Shadows of Trust || A Bucky Barnes Love Story

Chapter 8 - A Memory of the Heart

It had only been a few hours since Bucky returned from the mission, but everything felt off. The tension in the air was palpable as Dr. Cho quietly monitored Bucky's condition. He sat on the hospital bed, his posture rigid, as she asked a few routine questions about how he was feeling.

"I don't remember anything," Bucky said softly, his voice laced with frustration and confusion. "I don't remember anyone... or who I am."

Steve and Sam stood nearby, exchanging worried glances as they whispered between themselves.

"How are we going to tell Diana?" Steve muttered, concern etched across his face.

"I don't know, man. She's not gonna take this well," Sam replied, shaking his head.

Just then, the soft creak of the door broke the quiet tension in the room. Bucky's head turned instinctively, his breath hitching slightly at the sight of the woman stepping through the doorway—Diana. She entered with urgency, her eyes filled with worry, but when Bucky locked eyes with her, something stirred inside him. He didn't know who she was, but there was a feeling, something deep and undeniable.

"Bucky, stop, don't move," Diana rushed to him as he tried to sit up despite the pain. Her hands gently pressed against his shoulders, urging him to lie back down, but his face was twisted with anguish.

"I don't remember you," Bucky whispered, his voice cracking as he looked up at her with a broken expression. "My mind is blank... there's nothing there. But..." He broke down then, his emotions overwhelming him. "I know I love you. I can't explain it, but I know."

Diana's heart clenched, tears immediately welling up in her eyes as she gathered him into her arms. Bucky clung to her like a lifeline, burying his face into her shoulder, trembling from the sheer frustration of not knowing who he was.

"I've got you, Jamie. I'm here," Diana whispered soothingly, stroking the back of his head as he held on to her tightly. His large hands gripped her back, pulling her as close as possible, as though she were the only thing anchoring him in this chaotic moment.

Sam and Steve exchanged confused looks from across the room.

"How does he know her if his mind is blank?" Steve asked, his brow furrowed.

Bucky, still holding Diana, heard the question and slowly pulled back just enough to show them what was hanging around her neck. His dog tags, the metal gleaming slightly as they rested against Diana's chest. He lifted them gently with his hand.

"I gave these to her," Bucky said softly, his voice steady despite the confusion in his eyes. "I don't remember much, but I know one thing for sure—I'd only give these to one woman. I wouldn't let anyone else call me James."

The dog tags clinked softly as he let them fall back against Diana's chest. Steve and Sam stared, both in awe and bewilderment. Diana, now fully tearing up, leaned forward and covered Bucky's face in kisses, her heart bursting with relief.

"You're still mine," she whispered against his skin, her tears falling as she kissed his forehead, his cheeks, and finally his lips. "You're still my man, Jamie."

Bucky pressed his forehead to hers, feeling the warmth of her touch settle the chaos in his mind. Then, gently, he tilted her chin up and kissed her back, his lips soft but full of longing. "Stay with me," he murmured against her lips. "I don't trust anyone else right now. Only you."

Diana's tears fell harder as she nodded. "I'm not going anywhere."

Dr. Cho cleared her throat softly from behind them, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Bucky, I think you'll be alright. You can go back to your room if you want, but I've written out a list of medications to help with your headaches and memory recall. Make sure you take them."

Bucky took the list and immediately handed it to Diana. "You handle that," he said softly. He glanced over at her, the pain in his head subsiding a little as he leaned on her for support. "I trust you."

Diana smiled warmly, carefully folding the list and putting it in her pocket. "Of course, Jamie."

With Diana's help, Bucky stood, testing his strength before giving her a small smile. "The headache's getting better," he muttered, rubbing his temple lightly. He turned his head to Diana, his eyes softening. "I think I need something to eat."

Diana chuckled softly, kissing his cheek. "Alright, let's get you something in the kitchen."

As they made their way toward the common area, Bucky stopped and looked at her, a playful glint in his eyes. "But only if you let me cook for you this time."

Diana raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh no, I'm cooking for you, mister. After what you've been through, you deserve to be spoiled."

Bucky smiled, his heart warming at the sound of her voice and the way she doted on him. "Fine, but I'll help. I'm not letting you do it all."

They continued their walk, hand in hand, their connection stronger than ever, even if Bucky's memories weren't all there. Diana was his constant, the woman who held him together when his mind couldn't. And Bucky, no matter what, knew in his heart that she was the only one he could trust. The only one he'd ever want.