When We Lie

Natasha drives all the way back to Övre Soppero. No one says anything; the tension threatening to devour you all if you so much as open your mouths.

You sit in the back seat behind Natasha, looking gloomily out the window while holding Loki's hand. Wanda sits to his right, throwing worried glances at you from time to time.

Back at the hotel, you all gather in a conference room to go through everything you learned.

The barracks were full of children of all ages, ranging from newly born to fifteen years old. According to Natasha and Clint, some of them looked sick, almost dying, while others had healthy pink cheeks and nice clothing. The better-off children all at some point showed off their abilities, either to bully the weaker ones or to train.

You explain, without letting any emotions through, that the weaker children are the ones that either cannot control their newfound abilities, or haven't developed. Any. The undeveloped ones usually die young, but some, if they survive, go on to become Hydra agents. The uncontrollable children are killed off if they can't learn to control their powers, because they're too risky to keep.

No one asks how you know this.

Wanda and Loki shares what they've found as well, and finally it's your turn.

You clench your fists together under the table, looking at its white surface. "When I was born, I was taken from the hospital and replaced." You quickly retell the story of your life. "The woman that used to read me stories, I saw her."

After some more explanation, the room is filled with dread and shock. But you still haven't told them the worst part.

Loki moves closer to you and takes your hand. "I'll tell them," he says, and you nod.

It doesn't come as a surprise when they all freak out.

"We'd know if we had traitors in our midst!" Wanda exclaims, taking your free hand. "I've checked every single one of you, and I haven't seen anything strange!"

"You can't read minds, dear," Vision says matter-of-factly.

"Sush!" Wanda bites back.

It's Cap that finally ends the angry conversation. "Bucky's like you," he says, and everyone goes dead silent. Cap looks at you and you finally look up to meet his gaze. "Bucky didn't remember who he was or that he knew me. He wasn't a sleeper agent but the principle is mostly the same." He wets his lips and looks at you in anguish. "I've met sleeper agents before. They're dangerous. We... we can't let you jeopardize our cause. Do you understand?"

Both Loki and Wanda immediately come to your defence, but you silence them with a squeeze of their hands. "I understand," you say and send Natasha a grateful smile. You didn't miss her hesitancy since the debate broke out. "Do what you have to."

The rest of them report back to Fury and they all pack their belongings. This time, mr. Stark calls his private jet and they all go home together.

"Aren't you visiting your family or friends?" Natasha asks on the plane. "You're finally back in Sweden, after all."

You look out the window but don't see anything. "My biological parents don't know me and I don't want to put my friends in danger. No, I'm not seeing them." You stand up and walk over to Loki. He leans back into his chair and lets you use him as a pillow.

***

Coming back to the Avengers HQ is weird. Instead of going to your bedroom, you're redirected to Loki's. It really is a prison, with steel walls, no windows and cameras and sensors everywhere. At least you're not separated from Loki anymore.