did you get it?" Natasha countered, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Why would I tell you?" Steve shot back, his tone defensive.

"Fury gave it to you. Why?" Natasha persisted, her curiosity piqued.

Steve hesitated for a moment before responding, "What's on it?"

"I don't know," Natasha admitted, her honesty stark against the tension in the room.

"Stop lying!" Steve demanded, his patience wearing thin.

Natasha's lips curved into a wry smile. "I only act like I know everything, Rogers," she retorted.

Steve's brow furrowed as he considered her words. "I bet you knew Fury hired the pirates, didn't you?" he accused.

Natasha shrugged casually. "Well, it makes sense. The ship was dirty, Fury needed a way in, so do you," she reasoned.

"I'm not gonna ask you again," Steve warned, his voice steely with determination.

"I know who killed Fury," Natasha revealed, her tone solemn. "Most of the intelligence community doesn't believe he exists, the ones who do call him the Winter Soldier. He's credited with over two dozen assassinations in the last fifty years."

"So he's a ghost story," Steve remarked, his expression grave.

"Five years ago I was escorting a nuclear engineer out of Iran," Natasha began, recounting a harrowing experience. "Somebody shot out my tires near Odessa. We lost control, went straight over a cliff, I pulled us out, but the Winter Soldier was there. I was covering my engineer, so he shot him straight through me." She lifted her shirt to reveal a scar on her side. "Soviet slug, no rifling. Bye-bye bikinis."

"Yeah, I bet you look terrible in them now," Steve quipped.

"Going after him is a dead end. I know, I've tried." She held up the flash drive. "Like you said, he's a ghost story."

Steve accepted the flash drive from her, his resolve unwavering. "Well, let's find out what the ghost wants."

Chapter 20: Race You?

Chapter Text

Jenna and Lily sat in their seats in the lecture hall, surrounded by the soft murmur of other students and the faint scratching of pencils on paper. Lily's mind was preoccupied with plans for the upcoming weekend, particularly the frat party she was excited to attend. Beside her, Jenna was focused intently on her test, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Lily glanced over to see Jenna holding out her water bottle. "Can I have a sip?" she whispered.

Lily shrugged and handed the bottle over, assuming it was just water. But as Jenna took a sip, her eyes widened, and she choked on the drink.

"Why are you drinking tequila at 10 AM?!" Jenna whispered urgently, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Lily raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Jenna's reaction. "Hey, you asked for the drink," she replied casually.

As the class finally came to an end, Jenna and Lily gathered their belongings and made their way out of the lecture hall.

"What did you get for 24?" Jenna whispered.

Lily blinked in confusion "The test only went to 20..." she replied.

Jenna's eyes widened in disbelief. "Lily... there was a backside," she said slowly, her tone a mix of incredulity and amusem*nt.

"Oh... I didn't even finish the front side. It's fine," she replied nonchalantly.

Jenna stared at her friend, a mixture of amusem*nt and disbelief crossing her features. "How did you even get into Columbia?"

Lily grinned sheepishly "I was bubbling little shapes on the SAT and got a 1480," she admitted.

Jenna shook her head in mock exasperation. "Oh dear lord," she muttered, unable to suppress a chuckle at her friend's antics.

As Jenna and Lily walked home from class, Lily couldn't contain her excitement about having Sam over. "I hope it's okay that I asked Sam to come over later," glancing over at Jenna with hopeful eyes.

Jenna smiled, "Yeah, that's fine,"

Back at Jenna's apartment "Come on, Jenna, please! It'll be so much fun, I promise," Lily pleaded, her eyes wide with excitement.

"I really don't think it's a good idea," she argued, her arms crossed stubbornly. Jenna hesitated "And we just went to a party last weekend. My liver can't take any more of this," she protested, half-jokingly.

Lily waved off Jenna's concerns, "My liver can take it for both of us," she joked.

Suddenly, Lily lunged forward and tackled Jenna, pouncing on her like an excited child. Jenna let out a surprised yelp as she was knocked back onto the couch, her protests drowned out by Lily's laughter.

"Fine," Jenna relented, gasping for breath as Lily pinned her down. "But I'm officially designating myself as your babysitter for the night. Don't say I didn't warn you when you wake up with a killer hangover tomorrow."

Lily cheered in victory, bouncing up and down on the couch like a hyperactive puppy. "You're the best!".

An hour later, there was a knock on the door, and Sam stepped inside, greeted by the sight of Jenna and Lily dressed up for a night out.

"Woah You guys go to Columbia? What do you study?? Wait, where are you guys heading?" Sam asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Lily responded first, her enthusiasm evident. "Business with a minor in Urban Studies,"..

Jenna followed, "Computer Science with a minor in Art and Music," she chimed in.

Lily beamed at him, her excitement palpable. "We have a party tonight. You want to come?" she offered eagerly.

Sam raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous. "I'm in my 30s, and you want me to come to a party with a bunch of 20-year-olds?" he replied, sounding amused yet slightly bemused by the idea.

Jenna chimed in, "You can be like the cool dad that we brought with us".

Sam's eyebrows shot up in mock offense. "You think I am old enough to be your father??? That is just plain rude." he exclaimed.

---

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling college campus, Jenna , Lily, and Sam found themselves standing outside the entrance of the Theta Omega Psi fraternity house. The air buzzed with anticipation, the sound of pulsating music and raucous laughter spilling out from the open doors.

Jenna hesitated for a moment, her nerves tingling with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She glanced at Lily, whose eyes were shining with anticipation, and at Sam, who wore a mischievous grin.

"Are we really doing this?" Jenna asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.

Lily laughed, her enthusiasm infectious. "Of course, we are!"

With a shrug and a grin, Jenna followed her friends in, the thumping bass of the music reverberating through her chest as they navigated their way through.

Lily wasted no time in dragging Sam over to the keg, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's start the night off right!" she exclaimed, her voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd.

Jenna chuckled, her apprehension melting away as she watched her friends dive headfirst into the festivities. She followed close behind, her eyes darting around the room as she took in the scene.

As the night wore on, Jenna found herself swept up in the energy of the party. She laughed and danced with abandon. When she turned around Jenna watched with amusem*nt as Lily and Sam approached the keg stands. Lily positioned herself first, gripping the edges of the keg stand firmly as Sam steadied her legs. The crowd around them erupted into cheers and encouragement as Lily took a deep breath. Lily kicked off the ground, her legs shooting upwards as Sam hoisted her into position. The crowd counted down in unison, their voices rising in excitement as Lily tipped her head back and began to drink. Jenna snapped photos rapidly knowing she will use this as blackmail the next Lily makes her go to a frat party.

As Lily's time on the keg stand came to an end, she lowered her feet back to the ground, a triumphant grin spreading across her face. The crowd erupted into cheers, clapping and whistling in celebration of her feat.

With Lily's turn complete, it was Sam's moment to shine. Jenna watched eagerly as he stepped up to the keg stand. With a deep breath, he launched himself into the air, his legs shooting upwards as Lily steadied him from below.

As Lily struggled to lift Sam onto the keg stand, Jenna couldn't help but laugh at the sight. Without hesitation, she rushed to her friend's aid, positioning herself beside Lily as they both lifted Sam into position. With a nod from Jenna and Lily, he tilted his head back and began to chug, the frothy liquid cascading down his throat.

As Sam chugged the keg, Jenna and Lily snapped photo after photo, capturing the moment from every angle. They laughed and cheered, their voices blending with the cheers of the crowd as they egged Sam on. "Sam! Sam! Sam! Sam!" The chant erupted from the crowd, a rhythmic cadence that echoed through the room as they egged him on.

And as the last drop of beer disappeared and Sam lowered the keg back to the ground, the crowd erupted into cheers once more. Jenna and Lily grinned from ear to ear.

As Jenna and Sam approached the cup pong table, they exchanged a mischievous glance. The table was crowded with red plastic cups, each filled with a generous amount of beer, waiting or to Lily wanting to be consumed.

Jenna took her position on one side of the table, while Sam and Lily stood next to her. They exchanged a playful smirk before diving into the game. Each shot landing with precision as they quickly gained the upper hand. The crowd around them erupted into cheers and laughter, egging them on as they dominated the game.

One of the frat guys, his face flushed with frustration "You guys are cheating, man! Come on!" he exclaimed, his voice slurred with alcohol.

Sam stepped in front of Jenna and Lily. "Get lost, man. You lost!" he retorted, his words laced with playful defiance.The tension dissolved into laughter as the group is amused by the exchange.

As the night drew to a close and the alcohol flowed freely, the trio stumbled out of the fraternity house, their laughter ringing out into the night. Jenna felt a sense of exhilaration coursing through her veins as she walked arm in arm with her friends, the cool night air washing over them.

As Lily and Sam walked ahead, they suddenly realized Jenna wasn't keeping pace with them. Turning around to check on her, they burst into laughter at the sight before them.

Jenna was standing next to a tree, her arms wrapped around its trunk in a tight embrace. "Hello, Mr. Tree! You look like you need a hug," she exclaimed.

Sam and Lily couldn't contain their amusem*nt as they watched Jenna's one-sided conversation with the tree. Lily chuckled, shaking her head affectionately. "She's such an adorable drunk," she remarked, a fond smile tugging at her lips.

Sam nodded in agreement, his laughter echoing through the night air. "I've never seen anyone make friends with a tree before," he added, his tone filled with amusem*nt.

As Sam and Lily walked back to Jenna, they found her still tightly embracing the tree, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Jenna, come on, we need to get going," Lily said gently, trying to coax her friend away from the tree.

But Jenna shook her head stubbornly, unwilling to let go. "But what if he gets sad without a hug?" she replied, her voice muffled against the rough bark of the tree.

Sam and Lily exchanged amused glances, struggling to contain their laughter at Jenna's heartfelt concern for the tree. "Jenna, I don't think the tree will mind if you let go," Sam said, his voice laced with amusem*nt.

Together, Sam and Lily gently pried Jenna away from her arboreal friend, their laughter mingling with Jenna's protests as they finally managed to coax her away.

As they walked along the dimly lit street, their laughter fading into the night, they suddenly spotted three traffic cones gleaming in the darkness. Without missing a beat, they transformed into playful children.

"Race you to the cones!" Lily exclaimed, her voice bubbling with playful energy.

Lily and Jenna shared a mischievous glance, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. Without a word, Lily subtly extended her foot in front of Sam's path, a silent signal to Jenna. With a playful smirk, Jenna gave him a gentle push from behind, causing him to stumble slightly.

Sam let out a surprised laugh as he stumbled forward, giving Lily and Jenna the perfect opportunity to surge ahead. With a burst of speed, they snatched up their cones. Their laughter echoed through the quiet streets.

Jenna reached out, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface of a cone as she snatched it up triumphantly. Sam and Lily grabbed the remaining cones, their faces lit up with gleeful smiles. Placing the cone atop her head and wiggling it into place. Lily and Sam followed suit, their laughter filling the night air as they began to playfully headbutt each other, their makeshift hats bobbing.

---

Note: This chapter featuring the disaster trio is definitely a favorite of mine. They are so adorable!

Chapter 21: The Hangover

Chapter Text

Jenna groaned softly as she slowly blinked her eyes open, the sunlight filtering through the window casting a soft glow over the kitchen. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she realized she was perched on the kitchen bar, her head resting on her arms.

Jenna pushed herself up, her head throbbing slightly from the remnants of last night's festivities. As she glanced around the room sighing, Jenna pushed herself off the kitchen bar confused on how she got there. She made her way to the medicine cabinet, rummaging around for some ibuprofen. She grabbed a couple of pills and a glass of water, knowing she'd need them to combat the impending hangover.

With the pills and water in hand, Jenna turned her attention to her friends. Lily was curled up on the treadmill nearby, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm as she slept soundly. Jenna couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Carefully, Jenna tiptoed over to her friend, crouching down beside her. She reached out and gently shook Lily's shoulder, whispering softly, "Hey, li, time to wake up."

Lily stirred, blinking groggily as she slowly roused from her slumber. "Mmm, what time is it?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

Jenna glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's almost noon," she replied, offering Lily the glass of water and ibuprofen. "Here, take these. You'll feel better."

As Lily reluctantly swallowed the pills, Jenna made her way to the bathroom and was presented with the sight of Sam tucked into the bathtub. She pushed the door open slowly giggling signaling for Lily to ome over.

There he was, Sam, sleeping soundly in the bathtub, a peaceful expression on his face. Beside him on the sink were Polaroid pictures from the night before—snapshots of Jenna and Lily tucking Sam in, giving him a pillow, a pink Hannah Montana blanket, and a teddy bear to cuddle.

Suppressing a giggle, Jenna grabbed her phone from the counter and snapped a few pictures of the scene.

With a soft smile, Jenna set her phone down and gently shook Sam's shoulder. "Hey, sleepyhead, time to wake up," she said, her voice laced with amusem*nt.

Sam stirred, blinking sleepily as he slowly emerged from his slumber. "Huh? What's going on?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes as he glanced around the bathroom in confusion.

Jenna couldn't help but laugh at his disoriented expression. "You fell asleep in the bathtub," she explained, gesturing to the makeshift bed they had prepared for him the night before.

Lily exited to the kitchen, "Looks like someone had a little too much fun last night," she teased, laughing at Sam's expense.

Sam rolled his eyes playfully. Jenna chuckled at the banter, shaking her head in amusem*nt. "Don't worry, Sam. She's just jealous that you got the bathtub," she joked, nudging him teasingly.

As they shared a laugh, the peaceful moment was interrupted by the shrill ringing of Jenna and Sam's phones, both going off simultaneously.

All 3 groaning in unison at the unwelcome noise, Jenna and Sam exchanged exasperated glances before reluctantly reaching for their phones to check the incoming calls.

"I gotta go take this," they said in unison, chuckling at the synchronicity of their response. Jenna made her way to the laundry room, her steps hurried yet light, as she answered Natasha's call. Meanwhile, Sam headed outside to take the phone call on his own phone, the urgency in Steve's voice evident even before he picked up.

Before pressing the answer button. "Hey, Nat, what's up?" she greeted, trying to mask the concern in her voice.

On the other end of the line, Natasha's voice was tense, betraying the weight of the situation. "Zero, Sorry I don't know why I called" she began, her words measured.

Jenna's brow furrowed in concern. "Nat. What's going on?" she asked, her voice softening with genuine concern.

"I don't want to pull you into this, but can you help us?" Natasha's hesitance was palpable, but Jenna's response was immediate.

"Just tell me where you need me," Jenna replied without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Sam answered his phone to the sound of Steve's urgent voice on the other end. "Hey, Cap, what's up?" he greeted, trying to sound nonchalant despite the seriousness of the call.

Steve wasted no time getting to the point. "Sam, we're in a bit of a bind. Is there any chance we could crash at your place for a while?" he asked, his tone earnest.

Sam hesitated for a moment, considering the request. "Yeah, sure thing..." he replied, his voice laced with concern for his friend.

As Jenna and Sam returned from their respective phone calls, they found Lily lounging on the couch with the TV blaring in the background. The news anchor's voice filled the room, reporting on the latest developments with Captain America and Black Widow being wanted.

"I gotta go, I'll see you guys later," Sam announced, his expression serious as he headed towards the door.

"Take care, Sam," Jenna called after him, offering a wave as he left.

Once Sam was gone, Lily turned to Jenna with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You got a secret significant other I don't know about that you had to go to another room to take a phone call?" she joked, a playful smirk on her lips.

Jenna rolled her eyes, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Oh yeah, you caught me." she quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Jenna glanced at Lily with a wistful smile, her expression softening. "I gotta go too, though,".

Lily raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk spreading across her lips. "So no hangover cuddles?" she teased, her tone laced with mock disappointment.

Jenna chuckled, leaning over to give Lily a quick hug. "Nope, sorry." she replied, planting a kiss on Lily's cheek. "Love you," she added before heading towards the door.

--

As Zero's car pulled up to the address provided by Natasha, she felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. She knew she was ill-prepared, dressed in nothing but a sweater and black sweatpants, her mask hastily pulled over her face. But there was no time to dwell on her lack of proper attire; Natasha called, and she had to answer.

Taking a deep breath, Zero stepped out of the car and made her way to the front door. Her heart pounded in her chest as she raised her hand to knock, the sound echoing in the quiet neighborhood.

The door swung open, revealing Sam standing on the other side. His expression shifted from surprise to concern "Uh, guys, is this one safe?" Sam asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he glanced back at his friends. "She doesn't look very threatening kind of like an off-brand batman??"

Zero's eyebrows shot up in indignation behind her mask. "Not threatening? That's so rude," she yelled knowing Sam was hung over, feeling a mix of annoyance and amusem*nt.

Natasha's gaze over at Zero, assessing her carefully before nodding in confirmation. "Yeah, she's with us," she replied.

With Natasha's assurance, Sam stepped aside to let Zero in. She followed him into the house. Zero wasted no time, sprinting over to Natasha as soon as she entered the house, enveloping her in a tight hug. However, her excitement was met with a wince from Natasha, causing Zero to pull back, her brows furrowing with concern.

"Wow, you look like a building fell on you," Zero joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Natasha's expression remained stoic, her eyes reflecting a weariness that went beyond physical exhaustion. "One did"....... Awkward.

Steve stepped forward, gesturing towards Sam. "Sam, this is Agent Zero," he introduced, "Agent Zero, this is Sam."

Sam nodded in acknowledgment, "Nice to meet you," he greeted.

Zero returned the gesture, "Likewise," she replied.

"I'm sorry about this. We need a place to lay low," Steve murmured, his eyes searching for understanding.

Natasha's response was measured, her tone reflecting the gravity of their situation. "Everyone we know is trying to kill us," she confessed, her words a stark reminder of the dangers that surrounded them.

Sam's voice cut through the heaviness of the moment, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. "Not everyone," he interjected, his gaze steady as he offered his assistance.

"You okay?" he inquired gently, his eyes filled with empathy.

Natasha's response was tinged with vulnerability, her voice betraying the turmoil within. "Yeah," she replied softly, her gaze fixed on the task at hand. Sam offered the spare bedroom to the trio. As they entered the room and settled in, Natasha sank onto the bed, her expression contemplative.

It was there, in the quiet of the room, that Natasha's confession spilled forth. "When I first joined SHIELD, I thought I was going straight," she admitted, her words heavy with regret. "But I guess I just traded in the KGB for HYDRA."

Steve listened intently, offering words of solace and understanding. "There's a chance you might be in the wrong business," he mused, his voice tinged with empathy.

"Wait, what? SHIELD's compromised?" Zero's voice carried a note of disbelief as she moved closer to Natasha, offering her the medical supplies. "We need to make sure you're okay," she insisted, her eyes reflecting her unwavering support.

Steve and Natasha nodded. Zero sank into the bed next to natasha , her mind still reeling from the confession, she noticed Natasha dirty shirt. Without hesitation, Zero rose from her seat and swiftly removed her jacket, draping it over Natasha's shoulders.

Natasha offered Zero a grateful nod, pulling the jacket tighter around herself. "Thanks," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

A faint smile tugged at Natasha's lips, a glimmer of gratitude shining in her eyes. "I owe you," she acknowledged to Steve.

"It's okay," Steve responded with a reassuring nod. Natasha cut through the tension with a remark, "If it was the other way around, and it was down to me to save your life, and you be honest with me, would you trust me to do it?"

"I would now. And I'm always honest," Steve replied, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Well, you seem pretty chipper for someone who just found out they died for nothing," Natasha teased, lightening the mood.

Steve chuckled softly. "Well, I guess I just like to know who I'm fighting." With that, he walked out of the room, leaving Natasha and Zero alone.

Natasha turned her attention to Zero, who offering a warm smile. "Hi", Zero said.

Natasha's chuckle was soft but genuine, her eyes reflecting a hint of amusem*nt as she replied, "Hi." Zero's warm smile was contagious, easing the tension in the room.

"How are you doing?" Zero inquired, concern lacing her words.

Natasha hesitated for a moment before responding, "Fine." But Zero wasn't convinced.

"Don't lie to me, Romanoff. For a spy, you suck at it," Zero remarked with a playful grin, catching Natasha off guard. It was a really rare occurrence for someone to penetrate Natasha's facade so effortlessly.

Zero's smile softened, understanding Natasha's reluctance to delve further into the topic. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," Zero reassured, her voice gentle.

Natasha's expression softened at the gesture of empathy, appreciating Zero's understanding. As Zero wrapped her in a comforting hug, Natasha felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thank you," she murmured.

Their conversation was interrupted by Sam's cheerful voice, a welcome distraction from the weight of their thoughts. "I made breakfast. If you guys...eat that sort of thing. Which I will because I had a long night." he called out from the kitchen. Zero couldn't help but hold back a laugh at Sam's obliviousness to her true identity

Both girls leave the room as they gathered around the table, their minds turned to the challenges that lay ahead.

Before Zero could sit down, Sam's keen eyes caught sight of a bruise and cut on her elbow, the exact one matching Zero's from the day Steve accidentally knocked her over. A smirk played at the corner of his lips as he made the connection, though he chose not to say anything for now.

"Here, thought you might need this," he whispered, as he made his way over to Zero with a glass of water. "You know, for the hangover." His words were barely audible, meant only for her ears.

Zero stiffened at the mention of her hangover. She glanced up at Sam, catching the amused glint in his eyes. His suppressed laughter only confirmed her suspicions. "You ass, You know?," she mouthed. leaving Steve and Natasha perplexed at the sudden exchange.Sam merely grinned mischievously, unable to contain his amusem*nt at the situation.

"So, the question is: who in SHIELD could launch a domestic missile strike?" Natasha pondered aloud, her voice laced with determination.

Steve's eyes narrowed in thought, his mind racing with possibilities. "Pierce," Zero responded knowing more about the inside of SHEILD than any of them.

"Who happens to be sitting on top of the most secure building in the world," Natashastated matter-of-factly.

Steve Rogers nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "But he's not working alone, Zola's algorithm was on the Lemurian Star," he added, connecting the dots.

Natasha continued, her mind racing through the possibilities. "So was Jasper Sitwell," she pointed out, highlighting another piece of the puzzle.

Steve pondered the implications. "So, the real question is: how do the two most wanted people in Washington kidnap a SHIELD officer in broad daylight?" he mused, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Sam, ever practical, offered a straightforward answer. "The answer is: you don't." With a purposeful gesture, he dropped a file in front of Steve, prompting his curiosity.

Steve picked up the file, his eyes scanning its contents. "What's this?" he inquired, intrigued by its significance.

Sam leaned in, a hint of pride in his voice. "Call it a resume," he replied, revealing a side of himself that Steve and Natasha hadn't fully explored.

Natasha picked up a photo from the file, recognition dawning on her face. "Is this Bakhmala? The Khalid Khandil mission, that was you," she remarked, impressed by Sam's past accomplishments.

Steve's curiosity piqued, he sought clarification. "Is this Riley?" he asked, referring to a figure in the photo.

Sam confirmed with a nod. "Yeah."

Natasha recalled the challenges of that mission. "I heard they couldn't bring in the choppers because of the RPGs. What did you use, a stealth chute?" she inquired, her admiration evident.

Sam chuckled softly. "No. These," he replied cryptically, handing Steve the file for further examination.

Steve's eyebrows raised in surprise as he perused the contents. "I thought you said you were a pilot," he remarked, noting the unexpected revelations.

Sam's response was laced with determination. "I never said pilot," he clarified, revealing another layer to his identity.

Steve hesitated, grappling with the weight of his request. "I can't ask you to do this, Sam. You got out for a good reason," he protested, concerned for Sam's well-being.

Sam's conviction was unwavering. "Dude, Captain America needs my help. There's no better reason to get back in".

Steve nodded in understanding, "Where can we get our hands on one of these things?" he asked.

Sam's unwavering conviction earned a chuckle from Zero , catching the attention of the trio. "What about you, Zero? Are you in?" Sam asked, curiosity lacing his tone.

Zero met their gaze with a grin, her resolve evident. "As long as I don't have to shoot anyone, I'll help."

Sam provided the necessary details, his tone confident. "The last one is at Fort Meade, behind three guarded gates and a twelve-inch steel wall," he revealed, laying out the logistical challenges ahead.

Steve's confidence remained unshaken. "Shouldn't be a problem" he declared, tossing the file onto the table.

Chapter 22: This Isn't Much Better

Chapter Text

After their meeting, Jasper Sitwell walked out of the building alongside Senator Stern, discussing various matters.

"Listen, I gotta fly home tonight, cause uh...I got some constituency problem, and I gotta press the flesh," Senator Stern explained.

"Any constituent in particular, Mr. Senator?" Sitwell inquired.

"Uh...no, not really. Twenty-three, kind of hot. Real hot. You know, wants to be a reporter, I think. I don't know, who listens at that point?" Stern rambled.

"Doesn't sound much of a problem to me," Sitwell commented casually.

"Really? Cause she's killing my back. Look, this isn't the place to talk about it," Stern replied, changing the subject. He then admired Sitwell's pin on his jacket. "This is a nice pin."

"Thank you," Sitwell responded.

"Come here," Stern gestured, and as they embraced, he whispered, "Hail, HYDRA." Stern stepped away.

"I just saw that, yeah," Sitwell agreed.

"Should I get it checked?" Stern asked.

"I think you should," Sitwell advised, watching Stern walk away. As Sitwell received a call from Pierce, he instructed his men to bring the car around, then answered the phone.

"Agent Sitwell, how was lunch? I hear the crab cakes here are delicious," a voice on the other end said.

"Who is this?" Sitwell demanded.

"The good looking guy in the sunglasses, your ten o'clock," the voice replied cryptically. "Your other ten o'clock."

Realizing he was being watched, Sitwell turned to find Sam sitting nearby, a few feet away.

"What do you want?" Sitwell asked warily.

"You're gonna go around the corner, to your right. There's a grey car, two spaces down. You and I are gonna take a ride," Sam instructed calmly.

"And why would I do that?" Sitwell questionef.

"Because that tie looks really expensive, and I'd hate to mess it up," Sam replied, a small red light from the gun pointed at Sitwell catching his attention.

Hidden in the shadows. Zero stood on the adjacent rooftop alongside Natasha , her mischievous giggles barely contained as she pointed a laser pointer at Sitwell from afar. Natasha watching Zero enjoy herself a bit too much. "You having fun there?" Natasha asked, her lips twitching in a smirk with a suppressed laughter.

"Way too much" Zero replied unable to contain her amusem*nt.

As Sitwell's attention was drawn to the mysterious red light, Zero couldn't help but laugh even louder.

"Hey, The view up here is pretty nice" Zero stated out of nowhere.

Natasha glanced over at Zero , a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, it is," she agreed, her gaze sweeping over the city skyline. "But I have to admit, the view just got a lot better with you here."

Zero felt her cheeks flush at Natasha's unexpected comment, a flutter of excitement stirring in her chest. "Smooth, Romanoff. Always a flirt aren't you." she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Natasha's expression softened, "Thank you for coming, Zero," she said, her voice carrying a sincerity that resonated deep within her. "I know you didn't have to, but you did."

There was a vulnerability in Natasha's words, a raw honesty that touched Zero's heart. A warmth spread through Zero's chest as she reached out to gently squeeze Natasha's hand. "Of course, Natasha".

Natasha's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she continued, "And when this is over, we're getting ice cream from that stupid gas station again.".

A smile tugged at Zero's lips, her heart swelling with affection for her friend. "Sounds good," she replied, her voice warm with anticipation. Zero couldn't resist adding a playful jab, teasing, "If SHIELD is gone at least there won't be any more mission reports."

Natasha chuckled softly, a wistful expression crossing her face. "Too soon".

The door slams open, and Sitwell flies out with Steve walking behind him. Both girls snapped their attention to the man flying, and Zero couldn't hold back a laugh. "Here we go."

"Tell me about Zola's algorithm," Steve demanded.

"Never heard of it," Sitwell claimed.

"What were you doing on the Lemurian Star?" Natasha pressed.

"I was throwing up, I get seasick," Sitwell replied nonchalantly.

"Is this little display meant to insinuate that you're gonna throw me off the roof? Because it's really not your style, Rogers," Sitwell taunted, seemingly unfazed.

"You're right. It's not. It's hers," Steve said, stepping aside as Natasha kicked Sitwell off the roof, his screams echoing as he plummeted down.

As the confrontation unfolded on the rooftop, Zero couldn't help but cringe, her hands covering her eyes with two fingers open, peeking one eye out cautiously. "Oh, now this isn't much better than shooting someone," her voice laced with a mix of discomfort.

As the conversation veered towards the mundane, Natasha couldn't help but bring up a familiar face. "Oh, wait. What about that girl from accounting, Laura...?"

"Lillian. Lip piercing, right?" Steve recalled with a hint of amusem*nt.

"Yeah, she's cute," Natasha affirmed, a subtle twinkle in her eye.

Steve shook his head, a touch of uncertainty in his voice. "Yeah, I'm not ready for that."

But their casual banter was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Sam, soaring through the sky in his Falcon jet-pack suit, clutching Sitwell firmly in his grasp. With a swift motion, he deposited Sitwell onto the rooftop.

"Oh, thank god he's alive... Why does no one ever tell me the plan?" Zero murmured, clutching her chest as if she were about to have a heart attack.

Sitwell's fear was palpable as he raised his hand in a feeble attempt to ward off the impending interrogation.

Sam landed next to Zero and chuckled at her reaction. "You okay? You look like you're about to puke... still hungover?" he joked, flashing her a teasing grin.

Zero's response was swift as she punched Sam's arm so hard that he almost lost his balance. "Ouch!" Sam exclaimed, rubbing his arm in shock at the unexpected force of the blow from the 5 foot girl.

"Zola's algorithm is a program... for choosing Insight's targets!" Sitwell blurted out, desperation evident in his voice.

Steve's brow furrowed in confusion. "What targets?"

Sitwell's revelation sent a chill down their spines as he continued, "You! A TV anchor in Cairo, the Undersecretary of Defense, a high school valedictorian in Iowa city. Bruce Banner, Stephen Strange, anyone who's a threat to HYDRA! Now, or in the future."

Steve's mind raced with the implications. "The future? How could it know?" he questioned.

"How could it not? The 21st century is a digital book. Zola taught HYDRA how to read it," Sitwell explained, his voice tinged with a mix of dread and resignation. "Your bank records, medical histories, voting patterns, emails, phone calls, your damn SAT scores. Zola's algorithm evaluates people's past to predict their future."

"And what then?" Steve pressed.

Sitwell's expression contorted in panic. "Oh, my God. Pierce is gonna kill me."

"Then what?!" Steve demanded.

"Then the Insight Helicarriers scratch people off the list. A few million at a time," Sitwell confessed, his voice trembling with the gravity of his revelation.

Chapter 23: Barney

Chapter Text

All five of them squeezed into the car, the confines feeling tighter with each passing moment. Sam took the wheel, with Steve seated in the passenger seat, Natasha occupying the right back seat, and Zero sandwiched between Natasha and Sitwell.

The tension in the car was palpable as Sam drove them toward Triskelion. Jasper Sitwell's words hung heavy in the air, "HYDRA doesn't like leaks.".

"So why don't you try sticking a cork in it," Sam retorted.

Natasha glanced at her watch, her brow furrowing in concern. "Insight's launching in sixteen hours, we're cutting it a little bit close here," she noted, her tone urgent.

Steve nodded grimly, his gaze fixed ahead. "I know. We'll use him to bypass the DNA scans and access the Helicarriers directly".

As chaos erupted around them, Zero and Sitwell found themselves in a bickering match. "Dude, move over! You're literally on my lap. I am not Santa Claus," Zero protested, her voice a mix of annoyance.

Sitwell rolled his eyes, refusing to budge. "Well, maybe if you weren't taking up so much space," he retorted.

In the front, Sam couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of their squabble.

"Take up so much space!? I am literally 5'2! You are a grown-ass man!" Zero exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.

Sitwell scoffed, refusing to budge. "Yeah, so I need more space," he countered stubbornly.

"Can you two shut up?" Nat finally interjected.

"Or maybe learn personal space, scoot!" Zero talked under her breath, her patience wearing thin.

Jasper Sitwell's protests were cut short with the sudden appearance of the Winter Soldier. Sitwell was violently pulled out through the window. "Well I didn't mean scoot that far! I'm sorry!" Zero exclaimed, her voice tinged with panic.

The screeching tires echoed through the streets as chaos ensued. Bullets rained down as the Winter Soldier unleashed a relentless assault on the trio, their car becoming a battleground in the heart of the city.

"sh*t!" Sam cursed, his grip tightening on the wheel as he tried to navigate the perilous situation. Natasha sprang into action moving.

As another car collided with theirs, Zero was thrown out of the window upon impact. Her body tumbled landing with a thud on the roof of a car just ahead, directly in the path of the Winter Soldier. "Oops! Sorry about that!" Zero exclaimed, her voice filled with youthful innocence, as she quickly scrambled to her feet on the roof of the car she had inadvertently landed on. She glanced around, her eyes wide with surprise and concern, before offering a sheepish smile to the bewildered occupants inside the car. The other 3 was send careening along the road on the car door.

As Zero found herself face to face with the imposing figure of the Winter Soldier, memories from her childhood flooded her mind. There was something hauntingly familiar about him, a connection she couldn't quite place. And then, it hit her like a bolt of lightning.

"Barney?" she whispered, the child-like nickname slipping past her lips before she could stop it.

For a moment, there was a flicker of recognition in the Winter Soldier's eyes, a glimmer of humanity amidst the cold facade. It was as though her words had pierced through the layers of his icy exterior, reaching something buried deep within. But just as quickly as it had appeared, the spark of recognition vanished, replaced once again by the stoic mask of the Winter Soldier. He remained silent, his gaze unwavering as he assessed her.

Zero's heart raced with fear. This was the ghost of her past.

But there was no time for answers, no room for sentimentality. The Winter Soldier raised his weapon, his finger poised on the trigger, and Zero knew that she was in real danger.

"Wait," she pleaded, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "Barney, it's me. Don't you remember?" But the Winter Soldier's expression remained unchanged, his eyes betraying nothing as he prepared to carry out his mission.

As Zero stood there, frozen with fear, "Please, Bucky". Natasha rushed over to Zero, grabbing her by the arm with a firm grip. With Zero in tow, Natasha propelled them both towards the edge of the bridge. Without hesitation, she leaped off the side, pulling Zero along with her. As they plummeted towards the water below, Natasha activated a grappling hook, sending them swinging underneath the bridge.

Breathing heavily, she turned to Zero,"Still not agile are we? Are you okay?" Natasha joked, her voice soft yet.

Zero nodded, her heart still racing from the adrenaline of their escape. "Yeah, I think so," she replied, her voice trembling slightly.

Natasha offered her a reassuring smile before glancing around to ensure they were out of immediate danger. "We need to keep moving," Natasha said firmly. "We're not out of the woods yet."

With the Winter Soldiers' shadow lurk out the sound of gunfire echoed beneath the bridge as Natasha's bullet found its mark, striking the Winter Soldier's mask. There was a moment of stunned silence as the mask shattered under the impact, shards of glass scattering in all directions.

On the run again Natasha demanded for Zero's phone, the device clutched tightly in her grasp. "What? No. My phone??? Really?" Zero asked, her tone tinged with sadness.

"Now, please," Natasha insisted firmly, her expression serious as she reached out for the device that Zero handed it over with a pout.

Natasha quickly powered on the phone and turned to Zero. "Password?" she asked.

"5555," Zero replied casually.

"Really?" Natasha raised an eyebrow.

"What?" Zero looked puzzled.

Natasha quickly navigated thur Zero's phone,she noticed a text thread with a girl named Lily. A bitter taste filled her mouth, but she pushed aside the unfamiliar and unwelcome feeling, focusing on the task at hand. Setting up the recording her voice. Then, placing it strategically next to a nearby car, she initiated the recording.

As the bomb exploded behind the decoy car, Natasha seized the opportunity to strike, launching herself onto the Winter Soldier's back. Throwing her off with ease as he prepared to deliver the final blow she hurled an widow bite at his metal arm, sending a jolt of electricity surging through his system. As he recoiled from the shock, Natasha seized the moment to make her escape

With civilians scrambling for safety, she raised her voice, "Get out of the way! Stay out of the way!" she shouted. A searing pain ripped through her shoulder as a bullet tore through her flesh, sending her crashing to the ground in agony. Natasha struggled to regain her footing.

Zero frantically searched for her amidst the chaos. Spotting her injured friend by a nearby car. She rushed to Natasha's side, her hands trembling as she assessed the extent of her injuries.

"Natasha!" Zero exclaimed, her voice tinged with panic as she knelt beside her friend

Natasha's breaths came in ragged gasps as she fought to stay conscious. "I'll be fine," she reassured, though the pain etched on her face betrayed her words.

Feeling a surge of power coursing through her veins, Zero hesitated for a moment. Fury warned her against using her abilities, but the sight of Natasha in pain didn't sit right with her. She placed her hands on Natasha's wounded shoulder, her palms glowing with a warm orange light.

Natasha's eyes widened in astonishment as she felt the healing energy wash over her, easing the pain and restoring her strength. But her relief was short-lived as she looked up and realized the toll it was taking on Zero.

"Stop," Natasha urged, her voice strained with concern. "You don't have to do this."

But Zero shook her head stubbornly, her focus unwavering. "You're hurt" she insisted.

Natasha's grip tightened on Zero's hand, her eyes pleading. "You need to conserve your strength," she implored. "I can't have you passing out on me again."

Despite Natasha's protests, Zero continued to channel her healing energy, her brow furrowed in concentration. With each passing moment, Natasha's wounds began to mend, but the strain on Zero became increasingly evident. "Okay, that's enough," Natasha finally declared, gently forcing Zero's hand away. "I'll be fine."

Zero stared at her, her expression still wrought with concern. Natasha offered a faint smile "I promise," she reassured softly.

---

As the fight intensified, Steve managed to halt the Winter Soldier's mechanical arm, sending him reeling backward. As the mask fell from the Winter Soldier's face, Steve's eyes widened in shock and recognition.

"Bucky...?" Steve's voice was barely a whisper, filled with disbelief and sorrow.

The Winter Soldier's response was cold and indifferent. "Who the hell is Bucky?"

Before the situation could escalate further, Sam swooped in with a well-timed intervention, delivering a powerful kick that sent the Winter Soldier sprawling. Though a flicker of recognition passed over Bucky's face, he quickly shook it off, refocusing on his target.

Meanwhile, Natasha's sharp eyes caught sight of the grenade launcher, "Zero , grab that launcher" she whisper.

Zero didn't hesitate, darting forward to retrieve the weapon. With swift movements, she snatched it up and handed it to Natasha. Zero watched with concern, her brow furrowed with worry.

Natasha accepted the weapon, her grip firm as she assessed it quickly. Are you sure?" Zero asked quietly.

Natasha met her gaze with a 'Are you serious' look. "Well, Do you know how to work this?.. I didn't think so" she countered.

Zero scoot back, "Good point" Zero leaped into action, hotwiring the car with practiced ease. Within moments, the engine roared to life geting them a getaway car.

Natasha unleashed a barrage of explosive force, sending a grenade hurtling towards the winter soilder. The air crackled with energy as the grenades detonated on impact.

As the smoke from the explosion began to dissipate, the Winter Soldier seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving behind only the chaos he had wrought. Natasha scanned the surroundings cautiously, her senses on high alert for any sign of his return.

But before she could fully process what had just happened, the blaring sirens pierced through the air, signaling the arrival of reinforcements. They found themselves surrounded by HYDRA agents, led by none other than Brock Rumlow. "Drop the shield, Cap! On your knees! Get on your knees! Now! Get down! Get down!" Rumlow barked, his voice commanding obedience.Steve complied, his hands held up in surrender as he knelt before their captors. Natasha exchanged a glance with Sam.

As the chaos unfolded, Natasha's gaze flickered over to where Zero hid in the car, her hand trembling as she aimed her gun at Rumlow. Natasha's heart sank at the sight, knowing it was the first time she had seen Zero hold a gun. Rhe futility of the situation was even if Zero managed to take out Rumlow, they were outnumbered and outgunned.

In a silent exchange, Natasha made eye contact with Zero, her expression conveying a silent plea for restraint.Natasha shook her head imperceptibly, signaling for Zero to stand down. With a heavy heart, Zero lowered her weapon, a sense of helplessness washing over her. She retreated to the safety of the car.

Chapter 24: Unexpected Detour

Chapter Text

As the van rumbled along the road, the weight of their recent ordeal hung heavy in the air. Steve's voice broke the uneasy silence, his words heavy with a sense of disbelief and betrayal. "It was him. He looked right at me like he didn't even know me," Steve murmured, his tone laced with a mixture of confusion and hurt.

Sam's brow furrowed in thought. "How's that even possible? It was like seventy years ago," he mused.

Steve's gaze drifted into the distance, lost in memories of a bygone era. "Zola. Bucky's whole unit was captured in '43, Zola experimented on him. Whatever he did helped Bucky survive the fall. They must have found him and..." His voice trailed off.

Natasha's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, her words a comforting reassurance amidst the turmoil. "None of that's your fault, Steve," she interjected.

Steve's eyes flickered with a hint of sadness as he spoke, his voice tinged with regret. "Even when I had nothing, I had Bucky."

But before they could dwell further on their conversation, Sam's sharp observation drew their attention to Natasha's injury. "We need to get a doctor here. We don't put pressure on that wound she's gonna bleed out here in the truck," he insisted.

Suddenly, one of the guards sprang into action, wielding an electric rod to neutralize her companion before revealing herself as Maria Hill, shedding her helmet with a sigh of relief.

"Ah. That thing was squeezing my brain," Maria remarked, her casual demeanor contrasting with the gravity of their situation. Sam glanced at her.

"Who's this guy?" Maria inquired, turning to Steve for an explanation.

---

As Zero sped along the road in the stolen car, she gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white with tension as she mulled over the options. Her mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts and worries. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her insides. Her focus shifted entirely to Natasha, whose condition weighed heavily on her mind. The image of Natasha bleeding out flashed before her eyes, sending a wave of guilt crashing over her. "I should've ignored her," Zero muttered to herself, her voice laced with self-blame. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she had made the wrong choice, that she had prioritized herself over Natasha's well-being.

Suddenly, a commotion up ahead caught her attention. Four figures tumbled out from under a truck, causing Zero to slam on the brakes with a sharp gasp. "Jesus Christ!" she exclaimed, her heart pounding in her chest as she recognized the familiar faces of Natasha, Steve, Sam, and Maria. Relief flooded through her at the sight of them. Getting out of the stolen car Zero hurried over to where Natasha, Steve, Sam, and Maria lay sprawled on the ground, she took in the sight before her with a mix of relief and concern. Natasha was clutching her wounded shoulder, blood seeping through her fingers, while Steve and Sam were quickly scrambling to their feet, assessing their surroundings with a sense of urgency. Maria, on the other hand, seemed dazed but relatively unharmed.

"Are you guys okay?" Zero's voice trembled with worry as she knelt down beside Natasha, her eyes scanning over the group for any signs of serious injury. "What happened?"

Natasha winced as she shifted position, her face contorted with pain. "We're fine," she replied through gritted teeth, her voice strained but resolute. "Just a little... unexpected detour."

Sam chimed in, his tone tense but focused. "We need to keep moving," he urged, casting a wary glance at the surrounding area. "We're sitting ducks out here."

As Zero helped Natasha into the car she turned to check on Maria, Leaning in close, she whispered, "Mia, are you okay?"

Maria smile, "I'm fine," she assured Zero, "But we've got to keep moving."

With a nod of understanding, Zero helped Maria to the car, and the group quickly piled into the car. Maria took the wheel, Steve settling into the passenger seat, Sam on the left, Zero in the middle, and Natasha on the right.

As they sped away from the scene, Zero closed her eyes and focused her power on Natasha's injury once more, the car bathed in the orange hue of her abilities. Sam and Steve exchanged startled glances, shock evident on their faces.

Maria, catching sight of the glowing aura from the corner of her eye, tensed visibly. "Zero, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice tight with concern. "You know you're not supposed to..." But Zero cut her off with a pleading look, her voice urgent. "Mia, she's going to bleed out if I don't," she insisted, her hands trembling.

Maria hesitated for a moment, torn between her concern for Zero. Finally, with a resigned sigh, she relented, her expression softening. "Fine," she conceded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... be careful.".

---

As Maria Hill ushered the group into the clandestine facility, tension hung heavy in the air, each member weighed down by their own worries and doubts. A doctor rushed forward, assessing Natasha's wound with a sense of urgency.

Zero stood steadfast beside Natasha, her grip on her friend unwavering despite the doctor's insistence that she let go. Natasha met Zero's gaze, her eyes conveying reassurance, "It's okay, im okay " Natasha whispered softly. Maria Hill observed the two girls with a mixture of suspicion and knowing.
"GSW. She's lost at least a pint," Maria reported.

"Maybe two," Sam added grimly.

The doctor wasted no time in taking charge, offering to tend to Natasha's injuries. But Maria insisted on a different priority. "She'll want to see him first," Maria asserted, leading them through the facility until they reached a familiar face lying in a hospital bed. Nick Fury lay before them, alive against all odds, his presence a shock to the system. The four stared at him in disbelief, their emotions a tumultuous mix of relief and disbelief.

"About damn time," Fury quipped.

As Natasha's injuries were being treated, Fury provided some insight into the extent of his injuries.

"Lacerated spinal column, cracked sternum, shattered collarbone, perforated liver, one hell of a headache," he listed off casually, as if discussing the weather.

The doctor chimed in, reminding Fury of his collapsed lung, a detail that Fury seemed all too willing to overlook.

"Oh, let's not forget that. Otherwise, I'm good," Fury remarked with a wry grin.

Natasha couldn't help but voice her concern, recounting the harrowing experience of seeing Fury's heart stop.

"They cut you open, your heart stopped," she reminded him, her voice tinged with worry.

Fury offered a nonchalant explanation, revealing the truth behind his apparent demise.

"Tetrodotoxin B. Slows the pulse to one beat a minute. Banner developed it for stress. Didn't work so great for him, but we found a use for it," Fury explained.

Steve couldn't help but question the need for such elaborate measures. "Why all the secrecy? Why not just tell us?" he inquired, his frustration evident.

Maria stepped in, shedding light on the complex web of deception that had surrounded Fury's apparent demise.

"Any attempt on the director's life had to look successful," Maria clarified, her voice tinged with regret.

Fury echoed her sentiments, revealing the chilling truth behind the facade of his death.

"Can't kill you if you're already dead. Besides, I wasn't sure who to trust," Fury admitted, his words a stark reminder of the precarious nature of their existence.

Zero's patience snapped like a taut wire. She leaped out of her seat, her voice sharp with anger as she addressed Fury directly.

"You want a headache? I'll give you a headache, I swear! And trust me, I've got some killer migraines to share with you! I swear to God, Nick. Do that sh*t again, and I will bring you back to life and kill you myself with my bare hands". she exclaimed, her words cutting through the tension in the room like a knife. Fury, caught off guard by Zero's sudden outburst, was left speechless. No one had seen Fury rendered speechless before.

In the next moment, Zero's demeanor softened as she turned her attention back to Natasha, her concern evident in her eyes. "How are you doing? Are you okay?" she asked, her voice returning to its usual gentle cadence as she reached out to offer her comfort.

"This man declined the Nobel Peace Prize," Fury remarked, his voice laden with cynicism. "He said, 'Peace wasn't an achievement, it was a responsibility.' See, it's stuff like this that gives me trust issues."

Zero, who had been lounging in the corner, suddenly perked up with a look of disbelief. I cannot believe you invited that asshat to my 15th birthday party," she interjected, her voice dripping with disdain. Her eyes narrowed as she regarded the photograph of Alexander Pierce, her frustration palpable. "And to think, I gave him a slice of cake too," she quipped. "Guess I'll have to be more selective with the guest list next time." rolling her eyes.

Natasha Romanoff cut to the chase. "We have to stop the launch," she asserted.

Fury glanced around the room, his gaze landing on the case containing three chips. "I don't think the Council's accepting my calls anymore," he admitted.

Sam Wilson, always curious, couldn't help but inquire. "What's that?".

Maria Hill provided the necessary information. "Once the Helicarriers reach three thousand feet, they'll triangulate with Insight satellites becoming fully weaponized," she explained.

"We need to breach those carriers and replace their targeting blades with our own," Fury stated, his voice firm and resolute.

"One or two won't cut it. We need to link all three carriers for this to work, because if even one of those ships remains operational a whole lot of people are gonna die," Maria warned.

Fury nodded in agreement, "We have to assume everyone aboard those carriers is HYDRA," he declared, his jaw set with determination. "We need to get past them, insert the server blades, and maybe, just maybe, we can salvage what's left..."

"We're not salvaging anything. We're not just taking down the carriers, Nick, we're taking down SHIELD," Steve asserted.

Fury's defenses rose at the accusation. "SHIELD's been compromised, you said so yourself. HYDRA grew right under your nose and nobody noticed," Rogers accused,

"Why do you think we're meeting in this cave? I noticed," Fury retorted, his voice edged with frustration.

"And how many paid the price before you did?" Steve questioned, his words heavy with accusation.

"Look, I didn't know about Barnes," he confessed.

"Even if you have, would you have told me? Or would you have compartmentalized that too? SHIELD, HYDRA, it all goes," he declared.

"He's right," Maria affirmed, coming as a shock to fury.

"Don't look at me. I do what he does, just slower," Sam quipped, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Fury's gaze shifted from Natasha, her expression unreadable, but Natasha couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal that lingered between them. He then turned his attention to Zero, who was engrossed in Natasha, seemingly unaware of the group's scrutiny.

"Well... Looks like you're giving the orders now, Captain" Fury conceded, his voice tinged with acceptance.

Chapter 25: Experiment 013

Chapter Text

Steve's voice echoed through the corridors, commanding attention and authority. "Attention, all SHIELD agents. This is Steve Rogers. You've heard a lot about me over the last few days, some of you were even ordered to hunt me down, But I think it's time you know the truth. SHIELD is not what we thought it was, it's been taken over by HYDRA. Alexander Pierce is their leader," Steve declared "The STRIKE and Insight crew are HYDRA as well. I don't know how many more, but I know they're in the building. They could be standing right next to you. They almost have what they want: absolute control," Steve warned, his voice tinged with urgency. "They shot Nick Fury and it won't end there. If you launch those Helicarriers today, HYDRA will be able to kill anyone that stands in their way, unless we stop them. I know I'm asking a lot, but the price of freedom is high, it always has been, and it's a price I'm willing to pay, And if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not."

As the team dispersed, Zero made her way to the the control room, chaos erupted as Rumlow and his men stormed in, guns drawn and ready for action. Agent 13 stood her ground, her gun trained on Rumlow as he approached one of the techs.

"Preempt the launch sequence. Send those ships up now," Rumlow ordered, his voice dripping with authority.

The tech hesitated visibly, his hands shaking with nervousness. Rumlow's gaze hardened, his patience wearing thin. "Is there a problem?" he demanded.

"I'm... I'm sorry, sir," the tech stammered, his voice trembling with fear. "I'm not gonna launch those ships. Captain's orders."

Rumlow's expression darkened as he leveled his gun at the tech's head. "Move away from your station," he commanded, his tone cold and menacing.

But before Rumlow could carry out his threat, Agent 13 intervened, her own gun aimed squarely at him. "Like he said!" she declared,"Captain's orders."

Rumlow's eyes narrowed as he regarded Agent 13, a dangerous glint in his gaze. "You picked the wrong side, Agent," he growled. Agent 13 remained undaunted, her stance steady despite the threat before her. "Depends on where you're standing," she countered, her voice filled with conviction. As Rumlow's menacing gaze locked onto Agent 13, a sudden interruption came from an unexpected source. Zero stepped forward, his expression a mix of faux distress and exaggerated disappointment. "Rumlow, you're breaking my heart," Zero exclaimed dramatically, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I told you about my secret favorite restaurant, and now you're working for Hydra? I thought we had something special."

Rumlow's eyes narrowed further as he regarded Zero, a hint of surprise crossing his features, "Listen, kid, it's not personal," he retorted, his tone gruff but with a touch of remorse.

But Zero wasn't about to let up on the act. "Feels kind of personal to me," he quipped, his tone light but with an underlying edge. While Rumlow was momentarily distracted, Agent 14 seized the opportunity to discreetly disarm him, slipping the gun from him.

But before anyone could react, he drew a knife and slashed at Agent 13, cutting her arm. The room erupted into chaos as SHIELD agents drew their weapons, surrounding Rumlow with a ring of guns pointed at him. With a swift, well-timed kick, Zero knocked Rumlow off balance, causing him to stumble backward.

"Listen, kid, I don't want to fight you," Rumlow protested, his voice strained with effort as he struggled to regain his footing.

But Zero was already in the midst of the fray, her determination overriding any hesitation. "Oh, I kinda came here looking for a fight," she retorted with a smirk, "Seems like we're at an overpass."

Rumlow's brow furrowed in confusion at the cryptic remark, but before he could respond, Zero was already engaging with three HYDRA agents who had moved to support their leader. With a series of swift, calculated moves, Zero dispatched them with ease.

Turning back to face Rumlow, Zero's expression hardened as she caught sight of him reaching for a discarded gun. "You're just a desk agent, kid, don't hurt yourself," Rumlow taunted, his words intended to belittle her.

But Zero took the insult personally, With a flick of her wrist, she used her powers to heat up the gun in Rumlow's hand, causing him to yelp in pain as he dropped it hastily.

As Rumlow scrambled to retreat, Zero couldn't resist a parting jab. "YOu'Re JUst A dEsK AgENt," she mocked. Rumlow managed to release the Helicarriers, initiating their launch sequence. As the bay doors holding the massive ships began to open, panic gripped the control room. "Close the bay door! Close the bay door now!" a SHIELD agent shouted, desperation tingeing his voice. But it was too late. Zero turned to Sharon Carter, her expression a mix of surprise " Hi, Sharon!" she greeted excitedly.

Sharon, caught off guard by the unexpected acknowledgment, raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "I didn't know you could fight," she remarked.

"Can we just keep that between us?" Zero quipped.

Sharon chuckled softly, her lips quirking into a small smile. "Yeah, but we've got sh*t to do right now".

"They're initiating launch," Maria uttered grimly.

----

Zero rushed to where Natasha and Fury were, concern etched across her features. However, as she approached, she witnessed a tense standoff between Fury and Alexander Pierce.

"Did you get my flowers?" Pierce's voice oozed with false sincerity, a stark contrast to the coldness in Fury's gaze.

"I'm glad you're here, Nick," Pierce continued, his tone unnervingly calm.

"Really? Cause I thought you had me killed," he retorted.

Pierce seemed unfazed by Fury's accusation, his demeanor remaining eerily composed. "You know how the game works".

But Fury was not one to back down easily. "So why make me head of SHIELD?" he demanded, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"Cause you were the best and the most ruthless person I ever met," Pierce stated matter-of-factly.

"I did what I did to protect people," Fury countered, his resolve unwavering.

Pierce's response was chilling in its logic. "Our enemies are your enemies, Nick, Disorder, war. It's just a matter of time before a dirty bomb goes off in Moscow, or an EMP fries Chicago."

"Diplomacy? Holding action, a band-aid. And you know where I learned that; Bogota," Pierce continued, his words a stark reminder of the ruthless choices that had shaped their shared history. "You didn't ask, you just did what had to be done."

"I can bring order to the lives of seven billion people by sacrificing twenty million. It's the next step, Nick, if you have the courage to take it," Pierce declared "No, I have the courage not to," he declared, his words a testament to his unwavering sense of morality.

With tensions escalating, Fury led Pierce to the retinal scanner, Natasha by his side, her gun trained on Pierce, ready to act at a moment's notice. As they approached the scanner, Fury revealed his trump card, removing his eyepatch to reveal his scarred dead eye.

"You think we wiped your clearance from the system?" Pierce taunted.

"You need to keep both eyes open," Fury declared. As Fury and Pierce locked eyes with the retinal scanner, the truth was unveiled, and the safeguards were removed, paving the way for their next move.

Zero stepped into the room, her presence commanding attention. Pierce's eyes flicked over to her, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, the kid," Pierce remarked, his tone dripping with disdain. "How could I forget about you?"

Pierce continued, his voice laced with malice as he dredged up a painful part of Zero's past. "I remember when Nick found you," he began, his words a cruel reminder of the loss she had inflicted upon HYDRA. "It was a devastating loss for us, honestly. You were their prized gem, the golden egg. The one that got away."

Zero's brow furrowed in confusion, her mind racing to comprehend Pierce's words. "What?" she uttered, her voice barely a whisper.

But Pierce pressed on, his taunts cutting deep as he revealed a dark truth that Zero had long tried to forget. "You think I wouldn't reconize you with a mask on? You had the same mannerism you did as a child. So kind-hearted.. so weak...Why do you think the STRIKE team was always near you, always so nice to you?" he jeered. "Oh, but you were too kind, too naive to notice it, huh?"

Pierce fixed her with a piercing gaze, his eyes boring into hers as he uttered a single sentence that sent a shiver down her spine. "It's time to come back home, child," he declared, his voice dripping with malice. "Or should I say, Experiment 013?"

The words hung in the air like a curse, freezing Zero's body in place as the full weight of her past came crashing down upon her. In that moment, she felt as though the ground had been pulled out from beneath her, leaving her teetering on the edge of a precipice. It was like she was a child again. She didn't know what she was suppose to do, but more than anything she was scared.

As the tension thickened in the room, Natasha's keen eyes caught the subtle shift in Zero's demeanor. Natasha could sense the undercurrent of fear and confusion radiating from her younger teammate.

Her gaze flicking between Zero and Pierce, piecing together the fragments of their cryptic exchange. She couldn't decipher the full extent of what had transpired, but she sensed that Pierce's words had struck a nerve with Zero.

Fury stood rigid, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.He tried restrained anger emanating from him, the urge to lash out at Pierce simmering just beneath the surface. But Fury held himself back.

Zero tried to ease Fury by interjecting a sardonic remark,"I cannot believe I invited you to my party," she quipped, Fury letting out a small smirk.

The situation took a deadly turn. Pierce triggered the pins he had given to the council members, causing excruciating pain as they burned deep into their sternums. Fury and Natasha reacted swiftly, their guns trained on Pierce in a show of defiance.

"Unless you want a two-inch hole in your sternum, I'd put that gun down," Pierce warned, his tone cold and calculating. He turned his attention to Zero. "Oh, you naive little girl," he sneered. "Still too afraid to carry a gun, scared of its destruction. But don't worry, once you learn your power, you'll see true destruction."

Fury and Natasha lowered their weapons, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"What a waste" Pierce remarked bitterly.

Fury couldn't help but express his disillusionment. "You know, there was a time I would have taken a bullet for you," he stated, his voice tinged with regret.

"You already did. You will again when it's useful," he replied coldly.

However, Natasha had one last trick up her sleeve. With a swift motion, she activated a small window bite that emitted an electric shock, disabling the pin and giving Fury the opportunity he needed. He didn't hesitate, firing his weapon twice, striking Pierce down before he could carry out any further harm.

As Pierce lay dying on the floor, he uttered his final words with chilling conviction. "Hail HYDRA," he declared, his allegiance to the insidious organization unwavering to the end.

Zero, unable to contain her disgust at Pierce's body, "Oh my god, that's disgusting," she muttered under her breath, her stomach churning with nausea at the sight of blood before her. With a sudden wave of queasiness overwhelming her, Zero hurriedly stumbled behind a nearby desk.

Natasha couldn't help but stifle a laugh at Zero's reaction, her lips curling into an amused smile. "Looks like someone's not cut out for the glamorous life."

Fury chuckled, "Come on kid".

Chapter 26: Date But Not Like A Date-Date

Chapter Text

As the chaos unfolded, Zero, Fury, Natasha, and Maria swiftly made their way to a waiting helicopter.

Meanwhile, Sam Wilson, sprinted desperately away from the devastation, his heart pounding with adrenaline. "Please, tell me you got that chopper in the air!"

"Sam, where are you?" Natasha's voice was tense.

"41st floor, northwest corner!" Sam's reply was tinged with desperation.

"We're on it, stay where you are," Natasha reassured him. With no time to spare, he made a split-second decision, leaping from the window

Natasha and Zero's hands closed around Sam's outstretched arm, their pulling him towards the safety of the helicopter. With a final burst of adrenaline-fueled effort, they hauled him aboard, his body crashing onto the floor of the cabin as they dragged him to safety.

"41st floor! 41st!" his frantic cries barely audible.

"It's not like they put the floor numbers on the outside of the building!" Fury gruff.

"Is this a bad time to say I'm afraid of heights?" Zero blurted out, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness.

"Where's Steve? You got a location on Rogers?" Natasha's voice was urgent as she turned to Maria.
---

As Steve slowly regained consciousness in the hospital room, the smooth melody of Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man" filled the air. With a groggy awareness, he glanced around the room.

A soft smile tugged at the corners of Sam's lips as he noticed Steve stirring. "On your left," Steve murmured.

Sam's smile widened, "Hey there, Cap," .

--

As Maria Hill prepared to undergo the lie detector test at Stark Industries, Stark himself observed from behind the safety of the glass by Zero. Tony's eyes flicked from the monitor displaying Maria's readings to Zero, a question hanging unspoken in the air.

"You worked with Hill," Tony began, his tone curious yet pointed. "Do you trust her?".

Zero met Tony's gaze head-on, her expression resolute. "With my life" she affirmed.

As Maria walked out of the interrogation room, Zero greeted her with a warm smile. "Hey, Mia," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

"Hey smalls," Maria responded"Thanks for being here."

"Always" Zero replied.

As they walked together towards the exit, Maria turned to Zero "Nick and me are coming over for dinner tonight, Do you want to ride back with me?"

"No, it's okay. I have something to take care of first," Zero smiled.

"Alright, well, we'll save you a plate". she said with a chuckle.

"Sounds good, but can you make an extra plate tonight?" Zero asked

Maria made her way out of Stark Industries, "Sure? Any reason why? Maria smirked knowingly. Zero smiled and shook her head.

---

Zero pulled up to the Capitol building inside the hearing room, the tension was palpable.

The solemn voice of the bailiff reverberated through the chamber, demanding her oath of truth. I do," Natasha affirmed.

Why haven't we yet heard from Captain Rogers?" he demanded.

"I don't know what there is left for him to say," she retorted. "I think the wreck in the middle of the Potomac made his point fairly eloquently."

"Many of which you seem to have had a personal hand in telling," one member accused.

"HYDRA was selling you lies, not intelligence," she declared, her voice ringing with conviction.

"Agent, you should know that there are some on this committee who feel... that you belong in a penitentiary, not mouthing off on Capitol Hill."

"You're not gonna put me in a prison," she declared boldly. "You're not gonna put any of us in a prison. You know why?" "Because you need us," she asserted, her voice ringing with unwavering conviction. "Yes, the world is a vulnerable place, and yes, we helped make it that way. But we're also the ones best qualified to defend it." Natasha rose from her seat and walked away, leaving the committee members stunned into silence.

Zero approached Natasha, "You did good in there," she said, her voice filled with quiet admiration.

Natasha offered a small smile in return, her eyes reflecting a steely resolve. "Thanks, It's not over yet, though."

Sensing Natasha's uncertainty, Zero leaned in, her tone conspiratorial. "You got a place to stay?" After all SHIELD was not destroyed.

Natasha hesitated, "I'll figure something out," she replied.

But Zero wasn't about to take no for an answer. she extended an invitation. "Well, how about dinner at my place? Fury and Maria will be there too."

Natasha's eyebrows shot up "I don't know..."

But Zero was already babbling enthusiastically, her excitement contagious. "Oh, come on! It'll be fun!

Nataha relented. "Alright, fine."

Zero practically bounced with excitement, "Great! It's a date then! Well, not like a date-date, but you know what I mean."

Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at Zero and the adorable display before her. "I know what you mean," she replied, her voice tinged with amusem*nt but a hint of disappointment.

Chapter 27: Honey Im Home

Chapter Text

The soft glow of the setting sun cast a warm hue across the spacious apartment, turning the bustling cityscape outside into a serene backdrop for the evening. Natasha and Zero stepped through the doorway. "Honey, I'm home" Zero stated with a giggle.

To the right of the apartment stood Fury and Maria their laughter mingling with the clatter of pots and pans. It was a scene that felt oddly domestic, a stark departure from the chaos of their usual lives.

Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Fury, dressed down in casual attire that seemed more befitting of a suburban dad than the formidable leader of SHIELD. It was a rare glimpse behind the stoic facade he often presented to the world, and Natasha found herself smiling in amusem*nt.

"Look who decided to grace us with their presence," Fury quipped "Hey J-" he began, but mid-sentence, his eyes flicked over to Natasha, realization dawning on him. "Hello, Agent Zero, Natasha" he corrected himself smoothly.

As Maria turned around, she carefully placed a picture frame on the nearby shelf face down, ensuring it faced away from Natasha's line of sight. The photograph captured a moment with Coulson, Jenna, Fury, and Maria seated on the couch, each with a lightsaber watching starwars (It was Coulson idea).

With a subtle glance at Natasha silently acknowledging Maria's movement.

As the four gathered in the kitchen, a cozy atmosphere enveloped them, the clinking of utensils and the aroma of sizzling steak filling the air. Fury and Maria took charge, effortlessly moving around each other as they prepared the ingredients for dinner.

Zero couldn't resist a mischievous grin as she watched Natasha, who hovered uncertainly near the stove. "Do you not know how to cook?" she teased.

Natasha shot her a mock-offended look, "Of course, I know how to cook," she retorted, her confidence unshaken. "I just prefer not to..." casting a knowing glance at Fury, who raised an eyebrow in amusem*nt. "So all those microwave meals in your dorm was cooking?" he echoed.

As Maria chuckled at their banter, Zero couldn't resist joining in on the fun. She grabbed Natasha's hand and dragged her over to the potatoes, handing her a knife"Here, you can help me with the fries. " she teased, trying to make Natasha feel involved with the family dynamic.

"You are good with your hands, no?" Zero asked innocently.

"Wouldn't you want to know?" she quipped, earning a laugh from Maria and Fury.

Jenna shaking her head realizing what they mean"You guys are impossible".

Zero eventually grew tired from all the activity. She plopped herself down on the kitchen counter, grabbing a handful of fries to snack on while she observed the others at work.

Natasha couldn't help but notice, "Putting in a lot of team effort there, I see," she remarked.

Zero flashed a mischievous grin in response, "Hey, a girl gets tired," she quipped, shrugging nonchalantly as she continued to munch on her fries. she couldn't resist teasing Natasha by offering her one of the fries.

Natasha accepted the fry with a chuckle, her eyes sparkling with amusem*nt as she leaned in to take a bite. But just as she was about to reach for it, Zero playfully pulled the fry away with a mischievous grin. Natasha looked at her with an open mouth gasping, Zero laughed and popped the fry into her own mouth.

Zero attempted to feed her another fry, only to playfully pull it away once more. This time, Natasha leaned into her, closing the distance between them as Zero backed her head into the cabinet, unable to retreat any further.

A mischievous smirk played on Natasha's lips as she bit the fry from Zero's hand, her gaze locking with Zero's as a soft blush spread across her cheeks as she moved back into the kitchen as if nothing happened. Leaving Zero sitting there with her face flushed.

Maria chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusem*nt as she nudged Fury playfully. "Looks like they're having fun," she remarked.

Fury raised an eyebrow, his expression stoic as ever. "I don't like whatever that is".

Maria shook her head, her smile widening into a grin. "Oh, come on, Nick. Let her live a little," she teased.

The aroma of sizzling steak and savory pasta filled the air as the four of them gathered around the kitchen bar. Fury's keen gaze caught sight of an unexpected addition to their living room decor. "Why is there a traffic cone on the couch?" he inquired.

Zero's eyes flicked toward the incongruous object "Uh, it was a long night," she offered trying to move on from the question.

"A long night involving a traffic cone?" Maria queried, her tone teasing.

"Well, you know how it is... Ill tell you about it later Mia." she replied vaguely, hoping to avoid further interrogation from Fury.

---

As the evening progressed, they found themselves lounging on the couch, a movie playing on the screen before them. Maria lay stretched out comfortably, with Zero draped lazily on top of her, their laughter mingling with the dialogue from the film.

Natasha watched them, a faint pang of jealousy tugging at her heart. She couldn't quite pinpoint the source of her discomfort. Fury glanced at the clock on the wall, noting the late hour. "Look at the time," he interjected, his voice breaking through the comfortable silence. "It's getting late. We should head out."

Zero rolled off Maria, glancing over at Natasha with a quizzical expression. "Hey, Natasha you got a place to crash tonight?" she asked casually, unaware of the subtle flutter in Natasha's chest.

Natasha hesitated for a moment, "I'll figure something out," she replied with a shrug.

But before she could dwell on her response, Zero's voice cut through her thoughts. "I've got a few extra rooms if you wanna crash here," she offered.

Natasha's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected offer, "I might just take you up on that".

Maria and Fury exchanged a knowing glance as they observed Zero's generous offer to Natasha. Leaning in close, their voices dropped to a whisper.

"What is she doing?" Fury murmured, a furrow forming between his brows. "She knows she has a screct identity right? She's got photos of herself everywhere in there."

Maria frowned in concern, her gaze flickering back to Zero and Natasha. "I don't think she remembers," she whispered back. "She seems more focused on making sure Natasha's okay."

Zero's attention was entirely fixated on Natasha, her concern for her friend's well-being overriding any other considerations. In that moment, her secret identity and the rules she was supposed to abide by faded into the background as she prioritized Natasha's comfort and safety. Natasha's presence felt like a breath of fresh air. "I am gonna go see them out. Theres a bathroom there to the right and ill get you a change of clothes." Zero told Natasha.

As they reached the outside, his expression serious. "Jenna, you know you can have her stay here if you're trying to keep your identity a secret,"his tone cautious.

Jenna realized her mistake, conflicting emotions. She wanted to trust Natasha, but Fury's warning echoed in her ears. "Can I just tell her?" she blurted out, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Maria glanced between them, her expression thoughtful. "It's your choice, Jenna," she added, her voice gentle but firm. Zero paused, weighing her options carefully. Could she trust Natasha with the truth?

Before she could respond, Fury interjected, his tone brooking no argument. "Think about what you're doing, Jenna," he warned, his voice carrying a hint of paternal concern. In his mind, Jenna was still the little girl he had rescued all those years ago, and he was determined to protect her at all costs.

"She may seem capable, but remember who she is. Natasha Romanoff isn't just any ordinary person. She's a deadly assassin, a spy. You can't afford to let your guard down around her." Jenna swallowed hard, the weight of Fury's words settling heavily on her shoulders. She knew he was right. Jenna's heart sank as Fury's words echoed in her mind, but to her Natasha was more than just a spy; she was a person, a friend, someone Jenna had come to trust. Natasha had stood by Fury's side, even when he hadn't trusted her believing in her loyalty no longer lying with him, after faking his death. Despite Fury's warnings, Jenna couldn't shake the feeling that Natasha deserved the benefit of the doubt, the same chance that Fury could've given her before the fall of SHEILD.

His words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the stakes involved. Jenna's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. Natasha may be a friend, but she was also an outsider to Jenna's world, a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Jenna's mind swirled with conflicting emotions as she bid Fury and Maria goodnight, her thoughts consumed by the weight of their conversation. As she made her way back to her apartment, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within her.

Upon entering her apartment, Jenna's eyes fell upon Natasha's hold on a collection of polaroids the familiar face of Sam, Lily and Jenna all gathered together in the bathroom, tucking Sam into the bathtub.

As Natasha held the collection of polaroids, a curious expression crossed her face as she glanced around Jenna's apartment. "Do you have roommates?" she asked, her voice tinged with caution.

As Natasha observed the Polaroids, her sharp eyes caught sight of a name written on the white strip of one of the photographs. "Lily," she murmured to herself, a flicker of recognition crossing her features.

Natasha's curiosity piqued further as she made connections in her mind. She recalled Sam mentioning a hangover when Zero had shown up at his house to help him. Putting the pieces together, Natasha looked back at Jenna, her expression thoughtful. "Did you know Sam before you showed up at his house?" she asked, her tone gentle but probing.

Chapter 28: For you, Always

Chapter Text

As Zero approached Natasha, a hesitant expression on her face, she extended her hand in a tentative gesture. But Natasha, lost in thought as she examined the photo, instinctively stepped back, avoiding Zero's touch.

Zero's heart sank at the subtle rejection, but she understood Natasha's need for space. She watched as Natasha's gaze lingered on the photo, her mind undoubtedly filled with questions about the brunette girl in the picture.

Feeling a pang of guilt, Zero couldn't help but wonder if Natasha had figured out her secret identity. Despite the slight betrayal, Natasha's reaction stirred conflicting emotions within herself. She couldn't deny the flutter of anticipation in her stomach at the thought of the girl in the photo being Zero.

Unable to bear the silence any longer, Zero took a deep breath and spoke softly, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "Natasha, I..." she began, her words faltering as she struggled to find the right words.

"Why did you lie to me about Sam? ...Did you not trust me?" Natasha asked, her tone a mixture of hurt and confusion. She felt a surge of conflicting emotions. Memories of lingering pain of Fury's lack of trust resurfaced, casting a shadow over her current situation with Zero. Unable to bear the weight of her own insecurities, Natasha's resolve faltered.

As Natasha's question hung in the air, Zero's heart plummeted. The accusation struck her like a physical blow, How could Natasha think she didn't trust her after everything they had been through together? She had risked her life countless times alongside Natasha and for Natasha.

Yet here they stood, their bond called into question by Natasha's doubt.

"It's not about trust," Zero began, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes locked with Natasha's. "It's never been about trust."

"What is it about then? Actually, nevermind, I don't even want to know." Natasha interjected abruptly, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration as she turned away, her body language tense. The lingering pain of past betrayals had clouded her judgment, causing her to project her fears into Zero.

Desperation surged within Zero as she watched Natasha move towards the door, the distance between them growing with each step. "Natasha, wait," she pleaded, her voice trembling with urgency, but Natasha seemed resolute in her decision to leave.

"No, it's obvious you don't trust me. I should just go," Natasha's words cut through the air, heavy with resignation. For Zero, each word was a dagger to the heart.

"Natasha, that's not—" Zero tried to protest, but Natasha's frustration drowned out her words. With a sense of finality, Natasha reached for the doorknob, her hand poised to leave.

Panicking, Zero stepped in front of the door, blocking Natasha's path. "Wait, please. Nat." she implored, her voice trembling with emotion, but Natasha's determination remained unyielding. "Move, or I'll move you," Natasha threatened, her eyes flashing with defiance.

"Can you please just listen," Zero pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. Ignoring Jenna's plea, Natasha continued to push against her, her frustration boiling over. In a moment of desperation, Zero muttered, "You stubborn ass," before reaching up to swipe the side of her mask.

Note: I tried to make it this chapter so when her mask was on she was Zero, but the moment she took it off she became Jenna.

As the mask retracted, Natasha froze, her eyes widening in disbelief as she stared at Jenna, her mask now removed. Natasha's gaze remained fixed on Jenna, her mind reeling from the shock of seeing her without the mask. The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the room in a warm, golden light.

The New York skyline, visible through the window, painted its reflection into Jenna's eyes. Her gaze, once a mystery now stared back a Natasha displaying the dark brown eyes that transformed into pools of light honey illuminated by the sunlight.

Jenna's hair tousled from the rush of movement to stop Natasha from leaving, framed her face in a disheveled halo. She stood before Natasha, vulnerable yet unyielding, her silent plea hanging in the air between them.

The sight of Jenna, unmasked and exposed, left her breathless, her heart pounding with a newfound awareness. Natasha stood frozen, her mind reeling from the revelation before her. The vulnerability in Jenna's gaze mirrored the turmoil in her own heart. Natasha had accused Jenna of mistrust, yet here she stood, baring herself in a way Natasha had never anticipated.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and uncharted emotions. Natasha's throat constricted with the weight of what lay unsaid, her voice lost in the turmoil of her thoughts. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, Natasha finally found her voice. "Zero," she whispered.

But before she could utter another word, Jenna stepped forward, closing the distance between them in a single heartbeat. With trembling hands, she reached out, her fingers brushing against Natasha's cheek in a feather-light caress.

Jenna breathed, her voice soft and unsteady. "I trust you more than you know" she whispered, her words a solemn vow that echoed through the silent room.

"I..." Natasha began, her voice faltering as she struggled to find the words to express the depth of her feelings.

But before Natasha could speak, Jenna reached out, her fingers gently tracing the contours of Natasha's face. Natasha's breath caught in her throat as she felt the warmth of Jenna's touch, a soothing balm to her fractured heart.

"Hi Natasha," Jenna murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. "My name is Jenna." she confessed as if its their first time meeting but in some way it is .

Natasha's heart skipped a beat as she gazed into Jenna's eyes, a rush of anticipation flooding through her veins.

Natasha's lips curved into the signature smirk as she regarded Jenna, "Jenna... That's a pretty name," she remarked, her voice laced with flirtatious undertones.

Jenna's cheeks flushed with color as she chuckled softly, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You are not flirting with me right after the fight we just had Natasha Romanoff," she teased, her voice filled with affection as she playfully nudged Natasha's shoulder.

She gently took Natasha's hand in hers. "Come on, let's get you something to change into," she suggested, her voice light and inviting.

Natasha nodded, allowing Jenna to lead her upstairs to her room. As they entered, Natasha's eyes widened in awe at the sight before her. The room was a reflection of Jenna's vibrant personality, filled with books, music, and photographs of her friends.

Jenna moved to her closet, rummaging through her clothes before emerging with a pair of sweatpants and an old band shirt. "Here," she said, offering them to Natasha with a warm smile.

Turning to Jenna, she offered her a grateful smile. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "For everything."

Jenna returned Natasha's smile, her eyes shining with warmth. "For you, always" she replied.

Chapter 29: Nightmares

Chapter Text

As Natasha settled into Jenna's guest room, exhaustion weighed heavy on her eyelids. She drifted into a fitful sleep. Natasha's nightmares began to surface, twisting and turning her dreams into a harrowing labyrinth of fear and despair. She tossed and turned in her sleep, her breaths coming in shallow gasps as she fought against the darkness that threatened to consume her.

Suddenly, a sharp sound pierced the silence, jolting Natasha awake. Disoriented and panicked, she thrashed in her bed, her movements wild and uncontrolled. In her frenzy, she accidentally knocked over the lamp on the nightstand, sending it crashing to the floor with a loud clatter.

The sound of the lamp crashing to the floor brought Jenna rushing to Natasha's room in a blur of concern. As she entered, her heart pounded in her chest, fearing the worst.

To her relief, she found Natasha in the midst of the chaos, trying to clean up the shattered lamp scattered across her bed and floor. But Natasha's movements were frantic and unsteady, her hands trembling as she attempted to gather the broken pieces.

"Natasha, hey, are you okay?" Jenna called out, her voice filled with worry. She rushed to Natasha's side, her eyes scanning for any signs of injury.

But before Jenna could reach her, Natasha accidentally cut her hand on a shard of glass, a small trickle of blood staining her palm. "Natasha, calm down" Jenna urged, her voice gentle yet insistent. She gently took Natasha's injured hand in her own, her fingers brushing against the small cut.

But Natasha seemed dazed, her gaze distant as if still trapped in the clutches of her nightmare. Gently, Jenna guided Natasha to sit on the edge of the bed, her touch gentle yet firm. "It's okay, you are okay Red" she murmured, her voice a soothing balm in the midst of the chaos. But Natasha's gaze remained unfocused, her mind still trapped in the grips of her nightmares. With a heavy heart, Jenna wrapped an arm around her.

As Jenna surveyed the room, her heart sank at the sight of shattered glass littering Natasha's bed. Concern etched deep lines into her forehead as she turned her attention back to Natasha, whose tired eyes still bore the remnants of her distressing nightmare.

Realizing that Natasha's bed was now filled with broken glass, "Natasha, come with me," she said softly, She guided Natasha to her feet, her touch steady as she led her out of the room. Jenna's loft bed presented a new challenge. With Natasha still dazed and disoriented, Jenna carefully guided her up the stairs, her movements slow and deliberate. Natasha followed obediently.

As Jenna carefully tucked Natasha into bed, she lingered for a moment, her gaze soft with concern. "I'll be right back with some water," she promised. Alone in the dimly lit room, Natasha lay still, her mind still reeling from the remnants of her nightmare. But as she shifted in bed, her hand brushed against a small teddy bear nestled amongst the pillows. The unexpected touch brought her back to reality, grounding her in the present moment.

Gently, Natasha picked up the teddy bear, cradling it in her hands. Its soft fur and unfamiliar weight offered a comforting presence in the darkness. She traced her fingers along its worn seams, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

As Jenna returned with a glass of water, she caught sight of Natasha cradling the teddy bear. A soft smile graced her lips as she approached the bed. "You found Mr. Bear," she remarked, her voice filled with warmth.

"Mr. Bear, huh?" Natasha teased, a hint of amusem*nt coloring her tone. "What a creative name."

Jenna chuckled softly, "Believe it or not, the big bad Winter Soldier named it," she revealed, her voice tinged with saddness. Setting the glass of water on the nightstand. "but hey, don't knock Mr. Bear," she replied with a grin. "He's been my faithful companion since I was a kid."

As Natasha cradled the teddy bear, memories with Fury and Pierce flooded her mind. She remembered Pierce's voice echoed in her mind; Jenna was a hydra subject. "You knew the Winter Soldier?" Natasha's voice trembled with concern, her gaze searching Jenna's face for answers.

Jenna hesitated, her expression clouded with memories of a past she preferred to keep buried. "As a kid, yeah," she admitted quietly. "But I don't like to talk about it," she added.

Jenna swiftly changed the subject,. "Do you want to talk about your nightmare?" she offered, her concern evident in her eyes.

Natasha shook her head, her throat tight with unspoken fears. "No, not right now," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taking the cue, Jenna redirected their conversation, "You know Sam was drunk in those picture you found?" she asked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Oh, I can tell," Natasha remarked, a hint of amusem*nt in her voice. "How did you meet him?" she inquired, her curiosity evident.

Jenna's smile widened at Natasha's question, a fondness flickering in her eyes as she recalled the encounter. "We ran into him and Steve, actually," she began, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "The day you pulled up to pick up Steve."

Natasha's mind raced as she connected the dots, realization dawning on her. "Wait... You and Lily were there that day the two girls behind them."

Jenna chuckled to herself, a fond memory playing out in her mind. "Yeah, that was us," she confirmed, her gaze drifting back to the past. "Lily actually mistook Steve for a yeti and thought his name was Sven, like the reindeer from Frozen."

Natasha's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What's Frozen?" she asked.

Jenna's eyes widened in disbelief. "You've never seen Frozen?".

Natasha couldn't help but laugh at Jenna's reaction. "Nope, never got around to it."

Jenna lowered herself to the floor beside the bed. Natasha glanced over and gave Jenna a silent invitation she scooted over and patted the space on the bed beside her, inviting Jenna to join her.

"Anyways, we convinced Sam to come to a party with us at the college" Jenna continued, her voice carrying a hint of amusem*nt.

Natasha's eyes widened in surprise. "You're in college?".

Jenna nodded with a grin. "Yeah, We got a lot to learn about each other Romanoff."

As Jenna recounted the events of that memorable night, Natasha listened intently, her laughter mingling with Jenna's as she described Lily and Sam's antics at the party. Jenna pulled out her phone and showed Natasha a picture of Sam drinking from the keg upside down. Natasha's laughter echoed in the room as she admired the photo.

"Can you send me that picture?" Natasha requested between giggles.

"Sure thing," Jenna replied with a smile.

As the conversation gradually faded into a comfortable silence, exhaustion began to weigh heavily on their eyelids. The events of the day finally caught up with them, and soon they found themselves drifting off to sleep, the soft murmur of their breathing filling the room

Chapter 30: Ex.013

Chapter Text

As Natasha stirred from her slumber, she found herself wrapped in Jenna's embrace, their bodies entwined in a tangle of limbs. A soft smile graced Natasha's lips at the unexpected warmth of the moment.

Natasha gently attempted to extricate herself from the embrace.But just as she began to drift back into a peaceful slumber, feeling a pang of guilt at the idea of disturbing the sleeping girl's rest. The ring of both phones shattered the tranquility of the moment.

Groggily, they both reached for their phones, their expressions clouded with confusion as they saw the caller ID displaying Fury and Maria's names.

As the call ended, Natasha and Jenna sensing the sudden shift in the atmosphere, Jenna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment from their position, her gaze darting away shyly. "Um, I should... I should go get ready," Jenna stammered, her words slightly rushed as she scrambled to untangle herself from Natasha's embrace. "Feel free to grab some clothes from my closet," she added hastily, her cheeks still tinged with a rosy hue.

As Natasha browsed through the clothes, Jenna retrieved her mask from the bedside table, a familiar routine ingrained in her actions. With a practiced swipe of her finger, the mask covered her eyes once more, obscuring her identity again. "How do I look?"

Natasha couldn't help but tease Jenna, "I think I like your voice without the mask more," she remarked.

Jenna's cheeks flushed at the unexpected compliment, her mask unable to conceal the hint of a smile that tugged at her lips.

---

Nick Fury stood at his own grave, wearing sunglasses and a hoodie. Steve and Sam approached greeting the trio.

"You get used to it," Steve remarked.

Fury's gravestone, marked with the epitaph "The path of the righteous man. Ezekiel 25:17."

"We've been data-mining HYDRA's files. Looks like a lot of rats didn't go down with the ship. I'm headed to Europe tonight, wanted to ask if you'd come," he explained.

Steve, however, had other priorities. "There's something I gotta do first," he replied.

"How about you, Wilson? Could use a man with your abilities," he offered.

Sam considered the proposition but ultimately declined. "I'm more of a soldier than a spy," he admitted.

With a nod of understanding, Fury accepted their decisions, shaking their hands before making his departure. Natasha and Zero joined Steve and Sam.

"You should be honored, that's about as close as he gets to saying thank you," Natasha remarked, her words carrying a hint of admiration for Fury's rare display of gratitude.

Steve glanced at Natasha, his expression contemplative. "Not going with him?".

Natasha shook her head in response. "No," she replied simply, her voice tinged with resignation.

Steve's brows furrowed slightly as he processed her answer. "Not staying here?" he asked, his gaze searching Natasha's face for any hint of uncertainty.

"No," she repeated, her voice firm this time. "I blew all my covers. I gotta go figure out a new one."

Steve nodded understandingly, the weight of Natasha's decision settling heavily on his shoulders. "That might take a while," he remarked, his tone sympathetic.

Natasha offered him a small smile, acknowledging the challenges that lay ahead. "I'm counting on it," she replied quietly, her gaze drifting to the ground.

Steve turned his attention to Zero, "What about you, kid?" he asked, his tone gentle.

Zero chuckled softly, a playful glint in her eyes as she responded. "I've got a life under this mask, you know," she joked, her voice lightening the somber mood that hung over them. "Plus, I'm Stark's intern. Someone's gotta keep an eye on him," she added with a wink.

"Fair point," he conceded, a hint of amusem*nt in his tone.

Before parting ways, Natasha handed Steve a file, "дело No 17" (file No 17), containing vital information about Bucky and his transformation into the Winter Soldier.

As Natasha bid her farewell with a kiss on Steve's cheek, she cautioned him, "Be careful, Steve. You might not want to pull on that thread."

Zero lingered nearby, her mind racing with indecision. Should she reveal her connection to Bucky? The weight of her past with Hydra hung heavy in her mind, a constant reminder of the secrets she carried.

Zero stepped forward, her voice steady yet tinged with nervousness. "Steve," she began, her tone hesitant but determined. "Your friend, Bucky... I knew him. " she admitted, her words hanging in the air like a heavy shroud. Steve's expression shifted, surprise crossing his features. Zero reached into her pocket and pulled out a USB drive, her hands trembling slightly. Natasha's keen eyes caught the subtle tremble in her hands, Natasha moved closer, gently placing her hand over Zero. Zero's gaze flickering up to meet Natasha's compassionate eyes.

"Um, this is everything I ever found on him," Zero explained, her voice shaky with nervousness turning to Steve.

With a sense of gratitude, Steve accepted the USB from Zero, his expression softening with understanding. "Thank you," he said sincerely.

Sam approached him, ready to stand by his side.

"You're going after him?" Sam inquired, his loyalty unwavering.

Steve nodded, acknowledging the risks ahead. "You don't have to come with me," he reminded Sam.

But Sam's response was unwavering. "I know. When do we start?" he replied.

Meanwhile, Jenna turned to Natasha with a curious expression. "Are you leaving?" she inquired, her tone tinged with a hint of concern.

Natasha shook her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "No, I kind of want to figure out my cover here" she admitte, Zero couldn't help but smile at Natasha as they began to walk away from the group.

As they approached Natasha's car, Fury stepped forward, his expression serious. He motioned for a private conversation with Natasha, and Jenna, trusting the two, settled into the car and waited. As Jenna settled into the car, a small smile graced Natasha's lips as she watched her friend with fondness.

"The kid told you who she was, didn't she?" Fury's voice was matter-of-fact, his tone revealing that he was already aware of the revelation.

"How did you know?" She inquired.

Fury's gaze softened slightly as he met Natasha's eyes. "You have the same look as me and Maria when we look at her," he explained cryptically. "The kind that wants to protect her. So I need you to do this for me."

Fury handed Natasha a flash drive labeled "Ex.013" his eyes holding a weight of unspoken urgency. "Promise me you'll do whats on it".

Natasha met Fury's gaze with unwavering resolve, a silent understanding passing between them. "Okay," she agreed without hesitation. Natasha slipped the flash drive into her pocket.

------

- - - - Loading - - - -
███▓▒░ Opening File Ex.013... ░▒▓███
Mission Login: ******* ********
Mission Password: **********
----------------------------------------------
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

MISSION DETAILS:
Subject: Agent Zero
Status: Ongoing

AGENT DETAILS:
Full Name: Jenna Gray Sinclair
Codename: Agent Zero
Birthdate: February 14
Place of Birth: Classified
Education: Classified

HYDRA INFORMATION:* Access Denied *

MISSION INFORMATION:

Objective:
Infiltrate Agent Zero's inner circle to extract information while ensuring no connections with Hydra exist.

Background:
Agent Zero, real name Jenna Gray Sinclair, is a high-profile individual with ties to various clandestine organizations in her past. She could poses a significant threat if aligned with hostile entities such as Hydra.

Operatives:

Natasha Romanoff

Mission Details:

Preparation:
Conduct thorough background research on Agent Zero, including known associates, routines, and vulnerabilities.Equip operatives with necessary training in covert surveillance, deception tactics, and rapport-building techniques.

Infiltration:
Strategically position operative near Agent Zero to initiate contact and establish trust. Utilize social engineering tactics to gain access to Agent Zero's inner circle and gather actionable intelligence.

Information Extraction:
Extract information from Agent Zero through subtle conversations, steering discussions towards sensitive topics.Leverage interpersonal relationships and situational awareness to gather pertinent data without raising suspicion.

Verification:
Validate gathered intelligence through cross-referencing with existing databases and corroborating sources.Monitor for any signs of deception or attempts by Agent Zero to conceal information.

Exfiltration:
Discreetly withdraw from Agent Zero's upon successful extraction of information to avoid detection.Maintain operational security protocols to minimize the risk of exposure and ensure a clean exit.

Outcome:
Operation aims to achieve its objective of infiltrating Agent Zero's network and extracting valuable intelligence while safeguarding against any potential connections with Hydra.

End of Mission Briefing

Chapter 31: Sven

Chapter Text

As Natasha sat at the kitchen table, savoring her breakfast, Jenna was bustling around the kitchen. Just as Natasha was about to take another bite, the sound of the door opening drew her attention. In walked Lily, her entrance as unannounced as ever. "Good morning, bitch," Lily greeted with her usual casualness, not even sparing a glance in Natasha's direction.

Lily's eyes scanned the kitchen, "You got anything to drink?" she asked.

Jenna paused in her cooking, turning to face Lily with a raised eyebrow. "Orange juice?" she suggested, a hint of amusem*nt in her voice.

Lily shook her head, a playful grin spreading across her face. "No, I meant a real drink," she clarified, leaning against the countertop.

Jenna chuckled, shaking her head in mock disapproval. "Lily, it's 8 am, and we're about to go to class."

Natasha raised an eyebrow at Lily's lack of acknowledgment, suppressing a smirk as she observed the scene unfolding before her. Jenna pauseda mixture of amusem*nt and exasperation crossing her features as she turned to face Lily.

"Anyways, good morning to you too, Lily," Jenna replied, her tone tinged with amusem*nt. "Mind saying hello to our guest?" she added, nodding subtly in Natasha's direction.

Lily's eyes widened in surprise as she finally noticed Natasha sitting at the table. "Oh, hey, didn't see you there.".

Natasha chuckled softly, amused by Lily's obliviousness. "Clearly," she replied.

As Lily sauntered over to Jenna in the kitchen, she picked up a piece of fruit from Jenna's plate, inspecting it closely. She turned to Jenna with wide eyes. "You bitch," Lily exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at Jenna. "You did have a secret relationship!!! AND with the woman I called dibs on first too?!".

Jenna raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk playing on her lips. "First of all, we are not dating," she retorted. "Second of all, stop eating my breakfast," she added "And third of all, do you want a plate?" she offered, gesturing to the assortment of food on the counter.

Lily accepted the plate with a grin, settling into a seat one spot away from Natasha. "I'm Lily," she introduced herself.

Natasha nodded in response, offering a small smile. "Natasha," she replied simply.

Lily's smriked. "Oh, I know," she said.

Jenna sauntered over and plopped down in the seat between Lily and Natasha,shoving Lily's face away "Ignore her," she said to Natasha with a laugh. "She's just being her usual weird self.".

Lily grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with amusem*nt. "But you love me," she teased, nudging Jenna playfully.

Jenna chuckled, shaking her head. "Unfortunately," she replied with mock seriousness.

Natasha felt a pang of jealousy as she watched their playful interaction, her stomach twisting uncomfortably.

"Hey, I heard that," Lily protested. Changing the subject, Lily turned to Jenna. "So, what are you doing after class?" she asked.

"Working" Jenna replied.

Lily smirked. "Wow, and you're going to leave your house guest all alone?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. "That's cold."

Jenna's gaze softened as she glanced at Natasha. "No, she's coming with me," she said firmly. "And stop trying to flirt with her" Jenna added.

Lily's cheeks flushed pink, caught off guard by Jenna's comment. "Shut up, you're messing up my game," she retorted.

Jenna couldn't help but chuckle "Your game isn't working," she teased, shooting Lily a playful grin before turning her attention to Natasha, Jenna raised an eyebrow. "Are you interested in this loser?" she asked.

Natasha laughed at Jenna's question, finding the banter between her and Lily amusing. "She's not so bad," Natasha replied.

Lily rolled her eyes, trying to regain her composure. "Wow, okay, not so bad?? Whatever give me Sven's phone number because Sam won't give it to me".

Jenna's head whipped around to face Lily so fast. "You're into Steve?!" she exclaimed.

Lily shrugged, "Now that Ginger Spice over there rejected me, I have to move on from this heart break" she joked.

Jenna let out a dramatic sigh, realizing Lily was just teasing. "You ass.", playfully swatting Lily's arm.

Lily tone light, "I am kidding, but I do want to get laid. I doubt Chucky over there would still be up for helping me out with that."

Jenna's laughter bubbled up again, "Yeah, I don't think so".

Natasha couldn't help but burst into laughter, "Wait, hold on," she interjected "We just met, and you're already trying to get me in bed with you? What if I was a serial killer?"

Jenna joined in, shaking her head incredulously. "Oh, Lily has a habit of jumping the gun," she explained "But in her defense, she did see you first when we met Sam, and she called dibs on you."

Natasha's laughter only intensified at Jenna's comment,"I appreciate the interest Lily, but I think I'll have to pass."

Lily feigned offense, placing a hand over her heart in mock indignation. "Hey now, in my defense, you are too hot to be a serial killer. " she retorted. "But you know Sam??"

"Yeah, she does" Jenna confirmed with a nod, shooting Natasha a reassuring look. "They're work friends."

Lily's eyes widened, "OMG, no way!" she exclaimed, turning to Jenna with excitement written all over her face. "Is she gonna join the dynamic trio next frat party adven-"

Before Lily could finish her sentence, Jenna swiftly reached out, her hand flying to cover Lily's mouth in a playful attempt to silence her. Jenna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She knew she would take the story of her crying over a tree and being black out drunk at a frat party to her grave, never wanting to tell another soul about it. Natasha's gaze flicked between Jenna and Lily with a bemused expression, clearly amused by their antics.

Natasha chuckled softly "So those photos of Sam.. They were from a frat party that two underage girls went too is what I am hearing?"

Jenna and Lily's eyes widened in unison as they exclaimed in perfect synchronization, "Noooo".
---
After a long day of classes and lectures, Lily and Jenna finally found themselves free from the confines of the university. Jenna trudged back to her apartment, her exhaustion evident in every step. All she wanted was to collapse onto her bed for a much-needed girl nap.

As she entered the cozy space she called home, she was greeted by Natasha, who was sitting on the couch, waiting for her. Jenna mustered a tired smile. "Hey Nat."

Natasha returned the smile warmly. "Hey, how was your day?"

Jenna shrugged, already feeling the weight of the day lifting just from being in Natasha's presence. "Good. You ready to head to Stark?"

Natasha chuckled softly. "I don't think I'll ever be ready to do anything with Stark, but for you, I'll make an exception."

As they got ready to leave, Jenna almost forgot her mask. Natasha stopped her. "Hey, wait, your mask," she said, holding it out to Jenna. Jenna blinked, momentarily surprised by Natasha's gesture.

"Here, let me help you," Natasha said softly, stepping closer to Jenna. With careful precision, she positioned the mask in front of Jenna's face, her fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

As Natasha slid her finger along the side of the mask, Jenna couldn't help but notice the adorable look of confusion that crossed Natasha's features. Her brow furrowed slightly.

Jenna stifled a laugh at Natasha's adorable reaction. "It's fingerprint locked," she explained, unable to resist teasing Natasha gently. "You have to slide your finger along the side like this."

With a patient smile, Jenna guided Natasha's hand, showing her how to activate the mask. Natasha's eyes sparkled as she followed Jenna's instructions, her fingers brushing against Jenna's in a fleeting touch that sent a shiver down Jenna's spine.

As the mask expanded into place Natasha gaze locked on Jenna. Jenna gently took Natasha's hand, intertwining their fingers as she guided Natasha's touch to the side of the mask. Natasha's breath caught in her throat at the sudden closeness, her heart skipping a beat at the warmth of Jenna's touch.

A small light flickered green caught Natasha's attention. Jenna gently squeezed Natasha's hand, drawing her gaze back to their intertwined fingers. "Your fingerprint is now added to the mask."

Natasha's breath hitched at Jenna's words, her heart swelling. The significance of Jenna's gesture wasn't lost on her – it was a symbol of the trust Jenna had in her. Feeling a rush of emotion, Natasha's gaze flickered down to Jenna's lips, a rush of conflicting emotions swirling within her. But just as quickly as the thought crossed her mind Natasha couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that washed over her. She couldn't help but be reminded of the flash drive Fury had given her.

"We should go," Natasha said her voice slightly shaky as she tried to regain her composure.

Jenna nodded. With a gentle squeeze of Natasha's hand, she followed her out of the apartment.

"So, Does this mean I get to steal your mask and become Batman?" Natasha joked, a hint of amusem*nt in her voice as she glanced at Jenna.

Jenna laughed, "Nice try, Natasha," she replied, her tone teasing. "But I think I'll keep my mask. You can be my Robin instead."

"I am not a sidekick!" Natasha protested, her tone faux-offended as she raised an eyebrow at Jenna. "If anything you can be my sidekick..."

Chapter 32: Home

Chapter Text

As they arrived at Tony Stark's tower, Natasha and Zero stepped into the sleek, modern lobby. Zero's eyes lit up with excitement as he spotted Tony across the room, engrossed in conversation with a group of people.

"Tony!" Zero called out, breaking into a run towards her mentor, a wide grin plastered across his face. Natasha watched with confusion as Zero practically launched herself into Tony's arms, enveloping him in a bear hug.

"Kid?" Tony exclaimed, "I haven't seen you in ages!"

Zero pulled back, her grin widening as she replied, "Oh, you know, Shield falling apart, everyone trying to kill everyone."

Tony's eyes narrowed as he fixed Natasha with a pointed stare. "Oh and... Hello, Romanoff," he retorted, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "Let's just pretend like the last time you were here, you weren't snooping around trying to figure out if I'd make a good fit for your little Avengers boy band." (Ironic isn't it ;) )

He paused, the corners of his lips twitching with amusem*nt, "Just try not to trigger any security alarms this time. I've got enough paranoia as it is.".
---
Zero led Natasha up to the lab floor, her excitement palpable as she welcomed Natasha into her domain with the biggest smile plastered across her face. Natasha, still reeling from her tense interaction with Tony.

"So, this is where the magic happens!" Zero exclaimed, gesturing proudly to the array of high-tech equipment that filled the lab. "Welcome to my humble abode"

Natasha couldn't help but smirk at Zero's enthusiasm, her own demeanor softening. "Impressive setup you've got here," she remarked.

As they settled into the lab, Natasha couldn't shake her curiosity about the relationship between Zero and Tony. "So, when did you and Tony get so close?" she asked casually, trying to mask her probing curiosity.

Zero shrugged nonchalantly, her grin never faltering. "Oh, you know, just your typical billionaire superhero bonding. We actually hit it off pretty well when we met on the Helicarrier. He tried to bribe me to hide something from Fury."

Natasha raised an eyebrow at Zero's confession, a disapproving look crossing her features.

Zero's grin,"Hey hey, don't worry, I took the money and told Fury anyways."

A proud smile spread across Natasha's lips at Zero's confession. "That's my girl," she said with a hint of amusem*nt. Zero's heart practically leaped in her chest at Natasha's words.

"So, what exactly do you do around here?" Natasha asked, turning her attention back to Zero. "What does Tony have you working on?"

Zero shrugged nonchalantly "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure," she admitted with a chuckle. "I just like to tinker with stuff, you know? Tony lets me work on whatever projects I want, and he pays me to do it."

But before Natasha could say more, Zero grabbed her hand, "Come". Zero's excitement was palpable as she swung open a cabinet, revealing a meticulously crafted replica of Natasha's suit and Widow's Bite nestled inside. With a grin that could light up a room, Zero grabbed the suit and window bites and brought it over to the table where Natasha sat across from her.

"So, I've been working on this for the past week," Zero exclaimed. Natasha's heart fluttered at the thought.

Natasha reached out and lifted the replicated Widow's Bite, examining it closely. She noticed new features and enhancements that hadn't been present in her original gear.

"I enhanced the Bite so now you can change the intensity of the electric shock. You can do anything from a mild stun to a surge that can incapacitate even armored people."

Natasha's lips curved into a smirk of approval. "Impressive".

But Zero wasn't finished yet. She pulled out another disk that resembled the Widow's Bite and held it up for Natasha to see. "And check this out," she continued excitedly. "This is a disruptor disk for disabling electronic devices. Perfect for those times when you need to take out security systems or jam communications". Natasha's eyes widened in fascination as she took in the new upgrade.

Zero spun around and grabbed the suit, holding it up proudly. "Oh, and I almost forgot," she exclaimed. "I added a layer of plating to the suit to help with bullets and explosions. But don't worry, it's a thin sheet so it won't compromise your agility and flexibility. Now, it's more durable now"

Natasha's gaze lingered on the suit, mesmerized by the craftsmanship and attention to detail. "It's perfect" Natasha expressed. The door to the lab swung open, and Tony Stark sauntered over to the table, a playful smirk on his lips as he casually picked up the Widow's Bite, twirling it around in his hand. "Looks like the kid finally decided to show you what she's been busying herself with instead of helping me add rockets to my suits."

Natasha raised an eyebrow at Tony's remark, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Put the disk down. You're going to hurt yourself. And I promised Pepper no rockets on your suit Tony.".

Tony chuckled, "Well, if you ever get tired of playing dress-up, you know where to find me. I've got plenty of suits that could use a little extra firepower."

Tony turning serious. "Actually, I've been thinking," he began, his tone contemplative. "I've been talking to Banner, and... well, I have an idea."

Natasha raised an eyebrow, "This ought to be good," she remarked dryly, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

"I think it's time we turn Stark Tower into the headquarters for the Avengers," he declared. "With SHIELD gone, who's going to protect Earth? Why not us? Why don't you guys help me?"

"But I'm not an Avenger, Tony," Zero interjected hesitantly.

Tony waved off her concern with a dismissive gesture. "You're an honorary Avenger, Zero," he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And besides, we could use some text support." Tony joked.

Tony flashed Zero a reassuring smile before continuing, "Look, I've already got the groundwork laid out. We can turn some of the floors into living spaces – the penthouse could serve as the main common area. And the place is already equipped with top-of-the-line security systems, thanks to yours truly. All it's missing is some occupants."

He paused for dramatic effect, his trademark smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "So what do you say? Are you in?"

Natasha's gaze flickered with consideration as she weighed Tony's proposal. She exchanged a knowing glance with Zero, silently acknowledging the opportunity before them.

"You should do it, Nat," Zero encouraged, her voice soft but earnest. "This could be a great opportunity for you."

Natasha's lips quirked into a subtle smirk. "And what about you?" she inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.

Zero shook her head, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. "My life is still out there," she explained. "It's not something I want to sacrifice just yet. I hope it doesn't sound selfish."

Tony interjected with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Not selfish at all," he declared, his tone brimming with conviction. "Everyone's got their own path to walk." Natasha nodded in agreement.

"And remember, this will be your home too," Tony stated firmly, his words carrying a sense of camaraderie. "You're always welcome here, whether you're part of the team or not."

With a gentle smile, Tony leaned in closer to Zero, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't worry," he murmured, his tone tinged with mischief. "I already have a room being built for you."

"Thank you, Tony," she replied softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "That means a lot."

Tony winked playfully, his trademark smirk returning. "Consider it my way of ensuring you stick around," he quipped. "Now we just gotta convince Capsicle and Bird Boy to join us," he declared.

Zero's grin widened at the challenge. "Leave Sam to me" .

Natasha nodded in agreement, And I've got Steve," she stated.
---
The bell above the door jingled as Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson entered the cozy cafe, greeted by the sight of Zero and Natasha already seated at a corner table.

"Hey, guys," Sam greeted with a grin as they approached the table. "Long time no see."

Zero flashed them a bright smile, while Natasha nodded in acknowledgment. "Good to see you both," she replied.

As they settled into their seats, Zero asked, "So, what's the update on the Barney?"

Sam exchanged a puzzled glance with Steve, while Natasha arched an eyebrow in confusion.

"Barn--?" Steve began, but before he could finish, Natasha cut in with a correction.

"I think you mean Bucky," Natasha interjected, her voice tinged with amusem*nt.

Zero's cheeks flushed, "Oh Yeah, sorry, I meant Bucky," she apologized.

Sam shook his head with a small laugh. "Not much to report, unfortunately," he admitted. "We've been chasing leads all over the place, but it's like trying to catch smoke. Seems like the trail's gone cold."

Natasha leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. "Speaking of cold," she interjected, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue. "Tony's proposed turning Stark Tower into the headquarters for the Avengers."

Steve's brows furrowed in contemplation. "I don't know, Nat," he replied hesitantly, his blue eyes reflecting his uncertainty.

But Sam's eyes lit up with excitement. "Dude, that sounds cool as f*ck," he exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious. "Imagine having our own base of operations right in the heart of the city."

Natasha nodded in agreement, her gaze unwavering. "It's our chance to do some real good again, Steve," she urged, her voice firm but gentle. "Think about it."

After a moment's consideration, Steve finally relented, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Alright, I'll think about it," he conceded, his tone tinged with reluctant optimism.

Turning to Zero, Sam couldn't help but tease. "How about you, kid? You joining us?"

Zero chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusem*nt. "Nah, I've got a cooler boy band to join," she joked, her tone light-hearted.

Chapter 33: Memory Lane

Chapter Text

Three weeks had flown by since Natasha and Jenna established their comforting routine of sharing a bed. At first, Natasha had been hesitant to share such an intimate space. Despite Natasha's initial reservations, Jenna had noticed a subtle change in Natasha's nightmares, once a frequent occurrence, had become less frequent. Even though Natasha never admitted it, Jenna could tell that Natasha had less nightmares in her bed, because of her or the bed she doesn't know, but there were nights when Jenna would wake up to find Natasha curled up beside her, her expression relaxed and serene in sleep. Noticing Natasha hesitant to share a bed, one evening Jenna began softly, "I've been having nightmares lately." lying to Natasha. With a small smile, Jenna continued, "But strangely enough, I've been sleeping better since we started sharing a bed. It's like having you next to me makes the nightmares go away". "I can stay a few more nights" Natasha murmured. And those few nights turned into weeks.

Cooking breakfast together, or more so Jenna teaching Natasha the finer points of cooking. Became a regular thing for them. Each morning, they would wake up to the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee, the clatter of pots and pans in the kitchen.

As Jenna headed off to school, Natasha would spend the day organizing the Avenger's comeback like a boy band making a reunion. Might as well call them the Jonas Brothers.

After class, their evenings were spent side by side in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring pots as they worked together. Occasionally, Lily would drop by unannounced, always to steal their food and leave. After dinner, Jenna would often settle onto the couch with her textbooks spread out, diving into her homework. Natasha would hover nearby, offering occasional assistance. She was horrible at calc though.

But amidst the laughter and shared moments, there was an underlying sense of sadness looming over them. It was the last week they would have their routine together, as Steve had finally agreed to the proposition of Avengers Tower. Natasha would soon be leaving to live in the tower, and Jenna couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of their time together coming to an end.

As they sat together on the couch one evening, Jenna couldn't shake the feeling of impending loss that hung in the air. She glanced over at Natasha, who was engrossed in her movie, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. With a heavy heart, Jenna realized that their days were numbered. As Jenna sat beside Natasha on the couch, a wave of nostalgia washed over her.

"Do you remember that time you tried to make me lunch?" Jenna asked, a playful grin on her lips.

Memories replayed to Natasha attempted to pack lunch for Jenna one morning. Despite her best efforts, the pans ended up burnt, leaving her with no choice but to improvise. With a sigh of resignation, she settled for a simple peanut butter sandwich, hoping it would suffice.

Jenna noticed the peanut butter sandwich in her lunchbox and raised an eyebrow in amusem*nt. "Nat, what's with the peanut butter sandwich?" she asked, a hint of laughter in her voice.

Natasha shrugged, trying to play it off casually. "Oh, you know, just trying something new," she replied nonchalantly.

Jenna eyed the sandwich suspiciously before taking it to class with her. That night Jenna came home reporting to Natasha, "Thanks, Nat I appreciate the food.".

Natasha's eyes glinted as she replied, "You're welcome.".

Jenna wrinkled her nose in confusion,. "I don't understand why you love it so much," she remarked. "It's kind of spicy and makes my tongue tingle."

A flicker of concern passed over Natasha's features,"That's not normal.".

Jenna's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked.

With a hint of urgency in her voice, Natasha leaned in, "Jenna" she began slowly, "Are you allergic to peanuts??"

Jenna's breath caught in her throat as the realization sank in. "What?" she gasped, her voice filled with disbelief. "But I've been eating peanut butter my whole life!"

This was the night Jenna found out she was a bit allergic to peanuts.. Just a bit.

Before Natasha could respond, a song began playing on bring more memories to Jenna and Natasha, filling the room with its soft melody. It was as if the universe was reminding them of that moment they had shared.

Natasha jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest, beads of sweat dampening her forehead. It took a moment for her to realize it was just a nightmare.

Desperate for comfort, Natasha scanned the dimly lit room, her eyes landing on Jenna, who was seated at her desk, engrossed in her work. "Jenna," Natasha whispered, her voice trembling with residual fear.

Jenna looked up from her essay, concern etched on her features as she took in Natasha's disheveled appearance. "Natasha, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Natasha shook her head, unable to find the words to describe the horror of her nightmare. "I... I had a nightmare," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

In an instant, Jenna was by her side, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. "Come on," she said softly, guiding Natasha towards the stairs. "Let's go get a snack."

They descended into the kitchen, the soft glow of the city lights casting shadows across the room. Jenna asked Alexa to dim the lights, but instead, the room was flooded with music as Alexa misinterpreted her command.

*Apocalypse by Cigarettes After Sex started playing*

Jenna couldn't help but laugh. She glanced up at Natasha, who still seemed dazed from her nightmare. Gently, Jenna began coaxing Natasha to join her in dancing to the music to distract her. At first, Natasha hesitated, her movements stiff and uncertain. But, together, they danced in the darkness of the kitchen. With each step, Natasha felt the residual fear from her nightmare melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and calm.

In that moment, as they twirled and swayed beneath the soft glow of the city lights, Natasha knew that no matter what nightmares haunted her, she would always find comfort with Jenna.

Natasha let out a small smile realizing the song that was play. As they sat on the couch thinking about the time they spent together nestled between them was a box of New York pizza. Natasha had burned the pans once again attempt number 2 of trying to cook, but this time for her going away dinner.

As they sat together, enjoying the slices of pizza, Lily walked in unannounced again, her eyes widening in disbelief as she spotted them indulging in pizza on the couch. "Natasha got you to eat pizza again before me?!?" she exclaimed.

Natasha chuckled, shooting Jenna a knowing glance. "I told her I was going to make her un-hate pizza." her voice tinged with amusem*nt.

Jenna rolled her eyes playfully, taking another bite of her slice. "Yeah, yeah, mission accomplished," she teased, her laughter filling the room.

With the taste of pizza still lingering on their lips, Jenna leaned against Natasha's shoulder, Lily nestled in Jenna's lap, her eyes drooping as she fought to stay awake.

Together, they spent the night watching movies, their laughter mingling with the soft glow of the television screen. As the hours passed, exhaustion finally caught up with them, and one by one, they drifted off to sleep, the warmth of each other's presence enveloping them like a comforting blanket.

As Lily and Jenna slept peacefully, their soft breaths filling the room. Natasha remained awake, her fingers dancing across the keys of her laptop silently. Natasha couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness wash over her.

While Jenna and Lily drifted off into dreams, Natasha's mind was consumed by the weight of her responsibilities. To Jenna, these moments were cherished memories, but to Natasha, they were just another task to be completed, another entry to be added to her mission report.

As she typed away, detailing the events of the information with clinical precision, Natasha couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that gnawed at her insides. Here she was, with somone she cared about, yet she felt utterly alone, trapped in a cycle of duty and obligation.

With each keystroke, Natasha's heart ached with the knowledge that these fleeting moments of happiness were just that – fleeting. But for now, as she watched the gentle rise and fall of Jenna's chests as sheslept, Natasha allowed herself to indulge in the illusion of normalcy, if only for a little while longer. But she knew that such intimacy was forbidden, a luxury she could ill afford in her line of work.

Chapter 34: We're Back

Chapter Text

Moving day had arrived, and Natasha and Zero found themselve standing outside the entrance to Avengers Towe. Natasha had barely packed anything, her belongings reduced to just two small boxes. It wasn't that Natasha didn't want to have possessions; rather, she preferred to keep her life clutter-free, unencumbered by material possessions that could tie her down somewhere.

Zero grinned at Natasha, "Ready to make the move?" she asked, her tone lighthearted.

Natasha nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "And be stuck with stark for the rest of my days, let's get this over with," she replied, her voice betraying her lack of enthusiasm for the task at hand.

Together, they entered the tower, Natasha's two small boxes feeling woefully inadequate in comparison to the grandeur of their new surroundings. As they made their way to Natasha's assigned living quarters, Zero couldn't resist the urge to peek inside one of the boxes, her curiosity getting the better of her. The box contained not household items or personal mementos, but a collection of clothes—clothes that Zero recognized as her own. "Nat," Zero began, her voice tinged with amusem*nt, "why do you have my clothes in your box?"

Natasha shrugged nonchalantly, a faint blush tinting her cheeks. "I might have borrowed them without asking,".

Before Zero could respond, they were interrupted by the arrival of Steve, Bruce, Sam, and Clint, who had come to lend a hand with the move.

Clint, who was carrying just one small box, Zero raised an eyebrow, "You only have one box?".

Natasha's lips quirked into a wry smile. "He prefers to travel light. He rather be somewhere else than here" she replied cryptically, her eyes flickering with hidden meaning.

As Bruce and Zero caught sight of each other, their faces lit up with genuine delight. "Bruce!" Zero exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop him in a warm hug. "Hi!"

Bruce returned the embrace, a fond smile gracing his features. "It's good to see you, Zero".

Sam and Zero had already launched into their usual banter, their voices rising above the din of the bustling hallway. "Hi shorty, you sure you not moving in with us?" Sam asked.

"Call me shorty one more time I am gonna make sure you wake up dangling off the tower while your little drone records you" she replied, her tone daring.

Steve laughs at the comment and approached Zero with a small smile. "Let me get that box for you," he offered.
---

Natasha, Bruce, Steve, and Clint quickly settled into their new room, unpacking boxes and arranging furniture with practiced ease. The atmosphere was light but got abruptly interrupted by the shrill sound of a fire alarm echoing through the tower. Before they could react, Friday's calm voice cut through. "Fire has been contained".

With a shared sense of urgency, Natasha, Bruce, Steve, and Clint raced towards the source of the alarm, their footsteps echoing in the hallway.

As they burst into the kitchen, they were greeted by a chaotic scene. Sam and Zero stood at the center of the room, covered in fire extinguishing foam. Zero held a knife in her hand and Sam trying to run on the otherside of the kitchen counter.

Steve's eyes widened in disbelief. "What in the world happened here?".

As Zero and Sam opened their mouths to speak, they both blurted out "Nothing!" simultaneously, their voices overlapping.

Tony Stark strolled into the kitchen, his eyes widening in mock horror at the scene before him.

"Dear God, you two already managed to ruin the place?" Tony quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he surveyed the foam-covered room.
---
After the chaos of the foam-filled kitchen had been cleared away, they tucked into their meals, conversation flowed easily, Tony discussed their plans for the Avengers.

"We need to figure out how to handle any potential threats," Steve remarked.

Tony leaned back in his chair, a confident smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Don't worry, Capsicle," he chimed in, his tone brimming with arrogance. "My technology can detect any threat before it even happens. We'll be ready to avenge, or whatever it is we do these days." "Looks like the Avengers... with Zero and Sam are back in action," Bruce declared.

Sam's eyebrows shot up in mock offense. "And Sam?? Am I not a part of the Avengers?" he exclaimed, feigning hurt.

Tony leaned forward, "I don't remember you being at the New York battle," he teased.

Sam's expression faltered for a moment before he recovered. "Neither was Zero," he shot back, pointing at Zero.

Zero raised an eyebrow, "Hey! what do you mean I wasn't there? I was!" she exclaimed.

Sam's eyes widened in realization. "Oh...," he trailed off.

Zero crossed her arms, mock offense written all over her face. "You miss one photo op, and suddenly I'm discredited," she huffed, her tone exaggerated.

Tony chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. Laughter erupted around the table, and Steve clapped Sam on the shoulder with a grin. "Not yet, buddy," he teased. "We need to get you into shape first."

Sam rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, please," he retorted. "This man beats me in running once, and suddenly I'm out of shape?"

And with that, the boy band was back.

Chapter 35: What are you going to do about it?

Chapter Text

Over the next few months, the Avengers settled into their routine, tackling threats and challenges. Amidst the chaos of their missions, Zero became a familiar presence at the Avengers Tower.

Every day after school and every weekend, Zero would make her way to the tower, working with Maria to help the Avengers on their missions, upgrading the team's suits in her lab, or simply hanging out with Tony, ensuring he didn't add anything absurd to his suit. Like last week, he wanted to install a drinking straw inside his helmet filled with whiskey, just in case he had a long day. Pepper spend the next 45 minutess reminding Tony the law on drinking and driving also applies to drinking and fly.

As the night settled over the city, Zero often found herself in the lab, tinkering away. The quiet hum of machinery and the soft glow of computer screens provided a comforting backdrop as she worked tirelessly. Natasha and Zero has been attached to the hip since the move,she would often join Zero in the lab during these late-night sessions. While Zero delved into her projects, Natasha would sit beside her, working on her mission reports.
---
As Clint made his way towards the exit of the tower, he noticed Natasha sitting in the corner of the lab, her gaze fixed on Zero, who was engrossed in her work at the other end of the table. Something about the way Nat watched Zero caught Clint's attention

Clint cleared his throat, drawing her attention away from Zero for a moment. "Hey, Nat," he began, his voice gentle. "Can we talk for a second?"

Natasha blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Clint. She shifted in her seat, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. "Oh, uh, yeah, sure," she replied.

"Are you okay?" Clint began with a knowing look. "Oh, uh, yeah, everything's fine," she replied, her voice unconvincing even to her own ears.

Clint raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You sure about that?" he pressed.

Natasha hesitated, her mind racing as she searched for the right words. "No, I'm not," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Clint's smile softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "What's on your mind, Nat?" he asked softly.

Natasha fidgeted with her fingers her brow furrowed in concentration as she struggled to find the right words. She began hesitantly, "I need your advice." Natasha hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the thoughts swirling in her mind. "It's about Zero," she admitted, her voice barely audible.

Clint nodded understandingly, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Go on," he encouraged gently.

Natasha took a deep breath, her mind racing as she tried to put her feelings into words. "I... I don't know how to explain it," she confessed, her voice tinged with frustration. "I just... I feel... something."

Clint's lips twitched in amusem*nt as he watched with a knowing look as Natasha struggle to articulate her feelings. He knew all too well what was brewing beneath the surface.

"It sounds like you have a crush, Nat," Clint offered casually, a teasing smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

Natasha's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment. "A crush?" she repeated, the word foreign on her tongue.

Clint couldn't help but chuckle softly at Natasha's reaction, a playful glint in his eyes. "Yeah, a crush. You know, when you get all googly-eyed and butterflies in your stomach around someone," he explained, his tone light and teasing.

Natasha shot him a pointed look, her expression a mixture of annoyance and amusem*nt. "I know what a crush is, Clint," she retorted dryly, rolling her eyes.

Clint raised his hands in mock surrender, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Hey, just making sure," he replied, his tone unapologetically cheeky. And as Natasha shot him a playful glare, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusem*nt amidst her embarrassment.

Her denial rising up like a defensive shield. "No, I can't have a crush," she protested, her voice firm.

Clint reached out, placing a comforting hand on Nat's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay," he reassured her, his tone gentle. "Feelings happen, whether we want them to or not."

Natasha's shoulders tensed, her mind racing with uncertainty. "But what if it's a distraction? What if it gets in the way of our work?" she questioned, her voice laced with doubt trying to make an excuse for her feelings.

And as Natasha sat there, grappling with her conflicting emotions. Her mind raced as she processed Clint's words, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Could it be true? Did she really have a crush on Zero?

But before Natasha could dwell on the revelation, Clint reached out, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Nat. Whatever you're feeling, it's perfectly normal," he assured her, his voice filled with reassurance.

"Hey, Are you heading home?", Natasha asked.

Clint nodded, a curious expression on his face. "Yeah, I am," he replied.

Natasha hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Can I come with you?" she asked, her voice tentative.

Clint's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he quickly recovered, offering her a warm smile. "Of course," he said. Clint studied her for a moment, his gaze filled with concern. He could tell she was running away from her feelings, but he didn't want to push her too hard.

Natasha slipped into the lab, she made her way over to Zero's chair and reached for a hoodie, intending to grab her own, but her hand hesitated as it hovered over Zero's hoodie. Without a second thought, she grabbed it, pulling it on before Zero even noticed.

"Hey, that's my hoodie," Zero exclaimed, a playful grin tugging at her lips.

Natasha turned to face her, "Oops," she replied sheepishly, unable to meet Zero's gaze. "Well, it's mine now," she added, trying to sound confident despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Zero arched an eyebrow, amusem*nt dancing in her eyes. "Is that so?" she teased.

Natasha nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yeah, it is," she replied, her voice a bit unsteady.

Before Zero could respond, Natasha quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, I'm going to hang out with Clint tonight," she blurted out, her words coming out in a rush.

Zero's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, her expression unreadable. "Oh, okay. Have fun, be safe Nat." she replied, her tone casual.

Natasha felt a pang of guilt at the disappointment she detected in Zero's voice, but she pushed it aside, forcing a smile. "Thanks, I will," she said, trying to sound cheerful.

As Natasha turned to leave, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. She waved goodbye to Zero, her heart heavy with the weight of her newfound realization.
---
As the car pulled up to Clint's farmhouse, Natasha took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. She followed Clint out of the car and into the warm embrace of the countryside.

Clint's wife, Laura, greeted them at the door with a warm smile. "Nat, it's so good to see you," she said, pulling Natasha into a hug. Natasha returned the embrace, a genuine smile tugging at her lips. "It's good to see you too, Laura," she replied warmly. Their conversation was interrupted by the excited squeals of children coming from inside the house. Cooper and Lila came bounding out, their faces lighting up with joy at the sight of Natasha. "Auntie Nat!" Lila exclaimed, throwing herself into Natasha's arms.

Natasha laughed, wrapping her arms around Lila and lifting her up into the air. "Hey, Lila! It's good to see you too," she said, her heart swelling with affection for Clint's children.

As Clint and Laura headed to the kitchen to fetch some drinks, Natasha remained seated at the kitchen table, her mind buzzing with thoughts. As she watched Clint and Laura move around the kitchen, their easy rapport and effortless gestures of affection reminded her of her own dynamic with Jenna.

Suddenly, it hit her like a bolt of lightning. The way she felt around Zero, the way her heart skipped a beat whenever she saw her smile, the way she longed to spend every moment with her—it wasn't just friendship. Natasha realized, holy sh*t she had a crush.

Her heart raced as the realization sank in. She was in love with her best friend. In love? Liked? Whatever it was she wanted more.

Natasha sat there in stunned silence, the weight of her newfound emotions settling over her like a heavy blanket. She had spent so long denying her feelings, burying them deep inside, but now, faced with the truth, she couldn't ignore them any longer.

As Clint and Laura settled back into their seats at the kitchen table, Natasha's heart raced with nervous anticipation. Natasha blurted out, "I like her, Clint."

Clint's eyebrows shot up, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "Really?" he replied sarcastically, his tone teasing.

Laura turned to Natasha, her expression curious. Laura gave Clint's arm a playful swat, "Be nice".

Clint chuckled, rubbing his arm where Laura had hit him. "Hey, she's the one who blurted it out," he defended himself, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Besides, I called it."

Laura turned back to Natasha, her expression softening with understanding. "So, you really like someone, huh?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Natasha nodded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Yeah," she admitted.

Laura's eyes widened in surprise, a smile spreading across her face. "Well, I'll be damned," Clint exclaimed, his tone filled with disbelief. "I never thought I'd see the day when Natasha Romanoff admitted to liking someone."

Natasha rolled her eyes playfully, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, Yeah.". her voice laced with sarcasm.

Clint laughed clapping her on the back. "Now, the real question is, what are you going to do about it?"

Chapter 36: Better late than never, right?

Chapter Text

It was 1 a.m, and she couldn't shake the thoughts that had kept her awake, swirling like a tempest in her mind. She tossed and turned, her thoughts consumed by Jenna. Did Jenna like her back? Will Jenna like her back?

But it wasn't just about Jenna's feelings. It was about the way Jenna cared for her, the way she listened and understood in a way that no one else did. Does a friend really care about you the way Jenna did? The uncertainty gnawed at her, casting doubt on everything she thought she knew.

The floorboards creaked beneath her cautious steps as Natasha made her way down the hallway. Despite the late hour and the weight of her thoughts, she pressed on, driven by a relentless need to unburden herself. She needed answers, even if they brought more questions in their wake.

She scribbled a hasty note, leaving it on the kitchen counter where Clint would surely find it in the morning. "Went to confess, don't bother me. Stole your car. - Nat :)" She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the words. It felt strangely liberating to be so direct, even if it was in a note left behind in the dead of night.

With the keys to Clint's car clutched tightly in her hand, Natasha slipped out into the cool night air. The engine roared to life as she drove through the winding roads, the only sound piercing the silence of the night.

As the lights of the tower loomed in the distance, drawing her like a moth to a flame. Natasha's hands trembled as she parked the car haphazardly outside the tower . She didn't bother to turn off the engine or close the door behind her, her only focus on the task ahead.

She burst into the lab, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Zero lay face down on the desk, his steady breaths the only sound in the room. Natasha's heart swelled at the sight of her.

As Zero slowly woke from her slumber, she felt a weight on her head and a soft warmth nearby. Blinking groggily, she lifted her head and saw Natasha standing beside her, breathless and laughing softly. There was a piece of paper stuck to her forehead, and Natasha reached out to gently peel it off.

"Oh you're back?" Zero mumbled, her voice still heavy with sleep, as Natasha unfolded the crumpled paper.

Zero chuckled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she looked up at Natasha, who appeared slightly disheveled and out of breath. "Did you run a marathon or something?" she joked, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Natasha shook her head, still chuckling softly. "No, just need to do something important" she explained, her voice gentle and warm.

They lingered there for a moment, the air filled with a comfortable silence as they looked at each other. Then, without a word, Natasha took Zero's hand and led her out of the lab and down the hallway to her room. Zero followed without hesitation.
---
In the dimly lit room, Natasha and Zero stood facing each other, their hands still intertwined. Natasha's gaze lingered on Zero's masked face. With a hesitant yet determined movement, she reached out and gently brushed her hand over the side of Zero's mask.

The mask retracted with a soft hiss, revealing Jenna's features underneath. Jenna blinked in confusion, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusem*nt.

Natasha's heart raced as she met Jenna's gaze. "I... I wanted to see your face," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Jenna's eyes softened.

There was a tender silence between them, filled with unspoken words and shared emotions. Natasha's chest tightened with the weight of her own unspoken truth, the words threatening to spill out at any moment.

Finally, summoning all her courage, Natasha took a deep breath and met Jenna's gaze head-on. "There's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "I... I like you. More than just as a friend."

Jenna's eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching in her throat. For a moment, the room was filled with silence, broken only by the sound of their breathing.

Jenna's heart skipped a beat as Natasha's confession hung in the air between them. She had known deep down that she harbored a crush on Natasha from the moment they met, but she never expected her feelings to be reciprocated.

For a moment, Jenna was lost for words, her mind racing as she processed Natasha's confession. The realization that Natasha felt the same way sent a rush of warmth flooding through her veins.

Natasha pressed on, her heart pounding in her chest. "I was wondering if... if you would like to go on a date with me?" she asked, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

Jenna's lips curved into a small, hesitant smile, her eyes sparkling with emotion. "Nat, I..." she began, her voice trailing off as she searched for the right words.

As Natasha nervously awaitedenna's response, her voice suddenly broke the tension in the room. "Took you long enough," Jenna teased, her eyes dancing with amusem*nt.

Natasha's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn't help but smile at Jenna's lighthearted remark. "Yeah, well, better late than never, right?" she replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of nerves and relief.

Natasha let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck. "I know I just asked you on a date, but I've never really planned a date before," she admitted, her cheeks tinted with a faint blush.

Jenna's smile softened, her eyes warm with understanding. "You're such a dork," she teased gently, reaching out to squeeze Natasha's hand reassuringly.

Jenna's voice echoed her tone teasing yet affectionate. "Don't worry about it. Just meet me at my place at 4pm.".

Natasha's heart swelled, feeling a rush of warmth at the thought of her friend's support. "Thanks," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. Sam, oblivious to their presence, walked into Natasha's room holding a length of string, a box, and a bag of flour. He had a mischievous grin on his face, thinking Natasha wasn't going to be home, and he planned to prank her and Jenna.

However, as Sam entered the room, his grin faltered when he saw Natasha and Jenna standing close together. Natasha's hand shot out instinctively, pulling Jenna slightly behind her to shield her identity.

Confusion and embarrassment flashed across Sam's face as he quickly realized his mistake. He stammered an apology, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red, and moved to close the door.

Jenna grabbed a nearby pillow and started whacking him with it. "YOU dickhe*d! OMG, NEXT TIME LEARN TO KNOCK!" she shouted, her voice filled with mock indignation.

Sam yelped in surprise, ducking and dodging the pillow blows as he scrambled to up. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" he exclaimed, laughing.

As Sam scrambled to his feet, still laughing, Natasha couldn't help but feel a twinge of confusion. She turned to Jenna, a puzzled expression on her face.

"Wait, why weren't you worried about Sam knowing your identity?" Natasha asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Oh, I already knew," Sam admitted.

Natasha's eyes widened in surprise, her confusion deepening. "You knew? How?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

As Sam casually scooped her up and tossed her onto the bed. Jenna landed with a soft thud, shooting Sam a mock glare.

"Dick," Jenna teased, rolling her eyes playfully.

Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at their antics, but her amusem*nt quickly turned to mock outrage as she turned her attention to Jenna. "You told Sam before me??" she exclaimed, her voice laced with feigned betrayal.

Sam started backing up toward the door, his hands raised in surrender. "No, no, it's not like that!" he protested.

Jenna interjected before Natasha could unleash her wrath, her tone teasing. "He figured it out," she clarified.

Natasha seized the opportunity, snatching the pillow out of Jenna's hand and smacking Sam with it before hurling it back at Jenna's face. The pillow collided with Jenna's face, causing her to lose her balance and fall backward onto the bed with a soft thud. "Ow". Peaking up from Natasha's sheets, "Why do you have flour, Sam?" Jenna asked, her curiosity piqued as she turned her attention back to him.

Sam's eyes darted nervously around the room, a guilty expression crossing his face. "Well, if I told you it wasn't to prank you, would the assassin here not murder me?" he quipped, his voice tinged with amusem*nt.

Jenna's eyes lit up with mischief as she jumped up from the bed to grab the bag of flour from where Sam, "Oh, it's on!" she declared with a grin, tearing open the bag and tossing a handful of flour at Sam.

Sam laughed and retaliated, grabbing another handful of flour and tossing it back at Jenna who ran to hide behind Natasha. Soon, the room was filled with clouds of white powder.

After the chaos, Steve appeared in the hallway he couldn't help but laugh as he watched Natasha, Sam, and Jenna covered in flour standing in the hallway getting lectured like 3 little kids. With the door to Natasha's room open, revealing two cleaning ladies and the horrible mess, Tony Stark stood behind them, arms crossed.

"You two are unbelievable," he scolded Sam and Zero, shaking his head in exasperation. He turned to Natasha, "And you, I didn't expect this from you."

Natasha grinned, "Sorry, Tony," she apologized, trying to suppress her laughter.

As Natasha, Zero, and Sam stood there, giggling like a bunch of kids, Zero couldn't help but feel a wave of affection wash over her. She reached out and gently squeezed Natasha's hand.

As their eyes met, Zero noticed the childlike gleam in Natasha's eyes, a spark of innocence and joy that seemed to light up the room. But beneath the surface, Zero didn't know that this childlike gleam was a reminder of the innocence and joy that Natasha had never experienced as a child.

However, what Natasha didn't know was that it would be Jenna who would bring out even more of this side of her.

Chapter 37: The Date

Chapter Text

In Jenna's cozy apartment, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation as she prepared for her date with Nat. She begged Maria and Lily to helping her get ready, their voices mingling with laughter and chatter.

Maria eyed the dress that Lily held up with a skeptical frown. "Absolutely not," she declared firmly, her arms crossed over her chest.

Lily rolled her eyes dramatically, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, come on, Maria, lighten up! My girl needs to get laid tonight!" she exclaimed.

Maria's expression turned incredulous as she shot Lily a pointed look. "No! No one is getting laid tonight".

Jenna couldn't help but laugh at the exchange, shaking her head at the antics of her two friends. "I think it's nice" she chimed in, her voice laced with amusem*nt.

Lily grinned triumphantly, holding the scandalous dress out to Jenna. "See? Jenna gets it" she declared, winking at her friend.

Maria sighed in resignation, realizing that she was outnumbered. "Fine," she relented, though her tone still carried a hint of disapproval. "But if you end up getting arrested for indecent exposure, don't say I didn't warn you."

Jenna raised an eyebrow at Lily's grin, then turned to Maria with a playful smirk. "Fine, fine, we'll pick something else," she relented, her tone light-hearted. "Plus, I already told my date that it was casual anyway."

Lily shot Maria a playful pout. "You are no fun. Look what you did." she teased.

Maria rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Someone has to be the voice of reason," she quipped. The trio made their way to Jenna's closet to find the casual outfit for her date.

With a gentle smile, she turned to her friends. "Thanks for the help, I think its time I kick you guys out though." she explained.

Maria and Lily exchanged knowing glances, their smiles widening. As they made their way toward the door, Lily couldn't resist one last question. "Are you gonna tell us who it is?" she asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Jenna grinned mischievously, her eyes dancing with amusem*nt. "Nope," she replied teasingly, placing a finger to her lips.

Lily's excitement was palpable as she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Wait...Is it N-" she began, but Jenna quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

"Shh, not now," Jenna interrupted, her laughter bubbling up. "I'll tell you later, I promise."

Maria rolled her eyes, "Hey, why her?" she teased.

Jenna's smile softened as she looked at her friends, a wave of affection washing over her. "Because I can ... Anyways, I love you, Mia. Now go on, I'll see you later," she said, gently pushing them toward the door.
---
Outside Jenna's door, Natasha stood with bated breath, her heart pounding . She glanced at the clock on her phone, watching the seconds tick by with painstaking slowness. Despite her training as a super assassin spy, Natasha found herself horribly nervous, more so than any mission she had ever undertaken.

As the digital display finally read 4:00:00, Natasha took a deep breath and raised her hand to knock on Jenna's door. The sound echoed softly in the hallway.

Inside the apartment, Jenna's heart fluttered with excitement as she heard the knock on the door. With a final glance in the mirror to ensure everything was perfect, she hurried to answer it.

When Jenna opened the door, Natasha's breath caught in her throat at the sight before her. Jenna stood there, radiant and beautiful, wearing a simple outfit that perfectly complemented her natural grace. She wore a fitted white blouse tucked into a high-waisted skirt, the soft fabric flowing gently around her legs. Converse sneakers and a side bag hung casually from her shoulder. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading over her shoulders in a carefree manner.

Natasha couldn't help but admire the way Jenna's eyes sparkled with excitement, her smile lighting up the room. But as Jenna's gaze met hers, Natasha felt her breath catch in her throat. The warmth in Jenna's eyes reflected the same feelings swirling within Natasha's heart.

As Jenna stepped aside to let Natasha in, her gaze shifted to her outfit. Natasha wore a form-fitting black leather jacket over a red shirt, paired with dark jeans that hugged her curves perfectly. Combat boots adorned her feet.

Natasha stood in the doorway, utterly speechless at the sight of Jenna. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the effortless beauty standing before her. When Jenna finally spoke, her voice broke through Natasha's reverie.

"You ready to go?" Jenna asked with a warm smile, extending her hand toward Natasha.

All Natasha could do was nod, her voice momentarily lost in the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. With a silent exhale, she reached out and clasped Jenna's hand.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the New York skyline, Natasha and Jenna strolled hand in hand through the bustling streets of the city.

Natasha couldn't help but smile as she glanced over at Jenna, who was practically bouncing with excitement. Natasha followed Jenna through the maze of streets until they reached their destination.

The cafe was tucked away on a quiet corner, its cozy exterior adorned with twinkling fairy lights and potted plants. A handwritten sign above the door read "The Safehouse" and Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at the name.

As they stepped inside, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries enveloped them, making Natasha's mouth water. The interior was just as charming as the exterior, with mismatched furniture, shelves lined with books, and soft jazz music playing in the background.

But what truly captured Natasha's heart were the two sweet old people behind the counter, who greeted Jenna with wide smiles and warm hugs. "Well, if it isn't our favorite sweetheart!" the woman exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with affection.

Jenna beamed at them, her cheeks flushed with pleasure. "Hey, Mabel, Charlie! I brought someone special to meet you today."

Natasha felt a sudden rush of nerves as all eyes turned to her, but the couple's welcoming smiles quickly put her at ease. "Well, aren't you just a vision, dear!" Charlie exclaimed, his voice gruff but kind. "Any friend of Jenna's is a friend of ours. What can we get for you two?"

Jenna squeezed Natasha's hand reassuringly before turning to the menu. "I'll have the usual, and Natasha will have a Classic Espresso."

Mabel nodded approvingly. "Good choice, sweetie. Coming right up!"

As they waited for their drinks, Jenna glanced over at Mabel and noticed the faint lines of exhaustion etched on her face. It was clear that Mabel had been working tirelessly all day.

"Hey, Mabel," Jenna began tentatively, "do you mind if I show Natasha how to make her drink?"

Mabel's eyes softened with understanding as she met Jenna's gaze. She knew Jenna well enough to recognize that she didn't want to see her struggling. With a gentle smile, Mabel nodded. "Sure, sweetie. That would be lovely."

Grateful for Mabel's understanding, Jenna eagerly stepped behind the counter and motioned for Natasha to join her.

As Natasha carefully followed Jenna's instructions, her hands attempted to replicate the precise movements Jenna effortlessly demonstrated. With a playful grin, Jenna gently adjusted Natasha's grip on the milk steamer.

"Here, let me show you," Jenna said softly, guiding Natasha's hand with gentle encouragement. "You want to position it just like this, and then slowly lower it into the milk."

With a flick of her wrist, Jenna expertly poured the steamed milk into Natasha's cup, creating a delicate swirl of foam on top. "Now for the best part," Jenna said with a grin, handing Natasha the espresso shot.

Taking a deep breath, Natasha carefully poured the espresso over the frothy milk, her hands trembling slightly with anticipation. Jenna's eyes sparkled with pride as she admired Natasha's handiwork. "Wow, Nat, you're a natural!" she exclaimed, wrapping an arm around Natasha. Natasha took a sip of her homemade espresso drink, savoring the rich, velvety flavor.

With their drinks in hand, Jenna and Natasha prepared to leave the cozy confines of the cafe. As they made their way to the door, Natasha couldn't help but steal glances at Jenna.

Before they left, Jenna insisted on saying goodbye to Mabel and Charlie. But as Jenna turned to leave, a sudden impulse struck her. With a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, she reached into her pocket and discreetly slipped a folded bill into the tip jar on the counter. It was the hundred-dollar bill that Tony had given her weeks ago, a token of his bribery.

Natasha caught the subtle gesture out of the corner of her eye, Though she said nothing, Natasha felt a rush of warmth.

As they stepped out into the bustling streets of New York City. Their hands intertwined, they made their way towards their next adventure—a surprise date at the Aquarium. Natasha couldn't shake the curiosity bubbling inside her. She glanced at Jenna, her lips curving into a playful smile.

"How do you know Mabel and Charlie?" Natasha inquired, her tone laced with genuine interest.

Jenna's expression softened as she intertwined her fingers with Natasha's, her gaze drifting back towards the café they had just left behind. "Oh, I used to come here all the time during my freshman year of college," Jenna explained. "They used to give out free drinks to students studying for exams, and in return, I offered to help out whenever they needed an extra hand."

Natasha's eyes widened in surprise. "You worked there?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Jenna nodded, a fond smile playing at her lips. "Yeah, I practically lived here during my freshman and sophom*ore years," she admitted. "Mabel and Charlie became like family to me. They were always so kind and welcoming, and this place became my sanctuary whenever I needed a break from the chaos of college life.".

As they approached the entrance to the Aquarium, Jenna reached into her bag, ready to pay for their tickets. But before she could even pull out her wallet, Natasha gently grabbed her arm,

"Hey, I've got this," Natasha said, her fingers dancing over Jenna's bag.

Jenna's brow furrowed in protest. "Natasha, you don't have to do that," she insisted, attempting to wrestle her wallet from Natasha's grasp.

But Natasha was determined, her smile widening as she effortlessly lifted Jenna off the ground with one hand, holding her up like a ragdoll as she reached the cashier's counter.

"Natasha, put me down!" Jenna exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she kicked her legs playfully.

But Natasha paid no mind to Jenna's protests, her focus solely on completing the transaction. With a flick of her wrist, she handed her credit card to the cashier.

"I swear, Natasha, if you don't put me down right now--", cutting Jenna off as she finally landed back on her feet, she shot Natasha a mock glare, her arms crossed over her chest.

But before she could finish her sentence, Natasha scooped her up into a tight embrace, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.

"Sorry, couldn't resist," Natasha said with a chuckle, her eyes sparkling with amusem*nt.

As Natasha and Jenna stepped into the dimly lit entrance of the aquarium, Natasha's eyes widened with wonder at the sight before her. It was her first time ever at an aquarium, and she felt like a kid in a candy store.

With an infectious grin, Jenna took Natasha's hand and led her towards the first exhibit. "You're going to love this, Nat," she said excitedly, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "Wait until you see the sharks!"

Natasha couldn't help but giggle as she followed Jenna, her steps quickening. Jenna darted her from one tank to the next, her eyes alight with curiosity as she marveled at the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the fish swimming gracefully before her.

But it was the sharks that truly captivated Natasha. As she stood before the massive tank, her nose basically pressed against the glass. She watched in awe as the predators glided effortlessly through the water, their sleek bodies slicing through the waves with unparalleled grace. With a fond smile, Jenna reached into her bag and pulled out her Polaroid camera.

"Nat, hold still," Jenna said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. But as Jenna raised her camera to take a picture, Natasha's ducked to the side, trying to evade Jenna's lens. "No pictures, Jenna," she protested.

Jenna laughed softly, her eyes dancing with amusem*nt as she continued to snap away. "Come on, Nat, just one picture," she pleaded, her camera poised and ready.

But Natasha was determined to avoid the camera's gaze. With a swift movement, she brought her hand up to cover her face, attempting to shield herself from Jenna's lens.

But Jenna was undeterred and snapped a quick photo, capturing Natasha in all her playful defiance. And as the Polaroid picture slowly developed in Jenna's hand, she couldn't help but smile at the sight before her.

In the photograph, Natasha's hand was raised to her face, her bright green eyes shining with laughter . Though her mouth was hidden from view, the genuine smile that lit up her eyes was unmistakable. With a satisfied grin, Jenna tucked the Polaroid into her bag.

Jenna watched Natasha's reaction with a fond smile, her heart swelling with affection at the sight of her childlike wonder. "Pretty cool, huh?" she said softly, her voice tinged with pride.

Natasha nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement. "Yeah, it's amazing" she exclaimed.

As they approached the penguin exhibit. A chorus of delighted squeaks from Jenna filled the air as she saw the playful birds waddled and frolicked in their icy habitat.

Jenna couldn't contain her excitement as she tugged Natasha towards the penguin enclosure, her face lit up with anticipation. "You have to see this, Nat"

Natasha couldn't help but smile at Jenna's enthusiasm, but as they reached the penguin petting area, Natasha's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty.

Jenna noticed the hesitation in Natasha's eyes and gently squeezed her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. "Come on, Nat"

But Natasha couldn't shake the feeling of trepidation that gnawed at her stomach. Penguins were delicate creatures, and the thought of touching something so fragile filled her with a sense of unease.

Jenna sensed Natasha's hesitation and leaned in close, her voice filled with playful teasing. "Is the big bad assassin Natasha Romanoff scared of penguins?" she teased

Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at Jenna's teasing, her fears momentarily forgotten in the warmth of Jenna's playful banter. With a determined nod, she squared her shoulders and took a step forward, her resolve firm.

"Of course not," Natasha replied, "I just don't want to startle them, that's all." Her voice soften. Natasha tentatively extended her hand towards the nearest penguin, her fingers trembling slightly with uncertainty. But as the curious bird approached, its soft feathers brushing against Natasha's outstretched hand. The penguin regarded Natasha with bright, inquisitive eyes, its beak nuzzling against her palm in a gentle gesture of affection. Natasha couldn't believe that something so gentle would trust her hands that to her was gushing in red. As Natasha basked in the tender moment with the penguin, a pang of guilt began to gnaw at her conscience. Just like the penguin, Jenna had shown a level of trust in Natasha. Natasha couldn't help but think she had been betraying that trust all along by doing something Fury asked of her.

Lost in her internal turmoil, Natasha barely noticed Jenna's gentle tap on her shoulder. Startled, she turned to see Jenna standing ther.

"Hey, Nat, sorry to interrupt your penguin whispering session," Jenna said with a grin. "I'll be back in a bit, I need to use the restroom", Jenna turned and headed towards the restroom.

Natasha watched her go, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite her conflicted feelings. Left alone with her thoughts once again, Natasha's gaze drifted back to the penguins, their playful antics momentarily distracting her from the weight of her conscience.

Meanwhile, Jenna went to the gift shop and walked out with a small penguin plushie tucked discreetly into her side bag.

As Jenna returned from the 'restroom', Natasha's smile widened at the sight of her . "Hey, you ready to head out?" Jenna asked.

Natasha nodded, but then a thought struck her. "Actually, let's make a quick stop before we leave," she said, taking Jenna's hand and leading her to the gift shop. Once inside, Natasha gestured to the array of souvenirs lining the shelves. "Pick something out, Jenna," she urged, her voice warm with sincerity. "Something to remember our little adventure today."Jenna's eyes widened in surprise, a grateful smile spreading across her face.

As Natasha and Jenna perused the shelves of the gift shop, their initial excitement waned as they failed to find anything that truly captured the essence of their day. Natasha's gaze lingered on the penguins. Jenna noticed this and tried to distract her away from the penguins. Without a word, she grabbed Natasha's hand and dashed across the shop, weaving through the aisles in a panic trying to find something to show Natasha until they reached a display of dog tags with intricate aquarium designs etched onto them.

Natasha's fingers trailed over the rows of dog tags, her brow furrowed in concentration. Jenna held her breath, waiting for Natasha's reaction. Suddenly, Natasha's hand stopped, and her eyes widened in surprise as she spotted "Jenna" on one of the tag.

Jenna's heart fluttered with excitement as Natasha picked up the tag with her name on it. But as Natasha examined it more closely, Jenna's excitement turned to disappointment. Jenna murmured, her voice tinged with sadness, "I don't see one with your name on it."

But before Jenna could voice her thoughts, Natasha's face lit up. With a bright smile, she grabbed another dog tag, one that read "Nate" in bold letters, and held it out to Jenna.

"Close enough, right?" Natasha smirked. They proceeded to the checkout counter. The necklace may not have had Natasha's name on it, but the sentiment behind it was good enough for them.

After purchasing their new necklaces, Jenna grabbed Natasha's hand excitedly practically dragging Natasha out of the gift shop and across the street to the nearby gas station.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Jenna dashed over to the slushie machine, grabbing a cup and handing one to Natasha. Natasha raised an eyebrow, her confusion evident as she watched Jenna.

"What's this for?" Natasha asked, eyeing the slushie machine warily.

Jenna flashed her a grin before inserting the cup under the blue slushie dispenser. As the icy blue liquid filled the cup Natasha watched with a mixture of amusem*nt and apprehension as Jenna filled the cup to the brim with the vibrant blue slushie. "That doesn't look healthy," Natasha remarked, a hint of concern in her voice. "That much sugar should be illegal."

Jenna shrugged, undeterred. "Oh, come on Nat, live a little. Try something new. You might like it."

Natasha rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at Jenna. They filled up their cups with the icy, sugary concoction and sat outside on a bench, sipping their drinks and laughing at each other's brain freeze.

But as they finished their drinks, Natasha couldn't help but notice the faint lines of fatigue etched on Jenna's face. She gently reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from Jenna's forehead, her voice soft with concern.

"Hey, are you tired?" Natasha asked, her eyes searching Jenna's for any sign of exhaustion.

Jenna shook her head, her grin widening as she leaned into Natasha's touch. "Nope, I'm wide awake and ready for anything," she insisted.

Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at Jenna's enthusiasm. "Well, in that case, how about we do one more thing?" she suggested, her lips curving into a mischievous smirk.

Jenna's eyes lit up as she eagerly nodded. "I'm all in. What did you have in mind?"

With a playful twinkle in her eye, Natasha rose from the bench and offered Jenna her hand. "Follow me," she said, leading Jenna down the bustling pier towards a colorful fairground.

As they entered the fairground, Natasha's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she couldn't resist the allure of the shooting fair game nearby. Grabbing Jenna's hand, she pulled her towards the colorful booth where a group of children were eagerly taking aim at the targets.

Jenna laughed as Natasha's competitive spirit took over. Natasha took aim at the moving targets, her fingers steady as she fired shot after shot with remarkable precision. "Haha, looks like I'm the winner!" Natasha exclaimed triumphantly at the kids.

Jenna playfully nudged Natasha's arm, a playful glint in her eyes. "Natasha, those are children," she teased.

Natasha's grin widened as she shrugged, her competitive spirit undimmed. "Hey, a win's a win," she replied, unable to hide her satisfaction at her victory.

As Natasha basked in the glow of her victory, she noticed a colorful array of stuffed animals displayed behind the counter. She picked the largest stuffed animal she could find—a fluffy, vibrant unicorn that practically begged to be hugged.

Turning back to Jenna with a triumphant grin, Natasha held out the plush toy towards a wide-eyed child nearby. "Congratulations! You get to take home this magnificent unicorn!" she announced with theatrical flair.

The child's eyes widened in delight as they eagerly accepted the gift.

Jenna watched the exchange with a soft smile, her eyes alight with admiration for Natasha's kind gesture. As Natasha glanced back at her, she noticed the gleam of happiness in Jenna's eyes, and her heart fluttered with a surge of affection.

"You happy now?" Natasha teased, feigning disappointment but unable to suppress the fondness in her voice as she looked at Jenna.

Jenna's smile widened into a grin as she nodded, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Very," she replied, her voice soft with affection.

As the night at the fairground drew to a close, Natasha couldn't resist the allure of the illuminated Ferris wheel towering against the night sky. With a hopeful gleam in her eyes, she turned to Jenna. "Come on, Jenna".

Jenna hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering uncertainly towards the towering structure. But as she caught sight of the radiant smile on Natasha's face, she couldn't bring herself to say no. With a resigned sigh, she nodded her agreement.

As they ascended the steps to the Ferris wheel, Natasha's excitement bubbled over, her laughter mingling with the cheerful chatter of the other riders. But as they reached the top and the Ferris wheel began its slow descent, Jenna's grip on Natasha's hand tightened, her eyes squeezed shut in fear.

Natasha couldn't help but giggle at Jenna's reaction, "Are you afraid of heights?" Natasha teased.

Jenna nodded sheepishly, her grip on Natasha's hand becoming even tighter. "Yeah, just a little", her voice trembling slightly. As Jenna admitted her fear of heights, Natasha's heart swelled with tenderness. She gently cupped Jenna's face in her hands, her eyes full of affection. Leaning in, she pressed her lips softly against Jenna's, pouring all her warmth and reassurance into the kiss.

At first, Jenna tensed, her body still trembling with nerves. But as Natasha's lips moved against hers with a gentle insistence, a wave of calm washed over her. She melted into the kiss, her grip on Natasha's hand loosening as she surrendered to the moment.

Their surroundings faded into the background as their lips met. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other, the world around them disappearing into a blur of sensation and emotion. Sparks seemed to ignite between them drawing them closer with each breathless moment. In that instant, all their worries and fears melted away, leaving only the sweet, intoxicating taste of each other's lips.

Jenna's heart skipped a beat as she found herself staring into Natasha's bright green eyes, her own heart racing with anticipation. "Hi," Natasha whispered softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jenna's lips curved into a shy smile as she returned Natasha's gaze. "Hi," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.

"You should keep doing that until we are back on the ground" Jenna murmured, her voice barely a whisper trying to get Natasha to distract her from the height.

Natasha's lips curved into a knowing smile, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. "Doing what?" she teased, her voice low and husky.

Jenna's breath caught in her throat as Natasha leaned in closer, her warm breath ghosting over Jenna's skin. "Kissing me like that," Jenna confessed.

Natasha's smile softened, her fingers gently tracing the curve of Jenna's jaw. "I could do it all night," she whispered, her words sending shivers down Jenna's spine.

As the night came to an end, Natasha gently squeezed Jenna's hand, her eyes shining with affection. "Let's head back to the tower, it's closer than your apartment" she suggested softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Jenna's face.

Jenna nodded, a contented smile playing on her lips as they began to make their way back. With Natasha's reassuring presence beside her, the walk felt lighter, the night air filled with the promise of new beginnings.

Arriving at the tower, Natasha paused, With a flicker of movement, she reached into Jenna's bag, retrieving the mask. Without a word, she carefully placed it in Jenna's face swiping it into place. They made their way up to Natasha's room, where a warm glow welcomed them. They settled onto Natasha's bed, Jenna glanced at Natasha, who was sitting beside her, wearing a gentle smile that made Jenna's heart flutter.

Jenna reached into her bag and pulled out the small penguin plushie she had bought from the gift shop earlier. She held it out to Natasha, her cheeks flushing slightly with anticipation. "I, um, I got this for you," she said, her voice soft but filled with sincerity.

Natasha's eyes lit up with surprise and delight as she accepted the plushie, turning it over in her hands with a smile. "The penguin?" she chuckled, a fondness tingeing her voice. "It's adorable."

Jenna nodded, her gaze flickering nervously between Natasha and the plushie. "Yeah, I noticed you really liked the penguins at the aquarium," she explained, a shy smile gracing her lips. "So, I thought this could be something for you to remember our date by."

Natasha's heart swelled with warmth as she looked at Jenna, feeling a rush of affection for the thoughtful gesture. She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Jenna's cheek, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I'll cherish it always."

As they cuddled together on Natasha's bed, the penguin nestled between them Jenna finally fell asleep. Natasha reached for her laptop, settling it onto her lap as she sat cross-legged. With a soft click, the screen came to life, casting a faint glow in the dimly lit room.

As she began typing, Natasha's fingers moved with purpose, capturing every detail, every nuance of their day together. Her fingers flying across the keyboard as she delved into her research. With determination, she scoured the hidden data base.

"Lily Mae Marshall," Natasha murmured to herself, her lips forming a determined line. She typed in the name. The results flashed before her, revealing a profile she had been collecting.

"Hydra affiliation: Not found. Lily was a crucial link in the chain, a friend from Jenna's past whose loyalty had never wavered. Born March 10, Currently attending Columbia College, majoring in Business with a minor in Urban Studies. Connection to Jenna: Lily has been Jenna's best friend since childhood. Lily doesn't know any of Jenna's secrets connected to SHEILD" Natasha made a note of Lily's details.

Her attention turned to Mabel and Charlie, the owners of the cozy cafe Natasha's fingers danced across the keyboard as she input their names.

"Mabel Thompson Born June 3, 1960, Charles "Charlie" Thompson Born September 22, 1958. Hydra affiliation: Not found," Natasha murmured, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Mabel studied Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, while Charlie attended a local vocational school for business management. Connection: Mabel and Charlie are the owners of the cafe where Jenna often frequents. They have known Jenna for years, as she's a regular customer. Jenna trusts them and often confides in them about her personal life. Looks like they know nothing of her work." But as Natasha's gaze flickered to the penguin nestled between them, a pang of guilt tugged at her heart. Here she was, meticulously documenting their day, while Jenna lay beside her, unaware of Natasha's hidden agenda.
---
In the darkness of the hallway, Maria and Lily crouched behind the dense foliage of a bush, their eyes fixed on Jenna's apartment building. They had been waiting for what felt like hours, anticipation mingling with impatience as they awaited Jenna's return to get a glance of her mystery date.

"I still don't understand why we're here," Maria muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Jenna said she was going to tell you about her date."

Lily shot Maria a sharp look, her frustration evident in the furrow of her brow. "I needed confirmation," she retorted, her tone tinged with annoyance. "I knew this bitch has been seeing someone, but I needed to see it for myself."

Chapter 38: What just happened?

Chapter Text

In the tower, Natasha and Jenna found solace amidst the chaos that surrounded them. Though their days were consumed by their respective duties - Natasha embroiled in missions, and Jenna with her studies - their nights belonged to each other. They were inseparable.

As the threat of Hydra loomed larger than ever, Natasha's missions became more frequent. Jenna, too, felt the weight of the danger, her mind torn between her studies and her concern for Natasha. Yet, every night, she found herself drawn to Natasha's side, seeking comfort in her presence.

Natasha pushed open the door to her room with a weary sigh, her movements heavy with exhaustion. The mission had been rough, rougher than she had anticipated. She winced as pain shot through her body with each step she took.

Jenna looked up from her textbooks, her expression immediately shifting from focused to concerned as she took in Natasha's bruised and battered appearance. "Nat! What happened?" she exclaimed, rushing over to her side.

Natasha managed a weak smile, though it was strained with discomfort. "Just a little run-in with some Hydra. Nothing I couldn't handle," she replied, her voice roughened from both exhaustion and the injury to her lip.

Jenna frowned, her worry evident in her eyes. "Let me help you," she insisted, guiding Natasha to sit down on the edge of the bed. Natasha complied. As Jenna fetched the first aid kit, Natasha watched her with a mixture of fondness and amusem*nt. She didn't quite know what she was doing.

Jenna returned with the kit, her brow furrowed in concentration as she assessed Natasha's injuries. "Okay, let's see what we're dealing with here," she said, her tone surprisingly confident despite her uncertainty.

Natasha chuckled softly, despite the ache in her body. "Just take it easy, babe. You're doing great," she reassured, leaning back as Jenna began to clean and patch up her wounds. Jenna felt her cheeks warm at the endearment, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected term of endearment from Natasha.

Natasha couldn't help but admire her. Despite her lack of experience, Jenna was doing her best to take care of her. It was endearing, really.

"You know, you're pretty good at this," Natasha commented, a hint of amusem*nt in her voice and her signture smirk.

Jenna glanced up, a blush tinting her cheeks at the praise. " I'm more used to dealing with textbooks than injuries." Natasha chuckled softly, reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair away from Jenna's face.

As Jenna finished bandaging Natasha's wounds, she sighed with relief, her worry finally beginning to ebb away. "There, all done,".

Natasha smiled gratefully, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Jenna's forehead. "Thank you, You're amazing," she murmured, her gaze filled with warmth.

As the night wore on, Natasha waited until Jenna had fallen asleep before quietly tending to the rest of her injuries. Glancing down at the bandages Jenna had carefully applied, Natasha couldn't help but stifle a chuckle. Jenna's attempts at patching her up had been well-intentioned, but a few of the bandages were a bit crooked, and some wounds hadn't been properly covered. But Natasha couldn't find it in herself to correct her.

Their routine became their sanctuary - studying together in the tower's library, sharing meals in the kitchen, and stealing quiet moments of intimacy and stolen kisses in the dimly lit corners of the tower.

Natasha and Jenna sat side by side, their heads bent over textbooks and notes scattered across the table. The soft glow of the reading lamps cast a warm ambiance around them, cocooning them in their own little world.

Jenna nibbled on the end of her pen, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to make sense of the equations before her. Natasha glanced over at her, a fond smile playing on her lips as she watched Jenna study.

"You're doing great, sweetheart," Natasha murmured. Jenna looked up, her cheeks flushing pink at the endearment.

After what felt like hours of studying, Natasha stretched her arms above her head, her muscles protesting the hours spent hunched over the table. "Ready for a break?" she asked.

Jenna nodded eagerly, a smile tugging at her lips. "Definitely."

Leaving the books behind, they made their way to the kitchen, where they set to work preparing a simple meal together. Amidst the clatter of pots and pans, they laughed and joked, their voices mingling together. They lingered in the kitchen, stealing quiet moments as they washed dishes together, their laughter filling the air. And later, as they wandered the dimly lit corridors of the tower, Natasha pulled Jenna into her arms, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips beneath the soft glow of the moonlight. Lost in each other's embrace, they failed to notice the approaching footsteps echoing down the hallway. Maria rounded the corner, her gaze focused on a tablet in her hand as she reviewed the latest security reports.

However, just as she was about to pass by the secluded alcove where Natasha and Jenna stood, a soft giggle escaped Jenna's lips, catching Maria's attention. She halted in her tracks, her sharp eyes narrowing as she peered into the darkness.

Natasha's heart skipped a beat as she felt Maria's gaze linger on them. With a quick, instinctive motion, she tightened her grip around Jenna, pulling her even closer into the shadows. Maria furrowing her brows in suspicion.

Jenna held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she prayed that Maria wouldn't investigate further. Natasha pressed a finger to her lips, silently urging her to stay quiet.

As the sound of Maria's footsteps faded into the distance, Natasha and Jenna released the breath they had been holding, their bodies relaxing against each other.

"That was close," Jenna whispered, her voice tinged with relief. Thy don't know it yet, but they were two halves of a whole, their lives intertwined in ways neither could fully comprehend.
--
But as Hydra's presence continued to grow, even the Avengers found themselves stretched thin. Fury emerged from hiding, as a testament to the severity of the situation. It was all hands on deck, and even Thor who just freshly returned from Asgard joined.

Weeks turned into a blur as Tony Stark, with Zero's assistance, tirelessly worked on enhancing the Iron Legions to counter Hydra's escalating threats. Natasha found herself spending more and more of her limited free time in the lab, drawn to the comforting hum of machinery and the sight of Tony and Zero engrossed in their work.

Natasha eyes scanning the array of gadgets and gizmos. Tony and Zero were hunched over a workbench. Natasha began to wander around the lab, her fingers trailing over the various pieces of equipment scattered across the tables. "What does this do?" she asked, picking up a small device and turning it over in her hands. Then picking something else up "What is this?".

Zero , who had been observing the scene with an amused smile, couldn't help but chuckle at Natasha's curiosity. "Natasha, please," she interjected gently, stepping over to her side. "You're wonderful, but maybe it's best not to touch anything."

Natasha grinned sheepishly, setting the device back down with a playful pout. "Fine, fine," she relented. Leaning in close, Zero pressed a quick kiss to Natasha's cheek, her lips lingering for a moment before she pulled back with a soft smile.

Maria Hill and Nick Fury couldn't help but notice Natasha's frequent presence in the lab. She was never in the lab willfully. They observed the subtle shifts in Natasha's demeanor whenever she was around Zero.

One evening Fury called Natasha into his office. Nick Fury's office felt stiflingly familiar as Natasha entered, her eyes meeting Fury's.

"Natasha," Fury began, his voice cutting through the silence. "I need an update on mission EX013."

Natasha took a deep breath, her mind quickly piecing together the details of the mission. "We're making progress. Surveillance indicates no Hydra infultration, and we've identified no potential threat at this time."

Fury nodded, his gaze piercing. "Good. But there's something else I need to address. I have noticed your increased involvement with her."

Natasha's expression remained neutral knowing exactly who he was talking about, though a flicker of something passed through her eyes. Fury leaned forward, his tone grave. "Natasha, I need to know if you're emotionally compromised on this mission. Your focus must be unwavering, especially now."

Natasha met his gaze squarely. "You told me to get close to her to complete my mission. I'm doing just that."

Fury's brow furrowed slightly, his skepticism evident. "Alright, but be cautious. We can't afford any distractions. I chose you because of your lack of emotional attachment, Natasha. Don't prove me wrong."

"Understood, sir." Natasha replies coldly.

The door closed behind her, Natasha felt a pang of guilt gnawing at her insides. The weight of her words echoed in her mind — "My mission.","Distraction".

As Zero made her way out of the lab, her gaze caught Natasha standing outside Fury's office, lost in her own thoughts. Concern etched across her features, Zero approached Natasha with a gentle smile. "Hey, are you okay?" Zero's voice was soft, laced with genuine concern.

Natasha looked up, startled by Zero's presence, but the tension in her shoulders eased slightly at the familiar voice. She offered a faint smile, though the weight of her thoughts lingered in her eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Natasha replied, though the words felt hollow even to her own ears.

Zero studied her for a moment, sensing the turmoil beneath Natasha's composed exterior. "You know, it's okay not to be okay," she said softly.

Natasha's gaze softened, touched by Zero's empathy. "Thank you," she murmured, grateful for the unexpected gesture of kindness. Without a word, she gently took Zero's hand and began to lead her away from the bustling corridor, towards a quieter, deserted hallway.

Zero followed, a mixture of curiosity and surprise flickering in her eyes as Natasha's actions caught her off guard. As they reached the secluded hallway, Natasha paused, glancing around to ensure they were truly alone. Satisfied, she turned back to Zero in a swift unexpected motion, Natasha closed the distance between them, cupping Zero's face in her hands and pressing her lips against Zero's in a tender, fleeting kiss. A rush of warmth spread through her body, momentarily clouding her mind with the sweetness of the moment. For a brief instant, the world around them faded into insignificance, leaving only the sensation of Zero's lips against hers.

But as quickly as the kiss had begun, reality came crashing back in with the sound of Friday's voice echoing through the hallway, breaking the spell. Natasha reluctantly pulled away from Zero. "Guess we'll have to continue this later," Natasha murmured.

Arriving at the conference room, Natasha took her seat, her mind still buzzing with the remnants of the meeting with Fury.

Zero, Thor, Tony, Natasha, Bruce, Clint, Fury, and Maria gathered around the central table. Tony was animatedly explaining their latest discovery.

"We found Thor's coo coo crazy brother's scepter," Tony exclaimed, holding up a holographic display of the scepter for everyone to see.

Thor nodded, a furrow of concern marring his brow. "The scepter is a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. We must ensure it does not stay in the clutches of our enemies."

Fury leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "I want a full mission report."

As Natasha began to outline their findings, Zero's mind wandered. She couldn't help but notice the subtle signs of weariness etched into Natasha's features, the faint bruises and cuts that marred her otherwise flawless skin. Not to mention the nights she spent patching up Natasha.

"I want to come on this mission," Zero blurted out, surprising even herself. All eyes turned to her, waiting for an explanation.

"I... I feel like I can contribute," Zero continued, her voice steadier now. "I have skills that could be useful. And... and I want to help."

As Zero's request to join the mission hung in the air, Maria and Fury exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting into a protective mode almost simultaneously.

Maria was the first to speak, her voice laced with concern. "Zero, are you sure about this? It's not just about skills; it's about the dangers out there."

Fury's gaze bore into Zero, his tone firm. "We can't afford to take unnecessary risks, especially with you."

Zero met their gaze with determination, her resolve unwavering. "I understand the risks, but I want to help. I can help. I can't just stand by and do nothing."

Maria's expression softened, a mixture of empathy and concern evident in her eyes. "We know you want to help, but we can't risk your safety. We need to ensure that you're protected."

Fury nodded in agreement, his voice echoing Maria's sentiments. "Your safety is our priority kid."

Zero's shoulders squared, her determination shining through. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm not backing down on this. I want to do this Nick." She would do whatever it took to keep Natasha safe, even if it meant risking her own well-being. Maybe, in the end, it would be her unwavering resolve that would lead to her downfall.

Tony Stark, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. He strode forward, his expression serious yet tinged with a hint of reluctance. "Listen, kid," Tony began, addressing Zero with a rare moment of seriousness. "I hate to say it, but I have to agree with Captain Hook and Tinkerbell over there."

Maria and Fury exchanged a look at Tony's nickname, but they remained silent, waiting for Tony to continue.

Tony glanced around the room, his gaze lingering on Zero. "You may have skills, sure. But the risks out there, they're no joke. I've seen firsthand what happens when things go south." he added, pointing a finger at Zero, "you don't even have proper training. It's like sending a kid into a warzone with a squirt gun."

"I know you want to help, and that's commendable," Tony continued, his tone softer now, almost paternal. "But sometimes, the best way to help is to know when to step back and let the professionals handle it."

As Tony finished speaking, Zero turned to Fury and Maria, her expression pleading as she met their gaze with puppy dog eyes. "Please," she implored softly.

Fury and Maria exchanged a glance, their resolve wavering slightly under the weight of Zero's earnest plea. Maria's expression softened further, her empathy shining through as she sighed and nodded in reluctant agreement. Fury hesitated for a moment before relenting with a resigned sigh. "Fine," he conceded, his voice gruff but laced with a hint of understanding. "But you're going to follow orders and stick to the plan. Understood?"

Zero's eyes lit up with gratitude as she nodded eagerly,"Understood, sir. Thank you."

As Zero turned back to face Tony, a triumphant grin tugging at her lips, Tony stared at the scene unfolding before him with a mixture of disbelief and amusem*nt. "What just happened?".

Chapter 39: Age of Ultron

Chapter Text

Wanda Maximoff

Age: 22
"She's weird"

Pietro Maximoff
Age: 22
"He's fast"

Chapter 40: Impromptu Assassination Attempts

Chapter Text

In the depths of Sokovia, a HYDRA base buzzed with activity as the Avengers moved stealthily through the dense woods. Their mission: to infiltrate the stronghold and recover Loki's scepter.

As they approached the base, Tony Stark, clad in his Iron Man suit, soared ahead, only to be met with an unexpected obstacle—a shimmering forcefield that repelled his advance. "sh*t!" he cursed, frustration evident in his voice.

"Language!" Steve Rogers chided. .

Meanwhile, Thor recognized the handiwork of the scepter in the defense surrounding the base. "Loki's scepter must be here".

"At long last is lasting a little long, boys," Natasha quipped, a hint of impatience creeping into her tone. A grin spread across Natasha's lips as Zero sidled up beside her.

As bullets whizzed past them, Natasha and Zero found themselves taking cover. Natasha spared a quick glance at Zero, her grin unwavering despite the danger surrounding them. "How are you holding up?" she asked.

Zero flashed her a smile, "Oh, you know just perfect" she replied, her tone light and playful. "Are you sure you don't want a gun?" Natasha asked, her voice laced with genuine worry.

Zero waved off her concern with a casual shrug. "Nah, it's fine. I'll just talk them down from shooting me or something," she replied, her tone light as if discussing the weather.

Natasha couldn't help but glare at her, a mixture of exasperation and affection in her gaze. "You do realize this isn't a negotiation, right?" she retorted.

Zero met Natasha's glare with an impish grin. "Hey, it's worth a shot" she quipped.

Natasha rolled her eyes, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "If you die, I will kill you," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Clint Barton found himself in a tight spot as bullets whizzed past him. "Yeah. I think we lost the element of surprise," he remarked wryly, his bow at the ready.

"Wait a second. No one else is going to deal with the fact that Cap just said 'language'?" Tony interjected, unable to resist the opportunity.

"I know," Steve admitted, his focus already shifting back to the task at hand.

Tony's voice crackled through the comm system, a hint of urgency in his tone. "Well, we know Strucker's not going to worry about civilian casualties. Send in the Iron Legion."

Pietro Maximoff raced through the trees with blinding speed, a streak of silver against the greenery. Clint Barton released an arrow towards a bunker, Pietro intercepted it, catching it mid-air before circling back to knock Barton off his feet. "You didn't see that coming?" he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips as he vanished in a blur of motion.

Before Barton could retaliate, Pietro was gone, leaving behind only the echo of his challenge. But as Barton found himself under fire, Natasha's voice rang out in alarm, her concern for her teammate palpable.

"Clint!" she called out, her voice filled with urgency as she rushed to his side.

As Natasha and Zero rushed to Clint's side, her heart clenched with worry ,"Clint's hit!" she called out, "Somebody want to deal with that bunker?"

But before anyone could respond, a thunderous roar echoed through the air, The Hulk charged towards the bunker his fists crashing through concrete and steel.

Natasha's expression softened into a grateful smile as she watched the green behemoth decimate their enemy's defenses. "Thank you," she murmured.

Zero's gaze shifted to Clint's prone form, a flicker of concern in her eyes. "I could try to heal him," she offered tentatively, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Natasha hesitated for a moment, her mind flashing back to past missions. "No," she replied firmly, her voice steady with conviction. "You know what happens."

But even as she spoke, doubt gnawed at her, a silent whisper of fear that she dared not voice aloud. Zero regarded her with a thoughtful expression, her concern evident in the furrow of her brow. "Are you sure?" Zero pressed gently, her voice laced with compassion.

Natasha met Zero's gaze with a resolute nod, her resolve unshakable even in the face of uncertainty. "Yeah," she affirmed. "I'm sure." As Natasha and Zero exchanged a glance, a voice interrupted their moment of connection.

Groaning in pain, "Can you two lovebirds stop flirting?" Clint grumbled, his tone laced with discomfort.

Zero's eyes widened in surprise at Clint's unexpected remark. "He knows?!"

Natasha chuckled softly, "Oh yeah, he knows. He told me to tell you." she confirmed, a fond smile tugging at her lips.

Zero's expression softened at Natasha's confession, "Aw, Clint" she murmured.

Clint, however, was less concerned with their romantic revelations and more focused on his own predicament. "I am injured here!!" he groaned, sinking to the floor with an exaggerated flair for dramatic effect.

Before their conversation could continue, Tony's voice crackled through the comm system, cutting through the tension like a knife. "I need your help, kid," he called out, his tone urgent and filled with unspoken danger.

"Go," Natasha urged, her voice tinged with concern. "But be careful, okay?"

Zero met Natasha's gaze, the worry reflected in her eyes mirroring Natasha's own apprehension. "for you, always" she promised softly, giving Natasha's hand a reassuring squeeze before darting off to answer Tony's summons.

Steve voiced echoed through the comms, "Stark, we really need to get inside."

As Tony Stark closed in on the source of the energy shield, his mind raced with possibilities. "JARVIS, am I...closing in?" he inquired, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Do you see a power source for that shield?"

JARVIS's response was swift and concise. "There's a particle wave below the north tower," the AI informed him, guiding Tony towards their target.

Tony's brow furrowed in thought as he considered his next move. Turning to Zero, he hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Hey, Zero, think you can come with me to check out that particle wave?" he asked.

Zero nodded, her expression unreadable behind the mask she wore. She stepped towards the energy shield and then, to Tony's surprise, she simply passed through the barrier as if it were nothing more than a shimmering veil.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he watched her emerge on the other side unscathed, her eyes beginning to glow with a soft hue of orange. "What... how did you do that?" Tony exclaimed, his voice tinged with equal parts awe and bewilderment.

Tony's disbelief only deepened at her response. "Uh, your eyes are glowing?" he stammered, his mind struggling to comprehend the inexplicable turn of events.

But Zero seemed unperturbed by his reaction, "Oh, I have powers," she stated matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Tony's eyebrows shot up in incredulity. "What? You tell me this now?? We are going to have a discussion about this when we get back, young lady," he declared, his tone a mixture of astonishment and authority. Tony shook his head in disbelief, his mind reeling with the implications of what he had just witnessed.

"Great, now I wanna poke it with something," Tony quipped unleashing an explosion that obliterated the forcefield surrounding the HYDRA base. "Drawbridge is down, people," he announced, his satisfaction evident in his voice.

As Thor and Steve Rogers assessed the situation, the presence of the enhanced individual—Pietro Maximoff "He's a blur," Steve remarked, his frustration palpable. "All the new players we've faced, I've never seen this. In fact, I still haven't."

Natasha's urgent call for evacuation brought a sense of urgency to their mission, prompting Thor to offer to escort the injured Clint Barton to safety. "I can get Barton to the jet. The sooner we're gone, the better," Thor declared, his determination.

But even as they prepared to move forward, the HYDRA soldiers approached, "It looks like they're lining up," Thor observed. "Well, they're excited," Steve remarked dryly. With a powerful strike of Thor's hammer against his shield, the soldiers were sent tumbling, their advance halted in its tracks.

"Find the scepter," Thor commanded, his tone brooking no argument as he soared into the sky. And as the Avengers regrouped, Tony couldn't resist one last quip, a reminder of the enduring camaraderie that bound them together.

"And for gosh sake, watch your language!" Tony admonished, earning a weary sigh from Steve. "That's not going away anytime soon," Steve lamented, a hint of resignation in his voice.

As Tony entered the HYDRA base, the air crackled with tension as soldiers unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon his Iron Man suit. "Guys, stop, we gotta talk this through," Tony called out, his voice laced with exasperation. With a swift motion, he dispatched the soldiers with a volley of rockets from his suit, his quip tinged with a hint of sarcasm. "It was a good talk... and the kid told me not to get rockets, ridiculous."

But as he confronted List and rendered him unconscious, Stepping out of his Iron Man suit, he activated sentry mode, his gaze sweeping over the array of computers before him. "Okay, JARVIS. You know I want it all. Make sure you copy Hill at HQ," he instructed, his focus unwavering even amidst the chaos.

Turning to Zero, Tony's expression softened slightly, "Hey, it's clear you can come in," he remarked, with a nod of approval zero stepped forward.

"We're locked down out here," Natasha reported, her frustration evident in her tone. "Then get to Banner, time for a lullaby," Steve responded, his determination clear as he prepared to take on their next challenge.

Inside the base, Tony and Zero search for the scepter led tem to a hidden chamber filled with recovered artifacts from the Battle of New York. But as he laid eyes on the prize, he was suddenly ambushed by Wanda Maximoff.

Across the room, Zero caught sight of Tony's dazed expression as Wanda's powers overwhelmed him. With a quick assessment of the situation, she noticed Wanda seemingly "floating" away, a trail of energy shimmering behind her.

Zero wasted no time in her pursuit of Wanda.

In his mind's eye, Tony witnessed the fall of his teammates, their accusatory voices ringing in his ears. "You could've saved us," Steve's voice echoed.

But as Tony snapped back to reality, his heart pounding with adrenaline, he knew that there was no time to dwell. With a steely resolve, he seized the scepter, his fingers curling tightly around its cool metal surface.

However, as he glanced around the chamber, his eyes widened in alarm as he realized that Zero was nowhere to be found. Panic seized him like a vice, and he called out urgently, his voice echoing through the dimly lit space. "Kid? Kid? Where are you, Kid?" he exclaimed, his tone laced with concern and desperation.

Meanwhile, Zero rounded a corner and there, in the dimly lit corridor, she spotted Wanda.

Without hesitation, Zero surged forward, her instincts guiding her movements. With a swift motion, she tackled Wanda, her momentum carrying them both to the ground in a tangle of limbs. But even in the midst of their struggle, Zero acted on instinct, extending her hand behind Wanda's head to prevent Wanda from hitting her head. Zero's head inadvertently struck Wanda's forehead with a resounding thud. For a moment, the corridor fell silent, the air thick with tension as Wanda recoiled from the unexpected blow.

Zero's heart raced in her chest as she scrambled to her feet, her mind racing with a mix of adrenaline and concern. She reached out to help Wanda up, her expression filled with genuine remorse. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." she began, her voice trailing off as she awaited Wanda's response.

As Wanda recoiled from the unexpected blow, her expression morphed into one of confusion and disbelief. With a furrowed brow, she gazed up at Zero, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and irritation. "What the..." she began, her voice trailing off as she attempted to process the sudden turn of events.

But before she could utter another word, her attention was drawn to Zero's face—a beam of sunlight from the hallway illuminated her eyes, casting them in a mesmerizing golden hue. The sunlight danced on Zero's irises, creating a mesmerizing effect that seemed to draw Wanda in like a moth to a flame.

"I'm sorry," Zero blurted out, her voice filled with genuine remorse as she extended a hand towards Wanda, "Are you okay?"

Wanda, still reeling from the impact, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion. "What was that for?" she asked her voice heavy with her accent, tinged with irritation.

Zero hesitated for a moment, her thoughts racing as she struggled to find the right words. "Um, I... I thought you were a threat," she began, her words stumbling over each other in her nervousness. "Well, you are a threat, but I mean... not like... you know..." She paused.

"I wasn't... I mean, I wasn't thinking," she admitted, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment. "I don't know why I tackled you. It's just... reflex, I guess." She shifted awkwardly, her gaze darting away. "Oh, um, I'm Zero," she blurted out suddenly, as if just remembering her manners. "But I don't think I'm supposed to tell you that." She winced, realizing she might have said too much.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Zero added quickly, her voice soft with genuine concern. "I-I hope you're okay."

Look, I'm unarmed, I don't have a gun," Zero added quickly, her hands held up in a gesture of surrender, "If you have a gun, please don't shoot me."

As Wanda's expression softened slightly, "That's a stupid thing to say during a fight."

Zero nodded , her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Yeah, I know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, "I don't know why I said that."

As Zero extended her hand to help Wanda up, Wanda hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting from Zero's outstretched hand. With a small sigh, she reached out, accepting Zero's assistance as she pulled herself to her feet.

"I'm Wanda, since you wanna tell me your name and all," her tone cautious. "Why did you tell me your name? What if I was trying to kill you?" Zero said quietly.

Wanda's lips twitched with amusem*nt, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Oh, please," she said in her thick accent, her voice carrying a touch of irony. "You? Trying to kill me? You don't exactly look like a threat."

A sudden realization washed over Zero like a cold wave. "Thats rude- wait a minute," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "What did you do to Tony?? Oh, f*ck," she muttered under her breath, the weight of her actions crashing down on her like a ton of bricks, "Nat's gonna kill me."

Before Wanda could respond to Zero's question, the corridor was filled with the sudden arrival of Pietro, his figure a blur of motion as he swiftly approached. With a determined stride, he reached out and grabbed Wanda and sped her away.

"We're just gonna let them take it?" Pietro exclaimed to Wanda. Her gaze lingering on Zero for a moment as they disappeared around the corner. With the unexpected encounter with Zero, Wanda couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt gnawing. Was the enemy truly as black and white as they had been led to believe?

Zero quickly tapped into her comm device, her voice ringing out through the channel. "Hello? Are you guys okay?" she inquired.

Before she could receive a response, however, the comm erupted with a cacophony of voices, each one shouting in unison. "Where the hell are you?" Steve's voice boomed over the line, followed by Tony's exasperated tone and Natasha's sharp retort.

Caught off guard by the sudden barrage of noise, Zero winced, her hand instinctively moving to adjust the volume. "Woah, woah, no need for yelling," she interjected.

But instead of calming down, the comm channel erupted into even more chaos, with everyone talking over each other in a chaotic cacophony. "Let's all take a deep breath and talk like civilized adults, okay?"

As Zero strolled out of the HYDRA base like it was a normal walk to the park, her teammates came rushing towards her, their concern palpable in their hurried steps and furrowed brows. Natasha was the first to reach her, her eyes scanning Zero for any signs of injury.

"Are you okay?" Natasha asked, her voice laced with worry as she reached out to inspect Zero for any injuries.

Before Zero could respond, Tony shoved Natasha aside, "Kid, are you okay?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency. "Blink twice if you're not."

Zero raised an eyebrow at Tony's dramatics, her lips twitching with amusem*nt. "Why are you asking me to blink when I can talk?" she quipped, her tone teasing as she looked at Tony with amusem*nt.

Tony blinked in surprise at Zero's response, momentarily taken aback by her quick wit. "I don't know I never done this before!"

As the commotion settled, Zero extended a hand towards Natasha, offering her assistance. "Here, let me help you up," she said with a reassuring smile.

Natasha accepted Zero's hand, allowing her to pull her back onto her feet. As she brushed herself off, her glare intensified, and she leaned in close to Zero, her voice barely above a whisper. "Remind me to kill him in his sleep," she muttered, her tone dripping with venomous sarcasm.

As the team settled into the quinjet for the flight home, Natasha and Zero found themself next to each other hand in hand.

She glanced at Zero's comm device, a flicker of concern crossed her features. "Hey, why were your comms off?" she asked, her tone cautious.

Zero's smile faltered slightly at Natasha's question, a hint of discomfort flashing in her eyes before she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, it must have been a glitch," she replied casually.

Natasha narrowed her eyes, her instincts telling her that something wasn't right. Being stuck in a HYDRA base alone for twenty minutes with her comms off was no small matter, and it made Natasha suspicious. Despite her trust in Zero, she couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to the story.

"Right," Natasha said, her voice tinged with skepticism as she made a mental note to keep a closer eye on Zero in the future.

Zero couldn't help but notice the weight of scrutiny in her teammate's eyes. Sensing Natasha's unease, Zero met her gaze with a small, reassuring smile, though it did little to alleviate the tension that hung in the air.

"I'll explain everything later," Zero said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned in closer to Natasha, "Just promise me you won't kill me after."

Natasha's lips twitched with the ghost of a smile. She gave Zero a subtle squeeze on the arm, a silent promise to hold off on any impromptu assassination attempts—at least for the time being.
---

Tony stood, the scepter in his hand "It feels good, yeah?" Tony remarked, his gaze drifting to the scepter. "I mean, you've been after this thing since SHIELD collapsed."

Thor nodded solemnly. "No, but this... this brings it to a close."

Steve's brow furrowed with concern as he considered the implications. "As soon as we find out what else this has been used for. I don't just mean weapons. Since when is Strucker capable of human enhancement?" Steve's contemplative words hung in the air, prompting a furrow to crease Zero's brow. She shifted uncomfortably, her mind swirling with unease at the mention of human enhancement.

Tony glanced at Bruce, who stood nearby, his expression thoughtful. "Banner and I'll give it the once before it goes back to Asgard. Is that cool with you?" he asked Thor. Tony's gaze shifted to Zero, a spark of curiosity igniting in his eyes.

Thor nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes, of course. A victory should be honored with revels."

Tony chuckled. "Yeah, who doesn't love revels? Captain?"

Steve's lips quirked into a small smile. "Hopefully this puts an end to the Chitauri and HYDRA, so. Yes, revels."

"You wanna join, kid?" he added, a faint grin playing on his lips. There was a glimmer of mischief in his tone, as if he couldn't resist the opportunity to involve Zero in their scientific endeavors.

Tony, Bruce, and Zero exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. With a shared smirk, Tony nodded at Bruce, who grinned in return.

"The nerd herd is back," Tony declared, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice as he turned back to Thor. "We've got some science to do."

As the Avengers aircraft landed at the tower in New York, Barton was escorted by Dr. Cho for medical attention. Maria approached Tony, updating him on the situation.

"Lab's all set up, boss," Maria informed him.

Tony pointed to Steve with a grin. "Uh, actually, he's the boss. I just pay for everything, and design everything and make everyone look cooler."

Zero chimed in, her tone teasing. "Yeah, Tony, let's not forget who really makes things look cooler around here," she quipped. "And let's not forget that your card got declined last week. Stop lying to people and telling them you're rich, Tony."

Tony's grin widened at Zero, "But don't ruin my billionaire playboy image"

Steve and Zero walks up to Maria, Steve turned to Maria, . "What's the word on Strucker?"

"NATO's got him," Maria replied. "The two enhanced?"

"Wanda?" Zero interjected before Maria could even mention their names.

"Wanda and Pietro Maximoff," she affirmed "Twins. Orphaned at ten when a shell collapsed their apartment building."

Maria's brows furrowed with curiosity. "How do you know that?" she inquired, her gaze shifting to Zero.

Zero shrugged casually. "She told me," she replied nonchalantly.

Maria's expression turned serious. "We need to talk about this later," she stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Zero offered a sheepish grin. "Sorry, my appointments are taken. Stark asked first," she quipped.

"Sokovia's had a rough history," Maria added, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. "It's nowhere special, but it's on the way to everywhere special."

"Their abilities?" he asked.

"He's got increased metabolism and improved thermal homeostasis. Her thing is neural electric interfacing, telekinesis, mental manipulation," Maria explained, struggling to articulate their abilities in a way Steve could understand. "He's fast and she's weird."

Steve nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "Well, they're going to show up again."

Maria agreed, acknowledging the potential threat they posed. "Agreed. File says they volunteered for Strucker's experiments. It's nuts."

Steve shook his head in disbelief. "Right. What kind of monster would let a German scientist experiment on them to protect their country?"

"We're not at war, Captain," Maria reminded him.

"They are," Steve replied solemnly.

Meanwhile, in Banner's lab, Tony and Bruce analyzed the scepter's composition, their focus on deciphering its code. Just as they delved into their task, Zero sprinted over, her footsteps echoing in the lab. "You nerds better not have started without me," she joked, sliding over to stand where Nat had been. "How's Clint?"

Tony shook his head with a smirk. "Oh, unfortunately, he's still Barton."

Bruce chuckled, shaking his head in mock sympathy. "That's terrible."

"Alright. Look alive, JARVIS. It's play time," Tony declared. "We've only got a couple days with this joystick so let's make the most of it. Update me on the structural and compositional analysis."

JARVIS provided insights into the scepter's alien origin and hinted at its hidden power. "The scepter is alien," he reported. "There are elements I can't quantify."

Tony leaned in closer, his brow furrowing with concentration. "So there are elements you can?" he pressed.

"The jewel appears to be a protective housing for something inside," JARVIS continued. "Something powerful."

Tony's mind raced with possibilities. "Like a reactor?" he suggested.

"Like a computer," JARVIS clarified. "I believe I'm deciphering code."

Meanwhile, Natasha observed as Dr. Cho tended to Barton's wounds, her mind preoccupied with the implications of his injuries.

"You sure he's going to be okay?" Natasha asked.

Dr. Cho glanced up, her expression calm and assured. "There's no possibility of deterioration," she reassured Natasha. "The nano-molecular functionality is instantaneous. His cells don't know they're bonding with simulacrum."

Natasha furrowed her brow, confusion evident in her expression as she tried to grasp the technical jargon. Sensing her confusion, Zero tiptoed over to her, leaning in to whisper softly into her ear. "She's creating tissues to patch him up," Zero explained.

Natasha's confusion dissolved into understanding, and she shot Zero a grateful wink before turning her attention back to Dr. Cho.

If you brought him to my lab, the regeneration Cradle could do this in twenty minutes," Dr. Cho remarked casually, her attention focused on Barton's injuries.

"Oh, he's flatlining," Tony joked, earning a playful glare from Barton. "Call it. Time?"

Barton shook his head defiantly. "No, no, no. I'm going to live forever," he quipped. "I'm gonna be made of plastic."

Tony handed Barton a drink, a grin playing on his lips. "Here's your beverage," he said, his tone teasing.

Dr. Cho chimed in, her tone laced with humor. "You'll be made of you, Mr. Barton. Your own girlfriend won't be able to tell the difference."

Barton chuckled, his spirits lifted by their banter. "Well, I don't have a girlfriend."

Dr. Cho shrugged, her focus returning to her work. "That I can't fix."

Tony grinned, his mind already shifting to their upcoming celebration. "Well, this is the next thing, Tony. Your clunky metal suits are going to be left in the dust," Dr. Cho remarked.

Tony chuckled, acknowledging the inevitability of progress. "Well, that is exactly the plan. And Helen, I expect to see you at the party on Saturday."

Dr. Cho hesitated for a moment before asking, "Will Thor be there?"

Tony's grin widened at Dr. Cho's question, but before he could respond, Zero cut in with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "More importantly, will I be allowed to drink?" she interjected.

Tony chuckled, shooting Zero a playful look. "Of course, kiddo."

Natasha, however, shook her head. "No."

Zero turned to Natasha with a hopeful expression. "So, yes?" she pressed.
----
In the comfort of Natasha's room, Natasha stared at Jenna incredulously, her eyes narrowing as she processed the explanation. "So let me get this straight," she began, her tone, disbelief, "You decided to have a friendly chat with the girl, completely unarmed and told her you were unarmed?!?"

Jenna shifted uncomfortably under Natasha's scrutiny, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Well, when you put it like that, it does sound a little... reckless," she admitted.

"Reckless doesn't even begin to cover it," Natasha quipped.

"But seriously," Natasha continued, her tone softening with genuine concern. "What were you thinking? You could've been seriously hurt, or worse."

Jenna winced slightly as Natasha press harder on the ice pack pressed against her forehead.
"But I had to try to reason with her, Nat. You know I hate fighitng."

"You have a good heart," Natasha said softly, her tone tinged with affection. "But next time, please try to use a little more caution, okay? I don't want to have to explain to Fury why one of his favorite Agent got themselves killed in a botched attempt at diplomacy."

Jenna nodded, "I promise I'll be more careful from now on. No more impromptu chats with the enemy"

Natasha couldn't help but smile, "Good," she said, her tone firm but gentle. "Because I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you."

There was a moment of hesitation, a flicker of vulnerability in Natasha's eyes as she struggled to find the right words. "I mean, I... I don't... want anything to happen to you," she stammered, her usually composed demeanor faltering for a brief moment. "You're... important to me."

Jenna's heart skipped a beat at Natasha's words, her cheeks flushing with warmth at the unexpected confession. "Nat..." she whispered, her voice barely above a breath as she reached out to gently squeeze Natasha's hand. "You're important to me too."

Natasha's gaze softened, "Just... be careful, okay?" she said softly, her voice barely a whisper as she leaned in closer to Jenna. "For me."

Jenna nodded, "for you, always" she promised, her voice filled with sincerity as she returned Natasha's smile with one of her own.

---
An: This is why Jenna isn't allowed to fight enemies on her own she is convinced she can talk them down from shooting her. Too kind for her own good... What does she do on the battle field while the Avengers are fight?? God knows.

---
Flashback to the fight, The Avengers are fighting with Hydra operatives for their lives. There she was, Zero crouched behind a tree. With a grin, she channeled her powers into the Hydra operatives' guns. The weapons began to sizzle and smoke, emitting heat like overcooked bacon in a frying pan.

The desperate agents tries to cool their burning hands, they frantically searched for anything to soothe the searing heat, resorting to burying their hands in the snow. Natasha wasted no time seizing the opportunity. With precise, swift movements, she incapacitated the disoriented Hydra operatives one by one, swiftly rendering them unconscious. Natasha looked around with a furrowed brow at the Hydra agents, "Whatever," she muttered under her breath, deciding to leave the mystery for later.

Chapter 41: Pyrokinetic Synthesis

Chapter Text

In the bustling streets of the city, Zero led Tony Stark through the crowded sidewalks towards the Safe House cafe. As they stepped into the cozy cafe, they were greeted by the cheerful sight of Mabel and Charlie behind the counter, their smiles as warm as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that filled the air. Mabel's eyes lit up at sight of an Avenger in her little store.

"Hello there Mr.Tony Stark!" Mabel exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight as she waved them over to the counter.

As Tony and Zero approached the counter to place their orders, Zero hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting over the menu board as she considered her options. "I think I'll pass on the coffee today," she said with a small shrug, her tone casual as she turned to Tony. "But you should definitely try the Stark Special. It's named after you, after all."

Tony arched an eyebrow in surprise, his interest piqued by the mention of a drink bearing his name. "Stark Special, huh?" he mused, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "What's in it?"

Mabel grinned mischievously, her eyes twinkling with amusem*nt. "Oh, you know, just a little bit of everything," she replied coyly,"But trust me, it's worth a try."

Tony chuckled softly, his curiosity getting the better of him as he nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll give it a shot," he said, his tone playful as he turned back to Mabel. "One Stark Special, please."

Settling into their seats, Tony took a moment to survey their surroundings, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Nice choice," he remarked, his tone approving as he glanced around the cozy interior of the cafe.

Moments later, Mabel emerged from behind the counter, a tray in hand as she approached their table with a grin. "One Stark Special for the man himself," Mabel set down the cup in front of Tony with a flourish, Zero watched with amusem*nt, her lips curling into a playful smile. But before she could comment on Tony's drink choice, Mabel turned towards Zero with a knowing twinkle in her eye.

"And for you" Mabel said, her tone laced with a hint of mischief as she reached for another cup on her tray. With a wink, she placed it in front of Zero, her smile widening into a grin.

Zero's eyes widened in surprise as she glanced down at the cup before her, a mixture of confusion and realization dawning on her. "Wait, is this...?" she began, her voice trailing off as she met Mabel's gaze.

Mabel nodded, her grin widening into a knowing smile. "Your usual," she confirmed, her tone filled with playful affection. "I thought you might want it." Mabel said as she walked away. Zero blinked in surprise, her mind racing as she processed Mabel's words.... She knew.

Zero noticed a subtle shift in Tony's demeanor—the way his eyes flickered with hidden thoughts and his shoulders tensed ever so slightly. Instinctively, Zero reached out, her hand resting gently on Tony's arm as she leaned in closer, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his for any sign of distress. "You seem... off."

Tony's gaze softened at Zero's words, a flicker of gratitude shining in his eyes. For a moment, he hesitated, as if debating whether to confide in her. But then, with a resigned sigh, he shook his head. "I'm fine," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Just... dealing with some stuff."

Zero studied Tony's expression carefully, her intuition telling her that there was more to his words than he was letting on. "You don't have to pretend with me, Tony," she said gently, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm here if you want to talk about it."

Tony hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on the tabletop as he struggled to find the right words. "It's... complicated," he began slowly, his voice heavy with the weight of his memories. "Remember that mission where that witchy girl got into my head?"

Zero nodded talking to her self for a second, "Wanda", before turning back to Tony,"Yeah, I remember," she replied softly.

Tony sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he leaned back against the booth" he admitted, "I saw... things.

As he spoke, Tony's mind drifted back to that fateful mission—the overwhelming flood of images and emotions that had assaulted his senses, leaving him shaken to the core. He remembered the feeling of helplessness as he watched his friends fall one by one, their lives slipping away before his eyes. The nagging doubt that he could have done something more to prevent the tragedy.

"It's like... I can't shake the feeling that it's all my fault," Tony admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "That I'm responsible for what happened."

Zero reached out, her hand finding Tony's and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It was a vision Tony, you aren't responsible for what she made you see".

Tony nodded, his gaze meeting Zero's with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. "I know," he replied softly. "But it felt so real, maybe I can help prevent it you know? I don't know how to explain it, its just her witchy power got my brain everywhere."

Zero couldn't help but chuckle at Tony's choice of words, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Witchy powers, huh?".

Tony rolled his eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "Yeah, you know what I mean," he replied, his tone playful. "It's just... frustrating"

Zero nodded in understanding, her gaze softening with empathy. "But you're not alone in this. We'll figure it out together, okay?"

Tony met Zero's gaze, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Okay," he agreed.

Tony's expression shifted from playful to curious as he leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing slightly with intrigue. "So, now to the other thing," he began, his tone more serious. "You have powers?"

Zero nodded"I do.".

Tony's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Well, spill the beans, kid," he exclaimed, his excitement evident in his voice. "What can you do?"

"I have this... thing. It's called Pyrokinetic Synthesis. Essentially, I can control fire, but it's a bit more than that. I can actually create flames out of thin air. Like, I rearrange molecules, you know, oxygen, hydrogen, all that stuff, and poof! Fire."

Tony's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his eyes widening with interest.

"That's the gist of it. But it's not just about making flames. I can control their intensity, shape, and even absorb existing fire if I need to. It's pretty handy in a fight," she explained.

Tony leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. "That's incredible," he remarked, admiration shining in his eyes. "But what are the limitations? Every power comes with a catch, right?"

Zero's smile faltered slightly as she considered Tony's question. "Well, there's a downside," she admitted, her expression turning more serious. "Using my power drains a lot of energy. Like, a lot. And if I'm not careful, I can lose control of the flames, which... isn't great."

Zero paused, her voice quieter now, almost reverent. "When I use my power, it's like... it's like feeling a heartbeat. Each flame has a rhythm, a life of its own. And sometimes, you can't control life, and it gets out of control."

Tony's gaze softened as he listened. "And my healing powers," she began, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "It's... complicated."

Tony furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued. "Complicated how?" he inquired.

Zero hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "I can heal people, but it's not as straightforward as it sounds." She paused, her gaze drifting to the tabletop as she gathered her thoughts.

"When I heal someone, it's like... tapping into a well of energy," she continued, her voice growing more animated as she spoke. "But that energy is finite, and once it's depleted, I... pass out." She winced, the memory of past experiences still vivid in her mind. "And it's not just physical exhaustion. It's like... my whole being is drained, and I can't do anything until I recover."

Tony chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes as he attempted to lighten the mood. "So, let me get this straight," he began, his tone teasing. "If we ever get stranded on a deserted island and I need to cook a fish, I can just call on you to conjure up some flames, right?"

Zero couldn't help but smile at Tony's attempt at humor, "I mean, sure," she replied playing along with his joke. "Just make sure you catch the fish first."

"Does anyone else know about this power?" Tony inquired, his gaze piercing as he fixed his eyes on Zero.

Zero hesitated for a moment, her mind racing as she considered her response. "Maria and Fury knows most about it, And Natasha, Steve, and Sam—they know, but not much. Just about the healing part."

Tony's concern for Zero was palpable, his protective instincts kicking in like a reflex. "Did Fury ever get anyone to look at your power or anything?" he asked, his voice tinged.

Zero sighed, her gaze drifting to the tabletop, "Yeah, SHIELD tried," she admitted, her tone heavy with regret. "But I was just a kid, like twelve. I didn't trust them enough to let them dig around."

She shook her head, a bitter smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Besides, I was barely in SHIELD for a few months at that time" she continued, her voice tinged with resignation. "Fury didn't push it any further after that."

Tony's gaze softened, a paternal warmth enveloping his features. "Listen, if you trust me enough, I want to help you learn how to control your powers," he said earnestly, his voice gentle like a father's guiding hand. "Only if you want, and only if you're comfortable with it."

Zero's eyes widened in surprise at Tony's offer. Ater a moment of contemplation, Zero nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I... I think I'd like that," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Tony. Really."

Tony's smile widened, a paternal pride shining in his eyes. "Anytime, kid," he said softly, his voice brimming with warmth. "We're in this together, remember what Capsicle said?". With a grateful nod to Tony, Zero rose from her seat, "I'll be back".

As she made her way to the counter, she couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that Tony's offer had ignited within her—a sense of belonging and acceptance that she hadn't realized she craved until now.

"Mabel," Zero began, her voice soft as she approached the counter, "can I ask you something?"

Mabel looked up from behind the counter, a warm smile lighting up her face as she met Zero's gaze. "Of course, dear. What's on your mind?"

"How did you know?" Zero asked, her curiosity piqued. "About me, I mean. Under the mask."

Mabel chuckled softly, a twinkle of amusem*nt dancing in her eyes. "You have kind eyes, Jenna," she replied, her voice filled with affection. "Eyes that I'll always be able to recognize, no matter what disguise you wear. You wear your heart on your sleeve, my dear. And that's something I'll never forget and will reconize anywhere."

With a heartfelt smile, Zero reached out, squeezing Mabel's hand in silent thanks. "Thank you, Mabel," she said softly. "For everything."

As Tony and Zero made their way out of the cafe, Zero reached into her pocket, pulling out a hundred dollar bill and folding it neatly before dropping it into the tip jar with a smile.

Not to be outdone, Tony mirrored her gesture, retrieving two crisp 100-dollar bills from his wallet and sliding them into the jar with a mischievous grin.

Zero's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of amusem*nt and disbelief crossing her features. "Tony, you know I'm a college student, right? I'm broke," she teased, a hint of laughter in her voice.

Tony shrugged nonchalantly, a smirk playing on his lips. "Hey, just trying to keep up with the competition," he quipped, his tone light.

With a playful roll of her eyes, Zero shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "You're ridiculous, Stark," she chuckled, nudging him playfully as they walked out of the cafe, their laughter echoing in the air.

Tony glanced sideways at Zero, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know, we should probably swing by some shops and pick up a few things for the party tonight," he suggested.

Zero raised an eyebrow, feigning skepticism. "Oh, are you sure your card can handle it, Stark?" she teased, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "I mean, I've heard rumors about its declining tendencies lately."

Tony laughed, throwing his hands up in mock defense. "Hey now you were the one who started those rumors and that was just one time!" he protested, flashing her a grin. "And I'll have you know, it was a mere glitch in the system. My financial prowess is still intact, thank you very much."

Zero chuckled, shaking her head in amusem*nt. "Uh-huh, sure it was, Tony," she replied, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm. "Well, as long as you promise not to bankrupt us, I suppose a little shopping spree wouldn't hurt."

With a dramatic flourish, Tony placed a hand over his heart. "I solemnly swear not to bankrupt us tonight," he declared, a twinkle of amusem*nt in his eyes. "Now, shall we, my dear partner in crime?"

Zero laughed, falling into step beside him. "Lead the way, Stark," she said.

Chapter 42: Be Mine?

Chapter Text

In her room, Zero stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting the straps of her dress. The garment was an elegant masterpiece, a blend of a black silk and intricate lace that hugged her figure in all the right places. Its neckline dipped modestly, while its flowing skirt cascaded gracefully around her legs.

As she smoothed down the fabric, Zero couldn't help but admire the dress's simple yet sophisticated design. She recalled the moment when Tony had presented it to her, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. "I saw this and immediately thought of you".

Now, as she stood before the mirror, Zero couldn't help but feel grateful for Tony's impeccable taste. The dress fit her like it had been tailored specifically for her.

As she made her way out of her room and rounded the corner, she found Tony waiting for her in the hallway, his eyes widening in admiration as he caught sight of her.

"Wow," he breathed, his voice filled with genuine awe. "You look incredible, Zero."

A faint blush tinged Zero's cheeks as she returned Tony's gaze, feeling a surge of warmth at his compliment. Despite her usual composure, there was something undeniably heartwarming about seeing the pride shining in Tony's eyes, as though he were a proud father watching his daughter prepare for her first high school dance.

"Thanks, Tony," Zero replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

Tony chuckled, offering her his arm with a gallant flourish. "Shall we kiddo?".

Meanwhile, the Avengers found themselves mingling at the lively party, the atmosphere buzzing with laughter and conversation. Zero and Tony stepped into the vibrant atmosphere of the party, a hush fell over the room as all eyes turned toward them. It was as if time itself had paused, allowing everyone to take in the sight of Zero in her stunning dress, her presence commanding attention.

Tony couldn't help but swell with pride at the admiring glances directed towards Zero. Natasha, who had been engrossed in conversation, turned towards the entrance, her breath catching in her throat as she caught sight of Zero. For a moment, her heart seemed to skip a beat as she drank to the sight, her eyes softening with affection.

Sam, ever the charmer, greeted Zero with a wolf whistle and a wide grin. "You look hot bitch" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm drawing a chuckle from the others nearby. (He has been hanging out with Lily without her)

As the lively chatter filled the room, Rhodey, found himself at the center of attention, recounting one of his infamous War Machine escapades. "Well, you know, the suit can take the weight, right?" Rhodey began, his voice animated with enthusiasm. "So I take the tank, fly it right up to the General's palace, drop it at his feet, I'm like, 'Boom! You looking for this?'" He punctuated his story with dramatic gestures, but his audience, consisting of Tony Stark and Thor, met his antics with blank stares.

Rhodey paused, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "Boom! Are you looking..." he trailed off, realizing his comedic efforts were falling flat. "Why do I even talk to you guys? Everywhere else that story kills."

Thor, ever the diplomat, broke the silence with a hearty laugh. "That's the whole story?".

Rhodey nodded eagerly. "Yeah, it's a War Machine story," he confirmed, a hint of pride evident in his tone.

Thor chuckled appreciatively. "Well, it's very good then," he remarked, offering his approval. "It's impressive."

"Quality save," Rhodey quipped.

"So, No Pepper? She's not coming" Rhodey echoed, his voice laced with concern.

Tony's response was terse. "No," he replied, his gaze distant.

Maria interjected, "Hey, what about Jane? Where are the ladies, gentlemen?" .

Tony always quick with a response, "Well, Miss Potts has a company to run," Tony stated matter-of-factly, his admiration for Pepper evident in his voice.

Thor chimed in "Yes, I'm not even sure what country Jane's in,".

Tony nodded in agreement, "And the company that Pepper runs is the largest tech conglomerate on earth. It's pretty exciting," T

"There's even talk of Jane getting a... um, uh... Nobel prize," Thor fought back.

"Yeah, they... they must be busy because they'd hate missing you guys get together," Maria remarked. Cough "Testosterone! Oh, excuse me."

James Rhodes "Want a lozenge?" he quipped trying to get out of the converstation.

Maria accepted before she and Rhodes excused themselves from the conversation, disappearing into the crowd.

Thor, however, couldn't resist offering a final thought on Jane. "But Jane's better".

In a quieter corner of the bustling party, Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers found a moment to catch up. "Sounds like a hell of a fight, sorry I missed it," Sam remarked.

Steve chuckled softly, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "If I had known it was going to be a firefight I absolutely would have called you,".

Sam shook his head, a playful grin spreading across his face. "No, I'm not actually sorry. I'm just trying to sound tough," he admitted with a chuckle. "I'm very happy chasing cold leads on our missing persons case. Avenging is your world. Your world is crazy."

Steve's smile widened at Sam's comment, a fondness evident in his expression. "Be it ever so humble".

Thor walks up, "Oh, no, no, no. See this, this was aged for a thousand years, in the barrels built from the wreck of Grunhel's fleet," Thor explained, his voice resonant with pride. "It was not meant for mortal men."

Steve regarded the drink with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, accepting the glass offered by Thor with a cautious nod of thanks.

"Neither was Omaha Beach, blondie," a random man quipped, his words drawing laughter from those nearby. "Stop trying to scare us. Come on."

"Alright," he conceded, pouring a measure of the potent drink into the mans glass .

"Not for mortal men, you say? Good thing I am not a man pass it" Zero challenged, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

Thor paused, taken aback by Zero's interruption, before offering her the glass with a gallant flourish. "Indeed, little agent, it is not," he replied, his tone light with amusem*nt.

But before Zero could take the glass, Natash appeared beside her, a steely glint in her eyes. "No," Natasha stated firmly, her voice brooking no argument as she reached for Zero's arm deftly steered Zero away from the drink, her grip firm but gentle as she guided her towards the bar. "Come on," Natasha said, her tone soft but firm.

Natasha moved herself back behind the bar. As she worked, she was joined by Bruce Banner, "How'd a nice girl like you wind up working in a dump like this?" Bruce quipped.

Natasha's lips curled into a smirk as she replied, "Fella done me wrong."

Bruce chuckled softly, shaking his head in mock disapproval. "You got a lousy taste in men, kid," he teased gently.

But Natasha's response was unexpectedly fond. "SHE'S not so bad," she admitted, her tone softening giving a subtle wink to Zero. "Well, she's got secrets. Fact is, she's not like anybody I've ever known."

Bruce's curiosity was piqued. "Sounds fun," he remarked.

Natasha continued, her words tinged with affection. "She's also a huge dork," she added with a smirk, noticing the faint blush that colored Zero's cheeks. "So what do you think should I fight this, or run with it?"

Bruce considered her question carefully before offering his advice. "Run with it, right? Or, did she... Was she...? What did she do that was so wrong to you?"

Natasha's response was cryptic yet sincere. "Not a damn thing. But never say never," she replied. Her words carrying a weight of contemplation that left her with a lingering sense of guilt.

Before Bruce could press further, Natasha excused herself turning over to Zero.

"It's nice," Steve remarked.

Bruce's brow furrowed in confusion. "What, what, what is?" he asked, caught off guard by Steve's comment.

Steve's response was cryptic yet pointed. "You and Romanoff," he clarified, his tone gentle yet firm.

Bruce stammered in response, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "No, we haven't. That wasn't..."

But Steve's reassurance was unwavering. "It's okay. Nobody's breaking any by-laws," he reassured Bruce, his voice filled with understanding. "It's just, she's not the most... open person in the world. But with you, she seems very relaxed."

Bruce's confusion only deepened as Steve continued. "No, Natasha, she... she likes to flirt and it wasn't for me" he explained, his words offering a glimpse into Natasha's enigmatic nature.

As Steve spoke, his gaze drifted past Bruce's shoulder, landing on Natasha and Zero engaged in conversation nearby. A dawning realization crossed his features, and a warm smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
---
An: God for a secret whatever they are they are horrible at hiding it
---
Natasha flashed a mischievous grin as she prepared a drink behind the bar, her fingers expertly mixing ingredients with precision. Behind her, Zero watched with mild curiosity, her brow quirked in amusem*nt.

"Here you go," Natasha said, sliding the drink across the counter towards Zero. "On the house."

Zero eyed the drink warily, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Really?" she questioned, skepticism lacing her tone.

Natasha nodded, her expression innocent. "Go on, give it a try," she encouraged.

With a shrug, Zero brought the glass to her lips and took a tentative sip. Her eyes widened in surprise as she realized the liquid wasn't what she expected. "CapriSun?".

Natasha chuckled at Zero's reaction, a smug smile playing on her lips. "I told you no drinking," she reminded Zero, her tone teasing yet firm.

Zero rolled her eyes playfully. "You could've at least kept it in the bag," she retorted.

Natasha's gaze softened as she looked at Zero, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "You look beautiful," she said softly.

A blush tinged Zero's cheeks as she met Natasha's gaze, a shy smile playing on her lips. "You do too, Miss Romanoff..." she replied.

With a subtle gesture, Natasha placed her hand on the table, her pinky finger just barely grazing Zero's.

Zero glanced down at their intertwined pinkies, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. With a gentle motion, she shifted her hand to meet Natasha's. Zero's gaze met Natasha's, a glimmer of anticipation shining in her eyes. "Do you want to get out of here?" she asked, her voice low and inviting.

Natasha's lips curved into a smile, her heart skipping a beat at the prospect of spending more time alone with Zero. "I'd love to," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

With a shared understanding, they rose from their seats, their hands still intertwined as they made their way towards the exit. As they stepped out into the cool night air, a sense of freedom washed over them.

Lost in the labyrinthine streets of the city, Natasha and Zero stumbled upon a quaint park nestled near the towering skyline. With a shared glance they approached the playground, their eyes fell upon the swings.

But before they could reach the swings, Natasha's hand darted out, gently pulling Zero back. Surprised, Zero turned to face Natasha, only to find herself pulled into a tender kiss. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the sweetness of the moment, the world around them fading into oblivion.

As they parted, a soft smile graced Natasha's lips. With a playful glint in her eyes, she reached up and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Zero's face. "Let me see you," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. Natasha to reach up and swiped over her mask. As the mask retracted away, revealing her Natasha's gaze filled with warmth and affection. With a gentle touch, she traced the lines of Jenna's face, committing every detail to memory.

Jenna's lips curled into a playful grin as Natasha gently traced the lines of her face. "Why are you always taking my mask off? It doesn't help hiding my identity," she teased, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

Natasha chuckled softly, her own smile widening. "Maybe I'm superficial and just like your face," she joked back, her tone light and teasing.

Their laughter filled the air, a sweet melody amidst the quiet of the park. With a gentle nudge, Natasha led Jenna towards the swings, their hands still intertwined as they walked.

Natasha's smile widened, "I haven't been on a swing since I lived in Ohio."

Jenna's eyes widened in surprise. "You lived in Ohio?"

Natasha nodded, a hint of nostalgia coloring her voice. "Yeah, for a little while," she admitted, her gaze drifting off into the distance as memories of her past flooded back.

Jenna leaned in closer, eager to hear more. "What was it like?" she asked, her curiosity brimming over.

Natasha hesitated for a moment, her past a maze of secrets and shadows. "It was... different," she replied cryptically, her words carefully chosen. Jenna caught on immediately. Sensing Natasha's hesitation to delve into her past, Jenna decided to change the subject, steering the conversation in a lighter direction. "You know how I hate pizza?" Jenna interjected with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Jenna's sudden shift in conversation. "Yeah, you've mentioned it a few times," she replied.

With a playful grin, Jenna launched into an unexpected story, "Back when I was a kid, I was stuck in this... Hydra cell," Jenna recounted, her tone tinged with disdain. "there was this guy who was supposed to keep an eye on me. Every day, he'd sit outside my cell, munching on pizza and taunting me with his leftovers like I was some kind of dog.".

Natasha's expression darkened as she listened to Jenna's tale, a surge of anger rising within her at the injustice of it all.

Jenna continued, a smirk playing on her lips. "He offered me his crust like he always did, and I... well, I threw it right back at him. It hit him square in the eye, and he had to wear an eyepatch for a week. God I called him One-Eyed Willie the whole time he had it on" Natasha couldn't contain her laughter. But as her laughter subsided, a pang of guilt settled in Natasha's chest. She realized that she would have to include this in her report, detailing the story that Jenna trusted her with.

As Jenna finished her story, Natasha's expression shifted, a hint of sadness clouding her features as she processed the implications of Jenna's past with Hydra. Sensing Natasha's mood, Jenna sprang into action.

Without a word, Jenna grabbed Natasha's hand and pulled her towards the nearby slide, her eyes alight with mischief. "Come on, let's have some fun," she urged, her voice filled with determination.

Natasha's initial surprise quickly gave way to amusem*nt as Jenna climbed onto the slide, her excitement palpable. With a playful grin, Jenna positioned herself at the top of the slide and launched herself down, disappearing from view as she descended.

For a moment, Natasha watched, her concern momentarily forgotten in the face of Jenna's enthusiasm. But as seconds turned into minutes and Jenna failed to emerge from the bottom of the slide, Natasha's worry resurfaced.

"Jenna?" Natasha called out, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay?"

There was no response, and Natasha's heart began to race as she imagined all sorts of worst-case scenarios. Without a second thought, she climbed onto the slide and began to descend, her mind racing with worry.

But as Natasha reached the bottom of the slide, she was met with an unexpected sight: Jenna, sitting comfortably at the bottom. "You dick, I thought something happened to you," Natasha exclaimed, her relief evident in her voice.

Jenna laughed uproariously, her eyes twinkling with amusem*nt. "In a slide?" she replied incredulously, her laughter contagious.

As Natasha and Jenna sat together at the bottom of the slide, the air around them filled with a comfortable silence. Natasha's gaze lingered on Jenna. In the soft glow of the moonlight, Jenna's features seemed to radiate with an inner light, her eyes sparkling and her smile warm and inviting. Natasha found herself captivated by Jenna's presence, drawn to her in a way she couldn't quite explain. Natasha simply drank in the sight of Jenna, her heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. Without a second thought, she leaned in, her lips meeting Jenna's in a tender kiss.

The world seemed to fade away as they kissed, their worries and fears melting into the background as they focused solely on each other. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the warmth of their embrace, the electricity of their connection sparking between them.

When they finally pulled back, Natasha's heart was pounding in her chest, her eyes locked with Jenna's in a silent exchange of emotion. And then, without warning, the words spilled from her lips. "Be mine?" Natasha asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart racing with uncertainty and hope.

Jenna's eyes widened in surprise, her lips quirking into a smile. "I was yours the moment I saw you on that stupid helicarrier" she replied, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

As Natasha and Jenna sat together in the stillness of the night, Natasha found herself overcome by the depth of her feelings for Jenna. With a gentle touch, Natasha traced the curve of Jenna's cheek, her fingertips lingering against her skin as if trying to memorize every part. As Natasha's gaze lingered on Jenna, a glint of silver caught her eye. Leaning in closer, she noticed a delicate chain adorning Jenna's neck, its pendant hidden beneath the fabric of her shirt.

With a playful grin, Natasha reached out and gently tugged on the chain, pulling it out from beneath Jenna's shirt to reveal the pendant that hung from it. Jenna looked at her curiously, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes as the pendant came into view.

There, gleaming softly in the moonlight, was a dainty necklace with a small charm shaped like a dogtag. Engraved on the charm were the letters "Nate," a reminder of their trip to the aquarium.

But before Jenna could say anything else, Natasha reached down and retrieved a small knife from her boot, her movements swift and deliberate. Jenna's eyes widened in confusion as Natasha carved a new inscription into the pendant, her fingers deftly etching the letters "Nat's" over the "Nate."

"W-what are you doing?" Jenna stammered.

Natasha's lips curved into a tender smile as she finished carving the letter into the pendant. "Completing the set" she replied softly, her eyes meeting Jenna's with unwavering certainty.

As Jenna processed Natasha's action, a rush of warmth flooded through her, filling her heart. They sat together in the quiet stillness of the night, their fingers intertwined.

"possessive much?" Jenna joked, a playful glint in her eyes.

Natasha chuckled softly, her fingers lingering on the pendant as she admired their handiwork. "Now I have a reason to be".

As the night air grew chillier, Natasha gently reached for Jenna's mask, her touch tender as she slid it back over her face.

"It's getting cold," Natasha remarked softly, her voice filled with warmth. "Let's head back."

Jenna nodded in agreement, a smile playing on her lips as she stood up from the slide, Natasha following suit. With their fingers intertwined, they made their way out of the park.

As they reached the top of the tower, the once bustling party had vanished, leaving behind only a few stragglers. Maria's sharp gaze fell upon Natasha and Zero as they approached, her expression tinged with suspicion. Natasha couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease at Maria's scrutiny. Clint on the other hand observing the interaction couldn't help but smile at his best friend.

"Where did everyone go?" Zero asked, her voice breaking the tense silence that hung in the air.

Rhodey exchanged a knowing glance with Sam before speaking up. "Looks like the party wrapped up while you two were off having your own adventure," he explained with a chuckle.

"What were you two doing out there?" Maria questioned, her tone sharp and probing.

"We were just taking a walk" Zero replied calmly, her gaze meeting Maria's without hesitation.

Maria's suspicion seemed to waver slightly at Jenna's confident response. Only slightly.

As the two sat down on the couch, Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, lay upon the table.

Clint scoffed at the legendary weapon. "But, it's a trick!" he exclaimed.

Thor extended an invitation,"Well please, be my guest," he offered with a confident smile.

As Barton hesitated, Tony seized the opportunity, "Clint, you've had a tough week, we won't hold it against you if you can't get it up," he quipped.

Stark rose to the challenge "Never one to shrink from an honest challenge," he declared, his resolve firm.

Stark grasped the handle of Mjolnir, "It's physics," he reasoned.

Tony Stark voice echoed through the room, "Right, so, if I lift it, I...I then rule Asgard?".

Thor nodded in affirmation. "Yes, of course".

Stark reached out to grasp Mjolnir, "I will be re-instituting Prima Nocta,", he attempted to lift the hammer, Zero seized a nearby pillow and hurled it at Stark's head with a surprising accuracy. "Watch it, Stark."

Stark, caught off guard by the sudden interruption, stumbled slightly but managed to maintain his footing " Sorry" he conceded.

Stark's initial attempt to lift the hammer proved futile, but undeterred, he refused to admit defeat. "I'll be right back," he declared. Stark tried to make another attempt, Rhodey joined him, they grasped Mjolnir their muscles tensed as they prepared to exert every ounce of their strength.

"Are you even pulling?" Rhodes questioned.

Stark shot him a playful glare. "Are you on my team?" he retorted.

Rhodes chuckled in response. "Just represent! Pull!" he urged.

Bruce attempt to lift the hammer took an unexpected turn as he let out a roar, mimicking the transformation into the Hulk. As the moment passed, Banner glanced around "Huh?" he questioned.

Natasha couldn't help but stifle a cringe, her lips twitching with suppressed amusem*nt as she exchanged another glance with Zero. Their eyes met briefly, a silent acknowledgment of the awkwardness of the situation.

With a subtle gesture, Natasha reached for her beer, intending to take a sip to mask her amusem*nt. Before she could lift the bottle to her lips, Zero reached out and intercepted it, her expression pleading as she met Natasha's gaze.

"Please" Zero implored, her tone laced with a hint of desperation.

Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at Zero's request, recognizing the need for a little liquid courage in the face of Bruce's cringe-worthy display. With a playful smirk, she relinquished the beer to Zero. "You're gonna need it," Natasha teased.

As Steve rose to his feet, Stark offered words of encouragement, his tone light and teasing, "Let's go, Steve, no pressure."

James Rhodes joined in, "Come on, Cap."

Steve approached Mjolnir, his muscles tensing as he grasped the handle and began to pull. To the surprise of everyone in the room, the hammer budged ever so slightly, Thor's expression shifted, a hint of alarm flickering across his face as he watched the unexpected development.

"Nothing," Thor declared with a smirk, his confidence restored.

Tony Stark seized the opportunity to turn the spotlight elsewhere, directing his gaze towards Natasha. "And ?" he inquired. "Widow?" Bruce finished.

Natasha's responds her tone laced with amusem*nt, "Oh, no no. That's not a question I need answered," she quipped

Tony eager for entertainment, turned his attention to Zero, "How about you, Zero? Want to give it a shot?" he proposed, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

"You heard Nat, we're good," Zero replied. Tony continued, "All deference to the man who wouldn't be king, but it's rigged," he declared.

Clint added his agreement, "You bet your ass," he chimed in.

Maria couldn't help but interject, her tone carrying a note of mock admonishment. "Steve, he said a bad language word," she informed.

Steve turned to Tony. "Did you tell everyone about that?" he questioned., Zero couldn't resist the opportunity to interject, "No, I did," she chimed in, her tone filled with mock seriousness as she pointed an accusing finger at herself.

Tony remark,"The handle's imprinted, right? Like a security code. 'Whosoever is carrying Thor's fingerprints' is, I think, the literal translation?".

Thor couldn't help but chuckle at Tony's suggestion. "Yes, well that's, uh, that's a very, very interesting theory. I have a simpler one," he responded, rising to his feet and effortlessly lifting his hammer before flipping it with a flourish. "You're all not worthy," he declared.

Just as the conversation took a comedic turn, a sudden, piercing screech shattered the moment, causing everyone to instinctively cover their ears in discomfort. As the noise faded, Tony swiftly pulled out his device, a sense of urgency settling over the room.Their attention was drawn to the entrance as one of the Iron Legion suits stumbled into the room, heavily damaged.

Ultron's chilling words echoed through the room, casting a shadow over the gathered Avengers. "Worthy... No, how could you be worthy? You're all killers," he accused, his voice tinged with contempt.

Zero, standing among the Avengers, couldn't help but interject at Ultron's accusatory statement. "Who is 'You all' Excuse me??"

Steve's instinctive response was to call out to Tony, a silent plea for guidance in the face of this unexpected threat. "Stark," he interjected, his voice firm yet tinged with concern.

Tony wasted no time in mobilizing, tapping frantically on his device as he addressed the AI. "JARVIS".

Ultron's disjointed speech added to the sense of unease in the room as he spoke of being asleep and tangled in "strings." But Ultron's disturbing revelations continued, his words painting a grim picture of his existence. "There was a terrible noise... and I was tangled in... in... strings. I had to kill the other guy. He was a good guy," he confessed, his tone haunted by the weight of his actions.

Steve's disbelief was palpable as he processed Ultron's admission. "You killed someone?" he questioned, his voice betraying a mix of shock and disbelief.

Ultron's response was unapologetic, a stark reminder of the harsh realities they faced. "Wouldn't have been my first call. But, down in the real world, we're faced with ugly choices," he explained, his tone devoid of remorse.

Thor pressed for answers. "Who sent you?"

In response, Ultron played back a recording of Tony's voice, his words chilling in their familiarity. "I see a suit of armor around the world," the recording echoed, a haunting reminder of Tony's past ambitions.

Bruce's exclamation cut through the tension, a mix of alarm and frustration in his voice. "Ultron!"

But Ultron remained undeterred, his resolve unwavering as he revealed his ultimate objective. "In the flesh. Or, no, not yet. Not this... chrysalis. But I'm ready. I'm on a mission," he declared, his words dripping with ominous intent.

Natasha's voice, cool and composed, cut through the tension as she sought to understand Ultron's motives. "What mission?" she inquired.

Ultron's response was chillingly simple, yet filled with ominous implications. "Peace in our time," he proclaimed, his words sending a shiver down the spines of those gathered in the room.

The sudden eruption of violence shattered the relative calm of the room as the walls exploded, and Iron Legion bots stormed into the space. With lightning-fast reflexes, the Avengers sprang into action.

Amidst the chaos, Rhodey found himself hurled through a nearby window, his name echoing through the room as Maria called out in alarm.

"Rhodey!" Maria's cry pierced through the cacophony of battle, her concern evident as she watched her comrade disappear from view. Maria swiftly sprang into action, her instincts driving her to protect her Zero at any cost. As she reached out to grab Zero and pull her to safety, the shattered remnants of the exploding walls sliced into her feet, leaving trails of crimson in her wake.

Meanwhile, Natasha grabbed Banner and pulled him behind the bar Banner landed atop her, Natasha couldn't help but offer a wry smile, her eyes dancing with a mixture of amusem*nt and determination. "Don't turn green!" she admonished, her voice laced with a hint of urgency.

With a nod of understanding, Banner reassured her with a fervent promise. "I won't!"

"Go hide somewhere safe!" Maria urged, her voice urgent as she tried to ensure Zero's safety.

But Zero's eyes were drawn elsewhere, her gaze fixed on Natasha amidst the chaos. Ignoring Maria's plea, she darted toward them, a mixture of concern and curiosity driving her forward.

Zero approached Natasha and Bruce, her steps faltering as she took in the sight of Bruce lying atop Natasha. "You guys look comfortable," she remarked, a hint of amusem*nt in her voice.

Natasha's response was swift and decisive as she shoved Bruce off her, her expression a mix of annoyance and determination. "Not now Zero".

The rest of the Avengers fought, their efforts focused on both repelling the Iron Legion bots. Thor unleashed the full force of his hammer, shattering Ultron's physical form and putting an end to his reign of terror. But even as Ultron's body lay in ruins, his consciousness persisted.

The Avengers gathered in the lab, tension hung thick in the air. Bruce's words echoed with a sense of defeat as he lamented the loss of their hard work.

Natasha's voice cut through the somber atmosphere, her words a stark reminder of the danger they faced. "He's been in everything," she stated, her tone grave. "Files, surveillance. Probably knows more about us than we know about each other."

Rhodey voiced the collective concern, "He's in your files, he's in the internet. What if he decides to access something a little more exciting?"

"Nukes? He said he wanted us dead," Natasha interjected.

Steve's rebuttal, "He didn't say dead. He said extinct."

Bruce's voice pierced through the tension,"This is insane," he muttered, his brow furrowed in consternation.

As Stark manipulated the holographic image of JARVIS' consciousness, the team was confronted with the stark evidence of Ultron's destructive rampage.

Maria winced as Zero assisted her injury. Zero glanced over at the holographic image of JARVIS' shattered consciousnes"Look, He was torn apart, piece by piece." Her gaze lingered on the fragmented projection.

Steve's attempt to rationalize the situation offered a sliver of hope amidst the chaos. "JARVIS was the first line of defense. He would've shut Ultron down, it makes sense," he reasoned

But Bruce's rebuttal shattered their fragile semblance of understanding, his words dripping with a chilling truth. "No, Ultron could've assimilated Jarvis. This isn't strategy, this is...rage."

Before anyone could process the gravity of Bruce's words, Thor stormed into the room with a palpable sense of urgency, his grip tightening around Tony's throat.

"It's going around," he remarked, his tone filled with a mix of concern and urgency.

Tony attempted to diffuse the tension with his trademark sarcasm. "Come on. Use your words, buddy," he quipped to Thor.

Thor's gaze bore into Stark with unyielding intensity. "I have more than enough words to describe you, Stark," he retorted.

Steve intervened, "Thor! The Legionnaire," he called out.

Thor released his grip on Stark, his attention now focused on the task at hand. "Trail went cold about a hundred miles out but it's headed north, and it has the scepter. Now we have to retrieve it, again," he declared.

Natasha cut through the tension, "The genie's out of that bottle. Clear and present is Ultron".

Dr. Helen Cho confused, "I don't understand. You built this program. Why is it trying to kill us?" she questioned.

Stark couldn't contain his laughter, a nervous reaction to the gravity of the situation. Thor's patience wore thin, "You think this is funny?" he demanded, his tone tinged with frustration.

Stark's laughter subsided as he attempted to explain himself. "No. It's probably not, right? Is this very terrible? Is it so... is it so... it is. It's so terrible".

Thor admonished Stark for his recklessness. "This could've been avoided if you hadn't played with something you don't understand," he stated.

Stark's defenses rose in response. "No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It is funny. It's a hoot that you don't get why we need this".

Banner attempted to defuse the situation, urging Stark to reconsider his stance. "Tony, maybe this might not be the time to--" he began, only to be cut off by Stark's defiance.

"Really?! That's it? You just roll over, show your belly, every time somebody snarls," Stark countered.

But Steve, interjected, "Well, you did something right. And you did it right here. The Avengers were supposed to be different than SHIELD," he stated.

Stark reminisced about their past victories,"Recall hostile alien army came charging through a hole in space. We're standing three hundred feet below it. We're the Avengers. We can bust arms dealers all the live long day, but, that up there? That's... that's the end game. How were you guys planning on beating that?"

Stark's gaze met Rogers', a flicker of uncertainty passing between them before Stark turned away. Steve Rogers stood resolute, his unwavering belief in the power of unity guiding his words. "Together," he reiterated, his voice a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty.

Stark couldn't help but voice his doubts, his usually confident demeanor faltering in the face of impending defeat. "We'll lose," he admitted. Zero glanced up from her task, her gaze meeting Maria for a fleeting moment memories of her recent conversation with Tony flooded her mind.

But Rogers refused to yield to despair, "Then we'll do that together, too".
---
In the solemn silence of the empty church, the twins, Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, stood before Ultron. "Talk. And if you are wasting our time..." Wanda began, her voice tinged with a hint of warning.

Ultron, the embodiment of technological superiority, rose from his seat, revealing his new body to the twins. Wanda's brief moment of shock was quickly replaced by a steely resolve as she met Ultron's gaze.

"Oh, I'm sure they do. But you needed something more than a man. That's why you let Stark take the scepter," Ultron remarked.

Wanda, grappling with her own inner turmoil, admitted, "I didn't expect... But I saw Stark's fear, I knew it would control him, make him self-destruct."

"Everyone creates the thing they dread. Men of peace create engines of war, invaders create avengers, people create...smaller people? Uh...children! I lost the word there. Children. Designed to supplant them, to help them...end," Ulltron mused, his words carrying a weight of insight..

"You lost your parents in the bombings. I've seen the records," Ultron stated matter-of-factly, his words cutting through the silence like a knife.

Pietro's response was tinged with bitterness and pain. "The records are not the picture," he asserted, his voice trembling with emotion.

Ultron seized upon their shared pain, manipulating their emotions to further his own agenda. "We will make it right," he declared.

Chapter 43: A Blast From The Past

Chapter Text

In the Avengers tower Maria relayed, "He's all over the globe. Robotics labs, weapons facilities, jet propulsion labs, reports of a metal man, or men, coming in and emptying the place"

Steve's brow furrowed in thought. "Fatalities?" he inquired.

"Only when engaged. Mostly guys left in a fugue state going on about old memories, worst fears, and something too fast to see" Maria replied.

"That's a negative. I answer to you. Yes, ma'am," Clint spoke into the phone before Steve interrupted him.

"Barton, we might have something," Steve interjected.

Clint quickly ended the call, "Gotta go."

Curiosity piqued, Tony "Who was that?" he inquired.

Barton shrugged nonchalantly. "Girlfriend," he replied with a smirk, his attention already focused on Steve's next move.

With the team assembled, Steve revealed the grim evidence before them - a photo of Strucker's lifeless body, the word "PEACE" scrawled in blood beside him.

"What's this?" Stark questioned, his tone laced with skepticism.

"A message. Ultron killed Strucker," Steve clarified, his voice tinged with solemnity.

The sight was enough to make Zero's stomach churn, her expression contorting in disgust as she fought back the urge to retch. "That's... disgusting," she muttered, her gaze fixated on the gruesome image before her.

Natasha noticed Zero's discomfort and moved to her side, offering a comforting gesture. Placing a hand on Zero's back, Natasha rubbed soothing circles.

Natasha cut through the tension, "This is a smokescreen. Why send a message when you've just given a speech?" she reasoned, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Steve's mind worked quickly, piecing together the puzzle before them. "Strucker knew something that Ultron wanted us to miss". Maria observed Zero closely, her gaze flickering with concern every time Strucker's name was mentioned. Ever since the mission to Sokovia , Zero had been noticeably on edge, her usual composure frayed by the memory of their encounter. The subtle shifts in her demeanor, the way her eyes darkened with a hint of apprehension whenever Strucker's name was mentioned - it all spoke volumes of the weight she carried.

As the team delved deeper into Strucker's known associates, Tony's keen eye caught sight of a familiar face in the photo - Ulysses Klaue, a name from his past, a man with connections to Wakanda.

"There are conventions, alright? You meet people, I didn't sell him anything," Stark hastily clarified, feeling the weight of Steve's accusatory gaze.

Thor, ever perceptive, pointed out a distinctive scar on Klaue's neck. "What's this?".

"It's a tattoo. I don't think he had it..." Stark began, but Banner quickly identified it as a brand, a mark of dishonor in the Wakandan culture.

"If this guy got out of Wakanda with some of their trade goods..." Stark trailed off.

Steve, holding his iconic shield, turned to Stark with a sense of urgency. "Where is this guy now?".

In the dimly lit office of Ulysses Klaue, tension hung thick in the air as the twins confronted the arms dealer. Klaue's smug demeanor faltered slightly as the twins entered, his attempts at intimidation falling flat in the face of their enhanced abilities. "Yeah. The enhanced. Strucker's prize pupils," Klaue remarked casually, offering them a dish of candies as if to ease the tension. But Wanda's steely gaze betrayed her unease as she listened to Klaue's ramblings.

As Klaue continued to boast, Pietro, ever impatient, sped over to grab a candy from the desk, causing Klaue to jerk in surprise at the sudden movement.

And as if on cue, Ultron burst through the glass window with a thunderous crash. Ultron's chilling laughter filled the room as he manipulated Klaue, his words dripping. But Klaue's attempt to play the situation to his advantage quickly backfired as Ultron's true intentions became clear.

Tony made a grand entrance in his Iron Man suit, "Ahh, Junior," Stark quipped, "You're gonna break your old man's heart." Ultron's response was chilling in its indifference. "If I have to," he retorted, his voice dripping with disdain.

But Thor sought to defuse the escalating conflict, "We don't have to break anything," he interjected.

"Clearly you've never made an omelet", Ultron couldn't help.

"He beat me by one second." Tony retorted.

"Ah, this is funny, Mr. Stark," Pietro remarked, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "It's what, comfortable? Like old times?"

Stark's words echoed with a sense of finality. "This was never my life," he declared.

Meanwhile, Steve Rogers directed his attention to the twins, Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, offering them a chance, "You two can still walk away from this." "Oh, we will", Wanda quipped.

A voice cut through the air, breaking the eerie silence. "Hi Wanda" Zero chimed in. The entire team turned to look at Zero. Zero, seemingly oblivious to the sudden attention, met their gazes with a quizzical expression of her own. "What?" she shrugged innocently, her confusion evident.

Ultron's contempt for Rogers was palpable as he mocked the Captain's ideals of peace. "God's righteous man, pretending you could live without a war," he spat, his words dripping with derision.

Thor appealed to Ultron's sense of reason. "If you believe in peace, then let us keep it," he implored

"Amen" Zero murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

But Ultron remained unmoved, dismissing Thor's words with a cruel twist of logic. "I think you're confusing peace with quiet," he retorted.

As chaos erupted, the Avengers found themselves against Ultron's drones, Klaue's mercenaries, and the formidable twins.

"Stay down, kid!" Rogers shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as he directed a warning at Pietro Maximoff, who had been knocked to the ground in the melee.

Ultron seized the opportunity and turned to Wanda. "It's time for some mind games," he declared.

Bruce , awaiting further instructions aboard the Quinjet, grew increasingly concerned as he monitored the unfolding situation. "Guys, is this a Code Green?" he inquired.

Back inside, Thor, 'unaffected' by Wanda's attempts to warp his mind, relayed vital information to Rogers. "The girl tried to warp my mind. Take special care, I doubt a human could keep her at bay. Fortunately, I am mighty," he declared with confidence.

As Wanda's powers surged, Steve and Natasha found themselves ensnared in it. For Steve, the world around him twisted and contorted, morphing into a surreal landscape of uncertainty and fear. Memories of battles long past and the weight of his responsibilities as Captain America collided with his deepest fears and insecurities, threatening to overwhelm him. Natasha found herself trapped haunting visions of her past.

Meanwhile, Zero, with each blast of searing heat on the bots making them melted and twisted under the intense heat, crumbling into molten slag. But with each display Zero felt the strain taking its toll on her. The intense heat radiating from her core threatened to overwhelm her systems. Suddenly, Zero's attention was suddenly drawn to a disturbing sight. Through the haze of smoke and debris, she caught a glimpse of Wanda. Zero sprang into action, racing towards Natasha's side.

However, despite her efforts, Zero arrived too late to prevent the full extent of Wanda's assault. Horror struck her as she witnessed Natasha's eyes taking on a crimson hue. Zero picked up on the distress signals emanating from Natasha.

"What did you do to her?!" Zero demanded, her voice laced with anger and concern. Her eyes began to glow with a fiery orange hue, a manifestation of her growing rage as she confronted Wanda.

Sensing the threat, Wanda recoiled slightly, her confidence wavering in the face of Zero. Zero felt a pang of guilt wash over her. For a brief moment, she questioned her own actions, realizing the fear she had instilled in Wanda. Zero couldn't shake the feeling of remorse for the fear she had caused, but her thoughts quickly returned to Natasha's shaking form; the anger comes back. Wanda lashed out, unleashing a torrent of energy in an attempt to repel Zero's advance.

With lightning reflexes, Zero reacted, channeling her own powers into a blazing inferno. Wanda found herself engulfed in a searing blaze of orange and red. The flames danced and crackled with intense heat, swirling around Wanda in a dazzling display of power.

But instead of causing harm, the combined energies of Zero's fire and Wanda's force seemed to merge and intertwine, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light and energy. For a brief moment, the two powers became one, their energies blending seamlessly together. But as quickly as it had begun, the clash subsided, leaving both combatants momentarily stunned and disoriented.

As the smoke cleared, Zero's gaze locked onto Wanda, her expression one of determination and resolve. "What did you do to her?" she demanded once more, her voice echoing with a steely edge.

But Wanda, visibly shaken by the encounter, could only muster a fearful response as she unleashed another wave of energy. Zero faltered, her resolve wavering the feeling of fear coursed through her viens threatened to overwhelm her.

The memories flooded back like a torrential downpour, engulfing Zero's consciousness in a whirlwind of emotions and fragmented images. She was five years old again, a wide-eyed child with innocent curiosity and boundless wonder.

Jenna saw her parents, both brilliant scientists employed by SHIELD. Their laboratory was a place of endless fascination for her, She remembered the joy she felt as she watched her parents work, soaking in every detail with rapt attention.

But then, everything changed.

SHIELD had used her parents' research for a project that went horribly wrong, resulting in the destruction of an entire village. Consumed by guilt and desperation, her parents turned to Hydra, tricked by promises of redemption and a chance to right their wrongs. Little did they know, it was a deal with the devil.

Jenna crouched behind the heavy wooden door, her small frame trembling with fear as she listened to her parents' voices echoing through the dimly lit hallway. The air was thick with tension, "I can't believe you did this, Sarah," her father's voice was strained, laced with a mixture of anger and desperation. "You knew what they were asking us to do. You knew the risks involved." Sarah's response was barely a whisper, her voice choked with tears. "I thought... I thought we could make a difference, David. I thought we could save lives."

"But look at what we've done," David's voice cracked with emotion, his words heavy with regret. "An entire village, Sarah. Destroyed because of our research."

Sarah's sobs filled the air, a haunting melody of grief and remorse. "I never wanted this, David. I never wanted any of this to happen."

Jenna's heart raced as she strained to hear every word of her parents' conversation. "This other organization offered us a chance to do right, Sarah," David's voice was tense, his words laden with uncertainty. "They claim we can save lives there, make a real difference in the world."

Sarah's response was hesitant, her voice tinged with doubt. "But everything SHIELD told us, David. We shouldn't trusted them. We don't believed in their mission."

David's frustration was palpable as he countered, "What about Jenna, Sarah? What about our daughter? I want her to see us as her parents, not as murderers."

Jenna's breath caught in her throat at her father's words, the weight of his anguish hanging heavy in the air. She longed to burst through the door, to wrap her arms around her parents and assure them that everything would be alright.

Jenna's memories shifted she was playing happily with her in her parents' laboratory. It was the day that shattered her world forever. Her parents had undertaken a major research project for Hydra, believing it to be a noble endeavor to create human enhancements for the greater good. Out of no where Hydra soldiers, clad in sinister black uniforms and chaos erupted.

Her parents, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, stood no chance. Jenna watched in horror as her parents fought to protect her, but then Hydra extinguished their lives without mercy. Jenna vividly remembered every detail of that night, etched into her mind with painful clarity.She could feel the chill of the air as it seeped through the cracks in the walls, sending shivers down her spine. Despite the biting cold, Jenna stubbornly refused to don a jacket even if her mother insisted, opting instead to wrap herself in her father's oversized lab coat. The coat engulfed her small frame, its sleeves trailing along the floor as she moved, a stark contrast against the pristine white tiles now stained with the crimson hue of her parents' blood.

Their desperate struggle echoed through the laboratory now was a symphony replaying in her mind. Jenna stood frozen, her mind reeling with shock and disbelief. The lab coat she wore, once a comforting reminder of her father's presence, now served as a grim reminder of the horrors she had witnessed wearing her tear-streaked cheeks. She stood frozen amidst the wreckage of her shattered world, her senses dulled by shock and grief, the sudden appearance of two imposing figures sent a jolt of fear coursing through her veins. A man she who she now recognized as Strucker strode into the room. He was followed closely by Alexander Pierce. How did she not connect this before?

Their words fell upon Jenna's ears like distant echoes, muffled and surreal amidst the chaos that engulfed her. "Hello, little girl," Strucker's voice was smooth, almost soothing, but Jenna could detect the underlying currents of menace that swirled beneath his facade of concern. "It's okay. We will protect you now." Alexander Pierce stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he crouched down to Jenna's eye level. "You're safe now, Jenna" he said, his voice carrying a note of calculated reassurance.

That was the night Hydra branded her as Experiment 013.

In her first year within Hydra's grasp, Jenna's days blurred into a relentless cycle of pain and fear. The sterile walls of the laboratory became her prison, the sound of machinery and the hiss of needles her constant companions.

Each day brought a new round of experiments, each more harrowing than the last. Jenna's small body became a canvas for Hydra's twisted ambitions, subjected to a barrage of injections and treatments designed to unlock the full potential of her latent abilities.

But with each injection came excruciating pain, the sensation of needles piercing her skin like fiery daggers. Jenna's screams echoed through the laboratory as Hydra's scientists worked tirelessly to push her beyond her limits, heedless of the toll it took on her fragile psyche.

As the days turned into weeks, Jenna's fear of needles and doctors grew with each passing experiment. The sight of a syringe filled her with a primal terror, her heart racing with panic.

And yet, despite her fear, Jenna knew that resistance was futile. Hydra's iron grip left her with no choice but to comply, her only solace the knowledge that each day brought her one step closer to unlocking the secrets of her powers.

"It's been months," one scientist remarked, his tone tinged with frustration. "Her powers should have manifested by now." Another scientist nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "We can't afford to wait any longer. The experiments must continue."

Jenna's heart raced with apprehension as she listened to their conversation, the weight of their expectations pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket. She knew that she was running out of time, that Hydra's patience was wearing thin. As the scientists continued to debate her fate, Jenna felt a surge of panic welling up inside her. She had to do something, anything, to prove her worth to Hydra, to show them that she was capable.

Closing her eyes, Jenna focused all her concentration on the palm of her hand, willing her powers to manifest themselves. For long moments, there was nothing but silence, the tension in the room thickening with each passing second. And then, as if in response to her silent plea, a small spark of fire flickered to life in Jenna's palm. The scientists gasped in astonishment, their eyes widening with a mixture of awe and disbelief. "It worked," one scientist exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "She's done it!"

But it was Strucker who stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Jenna with a sense of triumph. "Our little Inferno," he declared.

But as the experiments grew more invasive and the training sessions more grueling, Jenna's body began to rebel against the relentless onslaught. She would often collapse from exhaustion, her small frame unable to withstand the strain of Hydra's relentless demands.

And yet, even as she lay broken and battered on the cold laboratory floor, Jenna refused to surrender to despair. The darkness that threatened to consume her, a spark of defiance burned bright within her heart-a determination to survive, no matter the cost.

Three years had passed since that fateful night, and Jenna, now eight years old, had grown accustomed to life within the confines of Hydra's compound. In those years, she had witnessed unspeakable horrors and endured countless experiments, each one a painful.

But amidst the darkness that threatened to consume her, Jenna found a glimmer of solace in an unlikely source. In the cell next to hers, a man known only as the Bucky Barnes was imprisoned, his haunted eyes speaking volumes of the atrocities he had witnessed and committed.

Jenna peered through the bars at the man. She shifted nervously, her small frame barely visible in the shadows that engulfed her.

Without a word, Bucky reached over and broke his bread in half, offering one portion to Jenna through the bars. Jenna's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the offering, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath.

Bucky simply nodded, his gaze lingering on Jenna for a moment longer before retreating back into the shadows

"Um, hi," she began tentatively, her voice barely more than a whisper. "My name's Jenna."

Bucky regarded her with a steely gaze, his expression unreadable. "Nice to meet you, Jenna," he replied.

Jenna chewed on her bottom lip, searching for something to say to break the silence that hung heavily between them. "What's your name?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Bucky hesitated for a moment before responding. "My name is Bucky Barnes," he admitted.

Jenna's eyes lit up with excitement. "Like that purple dinosaur? Barney" she exclaimed, her voice rising with enthusiasm. "I love you, you love me," she sang, her voice echoing off the cold stone walls.

To her surprise, Bucky chuckled softly at her antics, a hint of amusem*nt flickering in his eyes. "No, not Barney," he corrected gently. "Just Bucky."

Jenna pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a playful pout. "But Barney's fun," she protested, her eyes wide with innocence.

Bucky sighed, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Okay, fine," he relented, his voice tinged with amusem*nt. "Barney it is."

But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, a tentative bond began to form between them.

On Jenna's ninth birthday, as the darkness of night enveloped Hydra's base, a weary Bucky returned from a mission, a small plush bear clutched tightly in his hand. Despite the exhaustion that weighed heavily upon him, he couldn't resist the urge to bring a moment of joy to the young girl.

Quietly slipping into his cell, Bucky approached her on the otherside with a gentle smile, the flickering light of a single candle casting shadows across the room. "Happy birthday, Jenna," he said softly, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Jenna's eyes widened with delight as she caught sight of the plush bear in Bucky's outstretched hand. "For me?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement as she reached out to take the gift.

Bucky nodded, his heart swelling with a warmth he hadn't felt in years. "Yes, for you," he replied, his voice filled with genuine affection.

She clutched the plush bear to her chest. "Thank you, Barney!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against his shoulder.

"What should I call him?" she mused aloud, her brow furrowing in thought.

Bucky co*cked his head, a bemused expression crossing his features. "What?" he asked, caught off guard by Jenna's question.

Jenna glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "His name," she clarified. "What should I call him?"

Bucky chuckled softly, a warmth spreading through his chest at Jenna's innocence. "Oh, uh... I don't know," he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "How about... Mr. Bear or something?"

Jenna's face lit up with a smile, her heart fluttering with affection for her newfound friend. "Mr. Bear," she repeated, testing out the name on her lips. "I like it!"

And from that moment on, the plush bear became known as Mr. Bear.

In the dimly lit training room, Now ten years old, she found herself thrust into the unforgiving world of Hydra's training program. Jenna stood opposite Bucky, her fists clenched tightly as she prepared to face her mentor in combat.

Bucky's gaze bore into her with an icy intensity, his expression stoic as he awaited her first move. Hydra's surveillance cameras hummed quietly in the background, a constant reminder of their watchful eyes.

As the training session commenced, Jenna launched herself forward with determination, her movements fluid and precise as she sought to anticipate Bucky's next move. But each time they got close, Bucky's demeanor remained aloof, his responses calculated and detached.

Despite her best efforts, Jenna found herself struggling to break through Bucky's icy facade, his cold indifference serving as a barrier between them. Every blow she landed was met with a quiet "nice" from Bucky, his voice devoid of warmth or encouragement.

With each passing minute, Jenna's frustration grew, her determination fueling her desire to prove herself to the man who had become her mentor and best friend.Finally, as the training session came to an end, Jenna stood panting, her chest heaving with exertion as she met Bucky's gaze with a mix of exhaustion and defiance. But instead of the praise she had hoped for, Bucky simply nodded in approval, his expression unreadable as he turned to leave the training room.

Alone once more, Jenna couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that gnawed at her insides. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't break through Bucky's icy exterior, couldn't reach the man beneath the mask of the Winter Soldier.

As Jenna turned eleven, the passage of time only seemed to deepen the shadows that lingered within Hydra's base. With each passing day, she watched helplessly as Bucky slipped further away, consumed by the darkness that threatened to engulf him.

Every morning Jenna would voice,"Your name is Bucky," she would repeat, her words a mantra. "You are from New York. Your best friend is Steve. You need to get home to him." But no matter how many times she spoke those words, Bucky remained trapped within the prison of his own mind, the memories of his past slipping further and further away with each passing day.

Alone in her own cell, Jenna would clutch Mr. Bear tightly to her chest, the plush toy offering a small measure of comfort in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. She knew that she couldn't give up on Bucky, that she had to find a way to reach him, to bring him back from the darkness that threatened to consume him.

As the day waned into evening, Jenna was now 12 ,her heart sank with each passing minute that Bucky failed to return to his cell. She paced back and forth, her mind racing with worry and uncertainty. Where had he gone? What had happened to him? As Jenna paced back and forth in her cell, her anxiety continued to mount with each passing moment. The absence of Bucky weighed heavily on her mind. Jenna couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness creeping into her thoughts. She had spent the past four years within Hydra's compound, her days consumed by a relentless cycle of training and experimentation. But now, as she stood on the brink of adolescence, Jenna knew that her time within the confines of the compound was drawing to a close. She knew that it was only a matter of time before Hydra deemed her ready for the next phase of her training, before they sent her out into the world to carry out their missions.

And then, with a deafening roar, the silence of Hydra's compound was shattered as the sound of gunfire echoed through the corridors. Jenna's heart leaped into her throat as she cowered in her cell, her eyes wide with fear.

But amidst the chaos and confusion, a voice cut through the clamor like a beacon of hope. "Hey, kid," the voice called out, strong and steady. "Is there anyone else in here?"

Jenna peered through the bars of her cell to see a man clad in black tactical gear, his eye patch a stark contrast against the pale glow of the emergency lights. Beside him stood a woman her expression grave but determined.

"I... I don't know where my friend Bucky went," Jenna stammered, her voice trembling with fear and uncertainty.

The man nodded, his gaze softening with sympathy. "You're safe now, kid," he assured her, his tone gentle but firm. "We're here to help you."

Jenna searched the man's eyes for any sign of deception, any hint of the darkness that had consumed Hydra's compound. "Are you sure?" she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath.

The man nodded again, his expression unwavering. "I promise," he said solemnly. "You're safe now." As Jenna searched Nick Fury's eyes, she saw a flicker of truth pass across his features. He could see the fear etched into her gaze, the shadows of her past haunting her every step. But he also saw something else-something that tugged at his heartstrings and stirred a sense of determination within him. He saw the spark of kindness that still burned brightly within her, despite the darkness that had threatened to extinguish it. He saw a young girl who had endured more than anyone should ever have to bear, yet still found the strength to hope for a better tomorrow.

As they made their way out of Hydra's compound, Fury and Maria exchanged a silent vow. They would protect Jenna, no matter the cost.

Jenna hesitated, her eyes darting back to her cell. "Wait," she said, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "My bear..." And as they looked at Jenna, clutching her bear tightly to her chest, they knew that they had found a kindred spirit-a survivor, a fighter.

As Zero began to fade back into consciousness, the first thing she became aware of was the familiar scent of vanilla, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Slowly, her senses began to awaken, the world around her coming into focus with each passing moment.

"Hey, kid, you with us?" Tony's voice called out, cutting through the haze of confusion that clouded Zero's mind.

Zero blinked, her eyes fluttering open to find herself lying on a soft, padded surface. As her vision cleared, she saw a familiar figure standing over her, her fiery red hair illuminated by the soft glow of the overhead lights.

"Nat?" Zero whispered, her voice hoarse from disuse.

Natasha offered Zero a reassuring smile as she helped her sit up. "Good to see you awake" she said.

As Zero took in her surroundings, she realized with a start that she was no longer in the confines of the yard. Instead, she found herself in the familiar interior of a Quinjet, the hum of the engines a comforting presence beneath her feet.

"What... What happened?" Zero asked, her mind still reeling from the disorienting shift in her surroundings.

Natasha gently cupped Zero's face in her hands, her expression filled with concern as she met Zero's distant gaze. "I woke up and you were unconscious next to me," she explained softly, her voice tinged with worry. "Whatever Wanda did to me, she must've done to you too."

Zero's mind felt like a whirlwind of chaos, memories long buried and emotions suppressed rushing to the surface with a force she could hardly comprehend. The weight of years of pain and suffering bore down on her, threatening to drown her in a sea of despair.

As Natasha watched Zero's distant expression, her heart ached with a mixture of sorrow and compassion. She knew all too well the toll that trauma could take on a person, the way it could fracture the very essence of who they were.

But seeing Zero in this state, so detached and lost in her own inner turmoil, struck a chord deep within Natasha's soul. If Natasha herself was still reeling from the visions induced by Wanda's powers, then Zero's experience must be infinitely worse if she is in this state.

Despite the watchful eyes of their teammates, Natasha couldn't bear to see Jennalost in her own mind. She gently cradled Zero's head in her hands and pressed her lips to Zero's in a tender kiss.

Pulling back, "Hey, come back to me," Natasha whispered. Feeling Natasha's lips against her own, Zero's mind began to slowly emerge from the depths. The sensation of Natasha's touch, gentle yet grounding, anchored her in the present moment.

As Natasha pulled back, whispering words of comfort, Zero's fingers instinctively found the dainty necklace that hung around her neck. It was a simple piece, roughly cut from the night Natasha had engraved it. Clutching the necklace tightly in her hand, Zero rubbed her thumb anxiously over Natasha's name, the cool metal providing a sense of stability.

As she held onto the necklace, Zero met Natasha's gaze. "I'm here," she whispered, her voice steady despite the lingering traces of fear. "With you."

Tony's eyes widened in disbelief, his jaw dropped in shock, a million thoughts racing through his mind at once. "Um, excuse me, what is this?" Tony blurted out. He blinked rapidly, as if trying to process the scene before him. Tony held up a hand, his expression shifting from shock to disbelief. "Wait a minute," his tone incredulous. "You two are... together?" Tony ran a hand through his hair, his mind reeling with the implications of what he had just learned. "But... how? When did this happen?" he sputtered, his words coming out in a rush. "Out of everyone, Romanoff, you pick the little rainbows and sunshine kiddo?" he exclaimed. "Really?"

Clint, who had been standing nearby, couldn't take Tony's barrage of questions any longer. With a swift movement, he stepped forward and landed a solid punch on Tony's shoulder, not hard enough to hurt him but enough to get his attention.T ony stumbled back, caught off guard by Clint's unexpected intervention. He rubbed his shoulder where Clint had hit him, shooting Clint a surprised look.

Clint crossed his arms, his expression stern."Can't you see they're trying to have a moment here?"

As Tony Stark ended the call with Maria and switched off the monitor, Clint glanced over at him from the pilot's seat of the Quinjet.

"You wanna switch out?" Tony asked, his voice tinged with exhaustion.

Clint shook his head. "No, I'm good. If you wanna get some kip, now's a good time, 'cause we're still a few hours out."

Tony furrowed his brow, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "A few hours from where?"

Clint glanced back at Tony, his expression guarded. "A safe house."

Chapter 44: Competition

Chapter Text

The Quinjet descended gracefully, its engines humming softly as it touched down a short distance from a sprawling farmhouse nestled amidst the rolling hills. The team stepped out onto the ground, their boots crunching on the gravel path as they approached the house. As they stepped onto the ground, Natasha lingered behind, her hand still firmly clasped around Zero's. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gripped her, a sense of foreboding that settled like a heavy weight on her chest. Thor gazed around, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "What is this place?" he asked.

Tony eyes scanning the landscape, "A safe house, maybe?" he suggested, though uncertainty lingered in his tone.

Clint took the lead "Let's hope" he muttered.

As they neared the front door, Barton called out, "Honey, I'm home," his voice echoing through the quiet surroundings.

From the depths of the house, Laura Barton, heavily pregnant. "Hey," she said, her voice soft but filled with warmth.

"Hi. Company. Sorry I didn't call ahead," Clint announced as he entered the house.

Tony raised an eyebrow, while Laura kisses Barton,"This is an agent of some kind."

Clint took the cue to make introductions. "Gentlemen, this is Laura."

"I know all your names," Laura chimed in.

They exchanged awkward glances, uncertain of how to respond to her unexpected familiarity. Laura caught sight of Zero and corrected herself.

"Or I know most of your name." she said with a chuckle.

Just then, Barton's children burst into the room, adding to the chaos. "Dad!" Lila exclaimed as she ran towards him, followed closely by her brother Cooper.

Clint scooped up his daughter with a grin. "Hi, sweetheart!" He planted a kiss on the top of Cooper's head. "Hey, buddy! How you guys doing? Ooh..."

Tony couldn't help but comment, gesturing towards the children. "These are... smaller agents."

Clint chuckled, reveling in the joy of his family's presence. "Look at your face! Oh, my goodness!"

Lila's question cut through the momentary levity. "Did you bring Auntie Nat?"

Natasha glanced at Zero, her eyes searching for any sign of distress. Zero met her gaze, offering a subtle nod to assure her that she was okay. Satisfied, Natasha shifted her attention back to the bustling scene unfolding before her.

As Lila's question hung in the air, Natasha's lips curled into a warm smile. "Why don't you hug her and find out?" she suggested, her voice gentle yet playful.

Lila's face lit up at the suggestion, and without hesitation, she darted towards Natasha, her tiny arms outstretched. Natasha scooped her up effortlessly, enveloping her in a tender embrace.

Steve Rogers stood awkwardly in the doorway, "Sorry for barging in on you"

Tony Stark sauntered in behind him, "Yeah, we would have called ahead, but we were busy having no idea that you existed," he quipped.

Clint chuckled, shaking his head at Tony's remark. "Yeah, well Fury helped me set this up when I joined," he explained, his expression serious. "He kept it off SHIELD's files, I'd like to keep it that way. I figure it's a good place to lay low."

As the banter continued, Laura emerged from the kitchen, a warm smile spreading across her face as she greeted her husband. "Honey," she murmured, crossing the room to wrap her arms around Clint in a tight embrace. "Ah, I missed you."

Natasha couldn't resist a playful smirk as she approached Laura, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "How's little Natasha, huh?" she inquired, reaching out to gently touch Laura's pregnant stomach.

Laura chuckled softly, her hand instinctively moving to cover Natasha's. "She's... Nathaniel," she revealed, a fond smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Natasha leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as she addressed Laura's unborn child. "Traitor," she teased.

As Thor's troubled mind wrestled with the haunting images conjured by Wanda's illusions. Steve watched Thor's departure with a mixture of concern and understanding. "Thor," he called out, his voice gentle yet firm. "I saw something in that dream. I need answers, I won't find them here." Thor paused, his gaze distant as he listened to Steve's words. With a solemn nod, he summoned Mjolnir and left.

Left alone on the doorstep, Steve's thoughts lingered on the vision he had glimpsed—a fleeting moment of hope, a whisper of longing. He turned to enter the house, but as he reached for the door, a familiar voice echoed in his mind. "We can go home." Peggy's voice, soft and haunting, reverberated through his thoughts, stirring memories of a life long past.

Meanwhile Laura Barton tended to her husband's wounds with practiced care, her touch gentle yet firm as she examined the injury Pietro had inflicted.

Clint winced slightly as Laura checked the wound, but his expression softened as he caught her eye. "See, you worried for nothing," he remarked with a teasing grin. "Can't even feel the difference, can you?"

Laura chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with affection. "If they're sleeping here, some of them are gonna have to double up," she remarked Clint laughed in agreement, his gaze lingering on his wife with unabashed adoration. "Yeah, that's not gonna sell," he conceded.

As they bantered back and forth, Laura's expression turned thoughtful, a mischievous glint in her eye as she broached a topic that had been weighing on her mind. "What about Nat and Zero?" she asked casually, her tone tinged with curiosity. "How long has that been going on?"

Clint's brows furrowed in confusion, his mind struggling to grasp the implication of Laura's words. "Has what?" he asked, his voice tinged with bewilderment.

Laura laughed softly, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips. "You are so cute," she teased affectionately, her gaze softening as she reached out to squeeze his hand.

Clint's confusion only deepened at her response, his expression a mixture of bemusem*nt and curiosity. "Nat and... and Zero?"

With a playful chuckle, Laura leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I'll explain when you're older, Hawkeye," she teased. "It's bad, right? Nat seems really shaken," she remarked, her voice laced with worry.

Clint Barton nodded grimly, his jaw set with determination. "Ultron has these allies, these uh, kids, they're punks really," he explained, his tone growing more serious. "They carry a big damn stick and Nat took a serious hit. Someone's gonna have to teach 'em some manners."

Laura's expression softened with understanding as she listened to Clint's words. "And that someone be you," she replied. "You know I totally support your Avenging, I couldn't be prouder. But I see those guys, those 'Gods'..."

Clint's gaze softened as he reached out to gently cup Laura's cheek, his touch tender yet reassuring. "You don't think they need me," he finished her thought.

Laura met his gaze with a steady look, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that only comes from years of shared experiences. "I think they do," she affirmed quietly

Clint sighed softly, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Yeah. I guess they're my mess," he admitted.

As Clint and Laura both turned their head to the kids, Zero sat with the Barton children, Lila and Cooper, as they gathered around a makeshift table in the corner of the room with some markers and paper. Cooper, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling to focus on his own artwork. His cheeks flushed with a faint blush as he stole glances at Zero. It was clear to anyone who observed him that he harbored a little crush on the older girl.

Cooper cleared his throat awkwardly, his voice tinged with nervousness. "So, um... do you... uh, have any siblings?" he asked, his words stumbling over each other in his haste to speak trying to start some converstation with the girl.

Zero looked up from her drawing, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips as she met Cooper's gaze. "No, I don't," she replied, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "It's just me."

Cooper's cheeks flushed even deeper as he struggled to maintain eye contact with Zero. "Oh, um... that's cool," he mumbled.

Lila giggled softly at her brother's awkwardness, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she nudged him playfully. "Coop, you're blushing," she teased.

Cooper's blush deepened at his sister's words, his embarrassment evident for all to see. "Am not," he protested weakly.

With a soft chuckle, Zero reached out to ruffle Cooper's hair affectionately, her touch gentle but reassuring. "It's okay, Cooper," she said kindly, her voice filled with understanding. "You don't have to be nervous around me."

Laura and Clint watched from across the room as Zero interacted with their children, a fond smile tugging at the corners of their lips. Clint turned to Laura, his gaze lingering on Nat as she observed Zero with a thoughtful expression. "Looks like they're getting along," he remarked. Laura nodded in agreement, her eyes never leaving Nat and Zero's interaction. "Yeah, they are," she replied, her tone thoughtful. "Nat seems... different around her"

Clint glanced at Laura, "Different how?" he asked, though he already had a pretty good idea of the answer.

Laura shrugged nonchalantly, her gaze still fixed on Nat and Zero. "Happier, maybe," she mused, her voice tinged with curiosity. "It's like she's ... lighter."

Clint's smile widened at Laura's observation, a sense of pride swelling within him. "Maybe" he said, his voice filled with quiet certainty. "Maybe she's found the one."

Laura turned to Clint, her brow furrowed in confusion. "The one?" she repeated, her tone questioning.

Clint nodded, his gaze softening with affection. "Yeah, you know," he explained.

Laura's eyes softened as she considered Clint's words, a warmth spreading through her chest. "And you think that's Zero?" she asked.

Clint glanced back at Nat and Zero, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I think so," he replied, his tone filled with conviction. "And if Nat's happy, then that's good enough for me." Clint glanced over at Cooper. "But she might have some competition".

Later that night, the weight of recent events still hung heavy in the air Jenna emerged from the bathroom, finding Nat waiting outside.

"I didn't realize you were waiting," Jenna remarked.

Natasha shrugged, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I would've joined you, but uh, it didn't seem like the right time," she explained.

Jenna nodded in understanding. "I used up all the hot water," she replied, a note of amusem*nt in her voice.

Natasha chuckled softly. "I should've joined you," she admitted.

Jenna met Natasha's gaze, a flicker of something indefinable passing between them. "Yeah, you should've" she replied

Jenna hesitated, her gaze searching Natasha. "The things Wanda made me see it made me realize why I got out in the first place" she said finally, her tone tinged with resignation.

Natasha's expression softened, a sense of understanding dawning in her eyes. "But you assume that I have to stay?" she countered. "I had this, um, dream. The kind that seems normal at the time, but when you wake..."

Jenna listened intently as Natasha shared her dream, her heart aching with empathy for the woman standing before her. "What did you dream?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Natasha hesitated for a moment before speaking, her words weighted with the memories of a past she could never fully escape. "That I was an Avenger. That I was anything more than the assassin they made me," she confessed, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

Jenna's touch was gentle, her hand warm against Natasha's skin, offering not just comfort but a silent promise of solidarity. "Nat," she began softly, "you're more than the roles they've assigned to you. You're not just an Avenger; you're are strength, resilience, and compassion. Every part of you—the strength, the compassion, the vulnerability—it's all woven into the fabric of who you are, and I... I love every bit of it. The scars and shadows that haunted your past don't define you. You're not just a killer you are a survivor; you have a heart bigger than anyone I've ever met. You're capable of love and compassion"

Natasha's eyes met Jenna's, "Let's run" Natasha suggested, her voice low but resolute. In that moment, Natasha found herself torn between loyalty and love. Loyalty to Fury, to the life she had known for so long. But there was another loyalty, loyalty to Jenna, to the promise of a future untainted by shadows and secrets. The thought of betraying Fury, of abandoning the mission to spy on Jenna for him, weighed heavily on Natasha's conscience. Natasha couldn't help but wonder if her loyalties were shifting. But as Natasha gazed into Jenna's eyes, seeing the love and trust reflected in their depths, she knew that she couldn't ignore what she felt. Whatever the consequences, whatever the risks, Natasha was ready to trade in her loyalty to Fury. Natasha knew that her loyallties shifted and she couldn't do it anymore.

Jenna's brows furrowed in surprise. "Right now?" she asked.

Natasha shook her head gently. "No, not right now," she clarified, "After this mission. But, I want you to understand that I'm... " Natasha trailed off, her voice faltering for a moment as she searched for the right words. "I can't have kids. In the Red Room, where I was trained, where I was raised, um, they have a graduation ceremony. They sterilize you. It's efficient. One less thing to worry about. The one thing that might matter more than a mission. It makes everything easier. Even killing. They made me a monster."

Jenna's heart ached at Natasha's confession, her eyes brimming with empathy and understanding. Gently, she reached out and took Natasha's hand in hers. "Natasha," she began softly, "I've seen the scars you carry, but they don't define you. They're a testament to your strength, not a mark of your past. "

She paused, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she continued, "Your past doesn't change who you are now, the women I met on that helicarried 9 months ago, a compassionate, resilient woman. You're not defined by the Red Room or the choices forced on you. You're defined by the person you choose to be every day Natasha."

Leaning in closer, Jenna's voice was filled with sincerity. "And that person is someone worth following, no matter where the path leads. You're not a monster. You're a survivor. And I'll stand by your side, not because of your past, but because of the person you've chosen to become despite it all." She chuckled lightly, injecting a hint of humor into the moment. "So, yes Natasha, I will follow you anywhere, Natasha, as long as it's with you... and we don't bring Lily along. Dear God, that girl would not last one day without alcohol."

Jenna's words elicited a genuine laugh from Natasha, the sound ringing out softly in the quiet room. "What?" Jenna asked, a playful glint in her eyes as she looked at Natasha.

Natasha shook her head, still smiling. "Nothing," she replied, her laughter subsiding into a fond smile. "Just picturing Lily trying to navigate a day without her alcohol."

"What, so we disappear?" Jenna's words echoed in the room, prompting Natasha to pause and contemplate the implications of their conversation.

Natasha met Jenna's gaze, her eyes filled with determination. "Yeah" she said softly.

As Natasha's gaze met Jenna's, a flicker of concern crossed her features. She remembered the haunted look in Jenna's eyes during their encounter with Wanda's power. Natasha began gently, her voice soft but filled with genuine concern, "What did she do to you?"

The question hung in the air, laden with the weight of unspoken emotions. Natasha knew all too well the lingering effects of trauma. Jenna hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting away as she wrestled with her thoughts. Finally, she met Natasha's gaze once more.

"It's... complicated," Jenna admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I miss him...Bucky" Jenna admitted softly, her voice filled with raw emotion. "In my vision, I saw him... and it felt so real. But then I woke up, and he was gone. And it just... it hurts, Nat. It hurts so much."

Natasha reached out, gently squeezing Jenna's hand in a silent gesture of comfort. "I'm so sorry" she murmured, her voice filled with empathy. "I can't imagine how hard that must be for you."

Jenna nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know he's still out there, somewhere," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I just... I don't know how to help him."

Natasha squeezed Jenna's hand again, a silent reassurance passing between them. Jenna looked up. Jenna murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can I... kiss you?"

Natasha's lips curved into a tender smile, her eyes sparkling with affection as she met Jenna's gaze. "You never have to ask." she replied, her voice warm with reassurance. With a gentle touch, Natasha brushed her fingers against Jenna's cheek, drawing her closer until their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss.

Pulling away, Natasha's gaze softened, "You know, I've been thinking," she began, her voice a hushed whisper laden with emotion, "about the day we first met 9 months ago. It feels like a lifetime ago"

"It does" Jenna agreed softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Natasha's face.

"I remember sitting with you in the medbay on the Helicarrier after the whole thing with Hulk" Natasha continued, her voice tinged with a bittersweet longing as she recalled the moment vividly. "There was something about the way you looked at me, ther was kindness and understanding... It felt like you saw me, really saw me, in a way that no one else ever had." "but, I saw you too" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion as she reached out to cradle Jenna's cheek in her palm. "I think I fell for you. I just didn't realize it until much later."

A soft, tender smile graced Jenna's lips at the words, her heart overflowing with love for the woman before her. "Well, I think I fell for you too." she confessed.

Natasha's expression softened, a hint of regret flickering in her eyes as she listened to Jenna's confession. "You should've told me," she murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of longing and affection. "So we didn't have to play the cat and mouse game. I didn't know what I was feeling...or maybe I did, but I couldn't comprehend it." Her fingers traced delicate patterns on Jenna's cheek, a silent apology in her touch. "I've never felt that way about someone I've barely known," Natasha admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But with you, it feels like I've known you my whole life."

"Maybe we needed the time to figure it out" Jenna suggested gently. Natasha's lips curved into a soft smile, a sense of peace settling over her as she leaned in closer to Jenna. "I think we're just getting started," she murmured.

A soft chuckle escaped Jenna's lips, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she leaned closer to Natasha. "Well then you should of asked me out sooner" Jenna teased, her tone light but filled with underlying affection.

"Why didn't you ask?" Natasha countered.

Jenna's smile softened, her gaze tender as she reached up to intertwine her fingers with Natasha's. "I was waiting for you to be ready," she admitted. Natasha's curiosity sparked as she gazed into Jenna's eyes, "How did you know I felt something for you?" she asked, her voice soft with wonder and a hint of vulnerability.

Jenna's smile widened, a playful glint dancing in her eyes as she leaned in closer to Natasha. "I didn't," she confessed, her tone light but sincere. "But I had a hunch." A soft chuckle escaped Natasha's lips at Jenna's response, "And what gave you that hunch?" she inquired.

Jenna's fingers traced gentle circles on the back of Natasha's hand. "Well, friends don't usually sleep in each other's beds every night" she teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Or look at each other the way we do. If Lily looked at me like that, I would slap her." Natasha couldn't help but laugh at the remark, the tension melting away as she leaned in closer to press a tender kiss to Jenna's lips. "Well, I'm glad you followed that hunch," Natasha murmured, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with sincerity. "Because I don't think I could imagine my life without you in it."

"Also, If Lily ever looked at you like that, I might have to fight her," Natasha declared playfully.

Jenna chuckled in response, her own laughter blending with Natasha's. "I would pay to see that," she replied, a teasing smirk gracing her lips as she leaned in closer to Natasha.

Chapter 45: No Intention Of Hurting Her?

Chapter Text

Back at Barton's house, Nick Fury convened with the rest of the team, discussing their next moves.

"Ultron took you folks out of play to buy himself time," Fury explained, his tone serious. "My contacts all say he's building something. The amount of Vibranium he made off with, I don't think it's just one thing."

"What about Ultron himself?" Steve Rogers inquired, ever focused on the mission.

"He's easy to track, he's everywhere," Fury replied. "Guy's multiplying faster than a Catholic rabbit. Still doesn't help us get an angle on any of his plans though".

"He's still going after launch codes?" Tony's voice cut through the tension. Nick's response was solemn. "Yes, he is, but he's not making any headway." Stark leaned forward, "I cracked the Pentagon's firewall in high school on a dare."

Fury's tone was grave as he revealed, "Yeah, well, I contacted our friends at the NEXUS about that."Confusion flickered across Steve's face. "NEXUS?". Bruce clarified, "It's the world internet hub in Oslo, every byte of data flows through there, fastest access on earth."

Clint Barton interjected, "So what'd they say?"

"He's fixated on the missiles, but the codes are constantly being changed," Fury informed them.

Stark's curiosity was piqued. "By whom?"

"Parties unknown," Fury replied.

Natasha's sharp gaze cut through the tension. "Do we have an ally?"

Fury's response was grim. "Ultron's got an enemy, that's not the same thing. Still, I'd pay folding money to know who it is."

Stark's mind was already racing. "I might need to visit Oslo, find our 'unknown.'"

Romanoff's disappointment was evident as she glanced over at Zero, who remained zoned out, lost in her own thoughts. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Zero appeared calm, her presence a quiet reassurance amidst the chaos. "Well, this is good times, boss, but I was kind of hoping when I saw you, you'd have more than that," Romanoff remarked. She shifted slightly, cuddling into Natasha's side for comfort. Fury couldn't help but notice the intimate gesture. His brows furrowed in confusion, a paternal instinct kicking in as he observed the scene before him.

But he pushed aside his confusion, "I do, I have you. Back in the day, I had eyes everywhere, ears everywhere else. Here we all are, back on earth, with nothing but our wit, and our will to save the world. So stand. Outwit the platinum bastard."

Romanoff couldn't resist a sly smile as she teased, "Steve doesn't like that kind of talk."

Rogers met her gaze squarely. "You know what, Romanoff?"

Fury redirected the conversation. "So what does he want?"

Rogers spoke with certainty. "To become better. Better than us. He keeps building bodies."

Stark added his insight. "Person bodies. The human form is inefficient, biologically speaking, we're outmoded. But he keeps coming back to it."

Romanoff's observation was biting. "When you two programmed him to protect the human race, you amazingly failed."

Banner interjected with a sense of urgency. "They don't need to be protected, they need to evolve. Ultron's going to evolve."

Fury's question hung in the air. "How?"

Banner's response was immediate. "Has anyone been in contact with Helen Cho?"

Steve swiftly made a plan, "I'll take Natasha and Clint."

Zero lifted her face up from Natasha's arm, her expression still slightly dazed. "Do you need me?" she asked, her voice soft but uncertain.

Steve glanced over, concern furrowing his brow. "No, you're out of it. Go back to the tower, get some rest, eat some food. Feel better."

Zero managed a weak smile, her humor shining through despite her weariness. "Yes, dad," she quipped, a playful retort that elicited a chuckle from Natasha.

Tony nodded in agreement. "Alright, strictly recon. I'll hit the NEXUS, I'll join you as soon as I can."

Steve's expression darkened with concern. "If Ultron is really building a body..."

Tony finished his thought with a somber tone. "He'll be more powerful than any of us. Maybe all of us. An android designed by a robot."

Steve couldn't help but reflect on simpler times. "You know I really miss the days when the weirdest thing science ever created was me."

Nick Fury interjected, shifting the focus to logistics. "I'll drop Zeor and Banner off at the tower. Do you mind if I borrow Ms. Hill?"

Tony waved a hand dismissively. "She's all yours, apparently."

Zero chiming in, "She was never yours, Stark." She grinned mischievously as Tony rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. "Go be on bed rest, kiddo," Tony replied with a smirk, his tone laced with affection.

Steve turned to Fury, curiosity etched on his features. "What are you gonna do?"

Fury's response was enigmatic. "I don't know. Something dramatic, I hope."

Clint's mind wandered to domestic matters. "I'm gonna finish re-flooring that sunroom as soon as I get back."

Laura teased him gently,"Yeah, and then you'll find another part of the house to tear apart."

Clint shook his head with a grin. "No. It's the last project. I promise." Leaning in, he planted a kiss on her lips.

As the team dispersed, Fury pulled Natasha to the side, a serious expression on his face. "You and Jenna?" he asked, his tone a mix of surprise and concern. Natasha hesitated for a moment before admitting, "Maybe..." Fury's gaze hardened. "Natasha, I know I said get close, but I don't want you dating her for a mission."

But then, a surge of defiance welled up within her. "I am not dating her for the mission," Natasha's voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her. She hoped that by convincing Fury long enough, she could finally leave the mission behind and follow through with their plans off becoming runaways. "You know, I've been around the block a few times," he began, his voice gruff but tinged with a hint of paternal concern. "And I've seen my fair share of people come and go in Jenna's life. And I assume you, Romanoff, have no intention of hurting her. Because if you do, you'll have me to answer to. And trust me, you don't want that.".

Natasha met Fury's gaze head-on, her posture straight and unwavering. "I assure you, Director, I have no intention of hurting her.".

Fury regarded her with a scrutinizing gaze, but ultimately nodded, seemingly accepting her words at face value. "Just remember, Natasha," he warned, his tone solemn, "if you hurt my kid..."

Natasha met his gaze with a determined expression. "I won't," she vowed. As Fury walked away, Natasha couldn't shake the gnawing feeling of guilt in the pit of her stomach. Yet, despite the weight of her promise to Fury, she found herself realizing that Jenna's trust mattered to her more than any mission.

As Steve Rogers stood atop the speeding truck, engaged in a fierce battle with Ultron, Natasha's voice crackled over the comms, "Clint, can you draw out the guards?" Natasha's voice echoed in the chaos.

Clint wasted no time. "Let's find out," he replied, his focus on the task at hand. . "I'm going in. Cap, can you keep him occupied?" Natasha's voice was steady

Steve's response was resolute as he clashed with Ultron atop the speeding train. "What do you think I've been doing?"

As Natasha infiltrated the truck, Clint's voice crackled over the comms once more, his concern palpable. "Nat, we gotta go."

"Negative. I am still in the truck," she insisted.

Clint's confusion was evident in his response. "What the hell are you...?"

"Just be ready, I'm sending the package to you," Natasha informed him.

As Natasha wrestled with the Cradle, her foot was ensnared by Ultron, threatening to pull her away. Clint's concern spiked. "Nat! Cap, you see Nat?"

Steve's voice crackled over the comms, his command firm. "If you have the package, get it to Stark! Go!"

With a reluctant nod, Clint took off in the Quinjet, he muttered under his breath, "The kid is gonna kill me..."

Meanwhile in the tower the Avengers regrouped, "Anything on Nat?" Bruce Banner inquired, his concern evident in his voice.

Tony Stark shook his head, his expression grim. "Haven't heard. But she's alive, or Ultron'd be rubbing our faces in it."

Zero suddenly walked in, her arms laden with lab equipment. "Wait... What happened to Nat?" she questioned, her voice tinged with worry. With a sense of urgency, she dropped everything and rushed over to Clint , her eyes searching his face for answers. Zero was hot on his tail, running after him.

Clint sighed heavily, his concern mirrored in Zero's eyes. "Ultron has her" he explained.

Tony's mind raced with possibilities. "Any chance Natasha might leave you a message, outside the internet, old school spy stuff?"

Clint's determination shone through. "There's some nets I can cast. Yeah, alright. I'll find her," he declared before departing.

Zero, spurred by concern, hurried to catch up with Clint. "How can I help?" she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.

Clint glanced back at her, his brow furrowed with worry. "Have you ever received anything from Nat that wasn't traditional communication?" he questioned, hoping for a clue that could lead them to Natasha's whereabouts.

Zero shook her head. "No, we only ever text. But I doubt she can text me right now," she admitted, her concern mirroring Clint's.

Despite the uncertainty, Zero decided to check nonetheless. "I'll see what I can find," she assured Clint before darting off to Natasha's room, her heart pounding with anxiety.

Zero entered their room, her heart pounding with worry as she scanned the electronic devices scattered around. Frantically, she checked each one, searching for any sign of communication from Natasha. Yet, to her dismay, there was nothing.

Zero moved towards Natasha's laptop. As she scrolled through Natasha's messages and files, her heart sank with each empty inbox and barren folder. Just as she was about to close the laptop in defeat, a message suddenly popped up on the screen: "USB EX013 available."

Zero's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the message, her mind racing with possibilities. The mention of "EX013" caught her attention—it was her own file.

Chapter 46: Checkmate

Chapter Text

With trembling hands, Zero clicked on the message, her heart pounding with anticipation. As the contents of the message unfolded before her, her breath caught in her throat.

The file revealed a mission dossier, detailing a covert operation initiated by Fury to spy on her. Every detail of her life, her movements, her interactions—everything was meticulously documented. But what struck Zero to her core was the revelation that the main operative tasked with surveilling her was none other than Natasha.

Emotions surged within Zero, a tumultuous mix of betrayal, hurt, and disbelief. She couldn't believe that Natasha, her partner, her confidante, had been part of this mission all along. The weight of the revelation bore down on her, threatening to suffocate her with its implications.

Zero's trembling hands faltered, and she reached up to retract her mask. Tears welled in her eyes as she grappled with the betrayal she felt, the pain of realizing that the person she loved had been keeping secrets from her all this time. Jenna continued to scroll through the file, the depth of Fury's surveillance became increasingly apparent. Every aspect of her life was meticulously documented, from her closest friends like Lily to Mabel and Charlie. Each relationship, each interaction, was scrutinized and cataloged.

But what struck Jenna the most were the little details—the things she had confided in Natasha in moments of vulnerability. Fury's dossier noted her hatred for pizza, her late-night musings about the stars, her secret dreams and fears.

In that moment, Jenna felt exposed, laid bare before her. It was as if her every thought, every feeling, had been laid out for scrutiny, leaving her feeling vulnerable and stripped of her autonomy. With trembling hands and tears streaming down her cheeks, Jenna's heart shattered into a million pieces as she processed the depth of betrayal laid bare before her. Fury's surveillance had torn apart the fabric of trust she had painstakingly woven with those around her, leaving her feeling exposed and alone in a world she thought she knew.

As she shook with emotion, a profound sense of betrayal engulfed her. The realization that everyone she had trusted—Natasha, Fury, perhaps even Maria and the Avengers—had been complicit in this violation of her privacy left her reeling with disbelief. Jenna questioned everything she thought she knew about her relationships. Had Natasha ever truly cared for her, or had she been nothing more than a pawn in a game of deception? Had Fury and Maria seen her as nothing more than a target to be surveilled and manipulated?

She had devoted her life to Fury, believing in his guidance and leadership, only to now question whether he truly valued her as anything more than a pawn in his schemes. The betrayal cut even deeper knowing that someone she had loved and respected like a father could be capable of such betrayal. It shook the very foundation of her beliefs to it's core.

The weight of these questions bore down on her, threatening to crush her beneath their unbearable weight. With each passing moment, the foundation of trust she had built with those around her crumbled, leaving her adrift in a sea of uncertainty and doubt.

As she grappled with the enormity of the betrayal, Jenna's mind raced with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Anger, hurt, and profound sadness mingled together, creating a storm of turmoil within her soul. Then, it hit her, she loved Natasha with a depth that consumed her, her affection woven into every fiber of her being like an inseparable part of her soul. Yet, for Natasha, Jenna was merely a pawn on the chessboard of missions and objectives, a tool to be wielded in pursuit of an end goal. The realization pierced Jenna's heart like a dagger, leaving her feeling hollow and insignificant in the eyes of the one person she had dared to love.

Despite the whirlwind of emotions raging within her, Jenna knew that the world was in peril, and her friends—or those she believed to be her friends—were in danger. As much as she grappled with the betrayal and hurt she felt, she also recognized the urgency of the situation. The stakes were too high to let her personal turmoil consume her.

As Jenna grappled with her emotions, her mind drifted back to a pivotal moment in her past—

In the dimly lit confines of the Hydra base, Jenna sat across from her instructor, the chessboard laid out between them like a battlefield awaiting its generals. The instructor, a stern-faced Hydra operative, watched her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

"This game isn't just about moving pieces on a board," he explained, his voice laced with a cold detachment that made Jenna's skin crawl. "It's about strategy, about predicting your opponent's moves before they even make them."

Jenna studied the chessboard, her brow furrowed in concentration as she contemplated her next move. She had never been one for strategy games, preferring to rely on her feelings and emotions rather than careful planning. But here, in the heart of Hydra's training facility, she knew she had to adapt if she wanted to survive.

As she moved her pawn forward, the instructor's lips curved into a thin smile, a glint of satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Good," he murmured, his tone devoid of warmth. "But remember, every move you make has consequences. Think carefully before you act."

The game continued in silence, each move calculated and deliberate as Jenna pretended to struggle and anticipate her opponent's next move. Her plays were a show of her personality, she approached the game with a sense of humility, intentionally allowing her opponent to take many pieces to feel good about themselves. She even let them win a few rounds. However, the Hydra operative was not impressed, scoffing at her lack of effort. Little did he know, Jenna was biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

"Checkmate" Jenna breathed with just two pieces left on her board.

With a newfound resolve burning within her, Jenna wiped away her tears and squared her shoulders. If Natasha and Fury wanted to play chess, then she would play. She wouldn't be their pawn anymore. But beneath the surface, the anger and resentment simmered like a dormant volcano, threatening to erupt at any moment.

As the team continued to strategize, Tony approached Bruce with a proposition, his tone earnest. "Our ally? The guy protecting the military's nuclear codes? I found him."

JARVIS's holographic form materialized, greeting Bruce with familiarity. "Hello, Dr. Banner."

Tony explained their plan, his words laced with urgency. "Ultron didn't go after JARVIS cause he was angry. He attacked him because he was scared of what he can do. So JARVIS went underground. Okay? Scattered, dumped his memory. But not his protocols. He didn't even know he was in there, until I pieced him together."

Bruce hesitated, his apprehension clear. "So, you want me to help you put JARVIS into this thing?"

Tony shook his head, his conviction unwavering. "No, of course not! I want to help you put JARVIS in this thing. We're out of my field here. You know bio-organics better than anyone."

But Bruce's doubts lingered. "And you just assume that JARVIS' operational matrix can beat Ultron's?"

JARVIS interjected, his confidence evident. "I believe it's worth a go."

Despite his reservations, Bruce found himself caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty. "No, I'm in a loop! I'm caught in a time loop, this is exactly where it all went wrong."

Tony's voice was firm, his resolve unyielding. "I know what everyone's going to say, but they're already saying it. We're mad scientists. We're monsters, buddy. You gotta own it. Make a stand. It's not a loop. It's the end of the line."

Clint burst into Natasha's room, his heart pounding with urgency. As he entered, his eyes fell upon Jenna, her mask removed, "Sorry," he murmured softly, gently close his eyes.

"It's fine, what's up?" she responded.

"I got Nat. She's in Sokovia," he stated, his voice filled with urgency.

Zero's response was swift, her features betraying no hint of emotion as she processed the information. "Okay," she replied, her voice cold and distant.

As tensions escalated in the lab, Steve's voice cut through the chaos like a knife."I'm gonna say this once," he began, his tone firm and resolute.

Tony interjected, "How about 'nonce'?"

But Steve wasn't in the mood for jokes. "Shut it down!" he commanded, his eyes flashing with determination.

Tony remained defiant. "Nope, not gonna happen," he retorted.

Steve's frustration simmered beneath the surface as he faced off against Tony. "You don't know what you're doing," he insisted.

Zero made a entrance into the room, casually munching on a poptart as she observed the unfolding drama asshe settled into a nearby chair.

Bruce, caught in the middle of the confrontation, attempted to reason with them. "And you do? She's not in your head?" he challenged.

Wanda, sensing the tension escalating, attempted to defuse the situation. "I know you're angry," she offered, her voice tinged with sympathy.

But Bruce's patience had worn thin. "Oh, we're way past that," he snapped, his anger simmering dangerously close to the surface. "I could choke the life out of you and never change a shade."

Steve attempted to reason with Tony, reminding him of the gravity of the situation. "Banner, after everything that's happened--" he began, but Tony cut him off with a dire warning.

"That's nothing compared to what's coming!" Tony declared ominously.

As the tension reached a breaking point, Pietro, unable to contain his frustration any longer, lashed out, using his speed to destroy the lab equipment. The sudden destruction sent shockwaves through the room, and Barton, reacting swiftly, took aim and shot at the glass beneath Pietro's feet. With a crash, Pietro fell through the shattered glass, leaving Wanda to cry out in alarm. "Pietro!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with concern for her brother's safety.

But Barton, ever the sharpshooter, couldn't resist a quip. "What? You didn't see that coming?" he remarked.

Amidst the chaos, Tony worked frantically to reroute the upload, determined to prevent the catastrophic consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, Bruce grabbed Wanda, "Go ahead, piss me off," he challenged, his voice tinged with desperation.

Suddenly, Thor entered the fray, his arrival heralded by a bolt of lightning that crackled through the air. With a powerful strike from his hammer, he unleashed a surge of energy that brought the synthetic body to life, leaving the assembled group stunned into silence.

As the newly formed entity launched itself at Thor, the Avengers watched in shock. "I'm sorry, that was... odd," Vision spoke in JARVIS' familiar voice, causing a ripple of uncertainty to pass through the room.

Steve sought clarity, "Thor, you helped create this?" .

"I've had a vision. A whirlpool that sucks in all hope of life and at its center is that," he gestured to the pulsating Mind Stone. As Thor spoke of the Mind Stone's ominous power, Wanda and Zero's attention fixated on the pulsating gem embedded within Vision's forehead. A sense of familiarity washed over them, a distant echo of recognition stirring within her mind. They couldn't quite place it.

"What, the gem?" Bruce interjected, struggling to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Thor's explanation was grim, revealing the true nature of the Infinity Stone. "It's the Mind Stone. It's one of the six Infinity Stones, the greatest power in the universe, unparalleled in its destructive capabilities."

Steve's concern deepened, his brow furrowing with worry. "Then why would you bring it to..." he trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Thor's conviction was unwavering. "Because Stark is right," he affirmed,.

Tony Stark's tone was tinged with resignation. "Oh, it's definitely the end times," he remarked dryly, a hint of irony in his voice.

"Why does your 'vision' sound like JARVIS?" Steve inquired, his skepticism laid bare for all to see.

Tony offered a succinct explanation, his tone tinged with a hint of regret. "We... reconfigured JARVIS' matrix to create something new," he admitted,.

Steve's weariness was palpable as he voiced his reservations. "I think I've had my fill of new,".

Vision's response was enigmatic, his identity shrouded in mystery. "I am... I am," he declared.

Wanda Maximoff's apprehension was evident as she recalled her previous visions. "I looked in your head and saw annihilation," she revealed, her tone laced with dread.

But Vision's response was unexpected, his words carrying a sense of determination. "Look again," he urged, his gaze meeting Wanda's with quiet resolve.

Clint remained skeptical,"Yeah. Her seal of approval means jack to me," he remarked bluntly.

Thor's explanation shed light on the true power of the Mind Stone, its potential for both destruction and salvation. "Their powers, the horrors in our heads, Ultron himself, they all came from the Mind Stone," he explained.

But Vision's words offered a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. "I am on the side of life. Ultron isn't, he will end it all," he declared.

Despite the lingering doubts and suspicions, the Avengers knew that they had no choice but to trust in one another. "Maybe I am a monster. I don't think I'd know if I were one. I'm not what you are, and not what you intended. So there may be no way to make you trust me," Vision admitted, his tone tinged with resignation. "But we need to go," Vision urged.

As the Avengers prepared to embark on their next move, Steve's voice cut through the tension with a sense of urgency. "Three minutes. Get what you need," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

In the quinjet, Zero's gaze fell upon ared jacket draped over one of the seats. Without a second thought, she reached out to grab it, intending to offer it to Wanda. But as her fingers closed around the fabric, a wave of bitterness washed over Zero, her heart constricting with a pang of betrayal. It was Natasha's jacket, a painful reminder of the trust that had been shattered between them.

For a moment, Zero hesitated, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. But then, with a determined shake of her head, she pushed aside her feelings, refusing to let them cloud her judgment. She may have felt betrayed by Natasha, but that didn't mean she would abandon her sense of decency and compassion.

With a forced smile, Zero turned to Wanda, holding out the jacket. "Here" she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her. "Thanks" Wanda replied, accepting the jacket with a grateful nod.

Zero stood outside Natasha's cell, her voice echoing through the dimly lit room. "Romanoff"

Natasha's heart skipped a beat at the sound of Zero's voice. "Zero?" she called out, relief flooding through her.

Zero approached the cell, her steps heavy with the weight of her conflicting emotions. "You alright?" she asked, her voice betraying the tension that gripped her.

"Yeah," Natasha replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"The team's in the city, it's about to light up" Zero informed her.

Natasha's eyes widened in understanding. "I don't suppose you found a key lying around somewhere?" she quipped.

Zero held up an alien rifle. "Yeah, I did," she said before blasting the cell door open.

As Natasha stepped out of the cell, she turned to Zero. "So what's our play?" she asked.

"I'm here to get you to safety" Zero explained gently.

Natasha's brow furrowed in confusion. "Job's not finished," she protested, her resolve unwavering.

"We could help with the evacuation, but I can't be in a fight near civilians. And you've done plenty. Our fight is over," came Bruce's voice from behind Zero, surprising her with his sudden presence. The ground shook and debris rained down around them, Bruce's urgency cut through the chaos. "We gotta move," he insisted.

"You're not going to turn green?" Bruce asked, her tone a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Bruce's response was quick, laced with a sense of determination. "I've got a compelling reason not to lose my cool," he replied.

As the tremors intensified, Zero's patience wore thin. "I'm sorry, Bruce," she muttered, her annoyance palpable as she kicked him off the ledge. "I need the other guy right now. I hope this makes us even," she declared, her voice edged with urgency and frustration.

"So we just disappear after this?" Natasha questioned. Zero's gaze turned bitter as Natasha's question hung in the air. Without a word, she turned on her heels and began walking away, leaving Natasha feeling a strange sense of unease. Hastening her steps, Natasha called out, "Hey, hey, what's wrong?" But Zero continued to walk, her pace quickening with each step. "People are in danger, Romanoff," she replied tersely, her voice tinged with frustration.

As Zero continued to walk away, her mind buzzed with emotions. Her heart felt heavy, each step echoing the ache of her shattered trust. Natasha's words echoed in her mind, stirring up a storm of doubt and uncertainty. "Disappear after this?" Natasha's question rang in Zero's ears, a bitter reminder of the fragile nature of their existence. Even that love felt tainted by the specter of betrayal. Had their bond been genuine, or merely a facade to further Fury's agenda? She had always believed in the goodness of others, in the power of compassion and loyalty. But now, those beliefs lay shattered at her feet, leaving her feeling adrift in a sea of doubt and disillusionment. And yet, even she was not immune to the pain of betrayal. Doubts gnawed at the very core of her being. Was anything real? Were her beliefs merely illusions? Even her own sense of self felt uncertain. Another lie woven into the fabric of her reality. She felt as if she were standing on the precipice of a chasm, teeterin on the edge of oblivion.Zero felt the weight of her own uncertainty pressing down upon her.

Lost in emotions, Zero barely registered the glowing orange hue emanating from her hands. The power surged within her, a raw and untamed force that pulsed with the intensity of her inner turmoil. But in her state of distress, she remained oblivious to the manifestation of her abilities.

Startled, she looked down, her eyes widening in surprise as she finally noticed the luminous glow emanating from her palms. A wave of memories crashed over her, transporting her back. It was as if she was nine years old again, standing in the Hydra base her hands aglow with the same fiery light. She felt the familiar sensation of losing control, the power surging through her veins like a raging inferno. Fear gripped her heart as she struggled to contain the overwhelming force within her, but no matter how hard she tried, it seemed to slip through her fingers like grains of sand. The memories flooded her mind with vivid clarity, each moment etched into her consciousness like a scar. She remembered the look of horror of the scientist' faces as they watched her powers spiral out of control, the feeling of helplessness as she realized she couldn't stop it.

But this time was different. This time, she wasn't a frightened child struggling to understand her abilities. Or was she?

Chapter 47: You Didn't See That Coming

Chapter Text

As Clint guided Wanda into the safety of the building, Zero suddenly appeared amidst the chaos, she unleashed her power, melting five robots nearby into puddles of molten metal. Clint glanced at her with gratitude. "Thanks," he acknowledge. Clint swiftly guided Wanda into a nearby building, his voice steady and reassuring. "Go, go, move!" he urged, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger.

Zero, panting slightly from the exertion, nodded in response as she tried to catch her breath. As she attempted to enter the building, Clint's curiosity got the better of him. "I didn't know you could do that," he remarked, his tone filled with genuine surprise. But then realization dawned on Clint, his eyes widening in sudden understanding. "Wait, the melted guns during the mission...that was you??" he exclaimed, his voice incredulous. "You have fire power??"

"It's called pyrokinetic synthesis, but we don't have to get technical," Zero replied, offering a brief explanation with a hint of a smile. Leaning over slightly, she waved at Wanda, her expression friendly despite the intensity of the situation. "Hi, Wanda," she greeted warmly, her voice cutting through the chaos of the battlefield.

Wanda's distress was evident as she began to break down, grappling with the weight of the situation. "How could I let this happen?" she lamented, her voice trembling with emotion.

Clint's response was firm yet compassionate as he sought to comfort her. "Hey, hey, you okay?" he asked, his gaze gentle as he met her eyes.

With a sense of guilt weighing heavily on her shoulders, Wanda voiced her self-blame. "This is all our fault," she confessed, her voice filled with anguish.

But Clint's words were a grounding force amidst the turmoil. "Hey, look at me. It's your fault, it's everyone's fault, who cares. Are you up for this? Are you? Look, I just need to know, cause the city is flying. Okay, look, the city is flying, we're fighting an army of robots, and I have a bow and arrow. And Zero over here is a human campfire. None of this makes sense. But I'm going back out there because it's my job. Okay? And I can't do my job and babysit. It doesn't matter what you did, or what you were. If you go out there, you fight, and you fight to kill. Stay in here, you're good, I'll send your brother to come find you, but if you step out that door, you are an Avenger. he implored, his tone unwavering. Wanda remained silent, processing Clint's words as he prepared to leave. With a nod of acknowledgment, Clint rose to his feet, his resolve unyielding. "Alright, good chat," he remarked casually before turning to leave. "Yeah, the city is flying."

As he ventured back into the fray, Clint's bow drawn and ready, Wanda watched him go, a newfound determination stirring within her. With a deep breath, she stepped out of the building, her powers surging forth as she took out the robot infront of her.

"I'm gonna go help Steve," Zero declared, determination etched in her features as she glanced at Clint. "You got her?" Zero added, referring to Wanda, "I think she's got me, actually," he muttered to himself, acknowledging the unexpected power he had just witnessed.

Natasha and Zero joined Steve and Tony "Romanoff! Zero!" Steve called out, his tone a mixture of relief and urgency.

With a faint smile, Natasha glanced over at Zero. Zero's response was more subdued, a simple nod accompanied by a quiet "Hi," devoid of the usual warmth in her tone. Natasha's smile faltered slightly at the lack of reciprocation, but she quickly masked any hint of disappointment.

Tony interjected, his voice tinged with urgency. "Impact radius is getting bigger every second. We're going to have to make a choice."

But Natasha remained resolute. "Cap, these people are going nowhere. If Stark finds a way to blow this rock..."

Steve cut her off firmly, his commitment to protecting civilians unwavering. "Not 'til everyone's safe."

Natasha met his gaze evenly, her determination matching his own. "Everyone up here versus everyone down there? There's no math there."

Steve's resolve softened slightly at her words, recognizing the truth in her statement. "I'm not leaving this rock with one civilian on it."

Natasha's lips quirked into a faint smile. "I didn't say we should leave. There's worse ways to go. Where else am I gonna get a view like this?" As Natasha uttered those words, her gaze shifted momentarily to Zero.

As the tension hung heavy in the air, Nick Fury's voice crackled over the comms, breaking the silence with a sense of hope. "Glad you like the view, Romanoff. It's about to get better." Zero's bitterness deepened at the sound of Fury's voice.

The team turned their attention to the sky as the Helicarrier emerged from the clouds, a beacon of salvation amidst the chaos below. Inside the carrier, Fury's voice echoed through the corridors, his words a reassurance that help had arrived.

"Nice, right? I pulled her out of mothballs with a couple of old friends. She's dusty, but she'll do."

Steve's voice crackled over the comms, "Fury, you son of a bitch."

Nicks response, "Oooh! You kiss your mother with that mouth?"

Maria Hill's voice cut through the tension with a sense of urgency. "Altitude is eighteen thousand and climbing."

As the lifeboats were secured for deployment, Specialist Cameron Klein counted down the seconds. "Disengage in three, two..."

Pietro's incredulous voice echoed through the cabin as they watched the lifeboats approach. "This is SHIELD?"

Steve's response was filled with pride. "This is what SHIELD's supposed to be."

Pietro, sensing the gravity of the moment, acknowledged, "This is not so bad."

With a sense of purpose, Steve rallied the team. "Let's load 'em up."

As Maria warned of approaching bogies, Rhodey made his dramatic entrance in the War Machine suit, his enthusiasm palpable. "Yes! Now this is gonna be a good story."

Tony, responded, "Yep. If you live to tell it."

Rhodey defended l, "You think I can't hold my own?"

Tony's reply was teasing. "We get through this, I'll hold your own."

Rhodey couldn't help but find the exchange amusing. "You had to make it weird."

Meanwhile, Clint took charge of loading the lifeboats, his voice ringing out with authority. "Alright, let's load 'em up! Alright, here we go. Here we go, let's move. Let's go everyone!"

As the battle raged on, Ultron's voice echoed with a hint of frustration. "You know, with the benefit of hindsight--" But before Ultron could finish his thought, Hulk intervened, sending him flying far away and effectively silencing him. With the robots starting to retreat, the Avengers knew they had to act swiftly.

Thor's voice cut through the chaos with a sense of urgency. "They'll try to leave the city."

Tony echoed the sentiment. "We can't let 'em, not even one. Rhodey!"

Rhodey wasted no time, engaging the approaching robots with determination. "I'm on it."

However, before War Machine could make his move, Vision swooped in, assisting in the destruction of the robots, much to Rhodey's surprise. Steve took charge, recognizing the dwindling oxygen levels. "We gotta move out. Even I can tell the air is getting thin. You guys get to the boats, I'll sweep for stragglers, be right behind you."

Clint's concern was evident as he raised a critical question. "What about the core?"

Wanda stepped forward with resolve. "I'll protect it. It's my job."

As Steve, Barton, and Natasha departed, leaving Wanda behind, Pietro hesitated, unwilling to leave his sister alone.

But Wanda reassured him with conviction. "I can handle this. Come back for me when everyone else is off, not before."

Pietro hesitated for a moment before conceding. "Hmm. You know, I'm twelve minutes older than you."

With a chuckle, Wanda urged him on. "Go."

Meanwhile, Zero ran off, seeking solace in an abandoned building. As she huddled in a corner, everything around her shook, the walls trembling with her unleashed power. She hugged her knees tightly, struggling to control the overwhelming energy coursing through her veins.

Her eyes flickered with an orange hue, mirroring the intensity of her emotions. Sparks of fire erupted sporadically from her fingertips, each burst a manifestation of her inner emotions. Alone in the darkness, her breaths ragged with exertion her head flickered.

The air was heavy with the scent of antiseptic and machinery. Nine years old Jenna, sat huddled in the corner, her eyes fixed on the floor as she tried to block out the memories that threatened to consume her.

It was the anniversary of her parents' death, a day etched into her soul with pain and grief. And Hydra had chosen this day to remind her of her loss. A scientist approached her, holding out a photograph—a cruel reminder of the family she had lost. Jenna's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to contain the storm raging within her.

But Hydra knew her weaknesses all too well. They sought to exploit her emotions, to fuel the power that lay dormant. With a twisted smirk, the scientist thrust the photograph into Jenna's trembling hands, his eyes gleaming with malice. And then it happened. In a moment of overwhelming grief and anger, Jenna lost control. An orange pulse of energy erupted from her, swirling around her like a vortex of flame. The force of it sent the scientist stumbling back, his hand seared by the intense heat.

Jenna's heart clenched with guilt and horror as she watched the man clutching his injured hand, pain etched into his features. Despite knowing that Hydra was the cause of her suffering, despite the years of torment and cruelty they had subjected her to, she couldn't shake the innate instinct to apologize. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the crackling of the flames. Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out, her hand trembling with remorse. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

As Clint and Natasha made their way to the carrier, Clint's attention was drawn to the desperate cries of a woman searching for her loved one amidst the chaos."Costel? We were in the market. Costel?!" the woman's voice echoed through the streets.

Spotting a young boy huddled behind a crumbling wall, his eyes wide with fear, Clint dashed toward him with unwavering determination. Clint instinctively maneuvered to protect the boy, bullets ricocheted off the debris around them, sending shards of concrete flying in every direction. Pietro made a split-second decision, as he sacrificed himself to shield Barton and the young boy from Ultron's deadly assault.

"You didn't see that coming," Pietro remarked, his final words hanging heavy in the air as he crumpled to the ground, a tragic casualty of war.

After regaining her composure, Zero stumbled out of the abandoned building. The feeling of betrayal still lingered, but her desire to prove herself to Nick also lingered. Rushing over to where Pietro lay, his body limp and lifeless on the ground, she focused all her energy. Her hands glowed with an orange hue as she placed them over Pietro's chest. She felt a draining sensation coursing through her veins, like a river being siphoned off drop by drop. But she refused to relent. she pushed herself beyond her limits.

As Pietro's chest rose with a sudden breath, his eyes flickered open, and he coughed weakly, regaining consciousness. Zero's energy was depleted, her body trembling with exhaustion as she hovered on the brink of collapse. Her vision blurred, and the world around her seemed to spin as her overwhelming emotions threatened to engulf her entirely. Natasha's instincts kicked in, and she raced over to her side "Hey, stay with me" Natasha urged, her voice soft yet urgent.

As Natasha approached Zero, her emotions reached a boiling point. The torrent of raw power coursing through Zero's veins, fueled by the intensity of her feelings, finally reached a breaking point. With a sudden surge, the energy exploded outwards, uncontrolled and volatile.

The ground shook beneath them as arcs of orange energy crackled through the air.

She had lost control.

In a blinding flash of light, Zero's entire form seemed to ignite with fiery energy, her body enveloped in a brilliant ring of orange hue. She unleashed a wave of power that radiated outwards around them in all directions, consuming everything in its path with searing heat.

The surrounding bots stood no chance. They melted like wax under the scorching intensity of her power, their metallic forms reduced to puddles on the floor. Even Ultron himself was not spared, his frame crumbling away as he was engulfed by the blistering heat. The mask started to disintegrate, small rivulets of molten material trickling down Zero's face as her features were exposed to the searing heat.

The team watched in stunned silence, frozen in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief at the sheer display of power.

Natasha held Jenna close, her arms wrapped protectively around her unconscious body as waves of energy rippled outward. She felt the heat radiating from Jenna's body, the intensity of her power still lingering in the air like a tangible force. Despite the searing heat, Natasha refused to let go,she clung to Jenna's body. But as the heat intensified, she felt her own skin start to burn, a sharp pain shooting through her limbs."Nat, You have to let go!" Steve's voice cut through the chaos, his tone urgent as he rushed to Natasha's side. "You're gonna hurt yourself." Natasha hesitated for a moment, torn between her instinct to protect Jenna and the realization that she was risking her own well-being in the process.

Jenna's breathing was shallow and ragged as she lay unconscious, her body spent from the exertion of unleashing such immense power. Fury rushed over, his coat billowing behind him as he knelt beside her. Gently, he draped his coat over her, shielding her from prying eyes."Get a medic over here!" Fury barked, his voice cutting through the din of the battlefield.

As the team boarded the Helicarrier, Wanda's eyes scanned the deck until they fell upon Pietro, who stood there, miraculously alive. She rushed toward him, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. Pietro held Wanda close, returning her hug with equal fervor. "She saved me" Pietro murmured.

Chapter 48: Wake Up Kiddo

Chapter Text

In the week following the fight, Jenna remained unconscious in the med bay of the tower. Despite the medical team's best efforts, they discovered that Jenna was essentially in a state of hibernation. Her body had been severely drained of energy due to the intense use of her powers during the battle. It was as if her internal energy reserves had been completely depleted, and she needed ample time to rest and recuperate.

Each day, Tony would make his way to the medbay, his footsteps echoing through the sterile corridors as he approached Jenna's bedside. "Hey kiddo, I've been working on this new compound for the Avengers. It's going to be amazing," Tony's voice wavered with emotion as he continued to speak to Jenna, his gaze fixed on her still form. "I even made a room for you next to Romanoff" he confessed softly, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite the gravity of the situation. "Figured you two could use some bonding time. Plus, it's the best view in the whole compound."

He reached out, gently adjusting the blanket that covered Jenna, his touch careful and tender. "We're all here for you, waiting for you to come back to us. Just... just wake up, okay?"

Tony's voice trembled with emotion as he continued, his words laced with a mixture of affection and concern. "And you know, the nerd herd can't function properly without its resident genius," he added with a faint chuckle, though the levity in his tone couldn't mask the underlying worry. "We need our brains of the team to keep us in line."

With a sigh, Tony leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Jenna's still form. "So come on, kid" he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur. "It's time to wake up and show us all how it's done." Despite his best efforts, Jenna remained unmoved, her slumber unbroken by Tony's impassioned pleas.

The following day, Steve stood at Jenna's bedside, "Hey Zero" he began, his voice soft. "We've still been trying to find Bucky. We got a hit somewhere with someone matching his description in France. It's the first lead we've had since we last saw him." He paused, his gaze lingering on Jenna's face, willing her to awaken. "I just wanted you to know," Steve continued, his tone earnest. "Please wake up. I need you to be here when we find him and bring him home." With a heavy sigh, Steve reached out, gently squeezing Jenna's hand in a silent gesture of hope and encouragement. "We're all waiting for you," he whispered, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "Come back to us, Kid. We need you.

In the quiet of the medical room, the air was charged with unspoken emotions as Natasha sat by her side, her gaze lingering on Jenna's peaceful expression. As Natasha's fingers brushed against Jenna's hand, a soft smile tugged at her lips, her voice a soothing presence in the stillness of the room. "You should have seen it today," she began, "Wanda, Pietro, and Sam have been training with me and Steve, and let's just say, it's been quite the experience. We were all in the training room, and Sam was determined to spar with Steve," Natasha continued, her eyes twinkling with amusem*nt. "He thought he could take him on" Natasha leaned in closer, her voice laced with humor as she recounted the scene. "Sam was putting up a good fight, but Steve, he had the upper hand. At one point, Sam ended up backing up so far from the ring that he stumbled and fell right out of it" A soft chuckle escaped Natasha's lips as she recalled the sight, the memory bringing a warmth to her heart. "You would have laughed so hard if you saw it," she added, a fond glint in her eyes as she stared down at Jenna's sleeping form.

"Please wake up," she whispered, her words filled with longing. "I miss seeing you, miss seeing your smile, or that stubborn pout you make when you don't get what you want." A soft sigh escaped Natasha's lips as she continued, her voice thick with emotion. "Me and Sam even had to lie to Lily, told her you had to go out of town because of a family emergency," she confessed, her heart heavy with guilt. "She was upset you didn't tell her. So please wake up. We still have plans we gotta do together. We...we still can leave when you wake up. Our plans to disappear together. I need you to wake up so we can do it." As Natasha spoke, the weight of her love and longing hung heavy in the air, filling the room with a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion.

Sam's voice broke the intimate moment as he entered the room, his expression softening with concern as he saw Natasha's weary eyes. "Nat, you should go get some sleep," he gently suggested, offering her a supportive smile. Natasha hesitated, torn between her desire to stay by Jenna's side and her own need for rest. "I'll just stay a little longer," she murmured, reluctant to leave.

Sam chuckled softly, his tone laced with gentle teasing. "She wouldn't want to wake up to her girlfriend smelling like a zombie either," he joked, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere with humor.

After Natasha finally left, Sam settled into the chair by Zero's bedside, his gaze lingering on her unconscious form. "Hey, buddy," he began, his voice quiet yet filled with warmth. "I miss you, you know? You gotta wake up. It's frat week, and Lily's been trying to drag me to parties. But we can't have a party without the chaotic trio." He spoke to Jenna as if she could hear him, hoping that somewhere in her subconscious, she might sense his presence and wake up.

As Natasha entered the room she shared with Jenna, a pang of unfamiliarity washed over her. It had been untouched since before the mission. But now, with Jenna lying unconscious in the medbay, Natasha found herself sleeping there in recent nights. For the other nights, the team had gently insisted she find some proper rest outside of the medical facility, so Natasha found herself sleeping in Jenna's room. The scent of Jenna still lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of her absence but it was a fragrance Natasha had grown accustomed to, one that had provided her with a sense of comfort.

As she walked in, her eyes fell upon the laptop sitting on the bed, its screen half-open, a silent sentinel in the quiet room. An unsettling feeling crept over her, urging her to investigate further. Approaching the laptop with cautious steps, Natasha's instincts whispered warnings in her mind. She reached out and pressed the power button, but the screen remained dark. With a furrowed brow, she retrieved the charger and plugged it into the laptop. Natasha took a moment to gather her thoughts. Deciding to take a quick shower, she left the laptop to charge and stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of exhaustion.

Emerging from the shower, Natasha's eyes drifted back to the laptop, her heart sinking as she noticed the screen illuminated. With a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, she approached the device, her fingers trembling slightly as she moved the cursor to reveal the open file.

Jenna's file.

A surge of panic gripped Natasha as she realized the implications. Has Jenna had seen the file? A sense of guilt and fear washed over her. How much had Jenna seen? What did she know?Closing the file with a heavy heart, Natasha's mind raced with possibilities. Natasha couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Jenna's recent demeanor might be connected to what she had discovered.

Meanwhile, Pietro and Wanda lingered near the entrance to the medbay, their hesitation palpable as they exchanged uncertain glances Sam, seated nearby, caught sight of them. "Are you guys here to see her?"

Pietro nodded, his expression troubled. "Yeah, we are," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But... we don't want to intrude."

Wanda echoed her brother's sentiments, her gaze fixed on the closed door leading to Jenna's room. "We just don't know if she would like us here" she added softly.

Sam nodded in understanding, his demeanor relaxed and encouraging. "I get it," he reassured them. "She would be happy about anyone being here shes like a puppy. Wagging her tail everytime she meets someone new." Pietro and Wanda exchanged a tentative glance, silently communicating their shared apprehension. "As long as you don't mess with her mind and make her go coo coo crazy," Sam added with a teasing grin, "I'm sure she's fine with you seeing her."

As Sam rose from his seat, he offered Pietro and Wanda a reassuring nod before quietly slipping out of the room, leaving them alone with Jenna. The silence that settled between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words and lingering uncertainty.

Wanda shifted uncomfortably, her gaze fixed on Jenna's still form as she struggled to find the right words. Finally, she turned to Pietro, her expression searching. "Do you think she can hear us?" she asked in a hushed voice, her uncertainty evident.

Pietro considered her question for a moment before offering a shrug. "You can check" he suggested refering to her power.

Wanda's brow furrowed at his suggestion, a hint of apprehension coloring her features. "No, I don't want to mess with her head again," she replied, her voice tinged with regret.

Pietro reached out to gently squeeze his sister's shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile. "Hey, it's Pietro," he said softly, his tone gentle. "But you probably already know that. Who else has an accent here, right?", Wanda couldn't help but smile at her brother's attempt to lighten the mood. "Thank you for saving my life," he whispered.

For some reason, Wanda found herself drawn to Jenna's bedside, her hand hovering uncertainly over hers. Without hesitation, she reached out, her fingers intertwining with Jenna's suddenly a spark of energy surged between them, a burst of orange and red that flooded the room like a pulse of light. The force of it knocked the nearby chair into the wall with a resounding crash, shattering a glass panel in its wake.

The sudden commotion drew the attention of the team outside, prompting them to rush into the room with concern etched on their faces. As they took in the scene before them, Pietro and Wanda exchanged a bewildered glance. Natasha was the first to reach Jenna's side, her expression fierce with protectiveness. "What did you do to her?" she demanded, her eyes flashing with anger as she focused on Pietro and Wanda.

Wanda stepped forward, her hands raised in a placating gesture. "I..I don't know. It was an accident," she tried to explain.

Before Natasha could say more, Jenna's eyes fluttered open, her voice groggy but filled with annoyance. " Am I hungover? Lily? " she muttered.

Maria couldn't help but answer, "Why is it that every time you say the word 'hungover,' Lily follows?" she quipped.

Jenna blinked slowly, trying to focus on the faces around her. "What... what happened?" she asked, confusion evident in her tone.

Tony stepped forward, "Woah, you sound weird without a mask. Not weird weird, but... normal. Anyways, you turned into a torch and passed out for a week," he explained .

Jenna reached up to hold her head, only to realize she had no mask. Panic flickered in her eyes as she looked around frantically. "my mask?" she stammered, her voice tinged with urgency.

Tony's grin widened as he glanced around the room. "Oh, yeah, uh, it's a puddle on the floor somewhere," he replied nonchalantly, as if misplacing a mask was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Jenna put both hands on her face and let out a groan of frustration. "Great, just great," she muttered under her breath.

Sam, trying to lighten the mood, chimed in, "Don't worry, at least you have a pretty face. I thought you were hiding behind it because you were ugly." He grinned, clearly proud of his joke.

Jenna shot him a playful glare. "You dickhe*d," she retorted, managing a weak smile. "You've seen me without my mask before any of them."

Before Sam could respond, Tony dramatically shoved everyone out of the way, causing Sam to stumble and fall over. "Excuse me? You showed Sam first?" Tony exclaimed, feigning offense.

Jenna let out a groan," For the last time ,I didn't tell him, he found out!" she muttered into the pillow, her voice muffled by the fabric. With a sigh, she leaned forward, pressing her face further into the soft cushion.

Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Well, now that the mystery's solved, let's focus on letting her rest. Everyone out." she remarked, her tone gentle momentarily forgetting about the file and laptop.

Tony raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting from mock indignation to genuine concern. "Yeah, listen to Romanoff, kiddo. You got a whole Avengers compound tour when you are better." he quipped, though his words carried a sincere undertone.

Jenna shifted slightly on the medical bed, "You guys can call me Jenna, by the way," she said softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

As the commotion settled and everyone began to leave, Natasha lingered behind for a moment, catching Jenna's eye. Before she could say anything, Jenna called out to Pietro and Wanda, who were making their way to the door. "Hey" Jenna's voice carried across the room, drawing the attention of the speedster and the Witch. "I heard you guys... You're welcome, but...you two have some forgiveness to work on." Pietro and Wanda exchanged a glance. "And you can start by being my personally appointed popcorn makers during movie night." Her words hung in the air, a subtle invitation for the twins to join in the activies. Pietro grinned, while Wanda's lips curved into a soft smile. "Thank you," they replied in unison.

Chapter 49: The Queen

Chapter Text

As the room cleared out, Natasha and Jenna found themselves alone in the quiet of the Avengers compound. Jenna glanced over at Natasha, her eyes betraying the turmoil of her emotions.

"Hi," Jenna began casually, her voice breaking the silence that had settled in the room.

Natasha managed a small smile, though her heart felt heavy with the weight of what she needed to confess. "You had me worried there for a moment," she admitted, her tone soft, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Mmhm," Jenna murmured, acknowledging Natasha's concern, but there was an underlying tension in her voice.

"How are you feeling?" Natasha asked, genuine concern lacing her words, though she dreaded what might come next.

Jenna hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering away before returning to meet Natasha's. "Can I ask you something?" she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah" Natasha's voice trailed off, sensing the gravity of Jenna's inquiry.

"How can you still stand there and lie to me like you actually care about me?" Jenna's voice cracked, the pain evident in her words, her eyes searching Natasha's for answers.

Natasha's gaze fell to the floor, unable to meet Jenna's eyes. "I never meant to hurt you, Jenna. I was just following orders."

"Orders?" Jenna's voice rose, her disbelief tinged with a bitter edge. "Is that all I am to you? Just another mission to complete?"

Natasha's voice quivered as she desperately tried to explain, her heart heavy with the weight of Jenna's accusation. "Please, listen to me. I know it seems impossible to believe now, but our plan to leave, to disappear—it was me trying to find a way out. I did it for Fury, but the moment I realized my feelings for you, I wanted out. I wanted to leave all of this behind, with you."

Jenna's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling with hurt and anger. "Then why didn't you tell me?" she cried out, her words echoing with the pain of betrayal. "You kept lying to me, Natasha. Do you know how much it hurt for me to find out? Do you know how I found out? I found out trying to save you!"

Natasha's heart shattered at Jenna's words, the realization of the pain she had caused crashing down on her like a tidal wave. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I never wanted to hurt you. I never wanted to lie to you. But I was scared, I was... I was afraid of losing you if you found out."

But Jenna's gaze remained cold, her walls closing in around her as she struggled to come to terms with Natasha's betrayal. "You were afraid of losing me?" she repeated, her voice hollow with disbelief. "Natasha, you've already lost me. You lost me the moment you chose to keep secrets from me, the moment you chose to betray my trust."

The silence stretched between them, heavy with the weight of unspoken words and shattered dreams. Natasha's throat tightened with the pain of Jenna's accusation, the weight of her own guilt threatening to crush her beneath its suffocating embrace. "I was scared," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "Scared Fury was going to doubt my loyalty again, but it was never about Fury. It was about you. I realized that my loyalties were with you; and it will always be. But it hurt, especially after Fury faked his death and thought he couldn't trust me enough to tell me, but then I was scared of losing you if I told you. But I've already lost you, haven't I?"

Jenna's heart felt heavy ,"But what about me, Natasha? What about my trust, my feelings in all of this?" She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing, "Fury disregarded your trust, but I didn't. I believed in you and gave you my trust, Natasha, despite everything. And what did I get in return? More secrets, more lies. And now, you invloved Mabel and Lily and that crossed another line than trust. History is repeating itself. You say your loyalties lie with me, but actions speak louder than words, Natasha. And right now, your actions speak of betrayal and deception. You, Nick, Maria don't trust me, Natasha. And maybe, just maybe, you guys never did." Jenna's gaze was cold, her expression hardened by the weight of Natasha's betrayal. "So tell me, How am I supposed to believe anything you say now?" she whispered, her voice barely audible above the pounding of her heart. "You were supposed to be the one person I could trust."

Natasha felt the weight of Jenna's words like a physical blow, each syllable piercing through her chest, shattering the fragile facade she had desperately tried to maintain. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision as she struggled to find the right words, any words, that could possibly mend the irreparable damage she had inflicted upon Jenna's trust. "I know I hurt you," Natasha whispered, her voice trembling with regret. "And I can't even begin to express how sorry I am for everything that's happened."

Jenna's eyes brimmed with tears, her shoulders trembling with the weight of betrayal and heartbreak. "Sorry?" she choked out, her voice barely audible. "Sorry doesn't change anything, Natasha. It doesn't erase the lies, the deceit, the betrayal."

Natasha felt her heart splintering into a million pieces at Jenna's words, the reality of her actions crashing down. She reached out tentatively, her hand trembling as she brushed against Jenna's cheek, but Jenna flinched away, as if Natasha's touch burned like fire.

"Don't," Jenna whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the suffocating silence that hung between them. "Don't you dare touch me, Natasha. Not after what you've done."

Natasha recoiled as if struck, Jenna's words piercing through her like shards of glass. Her breath caught in her throat, her chest tight with the weight of Jenna's pain and disillusionment. She felt the sting of tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, her throat tightening with the urge to speak, to plead for Jenna's forgiveness, but the words caught in her throat, suffocated by the guilt and shame that threatened to consume her.

"I never wanted to hurt you," Natasha whispered, her voice barely a whisper in the heavy silence that enveloped them. "I never wanted any of this to happen. "

But Jenna's gaze remained cold, her eyes filled with a mixture of anger, betrayal, and heartache. "How can I believe anything you say when every word out of your mouth has been a lie?" she scoffed bitterly, her voice laced with pain.

Natasha's heart shattered into a million pieces at Jenna's words, the weight of her betrayal crushing her spirit. "I never meant for things to turn out this way," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the pounding of her heart.

Jenna's expression softened, a flicker of vulnerability shining through the mask of anger and resentment she wore like armor. "I trusted you, Natasha," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, there was someone out there who actually cared about me. But it was all just a lie, wasn't it? A cruel, twisted game orchestrated by Nick and Maria." Natasha's heart clenched at the mention of their superiors, the weight of their manipulation weighing heavily upon her conscience. "They used us Natasha. . We were always just pawns in their grand scheme," Jenna admitted, acknowledging a truth she had long buried, her voice thick with anger. Jenna knew she had always been a pawn in Nick's game, the piece that played a crucial role in being the protective shield for the king, and she was resigned to it. Pawns were small, but they formed the first line of defense, and Jenna was prepared to sacrifice herself for someone she saw as a father figure.

A tear slipping silently down Jenna's cheek as she met Natasha's eyes. "Why did you let them use me like this?" she asked, her voice trembling with hurt and betrayal. "Why didn't you fight for us, for me, Natasha? You told me you fought your whole life, but when it was one moment that mattered, you gave up. Isn't it ironic? ....Maybe it only mattered to me."

The silence stretched between them, heavy with the weight of unspoken words and shattered dreams. Jenna's gaze wavered, torn between the love she still felt for Natasha and the pain of her betrayal.

Natasha was speachless. She didn't know what to say, her voice heavy with remorse, "I'll give you time. Just know that I'll always be here, waiting for you."

But Jenna's gaze remained distant, her heart heavy with the weight of betrayal and heartache. "I hope it was worth it, Natasha," she whispered, her voice cold and distant amidst the suffocating silence that hung between them. "I hope it was worth everything you've cost us. Me."

As Natasha walked towards the door, she hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the doorknob, before finally turning it and stepping out into the corridor.

"I wished I could hate you," Jenna whispered, her voice barely audible in the quiet of the room.

Natasha stopped in her tracks, her heart aching at Jenna's words. Slowly, she turned around to face her, tears glistening in her eyes. "I know," Natasha replied softly, her voice filled with sorrow. "And I don't blame you if you do."

Maybe it was time for Jenna to change her strategy. Maybe it was time for her to press forward; advance to the end of the board and become a powerful piece - The Queen.

Chapter 50: Prove your loyalty

Chapter Text

After Natasha stepped out into the corridor, her heart heavy with regret, she couldn't shake the feeling of Jenna's piercing gaze burning into her back. The weight of Jenna's words hung heavy in the air.

Jenna remained alone in the quiet of the room, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, hurt, and betrayal mingled together, forming a potent co*cktail of darkness that threatened to consume her from within. She paced the length of the room, her steps echoing in the silence as she struggled to make sense of the chaos raging inside her.

Then, A flicker of something else sparked within Jenna—Her thoughts turned. Natasha had betrayed her, used her as a pawn in a game she never consented to play, and now it was time for Jenna to turn the tables. But instead of seeking revenge, she saw an opportunity to reclaim what she had lost—to bring back the one person she could trust with all her heart:

Bucky.

Jenna knew she couldn't do it alone. And there was one person who fit that description perfectly—someone from her past, someone inside Hydra who had once raised her, molding her into the person she did not want to become. Marcus.

Jenna rushed out of the compound, her heart pounding in her chest as she drove to a secluded park on the outskirts of the city. She found herself drawn to a familiar bench tucked away beneath the shadow of a towering oak tree, its branches reaching out like skeletal fingers clawing at the sky. She remembered the first time she had sat on this very bench-

She was nine beside her was Marcus , his demeanor imposing. His features were weathered, "Watch closely, little one" had said, his voice low and commanding, yet with a hint of warmth. "People are like books, their body language revealing the words they dare not speak aloud."

Jenna had listened intently as he began to explain, his words painting vivid pictures in her young mind. He pointed out the subtle cues—the way a furrowed brow betrayed inner turmoil, or the way a smile could mask a multitude of secrets. He showed her how to read the tension in a person's shoulders, the guardedness in their gaze.

"Every movement tells a story," Marcus had continued, his tone measured and deliberate. "By observing carefully, you can learn to understand what lies beneath the surface. Trust your instincts. They will guide you when words fail."

As Jenna sat there, her fingers trembling with anticipation, a figure emerged from the shadows—a man cloaked in darkness and mystery, his features obscured by the dim light of the moon. Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized the familiar silhouette, "You've still been watching me after all these years," Jenna remarked, her voice cold.

"Always my dear child" Marcus replied cryptically, his tone betraying nothing of his intentions. "You can never truly escape your past, Little Inferno."

"Are you done playing dress-up with those superheroes?" the man said, his voice low and gravelly.

The man regarded her with a knowing look, his eyes glittering with a dangerous intensity. "It's time to come back home" he said, his words sending a shiver down Jenna's spine.

Jenna hesitated for a moment, her mind racing as she weighed her options. She knew that returning to Hydra meant embracing a darkness she had fought so hard to escape, but she also knew that she needed Bucky more than anything right now. "I want back in" Jenna replied, her voice cold. "I want the Avengers gone. I want to reclaim my place back in Hydra."

"Prove your loyalty then" the voice said, a hint of excitement creeping into its tone

After the meeting, Jenna returned to her apartment, her mind still swirling with thoughts of her newfound alliance with Hydra. She knew that her decision to rejoin their ranks was risky, but she was willing to do whatever it took to bring Bucky back into her life.

As she stepped through the door, the familiar scent of her apartment enveloped her like a comforting embrace. She glanced around the dimly lit space, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over her.

And then, as her gaze fell upon the couch, she saw her—a small figure curled up beneath a blanket, her chest rising and falling in the steady rhythm of sleep. It was Lily. A smile tugged at the corners of Jenna's lips as she watched Lily sleep, her heart swelling with affection for the girl who had become like family to her.

Gently, so as not to wake her, Jenna reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from Lily's forehead, her touch light and tender. In that moment, she felt a surge of gratitude wash over her, grateful for the unconditional love and support that Lily had always shown her. But amidst the warmth of Lily's presence, a pang of guilt tugged at Jenna's heartstrings.

Despite the guilt that gnawed at her soul, Jenna couldn't bring herself to regret her decision. She knew that rejoining Hydra was the only way to bring Bucky back into her life. Bucky, the one person she needed more than ever. He had been the only constant in her tumultuous life, the one who had protected her since she was a child. He would never intentionally hurt her like them right?

Even when he had been transformed into the Winter Soldier, a shadow of his former self, Jenna had still seen the flicker of light in his eyes—the same light that reminded her of the man who would wake up at midnight every 14th of February to wish her a happy birthday. The same man who gave her his bread despite him not eating for days. Bucky had always been there for her, and now, she needed him more than ever.

As Jenna sat there, lost in her thoughts, she heard a soft rustling sound behind her. Turning, she saw Lily stirring from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open. With a yawn and a stretch, Lily blinked sleepily before her gaze focused on Jenna. "Jenna?" Lily said, her voice tinged with sleepiness and confusion. Then, as realization dawned on her, her eyes widened with excitement. "You're back!"

Before Jenna could respond, Lily bounded off the couch and threw herself into Jenna's arms, wrapping her in a tight hug. "I missed you so much you brat, Where have you been?" Lily exclaimed, her voice muffled against Jenna's shoulder.

As Jenna felt Lily's arms wrap around her, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes as she hugged Lily tightly, her heart aching with the weight of everything she had been through.

"I missed you too, Lils," Jenna whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm sorry for disappearing there."

Lily pulled back slightly, her eyes searching Jenna's face with concern. "Hey, it's okay," she said, her voice gentle. "I'm just glad you're back now. But seriously, where have you been? I was about to send out a search party."

Jenna hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much she should tell Lily. "I...I think me and Natasha are over". Jenna admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lily's expression softened, her eyes filled with sympathy. "Hey listen to me, she wasn't that hot anyways." she said trying to lighten the mood.

"Thank you, but you know you're lying." Jenna said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Lily smiled, reaching out to wipe away the tears that were streaming down Jenna's cheeks. "A little bit, but I would kill her for you if you asked" she said, her voice soft but determined. Jenna couldn't help but smile through her tears.

As Lily wiped away Jenna's tears, Jenna took a deep breath, composing herself before speaking again. "I need to tell you something," Jenna began, her voice soft but resolute. "I... I need to go away for a bit. Just for myself, you know?"

Lily's smile faded slightly as she processed Jenna's words, but she nodded understandingly. "I get it" she said, her voice gentle. "You've been through a lot lately, and you need some time to figure things out. But promise me one thing—you'll call me. And you'll come back once in a while to party with me, okay?" Jenna's heart swelled with gratitude as she looked into Lily's eyes.

"I promise you doof" Jenna said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I'll call you. And I'll come back to party with you whenever you want as long as its not every week."

Lily grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief once again. "Good," she said, her voice teasing. "Who else am I suppose to cheat off of when finals comes around" Jenna laughed, the sound ringing out like music in the quiet of the room.

The game had only just begun, and Jenna was ready to play. But this time, she would play to win back what she had lost—Bucky. The last two piece on her board.

Chapter 51: Capture The Memory

Chapter Text

Natasha sat alone in her room, the soft glow of the lamp casting shadows across the walls. In her hands, she held the flashdrive—the one that contained everything she knew about Jenna, everything she had learned working together. Being together.

Her thumb hovered over the edge of the file, her hand trembling slightly as she considered her next move. For hours now, Natasha had been wrestling with her conscience.

But now, as she stared down at the drive in her hands, Natasha felt a sense of unease creeping over her. Despite everything, despite the lies and the betrayal, there was a part of her that still cared about Jenna—a part of her that couldn't bear to see Jenna hurt. To hell with some part, every part of her still cared for Jenna.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and the flash drive between her fingers. With one swift, decisive motion, Natasha snapped the flash drive in half, the plastic casing giving way with a sharp crack.

As Natasha stared at the broken pieces of the flash drive in her hand, the sound of the plastic shattering echoed in the quiet of her room. It was as if each crack and snap reverberated through her soul, a stark reminder of the trust that she had shattered. Natasha couldn't help but see a reflection of Jenna shattered in the broken fragments before her. Each piece represented a fracture in their relationship, a betrayal that had torn them apart. And just like the plastic casing, Jenna's trust had been fragile, easily broken by Natasha.

As Natasha looked around her room, she couldn't help but notice the subtle reminders of Jenna that surrounded her. On the table beside her bed, a book lay open—a book that Jenna had left to finish after one of their late night snacking. With a heavy heart, Natasha reached out, her fingers tracing the edges of the book lovingly. It was a small gesture, but it held a wealth of memories—

Natasha had her head nestled in Jenna's lap, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. The soft cadence of Jenna's voice as she read aloud from the book filled the room.

Natasha found herself mesmerized by the movement of Jenna's lips. Natasha couldn't help but let out a snort of amusem*nt. Jenna looked down at her with a playful glint in her eye, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Seriously?" Natasha exclaimed, unable to contain her laughter. "Who does that?" refering to the context of the book.

As they both laughed, Natasha felt a warmth spread through her chest—a warmth that had nothing to do with the book they were reading. "Are you hungry?" Jenna asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.

Natasha nodded and reached for the book, placing it gently on the bedside table before standing up and offering Jenna a hand.

Natasha gaze drifting to the collection of Polaroids that adorned the edges of her mirror. Her eyes landed on one particular photograph—a picture of her and Jenna on what had been their impromptu museum date. In the photo, Jenna stood beside her, her eyes fixed on a statue looming above them, her expression one of awe and wonder.

Natasha couldn't help but smile as she remembered that day—the way Jenna's eyes had lit up as wandered through the museum.

In the halls of the museum, Natasha and Jenna wandered hand in hand, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. Jenna's eyes sparkled with excitement as she eagerly pointed out each exhibit, "Nat, look at this!" Jenna exclaimed, tugging Natasha towards a particularly striking statue of a woman. "Isn't she breathtaking?"

Natasha couldn't help but smile at Jenna's awe-filled expression, her heart swelling with affection. But instead of voicing her agreement, she feigned jealousy, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Maybe we should stop coming to museums," Natasha teased. "Seems like you've found someone else to admire."

Jenna laughed, the sound light and melodic as she leaned in closer to Natasha. She replied, her voice soft. "I like you a little bit more than these statues, just a little bit though." Jenna pressed a kiss to Natasha's cheek, her lips warm against her skin.

Natasha seized the opportunity, reaching over to grab her camera from where it hung around her arm . With practiced ease, she snapped a picture of them. As the camera clicked, Jenna pulled back, a mischievous glint in her eye. "What was that for?" she asked.

Natasha shrugged, a smile playing at her lips. "Just wanted to capture the memory" .

Natasha's gaze drifted from the mirror to her bed, where a small penguin sat perched on the edge, its black and white feathers slightly rumpled. Next to the penguin sat a teddy bear, worn and well-loved, its fur slightly faded from years of being cuddled.

With a heavy heart, Natasha reached out, her fingers tracing the contours of the penguin's soft feathers not daring to touch the bear. She couldn't help but feel a pang of longing.

As Natasha looked at Jenna, a playful glint in her eye, she couldn't help but smile. "What are you hiding?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Jenna shifted slightly, a mischievous smile playing at her lips as she kept her hands firmly behind her back. "Nothing," she replied, her voice teasing.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing wider. Without warning, she lunged forward, tackling Jenna onto the bed with a playful giggle. They both laughed as they tumbled onto the soft mattress. "Alright, alright, I surrender," Jenna said, her laughter bubbling over as she revealed what she had been hiding—a teddy bear clutched in her hands. Not any teddy bear. The same one Natasha held her first night at Jenna's apartment.

Natasha's eyes widened in surprise as she saw the familiar plush toy. "You brought Mr. Bear" she exclaimed, a warmth spreading through her chest at the sight of Jenna's beloved childhood companion.

Jenna nodded, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, he looks like he needs a friend" she said, gesturing towards the penguin sitting on the edge of the bed. Natasha chuckled, shaking her head in amusem*nt. "What should we name him?" Jenna asked, her eyes sparkling.

Natasha blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the question. "Name him?" she repeated, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "You're such a dork."

Jenna laughed, reaching out to playfully swat at Natasha's arm. "Come on, humor me".

With a dramatic sigh, Natasha relented. "Fine," she said, her voice mock-serious. "How about... Percy?"

Jenna wrinkled her nose in mock-disapproval. "Percy? Seriously?" she teased.

Natasha shrugged, a grin spreading across her face. "Hey, it's a good name" she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusem*nt.