falling for… the bad guy. ~ b. barnes🤍

The Manhattan skyline glittered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Avengers compound, the setting sun casting long shadows across the polished concrete floor. Somewhere in the distance, a quinjet hummed as it descended toward the landing pad.

Tony Stark

We've got a problem.

Behind him, the team had gathered. Steve leaned against the counter with a cup of coffee that had long gone cold. Natasha sat perched on the arm of the couch, sharp eyes fixed on the display. Sam, Kate, and Yelena had claimed the sectional, while Thor stood near the window, Mjolnir resting on the floor beside him.

Sam Wilson

When do we not have a problem, Tony?

Tony Stark

ignoring him, pulling up a series of news feeds and security footage This guy— this annoyance— has hit three Stark Industries facilities in the past two weeks. Not for money. Not for tech.

Yelena Belova

tilting her head, eyebrow raised Then for what? Fun?

Tony Stark

pointing at a frozen frame of a figure in a sleek black suit, face obscured by a mask That's the thing. They're not stealing anything. They're leaving something.

The room went quiet. Tony swiped, and the screen shifted to show a series of photos— a small, white object left behind at each scene. A playing card. A queen of hearts.

Kate Bishop

frowning A calling card? That's kind of dramatic.

Natasha Romanoff

her voice low and measured Dramatic or not, they're making a statement. They're not interested in the tech. They're interested in us.

Steve Rogers

setting down his cup, gaze hardening What do the cards say?

Tony Stark

a grim smile tugging at his lips That's the fun part. Each one has a message. He zooms in on the first card. "For the man with the metal arm. I'll be seeing you soon."

A beat of silence. Every eye in the room slowly turned to Bucky, standing near the back, arms crossed, a scowl carved deep into his features. He hadn't said a word since the meeting began.

Sam Wilson

wheezing softly, elbowing Kate Oh, this is too good.

Bucky Barnes

voice flat, dangerous Shut it, Wilson.

Thor

grinning, utterly delighted Friend Bucky! You have a secret admirer!

Loki

from his spot on the armchair, a lazy smirk curling his lips An admirer who robs Stark Industries. How delightfully scandalous.

Tony Stark

rubbing his temples The point is— this person is bold, they're smart, and they've made it personal. So I want answers. I want to know who this is, where they're hiding, and what they want. He looks directly at Bucky. And I want them caught.

Bucky Barnes

meeting Tony's gaze, jaw clenched Then we'd better get started.

The words hung in the air like a challenge. Outside, the city lights flickered to life, one by one, and somewhere in the shadows of Manhattan, a figure in black smiled at a freshly dealt deck of cards.