Chapter Text
One of the most alarming developments of the Hydra uprising was the chaos generated in world security. After the infamous S.H.I.E.L.D. Civil War, the agency was labeled a terrorist organization, and its remaining loyal agents were subjected to severe investigation by the U.S. authorities. Meanwhile, continuing its plan for world domination, Hydra raided a secret detainment and storage facility called the Fridge, liberating dangerous inmates, and taking possession of powerful weapons. Suddenly, super-villains activities were reported everywhere.
The Avengers were called to assemble a task force to capture the fugitives and restore order.
Over the next several months, the superheroes fought around the world, disbanding Hydra criminal operations, unmasking connections with other secret organizations, like the old KGB Academy Red Room. Even with the valuable help of James Rhodes, Sam Wilson, and Maria Hill, who was now working for Stark Industries, the Earth's Mightiest Heroes were exhausted, while learning first-hand what Captain America had faced in the past – Hydra seemed unstoppable. 'Cut off one head, two more shall take its place.'
The world was at stake, and all personal matters had to be postponed.
Dragged out on mission after mission, Steve and Natasha didn't have any time to deal with their not yet established relationship. Most of the time working separated, their well-oiled partnership seemed somehow estranged. No matter how much the soldier tried, the spy kept her distance, and he missed her… a lot. More than he could have ever imagined he would. Unbeknownst to him, with a lot of her dark past exposed, the Black Widow was doubting herself as a hero, and more than ever, Natasha Romanoff couldn't deem herself to be worthy of someone like Steve Rogers.
With so many things to worry about at once, the Captain kept his mind focused on the mission ahead of him, working non-stop. In a twist of destiny, after breaking into a Hydra storage facility in London, he was surprised to see the Winter Soldier fighting a giant sleeper robot. Steve had tried to keep track of his best friend's path for a while, and was hoping to have time to look for him again, soon. Without hesitation, Captain America and Bucky fought side-by-side in perfect synchrony, saving each other's lives, and ultimately defeating the almost indestructible killing machine.
Steve was exultant, "We did it, Bucky! Just like the… old days…" but looking around, he didn't see his friend anywhere and sighed disappointed, "Damn it, Buck… you don't have to run… not anymore…"
Engaged in his own search for answers about his lost, tragic past, James Barnes was still drowning in his desire for revenge. Still not sure about who and what he was, he wasn't ready to face his always noble and righteous childhood friend.
Before leaving the installation, the Captain found a note inside a box with old documents, and recognized his friend's calligraphy. 'I'm sorry.' The top file drew his immediate attention, as it was very sensitive and close to Steve's heart – Natalia Alianovna Romanova's KGB file. For the size of it, it had more information than anyone ever imagined. This dossier was too important, and more than a valid reason for Steve to call Natasha.
It was time to go back home.