-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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It had been a tough week since the incident. Bucky's avoidance had become a painful reality for Indigo. Instead of sharing their bed, he chose the couch, slipping out early and returning late. Their conversations were strained, filled with short responses and awkward silences. Whenever she reached out, he withdrew, leaving her with a sinking feeling in her chest.
The physical pain from the bruise on her back paled in comparison to the emotional ache of his distance. Indigo felt lost, like she was navigating uncharted waters in their once familiar home. She sought comfort in Okoye's guidance, who assured her that Bucky's behavior was a byproduct of their recent therapy session—an unfortunate aftermath rather than a reflection of his feelings for her.
Despite Shuri's precautionary measure of installing a panic button, Indigo's main concern wasn't another outburst; it was the growing divide between her and Bucky. Each night, as she lay awake in their bed, the absence of his presence beside her weighed heavily. She missed the easy laughter and shared intimacy that had defined their relationship before everything changed.
It was nearing nine o'clock in the evening, and Indigo found herself perched on the kitchen counter, absently munching on dry cereal while her gaze remained fixed on the door. The routine dance Bucky had adopted was wearing thin on her patience. She longed for his laughter, his smile, his kisses—she missed him deeply.
When the door finally swung open, revealing Bucky's tired form, he seemed surprised to find her waiting there. Indigo observed silently as he kicked off his shoes, set down his bag, and without more than a nod in her direction, disappeared into their room.
With a frustrated groan, Indigo set the cereal box down and slid off the counter, determined to confront the distance that had grown between them. She marched towards their room, her footsteps echoing softly on the floorboards. The sound of the shower running greeted her as she pushed the door open gently.
Indigo peeked into the bathroom and saw Bucky standing beneath the shower's stream, his back turned to her as if seeking solace in the water cascading over him. Determined not to let him slip away again, she swiftly shed her leggings and hoodie, leaving them in a heap on the floor. With resolve fueling her steps, she quietly opened the shower door and slipped inside, the heat of the water enveloping her immediately.
Bucky's startled expression when he turned to see her was tinged with fear, his hand instinctively reaching to shut off the flow. But Indigo wasn't about to let him retreat. Ignoring his attempt, she pressed him gently but firmly against the tiled wall, her hands cradling his face.
"You can't keep avoiding me, James," Indigo implored, her voice tender yet insistent over the rush of water. "You have to talk to me."
Indigo's voice quivered with concern as she pleaded with Bucky, her hands still gently cradling his face, feeling the weight of his turmoil through his closed eyes.
