#karli morgenthau x you

[edward-munson]

good partner

Summary: You get a call from Sam asking to help him and Bucky find the Super Soldiers, and get Zemo out of prison. You're still not done with your mission, but the former Winter Soldier doesn't like the idea of you around. This is mostly based on episode 4 of the show, "The Whole World is Watching". I wanted to write something light but you can request a smut.

Warning: Angst, mentions of The Winter Soldier, fluff | Word count: 4k

Pairing: Bucky x f!reader

A loud thud echoed through the loft as Zemo hit his back against the hard floor. You stomped your foot on his chest and heard him grunt against gritted teeth.

"I'm in this case as well. You're just a rat who got lucky from getting out of a cell" You spat out. Both Sam and Bucky trying hard not to snort.

The baron still kept his gaze at you, holding your foot so tight you almost stumbled. He got up on his foot and wrapped a hand around your bicep.

"Leaving you to turn on me once we get to Karli. Hmm. I prefer to keep my leverage. I can't trust you" He locked his eyes on yours and squeezed his fingers on your skin.

You let out a dry scoff. They should've let him die in that prison. Behind your back, Sam was about to step in. Zemo had shifted his demeanor to a cold look. "You let them do it. Stay out of it".

"And who are you to say shit about what I should or should not do?" Raising your voice, he didn't flinch.

The man pointed a finger at you as a warning, still holding his damn tea cup. Only a slight second later, Bucky shattered the glass against the wall and pulled him by his collar.

"You wanna see what someone can do with leverage?" The soldier asked him. He tightened his metal wrist and you could see his shoulder grow wide.

Sam stood next to him, resting a hand on his forearm. "Take it easy. Don’t engage him. He’s just gonna extort you and do that stupid head tilt thing".

Bucky still had him in his grip. Zemo didn't hold any expression, otherwise. It was infuriating. "You want some cherry blossom tea?"

You watched as the taller man twisted his collar. "You fucking touch her again, I'll break your neck". He shoved the baron backward and left the living room.

You were surprised, to say the least. Bucky was annoyed you were on this mission with them. He thought you were actually missing a few points and messing with their plan.

But much to his dismay, Sam agreed to have you on board and didn't complain about your work. Said his partner was just being grumpy.

The former Winter Soldier was leaning against the countertop, his hands gripping tightly against the edge. You offered a glass of water, which he denied.

The Falcon was somewhere else making a call, which left you alone with an irritated soldier and a trash bag of an ex-prisoner.

"Don't let him get through your head" You whispered, standing close to Bucky. He didn't look back at you. "It's what he likes to do. Ever since the last time you engaged".

He gulped harshly, it was back when he was being accused of planning a bombing in Vienna. And then, when he was held hostage in Germany, where Zemo broke him and brought Winter Soldier back.

"I don't like him either. But it's easier if we just ignore" You tried to humor him, but he still wasn't in the mood for interaction.

"Would that work if I ignored you as well?" Bucky lifted his eyes to meet yours. He had a stupid faux grin on his face.

As soon as he didn't get a response, he walked past you and made his way back to follow Sam, leaving you alone with Zemo.

~~

You're all gathered around as The Falcon goes through the plan again. Refusing to tag along with Zemo, you had to agree and make Bucky company.

They tracked Karli Morgenthau to a memorial service. But John Walker and his partner figured out the exact same plan. All you wanted to do was get all the serum back.

That is, if you didn't run into the shittiest Captain America while you and Bucky walked up the alley. You could literally hear him tightening his fists, his metal arm already functioning.

"Ah! How’d you find us now?" The soldier carried an unamused tone in his voice. You watched as John and his partner got closer to you both.

"You think two Avengers can walk around Latvia without drawing attention?" He wasn't wrong, but you knew Bucky was past that now.

The Captain motioned his head towards you, measuring you from head to toe. "New Avenger?"

You snorted out loud and cracked a laugh. Your stomach was starting to cramp and the soldier next to you watched as John held a confused look.

"She's just a partner" He shrugged. "Sam asked for her help".

"Yeah, but not just a partner. So you better not step foot on our plans" Bucky knows how much of a menace you are.

He can't disagree with the fact that you can actually start a fight with the wrong people and not fear them.

John snorted and you narrowed your eyes at him. "Yeah, right. You wanna meet Karli, there will be civilians there. There's a high risk of casualties".

"No one's asking for your opinion, Cap. Sam is gonna talk to her and reason her" You tried to face him, but his demeanor didn't go down on you.

"She blew up a fucking building with people in it. If he's in there alone with a Super Soldier, he's getting himself killed".

Bucky rolled his eyes. "He's dealt with worse".

You were waiting inside the building while Sam tried to convince Karli. John couldn't stop pacing back and forth, even Zemo seemed annoyed already.

He started complaining about how dangerous it was, but the soldier next to you made sure it hadn't even been ten minutes yet.

Already done with his bullshit, you shifted on your foot. Bucky looked at you from the corner of his eyes. You weren't supposed to be there in the first place. He knows you're highly qualified and if shit went down you'd protect yourself.

And even though he's still pissed you're there, he can't wrap his head around the fact that this could be really dangerous for you.

John almost towered over Bucky, he was deadpanning at the Captain. "This is all really easy for you, isn’t it? All that serum runnin’ through your veins".

"Barnes, your partner needs backup in there. Do you really want his blood on your hands?" He tried getting into his head, but the man next to you did nothing but chuckle.

"You really don't know Sam, do you?" You chimed in and watched as John narrowed his eyes at you. "You come in here parading this new shield which, by the way, doesn't fucking belong to you and you want to dictate shit?"

By this point, he really wishes he could hit a woman. Bucky notices how John moves his body and tries to face you, but he doesn't let him.

"You better keep your distance" He warned the Captain, who took a few steps back and raised his hands in surrender.

John didn't wait five more minutes and decided to intervene in their conversation. Karli was fast enough and knocked them down before running away. You couldn't find her in the maze, but Zemo made sure to destroy the serums she had. Or he thought so.

~~

Back in the loft, the German man was lying on the couch with a soft fabric covering his eyes. He was talking about how Super Soldiers weren't allowed to exist.

In gets Bucky as he sighs before taking his jacket off. You couldn't take your eyes off his firm body, his strong arms, and perfectly shaped abs.

You were sitting opposite to him as he was on his back, just staring at his entire body. He poured a glass of whiskey before speaking up about his suspicions about John.

"Well, I know a crazy when I see one. Because I am crazy" He says as he rests his lips on the rim of the glass.

"Good thing you recognize that" You let out a laugh, and he snaps his eyes at you.

Bucky rolls his eyes and speaks through the glass. "You should have a look in the mirror".

You're taken aback by his response and open your mouth, ready for retaliation, but he speaks up again. "Shouldn't have given him the shield".

Sam stood next to him and pointed a finger, but you defended him. "He didn't give it".

You're sitting on the couch with your arms crossed against your chest. The former Winter Soldier walks toward you before crouching in front of you.

"Steve definitely didn't. And you're past the point of giving an opinion here. I said this mission wasn't for you".

He was too annoyed today, that's for sure. But that didn't give him the right to be a brat with you all the time. And you should ignore him, but the bickering gets him all the time.

You lift your torso and fill the gap between your faces. His brows are furrowed. "You don't get to say what I should or should not do".

The staring lingers for a while until the new captain barges into the loft asking for you all to turn Zemo over.

"Shield or no shield, the only thing you’re runnin’ in here is your mouth. Now, I had Karli and you overstepped. He’s actually proven himself useful today" Sam walks over to him.

John tries to tease your friend before the Wakandans enter the loft. They peacefully ask to turn Zemo as well, but a fight bursts in the room.

You run towards the corner of the room behind a pillar, while the wakandan knocks the captain and his friend down. The other three men are standing there, watching him get beat up with amused looks on their faces.

"Looking strong, John" Bucky teases and you snort loudly. He snaps his head your way and grins.

The soldier tries reasoning with Ayo, but she pulls herself away from him and continues to fight against John and his partner. Both him and Sam are too busy to notice that Zemo is trying to get away.

You run after him and hold the door knobs before he can lock himself. "Where the hell you think you're going?"

"Let go, or I'll shoot you" He warns, but you paid no mind. Only then, he gripped his gun quickly before shoving you backward, locking himself.

You looked over your shoulders and watched as Bucky was kneeling on the floor, grabbing his metal arm.

"Shit" You mutter and rush to him. "Everything okay?"

He carried a different look for a slight second, almost vulnerable. He reattached his arm back. Bucky looked at you and nodded. You grabbed his limb and carefully inspected it.

"Did you know they could do that?" He was still glancing down at you. His blue eyes were soft and light. He shook his head and clanked his arm.

Later on, Zemo was still nowhere near to be found, while Sam and Bucky were pissed they missed him.

"How could you not hold him back?" Your friend was messaging a few people he knew might know about him.

"I tried. He pointed a fucking gun to my head" You snapped.

The other man sat next to you on the stool by the countertop. He let out a sharp inhale. "Was it even loaded? He could've just tricked you".

"How the fuck would I know?" Your face was millimeters away from his once again. Your breath was fanning his face and you watched as he tightened his jaw.

"Know why I hate this fucking plan? Because you had one job today and you couldn't even do it" You closed your fists and clicked your jaw at his words.

"As much as I know Sam would bow down to you and say you're a great partner. I beg to differ" He got from his seat and walked with his heavy boots against the floor toward the couch.

Your voice cut through the air with bitterness and you immediately regretted it. "Sometimes you're no different from the Winter Soldier".

He stopped his tracks and spun around. Quickly, Bucky captured your face with his metal hand and squeezed your cheeks, making you pout.

"What the fuck did you just say?" His forehead was brushing yours and you could see rage in his eyes.

"Let go of her. She's just disappointed" Sam gave you a cold look before handling his partner. He grabbed Bucky by the shoulder before the man shoved your face.

You were sitting alone in the loft during the night, trying to book a flight home. Obviously, your plan to help with the mission became a disaster, nonetheless, from the beginning you knew Bucky didn't agree on this.

He thought you couldn't keep up with the plan and he was right. You were making things worse at this point. You wanted to help them, you tracked the Super Soldiers and you helped with Zemo, but that was just it.

Now you're debating whether you should just go without warning or not. Sam is going to be pissed at the end of it. He knows you're better than that, and after what you told Bucky there's no way you can face him again.

Your friend watched you from the corner of the hallway. He knows you're hurting from what happened, you wouldn't snap like that if his partner didn't push you. Sam talked to him, but he was too angry to actually forgive you.

He didn't blame him either.

"Hey, you going to sleep or what?" Sam asked as soon as he dropped his weight on the couch next to you. He peeked through your screen and saw it. "Woah, you're not leaving right? This isn't over. I still need you. We need to find Zemo".

"You can do that without me. You did it before. Besides, he's out there because of me. And Bucky is tired of my face".

He closed your laptop, and you glanced at him. "I can do it, but I don't want to. S'why I reached out to you. And we're gonna find him, he needs us too".

"And Bucky... I think it's just his sexual frustration talking" He laughed as you gasped at his words.

"Sam, what the fuck?"

"Dude doesn't even go on dates, he's probably nervous having a woman around. He's always been grumpy, I think it's in his nature. He'll come around at some point" He grinned at you.

"That's not my problem. He keeps pushing me, I'll fight back" You didn't need to look at him to see he was definitely enjoying the playfulness.

"You guys should just have sex. This is so annoying" Sam grabbed his phone as you choked on your own spit.

"For the love of God, drop this conversation before I snap at you too".

He handed the phone to you, saying Karli was threatening his sister and his nephews. She wants to find him, alone.

He has other plans, of course. But you can't even think about accepting the idea before Bucky gets to talk.

"He doesn't need to know. I'll go with him, you meet us there".

~~

You watched as he and Bucky fought the Super Soldiers along with John and his partner. They were beating each other up relentlessly.

One of them pulled a pocket knife and tried stabbing Bucky and you gasped. He shielded himself, dropping the object close to their face.

He had a snapped cut on his nose, and his jaw was split up. His knuckles were bloody red. Sam was in better shape than his friend, though.

You were shocked when you saw John's partner sitting unconscious on the floor. The captain rushed to him, too desperate to make any sense.

You pulled Bucky and Sam away and ran out of the building. "We gotta get the hell out of here now. He's gonna kill the kid" Your hands were shaking, and you almost tripped on your foot.

"Hey, woah. What are you doing here?" Bucky stopped in his tracks, looking back.

"Let's argue later, dipshit" Sam shouted at the soldier as you kept running.

In the loft, you asked Bucky to sit on the stool as you worked on his injuries. Starting on his nose, he hissed at the contact with the wet cloth.

"Keep steady, crybaby" You whispered and he looked up at you.

You cleaned the dried blood from his face and managed to apply some saline solution. The entire time, he kept his gaze on you. He noticed how focused you were on his injuries and how gently you managed it.

He held his hands up as you cleaned up his knuckles. They were red from all the punching, and it surprised you how he was still human besides the serum.

You squeeze his hands lightly, too embarrassed to look back at him before apologizing. "I'm really sorry about yesterday. It was a really shitty thing to say, and you don't deserve it. I was an asshole".

Bucky trailed his eyes to scan your face. He had a peaceful look. "I shouldn't have pushed you either. I was just annoyed Sam brought someone up to this mess".

"I accepted it. There's no right or wrong, I wanted to help". You were both still brushing your fingertips against each other.

"You're not bad after all" He mused and you chuckled. "I just- I don't think I can keep losing people".

You saw his raw personality right in front of you. That man who kept his serious and defensive demeanor was showing his true self. It was hard to miss it.

Your hand grasped his jawline, carefully rubbing his skin. He almost faltered. "That won't happen. I got two Avengers to protect me".

He snorted, showing his teeth when he laughed. "Should've seen that coming".

"And more than anyone else, you deserve that happiness. You just need to stop lying about your nightmares".

"How do you-" He was about to ask and you tilt your head.

"Sam and I talk. I know it's hard to erase the past. But you're James again, you're you" Your other hand is still holding him tightly.

Bucky refuses to look at you for a moment. And when he does, his eyes are glassy. "It means I remember. It means a part of me is still there. Which means a part of the Winter Soldier’s still in me".

You smack your lips. "You need to stop thinking you're making amends. You need to give them closure, be of service for them. Stop thinking like you still owe them just an apology".

He drops his head and bites his lip. You hold his chin up and force him to look at you. "You're not that guy anymore".

You were about to get closer for the hundredth time. Maybe close the gap between you and pull him in for a kiss. Not because you feel bad for him, for his past. But because you feel warmth when you're close to him.

You feel like he could hold the world above your head and fight for you.

That was when his phone started ringing. John killed that kid out of revenge.

~~

You finally meet Sam's sister, Sarah, after he invites you and Bucky home to help him fix his boat. A lot of their neighbors are also helping. There's a gathering with food and drinks by the lake, and every kid is excited to see the soldier. They're all lining up to hang up on his metal arm.

You're watching in the distance as he and Sarah chat about something, while two kids hang themselves on his limb. He seems lighter, happy even.

He has a different look on his face. Especially after Sam finally decided to become who he was supposed to be.

Bucky walks toward you holding two cans of beer in his hand. "You want one?"

He holds one out for you, and you accept it.

"The kids love you, you know?" You speak after sipping on your drink.

"What can I say? I'm pretty charming" He leans against the wall next to you, watching as the sun sets. There's a hue of orange in the sky.

"They only like you because of your arm. Don't get too cocky" You shove him by the arm playfully and he holds your hand for leverage.

Bucky pulls you closer to his body, his chest is heaving against yours. He's taller, so he has to look down at you.

"So you don't think I'm charming?" His words are too soft, but his grip on your waist is almost tight.

"I didn't say that" You smirk and he uses his other hand to rub the pad of his thumb on your lower lip.

The moment you felt his skin against yours, it felt like everything slowed down. Even though he was desperate to finally give you the kiss he'd been wishing for, it was obvious he was too nervous.

Sam's words lingered in your head. He was definitely in need of dates and he refused to accept it. Whatever changed his mind made you realize he had a soft spot for you.

That's what made you take the first step. You finally closed the distance and crashed your lips against his. It tasted like beer. The tiniest movement of your tongue had him groaning in the back of his throat and it almost made you smile.

He slid his tongue against yours and tilted his head for better access. He wished he wasn't holding a beer right now because all he wanted to do was cradle your face and pull you in for a deeper kiss.

Your arms wrapped around his neck and Bucky faltered as you grasped his lip between your teeth. Both tongues were fighting for dominance and you shivered.

The fresh taste of beer in your mouth made his heart flutter inside his chest. His heart was racing and pounding against his ribcage and he felt like the air got knocked out of his lungs.

You both had to pull out for air, his hand not leaving your body for a second. Resting your forehead against his, you watched as he kept his eyes closed.

"I'm glad you're happier now. I can see it right through you"

"Someone gave me a nudge. And Sam is a great friend, much to my disappointment" He joked, giving your lips a chaste peck.

"He said some pretty nasty things about you the other day" You laughed as he displayed a surprised look on his face.

"Oh, he's a dead man".

"Hmm, he might be right" You sipped on your beer, watching as Bucky placed a hand on his hip.

"What was it about?" The soldier mirrored you with his beer.

Getting closer to his face, you spoke against his lips. Voice low and teasing "You'll have to find out".

You gasped as he pulled you harder against his body and kissed you again. This time, it had a different impact, he was rough and needy.

A growth beneath you brushed against your body, and you chuckled between the kiss. Bucky had to pull away from you. He lowered his head and shook it.

"I might know what he meant" He barely had time to laugh as you pulled him in for another kiss.

You didn't even have time to tell Sam goodbye. Next thing you know, you were both in his hotel room, filling the air with a lot of passion and moaning.

You woke up the next day with a weight on you. His metal arm was spread above your body.

Jesus, they needed to get blackout curtains in the bedrooms. You slightly opened one of your eyes and peeked through your lashes as you saw Bucky peacefully sleeping close to you.

A smile escaped from your lips at the thought of the previous night.

Happiness crossed your mind when you cradled his face and traced his jawline. He was definitely happy. And hopefully, soon, the nightmares would go away.

[i-gwarth]

There is a future for "the good ones"

Bastion is such a weird little outlier among X-men characters. He has a damn-near-incomprehensible, mystical-technological-timetravelling nonsense backstory that requires you to read like 30 other comics to understand - exactly the kind of convoluted 1990s comics bullshit that the MCU adaptations have tried to steer clear of for two decades now. I didn't actually expect them to actually adapt him for this season. But ultimately I kind of love how they play him in the series.

He's streamlined - a boring, soft-spoken little middle-manager type who plans out a near-perfect encirclement of mutancy in preparation for a purge.

Here's a bigot who seems both rational and capable of compromise. In stark contrast with shrieking racists like Creed and Gyrich, or conflicted oopsie-I-made-a-genocide-machine concerned citizens like Trask, Bastion employs genocide as a tool rather than an end goal. "If we've accepted that the presence of mutants is inevitable, how much more ground are we willing to cede?" he asks. And then he answers "As little as possible."

Not the extermination of a whole race of people. Simply its management - setting up a system where they can be made into non-threatening, productive members of society. It's enhancing rather than upsetting the status-quo, assuaging the existential fears of polite humans who just have some concerns, and backing up that system with as much genocidal violence as is required to make it work. Very clean, very neat, very Schneizel-pilled.

If this sounds familiar it's because it's the same system of thinking that people employ to declare how colonialism is over, while benefitting from the extraction of cheap resources out of former colonized nations; we haven't ended colonialism, we've merely streamlined it and made it more efficient. "It's stupid to waste resources that we can use."

Bastion is the endpoint of genocidal centrism. A little ethnic cleansing is required to make the machine work, and the machine - making it more streamlined, more efficient - is the best we can possibly hope for, so don't raise your voice at me!

Cable describing the future world that Bastion built as a "utopia" is actually a bit of an understated revelation here. It's exactly the kind of thing a centrist with a pang of guilty conscience might use as an excuse to close their eyes to the violence required to build this system. Much like how an abolitionist in the past, being witness to the horrors of slavery and colonial abuse, might view the participation of colonized or enslaved minorities in global capitalism as his end goal.

X-Men '97 can't escape the fact that it's produced under a Disney near-monopoly of modern media. This is the same company that gave us Karli true-leftism-is-killing-civilians Morgenthau and other childish takes on modern political extremes. In that context, Bastion is an improvement.

He might also be a jab from the showrunners at the Disney company itself (give them as little as possible, as late as possible, and they'll be grateful for it; they'll call it a utopia) but I can't prove that.

[maple-the-awesome]

We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Chapter 34

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x GN Reader

Words: 4,061

Overview: Given your old-fashioned personality and obsession with all things 1940s to 1980s, it’s no wonder that most people refer to you as an ‘old soul’ who would’ve rather lived back then than in the modern era. Little do they know, you already did, but with your previous life as Hollie Stark cut short, you’ve been left with some…unfinished business, to say the least. Top of your list? Finally getting to marry your thought-to-be-lost fiancé.

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CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: DEARLY DEPARTED

Well fed and partially rested, your quartet makes their way down the windy cobblestone streets of Latvia. There’s an uneventful silence that follows throughout most of the walk - that is, between Zemo’s unprompted compliments of the local architecture and Bucky’s grumbled skepticism regarding your sense of direction.

If it were earlier in the day, you’d likely snap at his doubt, but fortunately for him in this moment, your previous interaction with those children at the refugee enclave and the short nap you took afterwards had smoothened out your mood. Thus, you simply shoo away his queries with confident assurances and only a dash of frustration. You were a scientist in your past life, of course you can follow Google Map instructions!

“Karli Morgenthau is too dangerous for you to be pulling shit like this!”

“Lord give me strength…” Sam grumbles, that once bearable half-silence officially soured by an uninvited fifth-wheel.

With a raised eyebrow, you look up from your phone and follow Sam’s irritated gaze to its source: none other than the same Captain America impersonator you've already heard a great deal of complaints about. You can't say you've been particularly excited to meet him, not too fond of there being a government-issued replacement for your dear friend in the first place, and judging on how swiftly he approaches with zealous coating his every step and spoken word, you don't have much confidence in this introduction changing your expectations.

"How'd you find us this time, John?!" Bucky asks sarcastically, his question having an impressive balance between its volume and lackadaisical delivery.

"You think two Avengers can walk around Latvia without being noticed?" Walker's partner counters, yet the spotlight is immediately switched back to John who shows zero shame in marching directly towards your group with a smile that's seconds away from becoming a scowl as he points to Zemo.

"No more keeping us in the dark. You can start by telling us why the hell you broke him out of prison."

"Well technically, he broke himself out of prison," You correct, unfazed by John’s poor attempt at asserting authority here, in fact you have no problem blocking his path to Zemo by sliding in between them with a hand outstretched cheekily, "Hi, I’m (Y/n). Don't believe we've met."

"I don't really care who you are -"

"- Ouch -"

"- There better be an UNBELIEVABLE explanation for this because -!" John's voice raises. Pairing that with the way he talks while swinging his arms dramatically, you can't say you like the aggressive undertone behind his behavior, especially not for someone wearing the stolen merits of a real hero. You don't care how upset he is, it's not a very good look nor a great sign for his character, and you aren't the only one to think that:

"- Hey, take it down a notch before you attract a crowd, alright?" Sam warns, drawing attention to the civilians who have already stopped to stare at the scene. Some even have their phones out, excitedly snapping pictures of the new ‘Captain America’ and his Avenger 'friends'.

"I know where Karli is," Zemo confesses with little fanfare or interest for that matter, somewhat akin to a parent giving their child a cookie just to shut them up. He attempts to walk past after that, however John’s quick to push him back.

"Well, where is she then?"

"A memorial, that's all we know at the moment. We're heading there now to intercept her," Sam, desperate to maintain the peace, explains while Zemo brushes away John's touch to continue onwards anyway. The rest of you don't hesitate to follow, yet that doesn't stop John and his partner from taking this conversation to-go, keeping up with your steps as if a part of the team themselves. You won't be surprised if he truly believes that, either.

"Memorial? That means there'll be civilians and a high risk of casualties," His partner points out.

"We're not nuking the damn place with her inside," You insist, although you can at least respect that his priorities are in the right place, better tied to his job as a protector rather than his fragile ego. If only his buddy could follow by example, "Sam just wants to talk her and get her side of the story -"

"- What? No...No! Wait! Stop, hold on!" John suddenly rushes to the front of the group, once again preventing anyone from moving forward, "We're way past reasoning with her, okay? Unless you've forgotten this part, she's a terrorist. Her and her little friends blew up a building with people inside of it!"

"You're right. She is a terrorist which is exactly why we need to stop her as soon as possible."

John laughs as if you're the ones making this more complicated than it needs to be, "Alright! Then let's go in there and arrest her -"

"- If we rush in, arms drawn, and corner them like animals, what's stopping her from lashing out right that second?" You challenge, not faltering under his intense stare, "We need to approach this situation with strategy, and Sam's idea works. We go in, let him try talking to her while simultaneously keeping our guard up, and if she surrenders, then yay -"

"- And if she doesn't?"

"Then we kick her ass! I don't know! Have you not seen a hostage negotiation before? You know, ‘The Inside Man’? ‘The Negotiator’? Ever turn on the news maybe -?”

“- The bottom line is: there’s a risk in both scenarios whether we talk or attack first,” Sam steps forward, showing far more patience as he reminds John of his own presence in this discussion, “The difference is, in one, we have an actual shot at ending things peacefully. In the other, people get hurt regardless.

“Why not pick the former then? I'd say we have a pretty good chance with it, I mean, yeah, Karli’s methods are out of line - no one here’s trying to deny that - but her motivations aren't entirely unreasonable. For god’s sake, she's a kid who just had five years of her life flipped on top of her head - We all know how terrifying that can be. I think what she needs most right now is someone who's actually willing to hear her out without casting her aside with more broken promises.”

"It also might be worth mentioning that this memorial is for someone close to Karli, so it’ll likely be attended by others who are important to her, too," You add to aid Sam’s argument, "She's probably going to want to avoid endangering their lives just as much as we do."

"Right. Exactly!"

John shakes his head before turning his attention to Bucky who's remained silent throughout this entire discussion, "...You'll let him do this? You'll just let your partner walk into a room with a super soldier completely alone and defenseless?"

"He's dealt with worse - and he's not my partner."

"Sorry you weren't there, but we're the ones who went up against a murderous purple alien six months ago. I think Sam knows what he's doing," You roll your eyes, walking past John and his partner to continue up the street where you can already see a crowd entering what you assume to be the memorial building.

"I used to counsel soldiers dealing with trauma, okay? I've heard it all - all the accounts of horrific ordeals and stories of lost hope. This is my wheelhouse," You can hear Sam say as he still attempts to reach an agreement.

"I know, and I know those soldiers which is why I say this is a bad idea -!”

"- Wait, John," His partner speaks up again, placing a hand on his shoulder to stop him from chasing after your group again, "If he can talk her down, maybe it is worth a try. They do have a point, after all; less people would get hurt if this works."

John scoffs as if he still finds the whole proposal ridiculous, however having his own colleague side with the Avengers must've taken him down some kind of peg, because rather than attempt to stop anyone, he trails behind your group, promising to 'deal with' Zemo later as a last ditch effort of securing at least a fraction of his authority (not that it accomplishes much).

Maintaininga safe distance from the crowd, you observe them file into the building through two heavy wooden doors. Tracing their exact steps by entering the funeral from the front would likely only draw unwanted attention which in return could risk Karli discovering your presence too soon, so a side door leading into the building’s boiler room is your best bet for an unnoticed arrival.

You’re careful to peek into the hallway, catching sight of the same funeral goers as they disappear behind a wall. Hearing the echo of mournful whispers, it can be assumed that the processions will take place right around that corner. If Sam sneaks in after they officially start, Karli won’t have a good opening to run unless she wants to ruin Donya’s celebrated memory. She’ll be forced to at least wait until after the memorial is finished, providing Sam a better chance at getting close enough to pull her ear.

"...You sure you're up for this?" You ask as he stands beside you at the door. His confident nod is all you need for an answer.

After reaching into your pocket, you hold your hand out to him with a small grain-sized microphone, courtesy of the high-tech equipment Clint had supplied you with years ago, “We’ll stay back here. If anything goes wrong or you start getting the heebie-jeebies for some reason, simply say the word and we’ll have John bust down the doors. I’m sure he’s been dying for some real action anyway, poor guy.”

Sam smirks at your joke, taking the microphone and dropping it in his breast pocket, "Hopefully it won't have to come down to that."

"Better safe than sorry," You shrug, not too overly worried for his sake. Sam has always been a laid-back guy willing to listen to even the most outrageous of stories. Assuming that Karli is even somewhat rational, he's the best guy to send in for a heart-to-heart with her. Even if shit does go wrong, you’re certain he’s capable of handling himself in the short amount of time it takes for back-up to arrive. The real question is whether John can keep his pants on for that long.

Before Sam can even ascend the stairs, John harshly grabs Zemo’s arm, bending it behind his back and forcing him against the furnace. His stern ‘orders’ are directed towards Sam, "You have exactly ten minutes until we do things my way, you hear?"

Sam, unsurprisingly, shows minimal interest in that threat, simply nodding to spare John’s feelings before sparing Bucky and you one last look, "Don't let anyone tear off each other's heads while I'm gone."

"No promises," Bucky ribs with an exasperated inhale.

With Sam gone, the boiler room falls into tense silence only made that way through John's increasingly impatient pacing. After a quick glance at each other, you allow Bucky to wordlessly take your place guarding the door, blocking the path Sam took as a wise precaution against John's irritability.

Lemar - as you finally learn his name is - calmly instructs his partner to take a deep breath, the two sharing a brief, whispered conversation that must not have ended in John's favor because his mood fails to change. Even Zemo, despite being forced to awkwardly stand while handcuffed to the furnace, seems more comfortable with his predicament than the paranoid soldier who constantly fidgets and huffs, not that it's making anyone sympathetic towards him.

He eventually sets his sights on you from where you sit on the back staircase, boredly listening in on the conversation that's echoed through your earpiece, "What are they saying?"

You barely blink at his demand nor do you so much as look up at him when he comes marching in your direction. Instead, you keep your jaded expression trained forward, "She's listening to him."

"That's not what I asked. I want to know what they’re saying!" You're not sure what he expects to gain by such an aggressive demeanor, but it's not going to work on you. Not caring to be bossed around or intimidated by some guy in a Spirit Halloween costume, you simply turn your head away from him, covering your ear piece with your hand to pretend you can’t hear it over all his needless blabbing.

"Watch it, John. It hasn't even been ten minutes. Just sit tight," Bucky advises from across the room, his narrowed eyes trained cautiously on John's movements which are too close to you for comfort. His suggestion goes ignored following a rapid shake of the head and disgruntled glare.

"Don't patronize me!"

"Karli's listening to him," You reiterate, already feeling drained of all your willpower to keep dealing with this sort of crap today, "She's not showing any signs of aggression, she's not threatening him -"

"- How would you know that? You're not in there watching. She could be planning something - buying herself and her terrorist friends some time! How's a guy like him supposed to defend himself against a super soldier, huh?"

"Look man, I understand that first days on the job are rough - We've all been there before - but you gotta relax. We know what we're doing, and so does Sam. He's already gone up against super soldiers more than once before. If he needs us, he'll call. In the meantime, our job is to sit quietly and wait."

John rolls his eyes, your words clearly having zero effect on his mental state. He then turns to check the clock hanging on the room’s wall. A more optimistic individual might have hoped this would confirm to him that Bucky is right and that his behavior is irrational, however instead, his quiet pause is just that - a very brief halt before he's spinning the direction of his march towards Bucky and the door with Lamar quickly standing to join him.

Bucky doesn't hesitate to push himself off the stair railing and stop John in his place with a stern hand, his narrowed eyes giving more warning than any words could.

This act is unsurprisingly met with greater frustration and a whisper through gritted teeth, “...It must be really easy for you, right? All that serum just coursing through your veins? Your friend is completely alone in there. You let him go in there with no weapons, no defense, no backup…Do you really want his blood added to your hands?”

Buckydoesn’t respond aloud, although there’s a subtle shift within his eyes. It’s only visible ever so briefly before being hidden by a quick tightening of the jaw, however it sinks deep with the sting of John’s words. It’s the sore ache of insecurity - the shallow doubt that maybe, just maybe, those low-blow claims could actually hold reason.

He wants nothing more than for this situation to end without a fight. God knows he’s had enough of those to last a lifetime. Talking Karli down would offer a peaceful resolution while risking less people’s safety, as Sam and you have said, but that all depends on whether she listens.

Bucky wants to trust Sam’s capabilities, both in gaining the enemy’s trust and defending himself when in a tight spot. Steve sure did, and so do you…yet at the same time, he just can’t seem to shake that memory of how easily the Winter Soldier was able to knock the breath from Sam’s stomach before tossing him like a mere paperweight…

You three are up against super soldiers - eight of them, to be precise, compared to your one. What if you're cornered? What if the Flag Smashers get Sam or you alone, too far from Bucky’s reach to stop the blow? John’s right about one thing: in that scenario, your blood would be on his hands; it’s still on his hands if he stands by to watch it flow…

There’s nothing more said between them as John bumps past Bucky with zero resistance faced. He’s completely free to ascend the stairs and escape into the hallway before you can even shoot up from your spot on the opposite side of the room.

“HEY -! What the HELL, Bucky?!” Why he’d let John past - Why he’d let those stupid weightless words get under his skin like that - You wish you had the time to properly chew him out over it, but you don’t.

“Stay with Zemo!” Catching John before he can ruin Sam’s progress has to be your priority, so much so that you can’t stop to address the way Bucky sighs your name as a half-hearted plea while following your shadow rather than your previous command. Grumbled disapproval is all you can spare in the moment which is promptly hit back in your direction through eye rolls and poor excuses that go in one ear then out the other.

Unfortunately, even at your racing pace (and Bucky’s jogging to match it), you’re too slow to prevent John from bursting into the room where the funeral must’ve been taking place, now long empty aside from Sam and Karli who both snap their direction towards him in shock.

“Karli Morgenthau, you’re under arrest!”

From there, the scene quickly turns to chaos…

“That’s what this was…? To keep me talking until your help arrived?” Whatever middle ground Sam had been carefully forging between himself and Karli is immediately shattered as she now begins backing away from him. He raises his hands, attempting to both reassure her and address John, yet the latter doesn’t let him get more than a few words out before being shut down in a snap.

“- You’ve had enough time to talk,” John declares, his sights set solely on an increasingly apprehensive Karli.

You try to follow after him, calling his name as a last ditch effort to prevent a nasty fight, however Lemar blocks your path from physically getting any closer. It’s nothing more than the slightest shove backwards, only forceful enough to make you reserve a step or two, although that doesn’t stop Bucky from instinctively steadying you with his hands upon your shoulders.

“Don’t -!” You can’t say you’ve ever heard Bucky growl with such venomous anger before. After days of acting as if your presence kills him - weeks of avoiding you like the plague and cutting you out of his life like it’s easy - all it takes is that one single action of someone else putting their hands on you to snap him into a state of fierce rage. One could argue that he just sees you as someone who can’t protect themself - a ‘liability’ as he had said in Madripoor - but would he really react in such a way for just anyone on his team?

He either takes an actual swing at Lemar from over your head or he only tries to push him away from you both - likely the latter given his tone and the way Lemar instantly protects his face with a flash of fear crossing it. You would’ve liked to see the end result so that you could log it in your mental library as a long-missed example of Bucky truly caring about you, however your attention is diverted away when Karli punches John.

Despite all his high talk earlier, he must not have prepared himself to face off with a real super soldier because the second Karli’s fist makes contact with Steve’s shield, John’s violently thrown backwards, catching a nearby Sam in the impact which results in them both hitting the table behind them and tumbling to the ground.

Deciding that this has gone far enough, you slip away from Lemar which is easier to accomplish now that he’s officially distracted between John’s injury and Bucky forcefully knocking him to the floor himself.

With one swift movement, you draw your taser out from your belt and turn it up to its highest setting while rushing Karli. She immediately notices you, bending her body back to avoid the blue glow of your baton. Once it buzzes by, she follows up with a fierce swing in your direction, but this isn't your first rodeo. Between your encounters with a brainwashed Bucky and some sparring training you've done alongside other Avengers, you'd say you're somewhat decent at knowing what to expect when going up against super humans.

Thus, utilizing practiced speed, you duck to dodge her fist, spinning your weapon in hand so that, by the time you pop back up again with a bounce to your step, it's facing forward and prepared to be immediately thrust towards her, the baton's fork stabbing her shoulder blade.

Thank goodness Clint didn't supply you with just any kind of mediocre taser. Rather than deliver a tiny 'zap' to cause inconvenient discomfort lasting a millisecond, it bites with a brutal 'crackle' that has Karli's knees buckling and her pain expressed through loud, stammered cries. Nothing that will kill her, of course, but you doubt she'll be able to feel the sensors in her finger tips for a few minutes after her recovery.

At this point, Bucky’s approaching from behind and even Sam’s already stumbling up to his feet, using the table beside him as a crutch to -

- Karli sees the same sight as you, however for her, it's not so reassuring. Too stubborn to accept surrender, she grinds her teeth and gathers the strength to curl back another fist which she sends plowing your way.

You only have time to gasp, hardly bracing for the hit that throws you through the air and into a shelf. There's a loud crash that comes with this impact, the force of your body knocking various items to the ground where you drop like a ragdoll before the shelf itself wobbles then tips forward.

The sound of your fear was already enough to grasp Bucky's full attention, but only in time to listen to that cruel thud of your limp body and the following slam of the shelf thumbling overtop of you. After that, he can't hear anything else save for the pounding of his own heart in his ears.

His legs decide for themselves where they're going, ignoring the rest of the chaos around him as Karli stumbles off and John races after her. He just needs to make it to your side. There, he effortlessly tosses the shelf off of you, kneeling beside you with muted calls of your name which are equally as shaky as his hesitating hand.

You're not moving, body lying completely motionless against the ground and shattered jars. You're not responding either, face wiped clean of emotion as if you're only asleep. You're not moving at all - He isn't even sure if your chest is!

…This has happened before…This isn't new…

You were there, just as motionless, hunched forward with blood running like a stream down from your forehead to chin. You didn't answer anyone's calls then either, and when he dared to touch you, he swore he could feel the warmth leaving your skin. He's too scared to check that now, though. His hand is frozen unwillingly above you, the world swirling fast enough to make him nauseous or is that the throbbing against his forehead?

…You aren't moving again...

Then you groan, your arms shaking as you struggle to find the ground to push yourself up from. Clenching your side, you let out a whimper from the pain that expands across every inch of your back and ribs. It's a heartbreaking sound, but at least you're alert now, looking at him with a flash of fear before relaxing once realizing it's not the enemy currently hunched over you.

"- Bucky!" Sam appears behind him within the second, his hand carrying no more pressure than a feather when placed upon his shoulder, "We gotta go!”

Swallowing thickly, Bucky watches as Sam carefully tries to help you to your wobbling feet, each movement drawing out an uncomfortable hiss while you struggle to support yourself even when leaning most of your weight against someone else.

Seeing your hurt and that foggy glaze over your eyes, he finally snaps out of his own dizzying state enough to at least step in himself, his movements almost robotic as he hooks your legs over his arm then hoists you off the ground in one shift, easy motion. From there, he lets Sam lead the way, all the while distracted by his own heavy breathing and racing heartbeat which are the loudest sounds in his ears…

NEXT CHAPTER ->

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Taglist:

@arunabrak

@lovemesomevesey

[sarahsmi13s]

Lieutenant Rogers - part 8

Safe Places

pairings: romantic!neil ‘omaha’ vikander x rogers!reader, platonic!dagger squad x rogers!reader, plantonic!sam wilson x rogers!reader, platonic!bucky barnes x rogers!reader

characters: y/n rogers, neil vikander, bob floyd, dagger squad, sam wilson, john walker (mentioned), lemar hoskins (mentioned), karli morgenthau (mentioned), nico (mentioned)

word count: ~8.7k

chapter warnings: language, murder, grief, isolation, fighting, talk of blood, crying, internalizing feelings, vomiting (no one pukes but there are mentions of it), slightly obsessive behaviors, omaha is a good boyfriend, star really needs a hug, please let me know if I missed any

a/n: hi... hello... i just want to thank you all for your immense patience with me. i'm so so sorry it's almost been a year sense the last update. i hope this chapter was worth the wait 💙

sources: Top Gun: Maverick (2022) , The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

chapter summary: in the wake of the publicized murder of a flag smasher, star has to wrestle with herself as she comes to terms with everything that has happened and anticipate what will happen in the fall out -- all the while omaha tries not to let his feelings overshadow hers

lieutenant rogers universe previous part || next part

You stared at your phone, the video stopped on a frame of the shield covered in blood. Your father’s shield, covered in blood. Covered in the blood of someone who was pleading for their life. It didn’t matter to you that they were a Flag Smasher. They were a fucking person.

Ice ran through your veins, a deathly chill capable of putting out the bonfire in front of you.

The one symbol of hope, the one piece of your father that you thought would keep a flame of his comfort burning in the world, was now smothered to nothing but bloodied ashes. His memory, his legacy, was now tainted. 

Swallowing the bitter taste of alcohol rising back up in your throat, you quietly excused yourself from the group.

You knew Omaha was watching you the whole time you trekked up the beach, your phone fighting for its life in your hand. He was going to give you your space, give you a moment to let yourself be angry and let it out before trying to console you. You needed a minute to be angry alone, then you both could be angry together.

He kept his eyes on you the whole time though, even as your face was illuminated by your phone screen as you called Sam.

You tried to take deep, calming breaths as you waited for Sam to pick up. 

It was morning time in Latvia, so you knew he would be awake. And if he wasn’t, you’d happily be his wake-up call.

Your thumb tapped on your fingers, index finger to pinky and back again, while your exhales fell out of trembling lips. You couldn’t puke. You weren’t going to puke. This was not the time to throw up. 

Saliva built up in your mouth, and your lips began to feel sticky – a tell-tale sign that you were probably going to vomit. Your stomach churned as you felt the buzzing heat of your nerves roll over your skin. 

You hated puking; you didn’t do it often. It was hard for you to get sick, and the serum also helped you to keep from puking after being in your plane. So, you being over the toilet or a trash can expelling the contents of your stomach wasn’t an event you experienced regularly. When it did happen, you were absolutely miserable.

You spit the built-up saliva out into the sand, your hand resting over your stomach as you hummed to try and ward away the nausea. 

Pick up the damn phone, Wilson, you thought as you closed your eyes and exhaled, head tilting up toward the navy blue sky.

Finally, just as you were about to hang up and try again, he answered, his tone already pleading and desperate.

“I know-” 

“What. The. Fuck did he do?” 

Sam’s words went unheard by you as you cut him off, hissing harshly into the receiver.

Anger and frustration rose up in place of the bile and alcohol that had been in your throat moments ago. Your words pushed the nausea out of the way.

Was your anger misplaced? You didn’t think so.

He promised you that he would keep John in line. Keep your father's legacy intact despite the catastrophe tasked with carrying it on. Sam gave you his word that he wouldn’t let Walker ruin it. 

And now, for John to go and do this? With Sam doing nothing to stop him?

As far as you were concerned, your anger towards him was justified.

“Y/N-”

“No, Sam! Don’t ‘Y/N’ me! What the hell happened?”

You weren’t about to let Sam try to calm you down. That wasn’t his place. Not after he failed to do the one thing he said he would.

Sam sighed, and the weight of it dampened the ringing in your ears slightly, a realization hitting you.

Sam was there. He watched it and everything that led up to it. He was just as angry about this situation as you were, not to mention the guilt and regret that probably weighed on his shoulders now, too.

Had your emotions jumped the gun? Did you lash out at Sam too quickly?

Despite that revelation there were things you couldn’t let go, justifications you were too stubborn to let go of. Stuck on his broken promise.

“Lemar Hoskins is dead. Karli killed him during a fight…”

Your heart sank.

You met Lemar once. It was before you left for the mission and only for a few minutes, but he seemed like such a sweet guy. He was there to support John and have his back; he was being a good friend.

And look where that got him…

You crossed your arm over your chest, your free hand gripping your bicep as your jaw clenched. “That’s-that’s unfortunate… but that doesn’t justify murder.”

“No, it doesn’t.”

“He didn’t even kill Karli. Flag Smasher or not, that man was innocent.” You dug your foot into the sand, “He didn’t deserve to die.”

The ringing in your ears came back as the quiet slowly took over the call, Sam’s end unnervingly bare of words. Your jaw ticked in the silence, anger flaring up in your stomach. 

You finally broke it, letting yourself ask:

“Why didn’t you stop him? How could you allow this to happen?”

“Oh no, no, no, no. You’re not about to blame me for this,” Sam responded, his tone defensive and sharp.

Your free hand flew out to the side, your own defensiveness coming to light.

“You promised me, Sam! You gave me your word!”

In the midst of your shouting and arm flailing, you didn’t think about the possibility of there being people nearby. Nor did it occur to you that the scene you were making might make them uncomfortable – but, honestly, you didn’t really care.

“Don’t you think I would have stopped him if I could’ve? You really think that I just stood there and let him take an innocent life?”

The wild arm fell limp and slapped against your thigh, a huff escaping your lips. “Sam–”

“No, Y/N, it’s my turn to talk. While I understand your anger towards me, hell I’m angry towards me, but just give me a chance to explain. Please.”

You chewed on the inside of your cheek, your knee bouncing as you looked at the sand, “Okay… tell me what happened.” Your voice was a little softer, not as brassy or harsh, but still firm.

Sam let out a breath, taking a moment to collect the right words.

“After the fight, we all just scattered. Bucky and I got separated from John, and… by the time we got there, we were too late.”

You stayed quiet, your tongue swiping over your teeth as you let Sam continue.

“He ran off after he realized what he had done… Bucky and I went after him, tracked him down to an abandoned train station. When we got there, we confronted him and tried to get the shield back civilly, but John’s pride got in the way… it got ugly, but we got the shield back. It’s with me right now.”

You nodded, your thumb popping your fingers at your side as you drew in a breath. 

“What about Walker?” You need to change the focus, your tongue redirecting itself to form the question rather than the comment it really wanted to say.

“What do you mean?” Sam was clearly confused by the shift, but he welcomed it internally.

“Where is John, Sam?”

“They- His handlers, I guess is what they are, took him back to the States. Probably will have a hearing in a few days…” He trailed off, now wondering why you wanted to know Walker’s whereabouts. “What are you planning, Star?”

“Don’t worry about it, Wilson,” you snapped.

“Y/N–”

“You can’t stop me, Sam. Don’t try–”

“Walker took the serum, Y/N.” Your brow furrowed for a second as you processed the words Sam had interrupted you with, and the second you did – it felt like your organs turned to lead.

John Walker was a Super Soldier now? That’s just… fucking great and definitely not a huge problem for you.

You groaned a little and rubbed your forehead after you recovered from the slight shock, “I’m still going to confront him. I can’t sit in fucking silence about this. Not now…”

“And I don't expect you to. But you needed to know what you were walking into.”

You swallow and nod, “Well, thank you for that. I’ll umm.. I’ll keep that in mind.” After another beat of silence, Sam sighed a little, “Look, Y/N, we–”

You shook your head, “Later, Sam, this… this is not a conversation I want to have over the phone with just you. Bucky needs to be in on this, too.”

“Right, right, of course.” 

You nodded and shook out your hand, “Bye, Sam.”

“Talk later, kid.”

After hanging up, you rubbed your face before shoving your phone in your pocket and walking toward the shore.

You needed a second to breathe. You just got back from a high-stress mission, and now Walker has desecrated the only thing left of your father in this world that people put meaning to. And you knew that by tomorrow morning, newspapers, magazines, and the news reporters would be on your ass trying to get a statement.

Were you going to respond? Hell no. Why? Because you didn’t need your words twisted and thrown out into the world for people to use for their own agenda.

But you would deal with that in the morning. Right now, you just need to think and take a breath.

A chilled, salty breeze cooled your heated skin and brought notice to the hot tears of frustration on your cheeks.

“Shit,” you mumbled as you wiped them from your face. “Get it together, Rogers..”

“Honey,” Neil said gently to announce his presence before he touched your shoulders. 

You sucked in a breath, “‘m fine, baby…” He shook his head and turned you to face him, “No, Star-light, you’re not.”

More tears sprung to your eyes, and you looked down in an attempt to fight them off. “No, Neil, I’m f-”

He tilted your chin up, “Stop lying to yourself. You’re not okay, you’re pissed. You have every right to be upset.” His thumb reached up to swipe a tear away, “Please don’t hold it in…”

Your lip quivered, and you inhaled sharply, shaking your head, “I have to be strong. I can’t fucking cry just because I’m angry.” You pulled back a little and harshly wiped your eyes, not missing the look on your boyfriend’s face. 

You knew he was just looking out for you and you knew he was right. But you had a mission and you needed to focus. You could break down later – breaking down would cause you to shut down, and you didn’t have time to shut down.

Omaha sighed and helped wipe away the tears that escaped, “Sweetheart, you shouldn’t hold this in – it’s okay to cry…” He held your shoulders and looked into your eyes, “Scream, yell, cry, punch something-”

“Neil, I appreciate this, all of it. I do. But you just don’t understand what’s going on in my brain and in my heart right now.”

“Then help me understand. I want to be there for you.”

You sighed sadly, “I wish I could explain it, but I can’t. And you are here for me, Neil. Because you’re who I’m gonna fall on when the weight of this crashes down on me, you are going to be my rock.” You cupped his face in your hands, “You are my rock. I just… I need to face this first.”

He nodded and kissed your palm before kissing your fingertips as he moved one of your hands to his chest. “I love you, Star-light.” You smiled softly at him, “I love you too, Oma.” 

Omaha kissed your forehead before wrapping his arms around you, “You wanna head home?” You sniffled and nodded against his neck, “Please, if I stay, I’m afraid I’ll ruin the mood…” He nodded and rubbed your back, “C’mon Doll, let’s go home. I’ll send someone a text and let them know what’s goin’ on.”

You nodded and pulled back from the hug but stayed tucked under his arm as you both walked to Neil’s Jeep.

The ride home was nearly silent. The only sound in the Jeep was the radio, which had been turned down as low as it could go while still being audible.

Your left hand was threaded with his right one, your thumb pressing down on his knuckle like a button. The tip of his thumb moved up and down, letting itself be manipulated. Neil always made sure to keep his hand loose and moveable when you were tense or anxious. He knew how little control you felt you had in this situation, how you felt like the entire universe was crashing down on you, and you had nothing to get the pieces back in their rightful place.

So he could give you this. He could let you squeeze and press and twist and pull, trace whatever lines or patterns you needed to to ease your nerves. To let you feel in control of something.

Omaha knew better than to ask you questions. Your conversation with Sam was a private thing and something that you would talk to him about when you were ready. He didn’t need to push you for information or to talk about your feelings right now, and he trusted that if it was something you thought he needed to know, you would tell him.

That trust didn’t stop him from worrying, though.

He could handle your anxious silence. He understood it. But that doesn’t mean he liked it. 

He knew that your mind wasn’t putting together coherent thoughts, each one overlapping the next until it was just a cacophony of things that overwhelmed you to the core. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the tears in your lash line, welling up and making your eyes glossy. They beaded up on your eyelashes like dew on blades of grass in the morning. They gorgeously reflected any light that they could catch – the moonlight, streetlights, headlights of the few cars that passed you. But you didn’t let them roll over, catching them on the back of your finger before they had the chance.

Your chest stuttered softly with your shaky inhales, something he would have never noticed if he hadn’t learned all of your habits over the course of your five-year relationship. You tried to keep your breathing soft and controlled, quiet enough so you didn’t worry Neil. 

He’d also catch you attempting to pick at your lips, squeezing your hand every once in a while to divert your attention and let you know that he saw you. Usually, you’d give him an absent-minded squeeze back, and your hand would move to your chest, your thumb rubbing against the words scribbled across your collarbone and your heart thumping against it in time with the pulse he could feel against his own wrist.

He almost didn’t want to go home. He could sit in silence in the car, drive around for hours in this silence. In this silence, you were right next to him, holding his hand. This silence wasn’t despair; it wasn’t as heartbreaking as the silence at home.

At home… at home, you had more room to be distant. You had space to be alone, away from him. He understood that you needed space, but he hated it when you would isolate yourself in your own home. You’d tuck yourself into the corner of the couch and just try to figure it out by yourself. You’d completely detach yourself and go into focus mode, locking on to figuring out how to fix this situation – one that couldn’t really be fixed.

When he finally decided to pull into the house, you didn't do what he expected. Omaha expected you to yank your hand from his and bolt into the house to find a corner to hide in.

But you didn’t.

Instead, you swallow, sniffling slightly as you turn from the window to face Neil. He squeezed your hand, letting you know he was still there and he wasn’t going anywhere without you.

“I’m going to DC…”

You didn’t look up at him as you spoke, afraid you’d break if you looked into his eyes. His kindness and understanding swam in them, conveying his feelings so his words never had to. And they were your safe place.

His eyes were kaleidoscopes of colors. The light manipulated them beautifully, capturing each shade in its individuality and in their unity. They were gorgeous. They were home.

They could be the soft dirt, warm, comforting, and inviting – ready for something to hold. Or they were the grass or the trees, fields and forests of serenity and calmness – a place you could find peace. Or they were the sky or the ocean, two of the greatest expanses on earth – a place you felt in control and a place that showed you just how delicate you could be, a place you could relax and let go.

They were all of those things…

They were Neil.

You squeezed his hand, grounding yourself with the chill of his skin against the heat of yours. You took a deep breath, tracing the veins on the back of his hands to focus.

“You-you don’t have to come with me. This is last minute, and we just got home, but–”

“Star-light, I’m going with you. Whether it’s to be your support, your back up, or your alibi – I’m going.”

He knew that you weren’t asking his permission to go to DC, nor were you really asking him to go with you. But he was going. He wasn’t letting you go all the way across the country alone. He’d stay at the hotel or in the Airbnb if you wanted, but he was going to be within reach of you – that was non-negotiable. 

“I… This isn’t going to be some fun trip. I think you know why I’m going… So I want you to think about this.”

Neil didn’t need to know and he wasn’t going to ask questions, either. You would tell him why, probably were about to, before he interrupted you. And he could only assume it had to do with that video and your phone call with Sam. 

“I don’t need to. When it comes to you, to this, I’m going to be by your side. You want to face John, let him know that you know what he’s done and that he fucked up. I’m just gonna be there so you don’t get yourself hurt or in trouble.”

He squeezed your hand again, “I’m your partner, your wingman. I am here for you, whenever you need me.”

He watched your face carefully as he spoke, catching the quirk of the corners of your mouth before you sobered up and nodded.

“I’ll um… I’ll get the tickets after we get inside. They’ll be shitty, but they’re last minute…”

“As long as they’re next to each other, I don’t care.” 

And that was true. He didn’t care where you sat in the plane – just that you sat together. He wanted – no, he needed to be next to you. Being there for you is his priority right now.

You swallowed and nodded once more, caging his hand between yours.

“I will do my best.” 

He hated how quiet your voice was. It wasn’t a normal quiet. It was meek and powerless. You sound defeated and scared. 

You were none of those things. And seeing you this way broke his heart.

His free hand moved to the back of your head, pulling you toward him gently as he leaned in. He pressed his lips to your forehead, eyes closing as he tried to pour every ounce of love and comfort he could muster into it.

And it seemed to transfer.

Your shoulders relaxed as he felt your shaky exhale brush the skin of his neck.

His eyes stayed closed as he spoke against your skin, “I love you, Star-light.” 

You nodded against his lips, feeling comfort in your chest at the vibration of his low voice against your forehead. His voice was smooth with a slight rasp, similar to warm dark chocolate with a shot of whiskey mixed in – it was just… peaceful.

It took over the other voices that were shouting in your head. All it took was the low whisper of those four words to dampen the screaming. Those voices were still there, but Neil’s made its presence known, and that was enough to get them to back off a little.

“I love you too, Oma. So so much…”

Your voice was still soft, but there was a strength that returned to it. It sounded fuller, not as hollow as it had before.

Omaha wasn’t sure how long that would last, but he would take the win.

He pulled back after pressing another kiss to your forehead, and his hand moved to the side of your neck, his thumb caressing your jaw. “Let’s go in. We need some sleep so we can get up and pack.” 

You nodded, inhaling deeply to ground yourself before exiting the safety of the Jeep.

Neil smiled softly at you, hoping to get you to smile back. And you did… But he knew that you’d done it out of reflex rather than because you felt like smiling.

You turned your head and kissed the palm of his hand, squeezing the one you were holding before you pulled away completely and got out of the Jeep. 

He sighed as your door shut, and he unbuckled himself, getting out to meet you at the front door.

After getting inside, you silently moved around the house. 

Both of you had already rinsed your legs and feet of sand and emptied your shoes before leaving, so you didn’t have to worry about that at all. So, you just quietly went to the kitchen and got your laptop before you walked towards your bedroom.

“Hey,” Neil said, gently catching your arm as you walked past him. “I’m gonna take a shower before I go to bed. Do you want-”

“I’ll shower after you. I want to make sure I get these tickets ordered, and that I can snag a decent flight time. I’m hoping there’s still some left for this morning.” Your voice was breathless, almost as if you had been holding your breath as you moved through the house. The words sounded rushed and rehearsed like you had been waiting for him to ask. Your mind was already set on showering separately.

All Omaha could do was nod. He could try to convince you to join him, tell you he’d wait for you to order the tickets – but your mind was made up. 

“Alright, I’ll be quick.” 

“You don’t have to. Take as long as you need.”

Something in your voice and the way your eyes looked down at where his hand gripped your bicep made his stomach feel heavy. 

You were reverting again. Going back to that corner he thought he had pulled you away from. Isolating yourself again when he was right there. 

He was right there. 

All you had to do was just let him sit with you. Or take his hand and let him pull you up. 

You would talk to him when you were ready. He knew that. But he didn’t like that you were trying to face this all on your own because you felt like you were alone. You weren’t. 

He was right there.

But he nodded, knowing if he pushed, you would back away or lash out like a scared and wounded animal. The opposite of what he wanted. “Alright…”

You gave him another closed-mouth smile and kissed his shoulder before settling in the bedroom.

He rubbed his face, a frustrated sigh left his lips before he shook his head to himself and went to the laundry room to toss two towels into the dryer before grabbing a clean one for himself.

Walking into the bedroom, he saw you sitting on top of the covers with your laptop on your desk tray as you bit your nails. He sighed sadly and walked over, grabbing a piece of gum from your vanity on the way. 

He moved your hand away from your mouth, his grip gentle on your wrist as he held out the gum to you.

No words needed to be exchanged, just a silent moment between you both before he left you alone on the bed to take his shower.

Neil stood under the stream, the hot water drenching his hair and running down his face. 

He avoided his music, knowing that it would do nothing to change his mood. He needed the silence – bask in the steam and the rhythmic beating of water on the titles around him. 

His head fell back, letting the water pelt him in the face as he took deep breaths. In front of him, his hands balled into fists when he inhaled and relaxed as he exhaled. 

Neil needed this. He needed this moment, to be alone and vulnerable behind the closed door – out of your sight. 

There was irony in it; he knew that. The irony when he ran off to hide in the safety of the bathroom so you didn’t have to see him break. Didn’t have to watch him replay every moment over and over in his head. You were going through enough, and he wasn’t about to let you see his hurt or his worry just yet. This wasn’t about him, and he wasn’t going to make it about him.

So, that’s why he was here, standing under the showerhead with his eyes closed, the events on the beach replayed behind his eyelids like a movie.

******

His stomach churned as he watched the video from over your shoulder. The pleads of the young man not going unheard. Then, the sickening crack of the shield being driven into his chest. He heard it again and again… and again. 

John Walker murdered someone. And the whole world saw it.

Rage drove up in his throat, slamming on the brakes and leaving a disgusting burnt taste on his tongue. 

It was almost a metallic taste, a morbid mimicry of the paused frame that lit up your features. 

Your expression seemed blank, shocked at the horrendous act. But your eyes told a different story. 

As they scanned over your phone screen, Neil could see the pain creep in. He watched them crack, breaking as they reflected the blood-stained shield.

Your nose twitched subtly as your lip quivered. He glanced at your hands, noticing how they shook slightly. He doubted that you noticed the tremor, just staring with unblinking eyes at your phone.

“Honey…” 

He wanted to get your attention but not startle you. Your fellow pilots began to stare, concern and pity etched on their faces. He needed to get you out of this, pull you away from the prying eyes and the inevitable questions they would bombard you with.

The squad would try to coddle you. Tip-toe around subjects to try not to make you cry. Or ask invasive questions that you weren’t ready to answer. They meant well, sure, but it wouldn’t help you. It wouldn’t make this situation better. Nothing would…

“Doll-”

You swallowed, your hands dropping to your sides as you excused yourself to trek up the sand wanting a moment alone. Your arm flexed as you had a death grip on your phone.

“Omaha, I didn’t-”

“I know, Garcia,” Neil mumbled as he turned to keep an eye on you, his back to the bonfire. “I know.”

He kept his eye on you as you talked on the phone, most likely with Sam or Bucky, as the others tried to continue on with the party. 

He watched your hands and your legs, noticing the near-perpetual bouncing of your left leg. 

Neil hated this. Hated just standing here, just being some witness to the damage John’s actions caused. His emotions were collateral damage, only worsening with each minute he watched you stand there in pain.

He couldn’t hear much, distant hissing and muffled sentences mostly. But then he heard you shout, your arm flying out to the side.

“You promised me, Sam! You gave me your word!”

His heart shattered. Even from this distance, he could hear how broken your voice was, how it was strained with unshed tears.

He felt his nose burn, sniffling on reflex as he rubbed it with his index finger. 

“Vikander? You alright?”

Omaha hummed absent-mindedly in response, not processing the question or the voice that asked it. 

“Neil, hey, are you okay?”

The hand on his shoulder pulled his attention from you, making him suck in a breath out of surprise. “What?”

Bob shot him a concerned look, “Are you okay? You looked like you zoned out for a second.” 

*****

His conversation with Bob is a blurry memory.

All he remembers is taking his eyes off you for what felt like a second to talk to Bob and take a sip of the water offered to him. By the time he turned back around to check on you, you had walked down to the shore.

He felt his stomach sink again as he remembered how your arms had been wrapped around your waist, how your shoulders moved up and down with your deep breaths. And how when he approached you, you scolded yourself for crying as you tried to subtly wipe at your tears.

You tried to lie and say you were fine, hiding your tears when he pushed you ever so slightly. You pushed back, dismissed your own feelings and held your hurt in. 

Neil’s tears mixed with the water running down his face.

But he didn’t care that he was crying. He didn’t care that he was crying over something he couldn’t fix. Something that was tearing you apart from the inside out, but you hid from him – hid from yourself. You were hurting, and it hurts him that you don’t think you can be vulnerable.

So, he didn’t care that he was crying because it was you – he loves you that much.

His shower was a little longer than normal, but he didn’t think you would really mind right now. 

He just went through his routine on autopilot as his mind wandered and raced, recapping the evening. He ended it with a cold shot, letting the freezing water cool his heated skin and hopefully soothe his aching heart.

Omaha got out and dried off, moving languidly as he kept zoning out.

He wasn’t sure what state he would find you in when he walked into the bedroom. That scared him. This whole situation scared him because he had no idea what to expect next. He didn’t know what you were going to do when you got to DC or when you saw John Walker. 

It all just made him uneasy. 

But he knew that he just had to trust you. Though he wasn’t going to abandon his concerns if he felt that something was dangerous. He’s your partner; your safety matters to him.

After he dried off and got dressed in his boxers and Navy shirt, he exited the bathroom as he ran the towel over his hair.

“You might want to give it a minute or two. Let the hot water replenish a little,” he said as nonchalantly as possible.

He didn’t hear a response, so he looked up to catch the tail end of your nod. 

“I got the tickets order. Flight leaves at about ten in the morning,” you responded softly, picking at your lip as you looked at your computer screen. “Um, San Diego International is the airport. It’s the closest but we’ll need to get up earlier so we can pack.”

Neil tried not to sigh out loud at your subject change. He knew you weren’t doing it on purpose; you were just trying to keep what you could in line and control whatever you could. He also knew the frustration in him wasn’t caused by you. 

He nodded and sat on your side of the bed, trying not to look at your computer screen knowing he would find articles about John on your screen.

“Baby,” he called softly, hoping you would look up at him. When you didn’t, he repeated the nickname: “Baby, please look at me.” 

When your eyes remained glued to your screen, he closed the laptop and grabbed your desk tray, moving it to your actual desk.

“Okay, no, you’re not gonna do that.”

“Neil-”

“No, Y/N,” he pushed, sitting in front of you. “You can’t do that because it is not going to help. You are just going to go further and further down a hole that I can’t pull you out of.”

He grabbed your hands, knowing that you would try to run away if he didn’t. “I get that you're frustrated. That you’re pissed off. I get it, baby. But reading articles that are full of more opinions than they are fact is not going to help you.”

You swallowed and looked at him, “People think he was justified…”

His heart shattered right then in his chest. Your defeated and tear-filled voice crashed into it, sending shards of his heart into his throat.

“How could they find murder justified? John had no right-” He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed that you weren’t looking at him. 

He cupped your chin, turning your head back to look at him and moving his hand to your cheek when you did. “That man did not deserve to die. Flag Smasher or not, he did not deserve that. John had no right to kill him.”

“Nico…”

He looked at you, confused. “What?”

Tears filled your eyes, your voice coming out in a soft whimper. “His name was Nico…”

“Sweetheart…”

“He was murdered… All because he wanted to help people. That’s all they want to do is help people, Neil.” Your voice cracked as he watched anger fill your eyes, “He left behind two sisters… Two girls who watched their brother get murdered. They got notified of his death through fucking social media. His murder is viral.” 

He stayed quiet, letting you go until you stopped yourself – willing to listen as long as you got your feelings out to him.

“Sure, the Flag Smashers methods aren’t ethical, and Karli hasn’t been a saint. But they’re the only ones actually willing to do anything to help those people. The GRC isn’t doing shit!”

He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t think there was much he could say. 

You pulled your hand from his, rubbing your face harshly. 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. That… I didn’t mean to blow up on you like that.”

Neil shook his head immediately, resting his hand on your knee. “No, don’t apologize. You don’t have to bottle it up.” 

You gave him a weak smile, resting your hand on top of his. He smiled back at you reassuringly before he turned his palm up and kissed your hand.

You just sat like that for a moment. Your hand in his as the water rolled off his dark hair and onto the duvet, letting the silence settle between you for a moment.

“They think he’s justified because Lemar was killed during a fight… They see it as retribution for that,” you said softly after a few minutes while you played with his fingers. 

Omaha shook his head and opened his mouth to say something, but you continued.

“It wasn’t even Nico that killed Lemar. Karli was…”

He squeezed your hand, “So then it’s not retribution. And one injustice does not fix another.” 

You shook your head, looking down at your joined hands. “It doesn’t…”

A tear hit Neil’s hand, making his heart break – again. But he didn’t make a huge scene. He didn’t point it out. All he did was reach out and gently wipe the tear from your cheek. “Why don’t you go shower, Star-light? The water pressure is nice, and it should all be warmed up now. I’ll heat up your towel and hair towel in the dryer. What do you want to wear to bed?”

You sniffled and leaned into his hand. “One of your oversized shirts and a pair of your boxers, please.” He nodded and kissed your forehead, “You got it, doll.”

“Thank you, Oma, really.”

“You don’t gotta thank me,” he squeezed your hand. “Just go take a shower, relax. I’ll be out here if you need me.”

You nodded and gently pecked his lips, “I love you.” He kissed you back, “I love you too.”

Taking a deep breath, you got up and went to the bathroom, leaving Neil on the bed.

He sat on the bed and waited to hear you turn the shower on before he started moving around the room.

After grabbing the clothing items you asked for and his phone, he went to the laundry room.

He sighed heavily as he tossed the clothes in with the towels and started the dryer, hoping that they would be warm by the time you were done in the shower.

“Okay, now what to–”

Mid-sentence, Neil’s phone started ringing. He didn’t need to check the caller ID to know who it was.

“Hey Bob…” He answered, his voice flat to try and conceal the relief of someone to talk to.

“Hey, I was just calling to check-in. See how you both were holdin’ up.”

Neil sighed, his arm crossing over his chest as he leaned against the washing machine. “Honestly? Not great. I um… I caught her looking at articles.”

Bob inhaled sharply on the other end of the phone, “That’s not good…”

“No, no, it’s not… There are so many who agree with John’s actions and others that don’t. But they’re all just opinions. No one is going to know all the facts. They only know what they saw in that video. And what they saw was John murder someone with the shield in the middle of the town square.”

Omaha harshly ran his teeth over his bottom lip, “I don’t know what to do, Bob. She’s hurting, and she won’t talk to me. She’s said a few things, but the closest I got to her emotions was her voice… Then she fucking apologized for talking about it. What do I fucking do?”

“What you’re doing, Neil. Being there for her. Sometimes, that’s all you can do.”

“That’s not enough!”

“Neil, I know you’re angry…”

That was the understatement of the century. 

Neil was pissed. Someone hurt you. Someone’s careless and selfish actions have hurt you – again.

Someone has taken you from him. Their actions have caused you to internalize your feelings and put your guards up all over again. Making you hide from your safe places.

And that started a fire in him.

“I’m more than angry, Robert. She is hurting. She has to mourn the memory of her father after mourning him the first time!”

Neil tends to hold resentment towards the one that hurt you, Bob knew that. He still holds resentment towards your dad for what he did to you. No one will get away with trying to smother out his Star-light.

And now John was at the top of his list. 

“Walker had no right to murder that man – even if he were to be the one to kill Lemar. Retribution or not, it’s still fucking murder. And John won’t get away with this.”

Neil couldn’t give less of a fuck if he was Captain America or not. John wasn’t getting away with hurting you or disrespecting something that held so much meaning for you.

Bob sighed again, most likely putting his glasses on his head to rub his eyes. “Omaha, you know she won’t want you to get involved in this… She’s keeping things to herself for a reason. And while you don’t like it, she’s protecting you and herself by doing that.”

“I just want to be there for her. I want her to come to me so she doesn’t face this on her own,” Neil’s voice cracked as tears slipped down his cheeks. “I want to be her safe place again…”

“That is never going to change, Neil. Never. You will always be her safe place. And she knows that when she is ready, she can run to you, and you’ll be there with open arms. She just needs to process this on her own… give her time.”

Neil nodded, wiping his eyes harshly as he tried to regain his own composure. 

“Your feelings are justified, Neil. You are allowed to be upset, too. So don’t think that you being scared or upset about her closing herself is selfish or anything, because it’s not.”

Omaha couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, “Are you sure you’re not a mind reader, Bob?”

“Well, Nick Fury’s not on my doorstep, so I’m gonna stick with no,” Bob laughed.

A beat of silence passed before Neil spoke up.

“Hey, we’re leaving for DC tomorrow morning. Do you think you could go grab my Jeep from the airport and bring it back to the house? Y/N can leave her spare key somewhere for you. And maybe just look after the house since you're only a few houses down?”

“Of course, I can do that for you.”

“Thanks, man.” Neil sighed and looked back toward the bedroom. “I better get going. Calm myself down before she gets out of the shower.”

“Alright, good luck. Call me if you need anything.”

“Will do. Thank you.”

Both hung up, and Neil wiped his face before going back to the bedroom to wait for you to get out of the shower.

You sighed as you tossed and turned in your bed, your body becoming restless the moment you thought you were comfortable. You thought the shower would’ve calmed you down, but the stress was eating at your nerves and making your stomach churn constantly. 

The anxiety was making you feel hot, your already naturally high body temperature rising as your mind ran at a million miles a minute.

Huffing, you threw the cover off of you and got out of bed. 

Your feet drug as you took yourself to the kitchen. 

You got a glass of ice water before going to the living room and sitting in the corner of the couch. 

Sleep wasn’t coming to you anytime soon, not with all the thoughts running through your mind… So you sat on the couch and looked out of your sliding glass doors at the moonlit backyard.

Your eyes felt heavy with tears. They were tears of frustration and anger. Tears of heartbreak. It was all so much, and being left alone with your thoughts was probably the worst situation you could have put yourself in. But you couldn’t go anywhere or talk to anyone about this. They wouldn’t understand anyway. 

Tears weighed down your lash line, blurring your vision as you zoned out completely. They slowly overflowed, breaking the surface tension and tracking down your face.

But you weren’t crying. 

No. Crying involved you actually feeling something, and right now… numbness was overtaking it all. Pushing everything from the last few hours into one blurry mess of static.

You didn’t have time to cry… you had a mission to complete.

The next morning, Neil woke up to see you moving around the room and packing bags for both of you.

He glanced over and checked the time, seeing just how early it was, “What time did you get up?” You didn’t look up from what you were doing as you answered him, “Didn’t sleep.” 

“Star-light…” 

“Oma, I’m fine. If I need to sleep, I’ll sleep,” you said, still shoving things into your bags.

You didn’t need sleep. Sleep was the furthest down on your list of needs. What you really needed was to get on a plane and get to DC so you could confront the hurricane of emotions that were swirling through your being.

You needed to release the fermenting anger and frustration; it was poisoning you, and you knew it. But you were too damn stubborn, wanting to hold it in and take it out on the true cause of it.

Dumping it all on Omaha or your friends wasn’t fair, not in your eyes. It wasn’t justice in them either. John wasn’t going to miss your wrath. He’d been on your radar since he took up the mantle, and now you were trying to get a missile lock.

That was justice.

Neil sighed and got out of bed, ruffling his hair as he walked over to you. “I know you’re a super soldier, but you’re not invincible. Your body can only handle so much. You need to sleep.” He wrapped his arms around you, “I just-”

“Neil, I don’t want to talk about it right now,” you huffed, leaning on the duffels in front of you. 

“I know, and I’m not trying to get you to talk about it. I know you’ll come to me when you’re ready. But I’m not just gonna abandon my duties as your boyfriend. I’m still gonna make sure you take care of yourself because I love you.”

You sighed and dropped your head back onto his shoulder, “I know… I know, I’m sorry.” He kissed your temple, “Don’t apologize. You’re going through a lot. But I’m gonna make sure you’re taken care of.” 

Sniffling a little, you rest your hands on top of his. “Thank you, honey… I just–”

You were cut off by your phone ringing. 

You huffed again and went over to pick it up. “Hello?... No comment.” You hung up and shoved your phone into your sweatpants pocket. 

“That was fast,” Neil pointed out as he started packing whatever was left.

Rubbing your forehead, you sat on the bed as you sighed, “Yeah, that is the… fifth? Maybe the sixth reporter to call me for a statement on all of this. I can’t turn my phone off, so I just answer and say, ‘no comment’. This has been going on since 4 this morning.” You felt your phone go off with a short ring in your pocket. 

Neil opened his mouth to say something but you held a hand up, “Don’t get me started on the emails.”

He just nodded with a playful smile and continued to pack.

You both sat in silence for a little bit, but Omaha broke it when he noticed you were fidgeting.

“Hey, what’s going on? You’re a little more fidgety than you usually are…” 

Last night, as you evaded sleep, it occurred to you that Neil had no idea that John was a super soldier. You hadn’t told him that very important detail last night. It didn’t change your mind, but keeping your boyfriend in the dark about that wasn't fair.

You swallowed, playing with the worn cuffs of your hoodie, “There’s um…” You scratched your brow, “I didn’t tell you everything last night…” 

He stopped packing and came over to stand in front of you, “That’s okay, you don’t have to tell me–” 

“No, this,” you nodded as you kept your head down, looking at your lap. “This I need to tell you…” 

“Doll, you’re worrying me… what’s wrong?” 

You looked up at him, swallowing your nerves before speaking, “John took the serum… he’s a super soldier now.” 

Neil’s eyes widened as he took a few steps back, his lips parting slightly in shock.

“I’m sorry?”

It wasn’t a question. Not really. His brow was furrowed, and his hands were up as he tilted his head, but he wasn’t really asking.

He let out a dry chuckle, “Did you just say that John Walker, the man you’re about to fly to DC to confront, was a um… was a super soldier? Or-or am I hearing things? I really, really hope that’s not what you just said.”

“You heard right… John took the serum,” you played with your fingers, looking down at your lap.

Neil put his hands on his hips and nodded, “Okay…” He wiped his mouth before pressing his lips into a thin line and rolling them between his teeth. 

He took in a deep breath through his nose, attempting to keep his voice steady as emotion began to rise in his throat. He knew his hands would start shaking at any minute, so his voice couldn’t break or waiver and ruin how serious he was.

“You knew… You knew, and you were still gonna confront him? At probably the most emotionally unstable point in his life! Are you insane?!”

You winced a little and rubbed your face as he started to pace back and forth. “Oma-” “Were you even gonna tell me?” Neil cursed himself for the breathy, almost dejected tone that began to work its way into his voice. 

You looked up, desperation for understanding in your eyes. “Yes but-”

“When? Before or after you got yourself killed?”

You stood up, frustrated that he wasn’t letting you explain yourself, “I can handle myself, Neil.” 

“It’s not about that Y/N! It’s about whether or not John is capable of murder! And as we learned last night, he absolutely is!” 

You scoffed and put your hands on your hips, pointing an accusatory finger at your boyfriend, “You just don’t think that I can do it! You don’t think I can handle this, do you?” 

He stayed silent, his brown eyes avoiding you as he tongued his cheek.

Your heart dropped to your feet, and your hands fell limp at your sides. “You actually don’t think I can do this…”

He hung his head, “This is dangerous, Y/N. John isn’t just some dickhead with a shield anymore… He’s angry, and I’m sure whatever the council has to say to him can’t be good.” 

In a flash, your anger resurfaced. “A shield? A shield?! It’s more than just ‘a shield’, Neil! It’s THE shield! The shield my father earned! The shield that was made for him! For HIM! Not John! My dad worked for that shield, he earned it! John was handed the shield! So don’t just call it ‘a shield’ because it is so much more than that! And you know that!”

Neil flinched a little at your volume, not expecting you to react that way, but not shocked by it either. “You’re right, sweetheart, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just…”

Finally, he met your eyes, and you could see the emotion swirling in them. “I’m scared…” 

You swallowed and stayed silent, your anger smothering out as your expression softened.

“An-and I get that confronting him is the best way for you to get your feelings and emotions out… But we know what John is capable of. We know that he can and will kill someone with the slightest bit of provoking. You are going to be his antagonist, and that scares the shit out of me.”

“I can handle John, Neil…” You protested quietly, still hurt by the fact he thought you couldn’t. 

He sighed and rubbed your arms before tilting your head up. “It’s not that I don’t think you can. You’re quite literally the strongest person I know. But I’m scared, Y/N, and I’m not apologizing for being worried for your safety. I just need you to be safe.” 

You sniffled, “I’m not changing my mind… I can’t let him slip by, thinking that I don’t know what he did. He has to know-” You looked away as emotion clogged your throat. “He has to know, Neil. He has to know that I know.”

He gently turned your head back to face him, “I know. And I’m not asking you to change your mind. The bastard deserves to see the pain he caused. All I’m asking is that you’re careful and you really think about your approach. I love you too much to keep in my concerns.” 

You nodded before wrapping your arms around him. “I love you too. I love you so much.” You pulled back and pressed a kiss to his lips, “I’ll try my best to be careful. But I can’t make you a promise…” He nodded, “That’s all I ask.” 

Omaha pecked your lips, “C’mon, we got a flight to catch.”

how do you even describe this...

other than just pain and anger.

star is kicking herself more than she probably should be and omaha is just trying to keep her as safe as he can...

but how will confronting walker turn out?

hi guys! i just want to thank you again for your incredible patience. i can not and will not promise you when the next part will be up and ready to go. but i will be working on it to get it out to you guys 💙

lt rogers tags <33 (i apologize if i missed anyone if i did please remind me in the comments):

@milesdickpic @roosterscockpit @luckyladycreator2 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @twsssmlmaa

@malindacath @startrekfangirl2233 @indigodaydream @that-one-random-writer @hangmansgbaby

@nikkipea @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby @yourlocalloser-core @mimi-8793 @scalesarenotbalanced

@carnationworld @bethabear12

[quigonswife8]

Unexpected visitor: Namor x fem reader

While staying at Zemo's place with Sam and Bucky temporarily, an unexpected person shows up after years.

@namorslit I hope you like this!! I'm sorry it took longer than it should have to get out, but I still do hope you like this. Thank you again for request :)

I checked this over but if there are still mistakes and stuff and I messed up somewhere with the Yucatec Maya, just let me know. Also it's been a while since I've seen The falcon and the winter soldier, and this episode, so it may be a bit different.

-----

When Bucky had broken Zemo out of prison, you had helped.

After moving to New York you had become friends with Bucky pretty quickly. He knows almost everything about you...except for the part about Namor. When Bucky had asked for your help, you had agreed pretty quickly. He trusts you a lot, and you didn't want to let him down.

"Turkish delight?"

Zemo stands in the kitchen, standing in front of the jug. Mixtures of different tea sit in a container near the jug, and you would be lying if you said you didn't want to test out all the different teas.

It's only you, Sam, and Helmut, in the apartment at the moment. Buck is running an errand. Baron looks at Sam, but he shakes his head, so he looks at you. A smile creeps onto your lips, and as you raise your right hand, you reply with:

"I'd love one." He grins at you, before tossing you the chocolate.

"Thank you."

He nods, before turning in the other direction to finishing making yours and his tea, as Sam didn't want one. 'You're missing out' you had joked. Unwrapping the chocolate you toss the wrapper into a nearby bin, popping the treat into your mouth, and leaning back to get more comfortable in the chair.

It may not have been the best option to break Baron out, but he knows a lot about the super soldier serum, and that's your best bet to tracking the remaining vials down. While tracking down the flag smasher's too and more specifically, Karli Morgenthau.

To be honest you don't mind working with Zemo. Despite what other people think, you don't think he's a bad person. Has he made decisions that go against the law? Yes. He was in prison for those reasons. Did he do it for a valid reason? You believe so.

You see where he was coming from, why he did what he did, as you would have done the same for K'uk'ulkan. You would have moved mountains for him if you had the ability to. That's why you are able to work with him, even though a lot of people can't or don't want to.

"Is it good?"

Helmut is approaching holding your tea in his right hand, and his in his left. Swallowing the piece of chocolate, you give him a thumbs up,

"Here."

"Thank you."

You take the cherry blossom tea, while Zemo takes a seat in front of you and gets comfortable. He nods again, and replies with "you're welcome" before taking a sip of his tea.

-A few hours later-

"And then I-"

The sound of knocking stops you mid-sentence. Confused you look at the other's, but they seem to have no clue who this could be. It's not Ayo, and it can't possibly be the flag-smashers, plus Walker has no clue where you are. No one comes to mind, which worries you.

"...I can..."

"I'll get it." reaching for your gun you tuck it away, and as you stand, you look from each of them "...just stay here."

Keeping a hand on your gun you approach the door. Slowly. Whoever is out there may be a threat. The knocking continues, until you get to the door, pressing a hand to it, and taking a deep breath.

"...who's there?"

...silence. Gripping your gun tight you remain there, not daring to open the door until you get something in response. Anything.

"Hello?"

It feels like forever when they finally reply. Though, finally, as in a few seconds later. Their voice is slightly muffled but you still can make it out...you can make him out.

"(y/n)..." and you feel like something hits you in the chest, and you suddenly can't breathe.

It can't be him. No, you had parted ways with him years ago. You had cried over him, had mourned the relationship you had. He may have been the one to end the relationship, but you still feel the blame as to why he had ended it.

Now he stands there. Why is he there though? Shouldn't he be ruling his kingdom? Looking after his people?

"Please open up."

How did he find me?

Sighing you tuck away your gun knowing that you have no use for it. Though you don't open the door, not for a minute. You need a minute to ready yourself to see him again.

Does he look different? He's over 500 years old and ages slowly, he probably looks the same. Is he even there for you, though? He could be there to see the other's which is unlikely but, hey, anything is possible.

Okay

You finally open the door: sliding your hand down to grab the doorhandle, you compose yourself for a few more seconds.

Taking a deep breath, and then opening the door, your eyes fall on him. On your love, and he looks exactly how you remember him: from his soft brown eyes, to his ears that point to the sky, to the way he holds himself.

Three years have passed and he still looks how you remember him. Unable to stop the feeling you still harbor from him slowly come to the surface, you look away from him.

"K'uk'ulkan? What...what are you doing here..?"

"I need you to come with me."

So it was you he wanted to see, and obviously it's important enough to warrant him leaving his kingdom to come all this way. Looking at him again.

"Kin wa'alik ti' teech ba'ax ku yúuchul ts'o'okole', ba'ale' súutuka' k'a'abéet a taal wéetel (I will tell you what's happening after, but right now I need you to come with me)."

You sigh softly.

"Namor..." dragging a hand over your face, you lean a hand on the door.

"I..."

"Is everything alright?"

Bucky

Looking away from him for a moment, you look at Bucky. He looks protective- and if looks could kill. Though you seem to notice how Namor seems to stiffen- how he notices that Bucky is a little too close than he likes. Jealousy, that's it. He has no reason to be jealous, you are no longer together, but that doesn't mean the feelings have disappeared.

"Buck..." you bring a hand to rest one of his arms. "...everything is fine. This is my...this is an old friend." it shouldn't hurt as much as it does when Namor hears you call him just an old friend, but it does.

"What's your friends name?" now he's looking at you again. You sigh softly, forcing a smile to fall on your lips.

"...Namor. His name is Namor." turning back to look at him.

"Namor, this is Bucky. Bucky, Namor."

Neither men are trusting of eachother and you understand that: K'uk'ulkan is the love of your love. Despite everything he's still the love of your life, the person you care for most, and the person you think about most often. Bucky? Bucky is one of your closest friends, and you consider him to be like a brother.

"Okay..." you continue, taking your hand away, and stepping forward a little.

"Now that the introductions are out of the way. Let's just talk first."

"(y/n)." he steps forward, which warrants Bucky to step closer. You look at him, however, letting him know with your eyes that Namor isn't a threat. He never could be.

"I am sorry, ba'ale' le ba'ala' jach páaybe'en (but this is important)." putting emphasis on the 'important'. That may be, but what you are doing, with the whole super soldier thing and tracking down the flag smashers, is important too.

"yéetel le ba'ax táan in meentik xan jach páaybe'en (and what I am doing is important too)." a pause. A soft sigh, and you continue.

"So please let's just talk first. That's all I'll ask of you...please."

-

3 years ago

"Please don't do this.."

You are near tears, on the verge of breaking down hearing his words.

"I'm sorry in yakunaj (my love), but I have to."

Have to? No. More like he wants to. He wants to end the relationship, because he believes you deserve to be with someone better. Someone human, like you. You deserve to grow old with that person, not with someone who's can live as long as he can. No you deserve to be able to live out the rest of your days with someone better.

"I'm sorry but it is better this way-"

"That's a lie." anger seething through your words, but the sadness breaks through more, and you quickly wipe away the tears.

"...just...please. Please think this over."

He has. He's thought this over many times. You deserve better, and he can't give you that better. As heartbreaking as that is, it's true.

"I have..."

Namor doesn't cry. Even though he wants to. He needs to remain strong, he has to make this quick or he'll change his mind. As he turns back to look at you, you can see in his eyes that he's made his mind up. It hurts like hell, and you cover your mouth to stop the sobs.

Taking a step back, you shake your head.

"No."

He steps forward, but you shake your head again, making him to stop.

"If..." you begin, looking at him again. "...if you think this is best, then I'll just go."

Praying that he'll say 'no' .you get your answer when he looks away. Heart breaking you fall into a step past him, brushing your shoulder against his, and walking to the door. You need to wrap your head around everything and the best place to do it is your home that you rarely live, up on the surface.

You try and find the words to say but end up falling short. Instead you just open the door and leave.

-

"Okay..."

Namor speaks before thinking. You're right, though. You deserve to hear what he has to say. Especially after...

"Can we talk in private?"

You nod, "we can talk somewhere. I know a place." though, before you leave, you turn back to Bucky. He looks...different. He doesn't look as defensive as before, or protective, but he has a look of something in his eyes that you can't quite place. He looks at Namor, then back to you, and it's now that you realise.

"I'll be inside (n/n)."

He places a hand on your shoulder, a hint of a smile on his lips, and then he leaves you and Namor to be alone again. Clearing your throat you walk down the stairs, soon falling into a step,

"This way." and he follows after you.

----

It's silent when you get to where you had been meaning to take him.

A small hut by the sea that you had stumbled across not that long ago. K'uk'ulkan sits in front of you, while you listen to what he has to say. It's nice, you have to admit. To be able to see him after all these years. To be able to listen to him, reminds you of the past.

He comes to a stop, wanting to hear what you have to say. The distant sound of waves crashing brings you back to reality, and as you look up from your hands, you finally decide to say something.

"So what you're saying is. If I don't return to Talokan with you to be your queen, they will...kill me?"

It makes no sense. Why would they need to kill you? They, as in enimes of K'uk'u'lkan. They had demanded he bring you to Talokan or they would go to the surface world and kill you themselves. Is this some sort of sick game?

"Je'el (yes)."

well, great.

"I did not want to come here and put this burden on your shoulders, but I needed to come here and tell you as soon as possible" so that's why he couldn't say it in front of Bucky, or in front of you, or other people may have heard.

"Well what...what do I..."

You want to help Bucky and the other's with the serum and searching for the flagsmashers, but if your life is on the line, staying isn't the best choice. Not that you're not panicking because you are, you are just doing a good job at hiding it.

"I am sorry. Ma'atech ka'ach dejado ba'ax le ba'ala' sucediera, ba'ale' táan a le máako'ob peligrosas yéetel in woojel ba'ax ma' táan u tuus (I would never have let this happen, but these are dangerous people and I know they are not lying)."

Sucking in a sharp breath, you fight back the tears. So I just leave, then? leave the life you have made for yourself. Leave your friends, leave Bucky? It's hard to process and even harder to think about what your goodbye's are going to be like.

"There are no other options?"

With a head shake, you get your answer.

"...okay..."

The only word you can properly get out at the moment without breaking down. Namor stands up, offering you a hand, to which you find yourself taking.

"I am sorry in ya..." he catches himself before he can call you that term of endearment he used to call you, and instead calls you by your actual name "(y/n)."

"I know..." you blink away the tears. "...but thank you."

-

You stare blankly at the building in front of you. You have said your goodbyes, though now you can't help but just stare forward. Everything is still processing in your mind, but you haven't broken down and that's a start.

You are about to leave to start your new life in Talokan as the queen of the person you broke up with years ago. It's hard but you need to go because you really do not want to die.

"Are you ready...?"

He is understanding, of course. You look at him, noticing a small smile on his lips: the memories of seeing that smile flash in your mind, but you soon focus back on what you have been.

"Not really..."

You stand there for another minute, then you turn to look at him.

"..but I have to go..." with one last look at the building, you look back at him. "...so let's go."

The two of you soon leaving to go to Talokan.

[imaginesandsmut]

Meddle About

Pairing: Karli Morgenthau x fem reader

Summary: After staying with the Wilson’s, Karli begins to fall for y/n, the wilson’s family friend.

Warnings: smut smut smut and more smut. there is a strap and slight mention of possessiveness

Writers note: I am upset that there is like no Karli smut out in the world, my fave lesbian terrorist deserves more attention <3

Also message me if y’all want me to write anything specific.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Well, come and get it now, come and get it now. Baby, show me what you doing, come and turn around. 'Cause it's not just a figure of speech, you got me down on my knees, it's getting harder to breathe out” - Meddle About by Chase Atlantic

Some nights you believe you were made parties; made to be the centre of attention, the mirrorball in the middle of the dancefloor.

The Wilson family were hosting another potluck gathering, their house was filled to the brim with food, music and people, all in which spilt out from their front door and onto the docks. Houses upon houses had partaken in the festivities and the whole neighbourhood were singing songs well past curfew.

You, ever the social butterfly, found yourself in the centre of the party. You were dancing with Sam on the makeshift dance floor on the docks, singing loudly to whatever song someone had put in the playlist que.

“Do you want a drink?” You yelled over the music, still moving your body in rhythm with the song. The air was hot and thick around you, the short summer dress that revealed almost every inch of skin your had did little to cool you down.

“Get the good gin from my cooler in my room.” Sam yelled back, wildly fistbumping the air to the song.

You looked around, the bodies in the crowd blocking your view of the house and caging you in. You started pushing your way through, apologising and smiling sweetly at anyone in your way. The big doe eyes made anyone that looked at you melt instantly, falling over themselves to let you through.

Sam’s house came into your sights, the lights on and more people laughing and spilling from its doors. You moved your feet up the porch steps and through the front door, beelining for the stairs and making your way up towards Sam’s room.

You had found yourself in the quiet hallway, the music from downstairs vibrating the floor beneath her. You weren’t drunk and the tipsiness had long passed, but the buzz from being with friends and being breathless from dancing filled you with a warm fuzzy feeling of love.

Sam’s bedroom door was in front of you, beckoning you forward to the promised cold drinks that will surely cool her down.

But the room at the end of the hallway was making you feel weak and nervous.

Karli Morgenthau has been staying at the Wilson’s house for the past few months, after spending the past year or so in government rehabilitation. The redhead suffered major injuries after being shot by Sharon, gunshot wounds to her stomach and ribs. It was all in luck and the super soldier serum that she managed to survive and get back to health only a few months later.

Sam had to fight hard for Karli to be released from The Raft, a maximum security prison for all super-powered criminals. The only way he pulled strings to shorten her sentence was because S.H.I.E.L.D owed Sam many favours. Instead of putting her out on the streets to fend for herself, Sam took Karli in and has been trying to acclimate her to everyday life.

Karli, once an angry and feverish for revenge 19-year-old, was now a hollow and tired 21-year-old. She kept to herself, hidden in her room and away from everybody all day and night.

“Can you try and get her to open up?” Sam asks quietly one morning, a few days after Karli arrives at the house, before you had even seen her.

“You want me to be her friend?”

“I want you to show her that she’s not alone.”

You knew about Karli Morgenthau, knew what she did and who she was. You couldn't hate the red head for what she did in her past, knowing that she did it for the right reasons, just a terrible execution. So over the past few weeks, you have been trying to put yourself out there and invite Karli to join your little activities; shopping, reading, walking on the dock and helping you study.

Karli had fought at first, sending scowls and snide remarks towards you whenever you offered to show Karli around town or do anything together. But slowly, over time, you had chipped away at Karli’s frozen exterior and gotten her to open up slowly, even earning a smile or two. But just as quickly as it comes, it goes and Karli goes back to ignoring you.

Now, hot and buzzed from the party, all you wanted was to spend time with Karli. To hear her talk, watch her hands move over her book pages, watch her fluffy curls bounce everytime she moves her head.

You just wanted to be around Karli, even if Karli didn’t partially seem to care about you that much.

You walked towards Karli’s bedroom door, knocking on it hesitantly and waiting for any sign of life behind the door. You waited, and waited, and nothing. You huffed before opening the door, knowing that there is no where else Karli would be and she was ignoring the knocking on purpose.

“Hey.” Your voice was soft as you opened the door, very weary that you were definitely intruding in a space that you’re not allowed in.

Karli was sitting at her desk, lounging back in her chair so effortlessly. She was wearing her flannel pants low on her hips, her v-line in full view to the room. Karli’s sports bra equally leaves little to hide.

She looks up from her book, confused as to why anyone would be in her room, ready to send a snide remark but bites her tongue when she realises it was you.

“Hi.”

“You enjoying the party?” You joke, closing the door behind you and walking further into the room. You look around, taking in the sights of the band posters on her walls and books that littered the room.

Karli does speak, only grunting in response as her eyes remain on the page. It was probably a russian classic, or some sort of manifesto, another boring book to swallow her alive and keep her from the real world.

You stayed planted in the centre of the room, afraid to get closer to her but too embarrassed to leave. You watched Karli, trying to dissect her brain and figure out who the person in front of you was.

“Was there something else you wanted?” Karli was bored, almost annoyed that you were there.

Karli hated being here, in her room and in this house. She has grown a lot since her time with the Flagsmashers, understood where she went wrong and how much harm she did. But being coddled, being treated like a wounded stray dog that everyone needs to walk on eggshells around, it annoyed her to no end and made her irritable.

Except for you; out of everyone in the whole town, you were the only one that treated Karli like another person, treated her like a friend.

You were soft spoken and kind, always willing to help and lend a listening ear to anyone who may need it. Karli hated how easily she wanted to fall into you, how readily she was to become your friend and be around you.

Be in your world.

Be in your presence.

Be in you.

Karli wasn’t a virgin, she had fucked a girl here and there before her Flagsmasher days and a lot during. Many girls threw themselves at the redhead, wanting to be the one that could heal the broken parts within her. She never really felt anything for girls, pushing them into her bed and pleasuring them in every way possible. It was all so hot, heavy, and nonserious. She never wanted them to be anything more, never could have them be anything more.

But when you stood in front of her, flushed and sweaty from dancing, it made Karli want to push her over the nearest counter and fuck you sensless.

“I wanted to check in on you,” You played with the hem of her dress, “it’s not too bad out there, with everyone.”

“I’m good.” Karli lifted her hips up from the chair to readjust her pants, the movement caused you to almost choke on your spit. “You can shut the door on your way out.”

This has been the most to your interactions for the past month or so and it was making you irritated. You have tried for so long to open her up and get Karli to enjoy something in life, but all she could do was hide in her room and make you feel like an idiot. A new determination overcome you, forcing you to stay in the room and not be chased out by someone who has nothing going on in their life.

“What band is that?” You pushed yourself to walk towards the desk that remained pushed against the wall, underneath the band posters and random tickets sticky taped to the wall.

“Kyoto Kyoto.” Karli watched your body move closer to her, stopping right in front of her body but looking up at her wall. “Band from London.”

“Cool,” You nod your head like you knew them, “do you like their songs?”

“I wouldn’t have them on my wall if i didn’t?”

“Oh yeah, sorry.” You just stared up at the wall, suddenly feeling chilly in the deathly quiet room.

Karli was lounging on her chair, manspreading with her pants low on her hips and elbows on the armrests. The book lay forgotten in her arms and she looked at you next to her chair, standing up on your tippy toes to get a glance at the writing on some of the other posters. Karli couldn’t help herself, it was just a slight head tilt to the side, a slow dip of her head and she was looking up your dress. The girl next to her was oblivious to Karli’s prying eyes, taking in your butt.

Your underwear, white and lacy, did little to hide any skin of your ass.

Karli couldn’t stop herself, she was like a man starved after being away at war. She hadn’t touched anyone in almost 2 years, let alone felt the smooth skin of a woman - and you were just so pretty.

It was like her hand was moving on its own volition, a possessed limb that was determined to satisfy the need that festered within her chest.

Karli’s right hand reached out to her side and touched the back of your knee, startling you slightly and causing your body to pause - like a deer in headlights. Karli’s breath was heavy, her eyes lidded as her fingers dragged their way from the back of your knee to your inner thigh. She circled her fingers over your soft skin, dragging up higher and higher.

“What are you doing?” Your breath was ragged and heavy, voice barely above a whisper. You leaned forward and placed your hands on the table, holding yourself up as you waited for what Karli was going to do.

“Nothing.” It was an incoherent mumble, almost as if she was doing something as boring as reading her book.

Karli’s fingers were rough, covered in scars and calluses that slightly scratched you as they circled your skin. Getting higher and higher, slowly and surely. You knew that it was probably the worst idea in the world, but you parted your legs to allow for Karli to do whatever she was going to do.

It was like Karli just needed to touch her, just once, and you were a useless doll for whatever the redhead wanted. You knew that you both shouldn’t be doing anything like this with each other, and that Sam will have a fit if he found out, but your mind was nothing but a hum of chants; ‘please, please touch me. Please do something.”

Karli watched the nervous quiver of your legs and had to refrain from laughing. It has been so long since she has touched another woman, she was desperate to put her fingers to work, but you were the one acting like a needy virgin.

Sam would kill Karli if he saw what she was doing now, and who she was doing it to. He would have a conniption saying that you did not deserve to get involved with someone so obviously broken and in need of shackles. He would potentially kick Karli out for possibly corrupting such a pure and sweet soul.

Karli wanted to ruin you.

Karli dragged her fingers up your thigh until she reached your panties, hesitantly touching the damp fabric in case you decided to pull back. All you could do was muffle a small moan from the sensation, earning a chuckle from Karli as she dragged her fingers over the wet lace.

“Have you ever been touched?” It was derogatory in tone, but Karli was genuine in wanting to know the answer. Her fingers were moving slower than a snail, applying pressure slightly when she felt your clit through the fabric, circling it slowly then quickly pulling away.

A groan clawed its way out of your throat at the sensation and the question, Karli’s mean voice giving you mixed feelings about your situation right now.

“No.” It was embarrassing but it was the honest answer. You had kissed a few people, had a grope here and there from a teenage boy, but nothing further.

Karli was a little surprised and expected a slightly different answer; she's seen how many times guys stick to you, how many desperate attempts at your attention are presented to you. Though, Karli couldn’t complain, she could be the one to make you scream and beg for more, not those losers you were probably out dancing with only a few moments ago.

“How has someone so pretty not been touched yet?" Karli whispered into the air, and your full attention was focused on her low and hoarse voice. "Let me fix it, please.”

You felt Karli’s fingers run over your wet panties again, applying more pressure and practically fingering you through the fabric. Your legs buckled in pleasure, your head hung low as the only thing keeping you standing were your shaking arms on the table. Your eyes turned to your side, looking at Karli who was still lounging in her desk chair. The sight of Karli so effortlessly confident, so sure of herself and her skills, it made you quiver in anticipation and nod your head.

“C’mere then.”

You looked to your side and saw Karli had straightened herself up in her chair, her lap inviting you to straddle it. Karli’s hand had also left you, leaving a yearning to be touched again and a new desperation to be closer to the redhead.

You turned around and stood before Karli, putting your hands on the girl’s shoulders so you had support before moving to straddle her. The feeling of your already needy clit in contact with Karli’s crotch made you groan, throwing your head back slightly and closing your eyes.

Karli thought you were a dream, someone so sweet and angelic was moaning at her touch. A sense of urgency came over her, the need to have you say her name over and over so the whole house knew, so that no one could ever think about taking you from Karli.

The Flagsmasher gripped your hips and began moving you, dragging your pussy over her crotch. Your moan filled the air, if it weren’t for the party downstairs you would have been embarrassed, but being on Karli’s lap, you couldn’t think of anything else but the overwhelming pleasure coursing through your body.

“You're so needy, huh?" Karli’s smile only widened at your loud whine, your hips moving faster over Karli’s crotch.

To shut her up, Karli gripped your hair and smashed your lips together, kissing you hard and letting you know that she needed you. She tugged on your hair, earning another moan which gave Karli an opportunity to force her tongue into your mouth, swallowing your groans of pleasure.

“Fuck, I wanted to do that long time ago.” She mumbled against your lips, looking with lust at your body before moving her lips down to kissing your jaw and neck, sucking and biting any piece of skin she could access.

“Please,” your moan of pleasure was much louder than before, “please touch me.”

“Quiet baby, you don't want us to get caught, huh? What would Sam think?" Karli whispered into your neck, chuckling at your annoyed whine. Even though Karli wanted to hear your beautiful sounds, she couldn't wait for another time when the house was empty. Karli had watched you from afar, keeping her distance for your sake and for Sam, for far too long. She can’t let you go now that she’s got a chance.

Karli pulled her head away from your neck and lifted your dress, admiring the lacy fabric that hid what she wanted to see. She used to dream about how the flimsy fabric would cling to your body, but now seeing it in person filled her with cockiness. She could do a lot now that you were here, in her room, on her lap. So many daydreams and fantasies Karli wanted to put into play.

“Stop staring and do something.” Your irritated tone was loud and clear, driving your message home as you gripped onto Karli’s curls and pressed your lips together, a messy and frenzied display of need.

“Yes ma'am” Karli joked and she dipped her hand into your underwear, using her thumb to rub your clit in circles. Her finger pushed into you not long after, earning needy pants as you tried to chase the feeling by grinding yourself on Karli’s hand.

“You look so hot riding my fingers on top of me" Karli sighed, running her other hand through your hair. Karli watches the girl with a smirk, choking on your moans and whines as she keeps her rhythm without a pause. Karli is aware that she can feel you clenching around her digits, indicating that her release is near. Karli pressed her lips back to your neck, leaving love bites in hopes to leave a mark.

“I’m gonna-” it was strained and nervous, as if you was unsure whether you could even speak at this moment.

“I’ve got you.”

It was all Karli needed to say, her own pleasure at watching you had made her fuzzy in the head too, just content in watching you ride her fingers and moan aloud into the empty room. A cord snapped in you and the tension that was rising within you had reached its climax, causing you to grip Karli’s shoulders and shudder, moaning into her curly red hair in hopes to drown the sound out. Karli’s fingers kept moving, pumping you through her orgasm.

There were a few moments of silent bliss, just you shuddering in Karli’s arms as you came, drenching Karli’s lap. But the supersoldier decided that it wasn't enough, that she needed to hear you scream. She wanted the whole party to hear it, to understand that you was hers to keep, hers to pleasure.

Before you could even process your orgasm, Karli had stood up from her desk chair and brought your blissed out body with her, keeping your legs around her waist so you wouldn’t fall. You would normally be surprised at this show of strength, but Karli was a supersoldier after all.

Still you gasped as Karli walked you both over to her bed, dumping you down onto the soft mattress. The sheets were nothing extraordinary, just blue and grey ones you would get for a teenage boy, but the look Karli was giving you as she stood in between your thighs, it made you gasp.

Karli couldn’t say anything, too numb in euphoria, and she hadn't even been touched.

“I need to fuck you.” Karli was rubbing your legs, pushing your dress up in the process. “Please let me.”

You could only nod, wanting so desperately for it to happen that all words seem to fail you. Karli smiled at the gesture and began taking your clothes off, pulling your dress over your head and unclasping your bra. She dragged down your underwear slower, wanting to see your wetness coated all over your legs and lace panties.

Karli only took off her pyjama pants, leaving her in men’s boxers and her sports bra; still, she looked hot.

Karli left you alone on the bed in favour of finding something hidden in a draw, rustling around until she found what she was looking for. You couldn’t lift her head up to see what was happening, too blissed out but horny for more. It wasn’t until you felt a hardness tap her thigh.

“What?” You sat up and saw Karli with a strap on, crawling onto the bed and ontop of you. Karli’s figure above you caused you to involuntarily buck your hips, even if the strap made you nervous.

“I’m gonna make you feel good, yeah?” Karli’s head was buried in your shoulder, moving her hips to tease the silicone head at your entrance.

“I don’t think I can take it.”

“You can.”

“What about you?” You were rambling, you hated yourself for it but the thick tension in the room was making you nervous. You wanted to badly for Karli to just fuck you, but Karli wanted to hear you speak.

“It’s double sided, baby.” Karli chuckled, kissing your lips tenderly. “I will feel everything.”

You looked down, noticing that the other end of the strap went through the front opening of the boxes and into Karli, a sight that made you choke on her own spit. Before you could even comment, Karli pushed into you.

It was slow, but the sheer length of the strap made you grip onto Karli’s back, pulling you closer so that your chests were pressed together. Karli groaned into your neck, trying to silence herself from being too loud by biting her own lip. The sensation felt painful at first, needing Karli to just stay still for a moment as you adjusted.

Karli slowly began to pump in and out of you, gauging for reactions on your face and kissing your cheek everytime you winced. Soon the pain turned to pleasure and you were whimpering and moaning for more, clawing at Karli’s back in an effort for your bodies to be closer.

“Does that feel good?" You can only groan and nod in response, Karli own sounds of pleasure filled her ears, spurring you both on to fuck each other. As Karli’s thrusting became more feverish, desperation overtook all of her senses. Karli began biting your shoulder, groping your boobs and tugging on your nipples. Her hands were all over your body, nothing was left untouched by Karli.

The redhead’s desperate touches turned into desperate ramblings, groaning into your ear and onto your lips.

"Fuck you feel so good, baby. I’ve wanted to do this since I saw you, so pretty in your short skirt. Do you know how long I've wanted to touch you, stayed awake just thinking of you moaning my name?” Karli’s thrusting grew harsher and faster, her ramblings muffled by kissing your lips. “Do you ever touch yourself at night thinking about me? Thinking about how good I’d be to you?”

“Karli!” You could only gasp in response as Karli’s free hand dipped between you both and began circling your clit again, quickening and slowing down in speed to leave you struggling. “Karli please.”

You could barely even focus on what Karli was saying as your climax built up steadily.

"Had to stay away from you even though you were so sweet and good to me; such a good girl.” Karli was still mumbling almost incoherent words into your ear, her voice breaking as she got closer to her climax. "I can’t let you go now, you feel too good to lose. Tell me you’re mine, tell me that you’re mine to have.”

"Fuck, I’m yours." You whine, nails digging into Karli’s sides as your core tightens around the strap.

It was all Karli needed to speed up her fingers on your clit and thrust you harder into your climax, equally bringing her to her own climax. You both came together, moaning into each other's mouths, then trying to silence it by sloppily kissing each other. Karli thrusted her hips a few more times to milk hers and your pleasure, both of you trembling at the overstimulation.

You kissed Karli properly now that your brain could focus on something other than Karli’s hips, hands, mouth, voice. You kissed each other for a bit more as you came down from the highs, both equally groaning as Karli pulled away and took the strap out of both of you.

You grabbed onto the nearest shirt you could find and pulled it over your head before tucking yourself into Karli’s sheets, the cologne and detergent smell that was so inherently Karli filled your senses and lulled you to sleep.

Karli put her strap away and walked back to the bed, climbing in herself and pulling you into her chest, kissing the top of your forehead.

“I’m serious, you know?” Her voice was low, it had you clenching your thighs together.

“About what?” Your voice was equally hoarse and quiet, now keenly aware of the people still in the house and possibly even right outside the bedroom door.

“I’m not letting you go, you’re mine.” Karli sounded possessive and demanding, a switch to the needy and sweet person that was just on top of you a mere minute or so ago. If you had known any better, it would have scared you. But in Karli’s arms, so content and blissed out, you felt safe. Like a blind mouse in a lion’s mouth.

“I’m yours.”

[graktung]

DANCING ROUND AN EMPTY ROOM - karli morgenthau

pairing: karli morgenthau x reader (no pronouns used)

warnings: none

word count: 1.2k

author notes: hope you enjoy! writing a part 2 so stay tuned

from what you could tell, it was about 11pm, and the old church that the flag smashers had taken over was quiet. most people had headed to their tents, using small side rooms to set up and keep warm, but you were not tired yet, and began exploring.

the church was only half intact, and the main hall had part of the ceiling missing, along with sections of the walls, however, it was surprisingly calming; being able to see the plants growing into the structure, it becoming one with nature again.

you sat down, pulled out a barely working phone and put on your favourite song at a low volume, wanting to fully embrace the time you had before needing to give into sleep. the air was cold, but peaceful; it reminded you of life before the flag smashers, when the only time you’d hear owls like you were now, was when school started way too early in the morning. safe to say you didn’t miss it, but there was something about being a child again that didn’t seem so bad, and looking up at the same stars you always had reminded you of that.

while the walls of the church were thick, you still heard footsteps coming from behind you, interrupting your thoughts, and turned around to meet the person’s eyes, ready for whoever it was to shout at you to turn the music off and go to bed, but when you looked up, you saw karli, and while there was still a possibility she’d say all that, you knew it was unlikely- she may have been the leader of the flag smashers, but she still had soft spots, and you were easily the top one.

she slowed her movements, but continued walking over to you, not saying a word- all the words were unspoken between the two of you.

“care to dance?” you asked her, half-joking but completely serious at the same time.

she just chuckled and lent a hand out for you to take, rising up from your position on the floor and placing your hands on her shoulders. thankfully, the playlist you had put on was slow, and fit the atmosphere of dancing at midnight with your secret love in an abandoned church.

well, secret love might be a bit far…you did love her, that’s for sure, but whether she felt the same was not. she did, of course, but you were unaware, though karli didn’t know how you were so oblivious, because in her mind, she was as obvious about it as the moon against the night sky- the way she looked at you, everyone could tell, but no one dared say anything, scared that you two were already together and just keeping it quiet, yet you had no idea, you were the only one who didn’t see the way she gazed at you, completely and irrevocably in love with you.

karli snuck her arms around your waist as an attempt to pull you out of your thoughts, asking “why are you still up?” to which you responded “i could ask you the same” but upon realising she wouldn’t give it up until you did, you spoke again, pulling yourself into her, linking your arms around her neck and laying your head on her shoulder, “couldn’t sleep”

she scoffed, knowing you didn’t even go to your tent and try, since you shared a tent with her, “what?! i couldn’t!” you replied.

“yeah yeah, you never even came to the tent, had to set it all up myself. that’s why i came to find you” she was still laughing at your poor excuse

“oh i thought you were just walking, if i had have know you were looking for me i wouldn’t have stayed someplace so obvious” you teased

“you wouldn’t hide from me”

“oh no i’d never do something of the sort” you had a tongue for sarcasm and everyone got fed up of it, but that never stopped you.

she ignored your comment and moved back to her original question, “so why are you up then?”

“if i’m honest, i don’t know, i started walking and found this room, i got distracted by the stars…” you look up again to the constellations you were studying earlier, “made me think about when i was younger and how i’d look at them every night, before this, before everything, i didn’t have a care in the world, i just wanted to look at the pretty view”

“did you know me at that point?” she pondered; you had known karli since before the movement, becoming friends as kids, even being each others first kisses, and being the first people each other came out to, it not being an easy feat.

“yeah i think so, sometimes when i look at the stars now i think about those nights in summer, when we would sleep on the trampoline, just the two of us” one of those nights you had kissed her, not meaning to, but the urge overtook you for a second too long, and you did. you had pulled back as quickly as you had gone in, and immediately apologised, surprised when she took your lips in hers again before you could get the words out.

the two of you never spoke about it after that night, even to this day, “do you ever think about that night?” she asked…or at least you hadn’t talked about it, until now. you knew she was talking about the kiss, she could almost see it in your eyes when you stopped speaking minutes before. you thought her question was dumb, you’d been in love with her since before that kiss, and yet she still asks if you think about it? the one time you actually got to feel her lips on yours? was she crazy?

“yes” you answered quicker than you would’ve liked, “i mean, yeah it’s crossed my mind” you knew you hadn’t played it off well, but since she was the one to bring it up, you didn’t care, thinking- hoping this would mean she thought about it too, in a good way.

“i wanted to kiss you again” she tells you, with no warning.

“what” you were stunned

“i still do” she replies, as calm as the wind that wasn’t there.

you forgot that you were still dancing, or swaying more so, with her in the middle of this hall, and halted your feet and body to look up at her, “what” you repeated.

she quickly realised what she had said, trying to explain, “i mean, yeah i’ve thought about it, but like if you haven’t then just ignore me cause it’s stupid anyway-“ you didn’t give her time to speak.

“karli morgenthau, am i making you flustered?”

“no” she was not convincing.

“wait do you like me? like like me-like me? cause i like you, and i need to know before i spill secrets and completely embarrass myself-“ now it was her turn to stop you from anxious rambling, yet her method of shutting you up was different.

before you could even get an answer from her, or finish your thought for that matter, she smashed her lips to yours, not wasting anymore time after how much you lost between the first time you kissed and now. one of her hands made its way to your face, holding it so gently, yet with such protection- she finally had you, she was yours, and she was never letting you go again.

[swan-of-sunrise]

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Part IV)

Summary: (Y/N)'s retirement from superhero life proves to be short-lived when Sam calls in for backup as the Flag Smashers disrupt a critical meeting of the Global Repatriation Council in Manhattan.

Pairing: Steve Rogers X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 8k

Warnings/Disclaimers: Disclaimer for a frank discussion of racism/bigotry

A/N: And now, to the chapter we’ve all been waiting for! Thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoy!

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Part IV) May 2024 New York City, New York (Previous Chapter)

“You know, your car’s a little…cramped.”

Instead of getting annoyed, (Y/N) chuckled at Bucky’s observation as she parked the yellow Volkswagen Bug in the first available spot she could find and stepped out onto the bustling Manhattan street. “And you and Sam are more alike than either of you would ever dare admit; that man’s had it out for my poor, innocent car since the day we first met and I just know that a part of him was happy to see it under a pile of rubble after the Battle of Earth.”

“He did seem pretty annoyed when Rocket and Nebula refurbished it for you,” Bucky relented, placing a hand on the small of her back and guiding her down the street while she was preoccupied with adjusting her Widow Bite bracelets. “That Torres kid better be right about the Flag Smashers crashing the GRC’s vote, ‘cause I really didn’t wanna spend my evening in Lower Manhattan.”

(Y/N) hummed in agreement but remained silent, trying not to think too hard about the gala she was currently missing to act as Sam’s back-up. Earlier that evening and just over a week after their departure from Delacroix, she and Bucky were contacted by Sam and informed that there was a high probability that Karli Morgenthau and the Flag Smashers were planning an attack at the Global Repatriation Council’s vote on the controversial Patch Act; the act would force upwards of twenty million refugees back home to their countries of origin, putting further strain on the resettlement camps and on international politics as a whole and ensuring that thousands of the refugees would die over the course of the move. Bucky was spending a quiet night at home in his Brooklyn apartment but (Y/N), who’d driven down from Maine that morning to attend the first annual Romanoff Foundation’s fundraising gala, was at her old house in Brooklyn and in the middle of getting ready when Sam called to ask for her help. She agreed but as she went to retrieve the black tactical uniform and weapons she’d hidden away before moving to Maine, a sudden surge of guilt saw her FaceTiming Steve to tell him about the current situation in Lower Manhattan.

“It sounds like Sam could really use the back-up,” Steve remarked and when (Y/N) wordlessly nodded, his azure eyes filled with understanding. “(Y/N), is this fight something you believe in?”

She sighed and nodded again. “Yes. Yes, it really is, Steve.”

“Then you should suit up and get going before the party starts without you.” He smiled at the surprise written across her face. “You never stopped me from joining a fight that I believed in, and I’m sure as hell not gonna stop you from doing the same. Cari and I will be safe here at home watching the action on WHiH, and Sam will be safer with you fighting by his side.”

“Have I ever told you how utterly sexy you are when you use that reasonable tone?”

Steve chuckled. “No, but I look forward to hearing more about it in the future. Go get ‘em, sunshine, and come home safe.”

With a smile of her own, (Y/N) winked and gave him a small teasing salute. “Yes, sir.”

In a handful of minutes, (Y/N) and Bucky were approaching the towering GRC New York Headquarters, the both of them taking note of the numerous NYPD vehicles flashing their blue and red lights and the dozens of armed military personnel barring various news crews from accessing the building’s main plaza. She noticed several reporters talking amongst themselves and pointing their cameras at them as they walked past, but she kept her focus on the situation at hand; she knew that the Flag Smashers wore masks with red hand-prints stamped onto them, but she also knew that the members were practically unidentifiable without them.

“I’m almost there.”

Bucky held a hand up to his comm link. “What’s the plan?”

“Karli’s gotta be close,” Sam replied over the sound of the wind as he flew faster. “Keep your eyes open.”

“Sergeant Barnes,” One of the soldiers nodded and stepped aside to let them pass through their barricade. “Ms. (Y/L/N).”

(Y/N) squared her shoulders and continued scanning their surroundings as she walked beside Bucky. “I take it that Karli won’t be scared off by all these cops and soldiers barricading the building, will she?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean she’s not too far gone to be peacefully stopped. Speaking of cops and soldiers, I called in some back-up.”

“Excuse me. Are you two supposed to be here?” (Y/N) and Bucky both turned around to face the man who’d called out to them but as they watched, he pressed down on the hidden device panel near his temple and pulled off the nano mask and grey beanie to reveal the recognizable face of Sharon Carter. “It’s me.”

(Y/N)’s eyes widened in surprise. “Sharon, what the hell are you doing here? Sam and Bucky told me that you’re still wanted by the government-”

“Relax, no one’s looking for me here.” Sharon led them over to a nearby planter box and gave (Y/N) a humorless smile. “Honestly, I’m surprised that you even care; all those years spent petitioning the government to revoke the Accords, and yet not a single word about pardoning the woman who sacrificed everything for her boy-toy and his two lackeys.”

A sudden surge of guilt forced (Y/N) to cross her arms over her chest and look away in discomfort; in the year following the signing of the Sokovia Accords, she’d lobbied senators and representatives to try and revoke them so that her fugitive boyfriend and friends could return home, but when she learned that she was pregnant, she was forced to put her lobbying on hold. And in the turbulent years since, she was ashamed to admit that she’d forgotten about Sharon and the sacrifice she’d made to aid Steve and their friends in their time of need. But as she looked into the other woman’s hardened gaze, a small part of her felt as though she was looking at a darker, more ruthless version of the agent who’d once offered her a cup of hot chocolate and a shoulder to cry on.

“Do I hear Sharon?”

“Unfortunately,” Bucky grumbled, glaring daggers at the former agent and inching closer to (Y/N)’s side.

Sharon was unfazed by the super-soldier’s defensiveness as she adjusted the comm link in her ear. “Hey, Sam. I thought I’d get the band back together.”

“Thank you. You’re risking a lot coming here.”

“I hear pardons aren’t all they’re cracked up to be anyway.”

Bucky shrugged. “Depends on the therapist.”

“They’re gonna move on the building soon. Be ready.”

A shadowy figure flew through the sky above and quickly disappeared from view, making (Y/N) smile to herself before looking back down at Bucky and Sharon. “C’mon, we should move in and away from the barricades.”

Bucky nodded and started forward while Sharon slowly fell into step with her. “I, um…I’m sorry for your loss.” The former agent gestured towards the red hourglass-shaped buckle fastened to the belt of her uniform. “Romanoff didn’t deserve what happened to her and as much as I hate to say it, neither did Rogers.”

(Y/N), not wanting to give away that Steve was alive and well in Maine and most likely rocking his daughter to sleep at that very moment, kept her expression neutral as she silently nodded once to acknowledge her condolences. “Guys, what’s going on on your end?”

“Nothing, all quiet,” Bucky replied while he continued scanning their surrounding for any sign of Karli or the Flag Smashers.

Sharon’s hand twitched towards the gun holstered at her waist. “No one’s moving toward the building.”

“Karli’s not coming in. She’s trying to force everybody out.”

Realization dawned on (Y/N) as she watched the officers and soldiers scrambling to clear the building’s exits. “Oh, shit. They staged a threat to capture all the GRC’s members during their evacuation without drawing suspicion.”

“You guys are gonna have to do something,” Sam called out through the comms, slightly out of breath as the recognizable sound of fighting continued in the background; (Y/N) and Sharon followed Bucky into the lobby of the building as her best friend ordered, “Don’t let ‘em out of the building!”

Ignoring the blinking red security lights and the frantic people rushing to exit the building, Bucky marched through the security checkpoint’s metal detector while (Y/N) slipped around it, the both of them whirling around when the device blared as Sharon stepped through. “Oops.”

“Here’s one of them.” Bucky pointed across the lobby at a muscular man dressed in a security guard’s uniform. “(Y/N) and I will get the evac.”

Sharon followed the lone Flag Smasher while (Y/N) and Bucky hurried through the building’s lobby in search of the evacuating GRC members; (Y/N) was more on-edge than the super-soldier walking beside her, distrustful of anyone who passed them by and wary of whatever Karli was planning. Her instincts took over when a woman addressed them both as they turned down another hallway and offered him a cell phone, flicking her wrists to activate her Widow Bites and keeping a suspicious eye on the woman while Bucky took the phone and switched on the speaker function.

“Karli?”

“Aren’t you tired of fighting for the wrong side, Mr. Barnes?”

Bucky scoffed and shot (Y/N) a look as they made their way down the nearest flight of stairs. “I’ve done this before, kid. I know how it ends.”

“And what about you, Ms. (Y/L/N)? This fight that you insist on fighting has done nothing but destroy any chance you had at a normal life. Are you willing to give it all up for the people who are destroying the world you’ve sacrificed so much to try and save?”

“Karli, I know that you and I don’t know one another but believe me, you and I want the same thing. The Patch Act is dangerous and far from the only option for the refugees,” (Y/N) replied while Bucky kept an eye out for the evacuating GRC members and Flag Smashers. “But these methods of yours…they’re wrong and you know it. The people you’re going up against won’t hesitate to stamp out you and your entire movement and when they do, everything you’ve fought for will die with you.”

She could hear the young woman suck in an agitated breath. “It doesn’t matter if I don’t survive this. I’m fighting for something bigger than myself. With all the bodies you’ve collected, Mr. Barnes, have you been able to say the same?”

The super-soldier’s jaw clenched at that. “You don’t think I ever fought for something bigger than myself? That’s all I ever tried to do, and I failed twice. You think your cause justifies all this death, but in the end, the nightmares won’t go away. You’re gonna remember all the ones you killed…trust me.”

“Please don’t do this, Karli. Don’t go down this path,” (Y/N) implored with an almost desperate edge in her voice; she wasn’t sure if it was because of the way Sam had described the misguided young woman to her or how childlike she sounded as she unabashedly spoke of her impending demise, but she couldn’t deny the maternal panic she felt for Karli and the inevitable consequences she’d face for her actions.

“If that’s how you feel, you both should sit this one out.”

“Well, you know we ain’t gonna do that.”

Karli let out a humorless chuckle. “Well, thank you. I’m glad you took my call. You’ve been a big help.”

Realization dawned on (Y/N) and she looked over at Bucky in dread. “The evac. She’s already taking them hostage.”

“Dammit!” Bucky shoved the cell phone into his pocket and they both sprinted down the nearest stairwell that led directly into the underground parking lot; it was practically deserted and dimly lit by emergency lights, but there was just enough light to see two motorcycles parked nearby. (Y/N) hurried over to them and while she quickly slipped a black helmet on, Bucky located both bikes’ keys. “You know how to ride one of these?”

“Yep,” (Y/N) replied with a small grin, popping the ‘p’ at the end of the word as she swung her leg over the motorcycle and straddled it. “Steve taught me a while back. I thought he was teaching me because it was a useful skill to have, but it turns out that your best friend’s got quite the thing for women on motorcycles.”

The super-soldier wrinkled his nose in distaste. “Yeah, that’s something I could’ve gone the rest of my life not knowin’ about that punk…”

“Seriously, guys, you had one job!” Sharon’s outraged voice suddenly came through their comm links.

“You worry about your guy!”

After exchanging a look, they fired up their engines and with a squeal of rubber on the concrete floor, they rode out of the underground parking garage. They came out onto an alleyway in the middle of being blocked off by soldiers, but they raced between the barriers and sped down the street after the hijacked evacuation trucks. The deafening roar of the engine and the feeling of the wind on (Y/N)’s face reminded her of a simpler time, when her super-soldier boyfriend spent his free days teaching her how to ride a motorcycle on the lonely road near their favorite picnic spot by the Avengers Facility, and the happy memories gave her something to focus on as they chased down the armored trucks in imminent danger of being hijacked by the Flag Smashers. There’s no way in hell Steve could’ve predicted I’d be using that experience for something like this, she thought as they took a sharp turn and narrowly avoided another poorly-constructed blockade.

“Well, that’s one down.”

“How’d you manage that?” Sam asked, winded but still amazed by Sharon’s progress.

“Mercury vapor, amongst other things. You better speed things up, Sam; the chopper’s about to take off.”

“Bucky!”

(Y/N) and Bucky skidded to a stop at an intersection and watched the armored trucks carrying the evacuated GRC members rumble down the road ahead. “I don’t fly, man, that’s your thing!”

“Ditto, Birdbrain.” (Y/N)’s fingers tightened around the throttle as she revved the engine and assessed their options. “I’m thinking that I’ll trail the trucks while you circle around and cut them off before the Flag Smashers can hijack them. What do you think?”

“I think we’re lucky we’ve got a bad-ass historical-fiction novelist on our side,” Bucky replied, flashing her a brief grin before peeling away and racing down the street to their right.

You’re a bad-ass, (Y/N) silently recited as she released the clutch and accelerated down the street after the armored trucks, a bad-ass who got her handful of motorcycle skills from her horny super-soldier boyfriend almost nine years ago, but a bad-ass all the same. Nothing appeared amiss with the trucks driving ahead of her until they reached an intersection that bordered a sunken construction site; they came to a sudden stop as several Flag Smashers dragged cement barriers into the street and (Y/N) swore under her breath when they wrenched the officers out of the driver’s seats, leaning over the handlebars and accelerating as they started climbing into the trucks.

The roar of another engine filled the air as up ahead, Bucky’s motorcycle skidded onto the street and raced towards the cement barriers; with a quick prayer to whichever deity in the universe covered dangerous motorcycle maneuvers, (Y/N) pressed down on the rear brake lever while turning the handlebars at a ninety-degree angle, slamming the back of the motorcycle into the nearest Flag Smasher and knocking them to the ground just as Bucky launched himself over the cement barriers and tackled a Flag Smasher. While the two super-soldiers fought, (Y/N) fired a Widow Bite at the Flag Smasher she’d slammed into and hurried over to help the dazed and injured officers to their feet. A fiery explosion illuminated the street and its intensity nearly knocked her to her feet, but the chorus of terrified screams helped to keep her focus; one of the armored trucks had caught fire and a metallic contraption trapped the frightened members of the GRC inside with no escape from the intense blaze.

(Y/N) ran to the doors and tried to wrench the back doors open as the hostages banged on the bulletproof glass, but they wouldn’t budge. “Bucky!”

The super-soldier rushed over and took over pulling on the doors’ handles. “Hold on!” He gritted his teeth and the doors groaned under the strain of his super-strength.

“Let’s go, get moving!”

Seeing the Flag Smashers hurrying towards the second armored truck, (Y/N) started forward to keep them from taking the GRC members hostage but came to a sudden halt when a familiar voice called out, “Morgenthau!”

She looked down the street to see John Walker, dressed in his government-issued Captain America uniform and carrying a poorly-constructed replica of the vibranium shield, striding towards the group of Flag Smashers with an enraged expression on his partially-covered face. “Oh, son of a bitch…” (Y/N) sighed and brought a hand up to her comm link. “Sam, your buddy Walker is here and I don’t think he’s looking for a peaceful resolution.”

“Dammit. Whatever you do, (Y/N), don’t try to engage him; there’s no telling what he might do. I’m a little busy with the air evac, but I’ll be there ASAP!”

(Y/N) bit her lip in nervous anticipation as the unstable super-soldier stopped and fixed Karli with a deadly stare. “Let’s finish this.”

“I didn’t mean to kill your friend,” The teenager tried to reason with Walker. “I don’t wanna hurt people that don’t matter.”

Walker scoffed. “You don’t think Lemar’s life mattered?”

“Not to my fight. I just want the people on that truck.”

With a strangled yell, Walker threw his shield at Karli, who simply kicked it away in midair and slipped her Flag Smasher mask on before joining her companions in their attack against the former Captain America. (Y/N) looked over at Bucky, who was using his vibranium arm to slowly but surely break the device locking the truck’s doors, and she saw that the second truck was virtually defenseless, as the group of Flag Smashers were distracted by John Walker’s unexpected appearance. Just as she started jogging towards the second truck, a pained grunt stopped her dead in her tracks and she glanced over her shoulder to see four masked Flag Smashers kicking and stomping on Walker, who’s only form of defense was his flimsy replica of the shield he’d once carried. Indecision kept her rooted where she stood, torn between helping the captive GRC members escape the armored truck and saving Walker, a traumatized soldier who made some terrible mistakes while suffering under the effects of the super-soldier serum but who also nearly killed Sam and Bucky in cold blood.

“Screw it,” (Y/N) mumbled to herself before turning and sprinting towards the group. She took the nearest Flag Smasher by surprise by slamming her knee into his torso and utilizing his hunched stance to spring-board off his thigh and swing her legs up around his neck; flexing her wrists, she fired Widow Bites from both bracelets directly against his neck and as his unconscious body toppled back, she somersaulted off of him and rolled to her feet just in time to dodge the clenched fist flying towards her face. She aimed a kick at her new attacker’s sternum but she was quicker, grabbing her ankle and flinging her across the street, where she slammed into the chain-link fence blocking off the sunken construction site and landed harshly on the ground; with a groan of pain, she clambered to her feet and fired a Widow Bite at the Flag Smasher who’d thrown her, taking advantage of the woman’s distraction to sweep her legs out from underneath her with one of her own and kneed her masked face as she toppled over onto the street.

Blowing a wayward strand of hair out of her eyes, (Y/N) turned to see Bucky body-slam a Flag Smasher attempting to slam a parking meter down onto Walker and when he jumped to his feet, Bucky punched him with his vibranium arm and sent him flying backwards into the chain-link fence. While the two super-soldiers exchanged blows, a masked Karli kicked the parking meter up into her grasp and swung it at Bucky’s exposed back. “Bucky, look out!” He quickly ducked the blow and blocked a second with his vibranium arm before reaching for a loose section of steel chain draped over a cement barrier and striking Karli across the face with it, but the first Flag Smasher kicked him hard in the chest and sent him toppling over the edge of the sunken construction site. “Bucky!” The Flag Smasher grabbed a section of girder and jumped down after him, and (Y/N) breathed a sigh of relief when she made out the faint sounds of their scuffle. Seeing Walker and Karli engaged in a vicious fight and the second armored truck left defenseless, she hurried over and attempted to pry the lock off the doors, but it refused to budge.

“Hold on!” She yelled to the panicked GRC members inside and frantically scanned her surroundings for a tool or device that could help her break the lock; spotting a metal crowbar lying on the sidewalk near a mailbox, she started towards it but an arm suddenly wrapped around her waist and prevented her from moving. She elbowed her attacker in the face with all her strength and reached back to grab him around his neck, throwing her weight forward and using the momentum to flip him over her shoulder. As he lay sprawled on the ground, she grabbed the crowbar and struck him across the head, stepping over his unconscious form and making her way back to the truck.

Before (Y/N) reached the locked doors, something solid connected with the side of her face and the force of the blow knocked her to the ground. Rolling herself over onto her side, (Y/N) hissed in pain as her fingers gently prodded the skin around her right eye and when she pulled her hand back, she could see the fresh blood on her fingertips. She blinked hard to clear her blurred vision and watched Karli shove the cement barrier out of the way of the truck and climb into the driver’s seat; the teenager drove the truck straight towards the sunken construction site and at the last moment, she leapt from the moving vehicle. The armored truck crashed through the chain-link fence and landed on top of the steel framework, its front half hanging precariously over the five-story-deep pit.

(Y/N)’s heart leapt into her throat and after scooping up her crowbar, she ran as fast as she could after the hijacked truck, skidding to a stop at the edge of the pit and looking out at the vehicle as it inched further over the girder; her eyes flicked down and she swallowed hard when she realized just how high up they were, her old fear of heights momentarily flaring up at the daunting sight. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Walker limp out onto the street and look between the precariously-balanced truck and Karli, a conflicted and almost lost expression etched across his pale face as he considered what to do. “Walker! Walker, they need your help!” The former captain squeezed his eyes shut and gave his head a hard shake, but it was clear that he was freezing up under the mounting pressure of the situation. The terrified screams of the GRC members still trapped inside the armored truck with no escape was enough to shake her out of her own trance and with a steadying breath, she lowered herself down onto the crisscrossing girders and cautiously walked atop the narrow beam.

“(Y/N), what the hell are you doing?!”

Ignoring Bucky’s panicked shout from down below, (Y/N) reached the truck and wedged the crowbar’s beveled end between the locking device and the truck’s metal doors; she planted her feet as she pulled down on the crowbar, but the truck lurched forward again and caused her to nearly lose her footing. Before she could try again, a blur of red, white and blue fell past her into the pit and Walker appeared beside her; he used his super-strength to begin pulling the armored truck backwards across the girders and while he did, she continued to try and pry the locking device off the doors. The lock was finally beginning to give way when the Flag Smashers descended on them; Walker managed to bat one of them away, but Karli and another of her companions latched onto him and all three fell down into the pit below, but not before their flailing limbs knocked an unsuspecting (Y/N) down with them.

(Y/N)’s instincts took over and she was able to grab onto another girder about halfway down, gritting her teeth and ignoring the straining muscles in both arms as she dangled several stories above the construction site and worked to scoot herself out of the way of the teetering truck; the deafening groan of bending metal above caused her to look up and see the vehicle beginning to pitch forward, and the terrified screams of the trapped GRC members were joined by the panicked shouts of the bystanders watching from the street and Bucky standing far below. Just as (Y/N)’s eyes squeezed closed and she began loosening her grip on the girder, the screams and shouts were suddenly silenced and everything was still.

Opening her eyes, (Y/N) blinked in surprise and grinned at the sight of Sam single-handedly holding onto the hood of the truck; his Wakandan-made specialized winged jetpack, upon which the familiar vibranium shield was sheathed, illuminated as its thrusters ignited and two drones broke off to attach themselves onto the truck’s hood. With the assistance of his jetpack and drones, Sam pushed the armored truck back up onto the steel framework and used Redwing’s laser to slice through the locking device while the crowds gathered around the street cheered.

“How’s it hangin’, Booksmart?” Sam jokingly asked after swooping down to where (Y/N) was dangling and wrapping an arm around her waist, his trademark grin and new red-tinted goggles unable to hide the worried gleam in his brown eyes as he took in her various bumps and scrapes.

(Y/N) wrapped her arms around her best friend’s neck and pressed a chaste kiss onto his cheek. “Much better now that you’re here, Cap.”

Grinning widely at that, Sam flew them both down to the construction site to where Bucky and Walker stood watching them; a metal pipe was suddenly launched towards both men but Bucky was quicker, catching it in midair and tossing it aside as he stared determinedly across the site at where Karli and her companions stood. They started forward towards both super-soldiers and in an instant, Sam used his free hand to unsheathe the shield and bounce it harshly off of the chests of three separate Flag Smashers as they landed on the ground beside Bucky.

Karli scoffed in disbelief as she took in Sam’s new Captain America uniform. “You of all people bought into that bullshit?”

“I’m trying something different. Maybe you should do the same.”

Before the teenager could reply, gunfire erupted and while Sam quickly brought his shield up to protect (Y/N), the air began filling with an unnaturally thick smoke and the panicking bystanders above began to flee the scene. (Y/N)’s vision was obscured by the impenetrable smoke surrounding them but when she made out the tell-tale sound of footsteps running further away, she swore under her breath. “They’re getting away, aren’t they?”

“Not for long.” Sam brought his free hand up to the edge of his goggles and seemingly began to track the Flag Smashers’ heat signatures through the dense fog. “This way.”

(Y/N), Bucky and Walker followed Sam through a doorway at the opposite end of the construction site and through a winding network of tunnels that traveled beneath the city streets. While the four of them jogged down what appeared to be a maintenance hallway, (Y/N) stepped on an errant piece of construction sheeting and would’ve tumbled to the ground if not for Walker’s hand suddenly shooting out and latching around her bicep; she gave the super-soldier a small smile of thanks and swiftly shifted her gaze onto Sam’s back ahead of her, still a touch wary of John Walker and his ever-shifting mood. On her other side, Bucky raised a hand to his comm link and quietly addressed their absent companion. “Hey, Sharon. We’re underground; we entered the tunnel on William, heading south.”

They came upon a tunnel that branched off from their hallway and Sam activated his goggles as he looked between both paths. “Looks like they split up. Here.”

Before Sam could finish, Walker ran off down the branching tunnel and Bucky gave Sam a reassuring nod. “I got it.”

“You should go with ‘em, (Y/N),” Sam nudged her arm and nodded towards the doorway the two men disappeared through. “Keep Walker from doing anything too reckless; I’ll be okay.”

Although unsure about splitting up, she did as her best friend suggested and followed Bucky and Walker down the branching tunnel, doing her best to ignore the ominous feeling beginning to form in the pit of her stomach as she jogged after the super-soldiers and away from Sam. She finally caught up to them in a darkened boiler room, placatingly raising her hands when they both whirled around to face her and frowning when she glanced around the vacant room. “They’re fast, I’ll give ‘em that…”

Walker’s hands briefly clenched into fists before relaxing at his sides and huffing out an annoyed grunt. “They could be halfway across Manhattan and we wouldn’t even know.”

“No, Karli and her followers would wanna stick around to finish their mission.” Bucky’s brow was furrowed as he noted the former captain’s barely-restrained reaction and he moved to stand closer to (Y/N). “They can’t go after the GRC members anymore, so now they’re scrambling to figure out an alternate way of preventing a vote.”

Recalling how Bucky tucked the cell phone that Karli had called him on into his pocket and what Sam told her about the Flag Smasher’s unique style of communication, (Y/N) felt herself begin to smile. “Well, if we can’t find them, why don’t we make them find us?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The plan they’d come up with in the boiler room was comically simple and as the three of them led the tactical team to the mouth of the alleyway they’d lured the unsuspecting Flag Smashers to on their app, (Y/N) was reminded of the time she and Natasha tricked a Hydra agent into Steve and Sam’s custody using only a red laser-pointer. She would’ve appreciated the simplicity of this plan, (Y/N) thought to herself with a melancholy smile, her fingers grazing the red hourglass-shaped buckle as she turned the corner of the alleyway alongside Bucky and Walker and came to a stop when they came face-to-face with three unmasked Flag Smashers; they skidded to a stop, their determined expressions instantly replaced with looks of shock when they realized that they were being surrounded by officers and armed soldiers.

“‘Mercy bears richer fruit than strict justice,’” Walker recited with a triumphant grin.

Bucky held up the cell phone and gave it a little shake for emphasis. “It’s a great app.” The tactical team moved in and began detaining the Flag Smashers as the alleyway was illuminated by the flashing red and blue lights of several police cruisers, and Bucky gave the trio a small smile. “Thank you.”

The three of them turned and began walking back to the makeshift command center stationed out front of the GRC New York Headquarters, and (Y/N) arched her brow as she glanced over at Walker beside her. “Lincoln, really?”

“Great man. Great quote.”

Bucky wrinkled his nose and scowled at the super-soldier. “Not when you say it.” (Y/N)’s chuckle soon turned into a groan of pain when the side of her head suddenly throbbed and she felt as though she was about to throw up; concern filled Bucky’s blue eyes and just as he reached out to hold her shoulder, she was overcome with dizziness and he was forced to catch her when her knees gave out. “Shit, I think you might have a concussion. Take a deep breath for me, okay? That should help with the nausea.”

“I’ll go on ahead and let a medic know she needs to be looked at,” Walker remarked before jogging off in the direction of the command center.

(Y/N) breathed in through her nose and out of her mouth, blinking hard to clear her swimming vision and giving Bucky a weak smile. “You know, it’s been exactly ten years since my last concussion? I go up against androids and aliens – two of the Big Three – over the course of ten years, and a goddamn super-soldier manages to be the one to give me my second-ever concussion.”

Bucky rolled his eyes as the corner of his lip curved into a reluctant grin. “I should’ve known that Sam picked that nonsense about the Big Three up from you. So, you’ve never gone toe-to-toe with Gandalf, huh?”

“Does almost puking on Doctor Strange count?”

“No, because he’s a sorcerer, not a wizard.”

“A sorcerer is just a wizard without a hat.”

With a chuckle, Bucky wrapped his vibranium arm around her waist and helped her walk down the street to the command center; he guided her to one of the handful of ambulances and after helping her sit down, he allowed her to squeeze his hand as a paramedic cleaned and patched up the laceration near her eye. The paramedic confirmed that she did indeed have a concussion, as well as an orbital fracture and two pulled biceps, and Bucky did his best to keep her distracted from her treatment by praising her fighting techniques. Walker, looking awkward as he stood by the opposite side of the ambulance but courteously remaining to partially block her from the clicking cameras of gathering journalists and reporters. He’s not such a bad guy, (Y/N) thought as she subtly glanced over at the super-soldier, misguided and egotistical, for sure, but not bad. Unfortunately, she knew that the government nor the Army would ever address how John Walker’s untreated trauma from his years of service led to the regrettable actions he’d taken in Latvia, just as they’d never told the world what they did to Isaiah Bradley and the hundreds of other Black soldiers they’d illegally tested on…but not for long, if (Y/N) and Sam had anything to say about it.

(Y/N) was pulled out of her thoughts by the ringing of her cell phone and when she reached into her pocket for it, she saw that it was Steve. “Bucky, could you give me a second? I’ve got to answer this.” She showed him the name flashing on the screen and briefly glanced over at Walker; he immediately took the hint, patting her knee and asking Walker to accompany him while he checked out the perimeter of the command center for any sign of Sam or Karli. Once she was sure that Walker was out of range, she answered the call and brought the phone up to her ear. “Hi, sweetheart.”

“Are you okay, sunshine? What happened to your eye?”

(Y/N) arched a brow. “How’d you know that I injured my eye?”

“Because Cari and I are watching you on T.V. as we speak; WHiH camera’s at your ten o’clock.” When (Y/N) glanced over at the journalist in the middle of his report and his cameraman’s broadcasting camera, she could make out Steve’s faint chuckle and Carina’s happy coo. “Hi, baby. Are you all right?”

“I’ve got a mild concussion, an orbital fracture and two pulled biceps, but we stopped the Flag Smashers from taking any of the GRC members hostage and that’s what matters. I’ll be home with you and Cari by this time tomorrow, only with a few extra bumps and bruises.” Steve hummed in response but didn’t say anything, and she spared the far-off broadcasting camera another glance. “Everything okay, Steve?”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s just…I’m not used to being the one waiting for an injured Avenger to come home to me, that’s all. But if it means you’ll be able to help people in need like you’ve always wanted to do, then I’ll gladly do my best to get used to it.”

Feeling her face begin to warm at her husband’s sweet words, (Y/N) opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by the sound of Sam’s thrusters descending into the command center. She watched as her best friend flew down from the night sky and landed gracefully in the middle of the street, a mixture of emotions swirling around within her: relief that Sam was unhurt, and sadness that the night’s events resulted in the death of Karli Morgenthau. Sam was carrying the teenager’s lifeless body in his arms and as he carefully placed her on a waiting stretcher, she could see the gunshot wound on her stomach; she was just a child, she thought as her eyes welled up with tears, a child who was fighting for the millions of people that suffered during and after the Snap when the leaders of the world failed to do so themselves. The increased supremacy of her ideals and the gradually radical methods she employed was wrong, yes, but her message was one that every person on Earth should strive to achieve: that by treating everyone fairly and supporting those in need, the world could band together and unite as one.

“What happened to the Flag Smashers? When did the government make you Captain America?”

“Is it still Falcon?”

“Or is it Captain Falcon?”

“Is Ms. (Y/L/N)’s presence here indicative of the Avengers’ support of your new title?”

Instead of answering any of the questions being shouted his way, Sam walked up to three GRC members, which included Senator Smith, the man who convinced Sam to give up the shield only to hand it over to the blonde-haired, blue-eyed John Walker. “Sam, thank you so much, from all of us.”

“Sincerely,” Senator Smith added with a tone-deaf smile. “You did your part in dealing with those terrorists, now we’ll do ours.”

Sam’s jaw clenched in an effort to remain calm, and (Y/N) fought the urge to stand and hurry to his side. “Are you still going forward with resettling the borders?”

The third member nodded. “Our peacekeeping troops will begin relocating people soon. The terrorists only set us back a bit.”

“You have to stop calling them terrorists.”

Senator Smith scoffed at Sam’s statement. “What else would we call them?”

“Your peacekeeping troops carrying weapons are forcing millions of people into settlements around the world, right? What do you think those people are gonna call you?” Sam demanded and as all the broadcasting cameras surrounding the command center turned to film their conversation, Bucky stepped around the edge of the ambulance and leaned against the door beside (Y/N). “These labels – ‘terrorists,’ ‘refugee,’ ‘thug,’ – they’re often used to get around the question, why?”

Looking decidedly less pleased than before, the third GRC member crossed her arms and looked incredulously up at Sam. “Those settlements that happened five years ago, do you think it is fair for governments to have to support them?”

“Yes.”

“And the people who reappeared only to find someone else living in their family home, they just end up homeless?” Senator Smith gave Sam a patronizing head-shake and on the other end of the line, Steve muttered a few choice curse words. “Look, I get it. But you have no idea how complicated this situation is.”

The members started to turn and walk away, but Sam’s calm but commanding tone halted them in their tracks. “You know what? You’re right. And that’s a good thing. We finally have a common struggle now. Think about that: for once, all the people who’ve been begging, and I mean, literally begging for you to feel how hard any given day is…now you know. How did it feel to be helpless? Now, if you could remember what it was like to be helpless and face a force so powerful it could erase half the planet, you would know that you’re about to have the exact same impact. This isn’t about easy decisions, Senator.”

“You just don’t understand-”

“I’m a Black man carrying the stars and stripes. What don’t I understand?” Sam huffed out a humorless laugh and (Y/N)’s free hand clenched into a tight fist at the annoyed expression on the senator’s face. “Every time I pick this thing up, I know there are millions of people out there who are gonna hate me for it. Even now, here. I feel it…” He looked around at the crowd that had amassed as he’d spoken. “The stares, the judgement. And there’s nothin’ I can do to change it…yet, I’m still here. No super serum, no blonde hair or blue eyes. The only power I have it that I believe we can do better.” A smile slowly spread across (Y/N)’s face and as she watched her best friend with unabashed pride, she felt Bucky’s vibranium hand rest on her shoulder and he gave it a gentle squeeze. “We can’t demand that people step up if we don’t meet them halfway. Look, you control the banks. Shit, you can move borders! You can knock down a forest with an email, you can feed a million people with a phone call. But the question is, who’s in the room with you when you’re making those decisions? Hmm? Is it the people you’re gonna impact? Or is it just more people like you?” The third GRC member bowed her head while the first nodded and Senator Smith awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, but Sam’s gaze never wavered. “I mean, this girl died trying to stop you, and no one has stopped for one second to ask why. You’ve gotta do better, Senator, you’ve gotta step up. Because if you don’t, the next Karli will, and you don’t wanna see 2.0. People believed in her cause so much that they helped her defy the strongest governments in the world. Why do you think that is? Look, you people have just as much power as an insane god or a misguided teenager. The question you have to ask yourself is, ‘How are you going to use it?’”

Giving the three stunned GRC members one final look, Sam turned and walked towards the ambulances; he gave Walker a nod as he passed and the former Captain America returned the gesture with the ghost of a smile on his face, looking more relaxed than (Y/N) had ever seen him before.

“Sam’s the Captain America that this country deserves,” Steve softly remarked, his voice thick with emotion as he continued. “I only hope that people will watch that speech and realize it for themselves.”

“They will.” (Y/N) smiled with pride and watched the gathered journalists and reporters continue their live coverage of the speech they’d witnessed. “Seeing is believing, after all, and we all watched as Sam Wilson became Captain America.”

Bucky helped (Y/N), who was still on the phone with her husband, stand and when Sam walked up to them, he shrugged in faux-boredom and let out a dramatic sigh. “Sorry, I was, uh, I was texting and so, all I heard was, um, ‘a Black guy in stars and stripes.’” All three of them laughed and over the phone, Steve chuckled at the super-soldier’s joke. “Nice job, Cap.”

“Thanks.” Sam smiled at Bucky before turning to (Y/N). “You on the phone makin’ plans with your editor to write my biography already, Booksmart? I always knew you were a smart businesswoman but that was fast even for you!”

(Y/N) shook her head and smiled up at her best friend. “Nope, just talking to my husband about the historic moment we were lucky enough to see with our own eyes.”

His eyes widened a little behind his red-tinted goggles. “Steve saw all that?”

“Baby, could you hand the phone over to Sam for a moment? There’s something I need to tell him.”

(Y/N) did as he asked and Sam listened to whatever Steve was saying; it was a brief message but judging by the tears she saw him blinking away and how softly he murmured his thanks, her husband’s message seemed to have an effect on her best friend. Before she could inquire about what Steve had said, Bucky nudged Sam’s shoulder and gestured towards one of the parked cars just past the ambulance, where a familiar figure was leaning heavily against the driver’s side door. “Sharon.”

“I’ll be there in a sec,” (Y/N) reassured them and as both men made their way over to an injured Sharon, she brought the phone back up to her ear. “You’re not gonna tell me what you just told him, are you?”

“Come home in one piece and I just might,” Steve countered with a smile evident in his voice. “Good work out there, sunshine. We’ll see you soon, all right?”

They exchanged farewells and after tucking her phone back into her pocket, (Y/N) joined the trio standing beside the abandoned car. Sharon was indeed injured, holding a bundle of bloody gauze against the oozing gunshot wound on her abdomen and gritting her teeth to stop herself from crying out in pain; despite the agony she was no doubt experiencing, Sharon took one look at (Y/N) and snorted. “You look like shit, (Y/L/N).”

“Says the woman who’s currently bleeding out from an open wound,” She countered and the former CIA agent breathed out a quiet laugh. “Sharon, I’m sorry for how things unfolded after the Accords and the Snap. I know that that probably doesn’t mean much to you now, but I really am sorry and if I could go back and fix it, I would.”

Sharon studied her face for a moment and nodded as she let out a relenting sigh. “You’re right, it doesn’t mean much…but thanks for saying it.” While something in the woman’s hardened gaze kept (Y/N) from fully trusting her, she was glad that she was able to apologize for her inaction all those years ago.

“Uh, Cap?”

The four of them glanced over at the agent who called out to them and (Y/N) beamed at Sam. “I think he’s talking to you.” When Sam returned her smile with one of his own, she carefully wrapped her arms around his waist in a brief hug. “Go get ‘em, Captain America.”

“Will-do, Booksmart.” He pressed his lips to her forehead in a chaste kiss and turned to make his way over to the waiting agent.

“Look, I’m sorry for how things ended down there.” Sharon’s apology was followed by an appreciative nod. “For what it’s worth, suit looks good on you.”

Sam chuckled. “Thanks.”

With a scowl on his face, Bucky cast a furtive glance at their surroundings before addressing the former agent. “All right, look, can we get out of here, please?”

Sharon relented and allowed the super-soldier to escort her away from the command center filled with dozens of agents and officers who would arrest her for treason in the blink of an eye; while they walked, Sam called out after them, “I didn’t forget my promise.”

While Bucky and Sharon argued over which hospital to visit and whether or not they should take (Y/N)’s Volkswagen or an Uber, (Y/N) looked up at the night sky and watched Sam flying overhead towards the Hudson River, a satisfied smile on her face that finally, the shield and the mantle belonged to the right person for the job. Sam Wilson was Captain America, and the world was all the better for it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: Thank you all so much for reading and commenting! I’ve created a Spotify playlist inspired by this series, and I’ll be updating it every time I upload a new chapter. Enjoy!

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ziGMhEsAw833GQ9eV44nR?si=6dfead09c76848d5

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Part V)

Stumblin’ In Book VII: “Superhero Snapshots” Masterlist

Stumblin’ In Book I: “The Winter Soldier” Masterlist

Tagging:  @mrs-obrien​​​​ @lahoete​​​​ @awkward117 @cminr @natdrunk​​​ @momc95​​​​ @savedbystyle​​​​ @miraculouscloud @awkwardnesshabitat​​​​ @marinettepotterandplagg​​​​ @mangosandmimosas @supersouthy @benakenalove​​​​ @brooke0297​​​​ @hufflepeople​​​​ @becausewelie​​​​ @outoftheregular​​​​​ @junipermurdock​​​​ @ladydmalfoy @mads-weasley​​​​ @username23345 @crist1216​​​​ @capswife​​​​ @lilmschild​​​​ @avngrsinitiative @crowleysqueenofhell​​​​ @y-napotat​​​ @mary1raven​​​​ @groovy-lady​​​​ @ljej95​​​​ @innersublimefury​​​ @prettysbliss​​​​​  

[ferns-and-raspberries]

Not mine, Ours

K arli Morgenthau x reader

A/N: I know this was an anon request from awhile ago so sorry it took so long 🤍 :)

“Karli, Karli wait!” you yelled as you ran after her through the park, fleeing the scene of Nico’s death. Running to try and catch up to her while the noise from the main street started to fade only leaving the pounding of your boots against the ground. Watching the new so-called ‘Captain America’ smash that shield into Nico was one of the hardest things you've ever had to witness. Although you didn't know him well his murder still sadend you, although you could only assume Karli was taking it much worse. “Karli please!” you pleaded, finally being close enough to grab her shoulder while she slowed down only to push your hand away.

“You should go back to the safe house to help pack up, we’ll be leaving soon,” she said continuing to walk through the trees in the deserted park. “I'm not leaving without you,” you said pulling back the branch she had previously let swing back to its original place “I’m not leaving without you” she scoffed under her breather before stopping in her tracks making you bump into her. “You're not leaving without me huh?” she said angrily turning around only to step forward, inches away from your face. “I’m your leader, I'm in command and that was an order-Why won't you just leave me alone?” she yelled cutting herself off while you stood there furious.

“Because I love you!” you screamed back at her while trying to catch your breath although before you had the chance she cupped your face and pressed her lips to yours.

Surprised and still slightly upset, you kissed her back forcefully while throwing your arms around her shoulders. Reluctantly parting for air you leaned your forehead against her with a smile. Rolling her eyes with a grin she quickly pecked your lips “I’m sorry, it's just-” she started to say “I know it's getting harder,” you cut her off “You have every right and reason to be upset, the Flag Smashers are your life but you knew when you started this everyone wasn't going to make it to the finish line” you said with a bitter smile while she moved her hand to your waist enveloping you in a hug. “Our life” she repeated into your should giving your collarbone a quick kiss.

“I love you so much Pumpkin, you know that?” she says smiling into your neck before looking back at you. “You know, I can probably have Dovitch pack up tonight,” she says with a smirk “Yeah?” you asked amused while she separated from you only leaving your hands intertwined. “Yeah, they won't miss us that much,” she said leading you out of the trees with a smile.

[syven-siren]

The Other Side

Summary: Your loyalties have always resided on the side of doing what’s right but knowing which side is the right one becomes more complicated than you had originally thought. When the ideals of Karli Morgenthau put your loyalties to the test, you find that the side you’ve been on may not be the right one for you.

Warnings: Some angst / That’s about it / Platonic Relationships Abound / Platonic!Bucky x Reader / Platonic!Sam x Reader / Platonic!Karli x Reader / Oh & John Walker is still an asshole kinda

Requested by Anon: “would u ever do anything karli x f! reader?? i haven’t seen anything for her :( like maybe reader is working with sharon, sam, and buck? yes please! anything w fluff/angst is fine w me!! maybe like an avenger reader where she has powers like wanda? and she’s conflicted about what side she should be on, it can take place during any episode :D...”

Word Count: ~2k

The call is strong today. It’s not the ghostly siren’s song that usually lures you to the other side. Instead, it is a gut-wrenching wail of deep loss; the kind that radiates deep in your chest and seeps into your bones. There is no ignoring it and so you settle into yourself. With each inhale, your body becomes grounded and heavy, anchored in its spot. On the exhale, you relinquish the hold of your physical self. Your mind centers its focus on nothingness. Thoughts rise and fall. All acknowledged but allowed to drift off with no energy given to them.

Eyes closed and breathing even, you wade through the thick fog of the past, present, and future. Blurs of souls and emotions all seep into each other, creating one single stream of consciousness. And your trance remains unbroken, even with time ticking on around you.

Curious eyes scan your form, observing its complete stillness, “She’s off moonwalking again.”

“Buck, c’mon man. I told you when she’s like that, it’s meditation.” Sam lectured, rolling his eyes at the other man’s insistence of referring to your gift in such a childish manner.

“Fine. She’s meditating,” Bucky huffs out, plopping down in front of you.

Their voices are distant, echoing along the darkened tunnel of consciousness. And still, you trudged onward through the bleakness. The end of this plane and the beginning of another is ahead. You can see it, the mirror of reality. It is the final passage into the next.

The reflective surface ripples as the threads of existence flow through it. Its power pulls at you, tugging you forward towards its embrace. And you obey. The tips of fingers feel the chill of the new world first, followed by your palm and then your wrist.

With the slow caution of a timid animal, you step forward, submerging into the iridescent pool. Your breath is stolen by the magnitude of the shift but in an instant, it is over.

Never will you overcome the awe of seeing your physical form sitting next to you. You take a moment to steady your projection. The head-spinning effects of the shift weigh heavy, bringing with them waves of nausea. It is not until they pass that you take notice of the others. Bucky, still seated in front of your true body, converses with Sam. Neither takes notice of your second figure. You feel so much like a ghost in this form, only seen by those whose cry you hear.

Slipping through the front door, you step onto the streets of Riga. The call of sorrow is still there but the strength of it has nearly tripled. It pierces your eardrums and bounces around in your skull. As you grow closer to its source, that feeling of suffering becomes all-consuming.

The guiding noise routes you to a collective of shuttered buildings. Gaggles of children play outside while the adults putter around, sullen and sad. Though each is doused in grief, none are the one you seek. And so you continue on, making your way through the dilapidated shelter.

There is another noise. Softer and more menacing is it. A rattle of chains scrapes along the floorboards and echoes through the hallways. Your body seizes with the cold chill of acknowledgment.

Death is here.

It is the cause of the outcry, the source of agony that permeates through this place. The room you enter is shrouded with heartache and it is here that you find her, lamenting over a sickly woman.

"Karli." Her name is a mere whisper from your lips but her keen hearing picks it up. The red curls haloed around her head bounce as her neck swivels in your direction.

“How did you get in here?” She darts around the bed. Her steps are quick but filled with blazing intensity. You stumble away, retreating until your back is against the wall. Her forearm presses along your throat, pinning you with such force.

“Wait. Wait, please. Don’t. I’m not here to fight. I just want to talk.” Hands up in surrender, you beg for her to listen.

Eyes narrowed, she applies more pressure against your airway, “How did you find me?”

“I could feel your pain. I followed the flow of it to you.” She doesn’t seem to believe you. You don’t blame her for that. Not many understand the nature of your powers. “I’m very sorry for your loss. I can feel your hurt. She was a mother to you.”

“Stop. Stop talking.” Karli’s words are growled out but reflected in her eyes is deep despair. The burden of carrying a movement on her young shoulders has taken its toll. But the pain of losing the beloved woman seems to have strengthened her resolve.

“She and the others are the reason you’re doing this. I can feel your courage and the suffering. It’s how I found you. My power lets me travel along the planes of existence to find those that call out.”

Time seems to move slowly before she finally decides upon her next action. In a display of the raw power she possesses, her grip on you tightens before in an act of mercy, she releases you. “They say I’m a terrorist.”

“And what do you think you are?” You follow behind her as she moves to once again take up a vigil near Donya’s body.

“The lynchpin to change.”

“I’d like to see.” You kneel beside her and when there is no mention for you to get away, you continue on, “To know your reason. If you’ll allow me to be a witness to it. There’s something about you, about your cause that calls out to me. I— I need to know...Please.”

Karli says nothing, only looking at the trembling hand you offer her. It’s silent. The wails have ceased and death has already swept over the room, ferrying the soul away.

There’s a hesitation before her calloused palm is laid on top of your own. The instant rush of memories crashed down upon you. The moments of childhood joy are few and far between. Forced to mature too soon, she found a path of meaning in protecting others. Right or wrong, her choices are made with reverence of others. You drown in flashing images of her young life. The brutality of them flares in your heart, scorching your soul and etching her pain on your entire being.

You reel away from Karli. Clutching at your chest as it becomes harder to breathe. The tethers tying you to the spiritual plane snap. Whiplashed along your previous path, your consciousness is flung back into your physical body. Gasping, your eyes spring open and capture the pensive faces of Bucky and Sam. The deep-seated ache has followed you home, staying with you even as you reorient yourself to reality.

“He was right. I went moonwalking again.”

The uproar is immediate. Both men talking over the other as they reprimand you, “I thought we talked about this. You don’t project without letting us know.”

“I didn’t realize I had to get permission to use my power.”

“It’s not that you need permission but you still don’t have full control. What if you got stuck or hurt?” Sam attempts to reason with you. The concern, though evident, doesn’t stop him from questioning what information you were able to gather. You give him bits and pieces, things that will not give away Karli or her small group of supports. Conflicted by your newfound sense of loyalty to the Flag Smashers leader, you retire to a far-off section of the safe house. No longer concerned with the plans Bucky, Zemo and Sam begin enacting, you return to the solace of your mind and sift through the images of Karli’s memories that are now ingrained in your brain.

——

“I have the will to complete this mission. Do the two of you?”

“She’s just a kid.” Sam counters Zemo’s question. Confliction draws his brows together, painting a more pensive expression on his face.

“You’re seeing something in her that isn’t there. You’re clouded by it. She’s a supremacist.”

“You’re wrong.” The conviction of your words causing the group of men to turn towards you. You glare at Zemo, angry with how he falsely accuses Karli of something you have not seen from her, “She is looking for a way to help people. Maybe it’s you who's too blinded to the suffering of others.”

Zemo scoffs and continues on with his speech on the affliction others will feel if Karli is allowed to exist. Irritation wafts off of him, only adding to your own and creating a vortex of high tension. As Sam and Bucky step in to keep civility, you challenge his ruling on the issue, “How can ignore the suffering she has gone through? Does that mean nothing to you, Zemo?”

“You mock me. Do not forget that I know of pain and loss. She will only bring more of it until she is ultimately consumed by it and leads the rest astray.”

“No, you are wrong!” Storming away, you do not hear his reply nor would you want to. He hasn’t seen what you have. He doesn’t know what Karli is fighting for, who she is fighting for. She shared her pain with you and you will not allow anyone to ignore her suffering.

——

“Sam, you need to let me talk to her. I know you’ve counseled people with trauma but I think it’d be better if I did this.”

“No, (Y/N). If things get out of control, she could hurt you.”

Replaying your conversation over and over again, you pace the small boiler room. It feels suffocating, even more so with the grief that those, gathered to pay respects to Donya, are experiencing. All their sentiments and the seething, misplaced anger of John Walker grate against the reserve of your emotional patience. Your powers strain against the formidable wall of negativity after multiple attempts to placate the turmoil.

You can sense John is at the end of his rope and the assumption is proven correct when he finally decides that he is going in. But he is met with resistance from both you and Bucky, “You need to let Sam do this.” Again, you bathe the room with serenity but it’s not enough. Tensions have boiled past the point of your help.

“He’s had enough time.” John pushes past your blockade, storming off towards Sam’s location. You give chase, attempting to reason with an unreasonable man. The new Captain America brushes you off, “I don’t need your input. Karli Morgenthau, you’re under arrest.”

Karli’s eyes widen as she backs away and accuses Sam of trickery. All hell breaks loose when Walker moves to detain the younger girl. Allies begin fighting amongst themselves and you dart after Karli, losing a trailing Bucky as you weave through hallways and turn corners.

“Karli, stop! We just want to help you.” Your fingers grip her jacket, jerking her back. The two of you tumble down the stairs, becoming a tangled mess of limbs. She fights you the entire way down and even after you’ve both landed in a heap at the bottom.

“Help?! You think that shield-wielding idiot wants to help. He’s just as power-hungry as the rest of the world.” Though she grapples with you, her strikes are not nearly as impactful if she had been fighting a different opponent. Her rage is ferocious, beating against you with all the same force as her punches. And yet hidden behind it all, you sense betrayal.

“No, not him. Sam and Bucky. If you just listen to them, you’ll understand. They don’t want you or anyone else to get hurt. I don’t want you to get hurt. Karli, please let me help you.” You break away from her, preparing yourself for the next onslaught of hits that never come.

“You really want to help? Then come with me. You see it, don’t you?” She advances towards you, extending her hand, “You aren’t like the rest of them. You know what we are fighting for. You can help all these people with your power. Help me make a better future.”

You search her eyes for deception but just as before, you find not an ounce of it. Instead, the images of the past and future revisit you. The hope of brighter days that she firmly wants to see through takes over the very fibers of your being. Whether you take her hand now or not…Whether or not you truly believe in the cause, you know you will always believe in Karli Morgenthau.

Please comment and reblog if you enjoyed. It really helps when you do. Thank you!

Avengers Masterlist

A/N: The reader’s power involves emotional manipulation and astral projection (Bucky likes to call it moonwalking since ‘astral’ usually refers to stars or something more paranormal) 

[whimsical-musingss]

assassin: убийца. chapter one

before

“двигаться! подвинь это! подонок…”

Why is the big man pushing me?

“выходи из машины!”

It’s so dark. Where am I?

“встать в очередь!”

There are other girls like me.

“представься дрейкову!”

Where’s my mom?

“салют!”

The big men holding guns stand still as a fancy car pulls into the abandoned lot. One of the scary men opens the passenger door, where an older man gets out, eyes narrowed. He scans the crowd, hands in his suit pockets. Some of the big solider men talk to him quietly, and he nods along.

You’re in the middle of the line of girls against a brick wall. Most of the girls are taller and older than you. You heard some girls whispering in the dark of the cattle car that they’re eight or nine. You’re six, and you remember your age well, since mom always asked you to hold up the number six with your fingers.

Where’s my mom?

Mom, please help me…

The big man with his hands in his pockets begins to move down the line of girls. Sometimes he makes them turn around, move their heads, jump up and down, or even punch his palm. Your eyes begin to fill up with tears as he gets closer to you. You can feel it in your bones that he is an evil man.

He stops before you, his eyes unchanging, but he grins, revealing teeth.

“How old are you?”

His voice is enveloped in a deep accent, the r’s rolling and it’s frightening. You have a hard time understanding him, but you murmur, “Six,” while holding up the number on your fingers.

He laughs. It’s deep also, but you could tell it was mean and not a nice laugh. His eyes are glowing under the streetlights.

“You’re so short and little. Convince me to let you live.”

He holds up his hand, almost mockingly, but you ignore the hand and go for the balls. You saw a cartoon episode about it, on the old tv that barely showed color, and when you asked your mom, she laughed and said to do that when you’re in trouble. She had wrapped you in a hug, whispering,

“Even though it’s funny, kicking boys in that spot can help you when you’re in trouble.”

You’re in so much trouble.

The man grunts when your foot meets his crotch, and he stumbles. Soldiers rush to his assistance, but he waves them off angrily.

“сука!” He barks. “What a bitch. But not to worry. You’ve convinced me. I’ll make you obey me.” He grips your face in his hands as he talks, his hot breath making you almost gag.

When it’s time to pick the girls who will go with him and the leave the rest to die, you’re chosen first. He takes your hand in his right and another girl’s in his left. He leads you all away from the screams of dying girls.

after

“Damn it,” you hiss, smacking the tablet. You know it won’t do any good, but you felt a bit better after taking some anger out on it. The tablet has been glitching all morning, making your job so much harder. Currently, it’s frozen, displaying your current information on the Flagsmashers.

What a shitty name, you think.

There wasn’t much intel on them as you’d like. You’ve been keeping an eye on them; trying to follow their footsteps throughout Eastern Europe for a few weeks. You’ve memorized their shipment patterns, recognized members, and identified supporters of the Flagsmashers and where they live all in that time.

All in your efforts to make amends. To prove you’re American, to “earn” your citizenship. Ever since you helped Natasha that one time when she was on the run with Captain America, government officials have been breathing down your neck. And ever since Natasha died, they’ve been in your face even more, requesting that you take over the Black Widow mantle and to join the Avengers.

Like hell.

You’re perfectly content being a free agent, doing missions alone. Like now. And if you succeed, you get American citizenship and you’re fucking done with this, putting your assassin skills to work. It’s all the same, anyway. Working for Russia, then Captain America, then the US. You’re tired and over it.

There’s a big difference, though, working for the US compared to Russia. Not killing people. Not being an assassin. Just a free agent, ordered to take down threats of the state. In your mind, it’s basically “maim people who are enemies,” but you’ve been avoiding hurting people like you were controlled to do in Russia. Now, you just…knock them out.

The tablet’s screen flickers slightly, and you watch it intently as you sit in the rafters of this old warehouse somewhere in Munich. It’s a brisk morning, but your suit surprisingly keeps you warm. It’s the same one you’ve worn all these years, even though it carries a weight with you. You keep that weight locked away, but it doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. You’ve killed a lot of people in this suit. But it gets shit done and it’s familiar.

You hunch over the tablet, very close to throwing it down to the ground below. You shake it angrily while cursing, but you’re glad that the Flagsmashers aren’t here to see you this pissed off. That’s the thing about not being under mine control anymore. Your emotions and choices are so new and fucking real, and you have no idea what to do. What’s keeping you from going crazy is this mission.

Right on cue, you hear the roar of truck engines approaching the warehouse. And as you thought, they pull in, and begin to taking all the medicine they could get. You remain hidden above and in the back, keeping notes of who is who and if anyone resurfaced from when you saw them in the past. And there’s Karli.

You think her name is Karli. You heard someone say the name and she turned around, it was somewhere in Slovakia. You think. Either way, you assume she’s the leader, based on everyone’s body language around her and how they speak to her.

The tablet is finally beginning to work, and you type in new information and questions. What are they doing with all the medicine? And where the hell did they get the serum to make them super soldiers?

When you first realized that they were super soldiers, you were surprised. The only ones you met was Steve, and then the Winter Soldier when he was also forced to train with young widows. You remember the pain when fighting him, but you doubt he remembers you at all. You’re just one person in his memories of millions.

Your main goal is to figure out where they all got the serum. Damn, it could be from anywhere, and you have no idea where to start. Obviously, ever since the Red Room fell, your contacts were all killed or ran away from widows trying to get revenge, and they’re in hiding. And the widows are too busy to keep in constant contact with you.

You’re probably the only widow who abandoned the Red Room altogether, trying to bury the past where it belongs. You don’t want to spend your life hunting the men and women who made your existence a living hell. You’re sure that the Widows are giving them just that, anyway. That’s enough revenge for you, knowing that the widows are out there with free will.

The Flagsmashers are taking their time with loading up. You’re almost done with collecting intel, anyway. Besides, your orders were to collect information for the new Captain America, and to not engage.

God, John Walker is a piece of…work. You’ve never met him, it’s his first mission, but you could tell from watching him on TV that he’s just a poser. He’s probably on his way now. You send the information over to his tablet and decide it’s best to head out. As you’re tucking your tablet away, footsteps coming from your escape route make you freeze.

You don’t move or breathe, just watch as two people-men-come through the door quietly, obviously after the Flagsmashers. You recognize Sam Wilson immediately. When you helped Natasha that one time, you met everyone in Steve’s little band of criminals. It takes you a moment to recognize the Winter Soldier, however. His hair is remarkably shorter, and his metal arm isn’t silver with the infamous red star.

They’re walking into a trap. Either warn them or stay hidden.

Shit.

You flip backwards and land in a crouch on the ground so silently that the two men don’t even notice. They’re bickering amongst themselves and glaring, making you sigh. This team up isn’t working out, and it risks the success of this mission that you’ve been working on for weeks.

You tap on Sam’s shoulder, hard, making him seemingly jump sky high. But when he sees your face, he relaxes.

“Jesus, Y/N, don’t do that.”

“Hi, Sam, hi, Winter Soldier. I assume you’re here for the Flagsmashers?”

“Straight to the point as always, Y/N,” Sam shakes his head slightly, moving his gaze back towards the Flagsmashers. “It’s good to see you. How have you been holding up?”

“I’m okay. Look, John Walker is coming shortly to interfere with the Flagsmashers route, so I’d advise to maybe stay out of this one,” you explain. “Besides, they’re super soldiers. You can’t take them all.”

Sam’s mouth opens in surprise.

“And before you ask, I have no idea where they got the serum.”

“They’re going to leave, with the hostage,” the Winter Soldier interrupts.

“Wait, what hostage?” You squint at him, but it’s too late. The Winter Soldier takes off without another glance, and Sam sighs.

“You coming or what?”

“Only if you give me a lift.”

Taglist:

@stucky-my-ship @losteroops @lol-im-done

Please let me know if you’d like to be added/removed.

[ssa-steverogers]

TFATWS EPISODE 4 SPOILERS BELOW

guys can we just please fucking appreciate episode 4 of the falcon and the winter soldier? jesus fucking christ this episode was so fucking good and we got so much out of it and oh god ohhhh godddd i hate john walker but the episode was so good that i’m about to cry

the opening scene? you can literally see bucky “freeing” himself as he is finally able to resist the words and then the scene cuts to ayo and bucky from the previous episode and she says “how could you free him?” about zemo. which TO ME feels like that means a lot to bucky knowing that he has a lot of self doubt about his character. it’s almost as if the question is asking how could bucky have freed the winter soldier. ya feel? also there’s a lot of talk about bucky ‘not knowing’ that the wakandans could just disengage his arm like that. when bucky says ‘no’ to sam asking if he knew they could do that, my interpretation of that is bucky was being honest. sure, the arm wasn’t embedded into his skin or fused into his shoulder so bucky probably knew there was a way to take it out. but did he know that they could easily disengage it while in combat? probably not.

i also think that no ones intention was to kill anyone. karli is obviously young and i don’t think she had ever intended to start killing people like this but because she is young, things tend to get messy faster rather than not. it starts with the bombing at the GRC with the defense of “this is the only language these people understand” then it was lemar. prior to lemar, there were hardly accidental kills or any kills at all. but when people are threatened, it is instincts to attack back with more power. karli threatens sam’s sister, even though she had just lost mama donya (which is making her more emotional/compulsive) so she knows full well how important family is but chose to be the ‘bad person’ here. so then john walker killed karli’s second in command after she killed lemar and so instinctively, karli will get more aggressive in order to reach her goal. i cant wait to see how she tries to control/justify what she will do next???? like sam agrees with karli’s ideals but at what point will he realize that she must be stopped at all means possible and that zemo was kinda right?????

anyways! john walker! he! doesn’t! deserve! the! shield! never! did! never! will! “the serum amplifies everything that is inside. so, good becomes great. bad becomes worse. [...] because a strong man, who has known power all his life, will lose respect for that power.” -dr. abraham erskine in captain america: the first avenger, about the super soldier serum. we’ve only just met john walker but most of us hate him lol and he is sus. but from the beginning he’s already an over achiever, already experienced in being honored for doing something good. now, the only difference is that there is a label on him. but we can also see that he’s kinda full of shit rage. he’s visibly angry when nobody would talk in episode 3 when they raid the safe house that karli was in. so once he took the super soldier serum, he’s stronger, sure. but now the rage is also enhanced. he wrongfully killed karli’s second in command in an act of rage. sure, his partner was just killed but if you’re a representation of ‘hope’, you can’t blatantly kill someone the way he did.

anyways the scene that walker kills the guy???? PARALLEL1!!1!1!1!1!!1 steve rogers in captain america: civil war raises his shield on tony stark and brings it down onto the arc reactor of his iron man suit when that could have easily been a fatal blow to the head. even when enraged enough to fight against a close teammate to protect a brother figure, steve had enough strength to pull himself back and say, ‘hey this isn’t what i stand for.’ unlike walker, who kills the guy without hesitation in a moment of pure rage. there’s nothing in him that is doubting that killing the wrong man is bad. walker’s putting the shield into the guys face and chest, repeatedly as he’s begging for his life. and when he’s done, the shield is covered in blood. it’s the blood, the eccentricity, the consequences of taking the serum, everything is on his hands (and on the thing he is supposed to represent).

can i also just say how much i love the directing style of this episode? camera movement is actually so important to filmography and i am not a professional or anything but i love appreciating the skills 🥺 like when lemar is killed, the camera pans onto sam and bucky. it’s like the world stops for a bit as you hear the snap of his neck. the pause in everything as you hear walker trying to wake lemar up. then, everyone runs. now, even though walker is fighting karli’s guy, the camera movement is no longer aggressively moving like a fight scene usually is. instead, it’s mostly steady, showing the goal that walker is determined to reach.

OH GOD AND ZEMO. idk how to feel about him. i love him but i also hate him???? fksjsjwkjdkx his dancing makes me want to forgive him but he’s also an idiot with an agenda???? but his DANCING. omg and episode 4 is named the world is watching and omggggg that means that the video of walker must have gone fucking viral for SURE i mean obviously it did but OH MY FUCKING GOD. god i have so many things to say about this episode and i can’t fucking wait for episode 5 omg but i’m just rambling at this point lol

[mads-weasley]

Legacy Pt. 5: Stay in Character

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Series Masterlist

A/N: Hey y’all! I hope you’ve had a great week! Sorry for the large gap between these few parts. I have been swamped on schoolwork because of AP exams coming up. I do not own any of these characters except (y/n)! Anyways, I hope you enjoy it!

Summary: Zemo has one plan to get to the source of the serum in Madripoor; the winter soldier. After a fiasco in low-town, the three of you run into an old ally who is willing to help you in your mission.

Warnings: mentions of blood, typical cannon violence, angst, some fluff

(y/n) - your name

(y/l/n) - your last name

(y/n/n) - your nickname

(y/h/c) - your hair color

Italics - flashbacks

(Y/n)'s pov:

As I was slowly waking up, I hear the words I never wanted to hear; “James, you will have to become someone you claim is gone.” Suddenly wide awake, I shoot up out of my chair.

“No! Absolutely not! Bucky, you’re not him anymore!”

“Hey, take it easy, (y/n/n). You’re still hurt.” Bucky says softly. “As much as I hate it too, it’s the only way, doll.”

“You’re serious? James, come on! This is the same Zemo who made you fight all of us in 2016!”

Bucky stands up from his chair and walks towards me, gently grabbing my uninjured arm. He leads me away from the cabin and into the small kitchen where we could have some privacy. To my surprise, he immediately envelopes me into a hug, careful of my injuries.

Burying my face in his shoulder, I quietly ask, “Bucky, how are you actually feeling about this?

“I’m okay.” I know he’s lying because I can physically feel him tense up at the question.

“James...”

“I’m terrified, (y/n). The last time I was him, I fought you, Steve, and the other Avengers.....I know I just have to act like him, but it just brings me back there.”

I pull away so I can look him in the eyes. “You didn’t have a choice then, but you do now. You’re finally in a good place. Please don’t do this, Buck.”

“I hate this, but I have to. It’s the only way to find out where the serum is coming from.”

I sigh, stepping back from him to lean against the counter. “If I can’t change your mind, I’m coming with you.”

His expression hardened. “No. Absolutely not. You’re still hurt. You still have to wear a sling and have a cast on your hand!”

To make a point, I quickly take my arm out of my sling before he could stop me.

“Damn it, (y/n)!”

“See?” I move my arm around in a circle, biting back a groan because of the pain radiating from my bicep. “I’m fine!”

“You’re so damn stubborn!” He huffs before storming out of the room.

I can’t believe he’s actually going this, and I really don’t know why he’s trusting Zemo. I can’t help but think back to Berlin and all the problems surrounding our “Civil War.”

Zemo’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. “James has informed me that you are going to be accompanying us to Madripoor. Here is your attire for the mission.” I take the dress he was holding out to me and hold it up to my figure.

“It doesn’t leave much to imagination, does it?”

“You will have to play as Smiling Tiger’s date. Sam will be playing him, and James and I will be playing as ourselves.”

Scoffing at the fact Zemo thinks Bucky is only the Winter Soldier, I turn and walk into the bathroom to get changed.

The dress is upper thigh length, form fitting, dark green, and completely covered in sequins. It has a plunging neckline that makes me very self conscious of my physique. As I’m looking in the mirror, my mind wanders to the last time I got dressed up like this. Nat and I had went out for a girls night just a few weeks before the tragic mission in Lagos. She always had told me that I had to be willing to go out of my comfort zone for missions and just everyday life. Our current situation definitely qualifies as out of my comfort zone.

With every movement of my arm, it sends sharp pains through my bicep. I sneak into the kitchen and take more pain medicine without anyone else seeing, then go back to the bathroom. When I was almost done fixing my hair and makeup, I hear a knock on the door.

“Here are some shoes.” It was Bucky. I can tell he is still angry at me but I really don’t care. There’s no way I would let him go anywhere with Zemo without me, even if Sam was there.

“Thanks.” I open the door and grab the shoes as I walk past him. He grabs my uninjured hand, stopping my movement. I turn towards him and I was not expecting the look I got from him. It was like his anger had faded away as soon as he saw me.

“Wow. You look so beautiful, doll. I really like that on you.” His warmth filled eyes roamed my body and lingered where the dress was tightest on my curves. That was when I noticed the uniform he was wearing. It was very similar to the actual Winter Soldier vest that Bucky wore in D.C.

“Thanks James. I wish I could say I like yours.”

“I know. I don’t like it either.....look, I’m sorry about earlier. I just don’t want you getting hurt again.”

I nod as I sit on the seat to look at the heels he gave me. They were four inch black block heels with ankle straps. Surprisingly, they fit me perfect. Standing up, I pull the dress down, trying to cover as much exposed skin as I can.

Bucky looked like he was about to say something but stopped at the sight of Sam walking in the room. I look over to him and immediately start laughing. He was wearing a dark red suit with yellow circles and all types of decorations.

Looking to over to Bucky, I continue to laugh as a smile cracks on his face.

“Shut up, (y/l/n).”

Zemo walks in. “Time to go.”

Bucky and I haven’t said much to each other since his apology. We’re currently walking on a bridge, making our way to Madripoor.

“We have to do something about this. I'm the only one who looks like a pimp.” Sam complains.

“Only an American would assume a fashion-forward Black man looks like a pimp. You look exactly like the man you're supposed to be playing. The sophisticated, charming African rake named Conrad Mack, aka the Smiling Tiger.” My eyes widen and a laugh threatens to leave my lips at Zemo’s words.

“He even has a bad nickname.” Zemo leans over and shows Sam a picture of Smiling Tiger on his phone. “Hell, he does look like me, though.

As I take a deep breath, my nose burns from some horrid scent. “You smell this?”

“Yeah, what is that? Acid?”

A car approaches us and stops about 10 feet ahead of us. As we all walk towards the car, Zemo starts talking again.

“Madripoor. No matter what happens, we have to stay in character. Our lives depend on it. There's no margin for error. High Town's that way. Not a bad place if you wanna visit, but Low Town's the other way.”

Bucky opens his mouth for the first time in a while. “Let me guess. We don't have any friends in High Town.”

He gets no response as Zemo gets into the car and waits for the rest of us to get in. Bucky opens the door for me and gently grabs my hand.

“Please be careful. And know I’m sorry for whatever I may have to do.”

“Always, James.” I lean up and kiss him on the cheek before getting in the car, where he gets in next to me.

Arriving in the club, I could practically feel every man’s eyes on me. It made me feel so objectified, and Sam caught onto this. He pulled me closer to him by my waist and whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you,” into my ear. Looking over at Bucky, I see that it’s hard for him to keep his cool at all of these men looking me up and down. Even though he is frustrated with me, and vice versa, we're still together, regardless of how new it is. We make eye contact for a short second and his eyes convey a thousand emotions.

As we’re walking through the club, the people surrounding us start to notice and chatter about who was with us; the Winter Soldier. Finally making it to the bar, a bartender approaches us, looking at Sam.

“Hello, gentlemen...and lady. Wasn't expecting you, Smiling Tiger.”

Seeing Sam somewhat panic, Zemo saves him. “His plans changed. We have business to do with Selby.”

“What would you like, sweetheart?”

I clear my throat, “Just water please.” He gives me a weird look but hands me a glass.

This time he turns to Sam. “The usual?”

He nods and the bartender turns around and grabs a snake from a jar on a shelf. Sam looks at me with wide eyes as I suppress another laugh. The man cuts into the snake’s stomach, grabs something out of it, and drops it into the glass.

“Ah. Smiling Tiger, your favorite.” Zemo jabs with a smirk.

Looking extremely uncomfortable, Sam picks up his drink. “I love these.”

“Cheers, Conrad.” They clink their glasses together and Zemo drinks his shot straight away. Sam, on the other hand, just puts the glass to his lips. Getting a whiff of the strong stench, he groans, moving it to his eye level.

“Mmm.” He brings it to his lips once again but hesitates on drinking it. With a final, groan, he downs the drink while I just sip my water, trying not to laugh. Bucky subtly nods and looks away with a tiny smirk in order to stop himself from laughing too.

Eyeing Sam suspiciously, the bartender walks away. Immediately, our attention is stolen by a bald man with a bushy beard.

“I got word from on high. You ain't welcome here.”

“I have no business with the Power Broker, but if he insists, he can either come and talk to me...” Zemo gestures mover to Bucky.

“New haircut?” The man asks.

Taking a breath, Zemo finishes, “Or bring Selby for a chat.”

With that, the man walks away and I find myself drawing closer and closer to Sam out of fear of what might soon happen. Zemo turns towards Bucky as he grumbles.

“A power broker? Really?”

“Every kingdom needs its king. Let's just pray we stay under his radar.” This is the first time I’ve ever seen Zemo even moderately scared over a potential adversary.

Sensing there was something he wasn’t telling us, I break my silence. “Do you know him?”

“Only by reputation. In Madripoor he is judge, jury, and executioner.”

Within a few seconds of Zemo’s comment, another burly man walks towards us. As soon as the Baron started speaking Russian, I knew what was about to happen, but there was nothing I could do to stop it. The only thing I could do was hold onto Sam and try not to act like it bothered me.

“Зимний солдат. Атака.”

When the man placed his hand on Zemo’s shoulder, Bucky sprang into action, grabbing his hand and clotheslining him. As more men ran towards him, he continued to take them out.

Zemo leaned over to Sam and I, whispering, “Didn’t take much for him to fall back into form.”

At his comment, I almost punched him but Sam gripped my waist tighter, warning me not to. As if he felt my blood pressure rising, Bucky ended the fight by slamming a man onto the counter with his hand around the guy’s neck. Suddenly, guns were being cocked all around us and Sam placed a hand on Bucky’s vibranuim arm.

“Stay in character or the whole bar turns on us.” Warns Zemo in a whisper.

He turns to Bucky. “Молодец, солдат.”

The whole bar is silent until the bartender from earlier breaks it. “Selby will see you now.”

Bucky slowly lets go of the wheezing man who then falls onto the floor. He quickly looks over at me with a look I can’t identify except as shame. I wish I could run to him and give him a hug, saying everything is okay. Sadly, we have roles to play.

As Sam and I walk closer to him, Sam asks, “You good?” All James does in response is inhale sharply and nod quickly before walking away. Having enough of the act, I reach out for his hand. I’m quickly stopped by Zemo who gives me a death stare that reads, “Stay in character.” As much as I hate it, he’s right. Taking my place on Sam’s arm, I silently pray nothing else will go wrong in our mission.

Tag List:

@confusednerd09 @ahahafudge @bluemoon-icecream @lunamadhatter99 @thatfangirl42 @fionanovasleftnut @youcanstandundermyamberella @friendly-letters @caritobbg

[sarahsmi13s]

Lieutenant Rogers - pt 7

Shield of Injustice

pairings: romantic!neil ‘omaha’ vikander x rogers!reader, platonic!dagger squad x rogers!reader, plantonic!sam wilson x rogers!reader, platonic!bucky barnes x rogers!reader

characters: sam wilson, bucky barnes, john walker, lemar hoskins, helmut zemo, joaquin torres, karli morgenthau, the flag smashers, the dora milaje, sarah wilson (mentioned), y/n rogers, neil vikander

word count: ~6.9k 

series warnings: language, blood, fighting, sexual inuendoes, john walker, cannon dangers, cannon deaths, suggestive themes, the flag smashers, super soldiers, angst, if i miss any please let me know

chapter warnings: language, blood, fighting, death, murder, john walker in general, suggestive oma-star content, threats of harm or violence to loved ones, poorly written fight sequences (i’m so sorry), if i missed any lmk

a/n: if you couldn’t already tell, i’m OBSESSED with crossovers. reader is the daughter of steve rogers, and has the super soldier serum as well

also this part is basically episode 4 of tfatws, so we get mentions of star and a little cameo in the middle

sources: Top Gun: Maverick (2022) , The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

series summary: 13 pilots were called back to Top Gun in 2023. at the same time, Lieutenant Rogers learns that her father’s shield was passed down to John Walker.

chapter summary: while star and her friends fly the mission of a lifetime, sam and bucky are on a mission to find karli before john does. but they all get way more than the barganed for...

‘lieutenant rogers’ universe

pt 1  pt 2  pt 3  pt 4  pt 5  pt 6  pt 8

*****************

It’s been about two weeks since Bucky and Sam really talked to you except for when John showed up unannounced at Top Gun.

A lot’s happened with them.

They broke Zemo out of jail, but Bucky will tell you Zemo escaped all on his own. They went to Madipor and almost died. They also saw Sharon Carter. Zemo killed some scientist that had recreated the serum and then they almost died again.

And now they were looking for Karli in Latvia.

****

Zemo just told them that Donya Madani’s funeral would be that afternoon, and it’s highly likely that Karli would be there.

Bucky may have lost his temper a little bit, thrown a teacup maybe. But could you blame him? Not only was he trying to stop a radicalized supremacist Super Soldier and get his best friend's shield back, he was worried about you.

He understood that you had limited contact while on a carrier but he would have liked a text or phone call, something to let him know you were okay.

Sam came back from the call he had to make to Sharon.

“Hey Sam?” Bucky got his attention. “What Bucky?” “Have you heard from Y/N yet? You know anything about the mission she was sent on?” Sam shook his head, “No, I haven’t heard from her. But I know the mission is dangerous and that she said she’d get in touch with us as soon as she was on shore.”

Bucky nodded, “I know it’s just been awhile and she said the mission would only take a day.” “Bucky, she’s on a carrier in the middle of the ocean, it’s gonna take more than a few days,” Sam reasoned.

“She’d want us to focus on our mission, not worry about her. Not that I’m not worrying, but she knows distractions can be fatal.” Bucky just pressed his lips into a thin line and nodded.

*****

When time came to go to the memorial, Bucky, Zemo, and Sam left the safe house.

“Karli Morgenthau is too dangerous for you guys to be pulling this shit.”

Great, John’s here.

Bucky threw his arms to the side as Lemar and John jogged down the steps, “Ah, how’d you find us now?”

“Come on, man. You think two Avengers can walk around Latvia without drawing attention?” Lemar retorted as they went down another flight of stairs.

“No more keeping us in the dark,” John started, as they reached the bottom. “You can start by telling us why you broke him out of prison.” He pointed at Zemo.

Bucky tilted his head a little as they met John and Lemar at the stairs. “He did that himself, technically.”

“What would Lieutenant Rogers think-” Bucky pointed at him, “You leave her out of this. She’s got nothing to do with this. She doesn’t even know we’re here.”

“Well, this,” John gestured to Zemo again, “better have an unbelievable explana-” John got closer and Sam stepped between him and Zemo. “Hey, take it easy before it gets weird.”

Zemo rolled his eyes and stepped through, “I know where Karli is.” Him and Bucky started walking around John.

John’s hand on Zemo’s chest made him stop. “Well, where?” John asked impatiently, looking at Sam. “All we know it, it’s a memorial,” Sam answered. Zemo looked over John’s shoulder and walked around him.

“That means civilians. High risk of casualties,” Lemar said, turning to follow the Baron. “Alright, good, we’ll move in fast. Take her by surprise,” John strategized.

Sam looked at John, “No, I wanna talk to her alone.” John looked over, shaking his head, “I’m not losing her again.”

Sam wasn’t about to let John near Karli, “Look, the person closest to her died, she’s vulnerable. If there’s any time to reason with her it’s now.”

But, John wasn’t having it. He ran up in front of them all, “What? No. Wait, no! No! Stop. Hold on. Stop, okay?” He looks at Sam in the back, “I think we’re way past reasoning with her, unless you forgot that she blew up a building with people still in it.”

Lemar agreed, “Look, Sam, you walk in there cold, she could kill you.”

“If I go in hot and the op goes wrong, more people will die,” Sam argued back.

John looked at Bucky, “You’re gonna let him do this? Are you gonna let your partner walk into a room with a Super Soldier alone?”

“He’s dealt with worse. And he’s not my partner,” Bucky sassed.

Sam tried to reason with John as he walked around Bucky, “I used to counsel soldiers dealing with trauma, okay? This is right in my wheelhouse.” He stood in front of John now.

“Yeah, I know. And I know those soldiers, which is why I know this is a bad idea.” John really just wanted to get this over with and complete his first big mission, and gain your respect.

Lemar shook his head, “Wait… If he can talk her down, it might be worth a try.”

John scoffed, but finally complied. He pointed to Zemo, “We’ll deal with you later.”

“I’m sure it will all come to an agreeable conclusion. My associate is just up ahead.”

They turned and saw a little girl. Zemo led the way.

He spoke to her quietly before she gestured for them to follow her.

“What the hell?” John asked, frustrated that Zemo could gain allies so quickly.

****

The girl led them to a GCR building and pointed in the direction of the memorial.

“Karli’s in there,” Zemo further explained. Sam nodded and walked through, “Alright.”

Zemo goes to follow but John harshly grabs him and shoves him against the wall. Zemo groans a little bit as John speaks to Sam, “Hey. You got 10 minutes.” He cuffs Zemo. “Really?” Zemo rolls his eyes as the cuff locks around his wrist.

“Then we're doing things my way,” John was still talking to Sam as he locked the other around a bar.

“Aggressive,” Zemo mumbles. John looks back at him. “But I get it.”

****

John paced as he waited for Sam.

“You’re gonna pace a hole in the floor, Walker,” Bucky said, arms crossed.

He looked at Bucky, “I’ve been meaning to ask, what would Lieutenant Rogers think about all this? Breaking him out of prison, letting Wilson go in there alone.”

“You seem to care an awful lot about what the pilot thinks,” Zemo observed. John’s jaw clenched. Zemo’s mouth formed an ‘o’, “Oh, you want the lieutenant's approval. That’s what it is.”

Bucky scoffed, “You think bringing Karli in is gonna earn her respect?” John stayed silent. “Well, you better hope Karli’s alive when you do.”

John sat down for a minute or two before beginning to pace again.

“Uh-uh. No, no, no. This is a bad idea,” John said. Whether he genuinely felt uneasy and worried for Sam’s safety, or he just didn’t want Karli to get away and ruin his chance at his first big mission was unclear. However, with his attitude thus far, it was safe to assume the latter.

“It hasn't been 10 minutes,  John. Just sit tight,” Bucky said from his spot in the doorway.

“Don’t do that. Don’t patronize me,” John spat going down to look at the clock.

Bucky shrugged and watched him, “He knows what he’s doing.”

John stares at the clock before Bucky watches his demeanor change and he walks towards him.

When he gets to him, Bucky stops him, giving him a look and a head tilt that said, ‘Don’t even try.’

John stepped back, looking at the ground with a clenched jaw. He looked up at Bucky, attempting to be intimidating and not frustrated. “This is all really easy for you, isn’t it?”

He was talking about the serum in Bucky’s veins, in your veins, but not in his own.

“All that serum runnin’ through your veins. Barnes, your partner needs backup in there…” Bucky just stared as John looked past him. “Do you really want his blood on your hands?”

****

Well…

That went… horrible.

John managed to push past Bucky and into the room, just as Sam was getting somewhere.

His intrusion not only made Karli run, but it also destroyed any rapport Sam had created with her.

But don’t worry, Zemo managed to get free and find her.

He got multiple shots off, hitting her in the abdomen with one of them. But when she knocked the table over, she knocked her vials of serum onto the floor.

Zemo smashed them under his boot, destroying any potential Karli had at expanding her army.

And while he was doing that, Karli managed to escape and John caught up with him, knocking him unconscious with the shield.

****

Back at the safe house, Sam is emailing Sharon while Zemo rested with a cold compact on his face.

“Were you ever offered it?” Zemo asked Sam.

“What?”

“The serum.”

“No.”

“If you had been, hypothetically, that is, would you have taken it?”

That caught Sam’s attention.

“No.”

“No hesitation… that’s impressive.”

Zemo grunted a little as he took the compact off his face. “Sam, you can’t hold out hope for Karli. No matter what you saw in her, she’s gone. And we cannot allow that she and her acolytes become yet another faction of gods amongst real people. Super Soldiers cannot be allowed to exist.”

Sam shook his head and turned toward Zemo, “Isn’t that how gods talk?”

That made Zemo think, leaving him to sit there silently.

“And if that’s how you feel, what about Bucky, or Y/N?”

That didn’t draw a response from Zemo.

“Blood isn’t always the solution.”

The door opened and closed as Bucky walked in, shucking the leather jacket off.

“Somethings off about Walker…”

Sam chuckled, “You don’t say.”

Bucky laid his jacket on the bar and went over to a cabinet. “I know a crazy when I see one.” He pulls out a glass to pour himself a drink, “That’s because I am crazy…”

Sam chuckled, “I believe it.”

Bucky uncorked the bottle and poured his drink, “You and Y/N shouldn’t have given him the shield…”

“We didn’t give him the shield.”

“Well Steve definitely didn’t,” Bucky sassed, bringing the glass to his lips.

Before Sam could retort, the door was kicked open.

“Alright. That’s it. Let’s go. I’m now ordering you to turn him over,” John demanded as he stormed in, Lemar trailing behind him.

Sam stepped up to him, “Hey slow your roll. Now let’s be clear; shield or no shield, the only thing you’re runnin’ in here is your mouth.” John squinted his eyes a little but didn’t say anything. So Sam continued. “Now, I had Karli and you overstepped.”

He pointed with his thumb towards Zemo, “He’s actually proven himself useful today. And we’re gonna need all hands on deck for whatever’s comin’ next.”

“How do you want the rest of the conversation to go, Sam, huh?” Sam just looked at John, making the latter chuckle softly. “Yeah…” John gestured with the shield, “Should I put down the shield? Make it fair?”

Sam scoffed at John’s poor attempt at being intimidating. John put the shield down, preparing himself for a fight.

But before either man could make a move, a vibranium spear was thrown right between them.

Everyone looked in the direction it came from, seeing a Dora Milaje make herself known. Then two more soldiers came through the opened doors.

Ayo spoke in Wakandan to Bucky, “Even if he is a means to your end… Time’s up.” Then she switched to English, “Release him to us, now.”

John turned and held out a hand, “Hi, John Walker, Captain America.” When he got no response he looked around awkwardly. He was losing control of the situation and he didn’t like that.

“Well, uh, let’s put down the pointy sticks and we can talk this through, huh?”

Sam chuckled a little, “Hey, John, take it easy.” John turned to Sam with a look on face, making Sam grin a little bit. “You might want to fight Bucky or Y/N before you tangle with the Dora Milaje.”

John smirked and turned back to Ayo, “The Dora Milaje don’t have jurisdiction here.” She narrowed her eyes and tilted her head, “The Dora Milaje have jurisdiction wherever the Dora Milaje find themselves to be.”

John nodded, “Okay…” He chuckled, “Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

John then proceeded to make the mistake of placing his hand on Ayo’s shoulder…

She used her spear to knock his arm away before hitting him in the knee, then the face. While he was disoriented, she kicked him in the chest and into the spear that was still lodged into the column.

Then just absolute chaos ensued.

The Dora Milaje used their speed and agility to fight both John and Lemar. They’re trained warriors and the way they fight is unique, the two American soldiers were very under prepared.

Sam, Bucky, and Zemo just watched, the latter two finding it pretty amusing.

But Sam walked over to Bucky, “We should do something…” Bucky nodded a little and crossed his arms, “Looking strong John!”

Ayo wasn’t letting up and it made Sam a little antsy. And by the time she got John on the ground, he was sure she would put her spear through his chest.

“Bucky…”

The addressed looked at him and sighed, “Alright, fine.”

Bucky walked over and grabbed the spear, “Ayo…” She pulled the spear back, making Bucky grunt in surprise. “Ayo, let’s talk about this,” he managed to say as he fought her.

In the living room, Sam had to assist Lemar. He took the hits and dodged what he could as the other trapped John to the table by threading her spear through the straps of the shield.

Back with Bucky, Ayo managed to get the upper hand and disarm him… no literally, the Wakandas had embedded a code into the arm in the event the Winter Soldier ever made an appearance again.

While Bucky was stunned Ayo checked the bathroom where she saw Zemo sneak off to, but he had escaped through the grate in the middle of the floor.

John managed to free his arm just before the soldier that threw it took her spear back, letting the shield fall to the floor.

And he didn’t dare move to grab it, so the Dora warrior did.

But Ayo was on a mission.

“He is gone,” she said, referring to the Baron. Then she nodded to the shield. “Leave it,” she ordered.

The warrior nodded and gave the shield back to John, who still sat on the floor trying to catch his breath.

In the kitchen area, Bucky knelt down and picked his arm back up and just looked at it.

“Did you know they could do that?” Sam asked as he got off the floor and walked over to him.

Bucky didn’t answer as he put his arm back on, groaning a little as the plates got back into place. He flexed his fingers, “No.” The mechanisms whirled and clanked a bit before he rotated his arm around and set everything back into place.

Lemar gets up and walks over to John, who is just staring at the floor.

“You alright man?”

“They weren’t even Super Soldiers…” John mumbled out.

His ego was severely damaged. He felt like he was taking a step forward only to get pushed ten steps back. John had lost control and then got his ass handed to him on a vibranium platter.

John was frustrated, he was failing his mission. He’s not ready, and it’s painfully obvious to him now. This role is harder than he thought, Steve’s shoes are too big to fill on his own.

“Come on,” Lemar said as he helped him up.

Sam walked by and only gave John a disgruntled look. A look that clearly told John he fucked up.

*****

John and Lemar stood at a table in the mall, talking about the mission.

“Look man, the serum and its source are gone,” Lemar started. “I know it didn’t work out the way you wanted it to, but it ain’t all bad.” John nodded and gave him a small, tight lipped smile.

Before John could respond, a girl came up to him and asked for an autograph, which he gave her.

He thanked them and wished them a good day before turning back to his friend, rubbing his face in exhaustion.

“How long until that gets annoying?” Lemar teased. John chuckled, “You’re just mad she didn’t ask for yours…” “Oh, it’s her loss,” Lemar threw back. “Even got a little Battlestar logo to go with it.”

John exhales amusedly through his nose.

He tapped the table, “If you had the chance to take the serum, would you do it?” Lemar nodded, “Hells, yeah.”

“You wouldn’t be worried about how it might… how it might change you?”

Lemar thought about it before sighing, “I mean… Power just makes a person more of themselves, right?” He shrugged, “Karli Morgenthau. Steve and Y/N Rogers.”

John nodded a little before looking at him, “And me?”

Lemar faced his friend completely, “You already have three Medals of Honor. You consistently make the right decisions in the heat of battle.”

John rubbed his brow, “Yep…” He kept his eyes on the table, “Three badges of excellence to make sure I never forget the worst day of my life…”

He looked up at Lemar, “We both know that the things we had to do in Afghanistan to be awarded those medals felt a long way from being right… Being Cap is the first time I’ve had the chance to do something that actually feels right.”

“But God! Imagine how many lives we could have saved that day if we had that serum,” Lemar said. John nodded, “I know… I know.”

*******

You laid on the couch, your fingers gently running through Omaha’s dark hair as he rested his head on your stomach.

The setting sun casted a beautiful orange glow over the room as the movie played on TV. You could feel the vibration of Neil’s chest against your thighs as he snored.

The squad had just gotten back to North Island earlier that afternoon and after the debriefing all you and Omaha wanted to do was cuddle and be with each other. So that’s what you did.

You knew you should probably call Sam and Bucky, but you had been on a cramped carrier all week and you just wanted to spend some time with your boyfriend. You also weren’t sure where they were or if they were busy, so you’d just let them call your first or check in with them after you’ve had time to decompress.

Which is why you were finally letting your eyes slip closed as you relaxed.

And then your phone rang.

Groaning, you reached for your phone. You picked it up and answered it, not bothering to check the caller ID.

“Hello?”

“Hello, is this Y/N?”

The voice on the other end was unfamiliar, and it put you on alert. It was foreign, sounded European but pinpointing exactly where wasn’t really your concern.

You carefully sat up, hoping you wouldn’t wake Omaha, “It is. Who are you?”

“My name is Karli Morgenthau.”

You froze for a second. You recognized that name.

Sam and Bucky tried to keep you in the dark, but you had connections. Someone on the very inside that was keeping you updated as best he could. And the name ‘Karli Morgenthau’ came up a lot recently.

You gently get up as you speak, “I know the name… You’re the leader of the Flag Smashers, right? The group against the GRC?”

Making sure Neil is still asleep, you step out onto the back porch.

“I am, and you’re Steve Rogers daughter…”

“I am… Why are you calling me Karli?”

She sighs, “I need you to stay out of my way. I know how close you are with Sam and Bucky…”

“Are you threatening me, Karli?”

“All I’m asking is that you make sure Bucky stays out of my way. I want to speak with Sam, alone. If Bucky comes with him, I can’t promise he’ll make it out alive…”

You cross your arms and lean against the railing, “Bucky can hold his own, he is a trained assassin after all.”

Karli’s quiet for a moment before speaking again. “You know that we’ve reached people all across the world right? Have pulled hundreds of people to the cause, some in San Diego?”

You knew what she was doing but you weren’t going to take any chances.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Just stay out of it. Don’t try and warn them, I’ll know. I can track your calls and text,” she says with authority.

You can see why she has a following, and you understand her cause… but her methods don’t sit right with you.

“And if I don’t?”

“If you want your friends, your boyfriend, to stay safe… you’ll do as I ask…”

You can hear the smirk in her voice, the baseless arrogance thinking that she had intimidated you. You knew there was a big chance that she was lying, that she was just using the people you held close and loved as leverage. She was a bully, and the Rogers don’t like bullies.

But were you really going to risk the safety of your family? No, you weren’t.

“Okay, I won’t intervene…”

“Good.”

She hung up and you let out a breath.

“Everything okay?”

You looked up and saw Neil in the doorway. You smiled at him, “Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine. I just needed to take a phone call… I didn’t want to wake you.” He nodded and came over to you. 

“Was it Sam or Bucky?” You shook your head, “No, it was my contact. He was updating me, said they were doing just fine and were getting close to stopping this group.”

He smiled, “Okay that’s good.” He wrapped his arms around you, “Do you want to go out for dinner or just eat here?” You put your arms around his neck and tilt your head, “I’d rather eat here, if that’s okay?” 

Omaha nods, “Of course that’s okay. I do need to go get some stuff-” “I can go get it. I don’t mind.” 

He squeezed your hips, “Are you sure?” You nodded and pressed your lips to his.

He hummed against your lips and pulled you close. You arched into him and got on your toes. Neil gripped your hips and picked you up to sit you on the railing.

You giggled and sat your phone down as he began to kiss your neck.

A moan fell from your lips and your hand slipped under his shirt. His hands moved up your sides; one in the middle of your back to keep you firmly against him and the other buried itself under your messy bun to pull your lips to his in a deep kiss.

Your free hand pulled him closer by his waistband as he licked your bottom lip. 

He slipped his tongue into your mouth, battling for dominance with yours.

You’re moaning and whimpering against each other’s mouths before he has to pull away for air.

“Fuck, Star-light…” You chuckled at the breathlessness in his voice as you took a few deep breaths. “After dinner Oma, I promise.” 

Neil nodded as he swallowed, “I’ll hold you to that.” You laughed again as you both sat there in each other’s arms. 

Your phone going off vibrated the railing you were perched on and shattered the moment.

You checked it, just to see that it was a text from Fanboy about a new show you had talked about watching together. 

You looked back up at your boyfriend, “I should probably head to the store.” He nods, “Let me make a list. What sounds good?” You think about it for a minute, trying to find out what’s making your mouth water. “Ooooh, chicken and steak quesadillas? With homemade tortilla chips?” 

“Do we have tortillas?” You nod, a grin spreading across your face. He mirrors it, “Then that’s perfect. I’ll make the chips while you go to the store.” 

Giddy, you peck his lips, “Okay, make a list while I fix my hair and make myself look presentable.” He grinned and kissed you back, “Yes, ma’am.” 

You shove him away with a giggle and you both go inside.

You go into your room and fix your hair before throwing on one of Neil’s hoodies. As you do that, your phone dings with another text, this time it’s from Sarah Wilson. 

“I need you to call me. Karli just made contact with me…”

You huffed and dug through one of the drawers in your closet.

“C’mon…” You sighed once you found it. “There you are.” You pulled out the old burner phone Nick had given you and slid it into your pocket.

After that you slipped on your shoes, got the list and another kiss from Neil and you’re out the door.

******

Sam and Bucky were walking around Latvia looking for Zemo when Sam’s phone rang.

“Who is it?” Bucky asked, not looking at the caller ID. “It’s my sister,” Sam mumbled, concern in his tone as he answered. “Hey, what’s up?”

Bucky couldn’t hear what Sarah was saying but by the way Sam responded, he could tell it wasn’t good.

“Listen, pack an overnight bag and take the boys.”

Bucky turns his head, “What happened?”

Sam pulled his phone away from his ear, “Karli called Sarah. She threatened my nephews.” He brought his phone back to his ear.

“Okay. Go somewhere safe. Only pay cash. Alright? Let me know when you get there.”

Bucky’s phone vibrates in his pocket.

“I know. Look, I love you. I’ll never let anything happen to you and the boys.” Bucky pulls his phone out to check the notification.

“Okay, bye.”

Sam hangs up as Bucky slows to stop to read the text from an unknown number. Bucky’s brow furrowed and he frowned at his phone.

Sam arched an eyebrow, “Everything okay?” Bucky shook his head, “I’m not sure.” Sam peaked over at Bucky’s phone screen, reading the text on the screen.

“Karli wants to meet Sam somewhere alone. Don’t let him go alone, but don’t get caught either. Watch your 6, Buck - ⭐”

“That has to be Y/N…” Bucky said, a sense of dread filling his chest that Karli knew your number. “It’s signed with a star… thingy.”

“An emoji?”

“Whatever it is, that can’t be a coincidence.”

Sam nodded as he sighed, “She used an Avengers burner phone… we can’t track it because she most likely took the battery out. But that means no one else can track that text back to her either.”

Bucky nods and deletes the text and the number from his phone, just as a secondary precaution.

“But she’s right… Karli wants to meet me somewhere. She left a contact number with Sarah,” Sam confirmed just before his phone sounded with a text notification.

He looked at it and it was a location and time. The rooftop about North Plaza, and now. She wasn’t going to let him sit and develop a plan.

“She said to come alone… Like Y/N said…” Sam told Bucky, nerves and fear filling him as he looked at the sniper.

Even had you not warned Bucky, he wasn’t about to let Sam face Karli alone.

“I’m coming with you.”

****

After changing into their gear, they went to the plaza.

“Karli!” Sam shouted as soon as he entered the room.

The Super Soldier leaned over the railing to make herself known and the two men made their way up the stairs.

“You called my sister? That’s how we’re gonna play this?” Sam questioned the moment he topped the steps.

“Sam, I would never hurt her,” Karli said gently as she leaned on the banister. “I just wanted to understand you better.”

She pushed off the half wall, “I see you, uh–” She pointed to Bucky, “–didn’t come alone.”

“You have to end this, now,” Sam said, natural, but gentle, authority in his voice.

Karli shook her head, “I don’t wanna hurt you. You’re just a tool in the regimes I’m looking to destroy.” She glances at Bucky who walks a little closer to cover Sam’s back, “You’re not hiding behind a shield.”

“If I were to kill you, it would be meaningless,” she said bluntly.

In all fairness, Sam and Bucky weren’t representing symbols like John was. They weren’t members of the government or the GRC. Their deaths would do nothing for Karli’s cause.

Sam glanced over his shoulder to Bucky, assessing his body language and overall demeanor before turning back to Karli.

“I was gonna ask you to join me… or do the world a favor and let me go.”

Before Sam could say or do anything, Sharon spoke into his comms.

“Hey, Sam, new Cap is moving, looks like he’s found them, or maybe they found him.”

Sam’s eyes widened and he looked at Bucky, “It’s Walker.”

Bucky quickly made the move to jump down, but Karli had other plans. She jumped and slammed into Bucky, causing him to slam into the column.

While Bucky pushed off the ground with a groan, Sam fought Karli. He placed a kick to her chest, throwing her off balance.

He looked at Bucky, “I’ll send you the location, go.” Buck nodded and ran through the door while Sam deployed his wings and took off before Karli could get up.

****

When Sam landed at the location, having cannonballed through the skylight onto the stairs, a Flag Smasher was kicked through the door about two flights above him and straight into the wall.

Sam looked up the flight of stairs and saw John walking down them with a look of determination on his face, sheathing the shield on his back as he got closer.

Sam could only watch as the Flag Smasher tried to hit John with a pipe, only for John to catch it and wrestle with him for a moment… before he easily bent the pipe. The steel pipe.

“Oh shit…”

John threw the soldier into a pillar, who hit it harshly but managed to get up and run.

Sam watched John descend the steps and walk past him, “What did you do?” John bypassed the question, “They’ve got Lemar.”

****

Bucky entered the building from the bottom floor, skipping steps as he ran up the stairs.

As he ran up a flight, he’s ambushed on his left side and slammed into the wall.

The soldier grabbed him from behind and tried to put him in a chokehold. But Bucky leveraged himself against the wall and launched them into a pillar.

He managed to free himself from the guy's hold. Bucky parried one of the punches thrown at him before kicking him down the stairs.

Bucky hurdled the railing and stalked toward the Flag Smasher as he tried to get up.

Before he could stand up, Bucky planted his boot into the guy’s chest and sent him through the brick wall.

Bucky checked to make sure the soldier was unconscious before leaving.

“Stay there.”

****

Sam and John made it to a big open, seemingly empty, room.

Then two soldiers jumped down behind them from the landing.

John reflexively threw the shield, hitting them both. Sam closed-lined one with his wing, while the other pulled a knife on John.

“What’s with all the knives?”

Within a few minutes of them fighting, Bucky made his appearance as well as two more Flag Smashers.

The one with the knife tried to stab John, but he countered it with the shield and sent the blade flying towards Bucky. Luckily he caught it.

But a soldier approached him from behind with a knife of their own.

Bucky readied himself and the soldier charged, kick flipping before attempting to attack. But the attempted slashes were parried and countered with a few punches and a knee to the ribs. Then Bucky gets leverage and is able to flip them onto their back.

He flips the knife in his hand and throws it into the floor next to the soldier’s head.

Another soldier grabbed Sam from behind. He quickly elbowed them and turned on his thrusters, using the heat to disorient them before kicking them over the table.

John hit one in the face with the shield before throwing another on the ground.

The one thrown charged at a preoccupied Sam, but Bucky intercepted them and punched them out.

“You’re welcome.”

As John fought, he was grabbed from behind by a maskless Flag Smasher.

John struggled to get free and the soldier locked his arms, exposing his chest.

Karli charged in, hurdling a table and running to John, knife at the ready.

But Lemar came in just in time and tackled Karli.

They both got up off the ground, ready to fight. But Karli was faster.

One well placed, powerful punch to Lemar’s chest sent him into a concrete column. Killing him instantly.

****

It was like the world was put into slow motion.

The fighting stopped as Lemar slumped on the floor.

John broke free of the hold on him and went straight to Lemar.

He knelt next to him, “Hey. Hey. Hey.” John patted his chest and shook his shoulder. He held Lemar’s face, “Lemar. Lemar.”

John kept repeating Lemar’s name, but it was no use. Lemar was dead.

The rage that filled John was visible. Everyone in the room felt it.

Bucky and Sam were stunned, catching their breath as they watched John.

But the Flag Smashers took their chance and ran.

Karli took a different exit than the others, and Bucky and Sam followed her.

John took the quickest exit, jumping out the window. He immediately clocked the soldier that held him back.

He chased him into the town square. Using the shield to block what concrete object was thrown at him.

“Where is she?!”

John ran, throwing the shield at the soldier’s back before running up to him and hitting him in the chest, knocking him back into the memorial.

He tried to get up but John knocked him down with the shield. He tried again but John pinned him under his boot.

“It wasn’t me!” He shouted, begging for his life.

John said nothing as he raised the shield.

“It wasn’t me!”

The soldier’s final plea fell on deaf ears as the edge of the shield was brought down on his chest.

****

The crowd that had gathered gasped as John brought the shield down three more times, shouting in rage.

Once the man fell limp under John, he stood and took deep breaths.

Bucky and Sam ran through the crowd, but they were too late. Far too late.

John strapped the bloodied shield to his arm. Brandishing the tainted symbol to the recording phones.

Blood was rushing in John’s ears, dampening the sounds of the world around him. But his eyes worked just fine.

The sight of a crowd, multiple cameras, Sam and Bucky, and a dead body greeted John as he looked around.

Then the sprinkling rain hit his skin and the weight of his actions barreled into him… and he ran.

******

Bucky and Sam chased after John, finding him in an abandoned train station.

They find him kneeling, grieving the loss of his best friend. They don’t intervene, they know he needs it.

It’s not until John stands and walks in their direction that they make their move.

“Walker…” Sam said cautiously.

John looked at them, but didn't stop walking, “You guys should see a medic, you don't look so good.”

“Stop, Walker.”

John turns around, “What?” He started gesturing with his hands, “You saw what happened. You know what I had to do. I killed him because I had to! He killed Lemar!”

Bucky shook his head, “He didn’t kill Lemar, John.”

Walker just rolled his eyes and sighed.

“Don’t go down that road,” Bucky advised. “Believe me, it doesn’t end well.”

“I’m not like you.”

Sam stepped up, trying to reason with John and calm him down.

“Listen, it was the heat of the battle. Okay? If you explain what happened, they may consider your record. We don’t want anyone else to get hurt.”

Bucky couldn’t stop looking at the blood on the shield as Sam stayed calm.

“John… You gotta give me the shield, man.”

Walker looked up at the two, “Oh…” He smirked a little, appearing as if he just figured a riddle. “So that’s what this is…” He looked at Sam, “You almost got me.”

Sam shook his head and shrugged, “You made a mistake.”

John looked between them, “You don’t wanna do this.”

Bucky clenched his jaw and looked up at Walker, tearing his eyes away from the now tainted memory of his best friend.

“Yeah we do.”

****

The fight that ensued was quick, but it was ugly.

John wasn’t giving up that shield easily, but Sam and Bucky weren’t letting him leave with it.

Faces were bloodied, rib cages were bruised and broken.

Sam and Bucky’s intentions were just to incapacitate John and take the shield.

Walker was trying to kill them.

He was aiming for the chest, the throat, the face, the head. Anywhere that could be lethal, that’s where John was aiming.

John thought he deserved that shield. After everything he went through to be chosen. After what he endured that got him a spot on the list.

He wasn’t going to let them simply take it. They would have to kill him.

But they didn’t.

Sam and Bucky had every opportunity to kill John. Just like that, John is dead and the shield is theirs.

Except, it wasn’t that simple to them… Well maybe to Bucky it was but he had to think about more than just what he wants.

They fought and fought. Their backs met the concrete more than they would care to admit.

John ripped Sam’s wings from his pack, nearly decapitated him with the shield before Bucky intervened.

After Bucky took hits to the ribs and face, Sam managed to get ahold of the shield. Both of them work together to take the shield from where it was strapped to John’s arm.

Bucky had John pinned to a broken down forklift and Sam had to use his thrusters to get the shield to finally come off… snapping John’s arm in the process.

But Walker wasn’t letting them just walk away.

He stood from the ground, chest heaving as he walked towards them. “It’s mine.”

Sam stared him down. “It’s over, John.”

“It’s mine!”

He throws a punch at Bucky, only for it to be countered. While disoriented from the punch, John tries to run at Bucky, only for the assassin to lower his shoulder and pick him up by the legs.

Sam took the shield and ran, the shield meeting John’s back as Bucky slung the man and knocking them all to the ground.

Bucky is the first to stand, picking up the shield and dropping it by Sam’s head before walking out.

*****

The next day, Sam and Bucky met with Torres at the same building Mama Donya’s memorial was in.

Bucky left shortly after Joaquin arrived, leaving Sam alone with him.

“What’s our next steps, Torres?” Sam asks, propping himself on the table.

“Captain America killing a foreign national in public, it’s kinda like a big deal… Like-like international incident big. Folks, uh, higher up on the payroll are all over it now. So, unfortunately…”

“They’re taking jurisdiction,” Sam finished.

Torres nodded, “Yeah.”

He looked down and noticed Sam’s equipment bag on the ground, broken wings inside.

“What happened to these?” He walked over and picked the bag up with a grunt, sitting it on the table.

“So, is there anything we can do?” Sam asked Torres as he looked through the bag.

Joaquin shook his head a little, “Not really.” He continued to look at the damaged wings, “As you can see, they’ve cordoned off the whole camp, and Karli’s a ghost. After what went down, she’s laying extra low. Like under-underground.”

“And that’s why it makes sense for us to get involved. The longer we let her regroup, the harder it’s going to be to find her,” Sam told him.

“She’s got people helping her from all over the world, on all platforms. She’s… really good at this thing.”

Sam nodded his agreement, “Yeah.”

Torres ran his hand over the wings, “How’d these break?” But his question is only answered with a sigh.

So he moved on.

“Anyway, all we can do now is sit tight and just chill. Sometimes, there’s nothing to do until there’s something to do.”

Sam stood and smirked a little, “That’s bizarrely wise.”

Torres chuckled, “Well, I’m a bizarrely wise man, Sam.” “Yeah, alright.”

Sam’s phone rang in his pocket and he sighed. He picked up the shield and turned to leave.

“That Star?” Joaquin asked, standing straighter. Sam reached for his phone, “I hope so… Thanks Torres.” He nodded, “For sure.”  

Sam pulled his phone out and walked toward the exit.

“Wait, yo, you forgot the wings,” Torres called out. Sam looked over his shoulder, “Keep ‘em.”

****

Sam answered your call once he got outside.

“I know-”

“What. The. Fuck did he do?”

Sam sucked in a breath.

This was bad.

********************

well....

that was... something

john walker has defiled and tainted the shield’s legacy... everything steve rogers stood for covered in the blood of someone. sam and bucky had their go, now it’s star’s turn

i’m sorry it took so long to get this part up, but it’s here know! and we’re getting more into the events of TFATWS. the next few parts will follow the events of the last two episodes. but it won’t stop there.

let me know if you want to be added to my top gun taglist or the lieutentant rogers taglist by rebloging the masterlist linked at the top, commenting, or sending me an ask!

lt. rogers tags <33: @milesdickpic @roosterscockpit @luckyladycreator2 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @malindacath @twsssmlmaa @cassiemitchell @startrekfangirl2233 @mayhemmanaged @nikkipea​  @that-one-random-writer​ 

thank you guys for being here <33 *mwah*

[altagraye]

Through a Glass, Darkly pt 2

Pt 2: Adjustment Therapy

2024, The Otherworld, Delacroix, Louisiana-- The Wilson Family Home.

TW!: Cussing, drama, arguments, keeping secrets.

Read pt 1 here: Through a Glass, Darkly pt 1: Go Ask Alice

Author’s Note: This one is SO LONG! I am SO sorry! 

You woke to birds chirping happily outside an unfamiliar house. it was a sizeable room from what you could tell. you sat up brushing wayward tufts of hair behind your ear. You were alone. Of that you were grateful. some time to yourself meant you could try to gather your thoughts. Natasha and Sam are a thing, with kids. I’m honestly happy for them. Joy is a great color on them. 

Bucky. My dear James. He...looks so terribly sad. There must be something i can do to help him. He wasn’t in the room, and from his words earlier, maybe he was watching over me as i slept? Something is gnawing at him. You turned your vibrainium wedding ring on your finger as you thought about him. Even if you’re not my Bucky, I need to make you okay. I need to see that once in a blue moon type of smile on your face again. 

With the stone eroded, was there even a chance you could get back to your own reality? to your Bucky and Sam? If Nat was alive and the second Soul Stone could in fact cheat death, or at least your version of it, then... Where was Steve? Sure Steve wasn’t dead, but for what other reason would Bucky be wearing his suit? It’s not a prank, there’s too many people involved. If Pietro was in the picture, then what happened to Wanda? Was Vision out there somewhere? Nat never mentioned Clint once. Maybe Tony was walking the streets of New York again? 

You let your hands rake across your face. You let out a deep sigh. I can’t think about this too much right now. If i let this get to me, it’ll kill me. You got up from bed, its springs creaking as you did. The old wooden floors moaning beneath your weight in various spots as you carried yourself to the window.

Pushing the dainty white sheer curtains out of your way, the light blinded you if for a moment. Several oak trees called this place home, they were massive and adorned with low swaying Spanish moss. You noticed a long dirt driveway warn from years of tires, people coming and going. A smile crept along your face seeing Bucky and Sam in the large yard, training. Bucky threw the shield, his shield, it’s target landing squarely in a tree some feet away. You were just able to make out Sam yelling at him.

“Hey! Stop making dents in my trees man!” Sam said taking the shield with some difficulty out of the tree and tossing it back to Bucky. a certain sadness washed over you. I miss you so much! You must be devastated, searching everywhere for me. I’m gonna try everything to get back to you, my love. Tears dropped silently from your eyes, quickly you wiped away their hot stains on your cheeks. You gathered yourself and was just about to exit your room when Nat called up from the first floor.

“Karli! Nate! Time for lunch!” You opened your bedroom door just as you heard the rumbling chaos of feet. 

“I’ll beat you there! I’m gonna get you! Ooooh! Too slow!!, Got ya!!” Karli said with zeal to the little boy, her brother, scooping him up in her arms and planting him on her waist before he was able to reach the stairs. The boy squealed with innocent excitement. You didn’t recognize the boy’s face at all, but the girl was a different story. She couldn’t be older than 16, she was the same as you remember. Brilliant auburn hair, beautiful body-wide freckles, deep brown eyes, fair skin. And as she played with her little brother, a smile that made your heart melt. Bittersweetly, you remember her lifeless body in Sam’s arms, descending into the crowd of onlookers and news crewmen. 

Seeing her like this, was like a gut punch, it took all the wind from your lungs. This small moment was not so one-sided. Karli noticed you, recognized you even. Her face hardened and she gulped, he face paling even more, like she’d been staring a ghastly ghost this whole time. Her eyes never left yours as she yelled down to Nat, her mother, “We’re Coming!!”

Karli reluctantly broke the eye contact and hurried down the stairs, into the kitchen. You braced yourself on the door jamb, you weren’t sure if you could handle this, but you need to keep going. you closed your eyes and took in a deep breath. Flashes of being on the dock, consoling Steve as he wept for Natasha, you did the same but you felt you had to stay strong for him. 

You gathered yourself and traveled down the stairs lightly. The sound of clinking dishes and several happy cooing from Nate graced your ears. A floorboard creaked loudly beneath your feet as you just barely crossed the threshold into the kitchen. Nat was dressed in pajamas that hugged her curves, adorned with cute pictures of knives on her pants. Karli preoccupied herself with a  fresh piece of toast and jam. She didn’t dare to look at you. Nate began chanting, “toas, toas, toas!” happy to get some toast for himself in his blue highchair. 

Nat... had a family. She’s a mother. What would she say if she saw this? Is this something you would have wanted, Nat? A lazy Saturday morning, feeding your kids lunch while your husband trained outside in the front yard? Is this the kind of happiness you would have thought of? Did you ever dream of this? A small piece of normalcy?

“Well don’t just stand there, Y/N. My cooking isn’t that bad.” Nat made a snooty remark, pointing to an empty chair across the table, where no one else was sitting. She turned around and fixed my plate. I sat down awkwardly occasionally jutting my gaze towards Karli. She didn’t try to look at me. Instead she worked on scarfing down her food. Nate played with his food, taking one of the piece of cut up toast and waving it around like an airplane. 

Nat confidently gave me a plate of her cooking, just when i was about to interject and request no eggs. But she was already on top of it. staring at the plate in front of me, a bit dumbfounded.

“Toast with strawberry jam, cheesy grits, and a side of bacon. no eggs. just like you like it.” Nat sat down and rested her chin in her palms, smiling proudly at her accomplishment. 

“Thank you, Nat. But, How did you--” 

“Silly Goose, You and Bucky lived here too, for a time. I couldn’t forget my best friends favorite breakfast foods. Never in a million years.” She smiled up at me and directed her attention to Nate who whooped loudly. The front screen door screamed in protest as it was opened and slammed loudly in its closure. Sam and Bucky came in, a sweating mess from a long morning of non-stop training. 

Bucky was hesitant but grabbed some food after Sam, both of them fixing their own plates. Bucky reluctantly sat down next to you. You gave him a weak smile and tucked a few strands of your hair behind your ear. Your first instinct was to rest your head on his shoulder but instead you shoved another mouthful of grits into yours mouth. The flavor distracting you from the pain of wanting to connect to Bucky. Yes he was different but wasn’t he still your Bucky? Your James?

Karli was the first one finished with her food, clearly there was something bothering her. Quite rudely she rose from her eat, the chair scraping the floorboards loudly. Sam rose an index finger at her, “Ah ah ah! No. Manners.”

“But!--” Karli growled and rolled her eyes.

“Karli. Geneva. Wilson. If you don’t sit your butt down. Be cordial. Sam ordered and Karli grudgingly sat back down. She gulped, and for a second, just a second she looked back at me. She regretted the decision immediately, turning her face away.

  “May I be excused?” Karli asked, bawling her fists in her lap. Sam let out a sigh through chewing his piece of bacon. “Go ahead.” Karli nearly bolted out of the room, setting her dishes in the sink with a loud clink. She ran up the stairs and to her bedroom, closing the door with a loud bang. Nat closed her eyes and shook her head. That was awkward and I feel like I’m to blame. You continued to eat your meal and once Sam was finished he wiped his mouth and excused himself from the table.

“This girl is gonna be the death of me i swear.” Sam muttered to himself as he walked away, following after his daughter. Nat gave us a smile and you smiled back. “The grits are really good. perfect texture and flavor.” you complimented her truthfully. 

“Well i’m glad someone enjoys my cooking. You’re always open to have more if you’re still hungry. You too Cap. Just try not to eat through everything, alright? Sam’s appetite is bad enough, add a Super Soldier in the mix? whew. I’m teasing Bucky. Eat up.” Nat said as she gathered up Nate and put him on her hip. He’d made a mess of himself. She left the room, humming an unfamiliar tune, something in Russian. 

The tension kept growing through the silence. You ate and grabbed your plate, rinsing it off and setting down in the sink. You sat back down across from Bucky, waiting patiently while he finished eating. You stared down at your ring again, twirling it around your finger, nervously. You admired the way the pewter and golden colors glinted in the light of the kitchen.

“You’re a married woman. He must be a lucky man. From the looks of it--- that could be a ring only Tony Stark could afford.” He gulped down his last bite of toast. Gosh the way he just looked at you, you could almost see those puppy dog eyes again.

“The lucky man, isn’t far away. He never left me. But it’s like he’s blinded, and I don’t know how to make him see again.” you smiled remembering your Bucky. 

Rising from his seat and grabbing up his plate he spoke, “Well I hope he’s still salvageable. Uh. You can stay here as long as you want. Don’t tell Nat, but if you ever want something other than her cooking, i’ll go out and get you whatever you want.” He came over to the sink and you stood up from your seat. You chuckled. Maybe somethings couldn’t change, even from universe to universe. You wanted to wrap your arms around him, to kiss him, to feel his hair as you ran your fingers through it. Wishful thinking.

“Thank you for the favor. I’ll keep that in mind.”  this is a cruel torture. To be so close yet, eons away from the other. Natasha came back from around the corner, putting Nate down on the ground and tapping his butt lightly, “Go on, find your sister.” the boy got excited once again and ran up the stairs. Bucky Smiled at the little boy as he passed. 

“They really do grow like weeds. Need me to go into town for anything Nat? Y/N?” Bucky asked. You waved your hand and your head, you didn’t need anything.

“Yeah could you pick up a Happy-kit from the corner store? Looks like this one needs a pick-me-up!” Nat nudged your side and you couldn’t help but smile. “C’mon, let’s make it a girls day. No Super Soldiers or Birds allowed!” Nat said pointing to Bucky as he exited the room and waved her off. 

“Oooo, yellow is definitely your color.” Nat praised as she pressed the yellow bikini against your clothed form. “C’mon, try it on, we’re losing daylight.” 

You were shy at first but followed Nat’s lead anyway. She had a red bikini on herself and a straw hat, a flowing sun robe and flip flops. You helped her bring two sunchairs to the dock out back. You waited for her to return, enjoying the subtle noises the lake was making. You peered out into the distance, this was, nice. you can’t remember the last time you’d had any downtime for yourself, let alone spend it with another person. 

“The finishing touch won’t be complete with a little liquid courage.” Nat broke the silence returning with a small cooler filled with beer for her and she handed you a bottle of your favorite wine. Sweet Pink Moscato. it’s been a long time since you had a drink. 

“Wow. thanks, Nat. really thank you for everything you’re doing. you don’--”

“I insist. Y/N, don’t feel bad for being pampered or taken care of. you deserve it as much as anyone else here.” She said firmly tipping her sun glasses to peer at me as she sat down in her chair. You nodded allowing yourself to lay back in the chair. listening to the birds and the sounds of the lake lapping at it’s edges. The hot Louisiana sun baking your skin. Every so often you’d take a swig of your wine. You weren’t sure ow much time had passed, 30 minutes? an hour? you didn’t really need to know anyhow.

“Hey, Nat?” you asked after finishing another swig of your wine, the bottle now a quarter of the way done. 

“Yeah?” 

“How did you and Sam meet?” you asked tossing your head over to her.

“Well, He got put on a mission to investigate the Red Room. I was there about to, um, graduate. But in the knick of time, he saved me, among some others. it didn’t happen right away. at first we kind of hated each other. but he showed me shield, offered me something better, you know?” she said sitting up.

“not too long after that, we got married. You and Cap hit it off just after I got this,” she pulled down her bikini bottom just a tad revealing a decent horizontal scar along her belly, below her belly button. “I cried the first time i held her. I was only seconds away from really becoming a widow. it’s so crazy to think, what would have happened if that big dumb pigeon never came swooping in? I don’t think about it much. You and Cap came here after you uhhhhh. Nevermind. Four years ago, Nate was born here. In this house. Lemme tell you, if you ever decide to opt out of the epidural, take it!”

You gave her a weakened smile, “Noted.”  

You two stayed under the sun for a few hours, making sure to put on sunblock and enjoy your drinks. You went inside at the first sign of thunder in the distance. You went towards the shower when Bucky came out, shirtless, his longer than usual hair dampened onto his forehead. He paused and took in your image in the bikini. he was mesmerized.  

“Wow. uh. You’re beautiful. Huh? Did you say something?” he asked getting flustered in no time flat.

“Uh no. no i didn’t say anything. um, are you done with the shower? I’ll be out soon. I just want to get this sunscreen and sweat off. I uh---” you began to stammer with your words, unable to keep your gaze away from his prominent muscles and dangerously low towel. Once again he was unable to control his urges and swooped in, his large hand caressing your jawline, index finger brushing behind your ear, the rest of his fingers putting slight pressure beneath the base of your skull. he dragged you in for a kiss. it was a sloppy yet tender yearning. You couldn’t help but brace yourself against his chest.

You savored that feeling, of flesh against flesh. He couldn’t stop kissing you, and you him. it was an agonizingly sweet tug of war. you’d leaned into his lips and hummed having to stand on your tippy toes to reach him. but he abruptly broke the kiss. landing his forehead on your own, panting, you searched his face. He was wanting something-- more. Something that wasn’t sensual.

“Come back to me Doll. Please. It doesn’t matter, I already know what we’ve lost. Y/N, I need you. I’ve been so disoriented since they took you. I-if you need to see her i can take you to her. Just tell me what you need sweetheart. I’ll get you the moon. please I’ve been dying without you. I’m here. I’m here now. They can’t hurt you any longer.” there are no words to describe the kid of pain that you felt coming from this man. this man that you have loved so dearly. All his differences didn’t seem to matter but there was information you were sorely lacking. If Bucky, Sam, and Nat have needed me so desperately, they needed to know my side of things.

They needed your universe of happenings. they needed all of it, every single piece of broken history you could offer them. My hands reached up to Bucky’s neck. you were so confused.

“James? Who is her?” you asked starting to get scared for his mental state. His face deflated and looked as if it was weighted down by something. 

“Forgive me. I was out of line, Doll. Go ahead, wash up. I’ll be in the living room.” Bucky said, utterly defeated, his strong back caved in on itself, like he was carrying the weight of the world on them. He sat on the bed and you closed your eyes. What could have possibly happened? 

As you dried your hair with a towel, a car horn was heard outside the residence. Karli and Nate were going out shopping with their Aunt Sarah, who you noticed to have no children and considerably shorter hair. Karli, you saw had calmed down after getting a lecture from her father. You were sitting in the living room with Bucky a distance away from him. But you were able to hear what Karli and Nat were saying. 

“Can I drive?! Please!” Karli asked practically begging.

“Nice try but No. and i’m texting Sarah to make sure you don’t.” Nat said firmly.

“Why not?! I have my license!”

“Drop that tone with me young lady before I make you fix that boat.” Nat’s tone didn’t change, maybe that was what was so scary about her authority. It was collected and almost calm.

“Yes ma’am.” Karli surrendered.

“And you don’t have your license, you have your permit, big difference. Watch your brother, have fun, and do not wander around the mall. You’ll give your Aunt a heart attack!” Nat ended closing the front door.

Sam came in and Natasha followed soon after. The tension was thick in the air. So you decided to be the one to break it.

“Alright. I need you guys to know a few things. I know that i look and act like Y/N but i’m not Y/N, not really. Well, i guess i am but at the same time i’m not.” you said spitting out the first things that came to mind.

Sam adjusted in his seat on the couch, his eyebrows furrowed in curiosity and confusion.

“What do you mean, not Y/N?” he asked, placing a hand on Nat’s knee. 

“Just let me tell you my story. it may or may not make sense, but it’s mine. I hate to see you all walk on eggshells because of me. please, just give it a listen.” you pleaded with the room, looking at their downtrodden faces.

“We’ll listen, Doll.” Bucky broke the silence and scooted closer to you, grabbing your hand. You weren’t sure who needed it more. You or him?

“I don’t even know what to say. I’m... dead? all because i gave myself up for a, what was it? a damned Soul stone?! nah, i’m gonna need a beer for this. Babe you want any?” Nat was overwhelmed, you thought that telling them your version of the world would make things less mucky. but maybe it made it worse? Bucky has been unable to speak for about an hour. 

the  blazing sunset was just making its arrival into the back windows. Karli and Nate should be coming back soon. Sam craned his neck across the couch to answer his wife.

“Sure babe, bring two please.” he asked and she returned with the alcohol. Hell, that Heineken was looking good to you now. Anything to take the edge off. Bucky ran his hands through his hair. 

“Don’t bother making dinner for me. I’m not hungry Nat. If you need me, you know where to look.” Bucky said rising from his seat on the couch, nearly ripping his grip from your own. You got up to follow him. he slammed the front door, accidentally ripping it off its hinges. 

Karli, Sarah, and Nate saw it all happen. Karli had flowers in her hand, a beautiful small bouquet with red roses, white lilies, and Baby’s Breath. By then Bucky ran out of sight, down a small path. Karli strode up to you with a fury.

“What did you do? Huh?! What did you say to him?!” Her face aflame with anger.

“I-I didn’t do anything.” you said flabbergasted by her reaction.

“UGH! Come here! If you can’t remember the truth on your own, I’ll show you!” Karli snatched your hand up and practically drug you down the pathway. Karli ignored her aunt’s calls for her to stop and come back. 

it didn’t take long to catch up to Bucky. in a small wooded area, there was an opening next to a weeping willow tree. Bucky was knelt by a small gravestone. 

“See Y/N, do you remember now?” Karli said letting you go and flinging you towards the grave. Bucky got up from his resting place.

“Thank you for the flowers Karli but you really need to leave. Apologize to Y/N too.” Bucky said looking thoroughly done with her attitude but softly taking the flowers anyway.

“Apologize?! Hell no! Y/N read it! read the stone.” Karli  shoved your back, as you turned to read it. In cursive letters it read:

Blair Wanda Barnes - 2016

‘Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you.’

You stared at it for a long time. you had no idea what to say or how to think.

“Dammit Y/N! How could you?! How could you be so cold to Bucky? He comes here every morning! HYDRA took everything from him. Looks like they took more than we thought, since you’re so fucked up! You can’t even remember your own daughter!!” Karli yelled at you. You froze staring at those words and the name engraved on the stone. 

Karli was crying and ran away out of sight. You were so frozen you had to remember to take a breath. You tried to read the stone again but dog tags and a blue Henley blocked your vision.

“Doll, you don’t have to see this, please. Just go lie down. I’ll join you in a little while.” Bucky ordered softly. you looked up at him noticing how his voice was cracking wildly. tears fell from his eyes. this was the second time you’d seen him so beside himself. the first being your Bucky in Wakanda, when his mind was freed. You had no words. you just followed suit, wandering back into the house. 

You followed the steps up to your room. ignoring Nat and Sam’s calls you closed the bedroom door. You felt so numb, the kind of pain that came with that, you couldn’t describe it. You felt violated almost, this kind of news was not meant for you to hear, not now. You had a daughter with Bucky. a daughter. Now his hesitancy makes more sense. Gods! Just laying eyes on you must be so painful! You cried, you cried for yourself, for this Bucky, and for the little bones buried in a tiny grave.

Dusk turned to night, and you were almost fully asleep when Bucky came back into your shared bedroom. the floorboards creaked underneath his weight, he’d checked to see if you were still awake. When he saw that you were asleep , or at least thought so, he gingerly kissed the center of your forehead and pulled the covers over your shoulders. He slept on the floor next to your bedside, for this Bucky’s first time in years.

-End pt 2.

Taglist:

@belovababy @readermia @b33tlejuice-babe @starshipsofstarlord @marvelfansworld @prettysatan @thrsdyschld  @chocolatelovemusic @disdatg @bangchana @bblackrosses @fangirlingsatan @ihavemanyhusbandfandoms @hhxppyyy @mizzezm @doctor-warthrop @daughterofqueenaphrodite @fionanovasleftnut @tacorice @sarnbarnes @psychohollowsworld @lovelokiqueen @avengersz-biotch @slowburning @stucky-my-ship @stupendouslovergardener 

[tfatwsiguess]

Pursuit

The walk back was quiet. The three of you chose the nearest side road and followed some road signs down it. There wasn't enough of a signal yet to contact your ride, so your rag tag trio walked on in silence post a wildly unsuccessful fight. You wondered if it was that, or the fact that they were likely just as beat up as you that now kept Sam and Bucky the quietest you had ever heard them since Bucky joined the mission. You were guessing a combination of both.

"I'm sorry about Redwing." Bucky suddenly spoke.

"No you're not." Sam tiredly cut him off, to which the soldier didn't deny. "What's been going on in that big cyborg brain'a yours?"

"... It's computing," he answered, playing right along.

Wilson let out a throaty laugh, shaking his head towards you. "Ya know what? I can actually see it. I can see the gears turning." Your side was becoming irritated and you lifted the right of your shirt, checking the gnawing pain in your side. "Oop, look, they're malfunctioning." Sure enough, purplish blue colors were already scattering along your skin where the Flag Smasher had kneed you. "Shuttin' down! Now they're on fire."

The cyborg didn't acknowledge his frenemy's amusement as his gaze stayed straight down the road. You pulled the material back down, shoving aside the discomfort. "I'm not exactly fresh on my super soldier research, but I thought they pretty much became endangered once Steve Rogers took Hydra down... Ya know, the first time back in the 40's."

"They did. And now we gotta figure out where the serum's coming from."

"Yeah and how in the hell eight of those soldiers are running around after eighty years." Samuel added, suddenly becoming serious again.

A honk from behind cut the conversation short. The three of you looked to the right as an army Jeep pulled up beside you and slowed its pace so the two serviceman sitting in the back could address you from right alongside.

"Well that didn't go as planned, huh?" Walker began, seeming a little chipper for someone who apparently also just failed against the eight super thieves. He opened the back door when the driver stopped, to which none of you acknowledged. Although your gripe isn’t personal, there’s no way you’re buddying up with anyone involved with finessing the shield from Sam. And you could feel that these two would rather swim back to the states than starting a conversation with him. "Keep going." You hear him tell the guy in the front seat, who continued to drive alongside you. "Hey, at least we know what we're up against now. We're pretty sure it's one of the big three, so."

"Aliens, androids or wizards." Lemar clarified.

"There's no such thing as wizards!" Barnes argued, annoyance abundant in his voice. You couldn't help the light laugh at that, despite the inappropriate timing and the dull ache in your ribs, which is why you immediately regretted it when your body protested the movement.

Geez. You spend a few weeks at a refugee center without training and suddenly your body goes soft.

You missed the glance Bucky gave you after the laughter, which morphed into resentment when John continued speaking. "So aliens or androids then."

"More like super soldiers," the airman corrected.

"Shit," Hoskins glanced at his partner in peaked interest before looking back to Sam. "Super soldiers, for real?"

"Wow... Alright, then we gotta work together."

"That's not happening." Bucky denied nonchalantly.

Judging by Walker’s face, he definitely wasn’t expecting the blunt reaction you were. After that whole conversation in the hangar it was pretty clear how they felt about the whole ordeal, including the guy who was wielding the shield. While you couldn’t be sure how much this “New Cap” knew about how the shield got from Sam to him, it was hard to see this as anything other than insensitive for him to try and recruit them on a mission you all had already started. Especially so soon after his appointment to the position.

"We all know we stand a much better chance against all eight of them if we–"

"Just because you carry that shield doesn't make you Captain America." Barnes cut him off, making it plain and simple.

"Look, I've put in the work, okay?"

"Really? You ever thrown yourself on top of a grenade?"

"Yeah, actually, four times. It's a thing I do with my helmet," he rambled, and you didn't miss Bucky's annoyed expression at him actually answering. "It's a reinforced helmet, it's– it's a long story. Look, guys, it's twenty miles to the airport, you need a ride." He opens the back door, and again the driver brakes. "Get in."

To your surprise, Sam actually stops. In turn, you and Bucky pause beside him. You watched the waging indecision in his eyes, but neither of them made a move. It felt clear enough what was going to happen, and you needed a second of relief from this fresh wound anyway. So after a few moments of Sammy pointlessly looking between the two of you in conflict, you just shrugged and got in.

"So we have eight super soldiers on a bulk supply run. Why?" John asked once you, Sam, and eventually a begrudging James joined the carpool. Sitting at the head of the jeep adjacent from the boys, you saw the way Bucky quietly eyed the shield, as well as the man holding it so comfortably.

"Apparently their mission is to get things back to the way they were during The Blip." Sam offers.

"Makes sense." Hoskins looks between the three of you. "The GRC seems to think they're taking the cargo and redistributing it to Blip refugees. They might be trying to help."

"They have a funny way of showing it."

"That serum doesn't exactly have a great track record," John remarked in agreement with the super soldier of the group, nodding to him. "No offense."

You stared at him for a moment when he said that, trying to figure out in what way that comment didn't sound offensive to him. "... Well that's interesting to hear." You said, wanting to move away from that awkward moment. "About them taking the supplies to camps. We thought they’d be more focused on going after the suppliers. How did you track them down?"

"Oh, nah, man. We tracked you guys, through Redwing..." the curly-haired of the duo answered, scratching his neck as he mumbled that last part.

Sam's eyebrows creased in disbelief. “You hacked my tech?”

"Well it's not really hacking. It's government property." John commented conversationally. Sam's offended stare shifted to him. "… Ya know, we're the government." He chuckled a bit as he further explained, gesturing to himself. Your lips pressed together in the awkward silence as Sam literally just looked at him. This guy either had ridiculous nerve or just didn't know how to read a room. Bucky must've been sending an unflinching glare too, because John looked from him, then back to a ticked off Sam across from him. And you could tell there weren’t a lot of people who could tick Sam off. “Does he always just stare like that?"

"You get used to it." He answered shortly, despite knowing that wasn't the case in his situation.

"Look, things have gotten chaotic. That's exactly why the GRC is doing the best they can to get things up and running smoothly post Blip."

"Basically managing resources for people displaced by the big return." Lemar summed up. That much was common knowledge now. These days you couldn't go on the internet, turn on your TV or go outside of your house without some kind of ad in your face about it, so there was no reason for explaining it to the three of you like it wasn't information everyone already knew.

But you knew better than what the cheesy commercials and posters told everybody. While they may be doing good for people who came back and a percentage of the ones who stayed, they directly ignore the people who needed help the most before, during and after The Blip.

"The Global Repatriation Council does all that, I get it." Sam stated shortly, apparently just as annoyed with the unnecessary lesson. "What I wanna know is why exactly you two are here?"

"They provide the resources and we help keep things stable."

"Really?" You sat back, subconsciously catering towards your bruised ribs. "That's the assignment they put the new Captain America on in his first week?"

"Well the GRC was a big part of appointing me as Captain America. And, I think they realize violent revolutionaries aren't good for anyone's cause."

"Usually said by the people with the resources," Falcon remarked, smiling ironically at you and Bucky as he said it.

"Well we've got a lot of resources." John grinned, mirroring the amusement.

"So you think these people only plan to steal medicine and food to give to the people the GRC isn't taking care of?" You thought aloud, far from lost on the fact that it’s not anything you haven’t done for the resettlement camps back home. When it comes down to survival, laws aren't usually a friend. You understand when times are hard like that.

"Don't forget the robbery from the bank in Switzerland." Lemar nodded with a reminder. "People still get hurt when they use brute force to get whatever they want. The question is how far they're willing to go with this."

“That’s true... And those guys are even younger than I am. They grew up through The Blip… You don't take a super soldier serum just to use for bulk supply runs to camps,” you thought aloud. Those kids were specifically trained and more than ready for a fight. That's for something bigger. If the number of super soldiers should keep growing, it would only mean something either really good or really bad.

A line creases in between your eyebrows as you thought. You never would've guessed this was where the mission was going. Already the line was too blurred between if these kids were just stealing resources for homeless people from the people who wouldn’t help, or were ready to do anything to anyone to make their point.

They haven't crossed a line yet in your book, but things were just getting started, and they still could. Either way, you’d be there to see where things go.

"If the three of you were to team up with us–"

"No," Bucky answered rather calmly. He had been pretty quiet up until now. Silently brooding; sizing the two of them up and observing them closely. That reminded you more of the masked man in the middle of the street.

"Look, I got mad respect for y'all," Hoskins began with a hint of a smile, "but you were kinda gettin' your asses kicked until we showed up."

"And who are you?"

"Lemar Hoskins.”

"Look, I see a guy hanging out of a helicopter in tactical gear? I'm gonna need a lot more than 'Lemar Hoskins'." Sam requested.

"I'm Battlestar, John's partner," he elaborated, vaguely.

"Battlestar?" Just a hint of a devious smirk tugs at Bucky's lips, like he couldn't bring himself to even try to take him seriously over the name choice. "Stop the car!"

The Jeep lurched to a stop, and the black-clad agent got out without another word. John was getting a tad frustrated, if his expression was any indication. "Okay, I get it. I get the attitude..." he reasoned while Bucky marched himself towards a nearby pathway, no indication that he was actually listening. "You didn't think the shield was gonna end up here, I get it, Bucky! And I'm..." he sighed and looked towards Sam now, his tone and expression finally becoming more genuine. "I'm not trying to replace Steve."

Yikes. The new step dad speech. The best thing to make this situation more awkward. Even Sam couldn't help a half laugh half scoff at the remark, making John glance at you too now.

"It's impossible. I mean no one can measure up to him. I know that..."

For a moment, Sam was caught up in his mixed emotions again. It was fair enough to consider, but it didn’t change the circumstances. Yet, it wasn’t your approval John was really looking for.

You look over to Bucky and see he’s already far enough down the path. "Come on," you got to your feet, passing in between Sam and John, then by Lemar to hop out of the truck. You wouldn't let him walk back alone.

"I'm just trying to be the best Captain America I can be. That's it. And it would be a whole lot easier with Cap's wingmen at my side."

You couldn't help shaking your head, knowing he messed up on that bit. Plus, you had to wonder if this must be awkward for his bestie, sitting there while Walker was trying to add more sidekicks to the team after the zero coverage his own partner got in all the PR.

Sam laughed again, only with more disbelief this time. "It's always that last line." The look on John's face almost seemed confused at his response. You watched as Sam got off and left, not able to hide his dismay anymore as he went off to the same walking path Bucky was already halfway down.

"Next time, I'd try more sensitivity, and maybe offering him better than a demotion," you offered helpfully to the two partners. You left with that, and followed Sam while hearing Walker begrudgingly tell their driver to get going. Once you caught up with Sam, you checked your phone. "Well that ride lasted two minutes and forty-nine seconds. Totally called it."

"Yeah let's never do that again."

"Fair enough. I'll see if I can get Torres out here." By the time you two caught up to Bucky, it seemed you had finally walked far enough to get better service to contact Torres. With all the low morale right now, you hoped he could get here soon. The super soldier glanced at you for a moment as you tucked your phone away, then looked back up ahead.

"Thanks for the save back there by the way."

Once again, you heard Sam chuckle with an ironic smile, considering the fact that he also saved Bucky less than a minute after you. But you felt the segue that was coming. "Don't mention it."

"There aren't a lot of people who know how to fight super soldiers."

"Well they're newly trained." You shook your head and shrugged. "I wouldn't expect the same results if I were to go up against someone like you or Steve."

"Still knew how to handle them though. Knocked two down the road. You didn't even have to use those glowy knives until the last second."

"Ignore him." Sam cut in. "He's never talked to anyone with powers before."

"That's not true. I had a very interesting conversation with a scrappy raccoon once."

Sam smacked his lips. "Man, that was an alien raccoon with a gun. Next."

Buck's eyes narrowed in thought, and it seemed he was actually going along with the game. "There's always the purple jackass who blasted me with those stones."

"Thanos didn't have powers, he had a weapon. And getting your ass beat by him isn't talking."

"Then there was the girl with the glowing red hands and eyes..."

"Wanda, yes. There ya go." Sam congratulated. "Ya still never talked to her, so it doesn't count. But yeah, Alex is more like her."

"Not exactly." You finally cut in from between them. "It's not, like, magic or whatever, but I couldn't really explain the science either."

"Try." Bucky said.

His reaction didn't really surprise you. You understood he wasn't going to be as trusting when it comes to important information he didn't know about you when you’ve never worked together before. You might’ve felt the same way if you didn’t already know everything the internet could tell you about him. You still didn’t prefer constantly having to regale the mechanics behind your abilities every time you had a new partner.

"Basically, there's an electromechanical chip in my neck. Manmade. It gives me different... abilities." Going from group to group or mission to mission kept you relaying a cookie cutter dumbed down explanation to anyone who asked. But typically you tried not to use your powers until it was necessary. The less people who knew, the better.

"Really? I always thought you were some witch or got caught in some toxic spill or something. You didn't tell me you were part robot too."

"Tch, okay– I'm still totally human,” you chuckled at Sam’s joke. “Just like Bucky. It's a piece of technology. Doesn't really change anything else." You offered in example.

"I've never heard of the government implanting super powers through people's necks before." The stoic Barnes pointed out.

“You haven’t heard of a lot of things ‘cause you stay in your curmudgeon lifestyle.” Sam explains. “Like Uber and Facebook.”

"It's not from the government... Actually I prefer keeping it low profile from them. They get so damn antsy about anyone with special abilities being out of their control."

"So that's why you never joined The Avengers. I assumed you thought you were too good for us."

You shake your head and grinned at Sam's wisecracks. "Among other reasons." You joked back.

"So those knives you were throwing back there," Buck continued, still interrogating. "They just..." he trailed off, shaking his head and looking away from the path and to your hands now.

"They generate and disappear on command."

"Pretty cool right? Those babies cut right through a six inch steel door on our first mission."

"It's certainly something else..." he responded vaguely, apparently having heard enough for now.

He had barely looked towards you two during the whole conversation. It was clear he was still upset. Over the fight. Over the discussion with John.

Sam sent you an amused look, as not to be heard by Bucky, and you shake your head at him with a silent grin. For someone who was so persistent on Bucky not coming here, he was really having a fun time poking fun at him. Maybe his current affinity for jokes had everything to do with the uncomfortable encounter with New Cap too, but at least he still seemed like the Sam you knew before.

Not much later, you all met Torres at a private pickup point. It didn't take too long since he waited nearby the drop off point with the private military aircraft. "Hey. Alex told me it was a bust?" He looked between the three of you as you walked up.

"Not completely. We got a little more information to work with," Sam reported as he marched onto the aircraft.

"Well a little's always better than none," he remarked optimistically. "You guys ready to go?"

"Not just yet. A couple of those soldiers fell off the truck along the way and there's a chance they're still around the area. I wanna find them. See if we can get anything out of them when they’re not all posted up together."

You dropped Sam’s gadget off of your wrist and into the trash, rendered totally useless after the cartridge was shattered in battle. "How? They would've scattered in any direction by now."

"Don't tell me you're gonna try and send Redwing after them," Bucky nearly groaned as he watched Sam carefully placing some wrapped up red and grey broken remnants on a table.

You look over to see him sorting through the split piece of technology. "You saved that from the fight? Sam, that thing is on life support."

"Thank God," you hear Bucky grumble.

"He's been through worse, believe it or not."

"It's true. He just fixed it up from his Tunisia mission after a French pirate shot it." Jay bragged on his behalf.

"Like I said. Life support." You repeated, suppressing the urge to laugh with how seriously Sam took the life of the precious drone.

“Look, if I can do a quick repair job on his flight functions he’ll be faster than any of us at tracking down the stray Flag Smashers now that they’re on foot.”

"We don't need Redwing's useless corpse to find a couple masked revolutionaries. They can't have gotten too far by now. There’s nothing wrong with doing this the old-fashioned way.”

“Gee, wonder how many times you’ve said that.” Sam mocks, already working intently on the drone.

"Alex and I can search around the area for any signs of them. See if they went to any nearby buildings to get back in contact with the others." Barnes declares, ever a man of action over waiting.

Sam doesn’t bother looking up from his makeshift operating table. "Fine. Let me know if you find anything."

So with that, you and Bucky Barnes were walking outside together, looking through the woods and over empty roads to find any sign of nearby structures they could’ve reached at this point, or perhaps a phone booth they would've tried to access in order to reconnect with their comrades. Admittedly, it would’ve been easier with Redwing’s sky view and heat-detecting functions.

"You think they'll even come back for 'em?"

"I don't know." You looked around. "Their friends didn't do much when they fell off in the first place." It’s just past a half hour since the fight, and the two of you retraced your steps as best you could to check for recent traceable activity. But so far it was looking like there wasn't much other than flower fields and grass fields and old road to accommodate any kind of lead. Another advantage they might’ve planned out.

You sighed as the stretches of land you could see up to the horizon offered no indication of a super soldier on a mission passing through. Or anyone else that would be passing through on foot for that matter.

Bucky looked beyond the trees surrounding the meadows and listened for any movement. But he could see as well as you that any left behind cargo thieves were long gone from this area. It’d be a guesstimate finding exactly where each kid fell off. His teeth clenched in thought.

But he wasn’t worried. Maybe this impulsive idea wasn’t thought out much better than Sam’s attempt to revive his pet drone after, but they could still be found.

As he learned from his past line of work, no one was unfindable.

Eventually he found himself staring at your backside, leaving you unaware of his inquisitive eyes looking over your profile. "You’ve had a mission with Sam before?" He suddenly spoke up, to which you hummed a yes. "Just how old are you?"

You smiled in amusement at the outrightness of the question. After starting agent work at nineteen when you came out of hiding, you'd been surrounded by plenty of people much older than you. Even those having only so many years on you, took interest in your long history with this work at such a young age. So you got the question a lot, just not as investigative as this. "Twenty-six."

Your smile suddenly drops after hearing the age aloud, in the sudden realization of how strange it felt. Twenty-six years had gone by already, but you certainly hadn't felt like you've lived that long. Or maybe, you just felt like you spent so many years stuck in the wrong places.

And for Barnes, the youngest he saw amongst all the agents and assassins and heroes he's worked with was the fifteen-year-old spider kid. That was it. The gap was a canyon after that. Even he himself was years older when he first became a sergeant. "How'd you get mixed up in all this?"

"It's a long story... but between all the battles on this planet and all the drama with the Blip I'm just... trying to help people however it's needed while I’ve got the resources." You try to answer as smoothly as possible.

With a nod, his eyes scanned the area. His head turned when he heard a rustling, but it was just a bunny in the bushes. His vigilant gaze still scoured for any distant movement. "Parents?" He questioned, trying to piece together how you ended up in this world of gore and killers and straight at nineteen.

Stopping and squinting into the distance at a car stopped on the side of the road, you answer distractedly, "Uh, not so much."

"I'm sorry."

The sound of an apology brought you back to the conversation. You looked to him, almost taken off guard by the statement. One of the only times you ever heard an apology about your parents was when you were still a seven-year-old in the hospital twenty or so years ago. Honestly, it was such old news from an old life that you hardly thought about it anymore.

Instead of thinking about the accident that took the last of your parents, you gave him a short-lived smile. "Thank you."

You saw the pulled over car was just a civilian getting something from their trunk, then wondered how you were going to track them down now.

He stood there too, observing your profile. Something in his brain was trying to figure out the vague familiarity he sensed in you. His stare quietly rested on you as the question bugged him about the way you carried yourself.

"They're probably long gone by now, trying to catch up or regroup somewhere. These guys know how to disappear."

When you turned to him he turned away, giving one last look around to double check himself. "Yeah. It's too much ground to cover, and we don't have enough time."

You took Bucky in for a moment, now that you were in closer quarters. It was still a shock to see how different he seems now from the memory held in your head for so many years. His body possessed the same rigidness you recognized, but now there was a lot emotion there, too; restrained as it may be.

You looked away before he could catch you. "Right."

His hardened default gaze while looking for the soldiers softened during the silence, and he glanced back to you. This was the first time he was looking directly at you for longer than a second, and it was completely genuine. "… I'm sorry if I'm being weird. It's my first time in a while… working with people, again."

"It's cool. I get it." You dismiss with a soft smile.

He nods and you notice his eyes looking at anything else around.

Huh. A nervous habit.

This guy even has a nervous habit.

It was certainly humanizing.

His throat clears. "We should circle around and see if we find anything until we get back."

"Couldn’t hurt. Hopefully Sam will be done mourning Redwing by now," you commented somewhat seriously as you walked by him towards the direction of the jet, missing the subtle smile of quiet laughter tugging at the corner of Bucky's lips.

When you finally got back, the two of you found Joaquin and Sam standing over a shoddily put together military drone, not looking much better than when you left. "Did you fix it?"

"Nope." Sam wrapped the pieces up in a cloth. "He's gone."

"How tragic." Deadpanned Barnes.

Looks like the sarcasm comes right back around Samuel.

Torres watched as Sam dejectedly dropped the remaining remnants into the trash. "We tried everything."

"All I know is we better find answers about this anti-nationalist group and fast."

You nodded in agreement as you took the comm out of your ear. "There doesn't seem to be any place around here for miles to check out anyway. I think we're better off pinpointing whatever camps they could be heading for next. But we'll need a way to narrow the search."

"I may have a lead."

Sam shifted his gaze from you to the insensitive Barnes. "Really."

"Well, not so much a lead as someone who can get us one. On where the serum might be coming from."

It didn't sound too promising to Sam, especially with who it was coming from. Nevertheless, he shook his head, because you all weren't in the position to be picky. "I'll take it."

"Alright then." Torres leaned on the table and looked between the three of you. "Where to?"

✰ Baltimore, Maryland

"Hey, it's Black Falcon! What's up?"

You chuckled at the little kid bouncing a basketball on the sidewalk with his friend. Torres dropped you off in Baltimore around half an hour ago, and Bucky had lead you and Sam to an urban neighborhood, apparently where whatever lead he has must be residing. "It's just Falcon, kid."

"No, no. My daddy said it's Black Falcon."

Sam stopped as he passed by the kids, and you watched him. "... Is it 'cause I'm black and I'm The Falcon?"

"I mean, yeah. Technically..."

"So does that make you Black Kid?"

You grinned and rolled your eyes as the other boy laughed, and the first kid shook his head with a hint of smile still on his face. "Whatever, man."

"Are you his sidekick?" The second boy asked you. With an amused smile you shook your head and opened your mouth to deny it, when Sam's hand dropped on your shoulder with his arm around you. "Yeah. This is my new sidekick. I just recruited her." He shook your shoulder amiably. You could hear in his voice just how much fun he was having with this. "Black Sidekick. That's her name."

The first little kid shook his head as his friend kept laughing at his expense. "Alright man, I gotchu. I see how it is."

"Yeah, I got him, right," Sam grinned and good-naturedly nudged the second one. With another lighthearted laugh, you and Sam leave the smiling kids to catch up to Bucky down the street. "Alright, what are we doing out here, Bucky?"

"Well we're not here for autographs."

"You need to work on your people skills." Sammy advised, unbothered by the comment, and you were already anticipating another back and forth to strike up. "We got eight super soldiers to account for and right now we got nothing."

"That's the thing. We don't have nothing." Two of you stood there, waiting for the other to explain why you were in a rundown neighborhood in the middle of Baltimore. He finally stopped in front of a house, then slowly faced the both of you. "There is someone... that you guys should meet. The only one with the firsthand intel that we need."

You and Sam couldn't help sharing a glance. The look on his face that he was giving the two of you made you guarded. But before either of you could ask anything, he turned and marched up the porch.

You and Sam couldn't help sharing a glance. The look on his face that he was giving the two of you made you guarded. But before either of you could ask anything, he marched up the porch and knocked on the door, both of you following in suit.

"We're here to see Isaiah." He said when a teenage kid answered the door.

"Nobody named Isaiah live here."

“We just wanna talk to him." Bucky asks softly.

"You musta not heard what I just said. You ain't gettin' in this house." He replied in the deepening voice of a growing young man. You watch Bucky nod expectantly, then look downward as the kid denied any entry. "Y'all can leave now."

"... Tell him the guy from the bar in Goyang is here. He'll know what that means."

"... Aight, wait here." He conceded reluctantly and closed the door, locking it. It was easy to tell this wasn't the most secure of neighborhoods, but this kid was either extremely paranoid or just extremely vigilant.

"Nice kid." Sam remarked.

"How do you know this guy?" You ask, interest piqued in such a young person's cautiousness.

"I used to. We had a skirmish during the Korean War."

You tried to recall which decade that was, in relation to how old this lead has to be for Bucky to know him from so long ago. But once the boy let you in the house, you saw your answer in the withered man leaning against a wooden dining table for support.

"Today's your lucky day. He said he wants to see for himself."

You three filed into the small living room, and you got a better look at him. He somehow looked older and older the closer you got.

"Isaiah."

"Look at you..." his gruff voice croaked as he looked over the only paled skin in the room.

"This is Sam and Alex." Bucky introduced, then turned to you. "This is Isaiah Bradley." You look at him, air too stiff. But he wasn't even looking at the two of you. His eyes were trained on his old friend. "He was a hero. One of the few that Hydra actually feared; like Steve. We met back in ‘51."

"If by 'met' you mean I whooped your ass, then, yeah." Bucky's pink lips curled up a bit at the remark, the first hint you’d seen of anything other than a scowl, but your eyebrows scrunched. You looked to Sam, and his slight change in facial expression told you he was wondering the same thing, about who could've possibly kicked Bucky's ass one-on-one.

Bradley looked to the two of you. "We heard whispers that he was on the peninsula. Every soldier we had sent after him never came back. So the military dropped me behind the line to deal with him. And I took half that metal arm in Goyang. I see it's grown back." Your eyes moved from him to Barnes, and you could see his expression of conflict; guilt. "I was wondering when you'd get that arm back… See if you'd come to kill me."

James visibly swallowed a lump in his throat. "I'm not a killer anymore..."

"You think you can wake up one day and decide who you gon be?” His lips pursed to the side, almost into a bitter smile. “It doesn't work like that– Well, maybe it does for folks like you."

Quietly, the two of you were trying to put the pieces together. Isaiah doesn't know about Bucky getting his mind back and the pardon. While the world knew of Steve Rogers' best friend tragically becoming a Hydra assassin for eighty years, it wasn't public knowledge what Wakanda did for him, or his lifestyle now. Word always ended up getting around, that’s how you already knew, but he chose to keep that private from the mass media, somewhat understandably.

You looked to Bucky again, and had to wonder why be brought you all here if this man thought he was still The Winter Soldier. It was easy to see how hard this was for him as his soft gaze shifted down to the carpets.

“Isaiah, the reason we're here... it's because there's more of you and me out there." Isaiah's hands clenched, gripping around a small metal box on the table.

Sam's eyebrows furrowed. "'You and me'?"

Bradley was becoming angered, and Bucky tried to tread carefully. "We need to know how–"

"I'm not gon talk about this anymore!" He lashed out, throwing the small box. It scraped across the table, splintering the wood chips. You jumped in surprise as such a dainty little box impaled deep into the wall from Isaiah's outburst.

The young boy looked down, seeing his grandfather get upset like he had tried to help prevent.

But Sam's eyes were wide as he stared at the wall too, then the old man. In that moment it became clear enough...

Isaiah looked around eighty years old, which meant they would’ve given him the serum around the same time they gave it to Steve...

Silence deafened the room as Bradley slowly walked over. "You know what they did to me for being a 'hero'?" His voice was strained, but his face was both broken and furious. "They put my ass in jail," he spit out, eyes red, "for thirty years!" Bucky nodded quietly, still looking down with his mouth shut. Sam's mouth hung open, but nothing came out.

"I don't understand..." You began softly, mortified and perplexed. "Why– why would they give you the serum and send you out onto the field if they were just going to imprison you later?"

Old eyes watched you, and it felt like his gaze withered your insides. "You think they need a reason? They got their blond-haired blue-eyed soldier, and decided they were done with me..." His hard gaze shifted to Sam. "I stayed in that cell for decades... People running tests on me, taking my blood." Then his icy stare turned on Bucky. "Even your people found ways to get to me."

Sam shook his head, barely mustering a single word. "Isaiah..."

"Get out of my HOUSE!" He screamed, shaking now. You took a step back from the sudden strength to his voice, and turn to leave as Sam just stood there. The freckled grandson had to usher him out. "Alright, man. Let's go."

Once the door was shut and locked again, Sam was already storming off down the stairs. But your brain lingered on the porch, processing the news.

"Why didn't you tell me about Isaiah?" Sam demanded. Bucky put a hand on his shoulder as he opened his mouth to speak, but he shrugged it off and spun on him. "How could no one bring him up?!" Your eyes lifted to them as Bucky stopped beside him, sighing. "I asked you a question, Bucky."

"I know, I know..." Barnes trailed off, then looked back for you, catching your eye. Snapping out of your thoughts, you left the porch to rejoin them.

“Steve didn’t know?”

“No. They didn't tell anyone about him."

"So you're telling me there was another super soldier– a black super soldier out there for decades and no one knew about it?!"

"I always thought they'd never even consider giving black people the serum back then." You spoke your conflicted thoughts aloud.

You were starting to see that there was always more. More secrets of the things this country has done to black people. More monstrous truths from decades ago to hundreds of years ago to uncover that they’ll never let the public know. Today's black community works so hard to know and own their history, and live out their lives accordingly. But at this point, you now knew there would always be something unknown about the history. So many different things let slide by those people, hidden all throughout the past and never to be brought up again.

"From what I understand Isaiah didn't know they were giving it to him when it happened," Buck answered morbidly.

"So they used him to win their wars against his will and–"

"And then sent him to be experimented on like some lab rat." Sam finished for you, clearly well pissed off by the cover up.

You felt the same frustration, to say the least. Of course they would do such a thing. Just like their grandparents used slaves to build the country and let them die of it. Just like they put them through war and denied their freedom afterwards, they used and sacrificed Bradley to protect their precious home, and suffer the consequences later.

Whoop! Whoop!

Once again you were snapped out of your thoughts. Your group of three looked to your right as a cop car pulled into the neighborhood, right up next to you.

"Hey!" one policemen said as he and another got out.

"What's up, man," Sam asked shortly at the interruption.

"There a problem here?"

"No. We're just talking.”

“We're fine."

You watched them as they both came around the group, placing you all in between the two of them and their car. One eyed Sam in particular. "You have some ID?"

"Come on, man, seriously?" Bucky shook his head as Sam stared at the officer.

"What do you need his ID for?" You raised an eyebrow.

The officer turned to you when you spoke, his hand already settled on his belt where a gun laid in its holster and you were just itching for him to try and pull it. "Listen, just calm down and–"

"We are calm. I don't have my ID on me, what do you want?"

He looked from you to Sam doubtfully, like he'd never be stupid enough to believe that. "You're telling me you don't have any form of ID with you?"

"That's what I'm telling you. What do you need it for, we're just standing here."

Suddenly more people were gathering on the sidewalks, looking onto the scene. Bucky glanced over his shoulder before leaning towards Sam. "Look, just give him your name so we can get the hell out of here–"

"I’m not giving him shit. We're just talking!"

"Hey, hey!" The same cop reached a hand out towards Sam as if trying to keep him under control, then looked to Barnes. "Is he bothering you?"

"No he's not bothering me!" He raised his voice irritably, getting more frustrated himself. "Do you know who this is?"

His partner leaned over to mumble into his ear. You only caught the word ‘Avenger’.

The first officer looked to the group again, and with that, his expression immediately changed. "Oh, God… I'm so sorry, Mr. Wilson." His hand slips away from the holster, and he actually laughs. "I didn't recognize you without the goggles." He glanced at Bucky and nods. "Sergeant Barnes." Then his gaze came back to you. "And– you are..."

"She's with me."

You shook your head. Your arms sat across your chest and you just looked away in an attempt to restrain yourself from saying what you really wanted to. Even if they deserved to hear it, you’d spent too much of your life knowing when it was better to fight back or let it pass in order to prevent a potential, bigger mess.

"I'm really sorry about this..." He apologized awkwardly, watching as a second car pulled up next to theirs. There was a small crowd by now, surrounding you all from a distance. When the cop says to wait there, you don’t even bother asking what for as they go over to talk with the other policemen. With a sigh, you looked to Sam, and it was hard to see him restraining his anger. But even more so the look of shame you could swear was breaking through.

"Hey. I didn't tell anyone because he doesn't want anyone to know." Bucky whispers to both of you. "And he's already been through enough."

You look towards Isaiah's house now, and very faintly you can see the kid looking through the blinds at all of you. You hoped all of this wouldn't cause any trouble for them, between the pigs still holding you here and the fact that people could've seen you all coming out of their house.

"Sergeant Barnes..." The officer finally came back, still with an awkward look over his face. "There's a warrant out for your arrest."

"The president pardoned him for all that."

"Not for that. You missed your court-mandated therapy. It's like missing a check in with a P.O." He explained apologetically. "I'm sorry, but you're under arrest."

Sam watched Bucky's downcast expression. Your lips parted at the statement, wondering if arresting him and taking him to jail was truly necessary for one missed appointment. Then you remembered, the government still looked at him as The Winter Soldier.

You and Sam looked to Bucky as he quietly complied, not seeming at all surprised about this. More m irritated; bitter. But still he cooperated, and wouldn’t look at you two as he went with the cops.

You didn't know what to do as they placed the handcuffs on him in front of everybody. Your arms dropped from around your chest, wanting to be able to do something. "Is this really necessary?"

He was shaking his head as he got in the back of the squad car, not knowing what else to say or do. You sighed as they drove off, and onlookers finally started to disperse. Sam was looking towards the Bradley house in silence.

"We should go..." You told him, not even sure if he heard as he stared off in thought. "Sam? We gotta go get him."

"How are we gonna do that?"

"I don't know, but he's on his way to jail and we gotta be there." You shook your head unsurely, and his face scrunched up in either thought or frustration. There was still a lot to process from over the past five minutes. You knew it was overwhelming, but you still gripped his shoulder, lowering your voice. "People are watching. We should go."

Finally he nodded, tearing his eyes away from the little house. "Right... Let's go get him."

★

When you and Sam get to the police station, you head straight for the front desk, stopping next to a jar of lollipops on the counter as a guy at the desk tapped at the computer keys while answering your questions.

"How long do they detain someone for stuff like this?"

"Yeah, how does it work? He can just make up his session and he'll be released?"

"Typically the offender can be imprisoned for failure to fulfill the agreed upon terms,” he responded monotonously with eyes still glued to the computer, “but seeing as this is a condition of Mr. Barnes' pardon there may be an exception in place. Who are you in relation to the detainee?"

"We're... colleagues. Occasionally." Sam answers.

The guy finally looked up from the screen at that answer, apparently recognizing Sam now that he's paying attention. "Oh. Right. Well, he has no emergency contacts to reach out to for this sort of situation. Should I put you down as one?"

"Yeah, that'd be good." Sam nodded without hesitation.

After a brief moment of exchanging information, the desk clerk got back to helping you understand Bucky's situation. "He's actually already set to be released as soon as his therapist Dr. Raynor, gets here–"

"Sam Wilson?" You turned to see a middle aged woman walking up to the desk. "I've heard a lot about you. I'm Dr. Raynor, James' therapist."

He shook hands with the brunette. "Nice to meet you. This is my partner, Alex." He introduced, and she shook hands with you as well. "Thank you for getting him out."

"Now that wasn't me."

"Christina!" A voice called to the therapist before either of you could ask anything else. You all looked over to see John Walker taking pictures with some cops at the front door.

"You've got to be kidding me..." Sam groaned. "You know him?"

"Yeah. We did fields opps back in the day." She answered with a slight smile, and he broke away to approached your small group.

"I heard you were working with Bucky, so I thought I'd step in. He won't be following a strict schedule any longer."

"Well we haven't finished our work... Who authorized this?"

Without a verbal response, he just gestures to himself a bit too happily about the newfound powers he possesses. "Look, he’s too much of an asset to have tied up so just do whatever you gotta do with him, then send him off to me."

"To you?" You repeat.

"We've got some unfinished business, him and I. You too, Wilson. And uh..." he looked to you, and already you were receiving way too much attitude from the way his eyes assessed you, "Wilson's partner." He nodded to include you before walking away to join Hoskins at the front.

A door opened from behind, and you all turned to see Bucky coming out of the back hallway. He seemed fine at first, but you knew he had a mastered way of masking just what he was feeling, but if the crease between his old eyes was any indication, he didn't have much fun being put in the slammer over one missed therapy appointment.

"James, condition of your pardon: session, now." Christina declared as soon as she laid eyes on him. Bucky officially looked visibly miserable now. Like he had just gotten out of jail only to trade it off with the gates of hell. "You too, Sam."

"Nah, that's okay. I'll be out here with–"

"That wasn't a request!" She cut off, already down the corridor.

Sam didn't look happy either. He sighed and looked at you, to which you just tiredly shrug. It was really becoming a long day. "I'll wait." With your confirmation, Sam begrudgingly follows the first two. You watch as they both walk back down the hall for some joint therapy. "Oh boy. This won't end well..."

When you went to sit in the waiting area, you saw Lemar still coming in past the swarm of fanboying cops. But once they get away, John and he walk over to the last of the trio left around. How lucky for you.

"Hi, again," Hoskins smiled. He and John settled in front of you.

"We didn't really get to talk before."

"What was that with you getting him out of therapy?" You asked Walker.

"Ah, well, I’ve learned that sometimes in this business you gotta do things for people before they can come around to helping you."

"Yeah but, why didn't you just move his schedule around or something, instead of pulling him out of it altogether?"

He chuckled. "Trust me, I know how these therapy sessions go."

"You deal with 'em a lot doing what we do." Lemar pitched in.

"He won't be missing out on anything."

Was that really it? All that just so he could get "Cap's wingmen" on his side? Maybe it was pointless to linger on it, but you didn't understand why he was being so careless about it. All this over one appointment was certainly a hassle, but Bucky had been through a lot– in these past several years especially. And he's just getting back to a normal life after like eighty years... The way you saw it, court-ordered or not, if the therapy did anything good for him then bailing him out of it wasn't going to help. You watched John closely, and he didn't really seem to care about that.

Lemar's fingers rested comfortably beneath his chest straps. "You're Sam's partner on this, aren't you?"

"Got a name?" John asked when you nodded.

"Alex."

"Right," he laughed, again, as if you must've somehow misunderstood his question. "We saw the kind of stuff you can do on that truck. There were tear marks left all over it. We figured you must have some special hero name."

"No. Just Alex." You nodded, understanding the confusion. "I'm not an Avenger or anything."

"Really?" Hoskins' head tilted. "You seem like you fit right in with them."

"I'm just helping out. And I can't speak for Sam or Bucky but, I don't see them coming around any time remotely soon."

"And what about you?"

Your shoulders rise and fall a bit. "I don't really know you guys. None of us do. But I think it's safe to say there are gonna be some frictional issues between the three of you specifically." You disclose to the blond. "And that's never a good thing."

"We'll ponder on that." John pulled a sucker from the wrapper in his hand and stuck a lollipop in his maddeningly smiling mouth. "We'll be outside." With that they left you alone.

Bucky and Sam were in a private room at a police station because Bucky missed therapy, and they were still all jokes and smiles. That much was clear as they beamed proudly and did their little bro handshake as they walked outside, waving goodbye to the cameras and crowd of officers.

This was a new experience for them. They're excited. Maybe a little too excited. Anyone would be after the opportunity he was given. You understood that. And maybe it was just from the news about Isaiah and those cops back in that neighborhood that made you more tense.

He just gives off more of a fifth grader named class president having too much fun getting to tell everyone else what to do vibe to you, rather than a man wielding the power of the Captain America shield.

Once your guys came back out only a few minutes later, you rose from waiting in your chair. They didn't dare make eye contact with each other as they headed towards you. And the tensed shoulders and hardened eyes were enough to tell you how the session went. "I feel better." You heard Sam say with poorly faked enthusiasm.

"I feel awful." His rougher colleague muttered out.

"Is it possible you two just came out of that room hating each other more than you did before?"

Sam shook his head. "Nope. Not possible."

"Oh, it's very possible." Buck bluntly disagreed before looking to you. "Can we go now?"

"They said you're clear to leave." You turned around to head out. "But you're not gonna like what's outside."

"What now–" You three had barely stepped out of the police station when another cop siren immediately went off. Inadvertently you tensed at hearing the blare. And as if they wanted to prove your point, you look over and see Walker messing with one of the squad cars' speakers, Hoskins sitting on hood of it. You half sighed half groaned as your shoulders untensed.

"Was that supposed to be funny?" Sam mumbled. Bucky and you still followed him over to the rash-like duo.

"Friends, good to see you again." Walker smiled welcomingly, and didn't wait for any response. "If we divide ourselves we don't stand a chance, you guys know that."

Barnes leaned an arm on the car, adjacent from Walker; you leaned your back on the opposite car, arms crossed and hoping this wouldn’t take long.

Sam shoved his hands in his jacket reluctantly. "... So whatta ya got?"

"The leader's name is Karli Morgenthau." He started, and immediately the redhead with the bad temper came to mind. Suddenly that made much more sense than the long haired guy Sam and Torres had initially thought. "They're a group of radicalists, not much younger than you." Walker nods to you.

Hoskins leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "They geotag their locations then scramble the signal, but their symbol's been showing up around various displaced communities in Europe, so we've been targeting civilians helping them from place to place."

"We think they're finding ways to temporarily recruit people who believe in their cause to help them get their stolen supplies and then get back off the grid before they move again. In return she must be taking the medicine and supplies they just stole to these camps."

"They must figure by redistributing the money food and medicine that they're rectifying the post-Blip mandates." Sam reasoned. "Sending a message to the people making decisions... They gotta have some higher leader or hidden source though. The way they did that heist was a little too organized for some twenty-year-old kids if you ask me."

John nods. "You were there?"

"A friend of mine was, undercover. I saw the footage when they robbed the bank using a bunch of civilians to help distract the police so they could get away. It was precise, nobody was caught. They didn't hurt anyone until police tried to stop them..." He looked between the four of you as he broke it down. "Organized chaos. They must've learned it somewhere."

"Yeah well they certainly picked the wrong fight. Everyone’s struggling after the Blip."

"Trust me, Walker: whenever things get better for one group they usually get worse for another."

"Well trust me, this isn't my first counterterrorism mission and these things always end up crossing a line. And I got a feeling they're close."

"Too bad we have no idea where that line is." Bucky finally spoke up. "There are resettlement camps all over Europe, so, you're gonna have to look real hard."

A smirk played at John's lips. "Good thing I have twenty-twenty vision then, huh?" His friend couldn't help a chortle of his own. At this point it was like everything had to turn to a joke with them.

"Where is she now, Walker, do you know?" Barnes questioned irritably.

"No, we don't know, Bucky... But it's only a matter of time before we find out."

Bucky's eyebrows raised sarcastically at his cryptic response. "Things are real intense for you aren't they, Walker?" John only stared back at the snippy elder in silence, and Lemar slid off the car hood, standing behind him. You sighed quietly, starting to feel like you were standing in a vat of testosterone.

"Okay, easy." Sam interjected and stood between Walker and Barnes. "John's got a point. It's imperative we find them and stop them." You glanced at your partner, really hoping he wasn't gonna do what you thought he was doing. Luckily, he turned to John and Lemar. "But you guys have rules of engagement and all kinds of authorizations you have to get. We're free agents. We're more flexible. So it wouldn't make sense for us to team up."

Walker didn't say anything, so the three of you took your cue to leave and get back on track. But oh, Johnny wasn't done just yet. "A word of advice then." He called, making you sigh and turn around. "Stay the hell out of my way..." He warned, with a lingering stare on all of you. After a moment, when the point had apparently been made, they turned away and walked off the lot.

Such a long day.

After what felt like forever, your team of three finally left the station grounds. "Now that that's over with..."

“That guy's gonna drive me crazy. If I weren't already there."

"No argument here," Sam agreed, whether to Bucky's craziness or Walker being a lot, you didn't know. You look to the other two, getting back on track. "So what are we thinking?"

"I know what we need to do." The super soldier spoke up. "When Isaiah said my people..."

"Hey, don't take it to heart. He didn’t mean it like that.”

"He meant Hydra. Hydra used to be my people. So we need someone who knows about Hydra's old and new plans."

"Okay." You look past Sam, over to James. "Where do we get one of those?"

"There's... someone we can go to for help."

Sam looked over after the stretch of silence that followed, and his expression became more grave as realization dawned in his eyes. "Not a chance."

"We've got no other leads. Neither does Walker."

"No. I know where you're going with this."

"What am I missing here?"

"There's someone who knows all of Hydra's secrets." He explained to you, then looked back to Sam. "We need to see Zemo."

“No.”

"Zemo?" You repeated in surprise.

You knew the name. Pretty much everyone did really. The unstable psycho who framed The Winter Soldier for his attack on the Sokovia Accords conference in Vienna. In your circles, you knew him more as the crazy guy who brainwashed Bucky all over again after forcing him out of hiding.

Before that you had already looked up everything the internet had to offer about The Winter Soldier. It became a strict habit of survival after the incident. And aside from Zemo being all over the news seven years ago after the bombing, all that information on the soldier included Zemo’s “relationship” to him. But Sam mistook your remark as a question.

"He's the guy who bombed the UN meeting that killed King T'Chaka years ago, then framed Bucky for it as part of his plan to split apart The Avengers. He used to work Sokovian Intelligence, has had a grudge after what happened in Sokovia ever since, and hates anyone with super abilities. So you can see why going to him would be pointless. We're not seeing him."

"He's locked behind four inches of glass in a high facility detention center, more importantly he's our only shot."

"So what, you're just gonna go sit in a room with this guy?" Sam pointed out, making Buck think on the response.

“Yes, actually.” Barnes looked like he hated the thought of it, but eventually came to the hard conclusion. "... Ya got any other ideas?"

Sam sighed and looked to you. You looked over to Bucky. You could see how determined he was to do this. Like the idea had already been mulling around his mind for a while now. And if he thought he could handle it, maybe it was a smart idea. "It's that or wait until they steal something else. It can’t hurt.”

"Alright..." Sam eventually gave in, and sent the both of you an apprehensive look for what you were about to do. "Let's go see Zemo."