#queue a few

It was another sunny day at sea, and the Straw Hat crew found themselves a rare opportunity for spare time. Everyone spread out throughout the ship, doing what they wished. 

You wandered up on the deck with your book, looking for a place to sit and read. Shading your eyes from the sun, you scanned the deck, hoping for some shade. Finally, you spotted Zoro in the only shady spot on the ship. 

“Mind if we share?” You gestured to the ground next to him as you walked up, “It’s just, there aren’t any other shaded areas up here right now, and I don’t feel like getting burned today.”

Zoro shrugged and moved over slightly, going back to his swords. Gingerly avoiding the sharp end, you sat cross-legged next to him. “Thanks,” you said as you pulled out your book and flipped to the page you had marked.

The two of you sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the warm sun and blue sky. It was peaceful and quiet for once, and you let your mind drift off into your book, relaxing your body. 

Zoro felt a little thump against his shoulder. He glanced over to see that you’d slumped onto him, your eyes closed. The corner of his mouth quirked into a smile. He reached over with one arm and plucked your book from your lap, making sure to mark your page before setting it aside. Then, he gently maneuvered you into his lap, being careful to support your head. You mumbled something in your sleep but didn’t wake.

Once you were lying down and looked comfortable, Zoro went back to his work. 

He stayed like that while you slept, trying hard not to move much. Occasionally, he’d pause and look down, studying your face. When the wind pushed a lock of hair over your cheek, he reached up and brushed it back into place. He glanced around to make sure no one else was on deck. They seemed to have cleared out. Satisfied that the two of you were alone, he went back to studying you, letting his hand caress the soft skin of your cheek. Then he moved to trace your jaw.

Pretty, he thought. Does she know that?

You shifted and fluttered your eyes, slowly coming awake. Your brows drew together as you tried to remember where you were. “Zoro…?”

He tried to look nonchalant, “Yeah?”

You looked around, “Oh gosh, did I fall asleep? I’m so sorry-” You moved to get up, but Zoro’s arm moved over your chest and held you there. He didn’t look at you as he said, “No, it’s fine.”

You smiled shyly, “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” he shrugged, “If you want.”

“Okay, well, thank you. I guess I didn’t realize how tired I was…” You reached out with your hand to where Zoro had set your book aside. “Could you hand me that, please?” He passed it back over to you, suppressing a smile at how you wriggled underneath his arm to get comfortable, opening the book over your face. 

“What’re you reading?” he asked. You pulled the book down, “Just a story I picked up at the last market we visited.”

“What’s it about?” He looked around, trying not to seem too interested. You pulled the book back in front of your face to hide your blush, “Uh, it’s a… just a silly story…”

“Silly as in funny?”

“Mmm… not exactly…”

“Then what?”

You fully let the open book flop onto your face, mumbling into the pages, “It’s a princess story, alright…?”

Zoro tilted his head and picked up the book, “What’s that even mean? It’s about a princess?” Your hands immediately went to your face, trying to hide your embarrassment. You sighed, slipping into a rambling explanation, “Yes, it’s an old fairy tale. It’s a story about a princess and being rescued by a knight and how they fall in love, and I know it’s a little silly, but when I saw it in the market, I remembered that I used to have a copy when I was little, and I had a few spare beri, so I impulse bought it, okay?!”

You peeked out at Zoro from in between your fingers. He quirked an eyebrow at you. “Hm.” Then he put the open book back down on your face. Just as you thought you might die of shame, he added, “Sounds cool.”

“Does it, really?” You sarcastically asked from behind the book. 

“Yeah. If you like it, then it is.” He said it so matter-of-fact, you pulled the book down away from your face. You stared up at him, taken aback by his sincerity. 

“Um, okay… have you ever heard the story before?”

Zoro shook his head, “Not that I know of.”

“Would you…” You blushed, “Would you want me to read it to you…?”

Zoro leaned back and stretched out his legs underneath you, “Sure.” He smiled down at you.

You sat at your favorite spot in the library, enjoying one of your favorite books. It was one you had read many times before, and yet, you kept coming back to it. It was like a fond memory you just couldn't get rid of.

As you read, slipping farther and farther down in your chair, you hardly noticed someone approach your table.

"Um, excuse me. Miss? Hello? Miss?"

Finally you noticed the person calling for your attention across from you and you snapped out of your book, embarrassment sending blood rushing to your cheeks. You looked up to see a handsome man sitting across from you, his blue eyes piercing into yours as he waited for you to reply. You stared in awe at him, something about him making your heart pound and all thoughts disappear from your head. You felt dizzy for a moment before finally managing to ask, "Y-Yes? May I help you?"

He smiled warmly. It dazzled you, reminding you of good things and making you feel warm and happy. But with it came a sort of sadness you couldn't quite place. Something that made your stomach drop and your eyes well up with tears.

Realizing your insane train of thought, you shook out of it to hear the man reply, "I think you can, actually. Do you mind helping me carry my books out? I'd do it myself except... well I might have gotten carried away and checked out too many. I don't think my wheelchair can hold them all." He laughed, and you just noticed that the man was indeed in a wheelchair by your table, books stacked high on his lap.

"Oh, of course. Of course. Let me just grab my things." You rushed to throw your own books in your bag and sling it onto your shoulder as you stood and made your way over to the man. When you were in front of him, you leaned down and took as many of the books on his pile as you could, bundling them into your arms and straightening again. You brushed your hair out of your face and asked, "So, where are you headed again?" When he didn't immediately reply, you looked back at him to see his eyes lingering on you. At first you became nervous, only to notice there was a sadness to them, not lust or anything creepy you'd seen on the faces of many men in your life. And when you looked into his eyes, you were sure you could feel them reflecting the same sadness.

Again you shook out of it. And he seemed to do the same as he quickly replied, cheeriness back in his voice, "Oh, just outside. My car isn't far, I promise."

You nodded and followed him out as he went out the library doors and down the ramp. True to his word, not far from the door, he stopped by a silver van and turned to you. You shifted the books in your arms and waited for him to open the door, to unlock it or something. When he did neither, you turned back to him. He was staring again, his mouth open as if to say something. You waited, your eyebrows furrowing in confusion. You began to look around to find that the parking lot was mostly empty. Thoughts began to surface in your mind, Hold on. How does he drive a car? Shouldn't he have someone with him to take him places? If so, why wouldn't they carry his books?

Being paranoid as you are, these thoughts started to catch up with you, and you blurted, "I-I have to go." You turned to leave, intending to make a quick escape without even giving him his books back, when his hand caught your wrist.

A spark travelled up your arm.

Startled, you gasped and dropped the text books you'd been carrying, leaving you staring at this strange man in a library parking lot.

"Y/N please. I made a mistake and I can't live without you. I know you may hate me for what I did, and you might not even come back with me, but please... I need you to remember me..."

As if with his words, images and memories began to flood your mind's eye. Erik, Raven, Hank. The team. Training and bonding. A life you built with them, finally free to be mutant and proud. And someone else. A face so dear and familiar to you, you couldn't believe you'd ever forgotten it.

"Charles..." You breathed his name, just barely, but it still brought tears to your eyes and butterflies to your stomach. You looked down at the man you loved and started to cry. You flung your arms around his neck, and he was quick to do the same, pulling you close and whispering, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'll never do it again, I promise."

You pulled away and scolded, "You had better not, Charles! I never want to forget you! Especially against my own will, you idiot!" You swatted his arm playfully, laughing through your tears. He laughed in response and wiped away the tears on your cheeks, saying, "I know! I know! But you can torture me for it later. Right now, I want you to come back to the mansion with me. Come see the School. And this time, stay. Please?"

Your laugh floated through the air, mixing with the music. It was one of the most beautiful things Bucky had ever heard, and he loved knowing that he was the one to inspire it.

He motioned to the bartender for another round as you regained your breath. You squinted at him and said, "I really shouldn't." Bucky just smiled and slid you one of the drinks. With a resigned sigh, you picked it up. Just then, a group of obviously troublesome men walked in. They chose a table near you and called for their drinks.

As the night wore on, the group of men became increasingly loud, drunk, and obnoxious. Based on the aggravated glares you kept sending their way when you thought he wasn't looking, Bucky could tell you were beginning to get annoyed. You tried to ignore them though, and enjoy your night with him.

But it became extremely hard to get over their obscene and perverted comments on all of the women in the bar. Bucky knew it was a pet peeve of yours, so he quickly tried to distract you. You relaxed and resumed your date.

Suddenly you realized it got quieter. Thinking the group of men left, you turned to check the bar. Instead, you found they were all staring at you and talking in hushed whispers. You huffed and turned your back on them, knowing they were talking about you, but still trying to ignore it. If there were two things you were good at, they were patience and self control. So you smiled at Bucky and tried to continue your conversation. However, one of the men spoke up, making sure he was loud enough for you to hear, "Now THAT one is the prize of this bar. Do you see the rack on her?" A chorus of laughter rose up from the group, and you tensed slightly. When you saw Bucky though, with his clenched jaw and grip tightening on his glass, you knew you had to stay calm for him.

Before he could break the glass, you put your hand on his and said softly, "Hey. Hey. Look at me." His eyes flicked to yours, and his face softened ever so slightly. You continued, "Don't worry about them. Everything's going to be alright. Just tune them out. Don't let those idiots ruin our night. Okay? Can you do that for me?" You looked at Bucky expectantly, with a small smile. He relaxed and returned the smile, saying, "Yeah. It's fine. I'll be fine." You nodded, but just as you were about to move on, the men continued their commenting.

"Too bad she's with someone."

"Nah, that's not a problem. She doesn't look like the relationship type. I'll show her REAL fun, and she'll leave him in no time."

Bucky tensed, but tried to hide it from you. He knew you didn't like settling things with violence.

"Come on, get real. She's definitely the relationship type. I'd give it three years though. Then she'd give up on 'im."

Bucky began to get up, but you shook your head. You both needed to be the better people here.

"I'm tellin' ya. I'll have that b*tch in my bed by the end of the night." You rolled your eyes, and didn't notice as the man got up and walked over to you. You jumped as his hand slipped around your waist. His breath reeked of alcohol as he said, "So what'd ya say, gorgeous?"

Before you could blatantly reject him, Bucky sprung from his seat. With his assassin reflexes, his fist swiftly flew into the man's jaw. The drunk collapsed to the ground with a yelp.

"James!" You shouted at Bucky in shock. He didn't hear you. Two other men saw their leader on the floor crying out in pain—probably from a broken jaw—and charged Bucky. They were no match for his training, and we're soon on the ground unconscious.

More of the men advanced on you both, the ruckus calling the attention of the manager. Before a brawl could break out, you grabbed Bucky's arm and ran out of the bar.

When you were a safe distance away, you shouted, "James Buchanan Barnes! Why on Earth would you do that?! Do you know we could have been arrested?!" Bucky just stared at the ground, his fists still balled up tightly. When you saw this, you calmed down. Still wanting an answer for his sudden violence, you pried, "Bucky... Why did you attack that man?" You rested your hand lightly on his arm, trying to catch his eye. Finally, he looked up at you. His jaw was still clenched as he replied, "He said... He said things about you... No one should ever say those things about you."

You wrapped your arms around Bucky, pulling him close to you. He tensed at first, but quickly returned the hug, resting his head against yours. You sighed, whispering in his ear, "Thank you for standing up for me, but please don't do that again." You pulled away from him, searching his face. He finally replied, "I won't." You continued to hold his gaze to make sure he was telling the truth. He assured you, "I promise."

"Good. Now, how about we finish our date?" Your face broke into a bright smile.

Bucky returned the smile, but his mind was still in that bar. Those men made him angry, and he didn't regret what he did. Though he did upset Y/N, he couldn't let anyone disgrace her like that.

There was something else he couldn't get out of his mind. Something one of them had said. Even as you took his hand and began to walk, and though he tried to dismiss it, he couldn't. "I'd give it three years though. Then she'd give up on 'im." Those words reverberated through his thoughts, in an endless cycle.

Bucky looked down at Y/N. Her beautiful (h/c) hair wafted around her face, and her (e/c) eyes sparkled. He wanted nothing more than to be with her, for the rest of his life, but those words scared him. Would she leave him one day? He knew it was likely. She was beautiful and intelligent and perfect in every way. And she could have every man falling at her feet. That was what scared him. She could have anyone she wanted. She didn't have to be with him. So how long would they last?

It didn't matter. If he had three years with her, then so be it. He was going to enjoy every moment for as long as he could. And he would fight with everything he had to keep her when the time came.

Bucky pulled Y/N closer to him, and she laid her head on his shoulder. They walked in companionable silence, like they usually did.

The bar was teeming with people, and you were anxious to get back to the mansion, but Charles was determined to stay for at least one drink.

"Please. I promise it'll be just one. Then we can leave." He stared at you with his sparkling blue eyes. You couldn't resist, and resigned to his pleads with a sigh. He smiled and kissed your cheek lightly, "Thank you darling." Then he walked off toward the bar to order your drinks, as you chose a table and waited patiently.

Not long after, you felt eyes on you. You turned and scanned the room, looking for who could be watching you. Finally, your eyes landed on a man across the bar.

If you hadn't been with Charles, you would have blushed at such a handsome man's stare. Instead, you turned around and tried to ignore him. Fortunately, Charles soon returned with your drinks.

He set them down on the table before taking a seat across from you. You smiled as he slid your drink over to you, and you said, "Well, that didn't take as long as I thought it would."

"Yeah. They have... Really good service here..." Charles mumbled into his drink and didn't make eye contact with you.

"You didn't happen to...persuade the bartender to get us our drinks, did you?" You asked with a small smile and arched eyebrows. Charles seemed to look anywhere but your face as he replied, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Mmhmm..." You smiled. Then Charles looked at you apologetically, and you let out a small laugh.

"You should probably stop doing that though," you added, giving him a stern look. He knew you didn't like him abusing his powers.

"Yes yes, of course. I won't do it again. I just didn't want to keep you waiting..." Charles took your hand, and looked into your (e/c) eyes. You shook your head, but couldn't keep a smile from slipping onto your face.

After you both talked and sipped your drinks for a bit, Charles excused himself to the restroom, leaving you to your personal thoughts.

Immediately after Charles left, you felt a pair of eyes on you again. You glanced around, and found that it was the same pair of eyes of the attractive man from earlier. When he saw that you noticed him, the man got up and made his way toward you.

As he walked over to your table, you noticed that he didn't seem to have been sitting with anyone. At first, you thought it was odd he wasn't with a friend, but you quickly dismissed that. It wasn't strange to go out and enjoy yourself alone.

Trying not to be judgmental, you forced a smile as he approached. But when he took a seat across from you, Charles' seat, your smile faltered.

"Can I help you?" You politely asked.

"Actually, yes, I think you can. You see, I was wondering if you'd allow me to compliment you with a drink? It would be an honor to buy a beverage for a beautiful woman, such as yourself." He flashed a charming smile that made your stomach flutter. Before you could even think about what you were saying, you blurted, "Yes, thank you. I'd love to have a drink with you."

The man nodded, as if he had been expecting that reply. You almost questioned it, but he flashed another dazzling smile at you, and your thoughts left you.

It felt as if no time had passed before you were leaving the bar on the arm of a man. A charming and delightful man. Oh, he was so handsome. You were so lucky to have met him. Wait a minute. Where were you going again? You looked at the man, and was about to ask him, when the moonlight caught his beautiful eyes and made them sparkle. You smiled and continued walking.

You had just laid your head on his arm, relishing his warmth, when someone started shouting. It was quite irritating actually. So irritating, that you turned to find out where it was coming from.

"Y/N! Stop! What are you doing?"

"Charles?" For a moment, your mind cleared. What were you doing? Just as Charles caught up, you were able to extract yourself from the strange man.

Charles looked angry. Very angry. He glared at you, "I'm only gone for a few minutes, and when I come back, I find you're gone? Then I come outside looking for you, because I'm worried for you, only to find you walking away on the arm of a stranger?! What're you doing, Y/N?! Are you trying to tell me something?"

Your first reaction was to apologize. You didn't want Charles mad at you, and you certainly weren't trying to break up with him. Then you turned to look at who convinced you to leave your boyfriend. The handsome man smiled apologetically. Oh, he must be so sorry for the inconvenience.

"Oh, I'm sorry sir. She wanted to leave with me. Didn't you?" The man turned and gave you a winning smile. You couldn't help but smile back, "Yes, of course I wanted to go with you. I want to be with you." You giggled and leaned into the man's chest. Your hands found themselves running up and down his body.

"Whoa, whoa, sweetheart. Not now. Maybe in a little bit. Alright?" He flashed another smile and you nodded, receding to his side.

Charles stood in front of you both, dumbfounded. "Wh-what?... What?" was all he seemed to be able to say. Your eyebrows creased at his odd reaction. Honestly. Why was this man bothering you two again? Then the man spoke to Charles, "Well, we should go. I promised her some fun tonight, and she'll never let me hear the end of it if I don't deliver." A small chuckle escaped from his throat, and you smiled again.

"Oh, yes. You better deliver tonight, sweetie. I'm counting on you." You licked your lips in anticipation.

"No."

The word came from the other man. The one that was bothering you and your honey.

"I'm sorry?" You asked, slightly miffed by his interference. The irritating man's face was determined, and he huffed out, "No. I don't know what you're doing, but I demand that you stop this instant." This time, his words were directed to your sweetheart. You know, this frustrating man did look a bit familiar. Had you met him before?

"Look, buddy, I'm not doing anything. Now, could you leave us alone? We really need to go." Your darling defended you both. How brave and sweet...

"Stop it!" The other man stepped up to your honey and growled, "I know what you are. And trust me when I say: It. Will. Not. Work."

Having enough of this confrontation, you said, "Hey, back off!" to the irritating man. But as soon as you touched his arm to push him back, a shock met your fingertips. It left you tingling and in a bit of a daze. You knew this man. And he was important to you. So important to you.

"Now, now. Honey, you don't need to be violent with the man."

You pulled your eyes away from your tingling fingertips to look at your darling. He looked fuzzy. Actually, everything looked fuzzy. Everything felt fuzzy. Your thoughts were muddled and confusing. In all honesty, you thought you needed to sit down...

You began to sway, and pressed your back against a wall to steady yourself. The stranger, (was he really a stranger?) immediately reached out to you, but your new boyfriend (was he really your boyfriend?) pushed him back. Charles (Charles! Yes! That was his name! But how did you know that?) scowled and shoved the man's arm away. He looked ready to strangle him.

"Come on sweetheart, let's head to my place and leave this desperate loser to himself." Your honey smiled his hypnotic smile (hold on...) and tried to take your arm, but Charles growled, "If you dare touch her..." His fists were clenched as he stepped up to the man. The stranger (yes, he's definitely not someone you know...) smirked and replied, "And if I do? What're you going to do about it?"

"You should back off."

"I don't think you understand. I have an unimaginable power of hypnosis. No woman can resist me. Not even your little whore."

Another proud smirk was quickly wiped off his face as Charles lunged forward and struck him in the jaw. The man stumbled back as Charles yelled, "Shut up!" He looked ready to punch the man again, but the stranger wiped blood from his mouth and shouted back, "Fine! She's not worth that much trouble!" He waved his hand at you and everything seemed to clear. Then he scowled and stormed back to the bar.

Charles raced over to where you had slumped against the wall. Finally, you recognized him for who he was.

"Oh Charles! I'm so sorry! I-I didn't know-"

"Shh shh, darling Y/N. It's not your fault." He tried to help you up, but you grabbed his arm and stopped him. You stared into his blue eyes intensely and whispered, "Charles, I love you."

He stared back, a small smile gracing his face. "I love you, too." Then he leaned in and kissed you softly, pouring his love for you into a single moment. All too soon, he pulled away and added, "Now let's get you home."

“Ow!” You muttered in annoyance as you backed out from under the table. You stood and placed the paper you had been searching for on its surface. When you heard a laugh from somewhere behind you, you turned to glare at them. It was Charles… 

Your glare changed to a pout, and you scolded, “Don’t laugh! It hurt!” You rubbed your head, even though the pain had already subsided. He laughed again and stepped closer, wrapping his arms around your waist. With a smirk, he replied, “Would you like me to kiss it better?” Before you could reply, he began to attack your neck with kisses. You gasped and began to protest, “No! Wait! Charles stop!” He pulled away and asked with exasperation, “Why?” You quickly used his distraction to slip around him, with the paper in your hand. Without pause, you replied, “Because. I’m helping Hank with something.” Charles sighed and raised an eyebrow. 

“Really? And what are you helping him with?”

“A formula or something.” You waved your hand dismissively. “And he asked me to bring this paper to him,” you added.

“Well, can’t it wait?” Charles asked, taking a step closer to you.

“No actually. It’s quite important.” You smiled playfully at Charles, and took a step back, getting closer to the door. He glared back just as playfully. You took another step towards the door and added, “He really does need these notes, Charles. I’m afraid you’ll have to comfort me later.“ 

The lights pulsed, and music blared through the speakers at another of Tony's crazy parties. The party man himself, though, was currently sitting on the couch as he watched his girlfriend move on the dance floor. She was caught up in the music, and he didn't think she would stop. Which was fine by him. It took him hours just to get her to start dancing. And so much longer just to be his girlfriend. 

He smiled as he thought about all those times he pined after her. Her adamant refusals, and how hard he worked to prove to her that he was worth it. 

He happily sipped his drink. 

It had only been a few months, but it had been the best few months of his life. He was sure he loved her, and he was thinking about spending the rest of his life with her.

Someone sat down next to Tony. Without glancing in their direction, the billionaire said, "Sorry, buddy. No autographs tonight." 

"I've seen it. The future. I know what will happen." 

Tony finally turned to the man. His eyes were bloodshot and his hair was unkept. He looked like a mess, and Tony wondered how he had gotten in. 

"You may want to lay off the drinks for the rest of the night man. You're looking a bit... Trashed." 

Tony gave the man a cheeky smile and started to rise, but the stranger's hand reached out and grabbed Tony's arm. He pulled himself up, and stood close enough for Tony to feel the man's breath on his neck. Tony was about to call security, when the man whispered, "I know what will happen to her." He pointed shakily toward Y/N. Tony glanced at her dancing with a smile on her face. Then he turned back toward the man. He glared into the stranger's eyes and told him fiercely, "I don't know what your trying to pull here, buddy, but if you’re threatening Y/N, you picked the wrong guy to tell."

"No no! It’s not a threat. It’s too late to be a threat. She will die three years from now, and there is nothing you can do."

Tony's fist shot out and struck the man in his jaw. He hit the ground with a thud, and the room seemed to stop. Tony growled, "Say that again and see what happens." 

Immediately, you were at his side. You looked between Tony and the man on the floor, and asked, "Tony, what did you do!?" Before he could answer, though, the man on the ground began to chuckle to himself. The chuckling grew to laughter as Tony called security. As they dragged the man away, his laughter became maniac. 

The halls of the SHIELD base bustled with people. Most of the agents gave Bucky a wide berth, but he didn’t bother with the usual twinge of guilt and shame. Y/N was getting back from her mission today. 

Normally, he’d pull the sleeve down over his metal arm and keep his head low, avoiding their suspicious stares. But recently, Y/N had been trying to break him out of that. She hated to see people treat him differently because of his past. And even though she was a peaceful girl, she’d give hell to anyone that looked at him wrong, and especially if they called him a freak. 

“Hey! Buck!” The ex-assassin looked over his shoulder to see his old friend, Steve. Bucky slowed his walk to let Steve catch up with him. He was still walking when Steve put his arm out to stop him, “We need to talk.”

“Yeah? What about?” The dark haired man asked, a bit curious now. The blond looked around at the busy hallway, then peeked his head through a nearby door. He motioned for Bucky to follow him, and stepped inside. The Winter Soldier walked into the empty room, now more curious than ever.

“Whatever this is, let’s make it quick, okay? Y/N is supposed to be getting back from her mission soon.”

Steve cringed and replied, “Actually, this is about that…” Bucky’s eyebrow raised, “What? Did she get delayed? I just talked to her on the phone yesterday. She said she was done. That it was just paper work and debriefings.” Steve was still looking down, his eyes locked on a manila folder. When he looked up again, his face was full of pain. Steve wasn’t one to cry, but Bucky noticed a hint of tears in his eyes. His friend spoke again, “Buck,” a noticeable crack in his voice, “she didn’t check in, last night. Her handler went looking for her…” Every muscle in Bucky’s body tensed, fear coursing through him. Steve looked directly into his eyes and finished, “They found her body, Buck–.” He didn’t get to finish. Bucky was already fleeing the room. Steve thought about going after him, but knew it wouldn’t be a good idea. He would check on Bucky later. Instead, he went back to his own room to mourn for his lost colleague. His lost friend.

“James?”

“Uh-huh?”

“James Buchanan Barnes, I-I love you.”

“I love you too, Y/N.”

Bucky’s fists slammed against the punching bag, over and over. Tears clouded his vision, but he kept punching. The last conversation he had with her replayed in his mind, and he continued to assault the punching bag. Past the roar of his blood pounding in his ears, he faintly heard someone call out to him, “Bucky. Buck. Listen to me.” A hand touched his shoulder. Spinning around, he threw his fist toward the intruder. He realized it was Steve, as his friend blocked his punch and stepped out of his way, immediately preparing himself to fight the Winter Soldier. However, a rouge assassin wasn’t what met him. The broken man in front of him collapsed to his knees, putting his head in his hands.

Steve moved next to him and put his arm around his friend. Just as he opened his mouth to offer his condolences, Bucky whispered, “I should have been there. I could have saved her…”

“No, Buck. There was nothing you could have done.”

“She called me, and I didn’t even know…” He looked up at his friend, tears pooling in his eyes, “She died alone, Steve… Completely alone…”

“I know. But she wouldn’t want your pity Bucky. You know she wouldn’t. And she wouldn’t want you to get stuck in the past again either. She’d want you to move on.” Bucky just stared at the ground. He knew Steve was right, but he just didn’t know how to move on. He loved Y/N, and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. But now… He’d have to spend the rest of his life without her…

The ex-assassin wanted to lash out, to hurt something. But he knew she wouldn’t want that either.