Song: "I Don't Wanna Go" by Alan Walker feat. Julie Bergen

******

I was in a box again, but this time, I was awake. It was the cryo chamber. The one they put me in for months on end to fix my wounds and put me to sleep. I felt the cold, and I was panicking, trying to get out.

But then the glass shattered and I was out, but instead, there was the man I had killed standing before me, face bloody and skull splintered, gore everywhere. Panicked, I ran. But I ended up in a room and the door closed and locked itself.

I began to pound on the door, screaming for anyone to open the door- to save me. The walls were closing in around me.

I waited. Who would come? I waited. No one came.

Then, I was awake, sitting up with a scream in my throat and the sound of my actual door slamming shut. My window was open. I froze stiff as my eyes locked on the closed door, a strangled sob escaping my lips as I wrapped my arms around my head, and my wings around my body.

"No, no, no, no," I whispered over and over again rocking back and forth as I tried to get out of my living nightmare and failed each time.

Then, the door opened, and I recoiled, that is until I realized who was at the door. Wearing blue plaid pajama bottoms, a wrinkled white t-shirt under an unzipped hoodie, and blond hair a mess, Steve stood in my doorway holding the door open.

He opened it, letting light into the room and I sniffled, taking in a choked breath as I covered my mouth with both of my hands. "S-Sorry. I-I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to wake you."

He frowned and carefully approached the bed and sat on the edge of it, holding his arms out in invitation. I knew he wouldn't mind if I accepted the hug or not. I wanted to, but I wasn't sure if I should. I wasn't sure where we stood.

"I-I'm sorry..." I stammered, rubbing at my tear-stained face.

"You didn't wake me up, it's alright. I was already awake. Nightmares, too," he said, dropping his arms and instead offering me a hand. "Never apologize, Avery. It's alright."

I wiped at my face and said softly, "You get them, too?"

"All the time," He said softly. His blue eyes flicked up to meet mine. "It's just a part of life now."

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked softly, staring at his outstretched hand. I moved my hand into his, and his fingers tightened around mine.

He looked up at me and said, "Maybe another night. I came in here to comfort you, and here you are trying to fix me."

"You were up longer than I was," I say dismissively. "And you do the same thing to everyone else."

"You just want me to talk about it," Steve says with a small laugh, "which I don't think is going to happen tonight. Maybe I'll tell you someday what my nightmares are about."

"You don't even have to tell me at all. Just know I'm here for you," I said and squeezed his hand, and he squeezed mine back.

"And I'm here for you, Avery." He reached up and tucked some hair behind my ear. He dropped his hand, eyebrows furrowing, and released a slow breath, then asked, "Do you want to go for a walk? I find that sometimes walking helps clear your head."

I paused, then nodded. "Yeah, sure." I pulled aside the covers and picked up a sweatshirt from the corner and pulled it on over my t-shirt, slipping my wings through the slits before turning towards him as he led the way out of the room.

I closed my door and slipped my lanyard into my pocket and walked with Steve down the hall. He offered me his hand and I took it without hesitation, not even questioning it.

The base was silent, and where we walked, no agents passed us for their usual guard rotations.

"It's so... quiet," I mumbled. "How'd you figure out the routes the agents take on their rounds?"

"I don't really know," he said. "I couldn't sleep most of the first nights I was here. When I woke up, I woke up to a completely different world. Eventually I figured out where less cameras and less people were and I'd... just walk around."

"I can sort of relate, though certainly not as drastic as seventy years," I said softly, gently squeezing his hand. "I can't imagine what that was like for you. If I can help in any way, please tell me."

He nodded and squeezed my hand back gently, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. "Thanks, Avery. That means a lot. It is strange, sometimes, like I'm missing a huge part of myself- that I left it back in the 40's, if that makes sense."

I nodded. "It does," I stopped walking and he looked at me. "Listen, Steve, I want you to know you don't need to pretend with me, ok? If you're not ok, you don't have to keep up your tough guy and leader of the group facade. It's ok if you're not ok, and I just want you to know it's safe to be vulnerable around me. I know this is kind of strange for me to be saying, but you make me feel safe, and I want to be a source of safety for you, too. If you'll allow it."

He looked at me, and I saw a deep vulnerability shine in his eyes. He went to reply when we heard voices coming down the hall.

I grabbed his arm and pulled him into a closet to the side and closed the door.

The space was small and cramped and I stepped up onto a box so Steve could have room.

His arm circled my waist as he waited and listened to the people talking outside in the hall. Soon, their voices and footsteps faded away and I looked up to meet his eyes to find he was already looking at me.

One of his hands came up to my face, and I remained still as his palm rested against my cheek, his thumb stroking over my cheekbone. I curled one of my arms around him, balling his jacket into my fist.

"I... Avery, no one's ever prioritized me. When I was younger, my dad beat me around, and after that, the other kids. Getting these powers made it so I wasn't pushed around, but... it's strange. I never changed my mentality to protect others."

His other hand where it rested on my back fiddled with the end of my sweatshirt, but I didn't mind as I listened to his every word. I merely reached up to hold onto his wrist as his hand dropped from my face and his fingers slid into mine.

"I had a friend- James Barnes- I called him Bucky. He was always taller and stronger than me. He was brother- my best friend. He defended me. I knew I could count on him. He disappeared a while back. I grew up with my mom. I had to protect her. I... I don't know how to accept your offer because I've always had to be the protector, never being protected myself."

I nodded and reached up to adjust the tassel of his hoodie, his hand moving to my waist. "You're really good at the protecting thing, Steve, it's in your nature. It's what I admire about you."

He laughed slightly. "You admire me?"

I nodded. "I do. Since the day we met in the gym. And every day training and every run we've had since. You would come and get me for our runs at five a.m., and you would make sure to challenge me. I didn't feel like you would judge me, or that you ever were. I felt safe to express myself just as much as I felt physically safe. And I can't exactly say I've had experiences where I have felt safe with a man."

He seemed concerned at that, but before he could say anything, I said,

"My point is this: I want you to feel safe enough with me that you can open up and talk to me about anything and everything. I... gosh this is going to sound so corny, but I care for you, and I want you to feel cared for."

I then lifted my arms up around his neck and pulled him into a hug. He stopped short for a moment, and then his arms slowly wrapped securely around me, the tension in his shoulders beginning to fade as he dropped his head onto my shoulder.

I lifted a hand to the back of his head, gently running my fingers through his hair and his hold on me tightened somewhat. He took in a shuddering breath as he hugged me tighter and I began to rub his back, suddenly feeling concerned as my shoulder felt damp.

His arms moved around my waist and he picked me up. I clung to him tighter, wrapping my legs around his waist, and then he sank to the floor. I now sat in his lap and his shoulders shook as a sob escaped his lips.

"Steve, it's ok, I'm here. I'm here," I whispered, combing my fingers through his hair, and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "I've got you, it's ok, I'm here."

I didn't know how long we sat like that, him holding onto me like a lifeline as I attempted to soothe him.

Eventually, his grip loosened, and slowly, he lifted his head off my shoulder.

I moved my hands to his face and gently brushed away his tears, and then I surprised myself as I pressed a kiss to his forehead.

We locked eyes, and his wonderfully blue eyes shone in the faint light. I didn't say anything, but waited, gently brushing away his tears and moving his hair from his forehead.

His hand came up to my chin, and as he gazed into my eyes, he asked, "Avery?"

"Steve?"

"I care for you, too,"

I smiled. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," he replied as his face began to inch closer to mine. "A lot. A lot more than I thought I'd ever care for someone."

"Well... when you spend every day for nine months with someone, I guess that happens," I said with a small smile.

He seemed to be amused by that, his thumb stroking over my bottom lip. I moved my hands to his chest, my hands gripping his shirt. "I want to do this the right way. I know my mother would be disappointed in me if I didn't take you on a proper date before I kissed you."

I felt my cheeks beginning to burn as I said, "Well, is this you asking me out, Steve Rogers?"

His eyes seemed to see straight through me as he replied, "I am, Avery Grace. And what do you say to that?"

"I say you've got yourself a date. Where and when?"

He smiled, and it met his eyes, his beautifully blue eyes. I lifted a hand to his cheek, wanting to make sure Steve Rogers smiled like this for the rest of his life.

He pressed a kiss to my forehead and my eyes fluttered closed.

******

I woke up to sunlight, and in my bed, but a note scribbled on a piece of paper on the pillow next to mine. I picked it up and unfolded it, reading as a small smile touched my lips.

Dear Avery,

Good (later) morning. You fell back asleep so I brought you back to your room. I hope to see you today, and I would like to meet to discuss that date...

-Steve

A small smile touched my lips and I got up, tossing aside the blankets and changing into a pair of skinny jeans. I looked at myself in the mirror and began to comb through my white locks with my fingers before giving up and getting my brush.

I ended up settling in braiding only the sides back and out of my face, letting the rest fall.

I had a date tonight... maybe I should shower.

My thoughts briefly returned to Max, and how I hadn't heard a thing from him since that day he saw my wings and my scars. I lifted a hand to touch my collarbone and grimaced.

He wasn't my boyfriend- not anymore. Not as far as I was concerned. He left me.

I sighed and turned to my wardrobe and pulled on a tank top with the back cut out, slipping on a leather jacket. I pulled on my sneakers and wandered downstairs, swinging my key card on my lanyard. I made it to the Lab and swiped my card and headed inside to see Bruce and Tony standing over several holograms and monitors.

I stopped in front of them and Bruce smiled at me. I returned the smile, but it felt a little forced as I stared at the weaponry and my mind wandered to that first fight...

Bruce noticed the look on my face and walked around the table and rested a hand on my shoulder. "Avery? Everything ok?"

I nodded. "Y-Yeah," I say. "Just still a little shaky from yesterday still, ya know? Jitters." And maybe last night with Steve...

"Yeah. But you did great," Tony said. "And I for one am really glad to see you standing here today."

"And Clint? Is he ok?" I asked.

"He'll be right as rain. Getting stitched up as we speak. Getting new skin and everything."

"New skin?" I asked and raised an eyebrow.

"Yup. New biotech things," Tony says distractedly, clicking on symbols on the blue hologram and telling Jarvis to do things for him.

"Is that biotech things?" I asked as I walked over to see what he and Tony had been working on. Bruce followed me over. Loki's scepter rested on a stand behind him, tubes and wires stretching out from it. The table was littered with technological blueprints and holograms and tools I didn't understand.

"Kinda. More like the biotech thing to end the need for wars and violence and all that mumbo-jumbo. Maybe even take away the need for the Avengers." He replies. He then stops and points a screwdriver at me and said severely, "This is a new project so don't tell Steve or any of the others. Got that?"

"Locked up and key thrown away," I replied with a smirk, sending him a salute. Tony grinned and looked at Bruce.

"Hopefully she keeps her promise, especially from Steve," he smirked at Bruce and he seemed just as amused.

I scoffed. "And what does that mean?"

Tony smirked at me. "You and Mr. Rogers, or is that not a thing? It can't not be a thing. You two have been making faces at each other and I saw you two holding hands on the Quinjet."

Bruce shrugs. "It's true. And he kept his hand on your shoulder. And he tends to do that a lot- like you're always in contact."

"What does the shoulder touch have to do with anything?" I asked defensively, even as my cheeks began to warm.

"You shrug us off of you. You don't shrug him off," Tony specified and Bruce nodded, pushing his glasses up his nose as he picked up a tablet, smirking at me. "You did it Bruce just now."

My cheeks were suddenly beginning to burn and I said, "Alright, fine. You guessed it. Want a gold star?"

Tony snorted. "Yes, actually. Got any?"

I flipped him off, then mumbled, "We have a date tonight."

Tony perked up at that immediately. "Really? You do? What are you going to wear?"

"I didn't get to pack any dresses when I was abducted," I said dryly, crossing my arms.

"Good thing you have a friend who is a millionaire. What time is the date? Let's go shopping."

"Wait, really?" I asked. "No, Tony, it's fine, you-"

"You are not going on a date in sweats, jeans, or leggings, Avery," a voice said behind me and I spun around to see Maria standing in the Lab with a small smirk and her arms crossed. "Let him take you to get a dress."

"See? Listen to Maria." Tony said with a smirk. I scowled at him.

I looked up as Maria stepped towards me with a tablet. She cleared her throat. "Avery, I heard about what happened in the field yesterday. I wanted to show you this. I'm sorry to dampen your happy mood." She held the tablet out to me and I stepped forward and took it, frowning as I saw videos and files of the man and woman that I had seen yesterday.

"Wanda and Pietro Maximoff. Their apartment building was downed by bombs. They've been fighting in protests since then." I mumbled as I read through their files. "Do we have anything on their parents? Did they have other children? Because he has white hair, and I have the same powers as her," I say, waving my hand and the white tendrils appearing to illustrate my point.

I didn't want to hope we were family, but I also wasn't an idiot like people in those movies that ignore familial resemblances. Besides, it felt so obvious, and the fact that they had a name for me was even more evidence.

"Not much was found on them, but they were experimented on by the same man that ran The Compound we saved you from. Baron Strucker was the man behind the experiments. He believed the twins had powers and wanted to unlock their mutant genes."

I swallowed hard, stumbling back a step and gripping the table, feeling as if a ton of bricks had been dropped on me. "That's who we went after yesterday? And none of you told me?"

"We didn't want to hurt you, and we needed your head level," Maria said, frowning. "I'm sorry."

"Oh, well I guess it's no use yelling about it now. I was seriously that close to him?" I was in denial and clenched my jaw, remembering his hands on me... I squeezed my eyes shut, my arms unconsciously wrapping around my stomach.

He was out there, and now I had a name.

"He's gone now, Avery. He's in jail." Maria says gently.

"He shouldn't be alive," I whispered hoarsely. "He took more from me than you could ever imagine."

I clenched my jaw, turning back to the tablet in my hands, gripping it to keep them from shaking. These twins were only four years younger than I was. Twenty-four and me, twenty-eight. Did we have a bond as siblings before I was taken? Who took me to that orphanage, and why? And more importantly, why are the first six years of my life a blank?

I clenched my jaw and looked over at Tony and Brucd. "I...I need to do some research. I'll be right back. Let's go shopping later."

I left the Lab without another word and went back to my room and leaned against the desk in the room. I released a slow breath and lifted a hand to my forehead. What was happening? I began breathing in deeply and letting out the breaths slowly, keeping the panic under control.

"One step at a time," I murmured out loud. "One problem at a time." I closed my eyes and slowly sank into the chair and dropped my head in my hands. I looked over at the tablet after a moment and ground my teeth, hating what my brain was telling me to do.

I picked it up.