Forever Friends

Chapter 7: Second Hue

You stare back at him.

"Damn," you mutter quietly.

Your mind is overwhelmed with so many emotions. What the actual fuck? Jamie? Things just got about 1000 times more complicated. What did he mean by good luck? You are torn between wanting to run into his arms and embracing him or wanting to throw your plate at his head.

The Jamie you grew up with seems like the furthest thing from the man that stands before you now- except for the eyes. Your glance travels down his body, trying to absorb the sight in front of you. His hair is now cut in a slight fade up the side. It's much longer and thick on the top. His face is stronger than you've ever seen it. Those eyes- they pierce deep into you. The soft creases around them deepen as he studies you. The stubble that grows on his cheeks, chin, and neck has always made him look so handsome... No! He's a jerk!

His body has filled out much more than the last time you saw him with his shoulders appearing much broader and stronger. His chest and ab muscles are rippling beneath his brown shirt that fits perfectly. Your eyes travel to the metallic arm that connects flawlessly to his shoulder causing you to gasp softly. Maybe Steve was right... He looks like he's been through a lot. Maybe he does need us. You consider this as you continue your inspection of the new "James" before you.

You realize quickly that you have not spoken in several minutes as Loki finally pokes you, "Y/N, are you alright?" He looks down and sees your hands glowing slightly yellow.

Before you can respond, Bucky interjects, "Don't worry, that won't last- she usually never shuts up." He offers his crooked smile, which both infuriates you and causes you to love him even more. The conflict raging within you makes you even more frustrated.

You bite your lip trying to control the power coming from your hands.

"You and me- training room. NOW!" You almost yell as you brush past him, bumping him purposely.

"Aren't you supposed to be training with Wanda this morn..." The glare from you silences him as he follows you.

You get into the room and try gathering your thoughts before you explode.

"James..." You try keeping your voice steady, turning to face him as he makes his way to the center of the large mat. You are thankful he keeps a little distance between the two of you.

"Do you..." your voice cracking, "Can you see colors?" You ask, your voice low.

His stone-faced expression never changes as he keeps his arms folded over his chest, "Yes."

You shake your head and throw your hands up in frustration, "And?!?"

He steps closer to you, almost reaching out, "And I've seen them since 1945. I saw them the day I got my orders and came to see you."

You stagger back in a state of shock, "What?!? Why didn't you tell me!"

"Y/N, I wanted to," he steps forward, closing the gap between you slightly, "but I didn't want to force anything. I thought that maybe things had changed when I got back to camp. But, then I found out about you and Steve."

"So what? Then you just decided to hate me instead?!" You ask, the anger building in your chest. Breathe, Y/N. Just breathe.

"Doll..."

"No!" You stop him. "For once in your life, you are going to shut up and listen, Barnes!" You can feel the power in your body building, forcing you to take several deep breaths. "You hurt me, James. You broke everything in me the day you left! You and Steve had made up and I was just another in a long string of broken hearts left behind by the infamous James Barnes! Then you died! You died, Jamie!! I lost you AND Steve! My best friend and my soulmate died and took the colors with them." You are having trouble keeping your powers contained, "I couldn't see colors for years... until... you." Your breathing becomes erratic.