-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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***Beware***
Indigo woke up, her hand instinctively reaching for the warmth of Bucky beside her, only to find an empty space. Her eyes snapped open, heart racing as she scanned the room in disbelief. The sheets beside her were still slightly warm, evidence that he had been there recently. Panic began to grip her chest as she sat up, searching frantically for any sign of him.
Her phone on the nightstand caught her eye, and she grabbed it to check the time. Eight in the morning. They must have fallen asleep late, tangled in each other's arms. Memories of the night before flooded her mind—the soft murmurs, the gentle caresses, the feeling of safety and completeness that only Bucky could bring.
As she swung her legs out of bed, she noticed she was wearing one of Bucky's shirts, the fabric soft and comforting against her skin. He must have undressed her after she had drifted off to sleep, a gesture that both touched and unsettled her. It spoke volumes of his care and tenderness, yet she couldn't shake the unease of waking up alone.
She padded across the room, the cool floor chilling her feet as she searched for any trace of him. The bathroom was empty, towels neatly hung, devoid of his presence. The living area offered no solace either, sunlight filtering through the windows casting long shadows on the floor.
Indigo stepped into the dining room of the palace, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. The room was grand and spacious, dominated by a long, ornate table that spoke of regality and history. Her eyes immediately sought out the trio standing in a huddle at the far end—Steve, Sam, and Bucky.
They were engrossed in a conversation, their voices low and hushed. Indigo hesitated for a moment, observing them from a distance. Steve looked serious, his brows furrowed in concentration. Sam, always the mediator, nodded occasionally as he listened intently. And Bucky, standing between them, wore a mixture of exhaustion and determination on his face.
As she approached, Indigo flexed her right hand, feeling the tension building within her. She clenched her jaw, trying to contain the flood of emotions threatening to spill over. She was still mad at Steve and Sam for not letting her know Bucky was out.
Indigo stormed over to Steve, her hand gripping the back of his shirt, and with a sudden twist, she spun him around. Before Steve could even register what was happening, her fist connected solidly with his jaw. The impact sent his head snapping to the side, and he stumbled back, wincing as he touched his jaw, clearly caught off guard by the sudden strike.
Steve turned back to face Indigo, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. His jaw clenched as he met her fierce gaze, silently questioning her actions.
Bucky's arms swiftly wrapped around Indigo from behind, pulling her away before she could deliver another blow. He held her firmly but gently, his voice calm as he tried to diffuse the tension. Meanwhile, Sam stood nearby, amusement dancing in his eyes as he chuckled at the unexpected turn of events.
