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Bucky stormed out of the interrogation room, still frustrated from the therapy session with Raynor, he felt as though he was going around in circles. Trying to understand Sam's thought process and how all of Steve's hard work and sacrifice had been for nothing. His residual bitterness flowed through him like fire, wishing this was all a bad dream. They had met Isaiah Bradley, Sam knew there was a black super-soldier, that he and Steve weren't the only ones. He knew all the dirty secrets history had tried to erase and Bucky had tried desperately to forget. Sam had every right to be upset, both of them harbouring frustration at the others actions. He knew Bucky was mad at him for giving away the shield without permission, he knew that he wished he had consulted him first or handed it to him to protect instead. No matter what Sam said it wouldn't change the fact that Bucky felt betrayed. He was still hurting, his life was still a mess, he still felt empty. Being arrested for missing his mandated therapy because he chose to visit Sam, confronting him on his choices, listening to his heart rather than following orders from the government. But his actions had consequences, because he never showed up for therapy, it had led to a worse case scenario. Though all his charges had been cleared due to Hydra being responsible for his crimes. He was still expected to take mandated sessions to prove he was stable, that he wasn't a harm to society. Which led to him being dragged here, sat in a police interrogation room and forced to vent his feelings onto Sam.
He was still pissed about the shield, the symbol Steve carried after he gained the serum, fighting against red skull and defeating their enemies. Used against Pierce, Rumlow, and a mountain of different enemies. The very gift Wakanda gave Howard Stark in the 40s, the shield that represented all that Steve had stood for. The shield felt like family to Bucky, it was the closest thing he had to Steve, the only string that kept them connected. It was now the property of the government and Steve's legacy was bastardised, using the symbol, using it as a weapon rather than something important. They didn't care about Steve, they didn't care what he stood for. They just wanted a cap they could control, a privileged pretty boy jock, not a scrawny warm hearted kid from Brooklyn who was too stupid to run away from a fight. He wished Steve was here now, wishing that he hadn't chosen Peggy, that he hadn't broken his heart like this. He wished Steve could help him, remind him he was a good person, help him adjust to being himself again, reminding him that he was a person. Steve had always believed in him when nobody else did, that he deserved redemption and that he wasn't to blame for his crimes.
"Thanks again for getting Bucky out doc" Sam pressed gratefully, Bucky had a habit of getting into trouble, following him wherever he went. He had no idea how he managed it but he had people willing to help him. He owed a lot of people apologies and gift baskets for his antics.
Raynor smiled awkwardly, she had been prepared for a mess after Bucky had gone after the flag smashers. That she would need further sessions and James would still need further improvement. He had been making good changes but he needed to learn to trust people, he would never grow if he constantly saw the world as his enemy "That wasn't me" she apologised. She didn't have the influence to manage such a thing, the government had say over Bucky's process and recovery.
A flash of confusion formed across Sam's face, trying to put the pieces together and what had led to Bucky's therapy being ended. Bucky's name had been cleared of all charges, but the government and shield had helped with that. But all of his mandated government therapy had been cancelled, erased, his name cleared, finally a free man without the worry of people deeming him unsafe. He knew Bucky wasn't a bad person, Steve had showed him that, the torture and cruelty he'd been subjected to, breaking his soul. But something didn't feel right, his gut told him that they were in trouble, if Raynor hadn't approved this who had. Sam raised his eyebrow, there was no way Bucky's therapy would be over so soon. Raynor didn't seem to think so either, yes she wasn't the best therapist Bucky had ever had, but then she was the only one he'd been speaking to. While Bucky was hostile to her she tried to help him heal, impatient and frustrated with his behaviour. She was merely doing the job expected of her.
Bucky rolled his eyes, not paying attention, blocking out the background noise so it didn't blend together into nonsense. Trying to find his happy place so he didn't lose his temper and break Walker's nose, he knew who would be behind all of this, it was obvious to him. Suddenly, his mobile flashed, vibrating in his pocket, he subtly took his phone from his pocket, swiping the screen to check his messages. His gaze softened and a warm smile formed on his cheeks, predictable, it was from Natasha. She had an innate instinct of knowing when he was getting himself into trouble.
What have you done James?-Nat
She knew he had intentionally missed therapy to confront Sam and help him on his mission against the flag smashers, he could never ignore when trouble was brewing. He was a loyal retriever, he always stood by their side and protected them. Everything he did had good intentions, even if his actions never made sense. She knew he didn't like Raynor, she knew he had tracked the flag smashers to get answers, she knew Bucky had gone off his own against better judgement. She always knew what he was thinking, how his brain worked, she knew him, she was probably the only person other than Steve who knew him better than himself.
Bucky groaned under his breath, closing his eyes and reflecting on what he was about to face, he couldn't care less about what everyone else thought about him. He didn't need Raynor's judgement, he didn't need Walker acting like he knew better, or that he was in charge, he never was. He had faced worse men than Walker, he had seen true evil and been dragged into their warped delusions. Nat was fiercely protective of him, she always had been, the two people closest to her above all were Yelena and Bucky. She knew what it was like to have someone dig their claws into your brain and rip it apart, so you could not longer recognise who you were. She'd become even more so since Steve went back to the past for Peggy, knowing how hard the loss effected Bucky above all. She was still angry at him for abandoning them, but he had made his choice. Natasha was still a Shield agent alongside Maria Hill, now that Fury was in space. She checked in regularly with Wanda after the Hex situation, losing vision and her life being ripped apart by the snap. Since Shield had been semi disbanded since the incidents with Pierce and her history being spread all over the internet. She worked rogue, as an assassin for hire, including private work. Her anger toward walker probably outmatched his own, the false persona he had, being a tool for the government, making a mockery of the avengers and all they stood for.
Walker greeted Raynor with familiarity while allowing civilians to take pictures and greeted them warmly, treating his position like an attention seeking celebrity. Sam could feel the hatred burning from Bucky's gaze as if he was willing Walker to burst into flames abruptly. He knew nothing would hold Bucky back if he chose to act on his dislike of Walker. Walkers narcissism and cockiness towards Bucky triggered his rage, the training of the winter soldier still remained. The urge to beat Walker into a bloody pulp becoming stronger. Suddenly, Bucky's attention deviated from Walker, staring behind him, his expression softened slightly, the tenseness of his body lessening subtly. His gaze was soft and longing, relieved, the internal storm had dissipated. Sam raised his eyebrow suspiciously before he looked in the direction of Bucky's view, wondering what caught his eye, then it made sense.
Natasha's steely green eyes staring down at Bucky, her arms folded across her chest but her expression was a mixture of worry, relief and anger. Wondering how long she had been here. Bucky must have texted her what was going on, she was the only person who Bucky listened to without hesitation, the only person he genuinely trusted with his life, now that Steve was gone. She'd grown out her hair since the battle of earth against Thanos, her hair now fully red again instead of bleach blonde tips. Her hair braided into a French style that fell across her chest with some loose strands. Their outfits nearly match, Natasha wearing black combat boots, black jeans, a red jumper and a black leather jacket, she and Bucky dressed so similarly sometimes it was scary. A look of pure devoted love formed on Bucky's face, like they were the only two people in the room. Completely oblivious to Sam or Dr Raynor being present, to any of the civilians or police officers. All they could see was each other. Sam had later learned of the history between them during his time being controlled by Hydra and Nat's past in the red rooms, that Natasha fell in love with him during her training, torture and development into a widow. Though he was confused and in awe of it for a while, he saw the genuine bond and love between them, they were good for each other.
Walker blinked, sensing the tension in the room, eyes staring into his back sending chills down his body. Paranoia gnawing at the back of his mind which he couldn't ignore. Bucky's gaze fixated on something behind him and even Raynor looked surprised, he turned curiously to notice Natasha standing behind him nearby. His eyes widened and a look of shock formed. Natasha Romanov or Natalia Romanova based on her birth name, high ranking Shield agent working under Nick Fury himself, an ex leviathan agent, hydra tool, soviet KGB operative, a member and survivor of the red rooms and an active black widow. She was infamous for her efficiency as an assassin and shield agent, many looked up to her as an idol and a hero despite her past. Why was someone of her ranking here? With Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes?
Natasha shot a glare at Sam who frowned apologetically and bowed his head, not even attempting to explain himself in front of her. She was still angry about his decision with the shield, wishing he had consulted her first, finding another alternative to it ending up in Walker's hand. But she understood his reasons better than Bucky, knowing Sam had meant well, but she still disapproved. Natasha fast-walked in the direction of Bucky, ignoring everyone else in the room, headed towards her target.
John Walker stepped in her path, blocking her off, eager to introduce himself to her in order to gain her companionship. Flashing her his usual charming smile, in hopes of winning her over "Miss Romanov, a pleasure to meet you, Captain America" he greeted. Oblivious to how stupid he had made himself look in that moment.
Sam snorted, biting back a laugh, to which Bucky visibly smirked, they were both enjoying this interaction just a little. He was way out of his depth and he was embarrassing himself. Nat worked alongside Steve from the beginning, after he was defrosted after crashing into the ice, after Bucky was found to be alive and under the control of Hydra as the winter soldier. Right up until the battle of earth when he chose to return to the past to live with Peggy Carter, she had run the avengers as their leader during the blip, keeping everyone together. She had earned the respect of many, including Okoye of the Dora Milaje, she had high protocol under Nick Fury. John Walker was nothing to her, a pale comparison and a deluded fake.
Natasha blanked him, effortlessly walking past him without so much as blinking, ignoring his presence. Approaching Bucky, reaching out to lightly squeeze his hand, her eyes tender, intense and loving. She wanted to rest her forehead against his own and just stand in silence with him, reassuring herself he was safe. Her expression remained calm but her eyes screamed otherwise, she could see how tired he looked, the fresh bruises on his face, he had been in a fight again. She softened, her usual smirk forming on her lips as she gazed up at Bucky fondly "You know phones are for when you need help" she teased. They could have gathered more information and progressed further into understanding what they were up against if she had fought alongside them.
Bucky chuckled, wishing Nat had been there by his side to take them on, he would have loved to see their smug expressions falter in the presence of a black widow. Someone trained to kill from childhood, who never failed a mission. But he was glad she was here now "I handled it" he smiled.
Natasha scoffed, she would patch him up when they got home and talk about what they were up against. But she didn't want to stress him out or make a scene "Getting arrested isn't handling it James" she reminded him. She then turned to Raynor with an apologetic expression "I'm sorry I missed today's session", she usually joined Bucky to help ease him, as well as to tease him and comfort him. Afterwards they would get coffee, lunch, go and cuddle with Alpine and Liho, then just enjoy each others company. She liked to know how Bucky was improving and what they talked about. She knew he hated the thought of anyone intruding in his brain, after all he had been through.
Raynor softened, she could see James was holding her hand like a lifeline, she was already bringing him comfort by being here. She knew James and Natasha had a long history from his past, she was the person he called the most, next to herself. Though surprised that Bucky had a relationship, she was relieved he had that positive connection in his life. Their relationship has been rekindled after Bucky got his memories back and Wakanda helped remove the trigger words. Though patience was key, Bucky was happier with her back in his life, less hostile, somewhat playful and open about his emotions, but he still struggled. Bucky still had issue opening up to her, tense and short when Natasha wasn't around, unable to turn his brain off. But he still put in the effort, which was what mattered. "As of today, his therapy is terminated" Raynor frowned, thanks to Walker involving himself.
Natasha glared, her anger felt all around the room, Sam visibly tensing and attempting to remain calm, he didn't want to involve himself in this mess. Natasha was someone you didn't want to get on the wrong side of, he'd seen her fight and knew what she was capable of. Bucky was stable, finally earning the trust of civilians and able to walk through the street without the worry of being arrested. Wakanda and T'challa had seen to his trigger words being removed so that Hydra could never control him again. But no matter how much healing someone would attempt to introduce Bucky to, it would never be enough, thanks to his decade's worth of trauma and torture, Bucky's mind was broken. The winter soldier still resided in him somewhere, the muscle memory and training would still pollute his brain, his dark side was always with him. She knew that feeling all too well. He still suffered from anxiety, nightmares and PTSD, due to the serum in his blood, he needed a higher dosage of medication which at times didn't work for him. The intrusive thoughts, bad dreams, flashbacks and memories still remained. His mental health wasn't stable and he still struggled without Steve, that conscience that had always been there for him. Natasha knew the monsters that plagued him, for she had her own "Under what authority" she snapped coldly
Walker approached, still wearing his smug grin and gestured towards himself with his hands, as if his actions were something to be proud of. Like he had achieved something admirable by removing her husband from the therapy which helped him regain his humanity. That he deserved a second chance, that he could change for the better. Natasha glared, her gaze icy, that flicker in her eyes that she always had before someone either ended up in a hospital ward or dead. Sam shivered, stunned into silence "You erased this therapy" she growled. He had a lot of explaining to do and he better do a good job of it, because his smug face was starting to look like a punching bag.
"Look, Miss Romanov, it's my job to keep people safe, we need to find Morgenthau and stop the flag smashers. Having two avengers and Captain Rogers lackeys would be useful to us. Even if he is ex Hydra, you know how that is?" he smiled. Morgenthau was a threat and had no moral code against harming and killing innocent people, she was stealing medicine and other forms of important trades for god knows what reason. She had no issue threatening civilians and disturbing the peace, this kind of behaviour couldn't be allowed to continue. Bucky and Sam knew more about this and had valuable information needed for them, with their help, they could end this once and for all. With more team power they could get this finished sooner.
Sam scoffed, this guy had balls, bringing up something as delicate and painful as Hydra to Bucky was low. He'd fought and faced Hydra operatives, as well as Bucky when he was still under their control, he was out of his depth here. Putting himself on both Natasha and Bucky's shitlist. Natasha could understand Karli's mentality on a personal level, as could Yelena. Her childhood being robbed from her by being forced to become a spy, brainwashed and tortured into becoming an assassin. She knew the same desperation, the same desire to be free, for a better world. The fear, the anger, the bitterness and the loneliness, Karli was only doing what she thought was right, but her methods were wrong. Natasha didn't want to kill Karli, she wanted to stop her, convince her that there was a better way. To save another life, to give Karli a future doing something better.
"I'm sure we can find her together, I'm sure you understand the concept of sleeping with the enemy" Walker flirted, she was used to getting her hands dirty, using her sexuality as a weapon to complete a mission. Sometimes you had to make tough choices and playing nice wasn't the way to go.
Bucky growled, nearly stepping forward to knock Walker's lights out, enraged that Walker was making a pass at his wife. This guy had no shame, decency or respect, wasn't he married? Natasha pressed a hand on his chest to stop him, Bucky instantly stopped, not taking another step forward but death glaring Walker with dagger like eyes. It never ceased to impress Sam how Natasha could so easily soothe Bucky.
Natasha tilted her head, observing Walker calmly, taking him in and memorising his appearance and expressions. Being a spy, being able to read people, weaknesses, strengths, secrets, it all came naturally to her. She didn't wince or blink once upon hearing Walker's proposition and jab. "So, if you've done your homework, you'd remember your history Captain. You'd know James Buchanon Barnes is a Sergeant, an original member of the Howling Commando, Steve Rogers's best friend, a veteran and ex-prisoner during the war. He was Steve's brother, not you, whom he broke the Sokovia accords for. So if anyone is listening or taking orders from anyone, it's you. Without the serum in your veins, you're lucky to be alive after being kicked from that lorry…." She pressed coldly. James had been by Steve's side from the beginning, earned his trust and forged a brotherly bond with him. He'd stood by his side through it all until his supposed death when he fell from the train. They never lost faith in each other and followed the other into battle without hesitation. The only family Steve had ever known was Bucky and whatever fanboy crush Walker had towards Steve's legacy was nothing in comparison.
Walker's face slowly drained of colour, his smugness depleting to non-existent, people muttering and whispering behind them, Raynor standing nearby smirking to herself, a few people trying not to laugh. He had been shot down to earth from his current god complex, reminded that his legacy in comparison to Steve's meant nothing. That he was a fool running around blindly and following orders, which Steve never had.
"… Speaking of Hydra, said Winter soldier trained me himself, Soviet KGB and the red rooms, so it was more dating coworkers" she mocked, smirking at him. He could never come between her and Bucky, she had eyes for him since the beginning, he was her first and only love. He was irreplaceable in her heart and nobody could take his place, especially not Walker. She had always called him James, never Bucky, even though she knew he would allow it. The way she said his name was sweeter than anything, how much it made him smile. Walker had better start showing Bucky more respect as his superior, before she gave him a painful lesson on what happened if he continued to disrespect Bucky.
Sam snorted, covering his mouth and averting his gaze, the smirk on his face widening, he would never let Walker live this down. "Damn" he muttered to himself, trying not to laugh aloud. He was so glad Natasha had come all this way, Natasha had just owned his ass, there was no recovering from that. She had confronted his entitlement, bossiness and assumed leadership over everyone, thinking his position as Cap meant he was above everyone else. When people who had known Steve personally, knew his true colours. Bucky had found his match with her and he couldn't be happier, someone able to match his wit and who loved him endlessly. Bucky was smirking with amusement, not even hiding the grin on his face, trying his hardest not to laugh aloud, mocking Walker. The ring on their fingers gleaming in the crappy police station lights. He couldn't have been prouder of Natasha, she was so hot when she was angry, taking no prisoners. He was married to this woman and he was constantly reminded he was the luckiest man alive.
John Walker looked like he had been slapped, knocked down a peg, never expecting Natasha to show such hostility and coldness towards him. Even Raynor was trying not to laugh, as problematic as Bucky could be during therapy, she always treated him with respect. Calling him James or Mr Barnes, never his nickname. Walker expected everyone to show him respect, treat him as a superior and threw his weight around. Forgetting that despite being chosen, this could be taken away easily. He wasn't special.
"So it's Falcon or Sam Wilson, Sargeant Barnes or James, and Miss Romanov. Da?" she pressed, her Russian slipping through at the last second. Walker merely nodded his head weakly in agreement, unable to form words. She then walked out, Sam and Bucky following closely.
Natasha walked down the street, approaching her bike and unlocking it from its position, she couldn't wait to go home and forget about all this mess. She would need to keep a closer eye on Bucky for the foreseeable future. She had brought a second helmet for Bucky, he'd taken enough tumbles today, she didn't want to patch him up further. Sam could get a lift from shield, they would be here shortly as she had called before arriving. But she could wait around until it arrived, so she could be assured he was home safe. "You boys always cause me trouble" she sighed, but at least it kept her life interesting.
"Gotta be grateful your wife saved our asses" Sam chuckled, he owed Natasha big time, he didn't know how he would ever repay her for all the times she had gotten them out of trouble. He nodded goodbye to them both, thanking Natasha for getting them out of trouble, he had further research to do on the flag smashers.
Bucky watched Natasha as she gripped the bike, contemplating, he could sense she was upset and it was partially due to his actions. She was like a rogue cat, she was on edge, one wrong move and she would cut him down without hesitation. He would make this up to her and here on she would be involved in their mission. But he knew what would make her smile "You know, watching you cut down Walker might be my new hobby" he grinned. He would never get sick of her throwing jabs at him, making a game of it.
Natasha stiffened, she loved James so much but he could be so foolish sometimes. Act first think later, he really needed to get out of that mentality "You have to be more careful James, you may be a super soldier but you aren't immortal, neither of us are" she reminded him bitterly. She lost Clint when he leapt from the cliff on Vormir allowing them to gain the stone, Steve had returned to the past to live out his life with Peggy, Tony had sacrificed himself using the stones to destroy Thanos once and for all. She refused to lose anyone else, she had lost enough friends, enough sacrifices had been made, she didn't need more heartache. It would be too much for her to bear.
Bucky softened, guilt filling him as he realised the impact of her words, this wasn't just about Morgenthau or the serum. He knew Clint was her best friend and his kids were her godchildren, he had been the one to get her out of the red rooms. She still had nightmares about Vormir and jumping from the cliff, sitting up all night with her as she cried. He cupped her face, stroking it with his thumb, gazing into her eyes "I'm sorry Natalia, I just… Steve…" he mumbled apologetically.
Natasha softened, kissing his cheek "I miss him too" she nodded, she knew how much it hurt, the emptiness they left behind. What you wouldn't give to have them back even for a second. She understood him better than anyone, she sighed wearily "So, the serum, there's more of you running around" she questioned. Steve would be horrified, he was the first and only perfect super soldier in existence. Fury would be on edge if he found out that Hydra's plan had succeeded. Bucky climbed onto the back of the bike, wrapping his arms around her front, breathing in her perfume and shampoo, being close to her he already felt at ease. He knew she would want to speak to Zemo, as much as Bucky hated him he needed to. But she would make sure any antagonistic behaviour he attempted, she would make sure he didn't try it again. After the Sokovia accords, triggering Bucky for answers and tearing the avengers apart, Natasha had been on the run for a long time before her name was cleared. She had returned to her family in Russia, helping take down the red rooms once and for all, preventing further widows from being made. Freeing them once and for all, allowing them to make their own choices. It wouldn't be easy taking on the flag smashers just the three of them, but they could always contact Melina and Yelena for help. They had connections, besides it would be nice for another family reunion.