They gathered in the main room without speaking about it.
No one said let's sit down and talk. They just... did.
Frankie leaned against the far wall, arms crossed again. Bob sat at the edge of the table, hoodie sleeves tugged over his hands. Yelena lounged across two chairs like a cat. Bucky stood, quiet and steady. Ava, Alexei, and John took the rest of the space with varying levels of tension and curiosity.
It was John who finally asked the question.
"Why'd you help us?"
Frankie didn't answer right away.
No sarcasm. No sharp jab.
Just... quiet.
Everyone waited.
Even Yelena didn't poke.
Finally, Frankie exhaled.
"Because I know what it's like to be Val's scapegoat."
She didn't look at them when she said it.
"I know what it's like to get sent into buildings without knowing if you're going to make it out."
Her voice was steady. But low.
"I know what it feels like to be considered useful instead of human. And I know what happens when you start believing that too."
No one interrupted.
Bob watched her like she was explaining something sacred.
Frankie glanced at him. Then back at the room.
"Val doesn't know I'm alive. I'd like to keep it that way, if possible."
"I know I can't hide forever." A beat. "But I'd rather not be anywhere near her when that time comes."
The room stayed still.
Yelena, for once, didn't smile.
Ava nodded.
Alexei looked like he wanted to hug her and thought better of it.
John just said, "Well... damn."
Frankie looked down, her voice quiet.
"You all reminded me what it feels like to choose the fight. Not be thrown into it."
She looked back up.
"So yeah. I helped."
"Don't make me regret it."
YOU ARE READING
Code Name: Untraceable
FanfictionShe's not on the roster. She's not in the system. She's not even supposed to be alive. Every mission the Thunderbolts run, she's there-appearing out of nowhere, tearing through enemies like a storm, then vanishing without a trace. One time? Coincide...
