Hey all! Sorry for the delay; been kinda busy. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and the ongoing adventures of Bucky and Charlie/Frumuseţe! Hey, quick question; did anyone see Magnificent Seven and/or would anyone be interested in a Faraday/OC story? Let me know :)

Chapter Three

Digging the heels of my palms into my eyes, I rolled onto my stomach and hauled myself to my feet, "Fuck." Eyeing the strewn bodies around us, I rolled my aching shoulders and muttered, "Well, three outta ten ain't bad. Props on taking out seven on your own, by the way. Color me impressed..."

The Winter Soldier said nothing; turning slowly, I drew my lower lip between my teeth. He stared at me with icy eyes, fury and confusion blazing as he raised one of the attacker's sharp, serrated blades at me.

"Who the fuck are you?"

Slowly, so as not to startle him, I lifted my hands in surrender, turning to face him fully. Spreading my legs wide, I braced myself on the off-chance I needed to run.

If I even could.

The Winter Soldier was deadly with any weapon; I had no doubt that if he flung that blade at my retreating back, I would never be able to outrun or dodge it. But, shit, the knife was the least of my worries. If he got ahold of me with that metal arm… I was fucking toast.

"Charlie. Charlie Castle."

His gaze was cold, calculating as he ran it over me, his jaw ticking rapidly, "SHIELD?"

I couldn't lie to him. Where would that get me? Though the truth had just as much chance of putting me six feet under, my tongue felt thick, heavy, at the thought of bullshitting my way out of the sticky situation I was in.

"Formerly," I replied, taking a step back, hands still raised as he growled and stalked toward me, and insisting, "formerly!"

"Yeah, so what's a former SHIELD agent doing in Bucharest?" he queried sharply, mockingly, attempting to back me into the wall behind me, "in some shitty back alley, right when I walk into an ambush?"

Skipping lightly to the side, I kept the open alley to my back, never once reaching for the discarded weapons littering the ground. Eyes trained solely on the Winter Soldier, I swallowed thickly and fought a shudder. There was no affection in his brilliant blue eyes and I couldn't help but blanch; I wasn't used to this defensive behavior from him, though I was an idiot not to expect it.

"I-well," I lowered my hands for the first time if only to wring them sheepishly, avoiding eye contact of the briefest of moments; I couldn't afford to look away from him too long as he ducked his head, eyes ablaze, and circled me like a fucking tiger. "I was sent to… look for you-"

I nearly stumbled over one of the prone forms on the ground, hopping over him at the last minute as Bucky lunged for me.

"Hear me out, Bucky, Jesus!" I exclaimed, glancing up and leaping immediately. Hauling myself onto one of the balconies, I hastily assessed my options as he followed. "I'm on your side! I'm with you!"

"I don't even know you," he growled, eyes drifting to my feet and up, slowly, curiously. His brows furrowed slightly, as though attempting to remember me from his hazy, broken past, the lingering 'do I?' hanging in the air between us.

"No, I guess you, uh, wouldn't, really," I muttered, gnawing on my upper lip anxiously, my ass hitting the railing as he backed me into a corner. My heart thudded painfully and I pressed a heel to the railing, contemplating my next move. I hadn't left myself with many options - and neither had he. "Not like this…"

"Like what?" he queried, nostrils flaring; raising his metal arm, he slammed against the wall beside my head, brick and plaster exploding around me. To my credit, I only let out a nervous whimper and didn't shit myself like I wanted to. My fear didn't amuse him, though; he simply glowered, sneering angrily down at me. "What do you mean?"

You know me as a little blonde terrier, not some short chick with a pixie cut in a catsuit… You know me as your trusty pet, not some lying bitch who's been spying on you for days…

"I know you're pissed," I stated, wanting desperately to wipe away the sweat gathering on my brow. Instead, I refused to look away from him, holding my ground as best I could when he demanded every last inch. "Honestly, I would be, too. You just want to be left alone; I get that. But you- everyone's looking for you. Me included."

"Why you?" he queried slowly, his tone decidedly calm, eyes scouring my form for anything that might jog his memory. It might have been my imagination, but I almost thought I heard some small twinge of hope in his solemn voice. "Who are you?"

Inhaling sharply, I curled my trembling hands into fists and wished desperately that I wasn't about to dash whatever dreams I had sparked in him. Still, it couldn't be helped and I found myself squeaking, "I-I was born with a genetic mutation. It's not anything special, but SHIELD thought it was a useful trick. Go almost anywhere without creating suspicion. Makes for a great secret agent."

It wasn't so much stalling as it was anxious rambling, but I could see him grow more and more agitated, so I blurted, "I can, um, well… shape-shift."

"Shape-shift," he repeated, brow wrinkling in confusion before his eyes widened and his head snapped back. He stepped away from me, betrayal etched across his face, his metal hand crushing the wooden railing behind him, sending it exploding in a cloud of splintered shards.

"You-"

Wincing, I nodded slowly, "Yeeaah…"

He stared at his feet for a moment, chest heaving as his mind whirred; slowly, his eyes lifted, dangerous and hurt, disbelief coloring his tone as he queried, "Frumuseţe?"

Swallowing thickly, I nodded slowly; he stumbled back as though I had just suckerpunched him in the gut. I stepped toward him, a hand raised, but I dropped it limply to my side as I watched him rake a hand through his hair, and muttered to himself, "No. No, shit… I-why… how could you do that?"

The anger and betrayal in his voice stung stronger than I expected, and I toed sheepishly at the ground, "I was… you were my mission. I didn't know… you."

"I brought you into my home," he growled, his eyes blazing as he stalked toward me once more, "I told you things - those were private. I- you lied to me. You-"

"I'm not lying now!" I protested, shrugging helplessly, "I could've turned around and walked away, but I didn't. I know, and I'm sorry. But everything you did - under HYDRA - and my orders from Nick Fury… I had to. I followed you home, yes; I didn't tell you who I was, yes; I've been with you for four days, yes. But I haven't turned you in."

That slowed him down. His brows raised, eyes wide, and he stilled. He was still tensed, coiled for a fight, fists clenched, but he didn't attack. Nostrils flaring, he queried suspiciously, "Why not?"

"I don't know." Face etched in guilt - toward both him and my former boss, I stared up at him and gulped, "I should have. I was going to. But… you're not what they said you were. What you used to be. I mean, it's pretty fucking obvious; even Fury would see it, eyepatch and everything. You're just a guy. Mixed up with just about the shittiest past I've ever heard of, yeah, but… that's not you. Not the you that I've seen."

"You shouldn't have seen me at all," he growled, rolling agitatedly on the balls of his feet, as though he wanted to pace but the tiny balcony prevented him from doing so.

"No," I admitted, dipping my head apologetically, "but I did."

He lifted his chin, glaring down his nose at me, eyes void of emotion, "Go back to Fury. Tell him I'm here; I'll be gone before he sets foot on a jet over here."

I could arrest you, I wanted to say, but I think we both knew I wouldn't. I glanced down at the men littering the alley and noticed his gaze follow out of the corner of my eye. Instead of admitting defeat, I peered somewhat hopefully up at him, "I could help you. With them. With your memories. I mean, I don't know a lot about you, but I think-"

"No," he growled, stalking toward me and catching my chin between his metal fingers. The urge to wince was stronger than ever, but I fought it off, staring him resolutely in the eye. "Leave me alone. Go back to the States. I don't want anything to do with you; I don't wanna see your face again. Woman or dog."

"Fair enough," I muttered, licking my lips and gingerly easing my face from his grasp. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words died on my tongue. What more could I say? I had betrayed what trust I had earned in my four-legged form; I had offered him help; hell, I admitted to him that I didn't know if I could turn him in…

Turning my back to him, I prayed he wouldn't stab it and flung a foot onto the balcony. Leaping over the side, I landed hard on my feet and stood slowly. A quick glance over the men at my feet and I realized how fucking lucky I really was. I could've ended up just like those assholes, a nameless, broken body in some dark alley, just another victim of the Winter Soldier.

I tossed a quick glance up at Bucky, trepidation flooding me at the intensity blazing in those bright blue eyes as he scowled down at me. Nodding once, though I knew he wouldn't return the gesture, I slipped away from him and into the darkness of the alley.

With a grumble, I broke free of the narrow lane and into the encroaching darkness of night. Stepping out onto the open sidewalk, I began stalking down the road, keeping an eye open for a passing taxi. My heart and mind raced at my first true encounter with the Winter Soldier. Not only in my human form, but in his warrior form, as well.

Made one helluva first impression…, I frowned, just call me Judas. That was fucking scary as hell, though…

While I didn't think he would hurt me, I supposed I couldn't put it past him. He could be thoughtful, introspective, even playful with me as Frumuseţe, but as Charlie, I was a stranger, someone who had slipped into his world, practically unseen, and learned secrets he never meant to tell another human being.

Plus, I had been sent to hunt him down and bring him in.

And yet he hadn't taken me down like he had those would-be assassins.

"Steve fucking Rogers was right," I groaned, rubbing fervently at my forehead.

And I potentially just fucked up everything.

/

The yellow cab came to an abrupt halt before the Hotel Cișmigiu, causing me to shoot a dark glower at the driver. He returned the look, half-turned in his seat, and I tossed his phone back at him, silently slipping out of the backseat. A man in a crisp gray suit met me at the door and I tipped my head toward the cab, "Lemme know what I owe you."

"Of course, Ms. Carter," he replied, his accent thick but his voice soft, his dirty blond hair coiffed and gelled just so. He strode briskly toward the cab, withdrawing a handful of bills from his pocket.

Strolling into the lovely hotel, I peered around the stylish lobby and waited for him to return. He did, a polite smiled fixed on his smooth face, "Ms. Carter, your room is ready for you. I was surprised to find you didn't have any bags with you."

"Yeah, baggage issues at the airport," I lied smoothly, wrinkling my nose in disgust, "they'll find them soon enough, I'm sure. I hope."

"I'm sure you're correct," he agreed pleasantly, slipping behind the desk, "I'm glad we had an opening for you, ma'am. We're usually quite full, but you called at just the right time."

"Yes, it was quite fortunate," I agreed, pressing a hand to my mouth and feigning a yawn, "it's been quite the day. Delayed flights, lost luggage... Could I please have my room key?"

"Oh, but of course," he replied, pressing a hand to his heart and laughing, shaking his head, "forgive my thoughtlessness, Ms. Carter." He retrieved a key and rounded the counter once more, offering it to me with a warm smile. "You've had a trying day and you'll want to rest. Here you go. Second floor, at the end of the hall. A deluxe suite, as requested."

I thanked him with a sweet smile, "And the cab?"

"I couldn't expect you to pay," he replied adamantly, "not with the day you've had. Please, consider it taken care of."

I didn't argue with him; he seemed the type to refuse my offer no matter how many times I made it. Instead, I thanked him again and slipped up the steps, thankful he didn't comment on the skin-tight catsuit I wore. Though, I did feel his gaze follow me until I was out of sight and couldn't help but roll my eyes.

Sure, it was practical, what with my abilities, but damn if the looks didn't get annoying.

The suite was beautiful, with white walls and curtains and expensive, modern furniture. Not my first choice, but after days of bedding down with the Winter Soldier and spending weeks outdoors and in cheap motels, I figured I could afford a little luxury.

Stripping out of my outfit - with quite a bit of a struggle, mind you - I retrieved a clean, white tee from the king-sized bed. I had requested it when I had borrowed the cabbie's phone and booked the room under a false name; I'm sure it made sense now to Mr. Brown-Noser downstairs.

Throwing it over my head, I ran my hands through my short locks and flopped face-first onto the mattress with a loud groan. Though comfortable, I couldn't help but feel anything but as I replayed my interaction with Bucky over again in my mind.

He had just been so… upset by my revelation. Not that I blamed him, but the overwhelming guilt that gnawed away at me for it hadn't been something I anticipated. He was so hurt, his bright eyes sad and angry. He couldn't trust anyone, and now he couldn't even trust a damn dog.

Sighing, I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling for only a split second before everything went black and I couldn't breathe. Struggling against the pillow that had been forced over my face, I thrashed and kicked, landing a strong hit against something solid with a bare foot.

Yanking the pillow from my face, I wheezed, blinded for a moment now that I was free. It didn't matter; I flung myself from the bed and fell easily into a warrior's stance. Blinking away the black spots from my eyes, I sought out my attacker.

Never once did I think it was Bucky. Yes, I had lied to him, hunted him, betrayed him, but he could've - and would've - killed me when he had the chance.

No, I knew it wasn't him, but that didn't mean I wasn't surprised blown away by my unmasked assailant. His gray suit was a bit rumpled and his gelled hair askew, but that fucking polite smile stretched into a wicked smirk and he noted sardonically, "Ms. Castle, it really would be easier if you didn't fight back."

"You know my name, but you obviously don't know the first fucking thing about me," I retorted, running at him and ducking his right hook. Slamming into his stomach, I brought the two of us to the ground, me straddling his chest. Pressing my forearm across his throat, I used a foot to pin one hand to the ground and my free knee to shove the other into his chest.

He struggled, but couldn't free himself; his face turned purple as he fought to breathe. Dropping my face to his, it was my turn to smirk as I tilted my head and noted mockingly, "It really would be easier if you didn't fight back. I don't know where Barnes went; he's probably halfway to France by now."

"They're not here for me."

Head snapping up, I stared at Bucky in surprise, eyes flitting from him to the man whose throat was currently being crushed by the soldier's metal hand. He didn't pay the whimpering man any attention, eyes trained on me.

"They're here for you."

/

Plot twist lol! I hope you all enjoyed! Please please leave a review and let me know what you think!

NESSAANCALIME6913: haha yeah I figured the truth was a good route. I don't think Bucky could forgive her if she lied in this form too. Yeah, he'll get it together soon ;)

Kallmered: aw thanks! I was hoping people would enjoy it and I'm glad you do! Haha wow thank you! I'll definitely have to check out yours :)

DarylDixon'sLover: agreed lol

Verrokami: Thank you! I'm so happy you think so! No it doesn't but things will happen to make it stronger ;)

Iaurhil: Thanks! I hope you like this one too!

Sam0728: haha yeahh it didn't go too well haha

KnowInsight: me too! ;D

Ina: Sorry for the wait to see what happened! I hope it didn't disappoint!

QueenOfEpic: Awww thanks! I'm so happy you think so! I keep picturing her as a terrier mix; I found a cute pic online and made it the cover photo so I'm thinking something like that!