[Leipzig AU] a means to a necessary end

[nerves_of_ice]

It's a long flight from Berlin to Novosibirsk and the secret location far beyond it, even in a Quinjet. They spend the time planning and coordinating. Bucky describes the structure and security of the facility itself as best he remembers. Tony calls up plans and blueprints from god knows where and throws them into the middle of the plane for all to see. They're not the same as what Bucky remembers, they figure out fairly quickly, but they're better than nothing.

Tony also takes over the back of the plane and snaps at anyone who comes close, doing something that involves shifting screens and models of buildings and wave patterns and a human skull, and the eventually the low humming grind of a machine. Soon after, he stalks back up to the front of the plane and shoves a set of custom-fabricated earplugs at Bucky, who stares at them and then at Tony.

"Noise-cancelling all the way to total sound blackout. Tap the end of the earpiece to deafen yourself," Tony informs him. "Last thing we need's for you to be his puppet." Bucky starts to stammer a thanks, but Tony growls something under his breath and stalks back to the back of the plane again to work on something else. Steve catches Bucky's eye and shakes his head, and Bucky decides to leave well enough alone.

Sam advises everyone to rest in shifts; Bucky knows he's not wrong, but neither he nor Steve can do it, and after a while Sam stops trying to convince them. Natasha sits with him for a while, her eyes dark with concern. They don't say much, but there's no need to.

A Snowcat is parked outside the door of the facility when they land. Bucky's jaw sets in hard lines at the sight of it, and he trades a look with Steve.

They're already here.

Comments

[marvel_npc]

"Still hanging in there," he says, with a warm smile for her. "Hi, Sharon. How are you?"

[from_the_outside]

"About the same," she says, coming to a halt, her fingers wrapped around the handle of her tote at her shoulder. "What a week, huh?"

[marvel_npc]

"It sure has been," Steve agrees. "Come on, it's this way."

As he turns to lead her toward the building halfway down the block, he tells her, "They've been good to him. He didn't come with me to get you because - well, they've assigned him a security detail and are pretty insistent that he not leave the premises without their escort, for his protection, but they also made it clear it's because of taking T'Challa's promise seriously, not for any other reason."

[from_the_outside]

"Good," she says, and gives him a sidelong glance.

"The Secretary hasn't caused any trouble yet, has he?"

[marvel_npc]

"Not yet." He sounds as grim as he feels. "Tony bought us a little time, and Ross had something else to do in the afternoon so he hasn't followed up yet, but I can't imagine that's going to last long."

The guard at the door nods to Steve and gives Sharon a sharp-eyed, searching look before waving her on through in Steve's company. "You are a welcome guest, but do not attempt to go anywhere unescorted, Agent Carter," she says. "These premises are considered part of Wakanda by order of our king."

[from_the_outside]

They don't do anything by halves, do they?

Sharon nods. "I understand," she says. "I'll abide by your rules. Thank you for allowing me to visit."

[marvel_npc]

The guard gives her a second searching stare, followed by a regal nod. "You may proceed," she tells them. Steve nods his thanks back and leads Sharon to the stairs.

"Second floor," he murmurs. "You won't be able to miss it."

The presence of the Dora Milaje outside the apartment door's a clear enough giveaway, after all.

[from_the_outside]

"Thanks, Steve."

She pauses just for moment, looking at him. "You know, even though everything is so complicated, I'm glad you two are finally back together," she says, after a few seconds of silence.

"I really am sorry for lying to you before. I hope you know I always wanted to see the day you'd be reunited."

[marvel_npc]

"I know. Bucky told me you were trying to convince him to get in touch with me," Steve tells her. "I'm sorry I got so harsh with you. I took what I was feeling out on you, and I shouldn't have."

[from_the_outside]

"It's okay," she says, smiling slightly before turning to take the stairs. "I understood. Are you coming up?"

[marvel_npc]

"At least long enough to get you through the door," he confirms. "I don't want them mad at me, either."

[from_the_outside]

"Definitely not," she agrees, amused, and makes her way up to the second floor.

As promised, the door is easily identifiable, by virtue of the two guards standing outside it. They give Sharon a coolly unimpressed stare before one knocks on the door and opens it to lead her and Steve in.

[nerves_of_ice]

He'd managed not to pace the floor by dint of sheer will, but instead is standing near the window and watching the angle of the light outside, having absently positioned himself out of line of sight for any possible threats.

Bucky turns as soon as the door opens. "Hi."

[from_the_outside]

"Hi."

Seeing him again is like a wave of warm water rushing over her. He looks fine – stressed, but fine – and her smile is a sweet, irrepressible thing. "Mind a little company for a bit?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"I don't mind at all," he murmurs. "Welcome to..." Bucky glances around the room and then back at them both as he finishes, a little helplessly, "... Wakanda?"

[from_the_outside]

Sharon gives an exaggerated glance around the room, then looks back at him. "I like it," she says, smiling slightly.

"And you know I enjoy visiting new places."

[nerves_of_ice]

Steve huffs out a laugh. "Then I think I'll leave it to you to give her the tour, pal," he says. "Since I've already seen it. I'll be back in the morning before heading in to the Center, like we talked about."

Bucky holds Steve's steady blue gaze for a moment or two, trying to make sure he means it, that he doesn't feel overlooked or pushed out or anything else, and is reassured by what he sees there. He smiles, a little. "Okay. Don't do anything stupid, Rogers."

"How can I?" he returns, call and response. Steve looks pointedly at him. "You either. I mean it."

[from_the_outside]

"I'll keep an eye on him, Cap," Sharon promises, holding up a hand like a scout reciting an oath.

"Your track record's not so great, either," he says, amused, and she chuckles.

"Then I promise: nothing stupid... tonight."

[nerves_of_ice]

"If he doesn't hold you to that, I will," Bucky says, trying for light and mostly getting there.

Steve shakes his head at them both and goes to the door. "See you tomorrow, you two."

[from_the_outside]

"Good night, Steve."

She waits until he's left and the door has closed behind him before setting her tote on the floor and going quickly to Bucky, holding her hands out for his, her eyes locked on his face. "Hi," she murmurs.

"Are you okay?"

[nerves_of_ice]

He takes her by the hands, holding tighter than he means to, and draws her into his arms.

"I'm okay," he tries, and winces as he hears how uncertain it comes out. "I am."

[from_the_outside]

She puts her arms around him and presses herself close, running her hand soothingly over his tense back.

"Steve said the Wakandans are treating you well," she says. "I'm glad. You'll be safe with them, that's all that matters."

[nerves_of_ice]

If anything, he becomes more tense. He's been trying not to think about the personal implications of seeking sanctuary in Wakanda since listening to T'Challa and Ross talk earlier today, with varying degrees of success.

"Not all," he murmurs.

[from_the_outside]

She lifts her head to look up at him as he tenses in her arms. "Maybe not all," she concedes.

"But it's a lot."

[nerves_of_ice]

He nods. "Goddamn Ross anyway," he says, and the bitter weariness in his words could slice sharper than any blade. "Not your Ross. The other one. Him, and all the rest of them like him. They never stop."