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The mission had failed. Spectacularly.
Steve and Bucky hadn't planned on the Red Skull having enlisting the help of the hyenas. Now Steve was once more running for his life. His paws pressed deep into the earth. Even as he trembled as he moved.
He wanted to collapse right here. Let Hydra tear him apart. Letting his soul leave this plane of existence and go to his ancestors. But Steve didn't know if he would be welcomed. His mother always said the stars were home to the Kings and Queens of the past. And while in all rights the Pridelands were his by inheritance, it was only in title that he was king.
In reality, Steve of the Rogers clan had never met his father Joseph. And his mother Sarah had died when Steve was young. But there was a plan in place.
When Steve was still a cub, a deal was brokered with their neighbors to the south. The Barnes pride had been every bit as strong as the Rogers pride was if not stronger. While the Rogers pride only had Steve as their heir, the Barnes had five strong cubs.
The deal had been that Steve would mate with one of the cubs. Hopefully one of the females. But if not, Steve could name one of his pride-in-law cubs as his heir or take a secondary mate. Such carefully crafted plans, only for Hydra to have torn it apart so well.
The leader of Hydra, King Red Skull, had come suddenly one day. A threat that had been on the eastern border of the Pridelands for generations. They had only been a threat for so long that they were all but forgotten. On that day, the leader of the Barnes pride and the temporary leader of the Rogers pride George Barnes was killed and Steve and his intended James Barnes were chased out of the Pridelands.
It was only luck that the lion Sitwell who had been assigned to kill the two males was lazy and felt that chasing the two out was good enough. Sitwell should have finished the job because, while in exile, Bucky and Steve found others. Lions that had been displaced because of Hydra's ever expanding campaign.
They trained. They recruited and then they came home to fight for what was theirs.
They were still young. They were so full of hope riding high on the victories and allies of the SSR.
That was then and this was now. Less than a day later, Steve had lost so much more than just his home this time. Steve's heart was breaking with every step he took, tears streaming down his face and into the wind.
Ahead of him ran the rest of the surviving team members. Steve had let them go first. He couldn't let anyone else get left behind. Not when they had to leave Bucky's body behind. Steve could only hope that Bucky's sisters could take care of the body. Send Bucky off to the great beyond, a right that Bucky deserved.
God, they had been so close. But Steve pushed that aside for now. Steve needed to make it to the outer ring. That was where the backup was waiting. There were enough forces there that would be enough to stop the squad that was pursuing them. It would not be enough to try and invade again.
Not yet. They would need to rest. Lick their wounds and make a new plan. They would also need new intel. That they could get from their hostage. Steve was just glad that Bucky had been firm about sending Zola back to camp after he was captured. At least they would have something to show from this failed coup.
"Come back, little lion!!!" taunted the voices behind Steve. "Don't want to play with us?" called another voice. Steve ignored them, pushing more into his muscles. They were burning with pain but Steve had made up the distance between him and the rest of the team. From the sounds ahead, Steve could tell that the wounded had at least made it back to report that the plan had not gone well. He could make out the sounds of other bigger cats calling out.
They were coming. Backup was on the way.
Steve panted onward, air heaving into his lungs as he kept going. He was so tired.
He knew that he was going to make it when a voice called out behind him. "Shit! Let him go." The sounds of Steve's pursuers slowed to a stop. Steve could see Sam and the Commandos leading the charge ahead of him as they crested the hill. Steve ran past them and the others they were leading. He knew they would only push the hyenas back a few miles before holding them at the border.
The sand turned to grass as Steve neared the jungle. Steve only stopped when he saw Howard and Tony standing ahead of him. The older Stark looked worried, while the young cub's eyes kept darting back and forth from Steve to the cave where they had been planning. No doubt Tony was working on some projects.
Steve came to a wobbly stop. His strong paws ached. He could hear the others crowd around him. "Steve?" Howard said in a soft but firm voice. "What happened? The Commandos came back with Zola. And we were excited for the win. Then the next thing we know we are getting word that a retreat had been issued." Steve tried to speak but his voice just seemed to dry out in his throat.
"Steve, here is some water," said Peggy's soft voice. Steve's eyes could barely see the water that was placed before him. When had he ended up on the ground, Steve thought absently as he lapped at the water. The liquid had never tasted so good in his hot mouth.
"Mr. Steve, where is Bucky?" asked Tony's small voice. At the name Steve stopped drinking. "Buck..." Steve started off but the emotion that came with the name made him shudder. Steve took a deep breath. Tried to focus even though his mind felt like it was shutting down.
"We entered the Pridelands as planned by the watering hole. Zola was there so we took him captive. Once he was secure and sent back to base, we moved on to the gorge." Steve took another breath.
"It turned out the Red Skull was there. We didn't know why but we didn't waste the opportunity. The rest of the team took on the guards. Me and Buck took on the Skull. It was a close battle but in the end we were able to pin him. But then the Red Skull's son Pierce showed up with backup. It turned out that the Hydra pride was able to convince the Hyenas to join their cause. We...I was distracted enough that the Red Skull was able to attack. He launched himself trying to tackle me and take me over the side of the cliff. But Bucky saw it first and intercepted the Skull."
Steve felt the tears prickle at his eyes. "They collided. The force that Bucky hit the Skull with was enough for them both to go over together. Bucky was lucky enough to catch the side of the ledge. He wasn't able to pull himself over. And I couldn't get to him in time. Pierce held me up. By the time I was able to get to the edge…" Steve had to pause for a moment, remembering what he saw. So much blood. The once beautiful body of his best friend, his future mate. His lover lay crumpled at the canyon floor.
Peggy gave Steve a sympathetic lick to the head. All Steve wanted to do was pass out. At least in his dreams, Bucky would always be there waiting for him. Steve just needed to give the rest of the report, then he could be selfish and just rest.
"The secondary force arrived to protect their prince. We were already losing and with an unknown amount of hyenas to fight, I gave the call to retreat. We need a new plan. I am not giving up on my pride. On Bucky's pride. We need better intel. And we need to go back stronger than ever." Steve tried to give everyone a look to convey that he meant business. But with the message finally delivered, Steve's body let go.
"Steve!" multiple voices called to him. But there was only one he cared about. "Come here and rest a moment, punk." Bucky called from the darkness. And Steve went willingly.
…
"Say that again," Steve said, voice booming. It echoed in the quiet of the cave after their spy had made their announcement. Natasha, a lion from Hydra that they had recruited, didn't even flinch like the others around the stone table. Steve had often wondered about what all the lioness had been through to be as hard as she was and Fury's number one operative. She reminded Steve of Bucky, brains and a killer attitude to match their body. Not for the first time Steve had wondered what Bucky would have been like as a full grown lion.
Steve would look at his own reflection and note all the changes. And wonder what his love would have looked like now if he had lived. He always hoped that his eyes had played tricks on him that day. Hope was a powerful thing. But never did Steve think he could be right.
Not for the first time did Steve think what Bucky would think of what his punk grew up to be. The things he had done, the lives he had taken, in order to get information. Steve always tried to rationalize it by saying that he did it for his homeland. That every kill starting with Zola had been to avenge Bucky. But Steve was to the point that he wasn't really sure anymore what he would do when this was over.
He was a warrior now, very close to being a nomad after being on the run more years than he had been in a home. Steve had been thinking for a while now that once the Pridelands were free that he would leave them to Bucky's sisters. They, after all, were also raised to rule. They were still there, just like their subjects. Forced to endure all the horrors that Pierce was putting both the land and animals through. In order for everyone to heal and the order of things to reset, it might be best for them to take over.
Steve had been planning to join Fury. Travel from place to place using the skills he had gained out here in exile to help others. But this curveball might mean his plans would change.
"Pierce for a very long time has been claiming that he has a secret weapon to fight you with. A way to ensure that he keeps the throne for himself. He has never let us know where he was keeping this said weapon, though we had the suspicion that it may be in the elephant graveyard. One of the Barnes girls got antsy and announced to Pierce that he was unwelcome in the Pridelands and that she would be taking over as queen. That was when he came, the Winter Lion. A lion with a paw made of metal, said to be a ghost. But the girls knew him on sight. He was one James Barnes, the heir to the pridelands and your intended." When Natasha had finished speaking again, Steve thought pacing back and forth for a moment.
"They were sure it was him?" Peggy asked. Steve was grateful for her stepping up to ask the questions. "Yes, Winnifred confirmed it. He had the Barnes birthmark on his left hind leg." Natasha replied. Steve felt his body crumple at the words.
It was Bucky. There was no other explanation.
"Thank you, Miss Romanoff. Head back to the Pridelands. Inform the royal family that we will be mobilizing soon." Fury said in a dismissive tone, tail moving rhythmically from side to side.
Natasha turned to go, but paused at the mouth of the cave. "There is one more thing, Sir," she said and for the first time that Steve had ever seen Natasha looked unsure of herself. "Yes." The tiger said for her to continue. "We believe that they are trying to brainwash him, Sir. When his mother called to him, James didn't seem to know they were referring to him. We think they are trying to break him down. We also believe that he is being kept in isolation. And lions have never been known to do well by themselves."
Steve felt a chill at the thought of Bucky being all alone. When they first had to run, they had each other at least. And even now though the group consisted of many different animals, there were a few lions in the group. Steve not for the first time wished that he had taken the time to go to Bucky, to check. To confirm that he was actually dead. If he had then, perhaps Bucky would have been at his side this whole time.
"It's not your fault, darling. I know that you blame yourself. But we have been over all accounts of what happened. Of those who were fighting nearby. There was no way of knowing that Barnes was still alive." Peggy's voice was calm as she spoke. Steve knew it was the truth.
If Steve had gone to Bucky's side, Steve would more than likely have been caught too. Then the chances of them winning back their homeland would have died right along with them.
Steve took a deep breath. "Thanks, Pegs," he said before they both tuned back into the meeting. Fury had already made the updates to the diagram of the Pridelands. They were in the final stages of planning. Going over Pierce's routines and how to meet up with the others that were still loyal to Rogers and Barnes. The more that they went over the plans the more that Steve felt they had a real chance this time.
When the meeting was over and everyone drifted off their own separate ways, Steve made his way up and over the outcropping of rocks that built up the outer layers of the cave. The trek was slow going, but once at the top the view was worth it.
The rocks towered over the treeline. If you looked one way, there was nothing but green. The Jungle went on for miles and miles. But if you looked the other way, and this was the way Steve looked now, he could see the desert. And he knew where to look to find the tiny patch of green that was so small that the eye might miss it. But Steve knew what it was without having to see any of the landmarks.
It was home.
Steve slumped down onto the moss covered rock that laid out beneath his paws. He looked sadly to the sky. It looked the same as it had when Buck was still by his side. When they stood side by side in this very spot on multiple occasions. A few spots that involved Steve being beneath Bucky.
They had come here the first time to pray to their ancestors to make their mission successful. To ask for protection for those that were left behind.
Then again they asked for a blessing for the love that was rapidly blooming between them. Two young lions that didn't even have their manes, yet with no home, stolen birth rights and nothing to offer each other but the love within their hearts, the passion of their changing bodies and the determination to win this war.
They wanted so much for each other back then. And now if Steve could pray for only one thing, it would be to have Bucky back by his side. Because if Bucky was here, the rest would come with time.
Steve shut his eyes and prayed once more from the rock. Only this time he was alone. "Mom. Dad," he said softly into the gentle wind. "Let us be successful. Let me get Bucky back alive." Then with desperation in his voice Steve added, "Please."
The wind ruffled his mane before it picked up speed on its way.
...
In a cave far away, a young lion looked at the same dark sky. He knew that there was something important that he was supposed to remember about the twinkling lights above. But all he could recall about them was that seeing them meant that he wasn't alone. He knew them all by heart, not their names just their locations.
Every night he would search for new stars. There was something inside him that was glad there were never any new stars. He knew that this was important. That it meant there was still a chance. Of what he wasn't even sure.
The lion didn't remember his own name. Or where he had come from. But on nights like these a voice would whisper in his ear, it would say, "We will always be together. Whether it is here or in the sky when it is all over. Always until the end." Sometimes the lion could remember eyes like the daytime sky and fur as bright and golden as the sun. The lion's nose would fill with the smell of fresh grass and the smell of home.
But lastly on the tip of his tongue would be a name that he would never say aloud when he wasn't alone for fear that they would try to take it from him too.
When the cool night breeze wrapped around the lion in a way that a lover would, the lion in a low voice whispered his secret back into it.
"Steve."
…
The blow from Pierce's paw stung the whole side of Steve's face. So bad his vision blurred. Steve took two unsteady steps backwards trying to dodge any further attacks. He was lucky that the claws had missed his face.
While Pierce was a powerful fighter, his blows were not as skilled as Steve's were. Steve would thank Peggy and Natasha for their relentless training. It had seemed overkill going through it, but now his body just moved on its own.
If only some of the other lessons the pair had taught the group had stuck, then maybe Steve could be making headway in the fight.
Steve had gotten separated from the rest of the group. Clint and Sam who were supposed to be right behind him as they went to secure the royal family. Only Steve had turned around to note they were not there.
Backtracking, Steve didn't find them but he did find Pierce trying to make a run for it. Steve had just intended to just tail him. See where Pierce went. Only the lion had not led Steve to the royal family. No, Pierce had left, moved out of the Rogers and Barnes territory. Only slowing at the elephant graveyard at a cave that was blocked by an elephant's skull.
"You want to really do this again? Especially after the last time, kid?" Pierce spoke coolly from the other side of the space they had been fighting in. Steve slowly moved to get up. He didn't want to broadcast anything that Pierce didn't need to know. Like Steve was not as hurt as he was acting. He needed the older lion to believe that Steve had not gotten any better than the last time they had met. That and Steve needed to make sure to know who side Bucky was on before going in for the kill.
The only reason Steve had to fight now was because Pierce had released another lion. Steve had taken one look at the other lion, darker in color, with strong muscles and blank eyes. He called out automatically to the other lion. Bucky. God he really was alive. Steve's heart banged in his chest. Steve thought he was prepared for this moment but he wasn't.
When Steve had called to Bucky, the other lion hadn’t looked at him with even a spark of recognition in the eyes at all. Bucky had just briefly looked at Steve before turning to Pierce and going, "Who is that Father?" Steve had been in such a shock that he barely heard Pierce go "The enemy." Before Pierce got in the first attack.
Steve made a quick glance back to where Bucky was still standing watching the fight. Steve was about to look away but paused because there in Bucky's eyes was suddenly something. A spark. Steve watched as Bucky's brow wrinkled under the thick chestnut mane.
There was the sound of gravel skidding in all directions. Steve barely dodged the blow.
Steve got a couple of blows in himself. Pierce liked to think that he was a good fighter but he had the same four attacks that he used in the same attack pattern. Steve sunk low to the ground to dodge the next blow. As soon as it was clear, he popped up, striking out.
The blow hit Pierce against his ears, causing him to hiss out in pain. "Father!" Bucky called out. Rage flowed through Steve's veins at the words. How could Bucky ever forget his own father!!! The lion was nothing like Pierce. "He is not your father, Buck," Steve breathed out. The anger was clear in each word. "Don't listen to him, James," Pierce instructed. There was a crack of thunder above them. The storm that had been threatening all week had finally seemed to be here.
"No, Bucky, he is not your father. George Barnes was your dad. And he was a great king." Steve didn't get to say anything else as Pierce charged at him bellowing, "That's not true!!!" Pierce ran at Steve. But now Steve was mad. How dare this lion torture Bucky and then take away his memories. His family.
Steve landed a hit so hard that Pierce's head whipped to the side. It was satisfying. "Don't you listen, Buck. He is trying to take what is yours. Your real father." Steve landed another hit, Pierce cried as he stumbled but Steve kept going. "Your mother, Winnifred Barnes." Steve wasn't going to let Pierce get up. "Your sisters."
Pierce grunted at Steve's onslaught. "My mother." Steve didn't realize that his claws had come out until he felt some blood hit his face. "Our kingdom." Steve couldn't bear to look at Bucky to see that blank look. So Steve kept going. "He took you away from me!!!!" Steve screamed as his vision blurred with tears.
Steve was unsure of how long he tore at Pierce. He only became aware of himself when Sam was pulling Steve away from the body. "It's over, man. He's dead," Sam said, dragging him away. It took a few moments before the words registered.
It was over.
The stars must have felt the relief of the land below crying its happiness. The warm water washed the blood off Steve's coat as he watched Natasha calm Bucky down before leading him away.
If Pierce being dead wasn't enough of a comfort, there was a look in Bucky's eyes, one that suggested that maybe, just maybe, Bucky was remembering Steve. And Steve for the first time in a long time felt relief with that tiny glimmer.
…
Becca spoke clearly to the crowds of animals below. There were so many there but they were amazingly quiet, hanging on to every word the Queen spoke.
Today was an important day. The lands had now settled back over the rule of Winnifred. Many of the animals that had run away during the time of Hydra's rule had now returned. Rebecca Barnes, Bucky's sister, was taking up the crown now that her mother was stepping down. Winnifred had enough of the struggles of keeping the peace between all parties and then settling everything back down. All she wanted to do now was relax.
Steve couldn't blame her if anyone had earned a break, it was her. He couldn't be any happier or prouder that his substitute mother was alive and in good shape.
Becca paused in her tale as the animals gave a cheer. She was on the first attempted rescue. Beside Steve, Bucky tensed. Bucky was doing better. His other sisters spent all their time trying to help him remember. It was working. Slowly. From what Steve could see.
Steve couldn't spend as much time as he would have liked with Bucky. There was still a lot to work out with the kingdom. But SHIELD was still around trying to make sure that all things were cleaned up before the heavy hitters moved on. Even if Hydra was gone from the Pridelands, they were not completely gone from the neighboring kingdoms. SHIELD would use the Pridelands as a base. Leaving the organization with the new base and the outpost in the jungle to work with.
When they did leave, Steve would not be going with them. Steve instead would stay here. Queen Becca, after she had acknowledged the heroes of the war, would announce not only the opening of the SHIELD base in the kingdom, but of Steve's position as the head of Security. As well as a few other members of the royal family that would be moving up to different posts. The middle sister was going on to be a diplomat.
Bucky, since he wasn't all there yet, wouldn't be holding a post yet. The doctors that had looked Bucky over had said that he was doing very well considering all that had happened to him. The memories were all there. Trapped behind a wall that only Bucky could break.
When that would happen, they couldn't say. They also didn't know how Bucky's mind would react when it did occur. This didn't make Bucky's family happy. Which was why they limited Bucky's activities. Trying to keep him in calm places or around small crowds. But this here wasn't avoidable. Their subjects needed to see the royal family.
The united front of them together. But most importantly they needed to see both the lost princes. The rumor mill at the watering hole had all sorts of things to say about Steve. And even more to say about Bucky. Steve bent his head. Steve knew that if anyone saw them they would think the two young mates were just having a private moment. It hadn't been released to the public that the royal wedding had been postponed indefinitely. Or that one of the princes was a little crazy in the head.
Steve let out a low comforting purr as he said, "We are almost done, Bucky. Just a little bit more," Steve said slowly but clearly. The doctors had mentioned to Steve to make sure to say Bucky's name whenever they addressed him. That way he could get used to understanding that this was who he really was.
Bucky, who was using his mane to hide his face, looked up slightly. The cool blue grey eyes peered between the fringes at Steve. "Ok," Bucky said softly, then in a rare moment, he smiled giving Steve a glimpse of his mate. Steve's heart pounded in his chest. Steve watched as the smile disappeared as quickly as it came. Taking with it all traces of old Bucky, leaving behind a shell.
Steve continued to watch hoping that maybe this time the old Buck would come back and stay. But all Bucky did was straighten up his posture a bit more before looking to where his sister continued on. Steve took a deep breath himself before he too corrected his stance and looked forward.
It wasn't too much later before Becca started to recognize those for their help. Starting with Fury. Each animal whose name was called stepped from the waiting area. They then moved to the first new Queen where she thanked them for their part. Then they moved to Queen Winnifred. After her, they moved to the rest of the royal family. Steve watched Bucky carefully looking for any signs that the other lion was going to need a quick exit.
Bucky seemed relaxed. He watched the going ons with a sort of careless air. Seeing Bucky relaxed helped put Steve at ease. Soon it was time for Steve to step forward. "I will be right back," Steve said as Rachel, Bucky's baby sister, moved to fill the space Steve left. Bucky took a step after Steve before coming back to himself. "See you soon," Bucky said, eyes lingering a moment longer on Steve before turning back to look at his sister.
Steve had a slight smile on his face as he took his place behind a Jackal, Rock or something. Steve didn't know much about him other than he had been a spy like Natasha. Natasha had already seen the queens. She was nearing Bucky.
Taking a chance, Steve looked over to Bucky. He couldn't help but check on Bucky to see how he was doing. Steve had to stop mid-step because of Bucky's face. Steve watched as it went from lost to fear, stopping finally at anger. Bucky let out a roar that had the whole procedure coming to a sudden halt.
"James," Queen Becca said as she took a step towards her brother. Rock stepped out of her way and to the side. Becca's words didn't seem to help. Bucky's whole body language changed. Hardened into something Steve knew. This was his Bucky. The cub that was trained to become a strong warrior.
Bucky let out another growl, claws digging into the dirt. Before Steve could say anything, Bucky was off running towards Steve. "Bucky, no! I am on your side!" Steve shouted. Bucky didn't seem to care.
Steve closed his eyes. He wasn't going to fight Bucky. He waited for the blow to come but he only felt a rush of wind. "Move your ass, Stevie," Bucky gritted out. Steve opened his eyes, just in time to see Bucky's tail whip past him. Steve's eyes darted up trying to track where Bucky was heading.
Rock had separated Becca and Winnifred away from the rest. He had them on the edge of the cliff. His eyes on Bucky's approach. Steve didn't think as he ran after Bucky as well, only skidding to a halt next to where Bucky stood. "Get away from my mother and sister, you traitor. " The voice Bucky used was nothing like the soft spoken lion that had been following everyone around the past few weeks.
"Well well well. It seems all the lightning didn't make it permanent after all. We were sure that your mind would be mush for the rest of your life." Rock’s eyes were glued on Bucky and Steve. Steve tried to make sure to cover Bucky's left. Even after all these years, Steve found it easy to follow Bucky's lead. "If I were you, I would be more worried about how you are going to get out of here and not the status of my brain, Rumlow."
Rumlow gave a rueful smile. "Oh, James, you should know by now it is never about the survival of the grunts. There are many of us. As long as one is left the work continues." Steve could feel his hackles rise. "It's about taking out as many as you can when you go." Both male lions are already moving as the words are spoken but they were several steps away. Rumlow only had a few steps.
They wouldn't make it!
"We are not weak!" Winnifred said, swiping her paw into the dirt right into Rumlow's eyes. The jackal let out a groan as he stopped. He didn't get a chance to do anything else before Becca struck, leaving four deep cuts across Rumlow's face. "You don't mess with Queens, you ass!!" The howls of pain were cut short as Bucky tackled into Rumlow. Steve readied himself to jump him whenever there was a chance.
The two tumbled in the dirt. The force had them rolling separately but fast towards the edge. Rumlow went over without stopping. The crowd of animals below cried out in shock. Bucky was able to slow himself. His back half went over, but Bucky's front claws eased him into a stop. Steve was there, his own front paws pressing into Bucky's. "Don't let go, Stevie!" Bucky said, fear clear in his voice.
"I won't, Buck. I won't let you fall again,'' Steve hissed out. They could hear others moving behind them. Then Becca was there. "I got you, brother," she said as she reached for Bucky. The other sisters were there next, then Natasha. Before Steve knew it, Bucky was being pulled back over the side safely.
Steve stood back, trying to breathe. Repeating in his head that Bucky was safe once more. He watched the family hug Bucky in the small cave while Coulson, a little hornbill, was doing damage control.
The family pulled apart just enough that Steve caught Bucky's eyes. Steve stopped breathing. The look in Bucky's depths. "Stevie." Bucky said, a few stray tears raced down his face before running to Steve. They moved together. Heads bumping against each other as they scented one another. And Steve knew. "Buck, you remember," Steve said as their foreheads touched.
"How could I forget a mug like that? It had to trigger my memory sooner or later." Bucky said, his eyes gleaming. "I would have waited, however long it would have taken you to remember," Steve said softly. He was so happy right now. He couldn't stop smiling and the fact that Bucky was smiling too just made it even better. "As much as I appreciate it, that is the problem. You were waiting on me and Hydra was making plans." Bucky gave Steve a light knock against his head with a paw.
It didn't hurt but Steve flinched anyways. "What can I say, you're my world Buck." Steve couldn’t believe that he gets a chance to tell Bucky that again. Bucky smiled. "Yeah, I better be. But we are going to need a plan. We are going to get SHIELD to secure everything tonight. Then we are going to take the night just to relax. Tomorrow I am going to help you start a task force to help take Hydra down."
"Are you sure Bucky?" Steve doesn't really want to jump into this and lose Bucky all over again. "Steve," Bucky said, making sure to look Steve in the eye. "They held me hostage and took everything they could from me. I want revenge. We are just lucky that they thought I wouldn't recover my wits and they talked a lot around me." Steve was going to try to talk Bucky out of it but the look in Bucky's eyes makes him think better of it.
"Ok. But we do it together or not at all." A grin slid across Bucky's face. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Punk," Bucky said and really neither would Steve.
The End