Threes a crowd

"When we were born colors brightened everything around us. It just existed. But the moment we turned 18 those colors were stripped from us. And until we could find the one we were meant to be with, the one who completes us. The person we would call our soulmate, we didn't see color. But the second we met the eyes of that one special person. Color filled our world, and it was a welcoming sight. "

Brooke Fields struggled, the weight of the debris pressed down on her leg.

"These stupid aliens and uggh" she yelled as she pushed yet again on the non-budging debris. She pulled her ponytail tighter and brushed the hair out of her face.

"Need a hand?" She looked up into the eyes of Captain America the actual, real life Captain America, speechless she nodded. The fact was, the person she was talking to wasn't really what surprised her. It was the fact that she could now see colors. It had to mean something right? But...not all colors she learned as she looked around. Only certain things but the rest was in black and white. Pushing that tidbit of knowledge to the back burner for now she watched as he placed his hands on the debris.

He gave a hard shove and it groaned as it moved.

Once the pressure was off her leg she gasped in relief.

"Can you stand?" He asked offering her his hand.

She took it and stood. The second the weight hit her leg she buckled.

In an instant he jumped to catch her.

"I'm guessing with that result no I can't" she said chuckling dryly.

He gave her a side smile and supported her. Putting his finger on an earpiece he spoke to someone.

"Hey, Sam"

"Yeah?"

"I have a civilian who needs an airlift. You busy?"

"I was but I'll head over there, receiving your location now"

He nodded and helped her stand straighter.

Standing straight now she realized she was actually shorter than him. He stood at least a head above her.

"Captain America-"

"Call me Steve" he said as he looked down from looking up at the sky.

"Well, Steve I-"

"Cap! Above you" the voice filtered through his earpiece again.

Steve extended her arms for her and looked her in the eye.

"In a few seconds he is gonna grab your arms, ok? Don't let go"

She nodded and was about to thank him when a pair of hands grabbed hers. In seconds she was being lifted in the air.

"Oh my gosh!" She screamed as she watched the ground fly by underneath her feet.

"Don't worry I got you" the voice said from above her.

She looked up to see the Falcon flying her to the nearest hospital.

He dropped her gently on a empty stretcher.

Without a word he left. She watched him leave as the doctors took care of her.

Steve nervously held the flowers as the elevator took him up.

The stems looked a little worse for wear because of his fidgeting.

He stood up straight as the doors opened. The nurse led him to a room and motioned him inside. She left and he walked in.

The girl he had saved this morning laid in the bed looking out the window.

Her reddish brown hair was down now and it reached her shoulders with a slight wave.

"Hey, need a hand?"

Recognizing his voice she turned around and a small smile brightened her face and being able to now see that face in color because of her made his breath catch.

"Nah, I think I'm good" she said as the smile widened.

Her dark brown eyes were bright and his gaze went to her lips that were formed tight in a grin.

"So, what are you doing here?" She asked her smile shrinking.

"I-I think you know" he said.

Her face grew serious and she nodded.

"Yeah I do"

"I saw color and I don't even know your name"

"Brooke"

"What?"

"My name..it's Brooke"

He gave a side smile and sat gently on the bed.

"These are for you" he handed her the flowers.

"Thank you... their beautiful"

"I see color..well not all of the colors"

"What do you mean?''

"I mean when I saw you I saw color yes but not all the colors just some and the rest is black and white"

He understood and took her hand.

"I know we just met today but I want to figure this out with you"

She looked like she was about to say something when Bucky barged in.

"Hey Steve, Fury needs us, he sent me to get...you"

He looked up to see Bucky and Brooke staring at each other and the look in Bucky's eyes looked exactly like Brooke's had earlier that morning.

"Hey I'm James Barnes how are you?" He asked.

She smiled and looked like she was about to answer when his phone went off.

He pulled out his phone and nodded at her.

"Feel better, ok?"

"I will" she said smiling.

Walking out he grabbed Bucky's arm and dragged him out.

"Hey!" Bucky pulled his arm out.

"We gotta go" he said.

Bucky said nothing as they left and Steve was curious as to why.

Bucky listened as Fury droned on about a mission.

His thoughts kept going back to that girl. The one who made him see color.

But he saw how Steve reacted. He wanted to ask her what she saw but he had no claims on the girl. He didn't even know her name. But the way her face filled with shock he had a feeling she saw them too.

The only question was, did Steve like her too? If Steve liked her first he wouldn't interfere. He deserved someone especially since Peggy passed away. But the small part of him that was selfish wanted to be with her. After all she was his soulmate. But was he hers?

Brooke smiled with relief as she signed her discharge papers. Finally she was getting out of here. After 3 weeks of constant watch and care in the hospital she was finally able to get out. Steve was pushing her wheelchair while Bucky was carrying her stuff. She cared about both of them but she had no idea what to do. She saw color with both of them. Half with Steve and the other half with Bucky. She was scared. What did it mean?

Without words Bucky placed her things in the car and before Steve could stop the chair he picked her up and looked at Steve.

"The door"

Steve stared at Bucky but said nothing as he opened the door.

He placed her inside making sure her legs were comfortable.

"You good?" He murmured in her ear, making her breath catch.

"Yeah" she said breathless.

The hospital staff watched as she got waited on hand and foot by two very attractive superheroes. She just knew she would be the topic of all the gossip. She gave a weak smile and wave as they both got in the car and Steve started the engine.

The entire drive home was made in awkward silence.

"We should go do something fun"

"Why?"

"What?"

Were the only replies from the two heros.

"Well...we could go to a bar...do some karaoke. I love karaoke"

Steve glanced at her and for the first time that day, grinned.

"That sounds like fun" Steve said.

"Not really" Bucky spoke up from the back seat.

"It's too dangerous" he added.

She almost smiled at his concern.

"The more reason to do it. I'm tired of being careful I just spent 3 weeks in a hospital doing nothing. I want to get out and live a little"

She could hear him sigh and knew she had won.

"Fine but the second you start hurting we're out. Got it?"

"Aye aye Sarge"

Steve stifled a laugh while she grinned. Taking a look in the rear view mirror she saw Bucky holding in a smile of his own.

Steve sat down as Brooke hobbled on the crutches over to the karaoke.

Bucky sat down next to him and looked straight ahead.

"Are we good?" He asked still watching Brooke.

"Yeah...yeah we're good" Bucky said looking at him with the hint of a smile on his face.

Music blared through the building and they both faced the front.

She motioned to Bucky and he shook his head no.

"I don't sing"

"Please" she asked.

He resigned and stood up joining her on the stage.

Brooke

I think of you when the wind blows

Bucky

(every night I've been countin' the days)

Brooke

I see your face almost everywhere

Bucky

('cause I just wanna be there when you wake)

Brooke

Sure, maybe Salt Lake is not close

Bucky

(Denver always seems so far away)

Brooke

But I'm still breathin' you in deep

Bucky

(but I hope you know that we're still close)

Brooke/Bucky

Because

Brooke

The best part is knowin' there's somethin' in my dreams that always makes me smile, it's you

Bucky

(Even when you and I are worlds apart, I hold you in my heart)

Brooke

The best part is knowin' there's someone in my life that makes it all worthwhile

Bucky

(Even when I'm a thousand miles away, I wish that I could stay with you)

Brooke

It's you

When I don't know what to do

Bucky

(I shouldn't fear)

Brooke

Know I'm never givin' up, never givin' up on you, baby

Bucky

('Cause I'm never givin' up, never givin' up on us, baby, I wish you were here)

Brooke

There's no need to be blue

Because the best part is knowin' there's somethin' in my dreams that always makes me smile, it's you

Bucky

(Even when you and I are worlds apart, I hold you in my heart)

Brooke

The best part is knowin' there's someone in my life that makes it all worthwhile it's you

Bucky

(Even when I'm a thousand miles away, I wish that I could stay with you)

Brooke

You, you

You, you, it's you

Bucky

(With you

I wish that I could stay with you)

Brooke

It's you

Their voices faded out as they stared breathlessly at each other. She meant it as a joke because he didn't sing. But the second he started singing he captivated her. She wasn't able to take her eyes off of him. He apparently felt the same as he tore his eyes away and put the mic up as they applauded.

She put hers up and gave a slightly awkward bow due to the cast. He helped her with her crutches and was about to help her go down the stairs but before he could Steve was up there.

"Wanna sing with me?" He asked and without waiting for an answer he set a song up.

She just shrugged her shoulders and smiled as he let Bucky leave and grabbed the mics.

The music started and she watched as he grinned at her.

She cared deeply for this man who unknowingly saved her life.

Steve

I fell in love with the only girl

Who knows what I'm about

Brooke

I fell in love with a boy

And I can't tell if I fell out

After all said and done

I can't just pretend I'm movin' on

Steve

Is it just a part we're playing?

'Cause it don't feel like we're faking

Both

When we're underneath the lights

My heart's no longer broken

For a moment

Just for a moment

When we're singing side by side

There's so much left unspoken

For a moment

Just for a moment

A moment in love (Just for a moment)

A moment in love (Just for a moment)

Brooke

But is a moment enough?

Steve

Way, way back then

Always dreamed it's you and me until the end

Brooke

Now, we can't play pretend

And I'm scared to talk to my best friend

Should I stay or let you go?

Will you love me when the curtains close?

Steve

Is it just a part we're playing?

'Cause it don't feel like we're faking

Both

When we're underneath the lights

My heart's no longer broken

For a moment

Just for a moment

When we're singing side by side

There's so much left unspoken

For a moment

Just for a moment

A moment in love (Just for a moment)

A moment in love (Just for a moment)

Steve

But is a moment enough?

Brooke

Maybe

Your heart still stops when you see me

Maybe it's worth another try

Better place, better time

When she sung those lines both men came into her mind. She loved both and she didn't know if she could ever choose between such amazing men. She couldn't stand to lose either of them.

Both

When we're underneath the lights

My heart's no longer broken

For a moment

Just for a moment (Just for a moment)

When we're singing side by side

There's so much left unspoken

For a moment

Just for a moment

A moment in love (Just for a moment)

A moment in love (Just for a moment)

Steve

But is a moment enough?

Both

When we're underneath the lights

My heart's no longer broken

For a moment

Just for a moment

They bowed and he helped her back to her seat.

"Well... that was a blast. Wasn't I right?"

They both looked at her, their looks more serious. Then Steve smiled his whole face easing into it like it was perfect.

"It was fun. You were right" he said.

She grinned and punched Bucky in the shoulder, making sure it wasn't the metalone.

They laughed and shared a few drinks before they took her home.

Bucky tossed and turned all night.

The sound of her voice and her face kept popping into his mind. He couldn't stop thinking of her and that song they sung. The way she glanced at him while singing. Her laugh contagious. He had never felt like this before. He had been the Winter Soldier he didn't need anybody and they didn't need him. But yet...being around her made him forget all about the horrors he did all the nightmares he created and the nightmares that kept him awake in the day and during the night. Giving in to the restlessness he sat up drenched in sweat. He got dressed and walked in to the kitchen forgetting he didn't put his arm on he was confused when he tried to open the fridge and his arm, that wasn't on, didn't respond correctly. Sighing he used his other arm. Even now she had his mind and his heart. As he went back to bed an hour later he silently hoped that he would be able to sleep and that the nightmares didn't plaque him.

Steve stared at the ceiling. His heart a turmoil of emotions. So much that he didn't know what they all were. He was starting to fall in love with this woman who made him see the world in a whole new light and not just because she made him see color. Her perspective on the world was refreshing and new and made him get a new look at things. He was jealous because she seemed to get along great with Bucky but yet embarrassed of the fact that he felt that way. She wasn't his. He felt guilty for betraying Peggy even though she would not have wanted him to grieve her forever. He was also scared. Scared she wouldn't pick him. Scared he would never have a soulmate. Scared he would eventually die...all alone.

Brooke struggled to fall asleep as her own heart betrayed her. This wasn't supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be easy she was supposed to have one soulmate, fall in love with that one person and be happy with her life but it wasn't that easy she couldn't choose between two guys. She tossed and turned. Eventually she gave up. Walking out to the main room of the avengers mansion, which was where she was staying while her house was being re-modeled after the fight the avengers had recently. She opened the fridge getting some grapes and a bottle of water not hearing the footsteps behind her. She turned and nearly dropped her water and her bowl of grapes. James stood there in nothing but his pajama pants. His bare chest was heaving and covered in sweat. Much like Steve he also stood about a head above her.

"You ok?"

The words were out of her mouth before she saw the terror in his eyes.

"You had a nightmare didn't you?"

Not responding he wiped a hand over his face and looked away.

"James?"

He stiffened hearing the name but said nothing.

"You can talk to me, you know that right?"

"Yeah..." His voice was raspy as if he had been screaming but no sound came out.

He swallowed and tried again.

"Yeah..yeah I know" his voice clearer.

"Here" she handed him her water and he shot her a grateful look.

"Let's sit" she said grabbing his hand and leading him to the couch.

His short brown hair was messed up as though he had ran his hands through it several times. He looked around, still shaken from whatever it was that woke him.

"Hey" she grabbed his face firmly with both hands and forced him to look at her.

"It wasn't real, you know that and I know that. It wasn't real James, it wasn't real"

His eyes finally focused and until that moment she hadn't realized how close she was to him. His face mere inches apart.

She licked her lips suddenly wishing she had taken a sip of that water. His gaze immediately dropped to her mouth.

"James.." but the words died on her lips as he kissed her.

She wanted to pull away. If this happened she would have a lot harder time trying to choose between the two. But it was as if this magnetic force was holding her in place. She gave in and slid her hands to his shoulders. She didn't know how long it lasted but the one thought in her mind was that she didn't want it to stop. He pulled away and realization hit and he jumped back.

"I'm so sorry I shouldn't have done that" he stood up and started pacing.

"No, don't apologize, we're both at fault"

He sat back down with his face in his hands.

"I don't regret kissing you back James" she whispered.

He looked up and when she found herself scooting closer she didn't stop.

She grabbed his face again but gently this time.

"I think...I think I might be falling in-love with you James"

"What about Steve?"

"I-"

Seeing that she was unable to answer his shoulders relaxed from being so tense and it was as if he recoiling back into his shell.

"We can't do this, you care about both of us and you need time to sort out your feelings Brooke"

"But James I kn-"

"You don't know Brooke. So instead of hurting us both in the process this should probably stop"

He stood again and this time he left not once looking back.

Brooke stared at the wall in her room. She was shocked at her behavior last night. She told herself that she wasn't going to do anything with either of the guys till she got her head on straight but last nights events played in her head on repeat. She couldn't believe she told James she was falling in-love with him.

"I mean yeah sure I care about him alot but was it love?" She thought.

She turned over and before she could even get out of bed she was floating. But not just her. Her bed was floating as well as her dresser. She cried out and the furniture fell. Scared, she ran downstairs.

Everyone in the room looked at her.

Steve rushed to her side.

"You ok?"

"Yeah..I-I don't know what happened. One second I'm sleeping then the next I'm floating and so was my furniture"

"It sounds like you have powers Miss Fields" Jarvis spoke up.

"No no no no" she said as she held her hands to her head.

"It seems like it" Natasha said.

"So your saying I have powers? Me? The most ordinary, boring girl in this building?!"

"Your not boring" she heard Bucky say under his breath but she made no comment.

"Well let's get you back in there and dressed" Wanda spoke up as she guided her back towards the hall.

"Well wait I-" she started to say when her mind went blank and then there was darkness. Waking up later she was in her bed. The reality of Jarvis's words hit her. She covered her mouth as she gasped and a small sob broke out. She couldn't have powers. This would make everything so much more complicated. She dove into the blankets and covered herself up. She couldn't face them right now, she needed space.

Bucky leaned on the balcony and stared at the cloudy sky. The cold breeze making him shiver. His mouth still felt the kiss he had given to Brooke last night, he still felt her hands take his face. He wanted to tell her he loved her too but he knew her heart wasn't completely his. A part of it belonged to Steve. Shaking his head he walked inside to get his jacket and go for a run.

As he walked in out of nowhere Brooke ran downstairs.

"You ok?" Steve asked rushing over.

"Yeah..I-I don't know what happened. One second I'm sleeping then the next I'm floating and so was my furniture"

"It sounds like you have powers Miss Fields" Jarvis spoke up.

"No no no no" she said as she held her hands to her head.

"It seems like it" Natasha said.

"So your saying I have powers? Me? The most ordinary, boring girl in this building?!"

"Your not boring" he said under his breath but if she heard him she made no comment.

"Well let's get you back in there and dressed" Wanda spoke up as she guided her back towards the hall.

She wore blue striped shorts with a white tank-top.

"Well wait I-" She held her head as her eyes started glowing and she fainted.

"Something weird is going on" Banner spoke up.

"Yeah there is" he added.

"I'll take her to her room" Steve said as he headed upstairs.

Knowing there was nothing he could do he grabbed his jacket and left the building. Needing space he sped up as he left.

Weeks passed and Brooke got more at ease with her powers.

"I've got this" she said confidently.

"Uh-huh" Tony said in disbelief.

"I do! Test me I'll prove it to you" she said confidently.

"Ok" he left and the door closed behind him with a firm click.

"Show us what you got" he said over the speaker.

Suddenly a blast came out of nowhere and she put up her hands in defense. Squeezing her eyes shut she waited for something to happen but when she opened them she saw the blast frozen in front of her. She did it!

Using her hands she fired it into the wall. Blasts fired from all around her but she dodged every single one and even redirected some to the hanger where they were watching.

After a while the simulation shut down and she grinned breathlessly as she gave a small bow.

The doors opened and Bucky was there standing in the doorway a shielded look on his face. He breathed a sigh of relief and rushed in.

"Hey"

"Hey" she said as she hugged him.

"I did it!" She laughed turning she walked out the door to meet the others.

"Well done" Tony said giving her a high-five.

They all congratulated her but Bucky.

Noticing the tension they all left.

"You ok?" She asked walking up to him.

"I'm fine"

"I can tell your lying James. What is it?"

After a while of her staring at him he resigned.

"I-I couldn't stand the fact that Stark put you in there. I was concerned you weren't ready and that you would get hurt"

His confession left her speechless. It had been a month since their kiss and this had been the first real conversation he's had with her besides the short worded 'you ok?', 'goodnight', 'I'm fine' or 'see you'. She had been worried about him.

He met her gaze and seemed to know exactly what she was thinking.

"I'm sorry I haven't been there as a friend or anything else since what happened." He said standing straighter.

She smiled, relieved and he pulled her into his arms. She relished the feeling. Bucky had these walls built around his heart so no one could ever see how vulnerable he was. But she saw through the little cracks in his armor no matter how hard he tried to hide it.

Suddenly a voice that sounded alot like Bucky filtered into her head.

"Man if only I could tell her how much I love her"

She jumped back but he had said nothing and his face was confused.

"You ok?"

"No I-...did you just say something?"

"No..." He answered slowly.

Confused she held her head in hands and left. But the second she got into the room with the others voices filled her head. All of them sounding like everyone else.

"Man I'm tired, maybe Sam will let me cancel our training session"

"it looks like it might rain today"

"I wonder what midguardians do on rainy da-"

"Man I've got such a headache from-"

"I can't wait to see Pepper and Morgan to-"

She held her head and screamed. The voices didn't stop and she fell to her knees.

The voices got louder and repeated again and again. She clutched at her head as she laid down. Curling into a ball on her side she desperately tried to shut them out.

"Get out of my head!" She screamed. Worried, they all crowded around. Not knowing their presence was making it worse.

"Get out!" She screamed as she sobbed.

Bucky ran in and scooped her up into his arms.

"I got you don't worry" he whispered in her ear. But she was too plagued with the voices to pay much mind to it.

He took her upstairs to her room. The further away she got the better she felt. The screams quieted down to a sob. He placed her in her bed and laid the blanket over her.

"You ok?" He asked.

But she didn't hear him. All she heard was his thoughts over and over.

"I hope she's ok"

"I'm scared"

"I can't lose her"

She faced herself to the wall with her back towards him. She went silent and stared at the wall. The tears drying on her face.

"I'll leave you alone" he said. The door clicked behind him and she released the breath she didn't know she was holding.

Her thoughts were her own again with no voices in her head and she sobbed in relief.

Clutching her pillow tighter she cried herself to sleep.

Bucky stared at his metal arm. He flexed his metallic fingers and opened and closed his fist. He wished deep down that he didn't have the walls put up or that when they did come down that he didn't fall too hard or care too much. Seeing her in pain like that killed him. And he felt helpless. Without even thinking his fist hit the wall. He pulled back and punched again and again and again.

Each time he grunted as he banged his other fist on the wall. This is why he couldn't have feelings, why he didn't need anyone. They made him vulnerable and weak. The more he hit the wall the more he felt the walls going back up. After a while he stopped and sighed.

Within moments of him stopping Brooke walked in.

"Hey... you ok?" She asked.

Startled he turned around.

"I should be asking you that" he said.

"I'm fine"

"What happened back there?"

"Nothing I just heard stuff in my head probably a backlash from getting my powers" she said shrugging it off like it was nothing.

"I heard you hitting the wall James. Several times. What's wrong?"

"I can't-" but before he could finish the thought his head felt weird like there was something there.

He looked at her and her face was shocked.

"Brook-"

"Your mad at yourself and think it's all your fault. Why?"

She read his thoughts. He took a step back.

"What are you doing?"

"I don't know. I don't know what's going on" she said trying to reach out to him in her mind. She didn't know what she was doing. He felt her presence in his head and slammed his hands onto his temple.

"Stay out of my head!" He grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards the door.

"James let me go!"

"Get out of my head!"

"Let me go James let go!!"

Ignoring her cries and her fist slamming into his shoulder he pushed her out of the room and closed the door.

He didn't know how she did it but he knew she had to get out.

Steve was walking by when Brooke stumbled out of Bucky's room her eyes wide.

"You ok?" He asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine" she said.

"What's going on?" He asked motioning to the door.

"I have no idea. But it scares me Steve." She said. Combing her fingers through her hair she left heading downstairs.

He opened the door and went in. Bucky was sitting on the bed his head in his hands, his face a horrified expression.

"Bucky? What's wrong?"

"My head, I-I my thoughts"

"Hey!" He said shaking his shoulder.

Bucky snapped out of it and looked up at him.

"She was in my head" he said. Backing away he remembered what happened to Brooke the other day. How she screamed about thevoices in her head.

"Who was in your head?"

"Brooke"

His one worded response had Steve in shock. This had to be part of her powers. The ability to move things with her mind and to read minds. They needed extra help with her. He would wait until he could talk to Tony.

Leaving Bucky to his self he grabbed his jacket. He needed a run. He wondered if Sam would want to join him.

Sitting outside on the stairs she wondered how this new development would affect her relationships with Steve and Bucky. She understood why Bucky reacted the way he did. A week or so ago he told her about what Hydra did to him and the fact that his mind was never really his own. And once he realized that she was in his mind he freaked out. She didn't mean to do that. She had no idea what she was doing. Had no idea of how to control it. She was in a helpless position with a power that was more like a curse than a blessing and a choice between two wonderful guys. Not hearing the steps behind her, Bucky sat down next to her.

"Hey"

"Hey" she said noticing him.

"Look, about earlier. I'm sorry"

"It's ok. I understand why you reacted the way you did"

"But I shouldn't have"

She laid her head on his shoulder and looped her arm through his.

They sat in silence for awhile and it was nice.

After a bit she sat up.

"James I-"

"Brooke!"

She looked up to see Peter running up.

"Mr. Stark asked me to get you"

Nodding she gave Bucky a light kiss on the cheek and stood up.

"I'll talk to you later"

He nodded and stood up as well.

"Actually...he wants you as well"

They both looked at Peter and then back at each other.

"Why would Tony need both of us?" She thought.

Not seeming to see the question in her eyes Peter led them to Tony.

And for some reason she couldn't get rid of this bad feeling that twisted knots into her stomach.

Sitting in the conference room he watched as Bucky and Brooke walked in together. He looked away and focused his attention on the table.

"Ok so now that we're all here let's begin"

He looked up to see Natasha, Clint, Peter, Banner, Thor, Wanda, Vision, Sam, Rhodes, Brooke, and Bucky. They all gathered around the table.

"So here's the mission."

Half-heartedly listening he watched Brooke. She occasionally smiled at him and he gave her a small side smile back. He didn't know where they stood but he really hoped she felt the same way about him that he did her.

Later...

The mission was in full swing and Brooke was waiting for her cue. They had to stop a gang that was smuggling alien tech, mostly weapons.

Her job was to stop any bullets that would hit the avengers.

She was waiting when she saw a small truck heading off to the side.

"There's no bullets right now. I can take care of them and be back in plenty of time" she thought as she took off.

Taking care of the truck was a lot harder than she thought and she was out manned and out gunned.

One of the men snuck up behind her and snapped a collar on her neck.

"What is this?"

"A power dampening collar. This alien tech really comes in handy" one of the men spoke up.

"Give it up missy" an older man said as he leveled the gun at her.

"Look you don't want to do this"

"Oh believe me I do"

He loaded the gun and was about to shoot when a single shot rang out. She flinched and closed her eyes but no pain came.

She opened them to see Bucky single-handedly knock them all out. She was about to say something when something cold and hard pressed against her temple.

"James?"

He looked up and his face widened in shock.

"Drop the gun or she dies"

"James don-"

"Quiet!" The man behind her said as he pressed the gun harder against her head.

"Let her go"

"Drop the gun" the man repeated.

"I don't want to kill you" Bucky said slowly lowering the gun to the ground.

"That's better" he said.

"James!"

Her voice made his head snap up and their eyes met.

"Let me go" she whispered.

"I-I can't" he said equally as quiet.

Suddenly Steve came out of nowhere and it was so chaotic.

The man pulled her against him and her hands went to his arm.

Steve went to get the gun just as Bucky fired and everything was in slow motion.

The man behind her got pulled down by Steve but Bucky's bullet that was meant for the man hit Steve square in the chest.

She gasped as the man's hold on her loosened. She fell to where Steve was laying and immediately put pressure on the wound.

"Stay with me! Don't die, oh please don't die!" She cried as she held her bloody hands to his chest.

Bucky stared in disbelief at the scene ahead of him.

"James! Go get help!"

Her voice got his attention and he jumped up.

"Yeah...yeah" his voice died off as he ran in the opposite direction.

"Oh Steve...stay with me...please! Please stay with me" she sobbed.

Bucky placed back and forth as he waited to hear news.

Brooke walked in and he pulled her into his arms.

"You ok?"

She just nodded her face devoid of emotion.

After a while of silence he offered her a coffee and she spoke up for the first time since Steve was brought in.

"No"

"She speaks. Care to share anything else turning around in that head of yours?"

"He should have shot me"

"What?"

"He should have shot me James, you should have"

"I wasn't gonna shoot you. Who do you think I am?"

"If only he had shot me. Steve wouldn't be in critical care. He wouldn't be dying!"

"I thought I was gonna lose you! I can't lose you. If he had shot you.." he shook his head. "So I took a chance and shot the man. That's how much control you have over me"

"And I'm still here thats how much control you have over me!" She said her eyes watering.

"Listen to us! This is toxic we are in a toxic relationship Brooke I just shot Steve and you find someone else to blame!"

"You want me to blame you! Easy. Done. You messed up James, again"

"Thank you!" He said bitterly

"You put me in a position where I have to defend you again! Where I have to bend my morals again! Where I have to go against every single thing I believe in again! Because I love you!" She said breathless the tears spilling into her cheeks.

"Well then stop loving me!" He said grabbing her arms gentle but firm.

"I can't!"

"Well that's the problem, we don't work"

"I know" she said shaking her head. The tears falling faster with the movement.

"So, we agree. This has to end" he said letting go.

"It already did. It's over, we're over" she said. Her shoulders dropping.

He nodded and without saying anything left.

Brooke looked at Steve in the hospital bed. She couldn't believe her own foolishness led to him getting him shot. She went in and laid next to him. Resting her cheek against his steady rising chest. She was so glad that he was breathing. She had no idea what she would have done if he had died.

"Brooke?"

She sat up to see him looking at her. His eyes squinted and his mouth was set in a grimace, but he was still handsome to her and her face broke out in a smile.

"Steve!" She threw her arms around him and laughed happily.

"Ok ok, I'm happy to see you too" he said putting his arms around her.

After a while she pulled back and sat up on her elbow.

"I was so scared..I thought.." her voice trailer off as they stared at each other.

"Why did you do that? Why did you try to save me?"

"You really want me to answer that?" He asked as he gently wiped a tear away.

"You could have died" she said unable to look away.

"You almost did Brooke. All I know is that in that moment I couldn't think of anything else except your safety. I didn't care if I lived or died. You matter to me"

"And you matter to me" she said and despite whatever she felt for Bucky in that moment she wanted to kiss Steve. There it went again. Her heart betraying her. How was it possible for her to have this much room in her heart for two men. But in the depth of her heart she knew. Knew that only one man was the one for her. But she couldn't admit to herself which one. As her thoughts tumbled about Steve grabbed her face and kissed her. And all the voices in her head, the ones that were her own doubts and fears, were automatically silenced.

She leaned in and lengthened the kiss. The feeling was unlike that of Bucky. He made her feel like fire. Like flames touched every part of her soul and made her feel alive. But with Steve it was like the calm of the storm. The peace after chaos. And that feeling alone made her decide she wouldn't leave. After awhile she pulled away. They stared at each other, breathless.

Suddenly flustered with the way he was looking at her she laid her head on his chest again.

"Can you stay?"

"Yeah..of course" she said as she settled herself deeper into his side. After awhile she felt herself drifting off. The memory of their kiss fresh on her mind.

Steve opened his eyes to see Brooke asleep next to him on the hospital bed. The memory of last night making him smile slightly. She made him so happy. He loved her completely, with his whole being. He proved it to himself and admitted it the second he went to knock that gun out of the guy's hand. But his happiness in knowing this was dampened when he realized that he wasn't the only one in her life. Bucky played an important role as well. He stared at the ceiling and remembered the way her kiss made him feel. It felt like peace and happiness and love. Like his whole body was in slow motion and a feeling of peace spread through his body. Just thinking of the events leading to the kiss he smiled and couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day.

Bucky watched her kiss him and he felt like he was punched in the gut.

Shaking his head he walked away. He knew he had no right to be upset. They kissed once and hadn't talked about it since. Then they ended things between them just recently. And she went running to Steve's arms. He had to admit it hurt.

Later when he had gotten back from his run he headed to the gym and grabbed a punching bag. He didn't know how long it was until someone walked in.

"Bucky?"

He heard Brooke say just as the bag went flying off the wall and shattered when it hit the floor.

He wiped the sweat off of his forehead and grabbed a towel. Looking up he caught her staring. Her eyes darted up to his and she turned beet red.

"I-um Steve is up and wants to talk to you"

"Thanks" he said as he grabbed his shirt.

"I saw you" he said without looking at her.

"What are you talking about?"

"In the hospital. You kissed Steve"

"James.." his name was soft and full of pity on her voice.

"What? You gonna pity me like everyone else?"

"No I'm not I just...I don't know what to say"

"Well I do. I've been broken, I've been bruised but now I'm all in 'cause of you

so if you're gonna love me, love me right, butif you're gonna be someone that hurts somebody just for fun then do it to a heart that isn't mine" he said.

Grabbing his stuff he walked past her without saying a word.

"James! Stop"

He stopped but didn't look at her.

"I can't.." her voice trailed off and he chuckled dryly and looked at her.

"Make up your mind Brooke. I love you but I know Steve isn't gonna wait for you forever and frankly neither am I. You have to choose and soon" he said and left the room not looking back.

Brooke covered the gasp leaving her mouth and tried to hold it in.

She was tired and frustrated and everything with these two guys were making it worse. She didn't know how much longer her herself could hold out. She was wearing thin and she just wanted to be with the one she was supposed to be and be happy. But life kept dealing her these trials that made her seriously doubt happy endings ever existed.

Weeks had passed and Steve was finally back to work. He had missed training with the team and seeing Brooke more than the slight chance she would visit him in the hospital. Bucky was meeting him in the training room that morning and if he was being honest with himself he had no idea what was going to happen. He knew Bucky cared for Brooke and that she cared for him but he had no idea how deep those feelings actually went.

"Hey Buck" he said walking in.

"Hey Steve"

"You ready?"

"I was born ready" Bucky teased as he got into a stance.

He dropped his bag on the ground and got into his own stance. They sparred a bit and then Bucky brought up Brooke.

"I saw you and Brooke in the hospital" he said nonchalantly as he dodged.

"You saw us in the hospital?"

"Kissing"

"Ok, yeah we kissed but it's not that big of a deal"

"Well you know I care for her too Steve" he said out of breath.

"One kiss isn't her making up her mind Buck, she hasn't chosen yet"

"She might as well have. We ended whatever it was that we shared."

"Buck..I didn-"

Bucky knocked his knees out from under him and he landed on his back.

"It's fine you guys are good for each other" he said giving him his hand and helping him up.

"Bucky...she didn't choose either of us yet. But despite who she picks I want us to remain friends. Your my closest and bestest friend. We shouldn't let a woman get in between us."

"I agree" Bucky said grabbing Steve's forearm as he grabbed Buck's.

"Did you guys ever...?" He said letting go and grabbing a towel as well.

"Once. We kissed but that was it. We never even talked about it after the fact."

"If it helps that was the only time I've kissed her too"

"It doesn't but thanks anyway" Bucky saidas he punched his arm.

They walked together as he gathered all of their stuff.

"This was good" he said as they walked out.

"Yeah it was" Bucky agreed.

They both paused to see Brooke heading towards the gym. She smiled at him but when she looked at Bucky her eyes were full of longing. He could tell they needed to talk. Bucky didn't make eye contact instead he focused on the wall or the floor. He would have left them alone already except for the fact that he was still processing that they kissed and had a thing that had ended. But he could tell looking at their faces it was far from over.

"Brooke" he nodded politely and led Bucky away.

"Thanks" he muttered as he left to his room.

He went to his own room but didn't stay. In fact he left to the basement and grabbed a punching bag. Lost in thought he kept punching and punching each punch getting more violent. He was mad, stressed, hurt and each emotion was building itself up until it was ready to combust. He couldn't stand it. At the last second the bag burst open but somehow miraculously stayed on the hook.

He sighed and sat down.

"I can't do this anymore" he thought.

Going to find Brooke he decided that he was going to end things too at least for now. He wasn't going to hurt his best friend.

Brooke was sparring with Clint when Steve walked in. His face was serious so she told Clint to give her a break and stepped aside to talk to Steve.

"Hey"

"Hey"

"You seem serious, you ok?"

"Yeah..Bucky told me you guys kissed" he said not making eye contact.

"Steve.."

"And I uh think it's better if we just have a professional relationship for now. At least until you figure things out. It's not fair to you or me or even Bucky if we're still together. So...yeah thats what I came in here to say and I-"

"Stev-"

"No Brooke. I gotta go" he said turning around and left.

She sighed and pulled her hair up into a ponytail.

"Trouble in paradise?"

She turned to see Clint walking up.

"Haha very funny"

"If you need advice feel free to ask"

"I don't but if I do I know who to ask" she said as she ducked down and swept his feet out from under him. He fell back with a grunt and she laughed as she backed up and offered him her hand. He stood up and shook his shoulders out as he got into another practice stance.

"If Stark wants us to get better at hand to hand combat then that's what we'll do" he said as she also got into another stance.

They sparred a bit more and she groaned as she hit the floor a bit more than she would have liked. When he helped her up for the last time she rolled her shoulders and stretched.

"I think my bed and some pain killers are calling my name" she said.

"It's ok you can admit that I beat you" he said.

"Yeah like that's ever gonna happen. I didn't get beat by you I forfeited"

"Same thing as being beat" he bantered back.

"Yeah sure, I'll beat you next time" she said grabbing her stuff.

He just laughed and she went up to her room. Instead of her normal stretch then a bath routine she stepped into the shower fully clothed and just curled up into her knees. The water was scalding but she didn't mind. She sat there as the water seeped through her clothes. Everything that has happened since the day she met Steve has been full of turmoil and chaos. All she ever wanted was peace and love instead she got these powers and these two guys who loved her. Steve was right she was hurting all three of them and she didn't know how to stop it. Deep down she knew who she wanted to be with but whether or not she was ready to say it out loud was a completely different story. Her heart was swinging towards one person and she wished it was a lot easier to let go of the one it wasn't.

Weeks passed and the two guys didn't talk to Brooke unless it was regarding a mission or a greeting as they passed in the halls. She was starting to miss both of them. Staring outside as she sat in the window seat she hugged her knees to her chest and sighed. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Natasha and Steve talking. Natasha put her finger on his lips and smiled. Steve laughed and took her hands in his.

She sat upright and watched them through the reflection. Was it possible that Natasha was starting to like Steve? She felt her heart lurch. And quickly shut her eyes. She didn't want to watch them flirting with each other she couldn't handle it. Yes right now she wasn't really seeing either of the guys. But she still felt like her heart belonged to them a small piece at least. She opened her eyes and looked again at them. Steve looked happy. His eyes lit up and she knew it then. Natasha helped him in a way she couldn't. She knew that she was hurting him the longer she went without giving him an answer and she knew she couldn't help him if she was avoiding him. Standing up she gathered up all of her courage and walked towards them.

"Brooke?" Steve said as she walked up.

"Yes uh-I need to talk to you" she said as her courage slowly depleted and she started wringing her hands nervously.

Natasha nodded in understanding and left with a small parting smile at Steve.

"So uh what did you want to talk about?"

"Us"

"Oh" he said his shoulders falling.

"Look Steve I know I'm hurting you the longer I wait and I don't want to hurt you anymore"

He held his breath and she knew her own heart was awaiting the answer.

"I saw you first. With you I saw color and I can't thank you enough Steve you gave me the world"

"Why do I feel like there's a but in here somewhere"

"Steve. I do love you alot you are an incredible man and you have the biggest heart"

"But you love him more"

"I do" she said as the tears fell.

He shook his head and looked down she saw his tears fall as well.

"One of the most messed up things the universe will ever do to you" he stopped and sighed.

"Is what?" She asked.

"Is let you meet the right person at the wrong time"

"Steve..."

"I want you to be happy Brooke. If its not with me...well then that's your decision but I'm not gonna force you to choose me. You made your decision and I'm not gonna hold it against you. I want you to be happy and I know Bucky will make you happy" he pulled her into a hug and the tears fell harder as she sobbed into his chest. She wrapped her arms around his chest as she cried. He held her protectively as he rubbed his hands in circles on her back. They sat there for awhile and both knew they didn't want to be the first to let go.

Steve sat on his bed thinking about all that has happened in the last couple months.

He thought he had met his soulmate only to discover she had two soulmates, realized she had powers, almost died. Then thought his soulmate...Brooke was falling in love with him only to find out weeks later she had chosen his best friend. She told him she still loved him but she loved Bucky more and he had been truthful he wanted her to be happy but he had wanted her to be happy with him.

Bucky was once again punching another punching bag. He found himself going to this method alot, especially recently.

"James!"

He stopped but didn't turn around.

"I told Steve I loved him"

Still not turning around he stiffened. He couldn't believe he had lost her and he had barely even had her. Trying but failing to keep control of his emotions he struggled to stay faced away from her.

"But I also told him I loved someone else more"

He turned his head sideways to acknowledge her but remained facing the bag.

"Look I know we've had some bumps in the road..but I love you James and I know there may be universes out there where I made different choices and they led me somewhere else, led me to someone else. And my heart breaks for every version of myself that didn't end up with you"

"Why me?" He asked his voice hoarse.

"What?"

"Why did you pick me?"

"I don't understand. First you were telling me to pick between the two of you and now that I have you're asking why I picked you?"

He turned around then.

"I was the Winter Soldier Brooke. I have done things that I'm not proud of. I can't go back in time to change it. That's my past, my baggage. I don't want to burden you with all of this. It's my load to bare"

Without knowing it they were both taking steps closer to each other.

"James...when I picked you I knew what I was getting myself into. You have baggage, yes but I don't care. I love you for you even the bad things you've done. Those things you did. They do not define you that was not who you are. Your no longer the Winter Soldier, your James Bucky Barnes and.." she stopped, hoping he would take her cue.

"And your part of my efforts to make amends" he finished smiling softly at her. A rare sight on his face.

"How did I get so lucky that a girl as amazing as you would love a broken, amputee like me?"

"Your not broken just bent" she said as she pulled him close and kissed him, their bodies pressed close, his warm face in her cold hands. They were two pillars rising from an undulating sea of dazzling white. Limitless. Without borders. Without boundaries. He risked his life so she might have hers. Easier to turn aside, easier to let her go. Easier to believe the beautiful lie than the hideous truth. After her heart broke the first time she built a fortress safe and strong enough to last a thousand years. A mighty stronghold that crumbled with a kiss.

"Now we're even" she said pulling away.

"Not exactly" he said hoarsely "I only kissed you once"

He kissed her softly and held her closer. He was never letting her go again.

Besides love gave him a reason to fight for his life. Love gave him a reason to strive; to live. Love brought them back together and unexpectedly...love made them a family.

Hiding their relationship from the rest of the avengers wasn't as easy as they thought.

Within days they all knew.

"No buts I'm throwing you guys a celebration" Wanda said as she hung decorations.

"I don't really think we have a say in the matter do we?" Bucky asked rubbing his neck.

"Nope" Wanda said as she hung lights.

"Come on James it will be fun"

He looked at her and sighed.

"Ok, ok" he relented.

"Yes!" She said hugging him.

Later they gathered around as Tony held up his glass of champagne.

"I'm not really a sentimental guy but these two really bring out the best in each other. But enough of the mushy stuff let's get to the party" he said toasting his glass with Pepper.

An hour into the party a drunk Thor climbed up on the stage.

"I think we should have karaoke" he said his words slurring.

"Oh no" she muttered to herself with a smile.

Bucky scooted further down in his seat and she knew he was trying to prevent himself from being called on.

"Steve! Your up" Thor slurred.

They turned to Steve to see him with his hands up.

"Oh uh no thanks I'm good"

"Come on" Natasha laughed as she shoved him towards the stage.

He reluctantly went up there and was looking through the music book.

After a while of searching he found one he liked.

The music flooded the room and after the first few notes she immediately recognized the song.

Steve

Walking down 29th and Park

I saw you in another's arms

Only a month we've been apart

You look happier

Saw you walk inside a bar

He said somethin' to make you laugh

I saw that both your smiles were twice as wide as ours

Yeah, you look happier, you do

Ain't nobody hurt you like I hurt you

But ain't nobody love you like I do

Promise that I will not take it personal, baby

If you're movin' on with someone new

'Cause baby you look happier, you do

My friends told me one day I'll feel it too

And until then I'll smile to hide the truth

But I know I was happier with you

She shrunk further in her chair as well. She knew that they all knew the song was directed towards her. It had to be.

Steve

Sat in the corner of the room

Everything's reminding me of you

Nursing an empty bottle

And telling myself you're happier, aren't you?

(Hey, yeah, hey, yeah, hey, yeah)

Oh, ain't nobody hurt you like I hurt you (hey, yeah, hey, yeah)

But ain't nobody need you like I do (hey, yeah, hey, yeah)

I know that there's others that deserve you (hey, yeah, hey, yeah)

But my darlin', I am still in love with you

But I guess you look happier, you do

My friends told me one day I'll feel it too

I could try to smile to hide the truth

But I know I was happier with you

Her heart twisted. She hated herself for what she did to him. He didn't deserve it. Not at all. If anyone was at fault for his broken heart it was her.

Steve

Hey, yeah, hey, yeah, hey, yeah

Hey, yeah, hey, yeah, hey, yeah

Hey, yeah, hey, yeah, hey, yeah

Hey, yeah, hey, yeah, hey, yeah

His voice lowered and their eyes met she felt as if he was staring right through her.

Steve

'Cause baby, you look happier, you do

I knew one day you'd fall for someone new

But if he breaks your heart like lovers do

Just know that I'll be waitin' here for you

His voice died out and he sat back down.

She didn't make eye contact the rest of the night. It was her fault he was this hurt. But if he really meant the words he told her and the words in the song. He wanted her to be happy. She only hoped he would find happiness too. She hugged her knees to her chest and Bucky wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She loved this man so much and yet despite everything a small thought digging in the back of her mind went "what if?"

But she couldn't spend time thinking about what would have happened if she had picked Steve instead. She had made her choice. But the thought still refused to go away. She buried it in the back of her mind and enjoyed what she could of the rest of the evening.

Later she stood on a balcony that Wanda had decorated with fairy lights.

"Hey" Bucky said as he came up from behind her.

"Hey" she said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

"I'm just thinking about the song Steve sung"

"Oh" he said as she watched the stars twinkle above them.

"Well..it seems as if he wants you to be happy"

"That's what I was thinking too. I just feel bad, and I know i've said this before, but we didn't break up because anything bad happened or because there wasn't love or friendship. I love him and I- and the friendship is still strong and I think he's great and I care about him and that didn't change''

He didn't respond just held her tighter.

They stood in silence for awhile and eventually she spoke up. Knowing she needed to ask him something that had been on her mind for awhile.

"James?"

"Yes?" He asked his arms tightening around her instinctively.

"You won't ever hurt me will you? Or leave me?" The moment the words left her mouth she regretted asking but she needed to know.

He turned her around to face him and took her face in his hands.

"Brooke, I would never hurt you. You mean way too much to me. Your the other half of my soul. You complete me. If something happened to you...I-" he stopped and sighed.

"Brooke...if you die I die."

"You mean it?"

Bucky stepped back and offered her his hand.

"To show you I mean it, dance with me?"

"Dance?"

"Yeah...I haven't danced since..well since before I became the Winter Soldier"

"I don't dance James" she said softly.

"I didn't sing before I met you either" he said one corner of his mouth turning up into a small smile.

Laughing she took his hand and he pulled her close. Just as they started swaying music started out of nowhere. The music was beautiful, and romantic.

"Thanks Jarvis" she smiled.

"Your welcome Miss Fields"

She laid her head on his chest and he wrapped her in his arms.

Never thought that you would be standing here so close to me there's so much I feel that I should say... But words can wait until some other day*

The music carried on as she focused only on his presence and the dance steps.

He stepped back and grabbed her hands. Taking his cue she twirled under his arms and he caught her as she smiled up at him.

Kiss me once then kiss me twice then kiss me once again. It's been a long long time. Haven't felt like this my dear since can't remember when, it's been a long long time. You'll never know how many dreams I dream about you or just how empty they all seem without you. So kiss me once then kiss me twice then kiss me once again. It's been a long long time.*

They swayed some more as the music continued on. She rested her forehead against his and smiled softly. As it picked up towards the end he grabbed her hand and his other hand went to her waist. Her empty hand found his shoulder and he led her in a dance that seemed old fashioned but was very lovely. Their combined hands went up and down with the beat and she laughed happily the whole time. He extended his arm and she spun under again except this time when she landed in his arms he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his arms encircled her waist. She had never been so happy before this. All she could think about was this wonderful man that was holding her and she knew she never wanted him to let go.

After a while of holding each other they were called back inside and she was about to sit down when Wanda grabbed her and Bucky's hands.

"Your guy's turn" she said leading them to the stage.

"Oh we don't want to sing" Bucky said as he tried to leave the stage.

"Come on. It's your guys night just humor us"

They agreed reluctantly and she picked a song. As the music started she watched him out of the corner of her eyes.

He held her gaze as she started singing.

Brooke

The day we met

Frozen I held my breath

Right from the start

I knew that I'd found a home for my heart

Beats fast

Colors and promises

How to be brave?

How can I love when I'm afraid

To fall but watching you stand alone?

All of my doubt

Suddenly goes away somehow

Both

One step closer

Brooke

I've died everyday waiting for you

Darling don't be afraid I've loved you

For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

Bucky

Time stands still

Beauty in all she is

I will be brave

I will not let anything take away

What's standing in front of me

Every breath

Every hour has come to this

Both

One step closer

I've died everyday waiting for you

Darling don't be afraid I've loved you

For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you

Time has brought your heart to me

I've loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

Oh, uh, uh

I'll love you for a thousand more

Oh, uh, uh

She looked at him and smiled. This man was truly a blessing to her. This song was a testament to their relationship. She would always love him even if it was a for a thousand years.

Brooke

One step closer

I've died everyday waiting for you

Darling don't be afraid I've loved you

For a thousand years

Both

I'll love you for a (thousand more)

And all along I believed I would find you

Time has brought your heart to me

I've loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

He twirled her around and she stood encircled in his arms. Staring up into his warm eyes. Both holding a microphone they sung the last few notes.

I will love you

A thousand years

Mhmm

Mhmm

The song ended but they remained on the stage.

"Ok love birds" Rhodey said as they laughed, embarrassed, and got off the stage. They sat in their seats and Bucky leaned over.

"I love you" he whispered in her ear.

"This is forever?" She whispered back.

"For a thousand years" he said as he smiled and kissed her cheek.

She settled into his side and held on. Knowing that he would never let her go.

Steve stood up. He walked over to the balcony and looked over the compound. Natasha walked up to him and laid her hand on his shoulder.

"How are you?" she asked.

"I'm as well as I can be" he replied.

"Do you believe in fate?" she asked a moment later.

"Fate?"

"Yes"

"I guess I believe in destiny not so much fate"

"But aren't fate and destiny kind of the same thing?" She asked.

"I mean yeah I guess so"

"Look, Steve I think they brought us together"

"They?"

"Bucky and Brooke"

"What do you mean Nat?"

"Well if it wasn't for them getting together I never would have had the courage to tell you how I feel"

He turned to see her fully and he could see the honesty in her eyes.

"You mean.."

"I like you Steve a lot.."

"Nat I --"

"Just think about it will you?" She said leaning over and kissing his cheek.

After kissing his cheek, she smiled at him and turned and left.

He never knew that's how she felt about him. And up until then he never knew that he could have two soulmates but when she kissed him on the cheek the color suddenly came back, after all when Brooke chose Bucky he suddenly saw no color again.

Maybe he just had to be open to the idea of love again. Staring out at the compound again he realized this wasn't an ending...it was a beginning.