Sweet Like Arsenic (B. Barnes) ✔

21 | useless muscle

Leon and I hacked into security cam and found them standing outside a cafe in Milan. It was the first time that I'd seen Casper in a while, and even though the camera was in black and white, I could still see that my baby brother had really, really grown.

He looked taller than before and some muscles had filled out his previously skinny teenage form, but he was still on the leaner side. My eyes widened when he turned to the woman beside him and pecked her on the lips. Lilith Emerson.

Lilith was just a few inches shorter than Casper, with a smooth heart-shaped face and what looked like pale coloured hair that flowed off her shoulders in loose waves. She rose to her tiptoes and said something in my brother's ear, then tilted her head slightly to rest her head into the crook of his neck. Her movements were poised, elegant, of a dancer's. No wonder Leo liked her— he always had a penchant for beautiful things.

Leon stiffened beside me and I smiled thinly. "Your ex-girlfriend's kissing my brother. I know how you feel."

"This is making me uncomfortable," Leo said, switching off the camera. "We know where they are, let's dispatch a team and leave them to capture Lili and your brother."

I shook my head. "Why don't we go instead? We've already located them in Milan, I want to finish the work we've already started."

Leo glanced in my direction, pursed his lips then nodded unwillingly. I raised my eyebrows in question of his decision.

"Fine," Leo said, "and it's only because I don't trust them with Lili."

I gave him an understanding smile and he sneered at my sympathy. I was about to glare back at him before remembering Bucky— I needed to convince that pugnacious Director Emerson to let me bring him with Casper and me.

"I'm going to find Emerson," I told Leo, collecting my bag from the back of my chair.

I took a moment to watch Leo narrow his eyes. "Why?"

"It's none of your concern." I replied briskly, walking out of the room.

Director Emerson was writing on a yellow Post-it note when I barged into his room. He raised his eyebrows in irritation, nodding at me to take a seat in that disgusting vomit-green chair in front of his desk.

"What do you want again, Donatella? Your antics are starting to get on my nerves." Emerson lowered his fountain pen carefully, capping it.

"Where is the Winter Soldier? I need him." I said, standing behind the armchair.

"What for? I assume that you've located Lilith and Casper. You shouldn't even be requesting this if you haven't."

"Of course I have, Director."

"Good," Emerson smiled emotionlessly. "You might think that this... minor achievement will grant you Hydra's greatest weapon, but the Soldier will be kept with us until he is thoroughly wiped."

"I'm not leaving this building without him." I said, daring to raise my voice slightly.

"You're welcome to stay for as long as you wish." Emerson's smile grew colder.

"Give me the Winter Soldier, and I'll have you daughter and Casper in two days' time."

"I assumed that you would've done it in a day without the soldier. And besides, James Barnes is just a useless piece of muscle for this mission."

"He's for when things turn... ugly." I replied.

"Both Leo and yourself are extremely capable in ugly situations. We chose the two of you not only because of your skills, but also because of your connections with the two defects." The director resumed his writing.

For the first time in a while, I didn't know how to reply.

"Why do you want Barnes, anyway?" Emerson asked, not bothered to look up.

I frowned, trying to formulate an acceptable answer that didn't end with "I want Bucky back".

"Truthfully, his company relaxes me," I bluffed. "You know, with only Leo beside me and considering our... past history, having Barnes beside me is nothing but a safety measure. I apologise for my selfishness, Director."

"The Winter Soldier is an important Hydra asset, Donatella. And using him for your own personal reasons is very low for a highly respected assassin. Regardless, I will grant you this favour, only if you promise to return him as he is currently, and the mission is successful."

I dipped my head and breathed a sigh of relief, ignoring Emerson's curious raise of his eyebrows. "Thank you, Director."

Emerson nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll see you and Leo tonight for a personal briefing before you embark on your journey. It would've been now if it Leon came with you, but I would prefer to relay the message personally. Your mission involves my daughter, and I prefer to have a direct involvement in this."

"Of course, Director. When can I collect. Buck— Barnes?"

"Right now, if you wish. He's just downstairs." He waved his hands, dismissing me.

"Thank you." I said, already walking out of his office.

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