"I know..." Voice a tender whisper, eyes drifting shut as he settled the woman on his chest. Fingers idly running over the backs of her shoulders.
"I've got you...to the end of the line. Always."
It was a warm summer night, but the light breeze from the fan made the -
Bucky always had known exactly how to comfort her. How to hold her in the exact way that made her feel secure and protected.
β. . . Still hurts though, you know?β she whispered, voice sounding more vulnerable now that he was actually holding her.
James was her hiding place.
Slowly, his arms looped around Stephanie's waist, wrapping her up in secure embrace, drawing her in against his bare chest. Sharing his warmth.
Tucking her head underneath his chin, Bucky drew the sheet up around them.
"It was just a dream, Steph." Voice gentle and reassuring.-
Stephanie seemed to naturally lean into his touch without even realizing it.
βMhm, not scary or anythingβ¦ just bad,β she said quietly, then closed her eyes gently as Bucky touched her cheek.
βAbout ma dying. When we were at the hospital watchinβ behind the glass,β she β
It wasn't the first time she'd crawled in to his bed, and he doubted it would be the last. Not that he minded.
Reaching out, fingers gently pushing a stray strand of blond from her face, tucking it behind her ear, he gave a small shrug. Bucky's gaze still soft and sleepy.
-
Stephanie, already in her sleep clothes β which was just a tank top and shorts with how hot it was β laid across from Bucky in her bed.
βYeah, well. . . Iβm still sorry for wakinβ you. Just havinβ a hard time sleeping,β she said quietly, as if she felt guilty.