-In which, despite Indigo and Bucky's shattered and bruised state, their love for each other is the anchor that prevents them from completely crumbling.
Mature Content 18+
[Book Two]
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"James?" Indigo's voice wavered, barely above a whisper. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stood frozen, staring at him in disbelief. There he was, sitting on her neatly made bed surrounded by a collection of books, one of them clutched in his hands. His presence felt surreal, as if he had stepped out of a dream and into her reality.
For a moment, all she could do was take in the sight of him—his familiar features, the way his hair fell on his shoulders, the earnest look in his eyes that now glistened with unshed tears. It was clear he had shaved and cleaned up since she last saw him, but the traces of emotion on his face spoke volumes.
She didn't know what to do. Cry? Yell? Kiss him? She didn't know if she was mad at him of leaving her alone or happy that he was back.
He looked up at her, his expression a mix of apprehension and longing. "Indigo," he said softly, his voice cracking slightly.
"When-"
"Two days ago. Where-" Bucky cut her off.
"New York," Indigo replied hastily, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and hurt. She remained frozen in place, her mind racing with questions. The foremost one: why hadn't Steve or Sam texted her about Bucky being out? Two days. Bucky had been out for two days, and he hadn't reached out. It stung.
Maybe he decided he was better off without her. Had they helped him? Had they managed to get Winter out? Did he no longer love her? Did she still love him?
Her mind raced with questions, each one a dagger to her heart. Panic gripped her, tightening her chest, but she fought to conceal her vulnerability. She longed to collapse into his arms, to hold him and never let go again.
Unaware he had moved, she suddenly found him standing before her, holding her hands gently in his. She glanced down and noticed his new left arm—a sleek, modern design that suited him perfectly.
Bucky's eyes searched hers, concern etched in his features. "Indigo, I'm sorry for not letting you know I was out. I needed time to sort things out."
She swallowed hard, struggling to maintain composure. "Did they help you? Did you get Winter out?" Her voice trembled with a mix of hope and fear.
Bucky nodded slowly, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. "It'll take some time."
Relief washed over her, mingled with a surge of conflicting emotions. "And us?" she whispered, her gaze searching his for reassurance.
Bucky's expression softened further, his voice gentle yet tinged with concern. "I've spent the last two days reading through every book you've written in. What's going on? Are you second guessing this? Me?"
Indigo felt tears welling up in her eyes. She hadn't intended for him to read her private thoughts, her innermost feelings poured out in the pages he now held. Those books were her sanctuary, a place where she could safely tuck away her emotions when words failed her.
