Radioactive | Bucky Barnes

THE FIRST AVENGERS: CHAPTER TWO (BURN)

Rhiley draped her jacket over her arm and stepped into the quiet house.

"Someone's late," Howard's voice called, breaking the stillness.

She stopped in the doorway, raising a brow. "And someone's finally out of the lab," she countered, spotting him in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, making a fresh pot of coffee.

"What time did you get in?" she asked, walking over.

Howard turned, cradling his mug. "Right after the expo. Where've you been?"

"Out," she said casually, grabbing her own cup from the cabinet.

"Thanks, Captain Vague."

The smell of the coffee hit her first—comforting, familiar. She let a small smile pull at her lips and settled onto the counter, legs swinging. She took one sip—then promptly spit it back into the mug.

"Is there alcohol in this?"

Howard chuckled, far too pleased with himself. "Yeah."

"Little warning next time?"

"Nope."

She rolled her eyes, setting the mug aside. "What are you working on now? The flying car again?"

Howard shot her a look. "What happened tonight was a tiny hiccup. Nothing I can't fix." He took a sip, then added, "Actually, I'm tweaking the serum design. Refinements."

"Any luck finding the right candidate?"

He shook his head. "Soon. The doctor's picky. Doesn't help that most soldiers are either too loud, too slow, or too... unconscious."

"I'm still—"

"No." His voice was firm. "You're not qualified."

Rhiley gave a dry laugh. "Gee, thanks."

"You know what I mean," he said, sighing into his cup. "You're already enhanced. The serum's not meant for someone like you."

She nodded once, letting it go. "Anyway, I'm heading out early tomorrow. Base camp check-in. I get to see Agent Carter train some rookies. Might even help if they'll let me."

Howard raised his mug toward her. "My sister teaching fresh recruits to fight? That should be illegal."

"Oh, shut it," she said, bumping him with her shoulder as she hopped off the counter. She rinsed her mug and placed it in the sink.

"You sure you're ready?"

"It's been three months, Howie." Her voice had lost its edge. "I'm ready."

"What if you're not?"

Rhiley turned, her gaze sharp. "I know you don't think I am. But I am. I know I am." She smiled faintly. "I've got this."

Howard's sigh was almost a groan. "I know you do, Goose." His expression softened. "It's just... you haven't talked about what happened. I worry. You bottle things up."

She smiled—soft and tired. "I love you too, Howie. But there's nothing to talk about. Missions go sideways sometimes. That one did. It's done. I'm looking forward now. Brighter things, better things. I promise—there's nothing I'm bottling up."

Howard wasn't convinced. He knew his sister too well. She always said there was nothing until the dam broke. But he also knew she needed to be the one to open that door—on her terms, in her time.

"I love you too," he said quietly.

Rhiley cleared her throat. "I've got an early morning. I suggest you get some sleep too, okay, Stark?"