Traitor

Chapter 9

It had been two months since Bucky started living in the tower, and since then he had started going on missions with the rest of the Avengers. Given his skill set, he was an asset to the team, but they were mindful to not push Bucky past his limit.

Bucky, luckily didn't associate their expeditions with his past experiences, at least he hadn't yet. Over the course of his stay, there hadn't been anything that triggered the Winter Soldier. Nonetheless, the team remained vigilant to avoid any mishaps.

The Avengers were currently sprawled out across the Quinjet, antsy to land and complete their mission. There had been an alert of Hydra activity, and they had suited up just minutes ago.

Tony walked over to Bucky, who he had grown concerned for ever since they were told who they'd have the displeasure of facing once again. The soldier hadn't so much as blinked, and he insisted that he come along on the mission.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

Bucky gave a firm nod, his resolve not wavering in the slightest. Tony couldn't even begin to fathom how strong Bucky was. He was, in truth, a very broken man and still he persevered. Tony had his own baggage, but as opposed to making him stronger, he found that it weighed him down.

"I don't think I could ever face my past as valiantly as you." Tony sat next to Bucky. He was sure the other man could feel the admiration coming off him in waves. "Your past?" Bucky's head tilted in silent question. "Howard." Tony shrugged to appear nonchalant, but Bucky knew better. "He fucked me up real bad as a kid."

"And your mom?" Bucky was relieved to see Tony smile fondly. "My mom was.. well, she was lovely." He cleared his throat, composing himself before he could speak again. "I resented her at one point in my life for letting Howard treat me however he pleased. Until I realized she was on the same boat." Tony shuffled uncomfortably.

"Sorry, didn't mean to overshare."

Bucky shook his head and reached to grab Tony's shoulder, reassuring in a way Tony had never known. "You didn't." Tony nodded.

"And for the record, I always thought Howard was a bit of a pretentious dick."

Tony's choked, startled laugh made a few of their teammates look over. None of which they paid much mind to. "I knew there was a reason I took a liking to you."

They sit in a comfortable silence as they wait for a command, and sure enough it comes only moments later. "Alright team, we're going out in pairs. Partner up." Steve had barely finished his sentence when Tony turned to Bucky with a hesitant grin.

Bucky caught on to the silent suggestion quickly. "Wouldn't you rather be partnered up with Steve instead?" Tony frowned slightly before giving a nonchalant shrug. "He's already partnered up with Natasha."

Tony nodded in their direction, and sure enough, they were already gearing up together. "And that doesn't bother you?" Bucky knew that if he were the one dating Tony- not that he wanted to- he'd want to be able to have his back in the battlefield.

"Not really, I can hold my own." Tony replied confidently. "It's fine if you don't want to.." He said upon seeing Bucky's look of uncertainty. "No! I mean, of course I want to." Bucky replied, awkward after his sudden exclamation. "It'd be an honor." He finished lamely.

"Alright, don't get corny on me now, Soldier. I thought you were better than that." Bucky nodded solemnly. "Right, my sincerest apologies. I'm just so in awe and humbled to be in your presence." Bucky scrambled to bow before him.

Tony hadn't gotten to laugh nearly as much as he wanted to before their captain regarded them with a stern; "Fellas, you're holding us all back." They hurried to line up after that.

"As you know, there's an abandoned warehouse that SHIELD suspects is a HYDRA base, there's been some recent activity. Our job is to get in there unsuspected and find out what we can. Try not to be seen, you're only to attack if I say so." They all nodded along, quietly buzzing to get out of the Quinjet.

"Now, I need all pairs to see me. You'll be given your individual orders once you check in with me."

Immediately, Pietro went up to Steve and dragged along a complacent looking Sam. Tony winced when he saw Clint drag his feet behind them. "I'm going to kill him." He stated simply, leaving no room for any doubt or discussion. "Pietro or Sam?" Clint, after much contemplation, muttered; "Whoever I can get my hands on first."

Tony couldn't bring himself to laugh at his friend's dismay, he was rather busy watching the pair in question. He hadn't ever considered the possibility that Sam might like Pietro, but there was something about the way they were interacting just now that confused Tony to no end.

"Who's your partner, then?" Tony asked, regretting having asked when he realized they were an odd number. "No one, did you forget Bruce is staying behind?" Clint grumbled. Tony gave his friend's shoulder a pat. "Well maybe you can group up with us. I'm sure Buckaroo wouldn't mind."

Bucky gave Tony an amused smile at the nickname before nodding towards their expectant captain. "You and Clint?" Steve asked Tony.

Clint gave Tony a sideways glance. "Actually, Bucky and I partnered up." Steve pursed his lips, almost as if he had to consider the very idea. "Alright. I want you both to come in from the ceiling. Go in through the vents and try to find any data or useful information." Tony nodded; he was always the one who got pegged with that particular part of every job.

"Clint, you're staying behind and keeping a lookout." The archer scowled and muttered something barely legible about how going through vents was his forte.

"Sorry, bro." Sam consoled as the team gathered around the opening, ready to put the plan into action. Clint's shoulders grew stiff, and Tony caught Pietro flashing him a look of silent consideration.

He knew what was going on. Pietro was pulling the jealousy card, and it had obviously worked. Only, he seemed to be assessing whether his unoriginal plan was pulling the reaction he had wanted from Clint. Tony figured Pietro was pleased by what he found based on the smug smile stretching across his lips.

Tony rolled his eyes, more than a little exasperated.

Tony could only gasp when he felt himself being pulled into solid arms. He hummed when Steve leaned down and kissed him soundly. Pleased and just a little bit mortified at the sudden public display of affection. "Be safe." Steve whispered.

Tony nodded, dazed. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't confused. Steve hadn't been like this in such a long while, it was a bit unnerving. The moment was over as soon as it had begun, and Steve rubbed the back of his head as if he were embarrassed.

He stumbled back to Bucky, who had pointedly looked away at the romantic interaction. He gave him a strained smile. Tony knew he shouldn't be ashamed. It wasn't as if Bucky was his boyfriend- and he certainly didn't want him to be- but as he looked at the soldier, he couldn't help but feel guilty.

Right as they were about to receive their cue, Tony took a hold of Bucky's hand discreetly. It could have passed as a friendly gesture, meant to simply reassure the other. Though, as the pair glanced at each other, almost secretively, it felt like much more than that.

Bucky's hand gave Tony's a soft squeeze, seeking something they both had nearly their whole lives. Something Tony had found with...Steve. Bucky shot Tony a puzzled look when the genius dropped his hand as if he had been burned. It was a realization he had needed, but oddly, didn't wish to have.

Tony had to step out of his stupor, he knew that. Yet, he couldn't help but long for a moment, however brief it may be, away from his almost unrequited love with Steve, where he simply felt wanted again.