THE CHAIN, B. Barnes daughter

42. separation anxiety

Bucky and Sev are so cute it hurts
SORRY I MISSED 2 DAYS OF UPDATES
ALSO I DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO NAME THIS CHAP 💀💀💀

God Nagel yaps SO MUCH.

Tw: mention of self harm

BUCKY STRUMMED HIS FINGERS OVER, tracing the fabric of her shirt. The touch was light, soothing, and unintentional at first. When he realized what he was doing, he didn't stop. The gesture was a silent expression of his heartbreak over her scars and the loneliness she had endured.

As they arrived at the party, Bucky kept a protective hand gripped to hers. The desire to bring her home, to safety, was overwhelming, but he knew that wasn't an option anymore.

They had to stay undercover, blending into the crowd. Occasionally, they nodded their heads to the music, pretending to dance. Sev stifled a laugh watching her dad's awkward attempts at moving to the rhythm. Bucky nudged her playfully.

"I didn't know you could dance," Sev teased.

Bucky gave her a wry smile. "I can't, really. Just trying to blend in."

Sev laughed softly, the sound a small comfort amidst the chaos around them. As they navigated through the throng of people, Bucky's hand suddenly slipped from Sev's, and he immediately panicked. He turned in every direction, searching frantically for his daughter.

Sev felt the panic rising in her chest, but she forced herself to stay as calm as possible. She weaved through the crowd, scanning for any sign of her father. Just as she started to feel overwhelmed, a pair of hands gripped her shoulders from behind.

She gasped, ready to defend herself, but a familiar voice spoke before she could react. "Stay calm and collected," Zemo said, his arms draping around her shoulders in what was meant to be a reassuring gesture.

Sev considered punching him, her muscles tensing with the urge, but she knew she had to maintain their cover. Instead, she took a deep breath and forced herself to stay composed.

"Where's my dad?" she asked, her voice steady despite her nerves.

"He's looking for you," Zemo replied. "Let's find him before he does something rash."

Sev nodded, allowing Zemo to guide her through the crowd. She scanned the room, her eyes darting past the faces of people she would never see again and and the pulsing lights. Finally, she spotted Bucky, his eyes wild with worry as he pushed through the mass of people.

"Dad..." she muttered, speed walking towards him.

Bucky's head snapped in her direction, and relief flooded his face. He quickly closed the distance between them, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Don't scare me like that," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"I'm sorry," Sev whispered, hugging him back just as tightly. "I didn't mean to."

Zemo cleared his throat, reminding them of his presence. "We need to stay focused."

Bucky nodded, reluctantly letting go of Sev. "Stay close to me from now on," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Understood?"

"Understood..."

Then Sharon walked towards them. Sev sighed. "Hey, I found them."

Sam glanced over at Bucky and Sev. "Here we go."

THEY MADE IT OUT OF SOME PLACE WITH loads of giant shipping containers. Sharon pointed towards one in particular.

"Alright, he's in there, container 4261," Sharon informed them. "I'll keep an eye out while you guys talk to Nagel, but hurry. We're on borrowed time."