The Winter Wraith (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

Chapter 12 - Forgotten Friends

The next set of displays is dedicated to historical explorers and their discoveries. Most of the displays depict the expeditions of Italian explorers, you see a painting of Christopher Columbus and a life-size imitation of Marco Polo.

A replica of an early sailing ship, complete with extravagant wooden masts, occupies the right side of the room.

The tour guide spins on her heel, her russet hair bouncing with the sudden movement. "This is one of our top photo opportunities in the museum," she smiles, gesturing to the sailing ship.

A few of people amble over, gaping in awe at the towering display of lacquered wood and pristine sails.

After some photos are taken, the tour guide turns to the rest of the group, "Would anyone be interested in a group photo? You can have the photos printed on t-shirts or mugs at our souvenir station!"

At the mention of a group photo, you and the Winter Soldier instantly melt backwards into the shadows, moving away from the group. You obviously can't have evidence proving you disobeyed Hydra.

You lean against the wall, taking the time to view the rest of the room away from flashing cameras.

"Not into photos, huh?" A voice to your right snaps you out of your thoughts, "Me neither, too much potential to go wrong."

Beside you stands a young man, boy really. He wears a navy blue flannel top, buttoned up to his neck, and a pair of jeans that look slightly too small for his lanky frame. His black-rimmed glasses stand out against his tan skin, and chocolate curls spill over his head, covering his ears. "I mean," he continues, a slight British accent accompanying his words, "you could blink, you could sneeze, you could have a spontaneous facial spasm."

He pauses, and you realise he's waiting for a response. "Uh, yeah. I'm usually the one taking the photos anyway."

This isn't strictly a lie, sometimes Hydra requires proof of 'extermination'.

When he smiles it becomes clear he was nervous you weren't going to respond.

You know the Winter Soldier is listening from where he stands on your other side, probably disapproving. You see this as all the more reason to continue, "Have you been to Italy before?"

"Nope, it's my first time out of Britain. What about you, do you travel much?" He seems genuinely curious.

I have no idea, maybe? "Uh, yeah, now and then."

You notice your fellow tourists gathering together again and use it as an excuse to end the conversation before he asks you any more questions, "Well, it was nice to meet you. We should probably go join the group again."

"Yeah," he dips his head, peeling himself off the wall.

"You too, Soldat," you whisper, bumping his shoulder.

You start walking back to the tour guide, the British kid following behind you when someone suddenly stops in front of you.

You and Winter Soldier don't pay the person any mind, your training allowing you to simply sidestep them. It isn't until you hear a small squeal and a thump as someone hits the floor that you realise the British kid wasn't so fast.

You look over your shoulder to see a yellow pile on the floor, vaguely resembling a large mustard stain. At the sight of the rude girl from before, you're about to keep walking when an unexpected scene begins to play out before you.

She sits sprawled on the ground, facing away from the embarrassed teenager profusely apologising. "Don't worry about it, handsome," she giggles, bunching her skirt around her knees.