Willow And The Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes X OC)

Trust Issues

March 26th, 2021

They exchanged messages almost everyday, talking about themselves or about their day.

However, James was still a bit evasive about his past. Willow would probably be scared if she learned he used to be an assassin. Or think he's lost his mind if he told her he fought during WW2 and fall from a train, but survived to be torture, brainwashed and turned into a weapon. He wasn't ready for that even if he really wanted to trust her.

What he didn't know was that Willow had trust issues too. She only explained that she wasn't able to go to high school for almost 2 years due to medical reasons, from her 16 to her 18. The truth was that she had depression and school phobia. She spent a year in a hospital with other teenagers. It was difficult, but nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists were very kind and attentive.

Willow started to feel something towards James, but she wanted to take things slow, to know him more. Not like before. In any case, they decided to meet again a week after they met.

Willow closed her laptop after her last class of the day was over. She was so tired of all this and couldn't wait to join James at the park for a walk.

She talked about him to her close friends, Zephyr, Axel, Dysariel and Ophelia. She showed them a picture of him from his Instagram. Axel said that he seemed familiar, but they couldn't remember where they could have seen him.

"I think Scamp is a lucky charm so I'm gonna steal him because I want a god too in my life", joked Dysariel who continued by asking if James had a twin.

They all laughed. "Careful Willow, or he won't just steal your dog, he'll take your boyfriend too," Zephyr laughed.

"He's not my boyfriend", said Willow. "I'd like to, of course, but I don't want to repeat the same mistakes. This time, I want to be sure."

They agreed and reminded her to send messages after the "date".

✪✪✪

On his side, James did the same thing: tell his friends.

"But, you met other people during your trip around the world?" Steve asked during their video call.

"Yes, but I never gave my number or flirted with anyone. They were just people I talked to and then goodbye." James answered.

"So, you like this girl ?"

"Yes, but I don't know what to do."

"Come on, pal! That's not different. I mean, you've dated before."

"I don't think Willow is like the girls from the 40s, Steve."

There was silence for ten long seconds.

"Wait, wait, wait", Steve began, surprised. "The last time you were with a girl, was almost 80 years ago ?"

"Excuse me, Hydra didn't really introduced me to people in order to flirt or have sex. Then, Shuri found a way to take the words out of my mind, but I was and I am still scared."

"You still have nightmares?" Steve was worried. Bucky used to tell him everything.

"Yes", Bucky answered, his voice shaking. He didn't want to talk about that right now. Steve was about to say something, but he interrupted him. "Sorry Steve, we'll talk another time. It's almost 3 pm and I have to meet Willow."

Steve was really happy for his best friend. He deserved some peace and happiness after all he went through. Steve also hoped he'd meet this young woman soon.

Of course, Bucky talked about Willow to his best friend and the others... but he didn't say a thing about the Avengers. They seemed less famous in Europe. He'll talk about heroes and villains and traumas, just not now. Not today. When he was with Willow, he just wanted to enjoy the present.

✪✪✪

It was the end of March, but the weather seemed more appropriate for a month of November. The sun barely appeared, and everyone was waiting for warmer days.. As Willow walked towards the park, red appeared on her cheeks due to the cold. She arrived in advance, as always because she hated being late. It made her anxious. To be honest, she was also really excited to see James again.

On his side, James almost ran to see her faster. And when he discerned her figure, a large smile appeared on his face and he slowed down to not show that he couldn't wait to see her. When she finally turned his face to him, he waved at her and she answered.

"Hi," he simply said when he arrived in front of her. "How was your online class ?"

"Terrible. I can't wait for the end of May, then I'll see if I continue or not. But I'm honestly thinking about giving up and doing something else. I don't see myself staying one more year, or two if I fail this one."

"I totally understand and I really hope you'll find something you'll love. Tell me at the end of May, okay?" He really hoped Willow would still be talking to him by then, he wasn't thinking about leaving this country. He wanted to see where things would go with her.

"Of course, thank you, James. And what about you and your project ?"

"It's going really well, a friend of Steve, my best friend, is helping me. It's really nice of him because he used to hate me. Anyway, everything will be fine by the end of April. I'm scared but really excited to start something new on my own."

"I'm really happy for you, James!" she said with enthusiasm. She also began to shake which didn't go unnoticed by James.

"We should start walking, or even go to my hotel. We'll drink something if you want?", he suggested.

"I'd love to, especially if they have hot chocolate."

"I'm sure they do."

They began to move towards the hotel, still talking, their hands brushing against each other from time to time. It was a great feeling. They spent a great afternoon, and when time came for Willow to go home, they promised to meet again next Friday. And this time, they'll meet at James' hotel.