The Raft

Helmut Zemo was dozing in his cell when he heard someone come into the room. He cracked an eye open and frowned when he saw his visitor. Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine stood in front of his cell door and gave him a bit of a condescending smile. Sighing, the Baron sat up and gave her a look. "What do you want, Contessa? And how did you bypass Secretary Ross's security?" he asked. "I'm just here to pick your brain, Baron. And to catch up. Good friends are so hard to come by. As for how I got here, that's my little secret," Val responded. Zemo rolled his eyes. He and Val met through social events back when Sokovia's status as a sovereign state was still a thing. He found her insufferable but they were cordial when it counted. They mostly stayed out of each other's way.

Val reached into her purse and pulled out a couple of pictures. "Do you know anything about this animal?" she asked, pressing the first to the glass. Zemo stood up and got closer. He didn't show it but he felt surprise lance through him at the familiar sight. It was the photo of Phoenix in her true form that went viral years ago. He was immediately suspicious of Val's intentions. The Baron respected few people but Phoenix was one of the rare ones. Her sympathy for his losses won her his respect, in addition to her loyalty to one James Barnes. "This animal is a hoax, Valentina. Why are you wasting my time on this?" Zemo asked. Val just shrugged. "A few dead bodies in Madripoor say otherwise, Zemo. Bodies with traces of a mysterious venom-like concoction. It's baffling scientists everywhere," she responded.

Zemo just nonchalantly shrugged. "New species are discovered every day. Who's to say it's not the venom of some currently unknown pufferfish?" he asked rhetorically. Val narrowed her eyes a bit before shrugging. She then pulled up another picture. This one was also of Phoenix but in human form and clearly in his company. Sam and James were also in the picture. "Who is this woman, Zemo? You can't talk your way out of this one," Val said. Zemo was quiet for a moment. "Why do you ask? She's no one special," he responded. "Don't give me that. Wilson and Barnes are known figures but no matter how hard I look, I can't find anything on this woman. No name, no country of origin, nothing. To say nothing of that crazy hair. She was in your company for a while, Zemo, so who is she?" the Contessa sniped back.

Zemo crossed his arms and gave her a hard look. "Tell me what you want with her and maybe I'll talk," he said. Val rolled her eyes and sighed. "That depends on what you tell me, Baron. Is she someone I should be worried about?" she asked. Zemo responded with a smirk. "Her name is Phoenix. She's a friend to Barnes and Wilson but that's about it. There's really nothing special about her that warrants your attention, Valentina. You're better off leaving her be. She's just a woman living her life. As to why you can't find anything on her, perhaps that's not for you to know," he said, smoothly. His eyes dropped to the picture again. Something must've shown on his face because Val got a teasing look in her eye. "She's beautiful, Zemo. I'm surprised you didn't try to make a move," she said. Zemo scowled.

"She is indeed beautiful. I will admit to that. However, don't forget I'm a man who had to bury his father, wife, and son. My wife was the only one for me," he said in a warning tone. He crossed his arms and leveled a look at Val. "Besides, even if I were inclined to pursue her, there's the matter of James Barnes. He'd sooner kill me than let me anywhere near Phoenix with such intentions. I'm not foolish enough to take those kinds of chances. I was never interested in her so it was never an issue," he said. His tone indicated he considered the subject closed. Val just shrugged. "So, enjoying your stay?" she asked. Zemo turned his back and sat back down on the bed. "It's the Raft, Valentina. Not a vacation home. Still, I am content. I got what I wanted in the end. No more supersoldiers, with the exceptions of two. But that's enough," he said.

Val could tell he was done with the conversation and decided to head out. "Contessa," she heard the Baron call. She turned to look at him. "Phoenix. Are you tracking her or have any intentions of making life difficult for her?" Zemo asked. "No. This was merely curiosity on my end. Why?" she asked. The Baron gave her a look that said he didn't fully believe her but it was neither here nor there. "I need a favor. I want to meet Phoenix again and catch up. If you can make it happen without arousing James's suspicion, you have my thanks," he responded. Val cocked an eyebrow. "Does she mean something to you?" she asked. "Just a friend. One I legitimately respect," Zemo replied.

"Fair enough. I'll see what I can do," the Contessa mused. "And one other thing, don't force her. I want her to come to me of her own accord. Forcing her is not a good idea. Do I have your word that if she rejects my invitation, you'll leave her unharmed?" the Baron asked. Val hummed as she thought it over. She then nodded in acquiescence. She left the cell block and went up to the camera room. "No evidence I was here?" she asked the guard. "None. Had old footage looping," he responded. "Good. I'll be back with a visitor in about a couple of days. Or rather, US Agent will be. He'll be escorting a woman Zemo wants to meet. Same procedure. Far as the cameras are concerned, she was never here," she ordered before leaving.

Central Park

It had been several days since Phoenix and Bucky came together. When Phoenix had awoken a couple of days ago, she and Bucky had a heart-to-heart of their own. She affirmed her feelings for him and that she wanted to take a chance. She didn't regret the choices that led her to that conclusion. She still felt the pain of separation from Seiryu but Bucky was there. His solid presence was a blessing. At the moment, things weren't that different than before. They were more openly affectionate with each other and it helped their bond had already been strong. Both of them agreed it would be too odd for Bucky to refer to Phoenix as his girlfriend so he opted for the old forties' slang of "best girl". They also agreed that if Bucky had to refer to her when in the company of others, he would use "girlfriend". Phoenix didn't have a word for him, as "pair-bond" was too intimate and reserved for lifemates. They decided to sit on that but it wasn't important at the moment.

At the moment, Phoenix was sitting on a bench by herself. She was people-watching. She sometimes got second looks when people noticed her hair but other than that, it was like she was a ghost no one paid any mind. It suited her well. Phoenix didn't like being the center of attention (since chimeras nabbed attention simply by existing). Her purpose was to think over the recent changes in her life. In her century and a half-long life, she never would've guessed she'd throw her lot in with a human. Life was fickle that way. She was in love with Bucky but breaking things off with Seiryu had taken a toll on her. Nothing she couldn't come back from but still a rough patch she had to navigate. Bucky gave her space, saying it was best they took things slow so she could adjust.

Phoenix sighed, thinking about the High King. How was he doing at that moment? Seiryu was ancient but much like his species, he felt his losses no matter how much time had passed. Phoenix had known there was still pain in his heart over Abigail, even though that had been many years ago and firsthand witnesses were long dead. That was just how dragons had been created. They were ruled by their emotions even more than humans were and their entire culture was centered around learning to manage them. It made them one of the strongest creatures in Creation. While they were ruled by their emotions, they learned to channel them in effective ways and it was even said their emotions had an influence on their fire breath and magic. Still, while Phoenix was worried about him, she knew Seiryu would always come out alright. His duty and divine purpose had always been the foundation of his rule and how he lived his life. And it was like he said: this was only temporary. Phoenix knew her hooves would find their way back to his side. She had no illusions about her and Bucky in the long run and neither did he. They just wanted to be in each other's lives for however long they could be.

"I thought I'd find you here, Little Lady," came a voice that stoked memories. Phoenix's eyes shot over to see none other than John Walker, wearing civilian clothing. He was standing relaxed with his hands in his pockets but his face had a look of contempt with a bit of fear mixed in. Contempt, she was used to so it didn't phase the shifter. Fear, well, she did threaten to sting him and she had reacted against him in violence while Sam and Bucky were trying to get Steve's shield off him. "What do you want?" Phoenix snapped, getting to her feet. Walker just held up a hand. "I was sent here on behalf of our old friend, Baron Zemo. Says he wants to talk," he explained. She hadn't expected that. "He's locked up. How…?" she said before Walker just shrugged her off. "Let's just say my current employer knows him well and decided to be nice. I was sent here because I'm the only one aside from Barnes who can go toe to toe with you if you don't cooperate," he responded.

"Are you threatening me?" Phoenix asked, subtly moving her hair to cover the love bite she still carried on her neck. "No. But honestly, while Zemo said he wants you to visit of your own accord, I'm not as inclined to just let you walk either. You threatened me, Nixxie. I don't take threats lightly. If you don't come along willingly, I can't guarantee Barnes's safety. I know you're still hanging around him because why else would you still be here?" Walker said. The entire time, he had closed the distance and had been circling her. Phoenix turned with him to keep him in sight and her entire body was poised to bolt. Walker wasn't close enough to be considered inappropriate by human standards but as a prey animal, Phoenix felt he was too close. "Lay a hand on Bucky and your life is forfeit," she growled when they stopped turning.

Walker just snorted. "My employer was wondering about you, Nixxie. That photo of you from 2014 caught her attention and there's photo evidence of this form," he said, motioning at her human body. Phoenix scowled. "And you haven't said anything?" she asked. "Nope because I know you have the capability of ending me without any remorse. You're nothing to me but I'm only here because you're wanted elsewhere. I don't give a damn if something happens to you but it would be in your best interest to do as I say," he shot back. Walker stepped back and crossed his arms. Phoenix looked away. Walker had a serious grudge against Bucky and she couldn't count on him not going rogue on his employer just get back at him.

"Okay. I'll go with you but I want your word that you'll leave Bucky alone. I let you walk away last time because I was proving a point. Touch him and I will kill you. You know I have the means, the power, and the will to back it up. Do we have an accord?" Phoenix asked, leveling a hard look at the former Captain America. "We have a deal, Nixxie. My only objective is to get you to Zemo. We're leaving right now. Does Barnes know you're here?" Walker inquired. "He doesn't track my movements. I'm not obliged to tell him anything," she responded. Walker slowly nodded and motioned for her to follow.

They left the park and Walker led her to a limo. "We'll be heading to the airport where a private helicopter will take us to the Raft," he said opening the door. Phoenix only hesitated for a second before climbing in. Walker got in after her and sat across from her. The shifter didn't like the enclosed space any more than she liked him but she had to suck it up. She had someone to protect. In hindsight, it was a good thing she opted to split her nights between the park and his apartment. Sleeping under the stars was for her own benefit because being cooped up wasn't good for equine mental health. Bucky agreed. Walker had approached her on a day she was due to sleep deep in the park away from human visitors. So as far as he knew, Bucky would think she was there and he wouldn't find her if she didn't want to be found.

The Raft

Phoenix looked out of the helicopter as they entered the prison. The ride to the airport had been quiet but frosty. The shifter's mind went to Zemo. Why did he want to meet with her? What more did they have to say to each other? The last time she saw him was at the Sokovia Memorial. She decided to play things by ear and pray she wasn't walking into a trap. Walker had said she was known to his employer but not in what capacity. When the chopper landed, Phoenix followed Walker through a number of hallways and doors, trying to commit the route to memory. She didn't put it past her escort to ditch her deep inside the prison out of spite. They reached the end of a hall with two doors. One in front and one to the right. "Zemo's cellblock is on the other side. Wait here. I'm heading up to the camera room to let you in," Walker instructed. He went through the door to the right.

Walker entered the camera room and noted that Val's inside man was alone just as she said. The newly-minted US Agent decided that he had no desire to listen to the conversation that was about to unfold. He owed Val for a new lease on life but he had no intention of having anything further to do with that freak of nature masquerading as a woman. If Zemo or Phoenix said something that could be used by Val, Walker himself would likely be called in later and he wanted to avoid that. He loathed to admit but Phoenix had put the fear of God in him so the less time he spent near her, the better. He greeted the mole and then knocked him out. He buzzed the door and watched Phoenix on camera as she entered the cellblock. He then switched the audio off and ran looped footage to keep Secretary Ross in the dark, should he ever visit and decide to check the cameras from the past week.

Zemo looked up when he heard the door open and his eyes widened minutely when Phoenix cautiously stepped in. She took notice of the chair set up in front of his door and approached. "Color me impressed. I didn't think you'd actually accept my invitation," the Baron said, throwing her that familiar insincere smile. "I wasn't given much of a choice," Phoenix responded, sitting down. Zemo frowned as he pulled up his own chair. The two sat in silence for a moment before the woman decided to break it. "So why did you ask me here to this metal trap?" she asked. "I just wanted to see how things have been for you, princess. That's all. I also apologize that you were coerced into coming. I specifically asked that you come of your own accord," he said.

Phoenix rolled her eyes at his nickname for her. "Still calling me that, I see. Can you explain to me why again?" she asked. Zemo just smirked, crossing his arms. "Because you have a noble bearing. I call it as I see it," he responded. Phoenix leaned forward and gave him a dry look. "I'm pretty sure Bucky has told you what my homeworld thinks of me and others like me," she said. "He may have said something, sure, but again, I call it as I see it," Zemo snarked. Phoenix sighed and sat back, crossing her arms. "So you had me brought here for a social visit? I'm kind of surprised. I never pegged you as the type," she said, changing the subject. Zemo smiled, looking down at his hands. "You may not believe me but you have left quite the impression on me, princess. Your sincere condolences for my loss were very appreciated. Rest assured I have no ulterior motives in having you brought here. I got what I wanted in the end and you're free to live," he explained.

Phoenix knew Zemo was being sincere there. Bucky and Walker were the only known supersoldiers left and the end of the serum was all the Baron had wanted. "Speaking of which, are you and James still in contact?" Zemo asked, curiosity lacing his words. "Always. I've actually been in this world for a while now," Phoenix responded, with a small smile as she thought about how things had changed recently. She looked around at their surroundings. "I hate this place. I can't feel anything," she noted. Zemo just chuckled. "Prison is a harsh place, princess. I'll bet this feels a bit more constraining than the one in Berlin," he pointed out. Phoenix shrugged. "This seems…worse…," she mused.

Zemo watched her absently brush some hair aside and his eye was caught by something unmistakable. Phoenix noticed the incredulous look on his face and she froze. "What?" she asked. Zemo met her eyes. "Princess…has something changed since we saw each other last?" he asked in return. The shifter suddenly remembered the reminder of that rather passionate time in Bucky's apartment. Her hand clapped against her neck as she stared back at the man. "Um…," she stammered. Zemo just shook his head. "You and James are involved," he said, testing his theory. The sight of her face going red was all the confirmation he needed. He wasn't fully aware of her background but it was known to him she had been involved with someone else until recently.

Phoenix had no defense and she watched Zemo shake his head. "Why debase yourself with someone beneath you?" he asked. She immediately bristled. "What does that mean? And how is this your concern?" she snapped. Zemo gave her a dry look. "Ignoring the fact you're not human to start with, someone of your standing could certainly do better than James. In fact, you did once. So why would you involve yourself with someone of a lower class?" he inquired. Phoenix rubbed her temples. Zemo had always operated under the mistaken belief she was nobility. She hadn't felt the need to correct him. He was technically correct but other variables negated any such standing. "You know I'm a chimera, right? And Bucky has told you what my homeworld thinks of my kind. Did you ever ask yourself why that is?" she asked.

Zemo sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. Phoenix took that as an invite to explain. "We're a manmade species, Zemo. We're bottom rung of the ladder because of that. You are technically correct that I would be a princess if I wasn't what I am. My mother is a minor Queen and my previous pair-bond holds the title of High King. But that's just it, Zemo. Being what I am makes me, in your own vernacular, a commoner. My mother's blood is diluted by my other two genetic ancestors and since she and I are different species altogether, I have no claim to her throne. Her Nation would never accept me in such a role, nor do I want it," she said, leaning forward.

Zemo copied her and locked eyes with her. "Be that as it may, the fact your mother is a queen is enough for me. Your kind may be, as you say, at the bottom of the totem pole but you stand apart from them because you come from royalty. You don't have to agree but you'll always be a princess in my eyes and all you've done was confirm it to be true. The legalities and technicalities don't have much bearing here. I assume your mother is a unicorn since a majority of your true form resembles one. The fact you refer to her as such tells me you're different in more ways from your own kind than you're similar," he responded. Phoenix remained quiet. The Baron sat back again. "None of this is here nor there. But I would like my question answered. You say your former pair-bond is a High King. So why debase yourself with someone like James, someone beneath you?" he asked again.

Phoenix scowled. "My standing means nothing in the grand scheme of things, Zemo. I'm not "debasing" myself. If anything, I'm not the one who could do better…or did, in my case. He could certainly do better than me. I'm just a creature who is unwanted by the world at large. Sure, I have those who want me in their lives but to the cold, unfeeling world I come from, I am nothing," she responded. She met Zemo's gaze again and took a deep breath. "Bucky loves me. And I feel the same," she admitted. The Baron looked down in thought. "Do you really think he can make you happy? Can you?" he asked, looking up again. Phoenix sighed and got to her feet. "He and I both know this isn't forever. There's only one outcome for us and we accept that. That said, he does make me happy and I hope I can do the same. You may not think he's worthy…but I'm the unworthy one," she said. Zemo shrugged and stood up himself. "I suppose that's enough. Thank you for indulging me with this visit, princess. I also apologize for overstepping," he said.

Phoenix just bowed her head in a nod and headed to the door she entered. "Princess," came Zemo's voice. She looked over her shoulder at him. He got a smarmy grin on his face. "If I had a dollar for every time I was right…," he trailed off. At Phoenix's confused look, Zemo came to brace his hands on the glass separating them. "Remember what I told you in Berlin? I saw the way he looked at you. I had suspected he had feelings for you back then. And I was right," he said. Phoenix scowled. "You're still wrong there. He didn't look at me like that back then," she countered. Zemo just chuckled before he met her gaze again. "Your humbleness is refreshing, princess. As if a man like him could ignore a beautiful woman such as yourself. What makes it even better is the fact that you're almost inhumanly so, due to what you really are," he sniped.

Phoenix watched his face drop all playfulness as Zemo leveled a serious look at her. "Be careful. James is a good man but he's still a man who had a lot denied him. He may be content now but who is to say he won't push for more? You must always be vigilant," he warned. Phoenix dryly thought that she was being underestimated both physically and in terms of experience. She was well aware of what humans were capable of. She trusted Bucky completely but that didn't mean she let her guard down entirely. Part of surviving in the Wilds was to always be mindful of things. Bucky also wasn't like other men because of his enhancements. He hadn't gone all out with her (even the Winter Soldier hadn't because of his mission parameters that time) but as Walker had said, he could go toe-to-toe with her in an all-out fight. Still, Zemo was coming from a place where he had lost everything to humans stronger than he was and he did respect her on some level.

Phoenix just nodded non-committedly and heard the door buzz. She stepped into the hallway and the door shut behind her. Walker joined her and they started heading back to where the helicopter was. Phoenix was turning over the meeting in her mind and wondering if Bucky had noticed she was missing. Much like he wasn't tracking her movements, she wasn't sure what he got up to when she wasn't around. There was a chance he had gone looking for her in Central Park but she was nowhere to be found. She knew she wouldn't keep this visit to the Raft secret from him. Her train of thought was interrupted when Walker suddenly shoved her up against the wall, his forearm against her neck. She choked a bit and glared at him, wondering what on the Weaver's green earth he was doing.

Walker said nothing as his free hand pushed her hair away and he saw the mark. His eyes met hers and noted the slight redness on her face. Her violet eyes were glaring daggers and she was trying to get his arm off her neck. "Whoring yourself out to Barnes now?" he asked with a hard tone. His blunt accusation and the utter audacity of it caused his prisoner to lash out at him but his free hand caught her wrist and he slammed it against the wall. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Doesn't matter to me either way, Nixxie. I would just be careful if I were you. I cut the audio to Zemo's cell block so I haven't heard a word of your conversation but if you're not careful, you're going to slip and call attention to yourself if being seen with Barnes hasn't already," he said. "What do you want from me?" Phoenix asked, her voice weak from his hold on her neck. Walker gave her a once-over. Her chest was heaving, her face was red from having her airway constricted, and she was trying to get her wrist free.

"Nothing, Nixxie. But maybe it's time you stopped pretending to be human and Barnes would do well to stop thinking you are. You're just a freak of nature with no place in any world," Walker said. Phoenix couldn't stop a couple of tears from falling but her glare remained fixed. "You think I haven't been told that in some way, shape, or form my entire life? I know my kind shouldn't exist anywhere but we do because humans like you don't give a damn about the ethical and moral ramifications of artificially creating life. Of creating creatures who have to suffer because of what we are. It's just how it is and I accept that. Life is suffering but my kind are existentially rejected more than most. Only the kelpies were seen even lower because they were monsters. Bucky can't help how he feels…and neither can I. I don't care what you think about me but leave him out of this," she said, angry tears flowing en mass. Walker was quiet but he moved his arm enough to tilt her head to the side to look at the mark on her neck again. "You're so weak," he finally said. He relinquished his hold and Phoenix pitched forward, coughing and massaging her throat.

Walker took Phoenix by the elbow and started leading her back to the helicopter. She shook him off once she got herself put back together. When they reached the chopper, they entered and started the flight back to the mainland. Phoenix held her legs to her chest, making herself as small and inconspicuous as possible. Walker just sat with his arms crossed, looking out the window. His eyes only left the scenery when he saw her hand set itself on her neck again. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious about just how involved Phoenix was with Bucky. Somehow, he didn't think they went all the way and it didn't matter really. Far as Walker was concerned, they were both playing pretend.

Central Park

Bucky was walking along the sidewalk, heading for the street. He had come to the park looking for Phoenix but she was nowhere to be found. He paused when he saw a limo pull up the curb. He was beyond surprised when Phoenix stepped out. She caught sight of him and she immediately ran at him. Bucky opened his arms as she got closer and held her close. He spotted the last person on earth he expected to see when John Walker stepped out of the limo to watch. What was going on? He glared at Walker and was getting ready to go over but Phoenix stopped him. "Don't," she said, meeting his eyes.

Bucky wasn't sure what to make of it but there was clearly a story here and Phoenix didn't want him getting into it with Walker. He held her protectively as he glared at the other man, who returned the look with one that said he was dying to go at it with him. Walker just shook his head, reentered the limo, and it drove off. Bucky looked down at Phoenix who was now tense. "So what's the story?" he asked, walking her over to a bench. The shifter held his hands and took a deep breath. She launched into the full story, leaving nothing out. To his credit, Bucky listened without interrupting but his hands did grip her own a bit tighter when she told him Walker had her up against the wall to see the mark he had left.

Phoenix slowly looked up at him. Bucky was looking at their hands, deep in thought. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" he then asked, meeting her eyes. "No. I was just caught off guard. I wasn't in a position to shift back and given that prison had cameras everywhere, I didn't want to out myself as nonhuman. I'm sorry I was gone. Walker didn't give me much choice," she apologized. Bucky gave her a lopsided grin. "You have nothing to apologize for, Nix. You did all the right things necessary to protect yourself. I'm glad you weren't hurt," he said, standing and pulling her to her feet. Bucky grinned as he pulled her behind a tree. "I admire you so much. You kept a cool head when Walker had practically kidnapped you. I'll admit I was getting worried but I know you're more than capable of handling yourself," he said.

Taking her face in his hands, Bucky stroked Phoenix's cheeks with his thumbs. She smiled gently at him, setting her own hands on his wrists. "What's wrong, love?" she asked. The White Wolf just sighed before placing his forehead to hers. "I'm enhanced so I'm a lot stronger than normal people but you, Nix? You're something else entirely. It's in my nature to protect others. I had protected Steve all our lives up until he got the serum. Then it was him protecting me. I just feel a bit outclassed because you don't need me to protect you," he admitted. Phoenix set a hand on Bucky's face, making him face her. "We protect each other, Bucky. I'm physically strong because of what I am but emotionally and mentally, I'm not where I should be because of my background. And that's where you do the most good. You have never once failed to make me feel loved and accepted, even before we took this step. You protect my heart and self-esteem," she assured him.

Bucky smiled before planting a kiss on the palm to his face. "Besides, this world is full of dangers that don't exist in my own. So in a way, you've been protecting me all along," Phoenix then added. The former Winter Soldier grinned a bit before hooking her head in his hand and planting a kiss on her lips. Phoenix returned it, feeling her back hit the tree. The kiss was sweet but Phoenix could feel a bit of Bucky's worry and relief through it. They broke apart and she smiled with half-lidded eyes. "I love you," she whispered. A toothy smile met her words and Bucky pulled her off the tree to wrap his arm around her shoulder. They went back to the path and started walking.

"Nix," Bucky said after a couple of minutes of companionable silence. "Yeah?" she responded. He looked down at her with a smile and took her hand, hooking it onto his elbow. "Walker is wrong about us. I hope you know that. Sure, we're an extremely odd couple because of our…many differences. But this…what we have…it's real. You understand?" he ventured. Phoenix kept her eyes locked with his and she chuckled in response. "You're quite the mind-reader, Bucky," she said. The White Wolf grinned before he paused to kiss her temple. "Nah. I just know you so well. How you tick and such. You're very well-adjusted and content in life but you still have those insecurities that come from being what you are," he said.

Bucky sobered up and they started walking again. "I don't pretend to know what it's like to be you, Nix. The two of us are similar in many ways but our experiences are night and day. The Winter Soldier was a ghost story but the world at large isn't going to connect him to Bucky Barnes. You, on the other hand…you had to deal with contempt and hate your entire life for something you had no control over. You didn't ask to be made," he explained before bringing them to a pause again. Bucky took Phoenix by the upper arms and she set her hands on his elbows. "How often do the voices in your head tell you you're unwanted? How often did you give in and believe them?" he mused, placing his forehead to hers. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "It happens more than I care to admit. Some days are worse than others. That said, I'm blessed I have the support system I have. You, my mother, Seiryu, Sam…you all keep me grounded. You, Seiryu, and my mother are always making sure I know I'm loved," she said in a low voice.

Their eyes met and she smiled. "I know the world's words are empty because they don't know me but I struggle from time to time. That's just life. It was harder for me when I was younger but it's gotten easier the older I got," she explained. Bucky pulled back, his hands slipping to take hers. "You're struggling right now because of what Zemo and Walker said," he ventured. Phoenix's eyes widened a bit at his guess. Her otherwise calm face fell and she sighed. "I hate it when the younger ones act so superior. Zemo still has it in his head that being born of a Queen makes me something I'm not, despite me explaining why that isn't the case. He doesn't think you're good enough for me because of that technicality. I would be the first to say I'm not good enough for you. Walker? Well, he's just like every other human in my own world who finds me contemptible because I'm unnatural. After all, it's human nature to fear what you don't understand and aside from my very existence defying natural law, he fears me for what I can do," she said morosely.

Bucky was surprised to learn she didn't think she was good enough for him. Given his background, he didn't feel worthy of anyone. Hell, he still struggled with the notion that he had been overbearing with his feelings for her to the point she was only dating him out of pity or even fear that rejecting him would've made things bad for her. "Nix…I want to put the matter to rest so I don't have it hanging over my head. Us being together is what you want?" he asked. Phoenix met his eyes and smiled softly. "Yes. I stand with you completely by choice. I love you, Bucky. You can believe that," she assured him. Bucky felt the last of his doubts evaporate and he pulled her into a kiss.

Phoenix broke it after a moment and set a hand on his face. "Just so you know that just as you know my moods, I know yours. I haven't said anything because I'm still pretty new at this but let me put your mind at ease again. You didn't pressure me into this and I could never go through with this with anything less than complete honesty. Until now, I didn't think anyone aside from Seiryu could find me worth pursuing. I'm not exactly anyone's first choice as far as equines go," she said. She stepped back and clasped her hands behind her back with a smile. "You make me feel beautiful and wanted, Bucky. Seiryu did as well. The more people who show me this truth, the better it is for me. So be at ease. You would have to try really hard to make me turn on you. Giving me what I need isn't going to do that. If you're afraid you're smothering me, don't be," she said.

Bucky ran a hand through his hair. "Are you sure?" he asked. Phoenix took his wrist and smiled. "Take a look at my shadow and remember: if an animal feels smothered, they will do something about it. I don't just let things that bother me happen to me. Since I've done nothing yet, we're good," she responded. The White Wolf smiled in response and he brushed some of her hair behind an ear. "We have a lot to work on, both on our own and together," he admitted. "Yeah but as long as we're together, we can manage. Considering my age and the strides I've taken since the 1800's, I'm in a good position to help you if needed. That said, you're also in a good position to help me," she agreed. Silence fell for a moment as Bucky placed his forehead to hers. "I don't want to come off as needy or clingy, Nix, but can you remind me once in a while you're doing okay with me?" he asked. "I would be honored. Human or animal, we all need reassurance once in a while. I've been doing this for you since close to the beginning. I can keep on doing it," she responded. Their eyes met and Phoenix smiled. "I love you," she whispered. "And I you," he replied. Hand-in-hand, the two headed off to do something with the day.