battle | b. barnes

"She thinks you're dead,"

6 months later

"Just focus on my voice," Bucky says as he strokes my cheek with his thumb.

I close my eyes, leaning into his touch, finding comfort from the warmth of his palm.

"But don't close your eyes, Core. If you do, you may never wake up," Bucky instructs sternly as he clutches my face with both of his hands. "Whatever you do, don't ever close your eyes." 

I open my eyes with a small frown and stare into his piercing blue eyes that are swimming with concern.

I want to ask him what he means, but nothing comes out when I open my mouth. My eyes widen in alarm as I try to find my voice, but no matter how hard I try, my attempts remain futile.

He notices my distress and looks at me sadly. His lips pull into a tight line, a small crease forming on his forehead as he frowns at me. His thumbs continue to stroke my cheeks as he thinks of what to say.

"You should've just ended it when you had the chance," A rough voice says behind Bucky.

My body goes frozen.

I know that voice.

I look past Bucky to see Rumlow standing a few feet away.

I turn my gaze back to Bucky who is oblivious to Rumlow's presence.

Did he not hear Rumlow?

I open my mouth to scream, but nothing comes out other than a hoarse whisper.

I try to push myself up, but I can't move my arms or legs. I look down at my body and see that my limbs are chained to a bed.

I helplessly watch Rumlow in horror as he pulls out a gun.

I shift my gaze back to Bucky; hoping that he'd see the panic in my eyes, but all he does is hold my hand instead. His gaze never meets mine.

I see Rumlow walking up to Bucky. He raises his arm and aims the gun at Bucky's head.

I struggle against the chains, pulling on them as I scream for Rumlow to stop.

"What's that princess? I can't hear you," Rumlow replies, putting his free hand up to cup his ear.

I continue to pull on the chains; my body thrashing violently as I desperately try to grab Bucky's attention.

"Time's up. Say goodbye to your boyfriend," Rumlow says as he presses the barrel of his to the back of Bucky's head.

I open my mouth to scream and continue to squirm.

Rumlow pulls the trigger and Bucky's head immediately falls on my waist. His eyelids are open, but his eyes are lifeless as they stare straight ahead. The puddle of blood slowly spreads as the bed spread and my shirt soak up the crimson liquid.

I look up at Rumlow, but he's gone. No one is in the room. It's just Bucky and me.

I close my eyes as silent sobs rack my body. I don't know how to get out of these chains to help Bucky.

Is it too late?

I open my eyes and stare up at the white ceiling before deciding to take a deep breath. With all the energy that I can gather, I try to scream one last time.

To my surprise, an ear-piercing scream leaves my lips.

"Help!" I shriek, hoping that someone will hear me.