Mine (Bucky Barnes)

Thirteen

So Sorry I'm late! I also wanted to clear up a few things. Bucky is referred to as the asset, Winter Soldier, soldier, and Zastinik by Malo. I know it can get confusing, but until they're out of Hydra, she doesn't know his name, so that's all Malo knows to refer to him as. <3 Artie

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Nine years. That's how long it took for the Winter Soldier to be brought out of cryofreeze. Malo had studied the doctor's movements, absorbed her every word. A few years ago she'd been forced into an experiment on her eyes. Her sight had gotten progressively worse to the point that glasses were barely cutting it. After half a dozen surgeries, she could see with a strong pair of glasses. It was better than the alternative – death.

She'd taken over most of the responsibilities that the previous doctor had. It was increasingly obvious that her time with HYDRA was nearly up. Rumors were spreading that Malo was ready to take her place – permanently. Especially now that the doctor was confined to a wheelchair in an effort to teach Malo how to amputate a leg. It had been фицер Vassiliev's idea.

Malo still got nauseous thinking about it. She had been successful in amputating and stitching up her mentor without her lunch making a guest appearance. But that memory was the furthest from her mind. Rumors had spread that a mission was coming where they needed the expertise of the Winter Soldier. Malo fell asleep every night talking to him, even though he probably couldn't hear a word she said. Having him in her room brought a surprising sense of comfort, despite the fact that he sometimes reminded her of the dead bodies she'd occasionally encounter.

Pushing her glasses further up her nose, Malo leaned back on her cot, her gaze falling on the machine. If the rumors were true, he was needed to take out some science dude that held a serum of some kind. Izak wasn't sure of the full details. But the return of him and Miller said a lot. They were his usual handlers and had been sent to different bases over the last nine years. Now that they were back, this could only mean one thing; her Zaštitnik was to be unfrozen.

Another week passed without an official announcement. Malo was busy finishing up a report. The doctor sat behind her, double checking her work as she went. Despite her efforts, Malo had come to think of the doctor as a friend. She was one of the few people she spoke with on a daily basis, not to mention one of the few females.

The rumble of boots coming down the hallway brought their attention to the door. If it were one or two people, the women would ignore it. This sounded like at least a dozen agents heading their way. Sure enough, the agents piled into the room, Herr Fischer and фицер Vassiliev entering first.

The doctor pushed herself to face them. "What is this? We are working!"

"How diligent of you," фицер Vassiliev said with a smirk. This didn't feel right to Malo. Something was about to go down and she and the doctor were not likely to enjoy it.

"Ladies, we are waking the asset. He is needed for an important mission across the sea," Herr Fischer explained. Malo's heart soared with excitement. She was about to have her Zaštitnik back! Even if it ended up being a short time, it would be enough for her. The thought of his thick arms wrapped around her brought a sense of warmth and comfort deep within.

"Doktor, lead the way. Kleine {little one}, follow her. We need the two of you to be up front and center. Kleine, you will assist the asset in adjusting from the cold. Doktor... we have another plan for you," фицер Vassiliev explained. He held his hand out for them to walk past towards Malo room, where the cryo chamber resided.

Malo's fingers twisted together in front of her. It was a habit she had picked up over the years to ease her nerves. It bothered no one and made no noise, something the doctor hated. One year Malo came down with a cold, but they refused to let her rest. Every time she sneezed, the doctor would smack her with a rod. She still has no idea where the rod even came from.