THE CHAIN, B. Barnes daughter

46. captain killer

Sev after almost dying for the 10 millionth time: 😜

KARLI HAD THREATENED Sam's family and now Sev was facing the consequences. More like her dad making her sit outside some random street until he came back. How dumb was that???

Sev crossed her arms and huffed, glaring at Bucky. "I don't see why I have to stay here. I can help, you know."

Bucky knelt in front of her, his face stern but gentle. "Sev, you need to stay here. It's too dangerous. I'll be back soon."

"But, Dad, I can fight. I've trained with you, with Sam. I'm not a kid anymore!" Sev protested, her voice rising in frustration.

Bucky sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "You are still a kid, Sev. And this is different. Karli is unpredictable, and I can't risk you getting hurt."

Sev stomped her foot, feeling the unfairness of it all. "So what? I'm just supposed to sit here and wait? What if something happens to you?"

"Nothing's going to happen to me," Bucky said firmly. "And I need you to stay here to make sure of that. You being safe gives me one less thing to worry about."

She shook her head, tears of frustration welling in her eyes. "I hate this. I hate feeling useless."

Bucky reached out and grabbed her shoulders, his blue eyes piercing into hers. "You're not useless, Sev. You're one of the strongest people I know. But you need to trust me on this. Stay here, and I promise I'll come back."

Sev looked away, her jaw clenched. "What if I don't want to?"

"Then I'll have to tie you to this lamppost," Bucky said, trying to lighten the mood with a small smile.

Sev couldn't help but crack a smile at that, though it quickly faded. "Fine, I'll stay. But you better come back, okay?"

Bucky's expression softened, and he pulled her into a quick, tight hug. "I promise. I'll be back before you know it."

He kissed her on the forehead, then stood up, giving her one last look before turning to run off. Sev watched him go, her heart heavy with worry. She hated waiting, but she trusted her dad. She had to.

Minutes felt like hours as she sat there, the bustling street around her feeling strangely distant. Every sound made her jump, every shadow seemed like a potential threat. She fiddled with the straps on her boots, trying to distract herself from the gnawing anxiety in her stomach.

A couple of people walked by, glancing curiously at the girl sitting alone. Sev ignored them, focusing on the spot where Bucky had disappeared. She replayed their conversation in her mind, trying to cling to the reassurance in his voice.

Then she saw a guy running, and John Walker not far behind. Sev stood up abruptly. John didn't look too happy...

The guy was on the ground in an instant, and John seemed stronger, more unhinged. He started beating the man, demanding to know where Karli was.

"It wasn't me!" the guy yelled, now pinned underneath John's boot.

Sev's eyes widened. John had the eyes of a madman. "Walker!" she shouted.

John didn't even glance up.

He raised his shield. Sev had to close her eyes.

Then, over and over again, John smashed the man's chest with Steve's shield.

Sev felt a hand grip her arm. She gasped and flinched to see her dad standing beside her now. She looked at the scene before her.

John had killed that man brutally.