AN: Thanks for reading, happy Sunday Stay safe. X

Usual disclaimer applies.

Chapter 34: Cross Your Heart

'Good morning! Big day! Nice few days off?' Amelia looks over at her slimy colleague, she turns back to the drinks machine, waiting for her hot chocolate to release. 'Why is that, Richard? Huh? Please riddle me with your wisdom.' He shrugs, smirking 'word is, a big announcement is coming from your boyfriend's crew. Care to offer an early statement on that?' She grabs the cup and looks up at him, 'yeah, I have a statement for you, but it's not suitable for the breakfast show. So push off.' She walks away and he follows her, her cup burning her hand and Amelia trying not show it. 'Want me to carry that?' He offers smugly, she bites back, 'no, I can do it.'

He walks beside her, hands moving as he dreams of news headlines 'I've got really high hopes, a split down the centre of the city's precious heroes, casualties of a bitter feud, people going to the dark side, sudden disappearances as the lunchbox heroes go deep underground. I've been working on the by-lines.' Amelia sighs and keeps walking, 'well, I hope you aren't disappointed.' He tries to read into what she means and he stops, as she takes a seat at her desk.

He peers down at her, 'wow, you look... pregnant.' Amelia rolls her eyes, 'funny, 'cause I am, like fifty months pregnant, it never ends.' He leans against the walls of her cubicle, 'when do you finish?' Amelia shakes her head, 'as if you don't know.' He holds up his palms, 'just trying to be nice.' She looks about and there's colleagues watching them, whispering about them, wondering if they are going to fight again.

She admits, 'two weeks, then my baby sister is getting married.' Rich grins at her, like a cat with a canary, 'aw, fun, are you involved?' She leans back, looking to the sky, him being nice is almost even more annoying than him being an asshole. 'Yes, Rich! The key word being sister. Can't you guess? I'm a bridesmaid, didn't the rotund belly and sweaty glow give that away? Anyway, why are you being so friendly, what do you want? And again, like hell you don't know when I finish, it's probably circled on your calendar.'

He smirks, 'well, you wouldn't know, you've never been into my plush office, with a real door and a view. But still, it's nice that you are out here with the rabble, taking one for the team.' She scowls at him and a colleague interrupts them, passing over some papers, 'for you, sir. Breaking news.' Amelia watches him, knowing what he's about to read. Despite that, she feels her hands grow clammy and her heart race. Rich looks at her arrogantly, 'let's see what our vigilantes have decided, shall we?' He reads the press release quickly and stares at the paper. His jaw grips in frustration and Amelia hides her smile, 'can I take a look? Can't wait to see what they've decided on.'

She wiggles her fingers and he reluctantly passes it to her, she skims it quickly, exactly as she expected. 'Wow, so they are signing, they will keep serving for the safety of the country, they will protect civilians as before. Woah, happy days, right?' Amelia can't help the self-satisfaction and stretches her legs out fully, 'bummer for you, but still, everyone likes a happy headline.' He frowns down at her, leaning closer 'you think this is good, do you?' He snatches it back and challenges her, 'there's no way they will have all signed, you're foolish if you think it's this peachy over there. They won't last, they won't hack it, marching to someone else's drum. A bunch of egotistical "heroes" like that.' Amelia tries to ignore his opinions and remain unmoved, staring at her screen intensely. Taking a deep breath, she turns to him, 'what is it with you and this, Rich? Did your cat stay up a tree too long? Because Avengers were too busy helping with a real issue?' He just looks at her, never blinking and Amelia swallows under his glare, he scoffs 'you're clueless, this will blow up and you'll be left with nothing, your eggs are quite literally in the wrong basket.' Amelia fakes an impressed face, 'ooh use that as a headline. I had another scan yesterday, if you want pictures for your exposé.'

Richard leans into her, Amelia doesn't think he can get much closer 'I know all about you and your boyfriend. Say, how come you aren't married? Oh, is it because he's wedded to the Million Dollar Man that he hangs around with and we all know he won't sign, after what he's been through. A revolution against the constitution, one finger up to system, that's too good of an opportunity to miss. Plus, Bucky? Is it? He's done enough to redeem himself of his crimes, how did you put it? Saved enough cats up trees. Well let's imagine someone left a nuke in a tree and then they were too busy to pop by, would you want your kids riding their bikes down below? And you're telling me metal man does it out of the goodness of his heart? It's not some screwed up deal he made? For the redemption points?' Amelia feels like she can't breathe, unsure how he knows some of this stuff. He looks genuinely angry and she recoils a little, shocked by his aggression.

Suddenly sick of him and feeling protective, she leans back towards him with new found confidence, the wheels of her chair scuffing his shiny shoes. 'You're a snake, you're bitter about your headlines and you will stop at nothing to get the big catch. But the people will respect this decision. Just… You better get down to the couch, Rich. Beth is about to run with interest rates as her lead story, but this is way juicier. Don't miss out.'

He steps back, waving the paper at her, 'there's more to this and I'll find it. You can bet on that. I'll still take your comment at any time. Captain America's Surrogate? Hmm, I could do better, but seeing as you're here already. Saves me some effort. Still, it's better than widow, right?'

Amelia feels a chill run down her spine, gripping her arm rests as she watches him walk away, calling to everyone on the floor, 'hey! New top story, breaking news. Check your inboxes. We are going live with this, first thing.' She remains still, long after he has gone, eventually dropping back in her seat, her hands shaking from the tense conversation. Trying to regain her pulse and biting her nails, thinking about his callous words. She wonders if she should be more concerned about this guy, she thought he just wanted to get on in TV and now she's worried he's plotting something awful.

Later, she looks across and spots Natalie, trying to forget the last interaction, relaxing the best she can and intent on fixing this relationship. She manages to stand up and her legs feel shakey from the weight and Richard's cold words. 'Hey….'

Natalie sees her coming and nods in response, Amelia closes her eyes. The older woman appears sad and not her usual warm, happy self. 'Natalie, I'm so sorry… that I insinuated… I know you would never do that, please? Let me off the hook, it's been a crazy few days. I'm truly sorry.' Amelia reaches for her hand and holds it too tightly. Natalie pauses, 'I didn't get you a drink this morning.' Amelia looks down sadly, feeling like that's a message.

Natalie walks around and passes her something, it's a gift bag and Amelia accepts it softly, peeling her clammy hand away and peaking inside, she grins.

Pulling out a Captain America baby grow, Amelia laughs, 'cute, thank you.' Natalie nods, then jokes 'so, he's ok?' Amelia smiles gratefully, welling up a little. 'If I call 9-1-1 now, will Iron Man come running?' Amelia chuckles dryly, 'something like that.' Natalie gives her a hug, she whispers 'you're shaking, what's going on?' Amelia's façade cracks a little, 'I have so much to tell you.'

Natalie pulls back smiling, 'we have time, let's not do it here, take something away from this big old mess. Obviously there are ears everywhere. But hey, let's start with the good, what is that big rock on your finger? No, actually, not here. Later.' Amelia looks down, big rock is an exaggeration, it's a simple diamond band, unassuming but strong like a young Steve Rogers. Amelia mumbles, 'it's not like that, wrong hand, see? It's just a ring, you know, with the baby and everything.' Natalie looks sceptical, nodding 'sure, whatever.'

Natalie stretches, 'anyway, got to go, just got a big news story. But, know this, I'm so ready for this stripper on Saturday! It's on. Been saving my dollar bills!' Amelia smiles genuinely, pleased to be back to normal, at least for now. 'Bucky helped me book it, I have very high hopes.' Amelia kicks her bag under her desk and follows Natalie down to the studio, checking her watch, Amelia queries 'how is it five thirty am and you've already had drama?' Natalie shrugs, 'that's the world you live in now, that's for sure.'

…

Andi stares at the holographic screen, folding her arms across herself. 'Well, that's done,' Tony announces, shutting the news station off. 'And in other big news, looks like the tower has a buyer.' Andi manages a tight smile, 'that's… good.' Tony agrees, he resumes tapping at his keyboard, eyeing her intermittently, 'why so glum?' Andi exhales, 'just all of this, so much change. Everywhere I look.' Tony points across to her, 'yes, but think of all the time you will have for wedding planning crap, with the lovely Bucky Barnes.'

'Have you decided what will happen to them? The ones who don't sign?' Tony's shoulders drop, 'you mean, won't sign. Well, until we actually sign our names in permanent ink, I have faith they might come to their senses. But if they don't, they can stay working with the team, but no field missions, no ground work. Can't see your boyfriend will go in for that, can you? A desk job?' Andi doesn't answer, looking down at her light grey Stark uniform. She wonders if she will still be here in a year's time, she knows whatever Bucky chooses will impact her greatly.

'Anyway, I'm bored of this now, what time do you want me on Saturday?' She looks at him quizzically and he continues, 'the bachelorette party, you hired a stripper and you're looking at him.' She laughs loudly, 'uh, not that kind of stripper, Mia would want her money back.'

Tony looks offended. 'You're mean!' He calls, 'did you set that thing up with that guy?' Andi nods, 'yeah, it's booked in.' Tony looks impressed, 'we're really on a wavelength now, don't you think?' She just smiles, 'I booked in Bucky's arm as well, he's thinking post wedding, that ok?' Tony agrees, 'yes, providing he's not jumping off buildings late at night, taking the law into his own hands by then.' Andi scans Tony's diary, 'I found that address you wanted as well, Queens, put it in your address book.' Tony thanks her, grabbing his coffee and slurping it loudly. 'It's not a kid you fathered in your youth, is it?' Andi asks in genuine concern, Tony smirks, but doesn't answer.

'So, PA, you want your own place at the compound?' Andi looks up in surprise, 'what?' Tony shrugs, 'I mean, yeah, makes sense, you'd be living at the office, does it get more efficient?' Andi stills, thinking about it, 'I mean, I guess, Mia knows I'm planning to move out, but I just thought I'd stay with Bucky.' Tony shakes his head, 'it's not a motel and besides, if people aren't rolling with A-crew anymore they don't really need apartments, do they?' Andi's eyes widen in horror, 'you're kicking them out?' Tony tries to brush her off, 'I'd give them notice, few months, probably? But sure, it's not a charity, my tech analysis team don't live here, it's a perk of a very dangerous job and if Barnes ends up behind a desk, he doesn't need a room.' Andi is trying to work this out in her head, she decides not to say anymore, 'but don't tell him yet, or the others, don't need a mutiny on our hands.'

'Did I tell you, I'll be at your wedding? Just need a plus one.' Andi looks over, her daze broken, 'uh, no, you never RSVP'd, a few people haven't, got to chase them this weekend.' Tony feels bad, looking at her morose expression. 'You need to cheer up, it's all just talk right now, I'm sure Barnes can keep his room, as long as he's a good boy. And don't worry, I'm also bringing Pepper to your big do, so the numbers already look better.'

'You need someone to walk you down the aisle?' Andi scoffs, 'you? Like hell! My dad's coming, you idiot.' Tony comments 'huh, this could be the last time we're all together, no pressure on throwing an epic party.' Andi nods numbly, 'yeah, I guess.' It feels like her boss is just delivering blow after blow today.

He strolls over and stops in front of her, 'love will conquer everything,' Andi looks at him slowly and he shrugs, 'I heard that somewhere, maybe a song? But keep believing it, yeah? And cheer up, you're bringing down the mood. It's a good day, the Avengers still exist.'

…

Andi is getting ready in her bedroom, clipping on a pair of large plastic earrings. Bucky is sat on the bed behind her, reading and smirking at her bride to be sash, 'you excited?' Andi nods, grabbing her drink from the chest of drawers and knocking it back with a gasp. 'How many of those have you had?' he asks and she winces at the strong taste, 'only two.' He chucks his book onto the bed and watches her, 'party hasn't started yet, it's courtesy to be sober when your guests arrive.' She smiles his way, trying to boost her mood with the amber liquid. 'You should go, it's women only.' Bucky chuckles, 'yeah, guess I still have a job to do until the end of the month.' Andi looks down sadly, sorrow crushing her chest at the mere mention. 'Hey, don't let it get you down, it's your night. You still have a job.' She turns to him and his eyes double, 'what's going on at your ears?'

'Penises,' she admits calmly, he nods, 'fair enough.' He holds his arms out to her and she softens, climbing onto the bed. She settles next to him, he looks down at her long legs, poking out a short denim skirt, a band t-shirt tucked in. 'You are becoming like your boss,' he jokes, nodding at the shirt. She grins, 'I have way better taste than him.'

Bucky strokes her hair, as she cuddles him close, 'I don't feel like partying much.' Bucky feels bad for her, 'you will, everything will be ok.' She looks up at him, 'why are you convincing me?' He shrugs, 'you're the sad one.' She doesn't like that reflection and suddenly she's straddling him, 'I'm not sad, just a little blue. Let's talk about anything but this. Did you get the rings? I had them mailed to you.' He smiles and nods, 'yeah, they are locked in my desk at work.'

'Not long now,' she smiles, 'I've been thinking, I'm going to do it.' He confused, 'I'm going to go for Barnes.' Bucky looks up, his tongue caught on the surprise, 'is that ok?' She panics and he nods, clearing his throat 'yeah, I'm just… yeah.'

'Andi Barnes,' he tries out quietly and she shakes her head, 'no, Andrea Barnes, maybe it's time to grow up.' Bucky can't take her too seriously, the plastic appendages swinging beside her face, he knocks one and jokes 'yeah, maybe.'

'Hey, don't touch my dongs!' Bucky rolls his eyes at her, patting her thighs, 'climb off, you need to get ready.' Andi kisses him and quickly swings away, bending down and looking under her bed for her ankle boots.

'Oh, I've got something to show you, it's mind blowing. With everything over the last few days, I forgot, but really, it's made me look at him so differently.' She throws a pair of clunky boots onto the bed and pulls her head out, breathing loudly, slightly red in the face. She pads across to the nightstand and finds her phone. 'Then you need to go, it's my bachelorette party, the bachelor can't be here!'

She fiddles for a while, passing over her phone 'watch, just watch.' She kisses him and runs off, 'bathroom! I'll be back. Then you need to go! I'm serious.' She jogs from the room and he grins after her, he thinks for a moment about Andrea Barnes and feels the same nervous feeling in his lower abdomen, he shakes it and refocuses on the screen before him. Pressing play, nothing happens, 'damn thing,' next time a video starts. It's a bit shaky and filmed on someone's phone. But he can easily make out Stark presenting and he realises this must be the MIT gig she mentioned. Bucky raises his brows at the way they applaud him, like some sort of God. Tony is surrounded by white boxes and Bucky's bored already. Wiping his face and wondering why he's being subjected to this.

Quickly the white boxes transform and the stage appears to change before his eyes, into a living room. He can hear gasps from the audience and people chatting close to the camera phone, 'can you believe this?' Someone shouts and even Bucky finds himself quietly impressed.

His eyes land on a woman playing piano in the centre of the room. She's wearing pale blue and Bucky isn't sure what this has to do with money for students. The footage zooms closer and a man wanders in, the woman speaks and Bucky freezes.

Pulling back, but quickly re-looking, staring at the phone screen.

The man pulls a blanket off something and a young Tony clambers off the couch, moaning, but Bucky can only focus on the woman. Suddenly realising these are Tony's parents. He's confused, he knew Howard, that isn't Howard, could it really be? Bucky's hand is shaking and he looks between the people on the screen.

His eyes scan the woman's pale blue suit again, something about the blue. His eyes locking on her pearl necklace, something clicking inside his head.

He shakes himself, a pain at the back of his neck, a cold chill running through him. He realises he remembers them, he's met them. He's seen the pearls before. He recalls the pale blue blood-stained suit. Images of a pearl necklace snapping, beads rolling into a footwell of a burning car.

He still can't quite work it out, he doesn't know how or why he recognises her. This isn't the Howard he remembers. Long gone is the cock-sure, dark haired, scientist of his late teens.

He grips the phone tighter, shutting it off at the side by accident. He curses but somehow manages to restart the device and the video continues. The man now talking to the woman, mentions of holidays, the Pentagon and suddenly Bucky knows.

He swallows.

Punches. The burning car. A broken necklace. Her broken necklace. Smoke. "Sargent Barnes." Screams of "Howard!"

Bucky throws the device away as if it itself is burning in his palm. It bounces and hits the floor. 'Shit, shit, shit,' Bucky chants as he stands up. 'No, no… no. Not right. No… gotta be… there's…' Bucky grips his head, willing away the memories. He pictures the woman playing piano, then the same woman screaming in the front seat of her car. The white-haired man crumpled beside the vehicle, saying his name, recognising him. Bucky staring down at him, gun in hand. Finishing the job.

Bucky moves quickly, his breathing erratic, his heart knocking against the wall of his chest. He replays what he's just seen, trying to piece it together. It mixes with his own memories that are seeping back in, like oil steadily poisoning the clear sea, his mind murky and plagued by the evil.

He looks up at a sound and rushes urgently, running from the room. Shooting down the stairs, grabbing his jacket from the bannister and rushing out the front door, slamming it behind him.

Amelia steps into the hallway, shortly after the sound, looking about in confusion, 'hello?' No response.

Andi walks back into her room, 'mind blowing or what?' She looks around, but he's gone. She spots her phone on the floor, bending she grabs it, 'nice. Bye then.' It's not unusual behaviour, he doesn't like parties, let alone a group of raucous bride hecklers.

Strolling down the stairs, she smiles at her sister. Amelia is looking at the door in confusion and Andi explains 'it was Bucky, told him to get lost, this is a Bucky free zone tonight.' Andi looks over at her sister, carrying a tray of pigs in blankets. She grins at her sweet, pale pink dress with a glittery collar. Her hair curled and wavy over one shoulder. 'What are those?'

Amelia looks down, explaining 'the British call them sausage rolls, I googled penis shaped food.' Andi laughs and Amelia smiles coyly, 'you look pretty, it's nice to see you happy.' Andi appears bashful, 'hmm yeah, still doesn't feel right, having a party. But hey, forget me, you look amazing, look at those shoes.' Amelia pulls an unamused face, 'they were lovely when I bought them, but who knows what they look like on. Can't see.' Andi stares down at the glittery wedged sandals, 'like if you click them, you'll end up back in Kansas.' Amelia smiles warmly, 'or Maine?' Andi nods sadly, wondering 'that still happening?' Amelia walks into the lounge, placing the food on the table they have propped. 'I hope so, one day this century, I need to be there for Steve first and foremost.' Andi peers around the room, 'wow, this place looks amazing, you've gone all out.'

'You're my little sister, it's exciting. Soooo, we have penis pasta salad, cocktail sausages, mini hot dogs, gherkins. I've got pretty creative with some bananas, if I do say so myself. Uhhh what else…' Andi watches her, Amelia clearly enjoying herself a little too much. She looks about, pink balloons and blow-up rings scatter the room, music playing softly, favour bags, bunting, a cocktail station and a tower of cupcakes with small fondant brides on top. 'This is amazing, I mean how did you do this? And on your own?' Amelia puffs out proudly, patting her tummy, 'Steve has Rosie at the tower, Natasha and Wanda helped me, I think they appreciated the distraction. They didn't talk to each other much, but that made for some fast working. I sat there and had a mocktail, shouting instructions, it was fabulous.' Amelia shrugs and grabs a breadstick, 'I bought only phallic food.' Andi looks around, there's no cohesion to the spread, only the crude shapes.

Amelia watches her sister wander around the room, gazing at the decor. She's exhausted already. Looking down at her hand warmly and remembering Steve proposing in this very room, just a few days ago. She thinks about telling Andi, but quite likes it being just their secret.

Amelia lights up, 'we have about thirty minutes before people arrive. You ready?'

…

Bucky rides the elevator, staring hard at the ground, he feels hot and then cold, reaching for his forehead, feeling damp sweat. 'Shit.' He leans back and looks up, the man and woman's faces flickering into his mind. He shakes himself, reminding his mind that they aren't there. He wonders how he didn't know, he's seen pictures, but not of that Howard, always young Howard.

He pictures Tony and swallows. He pants, hitting the buttons, willing it to move faster. Scrunching his face and closing his eyes, he bangs his head with his palms, trying to knock the realisation back to where it came from. The doors slide open and Natasha and Wanda are waiting, Bucky doesn't look at them, missing them dressed up as they head for where he came from. He keeps his head down, letting both pass. 'Wish us luck,' Natasha kids dryly and Bucky grips his hands at his sides.

Looking up, he sees Steve sat with Rosie watching a movie.

Watching their heads from behind, leaning together, Rosie's feet kicking as she points to something on the TV and explains.

Bucky stands there, statue still, until Steve senses him. His best friend double takes over his shoulder and half smiles, 'hey, you ok?' Bucky says nothing and Steve suddenly panics but tries to keep it from his voice, Bucky stares at him, trying to communicate. Steve nods and shuffles, looking down at the little girl, curled against him 'hey, I just need to help Uncle Bucky with something, will you be ok?' Rosie nods, sucking her thumb and sliding down the couch, transfixed by the screen as he moves away.

Steve leads Bucky to his room and lets him through. Once inside, Bucky rips his jacket from himself., feeling stifled and strangled. Steve is confused and concerned, 'hey, hey, what's going on? Is Andi ok?' Bucky pushes his hands into his hair, tearing at it. He lets out an anguished cry and Steve panics, 'Bucky? What's going on? What's wrong?' Steve can hear movement and steps into the hall calling back, 'watch the film, Rosie. Tell me what happens. Uncle Bucky… just… stubbed his toe.' Steve stares back at his friend, closing the door, 'what's happened?' Bucky is sat on his couch, almost rocking, 'I remember them.' Steve shakes his head in utter confusion, 'who? What's going on?'

'I was just doing, what I was told, my job, that's all. It wasn't me. You believe me, don't you?' Steve settles across from him, 'I… Buck, I can't help, if you don't tell me.'

Bucky grips his head at either side, tugging at his hair. 'I'm a monster.' Steve frowns, perplexed, 'no, you're not. Whatever it is, that's not you. Who do you remember?' Bucky's face crumples. 'It wasn't my fault,' Bucky pleads desperately, 'you believe me, don't you?' Steve nods weakly and Bucky shouts 'you don't!' He stands to leave and Steve tries to calm him down, following after 'I do, I do, I always do, but you're not making any sense.'

Bucky sobers, staring at his metal hand, picturing it around her neck, 'I remember them…' Steve shrugs, 'you've got to help me out, who? Who do you remember?'

'Tony's parents.'

…...

Steve sits with his head in his hands, 'say something?' Bucky begs. Steve does the opposite. He wipes his mouth, pausing and retracing the events Bucky just relayed. 'Say something!' Bucky shouts louder. Steve gazes up at him, 'I… I need to check on Rosie.' Bucky watches him stand and leave, he stops at the door and looks back, but then he disappears.

Bucky hates being alone with his thoughts, the movie reel of that night playing again and again. He grips his head tightly between two hands. 'Stop!' He begs, banging his forehead with his clammy palm. He swings his arm out in anger and knocks a photo off the coffee table, as well as a lamp. He ignores it and stands, pacing the lounge area, looking out the window and pushing his forehead against it. It's pitch-black outside and he can only see himself in the glass. He decides he should go and hurries towards the door, but Steve reappears. 'We aren't done,' his friend advises sternly. Bucky backs up waving an arm in his direction, 'is she ok? Rosalyn?' Steve just nods, Bucky pushes past him, announcing, 'I'll go check,' and Steve stops him, blocking him at the door, 'not a good idea.' His best friend looks firm and Bucky understands the subtext. He swallows.

'You don't trust me with her.' Steve shakes his head, 'I do, but you're in a state and we need to work this out, sit down.' Bucky relents and does as he's told.

Steve resumes his position, opposite Bucky.

'What you remembered, it happened in a previous life, that's not who you are now. You've paid for those crimes in more ways than one. You need to bury this.' Bucky looks up, open mouthed, Steve continues 'trust me, I can hear myself, it's not healthy, but it's all I've got. Unless you want to go back to being an experiment or live the rest of your life behind bars. You were found innocent before, but these are people we know. They are the reason Tony is the way he is now. Tony will not let this go, he would never forgive you, he would chase you down until you pay for this. So, you need to forget that it ever happened and that it ever came back to you. Bank it away as a bad dream. You have to. You are so close to being done, really free. If this comes out…' Bucky nods, unconvinced.

'You can't tell Andi.' Bucky looks up sharply at that, 'of course I can't. And I can't marry her.' Steve's face pinches, 'what? Why?' Bucky stands, shouting 'didn't you hear the story?' Steve watches him pace the lounge, 'I did, but, and I don't want to offend you, but this isn't the first crime of this kind, she knows that, so do you.' Bucky growls, 'yes, but like you said, these are real people, intertwined with our lives, it's getting closer, it's only a matter of time before my crimes are knocking on our doorstep. She knows… him, she likes To… they are friends. I swore I wouldn't ever lie to her, I can't lie to her, walking away might even be easier.'

Steve shakes his head, 'what else could there be to come out?' Bucky cries, 'I didn't think there was this, but obviously there are still things lingering back there, I don't know what to do. Act like it didn't happen, that's your advice? Please! Do better!' Steve stands and walks closer, 'you need to calm down, Rosie is here and…' Steve points above him, intimating to FRIDAY. Bucky pales, 'she's not listening, but if the system detects danger, it will kick in, so take it down a notch.'

Steve rubs his eyes in exhaustion, 'how did you not remember this? Starks are sewn into the history of this place, our history as well.' Bucky stares ahead numbly, 'it was her.' Steve looks up, he never met or knew Tony's mom.

Bucky's eyes drop closed, as if it might be safer there. 'She had this pale blue… I can picture it, covered in her… covered in blood and these pearls. When I uhh, they broke, they snapped. And her voice, she kept screaming his name, it's all I can hear now. She kept pleading for her life, pleading for his. Screaming his name, again and again and again.' Steve swallows audibly, finding it hard to listen. Bucky's leg jumps with nerves and he's visibly shaking. 'He wasn't the Howard we knew, I forgot them… I… took them…'

Steve folds his arms and stares at the ground intently.

Bucky looks at him, 'how are you so calm?' Steve sighs, 'another day, another problem, that's rapidly becoming my life. But we can deal with this. I promise. And most importantly, I know you and I know this wasn't the you I'm here with right now.' Bucky feels guilty, 'I should leave.' Steve watches him, 'if you step outside that door, you start the act right now, you forget it all, ok?' Bucky shakes his head, not making eye contact 'no, I mean leave, disappear. For good.' Steve is taken aback by the idea, 'what?'

Bucky points to himself angrily 'I'm bad news, you see that.' Steve shakes his head, 'what? What about Andi? The wedding? What about me? Rosie?' Bucky pauses, but snaps at the little girl's name 'stop! Stop making this harder!' Steve grabs his shoulders, shaking him a little, 'you're not going anywhere, you belong here, with your family, I'll help you. But you need to bury this, can you do that?' Bucky stares at him, not sure he can do it. He can hear Rosie laughing at the film and something softens inside of him.

After a long time, finally he nods weakly, Steve isn't satisfied, shaking him a little, 'convince me!'

He looks up, surprised by Steve's strong voice, 'ok, ok. Yes, I can do it. I will.'

Bucky peers down sadly, 'I always thought I remembered everyone I… every face. How many more is there, Steve?'

Steve hesitates but pulls Bucky into a hug, 'it will be fine, forget this, ok? We have no other option, you would be giving up everything. You're paying for it enough already. There's no more to give.' Steve can feel the guilt in his own stomach, hearing his own selfish advice, desperate not to lose his friend again.

'What if someone finds out?' Bucky questions quietly into his friend's shoulder, Steve looks over Bucky, towards the door, 'how would they?' Bucky shrugs, 'I don't know.'

Steve pulls back, 'don't leave, ok? We can deal with this, it wasn't you, ok? Hear me. Trust me.' Bucky doesn't get a chance to respond.

'Daddy?' Steve closes his eyes and quickly steps away. He swings the door open and Rosie peers up at him, Mr Goose at her side, her free hand palming her eye. He bends down to her level, wiping her hair 'hey, did the movie finish?' Rosie nods and wanders inside, dragging her feet sleepily. 'Did I miss the end?' Bucky looks at her, terrified the six-year-old can see through him, he steps back and she waves at him but he misses it.

Steve picks her up, standing across from his friend, as she rests her head against his shoulder, 'where's mommy?' Steve explains, 'at a party, remember?' She gives a tired nod, he squeezes her tightly 'you ready for bed?' She yawns and Steve takes that as a yes, kissing her forehead and looking to Bucky. 'Why don't you make us some coffee, Uncle Bucky. Will you be ok?' Steve's question is loaded, secretly asking can you do this? And simultaneously reminding him that he's an uncle, he has a family here. Bucky takes a deep breath, considering, 'uh yes, dinner sounds good, I'll make a start.' He pushes past and Rosie calls sleepily, 'bye-bye, Bucky.' He pauses at the door, wincing at her sweet voice, calling out his name. He doesn't look back at her, picturing her cradled in Steve's arms, curled into his neck. 'Night, Rosalyn, be good.'

AN: oh no.