THE FADING FALLEN ● Bucky Barnes X OC ● 18+ ● ENGLISH [COMPLETE]

Chapter 24

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In the days that followed, everything went as it had in the weeks before.

Emilia and Bucky weren't avoiding each other, but there was something unspoken in the air. Furtive glances, wordless meals, excessive apologies or unfounded arguments when they got in each other's way.

She thought it was just right the way it was: no big contact, no closeness, no problems. At least, no more than they were causing anyway in their many small interactions with one another.

He had similar things in mind. As attractive as she was to him, he found exactly that dangerous: Emilia made him feel something he buried deep long ago. Something he believed he had no right to feel.

The emerging emotional chaos in the two didn't go unnoticed by Shuri. She sensed that something was wrong with her friend. What exactly it was, she was unable to find out. In order not to put pressure on Emilia, she hoped for her own initiative. But her friend didn't really want to talk.

For Natasha, however, it was no obstacle. She couldn't watch the tragedy any longer.

During a training session just a few days before the feared Armaggedon, she dragged Emilia behind her without a word. Until they found themselves in the palace garden.

"Have I done something to you that I don't know about? Or is this a new way of training?" Confused, Emilia stared at the woman who impatiently dragged her behind.

"Sit down." Natasha pointed to one of the benches and settled herself on it.

"I don't care about whatever happened between the two of you. What I do care about is that you guys should work this out. We're on the verge of probably the biggest battle ever and you're pulling a face like seven days of rain because of Barnes!"

Even though it sounded more like a big sister's telling off, it was clear that Natasha was just worried. Emilia knew standing up to a Black Widow was pointless - you would always get the short end of the stick.

Still, she didn't miss the opportunity to vehemently share her view.

"First of all: there's nothing between Mister Grumpy and me! And secondly: even if there was, it doesn't distract me from what we're about to face. So don't worry. I know exactly what's coming."

Like a miffed child, Emilia crossed her arms in front of her chest and looked the other way.

"I don't actually question that you know what we're up against. I just doubt what your ability is to judge what's going on with Barnes. After all, it looks more like you're frolicking around each other like two shy teenagers..."

Almost outraged, Emilie wheeled around: "What? Why would you think that? I..."

Natasha's accusing look belied her, taking the wind out of her excessive indignation.

"Ok, ok... this is really a bit.... confusing for me. I don't know where to put it. On the one hand, I understand him and all he's been through. No wonder you lose faith in humanity after something like that."

Emilia didn't notice the words just pouring out of her as Natasha listened intently.

"On the other hand, does that mean you have to walk around like a cranky old grouch all the time? I've seen how sweet and nice he can be. But only when he wants to. He's so inconsistent and drives me crazy! No one gets close to him, not even Steve."

"You do."

The irritated look was more than obvious, so Natasha continued to elaborate.

"Not only have I noticed it. You two seem to be incapable of being with or without each other. Even if you two bullheads haven't noticed it yet... there's something going on between you. Just as if you were attracted like strong magnets."