AN: Hey guys! If any of you are interested, I have a new story I am working on called If Hearts Could Speak. Pirates of the Caribbean, Jack/OC. If it's something you may find interesting, please check it out and let me know what you think. Anywho... to my thanks:
orlisgirl04 - I'm so glad and thank you so much! Happy to hear you enjoyed the previous chapter. I wanted to try something a little different and I'm so glad their awkward relationship is working out as planned. I hope you enjoy this chapter! =)
wolviegurl & .2016 - Thank you, lovelies! I always love seeing your reviews. (lovefiction2016, I don't know why the website won't let your name won't save correctly and I apologize.)
Thank you to all my readers/followers/reviewers, you guys are amazing and inspire me to continue writing so I can progress with my work.
OH! I almost forgot... The song I chose to put in here is originally written and sung by Johnny Cash, but the version I suggest you listen to either before or while you read is I Walk The Line by Halsey. It's my favorite version so far.. Any comments or constructive criticism are always appreciated. Happy reading!
CHAPTER 6
Bucky watched the bartender wipe down the counter as a row of bikers drank from their glasses at the bar. Allie had only been gone for a few minutes, but he was concerned considering what happened the night before. They hadn't said a word to each other all morning. Perhaps because there were no words. Of course, he was sorry, but the guilt overwhelmed him. He made a promise to protect her, then he was ordered to assassinate her after he finished with Captain America. He didn't want to kill anyone, especially her. He wanted nothing more than to protect her, never let her out of his sight. He couldn't protect her from himself. Yet, when he told her this, she was so convinced that he would never hurt her. Bucky tried to believe her but worried that he would attempt to kill her in his sleep again.
When he saw her walk through the hallway by the bar, Bucky sighed in relief. His eyes followed her as she walked up to their table. She looked annoyed.
He scrutinized her facial expression. "Something's wrong," he noted out loud.
Allie ran her fingers through her copper locks. "Coulson didn't answer. I tried to see if we'd meet him in Columbia, but-," she paused and her cheeks turned bright pink. "-I- um - I didn't see him, so..."
He gave her a quizzical look.
"What?"
The pink from her cheeks slowly faded away. He wanted nothing more than to see it again. He didn't know why, but the image gave him a warm filling.
"What?" She repeated as he stared at her. It was as though he could see everything about her, which made her feel vulnerable.
His eyes dropped down at the table and bowed he his head down.
As Allie watched him, she realized something and reached out to touch his face. "Is it about last night?"
He looked up at her and allowed her fingertips caress is jawline. He closed his eyes at the comfort. "No."
"Then, what it is?" She gently lifted up his chin with her index finger.
When their eyes met, Bucky cleared his throat. "You don't have to keep doing this because you feel pity."
Allie raised her eyebrow at him. "I'm sorry, you think I'm helping you because I feel sorry for you?"
"Yeah," he quickly replied.
She scoffed at him. "I'm not doing this because I pity you." Her eyes filled up with tears. 'I'm doing this because I love you,' she didn't dare say out loud.
He believed her, but there was something else there, he just couldn't see it then.
"Just trust me, okay? Can you promise me that?" She practically begged.
Bucky inhaled through his nose, "Okay."
"I'm gonna get a drink," she announced, immediately.
He grabbed her by the wrist. "We don't have time-"
"Coulson is out there and he may need our help. He's no use to us dead," she replied as Bucky's grip on her arm loosened. "I tried to see if he would meet us in Columbia, but there's nothing. It's just blank. I need to see him in the present. Alcohol will help with that."
He stared at her for a long time before he let go. "Don't over do it. We have a bus to catch."
Allie nodded in response as she stood from her seat and watched up to the bar. Bucky watched the men leer at her.
"What can I getcha, sweetie?" The bartender smiled at her.
"Just a Blue Moon and a shot of Crown, please," she smiled sweetly at the older gentleman.
"Sure thing, hun," he replied.
As she waited for her drinks, one of the bikers winked at her and gave her a smug grin. She didn't smile back in return and turned her attention back to the bartender. Once she got her drinks, Allie headed back toward the table and was stopped by the bald biker. His hand grasped her upper arm to catch her attention, which caused her to spill some beer on herself. "The fuck?" Was her response as she glared up at the man.
"Oh, shit. I'm sorry, babe. Let me, help you with that," he apologized as he took a napkin from the bar.
Allie took her shot and set it down before she snatched the napkin out of the man's hand. "It wouldn't have happened if you didn't grab me, you neanderthal."
The man clenched his jaw at her retort. "You watch that pretty mouth of yours," he threatened.
Allie smirked at him. "You see that man over there?" She nodded her head at Bucky's direction. "He's a well-experienced vet. If he feels the need to jump in and handle this situation, he will. Which the result won't end well for you or your friends."
Bucky glared at the man across the bar. His body was tense but ready for a fight. The man stared down the blue-eyed stranger before he looked away with a shutter.
"Yeah, maybe another time, baby doll," the man sneered at her as he sat back down.
Allie stomped back to her seat across from Bucky and chugged her beer as fast as she could. Bucky kept his eyes on the bald man, watching his every movement. She noticed this and set her empty glass down. She belched deeply which caused Bucky to look back her in shock.
"Yeah. That was disgusting, sorry," she apologized. "Don't worry about that creep. He's looking for tail, not a fight."
"You apologize a lot," he looked back at the bar.
She was about to say she was sorry again but she stopped herself. She never thought about it, but she was only apologetic to him. Or at least she actually meant it with him and she knew why, but it was too soon. When Allie was looking for Coulson's future in Columbia, she saw something else. Something very intimate with her and Bucky, but if she told him, he would leave her before it could happen. She was torn. Keeping something from him felt wrong, but she couldn't bare the thought of him leaving her.
The buzz finally kicked in. She felt her face heat up from the alcohol and became in tune with the music from the jukebox as it began to play.
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
"Thank you Buck, but I can get by on my own," small Steve told him as they stood outside of his apartment.
I find it very, very easy to be true
"Thing is, you don't have to," Bucky replied as he put his hand on his friend's shoulder.
I find myself alone when each day is through
"I'm with you 'til the end of the line, pal."
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line
"What's your name?"
Because you're mine, I walk the line
"Get away from me, you monster!" Bucky winced from the memory.
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you, I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Because you're mine, I walk the line
They stared at each other for a while after the song ended and was replaced with an AC/DC song. Bucky watched the pink tint color her cheeks and held his breath. This girl will be the death of him. He caught himself paying too much attention to her rather than his surroundings, but of course if she can see the future he didn't have to. Being guarded was the only thing he knew how to do. It felt strange to have someone else look out for him. Also, he couldn't get over the fact that she once called him a monster. If that was what she truly felt about him, he couldn't continue his journey with her. He had enough guilt, being with her would be just as painful if he were with Steve.
"I'm going to use the restroom," Allie broke the silence as she stood from her seat.
After she relieved her bladder, Allie walked out of the stall and headed straight for the sink.
Bucky watched the bald man walk into the hallway where the restrooms were a few minutes after Allie. He tried to think nothing of it, but a gut feeling told him otherwise. He always went with his instincts. He followed him almost a minute after into the same hallway. As he got closer the women's bathroom, he heard what sounded like a slap and Allie squeal right after. Bucky was full of rage and busted through the bathroom door. He found the bald man on top of Allie on the floor. Furious, Bucky wrapped his metal hand around the biker's throat and pulled him off her. He threw the man into one of the stalls, which caused the man's head to collide against the wall and knocked him out cold. Bucky looked back down at her, expecting to see the fear in her eyes. To his surprise, she didn't look frightened. She slowly stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist as she rested her head against his chest.