To The Bitter End (Bucky Barnes/ Winter Soldier x reader)

Chapter fifteen

2014

There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose

He did what he had to do

Devil's Backbone by The Civil Wars

Deep underground in a hidden bunker, several Hydra scientists worked to repair the damage done to the Winter Soldier's metal arm.

He didn't care, hardly even noticing when a stray spark from a welding torch left a small burn on his right wrist. Usually, you would be there, by his side, holding his hand when people shot you hateful or disdainful looks.

But you'd told him to leave, that's what your subtle nod had meant... right?

He shook his head slightly, you knew what you were doing. But if you... no. No that wouldn't happen. If- when he found you, anyone who hurt you would be sorry.

And then there was the other issue. Bucky. Captain America had looked at him and said 'Bucky'. But who – the hell – was Bucky?

It was a name, he knew that much. But was it his name? No, he didn't have a name.

He was the Winter Soldier, not Bucky.

"You, you're Bucky." You looked intensely at him as if expecting some reaction.

"I am?" He didn't remember anything, it was all a blur. But something in the way you looked at him with a mixture of hope and fear assured him that you weren't lying.

"Yes, and I'm..." You hesitated then as if you couldn't remember either. "I'm your friend."

That's right, you were his friend. His. And he would protect you at all costs.

He'd always been protective of you, even when he didn't know who you were.

Was that where the man with the blonde hair and bright eyes came in? Had he threatened you before? No, that didn't feel right.

An image flashed through his mind, no matter how much he tried to push it away, it kept coming back like a record stuck on repeat.

He strolled easily down the street, a girl at his side, as usual. She was giggling at something he'd said, which wasn't uncommon either.

The sound of a tussle reached his ears before a familiar voice shouted something about the war being an important matter. He hesitated, glancing at the girl, then at the back alley where the sound was coming from.

"The hell, Steve," He muttered, quickly saying goodbye and running to help his friend.

Steve was sprawled on the ground, as usual, with a bloody nose and a forming black eye.

Another guy was standing over him, taunting him as Steve staggered weakly to his feet. "You just don't know when to quit, do you?"

"I could do this all day," Steve panted.

"Hey," Bucky called out, letting his shadow fall across the other guy. "Pick on someone your own size."

Before the guy could hit Steve again, Bucky grabbed his arm and shoved him away, getting between the man and his friend. The guy squared off to him, clearly not knowing just how much experience Bucky had with back alley scraps like this.