Kick Vibe [Bucky Barnes]

When the heart chooses

The night sky is clear which makes the full moon and stars shine bright through the wall-high windows. I sit close by, looking out to the jungle that surrounds the building. Jacks would love it here, that's for sure.

"Can I join?" Someone asks and I nod.

The voice is too familiar to say no to. I glance at him as my eyes wander to the place where his left arm should've been.

"How's the stump?" I ask.

"It feels weird to do everything with one hand." He answers, "I tried playing that game you were playing last week, but it turns out you need two hands for that."

I laugh, "You sure do."

There's a hint of guilt lingering in the air as we silently sit there, looking over the jungle.

"Thank you, by the way. For being there." He says while I see Steve's reflection in the window.

"Goodnight." Steve nods, and leaves for his room.

"It's really nothing." I go on with our conversation, "I mean, I do love working alone in New York after what happened in the past, but this team made me think otherwise."

"What happened in the past?"

I smile bitterly, "I was once a part of a team of mutants, but I left after someone died because of me."

"Oh..." He nods understanding, "What do you mean with mutant though?"

"A mutant is someone that is born with powers, and has learnt to deal with them in their early lives." I smile, "I'm a mutant, just like my father, who had wings he could easily hide."

"Hence the tattoo."

He points to the angel wing tattoo on my wrist. I smile as I take in the lines of ink.

"I never knew him, which makes all of it bittersweet. Mom suffered the most, of course, but she's strong. She kept herself together to watch over me."

Silence takes over once again as I feel his right arm behind me. We're not touching, but the presence of it is quite soothing.

"How are you feeling?" I ask, changing the subject and the air around us.

"Can't you just feel that yourself?" He grins.

"Well, yeah. But I like talking to you."

I glance at him and surprisingly, he's staring at me with a ear-wide smile on his face.

"Alright then." He whispers before speaking louder, "To answer your question, I'm feeling rather satisfied. And happy, to simplify it."

"That's nice to hear."

Our conversation stops again, but I can't say that it's uncomfortable. Silences around Bucky are always comforting in a way that I've never been with anyone else.

"Can I lay my head on your lap?" I ask, breaking the silence, "I'm pretty tired, to be honest."

He nods after probably weighing all pro's and con's against each. I move myself so my head fits perfectly on his lap. The softness of his jogging pants helps feeding my sleepiness while I close my eyes. Bucky's hand finds its way to my hair as he caresses it.

"Addison?" He whispers, but I don't budge.

I'm too tired to respond.

"Addison?" He repeats, "Good..."

I feel his raw fingers through my hair and it soothes me.

"I want to tell you something, but I know for sure I could never tell you when you're awake." He starts, "I think there's a reason why I'm happier with you around. I'm not saying that you've been altering my hormone levels." He grins, "No... I love your presence. It's your beauty and sass that helps me through the day. I mean, you have this really contagious smile which I absolutely adore." He breathes deeply, "Being a super assassin like me doesn't really give room for an own life. And when you came around, I went from surviving to living again. You make me feel comfortable around people." He sighs before ending his speech, "I think I like you, Addison. And I'm afraid that I might fall and you won't catch me."

My heart leaps as I doze off, laying on the super assassin's lap, feeling nothing but happiness.

**

I wake up, the dark of the night feeding the air. I feel an arm around my waist as my eyes try to adjust to the darkness. When my hand reaches the stump where there's supposed be a left arm, I realize that I'm resting my head on Bucky's chest. I smile as I feel his chest rising calmly while the memory of his speech comes back to mind.

I push myself up a bit, just enough so I can look at his face. His hair is sprawled onto the white pillow. He looks younger, almost innocent, when he's this relaxed. The bruises are still prominent though, and the small cut on his cheek hasn't disappeared yet.

I reach out to his cheek, tracing the linear wound with my thumb. I absently caress his lips as well, but I snap out of it once I realize how much I actually want to touch them with my own.

I sit up straight, going through my tangled hair as I figure out I can't do this. I can't romantically engage myself with him, although he would want the same.

Timing just isn't right.

"You okay?" His voice startles me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I thought you were asleep." I answer, slightly turning to face him.

"I was trying to, but sleep wouldn't come to me."

I stare at him, his perfectly blue eyes staring back at me. I'm trying my best not to lean in and kiss him already.

"What's on your mind?" He asks, lightly circling the small of my back with his thumb.

"How much I-" I choke, "How much I want to kiss you." I whisper on.

"When is that coming then?" He smirks.

"Tomorrow." I smile softly as I push myself off the bed, "You need your sleep."

Bucky grabs my wrist, causing me to turn back at him.

"Stay." He almost begs, "I may not fall asleep, but at least my mind is at rest when you're here."

I grin as I lay my head down on his chest again. His constant breathing calms my rapidly beating heart while I lay my hand over his. His arm sneaks around my waist, securing me against him.

I shouldn't be reacting like this. I shouldn't be feeling like I'm on cloud nine. But I guess my heart has another plan for me.