LAST CHAP ON THIS ACT, ONTO ACT TWO NEXT, AND SEVS BROWN HAIRED ERA.

also this one's rough so brace yourself 😬

Tw: killing

BUCKY STOOD IN THE DIMLY LIT corridor of the HYDRA facility, his breath coming in steady, measured intervals. He was preparing for yet another mission, the details of which were still unknown to him. His mind, however, was preoccupied with thoughts of Seven. He had spent every possible moment with her since their last ordeal, trying to comfort and reassure her. As he adjusted his gear, a pair of guards approached him, their expressions cold and unyielding.

"Soldat," one of them said curtly, "you're needed in the briefing room."

Bucky nodded, his face betraying no emotion. He followed them through the winding hallways, the stark, fluorescent lights casting harsh shadows on the walls. They arrived at a heavily secured door, which slid open to reveal a room filled with high-ranking HYDRA officials. At the head of the table sat a man Bucky had come to despise—Colonel Vasily, a ruthless operative who took particular pleasure in inflicting pain and control.

"Soldat," Vasily said, his voice dripping with disdain, "take a seat."

Bucky did as he was told, his eyes fixed on the colonel. The tension in the room was palpable, and Bucky knew that whatever was coming would not be good.

"You're being sent on a critical mission," Vasily began, his tone devoid of empathy. "One that requires absolute success. Failure is not an option."

Bucky's jaw tightened, but he remained silent, waiting for the inevitable threat that always accompanied such briefings.

Vasily leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "This mission is of utmost importance to HYDRA. Should you fail, the consequences will be severe."

Bucky's mind raced, but his expression remained stoic. He knew better than to show any sign of fear or weakness.

"Failure," Vasily continued, "will result in the immediate termination of your... ward."

Bucky's blood ran cold. He had anticipated a threat, but hearing it spoken so bluntly was like a punch to the gut. He clenched his fists under the table, his heart pounding in his chest.

"You mean Seven," he said, his voice low and controlled, though it took every ounce of his willpower to keep it steady.

Vasily's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Yes, the girl. She has proven to be a distraction, and HYDRA has no use for distractions. If you fail this mission, she will be eliminated. Do you understand?"

Bucky's mind screamed in protest, but he forced himself to remain calm. He couldn't afford to lose control, not now. "I understand," he said through gritted teeth.

"Good," Vasily replied, leaning back in his chair. "See that you do not disappoint us."

With that, the briefing was over. Bucky stood, his body tense with barely suppressed rage. As he exited the room, the guards flanked him once more, escorting him back to his quarters. His thoughts were a whirlwind of fear and anger. He couldn't let anything happen to Seven. She was his anchor, the one thing that kept him grounded in the midst of the darkness.

When they reached his quarters, Bucky dismissed the guards with a terse nod. He entered the room and found Seven sitting on the small bed they shared, her legs tucked under her as she read a worn book. She looked up as he entered, her face lighting up with a smile that momentarily eased the turmoil in his heart.

"Papa," she said, closing the book and setting it aside. "Are you leaving for a mission?"

Bucky nodded, struggling to keep his voice steady. "Yes, Sev. I have to go soon."

Seven's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "Will you be gone long?"

Bucky crossed the room and sat down beside her, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I need you to be strong while I'm gone, okay? Stay safe and do as you're told."

Seven nodded, her eyes wide with worry. "I will, Papa. I promise."

Bucky held her close, his heart aching at the thought of leaving her behind. He knew he had to succeed in this mission, not just for his own sake, but for hers. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, of failing her.

"Sev," he said softly, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes, "I need you to know something. No matter what happens, I love you. More than anything in this world."

Seven's eyes filled with tears, but she managed a small, brave smile. "I love you too, Papa. And I'll be waiting for you to come back."

Bucky hugged her tightly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'll come back," he promised, though the words felt heavy with the uncertainty of his fate.

They sat together in silence for a few moments, savoring the closeness that had become their refuge in the hostile world of HYDRA. Bucky knew he had to leave soon, but he wanted to make this moment last as long as possible.

"While I'm gone," he said quietly, "I want you to remember the things we've talked about. The stories I've told you, the dreams we have. Hold on to those, Sev. They'll keep you strong."

Seven nodded, her tears falling silently down her cheeks. "I will, Papa. I'll remember everything."

Bucky wiped her tears away with his thumb, his heart breaking at the sight of her sadness. "Good girl," he said softly. "You're so strong, Sev. Stronger than you know."

He stood, knowing that he couldn't delay any longer. Seven looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. "Come back safe, Papa," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bucky nodded, giving her a final, reassuring smile. "I will, Sev. I promise."

With that, he turned and left the room, his heart heavy with the weight of his promise. As he made his way to the mission briefing area, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. He couldn't afford to fail. Seven's life depended on his success, and he would do whatever it took to ensure her safety.

As he approached the secure area where he would receive the final details of his mission, he steeled himself for what lay ahead. He had faced countless dangers and challenges as the Winter Soldier, but this was different. This time, the stakes were higher than ever before.

When he reached the briefing room, he was met by a stern-faced officer who handed him a file containing the mission details. Bucky took the file, his mind already calculating the steps he would need to take to ensure success.

"Remember," the officer said, his voice cold and devoid of emotion, "failure is not an option. You know the consequences."

Bucky nodded, his jaw set in determination. "I understand."

THE NIGHTS IN THE HYDRA FACILITY
were always the hardest for Seven, especially when Bucky was away on a mission. The cold, sterile walls seemed to close in around her, and the shadows felt darker, more menacing. Tonight was one of those nights. Seven lay curled up on her small bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with worry for her papa.

She tried to stay calm, to remind herself that Bucky always came back. He was strong and capable, and he had promised her he would always return. But the fear was hard to shake, and as the hours ticked by, sleep finally began to claim her.

In her dreams, the shadows took on a life of their own. She found herself in a dark, endless corridor, the walls closing in around her. The faces of the men who had hurt her loomed out of the darkness, their cruel smiles sending shivers down her spine. She tried to run, but her legs felt heavy, as if they were moving through water. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't escape.

"Papa!" she cried out in her sleep, her voice echoing in the darkness. "Papa, where are you?"

The men's laughter grew louder, and Seven's fear intensified. She felt a cold hand grasp her shoulder, pulling her back into the nightmare. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she struggled against the invisible force, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Papa, please!" she screamed, her voice breaking with desperation.

Suddenly, she jolted awake, her heart racing and her body drenched in sweat. The darkness of her room was a stark contrast to the nightmare, but the fear lingered, making it hard for her to breathe. She glanced around, hoping to see Bucky sitting by her bed, ready to comfort her as he always did. But the room was empty, and the silence was deafening.

"Papa," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You're not here..."

Her eyes fell on one of Bucky's shirts, draped over the back of a chair. It was an old, worn shirt, one that still carried his scent. Without thinking, she climbed out of bed and grabbed it, clutching the fabric tightly in her small hands.

Seven climbed back into bed, hugging the shirt to her chest as if it were a lifeline. She buried her face in the soft fabric, letting the scent and the thought of her papa calm her racing heart. Slowly, her breathing steadied, and the fear began to ebb away.

"Papa," she whispered again, her voice muffled by the shirt. "Please come back soon."

With Bucky's shirt held tightly in her arms, Seven closed her eyes, trying to block out the lingering images of her nightmare. She focused on the memories of the times Bucky had held her, the sound of his soothing voice, and the warmth of his embrace. Those memories were her anchor, keeping her grounded in the midst of her fear.

As the minutes passed, the exhaustion from her earlier fright began to take its toll. Seven's grip on the shirt loosened slightly, and her breathing became slower, more even. The warmth and familiarity of Bucky's scent wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, and slowly, she drifted back into sleep.

This time, her dreams were different. She found herself in their special alcove, the sunlight streaming in through the narrow window. Bucky was there, sitting beside her, his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. They were laughing and talking, the warmth of the sun and the sound of his voice making her feel safe and loved.

"Papa," she said in her dream, looking up at him with a smile. "I knew you'd come back."

Bucky smiled down at her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. "I'll always come back to you, Sev. Always."

The cold, metallic clang of the cell door reverberated through the dimly lit chamber as Bucky was thrown inside. His body, battered and bruised from the failed mission, hit the ground with a heavy thud. He groaned, pain shooting through his limbs as he struggled to push himself up. The guards' mocking laughter echoed in his ears before the door slammed shut, leaving him alone in the oppressive silence.

Through the haze of pain and exhaustion, Bucky's thoughts focused on one thing: Seven. He dragged himself across the rough, concrete floor, each movement a monumental effort. His vision blurred with tears of frustration and despair. He had failed. And in HYDRA's eyes, failure was unforgivable.

Finally, he reached the corner where Seven sat, huddled against the wall. Her wide, blue eyes were filled with worry and fear as she saw the state he was in. She rushed to him, her small hands reaching out to help him sit up.

"Papa," she whispered, her voice trembling. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Bucky pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly. His body shook with sobs, the weight of his failure crashing down on him. He buried his face in her hair, unable to find the words to explain. He didn't want to scare her, didn't want to burden her with the harsh reality of what might come next.

"Papa," Seven said again, her voice small and scared. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Bucky rocked her back and forth, his grip on her tightening as if he could shield her from the world with his embrace. The room seemed to close in around them, the shadows pressing in on their small corner of solace. He felt like he was holding onto her for the last time, the fear of losing her more intense than any physical pain he had ever endured.

"I'm sorry, Sev," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm so, so sorry."

Seven clung to him, her tiny frame shaking with silent sobs. "Papa, please tell me what's wrong. I don't understand."

Bucky's heart broke at her words. How could he explain that his failure had put her life in jeopardy? How could he tell her that the people who had already caused them so much pain were now deciding their fate? He couldn't. He wouldn't. All he could do was hold her and try to offer what little comfort he could.

"It's going to be okay," he murmured, though he didn't know if he believed it himself. "I'm here. I've got you."

The minutes stretched into what felt like hours as they sat there, Bucky rocking Seven gently in his arms. The silence was only broken by their quiet, shared sobs. Bucky's mind raced, desperately searching for a solution, for a way to protect her from the consequences of his failure.

Then, the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor. Bucky tensed, his grip on Seven tightening instinctively. The heavy, deliberate footfalls grew louder, each step a harbinger of dread. He held Seven closer, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Papa?" Seven whispered, her voice barely audible. "Who's coming?"

Bucky didn't respond. He couldn't. He just held her tighter, his mind screaming in anguish. He couldn't lose her. He wouldn't let them take her away.

The footsteps stopped outside their cell door. Bucky could hear the faint rustling of keys and the murmur of voices. His breath caught in his throat, his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. He positioned himself between Seven and the door, shielding her with his body.

The cell door creaked open, the harsh light from the corridor spilling into the room. Bucky's heart raced as he tried to prepare himself for whatever was to come. He felt Seven's small hands clutching at his shirt, her fear palpable.

A figure stepped into the cell, the silhouette menacing in the doorway. Bucky's eyes narrowed, his muscles tensing as he prepared to fight if necessary. But the figure didn't move further, instead standing there with an air of authority.

"Soldat," the voice said, cold and emotionless. "Your failure has consequences."

Bucky's jaw tightened, his breath coming in short, sharp bursts. He didn't respond, his focus entirely on protecting Seven. The figure took a step closer, and Bucky tightened his grip on her.

"We will not tolerate failure," the voice continued.

The corridors of the HYDRA facility seemed more oppressive than ever, their cold, metallic walls echoing with the distant sounds of machinery and the muffled cries of other captives. Bucky held Seven's hand tightly as they were escorted by a pair of stern-faced HYDRA agents. His mind raced, filled with the fear and dread of what awaited them. He had failed the mission, and now they were being taken to face the consequences.

They were led into a large, dimly lit room. The air was heavy with the scent of oil and metal, the atmosphere suffused with a chilling sense of finality. Bucky's heart pounded in his chest as he glanced down at Seven, her wide blue eyes filled with fear but also a glimmer of trust as she clung to him. He squeezed her hand, trying to offer what little comfort he could.

"Stand here," one of the agents barked, shoving Bucky towards the center of the room. Another agent yanked Seven from his grasp, dragging her to a separate spot. Bucky's blood ran cold as he watched her struggle, her small form looking even more fragile under the harsh lighting.

"Papa!" Seven cried out, reaching for him.

"Sev!" Bucky shouted, his voice cracking with desperation.

Before he could move, another agent grabbed him from behind, forcing him to his knees. He struggled against the iron grip, but his injuries from the mission left him weak and unable to break free. He could only watch in helpless horror as Seven was pushed to the floor, tears streaming down her face.

The door at the far end of the room creaked open, and the old man, the HYDRA officer who had threatened them before, stepped inside. His presence seemed to suck all the warmth from the room, leaving an icy chill in its wake.

"Well, Soldat," the old man said, his voice dripping with contempt. "You've failed us again."

Bucky's jaw clenched, his eyes filled with fury. "Don't hurt her. Please."

The old man's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Hurt her? Oh no, we wouldn't dream of it."

Bucky felt a flicker of hope, but it was quickly extinguished by the next words out of the old man's mouth.

"You're going to do it."

The room fell silent. Bucky's heart seemed to stop as the old man reached into his coat and pulled out a gun. He walked over to Bucky, his steps measured and deliberate, and shoved the weapon into Bucky's chest.

"Kill her, Soldat," the old man ordered, his voice cold and devoid of any emotion. "Do it, or she will suffer a fate worse than death."

Bucky's mind went blank with shock. He looked from the gun to Seven, who was staring at him with wide, terrified eyes.

"No," Bucky whispered, his voice breaking. "Please, don't make me do this."

The old man's expression hardened. "Do it now, or we will make her suffer in ways you cannot even imagine. And then, we will kill her anyway, right in front of you."

Bucky's hands shook as he took the gun, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Every fiber of his being screamed against what he was being asked to do. Seven was his light, his reason for enduring this hellish existence. He couldn't bring himself to harm her.

Seven looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and trust. "Papa," she whispered, her voice trembling. "It's okay. I know you don't want to."

Tears streamed down Bucky's face as he struggled with the weapon, his fingers trembling on the trigger. He looked into Seven's eyes, trying to convey all the love and sorrow he felt. He couldn't do this. He couldn't lose her.

"Please," Bucky begged, his voice hoarse and desperate. "I'll do anything. Just don't make me do this."

The old man's face remained impassive. "This is your last chance, Soldat. Prove your loyalty to HYDRA, or she dies slowly and painfully."

Bucky's mind raced, trying to find a way out, a way to save Seven without becoming the monster they wanted him to be. His grip on the gun tightened, his entire body shaking with the effort to resist.

"Do it," the old man hissed, stepping closer. "Now."

Bucky's vision blurred with tears as he raised the gun, aiming it at Seven. She stared back at him, her face a mixture of fear and heartbreaking trust. He couldn't do it. He couldn't take away the one person who made his life bearable.

"I can't," Bucky choked out, his voice barely audible. "I can't do it."

The old man's eyes narrowed. "You will, or I will make her suffer."

Bucky's hands shook so violently that he nearly dropped the gun. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to summon the strength to pull the trigger. But every time he looked at Seven, he saw the innocent child he had sworn to protect.

He saw the blue eyed baby that stared up at him all those years ago.

"Do it!" the old man shouted, his voice echoing through the room.

Bucky's heart pounded in his ears as he tried to force himself to pull the trigger. The weight of the gun felt like a leaden burden, pressing down on him with unbearable force. He couldn't do it. He couldn't become the monster HYDRA wanted him to be.

Just as he was about to pull the trigger, the old man's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Stop."

Bucky froze, his breath catching in his throat. He looked up, his eyes wide with confusion and hope. The old man stepped forward, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

"You see, Soldat, you have value to us. We wanted to see if you were truly loyal, if you were willing to do whatever it took to follow our orders. And you were about to."

Bucky's mind reeled, a mix of relief and anger surging through him. "You sick bastard," he spat, his voice trembling with rage. "How could you—"

The old man cut him off, his smile never wavering. "Your loyalty is noted. But remember, Soldat, your failure has consequences. This is a reminder of what happens when you do not meet our expectations."

Bucky's hands fell to his sides, the gun slipping from his grip and clattering to the floor. He pulled Seven into his arms, holding her close as she sobbed into his chest. His own tears mingled with hers, his body wracked with sobs of relief and anguish.

The old man watched them for a moment longer before turning to leave. "Take them back to their cell," he ordered the agents. "And make sure they understand the price of failure."

The agents grabbed Bucky and Seven, dragging them back through the corridors. Bucky held onto Seven tightly, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He had come so close to losing her, so close to doing the unthinkable. But they were alive, and for now, that was all that mattered.

The cell door clanged shut behind them, sealing Bucky and Seven back in their small, cold world of confinement. The heavy footsteps of the HYDRA agents faded away, leaving an oppressive silence in their wake. Bucky's legs trembled, the weight of the recent ordeal pressing down on him like a physical force. He staggered, his grip on Seven tightening as if she were the only thing anchoring him to reality.

As they reached the corner of the cell, Bucky's legs finally gave out. He collapsed to the floor, pulling Seven into his lap, his body shaking with the aftermath of fear and adrenaline. Seven clung to him, her small hands gripping his shirt, her face buried in his chest. Her tears soaked through the fabric, each sob tearing at Bucky's heart.

"Papa," she whispered, her voice trembling and muffled against his chest. "Papa, I was so scared."

Bucky's own tears flowed freely now, mingling with hers. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, his body trembling with a mixture of relief and anguish. He had come so close to losing her, to doing the unthinkable. The memory of the gun in his hand, the weight of it, the cold metal pressing against his palm—it was a nightmare he knew would haunt him forever.

"I'm so sorry, Sev," he choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so, so sorry."

Seven's sobs grew louder, her small body shaking against his. "Papa, I didn't want you to do it. I knew you didn't want to."

Bucky pressed his lips to her hair, rocking her gently back and forth. "I didn't. I couldn't. I'd rather die than hurt you. I love you, Sev. More than anything."

For a long while, they simply held each other, their shared grief and relief mingling in the quiet of the cell. Bucky's heart ached with the weight of his love for Seven, a love that had been tested in the cruelest way imaginable. He had come so close to losing her, but she was still here, still in his arms, and for that, he was endlessly grateful.

She was okay now.

She was okay.

"It's okay, Sev." He said. "It's okay, my baby."