𝚜𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚜 - 𝚋𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚢 𝚋𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚜

catalyst

Mind over matter (Reprise) - Young the Giant

Cameras flashed wildly in every room. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and ornate gowns hung off the frame of every woman. Every guest was dressed to the nines and the crisp Manhattan air nipped at the noses of every person in attendance. Big jewels hung on the neck of every woman, their hair wrapped perfectly on the top of their head. The sound of old jazz moved through the space, combining with champagne glasses clinking together and loud talking. Everyone was laughing around him, but he stood in the shadows, out of view from the rest of the world.

Gray hair, big nose, and chunky glasses. A teal pocket square and a wart above his left eyebrow. He repeated those words over and over in his head, examining everyone around him for the man matching his description. He moved stealthily throughout the venue, dodging the eyes of everyone with ease. When he reached the hallway, he walked fast, trying to find his target. There was nobody in the upper halls, but he still moved with the shadows.

Faint voices stopped him in his tracks. He held his breath and moved behind a wall. Two older guests walked past him, completely oblivious. They wore heavy gowns and had white gloves up to their elbows. Both held an expensive glass of champagne.

"It's a shame really. Such a waste of raw talent."

"I agree completely, Myrtle. The girl has a gift from god, but doesn't know how to use it. I mean come on, who performs wearing a dress like that! She needs to learn how to control her emotions and get her act together if she wants to stay in this industry." Their voices faded as they moved back to the main area and gossiping.

He continued his mission once again. He cleared every last room until he stopped at the last door in the hall. The sound of sniffles and muffled voices could be heard through the door.

Gently, he nudged the door open a tiny bit, catching a glimpse of the scene. A petite girl stood crying while facing the window. His target was rubbing her back, trying to console her. He silently lifted his gun and sent a bullet between his targets eyes, walking down the hall before he could hear the blood curdling scream rip through the halls. He walked calmly through the exit doors. Nobody bat an eye.

As soon as he got out the doors, he yanked the stupid tie off of his neck. He unbuttoned the black blazer, trying to get more air into his lungs. He weaved through the crowds of people on the busy Manhattan streets, trying to find his ride out of here.

"Bucky!"

July 1942

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she stood with Bucky's arms wrapped tightly around her torso. She had her arms around his neck, practically in the air with how tight he held her to him. Her toes were barely touching the ground. Cara took in the scent of him for the last time before pulling back slightly, pressing her forehead to his.

"I love you so much, Caroline Rogers." More tears rolled down her cheeks. "I'll be back before you know it, sugar." He tried to smile, for her.

"Be safe. Please." She kissed him hard before reluctantly pulling away, holding onto his arms and pressing her feet to the ground. Cara sighed before yanking him into one last hug, nuzzling her face into this chest. He stroked her hair, trying to calm her frazzled nerves. Bucky pressed a kiss to her hair.

"I promise, doll." Cara pulled away and sniffled.

"I love you Bucky. Please please keep your promise." Cara waved her finger in his face. He smiled weakly before kissing her forehead, cheek, and lips gently. He slowly pulled away and grabbed his duffel bag. Cara wrapped her arms around herself, watching him with bloodshot eyes. Things were getting intense in Europe, and she couldn't stand to lose him so soon.

"Back before you know it." He spoke quietly before nodding again to Steve, walking onto the bus. Steve walked up to Cara, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as an attempt to comfort her.

The bus boarded a few more before the engine started. Bucky's head popped through a window, waving at Cara and Steve.

"I love you doll!" He cupped his hands around his mouth so she could hear him. Men on the bus whistled at his PDA and finally the bus drove off.

Cara started crying again and wrapped her arms around Steve, who rubbed her back.

"What if he doesn't come back, Steve?" Cara hiccuped.

"He will, Cara. He always does." Cara just pulled away and let Steve lead her back to the road. He escorted her like a gentleman, with their arms linked and him facing the road. They walked in silence throughout the streets of Brooklyn.

"How are things between you and Darla?" Steve smiled fondly thinking about her.

"Good. Really good." Cara smiled, happy he was happy. "I think I'm in love with her." She looked up and smiled at Steve.

"That's amazing, Steve!" His face got red and he just smiled, looking at his feet. Cara knows he isn't exactly the smoothest with the ladies, but she could definitely see the two getting married. Darla didn't have a bad bone in her body. They became fast friends, both enjoying each other's company. The brunette was a walking ray of sunshine. "She's a good one, Steve."

"Yeah she is." The rest of the walk was quiet, both walking into the dark apartment to find Darla in the kitchen baking brownies. The apron drowned her, but she still wore it. When she saw them walk in, she smiled brightly.

"Hey honey! Cara! I made brownies, figured they might help the blue mood today." Steve kissed her on the cheek before grabbing a brownie off the plate, but she smacked his hand, making him drop the brownie back on the plate.

"Ow! What did I do?" Steve looked at her like a lost puppy but she just crossed her arms.

"Cara gets the first one! She's the one who said goodbye to her boyfriend." Cara just giggled before grabbing a brownie and biting off the corner. She smiled at Steve smugly.

"I'm the favorite, Lover Boy."

Cara spent the rest of her afternoon with Darla and Steve, getting her mind off of the recent absence. Their words melted together in the background as she joked with them. She thought back to the way her life was before. Things have changed so much. Cara thought about what life would have been like if she stayed in Charlotte. She would still be waiting tables at the diner downtown, cooking with Jane every night, playing with Dorothy and Darren before bed, and repeating the same routine every day. New York has welcomed her with open arms and she doesn't regret a single decision she has made so far. The city had given her multiple close friends and family, even if she had to let go of one.

Charlotte was holding her back. Nobody welcomed her, instead pushing her away and showing her how she didn't want to live. She was happy, in love, and free to pursue her dreams. She may not have money, but nobody said it was easy. The city that never sleeps was her perfect match.

Opening her door, Cara's eyes immediately landed on a sealed white envelope on her bed.

"Steve?" He hummed. "What's the letter?"

"It came for you today. No clue."

Cara furrowed her brows. She felt cool air come through the windows. She looked at the letter in confusion.

Deep thunder rolled through the sky. Rain pounded down onto the fire escape. Cara jumped slightly. Picking up the letter, she felt her skin crawl. Her breath caught when she saw the seal.

Charlotte City Morgue.

end of part 1.