The warehouse was eerily silent after the chaos of the mission. Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes moved cautiously through the dimly lit space, still wired from the adrenaline of their latest battle. They had been sent to retrieve stolen tech from a dangerous group, but the operation had gone sideways.

“Did we get everyone?” Sam asked, scanning the corners of the room. His heart was still racing, but he forced himself to focus.

“Looks like it,” Bucky replied, his eyes narrowing. “But something feels off.”

Just then, a faint whimper echoed through the shadows. Both men froze, exchanging a glance filled with unspoken questions. They followed the sound, finding a small door half-hidden behind crates.

Bucky kicked it open, revealing a small, dark room. In the corner, sat you, a child all huddled up, dirt smudged across your face, eyes wide and terrified.

“Hey there,” Sam said softly, kneeling down to your level. “It’s okay. We’re not going to hurt you.”

You flinched but didn’t run away. Instead, you looked up, eyes glistening with fear. “Where… where are my parents?”

Bucky’s heart ached at the question. “We’ll find them, I promise. But first, let’s get you out of here.”

You nodded hesitantly, and Sam reached out a hand. “What’s your name?”

You whispered your name, taking Sam’s hand.

As they made their way out of the warehouse, Sam and Bucky exchanged worried glances. They’d fought countless battles, but this felt different.

Once outside, they hurried to the van, the weight of your small hand in Sam’s steadying him. Bucky helped you into the back seat, keeping an eye on you as you looked around, still trembling.

“we’re going to take you somewhere safe,” Sam reassured you as he climbed in beside you.

“Are we going to find my parents?” you asked, your voice small.

Bucky’s expression hardened. “We’ll do everything we can.”