The Fall - Book 2

242. Easy there, buddy...

OCTOBER 23, 2020 — THE BARNES HOUSE — RÉA

"I'm back, doll," Bucky calls out as I hear the closing of the front door.

"I'm in here!"

I hear his footsteps approaching, and look up from the cutting board to see him leaning against the doorjamb of the kitchen, looking absolutely delectable...and then I notice the crease between his brows and the worry in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" I lay the knife I was using across the cutting board and round the island, making my way to my husband. I cup his face in my hands, my gaze searching his.

"I, um...I have to go on a mission tomorrow. In Prague." He gives me the details, and we settle into chairs at the island while he talks. When he's finished laying out the information from the meeting, he lets out a heavy sigh. "I'm trying not to," he swallows audibly, "not to spiral. But I...." he trails off.

I simply take his hand in mine, lacing my fingers with his as I wait for him to continue. After a few minutes of silence, he does.

"It's a multi-faceted thing. Part of it is having to wear that damn veil. I haven't...I haven't worn anything on my face since...since the days of the Winter Soldier. And I know the veils are light, but I just...the thought of something covering my face is..." he lets out a sigh, "...it's daunting."

I nod in understanding, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

"And then there's the timing, and the location...." He once again sighs. "Prague isn't quite four hours from Berlin. And that mis..." his voice catches slightly, "...that mission—the one where you had to stay by yourself—was on October twenty-sixth. And I know you have your powers back now, and that you're not going to be alone, but I...I just have this awful sense of déjà vu, and I..." he swallows thickly, "...I'm scared."

'Oh, Bucky,' I think, my heart aching as I take in the haunted, fearful look in his eyes.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"I asked Thor and Loki if they would stay here while I'm gone. They agreed, and I told them that I'd text them firm details once I spoke with you."

"Would you feel less anxious if I stayed at the compound?"

"I honestly don't know. Maybe? I mean, I know we have just as much security as the compound does. And I know you'll be more comfortable here versus there. And last time, you..." his voice wavers, "you were there, and you still wound up...."

'Still wound up taken,' his unspoken words hang in the air.

After a moment, he clears his throat. "Again, I honestly don't know. Because Thor and Loki will be there; so will Vision. And Pepper and Morgan, which means I know that Tony is going to make extra-sure that F.R.I.D.A.Y. stays up and running. But, like I already said, we have just as much security here as the compound, and I know you'll be more comfortable here."

I'm quiet for a few moments, thinking things over. "I...I think I want to stay there."

"Doll, you don—"

"I know," I interject. "I know I don't." I pause briefly. "I'd like to remind you that our relationship is a partnership. That means we help and support each other, through everything...and if me staying in the compound has the potential to make you feel even a fraction less anxious about having to go on this mission, then that's what I'll do. You always take care of me...let me take care of you."

His eyes search mine, then he rests our foreheads together, his hand settling on the side of my neck and his thumb brushing my jaw. "You do, Réa. You always do."