Stark towers were surprisingly bigger than I first thought. Bearing in mind I have been kept in a varying amount of cells over the past week, the open floor plan seemed like a gift from God.

I felt unworthy to be in such a beautiful building, too scared to even touch the furniture. I don't think I have ever been in a place as nice as this before. Hydra isn't exactly known for their luxurious living conditions.

"Buck you can sit down you know." Steve teased patting the seat next to him. There was no one else on this floor for 'safety reasons'. In other words they don't trust me enough not to kill someone.

Steve must have mistook my pacing for anxiety as he gently grabbed my hand, pulling me to a stop.

"We will get her back, Bucky."

"Oh I know. I will not rest until she is back here with me, safe." I'm not sure if I was believable or not, but Steve offered me a smile so warm my knees went weak.

We sat in the living room alone just taking in each other's presence when Wade and Peter appeared before us. Both were tear stained and generally miserable, no doubt riddled with guilt about what happened to Belle. I can't deny I blame them for what happened.

"Bucky I am so sorry. This is all my fault I should have taken her somewhere safer than a fucking alley. I understand if you hate me or-"

"Wade I don't hate you. It was a mistake, it's not like you meant to hand her over to hydra."

Wade picked at his thumb unable to look me in the eye. "I tried to find her. I really did."

"Wade stop. It's not your fault."

"He's right it's not." My instincts got the better of me and I whipped around ready to attack at the sudden intrusion. Steve physically pulled me back to stop me from doing something stupid. Although his grip did loosen when we saw Stark standing in the doorway.

"It's yours."

"Fuck off Stark."

"Cap doesn't like that kind of language. You should know that." His smirk made me mad beyond belief.

"Dad-"

"No no I didn't say you could speak. The adults are talking." Peter's face set into a scowl but he stayed silent nonetheless. Stark made his way over to the bar, seemingly ignorant to my glare burning the back of his skull.

"Tony what are you doing." Steve inquired moving so he blocked my path. Whether his intentions were to protect me or Tony were unclear.

"Babysitting it would seem. You can't be trusted anymore Capsicle."

"Seventy two hours Tony. Then you won't have to speak to us again. For Belle's sake please just give it a rest."

I couldn't help but smile at Tony's stunned face. I guess they aren't used to Mr. Perfect snapping at people.

"I just hope she's okay." Peter sighed, leaning against Wade for a slither of comfort. What I would give to have someone like that.

"It's her own fault she got kidnapped." Stark mumbled, taking a sip of his gin.

Before anyone could stop me I was in Stark's face struggling to reign in my anger.

"Say it again. I dare you." I expected Stark to back down but instead he did the complete opposite. He slammed his glass on the table without breaking eye contact.

"If you think I am scared of you-"

"Talk bad about Belle again and I will give you something to be scared of."

Steve yanked me back, standing in between us before a fight broke out. "That's enough of that."

"You think you can come into my home and threaten me." Stark yelled his face as red as his suit.

"Tony cut it out." Steve hissed but he went ignored.

"You'd think you would realise when you in the wrong when your own fucking son is against you."

"Oh yeah? Well at least I have the sense to protect my child."

The air was knocked out of my lungs. Those words cut deeper than any weapon could. It hurts more knowing they are true. I can't protect her. I have failed her in every way there is.

"Tony take that back."

"Steve he's right." I whisper turning away from the group. I head for the door feeling the stares on the back of my head.

"Bucky wait."

"I'll be in my room." And just like that I was gone.

---

My blood was boiling. As soon as the door clicked shut I exploded, pushing Tony so hard his back slammed into the counter. I barely realised what I was doing, to overcome by fury to think logically.

Tony summoned a thruster from his suit, charged and aimed at my chest. “Stand down cap.”

“What the fuck was that, Stark?”

“It’s not a crime to have an opinion Rogers.”

“Dad you can’t be serious. What you said was completely out of pocket.” Peter exclaimed, obviously struggling to reign in his anger. Wade was literally shaking, fists clenched and ready to strike.

“What do you not understand Peter! Belle was raised by Hydra, that makes her dangerous.”

“Wade was brainwashed into becoming a mercenary before he moved in here. Do you think he is dangerous? Or what about Aunt Natasha, wasn’t she in the KGB before she joined Shield. Hell you used to sell weapons to anyone and everyone. By your logic everyone is bloody dangerous.”

“You watch your tone.”

“Dammit Tony are you even listening to him.”

“Of course he’s not.” A third voice joined our conversation. I don’t need to turn around to know it’s Natasha. “And thank you Peter for that reminder.”

Peter shrank back, glancing at his hands in shame. I would do too if Natasha looked at me like that; utter disappointment glistened in her eyes as she started the Starks down.

“Fury said suit up in ten. Peter and Wade you are grounded for this mission; Steve and Tony you better kiss and make up because you’re leading.” As she turned to leave, Nat gestured in the direction of Bucky’s room. “He’s coming to.”

“You have got to be kidding me!”

“You got a problem, bring it up with Fury.” She flashed Tony a heavily sarcastic smile and walked out the room. Tony sighed and followed after her.

“You heard the woman. Get Barnes.” He shouted over his shoulder. It took everything in me not to snap at him. Peter seemed to be having the same problem because as soon as his Dad left he groaned and flopped onto the couch.

“Don’t beat yourself up kid. I was this close to doing something a lot worse than yell at him.” Peter laughed shallowly but couldn’t find it in himself to smile. Reading the room I took my leave, heading down the corridor to check on Bucky.

It came as shock to find Bucky sat in the centre of a trashed bedroom, bits of broken furniture and clothes strewn around him like a bombsight. His back was to the door, knees drawn to his chest in an attempt to hide his trembling shoulders. Leaning against the door frame I cleared my throat as softly as possible.

“Fury says wheels up in ten.”

“You should go without me.”

“You know I am not letting that happen. Belle needs you Buck.”

“I think I have proved she is better off without me.” I kneeled down next to him, trying not to react to his tear stained face.

“If anything your actions have proved how much you need each other. You know that base inside out, you are the best person to be on this mission. Not to mention she will need you to be at her side when we find her. If you really want to stay here I won’t stop you, but Belle will need you there when we find her. She will be scared out of her mind.”

Bucky stayed silent for a moment, contemplating for a moment. Not that it needed much thinking at all.

"Okay. Let's go."

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a/n:

I haven't said it yet, but thank you all do much for reading. Over 300 reads in just over a week, that's insane!! The upload schedule may get a bit hectic from here on out, but I am determined to complete this book lol.

Don't be afraid to comment, I love reading you guy's reactions and theories, they honestly make my day.

Love you all, until next time
~ Author