-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]
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
2 Months later...
Indigo emerged from the closet, hastily adjusting her blouse and slipping back into her fallen heel. She glanced back and caught Chris winking at her just before she closed the door on him.
They had been meeting for clandestine encounters in the janitor's closet on the 53rd floor at work. For Indigo, it was a purely physical release, a way to momentarily escape the stress and sadness that weighed heavily on her life. She made it clear to Chris that it meant nothing more than that to her, no emotional attachments or expectations. As long as he understood it was going nowhere, she was content to continue their arrangement.
Indigo walked back to the elevator, pressing the button for the floor that would take her back to the lab. She was supposed to be on her lunch break, but her mind was elsewhere. Glancing down at her phone, she saw that it was nearly silent—Gracie was at daycare, meaning she couldn't call and talk to her daughter.
Gracie had been having less nightmares lately, but she still refused to tell Indigo what they were about. Despite this, they seemed to be less frequent. On the other hand, Indigo's own nightmares were returning with a vengeance. Every night felt like a cruel rerun: one night, Bucky would crumble to dust in her arms, and the next, it would be Gracie disappearing before her eyes.
She had started seeing a therapist, hoping it would help her cope with the lingering grief and anxiety. However, their sessions felt futile. The therapist's advice often boiled down to clichés about breathing and focusing on the present moment, reminders of how fortunate she was to be alive. While these sentiments were well-intentioned, they did little to ease the torment of her dreams or the ache in her heart.
Indigo stepped out of the elevator into the bustling lab, the familiar hum of activity enveloping her as she made her way past her coworkers. Some nodded in acknowledgment, while others were deeply engrossed in their tasks, oblivious to her presence. She navigated through the labyrinthine corridors of Stark Industries' research and development division, her mind focused on the upcoming tasks.
Reaching her office, she closed the door behind her and settled into her chair with a sigh. Her office, adorned with framed photographs of happier times, offered a brief respite from the chaos outside. Indigo turned on her laptop, the screen flickering to life as she prepared to dive back into her work.
"Hey Friday," Indigo called out to the AI.
"How can I assist you, Mrs. Barnes?" Friday's response came promptly.
"Please inform my next appointment that I'm ready and ask him to come in," Indigo requested, swiftly gathering her paperwork.
She loved her job, she was in charge of research and development of advanced medical technologies at Stark Industries, a role that allowed her to channel her intellect and skills towards meaningful innovation. It was a world away from her previous life as an Avenger, yet still connected to the cutting-edge advancements she had once fought alongside.
