THE CHAIN, B. Barnes daughter

31. crybaby sev

I don't think you guys get it, I adore Sam and Sev like they're real.

THE ROOM WAS DARK AND STILL, the only
light coming from the sliver of moonlight that slipped through the curtains. Sev, now fifteen, lay tangled in her sheets, her brow furrowed and her breath coming in short, panicked bursts. She was caught in the throes of a nightmare, memories of HYDRA and their cold, unfeeling faces swirling in her mind.

In her dream, she was back in that sterile, terrifying facility. The sounds of clanking metal and distant screams echoed around her. The faceless scientists loomed over her, their voices a cold monotone as they conducted their cruel experiments. She tried to run, but her legs felt like lead. Panic surged through her as she searched for her papa, but he was nowhere to be found.

"Papa!" She shouted. "Papa! I need you!"

The fear was suffocating.

"Sev!" she heard a voice call, distant and echoing. "Sev, wake up!"

Suddenly, she was jolted awake, her eyes snapping open. She found herself in her hotel rolm, the comforting surroundings a stark contrast to the nightmare. She was trembling, her breath coming in gasps. Steve was by her side, his expression filled with concern.

"Sev, it's okay. You're safe," he said gently, sitting on the edge of her bed. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her in the present.

"Steve," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I... I was back there. In HYDRA. It felt so real."

Steve nodded, his heart aching for her. He knew how hard it was to shake off those nightmares, the echoes of a past filled with pain and fear. "I know, Sev. But you're here now, with me. You're safe."

She took a few deep breaths, trying to steady herself. "I hate those dreams. They always come back."

Steve pulled her into a comforting embrace, his arms strong and reassuring. "I know they do. But you're stronger than they are. You've come so far."

Sev rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was a comforting rhythm, a reminder that she wasn't alone. "I miss Papa," she admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I was looking for him in my nightmare."

"I know you do," Steve said softly, rubbing her back soothingly. "And he misses you too. But he's doing this so that one day you can be together again, without any shadows hanging over you."

Sev nodded, her tears soaking into Steve's shirt. She knew that Bucky's decision to go back under was for the best, but it didn't make the separation any easier. "What was your nightmare about this time?"

Steve pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "I was back at HYDRA. I was looking for my papa because I was scared but I couldn't find him."

Steve brushed a piece of hair from her face to behind her ear. "That sounds scary, Sev."

"I just don't want to be scared." She told him. "I don't want to feel alone."

"You don't have to worry about that," Steve replied with a reassuring smile. "Now, how about we get you back to sleep? I can stay with you if you want."

Sev nodded, feeling a sense of comfort knowing that Steve was there. "I'd like that."

Steve helped her settle back into bed, pulling the blankets up around her. He sat on the edge of the bed, his presence a calming force. "Close your eyes, Sev. I'm right here."

She closed her eyes, the remnants of the nightmare slowly fading away. Steve began to hum softly, a soothing melody that eased her racing heart. He gently stroked her hair, his touch light and comforting.