Chapter 1. – Conclusion
Today was a perfectly ordinary day - a Saturday morning. There are hardly any visitors at this time, as it is the weekend and many people are sleeping until noon. Eileen was standing at the counter checking the coffee machine when she heard the bells ring, announcing that someone had opened the door. In a flash Eileen turned to see who it was and saw her friend, Bucky. They had met a year ago when he first visited her bakery.
-Hello doll. - he said hello as he approached the counter, a warm smile on his face. Eileen glanced at him and knew he'd had another rough night, by his dark circles under his eyes.
-Hello, Bucky..." said Eileen, stepping out from behind the counter to approach the man. Her hand reached for his cheek and she ran it affectionately, feeling the prickly stubble. - What's wrong, another nightmare?
He didn't answer, just nodded, it was obvious from his eyes that he didn't want to bring it up. Eileen did not insist, and only smiled understandingly at him as she walked back behind the counter.
-The usual? - She asked the man and he sat down at a table against the wall, where they usually spent their time together when there were no customers.
-Yes, please. - said Bucky, his gaze sliding around the room. He couldn't get out of the habit of examining the room, spotting escape routes.
-You know, I made some brand new cakes today! And I need to know your opinion. - Eileen quickly made black coffee. Putting a cup of coffee and his favorite plum cakes on a tray, she walked over to the table and after carefully laying everything out, the girl ran out the door to the kitchen, where the strawberry sweets were cooling down.
-I like everything you cook. - uttered Bucky, smiling briefly at her.
-You bet you do, all because I do it with love. And I have a talent for it. - Eileen walked up with a plate of goodies to the table where Bucky was sitting. She threw her hair back at her last words, showing how good she was.
-You've got a lot on your mind, smart girl. - Bucky grinned.
He liked Eileen, he was used to her, he saw her as more than a friend. He wanted more, but he couldn't afford it, he didn't want to deprive her of a quiet life, didn't want her life to turn into hell and eternal running. He didn't want to, to put her in danger, for he knew that his enemies were on his tail, vigilant behind him.
-How else could a soldier, someone had to, after all. - Eileen smiled cheerfully at him. -And now! Say, how do you like your strawberries, not too much sugar?
-It's just right, doll. - said Bucky taking a cup of coffee. - But my favorite...
-With plums, I know. - "I know." Eileen sighed, rolling her eyes.
-And there's nothing I can do about it. - said the man, continuing to eat, smirking at her enthusiasm.
Eileen was distracted by the sound of bells ringing, and two men entered the bakery, looking like athletes. Bucky glanced furtively at them and immediately tensed, watching them surreptitiously, trying not to draw attention to himself.
-Hello, are you with us? - asked Eileen putting on a friendly smile so as not to raise the suspicion that they were bothering her.
-Yes, to go. - answered one of the men. Eileen took the order from the men, trying to do it quickly, as she noticed the strange looks on her face. There was a heaviness in her chest, as if someone had squeezed her, as well as fear that her secret could be discovered. As soon as she handed them the order, taking it, they left the bakery, but only one of the men, stopped at the door and turned around and said.
-Good day, baby. - the man said with a smirk.
Eileen noticed Bucky's hand clenched into a fist, he was about to stand up, but the girl discreetly touched him to keep him calm.
-Same to you, but I'm not your baby. - Eileen said with a frown, her lips pressed together. One could see that she was angry and wanted them to leave as soon as possible. The man said nothing back and left the bakery, a nasty smirk on his face that gave the girl goosebumps.
-Relax, they're gone. - The girl said, putting a hand on the man's shoulder. - Strange, guys like that don't usually indulge in flour.
-Close up, you're coming with me. - Bucky said with a serious look at the girl.
-So I can't, who's going to look after the bakery? - Eileen asked, you could see the confusion in her eyes.
-Eileen, they saw you with me. I'm afraid you are in danger, please, we have to leave quickly, I don't want you to get hurt. - Bucky said, his human hand gently stroking Eileen's cheek.
-Okay, give me a few minutes. - said the girl, she kissed his palm and began to pack quickly.
Turning everything off and closing the bakery, Eileen began to quickly pack her backpack, where she put the money from the safe in her office, as well as her documents.
-Let's go out the back door. - said Bucky appearing behind her.
-Whatever you say. - nodded Eileen, there was confusion and fear in her eyes.
-Don't worry, I'll be right behind you. - Bucky pressed the girl against his chest, so that Eileen could calmly hear the man's heartbeat, he kissed the top of her head. - No one would dare hurt you, I won't let them.
-I don't doubt you, but where are we going? - Eileen asked, lifting her head to look at the man.
-To me, I don't think they've found my hiding place, but they might find it soon too. - uttered Bucky, he took Eileen's hand, leading her out of the building.
They were silent all the way, the girl did not want to disturb Bucky, knowing that he was thinking now and it was better not to interrupt him. It was obvious that he was uncomfortable, he was more afraid for the girl he had accidentally meddled in his life. She is young and has only a lifetime to live, and was already in the crosshairs of his enemies.
-Baki... -the girl said quietly, she did interrupt his train of thought.
-Yes, doll, what is it? - He asked looking at her.
-We'll be alright. - Eileen still held Bucky's human hand and ran her thumb over it, stroking it gently.
Bucky didn't say anything back, just squeezed her hand, the corners of his lips rising slightly. They said nothing more to each other, they walked to his house. Eileen knew everything about him, everything he had been through, and she was not going to push him in any way, she wanted to support the man so that he could finally come to his senses. But it took time, too, and he would hardly be able to come to terms with his past, with what he had gone through.
On entering his house, Eileen noticed that the windows in the flat were taped up with newspaper, nothing extra was missing. Everything was in its place, but at the same time there was no homely feel, Bucky didn't intend to stay here any longer than he should.
-Stay here, I need to get away for a couple of hours, nothing will happen to you here. - said Bucky. - Please stay away from windows and do not open the door. I'll call you if I need to, but I don't think so, because I have the key.
-All right. Bucky, be careful. - Eileen said, with fear in her eyes.
-As always, Eileen. - said Bucky, he only called the girl by her name when something bothered him. He enclosed her in a gentle embrace, she felt the chill on her waist, leaving a brief kiss on her lips, Bucky left.
Eileen looked into the bedroom and saw the bed neatly made. She smiled slightly and decided to take a nap for now, knowing Bucky and his couple of hours.
As she dozed off she heard footsteps, they were heavier and clearly belonged to a stranger. Eileen quietly got out of bed, picking up her rucksack in case she had to run. Looking out of the room, she saw a blond-haired man in a uniform that clearly belonged to Captain America. Looking closely, she did indeed see Steve Rogers.
-Didn't anyone ever tell you not to touch other people's things? - asked the girl, walking out of the room, she followed his movements carefully. - You don't belong here.
-Who are you?" asked Steve, putting the diary back on the fridge.
-She doesn't have to answer to you. - said Bucky, suddenly appearing behind them, he was tense and clearly not expecting Steve.
-Do you know me? - Steve suddenly asked, there was hope in his eyes for a positive answer, he wanted his friend to finally remember him.
-You're Steve, I read about you in the museum. - Said Bucky looking into Steve's eyes. Eileen approached Bucky, and he only put her behind his back, protecting her. Though subconsciously he knew Steve wouldn't hurt Eileen.
-I know you're nervous and you have your reasons, but why lie? - Steve asked, taking a step towards the couple.
-I wasn't in Vienna, I was away on business. - said Bucky taking a step back, completely covering Eileen with his body.
-But they've sent an extraction team after you and they sure as hell don't want you alive. - said Steve continuing to take short steps towards Bucky while looking out the windows.
-A bullet to the forehead and no end in sight. - Bucky began to look around and as he did so he began to look up at the ceiling where footsteps were heard from above. Eileen's blood seemed to run cold at that moment, she was afraid that Bucky might be killed, she wasn't even afraid for her life, she couldn't live if something happened to him.
-Not everything is decided by blood, Bucky. - pronounced Steve as he continued to approach.
-And it pours and pours. - Bucky took the glove off his iron hand, putting it in his pocket.
-You could have thrown me in the river. Why did you save me? - Steve asked, raising his voice.
-I don't know. - said Bucky, his lips pressed together, after answering.
-You're lying again. - said Steve, looking intently into Bucky's eyes.
But then suddenly a grenade was thrown through the window, Steve managed to react and threw the grenade through the window, but another grenade followed. Bucky threw the grenade towards Steve and the captain covered it with a shield to prevent it from exploding. Eileen felt another grenade being thrown through the window, she unknowingly stretched her arm forward, putting up a barrier from the protective field. She had promised herself she would not use her powers again, but now it was a forced measure.
-What was that? -Steve asked, looking at the girl in shock, while he was confused Bucky managed to block another grenade blast with his mattress. As he did so, hearing a knock on the door, he threw the table back towards the door, blocking the entrance.
-Something you're not supposed to know. - said the girl, but then three of the commandos flew in through the windows, instantly attacking them. Eileen couldn't get involved in a melee as she knew she might be inferior to them in strength, but she was no match for them in magic. She flung the man back out the window with her barrier.
-Why are you with him? - Steve asked, knocking the fighter out with his shield.
-It's none of your business. - Bucky answered for the girl, sending the other fighter to sleep.
-Are you related to Hydra? - Steve asked fighting back.
-You're over a hundred, but you ain't got no brains, you look frozen to me. - said Eileen, throwing a barrier of some of the men away from the three of them at once.
She felt her nose bleed, causing her to hover for a moment, she touched her nose with her hand and confirmed it when she saw the blood on her fingers.
-Eileen! - she heard Bucky's voice as he pulled the agent away from her at the last second. - Don't use your powers, you'll get worse!
-But then, they can take you away. - Eileen objected, knocking the four agents into the wall at once, knocking them out.
Just as Bucky opened the door to the balcony, an agent with a machine gun came out of the door, but he managed to grab the weapon, pointing it at the wall. At that moment, Bucky kicked the agent backwards. Steve managed to grab his arm, turning him around to face him.
-Buckie, stop, you'll kill someone.-Steve said, looking into his friend's eyes, but Bucky was faster and knocked him down, causing his friend to fall to the wooden floor.
-I won't kill you. - the man replied, slamming his metal hand into the floor next to the captain's head, taking out his backpack, he stared intently into Steve's eyes. It took him a second to throw the backpack through the window, with such precision and force that it flew onto the roof of another house.
-Come on, we've got to go, Bolly. - said Bucky, putting Eileen behind his back as another of the agents flew in from the window, shooting at them. Bucky extended his arm like a shield to keep the bullets from hitting them, while approaching the agent, quickly knocking him out against a nearby wardrobe. The other agent lunged at him from the side, but Bucky threw him off with a concrete block, tossing him aside.
Just then Eileen heard gunshots outside the door, it made her scared as she realised there were a bunch more agents coming for Bucky.
-Stay behind. - said Bucky, and kicked the door sharply, kicking it open and hitting the agent with the machine gun in the process. At that moment there was a sound of glass shattering, the agent on a rope and with a machine gun started shooting at them, Eileen put a barrier in front of them so they wouldn't get grabbed the rope and knocked him out with one punch making him hang from the rope.
-There's a lot of them. - uttered Eileen as she saw the armed agents rising.
Bucky grabbed Eileen by the waist pulling her close and went down a couple of floors, maneuvering between the agents. Once down the stairwell, Bucky began knocking and tossing the agents aside so they wouldn't continue to attack, one of them was caught by Steve as the agent nearly fell down.
-You promised me. - Steve said reproachfully, throwing the agent back against the wall, but Bucky only frowned and threw another agent back.
Bucky grabbed the railing with an iron hand tearing it off, while gripping Eileen's waist tightly so they walked up a few flights of stairs, they flew through the door kicking it open.
-I hope you're not afraid of heights? - Bucky asked with a smirk when they were near the door. - Run!
-You're crazy! - Eileen exclaimed following him, not letting go of his hand.
-But you like me. - said Bucky cheerfully, and they jumped from the window, landing on the roof of another building. As they fell, Bucky pulled Eileen to him, holding him by the waist as they were about to touch the roof. The girl put up a barrier so they wouldn't get hit hard, but Bucky still took some of the impact, protecting Eileen.
-You're damn right. - smirked Eileen said, they kept their hands up and ran across the roof, but they saw the shadow of a man ahead. He was about to attack them, Eileen turned sharply back, throwing him aside. But he was very quick and came at them again. Bucky got the girl behind her back, blocking the blow, a fight ensued between them in which Eileen was clearly unable to help the man she loved.
The man in the black suit had claws, which made Bucky have to be more careful. He was clearly not holding back, and he would have clawed at Bucky in a second, but Eileen shoved him back with a protective field. A ripple appeared in front of her eyes, causing her nose to start bleeding again. That wasn't enough yet. Eileen shook her head, trying to regain her vision.
Just then she noticed them start shooting at them and she had to put up a barrier again to keep them from being hit by bullets. But the other man with the wings managed to shoot down the helicopter in time to throw it off course. Bucky shoved the man in the suit away from her and grabbed Eileen's arm, trying to determine her condition in a second.
They ran to the edge of the roof, Bucky grabbing her by the waist with his human arm and began to leap over the railing, landing on the ledge. But the man in the dark suit did not relent, following them. The girl noticed Steve following them as well, trying to keep up.
-Bucky I'm slowing you down, you need to get away. - Eileen said trying to run with Bucky.
-I won't leave you. - he said, stopping near the edge of the bridge, taking her again, jumping several stories high. Eileen felt a wild pain in her legs, her lungs bursting with lack of air. - Climb onto his back and hold on tight.
Eileen climbed onto his back, her arms around his neck, and Bucky held her legs as he continued to run at incredible speed. He clearly could have been faster had it not been for the burden of the girl behind him. Cars were following them, the girl noticed Steve riding behind them in a car and on his tail was that strange man in the suit.
Ahead of them was a motorcyclist, Bucky let go of his hands, grabbing the handlebars with his metal hand while they managed to jump onto the motorbike as they went.
-That was rough and brash. - Eileen pronounced, wrapping her arms around his waist, snuggling up to Bucky.
-You liked it, didn't you, doll? - The man asked with a chuckle as he continued to pick up speed.
-Very much, but I won't do it again. - said the girl, grinning back at him, making Bucky goosebumps run down his back.
They continued on their way, but Steve kept following them in his car, trying to catch up. Suddenly a man in a black suit came at them, Bucky managed to grab his human arm around his neck, trying to shove him aside, but he jumped away from the wall trying to flip the bike over. Eileen barely managed to grab onto Bucky's jacket in time to keep from falling. Bucky switched hands, his metal arm sliding across the pavement to keep the bike from falling. Eileen put a lot of force into the barrier, throwing the man in the black suit back onto the road.
Bucky hurled a bomb at the hanging part of the bridge, it exploded as they managed to pass, but suddenly, out of nowhere, a man in a black suit jumped on them. He pierced the wheels of the bike with his claws, causing Bucky and Eileen to fall from it, tumbling across the pavement. She didn't have time to regroup and felt a pain in her side, and the impact went over her head, blurring her vision for a moment. Bucky instantly flew over to Eileen, covering her with himself so that the man in the suit wouldn't have time to hurt her. Bucky was startled to see her blurred vision, blood dripping down her forehead, rolling down from her temple and beyond. But at that moment Steve came up, throwing the man in the black suit backwards. They managed to stand up in that moment. Bucky held Eileen by the waist so that she could not fall. He tried to find escape routes, but realised they were surrounded, there was nowhere to run.
-Sorry Bucky... -Eileen whispered, realizing that because of her he had no chance of escaping the chase.
-It'll be all right. - Bucky cradled the girl in his protective form. - Steve, don't let them hurt her. - the man was already aware of the end that awaited him and didn't want anything to happen to the girl.
-I promise. - Steve heard his friend's silent message, shielding them, standing at the ready with his shield out.
Suddenly, another man in an iron man-like suit landed from the sky, he immediately put out his weapon pointing it at them.
-Hands! So I can see them. Now! -He commanded, pointing the repulsors at them. -Congratulations, Cap, you're the culprit.
Behind them were the agents, as soon as they got close Eileen put up a dome-shaped barrier where she, Bucky and Steve were.
-Go away, don't hurt us, Bucky is not responsible for anything. - uttered the girl, her face tense, but there was fear in her eyes, she would not allow them to be taken into custody without cause. She knew that Bucky was a Winter soldier, but he had retired, no longer serving Hydra. After all, they must have realised he wasn't doing it deliberately, he had no choice, he was being used. For Hydra, he was a weapon to destroy their enemies. The best asset in their arsenal. They made him that way, he didn't choose to live that way.
-Eileen put it down. - Asked Bucky, he knew the barrier wouldn't hold them back and would only hurt her. - I love you, doll. - Bucky whispered in her ear so only she could hear the confession.
His request made her drop the dome as his words warmed her heart and hurt her. Because Eileen knew that they could be prevented from being together and now they would be separated. Tears rolled down the girl's cheeks as she watched Bucky being brought down to his knees and his hands cuffed together.
-I too, as far as the stars. - Eileen whispered so he could hear her. She wanted him to know that her heart belonged to him and she would do anything for him, including giving her life for him. Her love would never fade to him, for they had been through so much during this time, she was always there for him when he was tormented by his demons. Nights they spent together watching the stars, it was their favourite pastime, she could feel Bucky relaxing in those moments.
He told her how all the time he was indoors, they wouldn't let him go out. For him, there was only training, tasks, memory nullification and freezing in a cryo capsule. He felt free to be with Eileen, to spend time with her. Her smile to him was like medicine to his soul, giving him a thrill in his soul.
Cuffing Bucky, the other agents did the same to Eileen, Steve and the man with the wings. But they didn't touch the man in the black suit, he took off his mask and in him Eileen recognised, the King of Wakanda.
-King of Wakanda? - said Eileen, looking at the man in shock.
-Your Highness. - Rowdy said, and from his tone they could tell that this was a surprise to him too.
But the King of Wakanda looked at Bucky with a hard stare as he was imprisoned as well as Steve, who was confused seeing the king. They were separated, Bucky being led into a huge military van, imprisoning him in a glass cage made of glass armour. The others were led to another vehicle, Eileen being placed next to Steve.
-I am Sem. - the man suddenly said, turning to the girl with a friendly smile.
-Eileen. - answered the girl, pronouncing her name suspiciously.
-So a cat person. - he said, turning to the king of Wakanda.
-Sem. -Steve stopped him to stop making inappropriate comments.
-What? Dude dresses up like a cat, you have no questions? - Sem asked, continuing to stare at the king.
-In the suit, any vibranium? - Steve asked, turning to the king, this made him turn his head furtively in Steve's direction.
-The Black Panther has protected the people of Wakanda for centuries. Protection goes, from war to war, because your friend killed my father, I have inherited the royal mantle. I ask, both as a king and as a warrior, do you think your friend has any chance of avoiding retribution? - said Tchalla turning to Steve, turning to him, but that he was silent.
-There is, he didn't do it. - Eileen objected.
-Can you prove it to me? - Tchalla asked, looking at the girl with interest.
-He was with me all the time, he never left Berlin. - Eileen said in a serious tone.
-It's all in words, I need facts. - said the King of Wakanda.
-Surveillance cameras in my bakery, would that be enough fact? Everything is recorded on them. The attack took place five days ago, but at that moment he was with me all day. - replied the girl, but she really couldn't argue back not knowing how else to prove her words. To them her words were nothing more than a girl in love who would defend her boyfriend. The rest of the time, they spent in silence as they reached their destination.
Eileen watched Bucky being taken away in a glass container, chained up depriving him of his freedom. He didn't look in the girl's direction, he didn't want to see the pain in her eyes. They got out of the van of the car, there were agents waiting ahead of them, but a tall girl stood out among them, as well as a man in a three-piece suit.
-What's going to happen to Barnes? - Steve asked, heading towards the man in the suit.
-Same thing that's going to cry over both of you-psychiatric evaluation and extradition. - he said with a smile on his face, Eileen wanted to wipe it off his face.
-This is Everett Ross, head of the Special Anti-Terrorism Unit. - pronounced the girl.
-Will a lawyer be provided? - Steve asked.
-A lawyer? Funny. - Ross repeated with a sneer. - Weapons and suits to be seized and locked up, against a receipt, of course.
-God forbid I should look out the window and see someone flying around in my suit. - Sem said walking forward.
Eileen turned to Bucky, she saw his abdicated look, realizing that this was his end and they would not see each other again. No one would let them do that.
-Instead of a cell, they'll give you an office, but please, no running away. - Ross asked as he looked at them.
-I wasn't planning on running anywhere. - Tchalla said.
Suddenly Eileen saw a familiar face ahead of her, an old friend of hers, Natasha, walking towards her. A few years ago she had helped Eileen in erasing her name from the database, where she was listed as a person with powers. They met when Natasha and Clint were sent on a mission to Budapest. A man and a woman began to come under fire, seeing this Eileen could not stand idly by and revealed herself defending the vigilantes from the fire. It was not her best holiday.
-Eileen, what are you doing here? - Natasha asked, coming closer to Eileen.
-Bucky. - answered Eileen, no more was required, Natasha would have understood it herself, looking into her eyes, seeing only pain. Eileen could hear Tony Stark talking as she entered the room, they were being led further into the office.
-There will be an interrogation. - Natasha said quietly, warning the girl.
-How do you two know each other? - Steve asked, glancing furtively at the girls.
-We met on one of the missions, she saved me and Clint. - Natasha said as she continued on her way. - She's not involved, Nick took care of it, it's being watched.
-Really? I shouldn't have shown my face. - Eileen said with a shake of her head.
-Because the kids have a father and you kept us alive. - Natascha objected.
-You should have been more attentive and thought out your plan better. Who plans a mission with shelling in front of civilians anyway? - answered Eileen, angry that she was being watched.
-It's Nick's agent, so you don't have to worry too much about that. - Natasha said smiling slightly.
-It doesn't bother me at all, I asked you to leave me alone. - Eileen said continuing to get angry. - What about Bucky? Let me see him.
-I can't arrange for you to see him, but you can see him. - said Natascha, sitting the girl down in a chair. - You need a doctor, have you seen the state you're in?
-And feeling the same. - said Eileen sitting down. It was difficult to take deep breaths, she knew she was bruised badly, a large bruise was already forming on her ribs. And her head hurt terribly, after kissing the asphalt.
Steve was taken to a glass office that was blocked off and Tony was also there, they were having a conversation. While this was going on, one of the doctors treated Eileen's wounds and gave her medication.
-What will happen to me? - Eileen asked Natascha.
-Nothing, you will be released as you have not broken any laws, agents will be presented for observation. - Natascha answered, shrugging her shoulders. - It's better than being in detention.
-It's official surveillance now, class. - Eileen shook her head in indignation.
But then her attention was drawn to the screen where she saw Bucky, a man crouched next to her. It made the girl tense up.
-Who was he? - Eileen suddenly asked, she got up from her chair and headed closer to the screen. - He... There is something wrong with him, get him away from Bucky!
-Loving girls don't listen. - Tony objected as he continued to watch the screen.
-I won't blink an eye, I'll smash your face in, Stark. - Eileen threatened, taking a step toward the man. - Barnes has been off the case for a year, the whole time he's been by my side. I don't know how else to prove it. You want to watch the security cameras, he hangs out at my bakery, there are cameras there, you can clearly see him with me every day. Natasha, at least you talk some sense into them.
-It doesn't take away from the fact that he served Hydra. - Ross intervened in their conversation.
-He had no choice, he didn't belong to himself. What would you do if you were brainwashed and forced to kill by taking away your will? Do you have any idea how hard it was to..." - Eileen stopped talking when she saw what was happening on the screen...