Ofcourse they would put Bucky on this op it’s probably punishment for accidentally deleting Tony’s Fallout 4 save. Which.. fair but even so Bucky answered his phone. In his defense how was he supposed to know that fossil was so important. “Of course they would pair me with you. The god of mischief.” He commented dryly Buck could hear that self satisfied smirk. “Oh come now that’s no way to talk to someone who’s performing a public service. My presence James is an honor learn to appreciate it” Bucky snorted. “You bring chaos too many variables you’re reckless.” Bucky could hear the sounds of a glass being set down liquid poured in. Likely alcohol Loki has expensive tastes to say the least. “Chaos and spontaneity makes things interesting you should try it Buck. Maybe it will improve your lackluster personality a tad or at the very least… .”
Loki let it trail off and Bucky actually smiled despite himself because honestly he’s right. Not that he’ll tell Loki that he may not be a dance hall kind of guy anymore. But Bucky is far from the hermit he was in Romania that’s for damn sure. To quote Steve ‘I woke up to a world of wonders.’ Though to be frank it’s overwhelming at the very.. very least. “I feel like I’m in a bad comedy whenever I’m paired with you.” Bucky continued he heard the glass clink “comedy? This is a tragedy and you’re the leading man Barnes.” Bucky snorted “working with you is a horror movie and I’m definitely the hero.” Loki smirked he heard a lighter click “I’m here to elevate your cinematic experience. But I would be better off paired with stale bread. Atleast it would be a better conversationalist.”
They’re not frenemies to the severity that him and Sam were. Mainly because at the very least him and Loki established a rapport. Rather than an Asgardian being visibly scared of him like Sam was for the longest time. Their tit for tats stimulate his ability to be witty again. Something Buck actually appreciates though not that he would be caught dead saying it to Loki. This is a pace Bucky can deal with.
The op itself plays to their strengths one as a technical assassin. While the other is an espionage kind of assassin. The mark was a former HYDRA money pig so already Bucky was on edge. Anything involving HYRDA has his anxiety racing even memorabilia. Not that he’s ever told anyone that. Not even Steve not Sam anyone because. 1) It’s embarrassing and 2) it makes him an easy target and Bucky refuses to be an easy target.
That and it doesn’t help that during an op where’s he’s already a potential target. They pair him with the guy that could very well Kool aid man through the way. For no other reason than maximum chaos because fml.
It’s also in Sokovia where outsiders aren’t treated especially well. Because ofcourse it is the target area is an entire town nestled in the mountains. Something about it seemed familiar and if he survives this. Emphasis on if, Bucky will have to ask Steve about it.
Getting in was too easy that was the first sign something was wrong. Loki had come up with some clever quip while they walked. A deserted city, his mind updated fan fucking tactic. Excuse Bucky if he gets just a smidge bitchy when his brain is screaming at him. To get back on the plane and go, just go anywhere but here. There’s not even so much as a stray cat around.
Just empty streets the lights that are on no one is home. And Bucky checked nearly kicking a random pot on the floor in the process. Which is only funny because it would’ve nailed Loki right in the gob.
When they did manage to get to the castle and yes it is a massive massive castle. Bucky’s brain thankfully shut the fuck up and went into mission mode. The part of The Soldier thats still there which lets him be of use. Instead of freaking out.
Breaking in is surprisingly easy either way a tele-porter. They’d split up and went from one room to the next. Antiques, weird machines, French style everything. And an odd feeling that Bucky has been here before. A feeling he hasn’t been able to kick since first arriving the town square. Every sign is also in Sokovian and to the tune. Of a mixture of propaganda and warning signs. Instructions for staff if Bucky had to guess.
It didn’t make sense he’d checked half the rooms when it started to dawn on him. He’s… sleepy.. lethargic which can only mean one thing.. gas. Probably CO whoever is here is trying to either kill or incapacitate which would be great. Even better knowledge if he wasn’t on the very edge of passing out. They must’ve pumped enough in to tranq the Hulk and that’s when he heard it as he faded out. ‘Buck? James! Get out of there it’s a trap!!! James!?’
Too late for that though the man in a gas mask swooped in.