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[He looked at his commander, noting the way that he was examined for new damage, and he helpfully lifted his arms away from his sides in order to allow the full inspection. He even removed his ball cap and shook out his hair. Nope, no blood at all on him.

His mind was trying to hold onto the last pleasantries that he had shared with Natalia, but he had to keep it off of his face and out of his voice. A full debrief meant that there was some information he was probably not allowed to know that she might have given him. Rumlow only wanted to protect him, but he also knew that HYDRA needed to keep him as well. Rumlow was no joke in a fight, not with that tail and the new teleportation ability, but his commander needed skilled back-up.

He followed Rumlow up the stairs and down the hallway to the bedroom, allowing Toto to tag along, though he ordered the pup to wait just outside of the door in the hallway.]

You knew she was here.

[Rumlow closes the door behind them, giving Toto a brief look but it shut. He lets out a sigh, then sits himself on the bed, leaving plenty of room for the Soldier to sit alongside him. His hand comes up to scratch at his stubble and his tail flicks at his side.]

Yes. I haven't gotten a full assessment on her yet.

[Rumlow looks to the Soldier, concern writ on his face.]

What did she tell you?

[The Soldier was slower to move to the bed, but he did seat himself next to Rumlow and glanced around the room. It was the same as it always was, clean, no clutter, probably hidden stashes of weapons everywhere.]

She said she came from a time before my last mission. A mission on the Lemarian Star where she was KIA with an M16. Nine to the chest.

[He slowly turned his head to stare at his commander.]

She told me of a mission in Odessa. She's almost eighty-years-old. She's a fine looking dame.

[So, a little more detail to the same story she's told him. Might still be a lie. The Widow knows well enough how to play the game, to keep things consistent. You never know who's a spy, after all. He nods, giving the Soldier the acknowledgement.]

She told me as much.

[At the last part though, Rumlow gives the Soldier an odd look.]

A fine looking dame, hunh? You got a crush?

[He nodded his head because the story was lining up, but he knew from interacting with her that she could veil herself in lies and was highly skilled and intelligent enough to keep them all in order. She could have used that entire interaction to pull the wool over his eyes, but there had been something about her that had seem young and earnest.]

How long ago was that mission? [He was trying to line up details, nothing more, nothing less.

He still looked aside and shook his head. He had enjoyed her company and conversation, but if she worked for SHIELD and was a target, she had betrayed the very organization that they had once served. Weapons were meant to be put into play.]

No. She is just attractive by male standards, is she not?

[Rumlow scratched at his chin again, trying to think of the date. The Lemurian Star had been at least a few days before his own death. His last mission with Rogers. She hadn't died then, not in his timeline.]

It was a few days before your last mission. Subsequently, it was the last mission I had been on before Rogers uncovered HYDRA intel and you were sent on your mission to eliminate the threat. [Rumlow paused for a moment. He had to decide whether he not he should focus more on her as a target for recruitment or as the danger she represents. He wanted both, but it was an avenue next to impossible to attain.] I don't know if she is telling the truth or not. In my timeline, she didn't die on that mission, nor should she have in yours. Do you remember fighting her?

[As far as the second question, Rumlow will address it later. It's not important now.]

[He nodded his head, drinking in the information. Had he been awake at the time, or had he been thawed later? No one informed him between wipes how much time had passed, as it was considered irrelevant information for him to have. Only current date and current time along with when the mission would begin and end.

Some of the mission details he could not recall, though there was a grudging attempt to think of a street and a building top. He had no idea why either of those came to him, warped and dull.] No. However, before my mission to protect the helicarriers and hunt down Captain America, her picture was given to me as an elimination target should I cross paths during the course of my mission. I never saw her before today.

[If he had fought her, he was curious to the circumstances and the outcome. She did not seem like someone to take lightly. Then again, neither was he or Rumlow.] Did I fail to kill her during my fight with her?

[So the wipe he'd gotten to witness still stuck, Rumlow thought. He didn't remember the fight on the highway, the way she'd used clever tactics to distract and disarm him, even if it had only been temporary. He chewed his cheek, thinking of what to say next. He knew the Soldier would probably take it poorly that he'd failed, but it also lent gravitas to how skillful a combatant she was.]

You didn't kill her, no, but you managed to shoot her. Right through the shoulder.

[Rumlow gestured on his own body, the place where the bullet went through.]

She might have died if she hadn't gotten medical care. Wouldn't have been the first time you shot her either. Did she tell you that?

[So he had failed in the mission and the one on the helicarrier? He considered that carefully for a long moment, processing the gravity of that situation and began to wonder how many missions he had failed to accomplish and the wiping process had simply swept aside those failings to allow him to have a clean slate to move on with the next mission as if the last had never even come to pass. He rubbed his thumb and index finger together, mulling it over even after the question was asked of him.

He finally looked over, nodding absently.] Yes, she showed me the scar. [He left out the part where she let him touch it. That seemed like rudimentary details.] But... if I shot her in the shoulder, could that be a gauge on if she lied? She could be scarred there as well.

[He hadn't seen her shoulders. He hadn't asked, and she hadn't told him.]

She might be, but there's no guarantee. I ought to have a lot more burns on me, but I don't. In any case, the way time is here, I don't know if she's lying about her death, but I do know that Romanova's a spy. An extremely skilled spy, so it's second nature for her to tell her own truth. She needs to control the scene, and to do that, she makes you believe her story, whatever it is.

[Rumlow set his hand on his thigh, palm up, a gesture indicating he wanted the Soldier's hand.]

She's being careful. It's reasonable, given where she is. She's alone and needs allies. The problem is, we don't know her real motivation. Until we do, I want you to exercise extreme caution.

[Rumlow's point was well made. His own crushed ribs had been repaired and there was no sign that he had ever sustained the injury in the first place, and it stood to reason that some scars could disappear or be hidden. She was obviously a demon of hell and not a limbo case as he was.]

She knew me, and I think I knew her.

[He looked down and hesitated before he dropped his hand into Rumlow's, twining their fingers together and giving his commander's digits an affectionate squeeze. He knew to be suspicious, but she had been... oddly open with him. It hadn't seemed like a ploy either.]

She seems to accept her position here as because of her deeds as the Soviet Black Widow. As far as caution goes, are you asking me to avoid her?

[Lifting the Soldier's hand to his lips, Rumlow placed a gentle kiss there. He let himself linger, sighing slightly. Another thing to keep in the back of his mind. He hadn't expected Hell be a cakewalk, but the obstacles he kept running into weren't what he'd imagined.]

You're probably remembering her from your time in the Soviet branch. [Rumlow's thumb smoothed over the top of the Soldier's hand.] I wasn't there, so I don't know exactly how much interaction you had, only that it was wiped from you at some point.

[Which made it plain that he wasn't intended to remember. He let that reminder hang.]

I think it would be wise to avoid her. She has switched sides once before. It speaks a lot about her loyalty.

[A little tension drained from his bearing as Rumlow kissed his hand, watching his commander quietly for a long moment. That kind of affection was not particularly Rumlow's style unless with him it seemed, the soft alluring press of lips and the little touches. All of those things raised the hairs along his arms and legs and softened his muscles.]

I expect that to be a long time ago. [The pointed reminder of his wiping had him chewing on that idea.] She said she used to follow me, try to stay hidden and sneak up on me while I was on missions. It didn't seem as if she was lying.

[But he recognized that she was skilled enough to be able to. Her openness with him had almost been startling.]

She is loyal to herself.

[Noting how the affectionate act had the Soldier settling, Rumlow gave his hand a soft squeeze. His other hand reached up to run fingers through his hair. It was getting long, he noted. Odd, since he was dead.]

She could've been telling the truth. Like I said, I wasn't there. Point is, like you said, she's loyal to herself, so there's no reason she can't tell a few truths in there to throw off the lies. A person who's only loyal to themselves will only do what's in their best interest. You and I are different in that regard.

[His head tilted towards the touch and his hair was indeed getting longer. He had never thought to cut or maintain it in a particular way so far, but it was hitting the point where it would probably need a trim of some day. They had scissors in the house; he'd decide to do it himself soon enough.

Instead, he pulled Rumlow's hand into his lap and rubbed his thumb over his commander's one.]

I'm loyal to you and HYDRA. [But was he for the latter? He was starting to think that failed mission was one that was necessary.] I think she knows how to break down some of my programming. [And that was difficult to admit.]

[Rumlow rested his head on the Soldier's shoulder, staring out into the distance. He was right, most likely. Romanova had overcome much of her own conditioning, it made sense she'd know how to help undo another's. He might even find a use for that except --]

You're probably right. Problem's still the fact that she works her own agenda. Not ours. Who's to say she won't just turn you into her asset?

[Rumlow peered up at the Soldier, sneaking his other arm behind him to keep him close. Just enough show of possessiveness and worry to indicate his discomfort with the idea of trusting her.]

[He found an unpleasant shiver track down his spine at the thought of being broken down enough to become someone else's weapon. It wasn't that he knew it couldn't happen given how many years he had been under HYDRA's control and no doubt the number of handlers he would have had. No it was the idea that a weapon was wielding another weapon. He found himself firmly opposed to the idea.

He set his jaw with stubborn aggressiveness, looking at Rumlow and growling low in his throat.]

That won't happen. For one, I trained her not the other way around. For two, she is not a handler. I refuse.

[He reached out to slide his own hand across Rumlow's back and practically hauled his handler into his lap.]

If she can help break down some of the protocols that are opposing your objectives with me... I could truly become your partner.

[The Soldier's staunch verbal rejection was endearing, Rumlow found. Enough that he had to force a straight face, not wanting to give the wrong impression. He opened his mouth to reply to the point, but the Soldier decided to drag him into his lap, which Rumlow sort of fell into, only just catching himself before he face planted.

Gathering himself up, he settled, not particularly minding the position change. Instead, he thought of it as the Soldier's own show of possession, wanting to show Rumlow his own devotion. He smiled and kissed him for his efforts.]

And that's great, in theory, but it's not giving her enough credit. Until we know we can trust her, I can't risk letting her manipulate you. [He cupped the Soldier's face.] I understand your intention and God knows, I want it, Bucky.

[Rumlow paused, chewing his cheek. He did want it. If Romanova were to become another asset of his, he would gladly take advantage of what she had to offer. He just didn't think it was very likely.]

We need to be careful. I can't lose you.

[He watched and only lifted a hand to steady his commander now perching in his lap. The metal hand settled on the underside of Rumlow's thigh, both to prevent escape and to drag his commander as far forward into his lap as physically possible.

His return kiss was more of a nipping from his end, aggressive as if internally needing to show loyalty. It was so messed up feeling the growing conflict inside of him.]

I want to know what she knows about breaking down this programming that is preventing me from blending in better and holding me back from being what you want and need.

[Once again, Rumlow delighted in the Soldier's show of ownership and want. Whatever form it manifested in, that loyalty was deep and Rumlow was determined to keep it that way. Whatever it took, the Soldier would remain his.

Meanwhile his tail did a bit of its own holding, coiled around the Soldier's leg the way it was. It was more a reflex to keep steady, but he appreciated the sensation of all that muscle he was curled around. He buried his fingers in the Soldier's hair, looking at him with a certain measure of fondness on top of the flicker of desire incited by their shifted positions.]

I know. [He said, rocking slightly in his lap, rubbing his thumb against the Soldier's stubble.] We'll figure out something, Bucky. I promise.

[He shifted on the couch, slouching to drive his legs a bit more off of the cushions and angling his hips differently so that his commander could sit completely on his hips. It was satisfying as few things were and this need was so rare it was almost frustrating when it happened as much as when it didn't.

His flesh hand reached around to grab the base of Rumlow's tail, stroking up and down. He leaned his chest forward enough to nip at Rumlow's chin, his hand grabbing his commander's ass. His voice became rough.]

I want more than a promise when there is a possible slution right in front of us. Think of it, won't you? I could force you to make sounds you never do with me...

[Rumlow was already making a noise or two, moaning at the hand on his tail, his ass and a hiss at the feel of teeth sharp at his jaw. Excellent, he thought, praising himself for fostering such behavior in the Soldier. He was the only one Rumlow was willing to give such liberty to. The only one he'd position himself like this for.]

I am, I just need to approach this carefully. I don't trust her, Bucky. She's not one of us. [He dipped his head down, dragging his cheek against the Soldier's, stubble against stubble. He tilted his head, kissed his cheek and let himself sink further into the Soldier's lap.] If we can bring her in, we'll work on breaking what we must.

[His fingers bunched in the Soldier's hair, sweeping it back from his face.]

I'll do whatever I have to for you.

[He was keenly aware of the liberties that Rumlow granted him by being manhandled around and settled where it suited him. He had never received any protests about it, and right now, it gave him an excellent view up the full length of his commander's body or when he was leaning in, a good view straight down it. His hand lightly twisted the tail, still stroking.]

No, but neither are any of the other recruits potentials. No one is like us entirely. [And it was a risk they were going to have to take. Chase and Kenzi and even Ash were all wild cards that could throw a serious wrench in the plans that were being made. He didn't see Natalia in any different light save that she knew of him and obviously now Rumlow.

He tilted his head back, exposing his throat in a show of trust.]

I will see her brought in then.

[The twist to his tail had Rumlow arching slightly, body pressing closer to the Soldier's. Their bodies were flush, and Rumlow was glad he had no issues with flexibility, the way his thighs were spread wide to accommodate the Soldier's build. It had him wrapping one arm around him, fingers pressing into his back, continuing to play with his hair with the other.

The Soldier apparently wanted to do this as expeditiously as possible, but Rumlow was still hesitant. Moving too quickly might trigger Romanova's alarm bells, but then -- what wouldn't? Maybe if the Soldier showed his interest right off the bat? Rumlow pondered quickly in the time he had before he knew he had to answer the Soldier.

They could twist it with truth. That Rumlow believed some of HYDRA's methods archaic and irrelevant to many settings. That he'd grown disenfranchised by their leadership. Those were honest. The lies were that Rumlow still wanted to push HYDRA's agenda, even if their most distinguished leaders were dead and gone. He wouldn't necessarily tell Romanova that. Nor would he tell her his vendetta against Rogers. That was likely the biggest point of contention they'd share, aside from the Soldier -- who would show his own loyalty to Rumlow. He hoped that offering the olive branch of helping 'break' his programming would earn a little bit of trust in that regard.

God, but it was a huge fucking risk. Which wasn't exactly what worried Rumlow. He took risks all the time. He just really didn't want to use his failsafe if Romanova fucked things up. The Soldier would return to just that, and it'd be goodbye to all his revenge plans and the partner he'd been enjoying.]

Remain suspicious. You're inviting her under the pretense that we want help with your programming and little else. We can't trust her with our intel further than that until we're sure she won't use it against us.

[Rumlow moved down to the Soldier's neck and sucked lightly at a spot above his pulse.]

Understood?

[He was learning all the new vulnerabilities of Rumlow's person more and more as they stayed so close together. He suspected that he should know them all too in order to better protect his commander from certain threats. Regardless, he doubted that Rumlow would allow potential threats so close or have the same reaction, but there was no telling how many demons had their own games that they were play and would take advantage of a situation like this. The tail was less sensitive than the horns at least, though it produced a full body reaction.

He knew that pushing too fast, too hard could shut down any possibility of Natalia coming on board, and he would have to be suspicious of her interactions with his commander. They had not worked together apparently, which meant that Rumlow would have to make a good impression and keep the entire business of HYDRA on the down-low for now. The problem was that he knew she was a valuable asset and that she could propel their plans so much faster and further than if it was just him and Rumlow. She was a spy, not just an assassin, which meant that she blended in far better than he did in social situations.

In the end, he served Rumlow's plan and the one that had most deeply been ground into his psyche. They had to be safe and secure. They had to be patient. They had to choose their allies carefully.

The problem was he wanted Natalia. He wanted the stories that she could tell and he wanted to have her calming presence. If she could break down some of his programming, he could finally elevate himself to a partnership level. He just happened to also be attracted to having her company around.]

I understand. I won't give away our plans for the future in Hell; I will leave you to decide when she can be trusted in that regard. I know she can be an asset if employed correctly.

[He shivered at the necking, leaning into the feel of lips against his throat. He hummed his assent.]

You aren't worried about us, are you?

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