Broken

Broken: Chapter 15

The smell of bacon woke me up the next morning and I couldn't help but smile when I remembered how Bucky held me all night long.

"Get up, sleepyhead," he teased from my bedroom doorway before climbing back in and hugging me from behind. "We got work to do."

I rolled over and nuzzled his neck. "Five more minutes."

"Breakfast is getting cold." He laughed when I nibbled his throat. "Quit it. You're not worming your way out of getting up."

"But it's so nice and warm," I whined. "And my boyfriend wore me out last night."

He kissed my forehead. "You wore him out."

"Pfft. He's a super-soldier. He can take it." I tapped my fingers along his chest, enjoying the strength of his body before giving in. "All right. Let me get a shower."

"That's my girl." He patted my bottom as I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. "After breakfast, you can go meditate then we'll get started on the work I got planned."

"How'd you know about my meditation?" I called as I climbed into the shower.

He laughed just outside the curtain. "Are you kidding me? I used to love watching you from my hut. You always looked so calm."

"I felt the same way about you feeding your goats." I poked my head out and gave him a quick kiss before hurrying to finish. "So, what's this work you got planned?"

"You'll see," was all he said before leaving to let me get dressed.

When I entered the kitchen, I noticed the projector in the living room. Giving him a questioning look, he just smiled and pulled out a chair for me in front of the meal he'd prepared. While we ate, I waited for him to tell me why he'd brought the projector from Wakanda. Did he feel like there was something else he wanted to share with me? Did he need another session after everything we'd already done?

"Stop worrying," he teased, apparently noticing my concerned look. "It's not for me."

"Then what is it for?" I asked as I cleaned up our mess.

He joined me at the sink and kissed my neck. "I promised to help you. I wanna keep that promise."

"Bucky, no." I trembled. In response, he wrapped his arms around me. "I don't need to. I'm good."
"You don't have to be the strong one, Des." He kissed my neck again. "Let me take care of you."

He took my hand and guided me into the living room. Opening a large metal case that housed a small monitor and keyboard, he entered in data. The projector made the familiar sound of booting up and a voice played through it.

"Good morning, Mr. Barnes," Ruth, the AI from Wakanda, said happily. "Are we ready to begin?"

"Not yet, Ruth." Bucky opened his hand, revealing the four sensors. Holding them out to me, he smiled. "Ready, doll?"

I felt the pinpricks of sweat on the back of my neck. "Bucky, I don't think I can do this."

He clasped my hand with his. "You saved me once, remember? Now, let me save you. All you gotta do is trust me."

"But-" I closed my eyes, fighting back tears. "I trust you."

"No matter what happens, I love you." He kissed each side of my temple before applying the sensors. "Just think of a happy thought at first."

I nodded, keeping my eyes closed as he applied the remaining sensors. I could hear the projector begin its process of creating the holographic images from my past. I took several deep breaths, preparing myself for what was to come, and opened my eyes.