Gangster Child

Decision

"Dad, I'm scared. What do I do?"

        "Just calm down Sweetheart." Tony soothed as he smiled at me from my phone screen "Take a deep breath." I did as he instructed and waited for him to continue "Alright," he said "now obviously I want you to come back home. Normally I'd be flying over right now to come take you home, but this is different. Sadie, I can't tell you what to do in this situation. If you want to come back home, great! I'll fly over and have you back by the end of the night. If you want to go on the run with the others, I get it, and I'll expect postcards. And... if you want to go to a new family, then I'll understand. I love you so much Sweetheart and I will support whatever you choose."

        "Dad, you're making me sad." I protested, trying to stem the flow of tears streaming down my face "I just wish that I knew what to do!"

        "Well let's go through the options again." Tony said softly "Number one. Is there any chance of you coming home?" I took a deep breath and pushed my hair out of my face.

        "No." I whispered "I can't go through with that knowing I won't be able to talk to the team." Tony sighed, but nodded nonetheless.

        "I figured." he said sadly "OK, option two. Do you want to go on the run?"

        "It's the best option." I conceded "I'd get to talk to everyone and maybe even visit you... but I've been on the run my whole life. I don't like it very much."

        "That leaves option three where you can go with a new family, but talk to everyone." Tony said finally "Do you know if there's a family lined up if you choose that?"

        "No." I admitted "I don't know who'd be crazy enough to take me in."

        "WE ARE!" a tiny voice screeched from behind the closed door of the room I was holed up in. I laughed quietly and opened it, letting Cassie run and wrap her arms around my legs in a hug.

        "Cassie say hi to Iron man." I teased, showing her my phone. Cassie waved excitedly before turning to look at me.

        "Mommy and Daddy will adopt you." she said breathlessly "Then you can stay here and play with me forever!" I smiled and glanced at Tony.

        "What do you think?" I asked gently "I told you who they are and what they've done for me." Tony smiled sadly and nodded.

        "I'll expect daily updates on how you're doing." he demanded. I giggled tearfully and gave a weak thumbs up.

        "Cassie go get them." I said softly before she darted out and came back a minute later with Maggie and Paxton in tow. "Do you still want to adopt a crazy girl?" I asked weakly. Maggie laughed and nodded, pulling me into a hug as I handed the phone to Paxton so he could talk to Tony.

        "We're so happy that you're back." she whispered.

        "I'm happy to be back."

        "Are you sure about this Котенок?" I nodded wordlessly, knowing that if I talked I was going to end up sobbing. Bucky pulled me closer to set me on his lap so he could hug me. "You'll call us and tell us everything that happens?" I nodded again and snuggled close to him, trying to cope with everything that was happening. Paxton and Maggie were adopting me, the people who hadn't signed the accords were going on the run, I didn't know where, and this was my last night with them. I couldn't even go back to New York to say goodbye to Tony and the rest of the team, not even Peter. The hard part would be telling him that.

        "Alright everyone," Steve called "we need to get some rest. We're heading out early tomorrow, and we can't afford to sleep in." I desperately held onto Bucky who was still holding me in his arms. He kissed the top of my head before gently setting me on the couch.

        "I'll wake you up so you can say goodbye to us." Bucky promised. I smiled weakly and gave him one last hug as he stood and started walking to the guest room.

        "Goodnight guys." I called hoarsely, fighting back tears.

        "Goodnight Sadie." the team chorused.

        "Sadie. Wake up Kiddo." I groaned quietly and sat up, careful to not wake Cassie up who had fallen asleep on me last night during a mini movie marathon. Bucky helped me to my feet and I walked with him to where everyone was waiting. I stood off to the side while they quietly stuffed their things into their bags.

        "You gonna be OK Pipsqueak?" Clint asked, watching me carefully.

        "Yeah." I whispered "I'll be fine, just as long as you guys don't get thrown into some maximum security prison." Clint chuckled softly as gave me a one armed hug and kissed the top of my head.

        "I promise we won't get thrown in a maximum security prison." he teased. I giggled and hugged him back before watching him slip out the door. One goodbye down, five more to go. Sam refused point blank to do a mushy goodbye so I got a brief hug and a threat that if I didn't call him at least once a week my life would be in danger. The twins were a little nicer, they pulled me into a group hug that seemed to last forever. It only ended when Steve and Bucky hinted that they would like a turn.

        "I love you my little Princess." Pietro mumbled.

        "I love you too Speedy. I love you Wanda." I whispered.

        "Right back at you Sadie." she said with a smile. They hugged me one last time before hurrying out the door, leaving me with two super soldiers.

        "I'll miss you Sweetheart." Steve said gently, hugging me tightly "Call me every week, or sooner." I laughed quietly and hugged him back.

        "Don't get into any fights." I called teasingly. Steve gave me a playful salute before following the rest of the team. With a small sigh, I turned to face Bucky who was looking stone-faced.

        "So," Bucky said finally "make good choices... and I'll see you around." He ruffled my hair and walked out. I stood there in confusion before darting out the door and catching up to him. "What is it?" he asked brusquely. I held my arms up and he smiled slightly before picking me up and holding me tightly.

        "You didn't think I was going to let you go that easy, did you?" I asked, attempting to sound lighthearted.

        "Not really." Bucky mumbled, still holding onto me.

        "I love you Большой брат." I whispered, burying my face in his shoulder. I heard a stifled sob from Bucky before he answered.

        "I love you too Котенок." he choked out "Promise me you'll stay safe."

        "I promise."