The Long Journey Home

12: We die so many times before our final breath

[ Chapter notes: TFATWS 1x04, 1x05 - continued mild episode departure for timetable ]

          You leave your bag in your room. You barely look at your reflection in the mirror, unconcerned with what they think you look like, just drop the towel and change into something before returning to the pleasant company of four men that aren't the one man you felt any connection to. The Baron had decided to run rather than comply with the agreement to return to prison.

          And had apparently decided he wanted to run alone.

          Which left you here - here in Latvia with Sam and Bucky - and Walker and Hoskins. The latter two of the group, at least one of them, has decided all you're good for is bait. But Helmut isn't that foolish.

          "Baiting him won't work." Your announcement startles all four of them out of their quiet discussion, each turning to give you the same comical deer-in-the-headlights look. You haven't bothered with shoes, just like you didn't bother bringing your bag. If Walker wants to accuse you of being ready to run - which would only have been an option if one man in particular had wanted it - you don't want to give him any ammunition. "He won't come."

          Sam is bobbing his head in acknowledgement, waving away the bite you're trying to put into your words. It would work better if you felt much more than static. Bucky looks pained, but he turns his head away to hide the expression. Too late. You've seen it.

          "We've talked about it. John recognizes it isn't your fault there's a history there."

          A history. You flip your focus between the four of them. Sam and Bucky haven't mentioned anything to the other two about anything that might have happened more recently. Are they choosing to turn a blind eye, have they not noticed, or are they trying to keep from giving Walker any additional information?

          Walker's suit creaks as he folds his arms over his chest, "Still not sold that his place is the best option. We should just— wait, hang on. I thought you said she couldn't speak English."

          If he wants to hear you rant at him again in a range of other languages, you're happy to oblige.

          Sam is quick to jump back in, trying to redirect. "C'mon. We agreed. It's probably the most watched place on the Eastern seaboard, and only a couple blocks away from a lockdown facility. If he shows, we'll have him. Easy."