She's Afraid and Forgotten - Winter Soldier

The Meeting Chapter 18

"Tomorrow, Fury's coming by to grab the kid. I think around three. They're taking her to the base, and she'll be evaluated. For now, we don't have anything going on. No upcoming missions or anything we need to prepare for. I say we all go on vacation for a while. Go to Hawaii or someplace nice." Tony says with a yawn. "I'm off to go bug Pepper. Later, team."

"Wait, we can't let them take Dorothea." Bucky says before Tony can leave.

"Why not, Barnes?" Tony replies, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone.

"Because they're going to hurt her. I've been through that evaluation. It's terrible, especially for a child her age. She's already been through enough trauma for someone so young. I don't think it's a good idea to put her through anything else like that. It'll only make things worse." Bucky explains, his voice firm.

"Barnes, they're professionals. She'll be fine." Tony waves a hand dismissively.

"No, she won't. You didn't go through the questioning I did. They don't care about her comfort or her mental stability. They'll drain whatever's left of her," Bucky says, his voice rising. The thought of what Dorothea could face at their hands drives him to speak harder.

Tony sighs. "Why do you care about this kid so much?"

"Why don't you?" Bucky's voice is colder now, his eyes narrowing. "She's a child! You and I both know they don't care about what happens to her as long as they get what they want. She'll end up with nightmares and even more issues than she already has if you let them take her."

Tony pauses, his expression unreadable. "You're really worried about this kid, aren't you?"

"Yes." Bucky says, his heart pounding harder. "Can we keep her here until we figure out who was taking care of her? Maybe they'll be able to help her. I don't think it's a good idea to hand her over to them."

Tony's jaw clenches as he considers Bucky's words. After a long pause, he lets out an exasperated sigh. "Fine. I'll see what I can do. I'll come up with something." He looks around at the team gathered at the table. "None of this conversation leaves this room. If Fury finds out we're purposely keeping this kid here for reasons other than what I come up with, we'll all be in serious trouble. Okay? Lips shut."

Everyone nods in agreement, and Bucky finally breathes a little easier.

"Thanks," Bucky mutters quietly, but Tony's already turning to leave.

Quickly, the group disperses, heading off in their separate directions.

"BANNER!" Bucky calls out, jogging to catch up to the surprisingly quick scientist. "Have you found anything new? Any information that can help us?"

Bruce shakes his head, his brows furrowed in frustration. "Not yet. I'm still looking. I've run several DNA tests, but nothing's shown up. I've ordered some special gear to hack into HYDRA's database. It should be here in about a week. Hopefully, that'll give us something. There's a good chance her father is dead, though. That building's completely demolished. If he was in there... he's more than likely gone."

Bucky listens, his stomach sinking. "What do we do if he's dead? Tell her?"

Bruce sighs, pressing a few keys on the nearby computer, his face tired. "I don't know. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. We'll figure it out once we have more information."

Bucky's shoulders slump, his eyes momentarily drifting to the room where Dorothea is. "Thanks, Bruce," he mutters, watching the scientist walk off toward the storage area.

Bucky stands outside the door, his chest tight. He's been here before, standing helplessly while people he cares about are hurt or lost. He won't let that happen to Dorothea. Not again.

He pushes open the door gently, stepping into the room where she's still sitting in the corner, hugging her legs to her chest. Her posture is stiff, like she's trying to hold herself together, but the heaviness of her trauma weighs her down. She's so small, so quiet. It's hard to watch.

Bucky kneels in front of her, softening his expression. He's not sure what to say, but he can't just stand there. "Hey," he says quietly. "You doing okay?"

Dorothea doesn't look up, her eyes still fixed on the floor. "Bucky," she says in a small, trembling voice. "I don't want to go with them."

Bucky's heart aches, hearing the fear in her voice. "I know, kiddo," he says gently, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. "I'm not going to let them take you. Not if I can help it."

She lifts her eyes to meet his, her expression so fragile, yet full of silent plea. Bucky's stomach twists in response, knowing she doesn't trust easily, but she trusts him. A little, at least.

"I don't want to be alone," she whispers, her voice cracking.

"You won't be." Bucky's voice is steady, reassuring. "I'm here. I've got you."

There's a flicker of something in her eyes—hope, maybe. A small piece of trust, tentative and fragile. She doesn't smile, but there's a softening in her gaze that speaks volumes.

Bucky stands slowly, giving her space. "Try to rest. I'll check on you later, okay?"

She nods but doesn't say anything more. Bucky stands in the doorway for a moment, his hand resting on the frame. His mind races—there's so much uncertainty, so much they don't know. But one thing is certain: he won't let them take her. Not while she's still so scared, so fragile.

He turns and walks away, a promise hanging in the air. Whatever it takes, he'll protect her.