DISCLAIMER: This fanfiction will follow its timeline, however, I've tried to stick to the movie timeline as much as possible. It must be noted that this story is rated M as there will be some explicit content mentioned later in the story (depictions of sexual intimacy, and also mentions of rape and abuse) but forewarnings will be provided at the beginning of the respective chapter.

It must be noted that I don't own any of the Marvel characters or anything affiliated with the Marvel Universe. However, all OC and original content have been created by me.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

"The One with the Short Explanation"

[ALTERNATING POVs]

Lilah couldn't believe she had raised her voice at James like that. The people standing closest to their table had all turned to glance at them and tried to decipher what her reprimand was in reference to but she remained still and quiet. She half expected Sophia to come barreling through the crowd to establish what was going on, but to her relief, no one appeared just yet. She must be keeping Sam on his toes, Lilah told herself.

"I'm sorry about that, I didn't mean for it to come out so … forcefully," Lilah apologised, ensuring that she maintained a natural tone in her voice. She saw James glance over at her, "it's really okay, Lilah," he said with a pitying look ghosting over his eyes. She could see that he didn't want her to feel embarrassed and, while she appreciated that, Lilah knew that she needed to explain her reaction to him. With a shuddering breath leaving her body, Lilah carefully moved her drink aside, straightened her back, and clasped her hands in front of her, "James, I need you to know that what happened between us was not because of anything you said or did," Lilah was struggling to remain collected, "You'd never hurt me; I know that," The last sentence was spoken in a rushed but shy and almost-inaudible mumble. Glad that she finally said what was needed, Lilah refocused on her glass and brought it back in front of her.

Bucky pondered for a moment over Lilah's words and while it was endearing; that one sentence confused him. "You and I were both in that medical room yesterday, Lilah," he paused for a moment, giving her time to recall the events of the day, "from your reaction, you're honestly going to stick to your story and tell me that you're not afraid me? Or that I didn't do something to hurt you or a loved one perhaps?" Bucky pushed quizzically. Lilah's face blanched a little. She had forgotten about the debacle at the medical yesterday. Damn, he's good, she thought to herself.

The corner of Lilah's mouth started to lift in the beginnings of a smirk, unsure of how to defend herself on this point – so she didn't. "You're right," Lilah raised her palms in a placating gesture, "you are completely right, I was afraid. Seeing you after 9 years on its own was a huge deal for me," Lilah gave a small humourless laugh that broke Bucky's heart a fraction. Then he saw a slight blink of her eye as the smile dimmed, "but seeing you again also triggered a memory of one of the most heartbreaking nights of my life. I never thought that I would think about that night so vividly ever again … until I looked into your eyes yesterday," Bucky listened and watched as Lilah's eyes began to brim with tears, threatening to fall, "So, I am sorry if my reaction to seeing you was misleading. Please try to understand that it was purely a reaction to a memory." Lilah paused and looked down, away from James, "It was them, James, HY-" quickly becoming aware of her surroundings and possible listening ears, Lilah looked back up at James but dropped her voice to a nimble whisper, "my reaction was to something that the organisation did."

She watched as James scrunched his eyes shut as if he were trying to stop a deep ache. She tried to use that moment to her advantage and wipe away the tears that had now fallen, but James had seen her. "I am sorry, Lilah," he apologised, "I wish there was something I could do for you … to ease your pain," the sincerity in his voice should have had a soothing effect on Lilah.

But it only frustrated her.

She picked up her glass and drained the contents until the ice hit her lips, "Don't apologise for those bastards, James." She said with such bravado that it left no space for debate. Bucky smirked, not just at her sudden show of courage, but also at her use of colourful language. It was something he was getting accustomed to on females now and to see it on Lilah; it had him captivated. "It wasn't your fault and you'd do well to remember that," placing her empty glass to the side. Pausing to deliberate her words, Bucky mimicked her in the moment, lifting his whiskey toward her with the words, "hear, hear," and then swallowed the last of his drink.

Author's Note: A short lil' chapter for you guys ...

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