𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 ▸ bucky barnes [1]

11.

DECEMBER 3, 1943
3:07 PM
PARIS, FRANCE

—

     "I WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR AGREEING TO THIS, VALERIE."

     Valerie glanced at Steve as the two walked along the scenic Seine River. The day was beautiful – the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the water along the river was sparkling in the light as if someone had poured a bag of diamonds in it. The beauty of the scene would never suggest that something so deadly was about to be plotted by the two people walking through it.

     "It's nothing," Valerie said. "It was the right choice to make."

     Steve looked at Valerie. "You're right. You know that, right? We're doing a really good thing here. We'll be saving countless lives–"

     "–Don't need the sales pitch, Steve," Valerie snapped. At his hurt expression, Valerie sighed. "I'm sorry. I just mean... a lot's happened."

     "I know," he said reassuringly. "About your father. I'm sorry, Valerie. You have my condolences."

     Valerie shook her head, looking away so Steve wouldn't see that her eyes were blurred with tears. "Don't be," she mumbled. "There's nothing that can be done now."

     "There is, though." Steve said. He tried for a small smile. "You can honor his memory and take down all the evil bastards you can. Make the world a better place."

     Valerie had never thought about it like that. "Yeah," she said quietly. "Maybe."

     After a few more minutes of walking in silence, the two approached a large, abandoned church set on top of a hillside. "This is it," Steve announced. "Everybody else is already in the basement. We'll make some introductions, and then we'll go over the plan."

     Valerie nodded as they walked through the large doors. After making their way down towards the basement, Steve opened the small, rusty door for Valerie, and she stepped through. The basement was much larger than she expected – it was a large room with a number of tables spread out around it. It was dusty and dim, with the only sources of light being a few lanterns placed sparingly on the tables. The only sign of life was the handful of big, burly men milling around the room.

     Steve stepped up beside her. "Welcome to the Howling Commandos." He looked at her and smiled.

     When Steve walked off, Valerie scanned their room. There were a few faces she recognized – Dum Dum, Jim, and Jacques. But where was...

     "Hey, doll."

     Valerie now recognized that voice in an instant. She turned around, and felt the corners of her lips twitch upward when she saw Bucky approaching her. They hadn't spoken much since their moment in London three weeks ago, and it made Valerie feel oddly relieved to see him again. He smiled at her. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show."