Annabelle Rogers - James 'Bucky' Barnes

Chapter Twenty - Seven

Panic spread over the compound as bruce rushed in, called in by Tony the minute Annabelle hit the floor.

James looked through the glass window, torn by the sight in front of him. His best friend and his girlfriend laid side by side unconscious.

Wanda and Vision where trying their best to call James down, giving him this to do to get him out of the lap and let Bruce and Tony do their thing.

Once the nurse on call help run all of the appropriate tests she gave Bruce and Tony a run down and all the files.

Once composure and calm settled with in the lab, Bruce came out to give James and Natasha the run down. Stepping out of Tonys ear shot as he obsessed over his daughter.

Steve was going to be okay, everything checked out normal, dehydrated and exhausted but he would wake up at any moment. His body just needed a kick start of recovery.

Annabelle on the other hand, they didn't know. The power over took her body causing it to go into shock, whist in the coma her was deciding whether to fight it or let it in.

Bruce stated he needed to run more tests but from what they have gathered so far, her chances aren't very good. If she lets the power in it could overwhelm her again and she could die but if she tried to fight it there is a high chance she won't make it either.

The power comes from with in her blood, in her DNA. Its hard to reject something that is apart of you and have no consciences.

Taking his opportunity when Tony walked out James rushed into the lab, straight to Annabelle's side. Squeezing her hand, he leant over placing a kiss on her fore head. Tears streaming down his face as he pressed his head against hers whispering through his tears.

"I-i am so sorry Doll, Please come back to me. This isn't how it was meant to happen"

His sobs became harder and harder to hold back. She was the first and only girl he has ever loved, she was quiet literally his reason for being right now.

Everything he does, he does for her, to protect her, to be there for her. He would die a happy man if he got to spend the rest of his life by her side watching Disney movies and eating snacks.

She helped build the man he is today, helped him gain back the old James Barnes from the 1940s. He was terrified of what his life would turn into without her by his side.

As James was fighting away his tears and loud sobs a hand rested against his shoulder. Slowly pulling his head away from Annabelle he looked to see his best friend.

A sad smile tugged on the corners of James' mouth, happy to see that Steve was okay, glad to have him by his side. He wrapped his arms around Steve, crying into his chest, searching for comfort.

Allowing a few seconds of the precious embrace Steve pulled away. Looking up at him James saw the darkness in his eyes. He was not there to support James, he was cold.

"I think its best that you leave Buck!" He whispered in a stern, emotionless voice.

James heart sank, leave? he didn't want to leave. Especially when Annabelle was still in a fragile state.

"S-Steve, I'm"

"No. We are not doing this. Not until she is awake. Now leave."

"Steve, He has a right to be here, he loves her too." Natasha spoke up "She would want him here" stepping in between Steve and James. Creating distance.

James analysed the room, Tony was standing on the other side of Annabelle just as tense and upset as Steve. As much as he didn't want to leave her side he knew that it was the only way to keep a somewhat calm environment for her, not wanting to go round two.

James gave one last kiss to Annabelle before peeling his hand away from hers. Walking away with his head down focusing on the floor.

As he walked passed Natasha she whispered that she would keep him updated, he appreciated it but it wasn't going to change how he felt in that moment.

Making his way to the door a bellowing voice halted him in his steps.

"James." Tony spoke, emotion cracking his voice. "You are no longer welcome at the Compound. You have one hour to get your things and leave- or I'll make you."

He didn't realise it was possible but his heart broke that bit more, not being able to be by her side was one thing but not being able to be near by if she needs him. It made him feel sick. James looked across to Steve, his last plea for forgiveness.

As their eyes locked Steve looked down at his feet, completely avoiding eye contact. Natasha on the other hand was ready to go toe to toe with Tony, looking over at James first for confirmation. Instead he shook his head and turned away accepting the fact he will not win this battle.

Packing up his things, James wanted to get out of there a quickly as possible. No need to stay around another minute with all of the tension in the air.

Walking past Annabelle's bedroom he cracked the door looking in. Remembering all of the late nights they spent together talking about life and how much they will be able to do once their relationship is public.

Taking in the messed up bed sheets and clothes all over the floor with the smell of vanilla and coffee filling the grim room. A sad smile crept on his face, such a mess. He was going to miss it.

Picking up her clothes and tidying up the bedsheets, James opened the blinds letting the Wintery sun shine through. If anything atleast she would have a nice and clean room to come back to.

Finishing up, taking one last look at the bedroom he wiped the stray tear off of his cheek. Shutting the door and heading out of the compound.

Heartbroken and alone.

---

Days had past as Annabelle laid down in her bed still unconscious.  Surrounded by hundreds of flowers and cards sent by her dads associates and SHIELD agents.

Fresh sunflowers where placed by her bed each morning, never a name attached to the card but Wanda knew exactly who they where from, making sure she placed them right next to her so it would be the first this she saw when she wakes up.

On New Years eve the team headed out onto the decking to watch the fireworks, getting a moment of stillness. It was the first time that Annabelle was left completely alone. Not thinking anything could happen in the 20 minutes.

As Tony closed the door to Annabelle's room after making sure she was okay. Two mysterious figures climbed through her window, covered head to toe in black tight attire.

Keeping a look out for the team the other transferred Annabelle onto a portable stretcher. Sneaking down the hall and out of the compound.

The black van sped off down the road with Annabelle unconscious in the back.

As everyone bid their good nights to each other, Wanda wanted to sleep in Annabelle's room like she has done a few nights, not wanting Annabelle to be alone if she wakes up.

"STEVE! - TONY! - Annabelle, s-shes gone!!"