Riley's Girl

You Were Warned

-Sam's Perspective-

"Sam don't be a hero on this one, just leave it alone please." You were used to your sister bossing you about, but there was something in her voice that was different and you couldn't put your finger on it.

"And how do you expect me to do that Sarah? I made a promise to Riley to always take care of her. I'm not letting Walker destroy her."

You weren't going to budge on this. Riley would always give you a speech about taking care of his girl if anything ever happened to him before a mission. It was morbid, but became a ritual.

It was something you took seriously.

"Well you weren't the only one who made a promise to Riley and we both know you're doing this for more than that promise Sam." She scoffs, you can see her shaking her head at you.

You instantly roll your eyes at her insinuation, as you walked alongside Bucky, heading to your next lead.

"Don't start with that shit again Sarah. She's always been his. I'm just trying to take care of her."

"What is going on?" Bucky asked, exasperated and frustrated from listening to you babble on.

You give him a sideway glance and see the furrowed brows look on his face. You lower the phone and press it against your chest to cover the speaker.

"Y/N contacted Sarah telling me to stay out of the way. Says she made a promise to Riley to protect me." You raise your eyebrows as Bucky sighs, facing forwards and dipping his head, letting out a sigh as he did.

You understood the frustration from him, but the mood you were in, you didn't need his attitude, judgement or any other Buckyisms from him right now. You had one focus, Y/N and figuring out how the hell you could save or protect her.

You raise the phone back to your ear "Sarah listen, I'll be okay, I promise. But I can't let the flagsmashers or her get away again." You were determined, but even you could swallow the break in your voice.

You hear Sarah let out a exasperated sigh "I knew you'd be stubborn. Ju-" She sighs again "just don't seek her out. Or she will never speak to me again." The worry in Sarah's voice caught you off guard, she was really worried about not hearing off Y/N again.

You let out a confused chuckle, the ease you both. "Yes sis, didn't realise you two were so pally." You tried hiding the distain, but it soaked your words.

"She got me through the blip Sam. She's been sending me money. She took care of us for those five years. So yeah we got pally." Sarah was getting angry... something you always enjoyed doing to her, winding her up. It was always your duty as her brother but it brought you a little more enjoyment than it should have.

"Now I can't let anything happen to her. I'll be safe Sarah." You made sure to use your serious avenger voice, you knew it always relaxed her to know you were thinking about it rationally. You hung up the phone and come to a stop in the street.

Except, this time. She was wrong, the plan you came up with in that moment was the most irrational move you'd ever make, but it was necessary. Or so you told yourself.

Bucky stops just ahead of you and faces you. "So what's the plan?" His hands finding their usual spot on his hips, as he stared at you... as usual.

You slowly turn to him, stoic, determined and simply reply "we get him."

Nothing else needed to be said, no expansion, no explanation, a simple understanding between co-workers, between avengers, desperation does funny things to men. Especially those with influence.

-meanwhile, Y/N perspective-

Your appointed psychologist approaches you, coat on, tote bag draped on her shoulder, meaning business but also looking like her job was done. Relief swept over you, she had a warm smile as she stopped in front of you.

"Y/N I'm happy for you to be released." She spoke happily.

You smiled, grateful to be getting out of the hell hole the glorious captain America tried locking you up in. You start walking towards the exit with her, spinning a business card between your thumb and forefinger.

"Thanks doc. I've er-" you clear your throat and hold the card up so she can see it properly "I've got your card for any future appointments." You smile, until a figure darkens your vision.

"Woah, woah, woah there Y/N. Leaving already? How is that possible?" He smirked, but you saw his eyes. He was agitated, angry even, You bested his 0lan and he didn't like that. But the Walmart Captain America couldn't lose face and show his real emotion in front of all these witnesses. So he was planning his role, perfectly.

You fold your arms, smirking back, the smugness couldn't be contained "having connections and assists in the right places, asshole." You bite back.

He tilts his head and furrows his brows, judging your reply "no way to speak to your Captain America Y/N." You could see the fight in him to regain his authority. His control. But he was losing and he knew it.

You take a step towards him, looking him up and down, sizing him up. Judging him right back "you'll never be my Captain, Walker." You whisper before turning back towards your psychologist, offering your hand.

She takes it and gives you a hearty handshake both with sincere smiles. "It was a pleasure." Once again raising the card "I'll be in touch." You were genuine, as she nodded back in acknowledgment.

You go to walk around Walker, but he turns with you, grabbing your upper arm, leaning into your ear "I'll be keeping a close eye on you Y/N. Stay nearby." He lets go with force as he turns and walks away.

Your eyes locked on him, your hairs stood on end, skin crawling. He definitely was no Captain that America should have. He didn't deserve it.