March 16 2026

It's been three days. . . Bucky disappeared from the office lately, He sent a message to Winters to take care of the office and finish up reports and bills while he was away. Anne was confused by his sudden disappearance, She never asked him what he was busy with but she hoped he was doing okay. . . But now three days have passed, She was a bit worried. He's gone very silent, She expected him to message or call at least. Not only that, She expected him to come back to the office.

Anne was seen alone at the office, looking through her phone, glancing at the laptop where it was downloading a file. She looked at her old text messages with Bucky. . . She already missed him.

( It feels lonely without you, Barnes. . . What are you even doing? )

She thought to herself and sighed, That's when she heard a knock on the door and said "Come in" She expected a visitor, Instead, It was her best friend, Sydney.

Sydney: *Smiles* Hiii, Sorry to interrupt.

Anne: Oh. . . Hey Sydney.

Thompson gave a bright smile but noticed Anne didn't seem too happy. . . Maybe she was expecting someone else. Winters went back to being how she used to be when she first got the job, Silent but still focused.

Sydney: Is something bothering you, Anne?

Anne: Nothing at all, Why?

Sydney: You've been too quiet again. . . *Grins* Missing your boss?

Anne: *Chuckles* . . . . Maybe.

Sydney: *Gasps* What!?

Anne: Don't start, Sydney.

She crossed her arms and forced a smirk, Sydney tilted her head before grinning.

Sydney: Ohhh I see where this is going-

Anne: *Interrupts* Anyways, What do you need?

Sydney: *Scoffs* Oh wow, Now you're acting like a congresswoman, Forgive me, Ma'am.

Anne stared at her before letting out a chuckle as Sydney gave a teasing smile but soon it faded into something softer, She noticed Winters was worried.

Sydney: Seriously. . . What happened?

Anne: I. . . I'm not okay, Just a little. . . But it's weird, He hasn't texted, hasn't called, hasn't even shown up.

Sydney: Maybe he's just taking a break. He works himself to death most days.

Anne: I know that. . . but it's not like him to go completely silent, It's been three days, He would have at least asked me what was happening at the capitol hill.

Sydney: . . . . You really care about him, huh?

When she said that, Anne felt her heart skip a beat as she nodded. Looking at her.

Anne: You can't imagine how much I do. . .

The room fell into silence, Sydney's eyes softened before walking around the table, placing a hand on her shoulder. Thompson already got the hint. . . Anne loves him. She doesn't know if they were dating or not, But those words, her tone. . . Her eyes were enough to know. And Sydney didn't want to push further or even ask if they were together.

Sydney: He's probably fine. . . Maybe he's tired. If he doesn't call by tonight, We're going to his house.

Anne: *Chuckles* You're gonna get me in trouble.

Sydney: *Laughs* I'll tell him, Your lovely secretary misses seeing you in a suit.

Anne couldn't help but laugh and was flustered by what she said, Winters smacked her hand as Thompson continued laughing.

Sydney: There we go! Now you're laughing again.

Anne: *Chuckles* Appreciate it. . . Thanks by the way.

Sydney: *Smiles* It's fine. . . Anyways, I think you're busy so I'll go now. Remember, Talk to me if you want to speak to someone.

Anne: I will, Thank you again.

Both of them smiled at each other before Sydney left the office, leaving Anne alone. She looked at the laptop and thought about her conversation with Sydney. . . He was probably busy. . . But she wasn't fully convinced by it.

Suddenly her phone started ringing as Winters looked it and saw the contact. . . It was Bucky. She immediately got up from her seat and answered the call, clearing her throat.

Anne: Hello?

Bucky: Hey sweetheart.

Her heart fluttered, hearing his voice again as she spoke to him quietly.

Bucky: Are you doing okay?

Anne: . . . . Well, it's been three days, Congressman. I was starting to think you'd forgotten your secretary and vanished.

Bucky: Forget you? Not a chance, Just. . . caught up with something. Work stuff. . . . Nothing worth worrying about. . .

She listened to his voice and noticed how quiet he seemed, She wasn't fully convinced by his answer but didn't want to push it further, That's when he let out a chuckle and spoke to her.

Bucky: Guess I didn't realize how much I'd end up missing your voice.

Anne: I'm glad you called. . . Bucky. I was worried.

He was quiet, almost like he felt bad for leaving her in the dark as Barnes let out a sigh.

Bucky: I know. I'm sorry for that. But hearing you now. . . makes everything feel a little easier.

Anne: You're okay though, right?

Bucky: I am now.

Anne smiled, leaning against the wall as her heart was beating faster.

Anne: You should come back soon. The office isn't the same without you.

Bucky: *Chuckles* I'll take that as you miss me.

Anne: Maybe I do. . .

Bucky: And I miss you too. . . I promise I'll be back soon, Just. . . a few things to finish first.

His voice softened, like he wanted to say more but didn't want too. Anne was quiet before nodding and spoke to him.

Anne: Be careful, okay?

Bucky: I will. You just take care of things there and don't forget to take care and give yourself a break.

Anne: *Smiles* Yes, sir.

Bucky: *Laughs* That's my girl, I love you.

Winters felt her heart skip a beat and had a huge smile on her face, She could tell he was smiling through the call.

Anne: I love you too.

She continued smiling before the call was disconnected, Anne stood there, thinking about his words. . . The tone of his voice. Something was going on but he tried to help back from telling her anything, She knew he was dealing with something important. . . And she wanted to know what it was.

But Winters also missed him a lot, She was glad he was doing okay. Soon, She walked towards the window and looked outside of the capitol hill, feeling her heart beat faster while thinking about Bucky and that way he mentioned that he missed her so much. . . And how he said he loved her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bucky ended the call, staring at her contact number and felt his heart skip a beat, He missed seeing her already. . . And her voice still echoed in his head. Thats when realiry struck as he slid the phone into his jacket and walked out of the room and saw the thunderbolts.

Yelena paced near the table, muttering under her breath in Russian. Ava stood with her hands on her hips, trying to calm herself down, Alex was glued to the feed, rewinding the scene over and over again, Cody leaned against the wall, staring with anger and silence. and John was stomping around, angry that they lost Bob. And Alexei sat on a couch, staring at the floor in anger

John: You've got to be kidding me. We had one freakin job, One! Keep Bob safe and away from her. How does someone like Valentina walk in here and take him without a sound!?

Ava: You think we're not asking ourselves the same thing, Walker? She disabled every camera and sensor like she'd been planning this for weeks!

Alex: There's no trace. No broken locks, no alarms. Nothing. She must've had access codes, Ours. Obviously. Her men must have stuck in and took him without us knowing.

Yelena: And this was the farthest safehouse. . . Which means she's been watching us. Again.

Cody(Venom): We felt nothing. No scent. No noise. She was like smoke.

Cody: I can't believe she took Bob in the same building we're living in!

Bucky: *Steps forward* If we keep complaining, We'll never find him. He's kidnapped already, Now let's figure how we can find him and stop her from her experiments.

The room fell into silence and knew he was right, They couldn't just complain about how she kidnapped him without them knowing, Right now, They needed to save him before she does something dangerous.

Alexei: We'll find him. . . We'll bring Bob home.

Alex: I checked the feed's timestamp. She took him at one thirty seven AM. He didn't even fight. Just. . . followed her out. Then ten minutes later, We found out.

Cody: Like he was under some kind of control. . .

Bucky: *Grits his teeth* If she reactivated Project Sentry-

John: Then we're screwed.

Yelena: No. . . . She's screwed.

Venom: *Hisses* We hunt her. . . No talking, No warnings. . .

The group looked at each other as Bucky had a serious and determined look on his face, And so was the others.

They were ready to save Bob

And take down Valentina once and for all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was lunch time at the capitol hill, But Winters didn't feel hungry and stayed in the office. She was writing down some notes however her thoughts always drifted to Bucky as her heart was beating fast, That's when there was a knock on the door as Anne looked at door and said "Come In" The door opened and it was revealed to be the woman of the hour.

Valentina: Good morning, Secretary Winters.

She walked in, smirking as Anne looked at her, narrowing her eyes. Mel followed Valentina from behind as Winters looked at both of them before getting up.

Anne: Good morning, Miss De Fontaine and Miss Gold.

Mel: *Smiles* Same goes to you, Miss Winters.

Valentina smiled, looking around the office and noticed Bucky wasn't here as she looked at Anne again.

Valentina: I must say, Dear Winters, this office feels far too quiet without its Congressman. Where's Barnes hiding these days?

Anne: He's been. . . busy with a few matters. Said he needed a few days off to sort some things out.

Valentina: . . . .Busy? My, that man never takes a break. He must be very occupied, then.

Anne forced a polite smile, but she caught the flicker of confusion on Val's face, Like she was piecing something together. Mel stood quietly by the door, pretending to scroll through her tablet but clearly observing what was happening.

Anne: He didn't mention much. Just that it's important.

Valentina: Hmmm, Interesting so I guess you're handling the office. Anyways, I had an invitation for you. . .

Anne: Invitation?

Valentina: *Chuckles* To O.X.E. You've heard of it, though I imagine the rumors in the Capitol swirl faster than the truth ever could. . . . I'd like to give you a proper tour of the facility. You've been Barnes' right hand for quite some time, and I believe you deserve to see how we operate.

Anne's eyes lit up, surprised by the invitation as Valentina smirked, waiting for her response. Mel glanced at both of them, wondering what Anne's response was.

Anne: Really?

Valentina: Mmm, Everyone keeps whispering about my company, "What's Valentina really doing and what is O.X.E. hiding?" Even after last year, so I thought, why not show a respected government employee exactly what we do?

Anne: . . . . You want me to see it for myself.

Valentina: Exactly, You'll have no reason to doubt us once you've seen how clean our hands really are.

Mel stared at Val for a moment and Anne caught the look on her face before Gold quickly looked at her tablet again, Anne continued glancing at both of them before nodding. Even though Anne has already been to O.X.E. It wouldn't hurt to see what more she's hiding.

Anne: When would you like me to come?

Valentina: No time like the present. The car's already waiting downstairs. . . The place is lovely, You'll enjoy it. Right, Mel?

Mel: Yeah, Yeah, You'll definitely like it, Miss Winters.

Anne looked at Mel as both of them stared at each other for a moment before Winters gave a polite smile to both of them.

Anne: Alright then.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The trio arrived at the O.X.E headquarters, They were walking by the facility as Valentina was showing her around, explaining what the company is about as Melissa mentioned a few details as well, Anne was listening to them and observed the facility. Still the same as the last time. Mel knew Anne knows a few things about the facility, Something Val hasn't mentioned. But to keep cover, Anne pretended this was her first time.

They passed a section where a group of technicians were testing new surveillance drones. Anne's footsteps slowed and looked at the monitor that had faces, buildings, cities she recognized. It didn't look like simulation data.

Anne: These drones. . . Are they for public safety?

Valentina: Of course, Dear. Observation is the heart of prevention. . . But don't worry, We don't spy on our allies.

Anne stared at her, She wasn't sure she believed that. Mel let out a chuckle but also looked uneasy and Winters noticed the look on her face as the trio continued looking around.

Anne: A lot of rooms are restricted and sealed.

Valentina: Yes, We're planning to open it up later, But the clearance. . . Is higher than yours.

She smirked as Anne stared at her, narrowing her eyes before nodding. That's when she noticed a room, three doors ahead.

RESTRICTED: PROJECT ALPHA ACCESS.

She caught the sight of a scientist in a lab coat quickly hiding something inside a metal case before noticing Valentina, Anne looked, skeptical and studied the room along with the rooms ahead.

Anne: You seem to have a lot of "projects" Miss de Fontaine.

Valentina: Curiosity is good, Miss Winters. . .

She didn't continue her sentence further and just smirked as Anne clenched her fist and stared at her in silence while Mel looked at the ground, forcing a smile on her face.

Valentina gestured her to follow as Winters nodded. Valentina walked forward and just when Anne was about to follow her, She noticed a familiar sign ahead and felt her heart drop.

RESTRICTED: PROJECT SENTRY

Mel stood, noticing where Anne was observing, Winters looked at Gold in silence before Mel quietly gestured Anne to follow her to avoid suspicion.

Later on, The trio made it back to the lower levels as Valentina clasped her hands together, smiling at Winters.

Valentina: Now that it's done, I do hope this visit gave you a better understanding of O.X.E.'s work. Unlike what the media was trying to portray us. . .

Anne: It was lovely, Miss De Fontaine. . .

Valentina: *Chuckles* Happy to know, Who knows, Dear Winters. . . In future days, We might even work closer than you think.

When she said "Future Days" It reminded Anne of something. . . Something that holds to her heart to this day. . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~

The time was one a.m, An eight year old Anne was seen pacing around the house. It was winter break so she usually stays up late. Her dad was outside and her uncle hasn't visited in a week. Crowe was eating a biscuit and continued looking walking around the house before noticing something in the living room.

It was a guitar.

Her eyes lit up and quickly walked towards it, She never saw it till now. Anne had a huge smile on her face, touching the guitar.

Anne: Oooooh, I can be a rockstar!

She cheered happily and tried to carry the guitar but it was a little heavy to carry. But she managed to hold it and tried to play with the strings but struggled.

Mitchell: Honey, What are you doing?

She turned around, startled by her dad's voice. He noticed she was holding the guitar as his eyes lit up.

Mitchell: You're not supposed to touch that, Honey.

Anne: I'm sorry, Dad. . . I wanted to be a rockstar.

Mitchell couldn't help but smile and shake his head, walking towards her.

Mitchell: Annie, A rockstar's guitar is different, This is different.

He chuckled and took the guitar from her, Anne looked at him, then at the guitar as Crowe sat down, staring at her.

Anne: It looks super cool!

Mitchell: *Chuckles* Indeed it does, Also shouldn't you be at bed right now?

Anne: I don't feel sleepy, Dad. I want to be with you.

His eyes softened and patted her head, smiling a little. Anne sat on the couch, smiling at him and asked him a question.

Anne: Can you play a song?

Mitchell: *Smiles* I mean, Yes. I've been practicing a song just for you.

Anne: *Gasps* Really!? Sing it!

Mitchell: *Laughs" Okay, starlight.

He cleared his throat as Anne looked at him with excitement, anticipating on how he's gonna play the guitar and sing a song. Mitchell looked at her, feeling the warmth in his heart before he started playing the guitar in a slow tone.

"If I ever were to lose you"

"I'd surely lose myself"

"Everything I have found dear"

"I've not found by myself"

"Try and sometimes you'll succeed"

"To make this man of me"

Anne stared at her in silence, her face softened. Even though she was a kid, His tone and choice of words melted her heart. Mitchell swallowed and continued singing.

"All my stolen missing parts"

"I've no need for anymore"

"I believe"

"And I believe 'cause I can see"

"Our future days"

"Days of you and me. . . "

He wanted to sing more but stopped himself, He looked emotional and sad, Because the lyrics makes me reminisce his wife. . . But he also made this song just for his daughter. Anne stared at him before she had a smile on her face.

Anne: That was amazing!

Mitchell: *Chuckles* Really? I didn't sound like a sad cat or something?

Anne: No, Dad! Your voice was so good. Can you sing again?

She asked excitedly as Mitchell smiled at her reactions, nodding before swallowing again and repeated the lyrics along with the rhyme of the guitar as Anne was listening to him.

Once the song was over, She asked him to repeat it one last time which he happily agreed, When he was done for the third time, He noticed Anne was drifting to sleep. . . The adorable and peaceful look on her face made him smile.

Mitchell: Sleep tight, Starlight.

He placed the guitar aside and was about to carry his daughter until his phone started ringing as he groaned, quickly pulling it out and muting the sound, making sure it won't disturb her. He looked at the contact number before answering the call and took a deep breath.

Mitchell: Director Fury.

Nick Fury: Agent 47, I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time.

Mitchell: *Looks at Anne* Depends on what you call "bad" sir.

Fury: I need you back in the field tonight, your intel from last month just got confirmed.

Mitchell: . . . . I thought I was off duty till after the holidays.

Fury: You were. Plans changed. Bring no one else in, this stays quiet.

Mitchell: *Sighs* Understood.

He disconnected the call and looked at Anne before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead and carried her to her bedroom, He tucked the blanket in and looked at her one last time before leaving the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback End~~~~~~~~~~~

Mel: Winters?

She snapped back into reality, realising her and Mel were alone in the hallway while Valentina left to talk to someone on the phone. Anne looked around before looking at Mel.

Anne: Sorry, Lost in thoughts.

Mel nodded before taking a few steps closer, looking around before whispering to Anne.

Mel: My boss has Bob.

Anne: *Eyes widen* Huh?

Mel: I think I know what Barnes is up too. . .

She leaned back, staring at Anne and everything clicked in as Winters stared with shock. They noticed Valentina walking towards them as Mel forced a smile on her face but secretly gestured Anne to Call her tonight.

It was the beginning of it.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)