Saving Bucky (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

Chapter 72 - Leverage

Something is wrong. Very, very wrong.

After Vex left you aching and writhing in your cell, you anticipated the pain would eventually go away. But by your guess it's been at least four hours, and while the burning in your neck from her tool has ebbed, the pain in your stomach has only gotten worse. 

A strange cramp radiates down into your hips and up into your back, leaving tears in your eyes. Countless times you have tried to curl up on your side. But the restraints keep you from finding any relief.

"Fuck," you hiss through grit teeth as another wave of pain rolls through your abdomen. 

You squeeze your eyes shut, holding your breath as it passes before looking up into the corner of the room - to the only little thing that has brought you comfort. 

A small patch of moss.

It had only taken a few minutes once Vex left your cell to spot the stubborn little moss patch growing in the corner above your cot. You had nearly laughed out loud through your broken sobs. 

If he was here, Steve would call it poetic. 

You've watched that moss patch for the past few hours through the veil of your tears. In the dark, your eyes play tricks on you. It almost looks like it's moving. Growing, crawling, then shrinking back into place. 

So far, watching it has helped to keep your mind off the pain. But it's not working anymore. The pain is too intense, growing sharp - like a blade into your lower back.

"Shit," you spit, as another cramp radiates up your side. They're definitely getting worse. 

You glance up towards the camera mounted in the corner of the room. You hesitate. Right now you're being left alone. You have no doubt Vex has plans for you. You should take the peace and quiet while you have it.

But...something is wrong. 

"Hey!" you shout, staring right at the camera as you lay strapped to the bed. "HEY! I-I...I need help in here."

You're met with only silence.

As several minutes go by, and another gut-wrenching wave of pain leaves you sweating and on the verging of getting sick, you let out a panicked cry.

"FUCK, I'm serious!" you shout in a broken sob, straight at the cameras. "P-p...please!" you spit, swallowing your pride. You know Vex will respond to a show of submission, loathe as you are to give it to her.

Another gut-wrenching wave of pain rolls through your lower abdomen, and the muscles in your lower back start spasming. You arch your back and choke back a howl as you writhe, then fall back on the bed, forehead covered in sweat. You're so overwhelmed by the pain that you nearly miss the heavy metal grind of your cell door. 

"Oh dear. What have you done to yourself, 7124?"

You force your eyes open to find dark green ones looking back. Vex's cold, emotionless face hovers over you.

"What have I done?" you pant, laughing breathlessly. "I was fine until whatever the fuck you did, you psychotic bitch," you spit.

Vex's gaze narrows, the fine lines around her eyes and corners of her mouth deepening as she frowns. "You seem well enough for insolence," she sneers, turning her back and making to leave.

"N-no, wait!" you cry out. She stops her retreat but does not turn, keeping her back to you. Rage knots in your chest, but despite its ardor, the pain in your body demands you give Vex what she's waiting for. "I...I apologize," you say, pushing the word out through your teeth.