#forgotten figures

A slight smirk tugged on his lips, “Did you sleep well?”

“I would have slept better if my pillow didn’t wonder off in the middle of the night.” she teased.

He opened one eye to look up at her, “Sorry.”

She only smiled sweetly, her hand finding its way to his stubbled cheek. “You really need a razor.” 

He grabbed her wrist pulling her down to him, and began to nuzzle her neck with his chin.

She gagged at the sensation, “Ugh- for an old man you really behave like a child- hey!” In one swift motion he was on top of her tickling her neck.

“Stop. Stop it.” She hissed as she playfully swat at him to get off her. He chuckled and leaned back still, straddling her waist. 

“You have so much energy in the mornings for literally no reason,” she groaned, rubbing her lightly burned skin. 

He leaned down to her, a smirk on his lips, “I can come up with a few, if you’d like.” 

She rolled her eyes, even though her cheeks began to flush, “Knock it off.”

He made a tch sound with his teeth, and sat back up.

She smiled and sat up on her knees, her hands clasping behind his neck, a finger twirling the slightly grown out hair. He leaned into her, looking up at her from where he sat, a sad expression came across his face. 

“What is it?” she asked, rubbing her nails lazily through his thick hair.

“I just,” he sighed trying to find his words, “I want to stay with you, but I just can’t make myself. I’m afraid of what I might do, if I stay too long.”

She tilted her head, searching his eyes, “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I don’t want to have an episode at night and lash out. Sometimes they feel so real and I get can’t control myself and the last thing I want to do is hurt you and-”

“Hey, Hey, Hey” she interrupted, “Look at me.” She lifted his face up to hers, “Look at me, you could never do anything to hurt me. I know you don’t trust yourself sometimes, but I trust you and I know you. I’m not afraid of the ‘what if’s.” Please, hear me when I say, I want you to let me in, I want to be apart of this, all of it. I want to help you Bucky, but I can only go as far as you’ll let me. And if it takes time, ok but it’s going to take more than a nightmare to make me go anywhere. Ok?”

He stared at her for a long time, a blank expression on his face. She couldn’t tell if she had overstimulated him with her cheesiness or he simply was dead. 

“Bucky? If I’m overstepping, I understand-”

He abruptly wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her small figure to his. She melted into his touch, just as she had the first time he held her. They stayed like that for awhile until she heard him whisper.

“I love you.”

She smiled against his cool skin, “I love you too.”

He brought her face up to meet his and kissed her softly. His lips were always so soft and warm, something you wouldn’t expect. His thumb made tiny circles along her jaw, as she kissed him back. His hand slowly snaked their way down to her thigh where he pulled her onto his lap. She subconsciously, wrapped her legs around his waist and arched her back pulling him upward slightly. He held her thigh with one hand and reclined back with the metal one, smiling into her touch. She pushed forward as he pushed back, every kiss becoming more passionate than the last. She pulled at his hair, causing a longing moan to escape from his lips, exposing his neck. She began to place light kisses along side his neck, his breathing became deep as he massaged her thigh in return.  

He flipped over, now pressing her back against the ground, topping her. He kissed her back deeply, his tongue becoming well acquainted with her mouth. One hand began to find its way in between her thighs. 

Her eyes snapped open, “James.” She grabbed his hand, “It is 4 in the morning.” She hissed.

“HELL YEAH IT’S 4 IN THE GODDAMN MORNING!” Sam blurted out from the next room.

Bucky buckled forward burrowing his head in her neck holding back his horror.

“Shit,” Her face became the next 50 shades of red, as she covered her mouth with her hand to prevent a wave of uncomfortable laughter.

“HERE I THOUGHT AT 11pm I WOULD GET MY BEAUTY SLEEP BUT NOOOO. IF I HEAR THAT DAMN SHIT AGAIN I WILL COME IN THERE AND BEAT BOTH OF YALL’S NASTY ASSES.”

There was a moment of silence as the two looked between each other with mischievous smiles. He rolled his eyes and licked his lips knowingly. She let out a staged moan loud enough to be heard from outside.

“Fuck. Y/N.” Bucky grunted, his face tinted trying to remain collected. She covered her face with her hands moaning back at him.

Seeing her smile only made Bucky ham it up more as he began slapping his hand on the floor to create more of a scene to which she erupted in a fit of choked laughter. Sam yelled something from the other room about Jesus Christ and Sin. Bucky stood up with that smug look on his face, as he did whenever he won at annoying Sam Wilson. He gave her his hand and hauled her off the ground with barely any effort.

She finally settled down from laughing and looked at him, “I think we should do that more often.”

“What? Piss off bird boy or have sex?” He asked.

She grinned, “Can it not be both?”

Bucky made a face as if he was scheduling the next when and where.

She gave him a light slap, “Now don’t get cocky about it. Also, you stink. Go take a shower.”

He looked at her offended then gave a sly look, “Or we could ta-“

“No” she snapped like a mother to her child, “Get.”

He held up his hands up in defense, “Alright, Alright, but I’m going to need my shirt back.”

She groaned and peeled off the shirt and tossed it at his face. He pulled the shirt down and gave her a once over, “I like that color” he said inspecting her black laced undergarments.

“Good Lord, Go.” she shoved him towards the bathroom. He chuckled at her and whipped the shirt over his shoulder, sending her a cocky grin as he left the room.

Once the door closed behind him, she let out a sigh and sat on the edge of the bed. A wave of depression washed over her as she longed for the day they could just stay in bed and not battle some end of the world threat. She looked to the blanket on the floor where he slept the night before. He deserved so much more than this. They deserved so much more than this.

She couldn’t lie, after the blip the thought of going off grid looked truly appealing. With Nat, Tony, Vision, Bruce, Wanda, Thor, and Steve gone, the Avengers felt more like a club then an actual organization. While she had always been closer to Sam, Bucky and Steve the hole left behind by the others made it too hard to go on some days. What was the point? Every time something was fixed something worse happened. And they never were thanked properly, only ridiculed by what should have been done, because everyone always expected them to be heroes; yet they never saw they were also human. The only reason she stayed was for Sam and Bucky, they had become her family, especially after Steve’s passing, who was like a father figure to her.

She pushed away the memories that came rushing in. She could not allow herself to get emotional, their job here needed her full attention. She stood and changed into her suit and left the room. 

Zemo was reclined on a sofa, drinking a cup of tea. When she entered he gave her a solemn nod. She cringed slightly, the anger at what he did to Bucky and T’Challa creeping back in.

“You’re up early.” She stated flatly.

“Hard to sleep with all the noise.” He shot her a look. “I can start you a kettle if you’d like.”

“Sorry, and no thanks, I got it.” She said. Grabbing a kettle and filling it with water.

Zemo stood, “Do you mind? I’ve read of your powers but never have I seen them.”

She shifted on her feet, “Well, sure but it won’t be a firework show or anything like that. It’s still a new thing to me and I can’t really do much.”

“Can’t? Or won’t?” Zemo asked, approaching her, finding a spot at the bar.

She looked at him as to say something but decided against it. She looked back to the kettle and placed her hands along the side. Zemo watched her every move; observing, analyzing. 

She took a deep breath in and reached for a part in her to attract the sensation she feels around her. The kettle began to warm and in a minute it was boiling.

“Fascinating” Zemo whispered, his eyebrows scrunched in concentration.

She poured the steaming hot water into a cup and placed two teabags in it. “See, nothing special.”

Zemo looked at her as if she had said something absurd. “You have a gift.” He countered.

“Feels more like a curse.” She scoffed.

“When did this begin?” He asked.

“I don’t know, I feel like I’ve always had these... these abilities but it wasn’t until after the blip did I truly began to use them.”

“Fascinating.” Zemo repeated.

She pursed her lips, while she loathed everything about Zemo, she couldn’t lie having someone appreciate her abilities felt nice. She normally just felt like a freak, too afraid to show too much emotion, in fear she might lose control.

“Can I have you try something?” Zemo requested.

She scoffed, “Sorry, I don’t feel like playing lab rat today.”

Zemo made a face, “I understand your negative emotions towards me, but to say I have had failures in this field would be an incorrect accusation.”

She rolled her eyes, “Fine. What?”

He leapt off his seat, seemingly excited to play mad scientist again. He fetched a candle from the table and sat it infront of her. She cocked an eyebrow.

“Light it.” He said, gesturing to the wick.

“I- I don’t think that’s how it works.”

“Light it.” He repeated, pushing the candle towards her.

She reached to touch the wick but he slapped her hand away.

“Hey!” She blurted out, glaring at him.

“Without touch.” He said calmly.

She looked at him then back to the candle, frustrated.

“Focus on what you wish for it to be, what it will look like, how it will feel.” Zemo coached.

She shifted on her feet again, finding a more comfortable stance. She focused on her breath and stared at the wick.

“Breath in, and when you breath out try to push your energy at it.” Zemo said.

She closed her eyes feeling a tingling sensation around her, she inhaled slowly, feeling the sensation grow. She opened her eyes and focused the sensation onto her target. She heard a crackle sound, as if a fire was trying to start. She looked to Zemo wide eyed, he never looked up.

“Again.” He said, staring at the wick.

She shifted and this time held out her hand. She took a deep breath and this time flicked her hand at the wick on the exhale, a flame consumed the wick and began to slowly burn. She gasped.

“Beautiful.” Zemo smiled.

“Well shit,” a voice was heard. They looked over to see Sam propped alongside a wall. “You got sparkly fingers, Y/N.”

She laughed, delighted in herself, “Did you see it?”

“I saw it.” He smiled.

She looked to Zemo, “How? How did that happen?”

Zemo held out his hand and she reluctantly lended him hers. He flipped her palm up and traced a distinct ‘M’ she never noticed before, with his finger. “You are a mutant. You were born with this gift and just now have discovered it.”

“A mutant.” She echoed. “How do you know?”

“All mutants have the symbol ‘M’ mapped on their palm. Each with a unique ability. Your friend Wanda, she is a mutant as well.”

“There’s more?” She gasped looking at Sam.

“Many more, we walk beside them each day, yet we do not know it.” Zemo said.

She looked back to Zemo, suddenly desperate for knowledge. She knew she had these powers but half the time she felt it was all coincidence, and was honestly too afraid to attempt to use them. Knowing what happened to Wanda.

“I want to know everything, please tell me what you know.” She said.

“Woah, woah. Look, the magic trick was impressive but I don’t think you should be getting your information from him, Y/N.” Sam said walking towards her.

“Sam, he’s the only one I’ve ever met, who knows about this stuff, besides Wanda and I don’t even know where she is.” She protested.

“I assure you I do not intend to mislead-“ Zemo started.

Sam pointed at him, “No. You do not get to say that after all you’ve done. The only thing you do is mislead. Hell, you’ve probably already done something to sabotage the mission.”

“You think so little of me, Sam.” Zemo pouted.

“Yeah, I do and for good reason.” Sam stated.

“Sam,” Y/N started.

“Y/N! Sam!” Bucky’s voice echoed throughout the small apartment.

The two took off in the direction of the noise immediately. They came into the room to find Bucky staring out the window.

“What is it?” Y/N asked, coming to stand beside Bucky. She looked out the window, her eyes widening in horror.

“My god.” Sam uttered.

Outside the window was a some kind of mutilated animal strung upside down. Blood dripped menacingly to the ground below. 

“What does it mean?” Sam asked.

“It’s an invitation.” A voice said. The three turned around to find Zemo.

“The Power Broker requests our presence.”

Legolas shifted, uncomfortably, at the thought of his father’s ill will. While he loved his father, he did not agree with him and his ways, that were often cruel and unjust. Legolas realized this was never about their relationship, it was about his father’s desire for power. And Y/N was either a great ally or a great enemy of that power. 

If his father already knew of their relationship, then he already had a plan in place to end it.

His mind waged war with itself, as he tossed around his options and their outcomes of how to avoid the threats his father cast. At this point, there was no use in trying to go back to life as normal, for too many secrets were in the open. There was not a point, either, in reasoning with his father, for when Thranduil  was set in his ways, there was nothing that would set him off course. One idea, however, kept creeping back into his thoughts, that would ensure her freedom. He could try to convince her to leave, but he knew she held a deep sense of duty to the crown. No matter how much she loved him, she would not leave; Unless, she was forced. 

He shook his head at the thought, yet he could not deny, she would be safe and free from his father’s control over her. If his father held no value to her name now, Legolas knew his father would be reckless with her life later. 

But what had she ever done to make her deserving of such an act? Maybe it was not something she had done, but he had done. His mind recalled something he had given her, something the King was searching for.

“Legolas,” a yawn came from beside him as she rolled to face him.

“Yes, Darling,” he whispered sweetly.

“Did you ever sleep?” She asked.

“Yes,” He lied, “Only for a short while.” He began to stroke her face, lovingly, “It is just after the sunrise, I must be leaving you now.”

She looked away, “I can’t help but feel this is the last time, I will see you in this light for a time.” She grabbed his hand and laughed, “Perhaps, I am far too paranoid for such visits.”

He couldn’t help but pull away, he felt dirty and undeserving of her. How could he turn his back on her? She had never asked anything or needed anything of him but this once, his word. His word to protect her in which he promised, knowing damn well there was no power behind it. He pulled himself from the bed, and began to dress himself. She stared at his back, where his muscles were tense with distress, she sensed truth in her words from before. A nervous feeling came across her. 

“Legolas,” she heard herself say. 

He pulled on his shirt, refusing to face her. “Yes, Darling.” 

She sat up, “Whatever it is that troubles you, know that we can go about it together, there is no reason to hide your worries.”

He closed his eyes, “I must leave you, before someone sees me.”

She crawled out of the bed quickly as he opened the window. 

“Legolas,” She repeated, this time more desperate. 

He stopped, half way out the window. He looked to her, “I will find you when it is safe.” is all he said before he crawled out, closing the window behind him.

She tried to move to follow him but she stood frozen. She tried to call for him but no words came to her, for her vocal cords felt strained. The only thing that moved, were her thoughts abusing what little hope she clung to, the hope that quite literally, went out the window. She did not know it then, but this was the first time she had felt betrayed, and certainly was not the last.

---

“Then he left?” Tauriel said with anger, “With no explanation? What the hell does “When it’s safe” mean, it could apply to an array of things.”

Y/N had told Tauriel everything from the beginning of their meetings, to the visit from Thranduil, to this morning. Well not everything, the daggers were skipped over. Y/N did not know why, but she felt it better to keep them secret.  

“Yes,” Y/N replied, her voice weak, “He has never acted that way before. I can not help but wonder what he will do. What is he confronts the King?”

Tauriel shook her head, “I understand how it looks from the outside but surely there is some greater reason then this? Even if not, why would Thranduil go to such extremes to separate you two? It’s not like the prince is affianced. Why would he create such theatrics? Especially when no one knows.” 

Y/N shrugged and shook her head, “I should have just obeyed his order and talked to Legolas, he would have agreed at some point. Instead I- I acted as if it were a suggestion. How could I be so foolish, Tauriel? I’ve allowed such childish behavior to risk my future or worse, and for what?” Y/N buried her face in her hands. Tauriel scooted over to her and grabbed her hands.

“Y/N, listen to me. Nothing has happened. We do not know the prince has done anything, yet. There is still time to find him and talk to him.”

“I do not know if I can.”

“Well, you’ll never know if you do not at least try.” She countered.

Y/N shut her eyes tightly and took a deep breath, “Tauriel, I can not be banished for this.” her voice cracked.

Tauriel tilted her head to the side and looked sadly at her friend, she squeezed her hands. “Hey, Hey do not speak of such dark things. Even if that does happen, just think you will finally know if the textbooks were right about the meadows and castles.”

Y/N opened her red eyes and looked to Tauriel, “I envy your positivity.”

Tauriel smiled and patted her friend’s hand, “I doubt that will ever happen, Y/N, You are far too valuable to the King.”

Y/N opened her mouth to speak but tilted her head. She heard the sound of crunching leaves approaching their spot in the woods. 

“Do you hear that?” she asked standing.

“Settle now, it’s probably a fawn.” Tauriel said.

Y/N stood still listening, she heard voices. “Someone approaches.”

Tauriel now stood, her bow at her side. 

Y/N saw a familiar build emerge from the brush, his starlight hair sparkled in the sun. 

She bowed instinctively and when she looked up she saw two guards behind him.  

“Your Grace,” Tauriel spoke for her, her tone bitter, “It is peculiar to see you in this part of the forest at this hour. Is there some sort of disturbance nearby which would explain this unusual encounter.”

Legolas did not look at her but kept his gaze on Y/N. He held no emotion in his face, nor none in his tone. “No Tauriel, I’m here with orders from my father to bring Y/N back to the castle immediately. He desires her presence.” 

“What kind of orders?” Y/N asked, not breaking his gaze.

Legolas looked to Tauriel then back to Y/N, “You are under arrest for high treason, larceny and false imprisonment.”

Tauriel gasped. Y/N laughed, not believing the words that came from his mouth, “What the hell are you talking about? Is this some kind of sick jest?”

He stepped toward her, unwavering, “I believe you know what I speak of.”

She then scoffed bitterly, “No I do not know actually. How about you enlighten me on these absurd accusation, my lord.” She said sarcastically. 

“You are under arrest for stealing the White Gems of Lasgalen. Now, if you will just return to my father with me, then you can hear more-”

“I will be damned if I go anywhere with you! What the hell do you mean stole the White Gems? and False Imprisonment? Of whom? You?! Legolas this is absurd, do you even hear yourself? Did your father put you up to this? That bastard-”

He slapped her across the face. Tauriel gasped. The forest fell silent.

Y/N touched her cheek, it stung of fire. She looked to him, stunned, infuriated and hurt. His eyes widened slightly, shocked at his own actions but he quickly made his face of stone again.

He tightened his jaw and looked down. In a low voice, which was barely even audible, he said, “Do not make this more difficult than it already is.”

She looked to him, her vision a haze of red. She held out her hands, as a guard came and chained her wrists together. 

He finally looked up at her. She had never looked away. 

She spit at his feet, “You bastard.” she growled before she was dragged away back to the castle. 

Bucky clenched his jaw. He knew it was just a role he was playing but being called and commanded around like he use to be struck a nerve with him.

“We got it.” She said, defending Bucky before he chose to say something else.

They make their way to the club, following Zemo inside. Sam places his hand on Y/N’s upper back, protectively guiding her through the club. The music was roaring as lights flashed, bodies grinded. The group separates in the crowd. Bucky going with Zemo and Y/N with Sam. Sam approaches a bar where the tender asks if he wants his regular, not knowing what else to do he gives a stern nod. The bartender presents him with an abused drink and he shoots Y/N a look, to which she leans on the bar giving him a “go on” look. He quickly tosses it back in his throat, trying to hide a shiver of disgust. He then smiles awkwardly at the bar tender.

Y/N turns around to inspect the crowd, the dancing had haulted slightly and people began to whisper about the appearance of Zemo and Bucky. Zemo approached the two, placing his hands on the bar.

“We have business to do, with Selby.” He said to the bar tender.

The bar tender looked at him strangely. A man came up behind Zemo.

“We’ve got word. You’re not welcome here.” He growled nodding to the door.

Zemo began to reason with him, explaining their case. She looked to Sam, his shoulders where tense as he keep an eye on the on lookers who, now had hands on their weapons. He leaned down to her ear, “I have a pistol in my waistband.”

“Do you know him?” Sam asked, as the man finally walked away.

“Only by reputation.” Zemo replied spotting another man approaching him, a murderous look on his face.

Zemo face grew tense, he looked to Bucky and said something in Russian. She looked to Bucky seeing his jaw clench again, an angered look in his eyes. The man placed an arm on Zemo’s shoulder to which Bucky responded by twisting it the other way, walking the man backwards. He looked back at Zemo for a split second a fire in his eyes. She looked to Zemo to find a faint smile on his face, she bit her lip to withhold her temper. She turned to Bucky who broke the mans arm, slamming him on the floor. One after another, after another men came at him and in seconds Bucky snapped their neck, broke their leg, or kicked them across the room.

Sam looked at her, shock written on his face. She never took her eyes off Bucky, she watched him, the way his body just knew how to find each of their weak spots, to break, bend and snap their bones with ease just in the right way. She had heard stories of those days, but had never seen them. The pure rage, strength and power that surged through him made her heart pound with anxiety.

“Didn’t take much for him to fall back into form.” Zemo mused in her ear. She looked at him.

All these years he’d been holding back, because the man she saw before her was not Bucky, it was someone else. Something else. He had a man pinned against a table, choking him when Zemo finally decided to tell him to stop. Bucky released the man and stood back up.

“Selby will see you now.” The trembling bartender said.

Zemo headed out through the crowd.

“You good?” Sam asked Bucky. Bucky looked from him to Y/N, then he looked down and followed Zemo out. Sam turned to look at her, she just took his hand and they left the room with a hundred stares watching their leave.

The room they entered was dark and smelled of weed, alcohol and smoke.

A woman sat reclined on a couch, her frosty hair glistening in the blue tinted light. She didn’t seem pleased to see Zemo.

“You’re taller than I remember, Smiling Tiger.” She purred at Sam. Her gaze then fell to Y/N. “Do I know you?” The woman, Y/N assumed was Selby, asked.

“She’s an associate of mine, does all the behind the scenes work. I may have brought her around a few years back.” Zemo replied. Selby eyes her suspiciously then smiled at Zemo.

“What’s the offer?” She asked.

“Tell us what you know about the super-soldier serum.” Zemo commanded.

“And what’s in it for me?” She said tilting her head.

Zemo stood and circled Bucky. “The Winter Solider with his full list of commands.” He said. Y/N tensed at the way Zemo stroked Bucky’s face as if he was an animal for sale.

Selby cooed delighted at his offer, “Now there is the Zemo I know but what about her?” She said turning back to Y/N her eyes glossing over her figure.

Zemo frowned then put on a fake smile, walking over to Y/N. “What about her?”

“I want her too.” The woman said, a strange look on her face.

“She’s not part of the offer.” Zemo said, standing in front of Y/N almost protectively.

The woman tilted her head and laughed bitterly, “From what I hear you are desperate for the whereabouts of the Serum. I want her and the Winter Solider or no deal.”

“Perhaps-“ Zemo began.

The woman held up a finger, “Both. But before I offer you anything up. I want to see him.”

Y/N noticed the faint line of sweat that began to glisten on Zemo’s forehead. “Pardon?”

She looked to Bucky, her eyes full of lust. “I want to see him in action.”

Zemo mused, “If you went downstairs you’d see the aftermath, but yes, what would you like him to do.”

“Fight.” The woman said, her eyes falling back on Y/N, “Fight her.” She turned back to Zemo giving an eyebrow for him to try and challenge her wishes. “I have to make sure I like what I’m agreeing to now, Zemo.”

Zemo smiled and bowed, going back to sit in his chair across the room. He looked to Y/N and gave a small nod. She couldn’t tell if it was a nod of assurance or a nod goodbye.

The woman clapped her hands in delight, “Oh, I love a nice brawl.”

Zemo said something in Russian. Y/N looked from Zemo to Bucky with a panicked expression. Zemo gave a command Y/N couldn’t understand it, but Bucky did and it did something to him. His face contorted and she could see him fighting internally at something. He began to approach her.

She stepped back, “Bucky.” She found herself say. He moved at her throwing a punch which she dodged easily, he swung again hitting her in the side. She instinctively swung her leg at his head to which he grabbed it and swung her to the side, but with her other leg hooked around his waist she took him to the ground with her. She wheezed trying to get air back in her lungs as he collapsed onto her pushing his knee into her stomach. She quickly buckled forward, protecting her abdomen, grabbing the stiletto off her foot and hitting him across the face. She then managed to wrap her legs around his neck and flip him over her. She stood quickly catching her breath. He was up in an instant throwing punches at her. She eyed Sam who was standing there unsure of what to do. She looked back to Bucky, now barefoot and ran then slide in between his legs towards Sam. Back on her feet she shoved Sam out of the way while taking the pistol out of his waist band. She pointed it at Zemo.

The room froze.

“Stop it.” She sneered, breathing heavily.

Zemo looked at her surprised, “Now, let’s not make this worse.”

She cocked the gun, “I said, stop it.”

Zemo looked to Selby, who was unamused. “You really are going to let her speak to you that way. I want to see them fight, not fool around like children.”

Zemo looked back at Bucky and motioned for him to carry on. He looked back to Y/N with almost an apologetic look.

“Bucky. Bucky it’s me.” She said now pointing the gun at him. He just stared at her a blank expression on his face as he stalked towards her. She shifted in her place, her hands shaking. Bucky launched at her, she flipped the gun in her hand and hit him over the head with the butt of it, he elbowed her in the back causing her to buckle forward. Her form was sloppy and slow compared to his. She dodged the next couple of punches until she found herself backed against a wall. She heard Sam yelling for Zemo to call him off. Bucky slammed his fist into the wall just barely missing her face, she kicked him back and when she went to kick him again he moved and slammed her into the wall. He twisted her wrist causing her to drop the gun. She groaned. Her eyes widened as his slender fingers laced around her throat picking her off the ground. She thrashed beneath his grip.

“Bucky-“ she wheezed, she gripped his wrist and tried to shove him off. Her face began to burn, as hot tears stung her eyes. “It’s me.”

Sam tried to pull Bucky off but he was now being held at gun point by Selby’s men for interfering.

Y/N looked to Zemo, suffocating, he caught her desperate glares as he too now had been threatened. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath and opened it and when he exhaled he nodded, signaling her to do the same. She remembered the candle.

She looked back to Bucky, her vision hazy, her strength beginning to fail. Suddenly she felt the sensation come back. She walked her legs back up behind her and shoved herself off the wall. To her surprise Bucky stumbled backwards. She collapsed to the ground gasping for air. Bucky then took out a knife he had in his pocket and flipped it in his hand.

It all happened in a second, he threw the knife as she moved out of the way, a burning sensation coursed through her veins. In a swift motion she swung her hand across her body casting a stream of fire. Bucky fell back, hissing as he slapped at the flames on his jacket. Selby leapt up.

“I knew it!” She cried, “You’re an Avenger, you both are. How dare you show your face in these parts?! How dare you try and abuse my hospitality.” She looked to Sam, to Zemo and back to Y/N.

Y/N stood now, her nose bleeding, bruises along her body but she felt none of it. All she felt was pure power surging through her body. She glared at Selby. “Tell us what you know. NOW.” She began to approach her, the men lifted their guns but Y/N turned to them and cast a ray of light causing them to look away, as their eyes, burned. She looked back to Selby her eyes a bright red glow. “NOW.” She barked. Selby horrified fell back onto the couch.

“There’s a file in my desk, right hand side top drawer.” She stumbled.

“Sam.” Y/N said.

Sam ran to the desk and searched.

“You will let us leave this place, you will not come after us and if you do.” Y/N leaned down to face Selby. “I’ll burn this place to hell.”

Selby stared at her, at a lose for words.

“I got it.” Sam said making his way back over to her, he was sweating, his eyes wide as he was overwhelmed by the whole situation.

She turned around to Zemo, who was already making his way to her.

“Y/N, understand that I meant no-“

She slapped him across the face, her hands hot but not enough to burn his skin. “Stay away from me you bastard.” She spat.

Zemo stepped back, for the first time in his life he regretted this night. He walked to Bucky who now was in a bewildered phase.

Sam approached Y/N who now was in a delusional state as well. Her face was pale, her body weak, her neck bruised and her breathing shuddered.

She looked to Sam, “Sam...” she whispered before her body slumped. He caught her in his arms, gently lifting her limp body as he followed Zemo out the door.

—-

The city was sent into a frenzy. News of what happened spread throughout the city for, of course, Selby sent her men after them. Zemo had directed them to his getaway car, never speaking a word. At that point Sam didn’t know who to trust, so he just held Y/N closely and followed Zemo skeptically.

They relocated to a different apartment, Bucky sat on the ground, coming in and out of whatever state Zemo put him in. Y/N lay on the couch, bandaged with ice packs across her body. Sam knelt by her, never in his life had he seen something so extraordinary yet horrific as what he saw tonight. While most would have ran, he stayed knowing the true heart of his two friends. He had Zemo restrained to a chair, which shockingly Zemo didn’t fight him on. He knew he had miscalculated.

“Sam, I am sorry.” He said.

“You,” Sam jabbed his finger in his direction, “Shut the fuck up. I don’t want to hear anything you have to say. We finally began to trust you and you did this. That was not part of the plan.”

“I did not know he would do this.”

Sam scoffed, “doesn’t matter, you wanted him to do this. To tear himself apart, to tear them apart.” He said motioning to Y/N. “You knew what you were doing.”

“I was under the impression he was free.”

“He was. And you just undid all of it for your own selfish amusement.”

“Perhaps I can assist in bringing him back-“

“No. No. The only thing you are going to do is go back to the shithole you came from, and I will make sure you NEVER see the light of day again.”

“Sam, anger does not call for a clear mind.”

Sam stood, causing Zemo to become silent. He walked over to him and bent forward to meet his eyes. “You have not seen anger, pull something like that again and you won’t need a prison cell.”

While Sam was the best of them, Zemo felt his threats carried meaning, so he remained silent.

Sam walked over to Bucky, who was a sweaty mess on the floor. He squatted, “Buck. Bucky come on man wake up.” He shook him, trying to wake him up for the 5th time.

Bucky groaned, his eyes were bloodshot, “S-Sam.” He stuttered. “What happened? Where are we?”

Sam placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled, “We are in a safe house. The mission didn’t go as planned. You’ve been in and out of it for a couple hours. How do you feel?”

Bucky sat up, his stone cold demeanor was back as he tried to hide his distress. “Where’s Y/N?”

Sam looked down, “Bucky, do you remember anything at all?”

“No, no why?” He asked panic lacing his hoarse voice, “The last thing I remember was- I’m not sure. Sam what happened? Where is Y/N?”

Sam sighed, “She’s asleep on the couch but Bucky listen-“

Bucky pushed passed Sam and froze. He saw her lying on the couch, her body was covered in cuts and bruises, red bandages covered the rest.

“What happened?” He said dropping to his knees by her, inspecting her wounds.

“You” Zemo said. Sam bit his lip.

Bucky looked at him and back to Y/N. He stood backing away.

“I did it. I did it again, didn’t I? I lost control.” His breathing hitched as his head began to spin. Everything he’d worked so hard on for months, had just slipped out of his grasp. The therapy, the list, the book, Wakanda, Steve, all of it was meaningless. He lost control. He was not free. Tears swelled in his eyes.

“Bucky, it wasn’t your fault-“ Sam started.

Bucky turned to him, in a rage. “Wasn’t my fault?! Then who did this? Who, Sam?! I could have killed her.” He looked down trembling, “I could have killed her.” He repeated, the words sinking in. “What have I done?”

Sam looked at him with sad eyes, “Bucky...”

Bucky looked up at him, “No. No. No.” He backed away. “Don’t try and tell me this ok. That it’s not my fault.”

“I know, I know Bucky, but we don’t blame you. She wouldn’t blame you. Look, you have got to calm down, just sit down and let’s talk about this.”

Bucky looked to Zemo, a murderous look in his eyes.

“Buck,” Sam said, a loving a hand on Bucky’s chest, “You’ve got to calm down right now before you do something you’ll regret.”

“I won’t regret it, I should have done it before.” He shoved past Sam.

Zemo sat up in his chair, “James. I have a confession to make-“

Bucky hit him across the face, with the butt of a knife from his belt. Zemo only smiled at him, as if he was enjoying it.

“Bucky! You are giving him what he wants. If you did this, you’ll never forgive yourself. What about the amends? What about your peace? You’ll never have it if you kill him.”

Bucky stopped, his facing twitching. He thought for a second before flinging the knife into Zemo’s arm, enough to cause damage but not near enough to truly harm him.

She jumped slightly, gripping the dagger in her hand. She wiped her eyes and frantically stood trying to find somewhere to conceal the white gem handled daggers. 

“One moment!” she called, finding the wooden box they were gifted in. She placed the dagger inside, hesitated, then locked it.

She approached the door trying to calm her breathing, as she slowly opened the door, she saw a worried Tauriel. She let out a sigh of relief.

“Y/N,” she smiled warmly, “Are you alright? I heard you were not feeling well, is there anything I can do?” 

Y/N forced a congested cough, “I will be alright tomorrow, thank you for your concern.” 

Tauriel looked past her into the disheveled room, than back to Y/N, “Are you sure, you’re alright?” not waiting for an answer she walked past her into the room.

“I- ugh.” Y/N groaned, closing the door. 

Tauriel inspected the room and began to pick up clothing, books and bottles. 

“Tauriel,” Y/N groaned, “I’m alright really, you do not have to clean for me.” 

Tauriel, ignoring her picked up the wooden box on the bed. “I’ve never seen this before, it’s beautiful.” She turned to Y/N. “What’s in it?” She asked, turning it in her hands.

“Nothing, just some old letters from... my parents.” Y/N lied.

Tauriel smiled sadly and laid the box down, “Is that what it is? I can’t believe its been so long ago.”

Y/N paused, in all the chaos she had forgotten it was the anniversary of her parents passing. She slumped and sat on the other end of the bed.

“I’m sorry, I did not mean to barge in, I just needed to know you were alright. Two guards were found unconscious last night outside the West Wing.” Tauriel said, trying to change the topic. 

Y/N perked up, “The West Wing? Why that’s where the royal vault is. Who would do such a thing?”

“I am uncertain, but the King is investigating everyone on their whereabouts last night.” She said.

“Was something stolen?” Y/N questioned.

“I’m not sure but someone from one of the units said a few of the White Gems of Lasgalen were missing. I’m sure it was merely a superstition for we all know the lengths the King will go to for those pieces of rock.” She laughed.

Y/N suddenly felt ill at the coincidence of timing, she looked to the box by Tauriel.

Tauriel turned to face Y/N, “Y/N! Why you look faint.” She moved closer to her friend, “Are you sure I can not fetch you some water or-”

“Tauriel,” Y/N whispered, “I need to ask a favor of you.”

“Yes, anything.” She said with concerned eyes.

“I want you to take that box, go to the woods and bury it, but do not tell me where.” She whispered.

Tauriel looked from Y/N to the box with suspicion, “Are those not your last ties to your family?”

“I know I must move on,” Y/N said desperately “but I do not know I have the strength to do so. Please, rid me of its sight, that’s all I ask of you.” 

Tauriel looked to her friend, then to the box. While there were no words spoken, there were none needed, for some reason or another, she understood.

“Y/N you are like a sister to me, and I trust you more than life its self.” She grabbed the box, “I only hope you trust me the same.”

Y/N looked to Tauriel, tears in her eyes, “I do. I promise to you-”

“Do not make promises you can not keep.” Tauriel said and stood, “I will do as you have said, all I ask is, in time, for your truth. Until then, I will wait for you.” She left, closing the door softly behind her.

---

Y/N lay asleep in her bed, when the window opened from outside. The prince stuck his head in and was alarmed by the disarray of the room. When he spotted her amongst the mess, he stepped in, quietly closing the window behind him.

“Y/N,” he whispered, creeping over to her bed. 

She turned in her sleep, a soft moan escaping her lips.

He smiled sweetly at her resting face. It never ceased to amaze him how she always seemed so graceful, even in her slumber. He sat softly on the bed, and placed a hand on her arm. “Y/N,” he whispered again.

Her eyes shot open but before he could react, she grabbed his wrist twisting it behind his back and latched her arm around his neck, pulling his body to her.

“It’s me- It’s agh,” he gagged, “It’s me!”

Her eyes widened in embarrassment, “Legolas! Forgive me, I thought- I thought you were someone else.” She released him and her eyes frantically searched the room.

“Hey, Hey.” He hushed, grabbing her shoulder, “Are you alright? I should be the one frightened, not you.” he laughed.

She looked to him, her breathing slowing. “I’m sorry” she said placing a hand over her chest.

“It’s alright, you’re alright,” he sang, pulling her into him, “Are you alright?”

“I do not know,” she said her eyes checking the room again.

He pulled back, with a worried expression, “Has something happened? Tauriel told me you were ill.”

She almost scoffed but caught herself, “I’m alright, truly. I just ate something sour I suppose. Tauriel? Did you prompt her?”

“Why no,” Legolas chuckled, “Father and I were coming back through the forest from the river, when I spotted Tauriel alone in the woods. She looked tired, so I offered her my horse, that’s when she told me she was out looking for Athelas, for your fever.” He placed a hand on her check, “Seems they worked.” he smiled.

“So, she did do it” Y/N mumbled, feeling guilty for questioning her friend’s loyalty.

“Do what?” he questioned.

“You never miss a beat do you?” she teased.

“Never.” he grinned, leaning back against the headboard, realizing she was hiding something.

Thranduil’s words echoed in the back of her mind as she stared at Legolas. The dreadful hope she so clung to, quarreled with the reality she now faced. She could no longer look him in the eyes. 

Legolas felt something was severely wrong but he was not sure what. He looked around her room at the piled clothing, opened books and overturned furniture. He sighed, “I wish you would tell me what is the matter. I feel as if I am to do with it.” he reached out to test her and she jerked away. “So, it is.”

“I can not do this anymore, Legolas.” she blurted out.

He blinked, “What do you mean?” he asked, even though he knew what she implied.

She stood, biting her finger, as she did when she was nervous or in deep thought, “This. Us. I can not continue to see you.” her voice cracked.

He sat up on the edge of the bed, “and why not?”

“You said it yourself, we can no longer sneak around for the rest of our lives. We were never meant to be together and deep down you know it, practically everything is against it.” With every word she spoke, her heart began to break

“What has prompted such speech from you?” Legolas questioned, with a bitter tone. “Was it not two evenings ago you said-”

“I know what I said, damn you.” She spat. “But I also know that we are fools to think we have the privilege to enjoy such pleasures. We do not have that freedom. You are the prince, you are the heir to the throne-”

“To hell with the throne,” He stood, the light in his eyes now gone, “To hell with the titles! You know, I care nothing for it or the riches it holds. It is not and has never been the life I wanted, I was merely born into it by chance.”

“Then why don’t you just walk away, if you fucking hate it so much.” she yelled, shocked by her new found anger.

He looked at her, like she were a fool, “because I can’t.”

“and why not?” she asked, trying to maintain the act but there was little to no confidence in her attempts.

“My father, would never allow his only son to leave, you have no idea who he truly is or what he is capable of.” His eyes fell.

“Legolas,” she breathed. She looked to the ceiling to keep the tears from streaming down her face. She could not do go through with it. “Legolas, I’m sorry, I did not mean any of what I said. I didn’t know what to do. I was just frightened because your father, he-”

“Will not accept us, I know.” he said flatly, not meeting her eyes. 

“No, no, Legolas, he came-” She tried to reach for the words to fix the situation.

“If he does not, I will leave.” he said.

Her eyes widened, “What? No. Legolas you can not leave. Not over this, not over me, that’s so foolish of you.”

He turned to face her, “Then let me be a fool.” He approached her, “I rather live my life with meaning, then live it meaningless. For you, I would do it.”

“Legolas, one does not simply walk away from such duties,” she rejected him by backing away. This was the worse possible scenario she hoped would not happen. The heir, abandoning the realm. The chaos that could unfold at the news of an open throne with no one acting as it’s rightful successor. Wars would unfold. Wars because of her.

She felt her back press against a wall. She looked into his ocean eyes, the moon light was perfectly illuminating his silver, starlight hair. She felt many things in that moment, many things one could not help to feel after someone professed their love in such a way. “Legolas,” she pleaded, “Please, do not make this mistake, on my behalf. I forbid it.”

He looked down at her, and shook his head, “I’m willing to accept the costs of my errors, if they are so much as that.”

She could not tell if it were guilt or lust that made her give in to him but she did.

He knew she withheld something more from him, something important. He could not help, but wonder if his father had threatened her. However, he knew in her present state of manic, she would not speak, unless, she felt she could trust his actions. While her mind was far more intelligent than his, the desires of the flesh, unfortunately would have their way, in her vulnerable state. He felt shameful as his mind tossed around the one thing that would obtain him this information.

“Forgive me,” he said, his breath hot and dripping with shame.

So, he seduced her.

She felt his lips press against her’s as his hands ran down to find the curve of her back. His lips were soft, and his taste was sweet. She found herself, unconsciously, kissing him back harder each time. He smiled through her kisses, and eagerly tugged at her lip with his teeth. She moved her hands up to his tunic’s collar, pulling him towards her. To balance himself, he placed his hand up against the wall, and with the other, slipped his hand down to her thigh, pulling it up. She leaned against the wall as he kissed her passionately, his tongue familiarizing itself with its surroundings.

All of the fear and anger that had seemed so prominent before, slowly seemed more foreign to her with each passing second. She had never felt so timid, yet so daring in her life.

She reached up, gathering his hair between her fingers and pulled his head to the side to reveal his strong, veined neck. She placed light kisses alongside his jaw line and then began to mark it. She barely heard the moan, escape his lips as he leaned against her. Before she could finish, he impatiently patted her thigh, to which she jumped lightly and he picked her up, shoving her back against wall, to begin leaving a trail of kisses along her collar bone. Her eyes fluttered as she dug her nails into his back. 

He suddenly set her down, to which she looked to him disappointed, but he had a smug look on his red face. He quickly bent down, grabbing her behind the knees and slung her over his shoulder. She could not hold back the laughter that radiated throughout the chamber. He spun her around once, for good measure before flipping her onto the bed. She began to laugh that sweet laugh he loved but he placed a finger over her slightly swollen lips. 

“Shh,” he hushed, “Secret Scandal, remember?’ 

She rolled her eyes and playfully slapped him. 

He then grew serious, guilt stopping him, “Are you sure? We can always wait a while longer.”

She smiled up at him, her fingers tracing the gorgeous, ethereal features of his face. “Promise me,” she looked down, “No matter what happens, you will not forsake me.”

He looked at her, not knowing it then, but the lie in which he would tell, would haunt him for the rest of his life, “I would never do anything to harm you. You have my word.”

She looked up to him, stroking his face lovingly, feeling safe within his presence, “Then, yes, I’m sure.” Her breath danced with his as he kissed her, this time, somehow, even more sweetly.

---

“You see Gimli,” she said, “It’s funny how people lie when they are afraid.”

As she sat, across the fire, sharpening her blades, she refused to look in his direction. If it were not for the dreadful storm and lurking orcs, she would have left as soon as she had arrived; However, as much as she convinced herself this to be true, something in her was grateful for threats.

Gimli and Aragorn sat side by side, dining on a small rabbit like creature they captured in one of the alleys. As they eat, they shared mutual glances of confusion and interest, yet neither questioned the two elves.

“M’Lady, Would you care for a leg?” He mumbled through a mouth full of rabbit meat, offering a leg to her.

“I do not eat meat, but thank you for the offer.” She said.

Gimli let out a booming chuckle, “Ha! Don’t eat meat! Lass, let me tell you, you are missing out on one of the few pleasures of this world.”

“Well, if that’s true, I would hate to take away such joy from you, dwarf. You look like you could use a little excitement considering your company.” She said with a grin.

Gimli erupted in laughter, “Ha! I like you, lassie! You are a far more enjoyable elf than our princess over there” he said gesturing to Legolas, who was leaning against a wall, re-stringing his bow.

She looked over to him and caught his eyes just for a second before he looked away.

Silence fell over the group, the only sound was that of the storm and Gimli’s chewing. Aragorn looked between the two and finally cleared his throat.

“I just realized, I never properly thanked you for saving my life today.” He said, absent mindedly touching the bindings beneath his tunic, “Thank you...?”

“Y/N” She said, bowing her head to him with a warm smile.

“Y/N...” Aragorn said, tilting his head at the familiar name.

“Y/N,” Gimli echoed, “I’ve heard that name before, passed around by the tongue of man and dwarf. They say he be the King’s prodigy warrior, who was exiled for a stolen relic of the royal family. Some say the King framed the poor bastard himself, was afraid he’d try and over throw the throne or some shit one day. Ha! Nay, but that was just an old wives’ tale we told the Wee- Laddies to scare ‘em from stealing rum.”

Aragorn stared at him in utter embarrassment while Gimli licked his fingers clean. When he was done, Gimli looked around the room to see the creatures staring at him.

“What?” He said.

“Gimli, the elf of which you speak sits in your company.” Aragorn mumbled, after a beat.

Gimli’s eyes widened in horror as he looked at Legolas, “Laddie! I had no idea!”

“He does not speak of me, Gimli.” Legolas said dryly, his gaze falling on Y/N.

Now Gimli was in a full panic, his hands covered his mouth. “OOO, M’Lady! My sincerest apologizes, I always thought that story to be a wee bit dramatic myself and the ladd- lass, sorry, certainly was no thief-“

“It’s alright, Gimli.” She said silencing him.

After a moment, Legolas stood, “The storm has calmed, I’m going to scout the area while there is still the cover of the moon.” He left the hall quickly.

The room once again fell silent. Gimli stood and walked over to Y/N, resting a hand gently on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Lassie. I meant no offense truly.” He said softly.

She looked at him with a sad smile, “How could I be upset when you had no knowledge of whom I was? All is forgiven, my friend.”

She stood and walked towards a window that over looked the barren hills that surrounded the small, forgotten village.

“Is it true?” Aragorn spoke, disrupting the unnerving silence.

She turned to face him.

“The story. Is it true?” He repeated with a tone of pure, innocent curiosity.

She looked to the dusty, stone floor and then back out the window, a sorrowful look contorted her dimly lit face.

“No.” She finally said, her eyes gazed out the window, as if she were seeing the past she’d tried so hard to bury for the first time.

“What happened then?” Gimli questioned.

“I was betrayed.”