(everything written like this is in russian, enjoy ur reading 🙂 )
Somewhere near the Mediterranean
The laboratory buzzed with a cold, sterile hum, the harsh white lights casting an eerie glow over the rows of complex machinery. Hidden deep in the wilderness, Hydra’s research facility was buried under a lot of water and secrecy. The bitter chill outside was no match for the precision and ruthlessness inside.
  At the center of it all stood Dr. Irina Volkov, Hydra’s lead geneticist. Tall and severe, with her red-hair tightly pinned back, her sharp eyes never missed a detail. Before her, a holographic display projected the intricate map of Alec Stark’s DNA, the blueprint of a mutant unlike any other. His genetic sequence was a puzzle of borrowed abilities: the healing factor of one mutant, the immortality of another, telepathy, strength, and so much more. Each piece of the genetic code was a treasure trove of power, and she knew the key to unlocking Hydra’s future lay within it.
– Are the samples ready? – her voice, though low, carried an undeniable authority.
  One of her assistants, Mikhail, a nervous young man with glasses that constantly fogged in the chilly lab, handed her a vial.
– Yes, Dr. Volkov. Collected from the subject’s last mission… enough to synthesize the serum.
  Irina took the vial with steady hands, inspecting the glowing liquid inside. This was Alec’s blood, but it was more than that; it was the culmination of Hydra’s decades-long obsession with controlling mutantkind. She turned to the table where another assistant had prepared a series of injections, each more complex than the last, carefully adjusted for Alec’s healing factor and immortality.
– The challenge is isolating his healing abilities without triggering them. – Irina began, pacing slowly, her eyes fixed on the data scrolling across the screen – Alec’s body will resist any foreign substance, healing almost instantly. But if we can create a serum that temporarily suppresses his ability to mimic powers, it will be long enough to neutralize him. – she gestured to the assistant at the biotechnical workstation – Begin isolating the genetic markers responsible for power absorption.
  The assistant moved quickly, adjusting the genetic synthesizer. On the display, Alec’s genes were broken down, layer by layer, revealing the intricate sequences that allowed him to absorb and replicate any ability he came into contact with. Irina watched as the computer isolated the markers; tiny, elusive strands of code that had never been mapped by anyone outside this lab.
– We will target this sequence. – she pointed at a segment that pulsed red on the hologram – This is where his mimicry occurs. By blocking this sequence, we effectively cut off his ability to heal, and any power he has copied will be suppressed.
  A low murmur spread among the assistants as they realized the implications. If they could pull this off, Alec Stark would be helpless, his invincibility shattered in a single injection. One assistant, Oksana, hesitated.
– But Dr. Volkov, even if we neutralize his powers, won’t his body eventually adapt? His mutation might-
  Irina silenced her with a sharp glance.
– We don’t need permanent suppression, Oksana. We only need a window, enough time for our operatives to incapacitate him and bring him here. Once we have him, we can fully extract his DNA, replicate it, and create our own mutants. If his powers return later, it will be too late for him to stop us. – she turned back to the hologram, which now displayed the sequence complete. The serum was ready for testing – Prepare the delivery system. – she ordered – We’ll use nanotech to administer it, tiny injectors that Alec won’t even feel until it’s too late. Once they enter his bloodstream, the serum will attack the mimicry genes first, shutting down his abilities one by one.
  Mikhail nodded and began preparing a small, sleek canister, no larger than a pen. It was designed to be fired from a drone or even a concealed dart gun, delivering the serum with surgical precision. Irina allowed herself a small smile.
– Soon, Alec Stark will belong to Hydra. And with him, the future of mutant evolution.
•••
A low hum of Stark technology filled the spacious lab as Tony Stark strode in, his footsteps echoing off the pristine metallic floor. The lab, like most of Alec’s spaces, was a mixture of advanced tech and personal touches – a testament to both his Stark heritage and his mother’s artistic talent. The walls were a polished silver, embedded with holographic panels displaying data streams, but what caught Peter’s attention were the personal touches scattered among the tech.
Art pieces – some abstract, some vibrant landscapes- adorned the walls, their fluid brushstrokes a stark contrast to the cold steel and glass. A few pieces of equipment, likely leftover from Alec’s time with the x-men, gave the room a distinctly unique feel.
Tony paused just inside the doorway, his signature smirk in place as he looked around. It’s been a while since he last saw this place, so it’s all new for him too.
– Kid’s got a nice setup. – he muttered under his breath, his tone equal parts impressed and proud.
– Whoa… This is Alec’s lab? – Peter’s voice was filled with wonder – I didn’t even know he had his own space like this. It’s-
– A lot, yeah, I know. – Tony cut in, waving a hand – It’s the Stark way, Parker. But don’t let the gadgets fool you. We’re here for business.
As they made their way deeper into the lab, Alec appeared from the other side of a set of sliding glass doors, his expression soon turning into a smile when he saw Peter, although he was curious. Seeing him and his father together wasn’t that rare since Peter got an “internship” at Stark Industries, but he had never visited the avengers compound.
– Dad? Pater? – Alec’s tone was welcoming as he approached the – What are you guys doing in here?
– Peter is ready to become an official avenger and until then, you’ll be the one training him. – his father explained – And you will share your lab with him until his get ready.
– I’m getting a lab!? – Peter said excitedly.
– Why don’t you share your lab? You know that when I’m here, I like to be alone. No offense, spidey. – the boy smiled to him saying “non taken”.
– I don’t like sharing my lab either, and you two are the same age. – Alec opens his mouth to protest but Tony interrupts him – And I’m your father, so I’m not asking, okay?
– Can’t believe you’re pulling that card. – he rubbed his eyes – Fine then.
Alec stood in the dimly lit lab, the soft hum of machinery filling the air as Tony Stark’s footsteps faded down the corridor. The door clicked shut, leaving him and Peter alone amidst the chaos of wires and half-finished gadgets. Parker glanced at the project spread out on the table, curiosity piqued.
– So, what were you working on? – he motioned toward the intricate design sprawled across the workbench.
Alec looked up, his expression brightening.
– Oh, it’s a new arm for Bucky. – he gestured to the mechanical appendage, its sleek lines contrasting sharply with the clunky, worn-out prosthetic Bucky currently used – His current one is really old and reminds him of Hydra, so I’m making a new one for him.
As Alec spoke, Peter felt a twinge of jealousy twist in his stomach. He tried to mask it with a casual demeanor, but the tightness in his chest was hard to ignore.
– Is this vibranium? – he asked, brow furrowing in confusion as he studied the materials – How did you get it?
Alec hesitated for a moment, the playful glint in his eye fading slightly. “Stole it from the black market,” he thought, a mischievous grin threatening to break through. Instead, he turned to Peter with a reassuring smile.
– That’s not important, love.
The way Alec said “love” made Peter’s heart flutter, but the thought of Bucky receiving such a thoughtful gift stirred a mix of admiration and resentment within him. He swallowed hard, trying to suppress the wave of emotions crashing over him.
– Right. – Peter replied, feigning nonchalance – Just another day in the life of a Stark, huh? – he crossed his arms, attempting to look casual, but his gaze kept drifting back to the arm.
Alec noticed Peter’s distraction, sensing the shift in the air between them.
– You know, – he began, a teasing lilt to his voice – Bucky isn’t the only one who could use an upgrade. – he leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially – I could whip up something special for you, too.
Peter’s heart raced at the suggestion, but the jealousy still lingered.
– Really? Like what? – he asked, trying to sound interested, though the slight edge in his tone betrayed his emotions.
Alec’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he shrugged.
– I don’t know. Maybe a web-shooter that actually keeps up with you? Or something to make you less clumsy? – Peter chuckled, grateful for Alec’s attempt to lighten the mood.
– Hey, I’m not that clumsy! – he protested, a smile breaking through his earlier jealousy.
– Sure you’re not. – Alec shot back playfully – Just the other day, I found you tangled in your own web.
Peter feigned indignation, but a warmth spread through him. Maybe it was just a mechanical arm for Bucky, but in that moment, Alec’s attention and affection made the jealousy fade, if only for a little while. As they bantered back and forth, Peter couldn’t help but feel grateful for the distraction; and for Alec, who made every project a little more bearable.
•••
  The soft hum of the air conditioning filled the quiet room as Alec sat across from Bucky, his legs casually crossed. They’d met in Alec’s lab every few days for the past two weeks. The sessions had started out tense, filled with the weight of Bucky’s past and the mission Alec had taken on to “erase” the Winter Soldier. But now, things were different.
  Bucky leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, the usual stiffness gone from his posture. His metal arm gleamed under the overhead light, and his eyes held a calm that hadn’t been there before.
– Last one today. – Alec said, offering a lopsided grin, trying to lighten the mood.
  Bucky huffed out a small laugh, rubbing a hand over his face.
– Feels weird, right? Thought I’d be happier to see them go.
  Alec tilted his head, resting his elbow on the chair’s arm.
– It’s not really about the words, is it? It’s what they represent.
– Control. – Bucky muttered, his gaze shifting to the window – What they took from me… what I let them take.
  Alec felt the weight of those words, but he didn’t let it hang in the air for long. He leaned forward, meeting Bucky’s eyes.
– Well, you’re taking it back. That’s what matters.
  Bucky’s lips curved into a half-smile, the kind of smile that had become more frequent these past two weeks.
– You’ve gotten a lot more sappy since we started this, you know that?
– Blame Stark genetics. – Alec shot back, then cleared his throat, turning serious again – Ready?
– Let get this over with. – Bucky replied, but there was no edge to his tone. He gave Alec a small grin, something that had become surprisingly natural between them over the past weeks.
– You know, you’re going to miss me when this is all over. – he tilted his head, his voice smooth, almost teasing, but the undercurrent was genuine. They had built something here, in these shared moments; an unexpected friendship.
  Bucky rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth twitched.
– Oh yeah, because I really enjoy having someone poke around in my head. It’s the highlight of my week. – his sarcasm was light, but there was a truth beneath it. He didn’t trust easily, and Alec had earned that trust over the last couple of weeks.
  With a quiet chuckle, Alec stood, moving to stand beside Bucky’s chair. His hand hovered just over Bucky’s shoulder, fingers inches from his skin.
– You know the drill. – Alec murmured, his voice softening as the air between them grew still – Close your eyes, relax.
  Bucky obliged, letting out a long breath as he leaned back and closed his eyes. Alec could feel the subtle tension in the room, the kind that always came before he tapped into his power. But today, there was something more, a quiet sense of finality.
  Alec closed his eyes, feeling the familiar pull of Bucky’s mind as he focused, diving deep into the memories, into the tangled web that Hydra had left behind. The seventh word. It was there, lingering at the edges of Bucky’s consciousness, heavy and dark. Alec could feel the weight of it; the violence, the control. Slowly, he began to unthread it, piece by piece.
  Bucky remained still, but Alec could feel the flicker of emotions as he worked; relief, fear, hope, and something close to anticipation. It was like watching someone take their first real breath after holding it for far too long.
  Minutes passed, though it felt longer. Alec’s pulse quickened as he reached the core of the final word, the last chain. With one last push, he erased it, completely, utterly gone.
  He exhaled, pulling back as a wave of tiredness swept over him. Bucky’s eyes fluttered open, and for a second, there was silence between them. It wasn’t the kind of silence that held weight anymore, it was the silence of completion, of something finished.
  Bucky blinked, a slow, almost disbelieving smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
– That’s it? – he asked quietly, sitting up a little straighter.
  Alec nodded, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.
– That’s it. You’re free.
  For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then, Bucky let out a breath, his shoulders sagging in relief.
– I can’t believe it’s over. – then he looked up at Alec, something unspoken in his gaze – Thanks, Alec.
  Alec shrugged, his smirk returning in full force.
– What can I say? I’m a miracle worker.
  Bucky shook his head, smiling despite himself.
– Yeah, yeah, don’t let it go to your head.
  But Alec caught the subtle gratitude beneath the teasing. There was a weight lifted between them, a connection that hadn’t been there two weeks ago. And in that moment, as Bucky stood up and stretched, Alec couldn’t resist one last playful quip. The boy grinned, leaning back into the table.
– Guess I’m out of a job now.
  Bucky laughed, the sound light and genuine, something that had become more frequent between them lately.
– You did good, Alec. More than good.
  Alec shot him a sidelong glance.
– Don’t get all sentimental on me, Barnes. I’m not ready for that.
  Bucky smirked, shaking his head.
– Too late.
•••
Comment