I'm Not Alone? (Cross posted on AO3)

chapter 4

The room is mostly dark, save for the faint glow of the moonlight streaming through the windows. Bucky's gaze scans the room, searching for any signs of intrusion or danger. He then hears a soft voice from the bed. Bucky's eyes widen as he sees you sitting up in bed, your expression a mix of fear and exhaustion. He instantly drops his guard, his expression turning concerned.

"What are you doing here? Is everything okay?" He asks, his voice gruff but gentle.

"I had a nightmare." You say, hugging your legs closer to your chest.

Bucky nods, immediately understanding your fear and restlessness. He moves closer to the bed, his expression softening.

"Nightmare? What happened?" He asks, his voice quieter now.

"I was in the living room with my mom and dad. Suddenly there was a crash. A dozen men in black broke in and shot my dad. Then they made mom pass out. I was hiding behind a giant philadendron plant that was in the living room. I tried to do something. Anything. But I couldn't. I was a little kid with no powers, paralyzed with fear. I watched helplessly as they took him away. When mom got up, he and the men were long gone."

Bucky's expression darkens as he hears your account of the nightmare. His mind instantly starts racing with possibilities, his protective instincts kicking into high gear.

"Is that a recurring nightmare?" He asks, his voice serious but tender.

"I get it like, once - twice a year."

Bucky studies you for a moment, his gaze flickering over your nervous expression.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asks, his voice gentle and soothing.

"No. You have enough baggage on your own." You say, not wanting to make him worry even more

Bucky lets out a small snort at your comment.

"Yeah, I have my fair share of baggage. But so do you. And I'm here if you need someone to talk to, kid."

"I can handle it on my own." You insist.

Bucky observes you for a moment, his expression amused. He can see the stubbornness in your eyes, a quality he finds familiar.

"You're stubborn, like me. Always trying to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, eh?"

"Heh. What a coincidence."

Bucky chuckles, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He leans back against the headboard, his gaze fixed on you.

"Yeah, you could say that. Guess misery loves company."

Bucky looks into your eyes, studying your expression. He can see the hint of fear and unease still lingering there. He lets out a small sigh.

"Are you really okay, though? That nightmare seemed to have shaken you up pretty bad."

"I'm fine now." You insist again

Bucky hesitates for a moment, knowing that you're trying to put up a brave front. He can see through it, though. "You can lie to everyone else, but don't lie to me, kid. I've seen enough people like you, trying to act tough and pretend like nothing's bothering them. But I can see that your nightmare shook you."

"I just... I just wish I could have done something. But I was barely three years old."

Bucky's expression softens at your words. He understands your helplessness, your frustration.

"You were just a kid, there was nothing you could've done. Don't blame yourself for something you had no control over."

Bucky looks at you, his gaze steady and sincere.

"It's not easy to live with the memories of things you've done... or things that have been done to you. But you have to keep moving forward, even if it's just one step at a time. And when the guilt and pain feels overwhelming, you need people who can be there for you. You have friends here, kid. You're not alone."

"Thank you Bucky."

Bucky gives you a small, reassuring smile. Despite his gruff exterior, he's always had a soft spot for those who've been through hell. He knows all too well how it feels to be lost and alone. "No need to thank me. Just trying to look out for you, kid. If you ever need to talk, I got your back."

"I guess I should get back to my room. You need some rest as well. Thanks for being there for me." You say as you get off of his bed.

Bucky nods, standing up from the bed. "Yeah, you go on ahead. Try to get some rest yourself. Just next time, try don't break into my room, okay?"

You giggle. "Sorry about that, I got caught up in the moment. I won't be repeating that one."

Bucky watches as you approach the door.

"Goodnight, kid. Sweet dreams."

You give him a small smile and wave.

"Goodnight Bucky."