I needed air, and unfortunately I couldn't go outside the building because the paparazzi were still there, documenting everyone leaving and asking questions and taking photos. I preferred a quieter life so I made my way up a staircase and towards the roof of this huge building. An old building like this had to have roof access. I'm also pretty sure Tony mentioned a helipad at one point during this night so surely I'd find access at some point. I just had to keep going up. There was a sign that read 'restricted access' I quickly passed it and saw a fire escape door. Grabbing my hacking device which I had strapped to my thigh I allowed it to scan and deactivate the alarm system, ensuring that when I opened the door the fire alarm wouldn't go off. Off course the door opened with ease and not a sound was heard.

The night sky looked beautiful, it must've been around 9 now and the sun was setting on the horizon. I could watch a sunset forever, something about the colours in the sky put me in a trance, there was only a few things that could make this better, a good book, food and some red wine. I took no time in slipping the heels off my feet and holding them in my hand before walking to the edge of the building which had a lip, probably to ensure the wind didn't blow anyone down. Thankfully there was only a slight breeze so I hopped up on the ledge and looked down at the streets below. The gentle hum of traffic filled my ears and I held my arms out, allowing the breeze to flow around me, the bliss I felt was amazing. Maybe I should've tried to get a flying lesson with Sam, I reckon it would be brilliant.

My arms fell down by my sides as I opened my eyes. I began to hum a tune as I walked along the edge of the roof, taking in the full surroundings before taking a seat and letting my legs and dress dangle over the edge of the roof. How could anyone worry about anything when views like this existed? That's the thing I loved about nature, I could have a million problems or worries clouding my mind but when I'm alone and in front of something that looks like it's been painted by Van Gogh himself, it was very hard not to relax and let the breeze carry all of my worries away with it.

"Oh, you're here" I heard from behind me and I came out of my trance, my head shooting behind me to see none other than Bucky stood in front of me.

"I'd offer to leave but considering I don't want to you can either go or take a seat and zip it" I sassed as I looked back on the sky, the sun now almost fully set. I was partially shocked when Bucky sat beside me, part of me wanted to move a little further away from him though, with how he'd been and the lip I've given him I wouldn't be surprised if he pushed me off the roof. I could feel Bucky staring at me, shifting slightly in my place I tried to shake it off but when I couldn't I turned to confront him. "What?"

"Nothing. You just erm... Don't look as stressed up here" he explained as he turned his head away from me, I continued to look at him.

"Social gatherings aren't my thing. I prefer to be alone, there's nothing more therapeutic than sitting on the edge of a roof and watching the sun set." I admitted as I turned to face the sky once more. "What're you doing up here?" I asked, even if he was a dick I could still try to be nice.

"I don't really like social situations either. The lights give me a headache" he told me,

"There's a pressure point on your hand, you can press your thumb here" I showed him, "your index finger here and press for about 30 seconds and it helps relieve the headache" I watched Bucky hold his own hand like I showed him before he let go.

"Thanks" he mumbled as my eyebrows raised,

"Did you just use manners?" I joked as he scoffed before silence fell over us both. The sun had now completely set and it was dark out. A shiver ran along my back now as the temperature started to drop.

"Would you erm... Like my jacket?" Bucky asked as I looked over to him,

"No thanks, I'm going to head back inside now anyway" I explained as I began to get up and put my heels back on.

"Try and be nice and it's thrown in my face... Any woman would be on their knees if I offered them my jacket" he mutters as I scoff,

"What? Because I won't bow down to you and accept your jacket I'm a bitch? Sorry to burst your bubble and your ego which is the size of mount everest but as much as I also dislike socialising I do have to go downstairs and see my cousin and arrange a date with Steven fucking Rogers."

"Like he'd want to date you" Bucky spat as he stood up to face me.

"You know you don't have to be a dick Bucky" I growled, "But your best friend paid to go on a date with me. How about you take your stupid metal arm and shove it up your arse! Then maybe you won't be as uptight!" I shouted as I walked towards the door to leave.

"Well I'll still be getting more action than you!" I flipped him the bird before exiting the roof. What was his fucking problem? I don't even know him and he's horrible? Granted I was horrible back, but he started it! I wasted no time at all in walking straight up to the bar where Tony was throwing down shots with Nat.

"What's up kiddo?" she asked as I grabbed a shot from the side and threw it down my mouth. "I see... HEY BARTENDER CAN WE GET ANOTHER ROUND OF SHOTS IN?" she shouted as she looked at me. Nat knew when to not ask questions and I was thankful for that.

"Before we go ahead and get absolutely smashed. Something that I am extremely excited to watch you do by the way, I want to apologise for auctioning you off" Tony smiled at me as I shrugged at him whilst he threw me a weird look.

"I'm over it. Plus I'm currently selling one of your suits on ebay anyway. Highest bid so far is at $20,000 so we're even" I joked as he rolled his eyes at me and grabbed a shot from the man at the bar before passing it to me.

"To a beautiful friendship, may this prank war continue for a good while until you eventually give up and admit that I am superior" he toasted, grabbing himself and Nat a shot.

"To the prank war and you losing and having to admit to the world that I am in fact so much better than you whilst dressed in an outfit of my choosing" I toasted as I flung the shot down my neck, "Now old man. Lets see what your dance moves are like!" I exclaimed as I grabbed Nat and Tony, pulling them both to the dance floor where the rest of the group was, minus Bucky.

"There she is!" Clint slurred as everyone cheered whilst we came over.

"Woman of the hour! Your date sold higher than anyone else!" Thor exclaimed as I smiled at him. The lights had been dimmed and there were multiple disco lights flashing around, this place never came with a flashing light warning, what if I had a fit? Tut tut Tinny Boy.

"Hey I mean at least it isn't some weirdo taking her on a date right? Just a 90 year old man" Rhodey chuckled as we all danced. Nat kept me in close range most of the night but I couldn't help but notice that her and Bruce had peeled off from the group to get a drink together.

"Relax, he's a good guy" I heard from behind me as I saw Steve stood there,

"Oh it's not her I'm worried about" I joked as he chuckled slightly,

"Where'd you disappear off to earlier?" Loki asked as I raised my eyebrows at him, was I going to tell the God of Mischief where I was? Absolutely not.

"I just went to the ladies room. Needed to powder my nose" before I could comprehend what Loki was saying my hand was grabbed and I was pulled away from the group and towards the bar. I looked to see a metal hand clamped over my arm as I yanked it away from him.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing Barnes?" I spat as he turned around to look at me,

"He's trouble and I wanted a drink, thought you might want to come with me" I scoffed and shook my head at him.

"You're unbelievable!" I shouted over the music, "First of all it is not your concern who I talk to, especially when you've been rude to me since meeting me. Second of all you ask if someone wants a drink, you don't man handle a woman! Other girls may just drop to your feet and drool over your every move but I'm Arielle fucking Romanoff and I don't just drop my hat at the sight of you. Finally, I do want a drink but I'm going on my own because I'd rather jump into hungry shark infested waters with the guts of fish spread all over me without a cage than be with you" I growled as I stormed off to the bar. What was his problem?

***

My eyes fluttered open and immediately regretted it, the light shone through the window and my head began to ache. I slowly sat up, keeping my head in my hands, this is why I don't drink often, because when I do it's go hard or go home right? I looked around the room and saw my dress hung up on a hanger, holy shit where am I? I was dressed in a pair of grey sweatpants and an oversized white top. The room was silent and I threw the covers off me, getting up and peeping through the open arch to see a bathroom. There were no other belongings here and no other signs of life. What in the world was going on? I walked over to the window and couldn't see a thing, the glass was frosted. This couldn't be good. I hardly remembered anything from last night, I looked around where my dress was hung, heels neatly placed on the floor below it and no sign of my hacker. SHIT.

I know I don't drink a lot but I wouldn't have gone home with some randomer, plus even if I had, where were their stuff? I sneaked over to the other door in the room, carefully opening it to see a large hallway, I popped my head out and looked left and right, nothing. I left the room, shutting the door behind me and not even bothering about the dress, I'd never wear it again so these kidnappers could keep it, plus it was Nats anyway. Wait, who had changed me out of the dress? I hugged to the wall as I stalked down the corridor, checking there was no one behind the corner I quickly made for an escape. As I approached the next corner my ears pricked up. Footsteps, probably around 15 metres away. Male. Size 10. I waited by the corner as the footsteps came closer towards me, just as the person was about to turn the corner I swung my leg up hitting said person in the face. They dropped to the ground, let out a grunt and I ran out, placing my foot on the- Barnes?

"What the fuck was that for?" he shouted as his nose began to bleed. I'd love to say I felt bad about it but I had to fight back a smile.

"Where the fuck am I?" I demanded to know as I lifted my foot from his chest, as if by magic Natasha and Wanda appeared.

"What happened?" she asked as I looked at her, worry in my eyes. "SAMUEL!" she shouted as he came running around the corner, "Did you leave my cousin, a trained assassin in an empty room, with no note, nothing to indicate where she was after she'd been drinking last night?" Sam gave us both a dumbfounded look.

"You're an assassin too?" Nat slapped him across the back of the head as he let out a whimper.

"You're in the Avengers Tower Arielle, relax" she soothed as I looked down at Bucky who was still on the floor.

"Why don't you try looking before you twat someone in the face?" he growled as he got up and stormed off in the direction he was heading before the ambush, leaving Wanda, Nat, Sam and I in the corridor alone.

"Oops" I chuckled, "Do I smell pancakes?" I asked as Nat nodded,

"Vis is making us all breakfast! Come join us" Wanda exclaimed as she guided me downstairs and into a large room, a kitchen tucked away in the corner where Vision was currently cooking, a huge dining room table and then a sofa with a TV on a stand at the other side where Steve was currently sat along with Bruce and Thor.

"What's all the fuss about?" Vision asked as he looked up at us,

"Arielle just bust Bucky's nose" Sam chuckled as heads shot towards me. I shuffled uncomfortably, not liking everyones eyes on me. "Oh and get this... She's an assassin too!"

"I'm not, I just have the same training that Nat does. I was erm... Kicked out of the academy" I mumbled as I fiddled with my fingers,

"What did you get kicked out for?" Wanda asked as I heard Clint burst into fits of laughter, all eyes now on him,

"She- She- She talked too much" he said between giggles.

"Anyway, someone mentioned something about pancakes?" Nat asked, I mentally thanked her for changing the topic of conversation, she knew I didn't like talking about my past just like her and to avoid it for both of us we always watched out for each other. I still had to pull her about my current clothing attire and how she asked if Sam left me alone. Did Sam undress me? Oh dear sweet Jesus I hope not. "I can take you some after we've all eaten, Fury wants us all to attend a meeting about an upcoming mission" she added as we walked over to the table. "Unless you've changed your mind and want to join us?" she nudged me.

"Absolutely not. I have a season of Lucifer which is calling my name. I'm also wanting to head to the bookstore today and pick up some new reads" I chuckled, "Nice try though" I sat next to Sam as pancakes were placed on the table by Vision, Nat grabbed all the toppings everyone could want before sitting on the other side of me and we all began diving in and grabbing them. I searched the table, in hopes Nat had also grabbed my favourite pancake topping.

"I'm afraid you'll have to ask Sam if you want some peanut butter, he's the only psycho in here weirdo enough to have it" Nat chuckled as she noticed me searching the table.

"Wait... You have peanut butter on pancakes too?" Sams head shot towards me as I nodded, "Natasha Romanoff why have you not introduced us sooner? "It's my favourite!" he exclaimed as he slid a jar of it over to me.

"But have you tried it with bananas and chocolate chips?" I asked as his mouth dropped open,

"No but I'm running to the store immediately to get those! What about PB&J pancakes?" I began to scoop out peanut butter and spread it over my pancakes.

"Absolutely! You know there's a really good pancake place near me. They do the BEST pancakes ever! They have so many different toppings too! My aim is to try everyone because they have like a hundred" I said as I placed the lid back on the jar.

"No way! We'll have to go at some point! I love me some weird toppings on pancakes!" Sam exclaimed as we started to eat. It didn't take long before the table was empty and everyone had peeled away, it was just Nat and I left and I was cleaning the dishes, it was the least I could do with everyone being so welcoming.

"You and Sam seem to get along well" she said out of the blue as I placed another plate on the drainer.

"Yeah, he's a funny guy and it's nice to share food habits with someone" I explained as I dried my hands on the towel that was hung up.

"The whole gang seem to really like you too!"

"All except Bucky. I've no idea what his problem is" I chuckled as I turned to face her,

"Could be something to do with you busting his nose. But yeah he's a weird one, hasn't really opened up to anyone other than Steve and a little to Sam but he's quite reserved... Anyway, let's get you some of my clothes, they should fit. Then we can get you home and you can watch your stupid TV shows" she laughed as she walked out the room, I quickly followed her out

"Excuse me but Tom Ellis on a screen being the literal devil isn't stupid. I'd sell a kidney for that man" I swooned as she led me through the maze of corridors.

"I find it so weird that you're such a little Princess but you fantasize over the devil."

"First of all, I am not a Princess. I just don't bring my bad ass side out often to kick ass. When I do I bust peoples noses, murder them with my words and leave them out to dry! Also I want a challenge you know. I want adventure, someone to keep me on my toes. I think the devil could probably do that" I joked as Nat rolled her eyes.

"Probably... You can be quite a handful!" I gave her a playful push as we both giggled and entered her room. "Sorry about this morning though, I didn't think Sam would've left you on your own" she admitted as I shrugged.

"It's fine, what worries me is the fact that I woke up like this" I motioned to the outfit of choice I had slept in last night. "Did he undress me? That's kind of weird. Why would you let me go with him? Why didn't I kip in your room last night?"

"OK, Sam brought you clothes and just left you to change, I didn't let you go, you two just disappeared and you didn't kip in my room because I may or may not have had company" she blushed as my eyes shot over to her.

"Did someone have some humpy humpy with a certain Dr Banner?" I smirked as she laughed,

"No we just stayed up for the most of the night talking, he had to leave early this morning to go do something down at the lab. There was no 'humpy humpy' you child" she chuckled as she threw some clothes at me "Speaking of which, where is that dress I let you borrow?"

"Hung up in the room along with the heels. Where is my hacker?" I asked as she fumbled around in her drawer and threw the device to me. I caught it with one hand and placed it on the bed whilst I changed. "May also need some shoes Nat. I'm not going home in those heels and if I do recall you borrowed my vans a while back so hand them over!" I exclaimed as I pulled on the jeans and tops she'd given me.

"You ready?" she said as she pulled out my shoes she borrowed from when she left mine and stole them. I slipped them on and nodded. Heading out of her room we entered the lift and started descending to the garage.

"Make sure you say bye to everyone for me" I told her as she nodded, "Cause as much as I don't like socialising, they're a good group of people. I could see myself going to a pub with them... You know, if I went to pubs and such" I chuckled.

"Well if you ever want to reconsider moving in here and taking missions with me you know... We have a spare room plus a lot of people are leaving soon. Thor and Loki are going back to Asgard, Clint is going back home to see the family... So we have the room" I rolled my eyes at her and shook my head again.

"I'd only slow you all down. Plus I have so many more books to read!" I made an excuse, truth be told I know I'm not good enough for Nat and her group of misfits. I also worry too much about those close to me, I near enough have a panic attack every time Nat goes on a mission, imagine if I had more people to worry about.

"Offer is always there if you want it Arielle, you know that. We could use you on the team" i held my hand up to my heart as the lift pingged to signal we were at the garage,

"You just want to use and abuse me cousin, I am hurt" I joked as we headed out and towards her car. "You going to let me drive?" I asked as she shook her head.

"Sorry kiddo, avengers drive only. Plus I've seen you drive your bike, hell will freeze over before I let you drive my baby" she chuckled as the car unlocked and I crossed my arms and sat in the passenger seat, bribery would not work with me. I would find a way to drive this car. Small talk was made before we pulled up outside my apartment, "I honestly have no idea how you live in this place."

"It's cute and cozy, plus it's mine. No one can take it away from me" I chuckled as I pulled her into a hug. "Thank you for dragging me out, I actually had fun" I admitted as she pulled away from me and smiled, "I've missed hanging out with you."

"Move in with us and we can hang out all the time" she sent a wink my way and I rolled my eyes before exiting the car and walking towards my apartment, before walking in I looked back and sent her a wave which she returned before zooming off. I wasted no time getting inside and sticking the TV on ready to watch Lucifer.

After a few episodes I noticed it was 3PM so I stripped my clothes off and hopped in the shower letting the hot water gradually get hotter and hotter.

I struggled against the restraints that kept my arms hugging my body. I was told it was nother test and I had to escape them but man did those guards hate me, it feels like they tightened them way too much.

"You know... I can still get out of these. Give me 10 minutes and I'll be out that door" I muttered as Alexei Shostakov entered the room. "What're you doing here Mrs Shostakov?" I asked as she smirked at me. "Are you here to evaluate the test?"

"Arielle Romanoff, how can one girl possess the IQ of a genius but be so stupid? We've warned you time and time again about your mouth, yet you refuse to shut it. You won't shut up on your own, we'll have to find another way to shut you up" Shostakov said as she walked towards me, a bat in her hands. My eyes widened as she twirled it in her hands.

"So what you're going to beat me into submission? Go on, do it. You're only funding my kinks" I growled as she shook her head at me and swung the bat so it connected with my face.

"Are you going to shut up?" she questioned as I spat to the side of me, blood coming out in my spit,

"Are you going to bend me over your knee and spank me after this? Oh Mrs Shostakov, I've been a bad bad gi-" The next shot sent me flying back, thankfully I was able to pull myself up using just my legs. "No spanking? I guess this works too... Don't blame me if I have a sex dream tonight." SMACK. Another hit to the ribs, I resisted letting out a whimper as I stumbled on my feet and regained my balance. "What. Is that the best you can do?" she raised her bat to hit me once more but stopped, a devilish look in her eyes.

"Maybe we can't beat it out of you. How about some electric shock therapy?" she smirked as she signalled for the guards to come in. I watched as they pulled in a large machine before grabbing me and throwing me on the bed,

"Boys, at least take me out for dinner first" I chuckled as I was tied down to the bed, "Oh yeah. Definitely having a sex dream tonight"

"You will learn soon enough child. Your attitude will lower and your mouth will not talk as much" Shostakov smirked as electrode pads were placed on my temples. "Last chance to back out now" Now I'm not proud of the move I make next but I think that bitch deserved it. I spat at her, it landed on her cheek and without even wiping it away her voice called out. "Better make it 80%, just to be sure" she turned and walked away as a gag was placed in my mouth. I heard the door click shut before shocks were sent into my temples and I bit down on the rag, trying my best not to make a sound

"30%" SHIT. The pain began to increase rapidly "50%" My eyes clamped shut, like if I could squeeze them hard enough, I could squeeze the pain out. "70%" A tear fell out of my eye as I concentrated on not making a sound. The pain was excruciating, as if someone had stuck a serrated blade in my temple and was twisting and pulling it in and out repeatedly. "80%. Leave it at that for around a minute and she's done"

I snapped out of the memories when I heard my phone ringing. The time was 5 o'clock, had I really been in the shower that long? I wrapped a towel around my now red and peeling skin due to the temperature of the water. An unknown number? I answered it and lifted the phone to my ear

"Hello?" I called out, "who is this?"

"Arielle. It's Nick Fury. Don't hang up I-" BEEP. How in the world did he get my number again? I'd changed it specifically so he didn't contact me. It wasn't even a few seconds later before the phone rang again, still an unknown number

"Washington Sperm Centre, you wank it, we bank it. How can I help?" I answered, knowing full well it was Nick again.

"Arielle please... It's Natasha. She's been captured."