It had been almost a month since Steve had last seen his best friend. And it had been almost a month for Bucky to show up to Steve.
Steve had woke up that morning to start his usual routine: check Natasha and Sam for any new information, recheck the maps that there have been Bucky sightings since Buck had saved him from drowning, try to find a pattern of where Bucky may go next (Natasha had pulled in some favors and found that Bucky had been searching for old HYDRA labs) and maybe put in some sleep...maybe.
Ever since Steve had read the file on the Winter Soldier, he had made a new vow besides finding Bucky: He wasn't going to try to force him to become who he was before, he wasn't going to let ANYONE try to make Bucky into something he didn't want to be. As long as he found Bucky, (no matter what condition he was in, mentally or physically,) Steve's life would have meaning.
So obviously opening his front door to see Bucky standing outside his door looking like a lost child kinda shocked him.
Resisting his first urge to envelope Buck into a bear-like hug, he controlled himself and took a deep breath, trying to get his mouth to work normally. However, all he could get out was a half shock, half fond word of "Bucky?"
Bucky's eyes never left Steve's, searching for a reason to run again and not turn back; but all he could see was love and protectiveness. Still...this was a mistake, even if his target-...Steve...even if Steve was truly his friend, he couldn't imagine that he would want to risk having Hydra on his back again for housing their asset.
Maybe he should leave...
Sensing what his best friend's inner argument was about, he carefully took a step back and opened his door wider, to show him he was welcome. "I was making something to eat.." He let the invitation stand. Silently praying that Buck wasn't going to run. oh God please don't make him leave me...
Bucky quickly moved a rebellious lock of dark hair out of his eyes, looking like he desperately wanted to say something, but unsure what it was. Finally, he blurted out in a small but clear voice "I-I didn't know where else to go..."
Steve never wanted anything more then to right then and there grab his Bucky and never let him go. This was going to be harder then he thought. But he didn't want Buck to change his mind. So he said nothing, but held out his hand in a inviting manner, waiting for Bucky to make the next move.
Bucky looked at Steve for a few more seconds, then, after seeing Steve's controlled yet hopeful eyes and the prospect of Bucky staying, he grasped Steve's hand.
Steve held it for a moment then pulled Bucky into a hug. Bucky stiffen at first and Steve was about to let go when he felt Buck's hand rest gently on his back, relaxing at the security. His strong resolve crumbled at the connection and his legs suddenly got weak, weeks of no food and no rest catching up to him. Steve allowed them both to lower themselves to the ground
"I think I remember you.." Bucky's muffled voice announced from the crook between Steve's neck and shoulder. Steve (still worried of saying the wrong thing) pulled Bucky even closer to his chest, his hand resting on the nape of Bucky's neck while the other gripped the front of Bucky's worn-out blue jacket.
"I remember you..." Bucky's hands grabbed a handful of Steve's shirt, looking like he wasn't going to be the first one to let go. "But -but how do I know you?" His voice sounded so frustrated, he seemed to be talking more to himself then Steve.
Steve moved his chin so it gently rested on Bucky's shoulder, arms still around him as Steve's fingers ran through his hair. Steve's only response was to pull Bucky even closer. Bucky didn't argee. He held on tighter. Both men content for the first time in years.