#working relationship

In the weeks between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, things did settle down.  No other photographers came around the house.  Although Bucky escorted a Wakandan diplomat to a State Department formal dinner, which generated some speculation, the paparazzi soon cast their attention to other more scandalous events occurring elsewhere.

During Thanksgiving, only Evan and his visiting girlfriend were going to be around, staying in a guest room in the house at Bucky's insistence, as the rooms for the security team were more basic.  Guillermo and Keith were both from New York and would accompany Bucky and the kids there, but would have time off with their family.  The other three bodyguards were dispersing to their families across the country.  Rosa and Oscar were visiting their daughter in Texas.  Peri was going to Scottsdale, joining her parents and two of her three sisters there.

Her dad picked her up at the airport in Phoenix, late Wednesday afternoon before the sun set.  By the time they got out to the car, it was already below the horizon, bathing everything in a warm orange glow that felt comforting to her.  They didn't talk much, having made small talk on the walk to the vehicle, but as he turned the car to leave the parking lot exit he looked at her.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," she answered.  "It's good.  No one's tried to take any more pictures of me.  Once Bucky escorted that diplomatic envoy from Wakanda to the State Department banquet a week ago they all focused on her.  Joke's on them; she's gay."

"She is?  They looked friendly enough."

"He knew her from when he had sanctuary there.  Said she's like a sister to him."  Her dad went quiet again.  She didn't have to look at him to know there was something he wanted to know.  "There still isn't anything for you to worry about.  We cleared the air between us and it's all good."

"I believe you."  He patted her on the knee and smiled.  "I'm glad.  Did you bring your bathing suit?  This heat wave has made the swimming pool a haven and I have it on good authority that there will be a pool party everyday.  The kids want a cannonball contest."

She grinned.  "Yes I brought my swimsuit."

Taking her phone out, she linked it to the radio and played an 80s playlist.  With the windows down, they sang to the songs, forgetting about the issues that kept floating around instead of completely dissipating.

The few days in Scottsdale were fun, especially with the cannonball contest that got totally out of hand.  Whoever PoliSciGirl28 was didn't make herself known at any of the gatherings of former friends and acquaintances Peri went to and no one brought up the pictures of her and the kids at the museum, except her sisters.

She did walk in on some hastily abandoned conversations between them.  After the first time when her oldest sister Naomi asked her about the pictures, she stood her ground and told them she wasn't permitted to discuss her employer or his family.  Her parents also refused to say anything about Peri's job, referring to the NDA.  That stopped her sisters from asking although they still talked to each other about it.  From what her mother told her before she left for the airport on her return to Washington, they thought Peri should pursue Bucky Barnes for real, because he was a major piece of beefcake (her sister Renée's words). 

She ran into Marge Dalton once in Scottsdale, at the supermarket, but the older woman was with her daughter and two grandchildren and could only give her a hug in passing.  They didn't see each other again before Peri flew back to Washington.  The Sunday afternoon four and a half hour flight went smoothly, as everyone just wanted to relax.  After takeoff, the cabin lights were turned down, and most people took the opportunity to watch a movie, or catch up on their sleep.  Jacob was waiting inside the arrivals terminal for her as she came out of the exit, with her carry on bag.  After sharing some pleasantries on the walk to the car about the long weekend away, Jacob waited until they were out of the airport before he said anything more.

"Just a heads up, but there was an incident in New York."  Peri stiffened, wondering what had happened and when, as nothing had made it to the media before she boarded.  "While they were waiting to board at JFK, some asshole who had too much to drink began mouthing off in the gate area about tax dollars being used to fly a killer's kids back and forth to Washington."  He looked over to her with exasperation.  "He made Sadie cry."

"Oh, no, tell me Bucky didn't hit him," said Peri, fearing the worst.

"He wanted to.  I guess Guillermo and Keith blocked the guy from even looking at them, while the gate agents called security.  The guy kept up his insults all the way out."  He sighed.  "You know, this is why Bucky prefers to fly private so that the kids don't have to hear that kind of shit.  But he thinks it makes him look elitist so he takes a regular flight then has to put up with that."

It was obvious it had rattled the normally unflappable bodyguard.  The atmosphere at the house was just as unsettled when they arrived.  Before Peri had even started unpacking, there was a knock on her door with an apologetic Bucky on the other side.

"Sorry, I know you just got back but could you come up and talk to the kids for a bit?  I had just got them down when they heard you come in and they want to see you.  They're still bothered at something that happened at the airport."

"I heard," she replied, coming out of her suite.  "Sure, I'll come up.  How was the weekend otherwise?"

He shook his head as they approached the staircase.  "Not good.  Their grandma only had a few lucid moments with them.  I don't know if she'll last until Christmas.  It upset them to see her."

Expecting to go into one of the kids' rooms first, she was hesitant when Bucky led her to his bedroom.  He paused slightly just before they went in.

"I said they could sleep with me tonight."

Stepping into the large bedroom she was surprised at how warm and comforting it felt in there, almost like a sanctuary.  The kids were sitting upright on each side of the bed, with their legs covered.  Sitting near Sadie, only a moment passed before both kids crawled over the covers and nestled against her sides.

"Hey, what's this I hear that you two can't sleep without seeing me?"

"I missed you," whimpered Sadie.  "Why didn't you come to New Yawk?"

"Because I spent the holiday with my family in Scottsdale," she answered calmly.  "You were in New York to be with your family, right?"

Both kids became quiet, then George looked up at his father, who nodded, encouraging him to speak.

"Grandma's very sick."  His face scrunched up as his voice dropped.  "She's dying."

"That's very sad."

"I don't want her to die."  George sobbed once.  "Why did she get sick?"

"I don't know why."  She looked up at Bucky, understanding immediately that he already had this same conversation with them.  Carefully, she bent her head towards George and kissed the top of his head.  "People live as long as they are supposed to, I guess.  Some live over a hundred years and some live only a few days."

"Is that why my dad is over a hundred years old?  He doesn't look old, not like Grandma."

"You're right, he doesn't look old.  Your dad is different."  She cleared her throat.  "You know that his family died without him knowing."  George nodded.  "He never got to spend any time with his parents or his sister when they got old.  You got to spend time with your grandma, right?"

"She was fun," said Sadie.  "I love her."

"I'm sure she loves you very much, so much that if she had to, she would give up everything to make sure you were safe.  That's what grownups do for the children they love."

"Do you love us?" asked George.  They both stared at her, with eyes that revealed how much they needed to know.

"Who wouldn't love you two, huh?  You're both so special."  Peri tried to control the tears that were forming in her own eyes.  "I do love you both.  Everyone in this house, Tia Rosa, Tio Oz, Ebban, Keef, Jakey, Geermo, Mike, Sully, me ... your dad ... we all love you so so much.  When you hurt, we hurt."

"A man said bad things at the airport," murmured George.  "He called Daddy a killer.  Called Sadie the B word, and me another B word but I don't know what it meant, except it sounded mean.  I wanted to hit him."

"But you didn't and that's important.  There are some times when people are going to call you names or make you so angry that you want to just scream and hit them back, but if you do, then people will think that you're just as bad."  Both children began to cry and she squeezed them into her sides.  "Shhh, I know, it's unfair.  It's so hard not to hit back.  But I'll tell you both something.  Don't you ever believe what people like that say to you or about you, or your dad.  Those people don't have love in their life, because if they did they would never ever speak to anyone like that."

"Can you sleep with us?" asked Sadie.

"No," said Bucky quickly before she could answer.  "Peri has to sleep in her own bed.  It's getting late, George has to be up for school tomorrow, and I have an early committee meeting.  Say goodnight to her, and let's get you both tucked in."

George hugged Peri and scrambled back to his side of the bed.  Sadie held onto Peri, until Bucky gently pulled her off.  She was good about it, giggling a little, then demanded that Peri tuck her in.

"Good night, Princess," smiled Peri, as she tucked the covers around Sadie and kissed her on the forehead.  She noticed George watching her intently and went to his side of the bed, pressing a quick kiss onto the same spot.  "Goodnight, my young prince.  Sweet dreams for both of you."

Glancing at Bucky, Peri left the room, making her way down the stairs.  Back in her suite, she resumed unpacking her bag and putting her toiletries away.  She put a kettle on for some tea, then noticed she didn't have any  camomile tea bags.  Opening the door, she almost walked right into Bucky, gasping in surprise.

"Sorry," he murmured.  "I didn't mean to startle you.  I just wanted to thank you for helping to settle them down."

"It's alright," she replied.  "I was just headed to the kitchen for a camomile teabag.  Would you like some?"

Immediately, she wondered why she asked him that.  Bucky didn't normally drink tea.

"Yeah, I'd like that."  He gestured towards the kitchen.  "Why don't I get the kettle started out here and you can bring your mug, if you want to sit out here instead.  I was just going to turn the fireplace on and have some quiet time before I went to bed."

With a nod, she accepted and returned back to her small kitchen, turning the kettle off and grabbing her favourite mug.  When she arrived in the main kitchen, Bucky had put a teabag on the counter for her, the kettle was on and he had turned on the gas fireplace, letting it light up the family room with its warm glow.  They waited at the counter for the water to come to a boil, with Bucky doing the pouring duty.  Once in the family room, they sat on opposite corners of the sofa, which had been rearranged to face the fireplace. 

The interior shutters on the window were tilted so that they could turn their heads to see the snow outside, glistening in the moonlight.  When Peri looked out she noticed Bucky was watching her.  Grimly, he blew on his tea to cool it down.

"When that man made Sadie cry I wanted to hit him," he said, quietly.  "Thank goodness that Guillermo and Keith were there.  They blocked him without laying a finger on him.  A couple of grandma types came over to ask if they could take the kids to the restroom so they wouldn't have to hear his insults but neither wanted to leave me.  The looks on their faces ...."

Roughly, he wiped his face.  A sniff betrayed that he was trying not to cry and not succeeding very well.

"Kids can be resilient with the right support.  At least that's what my college psychology course taught me.  You love those kids ... we all do."

"They shouldn't have to face that.  It's my fault that they do."

"Don't say that Bucky."  She put her mug down and faced him, reaching for his hand, then withdrawing hers in the same motion.  "You're a good person and a great dad.  They are both amazing kids.  Sadie is so sweet and mischievous at the same time.  Georgie is more serious but he's protective of you and his sister, and he's so curious about everything."

"Well, that's mostly Raina's doing."  He chuckled, a soft look taking over his expression.  "She would have been in that guy's face, though.  Her parents taught her not to take shit from anyone."

"You miss her."

"Yeah, I do.  I miss having someone to talk to about ... stuff.  She always had a way of helping me see things differently."  He raised his eyes to meet hers, his gaze turning serious.  "You're very much like her in your own way.  You validated their feelings while making it a learning moment, just like she would have.  You would be a good mom."

"I always wanted kids but after a few years of trying we learned that Eric was sterile.  He wasn't interested in adopting or IVF with a sperm donor so ...."  She shrugged, then reached for her mug of tea, taking a sip of it.  "Just another thing that he denied me, I guess."

"I'm sorry to hear that.  He was a fool not to want to see you happy and leaving you with his debt ... that's a whole other level of asshole.  Sorry, I don't know how else to say it."

"You're not wrong."  She looked at her watch.  "I better get to bed.  It's been a long day and I have a long weekend's worth of emails to get through tomorrow." 

Smiling, Peri drank the rest of her tea and stood up.  As she turned she caught her foot in the leg of the coffee table and stumbled forward.  Her mug fell onto the rug but didn't break.  Bucky jumped up and reached for her, grasping her around the waist and pulling her back towards his chest to keep her from falling. 

"You okay?" he asked, standing behind her with his arm still around her, close enough to hear her heart beat.

Turning, she looked up at him as he withdrew his arm, making her feel colder.

"Yeah ... I'm good.  You're fast."

"The serum ...."

After a brief moment that felt longer as they eyed each other's lips, Bucky stepped back and looked for his mug, needing something to put his hand on, something that wasn't her.  It was right there on top of the coffee table.  Somehow the mug was still upright from where he placed it in the split second it took for him to reach out and keep her from falling.  A small puddle of tea had sloshed out onto the table top, reflecting the flames from the gas powered fireplace.  Bucky wiped it away with his hand then grasped the mug.

"I better make sure everything is locked up and get to bed.  Long day tomorrow."

"Of course," she breathed, stepping back then picking up the mug and turning away.  "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," he replied, watching her walk away from him; her silhouette dissolving into the darkened foyer before it was swallowed completely by her opening the door to her suite.

He stood there for several heartbeats, then let out the breath he had been holding.  What had almost happened?  How had he gone from reminiscing about Raina and how much he missed her to almost crossing that ethical line with Peri?  He had promised her he wouldn't step over it but it had taken all of his willpower not to.  Stepping out from behind the coffee table, he placed his hand onto the wall switch and turned off the fireplace, standing there for several seconds letting the heat dissipate.  As he closed the slats on each shutter while he moved past the family room windows towards the kitchen, he chastised himself for putting them both into that potential compromising position.  By the time Bucky had checked everything on the main floor and was standing in front of the intercom at the base of the stairs he tried to rationalize that what almost happened was just a lingering result of his emotional guard being lowered.  Still, that the ethical line had been pushed back a little further, even though it still hadn't been crossed.

"Evan, we're all locked up here," he said into the intercom.

"Copy.  Goodnight Bucky."

"Goodnight."

After entering her suite, Peri didn't turn on the lights.  Instead, she leaned against the door and breathed in for the count of five, then out, to settle herself.  She wondered if Bucky would have kissed her if she stayed.  If he had, she wouldn't have stopped him.  Despite all of her assurances to her parents and even to herself, she knew that the temptation was there.  It was evident up in the bedroom when she was comforting the children.  The way they had opened up, then listened to her had reinforced that feeling of being more than just an employee of their father.  Even the conversation with Bucky in the family room had felt comfortable, normal even.  That quiet interlude over tea with him as he let his guard down allowed her to see more of the kind and caring person he was. 

Pushing herself away from the door with a sigh, she stopped at the small kitchen to rinse her mug and place it in the drainer to dry.  It didn't matter.  Bucky was her boss, and ethically unable to be anything more.  Despite admitting that she loved the children, that "love" couldn't be expressed as more than fondness.  Nothing changed the fact that at thirty-six years of age, she was widowed, living in borrowed accommodations, and mostly penniless, except for what she had managed to save in the six months she had worked for Bucky.  The job satisfied her but if she ... no, if they couldn't keep it professional then she would have to leave and start over somewhere else, again.  As she undressed then washed her face and moisturized before she put her pyjamas on, the thought of leaving increasingly upset her.  What was she going to do?

▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️

Over the first week of December videos of the incident with the drunk at JFK circulated on social media.  Fortunately, the response was positive for Bucky, especially from parents, as many praised him for protecting his children during the encounter.  Brad wrote up a press release about the airport encounter emphasizing that Bucky's priority was the emotional well being of his children and making it obvious that he restrained himself from taking direct action, allowing the bodyguards to handle the man.  The method used by Keith and Guillermo to isolate the man from approaching the children was analyzed by several security experts using the videos posted on social media, putting them into a positive light.  The Speaker of the House of Representatives along with the majority and minority leaders also made a joint announcement about the harassment of Bucky and his children, reminding people that exercising their right to free speech did not include the right to be screaming insults at small children. 

Bucky and Peri kept their working relationship professional.  Anytime they were together in either the library or the office, the door was kept conspicuously open.  Interactions that weren't work related were cordial, nothing more.  She still gave the children piano lessons and read or played games with them. 

On the second Saturday of the month Bucky, two bodyguards and the kids went out to a tree farm to pick out a real tree.  The kids wanted Peri to come but she begged off, saying that she had some errands to run for the Christmas party Bucky was hosting, and had some shopping of her own to finish.  After they left, Guillermo drove her to a Georgetown townhouse.  Before she got out of the car, she asked him not to say anything to Bucky and to pick her up in an hour so she could finish her errands.  He stared at her for several long minutes before agreeing and didn't bring it up later. 

During the decorating of the tree the next day with the kids and the bodyguards, Peri watched while helping Rosa with some Christmas baking.  Several times, she caught Bucky studying her instead of helping with the tree.  She wondered if Guillermo had told him about Georgetown but couldn't detect any suspicious behaviour on his part other than he seemed distracted.

The following Tuesday saw Bucky and Sadie attend the holiday concert at George's school.  Sadie loved it, insisting on learning to play the music to several of the songs that were sung.  On Wednesday, caterers invaded the house as Bucky was hosting a Christmas party that evening for all of his office and personal staff, as well as his colleagues on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  It made for a somewhat chaotic environment as the caterers set themselves up in the basement for the onsite assembly of hors d'oeuvres.  Sadie found it all fascinating and watched the preparations closely under Rosa's supervision.

Two visitors were expected to arrive early in the afternoon, staying a couple of days at the house.  As long as the Avengers weren't needed elsewhere, Sam Wilson would fly home to Louisiana on Friday morning to spend Christmas with his sister and the boys.  Marge Dalton was flying back to Phoenix with Peri in the afternoon.  Bucky and the kids were leaving for New York late Friday afternoon, via a private jet.  Keith would escort them there and back, spending the holidays with his family.  The others were leaving over the weekend, except for Guillermo whose brother Javier was arriving on the 22nd then both were driving to New York on the 24th with all of his things packed in his brother's car.  The big man wouldn't be returning before he reported to the Marshals training academy in Georgia in January.  For several days the house would be empty, although local police would be driving by on occasion.

Bucky heard the car arrive and went out to greet the pair, taking Marge's luggage, while Sam and Jacob brought in his bag and flying-suit case.  Peri, who was finishing off some correspondence in the office, came out as they entered, hugging Marge, then offering her hand to Sam, who put his bag down, grinned and pulled her in for a hug.

"You're family now," he declared.  "I've heard how much you've come to mean to Bucky and the kids."

"Sam," said Bucky, glaring at his friend before looking apologetically at her.  "He's exaggerating.  I said you're a valuable member of the staff who has become a good friend to the family."

Extricating herself from Sam's embrace, she shifted her feet, knowing Bucky was trying to keep that invisible line intact, yet feeling something inside wilt a little at his explanation. 

"It's okay.  I know my place here."  She gestured back to the office.  "Well, I better get back to it.  There's a lot to go over."  She looked at Bucky.  "I have a request from George's school.  Apparently, one of the judges for their science fair in late January is being deployed.  They're wondering if you're interested in taking his place.  I'll print it out and put it on your desk.  They want an answer before the holidays as they'll give out the assignment to students tomorrow, and start publicizing it during the first week of January."

She closed her mouth, aware she had said more than she needed to tell them she was going back to her duties.  With a nod, she turned away and entered the office, intent on printing that request out and getting it on Bucky's desk as soon as possible.  While it printed she checked her personal email, noticing one from the person she visited in Georgetown.  When she came back out the others were already in the family room, visiting with Sadie and Rosa, who decided she needed to provide lunch to keep herself distracted from what was going on downstairs. 

The Christmas gathering was a huge success.  Unlike other Christmas parties in the political circuit, Bucky insisted on it being informal, open to spouses and children alike.  A pianist was hired for music but on the occasions when he took a breather, Sadie seemed to find her way to the instrument, intent on displaying her own talents.  Fortunately, he took it in stride, even playing a duet of Jingle Bells with her, then encouraging any of the other children who wanted to share their abilities to come forward.  George looked longingly at the piano, but wouldn't go up until Peri asked if he would play with her.  Taking her hand, he positioned himself on the left side of the bench while she took the right as they played We Wish You a Merry Christmas together.  The way that Bucky watched them made Sam glance at Marge knowingly, seeming to confirm the rumours that first emerged when the pictures of Peri and the children were published.  They both wondered if that yearning look was as far as it had gone.

Before the guests left, everyone got a little gift, a Christmas ornament for the adults and a small game or toy for the children. Peri, who had helped Mrs. Chambers find and order the items but had wrapped them after they were delivered to the house, received thanks as Bucky made sure everyone knew how much of the party was their doing. The catering and serving staff cleared everything away, packing all the dirty dishes, cutlery and glasses into cases for transport to their facility for cleaning. Rosa, who had been sceptical about hiring a catering company was pleased with how they handled everything, leaving her to enjoy the evening with Oscar. Even the leftover food was boxed up to be dropped off at a homeless shelter, one of the reasons Bucky hired them after Peri found out about them. The bodyguards all headed back to their quarters, having enjoyed the evening even though they didn't allow themselves to relax completely, too attuned to protecting the man and children who had become their second family.

Sadie, who fell asleep on one of the couches was carried up to her room by Bucky.  By the time he came back downstairs, George had also succumbed to sleep and whimpered softly when his dad picked him up to put him to bed.  While he was gone, Sam took four glasses down from the cabinet and poured some brandy for Bucky, Marge, Peri and himself.  He turned on the fireplace, then opened a relaxing blues playlist on his phone, connecting it to the Bluetooth speaker system. 

"That was a good party," he said, out loud, as he sat on the couch beside Marge.  He looked at Peri, who sat at the other end.  "Can't believe you got the kids to play so well after only a few months of lessons."

"They're interested," she answered.  "That's half the job right there."

"They trust you," added Marge.  "That's the other half."

Bucky strolled in, noting everyone had a glass in their hand.  Sam pointed to the counter.  Grabbing his glass, the super soldier sat between Marge and Peri.

"That went surprisingly well," he said.  "It's the first time I hosted anything since Raina died."

"It went very well and I think the children enjoyed being included."  Marge leaned forward to look at Peri.  "I think you made people notice you tonight.  Mrs. Chambers said your work as Bucky's personal assistant has made a big difference in his work office.  That's high praise coming from her."

"Peri is invaluable," said Bucky, quietly as he sipped his drink.  "Everyone would miss her if she wasn't here."

Smiling a little, Peri didn't answer.  For several long moments everyone focused on the flames in the fireplace. 

"Do you have to be at the Capitol tomorrow?" asked Sam, his voice sounding loud after the silence.

"Yes, we're in session but I should be back before 4 pm.  George is supposed to have school on Friday but I'll keep him home."

It was quiet again, as everyone sipped their drink.  Then Sam breathed out, drained his glass and stood up, stopping the playlist and pocketing his cell phone.

"Well, I guess I better head on up."  He took his glass over to the dishwasher and put it in.  "Goodnight everyone."

They all wished him good night.

"I'm headed up, too," said Marge, handing her drink to Bucky.  "I can't finish this, as good as it is."

"No problem," he answered, as he stood up and hugged her.  "I think Sadie has plans for you and Sam tomorrow."

"Looking forward to it," she answered, beaming.  "Goodnight Bucky.  Goodnight Peri."

The pair responded in kind to her.  Once more there was silence, adding to the tension between them.  It was almost unbearable but to acknowledge it and talk about it would be risking so much.  Instead, they sat and sipped their brandy, alternately watching the fire or the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree but not each other.  When Peri finished the last of her drink she stood up, leaving her glass on the coffee table.

"I ... uh ... I'm going to bed.  It's been a long day.  Goodnight Bucky."

Hurrying away, she hunched over slightly, feeling conflicted that Bucky let her go without a word while acknowledging that they were bound by rules she insisted on following.  By the time she reached her suite, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.  After undressing, she washed her face and put some night moisturizer on, then dressed in her nightgown and robe.  Not wanting to lay awake for half the night she decided to make some camomile tea and headed to her little kitchen.

The knock on the door was almost too soft for Peri to hear. She stopped filling the tea kettle and listened, wondering if it was a sound from outside. Then she heard it again and plugged the kettle in before she walked to the door of her suite. Opening it, she took in a quick breath at the sight of Bucky, illuminated by the light from her living room. Against the background of the dark foyer he dominated the space. He held a printed sheet of paper in his hand.

"Sorry, I just wanted to check on this with you before I decided on it," he said, raising the sheet. "May I come in?"

Aware that her robe was open, she closed it, tying off the belt, then stepped back, swallowing before she croaked out a question, even though she already knew the answer.

"Sure, what are you checking about?"

"Um, the request for me to be a judge at the January science fair at George's school." He scanned it briefly, then looked at her. "I'm not sure I'm qualified to be a judge. My knowledge of current science isn't really in depth."

"It's elementary school," she said, looking up at him. "I'm sure that hasn't changed much since you were a boy. Dioramas, paper mache volcanoes or solar system models, magnets, potato batteries ...." She smiled. "You're not the only judge and none of them are science experts."

He grimaced self-consciously. "I know. I guess I'm just nervous about being around a bunch of kids."

"You shouldn't be." He couldn't help his gaze switching to her lips as she spoke. "They like you because you're kind to them and go out of your way not to be intimidating."

"I suppose." He raised the paper. "Let them know I'll do it, but if there is a vote on the floor I may have to cancel at short notice."

"I'm sure they'll understand." She looked back at the kettle which was still heating up. "Would you like some chamomile tea? I was just making myself some."

He looked over to the kitchen. "As long as it's not a bother."

"It isn't." Turning away, she went to the counter and prepared two mugs for the water. She turned back to look at him, as he picked up a book she had been reading. Perhaps this was the time to tell him. "I've received a job offer."

He stopped looking at the book then put it down before turning to her. "I know. The American ambassador to England called me for a reference."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it sooner. Apparently, she asked around about any qualified candidates to replace one of her personal assistants leaving to work on her PhD. Someone told her about me. Not sure who."

"Are you interested in the job?"

She detected a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "No, not really, but ...."

The water reached the boiling point and she unplugged it, pouring the hot water over the tea. His presence loomed behind her as he approached, standing close enough that she could smell his cologne and feel his physical warmth.

"We would miss you. I don't know if anyone could replace you."

Sliding his mug over, she didn't look at him. "I would miss you, too, but I don't know if I can stay."

It became very quiet at that moment, even when he spoke.

"Why?"

Her mouth felt like cotton and sipping the still steeping tea didn't help as she burnt her tongue. She wanted to tell him that she had also crossed the line, the emotional one and couldn't hide it any more. To work for him and live in this house but being unable to openly love him wasn't something she could do. The lie that had been her marriage almost destroyed her when she found out Eric had cheated her out of everything. To stay here would mean living another lie, one that could force him to resign if they gave in to their desires and she couldn't bear for that to happen. It would hurt but it would be better all around if she quit before it got that far.

"Peri." He placed his mug on the counter and was standing right beside her. "Please, talk to me."

"Don't make me say it. Just accept that I can't stay."

Peri gripped her mug like a lifeline, her knuckles almost turning white with how much effort it took. It wasn't until he touched her cheek that she realized he was wiping tears from her face. Then she sobbed and he gently enclosed her in his arms.

"Shhh, don't cry," he murmured. "We can work this out."

"No, we can't. I didn't plan on this. It just happened; first with the kids and then with you. It will hurt your standing and people will accuse you of taking advantage of me. You've been nothing but a gentleman with me but no one will believe that, especially because of your connection to my husband's death. I have nothing to my name because of what Eric did to me. This job has given me dignity and a chance to start over but I can't allow my personal feelings to put me into a position of losing everything again. I promised I would tell you if a professional boundary was crossed but I can't let it get that far so it's best if I give my notice and move on."

"I don't want you to do that." He breathed out, then slowly threaded his hand into her hair. "I never thought I would feel this way again but it just kind of grew on me." Lowering his face to her head, he pressed it against her. "When I promised I wouldn't cross that line I meant it. I also know that I'm at the point where I don't care about the rules anymore."

Her breath stuttered for a moment. "That's why I have to go. We've crossed the line in our hearts and minds. If I stay it will go further. All that you've done and gone through will be for nothing and I can't let that happen."

Slumping, Peri stepped away from him, even as he tried to hang on to her hand.

"We just have to find a way to make this work." He didn't try to come closer as she turned so that she wasn't looking directly at him. "How long have they given you to decide?"

"They want an answer before Christmas and for me to start in the new year, depending on how much notice you need."

A muscle twitched in Bucky's jaw at the news. Of all the times for this job offer to be made, this was the worst. With Sadie Brody's impending death keeping him in New York for longer than what he had originally planned, this deadline would make it next to impossible to find a solution that would allow Peri to continue working and for them to be together, openly without compromising either of them. There had to be a solution. He just needed to find it soon.

"Look, I know this is a big ask but don't make your decision yet. Please, give me some time to figure this out. See if they'll give you a few more days."

He stood there, with the printed email in his hand, watching Peri's reaction to his request. In her state of mind, she didn't know what to do with her hands, alternating between clenching them together, then interlacing them or placing them on her chest as if she couldn't breathe. It took all of his will power not to reach for her, even as he could see how much she was affected. After what seemed like an eternity, she dropped her head and turned towards him.

"Alright." Her whispered agreement was followed by her looking up at him. "You should leave now."

Even though Bucky wanted to hold Peri again and kiss her, he accepted that doing so could make her change her mind. With a neutral acknowledgement to her, he went to the door, opening it slightly before turning back.

"Resigning to be with the woman I love wouldn't be the end of our individual stories. It could be the beginning of something new for both of us. I feel that with all my heart and so should you."

"I wish I could believe that."

Opening the door, he left, closing it behind him. He paused when he heard someone clearing their throat and looked towards the staircase where the sound came from. Sam and Marge rose up from the lower steps. Even in the darkness he could see the disapproval on their faces.

"Please tell me you and Peri are not lovers," said Marge, frowning.

"We're not lovers," answered Bucky, "but we are in love." He looked back at Peri's door. "We haven't even kissed, not that the Ethics Committee will believe me. She's been offered a job as personal assistant to the Ambassador to England and has to let them know before Christmas whether she's taking it. I don't want her to go, but if she stays we will become lovers at some point. She'll have to quit her job and I'll likely have to resign because we won't hide our relationship." He looked at Sam. "I'd be back to full duty with the Avengers if you want me."

"What about your district?" asked Sam. "You resigned once. If you resign this time they'll never believe in you again. It could reflect badly on all of us."

"Then tell me what to do. I lost the love of my life once, Sam. Now I have a chance at love again and I don't want to lose her."

Marge looked at Sam in the darkness and sighed. The code of conduct rules were very specific about relations between elected officials and their staff, regardless of whether they were personal employees or part of a congressional office. Even if Bucky and Peri hadn't been physical it was obvious that the emotional attachment had been forming for some time. Optics were everything in Washington politics, because appearances mattered, regardless of the reality behind them. There had to be a way for these two people to be happy together without breaking the rules, although a little bending of them might be in order. It wouldn't be the first time she had stuck her neck out for Bucky. He and Peri were worth it.

Part 8>>

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