CopyCat | Bucky Barnes

38

"Does she know that we bleed the same?"

               - Where's My Love, SYML

I surrendered myself to the miraculous beat of my feet against the ground as I flew between the trees. I expertly sprinted through the seemingly empty forest.

I could feel them chasing me. The sound of my heartbeat filled my ears, and adrenaline was pumping like ice in my veins.

A distinct dead tree that had partially fallen created a huge obstacle for me. I forced my hands straight down, without slowing in the slightest bit, and I let a burst of earthquake waves.

My body flew upwards and over the immense rotting tree. I did my best to land on my feet, but the forest floor did not cooperate with my needs.

My feet caught on a stuck up root and forced my body down. I somersaulted through the dirt and stopped on my back. I laid there still for a moment, trying to catch my breath.

But I quickly remembered where I was. I scrambled myself up from the dirt. My back slammed down against the dead tree, and my hand flew to my chest. My breathing was ragged and desperate for a full breathe of air.

I froze when I heard them. Two sets of feet fast approaching. I sank down against the tree in an attempt to better hide myself.

A body dashed around the tree and came to a halt. He turned his head to me and smiled. His bright blue eyes filled with pride.

"Found you!" James says in his joyful voice.

"You did," I sigh, pushing myself off the tree.

"Mama!" Sarah giggles, bouncing around the tree into my view.

I kneel down and spread out my arms, they both stumble forward and wrap their short arms around me.

I lock my arms around them and lift them up. Their legs clinging to my waist. I may not have super strength at the moment but they're still relatively small. Sarah wasn't more than three feet tall, and James was just a few inches taller.

"They're fast." Clint speaks up walking around the corner into view.

"I'm never gonna win this game," I shake my head in disappointment.

I set the two of them down but stay at their eye level. "We should get back." I tell them, flickering my eyes over to Clint.

"No!"

"Already?" The both of them whined at the same time.

"Hey, it's okay," I set my hands on each of their shoulders. "I'll be back sooner this time."

They still didn't look too excited, but rather still disapointed. It always takes so long to get back. It takes days to plan, we have to move apartments again, I have to make sure Bucky is in a safe place, I have to travel hundreds of miles to a meet up spot with Clint that is different every time, and I always double back while driving to be sure I'm not followed. It's a long process. But it's worth it to have a few hours with them.

"I'm bringing Daddy this time." I smiled.

Their faces lit up, and Sarah started to bounce up and down. "Really!? Really, really, really!?!"

"James!" She turned to her twin and grabbed his hands. "Daddy! Daddy is coming!"

James started jumping with her in circles, with their hands locked together.

I stood up all the way and watched them dance together. Clint stepped closer and stood beside me while we watched them.

"I know what you're thinking." I sighed.