Steve observed the woman who was standing by the massive window, silently staring at the silhouette of Manhattan. It was quite impressive, especially at nighttime. She hadn't turned on any lights, so the whole apartment was dark and silent.
Her long white nightgown made her look like a ghost. Like a restless spirit that didn't belong to this world. Steve had no idea how long he had been looking at her, unable to say a word. He should say something. He should let her know that he was here.
And what would happen then? She would escape to the bedroom she shared with Bucky. He was resting peacefully for once, there hadn't been any night terrors. For so many nights Steve had been forced to listen to his friend's pain when Bucky had woken up screaming.
She was always there to comfort Bucky. She held him, stroked his hair, hummed and whispered calming words in his ear. Steve had no idea what would happen if she wouldn't be there. And yet, he didn't even know who she was. Not really.
She had been with Bucky when Steve had found him, and Bucky had refused to be separated from her. Tony had been reluctant to let Bucky stay in the Avangers Tower, but he had agreed when Steve had offered to stay in the same apartment.
He had promised to Tony that he would keep a close eye on Bucky. So did Dr. Madden who was an excellent psychiatrist. Bucky was already well enough to participate in some missions, but he was far from alright.
Then there was her. Although they had lived together for a few months already, Steve didn't really know much about her. She never spoke to him unless he spoke to her first and even then, her answers were always short.
Obviously, Tony had wanted to do a background check on her before she had moved here with Bucky, but there hadn't been much information. No family, no friends, just multiple cities and short-term jobs. She had been reported missing two years ago by her landlord, but according to her, that had been a misunderstanding. She had simply left in a hurry.
Without any of her possessions, including her purse. That didn't sound very likely. It wasn't difficult to tell that she was hiding something, but so far Steve hadn't pushed it. Not when she was so important to Bucky.
Their relationship was quite strange though. She cooked for Bucky, and for Steve as well, kept the apartment clean, did laundry, baked and took care of a row of potted plants Bucky had brought for her. It seemed that she was always doing something, and Steve had never seen her leaving the apartment.
Whenever Bucky wasn't on a mission, he usually followed her around like a lost puppy. When she sat on the couch with her book, Bucky joined her, his head resting on her lap and his arms wrapped around her. Sometimes he asked her to read to him, sometimes they were both quiet.
Steve had to admit that he didn't fully understand their dynamics. She always spoke softly to Bucky and took care of him while he clearly wanted to be close to her, but also avoided looking at her in the eyes. That was strange.
Steve had once caught a glimpse of them in their bedroom. She had sat on the edge of the bed and Bucky had been on his knees before her, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
"I'm sorry," he had murmured. "Please, babydoll… I need you."
She hadn't said anything, but she had stroked his hair. For a brief moment Steve had hoped that he would have been in Bucky's place. The thought had been so disturbing that he had quicky turned around and walked away.
She was very beautiful, he couldn't deny that, but obviously he didn't look at her like that. Of course not. He wasn't looking at her like that now either, he was simply curious. What was she thinking? Why couldn't she sleep? He needed to say something.
"Anna?" he called softly, trying his best not to startle her. He didn't succeed, she almost jumped before quickly turning around.
"Oh," she sighed as she recognized him. "Forgive me, I didn't hear you coming."
"No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."
She looked like some kind of an ethereal creature standing in front of him, her long dark hair down and her hazel eyes looking at him sleepily.
"That's okay," she replied, smiling at him. She was always smiling when she talked to someone. "What can I do for you, sir… Steve? Would you like a cup of tea?"
"No, no, I just noticed that you're awake and I wanted to make sure everything is alright."
She kept the smile on her face as she nodded.
"Yeah, everything is fine. Thank you for asking."
"Sure."
He hesitated, unsure of how to continue.
"I should go," she stated before he managed to say anything. "Good night, Steve."
She retreated to her and Bucky's bedroom as quickly as she could without running. Steve sighed and closed his eyes. He should really get some rest before sunrise.