THE CHAIN, B. Barnes daughter

18. stranger danger

Sam is so silly guys I love him.

GUYS BUCKY TWEAKS IN THIS ONE

WHEN SEVEN WOKE UP SHE WAS LAYING
down in a bed. Her body was covered in dust and black char. Her head throbbed, and she struggled to piece together what had happened. An explosion? The last thing she remembered was Natasha's ambush.

She quickly darted her head up, eyes wide as she scanned the room, panic setting in. "Papa! Papa—"

"Slow down, kid," Steve said gently, his voice cutting through her fear. He was sitting nearby, watching her with a mix of concern and curiosity. Natasha stood beside him, her expression equally intense.

Seven's heart pounded in her chest, her breathing quick and shallow. She felt cornered, but she tried to keep her composure. These were dangerous people, and she couldn't show weakness. "Where am I?"

"You're safe," Steve assured her. "We just want to talk."

She narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge their intentions. "Talk about what?"

"Who's that person you were calling for? Who's your papa? What's his name?" Steve asked, his tone gentle but probing. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering.

Seven hesitated, but then she remembered the files she had studied. She knew who this man was, and she knew how to get his attention. "His name is James Barnes."

Steve's expression changed, a mix of shock and disbelief crossing his face. He exchanged a quick glance with Natasha. "James Barnes?"

Seven nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. "Yes. He's my papa."

Steve shook his head, skepticism clear in his eyes. "How do you know that name?"

"Because he's my papa,"

Steve's jaw tightened. "James Barnes is dead. He died in the war."

Seven shook her head vehemently. "No, he's not. He's alive."

Natasha studied Seven carefully, her eyes narrowing. "How do we know you're telling the truth?"

"You don't," Seven replied, her voice laced with frustration. "But I am. I've been with him for as long as I can remember. HYDRA... they created me. From his DNA."

Steve's eyes widened again, and he looked to Natasha for confirmation. Natasha remained silent, her expression unreadable.

The tension in the room was palpable, and just when it seemed like it would break, the door opened. Sam walked in, carrying a bottle of water. He looked between Steve and Natasha, then to Seven.

"Looks like she's finally awake." Sam said, handing the water to Seven. Seven took it, not knowing if she should or not but she was parched at this point.

"Thanks," Seven muttered, taking a sip. The cool liquid soothed her parched throat.

"We're trying to get some answers," Steve replied, his eyes never leaving Seven. "She says her father is James Barnes."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "James Barnes? The solider who died in World War Two?"

Seven nodded, her grip tightening on the water bottle. "Yes. He's my papa."

Sam glanced at Steve and Natasha, then back at Seven. "That's a pretty wild story, kid."

"It's not a story," Seven insisted. "It's the truth."

Steve sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "If what you're saying is true... why are you here? What does HYDRA want with us?"

"They sent me to keep you distracted," Seven admitted. "I don't know what they're planning, but it's something big. I was just supposed to buy them time."