In My Head • Bucky Barnes

Chapter 17

Of course they would lock me up. Why would I expect any other outcome to befall me? I let an internationally wanted criminal roam free for three days then fought three avengers. No doubt Fury is going to strip me off my shield now. Not that I really care. I became Captain America to feel closer to Bucky whilst he was fighting overseas. That's the only damn reason I volunteered for the damn experiment.

"You're awake then." I sat up properly, allowing myself to take in the cell. It's a standard Shield holding cell, Bucky is locked in the containment module in the far corner of the whitewashed room. I have been placed in the far more comfortable part of the cell, left on the usually comfortable bed which was no doubt courtesy of Peter and Wade. Without their input I would likely be in the same position as Bucky.

"How long have I been out?"

"Well about an hour longer than me I'd say. It's not like they gave me a clock Steve."

I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm, a tiny part of me lighting up at the familiar tone. I moved over to the table in order to see Bucky properly. He looks completely worn down, the glass separating us cracked slightly no doubt from his attempts at escape. From what I could tell the inside of his cage was trashed as well. My face fell entirely when I noticed the bruises tracking along his knuckles.

"I'm sorry Bucky."

"I wish people would stop apologising to me. It's not your fault Steve, it's my own." The sad acceptance made me want to scream.

"No. If it's anyone's it's Starks."

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear." I almost didn't want to turn round, knowing Tony's face would be plastered on the wall. Damn Shield and their weird futuristic technology. He was probably watching the security feed waiting for me to wake up before rubbing it in my face.

"What is it Stark?"

"C'mon Cap, this isn't personal."

"Really? It kind of feels personal." I kept my eyes trained on Bucky who was also avoiding the screen at all costs.

"This is the last thing I wanted Steve! I have Captian America locked in a fucking cell, my son and his boyfriend on house arrest and an entire board of council members calling for the death penalty for your boyfriend. Do you know how bad it looks to side with you now?"

"You- Bucky's getting a trial right?" All the colour had drained from Bucky's face and he had to brace himself against the wall. My stomach churned at the thought of losing him for the third time.

"Steve-"

"Don't you even start." I snap before facing Tony for the first time. "He's getting a trial, right?"

"I'm trying Steve, I really am. Fury is all for it, he also hates the idea of leaving Belle alone. Well that's if we can get a trace on her."

Bucky's head snapped up and he stared Tony dead in the eyes. "What did you say?"

"No one has told you?" Feedback crackled through the speakers as if something had been dropped against a desk.

"Told me what?"

"Dammit Fury you were supposed to tell him."

"Stark." It was a warning. A threat. No matter how many times I hear it I will never get used to the dark, unsettling tone.

"Belle's missing. We think Hydra took her when Wade got her out of the apartment. She's off the grid."

Bucky started shaking so violently that his legs gave way and he fell against the wall. I ran up to the door trying to pry it open but it didn't budge. I watched as panic took a hold of him, the rise and fall of his chest becoming almost imperceivable. His eyes darted back and forth eventually resting on my own. I never thought I would see such raw fear on a person, least of all Bucky. It scared me more than I would care to admit.

"Tony, open the door."

"Steve I can't do that."

"Open the damn door."

A mechanic whirring sound appeared and the doors burst into life, peeling back to reveal Bucky. I wasted no time getting to his level, placing my hands on his shoulders in an attempt to ground him.

"I can't lose her." Bucky whispered, eyes glazed over and unseeing.

"You aren't going to." As Bucky fell into my chest I risked a glance back at Stark.

'Fix this' I mouthed; a final desperate attempt to help my friend. Tony nodded and the picture fizzled out.

---

(three hours later)

Shield agents dragged me through their shield base by my handcuffs. Everywhere I looked I would find hateful glares and muttered conversation. I should consider myself lucky really, at least I am getting a hearing. Most people would have locked me in a cell and thrown away the key.

The swarm of agents flanking me came to a stop, one breaking off from the group to swipe their key card. I tried not to let them see my fear as the doors slid open. The room was full of jury members, avengers and U.S Army officials. I was shoved to the front, stumbling under the weight of my arm which had no chance of being activated any time soon.

The head of Shield stepped forward gracing me with a horribly foul glare. He commanded a respect even I had to yield to.

"We have called this hearing under the current circumstances of your daughter's kidnapping. Whilst we understand your position, we cannot ignore your history of terrosim against this country. So we are supplying you with an ultimatum." A folder is placed on the table in front of me and I stare down at it.

"You will have 72 hours to rescue Isobel. After that you will both be placed under observation. Stark has given you permission to stay at his tower, which you are not allowed to leave under any circumstances."

My heart was pounding against my chest so violently that I'm sure the entire court could hear it. Fury slid the folder closer and I felt the hand cuffs slide off my wrists.

"Do you agree to the terms of your release?"

"Yes." Fury handed me a pen and I was about to sign the first sheet of paper when a thought came to mind.

"If I can prove to you I am no longer Hydra will you consider- will you let Belle and I go free."

"Nothing you say right now is going to convince us that-"

"I can give you the location of every major Hydra base in Europe." Fury's eye widened urging me to continue. "In addition I can name every head of Hydra that works in or for the U.S government. Or I could give you detailed information on the mission I was supposed to be running when I escaped, the weapon they ordered me to steal and why they required it."

The hall was so silent you could hear a pin drop. The army officials were staring at me like I had grown wings or something. Really, after everything that happened is me 'betraying' Hydra really that shocking? How many times do I need to say I don't work for them anymore before they actually listen?

Fury turned to the council and started whispering to them. When he turned back he had a strange yet comforting smile on his face. "If the information you supply us with is true then we will consider the terms of your pardon. Until then your sentence still stands."

"Thank you." After I had signed a ridiculous amount of paperwork the hearing was adjourned and I was escorted out of the courtroom.

I caught Steve's eye on my way out and couldn't help but smile. Seventy two hours of freedom. I won't waste a second.