Radioactive | Bucky Barnes

THE AVENGERS: CHAPTER SEVEN

"What was he talking about?"

Rhiley stepped into Director Fury's office like she belonged there, like she had nothing left to lose. "Sorry, sir," she said flatly. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Fury turned from the window, leveling her with a hard stare. "Loki. He was talking about you."

She didn't blink. Didn't flinch. "People say a lot of things."

"You're still a mystery," Fury replied, his tone even but edged. "And I don't like mysteries."

"Then you're in the wrong line of work, sir."

His jaw twitched — not amused. "Where did your powers come from?"

"I was born with them, sir." The 'sir' was sharper this time — deliberate. "That's all I know."

Fury stepped closer. "You're telling me Howard Stark never looked into that?"

Something cold flickered in her eyes. "I don't want to talk about him."

Silence stretched between them like a loaded gun. Fury studied her like a puzzle missing too many pieces. "What does Loki know?"

Rhiley's voice was tight. "Seems like a lot more than he should."

Before Fury could press further, the door opened — Coulson stepping in like the universe's most convenient rescue.

"Director?"

Fury exhaled sharply. "Get her out of here."

Without hesitation, Coulson guided her out, closing the door behind them. The hallway stretched empty around them.

"You okay?" he asked quietly.

Rhiley scoffed under her breath. "Director Fury has trust issues."

Coulson gave her a knowing glance. "And you're one to talk?"

She sighed — tired. Worn thin. "Loki knows about me, Coulson. About everything."

"I don't know how," he admitted. "But we'll figure it out."

"Tony's pissed at me, by the way."

"Tony's pissed at a lot of people."

"I feel like I'm losing it." Her knuckles grazed the metal wall — a quiet threat. "I told you I didn't want to work on a team."

"You can't withdraw again, Rhiley." Phil frowned. "You're not alone anymore." 

"After this, I'm done." She looked at Phil. "I thought I could move on by staying busy, mission after mission, but I don't belong here. I can't just keep doing this." 

Coulson stopped walking. His voice gentled. "What do you need, Rhiley?"

Her answer cracked at the edges. "My brother."

-

-

-

Steve found her later, wandering the corridors like a ghost with unfinished business.

"How's the cheek?"

"It stopped stinging."

He tilted his head. "Took longer this time."

She gave a tired smile. "My powers have been... weird. Ever since waking up in this future."

Steve hesitated. "I'm sorry."

She frowned. "Why are you apologizing?"

"I promised him I'd look out for you."

Her breath caught. "James."