Soldier Shadow

Chapter 2: The Barbecue

The sun hung high in the sky, and a warm breeze carried the smell of grilled meat, spices, and what was unmistakably Sam's special marinade through the air. Bucky stood at the edge of the yard, observing the scene. Children were running around, playing tag, while a group of adults gathered around the grill, laughing and bombarding Sam with questions about grilling techniques as if he were the undisputed master of the craft.

Sarah hadn't held back. Colorful tables adorned with fresh flowers from her garden were scattered across the yard. On a large buffet table, salads, corn on the cob, and freshly baked bread were arranged in an inviting spread. It was loud, lively, and warm — everything Bucky still struggled to fit into, despite everyone's genuine efforts to make him feel welcome.

Sam, wearing an apron that read Grill King, approached with a wide grin, a beer in one hand and tongs in the other.
"Hey, Barnes! You gonna keep standing there like a lone wolf, or are you actually gonna eat something?"

Bucky shrugged, leaning against a nearby tree. "I'm taking it all in. Not all of us need to steal the spotlight."

Sam chuckled. "The spotlight? Come on, man, you're the only one here with a metal arm. You are the spotlight."

Bucky rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the small smile tugging at his lips. It was Sam's gift — pulling him out of his shell, even if Bucky would never admit it.

Sarah appeared, balancing a tray of lemonade. She smiled warmly at Bucky before setting the tray on a nearby table. "You know, you're allowed to sit down. Nobody bites here."

"I thought that was Sam's job," Bucky replied dryly.

Sam laughed loudly, throwing his head back. "Look at that! The man's got jokes! Ladies and gentlemen, miracles dohappen!"

Bucky shook his head but followed Sarah to a table where she gestured for him to sit. For a fleeting moment, he felt like he was part of something normal — something untouched by shadows and secrets.

Then he noticed it. A movement at the edge of his vision. Quick, almost imperceptible, but enough to trigger his instincts. His gaze darted toward it, scanning carefully. But there was nothing. Just a few kids gathered around a dog and an older man spreading a blanket.

Bucky forced himself to relax. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe his past was playing tricks on him again. But the thought refused to let go.

"You okay?" Sarah's voice brought him back. She was looking at him with a slight hint of concern.

"Yeah," he said quickly, taking a sip of lemonade. "All good."

But inside, he knew better. He'd learned not to ignore his instincts, no matter how small the signs. Something felt off. And while he couldn't yet put his finger on it, Bucky Barnes wasn't someone to let unease go unchecked.

The hours passed, and the barbecue was in full swing. The kids were still running wild through the yard while the adults clustered in groups, laughing and chatting. Sam was in his element, juggling the roles of grill master and host, and Sarah made sure everyone felt at home.

Bucky now sat slightly off to the side, the hum of conversation and laughter blending into background noise. His gaze wandered through the yard, subtly scanning for anything out of place. Even though he knew he might be overreacting, the unease wouldn't leave him. It was like a constant itch at the back of his neck—a remnant of his time as the Winter Soldier that refused to fade.

Just as he started to let his guard down, he saw her again. The same woman from the café.

She stood outside the yard, partially hidden behind a tree, one hand resting against the trunk. This time, she wore a simple dress that swayed gently in the breeze, her posture calm and almost relaxed.

Bucky felt his muscles tighten. What was she doing here? Why was she following him? Or was this just another coincidence?

He decided not to act impulsively. Instead, he kept watching her, noting every small movement. Yet, she didn't seem to do anything unusual—no camera, no suspicious gestures. She was just standing there, looking toward the yard.

After a few minutes, she turned and disappeared as quietly as she had arrived.

"Bucky?" Sam's voice broke through his thoughts. "You all right? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Yeah, I'm fine," Bucky muttered, forcing his expression to remain neutral.

"Well, then get over here. Sarah says you're on burger duty."

"Me?" Bucky raised an eyebrow, but Sam just grinned and headed back toward the grill.

Reluctantly, Bucky followed. He immersed himself in the lively scene around him, blending into the cheerful atmosphere. But his mind stayed with the woman.

Whoever she was, she wasn't here by accident. She had a reason for being there, and Bucky wasn't about to let it go unanswered.

The barbecue had ended, and the last guests had left. The garden was now quiet, except for the rustling of the wind and the occasional clinking of dishes being gathered. Sarah, Sam, and Bucky were busy tidying up. The kids had already taken their toys inside, leaving the adults to deal with the grill and tables.

Sam shot Bucky a sidelong glance as he picked up a crate of empty glasses. "So, I've got something new for us. It's not official yet, but Torres passed me some details."

Bucky glanced up briefly from the folded chairs he was carrying. "What kind of details?"

"A mission. Something about a group messing around with old Hydra tech. Sounds like your area of expertise."

Sarah, who was folding the tablecloths, rolled her eyes. "Sam, really? Do you have to bring this up now? Can't you go one evening without talking about missions?"

"Hey, I just wanted to make sure he knows," Sam replied, his tone playful but his eyes serious. "It's important."

Sarah let the tablecloth drop slightly and looked directly at him. "Of course it's important. But Bucky's only been here for a few days. Can't you give him some time before dragging him into another dangerous situation?"

Bucky, sensing the tension between them, raised his hands in a placating gesture. "It's fine. Sarah, I'm used to jumping back in quickly. Besides, this sounds like something that can't be ignored."

Sarah shook her head and set the tablecloth aside. "Of course you'd say that. You two are the same—ready to dive headfirst into danger without thinking about the people who worry about you."

Sam stepped closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Sarah, we know you worry. But that's why we do this—so no one else has to."

She looked at him, her eyes filled with concern but also understanding. After a moment, she sighed and turned back to her task. "I can't stop either of you anyway. Just promise me you'll be careful."

"Always," Sam said with a crooked grin before turning back to Bucky. "So, what do you say? You in?"

Bucky nodded slowly, though his thoughts lingered on the woman he'd seen earlier that day. "Sure. But I need to take care of a few things first."

Sam studied him, as if debating whether to press further, but ultimately let it go. "Fine. We'll go over the details tomorrow."

As they continued cleaning up, the atmosphere gradually eased again. But in Bucky's mind, the question of who the stranger was—and why he couldn't stop thinking about her—remained unanswered.