Till The End

Chapter 4

Flickering my eyes open, I can hear Bucky shouting. Climbing out of bed, I race down the landing and stop abruptly when silence suddenly happens.

Confusion fills me. I gently push open the door and hear Bucky crying to himself. But, Kitty is lying in his arms beside him. He has his arms around her back and she hugs him tight.

"It only nightmare. It's okay." Kitty whispers.

"Bucky?" I ask.

Bucky doesn't look up, but Kitty sits up in his bed and smiles when she sees me in the doorway. Closing the door behind me, I stride over to the bed and sit on the edge beside Kitty. I look down at Bucky to see him hiding his face in his hands and watch the tears fall onto the pillow.

"It hurts." Bucky whispers.

Leaning behind Kitty, I brush my hand through Bucky's hair and wipe the tears that continue to stream down his cheeks.

"I know, Buck, I know. I can't stop it and I'm sorry." I mutter. "Kitty you should go back to bed."

"No. I want her to stay. Please." Bucky begs, opening his eyes to meet mine.

"If that's what you want. Kitty come lay with us."

Kitty lies down and Bucky slips his arms around her tight. I feel him grab my arm and pull me close too, my arm also wrapping around Kitty.

*

I wake up to Kitty trying to wriggle out from under our arms. Lifting my arm, she looks up at me and smiles.

"Morning." She whispers.

"Good morning." I reply.

I lean over and lift Bucky's arm so Kitty can slip out from underneath us. She wanders out of Bucky's bedroom and down the stairs. Carefully, I slide out from underneath Bucky, placing his arms back in place.

Following Kitty, I walk into the kitchen and grab cereal for her breakfast. Strolling into the living room, I place it on the coffee table by the tv and she kneels in front of it to eat. I sit on the sofa behind her, watching a Disney film.

I hear feet padding down the stairs and look up to see Bucky walking down the hallway, but stopping at the living room doorway. He rubs his metal hand on the back of his neck, so his t-shirt rises up.

"Hey. How are you feeling?" I ask.

"I'm okay, thanks. I'm just a little tired." He admits.

"That's understandable, why don't you go back to bed?" I suggest.

"I won't be able to sleep." He points out.

Bucky walks out and into the kitchen. I follow him, taking out Kitty's empty bowl. Bucky is stood in the kitchen, his elbows leant on the breakfast bar and his head in his hands. I stand in front of him.

"Bucky? Are you sure you're okay?" I question.

"No. I can't stop the nightmares and I hate feeling weak."

"It will pass, Bucky. I promise." I whisper.

Bucky looks up, tears swimming in the brim of his eyes. He nods slowly.

"I have to go to SHIELD, but I'll take Kitty with me this time. Is that okay?"

"Yes. I'm sorry about last night, Steve, I should have thought before giving her those sweets."

"It's fine, Bucky. You make mistakes and you learn."

"I'm still sorry." He repeats.

"It's okay. I'll be back soon." I announce.