ineffable memories / / bucky barnes

[chapter seventeen]

TIME STAMP: 1944

Spells fill the air I think 

I hear footsteps on my stair

Coming near

Her thoughts are telling me that she's here

I know my girlfriend is a witch

I know my girlfriend is a witch

Kai was writing an article with the help of Peggy when the sirens played, indicating that the soldiers were returning home after their mission. Both stood up fast and exchanged a smile between them – they were going to see their friends again. Even if it wasn't allowed for a woman to be a publisher, Kai locked her article in a drawer and put the key on her neck.

When they reached the entrance Steve and the Howling Commandos were leading the way but there was no sign of Bucky which immediately worried Kai. Moving quickly, she paced over them and when her eyes started to show signs of anxiety, Steve got closer to her, resting his hand on her shoulder.

"He's okay. He was captured and something happened but he's okay, he's alive. He's at the end of the line to ensure everyone comes home." Steve said and Kai nodded frenetically.

"How did he get captured? I thought you two were together all the time."

"His unit got caught and I wasn't there to prevent it-"

"I can see that," Kai mumbled, feeling Peggy's hand on her shoulder. "I'm gonna find him."

Kai waited for the soldiers to pass and once her eyes landed on Bucky, she felt the urge to cry. He had bruises all over and she could tell whoever had captured him, had messed up something – his ears showed signs of bleeding.

"James." She whispered and although he was still far away, he looked right into her like they were connected by something greater.

It had been over 7 months that they were something, but it was noticeable that they couldn't begin to imagine a life without each other – and that's why even bruised and still carrying a huge bag, he ran to her, hugging her tightly. "It's you."

"Welcome home, James." She whispered, cuddling into his arms. "What have they done to you?" Kai asked, pressing her hands carefully into his cheek. "Oh, my sweet boy."

"It's okay. Steve saved me." Bucky smiled slightly, even though she could see right through his pain.

"He might have saved you, but I promise, I'll avenge you. Whatever they did to you, they'll pay." Her voice was higher than intentionally so a Howling Commando who was passing by laughed.

"Oh, yeah? And what will a woman do?"

"You should step back before you find out." Kai hissed.

"Come on, there's something I want to show you." Bucky whispered, pulling Kai by the hand.

Once they were at Kai's place, Bucky put the bag on the floor before taking out a small brown notebook from there. He said he'd show her in a while because, in that moment, he just wanted to be close to her. Resting his head against her chest, Bucky felt compelled to keep his guard up, although he knew he couldn't do it much longer.

"Come with me." She whispered, leading him to the bed. Once Bucky frowned, she clarified. "I'm not going to sleep with you in that state, soldier."

"Ouch, now I feel betrayed." He joked but gave her a heartfelt smile. Watching her lay down, he understood what she wanted him to do and for a brief second, he was sure he'd start crying.

"You don't have to say anything." Kai mumbled before wrapping her arms around him. "We can just stay here until everything passes and leaves here." She said, touching his forehead slightly.

"Can you tell me something?" He asked, feeling at home. "What did you mean by avenging me?"

"I meant if someone tries to hurt you, I'll make sure they regret it."

"But... how? You're a writer, not a fighter."

"You remember how on our first date, you were incredibly annoyed that the lights were out in the streets and there was something you wanted to show me?" Kai said, moving her hands through his hair. "And then suddenly, you had lightning?"

"Yeah, I remember that. You said it was probably an electricity error."

"Hmhm, I did."

Moving her hand away from his hair, she brushed the air off, making the lights start to turn on and off, as well as some objects to start floating. Bucky's eyes opened widely, and he quickly sat on her bed, watching her scared and amused.

"You..." He started skeptical, trying to find the right words.

"You can't tell anyone. If they find out, they'll..."

"I won't tell anyone." He guaranteed her, holding her hand. "I won't risk you."

Kai tilted her head and after centuries, she found someone she could genuinely trust, while James finally found someone of his. If there was a chance to do it, Kai would burn down the world to save him, just like he would do everything in his power to protect her, even years later, when he didn't realize it.

"You're magnificent, Katherine." He whispered, before pulling her for a deep yet soft kiss – one of many that would mark their whole history.