Red

Part 24

Bucky

While I'm not thrilled about the prospect of Mallery living alone, I'm more upset that I didn't think of the Brooklyn building as a viable option myself. She seems excited by the idea, and as I help her pack up her belongings so soon after moving her into my own home, it's hard not to feel anything but a little bitter.

"Can I ask for something?" I say tentatively as she packs clothes into her suitcases.

She looks up at me and smiles. "What's up?"

"Do you think you might like to stay here, just like one or two nights a week?" We spent the better part of the previous evening discussing everything this week had thrown at us. After a couple of days of reflection on my part, I could admit I was being overbearing, however noble my intentions were.

"What if I spent a weeknight here, and you spend the weekends in Brooklyn with me?" Mallery winks my way, and I sigh. We said our apologies, and she came home with me last night. But if that was the last night for a while, I wanted something to look forward to.

"I don't want to monopolize your whole weekend," I say slowly, trying to gauge her reaction. She made herself explicitly clear that she wants, no, needs her space. I want to give it to her. But I also don't want to lose any of the progress we've made.

"I think I'm trying to negotiate with you." Mallery moves around her bed and comes to stand in front of me. "How about one weeknight here? And on the weekends we can go out."

"Go out?"

"Like, on a date, Bucky. Please keep up." She leans forward and kisses my chin. I'm a little stunned; it's been so hot and cold this past week, but I know this is a good thing.

"That sounds great, actually." I carry the few boxes she already finished packing out to the living room before coming back into her room. "When can I break down the bed?"

Between the two of us and Steve, we get her moved by early evening. It helps that we aren't competing with other residents for hallway space or the use of the elevators. By the time we're done, Mallery offers to order pizza, but Steve turns her down, and I can tell he wants me to leave her be for the night.

I let Steve hug her goodbye and watch as he presses a can of mace into her hand. He gives me a look before heading out into the hall to wait for me.

"So, I guess this is it, huh?" I'm trying for light, but I'm sure I look how I feel—miserable. She nods and comes to wrap her arms around my waist.

"I know you're close, and so am I." Her voice is muffled by my chest, and I chuckle as I wrap my arms around her frame.

"Security is here. We've hired the best," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You can call me anytime, text me, whatever."

"I know." She leans back slightly to look up at me. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Red. I'll see you Monday." I lower my lips to hers, sharing a kiss full of promise and trust and faith.

When I pull away, I move to the door quickly. I shoot her one last smile over my shoulder before stepping into the hall and finding Steve leaning against the opposite wall.

"I thought for sure you'd convince her to let you stay," he says with a grin.

Shaking my head, I move toward the elevators. "No, she needs this. I get it; I don't like it, but I get it."

He claps a hand to my shoulder as we wait for the carriage. "Good man. Let's go get a beer."

"Fuck yes, please." I laugh as we head down to the lobby and wave to the security guard at the desk as we leave.

Later that night, I'm lying in bed trying to fall asleep when my phone buzzes from my nightstand. When I reach over to grab it, I see Mallery's name on the screen, dialing in for a FaceTime.

"Hey, it's late. You okay?" I ask as I settle against my pillows.

"Yeah, it's silly, but ..." She rolls her eyes, and I laugh.

"What is it, Red?"

"It's really quiet here. I didn't think about it since there's literally no one else here, but there's no sounds of anyone coming in from a late night or setting their trash out for the morning. I don't know; it's a little weird." She laughs and it sounds a little uncomfortable. Glancing over at my alarm clock, I see that it's after two in the morning.

"I figured you'd fall asleep early after today," I offer, trying to distract from the eerie stillness around her.

"I thought so too, but ... I guess not." Her eyes go wide. "Bucky, I didn't realize what time it was! I'm so sorry. Were you sleeping?"

"I'm having my own troubles sleeping tonight." I sigh. "I didn't sleep that great when you left earlier this week either."

"Oh ..."

"Hey, why don't we make a plan for our first date. What do you want to do?" Mallery perks up a bit at that, and we discuss our options for another hour or so until she starts yawning.

"I think you should try getting some sleep, Red."

"Yeah, probably." She flashes me a sleepy smile. "Hey, do you remember the code words we had in elementary school? You know the words like only special people knew, and if they tried to pick you up from school, they had to know it?"

"I haven't thought about that in ages." I laugh, rolling onto my side. "I think for the longest time mine was 'spaghetti' because I pronounced it weird."

"Well, you did have a lisp," she says with a giggle.

"What made you think about that?"

"I don't know, I was just thinking that maybe I should have something that you and Steve and Tash know." I can see her shift on her bed, pulling her covers up to her chin. "Something where if I said it, you'd know I was in trouble."

I can feel the unease settle into my gut. "In this hypothetical scenario, is the reason you need a code word because you can't speak freely?"

"Yeah, maybe." She sighs. "It's dumb; forget I said anything."

"No, it's a good idea." I check the time, stifling a yawn. "I think we need to get some sleep. Text me if you come up with something before Monday."

"Okay, thanks, Bucky. Good night."

I wait for her to disconnect before I plug my phone into the charger and try to get some sleep.

I wake up around 10:10, feeling well rested. When I check my phone as I climb out of bed, I see a text from Mallery with one word: Rusted.

Seems like she figured it out after all.