𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙾𝚋𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 - 𝓑𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼 [1]

7. {Channel Seven}

"Are we all in position?" Maria Hill's voice resonates through your earpiece as you settle into a seat two rows from the rear of the auction room, which happens to be a sprawling wine cellar. Accustomed to the occasional intrusion of communications, you remain still at the sound of Maria's voice, avoiding drawing any attention to yourself.

"Positions secured, Hill," Steve murmurs quietly into the comms, acknowledging Maria's query as he takes a seat beside you.

Your earpiece begins to falter, emitting a crackling sound as Steve responds, prompting a frown from you. It's likely the lower levels causing the interference. Swiftly, you reach for an earring, feigning adjustment as you discreetly fiddle with the settings of the comms.

"What channel are we on again?" you whisper to Steve's side, your voice barely audible over the ambient murmurs in the room, as you attempt to realign the earpiece.

"Channel five," Steve responds quietly, his gaze fixed ahead as he leans in slightly to ensure you catch his reply. You nod subtly, then proceed to adjust the earpiece by delicately rotating your finger against the transparent equipment nestled within your ear.

At that moment, your mind harks back to Bucky's cryptic note on the discarded ticket, "Channel seven..." You murmur to yourself in contemplation, suddenly realizing the significance of his message. Instead of adjusting the comms back to channel five as intended, you twist the dial a bit further to seven, your curiosity piqued. Maintaining a nonchalant expression on your face, you subtly observe as others take their seats around you, all the while intrigued by what information might be awaiting you on this new channel.

As the auctioneer begins to showcase the first item up for bidding, the tension in the room mounts, each bid echoing through the wine cellar. You focus intently on the proceedings, your senses heightened as you await any sign of trouble or opportunity to strike.

Minutes pass without incident, the auction proceeding smoothly as the bidding war intensifies. Your attention wavers momentarily as you adjust to the new channel on your earpiece, the crackling interference replaced by a steady silence.

For a moment, you almost forget about the switch, engrossed in the unfolding events of the auction. The room buzzes with excitement as a bid escalates, drawing nearer to the item of interest—the legendary sword rumored to possess ancient powers.

Just as you start to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the auction, a voice shatters the silence of the comms, jolting you from your focus. "You know, I can't help but wonder if you're wearing anything under that dress."

Your eyes widen at the sudden intrusion of Barnes' voice in your earpiece, and you quickly glance over to Steve, relieved to see him acting nonchalant as he observes the proceedings of the auction, preparing for the mission ahead. It dawns on you then that you and Barnes are still on a separate channel—his words meant for your ears alone. Shit.

You subtly turn your head to glance over your shoulder, searching for any sign of him. There, by the exit doors, stands Bucky Barnes, sporting the smuggest expression imaginable. He's still in his guise as security, arms behind his back, standing with an air of confidence. You shoot him a glare before slowly turning back around, careful not to draw any attention. However, Steve notices your shift in movement and casts a questioning look your way, though he says nothing. 

Bucky's audacity catches you off guard, his provocative words sending a jolt of heat through you despite your efforts to maintain composure. Your mind races, grappling with the unexpected turn of events. How could he be so brazen, especially in the midst of such a critical operation?

With a deep breath, you steady yourself, refusing to let Bucky's taunts unsettle you. Instead, you channel your focus back to the auction, determined to see the mission through without distraction.