Last of Us - Bucky Barnes Fanfic

17. The Only Thing To Fear

-July-

About two months had passed. While the Avengers were busy liberating the five cities of Hydra rule, the Nazi group had gone and put their focus on putting New York City under quarantine. Since they returned, the S.H.I.E.L.D. group had taken refuge in abandoned buildings, even the sewers, secretly planning their attack on the Hydra units. It was currently night time. Jessie was returning back to the hideout after going to an abandoned drug store to loot it out. She stayed in the shadows and in alleyways if a group of Hydra soldiers walked by or drove by, patrolling the streets. She was close to her destination, and to getting caught. Due to the heavy rain, the city had been getting, fog covered the streets. Two soldiers were walking in Jessie's direction as she walked on the streets. She hadn't figured they were there until their voices were heard. She quickly made her way to an alley, and hid, waiting for them to pass by before running to the building which the Avengers considered 'home.' She walked in, quietly shutting the door behind her but came in loud enough for the others to hear. Tony and Clint sat at the table playing a game of cards, Steve watching though looking as if he were going to fall asleep. Bucky was using the punching bag as a way to keep busy, and Bruce was reading a book on the couch. The radio sitting on the table was turned on to an old speech from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

*"This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear-"

The speech was cut off followed by a static noise. Clint put down a card, Ace of Spades, before looking to the radio wondering if it would turn back on. The static slowly died down causing the Hawk to show slight excitement which quickly disappeared when a voice began speaking.

"Love your Leader, because he loves the Sinner. Love the Sinner, because he is you. The wickedness of man is great. But what is the difference between a man and a Sinner? A Sinner makes mistakes, but can be forgiven. A man and a parasite? A parasite asks "Where is my share?". A man builds. He invents. He creates. And that is what I wish to do for you. Create peace. Create a home in which you can live. I can assure you, you will have nothing to fear."

Jessie cleared her throat when the speech was over. The three men at the table looked to the female who had her back pressed against the door. FDR's speech was back on the radio, being in the middle because of the interruption. The ex-President's voice filled the silence.

*"...They have no vision. And when there is no vision, the people perish. The money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization."

The Sergeant averted her gaze over to where Bruce was. One hand rubbed his eyes while the other clutched the magazine he had picked up. At that moment, Jessie realized the voice on the radio wasn't someone unfamiliar but was Von Strucker. She glanced at Bucky who continued to throw punches at the punching bag. She sighed before walking over to the table dropping a backpack on it causing the card game to get messed up.

She began taking the supplies she gathered out, placing them on the table, "This is all I could salvage. Not much food, a couple drinks that should last us probably two weeks if we don't drink them all, and a hefty amount of medical supplies." Tony and Clint began sorting and searching around the pile of snacks and variety of drinks. Steve watched carefully as his friend pulled out a chair and sitting in it with an 'oomph'.

"Not much food here," Tony spoke. Jessie looked at him like he had two heads.

"No shit, Sherlock. Were you seriously not listening?" Stark threw up his hands defensively as if surrendering.

"Who's on the lookout tonight?" Bruce asked changing the subject as he seemingly calmed down. Bucky stopped his punching and looked at the Doctor before looking at Jessie. She kept eye contact with the table as she was in thought.

"No one," Jessie answered earning a look of disbelief from Clint.

"What do you mean?"

"Hydra soldiers are patrolling dangerously close to where we are. It'd be safer for no one to go out. That is unless you know how to stick to the shadows."

"Why not let Barnes go?" Tony asked as Bucky walked over, a towel hanging around his neck. Jessie turned her gaze to Tony with a questioning look.

"Tony, no one's going-"

"No, I'm serious. He's worked with Hydra. He knows their ways. And he's a killing machine that knows how to stick to the shadows. He's even more experience than any of us."

"Well, He is standing right here." The female pointed to the ex-Hydra agent. "No one is going out or leaving. Period."

"You're on your period?" Clint bit his lip trying to hold back his laughter as Steve groaned at Tony's annoyance while Jessie glared at Tony.

"You know you're lucky your father was my friend. Because if he wasn't, I would've probably shot you by now. You're lucky I can tolerate you and your attitude. Now I'm going to say it again. No one is going out."

"And who put you in charge?"

"No one. I figure it's the best advice."

"I will have to agree with her," Clint said in all seriousness. Tony looked at the other men in the room, all of them nodded in agreement with Jessie and siding with Clint. The scientist sat back in his chair crossing his arms over his chest.

Jessie kept her gaze on him before looking to the others changing the subject, "How many ration cards do we have?" Steve stood up to grab the ration cards, counting them as he walked back to the table.

"Enough to last us the rest of the month, which isn't much," he replied.

"Guess we just eat what we have and use the ration card when we have to."

"But you said we couldn't leave," Tony spoke up earning a death glare from Jessie.

"Shut up, Stark. Just, shut the fuck up. If you want to go out, fine. But I'm not cleaning your blood off the streets if you do." Tony rolled his eyes before standing up and walking away saying 'whatever'. Everyone when back to their activities. Jessie took the supplies and put them away before walking over to the couch Bucky now sat on and laid down, her head in his lap.

"What are you thinking?" Bucky asked as he looked down at Jessie as she looked to be in thought.

"That Tony's an asshole and he better not do anything stupid enough for us to get caught," Jessie said in a slight joking matter. "No, I don't really have anything on my mind. What about you?"

Bucky sighed, "I'm starting to think Tony was right. About having me go on look out-"

"James-"

"I'm not finished, Jess. What he said was true. I am a killing machine who worked for Hydra. But I am also highly trained in not just killing but stealth. I'm also a lot stronger than you think." Jessie frowned.

"I know," she replied in a monotone remembering the fight on the Helicarrier. She stood up and walked away over to a window near the other end of the building. Bucky sighed before looking to where Steve and Clint sat watching the silent card game going on between them. He got up off the couch and walked over to Jessie.

"Look, I'll go out tonight," Bucky spoke quietly as he stopped next to the female. She stared out the window in thought before turning to look at the Soldier. He gave her a small smile. "I promise that everything will be alright."

"Okay."

*First inaugural address of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, March 1933.