Frozen Hearts ENGLISH VERSION

2.|Bucky Barnes|

Lina managed to wash up in peace. It was nearing 11 PM. The girl set her alarms to wake up at 7 and head to university through the crowded streets of New York City.

She fell asleep quickly. The day had worn her out enough.

First alarm at 6:40 AM - she turned it off.6:45 AM - same.6:50 AM - likewise.7:00 AM - it was stronger than her; she hit snooze.

She woke up 15 minutes later. Those 15 minutes in her planned schedule were something she didn't want to lose. She quickly shook herself awake and hurriedly started dressing. She grabbed jeans, a t-shirt, and a corduroy jacket. She took her backpack and headed to the kitchen to grab something to eat and take something for the road.

"Hi," she rushed into the kitchen connected to the dining room. At this hour, there were already a few people there. They were having breakfast and chatting. Her father Steve, Sam, Natasha, and her new neighbor, who was sitting off to the side eating sandwiches.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Tony asked. Lina didn't even look back and grabbed a fresh croissant.

"I can't be late for class," she retorted.

"Will you be back for lunch?"

"I should be back before 2 PM," she mumbled with her mouth full of crumbs.

"Jarvis, note that!"

"Yes, Mr. Stark."

After Lina ate and packed some snacks and drinks into her backpack, she was ready to leave. When she looked around, the brunette was no longer at the table. She wasn't very interested in his presence, but she was surprised that she hadn't heard him leave.

She jogged to the elevator, and there he was. He also wanted to use the elevator, but it wasn't arriving.

"Well, well, the toothbrush thief," she glared at him like a bull at a red flag. "Too bad I didn't have some fungus in my mouth, you might have caught it."

Bucky didn't respond.

"I'm James," he said calmly, which somewhat flustered the girl. Fortunately, the elevator arrived.

"I'm Lina," she said without any emotion, and they both stepped inside.

The elevator started moving down.

"Sorry about yesterday," he said, breaking the awkward silence.

"I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have yelled at you. You're Steve's friend, right?"

"That's right," he nodded.

"I like Steve," she blurted out. She didn't know what to say. She didn't feel comfortable around this guy. He was so cold and tense—completely not her type of person to chat with.

Together, but in silence, they exited Avengers Tower. He turned left, and she turned right and caught the first available taxi.

I wonder where he's headed...

Bucky adjusted his cap, pulled up his hood, and made sure his metal arm wasn't sticking out from under his glove. He walked for a few minutes and entered the nearest supermarket. He didn't feel very comfortable in such places. He had the impression that he was being watched the entire time. He didn't want to be recognized. Every glance his way on the street made him flinch and feel guilty.

Once inside the store, he grabbed a basket. The security guard at the entrance gave him a strange look at his gloves. It was autumn and quite warm.

Bucky went inside and quickly found himself in the toiletries aisle. He put toothbrushes, gels, shampoos, razors, and cologne into his basket. Then he went to the sportswear section and bought himself some shoes and t-shirts.