𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 ☾

“We were supposed to have a fun day out, with good weather!” You pouted, leaning back against Frank’s broad chest. You could feel him tense slightly at your words, as if your disappointment hit him harder than he let on.

Frank hummed at your words and gently rested his chin on top of your head. “I know, sweetheart,” he murmured. There was something quiet in his voice, a mix of guilt, longing, and relief that finally he had this day to spend with you.

He could hear how bummed you were. You’d been planning this for two weeks, and Frank knew how much it meant. He’d been so busy these past months, barely home, and when he was, too tired to do anything. He knew you understood that, but he could see how much you missed him. And he missed you too. More than he let himself admit aloud.

That’s why he had carved out these few days. Days where he could actually be with you, without interruptions, without danger pulling him away. And today was the first of them.

You had imagined the day so vividly: walking in the park, grabbing a coffee together, browsing cozy bookstores. The rain had swept all those plans away, leaving your anticipation dampened along with the weather.

“Now today’s ruined,” you mumbled, looking down at your feet, cheeks slightly pink with frustration.

Frank frowned, his mind whirling. He hated seeing you like this, feeling helpless. “Hey… look at me, will ya, baby?” His voice was gentle, patient, and when he turned you around, his hands cupped your face softly.

Your eyes met his, and something unspoken passed between you: the acknowledgment that even when life went sideways, you still had each other.

“Since when do we need sunshine to have a good time?” he asked quietly, brushing a thumb along your cheek.

You blinked at him, about to protest, but his gaze softened, and you found yourself smiling despite the clouds.

“We got a whole day. Just you and me. Nothin’ else matters, sweetheart,” he said.

You bit your lip, the corners of your mouth lifting. “But the park…”

“…Will still be there tomorrow,” Frank interrupted, leaning down until his nose brushed yours. “Bookstores too. But right now? We got rain, we got quiet, and…” His lips curved faintly. “I happen to know someone who makes the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted.”

You laughed softly, feeling warmth spread through your chest. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” he muttered, kissing the back of your hand, “but I’d rather be stuck inside with you than anywhere else.”

A clap of thunder shook the window, and you flinched, but Frank’s arm tightened instinctively, pulling you closer. His lips pressed to the top of your head. “See? Even the storm agrees you’re safer in my arms.”

The ruined plans didn’t seem so important anymore, not with Frank holding you like this. You could feel the steady beat of his heart through his chest, hear the faint rustle of his clothes, smell the faint mix of leather and soap that always made you feel safe. For the first time all morning, the disappointment that had weighed on you felt lighter.

“Alright,” you whispered, tilting your head up to meet his gaze, a small, hopeful smile tugging at your lips. “Hot chocolate, a blanket, and maybe a movie?”

Frank’s low hum was warm and pleased, vibrating through you. “That’s what I was thinkin’. C’mon, sweetheart.”

He took your hand, his grip firm but gentle, and guided you to the kitchen. Every step was careful, like he didn’t want to let you slip away. You felt the comfort of his presence in every small gesture, the quiet reassurance of him beside you. You pulled out mugs and cocoa powder, your fingers brushing over the familiar glass and tins, while Frank measured milk into the saucepan with surprising precision. Watching him so intent, so gentle, made your chest squeeze.

“What?” he asked, eyebrows lifting as he caught your gaze lingering on him.

“Just… never thought I’d see you making hot chocolate,” you admitted, a small laugh escaping you despite the quiet of the apartment.

“Don’t laugh,” he muttered, but the faint twitch of his lips betrayed him. “I take this very seriously.”

✩°𓏲⋆🌿. ⋆⸜ 🍵✮˚

When the cocoa was ready, you carried the mugs into the living room, the rich scent of chocolate filling the air. Frank had already spread a blanket across the couch and tugged you onto his lap before you could even settle. The warmth of his body seeped into you, and the steam from your mug curled around your face like a soft, comforting fog.

Outside, rain drummed steadily against the windows, a soothing rhythm to the quiet room. Frank pressed a gentle kiss to your temple, and you leaned into it, letting yourself melt against him.

“What’re we watching?” he murmured, voice low, almost hesitant.

“You pick,” you replied, half-expecting him to suggest some grim, intense documentary or war footage.

But he surprised you, scrolling until a cheesy romance flick appeared. Your head tilted in shock, and you caught his eye.

“What?” he shrugged, sipping his cocoa, calm as ever. “Thought maybe you’d like somethin’ sweet. Doesn’t always gotta be guns and explosions, right?”

Your heart swelled, an ache of affection hitting you. You leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his jaw. “I love you, Frank.”

His arm tightened instinctively around you, pulling you even closer. “I love you too, sweetheart. Always.” His voice was low, steady, and the way he said it made it feel like a promise, something unshakable.

The movie continued, but you barely noticed. The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the faint scent of him, it all made your eyelids heavy. You shivered slightly, the storm’s chill sneaking past the edges of the blanket.

“Cold?” Frank asked immediately, concern threading his tone.

“Little bit,” you admitted, hugging the blanket tighter.

Without a word, Frank shifted, tugging the oversized hoodie he’d draped over the couch arm and slipping it over your shoulders. It engulfed you, sleeves dangling past your hands. The familiar scent of him enveloped you, leather, soap, and something uniquely him, and you sighed, nuzzling into his chest.

“Perfect,” you whispered, closing your eyes.

Frank kissed the top of your head, his voice rough and affectionate. “Looks better on you anyway.”

Time slipped by, measured by shared laughter and gentle sips of cocoa. Eventually, your stomach growled, a reminder that warmth and comfort alone couldn’t fill you up.

“Guess hot chocolate wasn’t enough,” he teased, a low chuckle vibrating through the couch. “What d’you feel like? Pizza? Chinese? Whatever you want, baby, it’s on me.”

“Chinese,” you said quickly, eyes brightening at the thought of your favorite dumplings.

“You got it.” He pressed a quick kiss to your temple before dialing, keeping one arm securely wrapped around you the entire time. You felt every little shift he made to accommodate you, every protective instinct quietly expressed through touch.

✩°𓏲⋆🌿. ⋆⸜ 🍵✮˚

By the time the food arrived, the storm had softened to a gentle drizzle. You sat cross-legged on the couch, takeout containers between you, sharing bites, laughing over stolen dumplings. Each laugh and glance made your chest ache with happiness, a simple, perfect joy you hadn’t realized you’d been craving.

✩°𓏲⋆🌿. ⋆⸜ 🍵✮˚

Later, when the movie ended, credits rolling on the screen, you found yourself curling deeper into Frank’s lap. His hoodie swallowed you whole, warmth pressing against your skin. His fingers traced lazy patterns along your arm, each stroke grounding you in the present, in him.

“Frank… I think I like when it rains,” you murmured, your voice soft, eyes half-closed.

His lips brushed your hair, voice low and sure. “Is that so, sweetheart?”

You hummed in response, a slight yawn escaping your lips.

He chuckled, a deep, warm sound as he pulled you closer. Kissing your head, he whispered, “I think I like it too.”

You let out a soft sigh, nuzzling further into him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath your cheek.

The rain outside had softened to a gentle drizzle, and the quiet of the apartment wrapped around you like a cocoon. Every little sound, Frank’s low breathing, the occasional hum, the faint scrape of his fingers along your arm, lulled you into a calm you hadn’t felt in ages.

Closing your eyes, you let yourself drift, completely at ease, completely at home, safe and loved in Frank’s arms.

“Tricky? Ha! Is nothing tricky when Red Guardian is on your side! I smash, I protect, I win. Simple!”Smiled Alexei while giving Bucky a thumbs up. Yelena sighed while running a hand through her hair. “Dad please…”

Ava and John just chuckled before nodding. “You got it, Buck.” Said John. Bucky acknowledged their answer and turned towards you. “Got it, Bucky.” You smiled softly. Bucky returned your smile and gave you a wink.

“The same goes for you, Bob. I need you to pay close attention to the comms, got it? You are our escape.” Bucky called to Bob, who was busy controlling the quinjet.

“Y-yeah you got it, boss.” Smiled Bob nervously, quickly looking over his shoulder to look at Bucky, who gave him a nod.

“Perfect. We have to split up in teams. John, Alexei, you’re in charge of securing the stolen tech. Ava you’re in charge of disabling the cameras. Yelena and [Y/N], you will be with me, working on freeing the hostages.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Smirked John, tapping his fingers against his shield.

“The facility is in sight.” Called Bob from over his shoulder. Bucky nodded and cleared his throat once again. “You heard him, let’s make ourselves ready.” You and the others stood up, each busy with equipping their gear.

Bucky walked towards you. “You okay, doll?” He asked while placing his hands on your waist. “I’m okay, babe.” You smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“Oh gross…” Muttered John under his breath, causing Yelena to elbow him in his side. “Fuck you!” Groaned John in pain. Yelena just shrugged and went over to Alexei to help him with his gear.

“Are…Are you okay? You seem a little, I don’t know, nervous?” You asked quietly, not wanting the others to hear. Bucky sighed and pressed his forehead against yours.

“I’m okay, sweetheart. Just not sure about this. Not sure how we will secure the stolen tech and free the hostages at the same time, while the facility is crawling with guards.”

You nodded at his words and cupped his cheek. “Bucky, your plan is good. Everyone thinks that. We will make it work, Alright?”

Bucky took a deep breath and nodded. He leaned in and placed a kiss on your cheek.

“Guys, we’re landing in two minutes.” Bob called out. Yelena smiled while jumping up and down a little. Warming herself up.

“Let’s do this shit.”

✩°𓏲⋆🌿. ⋆⸜ 🍵✮˚

The team split seamlessly as Bucky had instructed. On the southern wing, Alexei and John moved with practiced precision, scanning rooms and clearing guards as they worked to secure the stolen tech.

“Two guards by the supply room,” John muttered, leaning over his shield for cover.

“Leave them to me,” Alexei said with a grin, charging forward like a human battering ram. He slammed into the first guard, sending him sprawling, and caught the second with a swift, powerful punch that knocked him out cold.

“Nice!” John called out, ducking as a stray bullet ricocheted off the wall. “Seriously, Alexei, you make it look too easy!”

“Ha! Is easy when Red Guardian is strongest!” Alexei laughed, punching a control panel to secure the crate of weapons. “John, help me carry!”

Meanwhile, Bucky’s team moved through the northern hallways, keeping low and silent. You and Yelena flanked him as he led the way toward the hostages’ wing.

“Almost there,” Bucky whispered. “Stay close and keep your eyes open.”

You nodded, gripping your weapon tighter. Ava had already phased through the walls near the holding cells to disable a few cameras.

Then, gunshots echoed through the facility, sharp and sudden.

“John! What’s going on?!” Called Bucky into the comms, voice tense.

John’s voice came back, panicked. “It’s a trap! Too many guards, too fast! Get out!”

“Alexei—help!” he shouted over the comms as a hail of bullets tore through the hallway.

“Fuck!” Bucky’s jaw tightened as he started thinking.

“What are we gonna do?” Asked Yelena quickly. Bucky didn’t answer. “Buck?” You gently placed a hand on Bucky’s arm, trying to get his attention.

“We can’t just leave. We still have to find the hostages.” Bucky said through the comms.

You could faintly hear some gunshots and heavy breathing through the comms before John cleared his throat.

“Well you better make it quick. Also Ava, can you please help us!?”

Suddenly Ava appeared through a wall. “Hostages are two floors up. There are a lot of them. I already called the local authorities, so they should be here shortly to bring them to safety.”

Bucky nodded and Ava disappeared again, looking for John and Alexei.

“Okay two floors up. Let’s go.” Bucky loaded his gun and started walking. You did the same with your gun while Yelena quickly sharpened her knifes against each other.

Bucky led the way up the stairwell, each step deliberate and quiet, though tension radiated from him like heat. You followed closely, weapon at the ready, glancing at Yelena, who moved like a shadow, knives drawn and eyes sharp.

“Keep low,” Bucky muttered, pressing against the wall as the first floor opened up into a long corridor. A group of guards patrolled ahead, rifles swinging.

“Looks like we’ve got company,” Yelena whispered, twirling a knife between her fingers.

“On my count,” Bucky said. “Three… two… one.”

He dove forward, striking the first guard with his vibranium arm before he could fire. You rolled to the side, knocking another guard off balance and sliding behind a stack of crates for cover. Yelena moved fluidly, taking down two guards silently with precise knife strikes.

“Clear!” Bucky called softly, breathing hard.

You wiped sweat from your brow. “Too easy,” you muttered, though your heart was still racing.

Bucky shook his head. “Not over yet. Up the next stairwell, then the hostages.”

The stairwell was narrower, forcing you all into single file. A sudden noise, a dropped rifle, made you all freeze.

“Go!” Bucky barked, sprinting up the steps as a hail of gunfire erupted from the floor above.

Bullets whizzed past, and you dove for cover behind a concrete pillar. Yelena ducked and slashed a guard in the shoulder, sending him sprawling, while Bucky punched a man through a doorway before catching another in a quick arm sweep.

“Keep moving!” he urged, dragging a stunned guard aside as you pressed forward.

Finally, you reached the top floor. Bucky signaled you both to freeze as he peeked around the corner. Ahead, the hallway opened into a wide room lined with barred cells. The sight made your heart ache, there were dozens of hostages: women, men, children, all huddled together in fear. Mothers clutched their children, fathers held their wives’ hands, and a few teenagers tried to appear brave despite trembling.

Bucky crouched low beside one of the cells. “Stay calm, stay quiet. We’re here to get you out.” His voice was soft but firm, carrying reassurance through the chaos.

“Everyone stay together!” you whispered, scanning the room for any remaining threats.

Yelena moved to the nearest cell, expertly slicing through the lock. “Hurry up!” she hissed, letting the first group of hostages out.

Bucky guided them carefully, holding his arm out as a shield while scanning for guards. “Keep low,” he murmured. “Follow me. You’re safe now.”

The hostages whispered prayers and sobs of relief, their fear palpable. Bucky’s jaw tightened as he took it all in, their terror, their fragile trust, and your hand brushed his arm for grounding. He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, pulling himself together despite the storm raging inside him.

Suddenly, a guard burst into the room from the far door. You raised your weapon and fired, hitting him squarely in the shoulder. Yelena slashed another coming around the corner, and Bucky’s vibranium arm sent the last one sprawling against the wall.

“Everyone out, now!” Bucky commanded.

The hostages stumbled behind him as you and Yelena cleared a path, keeping a wary eye on every corner. The adrenaline surged through you, but the weight of the responsibility pressed heavily on Bucky’s shoulders. Every step he took reminded him that one wrong move could—and sometimes did—have deadly consequences.

Finally, the last of the hostages were gathered, huddled together but safe, and Bucky allowed himself a moment to breathe, scanning the room one last time for threats before signaling to move out.

You crouched low behind a stack of crates, glancing at the hostages huddled behind you. The room was thick with tension, their fear almost palpable. You activated the comms.

“John? Alexei? Hostages are out of their cells. We’re moving toward the exit now.”

John’s voice crackled back immediately, a mix of exhaustion and concern. “Copy that.”

Bucky pressed a hand to your back, motioning for everyone to stay low. “Follow me,” he whispered, scanning the hallway ahead.

Yelena led the way, knife in hand, ready to slice wires and take out anyone in your path. You clutched your weapon tightly, eyes darting along every corner.

But halfway down the hall, a shout erupted from the side corridor. Bullets rained down before any of you could react.

“Ambush!” Bucky yelled, pushing you and the nearest hostages to the ground. His vibranium arm slammed into a guard, sending him crashing against the wall, while Yelena twisted and slashed another mid-charge.

You fired precise shots, picking off two more guards before they could get close to the civilians. A guard lunged at you, but Bucky grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the wall.

“Keep moving! Keep the hostages behind us!” Bucky barked, trying to shield them as another guard swung a rifle in his direction.

The screams of the civilians filled the hallway, echoing against the concrete walls. A mother clutched her child tightly, praying under her breath. Another man shoved a frightened teenager behind him. The panic was spreading faster than you could control, and every step forward felt like a battle against both time and fear.

“John! Alexei! Ava! We need you—NOW!” Bucky shouted into the comms, voice tight with urgency. “Ambush at the north hallway—hostages with us!”

“Copy! On our way!” John yelled back, his shield clanging against the floor as he and Alexei charged down the corridor, weapons ready.

Ava phased through the walls again, appearing near the rear of your group. “I’ve got the back! Keep moving!” she whispered, taking out a guard who was advancing on the hostages.

Yelena slashed down one guard while Bucky grabbed another, spinning him into the wall. You fired, covering the hostages as they scrambled toward a safer corner.

Then, in a heartbeat, a single shot rang out—a little girl hiding with her mother near the back of the group.

“NO!” Bucky screamed, lunging forward, but the bullet struck her in the chest before he could reach her.

She collapsed into her mother’s arms, the small body limp. Screams tore from the surrounding civilians, echoing through the hallway.

Bucky fell to his knees beside her, trembling hands hovering over her chest, his face pale and raw. “No… no, no, no…” His voice broke, shaking as he realized he had been too late.

You immediately ran towards the incident and dropped to your knees beside Bucky, hands on his shoulders. “Buck...” You mumbled. “this—this isn’t your fault okay?” You told him. “You can’t—no one could’ve stopped that. We have to get the others out!”

Bucky’s jaw tightened, head bowed, eyes brimming with tears. “I was supposed to protect them! I… I froze!”

John skidded to a halt as he saw her, his eyes widening. “Oh… oh no…” His voice caught in his throat, the shield in his hands feeling impossibly heavy.

Alexei froze mid-step, taking in the scene. “What… what happened?!” he demanded, his booming voice echoing off the walls. His face darkened as he realized the little girl wasn’t moving.

Bucky was already whispering apologies to the mother, his hands gently resting on her daughter’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry… I should have protected you. I..I froze. I failed you. Please forgive me…”

“Bucky…Please look at me.” You pleaded, gently placing a hand on Bucky’s cheek, but he wouldn’t move. You were trying your best not to cry.

“No! No! I… I couldn’t stop it!” Bucky continued, tears streaming down his face. “I’m so sorry! I promise I tried… I really tried!”

Alexei crouched beside him on the other side, placing a massive hand on Bucky’s shoulder. “Is okay… no one could stop this. We take care of others, yes? But little one… she is… gone.” His voice softened slightly, though his face remained heavy with grief.

Then, without hesitation, Alexei gently lifted the girl in his arms, holding her carefully. “I carry her out,” he said firmly. “We honor her. We fight for rest of them!”

Bucky nodded numbly, still whispering apologies to the mother as she clutched his hand briefly, tears blurring her vision. “I… I’m so sorry,” he repeated, voice shaking, over and over.

John shook his head, eyes wide in disbelief, gripping his shield tighter. “Damn it… damn it…”

Yelena moved quickly to cover the rear, taking down the remaining guards while you and Bucky and the surviving hostages pressed forward. Ava phased in and out, intercepting any guards trying to flank the group. The sound of gunfire and shouting filled the corridor, but Alexei’s strong arms carried the little girl out of harm’s way, giving her at least a measure of dignity in her passing.

Bucky and you trailed behind, guiding the frightened civilians, his face pale and haunted. Every step reminded him of his failure, and yet he kept moving, keeping the rest safe, even as his heart shattered over the one he couldn’t save.

You kept a hand on his back, steadying him, whispering through the chaos, “This wasn’t your fault okay? I’m here for you. We are here for you. ”

The facility was still dangerous, but with John, Yelena and Ava fending off the remaining guards and Bucky and you leading the hostages, the team pushed forward, adrenaline and grief settled on your faces.

✩°𓏲⋆🌿. ⋆⸜ 🍵✮˚

The team finally burst through the final exit, the cold night air hitting them like a shock. Flashing lights from police vehicles and armored local authorities illuminated the snowy courtyard. Officers rushed forward, guiding the hostages toward safety. Mothers clutched their children, terrified teenagers clung to strangers, and fathers shepherded their families to warmth and protection.

Bucky moved slowly behind the group, shoulders hunched, vibranium arm tense at his side. The reality of the night pressed heavily on him, his eyes fixed on the ground.

John, Ava, Alexei, and Yelena were already speaking with the authorities near the front of the group. John explained the ambush and the facility layout, while Ava added technical details about the mission and about the stolen tech. Alexei’s booming voice recounted how they had fought through the guards to protect the civilians, and Yelena spoke quietly but firmly about how the hostages had been secured.

They all carefully explained what had happened to the little girl, emphasizing that the team had done everything they could to protect her and the others. The officers nodded solemnly, listening with respect as the team described the chaos inside the facility.

You stayed back with Bucky, matching his slow pace. “We’re done,” you murmured quietly.

He gave a small nod but didn’t respond, his jaw tight.

“I know it feels heavy,” you said softly. “But you got them out. You kept people alive tonight.”

Bucky’s lips pressed together. “I… I should have done more,” he muttered. “I froze… I failed her.”

You gently touched his arm. “You did everything you could in that moment, baby. You saved the others. That counts for something, Buck.“

He took a shaky breath, eyes flicking toward the group talking to the authorities. “I just… can’t stop thinking about her.”

“I know,” you whispered. “And it is awful. But this wasn’t your fault, okay? You did your absolute best. And I am still so proud of you.” You gently placed your hands on both sides of Bucky’s cheeks and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

Bucky stayed silent, which you understood. You cleared your throat and turned to look at the sky.

“You’re not alone Buck, I promise. Let’s go home and get you cleaned up…Bob’s on his way.”

You pulled out the comms. “Bob, the mission’s complete. Pick us up at the courtyard, over.”

“Copy that,” Bob’s voice replied, calm but tired. “On my way.”

You glanced at Bucky, letting him move at his own pace while the rest of the team continued to coordinate with the authorities. Alexei gently lifted the little girl’s body and handed her to one of the officers for transport, while John and Yelena finalized details for the hostages’ evacuation. Ava stayed close, ensuring no one was left behind.

Bucky’s shoulders were still heavy, but you stayed close, murmuring softly, “I got you, Bucky. I promise I got you.”

He gave a faint nod, letting you walk alongside him as the cold night air swirled around, waiting for the Quinjet to arrive.

✩°𓏲⋆🌿. ⋆⸜ 🍵✮˚

The Quinjet’s engines hummed low as it cut through the icy night sky. The atmosphere inside was nothing like the banter that had filled the cabin hours before. Now it was silent, the only sounds the soft cries of a few rescued hostages and the hum of machinery beneath your feet.

John sat hunched forward, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. His shield leaned against the wall beside him, but for once, he didn’t seem to notice it. Yelena was across from him, arms crossed, her expression unreadable but her eyes distant, clearly replaying the night in her head.

Alexei sat at the far end of the bench, hands clasped, his massive frame slouched. Every now and then, he shook his head as though trying to force the image of the little girl away.

Ava leaned against the wall near the cockpit, arms folded tightly across her chest, gaze fixed on the window as the clouds passed. Her usually calm demeanor was tense, her jaw clenched.

Bucky sat apart from all of them. He had taken the seat closest to the rear of the jet, staring blankly at the metal floor, his hands hanging between his knees. His vibranium fingers twitched slightly, restless, his face set in stone, but you could see it, the way his eyes burned with guilt.

You sat beside him quietly, giving him space but refusing to leave him alone.

Bob’s voice came from the cockpit, softer than usual. “ETA twenty minutes to base.”

Nobody replied.

Finally, John broke the silence, his voice low. “She was just a kid…” He rubbed a hand over his face, eyes heavy with exhaustion. “Goddamn it.”

Alexei let out a long, shaky breath. “We fought so hard. And still… it was not enough.” His voice cracked slightly, a rare glimpse of raw emotion in the man who usually covered everything with jokes and bravado.

“No,” Yelena said firmly, her voice sharp enough to cut the tension. “Don’t do that. We saved a lot of them. If we hadn’t been there, they’d all be dead.” She looked at Alexei, then John, her gaze unwavering. “We did our job. We did good. That girl… she deserved better, but that doesn’t erase the others we saved.”

No one argued with her, but silence fell again.

Beside you, Bucky shifted, his jaw tightening. He whispered, almost too quietly to hear: “She was right there. I could’ve stopped it.”

You turned to him, your voice soft. “Bucky…”

He didn’t look at you, eyes fixed on the floor. “If I had moved faster…” His voice broke off, trembling. He shut his mouth, clenching his fists as if holding the words inside.

You laid a hand gently over his. His vibranium fingers stilled under your touch. “Bucky don’t say that. Please. Just breath okay?”

His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, finally leaning back against the cold wall. He didn’t say anything else, but he didn’t pull away from your hand either.

The Quinjet continued its steady flight, the cabin filled with heavy silence, every teammate trapped in their own thoughts. The air felt thick, haunted by the memory of a single shot that had changed the night.

✩°𓏲⋆🌿. ⋆⸜ 🍵✮˚

The Quinjet touched down on the Watchtower landing pad with a heavy thud. The cabin filled with the sound of decompressing hydraulics, the low hum of systems powering down. Nobody spoke during the descent, and nobody spoke as the ramp lowered. The team filed out slowly, weighed down by exhaustion and the bitter memory of the mission.

The authorities had already taken over outside the facility, but the air inside the jet still hung thick with grief.

Bucky lingered at the back, waiting for the others to disembark. His hands curled into fists at his sides, knuckles white. You stayed close, matching his pace, not pushing, just being there.

As the others split off toward the debriefing room, you gently touched Bucky’s arm. “Come on. Let’s go upstairs.”

He hesitated, casting a fleeting glance at the others. Yelena was already tugging Alexei along toward the mess hall, John’s hand was clamped down on Ava’s shoulder as they moved toward the conference room. Everyone looked exhausted, but Bucky… Bucky looked broken.

You didn’t give him a chance to retreat into himself. Lacing your fingers with his, you tugged him gently toward the corridor that led to your quarters. He didn’t protest.

Your shared room was quiet, dimly lit by the warm glow of a bedside lamp. The muffled hum of the Watchtower’s systems was the only background noise. You guided him in, closing the door behind you, shutting out the world.

“I’ll draw us a bath,” you whispered, moving toward the ensuite bathroom. You could feel his eyes on you, though he hadn’t moved yet.

Within minutes, the tub was filling with steaming water. You added a bit of the lavender soak you knew calmed him, not that it would fix the storm raging inside him, but maybe it would help him breathe.

When you returned to the bedroom, Bucky was still sitting at the edge of the bed, shoulders slumped, staring down at his hands as though they were covered in blood.

You crouched in front of him, resting your hands gently on his knees. “Buck… let me take care of you.”

His throat bobbed, words caught there but never making it out. He just nodded faintly.

You helped him stand, guiding him into the bathroom. Steam curled around the two of you as you peeled away his torn combat jacket and set it aside. He was silent, letting you work, though his eyes kept drifting down, avoiding his reflection in the fogged-up mirror.

You traced a hand along his cheek, tilting his head up until his eyes finally met yours. “You’re safe now. With me.”

Bucky swallowed hard and leaned into your touch, as though he needed the anchor more than he could admit.

You helped him step into the water first, and once he was settled, you slid in behind him, wrapping your arms gently around his chest. The heat of the water seeped into both of you, loosening tense muscles, but it was the quiet closeness that really started to soften the edge of the grief in his eyes.

For the first time since the mission, Bucky let out a shaky breath. He leaned back against you, closing his eyes, and whispered, voice rough and breaking:

“I don’t deserve this… not after tonight.”

You tightened your arms around him, pressing a soft kiss against his damp hair. “You deserve to be loved, Bucky Barnes. Especially after tonight.”

It was quiet. The water lapped gently against the porcelain as the two of you sat there, steam curling in the air. You rested your chin on Bucky’s shoulder, your arms still secure around his chest. His breathing was uneven, shallow, like he was trying to hold something in that was too big to contain.

“You’re too good to me,” he finally murmured, staring down at the ripples in the water. His voice was rough, breaking at the edges. “After everything I’ve done. After tonight. You should… you should hate me.”

You pressed your lips against the curve of his neck, whispering softly, “I could never hate you, Buck.”

He shook his head, eyes squeezing shut. “That little girl… I saw it happening, and I wasn’t fast enough. I should’ve taken that bullet. I’ve taken thousands before, what’s one more? Why couldn’t I—” His voice cracked, and he dropped his face into his hands.

“Bucky…” you whispered, sliding your hands up to gently pull his wrists away from his face. You made him look at you, though his eyes were glassy with tears. “You can’t save everyone. No matter how much you want to. You saved so many tonight, those families, those kids, all those people. That little girl… what happened wasn’t your fault.”

He let out a sharp, broken laugh, but it wasn’t out of amusement, it was bitter, self-loathing. “Not my fault? I’m supposed to be the one who protects people. That’s the whole damn point. And when it mattered most, I froze. I heard the shot, and I was too slow. She died right in front of me.”

Your heart ached at the anguish in his voice. You cupped his face in both hands, brushing your thumbs along his damp cheeks. “You didn’t freeze. You reacted, you tried. You can’t control a bullet once it’s fired. You’re not a machine, Buck. You’re human. And you fought like hell tonight—for all of them.”

He closed his eyes at your words, leaning into your touch. His shoulders sagged, as though the weight he carried was just too heavy.

“I keep seeing her face,” he admitted in a whisper. “Every time I close my eyes. That mother’s scream, it’s stuck in my head. And all I can think is… how many more times is this going to happen? How many more people am I going to fail?”

Tears pricked at your own eyes, but you held him tighter. “You didn’t fail her. You didn’t fail anyone. You gave those people a chance to walk out alive tonight. You gave them hope. That girl… she wasn’t alone. She had her mother. She had all of us there with her. And now she has you remembering her.”

Bucky swallowed hard, his breath shaky as he turned his head just enough to look at you. “How do you do that? How do you always… know what to say? How do you not see me as a monster?”

“Because you’re not one,” you said firmly, no hesitation in your voice. “You’re a man who’s been through hell, who keeps fighting anyway. You’re brave, you’re strong, and you love with everything you have. That doesn’t sound like a monster to me.”

For the first time since the mission, a tear slipped down his cheek, not of rage or frustration, but of release. He leaned into you fully, resting his forehead against yours, and whispered so softly you almost didn’t hear it:

“I don’t deserve you.”

You kissed him gently, lingering, before pulling back just enough to look him in the eyes. “You deserve every ounce of love I give you, Bucky Barnes. And I’m not going anywhere. Not tonight, not ever.”

Bucky let out a shaky breath, and for the first time that night, his body truly relaxed against yours. He buried his face into the crook of your neck, his arms slipping around your waist under the water, holding onto you as though you were the only thing keeping him afloat.

✩°𓏲⋆🌿. ⋆⸜ 🍵✮˚

When the water had cooled and the steam had thinned from the air, you coaxed Bucky out of the tub. He let you help him towel off, moving sluggishly, like every limb was weighed down with grief. You pressed soft kisses to the scars on his shoulder as you guided him into a pair of sweatpants, your own body already humming with the need to keep him close.

“Come on,” you whispered, lacing your fingers with his metal ones. “Let’s get you into bed.”

He followed without protest, his silence louder than words. You pulled back the covers, settling him down, then climbed in beside him. The second you did, Bucky reached for you with both arms—one strong, one steady and cold—pulling you flush against him.

His lips found yours almost desperately, the kiss hot and aching, as if he were trying to pour all the words he couldn’t say into you. You tangled your hands in his damp hair, kissing him back with equal passion, letting him feel you, grounding him in the way only you could.

He pressed his forehead against yours, breaking the kiss just long enough to murmur, voice thick and trembling, “I need you… need to feel you close. Please don’t let go.”

“Never,” you whispered, before his mouth claimed yours again.

The kiss deepened, urgent and needy, Bucky’s hands roaming your back, holding you tighter, like if he let go for even a second, he’d lose you too. You could feel the storm of emotion in every brush of his lips, every tug that pulled you closer until not even air could separate you.

Finally, when his breathing slowed, you pulled back just enough to cup his face, pressing gentle kisses to his cheeks, his jaw, his lips again, slower this time, softer. “It’s okay, Buck. You can rest. I’ve got you.”

His chest heaved as he let out a shaky exhale, his body sinking into yours. He tucked his head against your chest, listening to your heartbeat, the tension in his shoulders finally easing.

With one last kiss to the top of his hair, you whispered, “Sleep, my love. You’re safe. I’m right here.”

For the first time since the mission, Bucky closed his eyes. His grip around you loosened just enough to be comfortable, but he didn’t let go. Within minutes, his breathing evened out, his weight heavy and trusting against you.

You stroked your fingers through his hair and kept whispering those steadying words into the quiet: “I’ve got you, Buck. Always.”

“I can’t.” His voice was low, urgent, like he was confessing something. “I got this idea, babe. For a sandwich. And I can’t…” He exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his hair. “…I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Your eyes shut again. “Are you serious right now?”

“Dead serious.” He rolled onto his side to look at you, a grin tugging at his mouth. “It’s good, I promise. Like, really good. It came to me, and I can’t just… ignore it. That’d be irresponsible.”

You groaned, dragging the blanket over your head. “Michael, it’s two in the morning. Make it tomorrow.”

He tugged the blanket back down, eyes bright even in the dark. “No, no, no. Tomorrow’s too late. Babe, c’mon, if we go now, I’ll name it after you. How’s that sound?”

Despite yourself, a tired laugh slipped out. He always knew how to get you.

“Michael…” you warned.

He was already sliding out of bed, rummaging for his sweatpants. “Grab a hoodie. We’re going on a field trip.”

You let out a groan as you pushed yourself up. “I’m too tired for this, Mikey.” You sighed as you got out of bed.

“I know, babe, but I promise it’ll be worth it. Here, let me help you.” Michael grabbed one of his hoodies and pulled it over your head, helping you with the sleeves.

“Thank you,” you mumbled, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. When you were done, Michael was already in front of you with your sweatpants.

“C’mon, step in.” He smiled, holding your pants low. You placed your hands on his shoulders to balance yourself as you stepped into the pants. “There ya go, babe,” Michael smiled as he hoisted the sweatpants up.

“You really want to do this, huh?” you asked, watching as Michael grabbed his keys and phone before taking your hand and pulling you out of your apartment.

When the two of you stood in the elevator, you let out a loud yawn, making Michael laugh. “This is not funny, Bear.” You groaned, leaning back against the wall.

“I know, baby, but I’m really excited about this,” Michael explained, placing his hands on your hips.

“I can tell,” you said.

When the elevator arrived at the ground floor, Michael was quick to pull you out of the building, and before you knew it, you were seated in his car, driving toward The Beef.

“This is insane, Mikey,” you chuckled, finally feeling a bit more awake.

“Shh, baby. Just wait.” Michael placed his hand on your leg and gave it a little squeeze.

It took about ten minutes to arrive at the restaurant. Michael opened the door for you, and soon enough, you were in the kitchen.

“Here, let me help you,” Michael smiled, lifting you up and placing you onto the counter. You slightly spread your legs to give Michael some space, which he happily took.

“I know you’d prefer to be in bed right now, but I promise you, within twenty minutes, you will taste the best sandwich ever, okay?” Michael smiled when he saw you nod.

“I love you.”

Michael smiled, kissing your forehead before getting to work. “I love you too.” You smiled while watching Michael in all his glory.

“This… this is going to be revolutionary.” Michael smiled to himself, tossing ingredients in the air like he was performing some bizarre, midnight juggling act. “Babe, I’ve been thinking about this combination for hours: ham, pickles, a little mustard… no, wait, maybe sriracha. Oh! And that sharp cheddar we’ve been hoarding!”

You were still on the counter, half-amused, half-exhausted, watching him. Flour dusted his hands and forearms, and his hair stuck up in every direction. Despite the chaos, there was something completely endearing about how alive he looked, all passion and excitement.

Although you were almost falling asleep, you knew you needed to capture this moment, so you tiredly pulled your phone out of your sweatpants and took a picture of Michael being in his element.

“Are you taking pictures of me, babe?” asked Michael, keeping his eyes on the prep table.

“Maybe…” you smiled sheepishly.

Michael hummed at your response and kept working, a smile plastered on his face.

“This is going to be the ultimate late-night snack.”

“I’m sure it will be,” you yawned with a slight giggle.

Twenty minutes had passed when Michael clapped his hands together. “And done!” He turned to you with a big smile.

“Good job, baby.” You smiled, trying your best to stay awake.

Michael chuckled and grabbed the sandwich. “To you, the honor, sweetheart,” he said, taking his place back between your legs.

You carefully grabbed the sandwich from Michael and took a big bite. Michael’s eyes grew wide as he watched you chew.

“Hmm…” you said, chewing slowly, trying not to laugh. “Wow. This… this is… something.”

Michael’s grin stretched impossibly wide. “Something good, I hope?”

You couldn’t help it, you laughed, shaking your head. “It’s… unique. Definitely unique.”

He leaned closer, smiling back. “I will take that as a compliment.”

You carefully wiped your mouth with the back of your hand while nodding. “You should, baby. This is indeed amazing.”

Michael started laughing as he placed the sandwich next to you on the counter and pulled you into a tight embrace, causing you to laugh even more.

“Thank you, babe, thank you,” whispered Michael in your ear before kissing you.

“I think I should thank you, Mikey,” you giggled as you wrapped your arms around his neck.

“Yeah? Even though I woke you up?” Michael asked quietly.

You pretended to think for a moment before nodding. “Yes, Mikey, even though you woke me up.”

Michael chuckled and gave you one last kiss on your forehead before walking back to the prep table. “Let me just clean this up, and we can go back home, okay?”

You hummed and grabbed the sandwich again, taking small bites as you watched Michael clean.

“Hey, save me some, will you, babe?”

He chuckled, shaking his head.

“Yeah, of course,” you mumbled. Within a few minutes, Michael was done cleaning and back between your legs.

“Here, baby.”

You smiled as you handed him the sandwich. You watched him take a bite. It was quiet for a moment until he started laughing.

“This is the best!” he laughed, making you smile.

“Y’know what, let’s go and eat this in the car, mhm?” Michael mumbled.

“Sounds good.” You giggled. Michael helped you off the counter and grabbed his keys. The two of you exited the restaurant, and Michael locked the door before pulling you toward his car.

Soon enough, you were back in the passenger seat. The radio was on, but at low volume so you and Michael could talk while passing the sandwich back and forth to each other.

“Thank you, sweetheart. Honestly, I know I can be a pain in the ass sometimes, like tonight, but I’m really glad you came with me.” Michael smiled while looking at you.

“Me too, Mikey,” you smiled back, slowly leaning your head against Michael’s shoulder.

“Want to have the last bite?” he asked, offering you the sandwich.

“Yes, please.” You smiled before eating the last piece.

Michael chuckled at how adorable you looked before starting the engine. “Let’s go home, shall we?”

“Let’s.” You giggled as a small yawn escaped your lips.

“I love ya.” Michael mumbled, placing his hand on your leg and giving it a little squeeze, just like he did earlier.

“I love you more, Mikey.” You smiled as you reached up to kiss his cheek.

Ben immediately turned to his right to be met with your calming presence. He did as you told him and took a deep breath.

“That’s it, honey.” You smiled while taking his big hand in yours.

“I-I don’t know if this is such a good idea, sweetheart,” Ben mumbled quietly.

You heard his words and looked around. “Here, follow me,” you said while tugging him along with you.

You and Ben were currently at the State Fair in New York for the first time since his transformation. It had been rather difficult for Ben to adjust to his new form, or rather, his new life. Ben never really liked attention; he was more of a quiet guy, except with his friends or with you. But now he was getting loads of attention. Everywhere he went, people would stare at him and talk about him.

It took a lot of time for Ben to get used to it, hell, he still wasn’t used to it. But thank God he had you.

“Here, it’s just the two of us now,” you said quietly as you pulled Ben behind one of the fair booths where they sold candy. Ben gave you a slight smile while scratching his head.

Ben had a hard time believing how much you still loved him and cared for him now that he had changed so much. Well, according to you, only his appearance had changed (which was true) but Ben was so sure you would leave him once you had seen his new “look.”

How wrong he was.

“Are you okay?”

Ben blinked a few times before giving a nod. “Yeah, I’m okay. It’s just a lot. I can practically feel their eyes burning into my back, you know.”

Your smile faded a little as you listened. You kind of felt guilty, you had begged Ben to take you to the State Fair. You two used to go every year before his transformation, so it seemed fun to do it again this year. Only things had changed.

Ben was pretty reluctant at first, but when he saw how excited you were, he just couldn’t say no. And he did want to do “normal” things. So going to the State Fair was just one of them, right?

“We can go home if you want to,” you offered kindly, but Ben shook his head immediately.

“No, you were so excited to come here, sweetheart. And I’m sorry I’ve been acting different, I just feel so…”

Ben couldn’t find the right words, but you knew what he was trying to say.

“We can take it one step at a time, baby. Why don’t we go on the Ferris wheel first? Maybe we can spot the Baxter Building?” you offered while moving closer to Ben.

“Would I fit?” he asked nervously as you placed your hands on his chest.

“Of course! Those Ferris wheel booths are huge,” you answered excitedly.

Ben couldn’t help but smile at how cute you looked. “Alright, if you say so, sweetheart.” He leaned down and kissed you on the top of your head before taking one of your hands in his.

Sure, he was still afraid of what everyone thought about him, but Ben was also sure about giving you the time of your life. So, for now, he pushed his insecurities away and led you to the Ferris wheel.

Once the two of you were there, Ben paid for two tickets, and before you knew it, you were high in the sky.

“This is amazing!” you giggled as you looked around, taking in New York from above. You were about to get on your feet to get a better view, but Ben thought differently.

“Whoa, let’s not do that,” he said as he quickly wrapped his arms around you and pulled you back against him on the bench.

“Sorry.” You smiled as you looked at him.

“You are so beautiful, Ben.” You smiled as you took him in. You knew that Ben was really struggling with his self-image after the transformation, but to you, he was still just as beautiful.

Ben took a deep breath upon hearing your words. He knew that you were honest, which scared him even more.

“I know that you might not see it right now, but believe me, baby, you are beautiful, and I love you very much.” You placed a big kiss on Ben’s cheek before wrapping yourself around him.

Ben immediately felt a warm sensation running through his body, and he was quick to wrap his arms around you.

“Thank you, sweetheart, really. And I love you. So much.” Ben mumbled against the top of your head.

“You know what, let’s go home after this,” you suggested as you looked up at Ben.

He furrowed his eyebrows. “Are you sure?You were so excited to be here.”

You shrugged while looking around. “The only thing I was really excited about was this, actually.”

“What?” asked Ben, still surprised.

“Being here with you. On the Ferris wheel, watching the sunset!” you smiled.

Ben also started smiling while shaking his head. “So you really want to go home after this?”

You nodded. “I’d rather cuddle up in bed with you and watch a movie anyway.”

“Then that is what we are going to do,” chuckled Ben while holding your cheek in his hand.

“Perfect.” You smiled as you slowly rose up higher. You gently wrapped your arms around Ben’s neck and kissed him deeply. Ben immediately returned the gesture and kept you close to him, not wanting to let go of you. Ever.

After a moment, the two of you parted to catch your breaths, which led to you leaning your head onto Ben’s shoulder so you could still see the sunset.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” you asked as you smiled up at the sky.

Ben nodded, his eyes on you the whole time. “So beautiful,” he smiled softly.

It would definitely take some time for Ben to get used to his new self and his new life, but he sure as hell is blessed to have such a beautiful girl like you to help him get through it.