A big thank you to you all for the love! I know I need to update some other stories like Mr. Sandman and The Human Among Us….I will soon. I AM NOT abandoning these stories, and I will not let you or myself down. I just get so caught up you know?

Chapter 2: The Shield

Bella gasped as the man suddenly came to a stop, and he gently grasped her to keep her from hurdling forward. "What?" She whispered, looking around frantically. She couldn't see anything anymore, the moonlight barely brightening the forest floor.

"Shhh," He murmured, his eyes narrowing as he listened. A branch snapped in the distance, and Bella's grip on the man's arm became tighter, and she pushed herself against his side. They were both letting out short breaths, and Bella felt like they were standing in the middle of a trap. Something felt off.

This time though, she could feel whatever it was that had been protecting her at this point expand from her mind. It made her wince at the pressure on her skull, but her eyes widened as a very faint, light blue, almost translucent ball surrounded them. Bucky's brows raised, and he reached out with his hand to touch it.

"No," Bella whispered, grabbing his forearm. He looked down at her perplexed. "You're doing this?" He gave her an apologetic look as the mask made his voice sound much darker than it was, and he removed it so that she'd feel a bit more comfortable. Bella sucked in a breath finding that he was the most handsome man she'd ever laid eyes on.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, she nodded. "I think so. It's been protecting me from him," She whispered. Bucky frowned. Why the hell did HYDRA want her killed? Why didn't he kill her? Bucky reached out again, ignoring Bella's cautious glance.

His fingers tingled as he touched it, and it seemed to mold around him, and if he were being honest, it was like it constricted around him like a glove before expanding once more.

"Let's go," Bucky commanded, heading west, his ears now trained for the signs of something not exactly human. Bella stayed behind him as they kept walking. "Where are we going again? Out of the woods?" She wondered, having to jog a bit to keep up with his long strides.

Noticing this, Bucky grabbed her hand again, gently pulling her along. "I have a little Cabin out here. I need to collect a few things. Name's Bucky Barnes," He introduced, looking around as they kept going. It was getting much darker, and Bella wasn't sure where she was going. She wasn't a clumsy woman, but like any other person, they'd stumble in the complete darkness.

If she weren't holding his hand, she was sure she'd never know he was next to her. "I'm Bella. Bella Swan," She breathed, her eyes darting around in the darkness.

"I know," He murmured, sounding regretful. He could feel her gaze on him. "I was sent here to kill you," Bella's fingers squeezed his in surprise, and she let out a breath. "Are you going to?" She whispered.

Bucky was quiet, and Bella cleared her throat. "Kill me I mean," If he was, there would be nothing she could do at that point, and she doubted that he would. If she were mentally and physically protecting herself from a threat, she figured her body would've done the same to him.

It seemed to embrace him almost.

"No," He replied, picking up pace a bit. He was ready to get out of the woods. He knew that by now his mission was jeopardized, and since he didn't follow through, HYDRA was going to come for him, and her.

"I can't really see and you're much taller than me…" She let out a grunt of surprise as he scooped her up, running at a much faster pace than before.

She wasn't sure a person could run this fast, and she wondered if he too were merely human. She wrapped her arms around his neck. She realized that the bubble as she was starting to refer to it now, was around them once more, and she wondered how she was doing it subconsciously.

She looked up into the sky, her eyes scanning the canopy of trees. Her eyes narrowed as she thought she could see someone.

She paled, wondering if Edward could leap trees. "Oh my…" She trailed off as whatever was above them was falling and heading straight towards them.

Bucky looked up, quickly dropping to the ground, his hand cupping the back of her head as they rolled around. The person bounced off her shield, and Bella winced as this intense pressure hit the back of her brain, and the shield dropped.

Bucky helped Bella to her feet, pushing her behind him. Bucky didn't have night vision, but he could see pretty well. He tilted his head at the teenage boy who was unharmed.

"Look kid," He started, and Bella grasped his arm. "He is no kid. He's what's been chasing us all this time!"

Bucky didn't take his eyes off of the kid who was growling. He raised a brow, tilting his head. It wasn't so much that he was perplexed, but he could feel that switch in his head turn back on.

"Bella. I told you I wouldn't hurt you. You're being delusional," Edward sighed exasperatedly. Bella didn't respond, and it made Edward more agitated. As he started to crouch, Bucky suddenly relaxed.

He reached his arm behind him, and he pushed Bella down to the ground. She got flat on the ground, shielding her head with her arms.

Edward rushed forward with a hiss and jumped into the air; Bucky jumped higher, intercepting him, throwing him down into the Earth.

The ground shook beneath Bella, and she looked at the large crater. Her eyes widened, and Bucky landed back in place, the ground shaking once more.

She let out a small gasp as in his metal hand was an arm. He tossed the arm somewhere to the side, and Bella faintly heard a thud.

Bucky turned around, and Bella scrambled to her feet. He lifted her up again with a "let's go doll," passing his lips. Bella's arms fell back into place around his neck, and her head fell into the crevice of his neck and shoulder.

"Is he dead?" She whispered. "No, but he's slowed down for the moment. What is he?" Bella shivered at the edge in his voice. "He says he's a vampire," She couldn't help but close her eyes, a small headache forming. "Vampire huh?" Bella nodded. "Something tells me that doesn't surprise you," She mumbled.

"Are you hurt?" He asked, hearing the undertone of discomfort in her voice. "No, I'm fine. Just a small headache. I should be asking you. You tore a vampire's arm off," She chuckled. Bucky shrugged. "I think you know that I'm not normal," Bella snorted softly. "Normal isn't the word…"

Bucky had since slowed down, nearing his destination. "So why were you sent to kill me?" She questioned, leaning her head up to look him in the face. He glanced down at her for a second before turning his attention to their surroundings. "To be honest with you, it's a long story. The simpler answer, I don't know. I was sent to kill you, and I couldn't,"

Bella frowned. "That's not a good thing, is it?" Bucky shook his head slowly, finally seeing his cabin. He let her down, and she stuck close as he walked inside. "Stay against the wall, and don't move," Bella swallowed and stayed still. He flicked on a lamp, and she could see him more clearly now.

His hair was a dark brown, and as she thought, it was shoulder length. She could also see his metal arm a lot more clearly. She eyed the red star on it, wondering what it meant or stood for. She let her eyes rake over his form, finding that it was no wonder, human or not that he could run as fast as he did. He was fit, no areas untouched.

He bent down, and she narrowed her eyes as he pulled a wire. He glanced back at her to make sure she was still. "Take a wide step in front of you, and come this way," She took her foot ignoring the dirt that had got on her feet, and stepped wide, slowly walking towards him.

He nodded at her as she stopped next to him. He pulled her down and lifted the wire. A quiet snap of a spring was heard, and Bucky shot out his arm, hand out in front of Bella's face, catching one of his metal stakes. Her eyes widened, and she let out a shuddering breath. Bucky put it down, pulling Bella to a stand. "Someone's been here," He looked down at her attire. She was dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt and some jeans. Surprisingly, her glasses had managed to stay on her face, and her flats were a bit worse for wear. Her hair, which was up in a bun had come undone halfway, leaving her hair in a mix of up and down.

He laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. "Do you know how to shoot?" Bella's brows rose, and she shook her head. Bucky led her to a table that had a few of his weapons about, and she saw a folder with her picture on it.

She picked it up, her eyes roaming over it. Bucky watched her for a moment before handing her a handgun. "It's an automatic. You just shoot. This is the safety. This turns it on and off. Try it," He handed it to her, and Bella took it, glancing up at him in apprehension at the weight before she turned the safety on and off.

Bucky nodded. "Aim," He advised, and she aimed towards the wall. He came to a stand behind her. Bella swallowed as he brushed against her back, his metal arm straightening up her back. His other hand wrapped around hers, adjusting her grip. He steadied her hand, holding it a bit higher. "This is your scope. It's dark, so it's pointless right now. It may have a kickback, so be prepared. Shoot anything that moves, and with me at all times," He moved away, noticing the expression on her face. "What?" He questioned, gathering everything he'd need in a bag.

"I thank you for saving my life, but why go to these lengths to protect me? You're obviously like superhuman or something, all I'm going to do is slow you down and get you killed," Bucky worked around her as she spoke. "I've done some bad things Bella. I've killed people like you, no questions asked. Women and children. I won't let you die at the hands of the people that turned me into a killing machine. I didn't kill because I wanted to. They took control of my mind, and for the first time in a very long time, I'm in control of my actions, and I think you had something to do with that. So in my book, I owe you my life. You saved me too. Until this is over, it's my personal mission to keep you alive,"

Bella sucked in a breath, the two staring at each other for a few seconds. "Okay. What do we do now?" He hit off the lamp, and grabbed her hand, pulling her against his side, leading her out of the cabin. "Get out of the woods. If we keep heading straight for a few more miles, we should be in the clear. Shoot first, ask questions later. They won't hesitate," Bella gripped his arm once again as they started running.

"Who is this 'they' you speak of?" She asked, glancing over at him. "HYDRA. Think of it as an evil cult. They want total world domination. They've been around before you and I were even born. Just know they're evil and they will do anything to get what they want,"

Bucky suddenly came to a stop, pulling her behind a large tree. He covered her mouth with his hand, pulling her flush against him. "Shhh," He whispered in her ear. Bella nodded, shutting her eyes as she could hear someone walking in their direction.

The footsteps became closer, and Bucky let go of Bella, shifting his weight so that he could grab whoever was walking towards them. He quietly snapped their neck, dropping the man to the ground. Bella stepped over the body, following behind Bucky as they continued through the woods.

The woods were starting to thin out, and Bucky knew they were close as he could hear cars. He kept them hidden within the trees, and Bella stayed close, her hand latched onto the back of his black shirt. She was following along blindly, and he hadn't steered her wrong yet. They encountered a few stragglers along the way, and Bucky took care of them as quickly and effortlessly as possible.

Bella was quite awed at the way he moved and still managed to keep quiet. She could see the street up ahead, and she quickened her pace, ready to be out of the woods herself. Bucky grabbed her hand, jerking her back as they stopped at the tree line. "Some of HYDRA's men. See what they're wearing? Be mindful of that," Bella nodded silently. He tugged on her hand, and they walked from the woods, quickly straightening up. He maneuvered her to be on the other side of him and not the streets, wrapping an arm around her waist.

He looked around him, eyeing some cars that he'd be able to take. "Bucky," She whispered, gathering his attention. In front of them was one of HYDRA's men walking in their direction. Bucky thought quickly, and he didn't want to make a scene. He leaned against one of the cars, hiding his metal arm in the process.

He brought Bella up to his chest, lifting her a little. Bucky felt like less of a gentleman doing this, but it was escape or be caught. He pressed his lips against hers, throwing Bella for a loop until she remembered that they were trying to be inconspicuous. She wrapped her arms around his neck, throwing herself into the kiss, both of their eyes open and peeking to see if the man fell for it.

He walked past, and Bella blushed as his lips lingered. "Sorry," He murmured. Bella shook her head. "Don't be," She responded. They continued forward, and once they were away from the vicinity of where they were, Bucky found a car to break into. Bella hesitated before getting in.

He hot-wired the car before peeling out of the space they were in. He started down the highway, and Bella looked behind them to see if they were being followed. She sighed in relief, relaxing as they seemed to be away from danger for the moment.

"What do we do now?" She questioned, looking over at him as he weaved through traffic. "Lay low. We're going to slowly make our way to D.C." Bella's eye's widened and she turned to him with wide eyes. "D.C.?!" Bucky just nodded, looking out the rear mirror.

"I can't go to D.C. I I-have a sick dad, what the hell is in D.C.?" She asked, trying her hardest to understand why they had to go so far. "An old friend of mine. If I can even call him that. He's our best chance we have. I know about your father. I can't do anything to assure you of his safety, but once I get to my friend, he'll make sure he's alright, okay?"

Bella ran a hand through her hair anxiously. It had now come undone and sat in wavy curls over her shoulders. "I can't argue this, can I?" Bucky glanced over at her for a second, before shaking his head. "You can argue, but the answer is the same. You have people like me out to kill you. They won't stop until you're dead. We're in this together, and we're going to get out of this together. I promise,"

Bella let out a breath, and she got comfortable in the passenger seat. "I'm going to drive us out of the state first, and then we'll stop somewhere to rest," Bella nodded. She didn't think she'd be able to sleep, so she looked out of the window, her mind on the life she barely started to create.

"The vampire back there. He talked to you as if he knew you. Knew you well," Bucky said curiously, looking over at her. Bella snorted, turning to face him. "Edward. He watched me. I didn't even know vampires existed. I didn't know anything like this existed. I was teaching at the school, and he was one of my students. He was very weird, I did notice that, but I thought nothing of it. High school is an awkward stage. I'm 10 years older than the kid, so of course, I don't see him in a romantic light. Tuesday, he uh professed his love for me," She shuddered in disgust.

Bucky tilted his head, his brows furrowing. Bella continued, "I hightailed it out of there so fast. He kept telling me he wasn't a kid and tonight…Jesus. He was in my house, made dinner, talked to me like we've had conversations that detailed his comfortability. He moved so fast and quick, telling me that he was 106 years old. The house caught fire, and I ran…I just…ran,"

"You're lucky to be alive," He commented, getting on the highway heading East. Bella glanced over at him. "Because of you. If I hadn't run into you, there's no telling what he would have done to me,"

Bucky looked over at her once again, seeing her grateful smile. "Get some rest doll," Bella didn't argue, and she laid on her side, pushing the seat back. "You sound like you're from a different time, using that word. Doll. Are you from a different time?" She mumbled curiously, her eyes starting to close.

Bucky chuckled softly. "Edward has a few years up on me," Bella cracked an eye open at that. "Seriously?" She asked. "Just a few," Bella just closed her eyes, getting comfortable for the long trip. Bucky looked over at her again as she started to drift off to sleep, still confused on how she broke the mind control and why.

Bucky pulled to a stop outside the motel, looking around it for a moment before parking in a parking space. He gently shook Bella awake, and she mumbled incoherently before opening her eyes. "I'm going to get us a room. Don't leave from the car," Bella nodded, unfazed this time as he shoved the gun in her hand. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, trying to see where they were.

On the dashboard, it read 2:30, and she sat up a bit straighter as Bucky left the car. She tried to stop her eyes from dropping, and she watched Bucky disappear inside. Her head rolled to the side and she slowly started to succumb to sleep once again.

She blinked a few times, rubbing her hands down her shirt to keep herself awake until he got back. She rubbed the back of her head, wincing at the raised skin. She lifted her eyes to see Bucky coming back outside. He came to her side of the door, opening it for her. She grabbed his things, and he grasped her hand, helping her out.

"Thanks," She murmured sleepily. He wrapped an arm around her waist, closing the door. He took a quick glance around before heading to their room. He parked just a few doors down from it, luckily enough. He kept her in front of him, and he pushed them both against the door, allowing no room between them. He opened the door, and Bella flicked on the light.

It was like any regular motel, and Bella was just happy to see a bed and a bathroom. "Wait," Bucky murmured to her, and she moved to the side, staying against the wall as he closed the door behind them, checking out the small room. "You're fine. I'm going to set up some precautions, and I'll show you how it works before we leave. The bed is yours," He stated, moving around her.

She handed him his bag and a few folders. "Are you going to sleep? You've been driving for hours," She stated concerned. Bucky sat in one of the chairs, taking out a large gun. "I don't really sleep. I mean I didn't before, and I don't think I can now," Bella frowned, but nodded. "Well, if you find yourself falling asleep, wake me, we can take shifts," She offered.

Bucky smiled in thanks, shooing her on to get some rest. As exhausted as she was, she wanted to get out of her dirty clothes. She showered using the scentless soap, and once she was done, she scooped up her dirty clothes, managing to salvage her underwear and shirt.

Before she left the bathroom, she poked her head out of the room to see Bucky occupied with his folders. While she gathered that they would be spending a lot of time together, she didn't want him to see her half naked. She quickly made her way across the room and into the bed.

She mentally thanked the spirits that he ignored her whether intentionally or unintentionally. She got the feeling that he was a modest man and a gentleman. If he was as old as he said he was, he obviously was from the time period where chivalry was high.

Once her head hit the pillow, she was out once again, the quiet shuffling of papers lulling her to sleep. Bucky kept his attention divided as she slept, doing his best to find the best way across the states. He thought about using one of the pay-phones to get a hold of Steve. He could, but the call would have to be short. He would make it later in the morning when they left.

He glanced over at Bella once again, eyeing the clothes she left by the bed. He made his way to them, picking them up. He knew the motel did not have a washer or dryer, so he looked at the tags on the back gathering her sizes.

None of the little shops were open yet, and he didn't want to risk being seen. When he checked in, he paid the young man a bit extra to keep quiet that anyone was in their room. He even 'convinced' him to erase the footage of him coming inside and leaving.

After disengaging one of his traps, he left the room, writing down on a notepad what he needed from one of the 24-hour stores. The young man looked up as he walked back inside, swallowing thickly. "I need you to pick up some things for me. In these sizes. Two of everything. I also want you to pick up a bracelet, or a necklace, doesn't matter the price. Light up the No Vacancy sign. When you come back, you come to my room, knock once, and leave. Can you do that?"

The young man nodded, taking the money Bucky handed him and did as told. Bucky made his way back to the motel room, opening the door. He locked it behind him, stopping short as the blue ball was around her once again. He found that odd as she could expel something from her body. He wondered why it was around her now.

He tilted his head as it dropped once again, and he wondered if that had anything to do with him specifically. He noticed that in the woods it surrounded them both and seemed to drop when he was around. He gathered that it had to do with safety and danger. All he could conclude was that the bubble didn't see him as a threat. It apparently sensed him as he walked into the room.

He set back up his trap, sitting back in the chair. He waited for about an hour before a knock sounded once, and he could hear a set of feet walking away. Checking the peephole, he saw his bags at the door and was able to open the door without setting off a trap. He grabbed the few bags and brought them inside, quickly checking over the items finding that they were exactly what he asked for.

He got Bella a change of clothes, comfortable clothes like sweats and long-sleeved shirts for the cold weather. His main concern was the bracelet and he had to give the kid credit as he got one that wasn't inconspicuous but also not so big. It was small and slim. He was happy to see that it came with a charm. He wanted one so that he could attach a tracking device to it. He had to be prepared that they could get separated at some point, although he planned on staying at her side the whole way through.

He got to work on it and setting it up. Once he had it live and active, he propped his feet onto the desk and kept his gun in hand, unable to help himself as he closed his eyes for some shut-eye. He was awoken by slight shaking a few hours later. He opened his eyes to see Bella crouched in front of him, her brown eyes shining with worry.

"Hey…you were having a nightmare," She whispered, her hands laying on his. Bucky blinked a few times before sitting up. She stood as well, looking down at him. "It's 5 a.m. I wasn't sure if I should bother you or not," He roamed his eyes over her, his eyes lingering on her legs before he looked back at her face.

"Thanks. We should get going anyway. I uh, got you some clothes for the drive, and some shoes. I hope they fit," Bella blushed at the mention of clothes, and Bucky chuckled bashfully, pointing to the edge of the bed.

She quickly gathered what he had and scurried to the bathroom. Once she was dressed, she stepped out, running her hands down the clothes. "You got everything right," She chuckled. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, and Bucky had to admit that she was a sight for sore eyes.

Bella turned a light shade of pink at his lingering eyes before he went into the bathroom, freshening up and changing into a long-sleeved shirt himself to cover his metal arm. He kept his same pants as they held all of his hand-held weapons.

Once he was fresh and clean, he stepped out to see Bella holding his large gun, trying to figure out how to hold it. "You've got readjust your stance, and hold out your elbows," She looked over at him with a smile before attempting to do as he instructed.

"Here," He walked over to her, stepping behind her. He tapped on her leg and she moved it out, and he gripped her other thigh, pushing it in. "Like this," He said. He than placed a hand on her stomach and pushed her spine a bit to get her position straight.

He then wrapped his arms around hers, adjusting her hands. He lowered the gun so that it would be within eye level for her. "Perfect. If we have the time, I'll show you how to shoot it. You know self-defense?" Bella shook her head, giving him his gun back. "I'll teach you," He noticed that she had the bracelet on, and he tapped her arm. "Keep that on you. I've attached a tracking device to it. Just to be prepared. I thought this would be better than injecting it into your arm,"

Bella turned around to face him and she looked at it. "Never gotten jewelry from anyone before so that makes up for it," She chuckled. She then hesitantly grasped his metal hand, looking up at him. "How did you get this? Can you… you know, feel?" Bucky rolled up his sleeve, letting her explore it. "I fell off a train, and my arm was I guess you could say done for. HYDRA found me and attached it. Not really. Your touch is faint, but nothing like the real nerves,"

Bella ran her fingers over the metal, gripping his fingers. He closed them around hers, showing her the range of motion he had. He felt a sense of peace standing there. She brought out a feeling of comfortability. "We need to get going," He reminded her, and she nodded, letting him roll back down his sleeve. She gathered up their belongings, and he showed her how to disengage one of his traps.

The sky was still dark when they stepped out. "We'll need another car soon," He ushered Bella to the car, getting her inside the passenger seat. He went on the other side hopping in and starting the car. "Who is this friend we're going to see? How can he help?" Bella questioned as they got on the interstate once more.

"Steve Rogers. He was in the war with me. World War Two. When my regiment got captured by HYDRA, they injected me with super serum. Like a superhero if that makes more sense. We're faster, stronger. Steve…he was injected with it by a man named Howard Stark. More for research purposes, and he became what is now known as Captain America,"

He glanced over at her as she furrowed her brow. "Who?" She questioned. "About two years ago, there was an Alien invasion in New York. The Avengers," Bella looked confused. "Nothing, but anyway, this Steve…how do you know he'll help us?"

"It's Steve. He'll help, and if not me, he'll help you," Bella was getting ready to ask him what he meant but he was suddenly pushing her head down. "Stay down," The engine revved as Bucky sped up, and Bella covered her head as one of the windows shattered.

She screamed as bullets started to whiz by. Bucky suddenly came to a screeching halt, and he braced Bella's head from bashing into the dash. He jerks her up, undoing her seatbelt. He pulls her into his lap, hitting the gas again. "Drive," He commanded, moving his foot to let her take over. He easily maneuvered out from under her, jarring his body out of the driver side window and on top of the car. Bella looked up. "Oh my god…."

She sped up, ducking her head down as they passed two hummers. One of them knocked into their small car, smushing it in between their two trucks. Bella reached over, grabbing the automatic Bucky had given her, shooting into the next vehicle. She hit the driver, and the hummer slowed.

Bucky took advantage of that and hopped onto the other Hummer, taking out the driver. Bella kept up with it as he either kicked people out or killed them. The Hummer came to a stop, and she slowed up a bit so that he could hop back in theirs.

He jumped across, landing on the other Hummer with the remaining men. Bella slowed down the car, and she watched as Bucky shot into the Hummer, the sparking of the light was all she could see as he killed whoever was left alive. She shivered as he didn't even bat an eye before stalking to the car and opened the driver's side door. She hopped out, and he grabbed their things.

He ushered her to the first hummer, pushing her up against one of the doors. He opened the passenger side door and her eyes widened as he dragged out someone that was still alive. He let the man fall to the ground, before jerking him up by the shirt.

He handed Bella whatever weapons he had, and she put them in the Hummer, turning back around to see Bucky asking the man questions. "Why her?" The man could barely talk, but he answered Bucky's question anyway. "She…she wasn't your mission. She…she a gifted human. HYDRA didn't want her to…" The main trailed off, his body slumping to the side. Bucky shook him violently, but the man was already dead.

Bella's eyes were stuck to the man, her eyes taking in all the blood. Bucky stood in front of her, blocking the view. "Come on. Get in. Under the radio should be a set of wires. I want you to pull them all. I'll be right back,"

He checked her over, and her face was still frozen in shock. He gripped her chin, and he met her eyes. "I need you to stay with me, just for a bit longer. We need to get out of here," The urgency in his voice made her nod jerkily and she got in the Hummer, reaching her the radio system as he said.

Bucky went to the next Hummer, collecting anything he thought of as important and any weapons they had. He wasted no time getting back to Bella, speeding down the highway as soon as he got in. "Are you okay? Are you injured?" Bella frantically shook her head, checking herself over. "I'm good," She said, looking over at him.

"Are you okay?" She asked worriedly as she grazed at the scrapes and bruises on his arm. "Fine. Barely hurts,"

Bella was quiet for a moment as she tried to form her question. "What did he mean back there? I wasn't your mission? What don't they want me to do? What is it that I do?" She shot out quickly, looking back behind them.

"Honestly? No idea. They tell me who to kill. The folder. I don't know why they would give it to me if they didn't want me to kill you," Bella sighed softly, ranking a hand through her hair.

"So a mistake? It doesn't seem like those guys make mistakes," She mumbled, her eyes going to the side mirror.

"Relax, we're okay for now. It was just these two. They have a few scouting each city within Washington and those were to see if we left the state. When they check-in, they'll know we left. As of now, many of them assume we're still in Washington,"

Bella swallowed and nodded, glancing back over at him.

He was driving with purpose, his eyes focused and she could see the muscles in his arm as he flexed and relaxed.

"Are you worried about something more than HYDRA? Whatever it's called," She asked.

Bucky wrinkled his nose but answered, "I think it's odd that out of the many years I've spent under their control, the one mission I'm apparently not supposed to have, turns me back to normal. I gather, from what our friend back there said, you and I were never supposed to meet. Don't you find it weird? You can suddenly do this thing with your body to protect yourself and when I come along, everything just…maybe I'm reaching,"

Bella turned to him, crossing her leg under the other. "No, I get what you're saying. They know that I can do this. I didn't know this. He said I wasn't supposed to…what? It's obviously something I've already done, but I haven't done anything…except…" She trailed off.

Bucky looked over at her, searching her face.

"You. I did something to you. It's the only thing that makes sense," She bit her lip in thought.

Bucky shrugged. "Well, we'll figure it out. I promise you that you'll get your life back,"

Bucky leaned against the truck, taking in all of his surroundings as he filled it up with gas. Bella was currently inside the little gas station picking out a few snacks she liked. Bucky hardly ate anything since HYDRA kept in cyro-sleep between missions, so he told her to get whatever she wanted and a lot of it.

"All good?" Bella called out. Bucky glanced over at her, finding himself a bit taken aback once again at how she looked. Despite their run-ins with HYDRA a few hours ago, she was dressed in what he had gotten for her, and her hair was up in a neat bun, two strands on both sides of her face, swaying loosely in the wind.

"Yeah, we're all set," He nodded to her, and he finished pumping the gas. He closed the tank and got back into the driver's seat. Bella opened her side of the door, tossing in the bags before she attempted to get in. She planted her hands on the door, using a foot to prop herself up.

Seeing her struggle, Bucky leaned over grasping her hand to pull her in. She smiled at him gratefully, scowling at the ground muttering that the Hummer didn't have to be so large, pulling the passenger door shut. Bucky laughed, a sound he hadn't heard by his own ears in a long time.

"Laugh it up soldier. I can't help that I'm 5'2 and this monstrosity is 4 times the average car," She grumbled, a small smile on the corner of her lips. Bucky laughed again, putting the Hummer in drive.

"Just admit it. You're just small," He pulled out of the gas station, heading for Oregon.

"Everything is just big," She defended, tossing a pack of peanuts at him. "I didn't know what you liked so I went with simple," She shrugged, turning to look out the window.

"Thanks doll," He mumbled in her direction, and Bella shot him a smile.

Already working on chapter 3. Should have it up by tomorrow.