Mosaic (Bucky Barnes X OC / Winter Soldier x OC)

Chapter 12: Valeriy Ayers - Demons Inside (Part III)

Author's note:

Some of Val's lines sound like she's uptalking with all the questions marks, but that's not the tone of voice I'm going for (I just learned about the whole uptalking thing). Her question marks come from sarcasm or the lack of confidence in what she's saying or not caring about a situation. (I added this in an earlier chapter as well for anyone any new readers.)

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I forced a laugh, nibbling on the chocolate coin and relishing the crunchy mint pieces. I tossed a coin over Bucky's way, motioning for him to have a taste with a tilt of my head.

It's always fun to watch his expressions while trying new foods. So easy to read the curious eyes to the thoughtful half frown to the small nod of approval.

He liked it.

He bowed his head a tad when he caught more orange coins out of the air. The pair of us munching on the chocolates in silence broken only by the crinkling of foil.

"What do you need?" Bucky asked out of the blue. Chocolates all consumed.

"...Need...?" I repeated.

His head nodded. "What do you need to feel safe?"

"Safe," I huffed out.

I could barely even remember the last time I actually felt safe. To be free of the ever-present fear that sat in the middle of my chest. One misstep. One slip. One second too late and everything could blow up in my face.

"Yes, safe, Valeriy. What do you nee – You need to dry your hair. It's still dripping."

Bucky's limbs started unfolding from the squished ball I shoved him into, and I couldn't help but desperately clutch onto his arm. Probably tight enough to be painful, but he made no indication of it.

"I'm not going anywhere," he assured. "I'm only grabbing your blow dryer."

"Not safe."

"...."

That's when he gently pried my fingers off his arm, surprisingly with his cybernetic. Though he quickly replaced it with his flesh hand, taking hold of mine. His grip gentle and light. If I wasn't busy trying to squeeze the life out of his fingers, I could easily slip out of his grasp.

Bucky's brow pinched together. His lips pulled into a frown. He turned his body to face me, pushing the hangers outwards and pushing me towards panic.

That made it so much more obvious as to where we were. If the light wasn't such a damn spotlight.

"...I'll be fine. I'm... I'm the Win... the Winter Soldier."

I knew the title. I knew what that meant. I could hear how difficult it was for him to admit it. The catch in his voice gave him away even if he tried to keep his expression neutral.

But still, I couldn't let go.

It wasn't safe out there.

"If they're too much, I can always lead them away, and you can make an escape."

"No."

"No?"

"Like hell you're going to be bait," I practically spat out, pissed at the notion.

Bucky's feigned calm fell away at my words, twisting his features into something close to pain. His grasp on mine tightened just a fraction. Those blue eyes of his, once again, searching for something on my face.