CHILD one-shots | james b. barnes

[ Vasily Karpov ]

Vasily Karpov

[ When an old man with a terminal illness appears at the Avenger's compound doorstep holding a delivery box, Angelika is horrified to see a man from her nightmares. ]

Angelika's first year in highschool

ANGELIKA'S DAY WAS GOING great. She was eating a cinnamon roll with a strawberry milkshake, courtesy of Sam who'd taken her on a shopping spree. She took a huge bit of her treat when FRIDAY spoke from the Avenger's compound ceiling.

"There's an unidentified person at the door, Angie, Sammy, and they seem to have a package for delivery." FRIDAY announced.

"I got it!" Angelika hopped off the couch as Sam took a sip of her milkshake, eyes glued to the TV.

She finished chewing her cinnamon roll and wiped any crumbs from her lips before grabbing the door and opening it. She looked up to see a man at least in his seventies, a cane in one hand and a box tucked underneath his arm. The man looked thoroughly surprised by her, and she couldn't help but feel the man looked familiar. He gazed at her, and she did the same, neither talking or moving.

Finally, after a few seconds of silence, Sam turned and looked at the pair, slightly confused.

"Uh, Angie?" Sam asked as he stood from the couch, putting the milkshake back on the table.

Angelika continued to stare at the man before he tilted his head back, sighing softly.

"Hello Angelika." He said, in a gentle but firm voice.

Angelika felt her muscles seize, blood going cold as she recognized the voice. She took a terrified step back, and Sam instantly grew protective, rushing towards her side and putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"C-c-colonel K-Karpov." She stammered.

"Who are you?" Sam said rather fiercely and Angelika paled at his tone of voice.

She turned around and pushed Sam away from the door frame.

"You can't speak to him like that!" She hissed in a fearful tone.

That only caused Sam to grow even more concerned and he furrowed his eyebrows at her. Angelika didn't take a second to explain, instead turning to Karpov as he let himself inside, shutting the door behind him.

"If my hands weren't full I'd hold them in surrender." He said, his accent rather thick. "I come in peace."

Angelika didn't trust any of his words, but she knew disobeying him in any way was a death wish- at least that's what she automatically thought. She didn't have the guts to talk to him so she turned back to Sam again.

"C- Could you get Uncle Stevie? A-and Papa?" She said hurriedly and Sam frowned slightly.

"I don't want to leave-" he started and Angelika gave him a desperate look.

Sam sighed in defeat, and jogged down the hall while looking for Steve and Bucky.

Angelika breathed in sharply as the man stepped towards the couch, limping slightly as he used his cane for a third leg. She hesitantly followed behind him, watching as he placed the large box he'd brought with him on the coffee table. Angelika grabbed the TV remote and shut the device off. She gave Karpov a glance and she froze as he caught her gaze. He scanned her and she felt like a specimen on display, afraid of moving even an inch. He looked away and stared down at his hands.