I Know What You Did In the Dark ch 13
Bucky
I didn't have time to run down stairs. Gracefully, I flipped and slid down the side rails of the ironworks to the street, letting my training take over, sprinting to the deeper darkness of the alley, terror in my throat. Skidding to a halt next to a stinking dumpster, my heart was pounding and breath coming in ragged gasps like I had just seen a ghost.
Fear gripped my guts, bending me over, hands on knees, about to wretch. When I had gulped enough air, I slowly turned my head towards Steve's window, which was visible from the ground. That man who fought with Steve on the helicarrier was there. He didn't have wings right now and I vaguely recall trying to kill him too. Pistol in hand, he scanned the fire escape quickly and efficiently and saw the bundled clothes I left behind outside the window. DAMN, I cursed myself, How could I have been so foolish! I stared hard at the ground, putting hands to my head like a vise.
You are afraid, Asset, the voice came unbidden, but this time it wasn't to accuse.
Afraid of what? I argued back, realizing I was playing with the fire of my alter ego and not sure if it was wise.
Afraid of who you are, the voice replied gently like a lover.
Why should I be afraid? I am Bucky Barnes! Steve's best friend! I tried to sound proud and confident to calm that icy panic in my stomach. It wasn't working.
He knows. They all do. They know all about your past. Only I know who you really are and I care about you. The voice was like a woman trying to get me to sleep with her. I could feel seductive psychic fingers tracing my brain in my skull. The touch was… pleasant.
How can he? He thought I was dead for so long. We both thought each other were dead…. I trailed off trying to keep my thoughts straight from the mental come-on.
He knows what you did in the dark, the voice soothed. Come back to us and we will make everything fine. The sound of that familiar voice was so temping.
Looking skyward, tears slid down my face. A sob bubbled up from me and I didn't try to stifle it. They know… they know… he knows! I repeated over and over.
Daring a look at the window, Steve stood there, shield on his arm gazing out across the rooftops. Suddenly, I felt naked as if he could see my sins laid before me. Punishment was waiting to be imparted. Instead, as I watched him, he became a light that cut to my core. The expression on his face was hopeful, like he was looking and eager to find me. I knew that face when we were boys, when we'd come out of school. He'd be waiting for me and always happy when we reunited. That same expression was on his face now.
Asset, you know he won't take you back. You've done too much. The world doesn't love you like we do. The voice had a harder edge to it now as if it was annoyed.
Well, I'm going to take that chance. If he kills me, so be it. Get out of my head! Cursing at the voice, I walked away into the darkness. I needed a plan.