It was a trait that had stuck with him since his life in the forty’s. If Steve could help it, he wouldn’t lie. He would say what he meant, and only ever made promises that he intended to keep. “So long as I’m around, Hydra will have to fight to get anywhere near you.” His voice was just as casual as Bucky’s, though there was a steely undertone indicating how serious he was. “SHIELD might not agree with me, and the others might not either, but I’m here for you, pal. I always will be.”
He felt the words catch on his lips. He had to think – consider. Was trying to rescue Bucky under Hydra control worth the risk of him harming others? He wanted to say yes, he wanted to say that his friend was still in there somewhere, but he knew that morally it should have been an easy decision. “Sure, Bucky. I can do that,” he said after what he thought was too long a pause. It seemed like a hundred years had finally caught up with him, and a weathered tiredness was all he felt. He didn’t object to Bucky’s sudden declaration, and only followed behind the man, keeping a few steps behind. “What do you need?”
Bucky believed Steve’s intentions. If the boy from Brooklyn was anything at all, he was genuine. Right to the very core of his being, he meant everything he said and everything he did, no matter the consequences. That was one thing that Bucky knew without a doubt, even with his uncertain memories. “They will fight,” he said, blunt but not harsh. Hydra would want their greatest asset back, if not to use, then to keep out of the hands of their enemies.
The pause was not unnoticed, but he had to have faith in the man in front of him. Even the chance that Steve would stop him was more than he had now so he had to hold onto it. He gave a small nod before he walked off, a small acknowledgement of the assurance. “Memories.” It was a poor explanation, but it was all he would give at the moment. Listening carefully to the sounds of cars and people, he made his way across the road with little issue, though he pressed his hand against the wall to guide him to the door of the apartment. He stepped inside, not walking far before reaching down and peeling up a floorboard. From underneath, he pulled out a backpack and hung it over his shoulder. “Where now?”














