Till the End of Time-

Chapter 47: Stay

I watch as Steve and the others leave on the quinjet, and as it grows fainter and fainter my heart grows heavier.

Once it disappears from eyesight, I make my way back inside and face a quiet compound.

It's not like I can't be on my own, or that I'm super codependent on him. But in all honesty, Steve comforts me.

There was a time once I got back where I struggled adjusting to all the things that happened to me, and yet I couldn't remember. In my dreams I was tormented with anxiety and fear, even though I could never see what was actually scaring me, I still was haunted by it all just the same.

As the months passed by, things eased up but still remained in the back of my mind like a shadow following me around. But when I met Steve, it was like the sun came out and the shadow that lurked around me vanished.

During the time that I've been here I've been free from all worries and fears. That is until Bucky walked in, and then I felt as though I started to question if I was ever really free from the shadow at all.

Not that I'm afraid of him, or that he was the shadow, but rather it's his tie to my past and a reminder that I'm not free of it.

Steve's been a block in my life that stood between me and the darkness, but now that he's going to be gone for a couple of days, I'm afraid that it will try to take a hold on me in his absence.

I decide to take a shower in hopes that the hot water can provide comfort and soothe my thoughts. As soon as I step in, I let the water coat my hair and body in it's embrace.

Once my fingers become pruny, I force myself to leave my sanctuary and step back into the world.

I take the time to do my full skincare routine before getting dressed. I barely finish putting my black sweatpants on when the door knocks.

"Come in", I call as I grab a hairbrush and start running it through my hair.

I look over to see Bucky slowly enter my room, "I ordered a pizza if you're hungry".

I give him a small smile, "I'm starving actually", I say before laying my brush down and following him out towards the kitchen.

"I figured that since it's just us here that you'd like something comforting to eat", he tells me giving me a sidelong look.

There's a flutter in my stomach at his words, "Comfort food is exactly what I need!".

He opens the lid to the box and reveals a hot steaming pizza that's begging to be eaten. "Do you want to watch something while we eat?", Bucky asks me as he watches me take a couple of plates and beers out.

"Yes please!", I reply before we both head over to the couches.

Eventually we both eat until we can't swallow another mouth full, and spend the rest of the time enjoying each other's company as we laugh at the movie.

"Are you feeling better?", Bucky asks me snapping me out of the trance I had while watching the movie.

"How'd you know I was feeling so down?", I ask.

He shrugs his broad shoulders, "Steve told me that you were pretty down about him leaving for the mission... But also I already knew you would be".

I look over at him, "Thank you. You always seem to be there for me when I need it", I reply softly.

I then remember the memories I have of him taking care of me and being there for me during those missing years.

Bucky smiles warmly at me, and it makes me hard to believe that this beautiful man could ever be feared by anyone. But then again I have seen him fight, so maybe I can't entirely blame them.