33 – "The Two of Us against the World."

"So...this is the tech HYDRA used?"

I look in disgust at the piece of tech on the table. It looks like a dead, robotic centipede. It creeps me out.

"It's a step up from what I went through, at least." I cross my arms. "How'd it work, exactly?"

"When it imbedded in the skin, it'd release the serum that was inside," says Jemma Simmons, one of the scientists I met earlier today. "We're not quite sure what it is exactly, but it had a less harmful effect on its victim. Made them susceptible to suggestion."

"So...something like hypnosis?"

"You could say it's something like that." Jemma is a pretty girl, with a British accent. She's got doe eyes, and dark hair which is pulled into a ponytail. She just looks smart, honestly. "It's a good thing we stopped them when we did. Imagine if they had infected more people."

Or more Avengers. I picture Wanda Maximoff, Sam Wilson, even James and I, with this centipede tech stuck on us. Our minds bent to HYDRA's will. Carrying out their deeds through us. And that's only a portion of the heroes in the world.

It's scary to think if HYDRA could tame the Hulk with this kind of tech.

"Good thing we'll never have to, ever," I say adamantly. "It's not, alive, is it?"

"No, thank God," Jemma says. "I know, it's a bit creepy, isn't it?"

"Very." I chew on my lower lip.

"Was that all you came for?" Jemma leans in towards me.

"I mean, I did want to be inside a lab too." I look around. So much tech. So much science. This would've never been my calling, S.H.I.E.L.D., HYDRA, or neither of the above. "Keep my mind busy."

"How's your wrist feeling?"

I maneuver it. "Not in pain."

"Always a good sign. You ever think about staying? Coulson would probably appreciate it. Not that we recruit often, but..."

I chuckle. "Nah, I know where I'm headed. My future isn't here." I smile at her sadly. "But you guys will gain a good person."

"Who's that?"

"Tessa."

"Oh, the doctor. The bossy one."

"Tessa, bossy?" I say sarcastically. "Nah, not her."

"Good luck to you out there, Victoria."

She's a sweet girl. "Thanks. When you're done with that, destroy it."

"Already ahead of you on that. It was nice to finally get to meet you. I'd heard stories, never really got to put a face to the name, you know?"

"I hope you mean me and not...Hell's Angel."

"Of course I mean you. I knew your fiancé, Adam. He was very kind. He always stopped in here on his breaks to see what was going on. Fitz and I got along great with him."

I have no idea who "Fitz" is, so I just nod out of commitment.

"He'd told us about you, how you guys were taking your time with wedding planning. He wanted it to be perfect for you." Jemma smiles sadly. "He really loved you."

"I know." I try to not sound emotional, but I hear it peek through.

On that awkward note, I bid Jemma a small goodbye before ducking out of the lab. I stand against the wall, letting the silent tears slip down my face. Adam shouldn't be bringing up an old wound, but he does, unintentionally. I can never take back what I did to him. I killed the man I was going to marry. No, HYDRA killed him. Not you. They forced you to kill him.

I rub my face of tears before finding my way back to my room. Okay, it's not my room per se, as I share it with James (yeah, go ahead, imagine what you want). Nobody's said a word about it, not even Steve. Some things you just don't question.

When I enter the room, James is lying on the bed, watching the ceiling. He sits up, looking at me.

"What happened to you?"

"Nothing."

"Vick." His brows furrow in concern. "You've been crying."

"It's nothing, James. Just a reopened wound."

"Adam."

I nod. I walk to James, who's extended an arm for me to snuggle into. I sit beside him on the bed, cuddled into his side. I mess with his metal hand, the coolness counteracting my natural body heat. He presses a kiss to my temple. I know Jemma hadn't meant to open a scarred wound, it wasn't her fault. She was just trying to provide some sort of comfort.

I think she dealt more damage.

"I need to do this," I mutter. "Put this all behind me. It'll help me heal."

"You want a hand?"

"Hmm?" I look at him tiredly.

"You made me think, Vick. You've made me stay up late thinking about it. Leaving this behind. Starting over. I think I just might want that too."

"Don't do it as an obligation to keep watch over me, do it because you want to."

"I do want to, but I want you there with me." He smiles softly. "The two of us against the world."

I snort a laugh. "You think you can handle me being up your ass twenty-four-seven?"

"I did when we were fugitives. This won't be any different." We share a tender kiss. "Besides, I think other people want this for me too."

"Steve?"

"Steve."

"He knows what I'm talking about. He's a smart guy."

"Oh, he's pushing for it. He subtly tries to bully me into it, Vick."

"Want me to go beat his ass for you?"

"Nah, I can do that on my own time."

I chuckle. "You really sure about this?"

"It's the most sure I've been in a long time about anything, so yeah."

"Mm, guess this means we'll have to ask S.H.I.E.L.D. for travel arrangements, as a parting gift for your service to them."

"And yours."

"I think Coulson will be open to it. He and I seem to get along."

"Good, because I was gonna let you do the talking."

I run my hand through his hair. He closes his eyes, leaning into it, almost like how a dog would, but without the thumping leg. I pull his head closer to mine, kissing his temple, pressing my face into his hair.

"You ever gonna trim this mop of hair?" I taunt him.

"What? Long hair isn't sexy for you?"

I roll my eyes. "I'm just saying, it looks like you neglect it."

"I shampoo it. When I can."

"Uh-huh, which is probably never."

"Hey, I don't remember asking you about my hair. Or asking for your input about chopping it."

"Okay, then, I guess you're gonna look like Cousin It." I shrug. "It'll be a pain to find you through that jungle of hair, though. That might be a deal breaker."

"You're being ridiculous." He pulls his head out of my grip, my hand drops onto my lap. "I wouldn't leave you if you grew your hair past your butt."

"Aw, that's comforting." I smirk. "I've got a hold on you."

"You do, damn it."

I peck his cheek. "I promise I won't tell anyone that I wear the pants in this relationship."

His eyes widen. "Hold on, now. Who said anything about us wearing pants? The best kind of relationship is with no pants involved."

God, I'm such a bad influence on him. Half of the stuff I hear him say he probably keeps in his head. "I won't argue with you there."

"Of course you won't, because you know it's true."

"Hmm, I'm wondering if I'll be able to handle you around me twenty-four-seven." I pucker my lips in thought.

"You'll have to put up with me. No choice. You're stuck with me."

"Guess we've always been stuck with each other, some way or another." I sigh dramatically. "Look out world, here we come."

**Yesss, Domestic!WinterAngel here we comeeeee!

Can't you see I ship it a wee bit?**