A DISTANT MEMORY

10 - comprehend

Three days had passed since Jadeyn and Bucky escaped the Compound to their old apartment in the small neighborhood in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Their home was nestled between large, brick homes; sat side by side. Greenery encamped their street, allowing sun rays to peek through the trees and glow beautifully. Old architecture surrounded them, not being touched for decades; which caught their eye immediately when they were first looking for places. Though they loved staying at the Compound and felt safe there, nothing could compare to having their time to themselves. They spent these past days in complete freedom with nothing but each other. 72 hours passed full of drinking wine, slow dancing around the living room as take-out boxes swarmed the small space, and ending each night climbing up the fire escape to the rooftop, admiring the stars above them. Bucky always looked at the night sky, wondering if Jadeyn would be looking at the same time; this time, they admired it together.
Along with necessary conversations and lots of makeup sex. This was their time; finally their time to soak up being in each other's presence.

Though she had wished for these moments for what felt like ages, she couldn't contain the guilt she felt after sneaking off in the early hours. But how could she tell someone she decided to leave with the one person everyone was unsettled by? She stubbornly settled against a text message to the one person she knew wouldn't judge her; Happy.

Jadeyn: Don't freak out, I came to my old apartment with Buck for a few days. I just need some space, it feels so crowded back there. I'll see you soon. x

Happy: Stay safe Jadey, take all the time you need. I'll let the others know, but it probably won't go down easy. If you need me, I'm only a call away. 

The next day raved havoc in the large complex when the news was shared. Happy had called a meeting with everyone first thing in the morning, politely asking them to give the pair the space she needed; which everyone ignored as they immediately began to bombard her phone with text messages, afraid for her safety. Steve had finally come clean about knowing Bucky's secret to the group, in hopes it would relieve some of the chaos and concern in the room; only resulting in debates erupting in the grand conference room as voices echoed back and forth across the table.

Tony was disappointed in Jadeyn, promising to tell him if Bucky began to recall anything; He never would have thought he'd remember his whole life. Tony's bitterness for him grew more that day, not just for all he's done but for taking Jadeyn in secret. right when she returned. Nat felt nothing but contentment for them. She tried to influence the group in being forgiving but in the heat of the moment, no one was understanding of either side of the story.
Thor couldn't bare to listen to it anymore. He was saddened by the whole situation honestly; not for his case, but for her. He was the only one who knew her story better than anyone after Bucky attacked her; all the suffering she had to endure. He couldn't understand how she would just get up and go with the guy who harmed her; physically, emotionally and mentally. Three days without her was hell for him. He had gotten used to spending all his time with her from the last 374 days; he still has yet to adapt to not being in her presence.

-

5:50pm. The apartment. Third night.

"This has been my favorite day, you know that?" Jadeyn threw herself down onto the couch.

The two had just returned from an outing through the city. They enjoyed frequent walks throughout their small, suburban neighborhood, chatting each other's ear off about the most randomest things.

"Like, ever?" He replied to her as he kneeled down into their small fridge, grabbing two beers he had bought from the liquor store next to their quaint home.

"It's definitely up there." she smiled.

He joined her on the couch, placing the condensating beverages onto their mahogany coffee table as Jadeyn scooted over to make room for the man, moving from her past stretched, laying position.

"Oh, so we're playing that game are we?" He responded leaning over the girl, climbing up her body. Giving him the dreamiest look, her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Tell me, Jay. Tell me about your favorite day." He asked seductively, slowly planting wet kisses across her neck. She physically felt her heart skip a beat, a small jump in her chest as she felt his mouth return to her skin.

"Bucky!" She muttered out.

"Okay, okay; I'll stop." He replied, quickly detaching from her and leaning into the edge of the couch. Though their distance had diverged, the air was still thick between them; full of sexual tension and passion. They were seconds away completely devouring each other. The two were both captivated by each other, savoring their moments as time went on. The happiness that poured out of each other's smiles was like a new sensation to them, having been lacking it for so long.