An: this is going to be a shorter chapter, but I think that it makes up for it in content. And it's a pretty light-hearted chapter compared to most chapters. (Aside from the first bit).

"Love is not patronizing and charity isn't about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same - with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead."

The terrible news Bucky had heard earlier didn't help him to fall asleep, not in the least bit. He thought that perhaps Clara's discussion with would at least make going to sleep a less harrowing ordeal, but apparently not. He tossed and turned, snapping awake once he was almost resting. It was almost as if his body didn't want him to sleepーwhich was entirely counter-productive to himself. The human mind was certainly a weird thing.

Bucky threw his sheets off of himself, finally accepting he wouldn't be getting any sleep for a while. Instead, he went back to the mindless task of reading through the encyclopedia; maybe it would bore him to sleep if he read enough; the parts about which scientist discovered what was definitely a dull read.

After at least an hour of thatーthough probably less considering how much it dragged onーBucky lied down again, hoping that perhaps this attempt would earn him some well-deserved rest. And it didーof course, the rest didn't come without a negative. He woke up from a nightmare only two hours later and an hour left before he'd have to get up.

He didn't even want to think about the nightmare. He felt sick every time his mind went back to it.

Again, he was stuck with nothing to do and no rest. Bucky found himself wishing he had a phone so he listened to music or the radio rather than reading or writing. It'd also been a while since a memory had come back to him, as his journal remained untouched on top of the refrigerator. Not that he mindedーit was painful to read or even look at the stupid thing.

Bucky gave into reading the encyclopedia rather than dealing with his thoughts.

Clara felt glad to be resuming her regular schedule now that the HYDRA incident was behind her. She'd even noticed she felt cheerier lately. Her class even commented on how much energy she seemed to have, which only spurred her into a better mood.

On the way back home Clara waved to that kid Bucky had helped. She'd been seeing him a lot lately, and couldn't help but wonder where his parents were. At least the kid was going out a playing soccer a lot, as the ball in his hands suggested. She figured she might look more into who his parents were some day.

Clara was more focused on seeing how Bucky was doing, anyways.

The hope was that Bucky had gotten a goodnight's sleep, hopefully without nightmares and that he was feeling up to getting food somewhere.

First Clara went home and changed out of her sweaty clothes and actually did something with her hair. It wasn't until she noticed she was making sure she looked alright that it hit her. She was caring about her appearance. The last time she cared, she'd still been back home with her family and friends surrounding herーshe'd been happy. Her life had really taken a turn in the past month, in both positive and negative aspects. Getting shot would probably be the only negative (surprisingly).

Once her hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, Clara decided she looked well enough and went to stop by Bucky's place. Again, she hoped he had gotten some sleep.

It only took one knock for Bucky to open the door. He didn't look any better than he'd looked the previous day.

"Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to go and get something to eat?"

Bucky hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Okay, do you have anywhere you want to go?"

"I think the pizza place is a safe bet. And this time, it won't be ruined," Bucky smiled a little.

Clara laughed. "As long as there's no Anton, I'll be happy."

They arrived at the pizza place slightly cold from walking. It was a cooler day than usual, but it was a welcome change from the regularly mild weather.

"Did your lessons go well today?" Bucky asked Clara as they sat down.

"As well as they normally go, but I was in a good mood. I guess that constitutes as a pretty great day. And did you have a good day?"

Bucky nodded. "It was the same as normal."

Clara and Bucky looked down to their menus to figure out what they wanted. Clara finished quickly and looked to Bucky who seemed to be deeply interesting in what he was ordering judging by his intense expression.

"Do you know what you're going to order?" Clara asked, then waited for Bucky's response. He gave no indication that he heard her. "Bucky?"

Still, he stared at his menu. He'd probably zoned out, as Clara learned.

"Bucky?" she asked, much louder than before.

As though he had been snapped from a trance, Bucky jumped and turned his gaze to her. "Hmm?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," He answered. If that wasn't the most blatant lie Clara had ever heard.

Clara wondered about asking him if he got any sleep. It wasn't like the question would hurt him, she realized. He was a strong personーall he'd been through with HYDRA was a testament to that. And since when had she had problems asking direct questions?

"You didn't really get any sleep, did you?" It wasn't a question.

"I managed to get two hours."

"I'd tell you to go see someone about that, but I know you can't. How about we go back to my place and I try and I'll look up some meds for you?"

Bucky frowned. "Clara you don't have to help me all the time."

"No, but I'd like to. Unless you don't want it, of course."

"It's okay, I'm just- not used to it."

Their waiter came and took their orders (they both got pizza again), and Clara got curious again.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead," Bucky said.

"Don't you have anything you like to do in your spare time? Like a hobby? Besides reading the encyclopedia."

Bucky considered her question. "No, not really. I never had time in between taking care of Steve and working multiple jobs. I used to go out dancing a lot, I guess. But that's not something I want to doーnot with everything so different from what I remember."

"Why don't you try doing art or... I don't know. Anything, really. We could even go jogging again."

Bucky smiled. "Art was more of Steve's thing. But going jogging again sounds good to me."

Clara noticed Bucky often smiled when he mentioned Steve. "Don't you want to see Steve again?" she blurted without thinking.

Bucky tensed. "Yes, but I can't. It's not like I can just call him, and the last time I saw him I tried to kill him."

Clara felt stupid for asking and let the subject drop.

After that they didn't talk about any substantial subjects, it was just a bunch of small-talk. And like they agreed on, they went back to Clara's place.

Clara was just happy to see that kid playing outside with the other kids as they walked back.

The radio was a no-go to Bucky after the bit of news they heard the other day. So instead, he grabbed one of Clara's books and began reading it. They were sitting on the couch together while Clara was reading about medication for his sleeping problem. He was pretty sure it was something that couldn't be fixed with a few pills, but he didn't say anything. Besides, Clara seemed downright determined to help.

What had to be an hour went by and Bucky felt as though he was going to fall asleep. He constantly had to resist the urge to yawn, his eyes kept closing and he was leaning into the side of the couch. He did not want to fall asleep only to be plagued by nightmares again, especially not next to Clara. He had no way of knowing what he would be like when he woke up and he didn't want to be taking any chances.

Yet, he couldn't resist the urge to rest. He felt himself lean further to the side of the couch. Realizing what he was doing, he abruptly sat upright

"Hey it's okay to sleep, I'll watch over you," Clara comforted. She had his metal hand in her hands again and was staring at it with clear interest. It was funny how she seemed to like something about him that he hated.

He looked to her face, and she looked back at him. He wanted to tell her that she couldn'tーthat he could hurt her. But he didn't. He'd been providing for himself for months. He could watch over himself. Yet, was it not better to have someone there to help? It left a warm feeling inside that he couldn't shake. Was this how Steve had felt? NoーSteve always insisted he could care for himself, this was different.

The surge of affection Bucky felt for Clara was damn near uncontrollable.

Clara was looking at him now and her body was turned towards him. "Bucky-"

Without thinking, he pulled Clara close and connected their lips. She seemed surprised at first but gave into the kiss. Bucky couldn't believe this was happening.

Before he knew it, the kiss deepened and Clara was half on top of him. Neither of them wanted to stop.

"Should we take this to the bed?" Clara questioned breathily.

Bucky nodded. It was clear their relationship would be changed permanently now, but he really didn't mind.

An: sorry guys, I couldn't write smut if my life depended on it. It also takes me like two hours to write a thousand words apparently. I kept thinking over every single line multiple times :/

Thanks so much for all the follows and favourites, and thank you to .2016 for reviewing! Lots of action and angst to come now ;)

(So sorry I forgot to thank everyone last chapter).