"So... are you going to tell me what you're going to the city for?" Laura shifted her gaze to the man behind the wheel.

To her annoyance, Bucky replied nonchalantly, "I told you, there are just some things I need to do. That's all."

Laura always went to Bucharest to buy groceries every first Saturday of the month, and today was no different. The only difference was, instead of taking the usual three-hour-round-trip bus, Bucky was driving her to the city.

At first, she had rejected Bucky's offer, considering how dangerous it would be since the mercenaries could still be looking around the city for him. Still, he insisted.

Questions after questions had been bombarding Laura's mind ever since then. What could possibly be so important that he'd risk his life for it? Why wouldn't he tell her what it was? Could he simply be bored with the peaceful village life and needed a change of scenery? Or... was he planning on moving away?

Laura couldn't stop the fear that was growing on the back of her mind. Now that Bucky had regained his health and didn't need the antidote anymore, she was worried he would soon leave as there were no more reasons for him to stay.

Laura never really had any friends—her past had made it impossible for her—and she'd never thought she needed one. Yet, Bucky's presence had filled a hole in his heart—one she didn't even know existed—and she knew if he ever left, she'd be an empty shell again.

She'd thought the feeling was mutual since she'd noticed Bucky had been smiling more often lately. He hadn't had any more nightmares ever since that night and he seemed to be settling in the village well too. Over the past few days, he'd been helping Mr. Luca with his woodworking business for free in exchange for staying at Laura's house (which was technically the middle-aged man's) while doing some odd jobs around the village.

He can't possibly be planning to leave without saying goodbye, can he?

As Laura drifted her gaze towards the crowded street, a strange—and slightly crazy—theory hit her mind.

Wait a second. She let out a small gasp, her eyes widened at the thought. Could he possibly have a secret girlfriend—or worse, wife—in the city?

Laura's jaw dropped as her theory grew more and more absurd. What if he has a secret love child too?

"Laura!" Bucky's voice broke her thoughts. Realizing the car had come into a stop, she darted her gaze to her left and found Bucky standing next to her outside the car; the door was already opened for her.

"What's going on in that tiny little brain of yours, huh?" he asked, a small frown was plastered on his face.

Laura blushed as she stepped out of the car. She intentionally bumped her shoulder into his chest and quipped, "If my brain is tiny, what does that make yours? Atomic?"

She could almost hear him smiling and shaking his head as she walked to the street market.

Stalls made of wood stood on either side of the road, and as usual, the place was swarmed with people. It was Laura's favorite place to shop as it offered a wide variety of products—from fresh vegetables and fruits to cheap clothes. Strolling through the street brought a small smile to her face, which only grew when the rich, malty aroma of freshly-baked covrigi hit her nose.

As she was about to approach the stall to buy some of the baked goods, her smile was cut short by the shrill cry of the ravens echoing throughout the market. Her steps were halted almost immediately as chills ran down her spine. She looked up to the sky and saw a flock of ravens circling above the market.

She froze.

Knowing what her mind would remind her of, she immediately ran her hand down her sling bag in search of her good luck charm. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she found one of her Troll keychains and gripped it tight.

No.

She gulped, lowering her gaze and giving a quick lick at her drying lips. Do not go back there. She closed her eyes and shook her head lightly.

The ravens croaked once more, and Laura shivered at the sound.

No, no. There's no such thing as bad omens.

But... was it a coincidence she'd heard the same deep, gurgling noise the day she'd lost the most important person in her life?

Her lips quivered and her body shuddered as cold sweat broke out on her palms. Her heart pounded loudly and her breathing shortened. She bit her lips, casting a glance around her as her troll keychain was slipping from her grip. She didn't know why, but she had a terrible feeling about today. Could it be...

"Hey." Bucky's soft touch on her shoulder caused her to flinch. "Are you okay?"

Laura swallowed. "Yeah. Of course." She forced a smile, not wanting him to see her fear. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Her limbs were still shaking, but she forced herself to step forward. That was when Bucky took hold of her right wrist. She turned slightly towards him and raised her gaze to meet his. When her eyes locked onto his piercing, steel-blue ones, she felt her heart skipped a beat. They were filled with warmth and concern—one that was directed solely at her; and suddenly, she felt a wave of comfort running through her veins.

"Are you sure?" Bucky continued. "You could just stay in the car if you want. I'll get you what you need."

Slowly, her hands stopped trembling and the fear inside her began to dissipate. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.

"No." She shook her head and smiled. "I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" he insisted, staring at her with concern.

Laura chuckled. "Yes! Now, shoo! Go and do whatever it is you want to do, we haven't got all day."

With a smile, he let go of her. "Meet you back here in two?"

"Yeah. Don't be late."

As Bucky turned around and walked in the opposite direction, that uneasy feeling in Laura's gut returned. "Hey, Buck?"

"Hmm?" Bucky stopped and turned slightly.

Laura swallowed the small constriction in her throat. "Be careful, okay?"

He flashed a warm smile. "You know I always do."

Author's Note:

For those who wondered, covrigi is Romanian pretzel/bagel xD

Anyway, hope you like this chapter and thanks for reading! :)