HYDRA has gotten a sample of Steve's DNA and combined it with the Winter Soldier's. The Asset is given a new assignment...caring for the newest asset, a 15-month-old girl. As the months pass he must balance regaining his memories with protecting his pup and trying to escape. Then he is sent out against Captain America and his chance for escape brightened.
Now he and his pup must learn how to cope with their trauma while becoming a proper family. Steve and the Avengers are now faced with some of their biggest challenges, helping Bucky Barnes recover from seventy years of abuse and trauma while trying to raise a young pup.
The Asset didn't question its handlers. Ever. It just follows the orders without question. So, when they order it to bring itself pleasurable relief into a cup and hand it to the doctors, it doesn't question the orders. It just does it. Its handlers then send it out on another mission before putting it back into storage.
It never knows how long it's been since it was last in use. Sometimes, it's a few months. Other times a year. Once it was decades. Time is not essential to the Asset unless its handlers decide it's necessary. This time it is told that it has been fifteen months since it was last awake. They bring it to a dorm room and leave it there.
Confused, the Asset looks around the room evaluating its surroundings for threats and escape routes. The room is simple. It has a small bathroom attached with a tub/shower, sink, medicine cabinet and toilet. The central part consists of a couch, a small bookshelf full of books, a desk with a chair, two small dressers, a bed, and a crib. In one corner is a small kitchen consisting of a sink, mini-fridge, stovetop, and a couple of cabinets. It is a sufficient living space.
"Soldat," a handler addressed him from the door. "This is your new assignment. You are to train the next Asset." The handler motioned for someone to enter the room and the Asset readied itself for his newest student. This would not be the first time it had trained young soldiers and it probably wouldn't be the last. Instead of a young pup, a young woman is holding a bundle in her arms. Moving forward the woman holds out the bundle for the Asset to take.
"This is yours. Look after it and teach it to be a proper Asset. If you need anything ask Mischa and she might bring them. Questions?"
The Asset could only blink at the small pup in its arms. Compared to the Asset it was delicate, fragile, and they wanted it to raise the pup. The Asset had many questions, but it shook its head. The handlers and Mischa left it alone in the room with the pup. Looking around him the Asset could only think of three words. What. The. Fuck?
The bundle made a noise startling the Asset out of its thoughts. Looking down at the small pup the Asset quickly glanced around the room looking for somewhere to put it down. Thankfully, this floor was one of the rare ones covered in carpet, so the Asset felt comfortable putting the pup down on the floor. Leaving the pup, the Asset turned and headed for the small kitchen, hoping that its handlers had included food for it.
Opening the mini-fridge the Asset almost wanted to smile. There, on the bottom shelf were bags of the grey sludge they always fed it. Picking up one bag the Asset quickly downed the contents then grabbed another. It was startled when it felt something tugging at its pant leg. Looking down the Asset was surprised to find the pup there, one hand pulling on its pants.
The corner of its lips twitched upwards as it took in the determined look in the bright blue eyes. Putting the bag down the Asset bent and picked up the determined pup. Looking the pup in the eyes it noticed its eyes weren't entirely blue, there were green flecks in the blue. It tugged at something in the Assets memories which was odd. Even the pup's smell, faint as it was, seemed familiar.
Odd, it thought as it made his way over to the couch. Sitting down it stared at the pup. The handlers didn't begin with a wipe. They're not even watching. There are no cameras or recording devices in this room. The pup seems young, almost too young. It's not even able to walk yet.
The pup babbled at the man and reached for his hair. It liked this man better than the others that had been taking care of it before. Getting a handful of hair, the pup shrieked in delight and smiled at the man.
The Asset wasn't sure what to do. A part of it knew that the pup meant no harm, yet another part wanted to lash out and cause just as much harm. Pushing down the want to harm, the Asset gently pried its hair from the pup's hand. Instantly the pup was fascinated with the Asset's metal arm. Letting the pup do as it pleased, the Asset's eyes wandered to the bookshelf and the titles there. It was pleased to see there were a few titles about the raising of pups.
Shifting the pup in its arm, the Asset stood and headed for the shelf. Picking out a few parenting books it headed back to the couch. Laying on the couch it let the pup rest against its propped-up knees and allowed it to continue playing with its metal arm while holding one of the books open in its flesh hand.
Sometime later the pup began fussing, pulling the Asset away from the book. Looking at the pup curiously the Asset stared at it trying to figure out what was wrong with it. Putting the book down, the Asset looked the pup over. It didn't appear injured. Perhaps its diaper needs to be changed. Did they leave more? Getting up the Asset held the pup close and began searching through the cupboards. Finding some in one of the dressers it was pleased to find wipes, powder, a pad, and other baby clothes.
Laying the pad on the floor the Asset placed the pup on it and began undoing the fastenings. Touching the diaper, it noticed the diaper felt warm and decided to change it. It took the Asset a few moments to figure out how to undo the fastenings but once it figured it out its hands seem to know exactly what to do. The Asset noticed the pup was female and filed the fact away for later.
Getting the pup dressed was its next challenge. Thankfully, the handlers had kept the room warm, so the Asset wasn't worried about the girl getting cold, so it simply redid the fastenings on her outfit. Leaving the pup on the floor, the Asset headed for the kitchen in search of food for her. It found a container labelled formula in one of the cupboards along with bottles. Following the directions, the Asset quickly had a bottle ready.
Making its way back to the living room the Asset looked down at the pad for the pup. Not seeing her where it had left her on the pad, the Asset felt a moment of panic. Putting the bottle on the desk the Asset looked around the room. Nothing. Where could it have gotten off to? Quickly, the Asset made its way to the bathroom, just to be sure. Again, nothing. Hearing a giggle, the Asset made its way back to the main room. There on the couch was the pup, holding its bottle.
"How did you get up there?" its voice startled the pup. If the Asset was being honest, it startled itself as well. "How did you get the bottle?" A small part of it wasn't surprised. After all her eyes matched…
Clutching its head in pain, the Asset fell to its knees. It wasn't sure how long it sat there for, but eventually, a tugging on its sleeve pulled it out of the fog. Looking down the Asset saw the pup looking up at him with concern in her eyes. The pup reached up and patted its face. The Asset found itself smiling and reaching for the pup. The pair held one another for a long time. Eventually, the Asset felt the pup drop and get heavy against his chest. Slowly standing, the Asset walked to the crib and gently placed the pup in it. The Asset decided that the pup had a good idea and quickly checked the room before settling into the other bed and falling asleep.
Over the next few weeks, their days passed similarly. The Asset woke early and checked their room over before doing 500 push-ups, 500 sit-ups and running through a series of katas. Only then would it stop and have breakfast. As the days passed whichever handler oversaw stocking the fridge began putting more food in, instead of just the gray sludge it had been eating. They also supplied it with its suppressants. There were even cans of what the Asset liked to think of as 'baby sludge.'
Once its breakfast was finished and the baby sludge ready, the pup was usually awake. On a few rare occasions, the pup was still sleeping, and the Asset would wake her up. On those days she was both clingy and cranky, reminding the Asset of something, or perhaps someone. After feeding, the Asset would put her on the ground and let her roam while reading one of the many books provided. The Asset would read for exactly two-point four-seven hours then he would show the pup proper fighting stands and how to hold a knife for three-point one-three hours then proceed to make lunch for them both.
After lunch, the Asset would allow the pup to take a nap for one-point-five hours, then it would teach her languages for three-point two-five hours. It was then followed by dinner and the Asset reading to the pup until bedtime. Repeat.
It wasn't sure how long it had been unfrozen, but the Asset could tell that it was due for maintenance but as it had no contact with the handlers, it decided to ignore it. Without the maintenance, its memories started coming back in fits and spurs. There were days when the Asset wanted nothing more than to curl up on the bed in the dark and do nothing, but the pup wouldn't let it. Though, it was like she understood that it was in pain as she was always quiet and gentle with it…him.
Then came the day the handlers returned.
"Give us the pup," the lead handler told him. "It is needed in medical for the day."
The Asset studied the handlers for a moment. Only when he was sure that the handlers wouldn't hurt either of them did he dare ask a question. "Is she coming back?"
"Yes, Soldat. You oversee the pup; it will be returned to you after the doctors are satisfied with it."
Nodding, the Asset passed the pup over. The pup started to fuss and reached for the Asset, not wanting to go with these strange men. Seeing the anger rising in the handlers' eyes the Asset shook his head. 'You be quiet and good, listen to them, do as they say, and you'll be back soon,' he told her with sign language. Instantly, the pup quieted down and allowed the handler to take her away without fuss.
The Asset watched them go feeling nervous. It knew from first-hand experience just how short-tempered the medics could be and when they got angry, they got violent. The last thing the Asset wanted was for the pup to get hurt. Needing a distraction, the Asset tried the door. Finding it open and with no orders to stay in the dorm, the Asset decided to explore the base. After all, it was essential to know one's environment along with all exits and attack points.
As he was mapping the base in his head the Asset kept an ear open for conversations. The others tended to talk quite a lot when they thought they were alone, and it didn't seem like there were any of the higher-ranked handlers in the base at all. Pausing at one corner the Asset listened to one conversation between two soldiers.
"Is it true they found him? They found Captain America."
"Yeah. Frozen solid and still in the Valkyrie. How do you think we were able to get his genetic material for the experiment? One of ours is undercover in SHIELD and working with the doctors defrosting Rogers."
"So, our docs were able to splice Roger's DNA onto an egg and used the Asset's DNA to fertilize it?"
"Or the other way around. I don't understand what the docs have done, but yeah, the kid had both Rogers and the Asset as its parents. The higher-ups are hoping that the kid will have the abilities of both Captain America and the Winter Soldier."
"That's fucked up, having two alphas as its parents. I'm glad it's on our side, I'd hate to have to face the combined abilities in one asset."
The Asset watched the two guards walk down the hall, his mind going over the information they let slip. The girl was his daughter? What did that mean for him, for them? Needing to think it over in peace, the Asset headed back to the dorm, there it could allow himself some freedom to let go and let the memories come.
He wasn't sure how long it had been sitting on the couch, letting memories come to him. Eventually, the handler opened the door and put the pup on the floor. "We'll have to run more tests later. It's disappointing that it's not showing the serum yet, though it is ageing faster than normal. Continue teaching it better show signs of the serum soon or it will be disposed of." With that warning, the handler left them.
Getting up the Asset quickly made his way over to where the pup was sitting on the floor. Picking her up, he went back to the couch and settled down, cuddling her close. The pair sat like that until dinner, then they continued cuddling afterwards while the Asset read to her. Both needed comfort and were willing to give it to the other.
Memories came back to him in spurts. Sometimes it was missions he had been on in the past. Those were the easiest for him to deal with. One time he was reading to his daughter and somehow, he knew what would happen in the book. It was as if he had read it before, but the Asset had never read, clearly, it was from before. Turning the book, he looked at the cover hoping for some clue. The Hobbit. Immediately he was assaulted by memories of sitting on a fire escape, a smoke between his lips as he read and listened to the radio. The best part was that his daughter seemed to enjoy it as well.
The harder ones were those he had no answer for. There were faces, feelings, places, and smells. A few faces kept coming back again and again. There was a young girl with dark hair and blue-grey eyes, her face brought an intense feeling of fondness and a soft kind of love. The other face that kept coming up was a small boy with blond hair, a wonderful, sweet smell, like sugar cookies and cloves, and bright blue eyes. Eyes with green flecks in them. Those eyes brought even stronger feelings with them. Fondness, protectiveness, annoyance, and love.
After a while, names and places came with the faces. Brooklyn. Barnes. Rebecca. Steve. Those names started rattling in his head, never leaving him alone. The Asset wasn't sure which of the names his memory supplied was his. Barnes felt right but not complete like something was missing. Until his memory brought forth the other name the Asset decided to call himself Barnes.
That made him start thinking about the pup. She didn't have a name. She deserved one. He liked the names, Rebecca, and Steve but Steve didn't quite work. He ran other names through his head. Names like Stephanie, but they didn't work either. The Asset went through other languages but still nothing. Until he thought of Romanian, Ștefana.
Picking up the little girl, the Asset smiled a little. "Ștefana Rebecca."
The newly dubbed Ștefana giggled and reached for the man. "You like your name kleyntshiger (little one)?" The Asset asked quietly. He paused and thought for a moment. "You can call me Tate."
"Ta," Ștefana said, waving her arms and laughing. "Ta! Ta!"
The Asset smiled a little more and felt a bubbling of feeling rise in his chest. Love, a part of him said. This was love. She had brought sunshine into his dark life, and he would do everything he could to protect her.
Barnes was making dinner when he heard Ștefana call for him. "Tat! Tat!" Turning around he smiled at her. She had pulled herself up, using the couch as a prop. Then she let go. With a look of determination straight from Barnes' memories of Steve, Ștefana began walking. Kneeling, Barnes held his arms open for her and laughed with her when she made it.
In their excitement, Barnes stands and tosses her in the air. When he catches her, Barnes pauses unsure of her reaction but Ștefana just shrieks in delight. So, he does it again and again. Then he hears a wheezing sound and feels his daughter's tiny hands grasping at his flesh arm.
Stopping, Barnes looks her over and feels a slight panic. She cannot breathe. Somehow, Barnes knows exactly what to do. He takes her to the couch, and sits down, holding her close to his chest. "Shh, try and take deep breaths. Match your breathing to mine. It will get better, I promise meyn zinsheyn." (My sunshine.) They sat like that for a long time and even after Ștefana's breath evened out she was still in pain, clutching her chest over her heart.
Barnes' mind decided this would be an excellent time to throw a bunch of memories his way. Him sitting on a ratty old couch in a tiny rundown apartment holding up an even smaller man, Steve that's Stevie, who was clutching his chest because they couldn't afford Steve's medicine.
Another memory came right on that one's coattails. This time a much smaller Steve was cuddled on the couch with a blond woman while a smaller version of Barnes cuddled on her other side. "It'll all be okay Stevie. I know it hurts right now, but your heart will calm down promise. You'll just need to take care and try not to get worked up like that."
Closing his eyes, Barnes cuddled Ștefana like Sarah had held Steve. "It will be alright meyn zinsheyn I promise. We'll just have to be careful and make sure you don't get worked up like that. Your…" Barnes had to pause and take a deep breath. "Your Da…no?" That's not right. Steve was an omega. My omega. "Your Ma had the same problem. He was small like you, had a hard time breathing and had a bum heart, but it was enormous. He never backed down from a fight, but he never fought for himself. He always stood up for the little guy and hated bullies."
That night, Barnes put the pup in his bed instead of the crib and made a mental note to talk with one of the handlers about getting her a bed. She was growing up fast and was too big for the crib. He spent the night sitting on the couch, watching her sleep feeling anxious. If the handlers found out she had a bum heart and lungs, they would kill her. He needed to find a way to keep her safe.
As the days passed Barnes found more and more reasons to smile. Not only were his memories coming back to him without as much pain, but his daughter was growing up fast. Very fast. He was reminded of what the handlers had said about her enhanced growth and hoped it would eventually stop. Barnes increased their daily lessons to include languages, katas, weapons, and how to keep her calm.
The medics took her again and again and ran more tests. While she was with them, Barnes would sneak through the base listening to conversations, noting all exits, stealing documents, and making notes of where they kept all their information. When he could, he planted small explosives in hidden corners of the base in the off chance that they could escape and blow the place behind them.
After their dinner, Barnes tells Ștefana stories that he remembers about when he was a pup. He also shows her the pictures of Steve he's liberated from the offices. Ștefana loves it. She compares bits of herself to the picture and to Barnes himself. Her hair is dark like Barnes' most of her facial features come from her Tate. Her eyes were the only physical aspect of Steve in her, though there is more than enough of him in her attitude and medical issues.
It was late one night and neither of them could sleep after a long day going through medical. The doctors are not gentle, as far as they are concerned Barnes and Ștefana are just objects to be studied. They are angry that Ștefana does not have active serum and so cannot be a proper Asset. One handler points out that she does have the serum in her body and could be used as a breeder, especially if she presents as an omega. This idea pisses off Barnes so much that he punches the handler that suggests it.
They both suffered for that.
"I first met your Ma in nineteen-thirty-one," Barnes speaks softly while holding her close. "I was five and had just moved to Brooklyn. I was exploring the neighbourhood and ran into a group of slightly older kids who took exception to me. Back then, people looked down on others because of who their parents were and my Tate was a Romanian Jew who dared to marry a Russian Catholic, both of whom were immigrants. I remember laying in that alley just trying to protect myself from their blows when I heard this tiny voice telling them to get lost."
Barnes stopped and let out a small chuckle. "Your Ma was still only four, he wouldn't be five for a few more months, and just as small as you are. But he had so much spunk. We both had our asses handed to us that day. We limped back home and found out that we lived in the same tenement. Thankfully your Mhamó was a nurse and was able to patch us both up. After that we were inseparable. I learned to fight from your Zeyde, my Tate and my four exceptionally large, Russian uncles. They even tried to teach your Ma how to fight, which was difficult with all his problems."
"Did you love him?"
Barnes froze at the innocent question. He had been reading as many different books as they were allowed to teach Ștefana about 'normal' life. One of those normal things was about feelings and the different types of love. "You know, I did love your Ma…I think I even wanted him as my omega, no matter what was said against it."
"Do you think he's out there?"
"I know he is. And the moment he finds out about us, he'll smash through those doors to get us out."
"Really?"
"Yep. He's done it for me before." Barnes smiled at the foggy memory. He knew it was during a war and that the Steve that rescued him was different than the Steve he had left behind.
Ștefana went quiet and climbed into her Tate's lap and grabbed for his metal arm. She wasn't sure why, but the metal arm comforted her and made her feel safe. "Do…do you think Ma would like me?"
"Take, meyn zis eyner (Oh, my sweet one). Your Ma would love you to bits. We talked a bit about having a family before the war and he wanted so badly to be a Ma."
"Did you want to be a Tate?"
"I don't remember. But I can tell you that I love being your Tate."
Barnes can sense the difference immediately. The handlers were tense and on edge which put him on edge. Something is happening and it won't be good. He quickly wakes Ștefana and serves their breakfast. "Be cautious and calm today zinsheyn. Something isn't right out there. Keep your breathing as steady as you can."
Ștefana nodded her head but rushed over to her Tate and hugged him. It was hard for her to keep calm, especially around the handlers. They were bullies and she hated bullies. This was going to be a difficult day for them both.
Kneeling, Barnes held his daughter tight. "Remember what I've taught you about being an asset. Do not look at the handlers directly, keep quiet, only speak when asked a direct question and keep your answer to yes or no if possible." Pulling back, Barnes gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before standing. "Get your uniform on then come stand next to me."
The pair were standing at attention just inside the door when the door slammed open. "You fucking idiots! Who the hell took the Asset out of storage?"
The other handlers shifted on their feet. "It was Peterson Sir. He thought that the Asset should be the one to raise the new Asset. Train it from the moment it can walk, and it also allows the breeder to be used again sooner."
The lead handler hummed in thought. "Perhaps. However, this plan is horrible. The Asset is uncontrollable if left out of storage for too long and if not properly wiped. Asset, when was the last time you were wiped?"
Barnes thought quickly. He knew that the handers wouldn't contradict him for fear of being killed. "Два дня. Готовы соответствовать." (Two days. Ready to comply.)
"Very well, looks like you idiots can do something right. Come, both of you. I want to see what you have taught the pup." The lead handler turned and headed out of the room. Despite the dread filling him, Barnes followed as he was ordered. The Handler took them to the training room, passed Ștefana a knife and pushed her into the middle of a group of agents, leaving Barnes to watch and worry from the sidelines.
Barnes stared at the handler with barely concealed distaste. He knew this handler from recently reacquired memories and didn't like them or the handler. Unfortunately for them both, the handler was a surprise visitor along with the regular handlers. Barnes could only look on in horror and fear as the evil handler pulled Ștefana away from him.
"I have been told that you have taught this creature well. As good a fighter this thing is, I need the real Winter Soldier. Do your job and perhaps I'll continue to let it live."
Barnes repressed a sigh and lowered his gaze. "Готовы соответствовать." (Ready to comply.)
The handler smirked and threw Ștefana at another handler. "Excellent. One of you get his gear then head to the jet. Asset. Come with me."
Sparing his daughter one last glance, Barnes followed the man out of the base. On the jet, he took his usual spot in a corner and allowed the façade of the Winter Soldier to come over him. Once everyone was on the jet, he was passed a bundle of his gear. Taking it, he stood and put it on, including the hated mask. While changing, Barnes glanced at the controls, memorizing their starting coordinates.
He was given a file with a terse, "this is your target." Opening the file, Barnes went over it, trying to get as much information as possible. If he had to scar his soul by killing this man to save his daughter, then he would. The jet landed in DC, and he was escorted to a safe house, where he was allowed to prepare his guns before being sent out.
It didn't take him long to find the target and he followed the target to an average apartment. There he waited. He knew that it would be best for everyone if he just killed the target now, but something told him to wait and to watch. So, he did. Barnes sat on the rooftop, watching the target move about the apartment. It was clear to him that while the target was familiar with the apartment, it wasn't his. Some hours after dark, the owner of the apartment returned.
Taking careful aim, Barnes fired his rifle three times through the wall. Hearing pursuit, he ran jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Yet, his pursuer somehow kept up with him. Hearing the sound of metal flying through the air Barnes turned and caught the shield. Smirking under the mask, Barnes sent the shield flying back at Steve then jumped off the edge.
Returning to the safe house it took everything in him not to laugh at the annoyed faces of the handlers. Instead, he busied himself with sneaking paper and a pen. He knew that they would be sending him against Steve soon. After all, the Punk would be unable to keep out of trouble. Scribbling on a scrap of paper he hid it in his uniform. Now, all he had to do was wait for Steve to get into trouble. That shouldn't take too long.
Sure enough, two days later the handler tells him to get his gear and get into a car. That he needs to take out Sitwell, and Captain America to further Hydra's goals. Scoffing mentally, Barnes braced himself for attacking his friend…his omega. But it had to be done to save Ștefana. When he caught the shield a second time, he slipped the piece of paper with the base's coordinates under the leather straps.
Throwing the shield back, Barnes pulled a knife and began attacking again. The fight was hell on his instincts, they were yelling at him that this wasn't right. Pushing them down he focused on making the fight look good while not hurting his omega. Steve grabbed him by the chin and flipped him, pulling his mask off.
Steve stared at him in disbelief. "Bucky?"
"Who the hell is Bucky?" That name seemed familiar to him, but he didn't know why.
The female shot a grenade at him, and Barnes used the explosion as a distraction to escape. He thought for a moment about immediately returning to the handlers. However, he had memories of other missions when he would disappear for hours, so he figured it would seem odd if he immediately returned. Instead, he took advantage of being alone to head to a drug store.
There he spoke to a pharmacist about what he could use to help Ștefana's heart and asthma. The pharmacist was kind and assumed that he didn't have insurance or a doctor, so she gave him a few samples. Thanking her, Barnes left and went in search of a doctor's office. Apparently, he needed a prescription pad to get more of the medicine. It wasn't difficult for him to sneak in and steal a pen and the prescription pad, complete with the doctor's signature already printed on one.
Finding an abandoned alley, Barnes quickly wrote out multiple prescriptions for all the medicines the pharmacist had given him and copied the doctor's signature. He then went in search of another pharmacy where he dropped off the prescriptions, then went in search of another. Barnes ended up dropping off prescriptions at five different pharmacies. After dropping off the last set of prescriptions, he returned to the first store and, using money he stole from the handlers, he began picking up the medicine and hiding them in his many different pockets. It's not like the handlers check his pockets, most of them were too afraid of him to even get close.
After a few hours, he returned and allowed the handlers to take him to the bank vault. A part of him wanted to ask about Steve and the name Bucky, but he knew if he did, they would immediately wipe him, and he needed to keep his memories. Instead, he sat there quietly allowing the tech to work on his arm as memories of Steve calling for him, holding out his hand as Barnes fell. As memories of Zola and the pain of the metal arm came to him, Barnes had to hold himself back from attacking the tech working on said arm.
When Pierce and Rumlow came into the vault he kept his gaze blank, not looking at anything or anyone. Pierce stared at him as if trying to read his mind. "Mission Report."
Barnes paused for a moment but decided to answer their questions and kept the Winter Soldier close to the surface. "Targets acquired. Target Sitwell eliminated. Target Captain America had acquired back up. Male, early 30s, good fighter. Left team to deal with both males. Female, late twenties, excellent skills. Engaged target. Shot female in the shoulder. Primary target engaged. Target was able to keep up with the Asset and damage the arm. Mask was removed and target seemed off-balance, female target shot grenade and the Asset used it to escape. Request for more information before re-engaging targets."
Pierce shared a look with Rumlow before nodding his assent. "Clean it up and take it to the safe house. Rogers is in custody and should be dealt with soon, but I want the Asset prepped just in case."
They left him alone for the rest of the day, which worked fine for him. While a handler remained in the room Barnes occupied himself with cleaning his guns and sharpening his knives. The handler didn't stay for long. Once he was alone, Barnes occupied himself with making sure all Ștefana's medicine was hidden and protected. The last thing he wanted was to be thrust into a fight and have the medicine be destroyed because of it.
After Barnes was satisfied with the medicine, he turned his attention to the handler's computers. Pulling out a hard drive he had stolen while collecting the medicine, Barnes began copying the data. He wasn't sure what was on there, nor if he would ever be able to use it. But…if he could get the information to Steve, it might do some good.
When that was finished and he had all the information he could, Barnes looked around the room, shrugged and headed to the bed. No one else was here to tell him he wasn't allowed to use the bed and he was damned if he was sleeping on the floor.
The next morning, he was woken by one of the handlers. "Asset you are needed to defend Hydra. Captain America is threatening Project Insight. You will go with Rumlow and station yourself on one of the carriers. Defend it with your life."
"Mission parameters understood." Barnes tried to make sure his voice sounded robotic. He didn't want anything to go wrong and for him to end up in the chair. Mechanically, he followed the handlers out of the safe house and into the vehicle. If he was honest, he really didn't want to fight Steve, but if it would keep Ștefana safe, he would.
The handlers took him to one of the carriers and left him there. Barnes found a good spot hiding behind storage containers on the deck. Taking advantage of Steve's inattentiveness, he knocked the man over the edge. A big breakfast Steve, really? Pay attention to your left Punk. When the flying male took off after Steve, Barnes reached out and grabbed the man's wing and threw him back.
The flying man recovered fast and began shooting at Barnes. Flipping himself backwards he found cover behind one of the deck guns. Shooting a grab-wire at the flying man Barnes hooks it on the man's wing and pulls him down to the deck while also pulling the wing off. Charging the man, Barnes kicked him off the carrier. One down and safely out of his way. Now, to find Steve.
Standing on the deck, he watched Steve pull himself up and back onto the carrier. Quickly he made his way to the deck where the cards were kept. From where he stood Barnes could hear Steve sigh.
"People are going to die, Buck," Steve said looking upset. "I can't let that happen."
No shit Punk. Lots of Hydra are gonna die and you're the one who will bring them down.
Steve could only stare at his alpha with tears in his eyes. "Please don't make me do this."
I'm with you there Punk. I don't want to do this either, but I know that if you knew about our daughter you would agree with me. I have to fight you to keep her safe. I'm sorry.
Steve was the first to make a move, throwing his shield at Bucky. Pulling two guns Bucky started shooting, thankful that most of the bullets bounced off the shield. He did feel bad when one hit Steve in the side. Steve got him back with a hit to Barnes' head with the shield, knocking the man down. Pulling a knife, Barnes got up and went after his friend again. They fought hand to hand or rather knife to shield.
Barnes allowed Steve to open the control panel before attacking again. While he wanted to just step back and allow Steve to bring down the carriers, he knew he was being watched and had to make it look good. Finally, getting mad at the situation and just how unfair it all was, Barnes launched himself at Steve and tossed them both over the railing.
He did feel bad for knocking Steve in the back with his shield and for stabbing him, but hell the man was holding him up by the throat, so he figured they were even. Until Steve dislocated his arm and choked him. It was easy to pretend to pass out and drop the chip Steve needed, giving the man the time needed to get it locked into place.
Standing, Barnes watched Steve swing like a monkey, mentally shaking his head. Pulling a gun he shot at Steve, hitting the man in the leg. One more shot just as Steve was about to lock the blade into place, only Steve shifted at the last second, causing the bullet to hit him in the gut rather than the side like Barnes was aiming for.
A moment later and the carrier was under attack from the other two. Barnes allowed himself a small sigh of relief. Until he realized that Steve was still on the carrier and the idiot intended to go down with it. Then there was a large explosion and parts of the carrier came crashing down.
FUCK! Fuck fuck fuck. Barnes was trapped under a girder on a carrier falling out of the sky. I can't die like this! I need to get back to Ștefana. Come on Barnes lift the damn thing. He almost passed out from shock when Steve was there beside him lifting it despite all his injuries, allowing Barnes to escape from under the oppressive weight. Getting to his knees he rested there and stared at Steve.
"You know me," Steve rasped out.
Barnes could feel the eyes of Hydra on his back, so he lashed out. "No, I don't!"
"Bucky, you've known me your whole life." Barnes lashed out, hitting Steve. "Your name…is James Buchanan Barnes."
Good to know. "SHUT UP!" getting to his feet, Barnes sees that Steve has removed his helmet. What are you doing stupid Punk!
"I'm not gonna fight you," Steve dropped his shield. "You're my friend."
Barnes tackled Steve and started punching the punk in the face. "You're my mission!"
"Then finish it…" Steve gasped. "Cause, I'm with ya till the end of the line."
Instantly Barns is overcome by memories…
The two of them, young teens, just barely presented, sitting on a roof watching fireworks going off over the river. Slowly Bucky leans over and kisses Steve. The smaller teen freezes for a moment before leaning in and kissing back. "I love you, Stevie," young Bucky admits silently. "When we get older, I'm going to take you as my omega."
Steve lets out a small laugh and leans into Bucky's chest. "I love you too Buck."
They were older but still sitting on the rooftop. Bucky was laying on the roof with Steve laying on top of him and they were making out. Eventually, they broke apart to prevent Steve from having an asthma attack and just cuddled.
"Do you think we can make this work?" Steve asked.
"Of course, we will Punk. I don't care what anyone else says about this being wrong. 'Cause I'm with you till the end of the line. No matter what happens."
Steve smiled and reached up to kiss Bucky again. "Till the end of the line."
Bucky was laying on their tiny bed in the even smaller apartment still in his uniform. He was scheduled to ship out in the morning and while he had taken a dame out dancing, that was just for looks. All he wanted was to spend the night with his Stevie.
"Hey, you," Steve said as he finally made it back to the apartment.
Filled with nerves, Bucky just held out his arms, needing his omega close. Thankfully, Steve understood and just climbed onto the bed allowing Bucky to hold him. "It'll be alright," Steve whispered. Bucky couldn't say anything, he just buried his face in Steve's neck and tightened his arms around his boyfriend. "No matter what happens," Steve turned his head to kiss Bucky's head. "I'm with you till the end of the line."
They were in England, having just returned from the Hydra prison. Steve had convinced the idiots to join his quest to bring down Hydra while Bucky sat at the bar and drank. Watching Peggy leave, Bucky felt his stomach drop, no matter how much he joked about becoming Steve. It was clear that she liked Steve and that Steve liked her back. Bucky had to admit they would make a good couple, after all, a beta woman could take a male omega as a husband without too many issues.
Finishing his beer Bucky got up and headed back to base. One of the small perks of being a Sergeant was that he got a tiny room to himself. Getting undressed he turned off the light and crawled into bed, feeling sorry for himself. Steve came in a little while later, not bothering to knock. The other man just got undressed and climbed in beside Bucky, pulling him close to his chest. "I'm with you, Buck. Ain't no one going to change that. Not Peggy, nor any other beta. You're my alpha."
Bucky couldn't help but smile as he turned in Steve's arms. "Till the end of the line?"
Smiling, Steve leaned down and kissed Bucky. "Till the end of the line."
Barnes was brought of the memories by falling debris. A chunk of the carrier came crashing down beside them, breaking the glass they were resting on, sending Steve falling into the river. Barnes…or maybe Bucky, hung onto a beam with his metal arm watching Steve fall in horror. Without a second thought, he let go and fell into the water searching for Steve. When he finally found Steve, it took everything he had to swim them to the surface and onto the shore.
Taking a few steps away, Barnes paused then remembered Steve dropping his shield into the river as well. Sighing, he turned back and headed into the river again. God forbid that Steve be without his shield. Laying the shield down beside Steve, Bucky reached into his pocket, pulled the hard drive out of the protective casing, and tucked it into Steve's pocket.
Making his way up to the street, Bucky stole the first cell phone he could and called 911, letting them know where to find Steve before tossing the phone. No matter how good the serum's healing was, he had been shot three times, stabbed, and taken a metal fist to the face. Shit, Bucky sighed and rubbed his flesh hand over his face. I'm going to have to apologize for kicking his ass later.
Bucky only waited a couple of hours before returning to the safe house. The mission was over. As far as Hydra was concerned Captain America was dead. Hopefully, the news of his survival wouldn't leak for a few more days. The handlers were in a state of agitation, not quite knowing what to do with most of their comrades being killed or captured. Thankfully, one of them was smart enough to think of returning the Asset to its home base and loaded them all up on a jet.
With all the handlers being lower-level ones, none of them thought to de-brief the Asset, wipe it, and put it back into storage. They didn't even get him to change out of his gear. All of this worked in Barnes' favour as he wasn't sure how to hide the medicine if they made him change. Getting comfortable in the corner of the jet, Bucky allowed himself to rest.
When they arrived back at the base it took all of Barnes' self-control to hold himself back and follow the handlers instead of running to their room to check on his daughter. Even here the handlers seemed on edge and twitchy. "Asset," one handler called out. "Return to your dorm."
Not bothering with a response, Barnes turned and headed for his room. He waited until he was out of sight and earshot before breaking into a run. Pausing at the door he knocked lightly before opening the door. "Zinsheyn?" he called out once he was sure no one else was in their room.
"Tate?" he heard her small voice coming from under the bed. "Tate!" carefully, Ștefana crawled out from her hiding place and rushed her Tate.
Smiling, Bucky knelt to catch her better, but the joy he had at holding his daughter was short-lived. The moment she was safe in his arms, she had an asthma attack and was clutching at her chest. Picking her up Barnes pulled out the medicine and settled on the couch. It took a moment to get the inhaler and remember how to use it.
They were both surprised when only a few moments later Ștefana's breathing evened out. Barnes quickly pulled out the pills and gave her the correct dosage. Once the pain in Ștefana's chest died down, she looked up and smiled at her Tate. "It doesn't hurt anymore!"
"Good," Bucky held his daughter close, glad that the mission had gone well, and he was back with Ștefana in his arms. "What did they make you do while I was gone?"
"I had to go to medical again. They made me fight the agents."
"What hurts?" Barnes wanted to hit someone, preferably the ones who hurt his daughter.
"My arm, and my ribs. I'm having a harder time seeing."
Sighing, Bucky pulled her close and gently rocked them back and forth. "How's your breathing and your heart?"
Ștefana shrugged a little not wanting to admit how much her chest was bothering her. It would only make her Tate worry and when he worried, he got hurt. "It's alright," she finally admitted. "How was your mission?"
"My mission was a success, but Hydra's wasn't," Bucky smirked. "I ran into your Ma and passed along some information, including the coordinates for this base."
"You think Ma will come and rescue us?"
"I know he will, it's just a matter of us waiting for him and being ready when he comes."
"Meyn zinsheyn," Barnes called out a few months later. "I think our time has come."
"Tate? What's happening?" Ștefana hated being partially deaf. Clearly, her dad could hear something happening outside and was ready for it. If he wasn't here, she would have no idea and that bothered her.
"I don't know but it sounds like a fight so we will take advantage of the chaos and escape. Stay close and try to get a weapon as soon as you can. If we get separated stay where you are, and I will come to find you."
"Do you think it's Ma?"
"I don't know." Barnes pulled his daughter close, needing to have what may be their last hug. If it all went to shit, he would take both their lives. There was no way in hell he was letting his daughter come back to this living hell on earth. At this point, it was freedom or death. He would accept no other option.