Retaliation

Chapter 37 Flag Smashers

"One minute to drop off, Sam." A young man in uniform said as he walked by. If I remember correctly I believe Sam mentioned that his name was Torres or something like that.

We've been on this plane for hours at this point and the tension between Sam and Bucky was becoming almost unbearable. If they weren't fighting they would have a fucking staring contest that always ends up with Bucky winning, which I think pisses off Sam even more as he keeps engaging to see if he can win at least once. I literally sat on a box practically in between the two hoping it would be enough to stop them from going at each other's throats.

It seemed that the only time there wasn't tension was when everyone left to change into their uniforms. Sam changed into his falcon costume, Bucky put on even more leather, and I just sat here with my regular clothes. At least I did have combat boots and a leather jacket for a little extra protection. I definitely felt a little unprepared.

After having another fucking staring contest, Sam got up to grab his goggles and earpiece. Bucky immediately got up after him and I followed suit, fitting the earpiece snug in my ear.

"So what's our plan?" Bucky asked him but Sam didn't even bother to even acknowledge the question. "Great, so no plan."

"He has a plan he's just not saying it because he doesn't want us here." I pointed out.

"Thirty seconds!" Torres shouted from the plane's open doorway.

"Enjoy your ride, Buck," Sam said. "It was a pleasure as always, Elara."

"No, you can't call me that." Bucky snapped at him.

"Why not? That's what Steve called you. Elara calls you that and she's only been around for not even a year. No offense to you, Elara."

"None taken." I smiled. 

"Steve knew me longer and Steve had a plan, and Elara is Elara." Bucky defended.

"Thanks." I half smiled not really sure how to take that.

"Fifteen seconds to drop!" Torres shouted again.

"I have a plan." Sam projected as he walked towards the exit where Torres was standing.

"Really? What is it?" Bucky got up and spread out his arms, signaling that it was still not very apparent.

Sam just secured his goggles and jumped out of the plane, leaving us alone. Torres watched him in awe as he activated his wings and flew towards his destination.

"Great," Bucky mumbled under his breath.

"Now what?" I asked him.

"Where's the chutes?" Bucky asked Torres.

"We're 200 feet, it's too low for a chute."

"I don't need it anyway." Bucky scoffed as he walked towards the door.

"You can't be serious? You're just going to jump?" I raised my voice.

"I've survived worse falls."

"Bucky, no."

"You sure about that?" Torres questioned him as he looked down at the heavy tree line below.

"Yeah," Bucky responded with a weak smile on his face, indicating that he was having serious doubts about what he was about to do. But if he stayed that meant that Sam technically won over him, and he was not about to let that happen. He reached over and ripped the left sleeve off his jacket, revealing his black and gold vibranium arm.

"Why did you do that? You just ruined your jacket." I asked him as I watched him throw the sleeve to the side. He gave me a side glance as he stepped up and jumped out of the plane. I watched him fall between the trees trying to grab onto branches but I couldn't see if he actually accomplished that or not.