Author's Rambles: Hey all, sorry for the long wait. I was kind-of waiting for Civil War to finally come out to see where they were going with it. Long story short, it's a good movie and it's also helping with the direction of this fanfic.

That being said, expect spoilers in future chapters.

I also wrote a near ending snippet/chapter just to get it out there and have an idea what I wanted for Riley and Bucky. It got intense and now I have to finish this story for you! Hopefully you're still here and reading and ready to continue this adventure with me.

Thank you to those reviewing, the reviews really help show that there's still interest here. Keep them coming!

And finally, you know the drill.

Read, Review and above all… Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I still don't own Marvel!


Brazil 1.5 Years Ago...

James Buchannan Barnes found himself wandering a lot. Specifically in the early hours when Riley was finally knocked out cold. Tranquilizers worked wonders sometimes. Luckily for him it was her idea in the first place.

The early mornings in Brazil were beautiful. The ground would be wet from morning dew, the early morning sun trickling light threw the dew drops. The sound of the local wildlife waking up slowly and intimately. Everything about this place was peaceful. Everything except her, of course. His red head was losing hope, and honestly, so was he. He couldn't help her like he had wanted, they'd have to head back home after his meeting with Fury tomorrow. He felt like a failure, he failed the one person he wanted to protect. The Ghost had failed his red head.

With a long, exasperated sigh, Bucky ran his good hand through his hair; pulling it back and tying it up into a small bun. That was the only thing he hated about Brazil, the way his hair would stick to the back of his neck. It was really growing out again after her had trimmed it shorter not too long ago. A time when things were still complicated but easier to get through. A time when he was forgetful but it didn't matter because she was safe, she was happy; she was okay. A time he'd kill to go back to.

The safe house came into view, he stopped walking and stared at it for a long time. The sun peeking through the trees as it began to illuminate the sidings of the house. She'd wake up soon, if she hadn't already. He wanted to be there, like he had been for the last three months. Like he had been ever since he spent the night in the Russian safe house; like he would continue to do for the rest of his life. Anything for Riley, anything for the girl he owed so much to. The girl he loved, the girl he failed. He'd be lying if he said it didn't hurt. With one last, deep breath, Bucky went inside; unsure of what kind of Riley he'd find today.

She stood in the living area, alert even for someone waking out of a forced sleep. Her head snapping towards his direction, her eyes watering. Bucky was ready for the worst, ready for a fight, that was until she smiled brightly; laughing incredulously at the sight before her. This concerned Bucky even more, had she completely lost it? It wasn't until she spoke, Barnes had any inkling as to what was happening. "Ghost…" She said. She had said his nickname before, but, the way she said it nearly caused Bucky to fall over. There was recognition, there was a sign that she knew exactly who she was looking at.

"Red?" He barely choked out as the red head nodded eagerly. Before he knew it, he was across the floor already, holding her in his arms like it was the last time he'd ever hug her. "Please tell me I'm not dreaming." She gently placed her hands on either side of his face, looking up at him with that same loving look her had longed for so long. That look she hadn't given him in three months. That look he'd kill for. He lost all control then, crashing his lips to hers with need he hadn't felt since the early days of their relationship. She returned the kiss with the same breathless hunger. He had his red head back, at least, he thought he had. That was something they'd deal with after their meeting with Fury the next day, a meeting they were horribly late to.


Present Day...

Riley's eyes snapped open, she wasn't sure how long she had dozed for but, her mind was beginning to fog. Shutting her eyes again tightly, she inhaled deeply until the feeling dissipated. She wouldn't relapse here, not now. She was already in a world of trouble as she moved her hands just enough to hear the rattle of the handcuffs. A friendly reminder that Riley J. Campbell was a prisoner on the jet back to the Avengers Compound in Upstate New York. She had gone rogue chasing after Bucky; Ross had ordered for her to be under arrest and constant surveillance until they decided what to do with her. It wasn't the worst part of her day by far.

Maybe running was not such a bad idea anymore. Maybe Bucky was right; they weren't heroes. Even though she wanted to be, at least, in some strange way she wanted to reconcile her past and pay her dues to society. She wanted forgiveness, she wanted redemption for what she had done. Yet, maybe being a hero really was unattainable for someone like her. Now she couldn't run. Not anymore. She didn't have a choice, Atkin knew where Emily was. Even if she tried to run, get Bucky and go find Emily, she wouldn't make it there on time. She also didn't know exactly how high on Atkin's radar she was.

With a groan, she looked around the jet; noting the locations of each Avenger where they stood. They didn't have any other prisoners, that meant Barnes and the others got away. She then realized Stark had noticed her awake, and with a disapproving scowl, he marched over and sat down next to her. "Had a nice nap?" He said with sarcasm in every word.

"Stark—" She tried.

"What were you thinking¸ Deadshot?" He asked. "You deliberately disobeyed orders and now you're in a world of trouble with Ross. I don't think we can protect you from them; you're going to get arrested and then what about Emily?"

What about Emily? Would Riley's inevitable incarceration cause Atkin to go after her? This was his plan after all, he should have known this could happen. "Stark." She tried again, this time more desperation in her voice. He actually stopped; looking more like a concerned father than an angry teammate. "Find Emily, keep her safe." She said in a low voice.

"We will." He promised her. "What's going on?"

She forced a weak but snarky smile. "I'm getting incarcerated, remember?"

Tony rolled his eyes. "I swear, Deadshot. You find humor in the worst of times. We'll figure out how to get you out of this. Maybe just a slap on the wrist, suspension from the team for a few missions."

"Whatever we have to do." She said, reclining back in her chair. "How long until we arrive?"

"Ten minutes." Stark said. "Get your innocent face on." Her smirk widened into a wicked grin. "Best let me do all the talking." Stark said quickly, getting up from his seat across from Riley and heading towards the front of the jet. Things were about to get interesting.


"What the hell was that, Barnes?" When Fury would get angry, really angry, a vein would bulge on the top of his head just under the strap of his eyepatch. This was really the first time Bucky noticed it in person. Especially since Fury was shouting at him. "I told you to stay out of it!"

"And I did." Bucky replied coolly. "She found me."

"And what if she shot you?" Bucky just shrugged in reply. "You know what, I hope next time she does shoot your ass."

"Alright, enough." Steve said, finally stepping in. "We have other things to discuss." Fury and Barnes ceased their argument, however, their glares continued as Steve carried on. "There's something really strange about the sudden appearance of Crossbones."

"How so?" Barton asked, keeping a constant watch on Fury and Barnes, just in case things went down.

"Doesn't anyone else find it odd that he shows up just in time for the Act? He called out only those that didn't want to sign it. It's like he's trying to get them to come out in the open to get caught." Steve said. "It just feels like something bigger is going on."

Falcon snorted. "That's because there's always something bigger going on."

"Are you thinking HYDRA stragglers?" Fury questioned.

Steve shrugged. "Quite possibly. As we know HYDRA, there's never just one."

"Cut off one head—" Bucky mumbled, folding his arms over his chest with an uneasiness he couldn't really hide.

"If that's the case, then we need to uncover where Crossbones is getting his orders from." Fury said.

"It has to be someone with information." Barton chimed in. "Someone will access to things not many people would know."

Steve gave Barton a pointed look. "Do you think there's a mole?"

He just shrugged. "I think there's someone who knows too much."

It made sense and that made Bucky worry. What if there was a mole, what if someone was inside on this whole Act thing and using it to their advantage? If that were the case, it had to be someone on Stark's side and that meant Riley was in danger. It was no longer about convincing the red head to join him, he had to make her. Excusing himself quickly, Bucky left the conference room to talk to the last person he'd ever ask for help. A certain speedster who hated attending meetings.


Riley was still handcuffed, however, she wasn't in jail just yet. Instead, she sat in the center office of the Avengers Compound. A soundproof glass walled box with a table, chairs and a monitor above her. She was easily seen by any and all personnel working on that floor. She could also see an angry General Ross shouting at Tony Stark and pointing in her direction. "Oh, I'm in trouble." She made light of the situation as she watched the arguing continue.

The arguing men soon calmed as Natasha came over, nodding to the glass box. The three remained quiet before wandering into Riley's little holding area. Riley kept her sarcastic grin as Ross entered last. "Agent Campbell." He began. "You went rogue, you went against protocol and that is something we cannot allow."

"I was bringing in Barnes." She tried to defend.

"While we appreciate your—" He paused trying to find the word. "Passion to take down Sergeant Barnes; you still went against protocol. You went against orders and you attacked."

Riley rolled her eyes. "You see, if I caught him you wouldn't be mad."

"Riley, please." Stark said, actually using her name for once. That made Riley realize that she was in more trouble than she originally thought.

She sighed, adjusting herself in her seat before asking the tough questions. "What happens now?"

"We need to place you under evaluation." Ross said. "Mental and emotion evaluation to make sure you're still an asset to the team. If you pass, you will be on probation. If not, we will have to take other actions."

Riley felt a pit in her stomach forming. A psych evaluation was not something she needed, not now. That would blow her cover; that would ruin everything. She looked at Natasha for any form of guidance, she responded by looking down. There was no way out of this. Riley was going to get caught.

Miracles can happen in many forms, wanted and unwanted. Miracles that can save a person for good and miracles that save a person for ill. He walked in, a calm smile on his face as he stood next to General Ross. "General, I'm sorry I'm late." He said, looking at Riley. That pit began to grow in her stomach as she stared him down, what was he doing?

"Commanding Officer, we were just dealing out our sentencing for Agent Campbell's actions." Ross filled him in.

Bryan tried to look stunned. "May I ask what her sentence is?"

"For acting against protocol, she needs to go under psych evaluation and then we can see fit where she ends up." Ross said.

Bryan clicked his tongue to the roof of his mouth. "General, I don't think it necessary to punish Ms. Campbell. She was doing what seemed necessary for the group and assisting in the capture of those who act against the Registration. I see no harm here."

"With all due respect, Commanding Officer. I believe an evaluation must be completed." Ross said.

Bryan, as charming as ever, countered once more. "Very well, General. As someone in your position, I see you really have no choice in the matter. You deal with these situations with a demeanor I wish more men in my service had."

'Such flattery.' Riley thought, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"Might I make one suggestion?" Bryan said. "As you know from my background, I have a degree in psych; specifically for those dealing with fighting against a significant other on the battlefield. You may remember from my file the story of my late wife, General?" Ross hummed in reply. "Let me evaluate, Ms. Campbell."

Riley wanted to object, her body tensing up completely; she wanted to fight against this. However, Bryan would be her saving grace if he distracted them all from the truth. It was a win-lose situation no matter how she saw it. "Very well." Ross said.

"Splendid." Bryan grinned brightly. "Ms. Campbell, please come to my office in twenty."

"Why can't she stay here?" Natasha interjected.

Bryan kept his smile. "Ms. Romanoff, this is a psych evaluation. This is personal and classified information from Ms. Campbell. We cannot compromise any of this otherwise we could miss something entirely. I'm sure Ms. Campbell would agree."

All eyes turned to Riley as she sat there in her seat, putting on her brave face and forcing a small smile. "I'll be fine, Tasha." She said. "I'm sure it won't take long."

"It's settled then. I will see you soon, Ms. Campbell." Bryan said, nodding to the group before dismissing himself.

Stark, somewhat relieved Riley wouldn't be in jail yet feeling more concern over Bryan taking over Riley's psych evaluation, excused himself not much after and headed for a quiet area before taking out his phone. "FRIDAY." He looked at the screen. "Anything yet on Commanding Officer Bryan Atkin?"

"Negative, Mr. Stark." The computer voice said. "Just his file on record with the Government. Still searching the databases for anything more."

Stark was displeased but knew there was only so much they could do. "Get a message to Maria Hill. I want her looking too."

"Yes sir." Stark was beginning to suspect something more was at play here, and he wasn't alone in his suspicions. He needed to find something, anything to condemn Bryan Atkin. The man so eager to get Riley alone.


Bucky found Pietro lounging around the common area of the base; surprisingly enough he was staying out of trouble. Pietro looked up from his seat, seeing the soldier and tensing slightly. "Whatever it is, I didn't do it."

Rolling his eyes, Bucky let his shoulders fall. He didn't want to go to Pietro for help; that was the last thing he wanted. However, this wasn't about it. This was about Riley. "I'm about to do something and I need you to not be a little prick about it, okay?" Pietro eyed him carefully as Bucky ran a hand through his hair. "I need your help."

Pietro erupted into laughter. "The soldier has come to be for help? What has you this desperate?"

"Riley." Bucky answered truthfully with somewhat of a groan.

Pietro's playfulness died down a little. "Is she okay?"

"Well, if you attended the meetings—" Pietro just snorted. "You'd know that we think there's an inside HYDRA agent in the government." Bucky said dryly. "And I think Riley could be in trouble because of it."

"So what do you need from me?"

"Knowing how this is going to go down, we'll be heading out for another mission to take down Crossbones. If that's the case, Stark and the others will be showing up. If they do, I need you to help me—" He paused for a moment trying to think of a way to word it.

"Kidnap the red head." Pietro finished the sentence.

"In so many words, kid." Bucky rolled his eyes.

Pietro grinned. "You got it, old man. Just tell me what to do."

"She's going to fight dirty and take any shot she can at me. She won't see you coming or even expect you." Bucky said. "I'll distract her as much as I can, you just need to take her."

"Won't she try to fight me?"

Bucky sighed; reluctance in his voice. "I give you permission to knock her out if you have to." He said, only to grow more serious and threatening. "But hurt her any more than that and I will end you. Got it?"

Pietro's grin only widened in reply. "Count me in, Soldier."


Riley looked down at her wrists, two red circles were left behind from the handcuffs. Thankfully, the cuffs were off now; she didn't feel like a prisoner anymore. At least, not a prisoner to anyone except Bryan Atkin. She sat in his office; deafening silence say for the central air. She wanted more than anything to get up and run, leave the compound and find Emily. She knew that wasn't possible; she'd be caught and have to deal with whatever Atkin had planned.

He finally joined her, walking into the room and closing the door behind him. He was still smiling as he nonchalantly wandered over to the chair in front of Riley, sitting down and crossing his one leg over the other. "Report." He said. Riley didn't answer at first, she just eyed him carefully. "No one can hear you, the audio is out. Only the cameras are working, so let's put on a good show. Report."

"There isn't much to report. He got away."

"How?" His smile faded now; his tone a little harsh.

Riley bit her lip at first. "He saw me coming; outran me. I had the Avengers on my tail, someone caught my movements through the com link."

"If you're not competent enough for this task, Ms. Campbell; I can always find someone else who is. Once I tie up loose ends with you and your daughter, of course."

"That won't be necessary." Riley said through gritted teeth; her eyes beginning to pool with unwanted tears at the mere threat to her daughter.

Bryan smirked now, changing the subject. "You know—" He began. "Madame Strucker had some interesting ideas in that little book of hers. It's full of schematics and plans for HYDRA; she was quite the genius."

Something in that sentence caught her attention; even in her mental state. "That's an interesting name." She said lowly. "No one outside of HYDRA has ever called her that." She saw it in his eyes. The false smile didn't distract her; she saw in his eyes that he knew he let something slip. "Who are you really?"

He shifted in his seat again, his leg uncrossing from the other as he leaned forward. Suddenly, his voice was filled with a thick German accent. "I think you would have made a great predecessor for your Mother, Ms. Campbell. You come from a long line of HYDRA agents. Your Granddad, your Aunt and your Mother. It's in your blood, you cannot fight it." A few of the unwanted tears fell as the realization fully came through. Riley was doing exactly what she feared, helping HYDRA. The terrible choice of giving Bucky to HYDRA or endanger her daughter. "Just remember, I have people watching your precious Emily as we speak. Any word of this, any suspicious activity at all—" His grin was wicked as he sat back in his seat, his German accent disappearing again. "Well, I think we know what that means." Riley slowly nodded, unable to speak as tears continued to fall down her cheeks. He knew he had her, she was a desperate mother and that worked to his advantage. "Now be a good girl and bring me Sergeant Barnes."

He handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes, at least on camera it would look like he had a breakthrough with Riley. A convincing one at that, one that would satisfy General Ross yet leave a bad taste in Natasha Romanoff's mouth as they watched the silent footage.


Final Thought: Oh, we are going to hate Bryan Atkin. In the notes with the aforementioned chapter I wrote, you're going to really, really hate this guy. Anyway! Thanks for reading, remember to review!