Beyond Saving Bucky

Tell me you love me?

Bucky's POV:

I spent the day shopping and preparing some of Olivia's favorite Romanian dishes. I was determined to make this evening special, meticulous. Every ingredient, every step, was done with care and love.

Tony managed to take everyone away from the compound for a few hours, giving Olivia and I some much-needed privacy. The place felt different, quieter, more intimate.

I put the finishing touches on the table. I'd somehow managed to transform the dining area into something out of a dream, with soft candlelight casting a warm glow over everything. The smell of the food wafted through the air, rich and inviting.

Olivia walked into the room, her eyes widening at the sight. "Bucky, this is amazing," she said, her voice full of awe and appreciation.

I turned to her, a shy smile on my face. "I wanted to do something special for you. You deserve it."

She moved closer, wrapping her arms around my neck. "You always know how to make me feel loved."

We sat down, and I served her the dishes I'd spent the day preparing. I could see the joy in her eyes as she took her first bite.

The amount of love I have for this woman sitting in front of me is almost overwhelming. I try not to think of what's coming, but I fail. The possibilities of what we are about to face keep creeping into my head, making it hard to fully enjoy this moment.

I don't know if she can sense the unease in me or not, but I watch as her face starts to drop, her fork pushing the food around her plate. "Hey... talk to me," I whisper as I lean forward, gently taking her hand in mine.

Her gaze meets mine again, and I see tears begin to well up in her eyes. "I just... I've missed you. I feel like we haven't had much time together lately," Olivia says as a tear streams down her cheek.

I immediately reach up, cupping her face in my hands, gently wiping away the tears with my thumbs. "I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry. Things have just been hectic," I try to soothe her, my voice soft and earnest.

She leans into my touch, closing her eyes briefly. "I just...I'm scared, Bucky. All of this...working with these guys...it...makes me nervous."

"It's going to be okay, doll. I'm not going anywhere," I try to reassure her, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. 'Why would you say that to her?'

"James..." she whispers, her hands wrapping around my wrists, her touch both grounding and heart-wrenching.

"Yes, Olivia?" I reply, holding her gaze, trying to convey all the love and strength I can muster.

"You'll always come back to me... right?" she asks, her voice breaking as she whispers the words. Words that feel like a punch to my gut. 'You know you can't promise her this, Bucky. Anything but this,' I think, my heart aching.

I take a deep breath, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I will always do everything I can to come back to you," I say, my voice firm but gentle, hoping she can find some comfort in my words.

Her eyes search mine, looking for reassurance, for a promise I can't fully give. "I need you, James," she whispers, her grip tightening on my wrists.

"I need you too, Olivia," I reply, my voice thick with emotion. "You're my everything. That's why I'll fight with everything I have to come back to you. Always."

Before I can say anything else, Olivia is in my lap, her arms around my neck, holding me so tight. I don't hesitate, my arms wrapping snugly around her waist, holding her to me.