The last time Bucky was inside S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, he'd just left Wakanda fully recovered from his years being brainwashed by Hydra. Steve had been there with him, just as he was now. For all Bucky could recall, he'd been scared shitless that day. The only other time he'd been inside S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, things had gone badly...very badly.
So in the morning, as he, Steve, and Alexis arrived at the Triskelion together, Bucky had a brand new perspective and a far steadier state of mind. He was no longer scared shitless, but felt confident in his Avenger status and title. Plus, he had his girl beside him. He felt confident walking through those entrance doors for the first time in his life.
Alex knew the importance of the moment. Her smile was proud as they pushed through Headquarter's entrance doors, and Bucky felt her hand rub the low of his back. Just a quick little you got this, I'm proud of you. It was all it took for his spine to straighten a little further and to hold his head a little higher. He had the two most important people in his life with him, and he felt unstoppable.
They passed through security without trouble. Steve led the three of them to the elevators that would take them to Fury's office, Alex boarding first while the other two filed in beside her. She turned and saw many sets of eyes turn their direction. It was hard to miss Captain America walking through the hallways of S.H.I.E.L.D., even when he wasn't in uniform. To see him next to two other Avengers was a whole other sight to see. Alex watched the curious stares with a smile until the elevator doors closed.
Steve flashed his credentials and programmed Fury's office into the panel on the wall. An electronic voice filled the elevator as the car began shooting upwards. He uttered a soft sigh and crossed his hands at the wrist. "This should be interesting, huh?"
Bucky smirked. "Wonder what sort of unforeseen disaster is waiting for us."
"We're guaranteed at least one fact about Hydra we never saw coming" Steve replied, not bothering to hide his own smirk.
"Just one?" Bucky lifted an eyebrow. "A bit conservative, considering its Hydra."
"It's almost like you two have done this before" Alex joked.
Even Steve uttered a chuckle. "Seasoned veterans, Markos. In every sense of the word."
The elevator dinged and the metal doors slid open to reveal Fury's private office. He was sitting at his desk studying something on his computer screen as the three of them filed into the room.
"Well, well - the dynamic trio. Right on time."
He stood and shook Steve's hand first, followed by Bucky and then Alexis. He motioned for each of them to claim a seat in front of the desk as he took his position across from them. "Thank you again for coming down here on such short notice. I understand it was only slightly sooner than you originally had planned, but I appreciate it nonetheless."
Bucky and Alex shared a quick smile, knowing very well there had been little that had stopped him from agreeing to make the trip sooner.
"I'm afraid not everything I'm about to tell you will be considered 'good news', which is why I wanted all of you here to hear it together" Fury continued. He eyed each of them in his usual serious manner, but his gaze landed on Bucky last. "Your old acquaintance Gribinov had a lot of friends behind the scenes, Barnes. Good work on not hesitating to take him out when you had the chance."
Bucky gave him a solid nod in thanks.
"What Markos gained from Gribinov's memories has been invaluable, but alarming." Fury turned one of this two computer monitors around for them to see. On the screen were the faces of several individuals along with information gathered from their personal dossiers. "Here you'll see someone you might recognize, Barnes. For you, Rogers and Markos, maybe not so recognizable. These are the people connected to Gribinov and his release from Hydra and, eventually, how he was able to skip through S.H.I.E.L.D. without being tagged."
Alex knew none of the faces personally, but two of the men on the screen she'd recognized from Boroshka's memories. Her chest tightened a little when she saw Bucky lean forward in his seat.
"The man on the top left" he remarked, voice gravelly, "he worked exclusively with the Winter Soldier program."
Alex saw Bucky's eyes shift in her direction. She knew without him even saying that is was the man named Erik, the one Boroshka had mentioned.
"You came in contact with him?"
"I did."
Fury read the first few sentences on the man's file. "Name: Erik Dobrow. Age: 65. Former Hydra scientist and Top Informant during the 1960s through the 1980s." He eyed Bucky. "Sound familiar?"
"Very."
"Like the rest of his buddies here, Dobrow's operated under a number of aliases since his exit from Hydra" Fury told him. "Do you remember anything about his exit from the program?"
"I do not." Bucky hesitated, and the sound of guilt could be heard in his voice. "I was wiped and put under ice enough times to ensure I never could."
An unsettling silence hung in the room. Alex wished she could reach out and take Bucky's hand, but she held off.
Fury turned to Steve. "Any of these men familiar to you?"
"None, unfortunately." Steve leaned closer to the monitors to read their information. "Are they all still alive?"
"All still alive. All adjusted their biometrics more than once to hide under the radar. And all connected to the Poland branch." Fury clicked out of the screen and brought up another set of pictures. This set showed the men's various fingerprint changes that had been logged throughout S.H.I.E.L.D., in addition to their various profile pictures. "Using advanced science developed and tweaked by Hydra itself, these individuals have been able to fool S.H.I.E.L.D. for decades. Myself included."
Steve stared at the screen with disgust. "So just more of the same" he replied sourly. "More Hydra agents doing the same they've always done: hiding in plain sight, playing our own game against us-"
"-Don't get upset yet, Rogers" Fury told him. "We've only just begun unfolding this mystery. Agent Hill and I are working on something that I think will be of high interest to all three of you if our work is successful in the next 24 to 48 hours." When he said this, his eyes landed on Alex.
Alex guessed it had to do with whatever he had alluded to in his SUV the other night. Again, she would trust him, even though Steve was clearly struggling.
"I understand, Fury, but I need more information." Steve stood and tapped a finger on the desk. "I need these files in my hand so I know what we're up against. I need to know how many others might be hiding in other branches, and I need to know-"
"-You'll get everything you need soon enough" Fury replied calmly. He held out a hand, gesturing for Steve to take his seat and didn't continue speaking until he did so. His gaze passed over each one of the Avengers slowly with an emphasized pause. "What I need is for you three to stay vigilant over the next 24 hours, maybe even up to 48 hours. Agent Hill and I will get all the information to you, and a potential mission if we're lucky with what we find. In the meantime, do your best not to get wound up in anything. Understood?"
All three of the Avengers nodded.
Fury sat back in his chair. "That's all for now. Keep your phones close by, and remember: stay vigilant."
It was a somewhat silent lunch when Steve, Bucky, and Alex went out to grab food. They got their items to go and went back to Steve's temporary apartment. The three of them sat around the coffee table in the middle of the living room and spread out the food. It was a little difficult given the long legs and bulky bodies of the two men hosting super serums, but Alex settled into her spot just fine. At times they discussed what they learned that morning, but they mostly ate in contemplative silence. Since much of it was so up in the air, any speculation only did more to upset them than it did anything else.
One thing that remained on Alex's mind was Fury's last request before they left. She'd been thinking about it all morning, and so far, they hadn't discussed it.
"So what do you suppose stay vigilant really means?" she asked them. "Fury repeated it twice, which makes me think he knows something we don't."
Bucky shrugged. "Isn't that typical of Fury, though?"
"True." She looked over at Steve for his thoughts but could see he was still irritated. His jaw hadn't relaxed since they left Fury's office, not even to eat his lunch. Despite his frustrations, whenever she or Bucky's attention turned to him, Steve always responded.
"He's definitely not telling us everything," he told Alex. "What he's holding back, though, is anyone's guess at this point."
"Whatever he's holding back he's doing it for a reason" Bucky added, hoping to give Steve some kind of reassurance that would help him relax. "Besides - when aren't we vigilant? Alex and I were on vacation and we were still vigilant."
This piece of information seemed to do the trick. Steve's large shoulders visibly relaxed for the time being, and he leaned back against the foot of the couch. "You're right. Until then, we'll bide our time until we're called upon to act."
Alex smiled at the two men sitting on the floor across from her. "So...how shall we bide the time?" To her surprise, she watched as Bucky elbowed Steve in the side.
"Remember what I suggested back in New York?"
The tense lines of Steve's face eased. "Yes."
"You still in?"
Alex felt a little left out. "Still in for what, exactly!?"
A playful smile began to spread across Steve's face. "Bucky wants us all to go out and let loose a little."
"To my credit, it's been a long ass time since Steve and I went out" Bucky told her. "And when was the last time all three of us got to hang out together?"
Alex couldn't help but shrug. "He's got a point."
"I know he does" Steve replied with some humor. He lifted his hands and conceded willingly. "Alright, I'm in. We have the time anyways, so why not. But - we have to stay vigilant."
Both Bucky and Alex waved their hands dismissively in unison. "Yeah yeah yeah" they echoed, garnering another eye roll from Steve, even as he chuckled along with him.
"I don't know. What do you think? Normal or braided?"
Bucky just slipped on a clean henley shirt and tugged it down over his midsection when he heard Alex in the washroom. "One sec, doll." He grabbed his belt and slid it through the loops on his jeans before joining her in the doorway. When he looked up from fastening the buckle, he saw that Alex had loosely braided her long dark hair over one shoulder. Her eyes found his in the reflection of the mirror and she shrugged.
"Yay or nay?"
"I like it." He stepped in and gave her a peck on the cheek. "It's different."
"It doesn't look juvenile? I haven't worn a braid in years...And I mean years."
Taking a standing position behind her, Bucky placed his palms on the top of her shoulders and stared at her reflection. "You look beautiful. And like I said, it's different. It looks great on you."
He settled his head next to hers and wrapped his arms around her from behind. They took a minute to stare at their reflections together in the mirror in silent admiration. Bucky had several inches of height over Alex, but her body fit so well against his in so many ways. With his head nestled against hers, Alex felt the tickle of his beard and the ends of his hair along her neck and it made her scrunch up her face. "Tickles."
"I know." His voice was playful as he ran his jaw along her tattooed shoulder.
Since Alex had chosen a drapey off-the-shoulder top for the night, when Bucky drug his stubble along her bare skin, it caused Alex to wiggle her way out of his embrace with a laugh. "Are you almost ready?" She patted him away so she could finish plating her braid.
"Just need to get Steve."
"I promise to be ready by the time you get him."
Bucky headed over to Steve's while Alex finished, taking his time so he didn't rush her. Steve was also just about finished, so Bucky waited in the living room of the small apartment. A moment of consideration passed through his mind. He'd brought some of his weapons with him to DC, if only because he felt naked whenever he didn't. He wondered if he should at least carry one knife with him, but he told himself no. This was supposed to be an enjoyable evening, and it would be. Yes, they would be aware at all times, but he wasn't about to be paranoid either. Besides, like Stark had said: he carried his weapon with him at all times.
Thinking of this, Bucky inspected his hands and wondered if he should leave them uncovered. He was tired of always disguising his metal, either with a jacket, or gloves, or a combination of both. His long sleeve shirt would keep the bulk of his arm concealed, but maybe he didn't need to worry about the hand. Maybe tonight, just to try it out, he'd leave it uncovered.
Steve came down the hall and noticed Bucky standing deep in thought. "All set?"
It was enough to pull him out of his thoughts. He turned and inspected his best friend with a smirk. He'd chosen a plaid button-down and khakis which was, all things considered, typical Steve attire.
Steve saw Bucky's smirk and cocked his head. "What?"
Bucky shrugged innocently. "Nothing."
"It's the khakis, isn't it?"
Bucky held up his hands. "I said nothing." He went over and clapped a hand on Steve's shoulder. "You look good, pal. A little bit like you're going to a really nice office party, but still good."
Steve pulled a face at him as he grabbed his keys and his phone. "Is Alexis ready?"
"Just about." Before they left, Bucky threw an arm around Steve's shoulder. "Tonight's ours, so let's make sure we enjoy it. It's been a long time since you and I got to do something like this, and I've been looking forward to it since you mentioned it."
This brought a lift to the corner of Steve's mouth. "Me too, Buck."
The friends shared a quick half-hug, and then went down the hallway to grab Alexis and head out.
When Bucky, Steve, and Alexis left S.H.I.E.L.D.'s temp quarters for the night, another of Claudia Burke's spies sat in an SUV across the street. He watched from behind heavily-tinted windows as the trio walked along the sidewalk towards downtown, their cheerful laughter audible from where he was positioned. When they turned the corner and disappeared, he pressed a button on his earpiece:
"Barnes and Rogers confirmed to still be with Markos. Subjects left location together. No weaponry visible."
"Follow them," replied Burke.
The man started the engine of the SUV. "I'm going to need backup now that there's three of them."
"You'll get it."
He pulled the car onto the street and edged towards the corner where the trio was last seen. From here, he saw Barnes had lifted the woman up onto his back, her legs wrapped around his waist from behind. They were laughing loudly enough that he could hear them from his position. Rogers was saying something to the both of them, his easy smile brighter than the streetlights. Whatever they were up to or wherever they were going, they clearly didn't see they were being followed or even felt threatened.
"They appear distracted," the man said into the earpiece. "They have no idea I'm here."
"Good. That will work in our favor" Burke replied. "Stay on them and radio when you need assistance. And remember: do not let Barnes out of your sight."
"Roger that."
"Get to work, and be in touch."
The man pressed the button again and his earpiece went silent. He pulled onto the street adjacent to where the trio were walking and continued to follow them.
The trio decided on a small underground bar with live music and plenty of craft beer on tap to satisfy everyone's palate. They descended a stairway that led below street level to the bar's entrance, the smooth sound of blues instruments drawling out from beyond the walls. The combination of guitars, horns, and a harmonica filled the bar with a smooth tempo, giving it an easy, laid-back feel. The bar itself was quite intimate, but not at all cramped. Dim lighting, heavy wooden tables, and a variety of patrons filled the bulk of the space. A good mix of DC businessmen and women sat alongside more casually dressed individuals; all looking to offload the day's events no matter what background they had. Two pool tables sat snugly back against a far wall while a small stage stood on the opposite end and hosted the band. It was exactly what Alex, Bucky, and Steve were hoping for.
Steve took the lead as he led them towards an empty table near the back. Bucky motioned for Alex to walk ahead so he could take a protective stance behind her. He kept close as his trained eyes scanned the bar for threats. He reminded himself that they were supposed to be having fun, but it happened so automatically at times he barely noticed when he was doing it.
As they wound their way through a small throng of guests crowded near the bar, Bucky reached ahead for Alex's hand. Her fingers laced loosely between his, keeping a link between them as they worked their way through. They eventually made it to the table Steve spotted, which proved to be perfect; far enough away from the stage so they could talk, but still immersed in the music.
As Steve and Alex took their seats, Bucky motioned as if he was about to head to the bar. "First round's on me! What's everyone want?"
"Surprise us" both Steve and Alexis replied in unison, followed by a laugh.
"Jinx! You owe me the next beer" Alex said with a good-humored nudge.
Steve's brow folded. "Jinx?"
Alex forgot he was just as old as Bucky when it came to this sort of thing. She leaned in and explained the rules of jinxing someone, only to have Steve seem utterly impressed such a thing even existed. She patted him on the knee. "Don't worry Rogers. The more we hang out like this, the more I'll teach you."
He chuckled. "Yeah? Is that a promise?"
"Absolutely." Turning to face him, Alex gave Steve an appreciative smile. "It's actually really nice that we're getting to hang out like this. Everything else we do is so serious all the time, so I'm really glad you decided to come out. And who knows - maybe I'll even learn a few things from you tonight."
The bashfulness in Steve's eyes blossomed as he lowered his gaze. "You're kind, Markos. But I agree. We should do this more often."
The way he was smiling then was reminiscent of the pre-serum Steve Alex had seen in the Exhibit. This boyish side he had was something she so rarely got to see. Sitting there next to him, she really saw a youthful twinkle in his eyes; the same twinkle that had been evident in so many of the clips and pictures she viewed at the Exhibit, even despite their black and white nature. Alex started to have that surreal feeling again where she had to pinch herself to remember she was sitting alongside Captain America; her fellow Avenger, her coworker, and her friend.
"Did James tell you I went to see your Exhibit?" Alex asked, curious if it had come up at all.
"No! Did you really?" His look of surprise turned quickly into acceptance. "Aw no, here come the jokes..."
"No jokes, I swear! ...although I did sample the Capsicle."
Steve's face sunk into one of his hands. "You did not."
"I did." Alex wiggled an eyebrow at him. "And it was delicious."
They erupted into laughter, with Steve shaking his head and Alex giving him yet another playful nudge.
Eventually, Steve's laughter eased into more of a chuckle. "You're something else, Markos."
She smiled. "Thank you." With this, she leveled with him in both expression and body language. Her laughter simmered; replaced by a warm smile and a look of appreciation for the man sitting beside her. "All joking aside, it was surreal to be there. To view all the different chapters of your story, to see what you came from to what you've become." She shook her head, still amazed by everything.
"Well thank you" Steve said, genuinely humbled by her words.
Alex noticed the far-off look in his eyes as he gazed across the bar. She looked around, seeing the various pairs of eyes turned their direction. Many were women, but also a few men; all uttering hushed words and stealing quick glances. She wasn't sure if it was because they fascinated by the presence Captain America in their bar, or if they were truly interested in the soul who sat next to her. Most likely, they weren't. In her limited experience, Alex guessed they were either charmed by Steve's good looks and powerful body, or were just enamored by the fact that an Avenger sat amongst them. It made her feel a little bad, because Steve was more than his flawless exterior.
She glanced beside her to see him sharing a smirk with her. "You're pretty popular" she teased.
He shook his head. "Not sure about that."
"I bet those three women by the bar would love to talk to be sitting where I am right now." She leaned into his shoulder and pointed with her chin. "And maybe that guy sitting alone by the stage, too."
Steve's smirk grew. "You're kind to think so, but I'm sure they just recognize me. Nothing more."
Alex wished Steve wasn't so humble. She knew he was uncomfortable whenever he was out and about; mostly because Bucky had told her more than once that Steve felt like he didn't fit in. She could see the truth in that now. It made her realize a part of Steve would probably always live back in the 40s, staying locked in the past where he felt he really belonged. Which reminded her...
"You know who else I got to see at the Exhibit?"
Steve's eyes panned away from the bar and back to her. "Who?"
"Your girl." Alex smiled. "The one you always stare at before we head out on a mission." She watched at Steve's entire demeanor softened. His eyes grew rounder; fuller somehow. The tense posture he'd had also eased. It was the first time Alex ever brought up Peggy, but she wasn't surprised to see a little bit of the light inside Steve rekindle at her mentioning. "I don't know as much about her and you, obviously - but what I do know makes me wish I had known her."
There was tenderness in Steve's smile. "I think she would have liked you."
"Really?"
He nodded. "You're exactly the type of woman she would have respected greatly."
"That's quite a compliment" Alex replied, sitting up a little straighter. "I'd like to think so, too." She saw Steve's full mouth turn a little downward as his memories took him back to some place and time she would never know about. She reached over and placed a hand on his knee, squeezing gently. "It's easy to see why you two were together," she said, hoping to make him smile again. "Two strong people, two big hearts. You were in it together the whole way."
Steve looked at her then, and something changed within his expression. A hint of knowledge lay there, and the smile that returned to his mouth looked at if he knew something she didn't. "You know who you sound like?"
Alex's brow winkled. "Who?"
"Bucky." Now it was Steve who nudged her. "He's always telling me how you two are each other's teammate."
Warmth spread through Alex hearing that. "So he told you that, huh?"
"I think it's great. And fitting." Steve's smile returned in full force. "All teasing aside, Alex: I really am glad you went to the Exhibit...If only just to see Bucky. I know his memory is getting better all the time, but I'm sure it was fascinating to learn a little more about those pieces of his past he doesn't remember just yet."
"I couldn't agree more." Alex shifted her gaze across the bar, searching for her tall, dark-haired soldier. He was handing over money as the bartender handed him back three pint glasses. Her lips formed a subconscious smile as Bucky headed back to the table. "I think the most shocking thing I saw was his short hair" she replied, eyes turning back to Steve.
Steve laughed. "Yeah, he was pretty clean-cut back in those days." He leaned in closer to Alex as Bucky neared the table. "If there's ever anything you need to know about this one..." He tipped his chin at Bucky. "...it just so happens that I have a fantastic memory when it comes to some of his more legendary moments in time."
Bucky just barely overheard what Steve said as he set the three pint glasses on the table. "Are you talking about me?" He slid their pints towards them and then settled in next to Alex.
"We were, but Steve just reminded me of something legendary I'd like to know more about." Alex turned and leaned an arm on the table. "What's this story I heard about you jumping off a pier in Atlantic City?"
Bucky lifted his pint glass to his smiling mouth as he watched as Steve's eyes go blank for a second or two. When he realized what Alex was referring to and the memory became clear, his gaze locked onto Bucky's.
"You remembered?"
"One of few I was happy to remember, yes." Bucky sat a little taller. "I don't know about you babe, but I'd love to hear his version of the story I told you."
"Oh without a doubt I need to hear his version," Alex said with a slap of her hand on the table. "So let's hear it, Rogers!"
Steve accepted the challenge with a long inhale. He settled into his seat, took a drink of beer, and then began his version of his and Bucky's Atlantic City trip.
Oxana Kovalenko, also known as Claudia Burke around S.H.I.E.L.D., sat in her home and waited for her agents to report back once the extraction of the Winter Soldier was completed. She had equipped them with everything they needed to see the job was done cleanly and successfully, but one thing sat heavy on her mind: the presence of Steve Rogers and Alexis Markos.
Rogers was one thing. He could be manipulated. He would stand down if his friend was threatened in the right manner. There was wiggle room when it came to Captain America.
The woman, however. She was a wild card.
Kovalenko disliked Markos from the moment she saw her. She was too proud. Too sure of herself. She walked into their first meeting at the Triskelion with an unnatural amount of confidence. When the young woman told her story about her and Barnes stumbling upon Gribinov, Kovalenko could sense her vitriol for Hydra.
While she was trained to keep a cool demeanor, it had been difficult in that first meeting. Years of dedication to the practice of deception so she could live among the enemy was her expertise. She lived her entire life as someone else in order to serve those she loved and to prove her loyalty to Hydra. She was proud of that. She was proud of her hard work and all that it had gotten her and her organization.
But when that young bitch with a fearless spirit and eyes like fire walked into the meeting and began telling her story, her decades of training had been challenged.
Kovalenko needed Barnes in her protection for reasons dictated by Hydra, but she wanted Alexis Markos exclusively for her own reasons.
She'd encountered women like Markos before, and she'd broken them. She hadn't gotten to where she was now without that talent, either.
And yet, the most puzzling part about the woman was her attachment to Barnes. She almost laughed when she heard the woman and Barnes were romantically linked. The mere thought of someone loving that thing! Who in their right mind could do that? Kovalenko had grown up around the Winter Soldier,watching his insane amount of talent in the art of killing grow with time and plenty of manipulation. She watched him grow from a scared boy to an obedient machine twisted and bent to the rule of Hydra. He was mindless, weak, and always would be. He was nothing more than a dented sword that simply needed to be resharpened.
If it was the last thing she did, Kovalenko would be the one to resharpen that sword, and she'd make the bitch Markos watch.
A crackle of white noise brought Oxana out of her rampant thoughts.
"We're in position."
Oxana depressed the button on her comm unit. "How long?"
Another crackle. "Ten minutes."
"Good." She paused, then pressed the button again. "See what you can do about the woman while you're at it."
"You want us to extract her as well?"
"Not yet," Oxana said. "Disable her. Specifically, her hands."
"Her hands?" repeated the operative.
Oxana's mouth tightened. "Yes. Disable those at all costs."
