Only 70 Years

2014

2014

Grace grabbed her clipboard, "I'm sick and tired of early morning assignments." She huffed and flipped through the pages, "The winter soldier, eh? Maybe it's not a bad morning." She walked by Natasha and pushed the page in front of her, "I win!"

"Barnes... We're on the same mission today." She laughed, "So we win."

Grace rolled her eyes, "You've seen this guy. What's he like?" Natasha fought the urge to explain who he was.

"Messed up," the simple response gave away no information, "hey I'll catch up with you, I gotta talk to Fury." Grace nodded and Natasha walked on.

She reached his office and knocked softly, "Come in."

"Fury, we need to talk." Phil Coulson sat in the corner looking a little shaken up.
"About?"
"Barnes... Grace. I don't know if this is right. What if she takes it the wrong way, I mean I know it was Peggy's idea to introduce her, but don't you think there's a possibility that she is a senile old woman!?"
"Do not insult Captain's girlfriend!" Coulson almost shouted.

"And Peggy raised her... if she thinks it's the right time, then it is."

"70 years ago would have been nice." Natasha rolled her eyes.

"Due to unfortunate events involving a great power, he wasn't available."

"He never showed up for her! She's always felt betrayed, she doesn't trust anyone."

"Romanoff, this is not your concern. She was put on this mission by Peggy. You are making this too personal."

"Fine... But I'm not responsible for whatever she kills when she finds out." Fury smirked as she walked out.

She ran up to Grace, "Ready?"

"Yep. Hey tell me more about him. What's our strategy? Are we really gonna follow the instructions? Talk? He's a Soviet Assassin, I don't think he wants to talk."

"Barnes, just follow the instructions."
"Well- Romanoff, I didn't think you above anyone else would think talking was the answer. Huh? I guess it might just be one of those days."

"Grace, did you have coffee this morning?"

"I always do... Why?"
"You need to be very alert for this one."

"So that's how he is... and we need to talk?"

"Yes."

"But-"

"Grace, trust me."

Grace parks the car in front of a small house and gets out, "Ok, so rundown on the situation. Subject: 'The Winter Soldier' Reason: Crimes against humanity Method of conclusion: words."

"Spot on." Natasha laughed and knocked on the door. Steve answered.

"Oh- I thought you were- nevermind. Now's fine." He looks at Grace, "How are you sweetie?"
"Tired, and stop calling me that, Uncle Steve." He laughed and hugged her.

"He's right inside."

Bucky sat up in boredom, "Steve! Who's at the door?"

Natasha spoke up as she walked into the living room, "Agents! Joking, well yes agents but... nevermind! Nice meeting you without a gun." She held out her hand. He looked up at her first and then scanned the room to Steve.

"Yes, I remember we've met, Romanoff."

Grace stepped forward, "I don't believe we have, I'm agent Barnes, Grace Barnes." Bucky's eyes widened a bit.