Too Little Too Late

James Barnes / Vision

All was done now. The Invasion, Stark's victory, everything. James just wanted a shot at a normal life. As normal as an ex very prolific assassin for Hydra could get. Against Steve's wish, he had agreed to a trial of sorts for all he did while being the Winter Soldier. His lawyer had been confident that they would get clemency on the ground that James was the longest prisoner of war in History. Sixty years of torture. Barnes wasn't sure he didn't deserve some jail time, if anything for the event of Bucharest when he wasn't under Hydra's manipulation anymore. His mind had not been totally clear. Not enough to think that anybody with a uniform wasn't Hydra. Following Steve back then had not been a good idea at all. If only his mind would have been a little less in scramble.

James knew that the trial was not about him. Not really. So many families, all around the planet, had been touched by his actions for so long. He remembered them all so clearly. His testimony would give them some kind of closure. They, for the most part, finally learnt why their loved ones had to die, in Hydra's agenda anyway. His lawyer had told him that most of his victims' families were not angry at him. Not that they wanted to be friends with him. The recent events had put a lot in perspective. As hard as it was, James was just the weapon the terrorist agency used. Not ready to completely forgive him but not wanting him dead. James thought that it was more than he deserved.

His testimony also helped in the arrest of some of the highest ranked. They were everywhere around the world, in every agency. Steve and Natasha's actions in DC never stopped Hydra. Slow them down a little if anything. Maybe two heads would take their places but at least it would be a while for them to be reborn from their ashes. After all, it was always harder to kill an idea than the men who believed in it.

All along, Vision stayed by his side. That had surprised him the most. The android was always respectful of his choices. They would have healthy conversation, giving their point of view but not forcing the other one into believing in whatever they thought was right. Both men were intelligent enough to follow whatever path they had chosen. Even if the other one didn't fully agree with it. Steve would never think that way, always arguing every little point until everybody would fall back in line. Something he already did before the serum when he would fight at every corner the so-called bullies. After all those years being a puppet, it was so liberating to make his own choices.

James asked Vision if he was acting like that because he was an all knowledgeable sentient or something. But he said no. On many levels, the android was new to the world. He was acting like that because of Wanda and Tony. Wanda always wanted to have her way in their relationship. Vision thought, after that, that her arguing, even when he wasn't answering to it, didn't mean he couldn't come to his own conclusion. It was not because she was shouting the loudest that it would make her right. Also, his father was a firm believer of learning thanks to your own mistakes. Of course, Tony would never set you to a failing path on purpose. He wanted for Vision to try things out but would offer support if Vision took a wrong turn.

Wanda had been an error, Vision could see that now. A painful one. He had felt those floors she had put her through both physically and emotionally. Tony was still here from him after everything. Even if his attitude had painted his father, even if Vision wasn't there for Tony. And if Vision had to be completely honest, back then, he wouldn't have listened to anything the genius would have argued. They would have certainly fought and maybe now they would not be able to recover.

James understood that. His relationship with Steve was not good at the moment. It would never be anymore. They had changed too much. Barnes had not recovered all his memories yet but he was quite sure their friendship wasn't as good as the propaganda made it out to be. Steve didn't understand any of James' decisions of late. He couldn't even make the effort not to call him Bucky anymore even though he had been asked repeatedly. Bucky Barnes had died falling from that train.