The Night We Met | Steve / Bucky

twenty - all the king's horses

  Bucky and Katherine were locked in an air tight sealed box. It was like a mini cell that was small enough to transport. They sat back to back, not being able to see or communicate with one another. They were sat in chairs with their wrists strapped to the handles of the chair while their feet were strapped to the legs. Katherine wore heavy metal spheres over her hands, preventing her from using any of her powers. Large metal straps were placed over their chests, preventing them from moving much in their seat. They didn't speak, they couldn't. The guards refused communication between the pair. Katherine was actually surprised that they kept the pair in captivity together and not kept a part. Katherine didn't mind it. As long as Bucky was near, she felt okay. If he was safe, she felt safe. 

The cell was loaded in the back of an army vehicle, littered with armed guards. They drove through Berlin where Bucky and Katherine were to be held until further investigation. Katherine was scared. She didn't know what was ahead of her. Katherine's leg twitched, her wounds bandaged since being captured in Bucharest. They didn't do a very good job, probably not caring considering her criminal stature. 

Sam, Steve and T'Challa rode together in van, following the one Katherine and Bucky were locked up in. The silence was thick between the trio. Steve couldn't focus to say another, glancing back every so often at the van carrying Katherine and Bucky. Sam decided to break the silence, "So, you like cats?"

Steve exhaled, looking to his friend, "Sam." He said sternly. 

"What?" Sam said defensively, "Dude shows up dressed like a cat and you don't wanna know more?" 

Steve knew Sam had a point. T'Chaka was the well known and loved Prince of Wakanda. Fighting him the day previous, Steve would not put the two together. He was tough, strong and a true warrior. "Your suit - it's vibranium?"

T'Chaka had no interest in engaging with the pair. He was sorry he didn't finish the fight sooner. He paused for a moment, "The Black Panther has been the protector of Wakanda for generations. A mantle, passed from warrior to warrior. And now because your friends murdered my father, I also wear the mantle of king. So, I ask you as both warrior and king, how long do you think you can keep your friends safe from me?"

The words hit Steve in the chest. He knew how dangerous T'Challa was, he witnessed on the underground streets of Bucharest. Steve didn't want to think of the damage he could do to either Katherine or Bucky if they fought him one on one. 

The extensive police escort eventually arrived at the location - The Joint Terrorist Centre. Armed guards flooded the hanger where the many vehicles parked. Katherine looked around, watching as Steve, Sam and T'Challa climbed from the van. Katherine smiled weakly to Steve, who returned the smile. He made his way to the entrance of the building, where Sharon Carter stood alongside Everett Ross, several armed guards by their side. The man was quite short, no match for the trio heading his way, but held a great deal of power. Steve was in a lot of trouble, Katherine knew it. But she couldn't help but feel thankful for his aide but then again her and Bucky would probably still be in this position if Steve was there to help or not. "What's going to happen to them?" Steve spoke, not bothering with introductions first.

Everett spoke, "The same thing that ought happen to you. Psychological evaluation and extradition."

Sharon cleared her throat, "This is Everett Ross, Deputy Task Force Commander."

"What about a lawyer?"

Everett chuckled, "A lawyer. That's funny. See their weapons are placed in lockup." He spoke to Sharon. "We'll write you a receipt."

Several guards walked past the trio and into the building, the trio's gear and weapons stacked in their arms - Steve's shield being one of great significance. "I better not look out the window and seeing anybody flying around in that." Sam spoke, eyeing up the guards who handled his wings.