"Hey, Cap!" came an alert from the soldier's miniature sidekick.
"What?" whispered Steve, cautiously glancing around.
"I've got a message coming in from your...significant other."
"You know, you can just call her Sharon, Scott. What is it?"
Antman hesitated as he listened to the communication, then he said, "Go straight on ahead, we're clear 'til the end."
"Tell her thanks and then shut off anything you have that could be detected as an electronic signal or make noise." Then, slowing his pace, Steve looked at his little partner with cold, weary eyes. "You know, this isn't some back alley fight. This is war. The next ten days, ten hours, ten minutes could cost us our lives." The soldier shook his head and let out a heavy breath, his voice firm. "I know you've got a family, Scott. A daughter. She deserves a father who's alive. There's no shame in turning back now."
"Thanks, Cap," came the somewhat choked-up reply as the ex-convict tried to gain control over himself. They walked a few paces before he was able to speak again."But, all my life I've tried to be a hero. I've always failed, until I saved Cassie. She's the most important thing in the world to me. She's family. And I can see that Bucky isn't just your best friend, he's your brother. He's family, too. If one of my buddies was taken away from me, I'd sure as heck do anything to get him back. And to be honest, I'd want as much help as I could get if he was stuck in some psycho-run, maximum-security prison like this one." Steve gave him a slight smile at his description of the HYDRA base. Then, the little man continued: "Yeah, I've never been much of a hero, but I'd like to become one. That's why when Captain America asked for my help, I didn't turn him down. And, at this point, even if we weren't friends, I'd be a coward to back out – I've given you my word." Scott sniffled behind his mask. "Cassie deserves a daddy who's alive, but she also deserves a daddy who's a hero. I'm staying 'til it's over."
Steve's gaze softened as Scott finished his speech, and he smiled quietly as they neared the end of the dark hallway. "Thanks, Scott. You're helping more than you know-"
"Pardon my interruption of this heartwarming conversation – it really does bring tears to the eyes – but I'm afraid there's more pressing business to get to." Seeing the angry and startled expressions of the two Avengers, who had instinctively taken a defensive stance, Zemo laughed. With a flick of his wrist he signaled over two dozen soldiers with machine guns to file into the hallway and surround the two. Scott was on the verge of engaging, but Steve ordered him back.
"I thought you said it was clear from here on out," muttered the soldier, mistrust creeping into his tone.
"I swear that's what she said!" exclaimed Scott, transforming to his regular size and grudgingly following Steve's signal to surrender.
"Ah, Sharon," crooned the villain in a sickeningly sweet voice. "There aren't very many friends left for you to trust anymore, are there, Captain? One of them was obviously lying." He tutted with fake remorse and gave the angered soldier a venomous grin. "On your knees, Captain. Your friend as well." He smirked in satisfaction as the agents clasped both heroes' hands in handcuffs and confiscated their weapons. Steve's glare glistened with angst and confusion, but never left Zemo's eyes.
As the two were roughly pulled to their feet and shoved forward, the Baron patted Steve's shoulder in mock sympathy, then struck him hard, his voice still retaining its false nature. "I can assure you, Steven, there are more piteous things to cry about."