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James jerked awake, breathing heavily. It was still light out, but the shadows were long and there was a heavy lump on his chest. He lifted his head, looking down to see the white body of the baby utahraptor that he'd adopted? Adopted him? He still wasn't quite sure what had happened there. He reached down and lifted the body of Alpine off of his chest, so he could get up. The utahraptor chirped gently in his sleep and James stroked her back to sleep. Then he was finally able to get up and look around.Next to him Natasha slept, tucked into the outcropping and what had been the only shade a few hours ago. He glanced at the shadows of the rock, they'd stretched, but that didn't quite explain the slight shifting of one of the taller shadows. Clint did usually take the last of the shifts, keeping watch and he did tend to move to the highest ground possible, especially when they decided that a daytime siesta was better than sleeping in the cooler night air.He eyed the outcropping, trying to keep an eye on Natasha as he made his way to Barton's perch. At least he tried until Liho, Natasha's favored mount, came into view and dropped down near Natasha. She snuffled at Alpine, before looking at Barnes. Almost giving him the 'Are you still here?' look, which Barnes shook his head and let the Utahraptor cover it. He made his way up the outcropping until he found Barton, eyeing the horizon."You okay?" Barton asked."Rough dreams," Barnes stated.Barton glanced back at him, eyebrow raised. "Need to talk about it?"James considered it. "Not yet.""Thank the makers," Barton said, looking away.James huffed. Neither Natasha nor Barton were big on talking about their problems at least that James had observed. James certainly wasn't going to be one to force it.Barton was silent, staring out across the horizon."You looking for something in particular?""Not really," Barton said. "No sign that anyone is on our tail. No potential targets.""Did you think that there were potential targets? I thought we were off the main passages?"Barton huffed. "It's a fucking dessert, do you know how many people get lost?""Well, based on that comment, more than I actually thought.""Also, never know when someone is staying off the main trails for nefarious purposes," Barton said."Like the people that took Shuri," James said.Barton hummed, glancing back at him quickly. The accusation was left unsaid, but apparently it was still fresh enough that Barton wasn't quite willing to let it go."It's not like I was there willingly," James grumbled. "They did something." It was his old defense and really his only defense. Natasha had accepted it, Barton less so.Barton sighed. "Yeah, well…""They threw me away," James also reminded him. "The moment I became a liability. Your friends have all vouched for me."Barton turned to look at him fully."Or don't you trust your Shamans?" Barton wasn't Native, but he'd been adopted into a tribe. Now, he tended toward their ways and from everything that James had seen was almost as Native on the inside as he looked white on the outside. He could and did hide it, but there signs, subtle, but now that Barnes knew where to look for them, they were obvious."What makes you think they told me the same thing as they told you?" Barton asked."You would have told Natasha," James stated. "She's more wary than you.""Or maybe she just feels sorry for you.""Also, I highly doubt the Moonstar and Forge would have let the Wakandans give me the arm," James said, lifting his left arm. It was covered by a long sleeve and a glove, but all of them knew what was under the fabric. Some combination of Wakandan Technology and Tribal magic that gave him a functional prosthetic. Hell, James wasn't sure there wasn't some Wakandan magic thrown in there for good measure. No science that he knew could create an arm that functioned as instinctually as the one he'd been born with and yet, this one did. It was stronger and tougher than his old one, too. Also, it was heavier and there was no easy way for it to come off."Only reason I'm actually trusting you is to watch our backs," Barton said. "You took their sacred oaths and I've seen the Dora Milaje in action. You betray us, you betray them, and you're a dead man walking."James hadn't seen the women that had surrounded King T'Challa in action, but he had no doubt that if they were in charge of guarding their king, then they were a force to be reckoned with. He just wasn't quite sure how they had ended up in the new world and he'd honestly been too afraid to ask those questions. "I'm not planning on betraying you. I'm pretty sure I was taken against my will."Barton's eyebrow rose slightly."The dreams."Barton growled."I think they were from Before.""I thought you'd forgotten before.""Well, maybe, they're starting to shake loose."Barton sighed, and made a slight gesture for James to continue."A battle, guns, cannons, smoke and dirt, sounds of screams," James said, as his right hand came to rest on his chest. "I think I was stabbed."Barton moved, quickly and quietly, until he was there, pushing his shirt up. James didn't resist, letting Barton manhandle him. "That's a bayonet scar." His eyes narrowed as he considered it. He looked back at James. "War of Rebellion wasn't that long ago."James arched an eyebrow. "You think I fought in that?""Possible, though I do wonder what side you're on.""The North," Natasha's voice said. They turned to see her coming up the easiest of the slopes. "He's got a Brooklyn accent.""Doesn't mean he didn't believe in slavery," Barton said."No, but it makes it more unlikely," Natasha said. "You two done chirping like a flight of compeys?""We wake you?" Barton asked."Liho snores worse than James and we need to get moving if we want to make it to mother's before morning."Barton nodded and started heading down the outcropping, leaving James alone with himself."You think…?" he started."It's a possibility," she said, offering him what he was sure was meant as a reassuring smile. "But whatever they did to you fucked with your head enough that you've got a hard time remembering the before times. I get it, he doesn't. Don't push too hard, they'll come when it's time." She started after Barton."Like yours?" James asked.Natasha stilled, looking back at him. "The difference between my memories and yours, I know mine suck and I don't want them back. I'm burying mine and you're still hoping for something good to surface.""I feel like there is something good," James said. "To be remembered."Natasha nodded. "I hope there is for you.""But we have a job to do first?""Got it in one," Natasha said and began walking again.James sighed as he looked out toward the east. Brooklyn and the War of Rebellion, if it was a war, then it had to be where there were more people that met east. Maybe, when his debts were paid, he'd head that way.*Peggy took a deep breath as she looked out the window and watched as her husband mounted up on the ceratosaurus with the local group of lawmen to hunt some outlaws. Fenhoff was with him as he always was. A part of Peggy wanted to mount up and follow, but she didn't want to risk one of their last triceratops. She breathed out and stepped away from the window, hoping that Fenhoff wouldn't notice her attention. There was a fear that pervaded Roarsburg, one that she couldn't put her finger on.Her gut told her it was related to Fenhoff, because Steve had… changed. He was forgetful, making promises to her and hours later breaking them. They weren't supposed to be here, they were supposed to be in Starkton. They both had jobs waiting for them, she was supposed to be a teacher and Steve was supposed to be the deputy for a year, before the old sheriff retired and he took that job.They'd agreed on heading west and making their home here. She couldn't go back to Britain to be a proper lady, not after she'd seen what she had and what she'd done. Steve was the only one who knew her secret and not only loved her, but was willing to make his life harder. Granted, a part of that was because of his own grief.Peggy glanced back, but the stables should be mostly empty and she'd be able to check on their triceratops in relative peace. She hurried without running and took the path between the buildings, hoping to go unseen. She paused as a loud noise came from the main street. There was angry shouting, but none of the voices sounded like they were coming closer. She kept moving, turning to cut between the buildings. She froze again, catching sight of a young boy on a utahraptor riding off. Not many rode utahraptors, in fact, she didn't remember seeing one stabled.Most of the carnivores being rode were larger like the ceratosaurus and tyrannosaurus rex. She knew there was a number of larger carnivores. The Chinese migrants that were building the rail track and working in some of the mines had brought over Tarbosaurus to ride, not that many of them were allowed. Carnivores were for the rich after all. Most people rode a herbivore, even the most of the tribes stuck to them. Though there were a few that didn't such as the Long Tooths, which rode allosaurus.The rider was taking off at a pace and making a speedy departure. She wondered for a moment why they didn't take off with the lawmen, they would have provided some protection. Unless, it was someone that also didn't trust Fenhoff and if that was the case, she wished them luck. She started moving and rounded the corner to find Mr. Sousa also watching the rider, but his attention shifted to her almost immediately."Mrs. Rogers," Sousa greeted her. "Here to check on your triceratops, I take it?""I am," Peggy answered. "I know you're taking good care of them, but…""They're an investment," Sousa agreed with an easy smile, before pushing off from the building and heading toward where the triceratops were being kept. Roarsburg had some communal stables and Sousa kept the dinos straight. Peggy stepped onto the walkway that was kept in good condition as Sousa was injured and used a cane to get from place to place. "I appreciate that you waited until the lawmen had gathered up.""I figured, you'd be busy if I came earlier," Peggy replied.Sousa nodded. "Always busy with that."She slipped into the stable to check on Buck and Manda."He's healing nicely," Sousa said from the doorway as she looked them over."He is," Peggy agreed, stroking him. The long gashes from the tyrannosaurus allosaurus were healing. Peggy closed her eyes and rubbed at her temple, feeling a sudden headache."You okay?" Daniel asked."Yes, I'm fine," Peggy said, turning her thoughts away from the attack. It always seemed to bring such a headache.A shadow darkened the doorway. "Lee get off?"Peggy blinked, taking a moment to recognize the voice as Gabe Jones, one of Sousa's employees. He sounded out of breath and worried."Yeah," Sousa said."I think…" Jones started."I think you'd best help Mrs. Rogers feed her pair of triceratops," Sousa said, cutting him off.Jones blinked and Peggy stepped around Buck, so that he could see her. "I'd love the assistance."Jones was quiet for a moment, before replying. "I'll get right on that ma'am.""Thank you Mr. Jones," Peggy called after him. She looked over at Sousa, who was watching her."You working a shift tonight?" Mr. Sousa asked.Peggy sighed and nodded. "We lost a lot in the attack. Have to make up for it and you all have been so kind."Sousa hummed. "Mr. Rogers mention when you might be moving on?""No," Peggy said, looking back at the triceratops. "These two are healthy enough to go though.""That they are," Sousa agreed. He was frowning as he looked at her though."Mr. Sousa? Are you alright?" Peggy asked.Sousa sighed. "You're not going to leave without your husband and Fenhoff is finding him useful, so he'll find a way to keep him around.""Steve does like to be useful," Peggy said.Sousa nodded. "Watch yourself with Mrs. Underwood."Peggy snorted. "I'm not about to become one of her girls. I'm a married woman.""Just be careful. She might act like she doesn't like Fenhoff, but…""Mrs. Underwood has been very kind to me," Peggy stated. "And Steve."Sousa nodded and fell silent as Jones returned with the feed for the triceratops. Peggy went to help him and by the time both triceratops were fed and settled, Sousa had left. She frowned, before heading to the Underwood Saloon, pondering Daniel's words. Here, she felt safe from Fenhoff, well safer. Dottie Underwood was not a woman to be crossed and she ruled the saloon.*The first sight of Starkton was the cross on top of the local church. It was located at one end of town. It was taller than a lot of its neighbors and even according to Barton had a proper working belfry. The rest of the town was mostly non-descript, except for the large building in the center of town. James couldn't resist the low whistle as he realized just how big that building was."Stark Mansion," Natasha said, slowing up to catch up to him. "Well, it used to be. Howard died under mysterious circumstances.""How mysterious?""Locals blame the tribes, like always," Barton replied. "Never mind that Stane profited a hell of a lot."James eyed the mansion. It certainly did dwarf all the other buildings. "So, it's empty?""Technically, Howard's son inherited it, but…" Natasha said. "See that building that's still lit up."James followed her finger to spot the small building. It was lit up, an orange-y color."Tony tends to hole up there, last I heard," Natasha said. "Based on the lighting, I'd say, he's still at it.""So who has the mansion?" James asked."Stane," Barton said. "He's the mayor and is expected to be appointed as the next governor of the territory."James looked over at him.Barton shrugged. "Told you, Stane benefited."James hummed and nodded. It certainly seemed suspicious. Barton clicked and his utahraptor took off. Natasha and James were behind him, sticking to the edges. Beyond the town was a lone house, which had a variety of dinos in its front paddock.Barton led them around the back to a paddock full of utahraptors. It was outside there that they dismounted and removed the saddles before letting their utahraptors in with the others. Barton followed in after his own and James glanced over at Natasha.She shook her head. "Let him be, he's going to commune with the herd.""Really?""That's what he tells me, he'll come in when it quiets down some. He's not good with people." She patted his shoulder as she passed by, taking her bags, and heading inside. James spared one last look at Barton, who did actually seem fine, before following after her. He could hear music and the loud hum of conversion before Natasha even opened the door.Inside was a small room. On the outside wall a staircase leading upwards to a landing and then taking a right and going up further. There was space between the wall and the staircase and Natasha tucked her bags into the space under the steps. She took his and did the same. Then she sat on the bench under the higher set of stairs."So…" James started."Sit," Natasha said, smiling and patting the seat next to her on the bench.He sat, noting that there were two other doors off the room. "Don't you think you should let them know we're here?""They know," Natasha said.He could still hear talking, but couldn't make out anything from the otherside of the wall. There was laughter and music. Voices of both men and women. James strained to catch anything more than a few words by the same voice. He might have, if a section of the wall had slid to the side and a dark haired woman stepped out. She was dressed like a lady though something seemed off and James was having a hard time putting his finger on it."Natasha," the woman greeted. "I don't have long. Stane is here and making a scene. I have to entertain him." Her eyes cut to him and he could feel her assessing him. "Who is this?""Someone the Pachy tribe spoke for," Natasha said. "We were hoping you might have information along with a few other things. James, this is Melina. My adopted mother.""Ma'am," James said."James? It sounds like you have a name.""We found a bit of paper with the name on it," James explained. "Might be mine, might not. It doesn't feel quite right."Melina hummed. "I unfortunately have other more pressing concerns right now.""We could help," Natasha said."We could?" James asked, looking at Natasha."No one knows James. He goes around and comes in the front. I can get changed.""Stane does not realize what you are," Melina agreed. "He sees pretty woman and he thinks with his cock.""If he's seen me dressed like this…""He thinks you dirty cowboy, beneath his notice." Melina nodded. "You might have to…"Natasha nodded. "Clint thinks he had something to do with Howard's death.""Bohze Moi, Anton," Melina hissed, eyes widening. She turned back into the room. "Ava, tell Clint what is happening, tell him to be subtle."A younger red headed girl slipped out of the room and back out the door. Pausing only to give Natasha a quick wave."She looks good," Natasha noted."She's coming along nicely," Melina said. She looked at James. "You go around, make entrance, order liquor and pretend to get drunk. Alexi will give you fake stuff.""Right," James said."I'll see you in there," Natasha said.James nodded and headed outside. Ava was at the fence posts and Clint was already leading Lucky back out."Melina said to be subtle," Ava said."Lucky can go back on his own.""Unless he goes to Kate's. You know your tahr likes the rich girl better.""My what?""Tahr. U-tahr-raptor.""He'll come back." Clint replied, mounting and heading back toward the town. Ava huffed, but turned to go back in as Bucky made his way back around. He waited until there was no one coming or going, before approaching the building. He mounted the steps and entered the room, taking a wide look around. There was gambling and drinking going on, but the women serving, oh they looked like ladies, but their skirts were too short and their make up was too much.It dawned on him, this was a whorehouse.*It had been a long time since Natasha had pulled on the flimsy skirts and stockings that most of the girls wore at the Red Room Saloon. All of the women that worked here were here by choice and those that wanted to leave, could. Melina would find them proper work far from here. The ladies of the Red Room were some of the most educated in the area, but they rarely showed it. They also had memories like traps as the unspoken business of the Saloon was information. Melina was the broker of the web and had been since Natasha had been young.She made her way downstairs, noting James was at the bar, head down and talking with Alexi. Her father figure looked older, there was white in his hair, but she could see the muscle underneath the clothing. It was true that Alexi was the muscle, but if one tried to trap one of Melina's when they didn't want to, they were all trained. The barn was not just for dinosaurs after all.She stepped onto the landing and was met by Sonya, heading upstairs. "Stane had an interesting look when he saw your guy.""How interesting?""Like he couldn't believe who he was seeing," Sonya replied.Natasha's eyes went to Stane, who sure enough appeared to be looking at James. Whatever he was feeling had been carefully hidden behind a mask of interest, which he could have for any newcomer.Natasha made her way over to the man. "Mister Stane."Stane blinked as he looked at her. "Natalia? It's been a while since I've seen you.""I wasn't sure you'd remember me," Natasha said, coyly. "It's been an awful long time."Stane chuckled. "How could I forget a pretty young thing like you. Where has Melina been hiding you?""Mama tried to arrange a marriage for me. She always did want me to be a proper lady."Stane snorted. "She does like to claim you're all widows."Black Widows, Natasha corrected mentally."And your husband?""Never actually wed," Natasha said. "Got recognized as Mama's daughter and they all thought that I was of the ladies."Stane hummed. "When your mother never sold you."Natasha blushed, because it was expected. Melina might never have sold her, but Natasha had bedded others, including Clint early on in their relationship, before they realized they were the siblings that they never had. Stane didn't know that, Stane just knew what he saw, a blushing young woman whose virginity had never been sold.She doted upon Stane for most of the evening, but he either was attentive at making sure the topics were changed or they never talked about why Stane was here. It might have been James' presence at the bar, because she'd watch as Stane's gaze kept slipping over to him.He left an hour before last call and Natasha made a show of disappearing upstairs, looking disappointed. She changed, grabbed a wig and slipped back in through Melina's office. Before tapping James on the shoulder. He turned, feigning a drunkenness she knew he wasn't feeling as Alexi hadn't been giving anything stronger water."Howdy stranger," she purred at him. "My sisters have been telling me about a tall, dark, and handsome man holding up one of the bar-" Shocked recognition sparked in James' eyes. "-Says he's been turning down everyone's favor-" His mouth opened. "-got a bit of a wager…" She reached out and grabbed his shirt, hauling him into her as she kissed him silent. It was like kissing a fish, a dead one. He didn't move.She pulled away to growl at him. "Get with the program, only way upstairs is with one of us."Suddenly he responded, arms coming around to wrap around her as he kissed her back. A moment later, she felt herself being lifted upward by one strong arm. There was some good natured taunting as James hauled her to the stairs and up them. Taunts that ended when one of the other girls' voice rose above the crowd. "You done looking or you finally going to pay for what you know is going to be a good time?"The attention was off them, but she made sure that they seemed locked into the embrace until the door was closed to a room. Then she pulled away, patting James' cheek. "Nice show."James groaned. "Want to tell me what the new look was about?""Didn't want Natalia to be seen hauling the guy that held Stane's attention upstairs," Natasha replied.James took a moment to consider that before nodding. "You kind of made a scene though."Natasha shrugged. "Actually happens more often than you think. No one actually has to whore here, everyone that does, chooses to."James sighed. "Find out anything."Natasha frowned. "No." It didn't sit right with her."So what's the plan?""Talk to Melina in the morning."James nodded, looking past her. "And where…"Natasha rolled her eyes. She knew the room had only one bed, a big bed. "Please, there's not an excess of rooms. If you're worried about my virtue, you can sleep on the floor. More room for Clint when he gets here.""Barton is going to come inside?""He will here," Natasha said. "He trusts me and I trust Melina.""And if I'm in that bed when Clint gets here?""Clint's a cuddler, it's big enough for three."James sighed. "Maybe I should sleep on the floor to avoid cuddling with Barton."Natasha's head tilted to one side. "Now there's a fun image." She ducked behind the screen to get out of the dress and tights and into something that would be more comfortable to sleep in."What? Barton and I?""Yep.""He's not exactly my type," James stated. She could almost picture him, glaring at the screen."Do you even know what your type is?" Natasha asked, peeking around the screen.James blushed, going bright red as he looked away. He muttered something that she didn't catch. She stepped out, shaking out her hair from how it had been done and noting that James hadn't removed anything. "C'mon, down to the long johns, we're safe. We're classy enough for chamber pots here."James grunted and pulled his gloves off before stopping. She arched an eyebrow before realizing what it was."It's not like I haven't seen it before," Natasha said. "No need to be shy.""It's not… it's not you," James said.Natasha regarded him before going over and starting to undo his shirt. "Do you regret getting it?"James hesitated. "I don't know. It's so close to being, but at the same time, it's no where near…"Natasha nodded, slowly pushing the shirt off his left shoulder and arm, revealing the combination of metal and bone that made up James' prosthetic. "It goes higher than I expected.""Does it?"Natasha nodded. "I was there, remember?" Her mind flashed to her memories of James overcome with the infection that had started in his arm. She'd made that decision with two shaman from the Pachycephalosaurus tribe."Dimly," James said. "Red haired angel trying to drown me."Natasha glared at him. "I wasn't trying to drown you. I was trying to make sure you stayed alive.""Felt like it, but I know," James said, his expression softening.Natasha turned her attention back to the arm. "Can you…?" She touched, letting her fingers trace a plate, each one was marked."I think because I'm watching you, my brain thinks it should feel something, so it does. I'm kind of awkward with this thing.""You've gotten better," Natasha said. "Forge and Shuri both said that as you heal and get used to it, it will do more.""How? It's…" James asked, gesturing towards it.Natasha shrugged. "Clint is the one that understands Forge. They're linked.""How exactly is he linked to a tribe?""Would you believe he was abandoned by the circus and the tribe picked him up and adopted him?"James' brow furrowed as he stared at her."I'm actually serious. The Pachy People took him in," Natasha explained."Then why is he so good with the Utahraptors?""They taught him that bonding with a dino when it's young, helps it to understand you. He's had Lucky since Lucky was in an egg.""Is that why he gave me Alpine's egg?"Natasha nodded. "Why Liho responds to me so well. Not many people are willing to put the time and effort into caring for a dinosaur like that, especially…""They're just another resource," James said, grumbling.She smiled. She liked this James, who recognized that people and dinos shouldn't be mistreated and wanted to help people. "I like your arm."James blinked in surprise as he looked at her. "Well, didn't you help pick out the colors?""I overruled Clint's request for purple."James chuckled as he moved to the bed. "Is that a tribe thing?""I blame the circus on that one. According to him, he was a headliner and wore something scandalous and purple. He's got good memories associated with it. I'm not going to judge.""Even if you're known as the Purple Bandits?""I've heard worse." Natasha said with a shrug as she climbed into the bed from one side. James was climbing into the center, placing his prosthetic on the far side. She settled in the middle, leaving Clint room for when he got back."I'm not sure how," James said, leaning back. "This bed is soft.""I know, Natasha said with a sigh. She'd missed it, not that she'd admit that to anyone, but herself.James sighed. "Good night Natasha.""Night James," Natasha said, closing her eyes.*James woke to the familiar pain of little claws digging into skin. He glanced down to see Alpine climbing over him to find a place to settle down. A quick glance around the room revealed Barton stripping down. Clearly, he'd brought Alpine in with him. He reached down and patted the dino on its head, before closing his eyes. Neither were a threat and he could definitely get some more sleep. He wasn't expecting Natasha's to speak up, her voice rough with sleep."How'd it go?""Nothing happened," Barton said. "Besides a Wade run in.""Oh dear, what did he say?"James could Barton inhale. "A lot of gibberish, something about he's safe in this story. It's America's Ass we need to worry about. Then he started babbling about flint and ships.""Why would we need a flint on a ship?" Natasha asked."No idea, and frankly I don't know about saving this country's metaphorical ass.""I know, at least Lincoln did some good.""For some people," Clint said. He paused. "He awake?""Probably," Natasha replied. "You're not quiet.""You got him to take his shirt off," Clint said. "Did you…""I was curious about his arm."Clint hummed. "Never seen that before.""I thought Forge…""More bone than metal," Clint replied. The bed tipped toward the other side and there was some rustling of the sheets as Barton climbed in. "Got to imagine either is… painful.""He doesn't show it," Natasha said."He shows it when he thinks we're not paying him attention. My eyes are better than that, rightJames?"Natasha snorted. "Stop trying to start a fight, he's pretending to sleep. Plus I don't want to be in the middle of you two.""Well, Red, you are.""Ass," Natasha hissed. "Act like that and I'll cuddle with him."There was some more shifting as they settled and their voices dropped again. At some point, James did drift back off.He was awoken by the door slamming open. "What's this? Are you starting a harem full of men? You realize you'd be the only one that can have the children, which kind of defeats purpose of a harem."James had popped up and grabbed the gun that he'd set next to the bed and pointed it at the intruder. She was younger and blonde, dressed in men's clothing and didn't look at all impressed."Or maybe you finally replace Barton," she added, glaring at the other side of the bed."Fuck off Yelena," Barton growled.Yelena's eyes had turned toward James and ran over him, lingering over the arm. "Breakfast in ten, I have news." She pivoted and slammed the door as she left.Clint groaned. "I thought your sister went out on her own.""We always come back," Natasha said, sitting up and patting his cheek. "Now which one of you is going to move so I can get out?"James slid out as Barton flopped back onto the bed. "This isn't fair, I'm still tired.""You can sleep," Natasha said. "James and I will fill you in later?"Clint considered this. "Save me some bacon?""Of course," Natasha promised, going behind the screen to change."I didn't know you had a sister," James said, going to get dressed himself."It's complicated." Natasha said."Yelena is as related to Natasha as much as I am," Barton said. "Though they go back further.""One would argue that we're more closely related then," Natasha said from behind the screen. "Yelena and I have a lot of shared trauma. We're both quite happy to no longer be in Russia.""Is that where you're from?" James asked as he started working on the buttons of his shirt. Natasha had undone all of them last night and normally, he only did a few, enough to pull the shirt over his shoulders when he needed to. They were small and he wasn't good enough with his prosthetic fingers to get them done very easily."So are Melina and Alexi," Natasha said. "We all came over together through Alaska and Canada.""Alaska?" James asked."Used to belong to Russia, they sold it to the US. When it was in Russian hands, they were encouraging people to move. It was a way out of Russia and once we were there, we found our way here.""But why?""Because there are some darker circles in Russia," Natasha said, stepping out from behind the screen and dressed for riding. She tilted her head. "Do you need help?"James frowned down at his shirt. "Are we in a rush?""Not yet," Natasha answered."Then I think I need to struggle with this a bit more," James admitted with a sigh. Natasha nodded and slipped out. It took him a while, before he got enough to be decent and he headed downstairs via the backsteps and found the door to Melina's office was open. He slipped in."Tell James about this Fenhoff," Natasha said."Why?" Yelena asked."I have my reasons.""Fenhoff has control of Roarsburg," Yelena said. "He appears to have some ability.""Such as?" James asked."When he talks, people obey," Yelena said."Sounds like a politician," James said."No, not even a politician could stop a man dead in his tracks when he's dead set on leaving. He commands with his words."James blinked as Yelena went on to explain to him exactly what she'd seen him do. "Do you have a picture of him?"Yelena flipped through the pages and pulled out a sketch of a bearded man with glasses. James stared at it for a long moment, because there was something familiar about the man. He wasn't sure what it was.A brief touch on his right shoulder had him glancing over to meet Natasha's eyes. "You recognize him?""Maybe," James said. "Nothing specific, but there's a gut feeling that I know him. Don't like him.""So we go to Roarsburg," Natasha said, looking toward Melina and Yelena. "Sounds like there's multiple reasons to go there.""It'll be dangerous," Melina stated. "You won't have any help. Dottie is there.""Dottie?" James asked, looking up from the sketch."One of my compatriots," Melina said. "She doesn't share my views though. I use this-" she gestured toward the building "-to find ways to help those that are less fortunate. The only ones that sleep with customers are those that are willing to. Dottie…""If she can, she'll force you down that road and treat you harshly," Yelena said. "There's no escaping her. Whereas we, we can always leave.""She uses methods from the old country that men used on us," Melina added with a sigh. "Methods I vowed not to use, though I have and will continue to teach my girls how to be fighters.""She turns women into her tools," Yelena said. "Melina gives us the tools we need to survive."It's practically a blood feud between them," Natasha said. "Still, she's been based in Roarsburg for a while. There's no way that she likes having to share the power there.""She doesn't trust him," Yelena said. "She's got some Native woman that can't hear, keeps her close. Both women are dangerous.""Is she there willingly?" Natasha asked.Yelena shrugged. "Not sure."Natasha leaned back in her chair. "So we need to try to get information from Fenhoff.""Without getting close to him?" James asked. "What information?""Does he know you?" Natasha asked.James snorted. "Let's not risk everyone on my account. I say we take him out.""You sure?" Natasha asked. "We could find out who you are."James shrugged. "Yeah.""Okay," Natasha said, looking surprised. "So eliminate Fenhoff, find out if this Native woman wants to work for Dottie or if she's just under Dottie's thumb.""There's a problem, we don't know that Fenhoff's control will end with his death," Melina pointed out."I think that's a risk we'll have to take," Natasha said. "Hope they find their own way back.""So Roarsburg?" James asked. "Couple of days' ride. What about Stark?"Natasha shrugged."I'll do my best to keep my eye on him," Melina said. She sighed. "Maybe we're worrying over nothing.""Only Wade thinks he can see the future," Natasha replied.Yelena snorted and shook her head. "Only Wade…""Rest up today and leave early tomorrow," Natasha said. "That'll give Clint a chance to recover."James nodded, wondering exactly what they'd find in Roarsburg.*Peggy watched as the Tyrannosaurus Rexes stomped down the main street. The two figures on top of them looked tiny in comparison to the two beasts. They both headed toward the main stables."Marshalls," Gloria said, watching them."How can you tell?" Peggy asked."Rexes are reserved for Marshalls," Gloria explained. "Don't recognize the markings on those two, either they're new to the area or one of our regulars lost their mount."Peggy offered Gloria a small smile. "You can recognize the mounts?""Mrs. Underwood likes her information," Gloria said, glancing back at the saloon and wrapping her arms around her. The saloon was quiet right now, but business would be picking up as the night wore on. "Might have been worth something.""We could run down to the stables," Peggy said, glancing over at Gloria.She looked back, before sighing. "I can't, I got a customer.""Gloria…" Peggy started, frowning. "Not…""Got to make ends meet," Gloria said. "I don't have the savings you do. No triceratops, either."Peggy nodded. "You want me to go find out for you?"Gloria blinked, looking at her, clearly shocked. "You'd do that for me?""You've got it a bit worse off than me," Peggy admitted. She still had some trade and the triceratops, even if she was reluctant to sell them. They were key to their new start.Gloria considered. "You're too nice for this place Peg, you need to get out of there.""Steve is…" Peggy trailed off."He's useful, Fenhoff isn't going to let him go.""Fenhoff can't keep him here against his will. The Marshalls…""The Marshalls won't do anything, they never do," Gloria said. "Fenhoff has ways of making sure they look the other way."Peggy frowned."Get those marshalls to get you away from town," Gloria said. "Forget about Steve.""I can't forget about Steve," Peggy objected. "I married him, I made a holy vow.""He's not your Steve anymore. He's Fenhoff's creature, if you had any sense you'd see that," Gloria snapped, before going inside.Peggy frowned. She turned back and headed toward the main stables. She'd just have to speak with the Marshalls, maybe if they were forewarned that something strange was going on then they could be prepared.She strode down the street, no one would stop her. Not Brock. Not Fenhoff himself."Ms. Rogers, I need you to stop and listen…""Thank you Peggy, for the information," Dottie Underwood said.Peggy blinked, finding herself in Dottie's office. She could have sworn she was heading toward the stables."New Marshalls," Dottie said, tapping her fingers on the desk."What?" Peggy asked, glancing around the room."Oh, take a seat, dear," Dottie said, waving her hand toward one of the chairs. She twisted, making motions with her hands to the Native woman behind her. The woman moved, pouring a drink and handing it to Peggy. "All in one go, don't recommend sipping it.""Thank you," Peggy said."No need to thank her, she can't hear a word you say," Dottie said. "It's why I keep her around, since Fenhoff's words have so much power."The Native woman, however, nodded, before returning to her chair. Peggy noticed the limp as she made her way across the room. She cast a worried look toward Dottie."She lost a foot," Dottie replied. "But she has other uses, so I took her in."Peggy downed the small glass and felt a burning sensation as she swallowed. "What is that?""Vodka," Dottie replied. "The good stuff is hard to get out here." She tapped her fingers against her desk as she looked downward. "Unfortunately, I don't recognize these names. Phil Coulson and Carl Danvers." She sighed."Who?" Peggy asked."The new marshalls, you met them," Dottie said."I did?" Peggy asked.Dottie looked up, scowling. "Idiot man, that will make them question.""What?""Don't worry about it, Mrs. Rogers," Dottie said. "I'm sure it was only in passing. You best get downstairs, supper is about to start, and I need my best waitress."*The Utahraptors didn't stick to the main roads and landmarks that some of the other animals did, James had noted. That combined with the speeds of the Utahraptors, they were typically able to move a lot faster. Granted, James often wondered if their aversion to the main pathways were because of the Utahraptors themselves or because Clint had spent time with the Pachycephalosaurus tribe. Yeah, he understood why they were referred to as the Pachy tribe by the other two. Still it was only a week for them to have set up less than a day's ride outside of Roarsberg. Clint had already found the highest point possible and disappeared to that height, which left James and Natasha."What exactly are we looking for?" James asked, glancing at Natasha."We need more information," Natasha replied. "We need someone trustworthy.""Preferably not someone who has had their mind fucked with?" James asked."Preferably, though I suppose we can try to figure out how to snap someone out of it.""Such as?""Well, you did also have a horrible bump on your head," Natasha admitted. "Kind of wonder if there was some recognitive calibration.""Some what?""If you hit your head really hard," Natasha replied, with a hint of a smile. "Might also account for lack of memories.""You thinking it was the hit to my head, rather than something else?""It's a possibility, could also be a combination of the two."James nodded."You're a mystery.""You like mysteries?""Not really, no."James felt his stomach drop, slightly."I do like you, though," Natasha added, looking at him."Yeah?" He felt hope bloom again."Yeah.""I'm the exception?""What you were, who you were. Those are the mysteries. Who you are now… not so much a mystery.""That a good thing?""I choose to live in the now. There's dark parts of my past that I don't care to remember.""So…you like me, like you like Clint?"Natasha snorted. "I don't know if I could ever care for someone like I do Clint. He's the brother I never had.""Not romantic?""Definitely not.""You want that? Romance and all that?""Depends on the person.""Yeah?" James asked."You make me think about it at times."James coughed, choking on his tongue as he realized what she'd said. She was chuckling by the time he got control of himself. He couldn't help, but smile at her. She glanced at him a couple of times, before smiling and looking back at her. "Really?"She nodded. He felt himself drifting closer."Hey," Barton's voice broke through his thoughts along with a pebble bouncing off his head. "Company is coming.""We got a job James," Natasha said, ignoring Barton's scowl that James could make out."I'm going to want to discuss this later.""After the job.""After the job," James agreed.
*The Brachiosaurus had stampeded off, leaving behind its passenger, who lay in the wreckage of the stagecoach. The man was pushing himself up with a groan."Howdy," Natasha said, cloth pulled over her face and hat pulled her down low as she pointed the gun at him. Clint was picking his way through what had been being transported. "We got some questions about Roarsberg and Fenhoff."The man looked up at them. "If I talk he'll kill me or pay to have one of the Widows do it for him.""If you don't talk we'll kill you," Natasha replied. "So it sounds like either way you end up dead. Come on tovarisch. Help a country man out. We can pay?""With what?""Well, we're going to steal all this," Barton said, gesturing toward the goal. "So you can have some of it, build a new life. I highly doubt that this belongs to whoever you're taking it to.""The long neck is gone, how I get anywhere?""We'll loan you a tahr," Natasha said. "It'll take you to outside Starkston, from there you make your own way." If he was helpful, she'd give him a way to call off Melina and the others, but if he wasn't, well… his fate was sealed one way or the other.The man paused, looking around, before his eye settled on James. "I know you, you were one of his… kukly.""One of his what?" Clint asked."Puppet," Natasha translated.The man shrugged. "English, not my strong suit. Puppet?""Trust me, I know English," Natasha said."Fine puppet.""How much control did he have?""Fenhoff liked you," the man said, looking at James. "His good soldier, cold as winter.""Not feeling very ice cold right now," James growled.The man chuckled. "He spent long time with you, so long… I think you never break out. Imagine my surprise when they throw you in mine with little girls.""Why did they do that?" Natasha asked."Easier to make new kukly, than fix broken one," the man said with a sigh. "Especially when all one has to do is talk. He dangerous tovararisch. Very dangerous. If you can hear him. Why widowmaker keeps one can't hear close to her.""Native woman?" Clint asked.The man glanced behind him at Clint. "Dah.""The Widowmaker, she fond of Fenhoff?" Natasha asked. Widowmaker had to be Underwood. Perhaps they could arrange a temporary truce, if Dottie wasn't fond of this Fenhoff."They deal. Don't think the widowmaker deal in feelings, but in money? Dah. His money is very good." Or not, Natasha said, feeling annoyed."How does it work?" Clint asked."He talks the right way and everyone listens.""Describe him in detail," Natasha said, squatting down to the man's eye level.*Natasha slipped into Dottie's saloon and hotel. She scanned the room and ducked her head as she felt herself frowning. The vacant eyes of so many of the women told her all that she needed to know, Dottie was in deep with Fenhoff. Movement caught her eye as she spotted a dark haired woman coming down the steps, movements stiff. Natasha almost froze as she spotted both Fenhoff and Dottie watching the woman. There was a third figure, another woman, and definitely Native. Her eyes were on a pair in the corner. Natasha studied them and…"Oh fuck," she muttered. Those were Marshalls.The dark haired woman was headed towards them. Natasha ducked her head and started slipping through the crowd, slipping closer to the Marshall's table. The poor woman was clearly trying to proposition the Marshalls, but neither were biting.The blond one actually appeared amused and the older one seemed tired. Natasha risked a glance to see Fenhoff headed down the stairs, heading toward them. Fenhoff wanted her with the Marshalls, but why?"Hey beautiful," Natasha said, pitching her voice lower as she stepped in. "If they're not interested, I'd be.""Yes, why don't you go with the young gentleman," the blond said. Did Natasha hear a pause there? She dared another glance at the blond, to find him smirking at her. The drink rose slightly as the blond caught her looking. She did not have time for another mystery!"I suppose if the Marshalls think I should," the woman said, her eyes still on them."We do," the older one said."Alright," the woman said, reaching out to grab Natasha."What's going on here?" a new voice asked."Marshalls think I should take this young man to bed," the woman said. "You did say to do what the Marshalls said.""Now, Peggy, I thought we agreed…" the man started.Natasha felt the hair rise on the back of her neck as something changed in his voice. She twitched, knocking one of the Marshall's glass over and spilling it all over him."Darnation," the blond one said, standing to try and shake the liquid off."I'm so sorry," Natasha said quickly. "I can buy you another one.""It's fine, I should check on the Rexes.""I could do that, Danvers," the older offered. "If you want to go change.""My pack is with the Rexes," Danvers sighed."I could send someone. Why don't you escort Peggy upstairs," Fenhoff said.Danvers blinked. "Yeah, I can do that.""I'll grab your pack," the older one said, standing to slip out.Danvers and Peggy started heading up and Natasha tried to follow them. A hand wrapped around her upper arm. She looked up to find Fenhoff staring at her."Let's find you someone else," he said."Sure," Natasha said, barely remembering to drop her voice."Gloria, why don't you take care of this young man.""Of course, Mr. Fenhoff," another woman said, slipping up.Natasha let her guide her upstairs to get away from Fenhoff. She slipped past Dottie and hoped the older woman hadn't realized just who she was. Natasha smirked as she realized that they were going to the third floor along with Peggy and Danvers. In fact, Danvers was brushing off Peggy as Natasha reached the top of the stairs. Wording mattered, Natasha realized. Escort, not have sex with, had two very different meetings."I wouldn't mind both of you," Natasha said, managing to get it out. She had to keep Gloria."Why don't you go with the kid," Danvers said, before stepping into her room, before closing her door firmly."I…" Gloria sputtered, glancing back at the steps. "I…""You can just watch, close your eyes if it bothers you," Natasha said.Peggy had put on a sultry smile and opened another door. "Come on in."Natasha tugged Gloria in as well. She kind of hated the compulsion. She had to find someone else."Peggy," Gloria siad, once the door closed. "I thought you weren't going to do this. You're married to Steve. He seems like a decent guy.""When Fenhoff isn't around?" Natasha asked.Gloria glanced back, before nodding. "You know about…?""Yeah," Natasha said, advancing toward Peggy. "Might want to shield your eyes, this isn't going to be pretty, but I've got a theory.""What?" Gloria asked.Natasha drew her fist back and punch Peggy as hard as she could in the face. She wasn't expecting the fist to her gut."Who are you?" Peggy asked, backing up."A friend, nice punch," Natasha said. "You still want to fuck a marshall?""Definitely not, I'm a married woman.""Cognitive Recalibration," Natasha said, nodding her head."What?" Gloria asked, looking horrified."Hit someone hard enough in the head, it'll break them out," Natasha replied."Really?" Peggy asked"Worked on you, think it worked on a friend of mine."Peggy started heading toward the door. Natasha reached out to grab her, backing away as Peggy turned ready to hit her again."Where are you going?""To snap my husband out of his delusions," Peggy replied."You go down there now. Fenhoff will know. We all are staying here," Natasha stated. "At least until the fireworks start." She turned around. "You have a corner room?""Yes," Peggy said, before sighing. "You have a point, but what fireworks?""Main street," Natasha said, pointing at one window, before going to one on the other wall. She popped it open and gave a short, sharp whistle and let the arrow sink into the wood next to her face. She smirked, tugging the arrow out and hauling the rope up."What are you doing?" Peggy asked, but didn't interfere. "Stay here Gloria, you can't leave either.""I could get out of debt…" Gloria said softly."Don't," Peggy said. "Gloria…"Natasha focused on getting Clint into the room. As soon as his hands were on the sill. She turned throwing the knife so it landed at eye level, next to the door as she turned to go."I won't miss next time," Natasha warned. "Neither will he."Gloria turned, paling. "I could scream.""Guess, I'm fucking you real good," Natasha replied.Clint snorted. "Move away from the door ma'am."Gloria nodded, stepping away slowly. She looked toward Peggy. "Peggy.""Can you help Steve?" Peggy asked."We can help him by killing Fenhoff," Clint offered. "Also, I may have had to punch out a Marshall. He caught me lurking."Natasha sighed. "Yeah, there's another up here.""We got no way to warn your boy," Clint pointed out."He's not my boy," Natasha said, scowling."Yeah, but he wants to be," Clint said, opening the window slightly and peering out."Fenhoff and Dottie are in the building. She's in league with him," Natasha said.Clint sighed as he stepped away. "Did you honestly expect a truce?""Definitely a Native woman," Natasha added. "Couldn't tell what tribe.""Maya?" Gloria asked. "Dottie's assistant.""Yeah," Clint asked. "What do you know?""Take me with you when you leave," Gloria said. "I'll tell you what I know."Natasha and Clint shared a look. Natasha looked away. "It'll be better for you if you can get out another way. The Marshalls.""They won't…""They might, if you give a good enough sob story," Clint said. "And they're decent.""They didn't take Peggy up on her offer," Natasha said, causing Peggy to blush. "Good enough?""No," Gloria said. "There's no guarantee.""Okay.""How much are we going to blow up Dottie's operation?" Clint asked.Natasha shrugged. "Collateral damage as far as I'm concerned. Not like she can hate us more.""True," Clint agreed, peering out the window again. "James is in position, but not ready.""I don't think we can wait until sunset," Natasha admitted. "Marshalls saw me.""Okay," Clint said, closing the window and pulling an arrow out. He tied a cloth around the arrowhead, which he dunked in the lantern oil and then lit."What are you…?""Distraction Time!" Clint said, opening the window and firing the arrow. He laughed. "Well, let's see how well James adapts. He looks so confused.""Now what?""We wait until the fire catches," Natasha asked. "When Fenhoff goes out to investigate. One of these two kills him from far away.""Then we all go our separate ways," Clint added.*Chaos, James couldn't help, but think that these two were smarter than their plan of 'Sew Chaos, get up high, kill Fenhoff.' Still, he guessed it was a decent bare bones of a plot, especially since Chaos meant Fire.Fire, which wasn't supposed to be lit until it was dark, but nope, apparently they were starting early. It took a while before the fire began attracting its neighbors and then, well, yelling and people in the streets. James settled on the roof, gun trained and looking for Fenhoff to pop out of wherever he was hiding.He smirked as the man came out of the Saloon. The idiot actually paused on the steps. James lined up his shot and fired. There was a scream as he rolled away from the actual shot. He dropped between buildings, catching his foot on the outcropping and bracing himself, so he could peer around the corner.A blonde woman was leaning over Fenhoff. She stood up and James realized that he was looking at Melina's rival, Dottie Underwood. He glanced toward the window that he'd seen Clint shoot out of and could make out the other man. They'd dropped red fabric over the sill. Blood feud was still on.Bucky lined up his shot and aimed at Dottie.*"He's shooting at the doorway," Clint said. "I think that's where Fenhoff is.""I'm going to his office," Red said, going over to the alley window. "You find out about Maya. Let James cover us.""I'll make sure Fenhoff's dead and distract Dottie for you," Peggy said. She looked over at Gloria. "Go hide with my triceratops.""Would not recommend the stables, they're on fire," Clint said as he exited the room."What?!" Peggy said, following him out. Gloria hurrying past them and heading toward the back staircase."Feed was the best place," Clint said. "Burns easy." He paused, looking around the room. "Sorry about your dinos."The downstairs was quiet, people were hiding behind tables and Dottie was against one side of the doorway. Danvers was on the other side."I can't get a good bead on him," Danvers said, gun out and pointed downward. "He's using a building for cover.""Fenhoff is just outside those swinging doors," Clint said."Is he alive?" Peggy asked."Yeah," Clint said, crouching down. Peggy watched as hand appeared under the door and then another. Slowly Fenhoff came into view."Get on those stairs," Clint ordered.Peggy followed his orders, wondering what he was planning."Help him," Dottie ordered and a few girls came to drag him the rest of the way in. As they did, they lifted him up slightly and an arrow appeared in his eye. She turned and Clint was gone."Did you see who did it?" Dottie asked, looking at her."I…" Peggy stammered, surprised to find all the eyes on her. "I think he ran into one of the rooms.""Go after him," Dottie ordered and a few women turned racing up the stairs. Maya wasn't one of them.Peggy had made it to the top of the staircase that led to the main floor. She eyed the scene. "Is he… dead?""I highly doubt he's alive," Dottie said, sounding disgusted. Peggy wondered what she could do."There's a fire in the kitchen!" Gloria shouted, bolting out of the back room."There's a what?" Dottie yelled. The girls on the steps hesitated as Dottie went into the kitchen. "Get the fire brigade in here!"Peggy headed down the steps and paused at the door, before running through."Don't…" Danvers said.Peggy prepared for the blast, but none came. She wasn't the enemy, just a victim. She headed toward the stables, wanting to save her trikes.*When no one came out of the Saloon, James dropped to the ground and went to the back of the building. His job was to get their mounts and meet at the far end of town. He wasn't expecting the blond man to land in his pathway and Natasha to be climbing off the back porch, she'd just kicked him off of."New friend?" James asked."Nope," Natasha said, tossing him some saddlebags. "He was guarding Fenhoff's safe.""So you asked him nicely to move?" James asked as he attached the saddlebags to Lucky and his nameless mount. Natasha was attaching another set to her mount. "This doesn't feel like paperwork.""May have robbed him, too," Natasha replied.James nodded, knowing she'd find someone who needed it. He mounted up as the big blond let loose a groan."Hopefully, you'll be feeling more like yourself," James said to him.The man sat up, staring at them. He blinked. "Bucky?""Who the hell is Bucky?" James asked as the stable collapsed on itself. "I think that's our cue.""Agreed," Natasha said and they took off.*Natasha smiled as Clint wandered into their camp, halfway through the night. "Have fun. Make a new friend?"He stepped into the campfire light and she could see the bruised already beginning to form. "Not really.""Dottie's creature?" Natasha asked."Nope, hated Dottie. Think she hates all white men. Told her about where her tribe would be.""She's?""Half Pachy, half Mexican," Clint said. "Knows the tribe signs and I think she can read lips. How's James?""You two talk too loud," James grumbled, not moving from his bed roll. Natasha reached out and stroked his hair."I think he met an old friend," Natasha said."Fenhoff?""Don't know his name," Natasha replied. "But he seemed to know James.""Do I look like a Bucky?" James grumbled."Bucky?!" Clint repeated. "Bucky?!" He laughed, sharp as pterodactyl. "Yeah, yeah you do actually.""Fuck you Barton.""I regret leaving him so soon, I could have found out more information," Natasha replied."Yeah, well, Roarsberg is going to have problems. Dottie's was burning when I left," Clint said."Really?" Natasha asked, her smile widening. "Mother will love to hear that."*"I'm sorry, Peg," Steve said softly as they joined the small caravan of people that were headed from Roarsberg to Starkston. "I can't explain why I did that.""I know," Peggy said. She did know. He did it because Fenhoff commanded and Fenhoff couldn't NOT be disobeyed. She also knew there was nothing legally they could do. The law was the law and Steve had signed over their land. All they had were the triceratops and that the Marshalls had hired Steve to help guard the caravan they were escorting."Coulson said, if he's impressed, he'll recommend me to Starkston governor. I could be his sheriff."Peggy nodded."They might be willing to let you teach, I know we're married, but you're one of the smartest people I know."Peggy smiled. "I guess we'll have to wait for our farm.""Yeah," Steve agreed. "It won't matter as long as we're together." He sighed."Still missing Bucky?"Steve sidled closer and his voice lowered. "I saw him with the red haired woman. He was part of her gang."Peggy blinked. Still mad at herself for not realizing that the red haired boy was actually a woman, but then she'd been too distracted to notice much. Her memories had slowly returned of the orders that Fenhoff had given her. He'd wanted her to sleep with one of the Marshalls. He was going to have Steve catch her in the act and shoot them both. As useful as Steve had been to Fenhoff, Fenhoff hadn't hesitated to throw him away. She hadn't told Steve and wasn't planning on it. "Are you sure?"Steve nodded.She started to object, but then they had referred to a 'James' and Bucky's first name was actually James."He didn't recognize me though," Steve admitted. "I don't know why.""Maybe… he hit his head really hard and forgot who he was," Peggy said slowly. "Maybe one day, it'll come back. At least we know he's out there." Hadn't Red mentioned a friend that had been in Fenhoff's employ? If Bucky had been taken by Fenhoff… Well, he was free now, and while the Marshalls and the others might think they were thieves, Peggy was sure that those three were anything but…"You think?" Steve asked, eyes wide. A look on his face that she hadn't seen since before the raid when Bucky disappeared."It's a possibility," Peggy said, enjoying the smile that lit up Steve's face. Her husband at least was healing and it seemed like just knowing that Bucky was out there somewhere made him feel better. It also could be due to the lack of mind control.Steve leaned in and kissed her, gently, wrapping his arm around her and pulling close. "I really am…"She punched his arm. "Stop it, I know it wasn't your fault. He bamboozled you. We'll figure it out. Together.""Together." Steve agreed.*James glanced back toward where Roarsberg was located. The big blond had seemed to know him, but he'd also been dazed."You could go back without us," Natasha said, appearing next to him. "Marshalls never saw you.""I know," James said. "It's tempting.""Won't stop you," Natasha said."Will you shoo me off if I want to stay?" James asked."Only if you want me to, go on get, we don't love you anymore," Natasha stated dryly.James snorted a laugh. "As if Barton loves me.""You've grown on him," Natasha replied. "He likes you at least, he did give you Alpine.""All that Tahr does is eat and sleep.""It's a baby, James.""It's a pest.""You're just as fond of it as you of Barton," Natasha replied."Not putting yourself in there?" James asked."No," Natasha said, stepping forward. "You like me a lot more.""I do," James agreed, looking down at her.She smiled up at him, eyebrow rising.He took it for the invitation that it was and leaned in and kissed her, slowly and thoroughly. She stepped even more into him, reaching up to hold his head down. He slowly wrapped his arms around her, enjoying the feel of her pressed against him."Ugh," Barton groaned. "I guess we're getting separate rooms."Natasha pulled away. "CAn I keep him, Clint?"Barton scowled, before grinning. "Only if we can call him Bucky.""See, irritating," James said, gesturing toward Barton.Natasha patted his cheek. "He said with fondness in his voice.""Ha, you like me!" Barton said."You like him, too," Natasha replied.James met Barton's gaze and together they made a face. "Nah."Natasha laughed. They got the camp packed up."Hey Clint," Natasha asked. "Think Gloria got out of town?""Yeah," Clint said. "I think she set the fire in the saloon. Think Peggy found her Steve?"James froze, because something suddenly fit. The blond man, Steve…"James?" Natasha asked."Blond man was Steve," James said. "The one that called me Bucky.""You sure?" Barton asked.James nodded slowly. "Yeah…""We could…" Natasha started."No," James cut her off. "A name and a feeling, that ain't nothing to build life on.""Well, he's married to a Peggy," Clint said. "That's two names.""Got nothing about her," James said, shaking his head. "We, we got a purpose.""We do?" Clint asked."Helping people," James said. "We help people, sometimes by hurting others, but we try to do good."He watched as Natasha and Barton shared a long look."Alright," Barton said.Natasha smiled, offering him her hand. "You want to go help some others?""Yeah," James said, taking it. "I mean, we can always find Steve later.""Right," Natasha agreed as Barton nodded. They mounted up and headed out."You know what this does mean," Barton asked after they'd been riding for a bit."What?" James asked."If you know him and he knows you, you're definitely a Bucky." He pressed his heals into Lucky's flanks and the Tahr took off.James groaned and shook his head."I'll still call you James," she promised."Thanks," James said.Steve, he decided, was in his past. At least for now. His future was definitely with these two and he smiled. It certainly looked bright to him.