Early one spring morning, Bucky and Gemma Frost walked hand-in-hand through the market near their apartment. It was a crisp morning, one of the nicest it had been in months. It was like a godsend for the couple, after all the time Bucky spent hiding. Wandering from stand to stand, they picked through the odds and ends being sold.
Grinning at Bucky, Gemma spun his hat around and pecked him on the cheek. It was high time they had a good time. One that didn't include the grueling physical training Bucky insisted upon. Not that they didn't enjoy it, but some time among people was like a breath of fresh air.
As they approached a small produce stand, Gemma glanced at her watch, and groaned, "Damn, it's time for me to head into the office. I really don't want to go!"
Bucky chuckled as he ran his fingertips across her cheek. "Darlin', I know, I'm way better than work, but one of us has to live a semi normal life. Get going, and I'll get you a surprise for later, okay?"
Gemma laughed, spinning his hat back around, pulling it over his eyes. "It better be good!" She gave him a swift kiss and started away," I Love you, and I'll see you tonight. Oh, and don't forget the plums."
Bucky muttered, "I love you. See you soon."
She watched him over her shoulder, until the crowd swallowed him up. Reluctantly, she turned her attention toward the hustling courtyard before her. It made her uneasy leaving him, but it was on an all new level, since it had been months since he had left the apartment in the beautiful light of day.
Gemma jogged through the streets on her way to work, as she did every morning. That particular day, there was a high volume of traffic, many speaking of a bombing in Vienna. She slowed, trying to sort out the details, when she caught sight of the newspaper. There on the front page, was a photo of Bucky Barnes. She growled as she read the headline, realizing they were blaming him for the death of over a dozen people, including the king of Wakanda. She knew the name from some work she was doing. Losing the king would create an uproar for some.
She dropped the paper, and turned tail, running back towards her apartment. Upon reaching the bottom step of the staircase, she spotted a group of men dressed in SWAT gear coming in the back entrance. She peeled off her high heels, and launched up the stairs, taking them three at a time. She reached the top in seconds, and yanked open the door to her shared apartment with a wanted man.
Running into the apartment, she came in on Bucky sizing up none other than Captain America. They both turned on her, ready to attack. Bucky jumped in front of Steve, and pushed him back, before approaching Gemma. He was visibly nervous and maybe slightly agitated.
She groaned, "When you said you had a surprise for me, I wasn't expecting Captain America."
"Gem, you were supposed to be on your way to work! You're not supposed to be here, it's not safe, even for you." Bucky scolded, as he took her into his arms.
She pulled away, and glanced at Steve before announcing, "I know, it doesn't matter now. There is a whole team of officers downstairs. They are currently talking over how to take you, dead or alive. The newspaper says you bombed a building in Vienna. I know that's a lie, so tell me. What the hell is going on?!"
"It's a mistake. We can talk about it later, right now, we need to get out of here." He turned to Steve just as he put his hand over his ear.
"We've got inbound!" Steve yelled, just as a flash bang grenade broke through the kitchen window.
Bucky struck it out of the air, and Steve covered it with his shield just as it exploded, leaving a circular burn mark on the floor. Gemma huffed and stood at the ready, watching the front door. She was not going to let the men have all the fun. Bucky groaned, and pushed Gemma toward the bathroom.
"I know you can hold your own with these guys, but I can't let you get in the middle of this. Stay in the bathroom, until the fight moves on. And then meet me at our spot. I'll come find you! Now go!" He barked, shoving her into the bathroom.
She turned to object, but didn't get the chance. Bucky slammed the door shut with a reluctant frown. Gemma was about to pull the door open, but a loud clatter came from the other side. Huffing, she took a pair of pants and a sweater from the laundry basket, getting changed to the cries of grown men. It was probably one of her strangest experiences. Once dressed, she sat on the tubs edge. Waiting for the fight to end, she tapped her foot against the toilet, counting each quiet clink of the porcelain. Suddenly, a man crashed through the door, knocked unconscious. She sighed, and stood, looking him over. He was breathing.
"Gemma?!" Bucky called.
Gemma leaned over the unconscious man. "I'm fine! End this!"
Bucky nodded, and rushed out of the apartment.
Once the commotion finally died down, Gemma emerged from the bathroom. She looked around the apartment, and saw the hole in the floorboards. Bucky had taken one of the hidden packs. He obviously wasn't planning on coming back to the apartment.
Gemma knew what to do. She stuck a hand in the hole, and yanked out a second bag, along with a large handgun. Bucky had taught her survival, and now it was time to use it.
Gemma slipped on her boots, and a coat, and started down the stairs, still lined with unconscious men. She accidentally kicked one of them as she made her way through the wreckage. Stepping outside, she could hear sirens converging, not on the building, but on the parkway ahead. Bucky was on the run.
Taking a deep breath, Gemma made her way around the back of the building, towards their hidden motorbikes. Bucky had insisted on them, because apparently you can't easily conceal a car. She climbed onto hers, and kick started the engine. Was she really going to leave him behind? Taking a deep breath, she started down the road, away from the sirens and Bucky.
The trip to the seaside city of Constanţa seemed to take twice as long as usual. Gemma rode the moderate distance all the way through, and found herself in the hotel that Bucky had brought her to only a month prior. It had been a rare, but beautiful trip for hem.
Upon their first visit a year ago, the fell in love. They had decided when they saw the gorgeous, seaside view that they would make it their vow to return as often as possible. With Bucky's status, that was still rare. Though, the discretion of the hotel staff was an added security measure they enjoyed.
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Anxious for Bucky's return, Gemma found herself on the beach wandering along the shore of the Black Sea. It had been two days since she had arrived, and Bucky was still missing. He had intended for her to come to Constanța, of course. Still, he had always stayed in contact, so the fact that it had been more than twenty-four hours was a major concern.
Gemma sighed, and started back toward her hotel. As she scanned her key in the door, the phone rang inside. It had to be him, no one else knew where she was. She burst through the door, and yanked the phone off the receiver.
"Buck, is that you?" She answered.
"Gem, it's me. I'm sorry I haven't made it yet. They arrested me, then some psycho triggered the Winter Soldier. Now I have to go to Siberia to stop him from releasing the other assassins I trained, the enhanced. I'm so sorry." Bucky confessed angrily.
Gemma scoffed, "Of course. Of course there's a group of assassins to take down. God, I can't believe you were triggered, I'm so sorry... You know, you wouldn't be you if your life wasn't a complete shit show. And I mean that in the best possible way, babe."
Bucky laughed, before declaring, "You know me, always lookin' for trouble."
"So, tell me more. Was the Winter Soldier the only reason the guy came for you?" Gemma inquired, pacing the room, nearly yanking the phone line from the wall.
"I don't know." Bucky sighed. "But it's going to be fine, I promise."
"Please, finish this, and get here. Okay? You get here, and we'll figure out the rest." Gemma stammered, pushing her hair out of her face.
"Dollface. I promise I'll be there soon. I love you." Bucky stated, trying to give her peace of mind.
Gemma attempted to reply, but her voice cracked. She had started to cry without realizing, the tears already running down her cheeks. She placed the phone to her chest, blocking the sound of her sobs. It was always him that paid the price. Why couldn't he catch a break?! As she wiped away the tears from her cheeks, she took a deep, heaving breath. Gathering control of her emotions, she brought the phone back to her ear.
"... please, say something. Are you there?" Bucky implored.
Gemma nodded to herself, sputtering, "Yes, sorry, I'm here. Now, hang up, and end this. The sooner it's over, the sooner you come back to me."
"Yes, ma'am! See you soon, babe..." Bucky retorted.
"Wait!" Gemma cried.
"What, Gem?" Bucky questioned.
"You know I love you, too. Right?" Gemma replied.
Bucky chuckled, "Yes. Yes, I know you love me. You've sacrificed everything for me. If that doesn't prove it, then what does?"
Gemma scoffed, "Yeah, well, you've done plenty of that yourself. I really love you, Buck. Come find me when you're done."
"Alright, Gem. See you." Bucky concluded, the line going dead.
Gemma stuck the phone back on the receiver, covering her face, trying not to cry, again. It was time to toughen up, Bucky would need her to be strong. As she dropped the phone back on the desk, there was a heavy knock on the door. She stood, and took in her surroundings, locating her weapon behind the door, before approaching it. Taking a deep breath, she opened it a crack, keeping her foot behind the door.
Standing before her was a tall man, dressed in a leather duster and combat boots, wearing a smirk. Gemma recognized him immediately. She had never met him in person, but it was obvious by the eye patch.
"The name's Nick Fury. Are you gonna let me in?" He asked, glancing into Gemma's hotel room.
