He is a super-soldier of more than 100 year old, struggling to find a place in this new world. She is a young student of 23, struggling with life. But they know they can find comfort and help in each other.
𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐈 : 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 (𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵�...
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April 23rd, 2021
On this Friday morning, the clouds were covering the sky and heavy rain was falling. The drops visible on the window and the sounds they made while landing on the roof helped to calm Willow. She was a bit sad, knowing that James had to leave during the day to go back to New-York for a couple weeks.
During the past few days, they enjoyed every minute they spent together. Willow taught him how to play video games, and James learnt very fast allowing them to play together. He could sense that she was tense as he started a new game on The Last of Us.
"Are you okay, Sunflower ?" he asked her, using the nickname she loved so much.
"Yeah...", she answered without conviction. Of course, Bucky didn't trust her.
"I'm really excited to play this game, because I know it's one of your favourites." This put a small smile on Willow's face, making Bucky happy. After some hesitation, she finally shared her feelings.
"It's just that I don't want you to leave. I know it may sound weird, but I was really looking forward to this vacation to spend some time with you."
"I know... me too", he admitted. "But while I'm gone, you're going to study and go to your exam. You'll see your friends. I'll be back soon and we'll have all summer. We could go somewhere, or just stay here and sleep all day long."
He started to know how to make her laugh. He loved this sound, it was like music to him. Also, knowing she wanted him to stay with her, warmed his heart. He could swear he felt his cheeks turned red. All he wanted to do at the moment was kissing his Sunflower. He didn't dare, and instead just moved closer to her. Instinctively, Willow put her head on his shoulder, relaxed by the sound of the controller's touch, and by his voice when he asked questions, to which she happily answered.
"At what time does your plane take off?" Willow asked after two hours. It was now almost 11 am.
"At 6 pm, so we can spend the day together. Stark is giving me one of his planes so I don't have to travel with other people."
"But, that means you'll arrive during the night?"
"Yes, but it's fine with me. I wanted to enjoy this day with you." Again, it flattered Willow so much she didn't know how to answer. Damn, he'll miss that.
James noticed that she was fighting not to fall asleep. He guessed that her night wasn't great. He turned off the PS3 and they went to her bedroom where she quickly fell asleep in his arms. Scamp soon joined them to settle on Bucky's feet.
As James was softly passing his hands in Willow's hair, he felt like was joining Morpheus' arms too. Dreams filled his mind... His Sunflower was in a beautiful dress and he was wearing his army suits from the 40s. She was waiting for him, and a smile grew on her face when she noticed his presence. They danced under the stars. War was over and would never take him away. It would never separate them. No one and nothing could. He stopped dancing, surprising her. The green in her eyes looked like an emerald, and he knew. Taking her face in his hands, he brought his lips to hers. "James" she said...
"James ?" Her sweet voice woke him just before the kiss.
"Hmm ?"
"Tony called three times. I answered, I hope you don't mind. He said it was urgent."
"Thank you, Sunflower", he said, kissing her on the forehead.
He went on the terrace to call back, and to Willow it seemed to last an eternity. She was cooking something for them both, and from the window she could see him pass his hand on his face like he was annoyed. It was confirmed when Bucky hung up and sighed.
He looked sad when he came back inside. "I'm sorry", he started, "Stark wants me to go back earlier. I just have time to eat and take my stuff. Then, a driver will pick me up. Do you want to accompany me to the airport ?"
"I'd love to", she smiled even if she wasn't really happy. She tried to console herself by thinking it was for his big project and that they'll see each other very soon. They could still call and exchange messages.
"What is your first exam?" Bucky asked.
"I think it'll be the US Civilisation. I really don't want to go."
"I know, but it'll occupy yourself and you'll be with your friends. And you know what, when I come back I can help you search what you want to do as new studies next year ?" Willow was touched by his attention and encouragement. He was very supportive, as were her friends who had confirmed that there was no point in continuing down a path that would lead nowhere and, moreover, make her unhappy.
The driver, an acquaintance of Tony Stark, arrived shortly after their lunch was over. He was named Alfred, and Willow couldn't help but think of Batman's butler, especially with his accent and appearance. He helped them put James' luggage in the car's trunk, and soon it was time to leave. James said goodbye to Scamp, petting him and promising they would go running when he returned.
On the way, James explained to Willow that Tony was flying him back to New York slightly early because he could get his business up and running sooner. His stepping stone would be Stark Industries. It would be a big responsibility, but he was happy that Tony was giving him a chance. He was afraid and excited at the same time. He promised Willow to give her news as often as possible.
Outside, the rain subsided and gave way to a few timid rays of sunshine. Soon they arrived at the airport. A private jet bearing the name of Stark Industries was waiting for Bucky. The time to say goodbye had arrived.
"I will call you as soon as I arrive", said Bucky, taking her in his arms.
At this moment, he remembered the dream he had had earlier in the day. This time, he would not be interrupted. He took the young woman's face in his hands, and kissed her tenderly. Willow blushed and couldn't help but smile as she kissed him back, putting her arms around his neck.
"Goodbye, my Sunflower," he whispered.
"Goodbye, Bucky Bear," she answered.
The separation was difficult, but they both knew that their reunion would be all the better.
