A DISTANT MEMORY

8 - unveil

4:30 p.m. The Compound.

"Jadeyn, you're one of the best trained assassins I've ever met in my career. But, you're not as good as me." Clint chuckled as he guided her down the hallway towards the elevator, trying to lift her spirits. "I've known about Barnes for a while now; I knew he wouldn't last trying to hide it from you."

"You knew?" Jadeyn scowled as she gave in, knowing she couldn't talk her way out of this one.

"It really wasn't that hard to miss. Besides, you should know me better than this." He huffed with a smile, pressing the elevator button. "He's slipped up a few times the last few months, I pieced it together pretty quickly. Also, the look alone he gave you when he stumbled off that Quinjet, the smile he had was like no other. That initially confirmed I was right about everything I had speculated, he remembers. Plus the wet footprints from your room to his after the party helped too."

Jadeyn was in disbelief; she felt humiliated, relieved, and worried all at the same time. All she could do was fold her arms and shake her head towards him, giggling gently.

"Told you I'm good, Rainn."

"Now I wish you were staying, I've been dying to say something to anyone about this and it's barely been a day. I don't know how much longer I can go hiding this secret."

"I could stay another night?" He offered.

"No, no. I couldn't ask that of you. I just can't help but feel so alone during this whole pretending thing. I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around him but at the same time I feel responsible for getting him back to his normal self." She ranted on to him.

"Just remember how he's feeling inside too. Once I'd somewhat connected the dots a few months ago, I couldn't help but notice the look in his eyes every time the group would change a conversation or talk privately to avoid jogging his memory. He's been hurting for a long time, all while being completely alone while doing it. I feel for him."

"You think they'll erase his memory again if everyone finds out?" She asked as they entered the elevator.

"Honestly, I don't think so. It didn't work the first time so why would they put him through that again? Fury only agreed to it because the government would have locked him up otherwise."

"He told me last night that he's afraid they'll kill him if they know he remembers."

"They won't, trust me. I think he's just scared of consequences from what he's done. He feels guilty and has scared himself into thinking that would happen as punishment. But still, it's not good for anyone to put him through this, especially by himself. It's gone on for too long. Now that you're officially back, it's a better time than ever to end his suffering with all this 'pretending'." He implied as the doors shut, a soft ding ringing in their ears.

"You're right, Clint. But I just still think I need a bit more time though. Will you please not tell anyone until then?" She pleaded to him.

"I wouldn't worry, his secret is safe with me." He reassured her as they exited the elevator onto the ground floor. She stayed quiet as her busy mind raced, passing by all the employees in the lobby. As they reached the exit of the building, Clint turned to the girl.

"We'll continue this when I'm back, but for now, if you want to keep secrets, don't leave wet footprints across our hall." He laughed, pulling her into a hug.

"Take care of yourself and get some actual sleep; I know that you definitely did not last night."

Oh God.

"Thank you, Clint." She replied, still in somber.

"Anytime kid. I'll see you soon. Text me if you need me, Rainn."

Jadeyn watched as he walked away and took a second to recollect herself. She wished she could leave with him, running away from all the madness she had to endure. Clint was right, the secrecy needs to end soon. No one was going to hurt Bucky, except for her if she continued on with this. Though her short chat with Clint eased some of her anxious feelings, she still felt weight on her shoulders pressing down as she turned on her heel making her way back upstairs, ready to conquer her internal fight.