𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 ▸ bucky barnes [1]

6.

OCTOBER 6, 1943
5:07 PM
HYDRA WEAPONS FACILITY, AUSTRIA

—

     VALERIE HAD BEEN TRAPPED IN THE LAB FOR HOURS.

     When she and Bucky's unconscious form had been dragged into the lab, they had immediately been tightly bound with leather straps to two tables right next to each other. The gashes on Valerie's body from earlier today seared in pain, even more so from all of the running and fighting. And her mind wasn't exactly letting her rest, either – the events from earlier that day had left her mind buzzing. In particular, her mind was irritatingly focused on Bucky.

She looked over at him. He was still out cold, but he looked so peaceful, if Valerie hadn't known any better, she would've thought he was just asleep. His black eye from a few days ago was beginning to fade, but he had a series of fresh cuts and bruises littered over his face and body. His dark hair was greasy and covered and sweat, most likely from being worked to the bone all day, and it fell in a heap over his bruised forehead. His clothes were ripped and covered and soot. There was no nice way to put it – he looked awful. Why had he helped her? Not once, but twice?

Valerie sighed in frustration. Growing up, Valerie had quickly learned that if someone helped you, they often expected something in return. But what the hell did she have the Bucky wanted? Besides her dignity, she possessed nothing that she could think of Bucky wanting. But why had be repeatedly gone through such great lengths to help her, a stranger? Even at the cost of what little freedom he had left?

Valerie quickly glanced around the lab – they appeared to be alone. "Bucky," she mumbled, trying to wake him up. "Bucky. Get up."

After a few moments, he began to stir. "Wuh?" He groaned.

Valerie sighed. "Bucky, it's me."

He attempted to sit up, but when he realized he was bound to the table, he collapsed back down with an angry curse. "Bastards strapped us down, huh?" He turned to Valerie. "Valerie, where the hell are we?"

Valerie bit her lip. "Zola's lab, Bucky."

For a moment, Bucky was uncharacteristically quiet. Valerie could see in his face the truth of her words hit him, and as he slowly looked around the lab, his eyes widened. "No," he mumbled, looking over at Valerie with wide eyes. "Valerie, we can't be here. He'll torture us, he'll–"

"–I know," Valerie said quietly. "I know."

Bucky scanned her, once again noticing her blood seeping through the gauze wrapped around the various parts of her body. His expression grew hard. "What the hell did he do to you, Valerie?"

"He... he cut me open," Valerie said honestly. "I think he was trying to get my muscle tissue. He had needles, and he–"

"–that bastard." Bucky hissed. "That BASTARD!" He thrashed around on the table, but his binds held him tight. He stared at Valerie, an angry fire dancing in his eyes. "I'll kill them. Every last one of them. I–"