Nightshade

You waited. You had no idea how much time had passed, your eyes darting around trying to hear something... anything. You got more frightened with each passing second. Was he still out there? Did they take him already? Did he leave? He wouldn't leave you... would he?!

Your face twisted up as your started to sob silently, pressing your mouth against your hands resting on your knees, trying to not make any sound, sweat gathering on your upper lip.

There was a low buzzing of sound. You froze to hear it, holding your breath. Your eyes barely closing swiftly before snapping open again quickly with each blink. The sound would start, stop and draw out at different lengths. It went on for maybe a minute or two. What the hell was that?!

You felt the sting of tears in your throat again. You were so scared. You just wanted to run to Bucky's arms, but you didn't even know if he was still there... and he told you to stay. His whisper echoed in your head, 'It's gonna be okay, baby. I love you.' You squeezed your eyes shut and thought to yourself, 'Bucky, don't leave me.'

Your were snapped out of your thoughts when the buzzing stopped. You waited...

A loud three note whistle with a unique cadence rang out from the other side of the door and wall. Your eyes got wide, your head lifted. That was Bucky's call to you, his signal to come to him. He had established many covert communications between you both... to keep you safe, because he knew he was a wanted man.

Your instinct was to jump up and run to him. You almost did. But you waited a moment or two... What if he was being coerced to call you? Surely, they would have to torture him before he would give into that-

"Meine süße.", his voice was loud, but relaxed and calmly commanding when he called out to you.

That was more reassuring; he didn't sound distressed. Which at least meant he had everything under control. You had learned to read even his voice.

You got up, still reluctant, and went to the door, swiping at your eyes with your hoodie sleeves. You swallowed hard and your hand paused on the knob as you reminded yourself, 'Be brave, he taught you how to take care of yourself... you can do this... at least I hope I can." You took a deep breath in through your nose, your chest hitching a couple times. You turned the knob slowly... easing the door open, your heart pounding. When it was open just enough, you looked out through timid, but alert eyes, your chin tilted down, your face still framed by your hair that was covered by your hood.

You saw Bucky... and beyond him, near the kitchen area, another man. He was wearing a red, white and blue kind of jumpsuit, holding a shield of the same colors. His suit and shield donning a star each. He was wearing a helmet covering his head and half his face, so you couldn't really make out his features. He was large, like Bucky. Steve? Bucky had only mentioned him once or twice, but you had never seen him. Even in your tense state, you found him... compelling. Once you had taken in the other man in a matter of two seconds, you looked to Bucky, hardly turning your head.

"Ist in Ordnung, Liebling", he soothed, his face soft and affectionate only enough for you to notice it. Seeing his face really helped you to know that it was okay. You and he could read each other well enough in a sticky situation that you didn't need words... another survival tactic for you both, but this one had come naturally, sprouted from your love; your connection to each other. He closed his eyes and slowly hitched his head to urge you out again.

He closed his eyes longer than blinking. He didn't need to be on guard against this other man. That was the last sign you needed before you relaxed enough to start coming out. Your reservation of feeling frightened started to melt as you made your way to Bucky, eyes flitting between both men and to the floor from under your lashes. You stopped a fraction of a step back from being right by Bucky's side, your arms hanging by your sides.

The other man watched you as you moved... like a fragile little fawn with big blue eyes, dark as a deep and stormy sea. And the way you glanced at him; your chin down, eyes curious... he was captivated.

You just watched the man, your eyes had locked with his, your gentle confidence returning as Bucky spoke, his voice quiet and gravelly, "Steve, this is Bella." He placed a hand on the side of your hooded head and kissed it, your eyes closing only until his loving touch left you.

It WAS Steve.

Steve turned his head so slightly, feeling a bit foolish for asking, but did anyway, "Like the vampire... movies?"

Your face stayed unchanged and so did Bucky's as he answered, hands at his sides again, "No. Belladonna. The poisonous flower. And while she can be timid, she's also very powerful."

Your expression was still soft, curiosity now blending with confidence as you tilted your head only enough to be noticed. Your gestures and expressions were always so subtle, but impactful.

Steve tilted his chin up and pursed his lips as you still watched him interacting with Bucky. Bucky asked Steve with a slight smirk, "You wanna see what she can do?"

Steve scoffed quietly, "I don't feel like being poisoned today, thanks."

"That's not what she does.", Bucky replied as a tiny smile slid over your closed lips while you looked up at Bucky, who mirrored your expression. You actually found it a bit fun to "play" with willing participants, especially those bigger than you... which was most people.

Steve was drawn to you enough that he wanted to know more about you, even if it meant he'd make an ass of himself for agreeing, "Alright.", he finally got out. "What do I need to do?", he turned and put his shield on the kitchen island behind him, taking in a deep breath.

"Just stand there.", Bucky answered.

You finally spoke with your small, soft voice, looking up at Bucky inquisitively with doe eyes, blinking, "How much?"

"He's like me.", Bucky winked.

Your smile grew a fraction as you headed towards Steve.

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"Meine süße" = my sweet
"Ist in Ordnung, Liebling" = Is okay, darling (it's okay OR things are in order)