Project Insight was to be unveiled in a few weeks, when an assassin suddenly shot Fury. It took a toll from everyone, reminding them of their losses: Coulson, Pietro, Bruce, even Loki. Hill took his body away, and left them with the bullet. Nat immediately recognized it. Armor-piercing. Custom-made. Engraved. A bloody greeting from the phantom that had claimed so many lives. Tony left that meeting early. He didn't speak to anyone, not even Steve. They had heard of the Winter Soldier before. Talked about his victims. It wasn't long until they figured out, that he was the one behind the death of Tony's parents. Steve pondered his thoughts. Of all the people that Project Insight was supposed to spot, the Winter Soldier seemed the most elusive. The one Tony put the most effort in to identify. And now this.
Then Peggy died, and Steve was devastated. Of course he'd seen it coming, but still... The last link to his past. Just snuffed out. Tony accompanied him to the funeral. They all wanted to in fact, but with the S.H.I.E.L.D. leader gone, the most important projects on hold and the Avengers weakened, they kept back at HQ to figure out the mess. Vision and Wanda tried to contact Thor with help of Dr. Selvig and Jane. Rhodey returned from active duty to help out. Even Clint offered to come back once more, to 'avenge' their late boss and good friend. Steve was too grief-stricken to comprehend any of it. Tony held his hand. Listened and kept quiet, while Sharon was making her speech. He had even shut off his phone. It wasn't until afterwards, that they learned, that this was the one day an interrupting phone call would have been welcome.
🌟
When they stepped out of the church, Steve's eyes were red, and a bit swollen, while the rest of his skin looked unusually pale. Though that could just be the suit. Tony noticed that his hands were cold too. For the first time ever, if he remembered correctly. They did get the odd eye from a few older churchgoers, and he had to restrain himself from giving his sweetheart a kiss, just to piss off the pastor, but Tony got that this wasn't about him. Or them. This was about Peggy, and he wanted Steve to be able to say his goodbyes in peace. They both gave their condolences to the family, and Cap stood by the grave for a few minutes, praying in silence, before they left the cemetery. Meanwhile, Natasha and Scott had found a trace, a signature, within the data streams in S.H.I.E.L.D. concerning Fury. Something was wrong. Very wrong. And it seemed to be connected to Tony too. They did try to warn them. But... well, him and Steve got the message soon anyways.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Steve took out the keys to the hummer, looking back at the graveyard once more. Tony asked with compassion: "Are you sure you wanna drive? I can take you home, no problem.“ Putting on a brave face, Steve assured him: "Nah, it's alright. It'll take my mind of things...“ Looking him in the eyes, Tony replied: "You do know, you don't have to take it off! You don't always have to be strong, it's okay to mourn a friend. Men are allowed to cry. You told me that once, remember?“ Tired, Steve gave back: "I know. I just feel like I've done enough crying for a while. When we're back home, I'll probably start right up again.“ Tony gave him a little peck, rubbed over his cheek and flirted: "Well, suit yourself. But I'm here for you, baby, just so you know!“ Steve snickered: "Baby? That's a new one! I always thought you were the immature one?“ Tony gave him a light tap on his rear, smirking: "Yeah, but you're... the cute one!“ He barely managed not to say 'the forever young one', thinking it would only hurt him in this context.
They both got in the car. And not a second too soon. Suddenly there was rapid gunfire, the S.U.V. bowed to Steve's side from the deflating tires, the windshield shattered into million pieces, and Cap threw himself over Tony, pressing him down into the floor room to protect him, screaming: "Are you alright?“ "Yes, yes, are you? What the hell is happening?“, Tony yelled back. Steve opened the door of the passenger seat and pushed him out, instructing: "Don't know, seek cover, get under the car!“, while trying to crawl out. In the distance, Sharon came running towards them. Tony was looking under the hummer, something clunked, and his face flushed. He got right up, ignoring the noise from the bullets, instead started pulling Steve out of the vehicle, stating: "Don't think that's a good idea! Run!“ He took his hand, they ran, and then an explosion from the hummer send them flying forward.
🌟