https://archiveofourown.org/works/67507476
"She's not going home, Buck."
The two friends stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared guilt and love and terror hanging between them like a living thing.
Finally, Steve spoke, his voice quiet but intense. "Buck, I've got an idea."
Bucky closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against the cool glass of the window. "Oh, Christ. That tone of voice never leads anywhere good."
"Just hear me out—"
"No. Whatever you're thinking, whatever crazy scheme is brewing in that enhanced brain of yours, the answer is no."
"You haven't even heard it yet."
"I don't need to. I can see it in your face." Bucky turned to look at him, his expression a mixture of exasperation and dread. "You want to do something stupid and dangerous and probably illegal."
"I want to find a way to keep Katherine safe."
"By doing what, exactly?"
Steve took a deep breath, knowing that what he was about to suggest would either save Katherine's life or end their friendship.
"By bringing her into the Howling Commandos."
The words hung in the air between them like a grenade with the pin pulled. Bucky stared at Steve for a long moment, his face cycling through disbelief, horror, and something that might have been murderous rage.
"Are you insane?!" Bucky's voice was deadly quiet.
"Probably."










