Darkness: Collection of Short Stories and Companion to Shadows and Secrets

Short Story 2: Introduction

AN: This chapter of Darkness is the story of when Bucky is first brought back to the tower. It takes place an hour or so after Short Story 1.

trigger warning: language that may be offensive or upsetting to some readers

Bucky's POV

"Absolutely not," said Stark. "He's too dangerous." Bucky wondered if he knew he could hear him.

The Avengers had left Bucky sitting on a couch and went to confer across the room—out of hearing range for a normal person. But he was a supersoldier.

"But he's my friend," argued Steve.

"He's Hydra."

Bucky flinched.

They had been going back and forth for almost 20 minutes, and were no closer to agreement than when they started.

"They were controlling him, Tony."

"Yeah, and they could turn him back into their pet assassin at any time," countered Stark. Like Bucky needed a reminder.

"But, guys," interjected Banner, "we can't just throw him out with nowhere to go."

"He's not a stray puppy," said Wilson. "I'm sure he can take care of himself."

"No, this is stupid," snapped Natalia. God, Natalia. She had been so young when she was trained, when she completed her first mission. Her first kill. "He isn't responsible for anything he did as the Winter Soldier. You accepted me, why should he be any different?"

Bucky was glad that Natalia had somehow gotten away from them.

"She's right," Barton seconded. "If he was being brainwashed he shouldn't be blamed for his actions."

"But he hurt people." Stark was right. He did hurt people. Lots of people. "He hurt us. Steve nearly died, Marjorie got hurt, Sam got kicked off a building, Nat got shot, he almost killed Fury, which is crazy because I'm half-convinced Fury's immortal, he—"

"He didn't mean to, he was being brainwashed."

"That's true," agreed Wilson.

"Who's side are you even on, Sam?" asked Stark.

He raised his hands in surrender. "I'm not on a side. I'm just saying, you know, he hasn't tried to run away or anything. Wouldn't he do that if he was still brainwashed?"

They all glanced at Bucky, and he stared at the wall in front of him and pretended not to notice.

Natalia sighed. "Could you guys be any more obvious?"

"You're all probably right," sighed Stark, "but I don't trust him."

"Yet. Give him a chance, Tony."

"Alright. I'm probably going to regret this," muttered Stark.

Bucky frowned. Stark was right to be wary; he was dangerous. He shouldn't be allowed around people.

"Hey," said Natalia, who had walked over to him. "Barnes, right?"

Bucky nodded cautiously.

"Do you remember me?"

"Yes... You're Natalia." It was uncomfortable talking freely.

She half-smiled. "It's Natasha here."

Bucky scowled at the anglicized version of the name.

"Do you prefer James or Bucky?"

He hesitated. 'James' felt weirder so he said, "Bucky, I guess."