Crimson Blade

One

1302 words

Warning: This 'book' does contain spoilers of Falcon and The Winter Soldier. It also contains abit of harsh swearing. (No slurs tho)

Camera lights flashed as people cheered.

The sound ringing in my ears uncomfortably.

I bounced my leg on the cross on the lower part of my chair. I held John's hand loosely with my vibranium one.

"So being Captain America do you have eagles flying over head?" The speaker chuckled abit.

"Yes eagles and flags." He chuckled going along with the joke.

I stared at the ground flicking my finger across my thumb. I knew he could tell I was uncomfortable, but I don't think he was bothered by it. Every sound fainted as if my ears were plugged. My head hurt as my mind raced trying to find a comfort place. I couldn't find it. I tried again but nothing. Nothing was comforting. I was in a stressful place with a person I hated. I tried desperately to distract myself.

Suddenly I heard my name. "So Riley what's it like being Captain America's girlfriend?" The speaker asked. "Well it's uh- it's crazy. I never thought I'd date someone like him." I was cut of by him squeezing my hand really tight digging his nails into my hand. I flinched at it and stopped talking. "Yeah it's great." He said through a forced smile.

I managed to tune out the last 30seconds of it. How the hell did no one notice? Surely someone would've? I uncomfortably looked at the camera with a desperate look in my eyes.

The interview finished in the stadium and we went back stage. He had practically dragged me back there. Before I could say anything me pinned me to the wall.

"What the fuck was that? Are you insane!? Do you even realize what that could've done to my reputation!!?" He screwed up his face in anger.

"What fuckin reputation?" I said lowly pushing away from him.

He turned away from the wall to me. "You better watch yourself Henke. In one call I could have you in solitary prison for the rest of your life."

I knew he was right but I knew it would take more for him to do that to me. I reached into my pocket gripping something.

I turned around walking away silently cussing under my breath. I felt him grab my arm and I quickly whipped around throwing my dagger letting it hit just beside his face on the wall. "Fuck off Walker." I threatened before walking away. Tears welled up in my eyes as I left the building. Suddenly there were a bunch of cameras and press talkers and paparazzis.

"Whats it like being caps girlfriend?"

"Where are you psychologically?"

Holy shit. People didn't have respect what so ever. I panicked in the circle of cameras and people. The first thing I thought of I did. I pushed past everyone storming away. I crossed my arms tears running down my face.

I quickly walked to Johns house. He gave me a key so I quickly went in grabbing my things. I managed to beat him to the house. I picked up my filled bag and before I left I put my keys on the kitchen island.

I just walked forward as far away from his house as I could get. I had no where else to stay for the night so I hesitantly pulled my phone out of my black cargo pants. I scrolled close to the bottom of my contacts. My thumb hovered over the call button for a moment. I called and brought my phone up to my ear. I listened to it ring twice before it cut off.

"Hey"

"Hi Buck.."

"Is everythi-"

"I need to stay stay the night at your place, send me your address."

"Oh um- ok yeah.."

"Bye"

"Bye" I finished hanging up.

I sighed seeing my breath loom through the cold crisp fall evening air. I flipped my sweater- jacket's hood up and waited for Bucky's text. I heard my phone ding and saw his name. I opened the text to see the address.

•~•

I walked up to his apparent door. I knocked on it hearing him call to me letting me in. I sighed opening door seeing him standing at the counter on the side that divided the kitchen and entrance. I kicked off my shoes and tossed my bag on the ground against the counter.

"Hey Riley" Bucky said coming around the counter.

"Thanks for letting me stay the night.." I say while taking off my jacket and throwing it over the back of a chair. Yes, I was making myself at home.

I looked around his apartment. It was black except for a yellow tinted lamp in the corner of the living room.

"I'll get you some bedding." He said walking to his closet.

I walked over following him. "How nice of you." I say in a sarcastic tone.

"What is up with you?"

"What do you mean Barnes.?"

"You've been so snappy, more than usual." He tossed in the last comment rather passive agressivly.

"Excuse me?" I say picking up the pillows and blanket he tossed me. He gestured over to the set up of pillows and blanket he'd been sleeping on.

"Im serious Riley. What is this about?"

I scoffed in response. "Turn around."

"Please?" He said turning around crossing his arms. I took my pants off putting on shorts and and taking my bra off putting my things in my bag.

"Ok... Thanks..." I said giving him the awkward slight smile.

We both settled into our 'beds'. I was about 4ft across parallel to him. I was sitting up my arms behind my back propping myself up. Bucky looked over to me.

"When did that happen?" He asked obviously signaling to my arm. "I lost most of my arm in Wakanda on the battlefield in 2016 against Thanos. They kept me for a couple months giving me a new arm and set of gear before sending me 'home'... I was basically on the run those 5 years." I explained not even looking at Buck.

I side eyed him seeing guilt and care in his eyes. "Whats with the look?" I said turning to him. "Did- they actually finish the healing?" He said in a worried tone. I looked away laying down, my back towards him. "Riley-.." he froze. I realized what he might have seen. Dammit! I should've worn a sweater!

"Riley sit up." He basically ordered. I sat up giving him a softer glare, my flesh arm away from him.

He sighed "Gimmie your arm-" he scoffed reaching over dragging me by my flesh wrist. I was in an awkward position: my arm reached out, my other arm supporting me, and my other legs loosely tucked to one side. He examined my bruise covered wrist and lower arm.

"Who- Who did this to you?" He said lowly.
I felt tears pinch the corners of my eyes as memories flashed back through my head. I started shaking.

"Riley." He said more sternly. Putting his other hand cupping up my face bringing up to his. I gulped still trembling.

"Alex." I mumbled.

Bucky dropped my arm still holding my face. "Im gonna fucking kill son of a bitch." He said lowly. He pulled me close laying down so my back was against his chest. I tried pushing away but the way he held me didn't allow it. "Stop." He was gripping just under my rib cage. I felt his warm bare stomach and chest plus his dog tags against my back. He combed his hind through my shoulder length hair. His firm metal hand holding me close. My eye lids started to feel heavey. Eventually I couldn't keep them open and gave into sweet sleep.