Paranoia (Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader)

☠️|Chapter 1|☠️

"Any update on Barnes?"

"Negative Mr. Pierce, sir."

The atmosphere of the Hydra compound was cold, and unwelcoming. The walls were lined with hospital beds, each containing a brainwashed soldier while others were already put into a cryogenic sleep.

Alexander Pierce, one of the wealthiest government officials alive, seemed to be the current ring leader of the show. As he dismissed the lab worker, another suited man approached him.

"Ah, Mr. Strucker, it's been awhile."

"That's Baron Strucker to you. And yes, it has." Strucker adjusted his tie with a dignified glance in Pierce's direction, "How is the progress on this program of yours?"

"So far, the only promising candidate we have appears to be James Buchanan Barnes." Pierce frowned, "It's a shame, really. I would of liked more than one meat shield, but I suppose he'll have to do."

The Baron scoffed and continued to gaze over the array of men and women strapped to their beds. "I assume you've been given notice that Ms. Maximoff will be overseeing the program as well?"

Pierce cleared his throat and folded his hands behind his back. His body language gave away his discontent with the idea, stiff and somewhat rigid.

"And you're sure she will be an asset to my plans?"

"Alexander, please," Strucker let out a soft chuckle. "She's part of my miracle program. Key word, miracle. There's no possibility of failure."

Pierce cocked an eyebrow as he shifted his gaze in the Baron's direction. "Perhaps," he breathed. "I will be expecting great things from her, as well as your little puppet Zemo."

"Have faith in the system, Alexander." Strucker slapped his shoulder, "You Americans, always so focused on perfection."

The German man sneered, his eyes narrowed with mischief. Pierce grimaced and turned away, picking up a nearby clipboard as he started to distract himself with its contents.

"I kid, I kid," Strucker conceded. "Surely you must have a sense of humor."

"I believe we are done here," Pierce cleared his throat. "I will await for any further information with an open mind."

The older man left, leaving Strucker alone amidst the test subjects. With a slight hum, he swiped a key card and made his way into a large lab room. Inside, sat the Winter Soldier. He was strapped down, locked up so only his head could move. Taking a book from a safe, he opened it and adjusted his lenses.

"Longing...rusted..."

Anyone who heard the soldier's broken cry, would of most certainly assumed he was being slaughtered. His body convulsed for a moment, his arms yanking on his restraints until finally he relaxed.

"Soldier?"

He was silent, his eyes clouded over and empty. Slowly, he lifted his head and spoke, "Ready to comply..."

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You were on Wanda's bed, holding an arm out for her. She was knelt in front of you, gently cleaning out the bracers on your wrists. Like the ones on your ankles, they were made to help ground you to reality when using your power. Though you were positive they were also a way of Hydra tracking you.

However, they couldn't just be removed, rather they were surgically attached to you through wires that were laced throughout your nerves. Periodically, someone would have to clean in between the metal and skin so that you wouldn't run the risk of infection. This is something Wanda decided to task herself with. Meanwhile, you were browsing your phone as she worked.