Connections

35: A New Path

"Are you going to go look for him." Tony asked finally. I stopped moving the tags and clutched to them tightly. I had been back and forth on it. However, now with Tony here I think I found my answer.

"Considering I'm currently out of a job, I've got nothing else to do." I said quietly. "I just don't know where to start...or how."

Tony took a deep breath nodding his head. "Okay. Come with me." he said quickly. He stood up and began walking to the elevator. He pressed the button and paused as he looked at me confused, "Are you coming or not?"

I nodded. I wasn't sure what I was saying yet to, however might as well follow. He smiled at me as he put on his sunglasses. I just looked at him confused as I walked into the elevator. I just continued to stare at him as he just looked pleased with himself. The elevator doors finally closed.

Tony drove us for almost 20 minutes before pulling up on a large building. I leaned forward, looking up at the tall windows sitting at the front of the building. My mouth fell open as I noticed a large "A" plastered at the front.

"Welcome to the Avengers compound." Tony said simply. He parked the car. I quickly got out and stared up. This was wild. Amazing. Probably one of the coolest things Tony has built. Tony walked up beside me looking up at it as well.

"Its currently just the one building. Hoping to expand later down the road." He said, sounding proud "But for now. You can stay here. Use any tech you need." He shifted into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He flipped through some cards before landing on a black one. I looked over as he handed it to me.

"No Tony I cant." I shook my head.

"Take it." He said, "Think of it as the Avengers budget card."

I let out a slight sigh.

"If you don't I'll just wire money to your account." He said simply. I scoffed and rolled my eyes. I took the card into my hand. I looked back up at the building.

"You can even bring Grandpa and your friend in the bird costume." Tony smirked. I took in a sharp breath as a smile fell on my face. I looked over at Tony. I smiled brightly at him.

"Tony, thank you." I said. He nodded to me as he continued to look up at the building. I could tell this was one of his new prized possessions.

"Look..." He finally spoke and turned to me. His eyes peaking from under his sunglasses, "I'm not a big fan of you chasing after your over 100 year old boyfriend. However, Barnes did save you from the Hydra. So I'll give him that..."

I chuckled a bit. I nodded my head as Tony moved to stand in front of me. He placed a hand onto my unbroken shoulder, "Just be careful." He finished.

"I will." I replied back.

He gave me that tight lipped grin. "Okay let me give you the tour." He began to guide me into the compound, excitedly explaining all the features.

A few days passed as Steve finally was released from the hospital. I explained everything to Steve, and told him about my plans for finding Bucky. Sam, Steve and I settled into our rooms in the compound. Fury has sent me one last call to meet up with him at his grave site. Was adamant I brought Steve and Sam. We three stood there, Sam joining in on Steve and I's disguise. Consisting of a hat and sunglasses.

I stood down at Fury's grave. Realizing how funny it was that Shield was gone. It was my home for a while. It was where I grew up. My parents were Shield agents. Shield was basically in my blood. But so was Hydra. Now both are scattered everywhere.

Fury walked up behind us. His face covered by sunglasses. Not donning his usual eyepatch. I couldn't help but chuckle seeing him in a hoodie and jeans. Instead of his usual black outfit. Steve and Fury talked a bit before Fury turned to the three of us.

"We've been data-mining Hydra's files. Looks like a lot of rats didn't go down with the ship." Fury began to explain. It made sense. Hydra would be scrambling to find a new head, "I'm headed to Europe tonight, wanted to ask if you'd come."

Steve shook his head and smiled, "There's something I got to do first."

Fury turned to Sam, "How about you, Wilson?"

"I'm more of a soldier then a spy." Sam answered. Fury nodded before finally turning to me. I chuckled knowing he was going to leave me for last.

"Black...Still got some Hydra fight in you?"

I shook my head and looked over at his gravestone, "My entire history between Shield and Hydra is out there. I think it's best I stay out of any fighting for a while."

Fury let out a small chuckle before patting be on the back. Fury began to walk away from us, "If anybody asks for me, tell them they can find me right here." He pointed to his gravestone. I smiled and waved him off as he disappeared out of the cemetery.

"You should be honored." I heard a familiar sweet voice speak beside us, "That's about as close as he gets to sayin thank you."

Natasha walked over to us. I smiled at her as she looked over at my injuries. Everyone gave the me the same face. She sucked in a breath as her face looked kind of concerned. I quickly changed to subject before she could ask.

"What your plan now?" I asked her. She gave me a small smile, shoving her hands into her pockets.

"I blew all my covers." She answered, "I gotta go figure out a new one."

"That may take a while." Steve replied.

"I'm counting on it." She smiled. I chuckled a bit and looked down at the ground. I guess this was going to be the last time I see Natasha for a while. She shifted her hand into her coat and pulled out a dark colored file. She handed it to Steve, as we both looked down at it.

The words "File number 17" were written in Russian on the front of it. I took a deep breath.

"I called in a few favors from Kiev." She said simply. Steve opened the file. The first thing that could be seen was a picture of him in the cryochamber. Followed by a couple of other papers and pictures of Bucky. I took a deep breath and nodded at Natasha. With this and what I knew, hopefully we could narrow down the search.

"Do me a favor." Natasha spoke breaking the silence, "Call that nurse."

I chuckled a bit knowing who she was referencing.

"She not a nurse." Steve answered back.

"And you're not a shield agent." I said. I nudged his arm as he looked over at me. I could see the thoughts running through his head. Before Natasha could make it to her car Steve spoke out.

"What was her name again?" He asked.

"Sharon!" Natasha yelled before getting into her car. I watched as she drove off. Sam walked up behind us as Steve looked down at the file. His grip on it tightened.

"You both going after him?" Sam asked. Both Steve and I nodded.

"You don't have to come with us." Steve answered.

Sam nodded to himself, looking out ahead, "I know." He said simply. He turned to the two of us. I could see the serious look on his face, "When do we start?"

I let out a small smile, looking out ahead of us. I reached up and clutched tightly to Bucky's dog tags. I took a deep breath knowing this was going to be a tough search. However, this was our relationship. Right person but something getting in the way. I was determined this time would be the last time.