Falling

Thirty-Five

Over the next month, Emma was beginning to feel like her old self again. Her and Sam had gone on a few dates, and kissed but nothing more than that. He never pushed her further, and she loved him all the more for it.

She had been secretly working on a way to get out of the contract, wanting to be with Sam, and not whoever the goverment wanted for her. She had already received clearance from a psychiatrist, and had been on a few missions already. Though when mentioned in the news, it was always as 'Miss Liberty' and not Captain.

If the others knew the truth, they would get involved and she didn't want them to be. She was terrified of Bucky being taken from her.

Him and Nat had started a relationship, and Emma couldn't help but be happy for them both, the two were definitely suited for each other.

She got along well with the twins and Vision, and absolutely loved Peter. He was so innocent and just so adorable. She loved having him in her lab with her, and helped to create a new suit for him. Though he was still quite young, she wanted him to be safe.

The few times she had picked him up from school, she had laughed, seeing him blush from the attention he was getting, at having Miss Liberty pick up him.

Today, was one of her days off from work and missions, so she spent it in her office, pouring through the contract, trying to find any loophole that she could. She knew she was running out of time, after having hacked into the goverment system, getting into Thaddeus Ross' emails. He had spoken with the other senators, and picked a man for Emma. He would be by the compound soon, and she was terrified, that the others would find out.

'Em, you in here?..'.. She sighed, dropping her head to her hands, hearing Tony on the other side of her door.

'Yeah, I'm here..'.. She called and he opened the door, seeing her look defeated at her desk.

'Hey, what's up? I feel like I've barely seen you this past week..'.. He closed the door behind him and sat in front of her desk.

'Just a situation I'm trying to handle. Everything ok?..'.. She asked, closing her laptop, flopping back in her seat.

'Em, you can talk to me. Any of us, whatever it is, we can help..'.. He sat forward, reaching a hand out for her and she took it.

'I-I..'.. Emma felt tears prickle in her eyes, and she took a breath, telling him everything. She saw the look on his face, seeing him angry... 'Look, I know its not ideal, but at the time, I didn't care and say yes to whatever they wanted. I just wanted Bucky safe, that's all..'

'I'm not angry at you Em. I'm angry at them. They took advantage and used him as a way of controlling you..'.. He gave her hand a squeeze... 'Does anyone else know?..'

'Only Sam. I love him Tony, I think I always have. The day SHIELD fell, and he caught me, it was then. I know it was..'... She shook her head... 'They won't let me and Sam be together. They've already got someone, and have a plan in place. This time next year, I'll be married and retired..'

Tony's heart broke for her, seeing her so defeated... 'Let me look over the contract..'.. He gestures to her laptop.

'Its no use Tony, Ross will be here this afternoon with the guy. He's going to say something in front of the others, I know it. And I know Bucky, he'll be pissed and try to go for him, which will give Ross the motive to lock him up..'.. Thea pushed her laptop to him.