Thaw

Sideburns

***BUCKY'S POV***

As the night goes on, people are increasingly more intoxicated and animated. Even Katia is slightly buzzed from her few glasses of champagne... although it's no surprise with how small she is. I'm genuinely surprised she isn't tanked off one normal size glass of wine. Her face is slightly pink and she's been practically glued to me the entire evening, kissing me and hugging me. She's adorable when she's tipsy.

I on the other hand, can't get drunk... no matter how much I alcohol I consume. The only thing that might get me intoxicated, is this ancient Asgardian liquor Thor used to brag about. He would insist it's alcohol content was not suitable for "mortals." If I ever cross paths with him again, I might just take him up on trying some to find out if it my body can handle metabolizing it.

Katia and I aren't the most social people, so we spent some time just enjoying the music and people watching. We laugh at all of our inside jokes, sharing a sardonic sense of humor.

"I have to run to the lady's room." She tells me, kissing me gingerly on the cheek.

"I'll walk you over." I take her hand.

"No, you relax and enjoy the music. Get something to eat. I'll be right back, Bucky."

"Okay, I'll be right here." I kiss her on the lips and she walks off. I watch her leave, her tiny figure effortlessly weaving through the tall bodies that surround her like a black cat no one notices at night.
She really does get over looked, literally.
However, when men do actually see her it's like they can't leave her alone... I've noticed that with most of the men she's introduced me to. They treat her like some exotic pet they want to touch and don't want to release... it pisses me off.

I look around, left hand in my pocket and sipping on my drink. I take notice of all the entry points and anyone looking suspicious. My back to one of the walls. For some reason I can seem to relax.
Something feels... off. After a few minutes, I decide to wait for Katia by the restrooms.

And there he is.
Fucking Sideburns.
He is lurking, waiting. He doesn't see me, I keep my distance to see what exactly he does. I'm leaned against the hallway behind him as he stalks around outside the doors. Katia walks out from the bathroom, and he immediately starts walking towards her.

"Are you seriously stalking women outside the restrooms?" Katia hisses at him.

I immediately put a firm hand on his shoulder, digging my fingers into his flesh and pull him back to face me.

"You are really beginning to get on my fucking nerves." I growl as my eyes grow darker.

"I know who you are... you are the Winter Soldier! Katia, you brought a mass murder to an office party?!" He starts to yell, and I quickly shove him towards an exit, with me close behind. People start to stare, I scowl back. I pass Katia on my way to the door.

"Stay inside." I say sternly but softly to her. She nods, her expression full of concern.

I push him forcefully out the door, slamming the door shut behind us. He trips and falls over his own feet, landing on his hands and knees on the ground. He slowly starts to regain his bearings and flares his nostrils at me. I hold my ground, staring at him with rage.

"I read your file. You are nothing more than a disgusting criminal. I can't believe they let you walk into this building." He blurts out, intoxicated. I follow him with my eyes as he staggers towards me, I remain motionless and stoic.

"I don't give a damn what you think of me. Stay the fuck away from Katia." My voice is low, unwavering. My blood rushing through me as my fists tighten, my eyes firmly locked on his.

"She's not even my type, freak. She's too small. She couldn't possibly handle what I have to offer her." He gestures towards his crotch, smiling and acting like a perverted clown. I grab his throat and push him up against the wall, baring my teeth.

"I'm not going to repeat myself." I growl, inches from his face. He reeks of liquor and garlic. He spits at my face, and I start to tighten my grip on his throat. I hear him gasp and sputter.
Suddenly the door opens.

"Bucky!" Katia's tiny voice comes from behind me.

I furrow my brows at her. I told her to stay inside...

"He's not worth it." She gently touches my arm, stroking it softly. I grunt, locking eyes with him again and I slowly let up on the pressure around his throat. He gasps for air, trying to move my arms off of him with no avail.

"I'm safe. Please let him go." She says soft but sternly. I breathe and slowly drop him to the ground and I block Katia with my arm in front of her, pulling her away from Sideburns. He falls to the ground, choking and gasping on air, his neck is marked with bright red thick lines from my metal fingers. He finally regains his balance, and runs back inside. I stare at the door scowling, before looking back to Katia.

"I asked you to stay inside..." I say disapprovingly, but kiss her forehead.

"I can't let you make a mistake because of me." She looks up to me, holding the side of my face. We stand outside in the chilly air, the brisk breeze calming my body down.

"Does he harass you at work?" I ask pointedly, pursing my lips.

"Yes." She admits. "But there is nothing that can be done... Dave is Mr. Tinsley's nephew. Dave's father was Mr. Tinsley's brother, and he died overseas when he was in the Navy... so my boss feels obligated to take care of him." She says looking downward.

"What has he done?" I ask.

"Please let it go Bucky... it's not important. I'm okay." She closes her eyes.

"Tell me, now." I demand, and pull her chin upwards to meet my gaze.

"He has tried cornering me in the elevator... among other things." She admits, breaking eye contact with me and looking at her feet. Instantly, my rage is back full force. I pull away and stalk back into the office building, my eyes darting around to find Sideburns.

He left.
Fucking Pussy.

Katia finally catches up to me.
"Can we please go?" Katia pleads. I simply nod, and help her put on my jacket. We head back to the motorcycle and drive home.