Time Bomb

Chapter 8

—Dani's POV—
After this mornings activities, I went back to my room and showered. Changing into jeans and hoodie. I sat down at my desk and and stared at the wall.
Someone knocked on my door.
"It's open." I said and Clint walked in.
"So I just got a call from one of the clubs just outside of town and they want us to do a show. But I was thinking, why don't you do a song of your own from now on whenever we do these things. I know you've been writing a lot lately and I'm sure it would be nice to get out there and show everyone what you've got." He said as he sat down on my bed.
"Yeah, okay." I said, not really feeling it but I'd do it for Clint.
"What's up, you don't seem okay." He asked as he came over to me, kneeling in front of me.
"Just one of those days. I can't get out of my head." I said and he stood up, pulling my head to his chest.
"Talk to me, sweetheart. What's going on in there?" He asked, rubbing my back.
"I just can't figure it out.. why would someone who knows their kid doesn't have anywhere or anyone to go to just up and leave their 10 year old kid to fend for themselves?" I asked, seeing my fathers face appear in my head.
"Honey, don't you stress on that. He could have stayed and watched you grow into the beautiful woman you have become and he misses out on that. By choice. I can't tell you why, because I don't know. But I promise you, you don't ever have to worry about me leaving. I've got your back forever, kiddo. Now, tell me what you've been working on." He said and let me go, tapping his finger on my notebook.
"I've got a couple things going right now. Here." I said and handed him the notebook. He flipped it open to the fresher written pages. Scanning his eyes over each word delicately.
"There's one in there called Burn It Down that is like to sing with you sometime. It would be cool to have explosions behind us as we sang it too." I said and imagined it in my head.
"These are all great, Dani. I can't wait to hear them." He smiled and handed the notebook back.
"The only way to get out of that head of yours is to sing and dance. You know that. So let's do this show tonight." He said, rubbing my shoulder and smiling at me.
"You're right and I know it. Just wish sometimes I didn't have to do it all day in order for it to work." I said and turned to my notebook. Needing to finish these songs.
"Alright well, I'm inviting everyone so dress to impress as always." He winked and left my room. I shook my head and began writing.

-at the club-
Clint and I are backstage right now. I decided on a pair of tight black leather pants, a black lace crop top, black ankle boots and a cropped black leather jacket. I straightened my black hair and did my usual makeup, adding a gold shimmer to my eyes this time.
"Alright, we'll go out and do my thing first and then I let them know you'll be doing your own songs after I've done 2. They gave you 2 songs too." Clint said as he approached me. I had been pacing the laminated floors that cost the entire backstage lounge area.
"Someone has chose to sit front and center by the way. You've certainly got him in a spell." He added and grabbed my shoulders to stop me.
"Huh?" I said, I heard him but I've been raking my mind trying to decide which songs to do.
"Let it all out. Allow yourself to be you out there tonight." He said, squeezing my shoulders. I nodded.
"You'll have to buy me some time to change after your set. I'd like to change into red for my songs." I said, knowing now what I'm going to sing.
"Alright, it's time. Get out there." The stage director said, poking his head around the corner. And with that, Clint and I went out there. We sang his popular song Main Attraction and then went on to something else.

When Clint finished his songs, I snuck backstage and grabbed the bag I brought of spare clothes in case I decided not to wear what I have on. Torn black skinny jeans, a dark red lace crop and a leather combat jacket I hijacked from Bucky's door before we had left. I slipped on my combat boots and went back out to stand beside Clint.
"Ahh, a wardrobe change. Everyone was wondering where you went." Clint said through the mic.
"Yeah sorry. This outfit just fits my songs better. You'll see." I said into his mic and winked at Bucky sitting front and center. He smirked at me.
"Is that Bucky's jacket?" Clint asked me in my ear.
"Yep. Now go. I got this." I said and pushed him backstage as the music started and I started to sing my first song.
(((Monster by Skillet)))

After the first song, I definitely had everyone's attention. I watched as Bucky kicked his lips and bit down on his bottom lip.
I slipped his jacket off and tossed it at him, he caught it without an effort.
"This last song won't be as aggressive as the first. I actually finished writing it this morning. Enjoy." I said and sat down at the front edge of the stage, letting my legs hang over the edge. Bucky sitting in front of me now. He brought his chair closer and I could feel his eyes peering into my own as I started to sing my next song. A single spotlight shining on me.
"Now tell me, how did all my dreams turn to nightmares, how did I lose it when I was right there? Now I'm so far that it feels like it's all gone to pieces, tell me why the world never fights fair?" I sang, feeling the warmth of Bucky's hand on my knee. I moved my free hand to take hold of his as I continued singing the song. I could see Clint lip syncing the words of my song. He must have read this one earlier.

"When did you steal my jacket?" Bucky asked as I finished my song and got off the stage.
"I snagged it before I left. I should have asked, I'm sorry." I said and smiled at him.
"No, don't be. You look good in it." He said and brushed his thumb over my cheek. Sending an electric tingle underneath the skin he touched.
"You wanna ride back with me?" He asked.
"I don't think I'm ready to go back." I said and looked up at him, meeting his eyes.
"We can go wherever you want, doll." She wrapped his arm around my shoulders and guided me outside where his bike is parked.
"Clint for your things, right?" He asked, making sure we aren't forgetting anything.
"He did." I answered and admired the way he straddled the bike, offer me his hand to help me. I took his hand and straddled the bike behind me, he handed me his helmet and pulled my hands arms in front of him, securing them around his waist. I could feel his and through the thin fabric of his shirt. Feeling a rumble of excitement scorch through my core.

I closed the face guard of the helmet and away we went.