Decision

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ln the end, Bartok couldn't escape Steve's pursuit. Steve led the team to complete the mission and followed Natasha and the others back to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.

Rather than joining the mission debriefing, Steve went straight to the top floor to confront Nick Fury in his office.

"You're so used to lying, it's hard for you to stop, isn't it?" Steve's voice was sharp.

Fury, expecting this reaction, leaned back in his chair. "I didn't lie to you. Agent Romanoff's mission was different from yours."

"And you didn't think I needed to know?" Steve pressed.

"I had no obligation to tell you everything." Fury's tone was firm, but he was also trying to keep Steve on board.

"I wasn't planning on staying with S.H.I.E.L.D. anyway," Steve admitted. "But after what happened today, I decided to at least hear you out. And this is the answer I get."

Fury, sensing the shift in Steve's attitude, turned his chair to face him directly.

"Did you ever consider that this could've put the hostages in danger?" Steve continued.

"Of course, which is why I sent the greatest soldier in history to rescue them," Fury said, his confidence unwavering.

But Steve wasn't buying it. "A unit works on trust, not on deception. A team without trust is just a bunch of people with guns."

Fury stood, leaning on his desk. "The last time I trusted someone, I lost an eye."

His voice softened slightly. "Look, I don't expect you to cross the line. Romanoff has no such limits, which is why she was perfect for this job."

Steve exhaled sharply. "Then I guess I have no place here anymore. I won't work for you. I won't run your missions. I just want to live my own life."

Fury narrowed his eyes. "What did you just say?"

"I'm done with S.H.I.E.L.D. My focus is on the Illuminati now."

Fury's expression darkened. "Are you sure about that?" But before Steve could answer, Fury added, "I was going to share a secret with you."

Steve shook his head. "I don't need more secrets."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Fury to watch him go.

The moment Steve stepped outside, he felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in decades, he was free.

But he needed to talk to someone.

"What? You quit S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Tony Stark stared at Steve, utterly baffled. "I can't believe Fury let you walk away."

After leaving headquarters, Steve had gone straight to Kai's manor, where Tony had been staying temporarily. When Tony heard the news, he was shocked.

"Has Fury gone soft? No way he'd let you go that easily."

Steve took a sip of the drink Tony handed him. "I just want to focus on the Illuminati. I'm tired of the endless political games and power struggles."

Tony smirked. "So you finally got sick of the bureaucracy? Took you long enough."

Steve sighed. "Nick and I see the world differently. This was the only choice."

Tony clinked his glass against Steve's. "Then let's toast to your new life. Congratulations—you're finally a free man."

The others in the room followed suit. "Congratulations, Steve!"

As Steve took another sip, he watched their faces. For the first time in a long while, he felt at peace. Maybe quitting really was the right move.

Kai, watching Steve's thoughtful expression, spoke up. "Since you're not tied down anymore, why not stay at the manor for a while? Tony's here, and it'll be more fun with you around."

Steve hesitated. Moving in right away seemed drastic. But Kai pressed on. "You wanted change, right? Start with your living arrangements."

Steve considered it, then nodded. "Alright. I'll move in today."

Kai smiled to himself. Once Steve settled in, he wouldn't want to leave—just like Tony. After all, Kai had designed the manor for comfort. And once you got used to this kind of convenience, it was hard to walk away.

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