virginia

"Listen, I can't promise how they'll react when we land. I wouldn't be shocked if there's a whole army there to escort you, but I'll make sure I'm by your side."

"I don't need you by my side, Barnes." Isabella said.

"I know," he replied, "but I'll still be there whether you like it or not."

She rolled her eyes as the pilot called out five minutes.

The three were flying to Quantico. Rhodey had sent a jet for them and flew back separately to 'take care of some things' before they arrived. 

"I'm sorry this is happening to you," Sam said, "seems like nobody here has acknowledged that you were maybe perfectly content with what you had." He said, looking directly at Bucky.

"You were the one-"

"I know that. Regardless," Sam looked at Isabella, "once this is over, we won't bother you."

"They'll probably make her do the same bullshit that I'm doing," Bucky grumbled, crossing his arms. 

Sam laughed. 

"It's for your own good, dumbass."

"It's not. She gets on my fucking nerves."

"What's that?" Isabella asked. 

"Therapy," Sam chuckled, "he hates it. You see, he came to you because she told him to make amends with people from his past. At least that's how he was justifying it to me, acting like I didn't know y'all are-"

"Sam." Bucky warned. 

"You said she knows."

"Don't remind me," Isabella said. 

Minutes later, the plane landed and everyone unbuckled. 

"Why Quantico?"

"FBI is here," Sam answered as the jet opened up, revealing Rhodey and taller blonde woman standing side by side. 

"Thank God," Bucky said when he saw her, nodding to Isabella to walk with them. 

Isabella looked up at the dark sky, her eyes suddenly feeling heavy. She walked inside, looking at the blonde woman. 

She held out her hand, "Sharon Carter."

Isabella just nodded, gently shaking the woman's hand. 

"I promise you're in good hands. D.C. is already jumping on your case, Colonel Rhodes and I are trying to make this as smooth sailing for you as possible."

The five walked down a hall, Isabella eyeing the few other agents escorting them. They all walked into a small conference room, "take a seat, we won't be here for very long," Sharon said. "Coffee anyone?"

"Please," Sam groaned. 

Sharon looked at Isabella expectantly, and she just shook her head. Sharon made four cups of coffee before sitting down with the rest of them. 

"I know it's late, but we've arranged a place for you to stay for the next few days while the DOD investigates you. This is all routine, I promise. Nobody here is working against you. Barnes, Wilson, and I all went through the same process when we were being pardoned," Sharon said, "your questioning is gonna wait until tomorrow."

Isabella nodded, her right pointer finger tracing random shapes on the wooden table. 

"Carter. I know that name somewhere..." she trailed off. 

Sharon and Bucky shared a look. He let out a scoff. 

"My aunt Peggy was one of the founders of SHIELD, she was with the SSR before that..." Sharon said, looking to Bucky for guidance. He gave her a nod. She looked back to Isabella, "you knew her. I was told you two grew to be good friends after the war."

She let out a noncommittal hum. 

"Are you hungry?" Sharon asked, Isabella shaking her head. "I was only allowed to get involved with this because of your connection with my aunt. My jurisdiction is with the CIA, not FBI. But they are hoping I can help jog your memory, though I imagine Barnes could do a better job at that."

"I don't want my memory jogged, Miss Carter. I just want to be left alone."

She nodded, "very well then."

"Listen, I'm exhausted here. Let's turn in for the night, talk tomorrow. Sound good?" Rhodey asked. 

"Sounds great to me," Sam replied. 

Everyone stood up, "you do have to stay here until you're cleared, Isabella," Sharon said, "for safety reasons."

"She's not-"

"You can stay too, Barnes," Sharon said, not even bothering to look at him.

"I don't want him here!" 

Rhodey and Sam both left for the night shortly after. 

Sharon escorted the two to an elevator, taking them to the second to last floor of the building. She led them down a hall and around corner, arriving to a hall that had six doors. 

Bucky stayed back while Sharon led Isabella into the first door on the left. Isabella walked into see a small living space.

"Had these built for situations like this. Not everyone deserves a cell," she said, "it's got your basics, bed, small bathroom, and there is some food in that kitchen. You'll have meals brought to you though."

"I'm not eating anything they bring to me."

"Then I'll see about getting you some more ingredients, yeah?"

"Instant ramen, and lucky charms."

Sharon couldn't hold back a small laugh. Isabella stared blankly at her.

"What?"

"I've read and heard about people's horror stories about you, how ruthless you were in the field and merciless... and you want instant ramen and lucky charms."

Isabella ignored what she said, "how long will I be here for?"

"No more than a month, I imagine. I'll do what I can to get you comfortable. I know this isn't a position you want to be in," Sharon said. She watched Isabella walk around the room, "I had some clothes dropped off for you as well."

"Do I have to stay in here?"

"Of course not," Sharon said, "this entire floor is for living. Around the corner is just a lounge room, and there is a communal kitchen for if you care to socialize with Barnes-"

"I'll stay in here."

"He's gonna be across the hall," Sharon said as she walked back to the door, "give him a chance. I know you don't remember him and you probably only remember the worst but... he's gonna be the one doing the most do get your freedom."

Sharon left after that. Moments later, Bucky knocked on the door. 

Isabella cracked it open, "what?"

"Can I come in?"

"No."

She heard a faint sigh, "okay. If you need anything at all, let me know."

"I won't."