Radioactive | Bucky Barnes

THE FIRST AVENGER: CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

"We have each other."

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And where do you think you're going?

Sixteen-year-old Rhiley froze in her tracks, her foot halfway out the door. She rolled her eyes, already tired of the conversation that was sure to follow. "Out," she huffed, turning to face him, her annoyance thick.

"I'm not blind, I can see that," Howard replied, standing at the bottom of the staircase, arms crossed.

"Then why'd you ask?" she shot back, raising an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching in a half smile.

Howard's expression didn't change. "It's midnight."

Rhiley raised an eyebrow, her posture becoming more defensive. "And your point is?"

"Your point is, it's midnight," Howard repeated, his voice steady, as if the time itself should explain everything. "Where do you think you're going at this hour?"

"Places," Rhiley answered nonchalantly, turning to step out.

"I'm coming with you."

Rhiley laughed out loud, louder than she intended. She didn't care about being loud right now. The only person left in this house was the one standing in front of her. "No, you're not."

"You've snuck out five times this week already," Howard pointed out. "I'm coming with."

Rhiley raised an eyebrow again, a smirk forming on her face as she realized something. "Why're you just bringing this up now?" she asked, suddenly catching on. "You've tried to follow me, haven't you?"

Howard shifted awkwardly, his defense coming out in a rush. "You're hard to keep up with, okay?" he admitted. "Then I realized—I'm your brother. I don't have to explain myself."

"And that's exactly why I don't have to explain myself to you," she retorted, her voice sharper now. "You're my brother, Howard. Why are you acting like my parent?"

"Someone's gotta parent you," he said, his tone more serious.

"Then who's gonna parent you?" Rhiley shot back.

"Myself," Howard answered confidently.

Rhiley exhaled sharply, a frustrated sigh escaping her. "Oh my God, Howard." She shook her head, exasperated, and stepped toward the door, her patience thinning. "Don't follow me."

"You think I'm an idiot?" Howard called after her, keeping pace with her as she walked quickly. "You think I haven't noticed the bruises that just randomly appear in the mornings? That's not how bruises work, Rhiley."

Rhiley's eyes flicked to the ground, trying to ignore him, but the words stung. "Like I've said, I punch myself in my sleep."

"Oh, so now you're telling me I'm an idiot?"

"You're my brother," she said flatly.

Howard grabbed her arm, halting her movement, and pulled her back toward him. "Stop." He yelled, catching his breath. "Rhiley, just talk to me. Whatever you're doing, whatever you're getting into—it's dangerous."

"How do you know it's dangerous?" Rhiley snapped, frustration burning in her chest.

"Because I know you," Howard answered without hesitation, his voice full of concern. "Why are you pushing me away?"

"I'm not pushing you away."

"Then why are you lying to me?" Howard asked, his grip loosening. Rhiley could've pulled away at any moment, but she didn't. She stood still, her chest tight, the weight of his words settling on her. "We used to tell each other everything, Rhiley."