Project Muse < Bucky Barnes >

🖤22❌

Steve had gone to get information about the museums leaving Bucky and Heather alone together. There was noticeable tension, The Muse and Winter Soldier together again. They were once a deadly combo, now they were trying to save the world from HYDRA by pulling a Carmen Sandiego. "What did you mean, 'That must have been nice'?" Bucky asked, turning to Heather. "Didn't you have people to take you in?" He asked, he had Steve. He always had Steve. No matter what Steve always saw Bucky, not The Winter Soldier. "No." Heather said flatly. "When I left you, Bucky, I had no where to go. I ran and stole and hid just to get by. Thankfully I made it here and heard about the US government doing blood testing on people with unique organic compounds in their blood streams so I signed up. Ever since then they started paying me and I got enough to live somewhat comfortably with a fake name, hiding from my family that remains." Bucky never realized how different their exodus from HYDRA was. Bucky had people to go to, yes he had to deal with his past mistakes and was held accountable, but there was Steve and the avengers. He had a home, if he chose it. Heather had nothing. "But what about your family?" Bucky asked, his piercing blue eyes became soft as he looked down at the blonde. "You could have gone back to them. Why didn't you?" Heather sighed. "After everything you did for HYDRA would you have wanted to go back to your family?" She had a point. Bucky was certain he wouldn't have been able to look his mother in the eye after the crimes he committed in the name of HYDRA. "Heather," Bucky addressed the woman. "I'm so sorry."

"You know," Bucky began as he looked down at the girl who waited with him for his friend. "I'm not sure if this is a job Steve can handle." Heather raised a brow. "What do you mean? He's captain America. Of course he can handle it." She said and Bucky chuckled as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Yeah, but steeling? Even if the intent is good, captain America is no thief. He's not a criminal and never has been." Heather looked from Bucky to the direction his friend went. He wasn't wrong, captain America had a heart of gold and wouldn't be caught dead stealing. "I think this is a job for two former HYDRA agents." Heather narrowed her eyes at him. "Bucky, what are you saying?" "I'm saying you and I do the hands on work. Steve won't be able to sleep at night knowing he robbed a museum." Heather was obviously skeptical about the idea. She was still weary of her last mission with the man back when they were both a part of HYDRA. "have you forgotten how our last mission together went?" She asked and Bucky only chuckled. "Oh no, I remember." He said before his voice grew quiet and low. " I remember exactly how you tasted." His voice made her shiver. "Bucky please-" "you're right, I'll save the rest for later." He said with a wink and Heather blushed even darker. Pretty soon, as if on que, Steve returned with information on the museum and the location of the hope Diamond. Heather sighed in relief as she saw him return. "We'll talk more later, just you and I." Bucky said as he leaned over and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"The Hope Diamond is on a temporary display in the Smithsonian of Natural History." Steve said as he handed a pamphlet of paper to Bucky. He noticed the kiss he gave Heather but chose not to say anything about it. "When does the display end?" Bucky asked as he looked through the paper his friend gave him. "Next Monday." Steve replied. Heather's eyes widened. "Monday?" She echoed. "But today is Friday." She countered and the men exchanged looks. "Then I guess we better get started." Bucky replied. "Me and Steve will go check out this hope Diamond and I'll call you when we find anything."