-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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Indigo winced as Asha finished stitching up the bullet wound, her eyes fixed on the process as the needle pierced and pulled through her skin. Each stitch seemed to tug at her insides, a sharp reminder of the recent chaos.
Breathing hurt; she could feel the twinge of pain with every inhale and exhale. Two broken ribs and a busted lip added to her discomfort, but in her mind, the mission had been a success. They had secured the dealer and the buyer, along with the Vibranium, all safely returned to Wakanda. Whatever fate T'Challa decided for them didn't concern her much.
What did concern her was Bucky, sitting silently in the corner of the hospital room, his eyes burning with a mix of emotions. She knew he was angry, probably furious that she had taken the bullet meant for him. But for Indigo, it wasn't a conscious decision; it was instinct. She had acted to protect him, to keep him safe, as she always had.
"I wish we would stop meeting like this, Miss Evergreen, or should I say Mrs. Barnes now," Asha remarked, carefully placing a bandage over the stitches.
Indigo winced as she sat up, feeling the ache in her ribs. "Thank you, Asha. I appreciate you." she replied with a grateful smile.
Asha nodded, a hint of warmth in her eyes despite the professional demeanor. "Well, I'll get out of your way. But I want you back in a week so I can check on those stitches," she insisted, turning her attention to Bucky. "And I know the serum in your body will heal the cut on your cheek quickly, but please keep it clean."
Bucky gave a curt nod in acknowledgment, his gaze serious as he watched Asha leave and close the door behind her, leaving them alone in the hospital room.
Indigo winced as she watched Bucky pull out a t-shirt from a bag and throw it at her; it hit her in the face. She grabbed it and tried to put it on, but the pain in her right arm was too much to lift it. Glancing up at Bucky, she silently pleaded for his assistance.
He rose from his seat and approached her slowly. Indigo looked up at him, noticing he was still in his suit, the cut on his cheek now starting to scab over. The emotions in his eyes were a tumultuous mix of anger and sorrow.
Taking the shirt from her, Bucky gently pulled it over her head. She slipped her left arm through the sleeve, grateful for his help as he guided her right arm through the other hole. A sharp pang of pain shot through her wound, causing her to wince involuntarily.
She knew she looked rough; her ponytail was messy, strands sticking out in every direction, and her lip was swollen and split. Asha had kindly helped her clean the blood from her face and hands, and applied soothing ointment to her cracked knuckles.
Despite her disheveled appearance, the way Bucky was looking at her made Indigo feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, even though she knew he was angry with her. His gaze held a mixture of concern, frustration, and a hint of admiration that touched her deeply.
