An unconventional trio

It's like...amaretto soaked cherries

Nova's POV:

It was supposed to be a routine mission. There was a plan. If I had just...listened. Followed directions, for once in my life, everything would have gone according to plan. But like the fucking idiot I am, I didn't listen. I turned right instead of left. Which led me, somehow, back out the god damn front door, where 6 Hydra idiot fuck boys were waiting.

As I look across the jet and see Steve sitting there, looking like a disappointed parent, I can't help but mentally berate myself. Despite the fact that the mission was accomplished, despite the fact that I proved my abilities, that I could handle myself, he's still pissed at me. I close my eyes and take a breath, but the recap of what happened just plays in my head like a movie reel.

Earlier that day

"Cap!" Sam called.

"Buck, she needs backup!" Steve's urgent voice pierced through the chaos over the comms.

"On it," Bucky responded, already turning to make his way towards Nova.

"Shut up, bird boy. Stop right where you are, Barnes. I got this," my voice cut in sharply over the comms, my determination evident.

"Sinclair, we are a team. Bucky, go," Steve insisted, his tone unwavering.

"Bucky, don't move one step. Rogers, I got this," I countered, my resolve unyielding.

"Cap, let her..." Tony attempted to interject, but Steve interrupted him firmly.

"I'm not going to say it again. BUCKY, MOVE!" Steve's command echoed through the comm channel, his authority unquestionable.

"CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ROGERS TO UNPUCKER HIS ASSHOLE?!" My frustration reverberated through the airwaves.

"Bucky!" Steve's voice boomed with authority, leaving no room for argument.

Bucky groaned inwardly, torn between following orders and trusting my abilities. As he maneuvered his way towards me, he listened intently to the sounds over the comms, the grunts and thuds indicating my struggle.

"No! God damn it! I said stay DOWN!" My voice rang out, filled with frustration and determination.

With each step, Bucky's concern grew, his pace quickening as he rounded the corner and emerged outside the building. There, he found me, kneeling on the ground, my shoulders heaving with exertion. Around me, lay six Hydra henchmen, unconscious or incapacitated.

As our eyes met, Bucky registered the shock in my expression. "What... the hell... Bucky?!" I gasped between heavy breaths. "I... said... I had it."

As I stole a glance at Bucky, who was sat beside me in the jet, his arms crossed and head tilted back in deep slumber, a grin tugged at the corners of my lips. Memories of what had just transpired flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but replay the events over and over.

Bucky's gaze swept over the six individuals lying on the ground, subdued and defeated, a testament to my skills in combat. "I knew you had it, Nova," he remarked, admiration evident in his voice as he turned his attention back to me. "But, you know I can't defy an order on a mission....that's the only reason I'm here..."

A sense of pride swelled within me at his words, but I couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. "Ok well...I need everyone to trust that I do!" I asserted, my voice tinged with determination.

His blue eyes met mine, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. "They will. We've only known you for a short time, Nova. I trust you. Steve knows you were a solid agent. He just needs the reminder," Bucky assured me, his confidence unwavering. "Steve, you should come out here."  He called for him over comms.