chrysalism. n.
the amniotic tranquility of being indoors during a thunderstorm, listening to waves of rain pattering against the roof like an argument upstairs, whose muffled words are unintelligible but whose crackling release of built-up tension...
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New York, New York. Bucky's Bedroom. August 9th, 2017. 10:37 AM.
"How're you feeling?" Bucky asked as he walked into the bedroom from the bathroom. His eyes fell onto Malone, who was laying in his bed with a pillow over her face, groaning. She was huddled in his sweatshirt battling the worst headache she ever had. "Can I do anything to make it better?"
He carefully sat next to her on the bed, resting a hand on her knee. She removed the pillow from her face and stared sadly at him, shaking her head.
"Will you just go get me a bottle of water and some Advil, please?" She asked softly. Bucky nodded and left the room, quickly returning with a bottle of medicine and a cold bottle of water. He handed her the water and shook two pills out into his hand, giving them to the red-faced girl. She smiled in thanks before downing both.
"Stress?"
"It has to be. I mean, I was doing okay with getting my dad back, because I knew he existed. But now that I have this whole extended family that my grandmother never bothered to tell me about, I feel like I know nothing about myself."
"You're lucky, doll. You have people to lean on, even though it's proving to be a little bit overwhelming," he spoke softly, settling in next to Malone and wrapping an arm around her, pulling her head to lay on his chest. "I've only got you and Steve. You are my family."
"Mr. Barnes, Mr. Stark is requesting you in his office," FRIDAY's voice interrupted the couple's moment.
"I'm on my way," he replied to the computer. "I'll be back, okay? Don't go anywhere," he laughed softly as he stood from the bed.
"Couldn't even if I wanted to," Malone groaned.
"Get some rest, doll."
As Bucky walked out of the room, Malone fished her phone from the nightstand next to her, opening a text to Kenny.
M: Come into Bucky's room, please.
K: Why're you in there?
M: Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to.
There was a soft knock at the door and Kenny peeked his head in. Malone waved him in and sat up in the bed, resting her head on the headboard.
"You doin' okay?" He asked.
"I'm fine. Just a headache. But I have a favor to ask of you, where's Dad?"
"Right here, pumpkin. Was bringin' you a book to keep you company," he called as he walked into the room. He fiddled with a red paperback book in his hands before setting it on the nightstand.
"Thanks, Dad, I appreciate it," Malone smiled. She pat the mattress next to her and Bill took a seat, patting her knee as he did.
