The Siren (Bucky Barnes x OC)

Part 22 - A Song of Bliss

The day seemed to fly by for Maya as she followed Sarah around lending her a helping hand where she needed it. Having a super human around clearly came in handy, especially two. Sarah had introduced Maya to what felt like half the town whilst they worked, most of who's names Maya forgot immediately. There is only so many Marks and Annes one can meet within a day before the faces begin to blur together. Despite this, Maya found herself thoroughly enjoying the mundane work.

Everyone was very welcoming. A first for Maya. Most of the time when she met anyone new, they'd instantly be defensive or way to forward with her. It was like the town was immune to her powers. No one tried to ask her out, or flirt with her, or straight up kiss her. It was as if a switch had been flicked off, taking her well-known power's with it, and Maya could not be more grateful. Maybe it was because she was no longer protecting herself every second of every day. Always having to be aware of potential threats or incoming dangers. Maybe it was because she knew she did not have to protect herself here. Other's had her back, and she had theirs. 

Glancing around Maya realised that this is what it felt like to be apart of a community. People who, despite their squabbles and disagreements with each other,  were always there to help no matter what. And the moment she had been introduced by Sarah as a friendly face to them, they had all happily brought her into the community, even if it was just for the day. This, Maya realised, was what it's like to have a home.

"This is really nice," Maya commented to Sarah, handing her a piping for the toilet on the boat.

"I don't really think plumbing is all that nice, but I guess it a clean piece of pipe." Sarah replied , trying to hide her confusion.

"No, I meant this," Maya gestured around them at everyone helping her family, "is really nice."

"Oh," chuckled Sarah. "Yeah it is. It's still work though, but I guess it is good to see the town coming together. Even for something as simple as fixing up a boat."

"My dad use to own a boat." Maya strangely found herself reminiscing about her childhood.   "We would take it out on Sunday mornings. I hated having to get up so early on a weekend just to go fishing." She shook her head, letting out a puff of amusement through her nose. "And we'd end up throwing all the fish we caught back into the ocean. I thought it was pretty pointless. Still do."

Sarah smiled, "Was there anything you liked about it?"

"No, not really." She turned back to polishing a tap for the sink. "Wait no, I lie. I loved when Mum insisted we go drive through Sydney Harbour, and we'd cruise right under the Harbour Bridge. A bit of a tourist attraction I know, but even I have to admit it all looked very pretty. And it was a lot nicer than being anchored waiting for fish," joked Maya.

"Sounds like you and your family do a lot together."

"Yeah," Maya sighed, eyes wandering out across the water. "We did do a lot together."

"Oh, I'm sorry," began Sarah.

"No no, it's alright." She waved a hand dismissively at Sarah. "It's actually nice talking about them. I haven't been able to do that for years without turning into an utter mess. I think being somewhere that feels so homely is brining up good memories. Not trapped in a big city where people mostly only care about themselves."

"Yeah," Sarah agreed. "I lived in the city for a couple of years before moving back here, and I have to say, it's so much nicer."

"Mum!" kids voices called, accompanied by thundering footsteps along the dock. A second later two boys came to a halt next to Sarah each loudly talking over the other, words jumbling togethering into indistinguishable sounds.