Primus
Pairing: Bucky x OFC (Listen, I know OFC’s aren't popular but if it make’s you feel better just replace her name with yours, or better yet, pretend you have a new name, kay??)
AU: Gladiator
Prompt: *top center photo* “Last Warrior” from T over at @tilltheendwilliwrite for her writing challenge!! Congrats on the followers and thank you so much for hosting this!!
Author’s Notes: I wrote this in one day...yeah, you read that right, ONE DAY. I haven’t been this inspired in a long time okay and ancient rome AU’s have a very very special place in my heart so needless to say I had a fire under my butt to actually finish this fast before I lost whatever motivation was within me. Also, I am obsessed with Roman Empire era fiction, okay. I got way into this and now I can’t get the vibe outta my head. Please excuse me as I go find my sandals and a maxi dress.
Word Count: 4.8K (don’t be mad, I needed to keep it a one shot)
Notes/Warnings: Kissing (It gets a kinda steamy but I tried to not be inappropriate), blood and gore (like, lots), mentions of abuse and trauma, mentions of slavery (ancient rome, y'all. I do not support it.) major character death, angst, grief, sadness, fear. - This is a tragedy, okay? I made it sad.
Masterlist
Moodboard by @itsanerdlife
She walked through the sleeping city under the stars concealed by her dark cloak. She’d pulled the hood up to cover her hair and face from any passers by, which at this time of night were very few and those who did pass her, were too drunk to pay any mind. Her sandals hardly made a sound on the compacted sandy streets. She stayed close to the edge so that she would be out of what little light tonight’s moon provided.
She turned a sharp corner and hurried down a narrow alleyway. As she emerged onto the next street, she was greeted in silence by a man who she only knew as The Falcon. He was dark of skin and he wore his tragedies in his eyes.
The Falcon handed her the reins to a dark colored horse, it was too dark to tell it’s true color, but Cassia assumed it was black. The steed swayed beside her, shifting its weight.
“Ride swiftly. Your time is short and you must be back before the sky begins to turn. I will not wait for you.” He reminded her.
She nodded and he helped her mount the beast. She turned the horse towards the city gates and took a deep breath but before she could kick the horse The Falcon grabbed her leg below the knee. Cassia gasped quietly but she didn’t pull away.
“The Captain will meet you at the ludus gates.” The Falcon handed her a cloth that was wrapped around something thin and hard. “Give this to him and tell him his debts will soon be settled.”
He let go of her after she took it and then slapped the steed beneath her, sending it straight into a gallop.
Cassia held tight and rode through the final streets before speeding through the west gate- unattended thanks to The Captain’s orders. The way to the ludus, Cassia had long ago put to memory. She’d many times accompanied both her father and The Captain to the ludus to watch from the balcony as Lentullus’ gladiators trained.
Her father, Praetor Marcus Cassius Faustus, often visited the surrounding ludus’ to obtain the best gladiators for his games. He’d put on many games during his time as Praetor and the people loved him- or, at least, the rich and the noble did. The rest of the city tolerated him as they had no choice.
The Captain, or Steve as Cassia had come to know him, was one of her father’s closest confidants, having served under him in his final years as a general in the Legion. Steve was near the same age as Cassia and they’d become close friends. Cassia’s father even suggested that The Captain marry her but her heart belonged to another and Steve knew it.
Now, the ludus was in sight. Her journey was very brief thanks to the swiftness of the horse she’d been loaned. She could see the flames of the guards who stood at the top of the walls and she watched as the flames disappeared the nearer she became.
She pulled back on the reins and the horse huffed and heaved hot breath from its nose as it was finally given a respite.
A young servant approached her and took the horse to get water after she dismounted. He didn’t meet her eyes and Cassia’s heart broke at the sight of the leather collar around his neck.
Steve appeared with a torch in hand, his blonde hair looked golden in the light of the flame. “Cassia,” He greeted her with a kiss to the cheek. “Come, we haven’t much time.”
She grabbed his arm giving him pause. She handed him the cloth, “The Facon says your debts are soon to be settled and to give you this.”
“What are its contents?” He asked, puzzled.
“It was not my place to look.” And she meant it. What ever was between The Falcon and The Captain was none of her business nor her concern. She only had one task on her mind tonight.
Steve pocketed the cloth and placed a hand at her back, urging her closer to the ludus. But instead of entering the front doors to the house, she was now sent down a steep hill and towards the metal gates at the bottom. The two guards, that stood on either side, looked straight forward and into the black of night.
Cassia’s pace stuttered but Steve pushed her on.
“Nevermind them,” He reassured her. “They know their duties.”
She nodded and followed him through the gates. After a short walk and a right turn, Cassia let out a soft gasp. She recognized this ground. She was standing at the edge of the training yard. She’d seen Lentullus’ gladiators train here with wooden swords and blunted spears. She’d watched as they were whipped for their failures and praised for victories. She looked up and saw the balcony where she usually stood. How strange to be looking at it from this angle. Was this how he saw her?
“Cassia!” Steve whispered her name, shocking her from her moment of perspective. “This way.”
She hurried to catch up with him. Cassia followed him through the passageways of the slave quarters and up to yet another metal barred gate and beyond that were more bars and cells. It was like a place for wild animals and while many romans believed this is what they deserved, Cassia knew better.
From the darkness beyond the cell door where she stood, there was a shuffling of feet and a muttering of harsh words.
Her heart jumped when she was finally within hearing distance and she recognized his voice. She turned to smile at Steve but he was staring, with brows furrowed in concern, at the cloth she had handed him from The Falcon. Even with the cloth now unwrapped and it draping over his fingers, she still could not see what was in it.
“I only get so much time for sleep,” A distant voice grumbled. “Pray, what has you dragging me from my slumber this night, Crassus?”
Bucky shuffled his feet, stirring up the sand as he was pushed forward by the guard behind him. His gaze jerked forward from the shove and he froze.
Tears welled in Cassia’s eyes and she grabbed the bars that separated her from him.
His stupor only lasted a moment before he rushed to the gate as well. His hands went to her hair and he all but whimpered at the sight of her. “Cassia?”
The Captain nodded to the guard who pulled the keys from his belt and unlocked the gate.
“Remain here.” The Captain ordered. “I will bring him back shortly.”
The guard nodded and turned his back but remained in his place.
The moment the gate was wide enough, Bucky was through it. He grabbed her and lifted Cassia off the ground in a long overdue embrace.
“Life has returned to my body. Have I been blessed that I get to hold you again?” He set her down and held her face in his hands. His thumbs wiped the tears from her cheeks.
Buck remembered the day he first laid eyes upon her. She stood beside Steve on the balcony of the ludus. Lentullus was lavishing her father with praise and complements while Cassia’s eyes focused on his fellow gladiators. He’ll never forget the look on her face. It wasn’t disgust not pity nor lust, as so many other patrons of his Dominos would look, but rather he saw grief and compassion in her eyes.
Bucky had known Steve all his life, they even served in the legion at the same time but Bucky disobeyed a direct order to kill a young family of Gauls and his punishment was immediate death or to fight in the next games.
Bucky chose the games, as most do, and won his match. Lentullus was enamored with the way Bucky fought and bought him then and there from his chair in the pulvinar of the arena.
It was only months later that Steve arrived with Cassia trailing behind him. She followed Steve to meet Bucky that same day. Bucky asked her why a woman as beautiful as she looked so sad to watch what most other consider to be exciting.
She responded ‘No one should be enslaved- whether they are bound by debt, the collar or blood- no man should have to be forced to do something they don’t want to.’ It was then that he knew she was different. He knew she had endured a the tragedy of slavery he just didn’t know at what end.
Bucky would later learn of the hardships her father had put her through- forcing her to keep slaves, encouraging her to please other men he wanted to impress- he learned that she refused this order every time it was given, causing her father to strike at her for her disobedience- or attending the games, which she couldn’t stand.
In their next handful of secret meetings, Bucky fell in love with her. Their romance was forbidden and secret. It had to be, her father would never allow her to marry a gladiator as they were only a short rise above slaves. But Cassia still came to him and he would thank the gods every time he was able to hold her.
And now, he thanked them again.
He studied her for a moment before looking at Steve, “Thank you.” Cassia’s voice stole his attention before The Captain could respond.
“I had to see you.” She tried to stall her tears but they escaped even still. “I had to be in your embrace before…” She couldn’t say it.
Bucky’s eyes softened. “And I you, only I did not think it would be possible.” He pulled her into another hug and then felt a foreign hand at his shoulder.
Steve was looking around. “Let us move to a place more secluded. I fear a slave may spot us here.”
Bucky nodded but never lost touch of Cassia. They followed Steve out past the training yard and into the small hall that leads to the final gate. With none but Steve’s torch to light them, long shadows were cast onto the sandstone walls.
Bucky took Cassia into his arms again, her tears now stopped and content on her face. “How did you get her here?” He looked to Steve for answers.
“Samuel, arranged a horse.” Steve answered.
“And what did that cost you, this time?” Bucky kept his eyes on Steve but his hand rubbed a gentle circle across Cassia’s back.
Steve swallowed but remained steady. “I’ve yet to make my payment but It will come soon enough.”
Cassia felt Bucky tense and she leaned back to look at them both. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Steve took in a breath, “I’ll go pay the guards and leave you to solitude a moment but you don’t have long.” And Steve hurried off, leaving them in the dark.
“Bucky-” Cassia began to question but he cut her off with a hungry kiss.
He leaned into her until she was flush against the wall. She weaved her hands into his long, dirty, hair and tugged gently, making him grunt into her mouth and bite softly on her bottom lip. His hands roamed over her dark blue, linen, tunic. The purple and gold sash at her middle hung low on her hips, hugging her bottom, and Bucky traced the fabric with an open palm.
Cassia pushed him back and gasped for a breath that she wished she didn’t need.
Bucky paused his attack on her neck when he thought he heard someone coming.
Cassia used the respite to her advantage. She took Bucky’s face in her hands and kissed him slow and gently. She tried to forge every sensation to memory. The feel of his beard on her cheeks, the warmth of his lips and the taste of his mouth. She was afraid of loosing him.
Bucky pulled away from her and it wasn’t until she felt him wipe the tears from her face that she realized that she was crying again.
“I pray that I am not the cause of such sorrow.” He said with a familiar grief.
She shook her head. “Apologies. I didn’t mean to ruin our last-” A sob broke her sentence.
Bucky held her head in his hand and shushed her. “I’ll be alright.” He tried to soothe.
She shook her head again. “You fight in the Primus tomorrow. Against Theokoles! A champion in all his fights!”
Bucky tried to smile. “Does my beloved hold doubts of my skill and strength?”
She grabbed his face. “Never. But-” She reconsidered her statement and then said, “Bucky, I have seen him fight ten men and leave with nothing but a scratch. You fight him alone!” Her eyes danced as she searched his face for any sign that he understood the severity of tomorrow’s games.
“Cassia,” He caressed her cheek but it did nothing to ease her worry. “If I win tomorrow, I will win my freedom. And with the winnings I earn, we can leave this city and start again somewhere new.”
She only looked at him and offered a small smile. He kissed her again and she struggled to remain in the moment. Her mind wandered with images of tomorrow’s games and all of the horrendous ways he could die. She did consider him winning but she knew he had never faced an opponent such as The Mighty Theokoles. His size nearly doubled Bucky who was well fit in his own right.
Bucky fought double swords while Theokoles took all victories with double spears. Theokoles was her father’s favorite champion. Whenever he fought, the crowd swelled within the arena, bringing in much coin to his purse. Tomorrow’s games would be no different. Senator Claudius Tiberius Sextus would be attending and if the games fair well, her father would be able to speak with him about elevating his position from praetor to governor. With the senator’s backing her father could very quickly rise to a higher power.
Bucky nipped at her ear, making her gasp and hold him tighter. She let out her breath with a low moan and Bucky began to work faster. He kissed down her neck to her shoulder.
Cassia’s hands had also begun to roam. Being a slave, Bucky wore nothing but a little bit of cloth to cover his hips. Her fingers traced his bare and chiseled stomach, then they ran around his torso to feel the strength in his back.
Just before Cassia and Bucky could take things any further, Steve came running up quick.
“You must come back!” Steve whispered loudly as he pulled Bucky from Cassia’s arms.
Bucky looked back desperate and Cassia ran to catch his hand and follow.
“What happened?” Cassia whispered, praying to whatever god would hear her that she may have more time with him.
“Doctore has called for him. He must answer from his room, lest you be discovered.” Steve said quickly as he hurried them back to the gate.
Before Steve could push Bucky through the iron cell door, Bucky ripped from his grasp and took Cassia in his arms again, kissing her with solidity and fervor.
He pulled back with a happy smile. “I will free us both tomorrow, you will see.”
Cassia yanked the blue beaded necklace from her neck, breaking the latch, and pressed it into his chest. His hand covered hers. “Take this, that I may be with you in the arena.”
He kissed her again, “You always are, my love.”
Steve pulled Bucky hard and shoved him through. “Go!”
The guard hurried Bucky back into the darkness of the ludus corridors and he was gone from Cassia’s sight.
Her heart sank to no longer be in his arms but she didn’t have time to grieve because suddenly Steve wrapped an arm around her waist and she was hurled the other direction. Steve then took her hand and tossed his torch into a nearby barrel of water, putting it out. He ran them back through the halls and the training yard and back to the final gate.
The two guards who’d kept watch hadn’t moved nor did they now. Steve helped Cassia back on her horse and then mounted his own.
“Hurry,” He said. “We mustn’t be discovered.” and he kicked his horse, slapping Cassia’s as he passed. They both rode back to the city as fast as their horses would go. As they neared the city walls Steve broke to the left, leaving Cassia to ride the rest of her way, alone.
* * * *
The roar of the crowd was nearly deafening as Cassia sat in the pulvinar. The servants behind her slowly waved fans at her back. She hated that this was the life she led. Having servants and being expected to command them. No one should be commanded or forced to do anything they didn’t want to and people shouldn’t be owned. She’d grown up with servants and she’d seen the cruelties they’d endured. It made her sick. She never struck at her servants, save once when her father demanded it and she promptly apologized once in the privacy of her room- she was only fifteen then.
Cassia sat beside The Captain as they both awaited the primus, the final fight of the games. It was why everyone had come. The executions and following fights entertained the crowd, to be sure, but they came for Theokoles and Winter’s Soldier.
Bucky had acquired his Gladiatorial Title after a brutal and bloody defeat in the snowy arena in the northern outskirts of Rome. Bucky had beheaded his opponent and the blood spatter looked like a legion eagle, thus being named Winter’s Soldier.
She hated that name.
The gladiators in the arena below her clashed as their armor and shields collided. A man with a red feather atop his helmet thrust his sword upward in the final strike. The crowd erupted in cheers as they basked in the gore. Cassia turned her head.
“My lovely daughter never could stomach the games.” Her father said to Senator Claudius.
Claudius looked over his shoulder and chuckled at Cassia before turning back to Marcus. “The delicacy of women.” He teased.
Cassia clenched her jaw then stood. “I should like to get some air before the primus, please excuse me, father.”
“I’ll escort you.” Steve offered.
“How very kind of you, Captain.” Marcus smirked. “I’m hoping to have him as a son-in-law soon.” He said to Claudius.
Claudius nodded and smiled. “It would be a wise arrangement.”
Cassia hurried out of the pulvinus and Steve followed. She only made it as far as the second corner before she almost collapsed. Steve caught her arm and she grabbed him. “I can’t do this Steve. I can’t sit there as my father uses the life of the man I love to elevate himself so that he can enslave more people!”
Steve sighed and helped Cassia to stand upright. “Not to mention the humor at your expense.”
She snapped her head at him, “I’d have him shout my worthlessness to the gods if it meant Bucky didn’t have to fight!”
Steve shushed her and stepped closer. “Calm yourself!” He whispered at her. “Keep shouting and he’ll hear you.”
She shook her head. “Tell me the truth, does Bucky stand a chance?”
Steve paused. “I- I don’t know.”
It wasn’t the answer she wanted but it was the answer she expected. Her lip quivered but she clenched her jaw, took a deep breath and straightened. She nodded her head once. “Right.”
The horns blared in the arena to announce the beginning of the primus and both Steve and Cassia jumped and turned back to the path to the pulvinar. The arena shook with the stomps and cheers of the crowd.
Cassia tensed and started to run back to her seat but Steve grabbed her arm. “I have to confess to you!” He shouted so he could be heard but he pulled her close to keep their conversation private. “I can not let your father rise to be governor. He will not leave this arena today bro will the Senator. It is how I will settle my debts with The Falcon and save Rome from yet another tyrant.”
Her eyes widened and tears pricked her eyes at the vastness of what the rest of the primus will bring. But she knew her father was a mad tyrant, for him to be in power any higher would be devastating. So, she nodded her head. She understood what needed to be done.
“Where will you go?” She asked.
“Arrangements have been made. There are a few senators who will back me.”
Suddenly, she had a thought. “What did The Falcon give you?” Her expression left no room for lies or dismissal.
He pulled a small dagger from his waist for just a moment before concealing it again but she saw the markings of yet another corrupt senator, Senator Julius. Thats when she figured it out, Julius was to be framed for her father’s murder.
She nodded. Whatever plan The Falcon had drawn was well thought out. Three evil men would be taken down. Cassia wanted to feel sorry for her father’s fate but there was little chance that he would ever be anything but wicked.
They were both brought back to the moment when they heard Marcus begin to announce the final fight.
Steve took her hand and they ran back to the pulvinar.
“My fellow citizens!” Her father shouted with arms wide. “It is my great honour and privilege to host these games for you today! But The honour of announcing the primus,” The crowd erupted briefly, “The honour goes to the magnificent Senator Claudius Tiberius Sextus!”
Claudius stood up proud and raised his arms as Marcus sat back down.
“Good people! I present to you from the house Lentullus Sepius Romulos, Winter’s Soldier!”
The crowd cheered and some booed. Some threw flowers and others rotten food.
Bucky emerged from the left of the arena. His waist was covered in cloth and belts. His legs were covered up to the mid thigh in leather and gauze. His right arm was bare but his left was covered in chainmail and metal plates. He walked out of the iron gate with both swords already drawn. He ignored the cheers of the crowd and whatever was thrown his way and he looked up and locked eyes with Cassia.
Her breath caught in her throat and she squeezed Steve’s hand.
“And your reigning champion!” Claudius continued and the arena began to stomp. “Theokoles!!”
The crowd screamed and cheered and the massive man burst from his side of the arena with arms raised high and he screamed with pride.
Theokoles pointed one of his two spears at Bucky and then spun them both around.
Bucky stood firm where he could see Cassia and he didn’t even look to his opponent.
“This is a fight to the death!” Claudius shouted over the roar. “The winner of this Primus will receive a Rudis! And with that, his freedom!!”
Cassia walked to the edge of the Pulvinar and gripped the harsh stone.
Claudius dropped an arm and yelled, “Begin!”
Steve was at Cassia’s side in an instant, eager to see the fight.
Theokoles charged Bucky with a roar and Bucky swung his swords in one full rotation and prepared for impact.
The fight felt like it took ages and yet it seemed to be nearly over in minutes. Bucky landed fair hits to Theokoles but the beast of a gladiator paid his wounds no mind.
Bucky took blow after blow as Theokoles showed no mercy. Theokoles cut Bucky’s side, back and right shoulder. Bucky was bleeding and fading.
“Steve,” Cassia’s breathing was short as she feared the worst. “Steve stop this.”
“There’s nothing I can do,” He said as he watched in horror.
“Kill him, now.” She said as she glanced to her father.
Steve considered it but, “I-” She could see he was afraid.
Marcus looked over to his daughter. “My, Cassia, I never have seen you so invested.”
She turned to him, her final hope. “Father, please, if you have any love for me, I beg you to stop this game.”
Marcus looked stunned and offended, “Stop the games? Why would I do that? Look at this crowd!” He gestured an arm out and Bucky screamed as Theokoles landed another blow. “They love this!”
Cassia’s heart sank in despair. Bucky swung his arm around in an attempt to cut his opponent but Theokoles hit him in the jaw with the back of his spear. Bucky stumbled back and looked up to Cassia. Blood ran from a cut on his head, over his eye and down his face. He was covered in blood and sand and as he looked to Cassia, his eyes told her he knew he couldn’t win.
“Father, please!” She cried.
It was then that it dawned on Marcus. “Cassia, do you-” he chuckled, “Do you have feelings for Winter’s Soldier?”
Theokoles grabbed Bucky by the hair and laughed. Bucky whirled around as best he could and sliced through the back of Theokoles’ knee, severing the tendons. Theokoles screamed out and dropped to the ground. Bucky regained his footing and the crowd was stunned.
To stir the people in his favor, Bucky raised his arms and screamed so loud, he felt his vocal chords ripping.
The crowd joined him in praise.
“Looks like your beloved might survive after all,” Marcus taunted his daughter. “But I wouldn’t count on it.”
Bucky turned to the pulvinar and raised his armored arm to Cassia.
Movement behind him caught her eye but before she could even breathe, Theokoles hurled a spear at Bucky.
Bucky’s eyes went wide. He looked over at his shoulder, his arm dropped as he watched the blood drip down his chest.
The spear had impaled his left shoulder just below his armor. The bloody spear head stuck out through the top of his chest. He struggled to breathe. It must have hit his lung.
Cassia screamed out his name.
Steve turned to Marcus. “Stop the games,” he demanded.
Marcus waved him off. “Don’t be ridiculous, Captain. Friends or not, that man,” he pointed to Bucky, “Is a criminal and chose to be a gladiator to pay his dues.”
“That man is a hero and you know it to be true. You condemn him to death for sport and to elevate yourself, you selfish-”
“Hold your tongue, Captain.” Marcus warned.
Bucky stumbled forward, eyes finding Cassia’s again. His mouth moved but she couldn’t make out what he was saying.
Theokoles stood on his only usable leg and grabbed his final spear. He changed his grip and prepared to strike but before he could, Bucky dropped to his knees and threw away his swords.
He held up a finger to the pulvinar, a sign of surrender in hopes his life could be spared buy the call of the editor.
“Marcus!” Cassia called at her father. “Call life!”
Marcus grinned. “I do not make the call.” He turned to Claudius, “Senator, how should we proceed?”
Senator Claudius stood and watched the crowd. Most of them threw out a thumbs down, urging him to call for Bucky’s death. They favored Theokoles and Cassia knew it.
“I won’t be from him in death.” Cassia said to Steve. “Help me.”
The sands of the arena were only ten feet below. Cassia climbed over the waist high stone and Steve helped lower her to the sands.
“Cassia!” Marcus cried out and stood from his chair. “Have you gone mad?!”
The Senator, who ignored the commotion around him, smiled to the crowd and stuck out his hand- thumb down.
The crown began to chant and cheer, “Death! Death! Death! Death!”
Cassia lifted her robes and ran to Bucky as fast as she could, but it wasn’t fast enough. She watched as Theokoles drew back his final spear and hurled it at Bucky’s back. The spear went straight through his chest and came out the other side dripping in blood.
Cassia screamed, “NO!” and ran faster.
Bucky lurched forward and caught himself with his hands. Trying desperately to take a full breath. He could hear her voice but she seemed so far away.
Cassia stooped over as she ran and grabbed one of Bucky’s swords. Tears blurred her vision but accuracy was not important. She shouted and with all her might she slashed at Theokoles, who was turned away in victory.
The blade sliced open his side and some of his organs slipped out. He cried out in agony and fell to the sand. She climbed on top of his crumpled body and slung the sword again, lodging it in the place where his neck met his shoulder. She flinched when blood splattered all over her.
Theokoles did not get up.
Cassia didn’t know if she’d killed him or not but she didn’t care. She ran to bucky and fell to her knees in front of him. “Medicus!” She screamed, “Please, someone fetch the medicus!”
She drew Bucky’s head up and blood dripped from his mouth. It hung loose from his jaw and his eyes drooped.
“Bucky,” She sobbed, “Bucky, please, don’t leave me!”
His hand reached up weakly and touched her bloodied cheek, smearing it into her skin. “You’re hurt.” He whispered gruffly.
She shook her head. “The blood is not mine. Bucky, please get up. We must go.”
A scream from the crowd and Cassia’s head turned to the pulvinar. Her father lay halfway over the balcony, Steve above him, stabbing him in the chest two, three, four times before turning on the Senator.
He must have found his courage to pay his debts.
Like a bolt of lightning, men on horses swarmed the arena sands firing arrows into the crowd. Everyone screamed and ran from their seats.
But the chaos meant nothing to her.
She rubbed her thumb across his cheek. “Bucky, get up.” She cried. “Get up!”
Bucky’s hand fell and a flash of blue caught Cassia’s eye. Her necklace slipped out from under the armor on Bucky’s left arm- he’d wrapped it around his wrist.
Bucky looked up to her. “You are...always with me, my love. And I...with you.” His voice was fading as was the color from his face.
She lifted his head, where he could no longer, and kissed him. She pulled back with his blood on her lips and in her mouth. “I love you, Bucky. I love you with all that I am.”
“I love you...Cassia,” he tried to breathe but instead wheezed and coughed blood, “My life...my...only…”
Bucky fell to the ground, eyes open and gripping Cassia’s hand firmly. She cried out in agony and wept over him. Her hands palmed at his hair, brushing it from his face as she kissed him again and again, begging him to return to her.
The arena was burning. The screams of the crowd had long faded and now only a few men on horses remained.
A hand grabbed her arm and tugged. “Cassia, we must go!”
She turned in her grief to see Steve’s eyes pleading with her. “Please, we must go, now!”
“I won’t leave him!” She cried.
“You must!” Steve wrapped his arm around her waist and heaved. Cassia was lifted from the bloody sand and thrown onto a horse. Steve mounted behind her and took off.
She screamed and begged him to go back but he ignored her, wiping the tears from his own eyes at the sight of his closest friend dead upon the sands.
The Falcon rode up beside them and called out, “Follow me! This way has burned down. The only exit is north!” Steve followed behind The Falcon and Cassia wailed as they passed Bucky one final time.
Bucky’s body lay still in death. The sand around him was stained red. His opponent dead several meters away. The wind blew the fire all around as the arena continued to burn.
Cassia’s necklace remained wrapped around his wrist.
* * * * *
Forever Tags:
@cassiopeiassky
@sgtbxckybxrnes
@itsanerdlife
@beccaanne814
@tanelle83
@artemis521
@elaacreditava
@feelmyroarrrr
@palaiasaurus64
@the-stuttering-kiwi
@destiel-artemis
@sexyvixen7
@girl-next-door-writes
@coolest-avenger
@xoxabs88xox
@youclickedthislink
@also-fangirlinsweden
@widowvinter
@daughterofthenight117
@drayshadow
@archy3001
@miraclesoflove
