For Some Time

Chapter 5

I ended up finding Steve a few blocks away. He had gotten to Vienna as fast as he could after our meeting. His blonde companion wasn't with him, so I assume she had her own business to take care of.

"Hey," I sigh, allowing him to pull me into his arms, "It's been a long day."

He holds me close, resting his chin on the top of my head.

"Are you ok? Anything broken?" He half chuckles, taking a step back to examine me.

"Probably a concussion, but nothing too serious. Where's your friend?" I ask, trying not to sound too suspicious.

"Sharon? She went to talk to some of her old sources from S.H.I.E.L.D, trying to locate Buck. We'll meet up with her later. We've got to find him, Luce," His voice grows more concerned.

"We will. I promise. We kinda have to," I pause and he gives me a puzzled look, "I may or may not have all but completely cut ties with Nat. I chose you. I chose Bucky. We'll bring him in safely." I don't know who I'm trying to reassure at this point. Steve brings me in close again.

"The last sighting I know of is in Bucharest. We should start there." He states, and I nod. "Let's get Sam and go." He releases me and we begin to walk, careful to avoid the swarm of press covering the area.

"Hey, Steve? I love you." I whisper, knowing only his ears will pick it up as we sneak through an alley.

"I love you too, doll." He whispers back, his small smile evident in his tone.
———
Sam is just as on board as I am, so team "Save Bucky" hightails it to Bucharest. Based on information given to us by the mysterious Sharon, James Buchanan Barnes lives in a cheap apartment in the middle of the city. Sam and I wait on the roof of the neighboring building as Steve investigates the apartment.

"Hey bird brain?" I tease Sam.

"We're supposed to be on watch, Diamonds..." He starts.

"I know, but I thought Id take this moment to thank you." My tone becomes more sincere.

Sam is obviously taken aback by the switch, switching from watching the streets to staring at me.

"You don't have to be here. You chose to stand by Steve's side at the risk of your reputation and your life. Thank you."

He gives me a small smile and nods once, which I take as his acceptance. Once his attention turns back to the road, though, his demeanor shifts.

"Heads up, Cap. German Special Forces, approaching from the south." He acknowledges over the radio to Steve.

"Understood," Steve starts. I hear his breathing change, so something is happening.

"Do you know me?" Cap's voice rings out again.

I look at Sam and mouth Bucky?. He nods.

Another voice faintly responds through my ear piece, "You're Steve. I read about you in a museum."

Holy shit, we found him.

"They've set the perimeter." Sam warns as the conversation continues.

"I know you're nervous. And you have plenty of reason to be. But you're lying." Steve accuses.

My heart is racing. I have to get down there, see his face, protect him, something. I'm not good at this watch and wait shit.

"I wasn't in Vienna. I don't do that anymore." Bucky says. His voice is so low it's barely picked up.

"They're entering the building." Sam's warning is more frantic now. I can hear footsteps heading up the rooftop entrance and I whip my head towards Sam.