Forever Friends

Chapter 8: Soul Connection

You run into Bucky's room as the screaming continues, bringing tears to your eyes.

"Y/N!!!!" He screams, sobbing in his sleep. You are finally able to find him on the floor only by the light of the TV.

"Bucky! Buck!" You scream, trying to wake him. His body thrashes wildly. You finally reach out and concentrate your power in your finger before gently touching his head. He gradually stops screaming and opens his eyes wide.

Without hesitation, you pull him into your arms, "I'm here! I'm here, Jamie."

Both of his arms wrap around you instinctively, pulling you tight against him.

His bare back and chest are soaked with sweat, sticking to your clothes. His head is buried in your chest, "Y/N, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! I can't do this anymore! It was me!!! It was my fault..." He whispers as he catches his breath.

"I know," you whisper, holding him, and kissing his head. "I never forgot about you! Never! You're the one I still hear screaming in my nightmares. I tried so hard to get to you."

He looks up at you, "It was my fault you were there in the first place... God, and how I've treated you..." He sits up and leans back against the wall, covering his face with his hands.

"What do you mean you're the reason I was there?" You ask, taking his hand.

"I was a Winter Soldier," he says, squeezing your hand. "You were one of my missions. Hydra got word they were creating another super soldier. Then they found out it was you- Captain America's soulmate. They didn't know that you were also mine, but they knew Steve and I were friends. I broke into the lab that day and took you before taking you back to the Hydra base." He looks down, unable to look into your eyes. "When they woke you up, they took me into the other room to torture me, hoping to get you to use the power they had given you. But," he laughs, "you were more than they bargained for." He brings his hand up, caressing your cheek.

You look at him, "Why did it take you so long to come back for me?"

"I couldn't risk coming back for you while I still had trigger words. I may have killed you. So," he continues, "I went to Wakanda and got help. You were MY first mission when I got back." He finally looks into your eyes, "I don't expect you to forgive me. What I've done and how I've treated you since I got you back is unacceptable...." He stops for a moment, trying to decide if he wants to say what he is thinking, "I want you to be happy- that's why you have to stay with Steve." Even if it kills me.

"What?" You ask, looking at him.

He glances back at you, "You have to stay with Steve. He can protect you. He loves you." I love you more but I love you enough to try and keep you safe for once.

"I love you too, Jamie," you whisper without thinking, "I think I've loved you for a long time."

His hand cups your chin gently, "Jamie? I've missed heari... Wait, I never said I loved you!" He says, his eyes growing wider.

"Yes you did, you said you loved me but you're trying to protect me!"

"No, Y/N," he shakes his head, "I never said that out loud."

"But... But, I heard you," you state confused and slightly annoyed. You start to worry if you were just hearing things. You panic, thinking he doesn't feel that way, "Oh, Jamie, I'm so sorry. I should go," you stand up embarrassed.

He quickly takes your hand, pulling you back down gently, "I never said it out loud... but I did think it."

"What? But... but I heard it just as clearly as if you were saying it!" You explain, your eyes wide.