Cherry || b.barnes

39 || Leave

»Got some additional task to the mission« is what Jay announces as he enters the neatly cleaned lab of Banner, where the latter peeks the needle of the syringe into the vein of my lower right arm. Everything is glassy and white around me, a few boards with formulas and terms written on it in white on transparent are spread throughout the room that smells like an awful lot of disinfectant.

His dark brown hair is the only color around us. I never expected a cellar to be this modern, but then again, I also thought I could kill Captain America. Seems like I shouldn't really believe myself these days. »And that would be?« I ask, following Banner's practiced movements for drenching the third tube of blood out of me. Meanwhile, I try to ignore the somersault my heart takes with the sight of Sergeant Barnes.

Banner and I haven't spoken a single word. I can tell he's a little nervous; his hands are sweaty-cold, his breath comes a little hitched now and then, and he seems way too focused on his mission at hand. There's something awkward about the dark-haired, slender man. Something that doesn't sit correct with me, something that tells me I should rather be cautious around him despite his pure and sensitive image.
But honestly, I have more things to worry about than him being tensed in cause of fear, or in cause of taking samples from a beautiful young woman who happens to be the lost daughter of a friend of his. As long as it doesn't trigger the other guy, it's none of my concern.

»Fury believes the papers concerning Project Invidia to be stored in Artemisa. We're tasked to look out for them if there's time left. But don't tell Barton, because he's obsessed with finding Natasha and the mere thought of a second purpose to our visit could make him sick. Next to the fact that he won't care much about it anyways.«

Banner raises his head slowly, dark locks staying in perfect shape while he narrows his matching brows and stares at James. There's confusion written in his face, and soon in James's, too. »What is it?«

»I just, uh...« Banner starts, getting back to my arm while the other present super soldier approaches. It doesn't take a lot to intimidate Bruce Banner, as it seems. At least, in his mortal form. »Well, I have never heard you talking that much in one go. That's about... all.« he swallows as James appears right behind him, way taller and built broader than him, with ocean blue eyes staring at the man none of us wants to get angry. It's almost funny, kind of cute even how smart and careful Banner is now, but what he is capable of, really. 

»'You done?« James asks as sweet whiskey and sandalwood crawl into my nose, giving me shivers. 

The other man takes the tube that is now filled with thick, burgundy liquor and gets another empty one. »One more, then she's all yours.«

»Change of plans« I suddenly hear, head snapping past James who's standing in my front now, kind of shielding me from the entrance. And for once, his position is really not that fortunate. Because his hip at the height of mine does no good for my thoughts as Steven Rogers walks in carelessly, casually, almost like he tries to pretend I didn't shoot him the other day. 

I should've gone for the chair instead of the table. I really should've. One should always keep an eye on their enemies.

But is he my enemy, still?

There's no time currently to figure that one out. Meaning, until further notice, he is my enemy. Better to drive along the known road that exploring a new one without a map.

»What do you mean?« James asks first, and I bet he's only faster because he is kind of suspicious of what's incoming. I can't determine yet whether it is regarding me or his best friend.
Jay blocks my sight, which is why my head pops out from behind his back like I was a meerkat.