𝙴𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚁𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 - Bucky Barnes

5. INTO HIDING

PRESENT DAY - VILNIUS  - LOCATION: LITHUANIA.

Anastasia's steps are hesitant as she navigates through the bustling streets of Vilnius, Lithuania. Her mission is simple: head back to the apartment she's currently residing in after a daunting task of heading to a grocery store for some supplies. She's been out of cryo for almost a year now. However, the outside world is still a daunting place for her, and it's a struggle to try to live a simple life after years of torture and brainwashing.

Her gaze darts nervously from side to side as she weaves through the throngs of people. Every passerby seems to cast a shadow, and each building looms like a specter from her past, triggering memories she desperately wishes to forget.

Anastasia's hands clench around the strap of her bag, her knuckles turning white with tension. She forces herself to focus on the task at hand, repeating the directions to the apartment she now calls home like a mantra in her mind. She can't afford to let her fear consume her, not when she's fought so hard to break free from Hydra's grasp.

Turning down a narrow alleyway, the sounds of the bustling city fade into a distant hum. The shadows seem to close in around her, wrapping her in their cold embrace. Anastasia quickens her pace, her heart pounding in her chest as she seeks refuge in the familiarity of her surroundings.

Finally, she reaches the entrance to her apartment building, a sense of relief washing over her as she pushes open the door. The dimly lit hallway greets her like an old friend, offering solace from the chaos of the outside world. She takes a deep breath, willing herself to calm her racing heart as she makes her way up the stairs to her apartment.

Inside, the air is still, the only sound the gentle hum of the refrigerator and she sets down her bag with a sigh of exhaustion. Despite the safety of her surroundings, the memories of her past still linger like a shadow, threatening to engulf her once more.

As Anastasia stands in the kitchen, flicking on a kettle appliance to prepare two hot beverages, the sound of the door creaking open draws her attention. Dr. Ivanov enters the room, leaning heavily on a walking cane for support. Time has etched its marks upon him, his once youthful features now weathered with age. He is now twenty years older since that day in the lab, a man well into his sixties.

"Ana," he says, his voice warm with concern as he takes in her tired expression. "You didn't need to overexert yourself by going to the store for simple supplies."

Anastasia shrugs, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I needed some fresh air," she replies, her voice soft but resolute. "And besides, it's good for me to get out every now and then."

Dr. Ivanov's gaze softens as he watches her move about the kitchen, the simple act of making tea a reminder of the life she's fought so hard to reclaim. He knows the demons that still haunt her, the scars that run deeper than any physical wound.

"I worry about you, Ana," he admits, his voice filled with genuine concern. "You've been through so much, and yet you continue to push yourself."

Anastasia meets his gaze, a flicker of gratitude shining in her eyes. "I'm stronger than you think, Sergei," she says softly.

With that, she pours the steaming water into two mugs, the fragrant aroma of tea filling the air. As they sit together at the small kitchen table. Sergei takes a careful seat at the table, his movements slow and deliberate as he eases himself into the chair. Anastasia, mindful of his condition, brings him his beverage before taking the seat opposite him. The warmth of the tea cup against her hands is a comforting sensation, grounding her in the present moment amidst the whirlwind of memories that threaten to engulf her.