He opened the door to see him standing there. His arms drooping by his side. He had long brown hair covering most of his face. Bucky didn't move. Didn't speak. He just stood there looking at Steve with tears in his eyes.
"Buck," Steve whispered stepping forwards and hugging him. He tucked his arms under Bucky's so his hands gripped the top of his shoulders. He just started sobbing into his shoulder.
The man he was hugging tensed for a moment, not knowing what to do. He tried to push Steve off, but it just made the captain hold him tighter. Bucky eventually reciprocated.
"It's really you," Steve sobbed.
Bucky sniffed, "I'm sorry."
Steve pulled away to look at him, "for what?"
"H-Howard, it's my fault he's gone, I'm sorry," Bucky cried.
Steve's heart became heavy in his chest. Before he could stop himself, a single tear raced down his face falling off onto his shirt.
"Steve who is it?" Nat yawned while coming down the stairs. Tony trailed close behind her.
Bucky's eyes widened, "Nat?"
"James?"
"Oh my god," he breathed as he ran towards her.
They pulled eachother into a tight embrace. Natasha instantly started tearing up while hiding her face in the brunettes shoulder.
When they pulled away Bucky smiled softly, "you cut your hair."
"And you didn't."
"Excuse me," Tony interrupted, "someone care to explain what is going on here?"
Bucky pointed a shaky finger at Tony, "y-you're Howard's son."
"So I've been told."
"I'm sorry."
"For what-"
"James, please don't tell me..." Natasha couldn't finish her sentence. The thought overwhelmed her.
"I'm sorry."
Steve stood away from the three, trying to stop himself from crying.
Howard. His memory of him was so strong. Each time they had snuck in a kiss behind the colonel or every time they held hands under tables during meetings was playing in his head. He loved him. Loved. And Bucky is the reason he's gone.
"Why'd you do it?" he choked out.
"Steve-"
"Natasha not now. Why Bucky?"
"I didn't know who he was! Hydra wanted the soldier serum. I know you loved him I'm so sorry Stevie."
"I have to go," the blonde replied as he pushed past them and went up the stairs disappearing.
Tony stood there in shock for a bit, "it's ok," he muttered.
"I-"
"Bucky, it's ok."
"Ar-"
"Yes. I know it wasn't you."
Natasha gave Tony a soft smile. He was obviously upset and it wasn't ok, but he had come here to apologise. Tony had nothing to lose. He wanted Bucky to feel welcome.
"Do you mind to tell me why Steve was so upset?"
"Oh...he probably hasn't said anything. Well Steve and Howard dated briefly."
"What?!" Tony gaped.
"Yeah, right up until...I don't know. All I know is they were still together when I-I fell."
"James, do you anywhere to go tonight?" Natasha asked changing the topic.
"I just came to say sorry, I was just gonna go back to-"
"That settles it," Tony interrupted again, "you're staying here."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."