Work Text:
Against his better judgment, Sam tails Barnes as he traverses Lipscani. The street’s crowded with Saturday tourists and shoppers, and for the past ten minutes, the super soldier didn’t give any indication he knew he was being followed.
Sam did only one other thing against his better judgment, and it cost a loved one’s life. Well, this ain’t good.
Steve’s somewhere on the other side of the city. He can’t help. Right now, only he can wake Steve from his fever dream, believing he can save a monster. With all the blood on the man’s hands, the killing machine’s too far gone.
Barnes stops and glances over his shoulder. He turns and walks towards Sam, who freezes, his trembling hand on his concealed gun.
Barnes’ jaw tenses while he looks Sam in the eyes. This time, Sam doesn’t see the cold, dead stare. There’s only sadness and gentleness in those steel-blue eyes.
“Please… leave me alone. I’m trying, but no matter what I do, I just—I don’t want to hurt anyone. I don’t want to hurt Steve again. Or you,” Barnes pleads, his voice low.
Sam’s dumbfounded. He watches Barnes slowly walk away, disappearing among the sea of people.
He believes him.