Love & War

By Your Side

Chapter 13:

The warm water droplets hit my back and the numbness in my body remains. I couldn't comprehend why Hydra was after me or what they wanted. The uneasy feeling in my stomach gets worse as I think of all the possible theories. I knew that Hydra was looking for a woman to make as their new puppet but I thought that I would be on the bottom of their list.

Why me?

That question roamed my mind for what seemed like hours but in reality, I had only been in the shower for ten minutes. After James managed to calm me down, we continued our drive to the motel. As soon as I entered the room, I ran for the shower. The putrid smell of that base lingered on my body and I was aching to get rid of it. I'm not sure why I was feeling so disgusted about this altercation but one things for sure...I'm absolutely terrified.

I would have been less worried if they were only after me but the fact that my family and friends are in that file, terrifies me more. I can't afford to lose any of them, especially Tony...he's my older brother, my only family, and my best friend. We've stuck by each other through everything and if he were to die...I don't know what I would do. The same with Natasha, Wanda, Steve, Clint, Sam, Thor, and James.

James

His name remains in my mind. Although he is free of The Winter Soldier, Hydra could want him back. They could put him through all that torture again, tearing every part of him away. He already believes that he's a monster, imagine what he would think of himself if he has to relive that nightmare.

Tears brim my eyes once again as I imagine all of the possible things that the people I love might have to go through. I promise to protect them at all costs...even at the cost of my own life.

I turn the the water off and step out of the dingy shower. I wrap a towel around my body and walk out of the bathroom. James was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor. He had changed out of his clothes and was now in a tank top and sweatpants. He turns his attention to me as he notices my presence.

"Hey, how are you?" He stands up and walks closer to me, genuine worry written on his face.

"I'm doing better...thank you for helping in the car." I slightly smile at him. He simply nods and stares into my eyes before suddenly pulling me into a strong, warm embrace. He didn't care that my body was wet or the fact that I was in a towel...he just hugged me...like he didn't want to let go. I sigh and tightly hug him back, placing my head in the crook of his neck. He pulls back, keeping his arms around my body, and makes eye contact with me.

"I promise, y/n, I won't let them lay a finger on you." A darkness fills his eyes causing my body to fill with a warm sensation.

"I know, James. Thank you." He kisses my forehead before releasing me from his hold. I smile at him and walk to my suitcase, picking out a crop top and shorts. "Do you think you can turn around for a sec? I don't want to walk back to the bathroom." He replies with a nod and quickly turns around. I get changed and give him the 'okay' to look.

"Steve's going to call soon, I'm going to tell him what happened."

"I don't think that's a good idea. Tony might freak out and make us go back." I scoff.

"They need to be aware of this, for all we know, Hydra could be roaming the streets, looking for us."

My face drops and my body shivers at the thought. I sit on the bed as the idea fills my mind. James notices and quickly rushes to my side.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." He regretfully says as he starts rubbing my back.

"It's not your fault, I just need to build thicker skin." I give him a reassuring smile. "I know it's not easy for you either, James. Re-visiting the place that gives you nightmares, over and over again, must be tough." I lean my head on his shoulder. I take his hand into mine, intertwining our fingers together. He gently squeezes my hand and sighs.