II
The unusually sharp camera footage (Steve really didn’t know why he expected anything else from Stark tech) showed the lobby of the Avengers Tower. The striking part was the fact that none other than Bucky Barnes was standing in the centre of the room. Somehow, the man was managing to point two handguns at the seemingly terrified security staff whilst simultaneously cradle the unconscious body of-
“Darcy!” Sam exclaimed, startling Steve out of his reverie. He collected his thoughts and looked to where Tony’s face was visible in the corner of the screen.
“This live, Stark?” Steve frowned, feeling his strategic brain finally respond to what he was seeing.
“As a wire, Cap. Everyone’s holding on your word,” Tony replied, tone more serious than Steve had ever heard it. The team clearly had a deep affection for the lab assistant currently in the arms of his brainwashed best friend, who may or may not be still under HYDRA’s control. Steve didn’t think he could bear it if it was Bucky who caused any harm to Darcy.
“Okay,” Steve finally spoke. “Tell them to hold, communicate to Bucky that I am on my way – say Steve Rogers, not Captain America – and Natasha…” Steve looked to the pilot as Tony nodded on screen.
“This bird’ll be in the air in 60 seconds, Cap,” Natasha called over her shoulder.
“Stark?” Steve turned back to the monitor. Tony somehow managed to make direct eye contact with him. “Tell me Jarvis has a contingency plan.”
Tony gave a sharp bark of laughter, “Don’t worry, Cap. Jarvis isn’t letting our girl or your boy out of his sight.”
Steve gave a tight smile of thanks before cutting the feed and swivelling his seat round to look at Sam, who was uncharacteristically quiet.
“Sam, I know you have opinions,” Steve began, as the rumble of the engines signalled take off. Sam interrupted him.
“Look, Steve. I’m not gonna tell you that this feels like a trap, cause you know that. If this isn’t a trap, then Bucky will have escaped and come to find the only person alive that he loves. He’ll be fragile, traumatised…” Sam sighed. “I want to say it won’t be anything shady, and you’ll get your friend back but... I’m finding it hard to believe that the Winter Soldier just got away from HYDRA and decided to bring an Avengers Tower employee along out of the goodness of his heart.”
Steve rubbed a weary hand over his face, then looked up at his friend.
“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”