“Can we really count all 100 years considering both of you spent considerable amounts of time being on ice and separated? I mean he did think you were dead twice, honey.”
“It doesn’t matter if we count them all, Leia. Those two will. Besides, it doesn’t change the fact that one of the breaks Barnes got from his deep freezer left me scarred for life.”
“He was the Winter Soldier under HYDRA’s influence and control, Nat. You more than anyone know what that is like.”
“Can you do me a favor and not remind me what it’s like to be controlled by the bad guys? Still…bikini ruining scar…all because he shot his target THROUGH me!”
Leia dropped her jaw knowing exactly what scar that Nat was talking about. She had no idea that’s why she had it. They hadn’t told her that story.
“Okay none of you told me that story!”
“Yeah back when he was the Winter Soldier still, I was trying to protect a target he was trying to kill. His creative assassin ass shot the man through me after a lot of other shit happened. Let me tell you that shot hurt like a bitch too. I don’t think I’ve ever taken one that’s hurt so much.”
“She told me during the events that lead to me discovering he was alive.”
Leia squeezed Bucky’s hand. He knew she never judged him for his past because he couldn’t control it.
“I just give him hell about the scar now. He’s someone I always trust to have my back now. Steve’s right that I do understand what it’s like to not have control of your own mind. I don’t think anyone here understands more than me what he experienced, except for Clint. That’s why Clint has his back too. Once you experience mind control, it changes you and gives you a new perspective.”
Leia had noticed that Clint was one of the ones that treated Bucky the best outside of Steve, Nat, and Sam. She didn’t know why until that moment. She also knew that Bruce always treated him well and attributed that to his Hulk tendencies. She had a feeling that Bruce tended to not judge others because of that. She saw the same kindness with Wanda but also had been told of her telepathy so she could truly know what lied inside Bucky’s mind and hers. The majority of the animosity had always been with Tony and those closest to him who followed whatever he did. It only made her want to get to know Tony better so she could understand why he jumped straight to acting the way he did towards Bucky. He had barely changed his attitude even knowing the truth about her. If he wanted a good family relationship with her and Becca then things had to improve more. They were slowly changing but it wasn’t enough. The stress was affecting her pregnancy in bad ways which wasn’t good for her or the twins she was carrying.
“I hate any of you know what it’s like to experience such things. You’ve all deserved better.”
She could feel the babies start to move more and kick hard in her belly. She took Bucky’s hand and put it over where she felt the kicking.
“I believe our baby girls are doing just fine despite the scary things that have happened with their mommy. Do you feel those kicks?”