Stephanie always imagined this moment, but it had more of a romantic atmosphere in the room. However, the kiss was just as she wanted it to be: breathless. It took her breath away at how sweet his lips were against her, soften by the tears he shed before, and how it was attached to hers as if they matched quite nicely. As if their lips were destined to touch and never break apart.

Hours passed – really were a few minutes – before she felt the man's lips be pulled away from her own, making her silently whimper in disagreement. It was getting good!

"I love you." Sapphire eyes were shot open at the words. What?

"I love you, Stephanie Rogers," Bucky spoke again. Truth in his greyish blue eyes shined as she stared into them. "But, I don't deserve you. I kept secrets from you so I wouldn't get hurt. I kept my distance because I was scared of what would happen if I got too attached to you. I had so much imaginations on you that the thought of you being with another man... Makes me want to be the Winter Soldier again. So I wouldn't remember the pain."

Stephanie slightly winced at the idea. She could lose him again, as well would have to go through the internal suffering. It was too much for her on it. Especially when it would be her fault on not understanding Bucky's feelings... Just the thought of it, being created in reality ached her heart.

"The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you, let alone lose you again." He removed his hands from her soft, flustered cheeks. "I don't deserve such kindness from you; as well your worries, your hope, and your love. All towards me. I'm ashamed of what I did back at the club, but when I found out you saw... I felt I should be in the ice instead of you. You know, from that plane crash? That way I can fulfill on having myself out of your mind for good."

Stephanie shook her head, disliking how much Bucky was bringing himself down on his own words. She felt her tears coming up when she looked up at him, but didn't speak a word as the man continued talking.

"Throughout our times in Brooklyn... I always acted as the big brother, looking out for his sister who's my best friend, too. I had work well done for easy payments, made sure enough food and affordable medicine was still in the home, and to have lil' Steph be happy and healthy as long as I love her in any way possible. Now, I'm more like... Like some 'goth' child, slowly going through the depression cure, from rehab, while lil' Stephanie became 'Super Woman of America' and took my place as the hard worker."

"I work hard, too," Stephanie argued, a little upset by it.

"Not in the way I was thinking: making sure that my love was still strong enough to keep you alive longer. You didn't know how I felt every time you get sudden asthma attacks. You didn't know how I felt inside every time you think about joining the army, and actually fight the enemy. You didn't know how I really felt inside... When I thought you didn't need me anymore."

The annoyance Stephanie had slowly faded as he spoke until she was shock and hurt by his words. Did she really not know her own best friend's feelings for her?

"Despite how happy you were, and I was proud too for what you done, I honestly felt... like..." He sighed before walking over to the side of the bed, and sat down. He remained quiet as his back arched over slightly, his elbows on the thighs with his hands dangling, and his head down with the dark hair curtained his face.

Stephanie stood where she was, staring at the man's position before walking over to him and got on her knees in front of him. It pained her to be here right now. Sure, she was glad that Bucky was confessing the truth about his feelings, but it ached how much Bucky was more disappointed with himself than ever. She didn't want this happen at all.

"Like what, Bucky?" She then asked. She didn't wanted to ask, but she just had to know. There was a hunch she had, but she just wanted to know... Intense silence was made in the room, Stephanie patiently wait for her broken lover to speak. She opened her mouth a little to speak, only to hear a sigh and what came after.

"Like... Unwanted."

Stephanie felt a tear stream down, but made no move to wipe it away. Unwanted? Why would he think that? He's definitely wanted! And in a good way! He doesn't deserve this pain. Especially after everything he has been through... She can't. She can't let him suffer like this. This was the final point of her life. She just can't! She doesn't want Bucky to feel this way anymore! She needed to do something... She... She blushed brightly. She wouldn't. She had a reputation. Well, it's not really about her reputation. More on her shyness and nervous nature, because this was about Bucky. He was feeling the same thing she felt during the war, especially in a more personal situation. And she wanted to repay him in a way they both wouldn't forget.

She placed her head down, her hair curtained her face as well before taking a breath. She could do this. She will do it. WIthout looking, she moved her sudden delicate hands over Bucky's, getting a slight jump from him.

"Bucky?" He moved his head up, looking at her.

"What?"

Silence came in the room before lifting her head up, curiosity and kindness in her sapphire eyes. "Could you...lay down on the middle of the bed?"

Bucky raised an eyebrow, confused by the request.