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You stared straight ahead, breathing heavy breaths in and out. Phantom aches filled your body, gathering mainly in your torso, and you had a hand pressed there, your other hand laying over the star in the middle of the shield.
Captain America’s shield.
Steve’s shield.
“I think I might be sick.”
Betty was right there with a big bowl, moving it under your chin.
“It’s okay, sweetie. I’m right here.”
You nodded, feeling your chest tighten a second before you threw up into the bowl. Betty murmured to you as you heaved, her cool hand keeping your hair out of your face. When you nodded, signaling you were done, she moved a damp cloth to your face, wiping your mouth before resting another cool, damp cloth over your eyes. Your hand shook when you lifted it to hold the cloth there, your other hand never leaving the shield.
Betty stood and you listened to her footsteps as she walked the bowl to the sink, garbage disposal turning on for a moment, then back off. Water ran as she washed the bowl, footsteps coming back as she knelt beside you.
“What can I do?”
You shook your head.
“I don’t know. I don’t … Betty.”
She grabbed onto the hand you lifted to her, bringing it to her chest. You gave a sob, shaking your head as tears gathered under the cloth on your eyes. You sat up and the cloth fell to your lap as you stared at your sister.
“Where is he? Where is Steve, Betty? What has Dad done to him?”
Betty shook her head, blinking back tears of her own.
“I don’t know, honey. I’m so sorry.”
You shook your head, picking up the shield and holding it to your chest, sobbing again. You rested your cheek against the cool vibranium, trying to calm yourself down. You took the cloth from your lap and wiped your eyes, looking back to your sister.
“Can you get my phone?”
Betty nodded, standing up and going to your purse, fishing out your phone. You exhaled when you saw the text from Queens, sniffling as you tapped the screen to call.
Your eyebrows drew together when a recording filled the line, saying the number was no longer in service. You looked to your sister and dialed the number again, watching concern fill Betty’s face when you listened to the recording again. You put the phone in your lap and stared at it as she shook her head. You could hear her hair brush against her shoulders before she spoke.
“Is something the matter?”
You swallowed, lifting your eyes back to hers.
“I’m afraid so.”
“What’s going on?”
You shook your head.
“Betty, I … things are about to get really messy. Like— like break our family apart messy.”
“You’re going to go up against Dad?”
You nodded, and she blew out a breath. She reached over and laid a hand on yours, giving your hand a gentle squeeze.
“I’m not going to let him dictate my life anymore. He’s not going to keep me from you. I’m on your side.”
You smiled, looking down at your hands.
“I’m still kinda mad at you.”
“It’s not the first time.”
You gave a quiet laugh, putting the shield aside and going up on your knees, hugging your sister. Betty closed her eyes and hugged you back tightly. You rested your head on her shoulder.
“Think you could call Bruce? Dad might be more inclined to listen if the Hulk’s breathing down his neck.”
Betty laughed, then sighed.
“I don’t know where he is. I haven’t spoken to him since just after your accident when I told him to lay low.”
You sat back from her, looking down at your hands. The ringing of your phone brought you back to the present, and you narrowed your eyes as you saw another New York number. You tapped the screen.
“Hello?”
“Thank God. We’re going to have a long discussion later about you ignoring my calls.”
“I had my reasons.”
“It doesn’t matter now.”
You looked at Betty.
“What’s wrong?”
“The kid’s gone.”
You felt your heart thunder in your chest.
“What do you mean ‘gone?’”
“Just what it sounds like. Apartment’s empty. Signs of a struggle. May called me when she got home from the store. Pete hasn’t been to any of the safe places.”
“Shit. Oh, god.”
Betty laid a hand on your shoulder.
“What is it? What happened?”
You swallowed as you stared into Betty’s blue eyes, holding her gaze while you spoke into the phone.
“Tell me you’ve got some sort of tracker on him.”
“I know we just met, but have a little more faith in me.”
You exhaled forcefully, moving a hand to grip Betty’s hand on your shoulder.
“How soon can you get to D.C.?”
“You think Pete came to you?”
You shook your head.
“I think my dad has him.”
“Fuck.”
“But it’s okay. I’m going to save him, rescue the others, and burn it all down.”
“Hang on. What ‘others?’”
You smiled.
“The Avengers, Tony. I remember. And I’m not going to rest until they’re home and my dad’s wherever he’s kept them.”
The line was quiet for just a moment.
“Give me an hour.”
You smiled again as the call ended, and you set the phone down, looking back to find Betty’s eyes wide.
“Tony?”
You nodded.
“As in Tony Stark?”
You nodded again.
“He’s been working as a mechanic in Queens. The kid who created these comics … I think he’s got some abilities.”
“Avenger abilities?”
You nodded, holding out a hand and Betty helped you to your feet.
“I wouldn’t let him tell me before. But apparently Dad’s kidnapped him.”
“I’m sorry. What now?”
You sighed.
“I don’t know. The kid texted me before everything fell apart at the office and I just thought about it. Tony said he’s missing and there were signs of a struggle in his apartment.”
“You really think Dad’s stooped low enough to take a teenager?”
You met her eyes, then nodded.
“I do. I think he’s scrambling right now.”
Betty swallowed.
“You know how the General gets when he’s backed into a corner.”
You smiled, lips pulling back to show your teeth.
“I’m counting on it.”
You paced around the parking garage while Betty leaned against her car, twisting her hands together. After a moment of quiet, save from the monologue of mumbling under your breath you’d been doing, Betty spoke.
“Do you have any semblance of a plan?”
“You mean besides busting in there and demanding the truth?”
You blew out a breath.
“No. I don’t know what to do, Betty. He’s so condescending.”
“You just got to show him who’s boss.”
You turned around slowly, a smile spreading over your face when you saw the smile beneath the red-tinted glasses. You hurried over into Matt Murdock’s open arms, burying your face in his shoulder. You shook your head, hugging him tightly.
“What are you doing here?”
“I had to come. Tony said you told him you remember.”
You nodded.
“I do.”
“Then I’m not about to sit back and miss out on the rescue mission.”
“Matt.”
You hugged him again, and he kissed your temple before stepping back. You narrowed your eyes as more footsteps were heard, as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts stepped out of the shadows, her hand held tightly in his. Tony shrugged when he saw you.
“I rounded up what cavalry I could.”
You brushed your hand over Matt’s hair, and he chuckled as he set about to fix it. A throat clearing had you glancing behind them, mouth falling open as Hope van Dyne stepped into the light. You shook your head, grounded by the gentle squeeze Matt gave your hand as you spoke to her.
“You wouldn’t answer my calls.”
She hung her head for a moment, speaking softly.
“It was too risky. I listened to every voicemail, and I’m so sorry I couldn’t tell you everything.”
“I don’t understand why you’re involved, though.”
She blinked.
“Scott Lang.”
You glanced to Tony, who shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. You turned back to Hope, who sighed.
“Ant-Man.”
“I’m sorry. What now?”
Hope flicked her eyes to Tony before looking back to you.
“Scott’s using my father’s technology. He can shrink down to the size of an ant, and also communicate with them.”
Tony pursed his lips.
“Sounds like something we could use.”
Hope gave a hard laugh, facing you.
“Your father came and literally ripped Scott away from his daughter. He hadn’t even done anything! He wasn’t associated with the Avengers at all, but Ross still saw him as a threat. Cassie’s miserable without him.”
“Just Cassie?”
You glanced Matt’s way at his soft murmur, saw the way Hope’s cheeks went red. You swallowed, shaking your head.
“I’m sorry. And I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to realize.”
Hope blinked back tears and nodded, and you looked to Tony.
“I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to make him tell us where they are.”
“I’ve got my A.I. working on Pete’s location, but Ross might have scrambled my signal.”
You nodded, glancing to your sister and tilting your head. You could see her mind working, see the wheels in her head turning as she looked at Tony.
“Could your A.I. hack Dad’s computer?”
“That level of government security?”
Pepper rolled her eyes as she smacked Tony’s chest. He lifted a hand to rub there, and Hope stepped forward.
“Actually, that might be something I can help with.”
You stood beside Betty in the elevator, hand clasped tightly in hers. She was watching the floors tick by, with Hope beside her doing the same thing. Tony was behind you, muttering under his breath while Pepper stood beside him, eyes on the doors. Matt had his eyes cast down, a smile creeping over his face as you slid your free hand in his. You leaned to bump your forehead against his, and he smiled and squeezed your hand. Everyone’s head popped up when the elevator dinged, and you swallowed hard.
“Here we go.”
The doors opened and you stepped out with Betty beside you. Matt stuck close to you, Hope falling in behind him, Tony and Pepper rounding out the group. You bypassed the secretary’s empty desk, grabbing the door handles to your dad’s office and pushing them open. The doors bounced off the walls, one of them cracking with the force.
Your father was at his desk, back to the doors. The wall he was staring at was as you’d seen it before, a floor-to-ceiling screen of differing blue tones, a man in the middle of the screen clearly being tortured. Thaddeus scrambled to make the screen disappear, standing to his feet, eyes widening when he saw the crowd behind his daughters.
“What the devil is the meaning of this?”
You pointed at the wall.
“What was that?”
“Nothing that concerns you.”
“The hell it doesn’t.”
Thaddeus’ eyes widened.
“Excuse me?”
“Where’s the kid, Dad? Where is Peter Parker?”
Thaddeus stood just a bit straighter.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, but … I think you do.”
Thaddeus met your eyes, slowly shaking his head.
“What’s going on here, Y/N? What’s with this motley crew?”
“Oh, you know Tony, right? And Pepper. I’m sure you’ve at least heard of Matt Murdock. And Hope.”
Thaddeus swallowed, shaking his head.
“I don’t believe so.”
“You don’t know Hope van Dyne? You don’t take the time to meet the people whose lives you so callously rip apart?”
Pepper looked down at the floor, and Tony squeezed her hand. Thaddeus held your gaze, spine straight. He started to open his mouth, but you shook your head.
“No. I’m not going to let you manipulate me anymore. I’m not your puppet.”
“I never manipulated you, Y/N.”
“What do you call lying to me over and over and over again, twisting the story to fit your narrative?”
You shook your head, clenching your trembling hands into fists.
“It’s over, Dad.”
“What is?”
“This charade you’ve been carrying on.”
Thaddeus looked to Betty, whose cheeks flushed as she looked away.
“What did your sister tell you?”
“Nothing. She did just what you wanted, no matter the cost to her.”
Betty closed her eyes and you stepped in front of her.
“This isn’t about her, Dad. It’s about me and you.”
“Y/N—“
“No.”
You licked your lips.
“Where are they?”
“Who?”
“You know who. The Avengers.”
A muscle in Thaddeus’ cheek ticked and you narrowed your eyes. Thaddeus pursed his lips and shook his head and you closed your eyes. You looked back at Tony who nodded to you. You swallowed and turned back to your father. Thaddeus shook his head.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Cut the bullshit, Ross.”
Thaddeus’ eyes flashed as he looked at Tony.
“Watch yourself, Stark.”
“No, I don’t think I will.”
Thaddeus raised an eyebrow and you stepped forward.
“He doesn’t have to, Dad. Not anymore. Your threats are worthless now.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I remember.”
Thaddeus stared at you, and you held his gaze, even though you wanted to shrink back and look away. Thaddeus narrowed his eyes as you spoke again.
“So I’m going to ask you one more time. Where are they?”
“What is it that you think you remember?”
You clenched your back teeth together, feeing a muscle tic in your jaw. You studied your father, how he was half sitting on the edge of his desk, one foot planted on the ground. He seemed so nonchalant, so … unworried as he tried to gaslight his youngest daughter. You took a step forward, away from the group and the comforting warmth of your sister behind you, Matt on your side.
“I remember the Avengers. All the good they did, and your hatred of them for no reason.”
“It wasn’t for no reason—“
“I remember Tony and Natasha and Clint and Bruce and Thor. I remember Wanda and Sam and Vision and I—“
Your voice caught, but you shook your head and squared your shoulders.
“I remember Steve. I remember how you hated Steve Rogers for reasons I could never understand. I remember the scowl on your face whenever someone mentioned his name.”
You stopped right in front of your father.
“And I remember how much I loved him.”
One of Thaddeus’ eyebrows raised and you tried your best to keep your spine straight.
“I remember how we had to keep it a secret from you, how we had to sneak around and cross state lines just to go on a date. I remember how I felt when he smiled at me, how gentle his big hands could be, how it felt when he held me. I remember everything, Dad. And I cannot comprehend how you could hide that kind of love from me for almost two years. How could you?”
Thaddeus just stared at you, before lifting a shoulder.
“You were better off without him.”
“How can you say that?! You didn’t even know I was with him!”
“And whose fault is that?”
Your eyes widened as Betty stepped forward, moving to stand at your side.
“Yours. The fact that she felt she had to hide the man she loved from you was entirely your fault, Dad.”
“Because she knew I’d never approve. She didn’t deserve to be with someone like Steve Rogers. She deserves more.”
“I don’t want more. I want Steve.”
Thaddeus shook his head.
“I’m afraid I can’t help you with that.”
You went to open your mouth, stopping when you heard a slightly accented voice, coming from a nearly invisible speaker in Tony’s ear.
“Boss, we’ve got it.”
You turned to look over your shoulder, and Tony nodded at you before he spoke.
“Blast it.”
Your eyebrows furrowed, head snapping back to see the wall behind your father’s desk transform into a screen. Through the shades of blue you could make out what looked like a cage, and a man on the floor of the cage, curled into the fetal position as his shoulders heaved with the breaths he took. The image was grainy, but you knew who you were seeing.
“Oh. Oh. Oh, no.”
Tears came to your eyes as you stepped forward, stumbling just a bit as Betty grabbed hold of you. You gripped her hand tightly, your other hand moving to grip the sweater she was wearing, turning your body towards her, but your head focused on the wall.
“Oh, god. Oh god, Bet—“
She shushed you softly, tears filling her own eyes. You heard Tony murmuring behind you, heard Matt’s sharp inhale, the sound of Pepper covering her mouth and Hope lifting a hand to her eyes. You pushed Betty away as gently as you could, moving to the wall and lifting a shaking hand towards the image.
“Steve. Oh, god.”
You hung your head as a sob escaped your lips, turning back to face your father.
“What have you done to him? Have you … have you been torturing him?”
Thaddeus lifted his head to meet your eyes, his gaze like steel.
“I haven’t done one thing he hasn’t deserved.”
You started shaking, doing your best to tamp down the fury rising in your spine. You wiped the tears from your cheeks, staring at Tony. He held your eyes, staring back at you until the voice echoed in his earpiece.
“I’ve got the coordinates, Boss.”
Relief flooded your chest as you let out the breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. You sniffled, walking back to the group and taking the hand Matt offered you. You turned back to your father, shaking your head.
“I’ve put up with a lot from you over the years. Always putting the job first, ahead of your family, no matter the cost. I knew you, or at least I thought I did, and I made excuses for you.”
You looked to Betty, meeting her eyes before looking back to your father.
“But I will never forgive you for this.”
You held tight to Matt’s hand, the two of you turning to leave. Tony and Pepper were right behind you, Betty and Hope rounding out the group. Thaddeus stood up, shaking his head.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
You didn’t answer, closing your eyes when Matt gave your hand a squeeze. Thaddeus’ voice grew increasingly louder.
“What, you think you’re going to free them? They’ve been tried in court, Y/N. They’re guilty!”
Betty whipped around at that, and you stopped when you heard her voice.
“They were found guilty of killing Y/N! Charges you knew were bogus when you set up that farce!”
Hope murmured to Betty as she stepped up behind her, gently rubbing her shoulders. Betty shook her head and you went to her, laying a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s okay, honey. We’re going to make it okay.”
“And just what do you think you’re going to do?”
You looked to Thaddeus, stare going cold.
“Wait and see.”
He shook his head, taking a step forward as you gave Betty a gentle push, the two of you walking away. Thaddeus began to yell, words you couldn’t make out as you grabbed Matt’s hand and all but ran from the room. Tony, Pepper, and Hope followed quickly behind, the group not stopping until they had reached the parking garage.
Matt wrapped his arms around you, holding you steady as your knees gave out. He murmured in your ear, kissing your temple.
“You were so brave.”
“What if he comes after us?”
“Let him.”
You looked over Matt’s shoulder to Tony, who gave you a nod.
“We need to make a little road trip before our big trip.”
You blinked as you stepped out of the car and took in the gigantic compound before you. You swallowed as you walked across the grass, one eyebrow raising when you saw an odd symbol burned into the grass. You met Tony’s eyes and he gave you a smile.
“Thor. The man has no respect for lawn maintenance.”
You managed a smile, following him and Pepper through the door. You glanced back to see Matt and Betty talking under a tree, a soft smile on both their faces.
“Huh.”
You glanced to see Hope beside you, lifting a shoulder as she smiled. You shook your head, walking through the door into the Avengers compound. You followed Hope to the elevators, the two of you riding to the floor that held the apartments.
“I dropped by earlier and left my stuff. I’ll change into my gear and we’ll head towards the jet.”
“Jet?”
Hope nodded, turning to you as the elevator stopped.
“Oh, this is your first mission, isn’t it?”
You nodded as the realization started to hit you. The elevator dinged as the doors opened and Hope took your hand, leading you off the elevator.
“Don’t worry. Don’t get all in your head.”
“How am I not supposed to do that?”
“I know it isn’t easy, but this isn’t a regular mission. We won’t have to fight anyone. This is a rescue.”
You slowly nodded and Hope gave your hand a squeeze before she let it go.
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”
You sank down onto the couch as your mind began to swirl. You lifted a hand to your lips, standing up and making your way down a hall. Doors lined either side, and you walked down to the end of the hall, the last door on the right. Your hand lifted to rest against the door, and you gently turned the knob. The door opened and you walked into the room, mouth opening as you took in the modest living area. The sofa was brown leather, matching the chair across the blue rug. You didn’t see a television, but there was a record player under the window. You shook your head, walking across the room and opening a door, grasping it tightly as you studied the bed against the wall. It was made, unslept in for the past year, but deep in your heart you knew it had been vacant longer. You stumbled to the closet, pushing it open and giving a choked breath when you saw the clothes hanging there, the dark blue suit in the back with the star on the chest. You grabbed a white shirt off a hanger, yanking the shirt you were wearing over your head and pulling the white shirt on.
You sank to the floor, sitting on your knees before you leaned forward, placing your fists on the carpet and resting your head on your hands.
“Y/N? Are you in—oh, honey.”
Your shoulders were shaking as you silently cried. Pepper knelt beside you, gentle hands rubbing your back.
“Come on, now. Sit up, honey.”
You did, straightening your legs, leaning into her. She wrapped an arm around your shoulders, resting her head on yours.
“I know it’s a lot.”
“If I had remembered earlier—“
“No, you can’t do that.”
You sobbed as she gently rubbed your shoulder.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t have all the information. No one is holding anything against you.”
“They’ve been imprisoned for two years, Pepper. For a crime they didn’t even commit. Why wouldn’t they hate me? Why wouldn’t Steve?”
You put your face in your hands again and Pepper moved to sit beside you, facing you. You shook your head and lowered your hands, meeting her eyes.
“What if he hates me?”
Pepper’s smile was easy and soft.
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
“What my dad’s done to him …”
You shook your head and she laid a hand on yours. You lifted your eyes and saw her serious face.
“That wasn’t you. None of this is your fault. Your father is the one to blame, honey. Not you.”
You nodded, both of you understanding that you didn’t believe her. You met her eyes again.
“I just need to get him out of there.”
“Then let’s go. Tony should have the jet ready by now.”
You took the hand she offered and stood up, taking hold of the shirt you were wearing and lifting it to your nose. You closed your eyes, trying to get even the slightest smell of Steve, but it was no use. You sighed, following behind Pepper.
You saw Betty’s furrowed brows as you followed Pepper onto the jet. She didn’t ask, and you didn’t say anything; instead you went and sat beside Matt Murdock.
“Don’t worry, Y/N.”
“What makes you think I’m worried?”
“I can sense it.”
You smiled, sighing as you buckled yourself in.
“It’s becoming real now. We’re really going to find the Avengers. We’re going to find them and tell them that they’ve been stuck wherever they are for almost two years for no reason.”
“And then they’ll sue the general and he’ll go to prison and we’ll all live happily ever after.”
You snorted.
“You don’t know my dad very well.”
“And you don’t have any faith in me as a lawyer.”
You leaned over, resting your head on his shoulder. Matt smiled, reaching over and taking your hand.
“What am I going to do, Matt?”
He was quiet for a moment, and you closed your eyes. You kept them closed as his voice surrounded you, bringing tears to your eyes.
“You’re going to make things right. You’re going to find these people, these heroes, and let them get back to doing what they do best. You’re going to go and find the man you love, Y/N, and you’re going to get to bring him home.”
You gave a quiet sob, shaking your head as you lifted it from Matt’s shoulder. He had his head ducked, eyes trained on the ground, hand holding tightly to yours.
“You’re a good man, Matt Murdock.”
Matt smiled as you laid a hand on his cheek, gently pulling him closer and laying your lips on his other cheek.
“I’m sorry we didn’t work out.”
“I’m just so happy you’re getting a second chance.”
Tears welled up in your eyes and you nodded. Matt smiled at you, lifting a hand to brush a tear from your cheek. You gave a quiet laugh, closing your eyes as you settled back against the seat. Matt did the same beside you, the two of you continuing to hold hands as the jet powered up, then took off.
“F.R.I.D.A.Y., you sure about this?”
“These are the coordinates, boss.”
You blinked open your eyes and glanced towards the front of the jet. Tony was in the pilot’s seat, shaking his head and muttering to himself. You unbuckled yourself and stood up, laying your hands against the nearest surfaces as you made your way to the front of the jet.
“What’s going on?”
Tony shook his head, looking from screen to screen.
“It doesn’t make sense. F.R.I.D.A.Y. has the coordinates, but there’s nothing there. It’s water.”
“Who’s F.R.I.D.A.Y.?”
Tony glanced up at you before looking back to the screens.
“My A.I.”
“So does F.R.I.D.A.Y. stand for something or…?”
“Eh, she’s more like my girl Friday. My go-to.”
You nodded, peering out the front of the jet.
“Where are we?”
“Somewhere over the Atlantic.”
“Could your A.I. have gotten it wrong?”
“Don’t insult me or my girl like that.”
You smiled when you saw the smile on Tony’s face. You shook your head, going still and straightening when you looked into the water.
“What is that?”
“What?”
“That.”
You pointed and Tony slowly stood. You heard footsteps behind you, intrinsically knowing your sister was on your left, Hope on your right.
“Is that … a building?”
You shook your head at Hope’s question, keeping your eyes on … whatever was in the water.
“It can’t be. It’s in the middle of the ocean.”
“It looks like a building, but it … is it floating?”
“Like a raft.”
You glanced back at Betty, who met your eyes before she looked back at the water. Tony shrugged his shoulders.
“Whatever it is, it’s at the coordinates F.R.I.D.A.Y. found. Buckle up while I land this thing.”
Hope and Betty went back to their seats, buckling in. You kept your eyes trained at the raft, shaking your head.
“Is this where he’s been holding them?”
Tony didn’t answer you. After a moment of silence, he gently spoke.
“Y/N, go sit down. Buckle up.”
You swallowed, going back to sit beside Matt. You buckled yourself in, shaking your head.
“There’s something in the water. It looks like a building, but it’s in the middle of the ocean. How …”
You shook your head again, swallowing back the bile you felt at the back of your throat. Matt reached over, patting your knee.
“It’s going to be okay, Y/N.”
You gave a humorless laugh.
“Glad you think so.”
“Getting all up in your head like this isn’t going to help any.”
“Matt, they’ve been trapped in the middle of the freaking ocean for two years.”
“And none of that is your fault. Stop blaming yourself.”
You closed your eyes, sucking in a breath as you felt the jet descend. You grabbed hold of Matt’s hand and he gave yours a reassuring squeeze. After a moment, the jet came to a standstill. You looked over to Matt, whose eyebrows rose behind his glasses. You glanced up at the sound of footsteps, and Tony was standing before you. You and Matt unbuckled, and you took Matt’s hand as you followed Tony to the back of the jet. The door raised, and you walked to stand beside Tony, looking out over the waves crashing against the raft. Pepper came to stand on Tony’s other side, Matt at yours. Betty and Hope rounded out the group behind you and you swallowed.
“Here we go.”