The Winter Wraith (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

Chapter 13 - Distant Mirrors

The colossal structure in front of you must be at least forty stories high. It rises high over even the tallest of the trees, and primly groomed bushes border the concrete path leading to its entrance.

You stand at the beginning of it, unsure whether your shoes will leave dirt smudges on the immaculate pathway. You check the golden numbers glinting on the letterbox, 138, and know that somehow, someway, this is where you'll be staying tonight.

A massive billboard, incongruous with the elegancy of the estate but understandable advertising, sits close to the road. It depicts a smiling couple standing outside the entrance to the hotel. The man's smile is slightly strange, you note, like he was in the middle of having... a spontaneous facial spasm.

"Huh," you realise, "just like Harry said."

"Who?" The Winter Soldier looks over at you, unsure whether you are talking to yourself or him.

"Oh, the British kid from the museum."

This stops him short. "When did he tell you his name?"

"He didn't," you reply. "He thought it. Well, he considered introducing himself but then decided it would be weird."

"Right." The Winter Soldier nods, not looking at all like he understands.

The memory gives you courage, and you march down the intimidating path until you come face to face with the towering entrance of the hotel.

The automatic doors slide open, introducing the foyer of the hotel. A shimmering chandelier hangs down from the high ceiling, and you're hesitant to walk under it in case the mammoth diamonds decide to drop on your head.

A grand balustrade escorts two mirrored staircases leading up to the first of many floors. Set further back in the large room, a woman waits behind a large marble reception desk, dressed immaculately in a navy uniform.

"Good afternoon," the woman greets you, "and welcome to the Calla Lily Hotel.

You're almost offended that she went straight to English, assuming you incompetent at speaking her language, but then you remember the tasteless I Love Italy tops you're both wearing.

"Can I get your names?"

She looks to the Winter Soldier first, and you watch as he hesitates. It takes a few second of awkward silence before you realise: he doesn't remember what the paper said his identity was. You knew he was distracted by all that happened at the museum, but you didn't expect him to forget something this important.

You cut in before the woman notices anything wrong. "My name is Karma Smith."

Your first name was unique enough to stand out, but your last name would ensure people couldn't track you down too easily in the event you made some enemies tonight. The woman nods, turning her attention back to the Winter Soldier. "And yours?"

You give him a moment in case he remembers, but he just stands there. Shuffling awkwardly.

Heaving a dramatic sigh, you call on your powers and quietly say, "You don't need his name."

The woman nods instantly. "Of course. Yes. Are you here for the ball tonight?"

You nod, knowing the ball was going to be held in the hall of the hotel you were staying in.

"Would you like someone to lead you to your room?" she asks, handing over two key cards.

"We're good, thank you," you reply.

They should be easy enough to find by yourselves, and you can use the time to mark all the exits and entryways near your room.

Your room is on the 18th floor, and on the way up you count doors leading to a fire exit staircase on every floor, useful unless your enemy is at the bottom, eight rooms on each floor, at least seven occupants on the floor above and below you, and ninety-seven windows you could use as an exit.