The Soldier's Luna: Ascension

Chapter 4

"Angel, time to wake up." Bucky kissed my temple as he muttered those words to me.

I moved my head to the side, feeling something soft yet firm under my head. My brows furrowed when I realized I was lying on Bucky's lap. I turned my head so I could look up at him."How far are we?" I asked Bucky as I ran my fingers along his cheeks.

"We just landed. You slept the whole way."

"I didn't think I was that tired." A normal flight from Wakanda to New York ranged about fourteen to sixteen hours. When it came to the quinjet's speed and technology, the time was cut down to about five or so hours. "I hope you weren't uncomfortable the whole time."

He leaned towards me, placing sweet soft kisses on my cheeks and forehead. "Well, it was either stay seated for a few hours or have you cuddled up in Romanoff's arms. Call me selfish, but I don't want you in anyone else's arms except mine."

Every kiss he gave me brought butterflies to my stomach yet at the same time, I felt a stab in my heart. The memory I dreamt about was so fresh in my mind and a few of the things that happened after. My muscles felt tight which also made my breathing feel unsteady. It was a sensation I was familiar with but I didn't want to fall into that hole again. I moved away from Bucky's lap to stretch but he cupped my cheek in his hand before I could get too far. His thumb brushed away a tear I didn't know was there. His touch calmed my nerves as I found the will to control my breathing. I leaned my cheek into his inner palm, enjoying his warm touch.

"What were you dreaming about?" He asked calmly. I shook my head, trying to hide myself away. He kept his hand there and continued to caress my cheeks. "Do you want to talk about it later?"

I released a soft shudder, praying my voice didn't break. "The mission by the Adriatic Sea," I replied softly. "That was the last mission we had together before I..."

He pulled me towards him until I could rest my head on his shoulder. "Before you got free," he finished softly.

After the Adriatic Sea, I was sent to Washington. Pierce ordered my memories to be wiped once during my assignments and then I was sent back to Siberia. Three months later, I had to see Pierce again to complete a mission in Louisiana—my very last mission as the Luna.

I shook my head, "I left you behind."

"Angel, don't do that to yourself, alright? I would've probably killed you if you came back for me." He gently pushed my chin up so I could look at him. "You found yourself and became a better person after everything that happened. Seeing this is who you became after all that made it worth it in the end."

Sam approached us, "Guys, we're heading out."

Bucky nodded before he turned to me again. "Doll, what happened on that mission—just remember it wasn't you."

I squeezed his hand, "I know, Bucky. Don't worry about it for now. Let's focus on the Accords first."

The sound of the ramp opening cut the tension away. "We'll talk about it later," Bucky assured me before we stood up. Before we walked towards the ramp, Bucky pulled me into his arms. His lips gently pressed against my forehead. "You're still my everything—no matter what, Angel."

I smiled and kissed him softly before we walked out of the Quinjet. Tony and Rhodey waiting for us by the ramp. Tony was wearing his classic suit and glasses while Rhodey wore a light blue polo shirt that was tucked into some dark blue pants. Before anyone could say anything, I hugged Tony.

"Jesus, Jersey, loosen the grip, will you? You're going to wrinkle my suit."

"Oh, shut up, you miss these hugs." I swatted his arm lightly before I moved to Rhodey. "How have you been?" I asked him after I pulled away from our hug.