𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙾𝚋𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 - 𝓑𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼 [1]

9. {Security Clearance Four}

You shift uncomfortably in one of the plush, leather-bound chairs in a smaller boardroom on the upper levels of headquarters. Leaning forward with your back ramrod straight and your hands clasped tightly in front of you, you try to project a sense of calm. Clad in smart, professional attire, you await the arrival of the others for this mandatory hearing.

It has been two days since the debacle in London, and you know for certain that you won't be setting foot in that city again anytime soon. Escaping the mansion with Steve had been surprisingly straightforward once you abandoned the mission, but the real anxiety began when you touched down on U.S. soil. The better part of the first day was spent battling the gnawing worry about Barnes and Wilson, hoping they had managed to escape unscathed. Even Hill crossed your mind; despite knowing she was likely in the most secure position of all during the chaos.

Hours ticked by as you waited for updates. Finally, twelve hours later, Steve arrived at your place to inform you that everyone had returned safely and unhurt, minus the bullet wound in Bucky's foot—courtesy of you. But that wasn't the only reason for Steve's visit. He also handed you an official document: a summons to a formal meeting about your performance in London. You knew it wasn't good news, and Steve's sympathetic expression only confirmed your suspicions. Nonetheless, you accepted the letter graciously and let him leave for the evening.

You barely slept last night, haunted by the impending hearing. Now, here you are, awaiting the verdict in this bright but eerily silent boardroom. The glass walls offer a view out, but their one-way transparency provides some semblance of privacy, which brings a slight sense of relief. You sit rigidly, trying to maintain an indifferent façade and biting down the frustration bubbling within. You wouldn't be here if it weren't for Barnes.

The boardroom itself is stark and clinical, designed to intimidate. The polished mahogany table stretches out before you, its surface reflecting the harsh fluorescent lights above. The chairs, though leather-bound and ostensibly comfortable, do little to ease the tension coiling in your shoulders. The faint hum of the air conditioning is the only sound, a monotonous drone that matches the sterile atmosphere. 

As you wait, you replay the events in your mind, dissecting each moment and decision. The weight of the situation presses down on you, and you can't help but feel a simmering anger at Barnes for provoking the incident that led to this hearing. Yet, beneath that anger is a current of something more complicated—a recognition of his deep understanding of you, his ability to push your buttons and elicit a reaction. It's this understanding that ultimately led to the mission's unravelling, and now you must face the consequences.

The tension in the room spikes as the door swings open. Nick Fury strides in first, his presence commanding immediate attention. Maria Hill follows close behind, her expression as inscrutable as ever. Steve Rogers enters next, his eyes flicking briefly to yours with a hint of concern, and finally, Bucky Barnes, walking with a noticeable limp but wearing an impassive mask. They all take their seats around the table, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words.

Your eyes lock with Barnes, whose expression, as usual, remains inscrutable and he takes a seat a few chairs away from you. Steve sits between you both, his presence a buffer against the tension radiating through the room. He glances over at you, concern etched on his face, but you quickly avert your gaze, exhaling softly. You shift your focus to Nick Fury, who stands at the head of the table, his authoritative presence commanding the room.

Fury remains standing, his gaze sweeping over everyone before it locks onto you. "Good afternoon," he begins, his voice a gravelly rumble that demands silence and respect. "We're here to discuss the events that transpired in London, and the implications of those actions."