The Siren (Bucky Barnes x OC)

Part 24 - A Song of Action

Maya's bubble of bliss had popped. Irrevocably and irreversibly popped. Surrounded by flashing red and blue police cars tends to have that effect.

Sam had called a few days later with an update on the Flag Smashes plans. They were going to attack the GRC building that night during the Patch Act decision, Karli confirmed to be there. The call had woken Bucky and Maya early in the morning. A groan of protest accompanied by roaming hands almost had him hanging up the phone and pulling the sheets over them. 

Instead, they had forced themselves to crawl out of bed and prepare for the day. A hefty breakfast was made alongside some of the other Avengers, all off on their own jobs for the day. Maya privately went placed fresh flowers on each of her families graves. The soil covering them blanketed with fresh shoots of pale green grass. Someone had placed tombstones above each, names simplistically scrawled into them. Maya leant the flowers against the grey blocks. 

Plopping down to the ground, she mumbled her thoughts aloud. "God, I miss you guys. I am happy though, that's something I haven't been able to say truthfully for a long bloody time. I'm at peace with myself, guess dying kinda makes you have to be. The thought does petrify me though. Last time I went up against The Flag Smashers I lost. Granted it was because of that absolute dick whit of a human being prancing around as Captain America, but it still happened. What if it happens again? What if I can't bring myself back to life? What if I lose everything I've gained?"

A warm arm wrapped itself around her chest, a metal one encased her waist. "You're not going to lose anything this time around. We'll have each others back the whole time. I promise," Bucky's deep voice rumbled against her ear as he placed a tender kiss on her cheek.

● ● ●

All mayhem had broken loose. Police were yelling through their radios creating blockades around all exits of the skyscraper. Sirens wailed in the city streets helping evacuate people in the area. The smell of nervous sweat and anticipation wafted through the air, tension rising for the fight to come.

Sam's voice sounded from Maya's ear piece, "I'm almost there, just flying the city now. And by the way, I called in some back up."

Maya shared a confused look with Bucky as they passed barred off area. "Everyone from the team is elsewhere tonight."

"Hey you two, how have you been?" Sharon said from behind. 

"Sharon! It's good to see you," exclaimed Maya turning to hug her.

"Is that Sharon?" Sam asked still over the intercom.

Maya internally laughed at Bucky's sighed reply, "Unfortunately." 

"I thought you were still in hiding from the government," Maya queried.

"No one's looking for me here, so it's all good. Besides, pardons aren't all their cracked up to be," Sharon answered. "Good to get the band back together."

"You're risking a lot to be here, so thanks. Really appreciate it."

"They'll move on the building soon," Sam warned, flying over head. "Be ready."

True mayhem broke loose soon after. Gas seeped from window seals on several levels. SWATT team patrols swept the floors, their torch lights flashing about as they ran. Could have fooled anyone into thinking it was a rave if there was music.

"Don't let any of the Flag Smashes out of the building," Sam instructed between punches and blocks.

"Alright, the SWATT teams are still safely evacuating the workers from the building," Bucky said. "Split up clear all the levels, meeting Sam in the middle at the conference room. If you find Karli let us know."