Lies of Silver, Heart of Gold ~§~ Bucky Barnes

-032-

Once Carina has collected her thoughts and makes a promise to herself to avoid metal for the time being, she and Bucky get dressed and make their way back downstairs. The moment they reach the kitchen, Bucky strides to the sink and retrieves a pair of rubber dish gloves, then returns to Carina and helps her put them on. She thanks him silently, as the action gives her peace of mind.

Natasha finally comes back inside, covered in snow, and glances between her housemates. She senses something new between them, but decides not to comment on it and simply makes her way upstairs to take off her snowy clothes.

Carina sits at the table and Bucky goes back into the kitchen to start the kettle for hot chocolate. Once both mugs are made, he brings them over to the table and sits next to her, and he hopes that she's willing to talk about her newest discovery.

"I don't know what to think of the power," Carina blurts in response to his thought. She brings her rubber-gloved hand to her mouth. "I'm so sorry. I never listen to your thoughts on purpose. I think my guard is down."

Bucky takes a sip from his mug and shrugs. "You didn't mean to, doll. It's okay." He scans her facial expression and smiles at her gently.

Carina sighs deeply and takes a sip from her own mug. "I think I've been trying to ignore them for a long time now, but you're starting to make me feel okay with the scars again. I think I've disliked them since they reminded me of everything that happened with Loki, but I'm starting to be less resentful, thanks to you."

"Hey, you've done the same for me," Bucky chimes. He takes her gloved hand in his metal one and smiles. "When we first met, just seeing the scars terrified me. I had felt they were a constant, lingering reminder of my past and my more dangerous half's actions. But being with you, and you helping me get my memories and my humanity back, have helped me forgive myself tenfold for everything the Soldier and HYDRA did."

Carina squeezes his hand through the glove. "God I wish I could touch you without frying you right now!" she exclaims with frustration. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Do you know if the targets are still set up outside?"

Bucky shrugs in response. He gets up and steps just outside to see if he can find any still intact. "Looks like it," he calls over his shoulder. "You might want to dress a bit warmer though."

~§~

Bucky and Carina finally make their way outside after finishing their hot chocolate. They're dressed in plenty of layers, both to keep them warm and to deter any stray shocks that might be attracted to Bucky's metal arm. They stand on opposite sides of the training space, behind targets.

"You ready, babe?" Bucky calls.

Carina gives two thumbs up from across the yard and Bucky chuckles. She takes off her rubber dish gloves and shoves them in her pocket, then digs her boots into the snow to confirm her stance. As she takes in a sharp cold breath, she shakes out her hands and gets ready to try and muster up some electricity. Bucky watches intently, hoping she's able to summon—and soon control—her newfound power.

Small sparks begin popping at the ends of Carina's fingertips, causing her to jump slightly at the sound, but she quickly collects herself and welcomes the heat of however many joules of electricity she can bring to the surface of her body. Sooner than she expects, new sparks start heating up her fingers, and small static shocks start moving up her hands in wavering orange branches of light. She focuses her eyes on her right hand, willing the warmth from her left hand to course across her body and concentrate the amount of power in her currently favored side.

Bucky gaze remains unwavering as he stares in awe of his love's quick learning. He keeps up his hope that he'll be able to hold her without barriers before the day ends.