Chapter Text
Time. A villain and a savior. It gives and it takes. A cosmic force of neither good or evil, indiscriminate and holy.
But what of those who have all the time in the world? Unbound by its law of aging and death.
Are they blessed? Or are they damned to a life of eternity without consequence?
☆
It's loud. Noises fill your ears all at the same time. You aren't sure what they are or where they come from. The only one you can seem to manage to understand is a scream. It's deathly. Curdling. And then it fades into the sound of a horn.
Pain. Your head throbs. Your face twisted from the sensation that creeps up the back of your neck and through your skull.
Autumn air creeps up your arm and swirls around your ankles. The gust brings a crinkle of leaves that tickle you. Bumps form on your skin.
Regaining energy into your limbs you lift your head. Your eyes take a moment to focus in the dim light. To your right you see the street and people walking down the sidewalk. Returning your eyes to yourself you look at the cherry colored dress that stops just short of your ankles. An alleyway?
Lifting up from the ground you catch yourself on the wall. Your knees wobbly and not willing to stand. You sigh and head towards the street. Cars zoom past. People talk and laugh while passing. Your eyes scan the shops. None of them seem familiar. Have you stumbled too far? What side of town are you on?
You turn and bump into something. Losing your footing you fall back. "Whoa. Sorry about that. You alright, doll?"
The impact rattles your head making your headache flare. Your palm presses to your head to try and stifle it. With a gentle nod your gaze lifts. Blue. The male in front of you has beautiful blue eyes. He gives you a cheeky smile. One that you're sure charms all the ladies. He's dressed in a casual suit, probably walking home from work. His hair is slicked to the side and he wears a fedora on top. He holds out his hand and you hesitantly place yours in his. He pulls you back to your feet. "Y-Yes. I'm alright." You look around the street again.
"You look a little lost. Ever been to this side of town?" He asks. You shake your head. "Well, lucky you. I know Brooklyn like the back of my hand. Let me show you the best restaurant in town." You brush off your dress before realizing you don't have a purse with you. Or anything really.
"I don't have any money."
"Like I'd ever make a doll like you pay," he chuckles. "Come on." He offers you his arm. You can't help but feel grateful as you take it. "I'm James but everyone calls me Bucky."
"I'm-" you pause. Your name. What is your name? How do you not know? Choose something. You blurt out some random name, one that you think suits you nicely.
"A pretty name for a pretty girl," he says. You smile. "Where are you from?"
"The Bronx," you say, even though you're not really sure but that's what came to mind.
"You're a little far for a lady on her own," he says.
"I don't mind," you say. "I think I just wanted some time away."
"I'm all for that," he says with a chuckle. "So you had no plans coming to Brooklyn and ended up stumbling into the fine arms of a gentleman who invited you to dinner. I'd say your luck is high this evening."
"I agree," you say.
"To tell you the truth I was headed to the restaurant anyway. My friends are meeting up there with some girls," he says. You pause.
"I don't want to intrude," you say.
"No. No. Think nothing of it. To be honest the guys have been trying to set me up for a while now. I figured if I can apologize for bumping into you and make them shut their traps at the same time it's a win-win."
You smile. "So do I have to pretend to be your girlfriend for the evening?"
"No. Unless you want to be," he says. The two of you share a laugh.
Outside the restaurant three gentlemen and two ladies wait. They all collectively puff some cigarettes into the cool night air.
The two girls wear cotton sweaters and pearls. They're prim with perfect hair and bold red lipstick. It makes you feel underdressed.
"Hey," Bucky says as you approach the group. The boys collectively cheer when they see him.
"Holding out on us Barnes?"
"Nearly thought you weren't coming."
"Starving, Barnes!"
You giggle at the dramatics.
"Yeah, yeah. You'll live," Bucky says. "I would like to introduce you to my new friend." He tells them your name and you smile.
"Hello."
"Wowza Barnes, you are holding out on us!" One says.
Another takes your hand. "Toby, darling. If you ever get tired of tight ass over here," he winks. "Look me up." One of the girls smacks his arm with her clutch and he jumps back offended. You giggle.
"I'm Dick. How are ya?"
"Frankie," the other says. The girls push the boys to the side.
"Don't corral her, you animals!" One says taking your arm and holding up her clutch as a defense.
"Are you alright, darling? It's okay we won't let the dogs slobber on you," the other says. You laugh.
"I'm Ellie," the one with the clutch defense says.
"And I'm Wendy," the other says.
"It's wonderful to meet you all," you say.
"Come on. I'm too hungry to wait out here all day," Bucky says, ushering the group inside. You all take a seat at a table.
"You ever been here before?" Wendy asks. You shake your head.
"The salad is amazing," Ellie says.
"She doesn't need to eat like you Elle," Wendy says.
"What? I'm trying to watch my figure," she says innocently. You lift a menu and scan it over. You are struck with confusion. You've never heard of some of these. Even worse, you don't think you can say them.
"Want a recommendation?" Bucky asks you. You nod. He points to a sandwich. "Their ham and cheese is great."
"Then I'll get that," you say. "Thanks."
"No problem."
A waitress comes up to the table to take our drinks. "Milkshakes for everyone?" Ellie asks. Everyone nods in agreement so you do as well. "I'll have chocolate, she'll have vanilla, what will you have hon?" You're struck with the question.
"Oh, uh, vanilla," you say. What is vanilla? You hope you like it.
After the waitress departs the group chatters on for a bit about some topic you don't necessarily understand. "Well, we might be able to before we head out."
"Head out?" You wonder aloud.
"To training," Toby says. "You know, the military."
"You're enlisted?" You ask. The four nod. "I see."
"Our little soldier boys," Wendy fake cries. Frankie throws a french fry at her.
"Oh!" Ellie says your name. "Got any plans tonight?"
"I don't think so," you say.
"Wanna come over for a girls night at my house?" She asks.
"Tonight?"
"Yeah, of course," she says.
"Sounds like fun," you say.
"Ellie is stealing Barnes' date right out from under him," Dick says.
"Savage," Frankie says.
"Oh, where's your date, Dick?" Bucky asks. "Still hiding out on Mars?"
"Ooh," the boys collectively say.
"You know what Barnes?" Dick asks.
"No, what?" Bucky asks with a smirk.
"You're gonna pay for that."
"Come at me, big man. Let's take this outside!" Bucky says lifting his fists. The girls laugh.
After everyone is nice and full the group exits the restaurant. It's gotten colder out and you grip your arm.
"Oh, honey, where's your sweater? You'll catch a cold," Ellie says.
"I didn't think I'd be out this late," you say.
"Here," Bucky says. He drapes his jacket over your shoulders. You smile immediately feeling much warmer.
"Thank you."
He smiles.
"Aw, what a gentleman!" Frankie dramatically faints into Toby's arms.
"I'm falling in love more and more each second!" Dick says. Wendy and Ellie take your arms and lead you away from the boys.
"Ignore them," Wendy says. "So, where are you from?"
"The Bronx," you reply.
"You lived in New York your whole life?"
"Um. No," you say.
"I can tell."
"Really? How?" You ask. She taps her nose.
"Can sniff out a tourist a mile away," she says.
"She's not a tourist, Wendy."
"She still smells like one. No offense hon," he says.
"None taken," you say. Your head lifts. Something is wrong. You turn to look at the boys. They walk a few feet behind, talking and laughing. Bucky's gaze meets yours. He gives you this smile that fades when he sees the panic in your expression.
"Hey, wait a second," you say, stopping the girls.
"What's wrong?" Ellie asks. You slip from their grip and look down the alley on your left. That way.
You begin heading down it. The girls call your name in surprise, but you don't respond. You continue down the alley and around the corner. You stop. Two boys beat another much smaller one.
A hand takes your arm. You turn to Bucky as he sees the situation. He doesn't hesitate to jump into action. Bucky hits one immediately, having the upper hand. They try to swing back at him but it's no use. He dodges their punches and lands his own perfectly. It's no time before they're cowering back. Then they run. You watch them head out of the alley. The smaller male they were bullying lays back against the bricks. Blood pours from his nose.
"Steve! You alright?" Bucky asks. He knows him. You rush closer and kneel. You pull a handkerchief out of your belt and offer it to him. His eyes land on you and you can tell he's upset. Not because he just got beat but because this is how you are seeing him for the first time.
He gently accepts the kerchief. "Thank you."
"Of course," you say.
"How did you find me?" Steve asks.
"She did actually," Bucky says.
"I heard it from the street," you lie. "You know each other?"
"Yeah, this guys my best friend," Bucky says.
"Well then it's nice to meet you," you introduce yourself.
"Sorry it had to be like this," Steve says with a wary smile.
"Don't be. I'm glad I was able to help," you say. Bucky offers him a hand. Steve stands and so do you. The three of you return to the street.
"Come on. We're walking the girls home," Bucky says.
"Girls, what girls?" Steve asks. You exit the alley.
"What happened?" Frankie asks.
"Is everything alright?" Wendy asks.
"Well, she just saved my buddys ass from getting beaten to a pulp," Bucky says.
"Still got beaten though," Steve says.
"Hey Rogers," Dick says.
"Rough day man. Come on walk with us," Frankie says. The group starts again continuing their walk down the street.
"I can't believe you heard all that. I didn't hear anything," Wendy says.
"You must have really good hearing," Ellie says.
"Probably," you smile.
"Where's your purse hon? Did you leave it at the restaurant?" Ellie asks.
"No. I didn't bring one. I wasn't planning on needing it."
"Even if you don't need it, you should carry it with you. It makes an outfit you know," she says flashing her clutch.
"Mine are old and they don't match any of my clothes," you say.
"Then we should go shopping," Wendy pitches.
"Yes!" Ellie agrees. "What are you wearing tomorrow?"
"What's tomorrow?" You ask. Both girls look at you with a shocked expression and you suddenly fear you've said something wrong.
"The fair? Don't tell me you forgot," Wendy asks.
"Oh. I've been busy," you say.
"So no dress for tomorrow?" Wendy asks. You shake your head.
"A whole shopping spree," Ellie says now determined.
"I don't have any money," you say.
"Don't you worry about a thing," Wendy says with a wink.
"Her parents are loaded," Ellie says. You smile.
"You don't mind?"
"Of course not!" Wendy says. "Besides, we love dressing people up. It'll be great."
"Okay."
"And tomorrow Bucky won't be able to take his eyes off you," Ellie whispers. Wendy giggles.
You turn once more to look at the boys. Bucky keeps Steve tight at his side trying to involve him in the others' conversation. Bucky chuckles and makes a retort. Steve meets your gaze. You give him a smile which he reciprocates.
We walk up to a gated property and stop outside. You peer through the fence at a decently sized house. Whoa.
The group says their collective goodbyes and separates. The girls unlatch the gate when you realize you're still wearing Bucky's jacket.
"His jacket," you say and look at their backs as they walk away. You rush down the sidewalk. "Bucky!" He turns. You pull the garment from your shoulders. "Your jacket. I almost forgot." He turns to the other guys who have stopped. They simultaneously nod and turn the other way. He takes it from you with a smile. "Thank you for all of this. I'm really glad I met you today."
He nods and looks back down to the jacket. "I'll be seeing you tomorrow won't I?"
"Yeah, the girls have already invited me," you say.
"Then," he takes your hand and places the fabric inside. "Return it to me tomorrow. Then I will know I'll be seeing you." Your fingers curl around the jacket. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," you say.
☆
Wendy and Ellie are a little too excited to go shopping. You've never been so you're not sure why it's such a big deal to them. They bring you to a store. One with two stories, and dresses everywhere. You're a little overwhelmed by it, like you were with the menu last night. But the other two storm to the racks.
You aren't as interested. Knowing that you already aren't sure what to wear, you trust they'll find something for you. But your gaze is drawn elsewhere. Across the store you spot emerald green satin shoes. They're beautiful. Your fingers trace the soft fabric.
"Like em?" You hear. You turn your head. A woman smiles at you. By her name tag you assume she works here.
"Oh, um, I don't know," you say.
"No need to lie to me, dear. I know true love with a pair of shoes when I see it!" She says. She picks the shoes off the rack. "Well come on." You follow her to a set of chairs just off the side. She gestures for you to sit. You take a seat in the chair. The woman kneels and takes off your shoes. They're some boring brown pumps that hurt your heels a bit.
She then slips both green satin shoes onto your feet. You look down in amazement of them.
"They fit," she says giddy. She stands and offers you her hands. "Come on, dear. Stand up." You take her hands and stand. "Walk around. There's a mirror over there." You approach the mirror watching the shoes click clack against the floor. They're wonderful. A darker mysterious color. A contrast to the pastel that floods the store around you. "You look like you're glowing." You turn noticing the woman now standing next to you.
"I really like them," you admit.
"There you are!" Ellie says. "I've been looking-" she glances down at the shoes. "Those are nice. Do you like them?" You nod.
"I think they fit her complexion perfectly," the shop woman says. "Are you girls shopping for full outfits?"
"Yes, for the fair," Ellie says.
"Will you be meeting some fine gentlemen as well?" She asks.
"She will for sure," Wendy pitches joining you.
"I barely know him," you admit.
"And?! Did you see the way he looked at you last night?" Ellie asks, she joins you in the mirror. "He's absolutely smitten."
"And if those are the shoes you love, those are the shoes you'll get. Lucky for you I found this on the rack," Wendy says and pulls out one of the many dresses in her arms. It's the same green but an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline. It's beautiful. "This with a string of pearls around your neck. Gorgeous. He won't be able to look away."
You purse your lips. "Oh! At least try it on!" Ellie says.
"Yes, you must," the woman says.
"Okay," you say. In a matter of seconds you and the dress are shoved into a dressing room.
"My name is Dolores if you need anything, dear," the shop woman says, closing the door behind you. The sudden silence confuses you for a beat before you look down and begin to undress.
You open the door and see all three girls chattering away on the chairs. You step out the dress and shoes in perfect synchronicity. They collectively gasp.
"Oh my word," Wendy sighs.
"It's perfect," Dolores says.
"You're beautiful," Ellie says. You turn towards the large mirror. The dress does compliment you nicely. It hangs off your curves and makes you look almost princess-like. Ellie comes up behind you and drapes the promised string of pearls around you. "This is it. This is the dress."
"What do you think, dear?" Dolores asks.
"I love it," you say.
☆
Wendy curls your hair as Ellie talks about nothing in particular while doing her makeup. You try to listen, but her voice keeps fading. Wendy curls the last lock and drapes it over your shoulder. "Thank you."
"You are very welcome," she says. You look down at the dress. Your hands fiddle in your lap. There's this sensation that creeps over your shoulders and gives you chills.
"Are you alright?" Ellie asks. Her voice suddenly breaks through your mind.
"Um, yeah," you say.
"She's nervous Elle!" Wendy snaps at her.
"Nervous about what? That he's not going to like it?" Ellie asks
"Maybe," you say. Wendy grabs your face and squishes your cheeks.
"That's crazy talk. He is going to adore you. You have nothing to worry about!" She says. You nod in the squish and she releases you. Your gaze returns to the mirror as Wendy turns to talk with Ellie. The dress makes you. You can't really explain it but there's a familiarity, not with the garment itself but the color. It must be your favorite. For some reason it resonates inside you, like a memory, something you're forgetting. It's so close, just out of your reach.
Glowing green. Your lips part in surprise. A vibrant green glows in your irises. You stare at it as the dark color seems to swirl in your eyes. Inside you. You reach a hand up and touch your cheek but the color doesn't fade. It doesn't disappear.
I'm sorry, my little one.
You jolt in the chair hearing the voice. Both girls call your name and you let out a shaky breath. Hands take your shoulders and your eyes return to the mirror, to Wendy reflected in it. You then look at the reflection of your own gaze and that green is gone. Your eyes are now the same color they were before.
"Are you alright?" Wendy asks.
"Yeah. Just a chill," you lie.
"Would you like a sweater?" Wendy asks. You nod. She parts from you.
"Would you like me to do your makeup?" Ellie asks.
"You don't mind?" You ask.
"No! I love dressing people up, remember?" She turns the chair to the side and begins dolling you up like there's no tomorrow.
You can't seem to get it out of your head. That voice. The rasp of it is so clear, so familiar. But you can't figure out why. They apologized. What happened? Why apologize?
"So what do your parents do?" Ellie asks. You tense. Parents? Do people need parents?
"They're… Writers," you say sheepishly. Parents. You don't have parents. Or even if you did you wouldn't know.
"So like books and magazines?"
"Newspapers," you say, letting the lie smooth itself out.
"Oh that's interesting," she says. "Don't hear that often."
"Really?" You ask shallowly.
Parents. A home. Things everyone but you have. People will get suspicious if they find out that is the case.
Honestly, you don't remember anything before waking up in the alley last night. What if you're a missing person? What if you were kidnapped? What if you're a serial killer?
"There. All done," Ellie says. You turn to the mirror. Bright highlights under your eyes and a soft blush on your cheekbones. You smile.
"Thank you," you say.
"Of course." Ellie moves away.
"Finally, found one," Wendy says, coming back into the room. You nearly forgot she left. She drapes a white sweater over your shoulders. "How's that?"
"Perfect. Thank you," you say.
"You're too kind for your own good, you know that?" She asks.
"Is that bad?" You ask.
"Not necessarily. But not everybody is willing to be just as kind back," she says.
"Amen," Ellie says. You purse your lips.
"Bucky is kind," you mutter.
"Of course he is. He likes you," Ellie says.
"I guess I don't know what that is, being liked," you say.
"You've never had a crush?" Wendy asks. You shake your head.
"That makes me weird, doesn't it?" You ask.
"No! No!" Ellie protests.
"Not weird at all. It just means you're serious. You want to be completely comfortable with someone before you think about a relationship," she says. "There's nothing wrong with that."
☆
The three of you enter the fairgrounds. You look around at the dazzling lights and shops on display. There's so many people. They laugh and smile. You even feel your own cheeks pulling upwards.
"Come on," Ellie says, looping her arm through yours. She leads you off in a direction towards the ferris wheel and the sweet smell of carmel. "Are you nervous?"
"Nervous?" You ask. "About what?"
"Seeing Bucky of course!" Wendy says.
"You said I shouldn't be," you say.
"That doesn't mean you won't be. Just be you. He will love everything about you," Ellie says.
"Okay," you nod.
"There they are," Wendy says. She waves and you see the boys wave back.
Today Bucky wears more casual clothing. A button up blue shirt with a grey jacket over top. He stands next to Steve and two other girls. One has dark hair and green eyes, she's pale and wears a dress you can tell is brand new, just like yours. The other is a dark red haired girl with a splattering of freckles across her cheeks. The dark haired girl seems to stick to Bucky and he doesn't seem to care. "Oh no."
"What's wrong?" You ask.
"Petunia and Nottie," Ellie says. "Petunia's been trying to get Bucky to be with her since high school. She's so annoying."
"Why is she here?" Wendy asks.
"Probably followed him from his house," Ellie says. "She won't like you."
"But I don't know her," you say.
"That doesn't matter to her. If you even look at Bucky you're an enemy to her," Wendy says. "Just try to ignore her. Bucky doesn't like her anyway."
"Okay."
"You made it," Bucky says as you approach. You hold out his jacket.
"You made sure of it," you say. He chuckles and takes the garment. Petunia purses her lips in distaste.
"Bucky you've never offered me your jacket before," she says, touching his arm softly. He turns to her.
"Never needed to," he says.
"But I'm cold, Buck," she says with a pout. He shoves the jacket into her. It's aggressive but he plays it off. She takes it with her face showing her annoyance. You step in front of her and introduce yourself.
"It's nice to meet you," you say, offering Petunia your hand. She glances at it with disgust and then lets a sharp smile tug her cheeks. However, it doesn't reflect in her eyes. She takes your hand.
"Petunia Washington. My father is the CEO of Washington Pharmaceuticals," she says.
"Oh that's interesting," you say. You introduce yourself to Nottie as well who takes your hand with a more genuine smile. "I'm staying with my Grandmother here."
"Oh are you staying temporarily?" Petunia asks.
"No. My parents aren't exactly in my life right now. I guess you could say I moved here."
"Divorce?"
"Dead," you smile. Petunia's smirk washes from her face at the mention of something so violent. Just like you expected it would.
Bucky steps forward brushing off her touch. He chuckles and looks at Petunia. "She's joking. Lighten up." Petunia stands straight.
"Jokes are funny," Petunia says.
"And that's why you never get them," Bucky says. He looks you over.
"You look beautiful," he says.
"Thank you. Wendy and Ellie helped," you say. Your eyes turn to Steve.
"It's good to see you, Steve. How is your nose?" You ask.
"Oh, better today. Still a bit bruised," he says.
"I'm glad to hear that," you say.
"I'm grateful for your help yesterday," Steve says.
"Think nothing of it. I wasn't just going to stand around," you say. Steve smiles.
"Come on. I want to go check out some stalls!" Ellie says excitedly.
"Can I come Bucky?" Petunia asks.
"You have a jacket, Petunia," Bucky calls over his shoulder and leads you into the crowd.
The next hour is full of chatter. He makes you laugh like you can't remember laughing before. Bucky also asks you questions like where you're from and what your parents are like. You give vague open answers. You tell him you're living with your grandma and you moved here from Indiana. Things like that. The lies pile on themselves and you're afraid you won't be able to keep track of them. It's frustrating but you aren't sure what else to do. You don't know who you truly are so how could you possibly explain it to someone else?
"Excuse me, miss!" Someone calls. You turn towards the voice. A girl approaches you. "You dropped this." She holds up a singular key on a keyring.
"That's not-"
She moves closer, taking your wrist and placing the key in your palm. You lift your gaze and see the green of her eyes. The same green you saw in the mirror. It doesn't glow this time, not here when people are watching, but it's the same color. You purse your lips and close your fingers around the key.
"Yes, thank you. I'll be more careful," you say. She nods once before turning away and disappearing into the crowd. Unfurling your fingers you gaze at the key.
"You alright?" Bucky asks. You snap your head up and nod with a small smile.
"Yeah. I'm fine." You slip the key into your purse and continue through the fair together.
Everyone stops to get food at a stall but your eyes are drawn elsewhere. A plush of a fearsome black wolf hangs over one game. It's wonderful. Like you can almost feel its fur, hear its panting.
"For that big guy right there it's 15¢ if you can manage to knock all three bottles off the stand!" The carnie suddenly says startling you out of your admiration. You jolt back at their fast and loud talking. "Wanna give it a try?"
"Um, I don't-" you shake your head but are suddenly blocked.
"Yeah, let me try it," Bucky says. Bucky tosses the softball four different times before actually managing to knock the bottles off.
"Congratulations young man!" The carnie says. "Pick a prize! Any prize!"
"The wolf for the pretty girl," Bucky says.
"A pretty wolf for a pretty girl," the carnie says. The black wolf appears in Bucky's hands and he extends it to yours. Your eyes are locked on it in shock for a few moments before taking it.
"Thank you," you say. "You didn't have to."
"I wanted to," he says. "Come on."
"That's cute!" Wendy says as you approach. You hold up the plush to show her.
"Bucky won it for me," you say with a smile.
"Really?" Ellie's eyes light up. She winks at you. You hold the wolf to your chest tightly.
The group moves on. "A wolf huh?" Steve asks.
"I think they're amazing. Strong independent creatures," you say. "Beautiful even."
"Beautiful?" Steve asks.
"Yes. Dangerous and beautiful," you say.
"I like the way you think," Steve smirks. "It's different."
"You don't think it's weird?"
"Why would I think that?"
"Just curious," you say. The two of you look to Bucky who is chatting with the other guys a few feet away.
"Do you like him?" Steve asks. You purse your lips.
"I've never liked someone like that before so, I don't know yet," you admit. "But he's kind and I like that."
"He likes you," Steve says. "More than he's willing to admit."
"He does?"
"He wouldn't stop talking about you. The other guys think you've bewitched him," he says. You giggle. "I've never seen him so serious though. Take care of him, won't you?"
"Of course," you say. The group turns a corner and your shoulder bumps into something hard. Something cold drips down your arm and you watch as chocolate fudge and ice cream seep down your dress.
"Oops," you hear. You lift your head to watch Petunia bite the tip of her spoon with an unapologetic smirk.
Wendy takes your wrist. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. I'm fine. It-it was an accident," you mutter. Around you people stare. You don't want them to. You're… Embarrassed?
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Bucky roars. He steps in front of Petunia.
"It was an accident you heard her," she says.
"Like hell! She's done nothing wrong to you and yet you're still a witch!"
"Bucky, I-"
"Buck!" Steve snaps. Bucky turns back to you his anger diminishes as he sees the look on your face.
"Here lovely," Ellie says, wiping down your arm with some napkins.
"Thank you," you mutter. Bucky approaches.
"Are you okay?" He asks. You nod.
"Yeah. I'm fine," you say. You lift the wolf back up.
"Oh no," Wendy mutters. A harsh line of chocolate runs down from the wolf's cheek to his chest, deep in its plush fur. "It's okay, we can wash it."
Heat boils in your chest. Burning into you like a brand from the inside out. Your eyes lift to Petunia the anger seeming to branch out of your body. Suddenly water begins to spray her down. Petunia shrieks. You follow the stream to one of the water shooting games. The device acting on its own, soaking her down. The water stream dies and Petunia gasps looking at her soaked dress and weeping curls. Everyone begins to laugh at her. Seeing karma work in real time. Her mascara begins to bleed down her cheeks. Nottie rushes to her side and the pair flee the scene.
"Whoa!" Wendy says.
"It's what she deserves," Ellie says.
"Good riddance," Bucky mutters.
"Are you okay, hon?" A girl approaches you.
"Yes, I am. Thank you," you say. She looks over your dress.
"I'm actually a seamstress and I could get this stain out in five minutes if you let me try," she says.
"Wow really?" Ellie asks after she's been dabbing at the dress with a wet napkin.
"Um, that would be wonderful," you say. "Thank you."
"It's the least I could do. Come with me there's a bench just over here," she says.
"I'll be back then," you tell the others. "You don't have to wait for me."
"I will. You guys go ahead," Bucky says. "Go on. I'll be here."
"Okay," you say. You follow the girl around the corner and sit on the bench. It's a crossway section so not many people travel down. The girl kneels and begins her work on the dress. You watch as her eyes begin to glow green as she works. You're taken back. "Who are you?" She doesn't respond, doesn't even acknowledge your question. "Please, you know something don't you? About me."
"Be more careful with your emotions," she says plainly.
"My emotions," you repeat. "I only got a little upset." She again doesn't respond. "And the key? What do I do with it?" Her head finally lifts.
"Follow it."
"What?" Without another word she stands and begins to walk away. "Wait, please, I-" she vanishes. Like a shadow, as if she was never there at all, just gone. You exhale and look down. Any evidence of what happened before is gone. The dress is perfect once again.
You return to Bucky he smiles and offers you the wolf plush again. You didn't even notice that he slipped it from you. "Here. Good as new." You look down to his fluffy face. The chocolate is gone, his fur a bit wet from the wash.
"Wow. How did you-"
"Just gave it a little scrub," he says with a smile.
"Thank you, Bucky," you say.
"No problem. It's the least I could do after her."
"You blame yourself?" You question.
"She only targeted you because of me. I should've told her to shove off before we even arrived. Granted she's never gone this far before. I guess she sees you as a threat," he chuckles. "I shouldn't have gotten angry in front of you either. I want to apologize for that as well."
"Don't. You were just trying to protect me," you say. "I appreciate it."
"Still, I never should have let her-"
"Bucky," you say, taking his arm. "I'm okay."
He chuckles. "At least let me make it up to you." He gestures to the ferris wheel. "Ever been on one?" You shake your head. "Come on."
The two of you wait until it's your turn to get on. The ride operator holds the door open for you. Bucky stands inside and turn to you. You look over the ride nervously. It's tall and is it really safe enough?
"Come here," Bucky says, extending his hand. "I won't let anything happen to you."
You purse your lips but take his hand anyway. You sit next to him and the ride slowly goes up. Your hand finds his when the ride jolts. He chuckles and folds his fingers over yours.
"It's alright," he says.
"S-sorry," you mutter, but he doesn't release your hand. He keeps it tight in his grip. Your seats reach the top and the wheel stops. From here you can see the entire fair. All the people, the lights, the smells. It's amazing.
"You really haven't ever been on one," he says. You turn to him, his bright smile, his eyes never left you.
"My parents were very secluded. I didn't have friends or really anything else. All of this is really new."
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your parents?"
"Car crash," you say. "It was a few years ago though. Grandma and I came here because she had family here and I needed a new start."
"I'm glad you did," he says. "And I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," you say.
The two of you manage to find your friends after a while. "Oh, we were about to head home," Ellie says.
"Yeah, it's getting late," Steve says.
"Could I walk you home?" Bucky asks you.
"Oh, um," you glance downwards.
"Yes!" Ellie says, appearing at your side.
"She would love that," Wendy says.
"Great," Bucky says. You turn to both girls but you know they're only trying to help.
You say goodbye to the others and Bucky offers you his arm. You take it and begin your journey to absolutely fucking no where.
He fills the space with small chatter and your ramble along with him until you remember the key in your bag. You discreetly slip it free and hold it tightly.
Follow it.
Just how do you do that? Is it going to grow legs and lead you?
A simple house on the corner. Black shutters. A porch swing. Hydrangeas out front. A park nearby. The image fills your head. And you know exactly where it is.
Home.
And then there it is. The house you saw in your mind exactly where you knew it would be.
"Is your Grandma asleep?" He asks. "All the lights are off."
"Yeah, she sleeps early. Thank you for walking me," you say. "I hope to see you again soon."
"You will," he says.
You open the small gate and rush up to the door. Glancing at the key you exhale and slide it into the lock.