Disclaimer: Everything belongs to The Marvel Universe except for my characters Sophie and Jeremy and any other SOs that become introduced – they are my own creations and are not meant to resemble anyone else's OCs in any way.
A/N: You all…this chapter is a little cray cray in so many ways. Like I had mentioned in the last A/N, I've had the general ideas for it in my head for a long time so I hope I did it justice as thoughts and images were put to paper, so to speak. Does anyone else imagine stories playing out in their brains like movies? Because I do lol.
Anyway, it's super long and took a lot of time and effort so I really hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 13: Control
The incessant buzzing of her phone on the nightstand felt like a jackhammer to hear head. Sophie and Nat had spent last night dancing and drinking and enjoying girl's night to the fullest. She vaguely remembered Bucky picking her up while Steve dragged Nat off. Despite searching her memory, she couldn't quite recall how the guys had ended up with them, but she was glad for it. Groaning, she buried her face into her pillow from embarrassment as she recalled drunkenly coming on to Bucky, who gently rebuffed her, then put her to bed. Her phone began buzzing again. Letting out a pathetic whimper, she grabbed the phone and pressed it to her ear, face still planted into the pillow.
"Hello?"
*Hey. Sorry to wake you. But the team's being called in for an emergency mission.*
Sophie sat up immediately and squinted at the alarm clock: 5:56am.
"What's going on Michael?"
*Sorry, no time. Details when you get here. I've got more people to call.*
"Yeah, ok."
She turned and found Bucky already dressed and moving swiftly about the still dark room. He was quickly shoving a few last minute things into his ever packed go bag, phone held between his ear and shoulder. He paused, then murmured something quietly. Letting go, the device dropped into his vibranium palm and he hung up, head turning towards her.
*They're wheels up at noon. Make sure you're here by then at the latest.*
"Gotcha."
The line went dead and Sophie clicked her phone off, throwing the covers back and slipping out of bed.
"Do you know what's going on?" She asked him in a slight panic.
"Yeah."
He stood rigid, phone in one hand, go bag in the other. There was a look of anticipation and excitement that gleamed in his eye. Something nearly feral about it that sent a shiver up Sophie's spine.
"They found him."
"What?"
It hadn't even been two weeks since the mission on the train but thus far there hadn't even been a shred of a trail for them to follow.
"Fischer. They found Fischer," Bucky breathed into the dark.
Sophie inhaled sharply. Her stomach churned in anxiety for him. But he seemed far from anxious. He was chomping at the bit to get at the guy. Walking around the bed, she stood directly in front of him and tipped her head back to look him fully in the face.
"Just be careful Bucky. Don't do anything stupid."
He studied her with hooded eyes that glinted in the weak predawn light peaking through the curtains. The corner of his mouth pulled up into a deadly smirk.
"I'll see you there doll."
Then his smile widened.
"Or I guess I should say I'll hear you there," he said as he tapped his ear.
Sophie let out a huff of disbelief at how flippant he was being about the situation. Not giving her a chance to say more, Bucky turned and was out the door. She stood alone in the dark, watching after him for several minutes. Then she wandered into the kitchen and filled up Alpine's food and water, enough to last her the entire day. Returning to the bedroom, she got dressed and headed out the door to grab her things from her own apartment.
…
She'd just started officially working as an Eye, only running a single mission thus far, and so her nerves were already frayed before she'd even walked into the building. As she approached her station, she found Michael sitting in front of the three monitors as he had been last week. He looked up at Sophie at her approach.
"Hey."
"Hey, what's up?"
He frowned slightly, looking sheepish.
"This is a pretty big mission. So…boss requested I run with Bucky for this one. Only because you haven't had much experience yet."
"Oh."
Sophie was surprised but couldn't completely lie that there wasn't a feeling of relief that washed over her. The one mission that she'd worked had been simple with a low chance of complications. It sounded like this one would be the exact opposite and she wasn't sure yet how'd she'd handle the pressure.
"They want you sitting in. You hadn't had a chance to observe anything like this yet. And who knows…we may end up needing you again…if things go south…"
Her stomach twisted at the thought, knowing he meant if Bucky lost it in the field.
"Anyway, sit. I'll brief you."
He pushed out the rolling chair beside him and she quickly took her spot.
"So they found Fischer."
"Yeah, I heard," she responded without thinking.
Michael shot her a quizzical look.
"Oh, um. Bucky told me."
"Oh, guess he called you huh?"
Sophie hummed in the affirmative without outright vocalizing a lie.
"Anyway, he's holed up in a country manor outside of Judenburg, Austria. It doesn't seem like there's too much security, but we won't really know until we're there."
"Who all is going?"
"Sam, Steve and Bucky."
She gave a nod of acknowledgement, slightly relieved knowing that the three of them made an excellent team.
"Sam will scope out the place by air and report back before Steve and Bucky go in on foot. From all the info we've gathered so far, which isn't much honestly, the place is being used mainly for research purposes. The hope is that they'll be able to recover a lot of intel along with Fischer himself. The manor seems to have no direct connection to Hydra and is so remote, they probably don't expect anyone to know about it. This will be a total blitz by our team."
Letting out a little exhale to calm her nerves, Sophie spun back around to the monitor in front of her. Michael's eyes followed her and he clicked a few keys to bring it to life. The interior of a quinjet came to life. She could see the three Avenger's huddled around a map and schematic on the floor, clearly discussing strategy. Bucky had his back turned to the camera and Sophie shuddered at the sight of how heavily armed he was.
"Guess we should go ahead and check the comms. We won't really have time once they land. It's going to be go from the second they hit the ground."
"But if the manor is in the countryside, won't they see the team coming?"
"There's a fair amount of mountain and tree cover. But trust me, they won't see us coming," Michael grinned over at her.
She blinked back at him in confusion.
"Ok…"
"Alright, let's do this."
He put his headset on and Sophie followed suit.
"Hey Sarge, you got your comms in?"
She watched Bucky pause momentarily.
*Hear you loud and clear Michael. Everything ok over there? I was expecting Sophie.*
"All good. She's here with me. They wanted her observing this one."
*Gotcha.*
That was all they got as he quickly returned his attention to whatever they were discussing. Sophie and Michael sat back and relaxed, knowing it would be a few hours before the team got to their destination. Pulling her headset around her neck, she turned to her friend and coworker.
"You sure you're not mad about me taking over with Bucky?"
Michael laughed.
"Not at all. One of the things that I love about being the lead Eye is that I get to work with everyone. Besides, Nat has needed someone stable to work with for a while. She can be a bit of a diva when it comes to communicating with her during a mission — oh God, don't tell her I said that!"
Sophie let out an inadvertent giggle.
"Anyway, we've had people rotating with her trying to find a good fit, but no luck so far. I know her style, I think we'll work well together. We have in the past."
"What's so difficult about her?"
"You just have to know how to read her and the situation really well. There are times when she's super focused and if you speak at an inopportune moment it can throw her off or put her in a mood. Though honestly, they're all a little bit like that. Take Bucky for example — sometimes he gets so into whatever he's doing he forgets he's got someone in his ear. He won't say anything to you or ever complain about it, but you'll notice him startle a bit when you talk. Or you'll have to repeat yourself because he's so hyper focused he's literally tuned out everything he deems unnecessary around him."
"Interesting!"
"Most of these guys aren't used to having help. They've had to rely on themselves and only themselves for so long it's hard to switch gears. So you have to remember that their own instincts are number one in the field. You're just there to assist and make things easier when they need help."
Sophie hummed in response. Then she relaxed again, deep in thought. They took turns with bathroom and snack breaks while they waited and before long, the quinjet was at its destination. The pair turned back to the center monitor and watched as the three men on the screen unbuckled themselves from their seats. Steve and Bucky strapped on parachutes as Sam stepped up to the still closed plane door. Steve hung onto a bar dangling from the ceiling as Bucky fiddled with something. Sophie's brow furrowed, trying to figure out what he was doing. But his back was to her and she couldn't make anything out. At last, he joined Steve in the lineup and the plane door slid open.
"What are they doing?!" Sophie breathed out in a panic. "They're way too high up for a jump!"
Michael smirked and glanced at her sidelong.
"As I said, they're going to get in there undetected. They're doing a HAHO jump."
She stared at him wide-eyed.
"A what?"
"HAHO — high altitude, high opening jump. It's dangerous and takes a lot of damn skill. But they know what they're doing. They've done it before. Honestly, there's times where Steve and Bucky don't even bother with chutes if the plane is low enough."
"I'm sorry, what?!"
Michael chuckled and leaned back in his seat.
"Watch."
(Cause I'm Crazy — DJ Goja)
He clicked a few buttons and the screen to his right, directly in front of Sophie, came to life. Zooming in slightly she could see an outside view of the quinjet. Sophie held her breath as Sam jumped out of the plane. He was soon followed by Steve and a moment later, Bucky too leapt out.
"Holy shit," she muttered faintly.
They pulled their ripcords much sooner than she'd have expected and began to glide sideways, deftly maneuvering their parachutes against the setting sun. It was a sight to behold.
"All of the missions you've observed so far have been simple, low threat, and low action. What you're about to witness will be a totally different ballgame altogether. That's why they wanted me with Bucky tonight. So you could see what something like this is like. You have to be completely on. There's a lot of pressure and it will be fucking intense. But you'll also really get to see your friends in action. Sophie, you'll finally get to know just what these men are capable of. And it's fucking insane."
Her heart beat frantically in her chest as he hit some more keys, bringing up a beautiful country manor into view on the central screen. Sam had already taken off on his own, presumably to investigate the building. Steve and Bucky were continuing to guide themselves through the air, coming ever closer to the ground. At last, they landed and detached from their chutes. Silently, they disappeared into the trees, the world around them already nearing blackness. Michael tapped on the keyboard again. On the right monitor an image of the tree line directly in front of the manor came into view. Then another stroke. He zoomed in, then zoomed in again. And suddenly she could see two stealthy figures creeping through the rocks and trees, approaching the house. Something zipped quickly across the center screen. Then back again. Sophie leaned in when she realized it was Sam doing a swift and silent flyby. A moment later, a message appeared on the bottom of the screen.
Sam said redwing has located four heat signatures outside of the manor. Two in front, two behind.
Michael sent Andy a thumbs up emoji.
"Aren't you going to tell Bucky?"
He seemed amused for a moment.
"They're communicating with each other through their own link. Can't you hear Bucky's responses?"
Sophie blinked. He reached over and flipped a switch.
"Lesson of the day: Always double check your headset is still on if you ever remove it."
"Shit."
He smiled lightly at her. Then another message appeared.
7 on the 1st floor. 8 on the 2nd. 1 on the 3rd. From movement and appearance, likely Fischer up top.
Sophie and Michael looked at each other briefly. Michael tapped his headset.
"Did you get that Sarge? Looks like 3rd floor is all yours."
*Got it.*
Bucky's voice came through with a low growl. She stared at Michael in disbelief.
"Why are you sending him up there?!"
"That's what they'd agreed on."
"How do you know that?"
He smiled at her.
"I've been here since 6:30. Another perk of being lead — you get to sit in on pre-mission planning."
"This is a horrible idea."
Michael frowned in response.
"There was a lot of back and forth between the three of them. But Bucky was pretty damn adamant. He wanted Fischer. After a lot of debating Sam and Steve agreed he could have him. But he's to bring him in alive."
Sophie could feel the anxiety mounting. She scooted closer to the monitors as the pair approached the tree line. Michael zoomed further in, amazing her with the clarity the satellites provided. At last they broke through. Steve veered left, keeping hidden just behind the last row of trees. But Bucky, Bucky walked straight out and down the middle of the lawn. She sucked in a sharp breath.
"Why is he wearing that?" She whispered, her voice sounding terrified to her own ears.
"So they know exactly who's coming for them," he responded quietly.
It was twilight now and he emerged from the trees like the grim reaper come to collect. There was murder in the eyes that gleamed above the Winter Soldier mask. He swaggered across the grass, a Skorpion held loosely in his right hand.
"What the hell is he doing?!"
"He's drawing them out. Then Steve will take out the bottom floor. Sam the second. They're going to clear the way for him to get to Fischer. Bucky's planning on just walking through the front door."
Sophie's heart was beating painfully in her chest and she couldn't tear her eyes away from the screen. The man she was watching was Bucky, but it wasn't the Bucky she'd known for four years. This was the Winter Soldier. She swallowed thickly and crossed her legs as her body reacted in the most unexpected way. Her mouth grew dry as she watched him continue to stalk towards the manor. He looked terrifying and dangerous and…hot. She surreptitiously squeezed her thighs together, suddenly feeling turned on by the sight of him.
What the fuck is wrong with you?
The two guards in the front were now alert to his presence. They came forward, semiautomatics raised. But when they caught sight of Bucky, they both froze. She could see their eyes widen in fear as mouths dropped open, guns going slack in their hands. Bucky continued to stride forward with a confidence bordering on arrogance. Sophie held her breath. Another message appeared on the screen.
Sam has taken out the two in the back. Waiting on the go ahead from Bucky.
The air left her lungs in a rush. It happened so quickly it took a moment for her mind to catch up. The guards raised their guns but before they could take aim, Bucky had dropped down to one knee. Without a second's hesitation, he raised the Skorpion and clicked off two shots. Both guards dropped nearly simultaneously. Raising easily to his feet, his low and deadly voice reached Sophie's ears.
*We're a go.*
And then it began. Steve had snuck up to one of the downstairs windows while Bucky had come down the middle. At the former assassin's signal, he sent his shield into the manor, shattering the glass and throwing himself through the opening. She presumed Sam was doing something similar on the second floor in the back of the house. Bucky was at the front door. A shot to the lock and he was storming in. Michael's fingers flew over the keys. The manor's security cameras came alive on their screens. They were now inside and following along with Bucky. Michael had the arial view outside the manor on the left, trailing Bucky in the middle, the right was split screen between the halls in front and behind him.
…
(Natural - Imagine Dragons)
He was grateful for the filter in his mask when he stepped over the threshold. A smoke bomb had been detonated inside the building and he could already feel his eyes burning from whatever the fumes contained. He holstered the Skorpion as the sound of Steve fighting somewhere in the hazy depths drifted to his ears from the left. He'd memorized the schematics of the house and moved straight down the corridor in search of the stairs. With the smoke swirling thick he knew Michael would be of little use. Bucky was on his own. He sensed the movement before he saw it. Someone stepped out of the smoke and threw a fist right at his face. But he was too swift. Ducking sideways he one-two punched first to the gut, then to the head. The guard went down and he kept moving forward.
Another ambush, the men appearing from either side like apparitions. He deflected their attacks, landing some hits of his own. Then a third materialized behind him. A wire wrapped around Bucky's neck and he just managed to get his hand in front of his throat. This vibranium arm flew out to bat away another assailant as the wire tore into the flesh of his right palm. Reaching down to his thigh holster, he snatched up one of his knives. Giving it an impressive flip in the air, it spun around until he caught it, blade down. Throwing his arm backwards he sank the knife deep into the man's side. There was a scream and the wire loosened. Bucky coughed slightly, blood dripping down his hand. But he had little time to think about it. The other two men were back up on their feet and coming at him once more. Now armed with his knife, he made short work of them, hands flying in a nearly automatic flow of movement. Continuing down the hall, he kept the knife gripped tight in his left hand. At last he reached the stairs. But not half way up he had to jump down several steps to avoid getting shot.
*You've got two waiting for you at the top Sarge.*
Michael's voice, quiet up until now, rang out loud and clear, making him startle. Throwing the knife back into its holster he grabbed his Skoprion once more. Carefully peaking upwards, Bucky assessed the situation. He couldn't see anyone and his line of sight was terrible. The way the stairs were arranged he'd be a sitting duck if he continued on. Pulling out a flash grenade from his belt, he pulled out the pin and held it momentarily.
"Flash coming your way Sam," he spoke into the comms.
*Gotcha.*
Bucky tossed the weapon up over the second floor railing and spun, shutting his eyes. The grenade went off, blinding the two men who had been laying in wait. Running up the steps, gun held at the ready, he found them writhing on the floor with hands over their eyes.
"I'll let you take care of them," he shouted over his shoulder as he flew past Sam and another guard battling it out.
He continued on through the room and down another hallway, taking a right, then a left. Up a few steps, down another hallway. His teeth clenched, body on edge as he ran on, his path unobstructed.
Where the hell is everyone?
Judging by the people he'd seen so far, there were at least three to five who were missing. Bucky suddenly pulled up short. Where the stairs to the third floor should be he found a wall instead.
This can't be right. They've got to be able to go up and down. They couldn't have blocked off the stairs.
Palm against the wall, he slid it backwards and forwards, up and down. But found nothing.
"Some help Mikey?"
*Sorry Sarge. I can't pull anything up. Only view I've got is of the hallway you're in and the room upstairs.*
"How many are up there?"
*Just Fischer. He's alone.*
What the fuck?
*But you may want to hurry up. He seems to be shredding documents.*
Bucky cursed under his breath. Backing up slowly, he eyed the door to his left. Gun at the ready, he threw the door open and stepped inside, Skorpion first. But the bedroom was empty. He slowly stepped back into the hallway and backtracked a few more paces, stopping in front of the next door. His nerves were pulled taught, adrenaline coursing through him as he flung the door open. He stared at a dark hallway with a narrow set of steps at the end. Slowly and silently he crept forward, gun poised. He could hear Sam and Steve chattering into his ear piece. They'd cleared their two floors and were now ransacking the place for intelligence.
He moved up the stairs, drifting silent as a ghost. Pressing his ear to the door at the top of the landing he listened but could hear nothing. Taking in a deep breath, hands wrapped around his gun, he put his shoulder into the door and heaved, dropping down to his knee as he burst through. He was met with gunfire. Seven men took up the small hallway that lead to the room where Fischer was hiding. Bucky immediately took out the two closest to him who were shooting but the next man who assailed him managed to kick the Skorpion out of his hands. He had three more pistols on his body but with the close quarters he preferred his knives.
Pulling out a dagger he proceeded with hand to hand combat with his assailants. The longer he fought, the more the fury and rage built inside of him until it bubbled up to the surface at last. He'd had enough. He was done playing games. He wanted to put an end to this. He wanted Fischer. Screams and the scent of blood filled his senses, but he took no heed, Bucky was seeing red. Down to only two men, he disarmed them both quickly. He descended upon the one guarding the door when the man to his left pulled out a knife of his own. Whipping around, he broke the man's arm in half. But not before he somehow managed to wedge the weapon underneath Bucky's tactical belt and jacket. The blade sliced through skin and muscle at his waist but he was so high on adrenaline he didn't even notice. Using his own weapon against him, Bucky sank the blade between the man's ribs, allowing the body to drop down with a thud. The last guard stood before him, shaking with a pistol in hand. Bucky threw his knife, embedding it into the man's chest. He stalked past him and to the door, yanking the weapon out as he went, never sparing him a glance. Opening the door, he stood in front of Fischer at last.
*Everything alright Buck? You got Fischer yet? I've cleared out the bottom. Managed to get a lot of info. Computers, papers, you name it.*
*Same here Cap. We hit the mother lode.*
There was a buzzing in Bucky's ear. People talking incessantly. Frustrating him, annoying him. Blood pumped furiously through his veins and he breathed deeply. Fischer turned and faced him fully. They stared at each other silently, eyes locked. Bucky ground his teeth together as his fists clenched at his sides. The man looked remarkably like Zola.
*Buck?*
*You there Bucky?*
*Sarge? You ok?*
Fischer took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly through his nose.
"Well. We meet at last. The Winter Soldier in the flesh. You were my grandfather's pride and joy, you know…His greatest creation."
The buzzing reached a fever pitch. Bucky snapped.
…
Sophie held her breath. Something wasn't right. Bucky wasn't acting like himself. He was in the center screen, the arial view remained and Steve and Sam were split screen on the last monitor.
"Can you tap into any audio?" She asked Michael quietly.
He nodded and she watched which commands he entered in. A moment later a hush of low static filled her ears.
"I can't hear anything."
"I don't think they're saying anything. They're just standing there."
*Well. We meet at last. The Winter Soldier in the flesh. You were my grandfather's pride and joy, you know…His greatest creation.*
Sophie sucked in a quick breath. She couldn't see Bucky's face from the way he was standing, almost in profile and angled from above. But she didn't need to. Sophie knew him well enough that she could read his body language. He was coiled like a snake, ready to strike. At Fischer's words, there was a minute twitch of his fingers. And she knew, she just knew she had to get him help. She sprung up so quickly her chair flew backwards. Palms slamming down on the desk in front of her, she shouted to the other Eyes in the room just as Bucky lunged for Fischer.
"GET SAM AND STEVE UP TO THE THRID FLOOR NOW!"
"Holy shit!" Michael yelped out in surprise as he watched Bucky on screen.
The Winter Soldier had Fischer by the throat. His vibranium arm lifting him several inches off the ground as he dragged his body with him, never breaking stride until he reached the far wall where he slammed Fischer's body hard. The professor grabbed uselessly at the metal fingers as he choked and coughed.
"He needs to be taken alive Bucky!" Michael nearly screamed into the comms. "The agreement was you wouldn't harm him! Keep him alive!"
Bucky tipped his chin down and stared at Fischer with a calm and ruthless fury, ignoring the noise in his ear.
*He taught me everything, my grandfather.*
Sophie and Michael stared at the screen in horror as Fischer continued to taunt Bucky.
*I watched all the videos. The ones where you screamed as they dismantled you piece by piece and then slowly put you back together like a broken jigsaw puzzle. Did you know he recorded you? I saw how they threw out little pieces at a time and replaced them with what they wanted. Two puzzles mashed together. Not quite fitting. Not quite human anymore. Until you were finally glued up at the seams. Finally quiet and compliant.*
"Oh my God," Sophie whispered.
She thought she might throw up. Bucky's expression never changed as his grip tightened around Fischer's windpipe. The professor began to gasp and gurgle, his face turning slightly purple. Sophie mashed on her headset, turning the mic on just as Steve appeared in the frame.
…
He wanted to end it. He could end it. End this man's miserable existence. But there was something inside of him telling him not to, that he shouldn't. His eyes cut to the left as he sensed a presence behind him.
"Put him down Buck. You're better than this."
Growling low in his throat he turned his attention back to the man in front of him.
Am I better than this? Why shouldn't I kill him? It would be so easy to crush his throat. Let him slowly suffocate…let him feel a fraction of my pain.
"You promised Buck. You promised you'd take him in alive and unharmed. We need him."
His grip loosened infinitesimally.
"Do it," Fischer gasped. "You know you want to. It's in your nature. You're an animal now. The Asset. This is what you were made to do."
Icy blue eyes narrowed as Bucky's grip retightened, cutting off whatever else he was going to say. The window to his left shattered suddenly and he turned his head to avoid the glass shards. Sam flew in, landing a few paces away from the group.
"You've gotta let him go Bucky. Prove them wrong."
There was a rage running up his spine. A sense of wrath settling in his veins. He was surrounded by people he vaguely registered as friends yet it felt threatening all the same. He moved Fischer a few inches higher. Head cocking slightly his passive face took in the bluish hue to the professor's lips, the ruddy shade of his face, the slight jerk of his body as the man was deprived of oxygen.
*James…* a soft voice breathed into his ear.
*Let him go James. This isn't you. You're having a PTSD episode. You're not a prisoner any more. You're in control of yourself and your own actions. You can do this. Let go.*
He inhaled deeply, eyes fluttering shut as the disembodied voice in his ear caressed him. It soothed his frazzled nerves and tamped down his anxiety.
James.
He liked it when she called him that.
*You can do it James. Let him go so you can come home.*
Home.
His eyes opened as the exhale rushed out of him. Vibranium fingers relaxed, dropping Fischer to the ground. He took a step backwards. Sam came forward to check on the professor as Steve stepped up to Bucky's right, a gentle hand landing on his shoulder.
"You alright man?"
Bucky's eyes stayed trained on Fischer as the man gasped for air while Sam pulled him to his feet. Very slowly, he lifted his gaze to his childhood friend. With a curt nod, he spun on his heel and strode out of the room. Sam and Steve exchanged looks, then watched after his retreating form as he walk straight through the carnage he'd left behind in the hallway. Handing off the professor to Steve, Sam urged him to follow his friend downstairs while he collected whatever research Fischer hadn't managed to destroy.
…
Bucky sat on the front steps of the manor, dead bodies strewn out behind him. He breathed in deeply, taking in the pleasant night air. Stars twinkled overhead and he gazed out at nothing in particular. He was fully back in the present now, completely aware of what happened in there. Although he was frustrated at being goaded into losing control, he couldn't quite bring himself to be upset about what he'd done. The man deserved so much worse, for his sins and his grandfather's.
As he continued to wait on Steve and Sam, more pleasant thoughts drifted into his mind. Thoughts of Sophie's gentle voice, coaxing him back from the edge. In that moment, he needed her so badly. He wanted nothing more than to have her in his arms. To feel her naked body against his. To have her heart beat steadily against his own chest. But there was something else there too. A part of him still felt raw — still on edge, pulled taught, needing release. He wanted more from Sophie than just emotional comfort. He wanted the physical comfort too. He wanted to dominate her. To bury himself deep inside of her and take possession of her. An animalistic urge pumped along with the blood in his veins. He slipped his phone out of his pocket and sent her a message just as Steve came down with Fischer. Standing up, he grabbed the two large bags at his feet and hauled them up. A moment later, Sam joined him with two more similar bags. They took Fischer and all of the intel they'd managed to collect and started making their way back to the trees.
"We're all set Michael. Ready for extraction."
There was a moment before Michael's voice reached his ear, a shakiness to it he wasn't used to hearing.
*All set. Meet at rendezvous point.*
…
They sat back numbly in their chairs. The entire room was quiet, no one made a sound. At last, Michael turned his head and looked at her.
"That was good work Sophie."
She nodded in acknowledgement of the compliment.
"This is going to be one hell of a long debrief."
Sophie groaned.
"When does it start?"
"Once they're in the air and in a safe space."
Nodding again, her eyes stayed trained to the monitor as the men loaded up in the waiting quinjet.
"I'm going to run to the bathroom. You good?"
"Yup."
Waiting until Michael was out of the room, she slipped her phone out of her pocket and looked at the screen. Just as she'd thought, Bucky had been sending her a text.
Bucky: I need you. In every way. Be at my apartment.
She stared at the screen. There was no question, no request. He was commanding her. And although she knew she could refuse and just not show up, something about it shot desire straight to her core. The image of him stalking across the lawn came to mind. The way he'd handled himself in the manor prior to Fischer, though she felt slightly ashamed for admitting it even to herself, turned her on. Despite much of her view being hazy, for the first time, she'd seen the raw power that James Barnes possessed. And it ignited something within her. She swallowed hard, throat suddenly dry as she imagined those hands on her body. She envisioned tearing the mask off, her lips meeting his in a bruising kiss. Her heart was beating wildly now. A creak snapped her out of her thoughts. Andy had spun around in her chair and was watching Michael as he walked back into the room. Then her eyes met Sophie's.
"Think he's going to need a medic?"
"Fischer?"
"Bucky," she said quietly.
Sophie thought about it for a moment, her minding going to the text. It felt like her phone was burning a hole in her pocket.
"No."
…
He revved his bike as he flew down the empty city streets. The debrief had lasted longer than he would have liked and Steve made him sit still while the medics bandaged his hand and his flank afterwards. It was 2:30am and with all the back and forth through different time zones, he felt a little disoriented. But most of all, he felt needy. He hoped Sophie wouldn't be asleep. He'd kept waiting for this feeling to subside. This profound masculine energy that seemed to be consuming him. This hazy adrenaline high that still thrummed deep within. But if anything, it had only intensified. The more he thought about Sophie, the more potent his desire got. He'd been still for too long. He needed to move. He needed to do something. He had to get this out of his system now. Revving the engine again, he opened the throttle and took off at top speed.
…
Sophie paced Bucky's apartment nervously, Alpine close at her heels. He'd texted her that they'd landed several hours ago, but he still wasn't back.
Where is he? What's taking so long? Is he ok? Did someone get hurt?
She looked down at herself, for the hundredth time that night doubting her choice. After her own excruciatingly long debrief, she'd gone home and showered. Then changed into a casual dress, black satin bra with matching high waisted briefs underneath. The anticipation was killing her. Then she heard the key in the lock. It froze her on the spot, positioned at the end of his short foyer, just inside the living room space. Heart jumping into her throat, Sophie felt her mouth go dry. Bucky stepped inside, eyes heated, already zeroed in on Sophie. He closed the door quietly behind him, then let his go bag slide to the floor. They stared at each other for a moment, his stormy orbs sliding leisurely up and down her body.
(I Wanna Be Your Slave — Vargenta, Daniel McMillan)
"Bucky…Are you —"
But she fell silent as he began to stride towards her, like a jungle cat stalking it's pray. Sucking in a startled breath she took a half step backwards, heart hammering in her chest at the look on his face. Bucky closed the distance between them swiftly. There was something yearning to break free, clawing its way out of him and he didn't want to cage it anymore. He'd leashed that part of himself for far too long, afraid of the consequences, afraid of letting himself go. But consequences be damned. He was running through a frenzied fog of lust and excitement. The leash had finally snapped and he was on her in an instant. Strong hands gripped her hips firmly as Bucky's mouth found hers in a searing kiss. Wasting no time, he backed Sophie up against the wall, angling his head to deepen their kiss. She gasped when he grasped her under her thighs and lifted her easily. Stepping into the space between her legs, he pressed Sophie against the wall. Hands gliding up, he took her dress with him until her satin panties were exposed. She groaned at the feel of him already hard and eager for her.
Resting most of her weight on his vibranium arm, Bucky pulled back slightly to allow his right hand to travel up the side of her body. It moved higher, grazing over a breast, until he wound his fingers lightly around her throat, then around her jaw. Tipping her head backwards, he held her there as his mouth descended on the delicate skin of her neck. Sophie moaned, feeling herself grow wet when he nipped just under her ear. She tried to rub herself against him and earned a feral growl of warning. Bucky pressed his body into her again, asserting his control. It only served to arouse her further. Body taught with anticipation, she wasn't sure how much teasing she could take tonight. She wanted him. She wanted him so badly it was driving her crazy already and they'd just begun.
At last, he set her back down and took one step backwards, creating space between them. Eyes never leaving her face, he kicked off his shoes and socks. His gloves came next. Then slowly, he removed his tactical jacket and, reaching behind his head, yanked off the shirt he wore underneath. Steel blue orbs smoldered as his hands reached for her. They landed on her waist, gliding up to the zipper in the back and little by little inched it down her body. Then he gently removed the straps from her shoulders, letting them slide across her heated skin. Sophie could feel warmth radiating off his body and she wanted to touch him badly. But something told her not to move. Perhaps it was the carnal way he was looking at her. Or the fact that he'd yet to say a word. She couldn't be sure but she knew in her gut she needed to be still. The dress pooled at her waist. Bucky's fingers drifted down her sides and shoved it all the way to the floor. Then he took a moment to drink her in, eyes raking over her body. Sophie shivered under his intense gaze.
"Take off my pants," he commanded her rough and low.
The order was so erotic, she mewled at him. Taking a step forward, Sophie closed the distance between them. Bucky stood straight and proud, shoulders back as he looked down his nose at her. Her heart was in her throat as she unsnapped the buckles and buttons of his tactical pants. Then she slid down the zipper. She felt her inner muscles quiver in anticipation while she pushed his pants down his hips. He stepped out of them as they fell to the floor. Reaching for his black boxer briefs, Sophie made a disappointed noise when his hand clamped down around her wrist. Erection clearly straining against the fabric, he walked her back into the wall again. Sophie wrapped her legs around his waist as he lifted her up again, mouth glued to hers. He kissed her roughly, fingers digging into the flesh of her thighs. She moaned loudly into Bucky's mouth.
"Bucky, please. I need you."
Without breaking the kiss, he spun them around and carried her to his bedroom. Sophie was vaguely aware that they were breaking the no-bed rule that they'd established. But in that moment, she didn't care one bit. He set her down on the mattress and crawled over her body. Reaching underneath her, Bucky unsnapped her bra, then threw it on the ground. He brought her arms over her head, pinning her wrists with his vibranium fingers. His right hand drifted up her nearly naked body until he cupped one of her breasts. Gazing down at her, he massaged the soft globe, gently pinching and tugging at her nipple. Sophie arched her body. He felt his cock twitch at the soft sounds she emitted. Letting go of her, he slithered down until his wet lips took the place of his fingers. Tongue circling her pert nipple, he squeezed the other breast gently. She wound her fingers into his hair, yanking none too gently at the long strands. He switched breasts, allotting it the same time and attention.
Finally releasing her, Bucky began to shift down her body. Sophie let out a needy whine as he left wet, open mouthed kisses in his wake. Hooking his fingers underneath her panties, he slowly dragged them down her legs, then discarded them on the floor. He sat back on his heels and looked down at her. They'd never discussed it before, but there seemed to be some unspoken rule between the two of them. Their mouths had never touched one another intimately. In this moment though, his mind still crazed with hunger, he didn't care. He wanted to take her in every way that he could. He wanted to claim her, he wanted to watch her writhe, he wanted to hear his name roll off her wanton lips, he wanted to bring her to the brink over and over until she was nearly mad with desire for him.
Sliding off the bed, he took a step back and slowly brought his boxer briefs down his hips. Sophie scooted up on the bed and propped herself up on her elbows to watch him. Her pulse quickened and her core throbbed as she watched his cock, heavy with want spring free. Bucky began to crawl back up the bed and her legs fell open for him. Eyes darting down, he could see the soft pink of her delicate center peeking out through well manicured curls. His tongue darted out in eagerness, drawing his bottom lip in, allowing his teeth to drag over it slowly. A rush of heady desire shot through Sophie as she observed the action. It was beyond erotic. And yet, she hadn't been prepared for what came next.
Bucky felt himself swell even further at the sight of her glistening wet for him when she spread her legs wider. He grasped his cock and pumped his hand over himself several times, spreading the precum with his thumb. Her ragged intake of breath set him to action. Releasing himself, Bucky shoved his hands underneath her, palms up. Grabbing her ass, he began to knead roughly as he brought his mouth down on her. Sophie's hips jerked upward in surprise, eyes wide and mouth open. His tongue laved over her opening, then swirled softly at her clit. A strangled noise escaped her as she began to pant, eyes closing and head tipping backwards in pleasure. Tongue flicking over her several times, he inserted two fingers. She gasped, hands flying back to his hair. Bucky began to pump his fingers in and out, spreading her open, preparing her for what was to come while his mouth continued to work her. Sophie whimpered and attempted to shove his head further into her. But he immediately removed himself, sensing that she was close.
"N-nooo. Bucky, don't stop," she whined.
Opening her eyes, she watched as he licked his fingers.
"Shhh…not yet doll."
Bending down he blew on her gently. Her hips bucked up of their own accord. Twisting his head, he brought his mouth to the inside of her right thigh. She keened. Bucky moved over her center, softly blowing again, then moved to her other thigh. Sophie wasn't even sure what noises were coming out of her at this point. She was too far gone to care. He kissed right above where she needed him the most. Then his tongue darted out, trailing hot and wet up the center of her body. She moaned, hips moving upward, searching for him. His mouth landed on her collar bone. Then moved up to the junction of her neck and shoulder where he bit down lightly, marking her. He grazed up her neck, planting another kiss below her ear. Sophie mewled, fingernails scraping down his body. She shifted her head, attempting to kiss him, but he wouldn't give her what she wanted. At last, Bucky's lips hovered over hers.
"Beg me," he told her gruffly.
Sophie felt the wetness leaking down her thighs as she looked up at him. Eyes dark with need, he gazed down intensely.
"P-please," she stuttered out. "Please Bucky. I need to feel you inside me."
There was a beat where he sucked in a breath slowly. Then suddenly she squealed in surprise as he flipped her over onto her stomach. Running his palms up her arms, he moved her hands above her head, entwining their fingers. Lowering down on top of her, he rested on his forearms while his knees nudged her legs apart slightly. Powerful thighs pressed her legs into the mattress as Bucky enveloped her completely. Sophie turned her head to the side, heart beating wildly and body begging to be filled when she realized he intended to take her in this position. She was both nervous and exhilarated as it dawned on her that he had her completely pinned down, totally in control.
"B-Bucky? I…I can't move," Sophie whispered.
"I know," he whispered back hotly into her ear.
A shiver ran down her spine. Nuzzling her neck, Bucky positioned himself outside of her entrance and finally sank into her warm and wet depths. His stiff and throbbing cocked inched deeper and deeper inside of her, making her moan loudly. Nestled to the hilt at last, he paused. Sophie whimpered and squirmed underneath him, shocked at how amazing this position felt. Though she wasn't sure why she was surprised — Bucky had yet to do anything that didn't feel good to her. He closed his eyes and laid his forehead against her temple, breathing hard, attempting to hang on to his self-restraint. But Sophie was having none of it. The way he made her feel so full was heady and she was done with his teasing. She needed him to move. Writhing beneath him, her inner walls squeezed his embedded shaft. Bucky growled and nipped the back of her neck, eliciting a sharp intake of breath.
"I don't think so," he grunted.
She felt his thick cock twitch inside of her, stretching her further. She whimpered. The awareness that he was in command of every second of their coupling made her feel both vulnerable and free all at the same time. She closed her eyes and sighed in contentment as he began to move at last. Bucky's pace started out slow while he rocked hard and deep. Soft mewling noises escaped Sophie's lips as she attempted to move with him but found it impossible. At last, giving up trying, she allowed him to have his way with her. Pulling out to the base of his head, he began a faster tempo, teasing her as his stiff length quickly pumped in and out of her in shallow thrusts. Sophie was digging her fingers into the sheets, high pitched whimpers tumbling out of her mouth. She tested the hold on her hands. Bucky gripped her fingers tighter, then nipped her neck again in warning. Her inner walls briefly spasmed around him at his display of dominance over her.
Spurring him on with her actions, he felt all sense of restraint melt away. Mind floating in a fog of carnal desire, he continued to hold her hands in his right one as his left slipped down. Wedging his vibranium arm under Sophie's waist, he angled her ass up just slightly until it was fitted perfectly against his hips, allowing him to slide in further. She gasped, eyes flying open. He began to buck hard and fast, pressing deeply within her. Bucky felt like he were an animal during rutting season but he couldn't take it any more. The need to claim her, to reach his peak and fill her was overwhelming.
"Aaahhh! Oh God yessss. Bucky…Y-YESSSSS!" She hissed as he drove her closer and closer to climax.
Flesh slapped against flesh, their bodies slick with sweat as they moved against one another. Bucky could feel her walls begin to tighten.
"Unnngg you feel so fucking good Sophie. Come for me baby. I want to feel you hot and tight around me. Show me you're mine," he murmured hoarsely into her ear.
A shiver ran down her spine, pleasure pooling deep and low at his words as he continued to stroke her rhythmically. She moaned and whimpered, eyes fluttering shut as she focused on the sensations he was creating. She was so close now. Bucky's own orgasm was just around the corner as well. It was starting to coil through him, ready to explode within every fiber of his body.
"That's it doll," he coaxed her. "You're nearly there. You just have to let go."
His tongue ran up the back of her neck and she nearly cried at the pleasure of it. Slick walls began to tighten and flutter around Bucky's stiff cock. He continued to drive into her, finally bringing her toppling over the edge. Sophie shuddered underneath him as she came with a keening cry.
"Yes," he rasped. "That's it. Good girl. You're my good girl."
Eyes screwed shut, forehead against her nape, he pumped himself into her once more before following into oblivion while Sophie convulsed and squeezed around him, moaning out her pleasure.
"Yes, yes, yes Bucky…oh God yes. Bucckkkyyy…"
He grunted in response, a sense of calm and contentment coming over him while his cock pulsed, filling her with his cum, claiming her properly at last. The pleasure a soothing balm over his frazzled mind.
…
At some point, Bucky had rolled off of her, his urge finally satiated. He lay on his back, right arm stretched out towards Sophie, left across his abdomen. She remained on her stomach, having shifted only slight to get more comfortable. Their breathing had finally normalized and they lay together in comfortable silence. Slowly, Sophie slithered her right hand underneath his arm and rested her palm against his warm shoulder.
"Bucky?" She ventured softly.
"Hmm?"
"Are you ok?"
He silently stared up at the ceiling for several long moments before finally answering her, voice so quiet she had to strain to hear.
"I don't know."
Her fingers curled around his shoulder as his began to lazily run up and down her arm. Bucky rolled towards her suddenly, cradling her palm against his chest now.
"I don't know what came over me," he admitted. "The mission…everything that happened during…and even…even now, after…"
Tucking her arm underneath her head, Sophie also rolled onto her side, mirroring him.
"I was supposed to try to not use any lethal force. But honestly, as soon as they started shooting, I just didn't care. I knew who we were fighting. What kind of people they were and what kind of things they did. And I just didn't care. I wanted to destroy all of them."
Sophie cast her eyes downward as she listened to him intently. Her fingers trailed down his abdomen and ghosted over the bandage at his flank, then back up until he grasped her wandering hand with his vibranium fingers. He pressed her palm into his chest again, right over his heart.
"When I got to Fischer…I just saw red. He looked so much like Zola. And the things he said…I knew he was goading me. But I just wanted to give in to the temptation. I wanted to feel the life seep out of him as I crushed his throat with my bare hands."
Swallowing hard, he glanced away from her face, unable to force the next words out. She remained silent, giving him space to gather himself.
"I feel like…I feel he was right. Maybe I am nothing more than the monster that they made me. Deep down inside, I just wanted to kill him. I knew I shouldn't, I knew it was wrong, but I wanted to so badly."
She pressed her palm firmly against his warm flesh.
"Bucky, you are not a monster. The reaction you had was completely understandable given everything they'd submitted you to. And at the end of the day, you didn't give into that urge. You didn't do it."
"Only because you talked me off the ledge."
"I may have helped Bucky, but you did the work. You were the one who stopped yourself. You were the one who walked away. I couldn't have made you do that if I'd tried."
He sighed deeply, his tortured gaze meeting hers again at last.
"You give me more credit than I deserve."
"You don't give yourself enough credit."
They laid there, staring at one another, until Bucky finally gave a playful roll to his eyes.
"I guess I'd better schedule an emergency session with Dr. Young, huh?"
"Probably for the best."
Gently, he brushed Sophie's hair over her shoulder and out of her face. He sucked in a breath.
"Shit," he mumbled, suddenly looking chagrined and apologetic.
"What? What's wrong?"
He grimaced, "I've left marks on your neck and shoulder."
Eyes growing wide, Sophie jerked her hand out of his grasp, fingers flying to her neck. Then suddenly she burst out laughing. Bucky looked at her incredulously.
"You gave me hickeys?!" She continued to giggle.
But she quieted quickly when she saw Bucky's reaction. He'd rolled over onto his back and laid there with his hands covering his face. At last, he pulled them down roughly, releasing an audible exhale, eyes glued to the ceiling.
"What's the matter Bucky? It's just a hickey. Who cares?"
Turning his head towards her, Sophie was shocked to see the slight misting in his eyes. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down a few times as he swallowed convulsively.
"Did I hurt you?" He asked quietly. "Please, be honest Sophie. Did I?"
"What? No. Why would you think that?"
His eyes cast downward and he pulled away when her fingers grazed his.
"Because I was way too aggressive and controlling with you."
She snorted. Bucky rolled onto his side, arm tucking under his head like Sophie. He glared at her.
"Don't laugh at me Sophie."
She frowned.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't laughing at you. I just don't get it. Who says you were too aggressive? Don't you think I get to decide that?"
Brows furrowed, he stared at her in confusion. Something finally seemed to click in Sophie's brain.
"Bucky…have you been told before that you're too forceful in the bedroom?"
He blinked at her, then moved onto his back once more. Hands coming up, he tangled his fingers in his hair as he breathed heavily, palms pressing into his temples. He could feel his face grow hot from embarrassment.
"A few times," he mumbled.
She sat up, pulling the sheet with her and wrapping it around her body. Gazing down at him, she rested her cheek against her drawn up knees.
"Hey now, it's just me. We've been over this before. You don't have to be embarrassed talking to me about this stuff. I'm glad that you're telling me… the truth is…I've never…"
It was Sophie's turn to stumble over her words as her cheeks flamed red. Allowing his hands to drop down to his sides, Bucky turned his head and gazed up at her. She bit her lip, peering at him through her lashes.
"I've never had sex like that before. And I…I liked it…a lot. Like… a lot, a lot. I mean…it might not be something that I want every time. You know…sometimes I'm more in a 'let's take it slow' kinda mood…but it's something I definitely wouldn't mind repeating…because it was pretty damn amazing. I don't think I ever knew sex could be like that…"
She trailed off at the slow smile that was spreading on Bucky's face.
"You're rambling."
She flushed darker, still chewing on her lower lip.
"I liked how you just took over all of the control."
Bucky exhaled, a frown suddenly marring his features.
"I never want to take away someone's control. I've been there. It's a horrible, helpless feeling. I don't ever want to make you or anyone else feel that way. And I think…I think maybe that's how those other women have felt in the past. I've never done anything beyond what we did. No BDSM, definitely never forced myself on anyone. But…when I've let myself just be fully in the moment and take over, a few have stopped me. Telling me it's too much. Walking out before we'd even really got started."
"That's not what I meant. Not at all. I just meant that…it felt good to just be able to totally and completely let go of the reins. As much as I wanted to race to the finish line, I had to slow down and just enjoy everything you were doing to me. It's hard for me to just relax and take the time like that."
Bucky turned and propped himself up on his right elbow, head resting in his palm. A small smile tugged at his lips as his vibranium hand gently wrapped around her right ankle.
"Oh I know it is," he laughed.
Sophie slapped his chest lightly.
"Don't. I'm being serious right now."
They fell silent again. Each one processing what the other had said.
"Bucky?"
"Yeah doll?"
"I'm sorry they made you feel like there was something wrong with you. That may not have been their cup of tea when it comes to sex but it sounds like they could have handled it a lot better."
He sighed, eyes drifting to his fingers that were now drawing random patterns into the sheet covering her legs.
"The thing is…before all of…this," he motioned with his eyes towards his left arm. "I enjoyed taking control but it was different. I don't think I was that assertive in the bedroom. It was defiantly more slow and romantic most of the time."
"But do you think that maybe that's because that was what was expected of you back then? It was a different time. Sex was viewed differently. Expectations in the bedroom were different."
His hand stilled and he looked up at her in surprise. That thought had never occurred to him.
"Besides, we all change as we get older and as our experiences shape us. Sexual tastes can change too. I think I was more of a romantic sap in the bedroom when I was younger as well," she quipped.
Bucky laughed under his breath, feeling some of the tension ease from between his shoulders at last.
"The thing is," Sophie went on. "You went though a lot of things where your control was taken from you. And it makes perfect sense that now you want to exert that control where you can. And what better place than in the bedroom? Truthfully, I feel safe and comfortable with you…so it just felt good to be able to hand it all over. I know that I can do that and you'll still take care of me. If I ever asked you to stop, you would."
"I dunno, darlin'. I felt a little out of it tonight."
"Oh you were. But I know you'd still stop if I asked. Not that I wanted you too," she said with a smile.
The quiet stretched between them, blue eyes roving over her face.
"Are you sure you're ok?" He asked quietly.
"I'm more than ok Bucky. It can be hard to ask for what we want. Or even admit to what we want, but I hope you feel safe enough to do that with me."
Bucky's fingers curled around Sophie's calf as he ran his palm up and down her leg. His eyes followed it's path, then continued up her body until they locked with her soft cinnamon gaze.
"Yeah doll," he whispered. "I do."
A/N: Ok…So I'm just going to leave this all here and slowly walk away now. Hopefully your heads aren't left spinning too bad…
Thank you as always to everyone who took a minute to leave me a review or encouraging comment! You are so very much appreciated! isabetta1463, Listening4urMeaning, and especially Vokunkendov and Alices Rabbit!
Alices Rabbit: Thank you again! I really appreciate your support! I will be looking to add some more Steve/Nat subplot soon. I hope I didn't botch up this Hydra mission too bad! There will be more to come. But I always feel like I'm not writing out the mission scenes really well.