jester writes

You’d been tinkering with Tony’s suit for the past couple hours, a malfunction in the hardware had caused his blasters to stop working. You hadn’t noticed the door to the lab open, or the super soldier leaning against the table. “What are you doing?” Bucky breaks the silence, you shot up, dropping the tools in your hands around you, as you turned to him. “Bucky! You scared me!” your exclamation makes Bucky chuckle, as he raises his arms in surrender. “Before you gave me a heart attack, I was trying to fix Tony’s suit, something’s off with it, but I can’t place it” Bucky would never tell anyone, but he can’t help but love the way your eyes light up when you get that determined look on your face. 

You looked back at Bucky, expecting him to say something, but he just stood there looking at you. You grinned shyly and waved your hand in front of his face, “Earth to Bucky” he snapped out of it with a light blush across his cheeks. “So, did you just come here to scare me, or did you need something?” you lean against the table, turned toward him, while your hand held your wrist, soothing it slightly.

“I was wondering if you could help me take out my stitches?” Bucky’s eyes find the floor, and you furrow your brows at him. You know very well that he is able to take out stitches, hell he could easily stitch himself up without even flinching. You bite your tongue, “Sure, sit down”, you motion for him to sit on your chair as you go and grab the equipment. 

When you turn back around his shirt is off, you stumble just a bit, and try to regain the balance of the tray you’re holding. The blush is set on your face, and you try your best to act as if it doesn’t exist. “How old is it?” you ask, as you inspect the wound, it’s about 4 inches long and sits on the left side of his chest. Bucky replies as you start working on taking out the stitches. Your fingers graze his skin, despite the deliberate calmness to your touch, it makes Bucky’s skin heat up. 

“There you go” you finished up and threw out the used tissue, “you’re as good as new”. Bucky felt the warm, nervous feeling in his stomach as he looked at your smile. “Thank you, doll” his nicknames always managed to fluster you. “I think Tony ordered some food for dinner, d’you wanna join?” Bucky motioned his head toward the door, and his invitation made you smile, but you couldn’t let go of the feeling of dread that crept in. 

Just as you were about to answer, your phone started ringing. The lockscreen showed a photo of your boyfriend, and you answered immediately, knowing better than to let him hang. “Hi Brett” you gave Bucky an apologetic smile, as Brett questioned if you were on your way home, “I’ll be home in twenty minutes, things ran a bit late here”. Tyler muttered something under his breath, you sensed he wasn’t going to be in a good mood when you got home. You ended the phone call and turned back to Bucky, he tried to look interested in something on the table, clearly not wanting to listen in on your conversation. 

“Sorry Bucky, I have to get home, maybe I can join you guys another time” he nodded, and watched as you packed up your things. “Let me walk you to the door” he offered, you wanted to refuse, scared of how Brett would react if he found out, but Bucky wasn’t offering as much as he was telling. You two walked out to the main doors, talking quietly and giggling here and there. “Thanks for walking me to the door” you smiled up at him, at your thanks it looked like he grew about six inches and stuck out his chest a little. “Of course, doll, get home safe” Bucky offered you a soft smile as he opened the door for you. “I will, and remember to be careful with the scar, and put on the ointment I gave you” he chuckled at your lecture, but agreed and watched as you walked out in the streets and blended in with the crowds of people.

The next day you entered the lab with your head toward the floor. Trying your best to blend in with the sterile interior, and taking the long way up in order to avoid as many avengers as possible. Apparently, you weren't the only one trying to avoid people. In your busy job, looking down, you bumped into a firm body, who caught you by the arm before you fell. “Sorry doll, I didn't think anyone would be going this way” Bucky's voice hitched, as does your heart at the nickname. Bucky shuffles awkwardly, and a blush appears on his cheeks. “Don't worry, I-...I should've looked where I was going” you dismiss his apology with your own, only now meeting his eyes. You could see the shift.

Bucky took you in, the dark circles and sunken in eyes morphed your face in a way he hasn't seen before. He noticed how you tug at the hem of your sleeves, it's almost unconsciously, but his analysing gaze proves him wrong. You looked away, too intimidated by his staring eyes. “I have to get to the lab” you squeaked and hurried around Bucky. Before you're fully out of the mostly empty hallways, you turn around, only to see Bucky already standing there, with a small smile on his face and body turned to you. With a tight smile you continue down the hallway, away from this super human, who apparently just studied your mind without you saying anything.

While you're nose deep in Tony's latest project, Bucky just wrapped up training with Sam. Bucky hadn't been able to quit thinking about that look on your face, and he was sure Sam had noticed by now. “You're usually quiet, but man it's starting to get weird now” Sam's smirk widening as he nudged the super soldier, earning a low grunt from him. Bucky turned to leave the training area, but halted and turned towards Sam. Sam's grin lessened at Bucky's grim expression. 

“Do you think Y/n's doing alright? I mean like lately?” Bucky could tell Sam already had a joke, or five, lined up, so he shot him a warning glare. With a hum Sam composed himself, giving himself time to think. “I don't know man, I think Tony just got a lot of different projects for her, maybe she needs a break?” Sam's thoughts didn't calm Bucky, clearly what he'd seen wasn't nothing. Though the way your eyes had shifted to something unrecognizable, it didn't seem like just time off would fix it. 

“Yeah maybe” Bucky muttered as they both walked out the door and went to grab a water. “Have you tried talking with her about it?” Sam's question made Bucky blush slightly, but also turn his head away as an answer. “You gotta talk to her first! Or else you'll never know what's going on in her brain” Sam held his shoulder in a firm grip and laughed to himself, he took his water and left Bucky to ponder on his own. 

Later in the afternoon, Bucky have already worn down a permanent trail of worry in his room, he decides to go talk to you. Hoping that his worries will be made to shame. At first he knocks quietly on the lab door, but it doesn’t seem to catch your attention, neither does the louder, and firmer, knocks he tries with. Losing patience, Bucky opens the door and at first thinks the lab is empty. That is until he sees your hunched over form, scribbling away on a piece of paper and headphones in.

His heart tightens and warms at the sight, your eyebrow scrunch of focus, your hair splaying around your head, cascading in front of your face. You hum along to whatever song is playing in your ears, and Bucky is about to squash his worries at what looks like apparent content. 

His breath hitches in his throat when he spots dark purple splotchings at your upper wrist, almost hidden by your shirt. The bruising looks angry and pulsing, so, new. Bucky’s mind short circuits, and at a certain point he is worried he reverted back to the soldier. His eyes narrowed in at the bruising. 

Just as Bucky steps forward, you absentmindedly look up from your work and flinch at the appearance of another person in the lab. “Bucky?” your voice is quiet, testing the waters, the look in his eyes make you nervous. “What are you doi-” your sentence trails off when you see where his eyes are pointed. Not your eyes, not your work. It’s your wrist, that is even more visible after your surprise flinch. 

Panic sets in, and in one quick motion the sleeve is pulled down to your fingers, and in an even quicker motion, Bucky moves to stand directly besides you. You stay silent, not daring to look Bucky in the eyes, as you already feel them start to burn. It takes a couple of minutes before Bucky speaks up, his voice sounds far away, but brings you back to reality. “Was it Brett?” your shoulders tense at the mentioning of his name, and Bucky’s direct question. 

The silence is enough for Bucky. He steps back and exhales a deep sigh, dragging his hand over his face. Bucky use every force inside his body to calm his reaction, not wanting to put you through more. Your head is slumped, hair hiding your face, as the tears start rolling. A small sniffle makes Bucky turn around. 

At once, Bucky kneels by your chair, turning you to face him, as he brushes some of your hair away. Bucky has experienced brainwashing, torture and punishment, but nothing is as bad as seeing your broken form in front of him. “I’m sorry-” you manage to whisper, and you instantly feel Bucky’s warm hand on your cheek, wiping away your tears. “Doll, you have nothing to apologize for, it is never your fault” Bucky mutters reassurance for a while, until you calm down enough to finally look him in the eyes. 

“Doll, I need you to tell me if there’s more bruising, are you hurt other places?” Bucky scans your face as it twists in anguish, and nod after a little while. “My ribs, I think they’re just bruised…” you gesture to your left side. Bucky wants to rip apart the man who dared touch you in this way. He nods, trying to come up with the best plan. “I will get Tony to set up the spare room for you, you’re not going home” at this you stare wildly in his eyes, fear erasing your irises. “No, I can’t, he will know, he will come for me” while you rambled in fear you didn’t noticed you gripped Bucky’s arm, squeezing more for each worried thought that entered your brain.

Bucky’s hand smoothed over yours, soothing some of the anxious tension. “Doll, we’re a whole tower full of avengers, who all will fight for you, we’ll keep you safe” his eyes softened, “I will keep you safe”. You choke a cry and lean forward, resting your head on Bucky’s shoulder, and finally letting him hold you.

The sun has slowly begun setting and you step into the room Tony had made up for you, it was cozy, not too big and most importantly safe. Two small knocks sound against the door as it creeks open, Bucky peaks inside and smiles at you. “Is it alright?” he asks, and you nod enthusiastically. “It’s great Buck, thank you for everything” you step forward and embrace him in a hug. “D’you want to go to the kitchen, I think Sam is trying to make something edible for dinner” you laugh at Bucky’s dig at Sam and agree. 

You feel safe at the tower, but you still walk close to Bucky. Somehow just his presence reassures your feeling of safety, and Bucky doesn’t seem to mind it. As the two of you join Sam in the kitchen, the bickering between the two men starts almost instantly. You sit on a bar stool and observe them, the scene feels homely and comfortable. 

That is until a loud commotion is heard from down the entry hallway. Sam and Bucky instantly switch to avengers mode, and Bucky hurries over to you. “Stay behind me at all time” his tone is serious and non-negotiable. You move a few feet behind the two of them, as they stealthily get closer to the sound. 

“Y/N!! WHERE ARE YOU?!” you stop dead in your tracks, face stiffen as well as the rest of your body. A second after his voice rings out, he walks into your view. Brett's face is twisted with rage and possession, and disregarding the two avengers in between you two, he towers forward in an attempt to get to you.

“Back down man!” Sam barks out, hand hovering, ready to attack if need be. “Get out of my way, this doesn’t concern you” Brett snarls and continues, only being stopped by Bucky’s vibranium hand, keeping him in his place. “It’s Y/n…It concerns me a lot” Bucky growls, eyes dark and ready to kill. 

Brett backs up with raised hands, until he is far enough back to get cocky again. “So it’s you? You got my slut wrapped around your finger or somethin’?” Brett smirk as he looks between you and Bucky. “You better leave now, before things get messy” Sam offers a diplomatic way out, he knows Bucky is beyond reason and even speech. 

Brett turns with a scoff, ready to walk away, “Whatever, you enjoy my sloppy seconds, she’ll let you all fuck her if you just say please, slut”. Brett barely got to mutter the last word before a fist hit him in the back of his head. Bucky spins him around and headbutts him, while landing a crushing kick to his groin. In under 15 seconds, Brett is whining and writhing on the ground, while Bucky towers over him. 

“Get lost” Bucky warns and delivers a final kick to his stomach. Bucky turn around and walk to you, while Sam stays and makes sure that Brett will never dare show his face at the Avengers Tower again. 

You stand, frozen to your spot, as Bucky steps in between your view of Brett. “Are you okay?” Bucky slowly reaches out and holds your hand, grounding you back in the moment. “I think” you nod as you meet his eyes, and the ice seems to be replaced by warmth spreading from your stomach. 

Bucky leads you back to your new room, while you sit on your bed, he props up pillows and blankets for you. You grab his hand, stopping him in the whirlwind of caretaking. “Can you just hold me…please?” your timid voice makes Bucky fold instantly, he is quick to crawl onto the bed and hold you tight. 

You let out a content sigh, as if all of the worries of the day washes off of you, while you rest in Bucky’s arms. “I got you, doll” Bucky whispers into your hair, as he caresses your back. His sweet words make you sink deeper into the embrace, it makes it more difficult to keep your eyes open. 

A quiet routine started, two boxes at a time, leaving your arms more sore with every step up the stairs. With just a couple boxes left, two in your arms and three still on the sideway, you managed to keep the frustrations at bay while the rebellious strands of hair told a different story. 

You had been struggling with the door into the apartment complex for a couple minutes, stubbornness making you continue trying with the boxes still in hand. Bucky had seen the struggle from further away, as he’d moved closer to the building. Furrowed in amusement at the scene, the two boxes threatened to fall, while you balanced them trying to use your pinky to open the door. Bucky had watched for a little while, now standing only a few feet away from the spectacle, wondering when would be the right time to butt in. 

“You need some help with that?” you hadn’t registered his presence and his sudden comment made you jump slightly, causing the boxes to start tumbling over. A big, metal, hand caught them before they hit the ground. You turned to look at who had made you jump, and your heart beat half out of your chest. His striking blue eyes and reserved but amused smile caused your heart to beat for a completely different reason, which left you lost for words, just for a minute. “Thanks” you breathed out and rolled your eyes in embarrassment, “I think this door has it out for me, I can’t open it”. Bucky chuckled at your comment, keeping eye contact as he shifted the two boxes, now only holding them with his metal arm. He reached behind you, moving you ever so slightly and politely, and with a quick tug opened the door. 

“It’s tricky, you’ll get used to it” he gestured for you to move inside, and you did, feeling more embarrassed at his ease. “Thanks… again, I’m lucky you know how to open it, you know, if it takes a while to get used to” you stuttered a bit, feeling heat rush to your cheeks. You moved forward, your arms out toward the boxes, ready to take them from him. With a shift he, knowingly, diverted your attempt at taking back the boxes. “Where can I put the boxes?” his old-fashioned attitude made you chuckle slightly and shake your head. “It’s okay, I can get them up myself, but thanks for the offer” you were quick to dismiss, which made Bucky furrow his eyebrows slightly. “It’s fine, I don’t mind it really, besides I live on the 4th floor, let me take them some of the way” he offered. 

“I can’t ask you to do that, you already helped me twice” you declined, and this time you grabbed the boxes out of his arms. He saw you struggle slightly with the new weight in your arms, and the stubborn look he’d seen outside the building returned to your eyes. With small grunts and muttering, you turned towards the stairs and started your climb. “Thanks for the help, friendly neighbor” you quipped from over your shoulder, a laugh stuck in your throat. Bucky shook his head in amusement, looking back out the door seeing the three boxes with scribbled handwriting spelling out what he assumed was your name. 

You had just gotten to the third floor, now outside your door you turned to put down the boxes, to open the door. But someone beat you to it. The glinting of metal made you laugh, but as you turned around you saw the three boxes he was holding with ease. Your eyes shamelessly caught how his bicep flexed, as you met his eyes, a patient smirk was painted on his lips. “After you, doll” the nickname made your cheeks burn a little harder, and you scurried inside to put down the boxes. As soon as they had left your hands, you smoothed out your shirt and tried to tame your hair to the best of your ability. “Thank you, you really didn't have to do that” you smiled, as you stepped a bit closer to him, still feeling a little flustered. 

“Of course, I'm happy to help, Y/n” he said, chuckling slightly at your raised brows when he mentioned your name. A small point of his finger toward the boxes, makes you hum in understanding. The silence lingered for a small second, until Bucky made a shift move towards the door. “I better get going, good luck unpacking” he walked outside, turning around to meet you with a smile you wanted to study up close, “name's Bucky”. Just as abruptly as he'd appeared, just as abruptly had he left. The door now gaping with an empty hallway as his footsteps echoed in the background. You were screwed, your very attractive, and a gentleman, neighbor lived just above you. With a click the door locked, just in sync with the sigh that left your lips.

Settling in had gone mostly without any big drama, if you don’t count the many struggles with the door. Now at 9.12pm you had gotten home from your office job, finally getting tired of moving around the same table lamp trying to get a lid room. The electrician wasn’t coming for another week, and another week was exactly the time it would take for you to crash out over this. After searching through a couple boxes you finally found your drill and started sending a little prayer out to the universe. You lined up the screw, hoping you weren’t hitting anything important in the ceiling, and started drilling. The loud noise made you flinch slightly, causing the ladder to shake a little. Another sharp inhale, coughing lightly at the dust gathering in the wind. Another attempt at drilling the screws in the ceiling, only for it to end up bent and flinging out of its position. You grumbled loudly and huffed, you weren’t going to let this get to you. But when you audibly started yelling and almost tossed the drill, you accepted defeat and climbed down the ladder. 

Three short knocks at the door made you freeze. Seeing the clock, on a weekday, you worried another resident had complaints to make. Through the peephole you saw the same pair of eyes you hadn’t been able to get out of your head the past week. As you opened the door you were greeted by a warm, but tired, smile. “Hi Bucky, can I help you with something?” you tried to steady your voice, and the internal cringing of worry that he was the neighbor coming to complain.

“Hi doll” your knees weakened slightly, “if you wanted to talk to me you could’ve just said so, no need for you to try and drill a hole through my floor”. Shut eyes and pinching your nose bridge was all you could respond at first, feeling embarrassed at the situation. “I’m so sorry Bucky, I just got so fed up with not having proper lighting, I guess I kind of forgot the time” you fiddled with your fingers, glancing up at him. “Since you got all the way down here, can I at least see the finished result?” he chuckled, but seemed to quickly become aware of the fact he just shamelessly invited himself into your apartment. 

“Of course- well… You won’t be able to see it, since, no lights and I apparently can’t be trusted with power tools” the joke made Bucky let out an airy laugh. You stepped aside and gestured for him to enter, you both made your way over to the lamp, inspecting it seriously. “Where’s the drill?” Bucky asked, not looking away from the discarded lamp on the floor. With a little shrug you pointed to where the drill was buried in manuals and broken screws. Before you had time to ask why, Bucky had already climbed up the ladder with the drill in hand. 

“What are you doing, Bucky!?” you exclaimed as you held the ladder, trying to steady it for him. He looked down at you, damn, why did he have to look so good from above, your mind was killing you. Your cheeks heating up caused a smirk to slip its way onto his lips. “I’m fixing your lamp” Bucky sounded like he had just said the most obvious thing in the world, almost making you feel crazy for asking. “I can see that! But why?” you laughed in disbelief as he started drilling the holes, he answered without looking down at you. “How else would I get to see your pretty face?” you thanked god for the dimly lit room, you were sure your cheeks would be bright red, maybe you wouldn’t need a lamp after all?

Your silence made Bucky look down, your wide eyes were answer enough, which made him chuckle. “Besides, if I ever want to get some sleep, it would help you won’t be drilling holes through my floor” this made you snicker, helping the tension release from your shoulders. A mischievous glint crossed your eyes. “So I’ll just have to keep tinkering with the drill and you will come running?” you gave a pause for dramatic thinking effect, “that’s definitely noted”. Now it was Bucky’s turn to shy away and keep his eyes focused on the drill and screws, and not let his beating heart affect his balance. He kept working for a few more minutes, and at last he climbed down the ladder, setting down the drill. 

The grey shirt clung tightly to his body, as he brushed himself clean from the dust. You weren’t afraid to admit you had slightly wandering eyes. “You should probably test out the light, make sure it actually works” he commented, making you flick the switch and light shine up your apartment. “It works!” the exclamation made Bucky huff a laugh and look up to see your bright smile, “thank you so much Bucky!”. Instinctively you pulled him into a quick hug, which made Bucky tense up and you realize the boundary you might’ve crossed. You pulled back from the hug, and got ready to apologize but Bucky beat you to it. “It’s no worries, as I said, I’m happy to help” Bucky kept on replaying the hug in his mind, “and next time, you can just come knock”. 

With an enthusiastic nod you giggled slightly, “I’ll have to start paying you for your work soon”. Bucky dismissed the joke, he started moving toward the door. “Consider it a welcome gift from a friendly neighbor” you followed him to your door. “Roger that, Bucky” you joked, and he laughed, and suddenly your knees were like jello again. “I’ll see you around Y/n” you nodded, “sweet dreams, doll”, and with that had he left again. Leaving you to deal with jelly knees and a thundering heart.  

A couple of days go by with small smiles and even smaller hi’s exchanged whenever your ways crossed in the stairway but nothing more. That’s until a Saturday afternoon when you mustered up enough courage to walk up to Bucky’s door. The smell of failed, and burned, baked goods linger slightly in your hair, and the two beers in hand was the second best alternative. A deep breath is followed by two knocks on his door, and a second later he is standing in the doorway. 

“Hi” you fidget slightly as you hold up the beers as explanation, “I tried baking cookies, and uh, failed, so think of this as a ‘thank you’ beer”. His smile widened in time with your rambling, and as you put the two beers in his hands, he moved to the side. “Do you wanna come in?” his nod, a gesture of invitation, but he continued talking when he saw you looking a bit dumbfounded, “it’s kind of sad to drink alone, besides I wouldn’t mind the company”. With that he walked deeper into his apartment, leaving you standing for a minute before you hurried in behind him, closing the door on your way.

“Thanks again for your help, I think I would’ve made the whole building collapse if I’d continued trying to hang my lamp” you giggle bashfully and grab the open beer Bucky hands you. You take in the living room, it’s bare, not even just for a guy. A two person couch standing against a wall, on the other side a TV propped onto a small coffee table. Underneath documents and books is a dinner table, which you guessed wasn’t being used often, by the state of it. Bucky saw you taking in his place, heat creeping in at the base of his neck. “Yeah, you’re welcome, how’s the move in going?” he asked, politely directed your eyes away from his slightly depressing living room. The one ‘thank you’ beer turned into two, and another after that, as you ended up talking for a few hours on the couch. 

“-and then he hit me square in my face!” Bucky had just finished telling you about a training session he’d have with Sam. He was careful not to mention his name, not wanting to talk about his work. Bucky hoped you had never heard of him, at least not in the Avengers context, but knowing his reputation you most definitely had. “It must be a demanding job you have, I can’t imagine” your earnest voice tugged at his heart strings, it almost sounded like concern. “It’s fine, as long as I get the job done, and with the best outcome for everyone” he dismissed your analyzing eyes, his own too busy staring at the bottle in his hands.

“And for you” your voice broke his trance, and when he looked back up your eyes met his instantly, “you have to take care of yourself out there”. Bucky took you in, sitting in his dimly lit living room, being concerned about his well-being. It flustered him to the point of no words. Sensing the sincere moment you placed your hand on top of his arm, squeezing it a little bit, trying to bring him back down. As you went to take your hand back, his hand grabbed yours and held it. “Thank you” he said, now staring at his hand holding yours. “Of course Bucky”, your voice now timid and shy, he saw your cheeks heating up slightly, and your lips flare up in a rosy color. 

The sudden ring of a phone made you both jump, your hand clutching your heart as you let out an airy laugh. You saw Bucky’s phone light up with the name ‘Sam’, alongside a picture of him in a compromising position. Bucky awkwardly looked at his phone, he let it ring out, until Sam got impatient and stopped trying. “Sorry ‘bout that” his sheepish smile made you forget your sudden scare, as you shook your head, “don’t worry about it” you reassured. 

Bucky reached his hand over to yours, slowly, he tested the water, letting you retreat if you changed your mind. Just as he was about to touch your hand, the phone lit up again, Sam calling again. In your flustered mind, you realized what the time was and a sudden feeling of overstaying settled in your stomach. “Uhm, I should… get going” your hesitant announcement came alongside you standing awkwardly by the couch. You swear you saw a disappointed shimmer in Bucky’s eyes but you tried not to think too far ahead of yourself. “Sure, uh, thanks for the beer” Bucky cringed at his words, they definitely left out all the other things he would’ve wanted to thank her for. You hurried towards the door, and opened it just as Bucky arrived behind you. Turning around and meeting his eyes, Bucky realized how closed he’d actually been standing to you. “Thanks for tonight, it was nice” you looked away, heat rising to your cheeks, which you blamed the alcohol. Bucky agreed, “get home safe, doll” and with that it was your turn to leave the doorway quickly, leaving Bucky wanting more and gazing at the spot you had just been standing.

It was late one night, you were on your way home from meeting with a couple of friends, and Bucky had been standing outside the apartment building. He looked in his head, furrowed brows and a half-smoked cigarette that had been lit a long time ago. Your steps slowed down, as you approached carefully. “Hey there” his eyes snapped to you, his eyes dark and set in a deep exhaustion. He grunted a greeting. “Long day at work?” you settled onto the brick steps besides him, tugging your coat tighter to your body. “Something like that” he settled down beside you, tossing the cigarette into a bin. 

“D’you want to talk about it?” you puffed his arm with your shoulder, making him give you a tired smile. “No, but thanks for the offer” you nodded, returning to a solemn silence, observing the bustling city life in front of you. That was until something in Bucky woke up, maybe from the tiredness of the day, or the feelings he’d been questioning and working through his head every day. 

“What are you even doing?” his question came out harsher than intended, and you just blinked up at him in confusion, not understanding the question. “I mean… I just help you a little, nothing anybody wouldn’t do, and you bring me beer and sit on my couch longer than any one ever has” he explained, his eyebrows furrowing. As did yours.

“Yeah, you did help me, and I wanted to thank you for that… But I also wanted to get to know you” his eyes let you know that, that answer wasn’t enough for him. “I guess I thought you were worth knowing since you helped me so much, that takes a good man” you placed a hand on his shoulder. Unfortunately, after the day he’d had, being reminded of his failures and past mistakes, his body reacted before his mind could. Bucky quickly stood up, making you drop your hand, a hand dragging over his face. He sighed in frustration until he turned around to face you.

“You know who I am right?” you had thought it was a rhetorical question at first, but he expected an answer from you. “Yeah, I know you’re Bucky, uhm, that you worked with Captain America” you stuttered, your mind racing due to his sudden change in behaviour. Bucky scoffs. It hits you directly in your gut, without you truly understanding why. “If you know that, you know that’s not only who I am, what I did” his glare now becoming too much for you to meet, you have to avert your eyes. “I know, you had to do some things against your will” your voice is hush, uncomfortable due to the energy.

“I killed people, Y/n, I’m not a good man” his voice is icy and his stature seems frozen to his spot, just out of your reach. You don’t know how to respond, but you shake your head in confusion. “I don’t know if you pity me, or if you wanted to get a closer look at the spectacle” now you’re furrowing your brows even more, you’re worried they might get stuck, “I don’t know what you’re doing or why”. Now it was your turn to stand up, walking over to him, your stubbornness overtaking. “I don’t pity you, and I’m not trying to get a front row seat to some show, that’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said, Bucky” you can’t wrap your head around his thoughts, “I like you, I want to get to know you” your frustrations seeps into your voice. 

At first you think you’ve reached Bucky, but then you sense the dismissal in his eyes. His slight head shake and his down-turned mouth. “That’s not right, it can’t be… I’m not stupid, Y/n” his voice is laced with venom, “there’s a catch, there always is”. Now it’s your turn to shake your head, as you try to control the frustrations welling up in your body, your shaking hands giving you away.

“You’re being unfair, Bucky” you couldn’t look him in the eyes, the tension overwhelming you, “how dare you think I have some ill intentions, I’m pouring my heart out to you and you reject it? Why?” you paused, giving yourself time to breathe. “It’s not fair that you twist my actions, when all I’ve done is be nice to you, I’ve shown you no reason to be insecure” you feel your eyes sting, and curse yourself for it, not wanting to feel weak in front of him. “I want you, Bucky, but you have to realize it for yourself” with that you turn around, and the first tear drops to your cheek. You tug a couple times at the door until it gives way for you to hurriedly climb your stairs, wanting to be far away from him right now.

Another week passed, this time, when your eyes met you would turn to look at the floor in front of you. Bucky had been cursing himself ever since he’d heard you sniffle as you walked away, realizing the stress of the day had gotten to him. Not only that, but it’d made him question your acts of kindness. Bucky had been too nervous to talk to you, worried you would turn him down before he could apologize. This had led him to stand in front of your door, for several minutes, many times a day, this past week. 

This day, you were on your way out, when you were met with him and Sam, walking upstairs and taking up the entire stairway. Wanting to be polite you stuttered a small ‘hi’, but your voice was so timid you wondered if they had even heard it. The sound of your voice made Bucky’s focus shift entirely onto you, stopping mid-sentence in the conversation he’d just had with Sam. Sam’s eyebrows raised in confusion until he saw you. 

“Hi Y/n” Bucky’s voice was surprised, he had thought that you would ignore him if your paths had crossed. Your eyes met, his clear as day displayed regret, it was too much and you had to look away. The feelings from that night resurfacing all too well. Bucky was about to say something more, when a booming voice from beside him interrupted his train of thought.

“Y/n? As in the Y/n?” Sam was smirking, looking between the both of you. Bucky’s jab to Sam’s side only confirmed his theory, causing his smile to widen, as he stepped towards you. “I’m Sam, Bucky’s best buddy” Bucky rolled his eyes at his antics, “I’ve heard a lot about you”. Now it was your turn to blush a deep crimson red, looking over at Bucky for answers, only being met with a confirming blush across his cheeks. “Nice to meet you Sam” you politely shook his hand, before moving a bit further down the stairs, stopping awkwardly besides Bucky. 

You looked at him expectantly, you didn’t even know what you were waiting for, but the hope was burning inside of you. “It’s good to see you” Bucky cringed at his own words, another minute passed and the staring was only dissolved due to Sam clearing his throat. “Uhm, I better get… I need to go… Bye, Bucky” you mumbled and hurried down the stairs, the outside air calling your name. 

Inside the building Bucky stood looking back where you’d left, making Sam laugh at the man, he looked like a lost puppy. “The day has come, a woman melted the winter soldier” Sam grabs Bucky’s shoulder with excitement. Bucky just sighed before returning to face his friend, “I messed it up Sam”. Sam deadpanned, already done with whatever had happened. His eyebrows raised in question, waiting for Bucky to continue. “After that long day, last week… I came back here and met Y/n outside” he wasn’t proud of how he’d acted, “I was stressed out, and I… confronted her about this, and I kinda blew up on her and she left”. 

Sam shook his head in disbelief but turned to his friend, wanting to help. “You talked to her after that, right?” the silence worked as an answer, “Bucky, are you dumb?”. Bucky was about to protest, not wanting to hear Sam’s sass. “I saw the way she looked at you, she gave you a million chances to reach out, and if you don’t you’ll loose the thing that have made you slightly less grumpy these last few weeks” Sam preached to him, while he just nodded, already knowing he had to do something. 

“I know, I know…” Bucky searched for his words, “But she could do better, she deserves better than me”. Sam dismissed him immediately, “Nuh-uh, don’t start with that self-depricating talk, you deserve good too, and she clearly decided on you, now you just gotta make it up to her” and with that Sam walked into Bucky’s apartment. The hangout turned into a guiding session in how to make it up to you, and Sam rooting for him as he went home. 

A few days later, two knocks rang out against your door. Before opening it you saw it was late, and considered letting it go unanswered. But as soon as she saw Bucky through the peephole, she opened the door, trying not to show her surprise and slight excitement. “Hi, Y/n” Bucky’s controlled voice had a slight tremble to it, “can we talk?”. You nodded and led him into your living room and plopped down on the couch, motioning for him to do the same. 

“I’m sorry for how I blew up at you, I shouldn’t have done that” Bucky starts, his eyes fixated on his hands, “I’m sorry I didn’t believe what you said, or didn’t want to believe it”. You couldn’t hold yourself back anymore, your hands grabbed his, effectively stopping his fidgeting and making his eyes meet yours. “I get it Bucky, I just didn’t want you to think all my kindness had some scheming intent” he nodded, gripping your hands tighter, never wanting to let go. “My thoughts clouded my mind, I should have talked to you instead of letting my mind wander” at his words, you caressed his hands softly, “you definitely should’ve just talked to me… But I’m happy you decided to do it now”. 

He feels himself be swallowed up under your gaze, wanting to stay there forever. Without thinking he moved closer to you, pushing a few pieces of loose hair behind your ear. The color returned to your cheeks and you were scared he might be able to hear your wild heartbeat. Bucky could feel your breath getting caught in your throat, his own heart running wild, matching yours. He leaned in, his breath touching your lips, “can I kiss you?” his voice just above a whisper, filled with a certain hunger. Instead of answering him with words, you lean forwards to meet his lips. His hand cupping your cheek, as you grab onto his arm, needing the support if your heart was going to give up on you.

“Quite the show” Bucky quipped with a small scoff, clearly not buying the act. “Yes, Ms de Fontaine worked hard on setting it all up in time” Y/n said quickly, as she looked over at the super soldier beside her. “Wow, you almost sound like you didn’t rehearse that before the party” Bucky smiled at her, reaching his hand out, “I’m Bucky by the way”. Y/n smiled tightly and shook his firm, human, hand, “Y/n, and I know who you are Congressman Barnes, I saw you at the hearing”. They both looked towards Valentina, who had just let out a loud laugh, perfectly working the politicians and business people around her. “Please, just call me Bucky” he huffed slightly at the title, not entirely comfortable in the new role. 

“What can I help you with Congressman Barnes?” Y/n asked, a slightly smirk appearing at his hidden frustration from the title. “Well, I just wanted to let you know you’re not dependent on Valentina. She might be powerful, but I can help you, if you’re just willing to testify against her” Bucky explained, stepping closer to Y/n, his tone laced with sincerity. Y/n shook her head with a chuckle, “I’m not going to go against Valentina, but it was a good try”. Bucky held her gaze until he broke it and fished out a small business card from his pocket. “I can’t force you, but just remember, she can’t force you either” Bucky nodded towards Valentina, “call me if you need anything”. Y/n hesitantly took the card, twirling it around, looking at the number. She looked back to Bucky, and as she was about to respond, she was cut off by Valentina clearing her throat as she stepped toward them. 

“Congressman Barnes, what a surprise seeing you here” Valentina looked him up and down, “I thought you were busy having me impeached”. Bucky narrowed his eyes at the O.X.E. director, “I am, just wanted to see your final show”. Valentina gave a composed chuckle at his words which made Y/n scoot closer to Valentina, sensing the tension and Valentina’s disapproval at her chat with Bucky. “Well you enjoy yourself, but please don’t bother my assistant while she’s at work” Valentina turned to Y/n motioning her to follow, but was interrupted by Bucky. “Thanks for the talk Y/n, and good luck Ms. de Fontaine” Bucky only held Y/n’s gaze as he talked, until he turned away and disappeared in the crowd. 

Valentina’s nails gripped into Y/n’s bare arm as she dragged her into a corner of the venue. “Y/n you are not to talk to James, or any congressman for that matter” Valentina let go of Y/n’s arm, but her gaze remained fixed on her, “I don’t expect to have to keep reminding you of who is helping you move along?”. Y/n was quick to shake her head, “No of course not Valentina! Congressman Barnes was being pushy about his case, nothing unexpected”. Valentina narrowed her eyebrows as if she was analyzing every word Y/n had just said. “Alright, if he tries to contact you, you come to me immediately” Valentina demanded and Y/n agreed without hesitation. Valentina seemed appeased and smiled at Y/n. “Good… I have guests to greet, you need to stay alert, and let me know how it goes with the clean up assignment” Valentina nods at Y/n understandingly, and pats her arm lightly as she moves past Y/n and returns to socializing. 

Y/n looks down at her tablet, security footage of the vault of all the proof needed to impeach Valentina. The heavy doors closed, and the group of four superhero misfits contained in the vault. Y/n furrow her brows in worry, wondering if it truly was for the better. She closed the tablet and looked back into the crowds, in a second her eyes met a pair of icy blue eyes that had been studying her, maybe throughout the whole conversation with Valentina. Y/n shuddered slightly and turned to leave her spot in the corner. 

~ time skip ~

The vault had been broken out of, Yelena Belova, John Walker and Ava Starr had escaped. Though that was the least worrying thing right now, it had turned out that the vault had contained more than just secrets. The only survivor of the sentry project had been there, alive and embodying the results of the project. Y/n had seen him survive being gunned down, she’d seen him fly far up in the sky only to come crashing down making a small crater in the desert they were in. Now Bob, as they had learned was his name, was being held in a room where Valentina was nurturing him awake and molding him into The Sentry. 

Y/n had paced up and down a small corridor in the unfinished ex-Avengers tower, her head spinning with thoughts and worries. She’d dug into the files from the sentry project, she’d heard Valentina’s speech about controlling the unbeatable and godlike sentry form. It had made the past worries of Valentina’s motives blow up at an even bigger scale. Y/n was sure this wasn’t right anymore, they probably crossed that line long ago, but she’d only been able to fully accept and see it now. Her hand had instinctively found its way to the small business card in her pocket. Quickly she pulled out her phone and dialled Bucky’s number, hoping he had meant what he said at the fundraiser.

“It’s Bucky” he answered with a sigh, Y/n could hear bickering in the background, and it made her nervous, along with his sigh. “Who is this?” Bucky asked, which made Y/n realize how she hadn’t said anything due to her mind racing. “It’s Y/n” she said quietly, suddenly very aware of Valentina being in the same building as her. Bucky’s focus shifted quickly, from the bickering bunch to Y/n’s timid voice on the other end. “Y/n… are you alright?” Bucky had hoped to hear from her, but now that he did it made her worry, especially with the current situation. “I’m… I’m alright, it’s just…” Y/n trailed off trying to gather her train of thoughts, “I’m not sure Valentina can be trusted anymore”. Bucky nodded to himself, glancing back at Valentina's ex-handymen, he pieced together what was supposed to have happened to them. “Are you with her right now?” Bucky asked, sensing Y/n’s hesitation. “No, well, yes, she’s in another room, with Bob” Y/n explained, “Bob?” Bucky questioned and Y/n could hear multiple groans and repeating of the name.

“Yeah, Bob… He was the only survivor of the sentry project, and it looks like he got some powers, like worrying powers, and I think Valentina wants to use them in her favor” Y/n rambled only stopping when she felt like her mind had calmed slightly. “Okay, where are you right now?” Bucky was the one pacing now, “I’m at the-” Y/n stopped abruptly when she heard the clicking of heels approaching. “She’s on her way, just, you know how to track a phone, right? Right… Just track my phone and come, please” Y/n almost pleaded, she didn’t give Bucky time to answer as she hung up and pocketed her phone. When Y/n whipped around she stood face to face with Valentina who shook her head disappointedly. “I really expected better from you Y/n… I saw a younger me in you, but I guess you just don’t quite get it” Valentina moved slightly to the side, and motioned for someone to enter. “Y/n let me introduce you to someone” Valentina called out, and in came Bob, but not quite Bob as he’d been in the vault. His hair was blond and combed backwards, and a golden suit with a cape. “This is The Sentry, my proudest creation” Valentina smiled up at him, and then turned to Y/n with a stern look. “I thought better of you, but you have forgotten where your loyalty lies” Valentina sighed and looked at Bob, “please, take her away, she needs reminding”. 

Y/n shifted backwards as The Sentry stepped closer to her with precision. He reached for her arm and grabbed it firmly. “Bob, you don’t have to do this!” Y/n negotiated, while she began trying to tuck her arm free. “Y/n, this will be easier if you just go along with me, I don’t want to hurt you” The Sentry explained as he started dragging her slightly by the arm. Y/n still struggled against his iron grip, but nothing faltered and she let out a cry of desperation. “Valentina, please make him stop, I’m- I’m sorry, okay?” Y/n wasn’t proud of her begging, but as she was being dragged by an unstoppable entity she couldn’t see any other way. “You’re embarrassing yourself” was the only thing Valentina said before walking away from the scene, leaving The Sentry to drag Y/n into a bare room. “You just stay here for now” The Sentry said as he turned to leave, but Y/n rushed towards him, grabbing his arm. “Bob, I don’t know what she told you or did to you, but I just want to get away from here, please help me” Y/n thought for a moment that she’d been able to break through to him, the hint of recognition and confusion was quick to disappear almost as soon as it had been there. Now it was only replaced by a stern look. “I am The Sentry, not Bob” and with that he yanked his arm away from her grip, and strode out of the room, closing the door behind him. A heavy sound confirmed her fear of being locked in the room. 

Y/n was by the door in an instant despite knowing it was locked, she tugged at the handle until her hands ached slightly. “Hey! Is anyone out there! Hey!” Y/n continued yelling, tugging and hitting the door, but it remained mockingly closed in her face. She paced around the room, silently praying that Bucky was tracking her phone at this very moment. Y/n pulled out her phone, trying to dial his number, multiple times to no avail. The room must have been interfering with her cell service, Y/n groaned in frustration as she slid down along one of the walls. It had been, what felt like hours, before she heard a commotion outside the door. Y/n shot up and returned to her place, banging on the door and yelling out, hoping that whoever was out there could help her. Then she heard a voice which made her sigh in relief.

“Y/n?! Are you in there?” Bucky called out, on his side of the door a heavy bolt was placed against the door, but he’d heard the banging and yelling. “Bucky! Please help me get out of here!” Y/n yelled back, desperate to be let out of her imprisonment. “Okay, okay” Bucky got a closer look at the bolt and formed a plan, “Y/n, I need you to step away from the door”. Y/n rushed to the other side of the room with wide eyes, for a second forgetting she was being rescued by a super soldier. Soon after she heard heavy thuds against the door, the clang of metal on metal, and after a few more thuds a loud ringing of metal breaking apart. The door swung open just as Bucky tossed, the now, torn up bolt. Y/n stood still in a quiet awe at the man in front of her, who also happened to be her current savior. Bucky moved quickly, entering the room and holding her by her arms. First he gave a look over her body, checking for any injuries, then he looked at her face. “Are you hurt?” Bucky’s eyes held a tinge of concern mixed with the adrenalin pumping through his veins. Y/n shook her head at first, “No, no I’m okay, she just locked me in here” she explained standing frozen in her spot. 

By the door Y/n could now see the group of henchmen who used to work for Valentina. “Bucky we have to move, now!” Yelena called out, she seemed to register Y/n as a non-threat, and moved further down the corridor. Yelena was followed by Ava, John Walker and at last a man in a red suit. “You have to come with us, that’s the only way I can make sure you’re safe” Bucky said while pushing Y/n slightly behind him as they followed the group, his tone was apologetic and his eyes showed the same. Y/n gave a timid nod, not daring to discuss while being in a high alert situation. The five of them followed the long halls until they got to the big lounge and bar room. Y/n stopped in her tracks as she saw Valentina behind the bar, seemingly expecting them.

“Nice for you to finally show up, what took you so long?” Valentina grins up at them until she locks eyes with Y/n, “I see, you had to grab my assistant… How thoughtful of you”. Bucky steps in and shields Y/n behind his broad frame. “Valentina we just want to get Bob, it doesn’t have to end in a fight” Bucky’s voice was carried in the unfurnished room. Valentina stepped out from the bar towards the group. “That won’t be able to happen unfortunately” she chuckles, “but, what will be able to happen, is my big announcement of my proudest creation, all thanks to you”. Valentina notices the shift in Yelena at the insinuation of Bob. “You see, in a minute all the reporters across town will be here to witness how a lowlife group of ungroomed ex-heroes tried attacking the next protection of the people. They will see you be taken down by The Sentry” as Valentina mentioned Bob’s evil alter ego, he flew out and landed beside her. While Valentina continued explaining her big plan to the group, Bucky angled his face back toward Y/n. “When things go south I need you to seek cover and stay hidden” Bucky whispered in a serious tone making Y/n nod, until she realized he wasn’t able to see her face. “Okay” Y/n confirmed with a shaken up voice, not fully grasping what she was agreeing to. 

Things went south just a few minutes after when John Walker charged at The Sentry, which resulted in him being flung across the room. Bucky turned to Y/n, locking eyes with her to make sure she understood the intensity of the situation, and after that he ran to fight and she ran to hide. Y/n thought behind the bar had been a good place to hide, until all the glass shattered and cascaded over her face, which she covered with her arms. Y/n stumbled out from behind the bar, just in time to miss an elbow in the face by the Red Guardian. She yelped and backed away, narrowly missing another person being flung her way. Y/n could see Bucky fighting with The Sentry, trying to stab him with a knife but being unsuccessful. She ended up backed up against a wall and hoping that she was safe for now, and out of the first line of battle. Time would have it that no wishes are fulfilled, and in the commotion of the battle, The Sentry had lodged free a table and flung it against Bucky and John. They had both managed to get out of its way before it hit them, but Y/n wasn’t as quick. She only just gets her arms up, protecting her face, before the table hits her full force, making her slam against the wall. The table almost bounces back from the wall and falls to the floor, Y/n follows suit as the air is knocked from her lungs and knees give out. 

Bucky sees it happen and charges as The Sentry once more, this time with his metal arm. The Sentry catches it with ease, and in an instant the arm is detached from his body, and Bucky is swung across the room, landing closely to Y/n. Recognizing defeat, Yelena and Ava start retreating back to the elevator. They’re followed by Alexi who hollers angrily in russian. John returns Bucky’s arm to him, and in an instant Bucky is over by Y/n. “Y/n, look at me” Bucky shakes her slightly, gaining her attention and also a groan of pain. “We have to get out of here” Bucky stands back up, expecting Y/n to be following, but in her haze and knees not working with her, she ends up just struggling on the ground. Bucky turns back to her and without more thought he scoops her up, barely with any struggle despite having his ass just handed to him. Y/n whines in pain but accepts her lift, and when she comes to it slightly more, she also appreciates it. “I’ve got you” mutters Bucky under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear.

The crowds disrupted quietly at the sight of Bucky, or The Winter Soldier, as they muttered in disbelief. Although Sam as the Smiling Tiger and Y/n in a reconstruction of a black widow suit also caused a stir.

“Stay in character no matter what” Zemo said as he looked over his shoulder at the bunch, “one slip up and we’re dead”. With a small glance at Bucky Y/n tried to keep focus on the task, diving head first into the past she tried to cover up and work through. Although Bucky's glance was cold as the winter soldier, he held a softness Y/n recognized as hers when they locked eyes.

They entered the bar, Sam got his snake shot and Zemo tried to get a meeting with Selby. People were gawking at the assassin duo. The shine from Bucky's metal arm reflected slightly in the colorful lights of the bar. Meanwhile Y/n was aware of the many stares in her direction, she felt the suit tightly against every inch of her skin, and if she wasn’t focused on her role she would’ve shifted and turned away from the stares. It wasn’t new, and while in the black widow program it was how a job was done. Seducing the targets of her missions was what she was brought into, but the time spent away from the red rooms, with the avengers and most importantly with Bucky, she’d learned her strength in many other ways.

“I have an offer for Selby she might be interested in” Y/n heard Zemo tell the bartender as he glanced towards her and Bucky. Now it was Bucky’s turn to shift ever so slightly, and Sam narrowed his eyes at Zemo. “You’re not welcome in Madripoor anymore… I’m sure you’re aware” the bartender said, as the energy shifted in the bar. People reached for their weapons, ready to trigger any moment. “солдат…вдова” (“soldier…widow”) Zemo looked expectantly, and with a hint of excitement at Bucky and Y/n, until he gave a quick nod and they knew they had to comply.

A man charged at Bucky as another lunged at Y/n, both were quick to be put down, as Y/n moved onto another attacker. He came at her with a dagger which she kicked out of his hands, as she ducked his next attack. Y/n swung herself onto his back and put him in a headlock, the attacker was down just seconds later. Another one swung at her, only to be swept off his feet, landing on his back with a boot pressed against his neck. 

Two shots rang out in the bar, stopping everyone, Y/n and Bucky being ordered to back down by Zemo. People were quick to desert the bar, and soon the group was being escorted to the back by two of Selby's bodyguards. “Excellent job soldiers, you make good work of yourselves” Zemo smirked at them, clearly enjoying his current position of power. 

“Smiling Tiger! I didn’t expect to see you here in my bar today” Selby called out, which made Sam huff slightly, before he could respond Zemo had cut him off. “The Smiling Tiger and I share a common interest… One I've heard you have some information on” He moved closer to Selby and sat by her on the leather couch. Selby leaned back as she scanned Sam closely, her eyes glimmering sinisterly. “I have a lot of information, you have to be more specific” Selby’s eyes moved on to Bucky and Y/n by the wall, “but my information isn’t cheap, do you have plans of negotiating, Zemo?”.

Zemo moved from the couch to stand besides Bucky, his hand hovering over the metal arm. “Ah yes, I come prepared, of course” Zemo ran his hand alongside Bucky's arm, “The Winter Soldier here is an excellent soldier, you can have him. Alongside the words to activate him”. Selby grinned widely but shook her head. “Oh Zemo, I know you’re after the super serum, and I could definitely put him to good use, you need to name a better price”. 

Bucky shifted slightly making Zemo let go of his arm and move over to Y/n who stood cemented in place with a cold glare directed straight forward. “I know black widows are high in value, and Y/n here is one of the best trained and last of her kind” Zemo moved a piece of hair behind her ear, “she is said to have a multitude of talents, trained in seducition, I’m sure you’re aware of the stories”. Selby stood up and moved in front of Y/n, her eyes looking over every part of her, making her feel naked under the glaring. In the corner of Y/n’s eyes she saw Sam hover a hand close to the gun tucked in his waistband, and Bucky had broken his winter soldier stare, now more focused on what played out besides him. 

“Yes, yes, I know all of her talents, some of my men have had their turns with her kind, I’m sure they’d like to be reunited” Selby grabs Y/n’s face, turning it in different directions, her finger coming to Y/n’s lips as she parts them. “With a Winter Soldier we won’t need more protection, but I will take the black widow as well” Selby says as she lets go of Y/n’s face and turns to Zemo with a nod. First when Selby moved away from her could Y/n take in a breath, faltering slightly in her assassin role as she sought out Bucky. His eyes clearly displayed anger, hurt and comfort. His hand just slightly tilted toward Y/n, making her want to cling onto him until they had fought their way out of this hell hole of a city.

“That seems like a fair agreem-” Zemo was cut off by Sam’s phone ringing, in an instant the energy had shifted and Selby was demanding Sam to answer it. In the slight chaos of Sarah beginning to lecture Sam in finances, Y/n had inched closer to Bucky. She could now feel his heat, or anger, seep off of him and it helped her calm her senses and bring focus back, as they approached another fight. 

In an instant chaos had broken out, Selby had been shot and her people attacked. While the four were fighting off people, Bucky was quick to get to Y/n and push her slightly away from the danger. Y/n was about to protest and defend her abilities, but the look of protective pleading from Bucky was enough for Y/n to turn around and look for an escape route.

They fought their way far out of Madripoor and ended up reuniting with Sharon where they now were hiding out. Bucky hadn’t let go of his grip on Y/n’s arm since they arrived. “Hey, Buck, are you okay?” Y/n quietly asked as they stood a bit away from the rest. His eyes instantly met hers and she could see the guilt clear as day. “I-..I’m sorry Y/n, I should’ve shot her myself as soon as she touched you” he whispered, “hey, no no, Bucky it’s not your fault, we had to follow the plan”. Y/n could see that her words didn’t reach him, “Bucky, we couldn’t have done anything differently, or else we would’ve risked getting the info on the serum”.