AN: Sorry, somehow uploaded wrong one to begin with… !? Hello! Hope everyone is ok. Thank you so much for reading and commenting on the last chapter! We can all agree that Steve is being naive and short-sighted here, but he is grieving and very upset . Continuing on from there… Bucky has something to say, no one is giving Steve an inch. About the ending, there's some mentions of an accident, injuries. All regarding a child, just to warn anyone. This continues in to the next chapter.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from Marvel Comics world, which is trademarked/owned by Marvel/Disney. All characters created and owned by Marvel and I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Marvel. I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story. Just a story based on great characters. I only own any original characters.
Chapter 41: What If There Isn't More Time?
Lunch with Andi doesn't come around for Bucky, he and Steve are called away on separate missions and they don't return until the weekend. They hardly speak on the landing pad and Bucky marches straight for his room, changing and heading out. He bumps into Steve in the hallway, who asks where he is going, 'out. To see friends.' Steve eyes him, he knows who he means, 'you don't have friends,' he tries to joke. Bucky looks serious, challenging him, 'I have more than you right now.' He ignores Steve's shocked face, squeezing past him, leaving him dumbfounded and departs from the compound for the evening.
When Bucky arrives at the Millers' front door, he waits tensely for someone to answer. The door opens and Andi jumps onto him, 'oh my God, I missed you,' she says breathlessly, squeezing him tightly. Bucky pulls back and his eyes flick to her lips, realising he's missed he too, he leans in but is distracted by an incoming noise. Rosie comes running out, 'Bucky! Bucky!' She looks behind him, asking keenly, 'Stevie?' Bucky shakes his head and leads them inside, Rosie pouts and runs ahead of the adults, dragging a chair out for Bucky and pulling him towards it.
'No Mia?' He asks, looking around with concern. 'Work,' Andi simply says, she looks down at her niece, trying to climb the soldier. 'Hey, Rosie, why don't you draw something for Steve, he's not feeling well, remember?' Bucky looks at her, as Rosie runs to her room. 'That was diplomatic,' Bucky shakes his coat off and sits at the table with Andi.
'Tell me, what the hell is going on?' Andi sighs and puts a hand through her hair. 'Steve and Mia haven't spoken for two weeks. He's ignoring her, she's now dodging him and not to mention how he was in London and then to top it off, she walked in on him kissing Sharon Carter at the wake.' Bucky is listening intently, most of this he knew, but at the last part he looks up quickly. He is stunned, Steve hasn't mentioned this. 'She freaked, we left, we booked a very expensive flight, we rode that shitty ferris wheel thing and then we flew home and retrieved our girl.' Bucky starts to interrupt, 'then you lot waltzed off for work and here we are.' Bucky wipes a hand over his gruff chin, 'shit.' He reaches for her hand and Andi looks at him sadly. 'I've never seen her like this, Bucky, she is heart-broken. I mean is it over? What does Steve say?' Bucky sighs and sits back. 'Nothing, Steve says nothing. I don't know what his problem is, apart from the obvious, but this is more than grieving, isn't it?' Bucky shakes his head, it doesn't make sense, Steve would never cheat. 'I had no idea about Sharon and the kiss, I mean I knew there had been an incident in the past, but he's smitten with...'
The front door opens and a moment later Amelia walks in, she has her head down and her arms full of files and paper work. 'Oh,' she looks panicked and Bucky stands, offering two calming hands, like he's trying to encourage a timid animal, 'it's just me, he's not here.' She relaxes and he looks at her, limp hair and dark eyes, he thinks she looks thinner, she's dropped her stuff and is anxiously ringing her wrists in fear and her eyes dart around the room. She appears to snap back to reality, grabbing her stuff and standing taller. 'Hi, did you want some dinner with us?' She brushes past him and he nods slowly, he follows her to the kitchen.
'Mia, I had no idea. I'm so sorry, Steve hasn't said...' She looks up, 'Steve doesn't know,' she says plainly. 'I left before he saw me, he was too busy, well, you know.' Bucky tenses and his metal hand creaks as he clenches a fist. 'You don't deserve this; I don't know what is going on in his head.' Amelia wipes her eyes, 'let's not do this, we've missed you, let's just enjoy dinner, what do you fancy?' Bucky watches Amelia drift past him, her question is futile, she's not listening for a response, she's working on autopilot, he looks over at Andi and she shrugs at him sadly. She calls out, 'I've ordered some takeout, that ok? yeah?' Amelia hums quietly in agreement, reaching for plates, Andi waves her hands desperately at Bucky, asking him for help.
He watches her quietly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, smudging her eye makeup. The doorbell sounds and Amelia tenses a little, Andi announces, 'I'll go, it's the food.' Amelia relaxes but ignores her sister, looking for cutlery, buried under disposable chopsticks. She gets frustrated and slams the drawer shut forcefully, 'we can't even use fucking chopsticks!'
Bucky calls her name quietly and she doesn't react, as he grows louder she turns and shouts 'what?' He pulls his head back in surprise and slowly walks closer, stopping in front of her, her wide eyes look scared and he offers his open arms. Amelia looks at him for a moment before slipping into his embrace, Bucky closes his arms around her and holds her close. Amelia closes her eyes, but opens them quickly, reminding herself it's not Steve's arms. 'You've never willingly hugged me before,' a meek voice squeaks from under his arm. Bucky mutters against her hair, 'that can't be true.' He feels her squeeze his waist and she shakes a little against him, he thinks she might be crying, but tries to do the decent thing and not make a scene. 'Are him and Sharon a thing now?' Bucky strains to hear her tiny voice, his face creases in confusion and he takes a deep breath to control any misdirected anger, 'no. Anyway, he's always had a thing for brunettes.' Amelia pulls back and Bucky looks at her sadly, missing the twinkle in her eyes as she cheekily challenges him, instead replaced with tears and bloodshot eyes. 'Allegedly,' she says dryly, Bucky doesn't know what has come over him, but he hugs her again, unsure of what to say. 'Don't make a big deal, he's grieving.' Bucky creases his brow, resting his head on hers, wondering how she can even say that, it's no excuse and Peggy certainly wouldn't defend his behaviour.
Andi walks around the corner with two bags of takeout and watches the pair. She leans against the wall and bites her lip sadly, Bucky looks up at her slowly, at the sound of the rustling bags. They share a look and he offers her a nod, before she announces dinner and Rosie sprints into the room, Amelia pulls back and quickly wipes her eyes. Rosie calls to her as she rounds the corner, leaping into her arms and Bucky is relieved to see her brighten somewhat, character flooding back into her.
…..
'Did I hear the takeout guy use your first name?' Bucky asks with a quirked brow, Andi laughs, 'gotta keep em' sweet, Barnes.' Amelia hasn't said anything since they sat down to eat and Andi is trying desperately to keep conversation going and off the obvious topics. 'This is our third this week, it's not good, someone should do some shopping.' Bucky casts an eye towards Amelia as she pushes noodles around her dish. He looks around their new home, 'someone should do some unpacking…' Andi looks offended, 'progress kind of halted, but if you're offering!'
'Where's Stevie?' Rosie asks Bucky in confusion, 'I want to show him my new room!' She peers up at him, her face creased in confusion. Bucky and Andi look at each other and Amelia offers nothing, Andi looks at the little girl, 'if you're all done, put your fork nicely, Rosie.' Rosie seems sufficiently distracted and asks about dessert. 'I forgot to pick up any ice cream,' Amelia mumbles, offering her daughter a weak smile, Andi suggests her niece gets ready for her bath, Rosie runs from the table and Bucky leans in to the two women, quickly, 'look, there is no Steve and Sharon, there can't be, he's crazy about you and...' he looks in the direction Rosie went, Andi nods encouragingly, agreeing with him. Amelia doesn't look them in the eye, standing and clearing up, 'you two may have to give up on this dream, it was never going to last, look at me, I'm no Sharon.' Before they can interrupt, she is leaving the table, going after Rosie, 'I need to tell her soon, he's obviously not sick. She's four not an idiot.' Amelia looks morose as she grabs empty cardboard containers on her way out of the room.
Bucky stares after her and Andi looks at him in despair, 'I know, right? Who'd have thought, nice, little Steve Rogers, stomping on hearts.' Bucky grunts a little and he looks annoyed, he feels a soft hand on his and he looks over at Andi. 'You were really great with her, earlier, you big softy. I liked it,' she blushes as she confesses and Bucky flips his hand to cradle hers. 'I was worried about you, running off like that, all of you, but this is worse than I expected.'
They chat about the week's events, trying to be normal, but conversation pulls back to the situation constantly, Bucky's gaze flicking around the quiet house. Andi watches him closely, 'You seem different? More in control?' Bucky shifts awkwardly, struggling with the praise, 'I guess, my best friend being the problem rather than me for once, forces my hand a little.' Andi laughs, 'I get that, Mia's a mess, so I'm the responsible one. Look at us, adulting!' Bucky stares at her small hand in his, she sighs, 'I don't like it,' she admits. He watches her, blonde waves framing her face, her lips down turned in sadness and he smiles at her genuinely, 'it suits you.' Bucky looks at her as she smiles back at him, his mind flicking to the other night's phone call, he opens his mouth, considering mentioning it.
Andi sighs and slouches in her chair, 'can I give you a little advice?' he nods carefully. Leaning over towards him, she kisses his lips gently and pulls back, whispering, 'raise some hell, I swore to her I wouldn't but that doesn't mean you can't, he might actually listen to you.' Bucky nods, knowing he doesn't need her encouragement or permission, when he thinks of his ignorant best friend back at the tower, heat grows in his gut. He stands quickly, 'tell Rosalyn goodnight from me. Look after yourselves,' he almost demands, as he stands and sweeps out of the dining room. Andi calls after him, 'that was dramatic, it's not a movie, Bucky!'
Bucky pulls his coat on beside the door, opening it to leave and suddenly he can hear Rosie calling his name and he pauses at the open front door, looking back at her. She runs up to him, a nightdress that reaches her ankles and wet hair, dripping down her back. 'Bucky! Bucky!' She waves excitedly, 'you forgot, you forgot!' He bends to accept the handmade get well soon card. She squeezes his nose with both hands and grins, 'tell Stevie I love him.' Bucky's head drops a little and then he smiles at her sadly, 'go inside, you'll get cold.' She giggles as he steers her back inside and her mother's voice calls her name, she waves goodbye as she patters back up the stairs, stepping on her sleep wear and almost slipping. Bucky smiles after her, feeling even more agitated, when he thinks about the innocent little girl desperately missing his best friend.
Bucky storms into the tower and then taps his foot harshly as the elevator arrives on the communal floor. He marches in, seeing Steve is sat at the breakfast bar. Tony, Natasha and Clint are standing around chatting. Bucky storms forward and forces Steve off his seat, by his neck, pushing him against the window. 'What the hell?' Clint asks, Natasha stops him advancing and the three watch the altercation.
Steve chokes his best friend's name out, pushing against his arms, gritting his teeth as he tries to break free, Bucky narrows his eyes at Steve. 'What the hell are you thinking, Steve? Hey? Kissing Sharon?' Tony whistles lowly and Natasha raises her eyebrows. Steve stumbles, 'how do you know about that?' He asks anxiously, as Bucky loosens his hold. 'Your girlfriend told me,' Steve's eyes widen and he looks at the other three.
'Eyes here, Rogers,' Bucky demands. Steve looks at Bucky and he tightens his grip on his neck once again. 'What you are doing to Amelia is beyond cruel. I can't even comprehend in what universe STEVE ROGERS would do this to another person, let alone, someone he "claims" to love. You want out, call it off. But burying your fucking head is killing her and you aren't fairing much better.' Clint coughs awkwardly and Steve looks over at his friends' shocked faces. Steve's eyes wince, as Bucky grabs him, he can't bring himself to fight back, he feels like he deserves this.
Bucky shouts, 'FRIDAY, when was Amelia Miller last here.' The A.I. answers 'Miss Miller was here for the last three calendar days, to collect Rosalyn Miller, she took the eastern corridor elevator and every day she enquired about Captain Rogers' wellbeing.' Bucky nods and looks at Steve, 'oh and there's this.' He pushes a piece of paper at Steve's chest and slowly lets go of his friend's neck. He circles Steve, like a shark, waiting for some kind of reaction that he recognises. Steve looks down and it's a get-well card from Rosie. On the front is a drawing of her, curly hair and a big smile, inside it reads I miss you muchly. Steve stares at it and shuts his eyes. He grips the paper close and can hear it crunch, the tighter he holds it.
'Am I hearing this right? You cheated? Cheated on that unbelievable, too good for you woman and that little, tiny person?' Tony asks pointing at Rosie's card. Steve looks up, alarmed, 'I didn't cheat. Sharon kissed me.' Tony scoffs, 'well, you were into it enough not to notice your girlfriend watching.' Steve closes his eyes, mortified that Amelia saw and he didn't even know. 'No wonder you gave her such a cold shoulder in London, even I felt that chill, and here we thought you were fully thawed out!' Tony mocks.
Bucky stares hard at Steve, waving a hand at him, 'who the hell are you? I don't know this asshole.' Steve looks at his friends, swallowing his emotions, 'look, why do I deserve to be happy? Why do I deserve a second chance?' No one has an answer and Steve runs a hand roughly through his hair. 'Amelia deserves better than me running off to fight a battle and not coming back. And so does...' Steve looks truly affected for the first time, 'and so does Rosie. Leaving more people behind that I love. Hurting them.'
Bucky shakes his head, 'that is bullshit, you're upset and you're scared. You're hurting them now! Look, I have nothing left to say to you, I'm out of here.' Bucky turns and starts to walk away from Steve, he can hear Steve's feeble attempt at calling him back, pausing with his back to him. 'She doesn't look good Steve, you did that.' Steve pleads with Bucky, 'what do you mean by that? Is she ok? What do you mean?' Bucky doesn't acknowledge his begging and Steve sighs, dropping his head, 'look, I had no idea she saw us, I told Sharon there was nothing there. I pushed her away.' Bucky slams a metallic fist into the wall and turns back quickly, stepping close, 'but did you tell her about the girl you were ignoring or treating like trash?!' Steve tries to explain Sharon and Amelia have met. 'No! She was there for you, travelled all that way, wanted to hold your hand and you pushed her away so far, that she flew home. Fled a goddamn country, Steve.' He looks ashamed, Bucky has stepped back in close to him, waving a violent, condemning finger in his face. Steve backs up against the window, 'I love her, I do, so much, but I don't deserve to be happy, not when our friends are dying.' Bucky looks furious, suddenly his voice reaches a new volume, 'our friends are here, Steve.' He gestures around the room and Clint mutters to Natasha, 'I think he's talking about us.' Tony intercedes, stepping out from behind the counter, 'Cap, I can confidently say, if you balls this up, you are worse than even I thought possible.' Steve looks down sadly, 'I need more time.' Bucky groans loudly, 'for what? Moping? Wasting your life? Have at it, but count me out. You once told me our future was waiting and I could stand by and miss it, well, what the hell are you doing now?' Steve sighs, 'I just can't right now. I...' Steve sniffs and licks his lips, 'I was with Amelia when Peggy... when they tried to call me, I was with Amelia, in...' Bucky shakes his head quickly, 'so, you are torturing yourself over living your life?' Steve looks at his friend, 'I just need time,' he pleads louder.
Bucky storms off, 'fine, do what you want, but don't expect us or them to wait.' Steve watches him leave and as he stops and turns to Tony, 'sorry about your wall.' Tony waves a dismissive hand, 'it was worth it.' Bucky sighs and his shoulders deflate, turning side on and not fully looking at his friend, 'you know, Steve, you lost someone and that's shit, you're entitled to feel that, but you are at risk of losing a hell of a lot more at this rate, even I can see that.'
Bucky disappears, unable to look at his friend right now. Steve slips down the window, sitting on the ledge. Tony nods approvingly, looking after Bucky, 'he's really growing on me.' Natasha watches Steve intently and Clint mutters, 'not who I thought you were, Cap,' he leaves and Tony shakes his head, also backing away, 'she told me she wasn't Mrs Cap anymore, I laughed at her, because that would be ridiculous, right?' Tony scoffs and doesn't wait for an answer. Steve doesn't look up at any of them, grimacing at Tony's words.
Natasha stays with Steve, stood behind the counter, watching him, tearing at his hair and re-reading the note. They don't share any words, but she keeps an eye on him. 'Tell me something good, Nat, tell me she will wait, I just need time.' Natasha exhales, 'I can't do that, Steve.' She leaves and Steve just sits there, reliving the argument, Bucky's words about Amelia and even Tony's disapproval. He looks down at the card made by Rosie and wipes his face aggressively, knowing there is no one to blame but himself. He knows Bucky is right, Peggy would be disappointed in him.
…..
Four days later, Tony walks into the lounge, he's wearing a silver-grey suit. Steve is sat on the couch, 'you look dressed up.' Tony flicks the button open and spins on his feet, 'interview.' Steve nods. 'Your crew actually, Manhattan Matters,' Steve looks up at Tony and his eyes widen. Tony takes his tinted glasses off and cleans them with his jacket, 'didn't take much persuading, I'll make something up to talk about on my way down to level ten.' Tony readjusts his glasses and looks at Steve, 'cock this up and I'm taking Daddy's shield back.' Tony wafts from the room and Steve looks at the ground between his feet. It's two and a half weeks since he has seen Amelia, in between work and zoning her out, he has kept his distance. Suddenly he stands, quickly deciding. He zips up his jacket and takes the elevator to ten. He wonders how she will react to seeing him, if she will panic or maybe hit him.
Steve rides the lift, stood alone in the centre, hands on his hips, debating what to say, trying to muster some confidence. The elevator dings and opens, Steve looks up in time and double takes at the sight of Sharon. She offers a small smile and a wave, stepping in and reaching in front of him to press a button on the opposite wall.
Steve can't mask his shock and spills 'what are you doing here?' Sharon laughs a little at him and his abruptness, 'I had a meeting, I'm just finishing up, but I was hoping to bump into you.' Steve considers bracing against the lift railing, begging please don't kiss me. Sharon watches as the doors close and she turns to him, 'I just wanted to say again, how sorry I am, I shouldn't have kissed you.' Steve shakes his head quickly, 'it's forgotten.' Sharon continues, 'it's just when I kis-' Steve cuts her off again, hitting his floor number twice more, 'honesty, forgotten, don't mention it. Ever.'
Sharon squints at him and his odd behaviour, 'okayyyy. Are you alright? I was tied up all afternoon at the wake, we didn't get chance to say goodbye properly.'
Steve nods quickly, talking to the ground, 'yeah, fine, you know, just a tough day.' Sharon checks her phone and refocuses on Steve, 'it was good of Amelia to come with you, she seems great, I'm really pleased for you, Steve. You deserve to be happy.' Steve whitens at the mention of her name, licking his lips and praying the doors open any minute. 'I'm glad you're happy, Aunt Peg really liked her, that was always a good endorsement.' Steve feels a chill run down his spine and a heat flash across his face, embarrassment crippling him.
Sharon continues, 'I didn't realise she had a daughter.' Steve can't move, or even answer, 'look, I just want you to know, I'm not some kind of home wrecker and let's just put it down to the day, yeah?' Steve mumbles, 'mmm hmmm.' Sharon fiddles with her cuff, chuckling at herself, 'I'm not used to being this person. I've never done anything like that.' Steve finally looks at her, sighing loudly, 'let's move on.' He closes his eyes, relieved as the doors slide open. He waits for Sharon to exit, but she remains still, 'Steve? Isn't this you?'
Steve panics, checking the numbers, 'yes, yes it's me.' He quickly hops out, terrified Amelia will see him and with Sharon no less. He absently waves goodbye to the blonde agent and looks up in time to see Natalie. Steve internally groans, gutted she has seen them together. The older brunette strolls over, plastering a sweet smile on her face, 'Steve, who's your friend?' Steve looks down at Amelia's colleague, blushing and stammering over his words, he looks to his side and spies Sharon sticking her arm out the elevator. She smiles politely, 'Hi. I'm Kate. nice to meet you.' She's holding the elevator open and Steve winces, wondering why she waited. He double takes at the use of her pseudo name and shakes his head, unable to keep up.
Natalie accepts her hand, side eying an awkward Steve. She steps back and glares at both blondes, 'well, we are waiting on Mr Stark, so this was incredibly disappointing, to say the least.' She walks away and Sharon looks surprised by the brisk response, but shrugs, pressing for her floor again and calling goodbye to Steve.
He steps further onto the floor, wiping his brow and wondering why he didn't take the stairs, he looks up in time to see a man walking towards him, smiling broadly. 'Captain Rogers, it's such a privilege to meet you.' Steve shakes his hand firmly, shaking himself, 'sorry, you are?' The man laughs a little, 'I'm Anthony Moss, I'm the producer.' Steve pauses, still holding the man's hand in his grip, 'the…the producer? For this channel?' Anthony nods, 'yeah, just stepping in for the day. Your Amelia's ex, right?' Steve quickly drops the man's hand, burnt by the word ex. Anthony continues, 'such a shame you two couldn't make it work, she's a great girl.' Steve freezes at the words, suddenly panicking that she's eloped, moved overseas or quit her job, he can't work it out. Steve looks at the man suspiciously, wondering if he is interested in her, what does a great girl mean? Another colleague calls to the new face, 'Ant? We need you in here.' The man looks disappointed to leave, but quickly bids Steve goodbye and leaves the Avenger to dissect the conversation.
Before he knows it, Steve is stood in the corridor alone. As he looks around, desperate to spot the familiar set of curls, he sees someone exiting the junket room. Steve looks up expectantly and realises that it's just Beth and he rolls his eyes, wondering why he can't catch a break. He must have sighed aloud, as she looks at him with intrigue. 'Why are you lingering in dark hallways, Captain Rogers?' She asks in a flirty tone. He stutters for words and mumbles Amelia's name and Beth looks confused. Beth steps back and presses a thoughtful finger to her mouth, perusing his casual shirt and other attire. 'I am digging the plaid, very sexy lumberjack.' Steve looks horrified and she keeps talking, 'I'd love to see you get wood, Captain fantastic.' He coughs, stepping past her awkwardly and Natalie reappears looking for Beth and stops, shocked to see Steve still lingering around.
Steve smiles a little and then stiffens at the firm look on the older woman's face. 'What do you want?' She asks coldly, approaching the pair. He stumbles over his words and his eyes search over their heads. Natalie helps him out, 'she's not here. Let's face it, why would she be?' Steve deflates a little and Natalie continues, 'family emergency,' she explains flatly. Steve looks concerned, Natalie starts to walk away and he grabs her arm, 'wait, Natalie, what emergency? Is she ok?' Natalie shakes him off and stares at him angrily. She pushes a firm finger into his chest and walks Steve back a little. 'I thought you were better than this, Steve. Different, but you're not, no different. Please do not touch me and stay away from our girl. Come on, Beth! You can do better, trust me.' She shakes her head at him and turns to return to work, stopping she calls softly, 'oh, and I'm sorry for your loss, all of them.'
She walks away and even Beth just shrugs and backs off from him, mouthing 'call me.'
Steve is worried now, what constitutes a family emergency? Why would she miss work? He braves the staff canteen and spots Andi chatting in the queue. He's avoided her since London as well. He walks up and rudely interrupts her conversation. Sliding into the queue ahead of her and making eye contact. 'Where is she?' Andi looks startled to see him and slides her tray along the bars, hitting his hand and forcing him to move down. 'You have a nerve,' her voice is loud and people are starting to look at them. 'Rosie is sick, but why the hell would she want to come here and see your miserable face?' Steve feels like he's been punched. He wants to know about Rosie, how sick, where is she? Steve looks down 'I understand that, but is she ok? Are they ok?' Andi lifts her tray and slams it back down, attracting everyone's attention. 'No! They are not ok, you asshole. Rosie has a stomach bug, which she thinks you have too and I can hardly see Amelia anymore, she's shrinking before my very eyes. All because you stuck your tongue down another Carter's throat and you don't even have the decency to tell my poor sister that you don't want her anymore.' Steve mutters 'I do want… I just need...' Andi shouts 'what? What do you need, Steve? Do you even know where we live now?' He looks surprised, he doesn't. 'We've had dinner with Bucky maybe five times since we've been back from London, what have you been doing? Writing sad poetry in your bedroom?' She pulls a weepy face, it's taunting and patronising. Steve starts to apologise, Andi holds up a hand 'save it, Cap. Just make a decision and at least tell her what it is.' Steve wipes his face and Andi stares at him, following his movements, 'You have ruined this for yourself and right now, I am worried you have ruined my big sister as well.' Steve looks surprised by her low tone and sad words, has he really ruined Amelia? 'I'm sorry Peggy died, I truly am, but surely that's enough reason to grab life with both hands, not push it away?' He drifts off with thoughts of her and Andi slams a fist onto the tray in front and a colleague's pudding splatters onto Steve. He opens his mouth to protest and she steps in close to his face, whispering 'bite me.' Colleagues chuckle and cover their mouths to hide their mirth. 'Do whatever the hell you want, but don't involve us,' she calls, as she walks off, she puts a middle finger up at Steve and stops and looks at a camera, 'fire me, I don't care!' She muscles out of the canteen and stops, looking back at Steve. 'Act fast dumbass, she's moving on, got a date next week.' Steve looks at her in surprise and then people in the queue start to hurry and push him forward. They look at him and whisper, someone jokingly offers him a spoon for the pudding and he shakes his head briskly, silently leaving.
…..
Days pass and Steve can't stop thinking about Amelia and Rosie, wondering how this became such a mess and where to go next. He is sat eating a bowl of cereal in the kitchen area. He's alone and he sighs, looking out the window. He wonders what Amelia is doing and how Rosie is feeling. He considers if Andi has cooled off, he hardly sees Bucky, he's always over there eating, having fun, basically living Steve's life. It's hard for him to stomach, especially when he knows he only has himself to blame.
Steve looks up as Bucky walks in, he reaches for a glass and blanks Steve. The tension is palpable, they haven't had a proper conversation since Bucky had him by the throat. Bucky's phone vibrates against his thigh and he pulls it out, to look. It continues to vibrate as if a stream of messages are coming in.
Steve asks, 'work?' Bucky ignores him, reading the notices, suddenly he speeds up, shoving it back in his pocket, abandoning the open cupboard and empty glass. He takes off, running back to his room and grabs a jacket.
Steve watches him, with a spoon poised to his lips, wondering what is going on. Bucky runs back and urgently presses the button to call the elevator, he waits, tapping his foot anxiously and muttering for it to hurry up. He turns and looks at Steve, opens his mouth to speak and then seems to think better of it, he closes his mouth and looks back to the elevator. In a matter of seconds, he has gone, the elevator doors closed and Bucky departed.
Steve looks back at his cereal, trying to shake the uneasy feeling, until Natasha and Bruce run past. They skip the elevator and decide to take the stairs.
Steve asks FRIDAY where everyone is going and she denies him the information. Tony comes in next, again in a hurry, but certainly less frantic.
Steve asks 'do you know? What's going on?' Tony looks up, he looks a little panicked, but he just shrugs. 'Well, people are running out of here like it's on fire, I know everyone seems to hate me these days, but hopefully someone would say.' Tony looks at Steve, 'maybe it's not about you. Just a little accident, I think, nothing to concern your pretty self with.'
Tony huffs, pulling on his jacket, as he heads for the elevator he can feel Steve's gaze on his back, he can picture his puppy dog eyes and so he stops and asks FRIDAY to inform Steve.
The AI explains, 'Sargent Barnes received four messages from Miss Andrea Miller, the messages referred to her sister and niece, who have been involved in an accident.' Steve looks at Tony in horror, who waves him off, 'I'm sure it's fine just a bump to the head, nothing a band aid won't fix.' The AI continues, 'they are currently in Hospital being treated for their injuries. The address has been sent to you.' Both pairs of eyes widen and they look at each other, springing into action. Tony looks like he might stop Steve but then announces 'I'll drive.'
AN: Thank you so much for reading, as always, let me know what you think Sorry for the cliff hanger, just was a natural place to stop things.
So, Bucky is pretty pissed off, but Steve is being a bit dim! It was really fun to write Bucky telling Steve off for once. Sharon should definitely keep a low profile from now on…
Sorry about the ending… it will be ok!
Take care x