Shattered Thoughts: Book Three (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier)

Chapter 9

 As Bucky's eyes scanned over the newspapers Lulu had spread over the table, he could feel the fury rising inside his mind. He couldn't believe the things that people were saying about Steve; that he was a HYDRA agent. Bucky hadn't heard from Steve for over two weeks, which worried him. Steve was normally very good at checking in at least once a week. A small part of Bucky worried that something had happened to Steve, and another part was worried that there may be some truth in the rumors. But no, there was no possible way Steve was a HYDRA agent, and Bucky swore to stand by his friend. 

 Bucky felt Willow's cool hand curling around the fingers of his right hand, she must have sensed his anxiety. "I tried to call Steve, but he's not answering. So I sent him a mental message, I think he heard me."

 "Thanks Willow," Bucky squeezed Willow's hand. 

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  Twenty minutes later there was a loud knock on the door, Bucky rushed to open it, nearly knocking over Lulu. Steve looked tired, and also relieved, like he was worried Bucky and Willow wouldn't be at the apartment when he got there.

 "Steve, what's going on?" Willow called from the table.

"Are you okay Steve?" Bucky asked.

"To answer both questions, I'm fine; I'm not sure what's going on." Steve sat down at the small kitchen table. "You all remember the HYDRA agent with the mask of my face? Apparently there's another one, and he's killed a bunch of people. Also, HYDRA 'Accidentally' let SHIELD get their hands on a file saying that I was a spy for HYDRA. SHIELD hasn't issued an arrest warrant or anything, but if another murder occurs, they may not have a choice."

 Everyone stared at Steve in stunned silence for a few seconds. Willow had begun rubbing her temples, looking down at the tables. Talllulah's eyes had gone wide, and she stared at Steve. Bucky's metal hand tightened into a fist.

 "Your not Serious?" Tallulah broke the silence.

"I wish I was kidding."

"God." 

 Bucky's mind was racing. Exactly what would happen to Steve if he was convicted for being a HYDRA agent. But Steve wasn't a HYDRA agent, this was all a lie HYDRA had concocted to focus the spotlight on Steve; so that they could continue to operate in the shadows. Bucky knew if Steve needed somewhere to lay low, that Falcon's place may be the first place the authorities looked. Bucky glanced quickly at Willow, his eyes asking for permission; Willow nodded. "You can stay with us if the crap really hits the fan. Sam can as well."

  "Thanks Buddy. I'll keep that in mind," Steve stood up, heading for the door. "I have to go, I'll be in touch."

  "Good Luck Steve," Bucky said, shaking his friends hand. 

"Be careful Moron," Willow added.