The Winter Witch

Chapter 22: Nothing Stays The Same

Bucky had woken up, so Steve and I went to go see him. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his hand's folded and his head hanging. He looked miserable. After everything he's been through, I felt so terrible. We both approached him cautiously.

"Buck..." Steve started.

Bucky slowly lifted his head and his eyes immediately fell on me.

"Why did you bring her?" He demanded, his voice thick and hoarse.

My heart sank and I looked at my shoes, not wanting to make eye contact.

"Do you remember anything?" Steve asked, ignoring his question.

Bucky hesitated before replying. "Vaguely. I remember everything that happened before Amell said the trigger words. Everything else is just bits and pieces."

A wave of relief washed over me. He remembered me. Us.

"How do you feel?" Steve continued on.

"Void of any emotion. I'm still me, but it's like someone erased my ability to feel emotions." Bucky muttered.

"You were brain washed, Buck. That's understandable." Steve replied.

Bucky didn't say anything. Steve and I stood in silence for a few minutes until I decided to speak up.

"You're still loved, Bucky..." I whispered. I couldn't find the strength to speak up.

He snorted. "By you, I presume? Well don't."

I was taken aback by how rude he was. I opened my mouth but nothing came out.

"Bucky." Steve scolded.

I turned and walked out of the room, which soon became running.

"Wanda!" I heard Steve call me but I just kept running.

I didn't know where I was headed but I turned every corner and eventually stopped at the end of a hall. I slid down the wall with tears streaming down my face. I pulled my knees up to my chest and put my head down, crying silently.

I understand that he was brainwashed and that he can't jump back into his normal self, but what he said was pretty clear.

I pushed all my thoughts away and just sat in silent, letting the tears escape my eyes.

VISION POV

I saw Wanda through the wall. She was crying. I wanted to comfort her, but after what I saw, I figured she wanted to be alone. I never realized I was capable of feeling so much emotion but Wanda is...something else.

I watched as she wiped away her tears and covered her mouth, trying not to sob aloud. She's been in pain for so long. Will it ever end for her? Will she ever find peace and happiness? She had it with James but look at what that has turned into.

I know I can't give her what she deserves and I know I'm not what she wants, but I will intend to stand by her every step of the way.

"Vision, we need you!" I heard Mr. Stark yell for me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I took one last look at Wanda, then turned away to help Mr. Stark.

WANDA POV

I gathered myself and went to my room to sulk. It's what I do best. After laying on my bed staring at the ceiling for what seemed like hours, there was a knock on my door. I lazily trudged to the door and opened it. My eyes widened and I was at a loss for words.

"May I come in?" Bucky asked.

I nodded and watched as he walked in my room, gazing at everything. I closed the door behind him and walked to the window.

"What do you want? I asked, sounding more meaner than I intended it to.

"Wanda, I remember what we had, I do. I just...It's hard for me to gain those feelings back, especially after what happened." He said softly.

"You don't think I know that?" I snapped.

He let out a sigh. "I wanted to let you know that you should probably keep your distance from me. Just until I can control myself again and when I'm in the right state of mind."

I turned and looked at him, my eyes watery.

His face dropped once he saw me.

"Oh Wanda..." He started towards me but instinct took over and I shielded myself with my hex.

He shook his head. "No, don't put your walls back up. It took me so long to get them down. Please Wanda..."

"Get...out.." I said softly, my voice quivering.

"You still mean something to me Wanda. This isn't the end for us..." Bucky said.

I stared him down. I could feel the crimson drowning out the color of my eyes. My shield was growing, as I felt more and more insecure.

"You should leave, Bucky."

I looked over and saw Clint standing in the doorway.

Bucky nodded and headed out.

My shield vanished and I wiped away the fallen tears. I wish I could be stronger than this. I'm the definition of weak.

Clint walked over to me and lifted my chin up. "Are you okay?"

I looked at him and let out a sob. I threw my arms around him and cried for what seemed like the millionth time. He stroked the back of my head and held me tight.

"I know. It's okay, It's okay." He whispered.

We hugged in silence for a long time until I spoke out.

"Thank you."