James Buchanan Barnes went to the annual Stark gala and ended up receiving the scare of his life.
It started out ok, good food, good wine and the pleasurable company of one gorgeous Natasha Romanoff. They'd talked amicably with other guests and had even joined in on the dance floor, not that others had been dancing when they had. They tended to have that affect on people. All in all a supposedly good night, even Stark and Wilson were behaving. And then it happened. She disappeared.
Unconcerned, Bucky continued to greet people and routinely check security. He assumed she'd gone to the toilets to powder her nose or whatever it was that women did in there. He'd stopped and had a long and lengthy chat with Steve about his upcoming retirement and had even taken the time to discuss the 'good' ol days with a wizened old man at one of the many small tables.
Hours ticked by. The charity event was just reaching full swing when he noticed her absence from the room in general. Frowning he asked a shy Wanda to check for her in the ladies. Grateful for an escape from the crowd, Wanda hurried off eagerly. Unfortunately her return came with a shake of her head and a small crease between her brows. He thanked her whilst scanning the area, searching for her iconic red hair.
Steve suggested the kitchens and Sam told him maybe she'd gone home. Bucky didn't want people to panic so nodded at their ideas with a tight lipped smile. He retreated towards a window and unlocked his phone. Her contact was the first in his speed dial and he listened to the monotonous ring whilst he waited for her to pick up. She didn't. So he tried again. After the third time he sent her a quick text expressing his concern before seeking out Barton.
Clint was twirling his wife on the floor and both were laughing, seeming genuinely happy. Bucky hated to interrupt but his worry was mounting with every passing minute. "Hey Clint, d'you think I could have a word." Clint noticed his fingers twitching nervously and kissed his wife's cheek.
"Sure man, what's up?"
"Have you seen Nat recently? I can't find her and she isn't answering any of my calls." Clint frowned.
"Check the roof. Sometimes these events can be a little stressful for her." Bucky nodded.
"Thanks."
"No problem. Look, I've got to get back to Laura but I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I see her ok?" Bucky nodded again before slipping away and heading towards the stairs.
Barton was right. She stood on the raised bar surveying the city below. Her hair, previously pinned up, now floated gently under the moonlight. Her silver dress hung loosely off of her form and he noticed her discarded heels, leaving her barefoot on the cool concrete. Bucky approached from behind, his shirt rumpled from the climb. They were on the top of the dome, the ancient metal ladder winding down towards the rooftop terrace.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" She gestured towards the network of lights that made up New York City. Even at this hour the noise of traffic and the youthful drifted towards them. "It's a shame they'll never truly live life. But, maybe that's for the best. If we could all live a life of happiness and dreams would the world still function? Maybe we need this monotonous routine that forcibly traps us in a vicious cycle of work and pain so that we can be controlled and enslaved by the higher powers. Maybe Loki was right and we do need someone above us. All we do is fight and suffer. We know nothing but heart ache and grief." She tipped onto the point of her toes and her arms flew out in an imitation of frail bird's wings.
Bucky hastened a step forward, scared that she would fall. "Nat? Are you ok?" Maybe it was the trepidation in his voice, but Nat turned towards him and accepted his hand, hopping down onto the ground next to him. He somewhat relaxed.
She smiled softly as he held her close, her eyes wet with unshed tears. He noticed her raw lip and bitten nails. No. She wasn't ok and he was a fool not to have noticed it earlier. She swept through his ruffled hair and gingerly placed a kiss on his cheek. He nuzzled his head into the crook of her neck before she pulled away. He stared at her in confusion as she cupped his face and leant in close until their lips were almost touching.
"Don't you see James, we could be free." He frowned as she let go and twirled away. Her skirt billowed up as she span before leaping up onto the bar and teetering on the edge. His heart leapt into his throat as he projected himself forward to catch her. He didn't need to though. She only stood there, letting the wind rush past her as she hovered over the busy road below. She laughed, a crazy gleeful laugh ruined by the tears running down her cheeks.
She whipped around to stare at him, her eyes alight with something akin to insanity. He'd never felt true fear until then, staring at her as she half sobbed half laughed on the edge of a six storey building. "They don't care James! They don't give a single solitary fuck! We could jump! We could disappear! They wouldn't care! They wouldn't know until they needed a whore to get their information. Until they needed someone to do their dirty work whilst they play hero! They DON'T CARE!"
His eyes widened with understanding. She was sick of being used. She couldn't exactly not do what they said otherwise it would mean a one way ticket straight to the raft. This was her only way out. And it looked like she was about to take it.
He dived towards her as she pitched over the edge, screaming in desperation as she did so. His metal hand clenched tightly around her wrist as he suspended her in midair, her feet kicking the air beneath her. He strained hard to try and pull her back to safety, her body weighing heavily on his muscles. He would not, could not, let her go. He yelled in frustration and anger, calling out to the others and screaming for help as he felt her slip inch by inch.
His original cry had halted the music in the hall and had set the avengers about in motion. Now his other pleas were successful in spurring them on towards him. Barton reached him first and took one look at his pained face before running over to help him haul over the dangling red head. She was dead weight. Limp. Her eyes closed with tears still tracking down her pale skin. Steve followed up and all three men tried to pull at her with Sam joining in soon after.
As she climbed further up the building she became heavier and heavier until when finally her torso was above the bar, she snapped open her eyes and kicked out. They all gave out cries of shock as they let go in their surprise and she once again fell backwards, her limbs flailing.
Luckily Tony shot upwards in his suit and caught the suicidal woman. He brought her to the top and deposited her in Bucky's arms. He held her close, practically crushing her as the others stood to the side. Her eyes found his and she mouthed a soft, "why?" He closed his eyes and brought her closer.
"Because dammit Natalia you don't get to kill yourself. We've been through so much and there's no way in hell you get to leave me now. I've lost you too many times already and tonight I almost lost you permanently. I care about you Natalia that's why. You're an amazing fucking woman and you don't get to let a bunch of assholes ruin your life. You're your own fucking person and you can decide what you want from life. No one has the right to make you feel like this! You're a damn sight more than just a 'whore' you're clever, you're witty, you're beautiful, you're talented and I couldn't imagine my life without you in it. You're so important to so many of us. We do care. We all do! You're the reason I get up every morning and if I'm selfish or I'm needy then fine! It's a small price to pay for having you with me. I need you!" He was full out sobbing now as was she.
The others had disappeared, Tony to end the gala, Clint to inform his wife, and the others to set up the tower.
"Come on Red. We care about you and you're coming home. I don't give a rats ass about Fury. He's not getting in touch with any of us any time soon." Tony helped her up and gave her a small squeeze. His eyes extremely saddened by what he'd just witnessed. He understood and she knew he understood, which is why she was able to give him the smallest of smiles before being smothered by James again.
A/N it's been a long time I know. I've got exams and shit but since it's Easter break I'll be able to do a bit more updating. :)
Edit: chapter was inspired by a friend.
