Frostbite |The Alternate Timeline

Possibilities

My eyes fluttered open, the morning sun's rays shining through the gap of the curtains and warming my face. Bucky was still sound asleep, and I couldn't help but smile at the scene. He looked so peaceful. Trying not to disturb him, I shifted, snuggling closer.

My mind recalled the night before, replaying every perfect moment. We stayed like that for a while, and I finally couldn't help it as I ran a hand through his hair. He stirred, yawning as he opened his eyes to gaze over at me. I leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on his lips.

He grinned and asked, "How long have you been up? Have you been watching me sleep?"

"Not long- And you'd probably like that," I snorted. I moved to get up so I could go shower, but his arms shot out and wrapped around my waist.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"To shower," I responded in amusement, pausing for a moment.

"No- no," he groaned, tightening his grip, and arching a brow suggestively, "Let's just stay in bed all day. I promise I'll make it worth your while."

I laughed and tapped his arm, "As much as I'd love that... I can't." The promise made my heart skip a beat and I wanted nothing more than to take him up on that offer, but I had things to do. I slipped from his grip and he flopped over dramatically.

"You're killing me, woman."

I rolled my eyes and eyed him with humor. He glanced up at me, his eyes devouring every inch of me. I offered my hand out to him and he just stared at it blankly.

"I never said you couldn't come shower with me," I pointed out.

He bolted from the bed, not needing any further invitation.

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I stopped in front of the familiar doors, unsure whether I should even go in. Part of me had almost stayed home with Bucky, but then he had declared that he himself had plans as well and he wouldn't share what they were. The more I had pestered him, the grumpier he had grown, so I had dropped it.

As I was about to turn around and bolt like the coward I was, the doors opened, and I knew there was no escaping him now. The sanctum was quiet other than the noise from my own footsteps as I approached the stairs. The last time I had been here was also the last time I had seen Tony before the snap. I reached the top and a voice made me jump.

"Long time, no see, Melanie."

"Hey, Stephen," I greeted calmly, turning to face my friend. We stared at one another and a heartbeat later he sighed.

"I'm shocked you have time to visit," he drawled dryly, turning on his heel to head back into the library, "You've been avoiding me."

As I followed him, I said, "I've been... I'm still trying to recover from everything. A little understanding would be appreciated, ya know."

"I did understand- the first few months but then even more time passed and... nothing."

I bit back a retort as I realized I had hurt him. Guilt swirled inside of me, and I closed my eyes for a moment, and I heard him sit in his favorite chair. He had every right to be ticked off at me.

I opened my eyes again and gazed at him sadly. My voice wavered as I spoke, "I'm sorry- really. I've been a bad friend and I've kept you at an arm's length this entire time. It's not your fault that I lost my magic and it's not your fault that Tony is... is gone. I'm sorry. I'm here now, though."

His brow shot up and I couldn't read his face at first. I had missed him, but I had also wanted to avoid any resentment or jealousy that being around him might spark. It was a lame reasoning.