Warriors (Bucky Barnes)

Living Without You

---Fifteen Months Later---

    "Gemma, it's time to get out of here," Shuri called from across the room, "You can't live in this lab."

    Gemma looked out the window, just then realizing the sun had gone down. Groaning loudly, she stretched in her chair, spinning around to face Shuri, who was grimacing at her. Gemma clicked her tongue, looking at the ceiling, trying to avoid the teen's obvious look of annoyance. Shuri scoffed and started up the stairs. She was having none of it. Gemma jumped from her chair, and started after her.

Gemma climbed the stairs back toward reality, taking a heaving breath. Shuri glanced over her shoulder and quirked an eyebrow at her, smirking knowingly. Gemma rolled her eyes, and looked at Shuri.

    "What?" Gemma asked.

    "You have to get out of this lab more. I get you're afraid of forgetting, and moving on without Bucky, but you can't keep sitting around here waiting for him to wake up." Shuri informed her.

    Gemma shook her head. "I'm not afraid of forgetting, I can't forget him. I'm just tired of waiting. We get so close to a breakthrough, then we find a fatal flaw, and we have to start all over again. I just don't want to leave this lab until we figure it out."

    "Gem, we aren't going to give up on him. It's going to be alright. Just, take a breath, and let us get there. I'm really glad you're here, though. You have been a vital part of our development team. Just, take some time for yourself." Shuri begged, holding Gemma by the arms.

    Gemma rubbed her face, and said, "Okay, I'm going to head home, let me know if anything happens around here, alright?"

    "Of course. Now, go, and take care of yourself. It's Friday night, go out. I don't want to see you until Monday." Shuri demanded.

    "Alright, Shuri, I hear you. I'll see you on Monday." Gemma agreed, as she started out of the lab.

    She slowly walked across the courtyard, and into her building. Climbing the stairs, she ran into her neighbor. She nodded his way, not really in the mood for a conversation. Turi smiled as he passed her. He paused a moment, and turned back to watch her.

    Turi called up after her, "Gemma, wait..." He ran up to the landing, grinning. "Me and some of the others from the lab are going out to the club in the city, would you like to join us?"

    Gemma sighed, running her hands through her hair. "I don't know..."

    "Please. I know you have someone you're waiting for, but I think you should come out with us, just to get some air." Turi pushed, watching her intently.

    Gemma nodded, and looked back up the stairs, before saying, "Okay, give me five minutes, and I'll meet you downstairs."

    Turi chuckled, "Sounds good. I'll get us a cab, we'll be in the courtyard."

    Gemma grinned, and started back up the stairs. She ran into her apartment, and pulled out her only dress, throwing it on. She looked in the mirror, fixed her hair, and ran back out of the apartment. Trying to take deep breaths, she started back down the stairs. She was out of practice, and in that moment, she could feel it.

Stepping out into the warm air, Gemma was immediately glad she was wearing the light dress. She took a deep breath, approached the taxi, and climbed in. Turi, grinned, and told the driver where to take them.

    As they approached the club, Turi glanced at Gemma. She smiled back at him, and climbed out of the taxi. Turi led her into the club, and they met up with the others. Immediately getting a drink, Gemma wandered out onto the dance floor. She threw her hands in the air, and danced with the large group, shoved into the small space like sardines. It was like everyone needed a distraction that night.