STEVE WALKED into his and Lana's shared room at Clint's. Everyone had chosen someone to sleep with and Lana had stayed quiet until only Steve was left. This resulted in them getting paired together, which they wanted in the first place.

When Natasha asked Lana why they didn't go together Lana told her it was because she snored. Which wasn't a lie. Lana sat cross-legged on the bed as she stared off into space. Steve quietly closed the door.

"You're not all right."

"I'm fine."

"Don't lie to me Svet," he said. He approached the bed and stood in front of her. She gazed up at him and contemplated whether she should tell him.

"Is that a new nickname?"

"Yes. Don't divert the question."

She bit her nail before she spoke quietly, "I killed you all. Dreykov made me, mind-controlled me. He was so proud. And then I remember liking it too. I liked killing my team, my sister, you. What kind of person likes killing the people they care about?"

The room was silent for a moment before she inhaled deeply, "Whatever. It doesn't matter. It didn't happen, I should get over it," she clambered up and entered the bathroom. Steve followed and lead against the doorway. She had never fully opened up about what Dreykov had done to get her to talk. She had never told anyone.

He watched as she stood in front of the mirror and took a deep breath as she stared at herself, "It scared you," she stayed silent, "It shouldn't. It wasn't you-"

"But it was," she cut him off, "I hate being out of control and I feel like I am. I hate that a stupid vision scared me so much because it shouldn't."

Her mind was fragile. It had been toyed with endlessly and sometimes she didn't know if what she was doing was out of her own free will or if it was someone else's doing.

"It's ok to be scared," Steve replied softly. He walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist and looked at her through the mirror, "We all get scared sometimes." She leant back into him. He placed a kiss on her temple and whispered in her ear, "You're in control."

She turned around in his arms and placed a delicate kiss on his lips, "I hate that you're so good at pep talks."

"It's kinda what I do," he shrugged, "Now get changed we have to go." They separated and Lana turned on the shower.

Steve leaned down and kissed her lips. Lana hummed, "We can't do this."

"Why not?" Steve whined.

"One this house has children. Two, our co-workers are downstairs. And as you just said, we have to go," Lana replied in between kisses. Steve's lips travelled down her neck. Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment enjoying as he nipped at her neck, "Steven. There are children in this house."

Steve stopped and looked down at her, "Way to ruin my fun."

"I don't think Lila and Cooper are old enough to hear that just yet. But if they weren't here, maybe. Just... maybe," Lana narrowed her eyes playfully. Steve stepped back and she removed her clothes, "Are you coming?"

He looked confused for a moment before a smirk etched onto his face, "No funny business," Lana warned.

➴

After they had cleaned up the couple went back downstairs, fully dressed in their suits. Lana turned on the power dampening cuffs and winced. They hurt more than usual, it was giving off a sting. She ignored it as Steve picked up his shield.

"I'll take, Lana, Natasha and Clint."

"All right. Strictly recon. I'll join you as soon as I can," Tony replied.

"If Ultron's really building a body..." Steve trailed.

"He'll be more powerful than any of us," Lana finished.

"Maybe even all of us," Tony added, "An android designed by a robot."

"You know, I really miss the days when the weirdest thing science ever created was me," Steve chuckled.

Fury walked by them, "I'll drop Banner off at the tower. You mind if I borrow Ms Hill?"

"She's all yours. Apparently," Tony shrugged. Lana stifled a laugh as Fury sent him a glare, "What are you gonna do?"

"I don't know. Something dramatic I hope," Fury smirked.

The team piled into the jet and took off.