Hello, thank you so so much for reading and commenting. It's really nice that people have strong opinions and really care and take the time to comment!

This was super long, again! So, I've split it and will post second half on Sunday night.

Thanks so much for reading, as always stay safe and normal disclaimers apply.

I thought long and hard here, about what the right thing to do would be but also what the Andi thing to do would be, I'm sure you can all guess, she is not going quietly on this one!

Chapter 28: Home Alone

Bucky traipses the halls of the tower looking for Andi, checking the time, he can see he only has ten minutes left. He leans down over a glass railing and looks for her in the lobby, spying a security guard, he remembers to keep moving.

Looking up, he halts, catching sight of Victoria, laughing with another colleague. She looks so happy and he freezes, he reminds himself not to talk to her, not to go over. It will only make things worse. He's confused, the accusations and words on those pages, the opposite of the light and carefree person he sees now. He has no desire to be anywhere near her, feeling sick to his stomach at the sight of her.

His fists clench at his side, his metal hand creaking. She doesn't look over or see him as she disappears from view. He exhales and thumps a wall beside him, he looks up and there's a mark, a slight dent. He backs away, realising just how destructive he is, that maybe she's right. Some of those things that were read out did resonate as him, they rang true. He backs away, moving from the spot before anyone can see it was him.

He leaves the floor and thinks back to Victoria. Suddenly a thought strikes him, and he knows where Andi might be.

Pacing the stairs two at a time, with only five minutes left. He comes to Steve's empty, disused office. If he's wrong, he's out of time to find her. He barges in and Andi is sat at the Captain's bare desk, typing and listening to music. He's relieved to see her; she slowly pulls out her earphones. She looks from his panting chest, to his relieved eyes and down to his duffle bag. 'Uhhh, hey, just hiding up here, not feeling very sociable. Umm, you moving out, or what? What's the bag about?'

Bucky leans against the door, looking over his shoulders and quickly pulling the blinds, knowing Pepper is only a few doors away.

Andi opens her mouth as he walks closer, taking her hands and pulling her up from the desk. He looks at her hands, touching her ring with his thumb, pressing hard against the emerald until it stings. 'Something's happened,' he breathes. Her first thought is panic, 'Mia?' Bucky shakes his head, catching his breath, 'nothing like that.'

She looks terrified and he knows he needs to spill this and quickly, before he changes his mind. 'No, it's me. It's about me. It's um, I should have told you this at the time, I'm… I really should have, I've made a mess of this, I'm so sorry.' Andi shakes her head, 'hey, it's ok, we can sort it, whatever it is, I won't tell Steve…' Bucky traces her knuckles with his thumbs, 'we can talk properly later on. Look, I don't have long right now.' Andi stares at him, 'what's going on? Tell me what? You're scaring me.'

Bucky stares down at his hands again, squeezing hers and then dropping them like he's scolded her. 'Victoria kissed me, a few weeks ago.' Andi stutters in shock, she doesn't say anything, her features dropping in confusion and then concern. She coughs, she doesn't know how to react, laugh, cry? Is this a breakup? 'Umm. Ok.'

It doesn't explain his mad panic, 'are you alright? What did you do? Say? Are you ok? That's…' He waves her off, tugging at his hair anxiously 'I said no. I couldn't. You, me. I pushed her away as… kindly, but just a gentle push, I didn't… But there's more…' Andi watches him, his hands itching to reach for anything to grab. Andi reaches for him, 'hey, hey, calm down, hold my hand, give me your hand.' Bucky steps back, 'I can't. There's more, she's made a complaint against me. I can't believe I have to say this… for sexual harassment, I've been suspended. I should have been out of here...' His eyes check the clock on the wall, 'two minutes ago. Security will be looking for me.' He reaches into his pocket, handing her his pass. Placing it in her palm, her engagement ring catching his eye again. When he glances back up at her she's clearly heartbroken, her eyes full of emotions. 'I can't…' He pulls her head close, kissing the top of it. Gripping her head a little too tight, he pleads, 'nothing happened, believe me. Nothing.' Andi nods, 'I know, you don't need to explain, I believe you. But why didn't you just tell me?' Bucky pulls back, 'later, we can talk about this then, I'll go to the house. Just meet me there after work.' He steps away and Andi watches him sadly, 'what now?'

He shrugs, 'I don't know, we can talk later, I have a letter that will explain… but I can't be here anymore.'

She moves to block the door, 'wait, don't go like this, I love you, it will be ok. I'll stand by you. We can sort this, fix it.' Bucky can't hear her, 'Andi, move.' She does as she's told but repeats her last sentiments. He nods and leaves as quick as he arrived. Andi stares at the door, wondering how this has happened.

'Tony!' Andi shouts as she marches through the lab, 'I know you're here!' Tony looks up from his desk, ducking quickly and whispering to Bruce, 'think I can get away?' Bruce glances up, Andi stood before them both, 'no, I think she saw you already.'

'What the hell is going on?' Tony stands and straightens, placating 'PA, the thing is…' She shakes her head frantically, 'no, just be serious, please?' He's shocked by her tone, he can tell she's anxious and he understands, 'fine. Andi, Sargent Barnes is suspended and that's all I can say in an official capacity. But it's not good.' Bruce looks across with a frown, 'wait, what? Why?' Tony shrugs, spilling 'can't say. Don't ask.'

Andi tugs wildly at her hair, 'he just came to find me, waiting to be hunted down by your henchmen and escorted from the site. What is happening?'

Bruce is confused, 'suspended?' Tony turns to him, 'can't comment, don't ask.' Andi looks at Bruce and then to Tony, pleading solemnly 'please?'

Tony exhales, giving in 'fine, but not outside these walls, got it? There's a complaint. That he has been sexually harassing a member of the communications team. I'm sure you already know that part.' Andi shakes her head, covering her eyes. 'You know it's lies?' Tony doesn't answer, 'Tony?' She begs, he holds up a hand 'yes, ok, yes, I suspect it's exaggerated, not lies necessarily, but he needs to comply with the investigation, put his side forward and stay away from this place. Also, some of it seemed very fitting. Not the unwanted advances parts. But the cussing and shouting, everyone knows he's a grump. We've had this sort of thing before here and we need to take it seriously.'

'I need to go find her,' Andi announces, and Tony grabs her arm, 'no, stop. Sorry for the touching, especially considering what's happening, but no, not a good idea. Terrible idea.' Bruce still looks confused, 'Barnes? Sexual harassment?' Andi agrees, gasping 'ludicrous, right?'

She pauses to think, 'Tony, you have to stop this. Let me talk to Pepper, please? What about HR?' Tony shakes his head, 'no can do, this is why I didn't tell you, to protect you and him. Now, take the rest of the day off, go home, we are scienc-ing anyway, just go sit with your boy. But do me a favour, stay away from communications on your way out.'

Andi licks her lips, 'she's still here then?' Tony nods slowly, Andi spits 'she hasn't lost her job and her home? Just the guy that has lost everything already and puts his life in danger every day for these clowns.' Tony groans, 'it's temporary, he will get it all back, the apartment, the job, the arm…' Andi freezes, 'his arm? You aren't serious, that was meant to be next week? You can't postpone! He needs it!'

Tony tuts sympathetically, 'rules are rules, kid. Barnes has grown on me, but I can't do anything at the moment.' Andi shakes her head, 'this isn't right, he hasn't done anything wrong! He's curt and he's a little abrupt, but he was trying to be nice. I told him to be nice, this is on me. What do I do? Does Steve know? Where's he going to stay?'

Tony can't keep up, his voice rising slightly 'look, I'm busy trying to save the world, I can't stomach much more human drama today. I only got involved because of who it was. No, Steve doesn't know, he's AWOL anyway, so just go home. Go. Home.' Andi watches as he dismisses her and she sighs, backing away, angered by his attitude. 'go home,' he calls once more for good measure. 'Is she going home?' he asks Bruce quietly and the Doctor peers over, 'she's going somewhere…'

She grabs her bag, wiping her face roughly. She suddenly has an idea and changes tact, pacifying 'yeah, you're right, I'm going to head out, see you tomorrow, maybe. Just got something to do first.'

She leaves and Tony grins smugly, talking to Bruce, 'situation diffused, I think. Coffee?' Bruce looks up at him, 'what did she mean, she had something to do?' Tony double takes and sags, throwing a screwdriver down 'ah shit.'

…..

Andi searches the tower, much like Bucky did only an hour earlier. She can feel blood rushing around her body, as if making sure every part of her knows this is serious.

She makes it to the canteen, Gina is replacing trays and stops the young blonde with her palm, 'hey, hey, what's up? You don't look good.' Andi misses what she says, eyes flying wildly around the hall. Rows of staff eating, laughing and joking together. She spots Victoria with a few others and apologises to Gina, before pulling away and storming off.

'You!' She announces, arriving at the end of the table, she softens at the sea of shocked eyes, 'umm, sorry, I need to speak to you, um, Agent Haynes. Please? Now.'

The group resume eating, 'just as rude as her boyfriend, I see,' someone mutters and Andi turns around, 'you got a problem, Agent Stokes?' He laughs her off nervously and she refocuses on Victoria. 'Come on, just let me speak to you, please? Nothing more. I promise.' Someone else muscles in, 'you should leave, this isn't appropriate.' Andi ignores the employees surrounding Victoria, 'please? I'm begging you.' She asks as calmly as she can. Victoria watches her, biting her lip and slowly stands, 'ok, I'll talk with you.' Victoria shakes her friends off, reassuring them she will be ok. Andi looks about and nods across to the tray racks. Victoria follows her meekly.

Andi takes a deep breath, running a hand through her hair 'umm, so I know what's going on and I'm sorry if you are hurting, or something happened to you… oh God, this is hard, because my head says sisterhood, solidarity, but my heart… my heart is with Bucky and I know he didn't touch you, he wouldn't. He's not wired like that. He's kind and he's honest. He knows boundaries. He respects people.'

Andi watches the woman across from her, she almost looks sad. 'I told him to be nice to you and this is what happened.' Victoria bristles at this part and a shift ghosts across her face.

Victoria defensively folds her arms, 'I appreciate you not screaming and dragging me out by my hair, Andrea. But whether you want to believe it or not, it happened. We were chatting and he kissed me, I'm sorry. I considered it repeatedly, but I had to do something, other people need to be protected! Even you! You deserve to know as well. Did he tell you?' Andi offers a tight and fraught nod, she looks up and spots security, looking for her, no doubt. 'Crap.' Andi ignores her question, a sting inside at the truth. She glances over and can see most of the communications department ogling them. 'What have you told people?' Victoria sighs, 'nothing, obviously, just that we had a disagreement and that he's rude, believe it or not, I'm not that only one who finds him abrasive.'

Andi bites her lip, willing herself not to rise to other people's issues. Panicking, she leans in closer 'listen to me, think long and hard about what you are doing to him, what your li… your story or understanding of events, will do to other people. I know the truth and so does he. Stark, Banner, Ste… they all know Bucky. Wilson and he share an office, it won't be Lethal Weapon buddy-banter between you two when he finds out about this. I will make sure everyone knows.'

Victoria unfolds, her meek and mild persona dropping away. 'Nice, smart move, threatening me like that. And I will make sure everyone knows what your sleaze of a boyfriend did to me as well.'

Andi shakes her head, 'you're talking about somebody who doesn't exist. Just do the right thing. Take it back, blame me, do whatever. If you care about him, and I sense you do in some depraved way, do the right thing and come clean. Don't do this.' Victoria looks at her sternly, unaffected. Andi sighs, 'please, what can I do?' Victoria laughs, looking around, waving her hands in thought 'I dunno, let me have him?' Andi nearly topples on her feet, 'uhhI, what…' Victoria laughs, 'I'm kidding!' Andi's not sure if she was or not, but something is amiss and suddenly coming down here feels like a terrible idea. Someone appears with a tray and Andi shouts, 'not now, go away!' Victoria just waits for her answer and Andi realises she's waiting on her.

'I'm sorry, but you're bat shit!' Andi laughs wildly, amazed by her statement. Victoria giggles, 'I said I was kidding. And you are just as psycho as him, calling me names, shouting at people, you two deserve each other.' Andi can see she won't listen.

Security round the corner and she admits defeat. Dramatically declaring 'oh, hey fellas, I'm going, you don't need to worry.' She turns back to the agent, 'think on it, Torie.' Andi shakes the men away as they try to usher her out, 'I know the God damn way. Thank you.'

She makes it to the lobby, the eyes of security still on her. At the exit she turns back and waves at them, holding up her middle finger.

Once she steps into the cold March day, she shivers, fear taking over her. 'Shit, shit, shit,' she mumbles as she walks speedily for the sidewalk, hoping to hail a cab. She grapples for her phone, nearly dropping it and calling as fast as she can. 'Pick up, pick up,' there's no answer and she tries someone else. 'Ughhhh, where are they?'

When she finally arrives at the house, she lets herself inside, Bucky's duffle bag blocking the front door. She pushes it out the way and calls his name. She finds him sat watching the blank TV. 'Hey, you ok?' He looks up at her, surprised he didn't hear her come in. She drops beside him, 'Bucky. Are you ok?'

'What are you doing here?' He squints, confused and she looks over at him, 'Stark sent me home, told me to check on you. I… I spoke to Victoria.' Bucky rubs his face, standing in disbelief 'you did what?' Andi trembles at his loud shout, 'I considered it so hard, but I couldn't not say anything, I know she's lying, of course she's lying. She's a devil woman, I see it now. I'm sorry I pushed you to be friends. Don't be mad, it's done now, I didn't throw anything at her, she's fine. I just wanted to try and persuade her. Look, I need you tell me everything.' She reaches a hand for him and he backs off, 'don't.' Andi accepts he's mad, lifting her feet and folding her knees to her chest.

'I can't get Steve or my sister, I dunno where they are.' Bucky shakes his head, 'good, don't. I'm not ready to speak to him, not yet.' She reaches an arm for him, 'please, sit? Please?'

After a standoff, he drops down beside her, he leans forward, but looks back, 'what am I going to do?' She shuffles closer, stroking his shoulders 'it will be fine, it's ok.' Bucky watches her, her kindness comforting him only a little.

He stares at his metal hand coldly. 'I don't have a home, I don't have a job, I have nothing. You could do a damn site better.' Andi shakes her head, remembering what she said to Victoria, 'I couldn't do better. I am going to stand by you through this. I swear. Whatever it takes.' He appreciates her care and taps his hand on her forearm.

He drifts off in a daze and Andi calls to him softly, 'Bucky… I need you to tell me everything, from the beginning. Have you got the letter?' He nods and waves to his bag in the hall. 'Can I get you anything? Tea? Water?' He shakes his head quickly.

Andi leaves and returns with the large envelope, stuffed with notes and information. She finds the letter of complaint, 'shit.' She can't believe the size of it. 'You want me to read it? Aloud? Or… You want to talk me through it? How should we…' Bucky lies back with a sigh, 'I have no idea.'

Andi stares at Bucky, it's getting dark, neither have moved for two hours and she reaches over for the lamp. He winces a little at the light, 'what did you do when she kissed you? Tell me again?' He considers it, recalling the events 'I pushed her away, by the shoulders. Told her I wasn't available, I wasn't interested. I wanted to forget it. She hurried off, she seemed embarrassed, as was I and I thought we could just move on.'

Andi can't help it, exhaling 'I wish you'd told me.' Bucky recalls telling Amelia and thinks best keep that to himself for now. 'I didn't know how to, you might think I gave her the wrong idea, and I didn't. At least I don't think I did. Now I'm questioning everything. I keep replaying it. I feel like I don't know how to be with people.' Andi watches him, he looks almost childlike, punished for someone else's misdeed.

She begins to speak but he mumbles 'but some of it is true, I am aggressive, I do shout and curse, I was cruel to her at times. I didn't want to be her friend. I didn't want to let anyone else in.' Andi leans into him, her head against his chest, 'those are separate issues, ones you are working on. She is trained to deal with that, to know your tells, react accordingly…'

'I have nothing left…' he strokes her hair, 'only you.' Andi feels tears burning her eyes and swallows, trying to contain her emotions. Bucky pulls away, 'Steve will be so disappointed.' Andi denounces, 'Steve will know it's bullshit. We all do.'

They fall into silence again, Bucky deciding 'I liked it there.' Andi mumbles 'I know. You'll go back, it will be ok.' He swallows, knowing there's something else of importance that she doesn't know, but not quite ready to share that part.

'Sharing an office with Wilson. Training with Nat. Being with Steve again. I literally know nothing else. This was my second chance. Chance to do some good.' Andi squeezes him, 'don't think like that, it will be ok, you have to stay positive.' Bucky straightens, 'realistic, you mean.' She watches him, rubbing his back and his shoulders. 'What can I do?' She asks and he rolls his head, his neck cracking. He closes his eyes, enjoying the feel of her hands on him. 'Just be here, be you.' Andi agrees and continues to stroke his back through his long-sleeved shirt.

She kisses his shoulder, 'Tony could have stopped this.' Bucky sighs, 'no, he couldn't.'

She runs her fingers through his hair, it's just beneath his ears in length and she thinks it needs a cut. 'Will I ever not be angry?' He asks her meekly, Andi combes his hair to one side, kissing his neck. 'You will be angry less and less. You already are. You are trying, that's what counts.'

He turns to look at her and she pauses, 'what?' He stares down at her, curled up on the couch, her hair loose. Her Stark uniform reminding him of today's events. He reaches for her arms and pulls her into his lap, growling a little at the Stark emblem on her chest. She looks him in the eyes, cupping his face softly. 'I just want to forget and for today not to be all about this.' Andi looks down at him, unsure by the timing. She leans in and kisses him slowly. 'It will be ok,' she promises, and he pulls her closer, their chests knocking. He looks up into her trusting blue eyes and knows it's misplaced. 'I might hurt you one day,' he admits. She sighs, 'not on purpose. I'm sure.' Bucky shakes his head, burying his face in her chest. 'Why would you marry this?' She holds him tightly, 'for the abs?' She jokes and he smiles a little, but it never really lands.

'And for your heart,' she confesses quietly. He holds her gaze for a time before slamming forward and pushing against her mouth. Kissing her deeply and stroking her thighs. It's frenzied and Andi moans as his fingers find the hem of her shirt. He tears it off, sick of the logo, the bitter reminder. He bites her neck, licking and nipping her collar bone. Andi writhes in his lap, her eyes fluttering shut. He rips her bra strap down and she warns 'careful, it's my favourite.'

He ignores her and kisses her again firmly, lifting her a little and spinning to be on top of her. Andi looks up at him, reaching for his chest, pushing back a little, 'are you ok?' They normally enjoy a coy game of cat and mouse, but he looks determined. He shuts her up by kissing her, tugging at her bra cup and reaching for her pants. 'Bucky?' She taps his shoulders, uncomfortable and shifting under him. He pulls at her legs, lying her down flatter and she calls again, 'Bucky, just hang on.' He quickly unfastens her buttons and tugs at her uniform pants. Andi shuffles nervously, feeling unusually exposed. 'Bucky, can we slow down?' He leans down and kisses her, biting her shoulder and she cups his cheek, 'Bucky, just stop!'

He pulls back quickly, 'what?' He looks angry and Andi reaches for her shirt, pulling it over her top half. 'Just calm down a little, yeah? What's the rush?' Bucky stands up, panting heavily and looking down at her. She looks worried and he turns away, 'this is what they say about me! This is what you are marrying. A monster.' Andi softens, 'they're wrong. You're just upset, you're… that's not you. I'm fine, I just… now isn't the time.' Bucky laughs bitterly, 'how do you know? Huh? What could you possibly know?' She decides to ignore his hurtful tone and questions. 'I know you.'

He sits down beside her. Andi redresses and sits silently next to him.

'Did I hurt you?' Andi sighs, 'no, I just… it's not right, you're not right.' Bucky nods, reaching for her hand desperately, 'you're too good to me.' He looks at their linked hands, 'you should have heard the list, Andi, it was like seeing someone else's reflection, not your own.' Andi bites her lip, 'shall I call Steve now?' Bucky shakes his head, 'no, I'm going to take a shower, you should… I'm sorry, about all this.' He looks around at the dishevelled couch, cushions everywhere.

Andi watches him go, feeling cold and alone. 'I'll just wait here.'

AN: There we go, part 2 on Sunday, what are Steve and Amelia up to and how will they react about this situation?

Everything is happening so fast, I don't think Andi has that much time to process everything but she loves him so much that she will fight for him in any way, even if she makes things worse.

I know most people would want to confront something like this, but have the rationality not to, it would only make things worse. Andi is not one of those people.