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

Chapter 55

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After his horrible nightmare and the overly welcome distraction of the morning, they had grabbed the pillows off the couch and made themselves comfortable wrapped in the blankets on the floor in front of it.

It was the first time they were able to savor this togetherness for a bit without being interrupted by an impending doomsday or their own guilty consciences about any secrets.

They talked. For the most part, it was Bucky who told her about the images and memories that haunted him without his usual reserved manner. Emilia was simply there for him, listening. Just as he usually did.

Since he hadn't really talked about his nightmares in his sessions with Dr. Raynor until now, he felt it getting easier for him with every word. With a single glance at the face of the woman lying on his chest in his arms, he knew again who was giving him this relief.

Just as in Wakanda, it needed only her. Her stubborn, but also fragile nature, which gave him a confidence that downright frightened him.

The very last thing he ever wanted to do was to betray it.

It was the only thing that showed him a path like a light in the dark times. And Bucky doubted that he might be the one to take that glow back down into the depths with him at some point.

The thought of not being able to give Emilia her proper due held his chest as if in a vise.

But he wanted to forget this feeling for the moment, which is why he pulled her even closer to him.

She snuggled up to him under the blanket. There was a thoughtful calmness about their closeness, which she just wanted to enjoy.

The fact that Bucky was overshadowed by renewed doubts, despite the harmony and silent assurance of what lay ahead of them, was something Emilia didn't want to see at that instant.

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By early afternoon, Sam's contact had found out more.

As guessed, there were indications that Karli and the Flag Smashers were planning an attack on the GRC meeting.

Emilia and Bucky were thus rudely thrown back to reality.

After a sporadic breakfast consisting of toast, some peanut butter and jelly, and coffee, Emilia wanted to continue trying to find out new information about the upcoming vote. They didn't have much time left.

Sam's call that Karli and her henchmen were really in town and planning something did bring the relieving news. At the same time, however, that inner restlessness returned, since no one knew exactly what was going to happen.

They therefore set out to be on the scene as soon as possible.

"We should make sure they really lock everything down. I fell pretty uncomfortable about it."

"Not a bad idea for once, Carson."

Bucky couldn't help the comment, smirking as he looked into Emilia's playfully piqued face as they walked down the street.

"Like I'm the only one who always comes up with stupid ideas. I'm just saying: airplane, no parachute, red wing, evidence tape."

Rejoicing in having found something she could always rub his nose in, she walked on with her head held high, while Bucky stopped as if rooted to the spot.

It wasn't until a few feet away that Emilia noticed he was no longer beside her.

"Bucky?"

He was standing in front of the large window, looking in. She could hear a female voice a moment later.