Ten Years

Food War

"And as long as you're near, I'll be here. Even if it takes ten years."

- Bucky -

She called me later that night, Tessa did. And while I was expecting it, I wasn't expecting to hear her say what she said.

"Bucky?" She asked, "I can't sleep.."

"That's okay darling," I whispered, "I can't sleep either."

"Can you come here?" She asked, "I know it's late bu-"

"I'm coming Tess," I smiled, "don't worry. I'll help you fall asleep."

"Thank you," she whispered, "I don't deserve you James."

She just said my first name. She's remembering more and more! But then I realized she used my first name. She's terrified. Poor girl.

"Darling," I said softly, "you're scared. Why?"

"I'm alone," she admitted, "the halls are empty, and I feel like he's just going to walk in."

"I'm sorry," I apologized, "I'm so sorry you feel like that darling, I'm on my way right now."

"Please hurry.. I don't like this."

"I'll be there in 10."

And I was. Tessa was right. There were no nurses on her floor, and it was dead silent. It was eerie and quiet, and I could see why she was scared. She is cooped up in an empty floor of a hospital, can't remember anything. I get it.

I understand.

"Hi Tessa," I smiled as I walked into her room.

Seeing her broke my heart. She was curled up in the corner of her bed, hugging her knees to her chest as she buried her head to hide her face. Her hands were trembling as she looked up at me, her eyes rimmed with red.

"Bucky?" She asked, and I nodded my head.

"Hi darling," I smiled, taking a few steps closer to her bed before sitting on the edge.

"It's been 11 minutes," she frowned, and I could tell she was trying to cheer herself up.

"Honey," I laughed, "you don't have to pretend like you're not scared. I know you don't want to show vulnerability, but I'm not here to judge you."

"Okay," she whispered, "then I'm terrified."

"Come here," I smiled, opening my arms up to her as she climbed in, resting her head on my shoulder. Her dark hair cascaded down my back as she hugged me tightly. My right hand made its way to her hair while my left hand rubbed her back, "Ethan isn't going to hurt you anymore. I promise."

"Steve told me about him you know," she admitted, "and that's something I wish I didn't remember."

"You remembered Ethan?"

"Not really," she whispered, "but I remember being at McDonalds with you."

"You do?" I asked, and she nodded her head, "I know it wasn't an ideal situation, but I finally have him at a point where he won't hurt you."

"Can you tell me a funny story?" She asked, lifting her head from my shoulder and staring at me with those beautiful hazel eyes.

"What would you like to know?" I smiled, cupping her hand in my cheek and running my thumb across it.

"Can you tell me a story about Theresa and Sabrina?" She asked, giving me the perfect idea.

"Theresa started a food fight with Sabrina," I laughed, "and got the entire team involved."