Still Breathing

Chapter 3: Locked

Marley Pov

The night had finally come to an end. The Barnes left and I clean up while Stephen turned in for bed. I was at least grateful for this. That meant he wouldn't spend the rest of the night groping me or hitting me. when I was finally done, I walked to the closet and change into a long black satin nightgown. I go into the bathroom and washup and then slide into bed trying not to wake him.

I watch the stars through the open window. I think about my life and what I've could've done to prevent this. I allow my mind to think about Bucky. Something I've haven't allowed myself to do in years. Seeing his parents make me wonder where he is and how he is doing. is he married now? I think back to how funny, kind, and gentle he was. always a gentleman. Being back is stirring a lot of emotions I spent years trying to bury. The last time I spoke to Nat, I was in Italy, and I refuse to ask about him. after what I did, I don't deserve to know any details of his life. I just hope he is happy.

Flashback - 5 years ago 2017

"So, You're Tony Starks daughter... that must be cool." John smiles and then takes a shot.

"Very cool." I smile back. I look around the pool hall and see Bucky standing at one of the pool tables with Sam and Steve. they are talking and laughing as they watch Nat and Sharon play. I turn back to John who I catch leering at my breast. He licks his lips and finally his eyes trail back up to mine.

"Wow... " is all I say as I sip my drink. Lamar walks up and sits on the other side of me and ask me some questions about my dad's company. He tells me that he got a Physics degree at yale and was wondering if I could get him an interview.

"Absolutely, my dad always has room for great minds." We exchange numbers and then when John is tired of being ignored, he gets up and go where the other guys are. Lamar is showing me pictures of them from their college days, and I can't help but make fun of steves goatee. I glance up and lock eyes with Bucky. he smiles and gives me a half wave. I wink at him and turn back to Lamar.

When the girls finish their game, they come back to the bar, and we order a round of shots. The guys come up and decide to order another. after the 3rd I excuse myself to the bathroom. I staggered a little but eventually make it. when I come out bucky is leaning against the wall. I look up and down the corridor and ask, "Are you waiting for me?"

"You seemed a little unstable. I just wanted to make sure you made it ok." He smiles at me, and I'm taken back to when we were 16.

I lean my shoulder against the wall facing him and say, "You're different."

"really? Is it the hair?" He quirks his lip at me, and I look away, trying not to blush.

"Its everything. Your not the shy kid skulking in shadows anymore. You've really grown into your own. I'm proud of you. Illegitimi non carborundum – Don't let the bastards get you down."

He laughs and the butterflies in my tummy is fluttering like crazy. He says, "I remember." He takes my hand and says, "you are still the same..."

I cut him off and say, "I hope that's a good thing." he takes my wrist and have me hold up my hand with my finger spread. I cock an eyebrow at him. he smiles and glances from me to my hand and says, "It is. No matter what was going on, you were always the best thing in the room." he puts his own hand up and presses his hand against mine. Then he takes one finger and draw a line down my palm. I bite my bottom lip and shiver.

"NO NO NO!" we hear Nat yells and storming down the corridor.

I look at Bucky and he is rolling his eyes. he purses his lips together and says to Nat, "I didn't do anything Natasha."