ＲＥＤＥＭＰＴＩＯＮ {TONY STARK'S LITTLE SISTER FAN-FICTION}

3. WE NEED YOU

The doorbell rang uncontrollably, each chime more persistent than the last. Elizabeth groaned, burying her face deeper into her satin pillow, trying to drown out the noise.

"Ms. Stark? The team seems to be outside," Jarvis's calm voice chimed in, breaking the morning silence.

She sighed heavily, pulling herself out of bed. "Of course they are," she muttered, letting her feet touch the cold, light-colored wooden floor that stretched across her room. Shivering slightly, she shuffled toward the door, dreading the early-morning confrontation.

Opening the front door, she was met with the sight of the entire Avengers team standing on her doorstep, locked in a heated argument. They were so engrossed in their bickering that none of them noticed her presence.

Elizabeth cleared her throat loudly, crossing her arms. "What are you guys doing arguing at my doorstep at 8 a.m.?"

The group turned abruptly, their chatter silencing as they realized she was there. Natasha stepped forward, looking as calm as ever. "Tony was supposed to meet us for a meeting an hour ago but never showed up."

Elizabeth let out a laugh, shaking her head. "A meeting at 7 a.m.? Yeah, no. Of course he didn't go." Without another word, she left the door open and headed toward the kitchen, her stomach rumbling.

The team exchanged awkward glances before following her inside, still muttering among themselves. Just as Elizabeth reached the fridge, Tony strolled into the room from the opposite side, looking disheveled but unconcerned.

"Sorry," he said casually, running a hand through his hair. "I was in the garage working on something. What do you guys want?"

Steve stepped forward, his voice steady but pointed. "You were supposed to meet us an hour ago for a meeting. You know... regarding HYDRA?" His voice dipped slightly at the end, as if trying to downplay the gravity of the situation.

Elizabeth paused mid-reach for the milk, her senses immediately heightened. She tried to focus on pouring the milk into a bowl but couldn't help eavesdropping on their conversation.

Tony raised an eyebrow. "What's this about? We never have team meetings."

"We found another HYDRA base," Bucky said, his voice quieter but still clear. Elizabeth stiffened. His voice in her house felt jarring. Against her better judgment, she glanced in his direction, catching him looking at her. His words faltered for a moment before he quickly looked away.

Steve picked up where Bucky left off. "It's highly secure. All the surviving agents regrouped there. They know all of our faces because we've fought them before."

"And where is this base?" Tony asked, his tone sharper now.

"London," Bucky answered, clearing his throat.

Elizabeth turned her back to them, pretending to focus on her cereal. She poured her Frosted Flakes on top of the milk, grimacing at her mistake but too distracted to care.

Tony's voice broke through her thoughts. "Why the hell are you staring at my little sister, Barnes?"

The question hung in the air like a thundercloud, and Elizabeth froze, gripping her spoon tighter.

Bucky didn't flinch. "Because she's never fought them before. No one knows her face. Fury wants to send me in, and he thinks she should come with me." He hesitated, his voice steady but low. "...As a cover."

Tony laughed, the sound short and humorless. "You're dreaming if you think I'm letting her anywhere near HYDRA."

Before Elizabeth could fully process what was happening, Natasha's voice called her name. "Liz!"

Turning slowly, she faced the group with a mouthful of cereal. Trying to play it cool, she swallowed quickly and set her bowl in the sink. "What's up?" she asked, her tone light and casual, as if she hadn't been listening to every word.

"Nothing. Go to your room," Tony ordered, stepping toward her and grabbing her hand.

But before he could pull her away, Bucky stepped in front of him, blocking his path. The tension in the room thickened instantly, and Elizabeth instinctively took a step back.

Natasha moved to her side, her grip on Elizabeth's shoulders firm but comforting. Leaning in, she whispered, "He won't hurt you."

Elizabeth's heart raced as Bucky's voice broke through the silence, quiet but resolute. "She needs to do this."

Elizabeth looked between Natasha and Bucky, her mind spinning. Finally, she nodded to Natasha, signaling her to let go. Natasha stepped back, and Elizabeth straightened her posture, meeting their gazes head-on.

"What do I need to do?" she asked, her voice steady despite the chaos inside her.

Bucky didn't turn to face her. Instead, he sat back down on the couch, his eyes avoiding hers entirely.

Natasha stepped forward, taking Elizabeth's hand lightly. "We need you to go on a mission with Bucky," she said gently.

Elizabeth blinked, her stomach twisting into knots. "A mission? With him?"

Natasha nodded. "You'll be his cover. No one will recognize you, and that gives us an advantage."

Tony stepped between them, his face red with anger. "Absolutely not."

"Tony," Steve interjected, his tone calm but firm. "This isn't about you. It's about what's best for the mission."

Elizabeth's gaze flicked to Bucky, who remained silent, his face unreadable. The anger that had been simmering inside her for so long began to boil over.

"And what happens if something goes wrong?" she demanded, her voice sharp. "What happens if he—" She stopped herself, unable to finish the thought.

Bucky finally looked up, his blue eyes meeting hers. For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. "I won't let anything happen to you," he said simply.

Elizabeth stared at him, her jaw tightening. "You don't get to make promises like that," she said coldly.

Natasha's grip on her hand tightened briefly in silent support. "We'll all be here to back you up," she said. "You're not alone."

Elizabeth took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. "Fine," she said finally. "I'll do it."

The room fell silent, the weight of her decision sinking in. Tony looked ready to protest, but one look from her silenced him.

"Let's just get this over with," Elizabeth muttered, walking out of the room before anyone could say another word.

--

Written: July 11, 2021

Edited: January 14, 2025