His Dove (Loki Laufeyson)

Part 46 (Burn)

As we flew to Siberia Bucky stitched up my arm, apologizing repeatedly for every cringe the needle earned. I had shoved the sleeve of my shirt, which I had cut off to give him better access, into my mouth to stop the grinding of my teeth.

The cuts were deep, spreading from my elbow and wrapping around my forearm.

"Alright, it's done." He said with a sympathetic smile, holding my hand tightly as I regained my composure.

"Thank you." I croaked as I pulled the fabric out of my mouth. "You definitely owe me a coffee."

He laughed at that, nodding. "I definitely do. Have to say, though, you're tougher than most of the men I served with, little one."

"You think my lovely big brother is following?" I asked Cap as I sat up a bit more.

"Brother?" Bucky asked, his eyebrows furrowing. He released my hand as he tilted his head, and I nodded.

"Tin can." I replied with a slight laugh.

"You're Tony Stark's... little sister." He looked uneasy, staring at me as his face flooded white. He looked as if he had just seen a ghost.

"Yes? You okay there, Buck?"

"I doubt Stark is following... We're getting close." Cap cut in. "You remember the plan?"

"Take out the super-soldiers; take out Zemo. Do it quick. I know."

The jet dipped as I spoke, landing onto the frozen ground. Bucky grabbed a gun and I cracked my neck as I stood. As the door opened I approached the two men who reminisced about their past, taking a quick moment for friendly banter before the battle.

I thought about how nice it must be, for them to have each other after all this time. I couldn't imagine how lonely it must feel to go to sleep, then wake up decades later after everyone you knew had moved on. I couldn't imagine it was anything but heartbreaking.

It was freezing as I stepped out, remembering and instantly regretting that I had cut off the sleeve on my right arm.

"He couldn't have been here longer than a few hours." Cap tried to be optimistic.

"Long enough to wake them up." Bucky reminded him.

They guided the way to the elevator, a cramped and small space that squeezed us rather close to one another.

"Bucky leads, I take the back. Dani, stay in the middle and keep your eyes peeled, do what you do."

"Can do." I said with a smile and a thumbs up.

We exited only a couple seconds later, and I had my magic in my palms already, fully prepared to throw it in any direction if necessary. We were walking up a set of steps when a loud bang from behind stole our attention, making Cap cover us with his shield as Bucky pointed his gun in that direction.

I couldn't tell if I felt relieved or anxious as the red and gold suit came from the elevator, the steps clanking against the floor in rhythm with Tony's stride.

"You seem a little defensive." He stated as his face shield went up, revealing his bruised skin and black eye.

"It's been a long day." Cap remarked back, walking towards Tony. I dissolved my magic, following just behind him.

Tony pointed at Bucky. "At ease, soldier, I'm not currently after you."

"Then why are you here?"

"Your story is not so crazy - maybe." Tony countered. I looked at Bucky. He kept his gun up, staring at Tony.