Chapter 2

"Have fun, sweetheart," Rumlow stated smirking while opening a thick metal door. "Just spread your legs and think about HYDRA. Or me."

Darla didn't reply, she knew better than to give the bastard that satisfaction. Not to mention she had much bigger things to worry about.

"There's no panic button, by the way," Rumlow added. "So, you two crazy kids should probably talk about safe words before you get started."

Darla pressed her lips together as Rumlow chuckled at his own "joke". He was a real comedian. She tried her best to look calm as she entered the small room. It was very ascetic; the only furniture was the same kind of bunk she had in her room. There were no windows, and the dome light was quite dim. She startled as someone slammed the door shut behind her. After that, there was nothing but silence.

The tall dark figure was standing next to the wall like a statue. All his clothes were black, and his dark hair covered a part of his face. Yet she could feel his piercing gaze on her. She swallowed, struggling to stay calm. Or at least look calm. Reluctantly she turned to the dark figure.

"Hi," she heard herself saying. Hi? What else was she supposed to say? "I'm Darla," she added.

He didn't reply or move, he simply stared at her.

"Yes, Darla," she continued. "That's my name. What do you want me to call you?"

No reply. This was going well.

"I would really like to call you something," she continued after an awkward silence. "How about Josh? I like that name, Josh. Joshua. I used to know a guy called Joshua, he was very sweet, but people usually thought that he was kind of strange. You see, he always had this small box with him, and he collected all kinds of things. Small things, like feathers and…"

"Why do you talk so much?" the soldier suddenly asked.

His voice wasn't annoyed or curious, just…cold. At least he knew how to talk.

"Well, I… I thought that we could… I don't know, talk a little before…"

"Why?"

Darla frowned.

"I'm sorry, you expect me to just strip and throw myself at you right away?"

"I have my orders," he stated and took a step towards her.

"Woah, woah," she said quickly and raised her hands in surrender. "I'm cooperating, alright? There's no need for manhandling."

Surprisingly, he stopped, but his gaze was still just as piercing.

"Could you just give me a moment?" she murmured. "Please."

He didn't reply, but he didn't approach her either. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Okay," she murmured as she opened her eyes. "Okay. Is there… Is there something you need? From me."

For a moment she saw confusion in his eyes.

"I don't understand the question."

"Do you need me to do something?" she clarified reluctantly. "Or is it better if I just…lay down?"

Finally, he stopped staring at her, but unfortunately, he also decided to play mute again.

"Look," she sighed. "Maybe this is completely normal to you, but it's not to me. Could you please stop making this harder…"

"Stop talking," he snapped. This time his voice sounded tense. "Lay down. We must finish our mission."

His harsh words made her flinch, she couldn't help it.

"Fine," she murmured tensely. "Do you want me to remove all my clothes?"

"Your pants will be enough," he replied without looking at her.

She didn't want to move, but somehow, she managed to force her legs to take the few necessary steps. Her hands were shaking as she removed her pants and panties before laying down on her back. Her breathing quickened and she felt her heart beating faster. Terror was trying to take over, no matter how hard she fought against it.

"I would be very grateful, if you could be careful," she muttered in a small voice. "Especially with your…hand."

He didn't reply and she couldn't force herself to look at him. Tears were burning behind her eyes as she struggled to control herself. She expected to feel his weight on top of her. A stubborn tear managed to roll down her cheek before she could stop it.

"Get out," a cold voice suddenly said.

"What?" she murmured disbelievingly.

She gasped when the soldier grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet.

"Get out," he snarled. "Now."

"What are you talking about…"

"I don't want you here," he snapped.

Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him.

"Right, I see. Well, I'm sorry that I'm not your type, but sadly there's nothing either of us can do about that." She paused and pointed at the door. "How do think I could get out?"

He stared at her furiously.

"I don't want you here."

"Yes, I got that, but here I am."

He didn't reply to that, he simply glared at her.

"Look," she sighed tiredly. "I know this doesn't mean anything to you, but what do you think will happen to me if I fail? What do you think they'll do to me?"

He still didn't reply.

"Fine," she snapped. "Fine. How about I'll just hide my face? Would that be enough or am I still too repulsive?"

No reply. She really wanted to slap him; he was the most selfish…

"The mission was successful," he stated.

She stared at his stoic face disbelievingly.

"What?"

"The mission was successful," he repeated. "Would you agree?"

She didn't know what to say. The Winter Soldier was trained to follow orders, how was this possible? And why would he do this for her?

"Yes," she replied cautiously.

He nodded and returned to his place next to the wall. She was so confused that it took a moment before she realized that she had no pants on. Quickly she picked up her pants and panties as the embarrassment made her cheeks flush. Not that it mattered, the soldier didn't pay any attention to her.

"Thank you," she said quietly, but she didn't get any reply.