Living Nightmare

Chapter Twelve

Tony came back to the lab about midday. He saw you had both changed positions in the night.

"Hey guys" he smiles. "How are you feeling?"

You look up at Tony but say nothing.

"We're fine" Bucky mumbles.

"Did, uh, did either of you get any sleep last night?" he asks after noting your tired state.

"Can't fall asleep" you whisper.

"I'm not sleeping until she does" Bucky adds.

"Have you eaten?"

"She not going to open the door."

"And you?"

"... I'm not hungry."

"I get you don't want to leave her, Barnes. Do you want me to get you something?"

"I'm fine."

"If you say so... I'll get one of the guys to bring you something later."

"I can't eat in front of her when she's starving herself, Stark."

Tony sighs.

He walks over to the glass and you make eye contact with him.

"Hey y/n."

You don't say anything.

"Why don't you come out? Just during the day?" he suggests. "If you still feel unsafe at night, you can come back in here. But while you're awake, you can-"

"No" you interrupt.

"But-"

"No" you say again. "I don't deserve to come out. I don't deserve freedom."

"Y/n-" Bucky tries to argue.

"I belong in here."

"No, doll..."

"I do. Do you not remember what you found out, yesterday?" you look at Tony. "I killed someone. We can't pretend like I didn't." You begin to tear up. "I'm a murderer and like every other murderer, I deserve to be locked up."

"You're not like them y/n" Tony says. "You are not a bad person."

You pull your knees up and hug them against your chest. You whisper: "I am a horrible person."

"You're not, y/n" Bucky looks as though he could cry. It's breaking his heart to see you like this. "You are amazing and beautiful and that's why I love you doll."

You avoid eye contact with him, turning your head sideways to stare into the corner of the cell.

"I love you so much" Bucky continues. "Could you please come out?"

You're ignoring him now. Bucky grows even more upset when he realises that.

He walks over to the cell. Bucky pauses before speaking, glancing quickly at Tony standing next to him. He decides that he doesn't care that he's there, so he looks back at you.

"Y/n, I can't do this without you... I need you, doll."

Bucky can't see the tears forming in your eyes.

And vice versa.

Bucky feels Tony watching him so he turns away and quickly wipes his eyes. He paces the floor a little, thinking of what to say or do. He knows it's useless.

"Y/n" he sighs. He glances back at you. "I- I'm gonna go."

Your head instantly jerks in his direction.