Hey everyone! I wrote this fic for my friend Mc and I hope you all like it!


"It's never going to happen, Nat."

Natasha sighed, rolling her eyes. They were sitting in the cafeteria after school, yet again talking about Bucky. She looked at her best friend, taking in the pathetic expression on his face. She knew that he was crushingly afraid of being rejected by Bucky, but she was sure it wouldn't happen. You only had to take one look at Bucky to see just how head over heels in love with Steve he was. Honestly, it was sickening and only a little bit cute.

"Look, Steve, Bucky is crazy about you! I know you don't believe me but remember I'm always right. I really do think you should ask him out." Natasha knew she sounded exasperated but, in her defence, there are only so many times you can listen to someone pine and refuse to do anything about it, before you're ready to just shove them in a closet and hope they stop being so stupid.

Steve groaned, letting his head drop onto his arms that were folded on the table. He knew she was right and that if he ever wanted something to happen with Bucky, he should at least attempt to make something happen. But…he just couldn't. This wasn't just anyone. This was Bucky.

"You don't get it, Nat! It's Bucky. If it was anyone else, it wouldn't matter. Yeah, rejection always sucks but this…this is different." Steve said, his voice dropping to a whisper by the end of his sentence.

Natasha's expression softened, "I know, sweetie."

Steve just looked so miserable Natasha finally let up, "Fine. I'll drop it, for now, babe. But I still think you should ask him. I know it's terrifying, but you never know, he might just surprise you. Anyway, let's go get some coffee! Come on, I'm buying."

Grabbing Steve's arm Natasha pulled him up and dragged him in the direction of their favourite coffee place.

As they got their coffees and found a place to sit, Natasha gazed at Steve; praying to anyone who would listen that Bucky wouldn't hurt her best friend. Steve was very strong, he could take shit from just about anyone. Bucky was the exception. Natasha knew that the only other person who could hurt Steve, aside from her and his mum, was Bucky.

Hopefully, Bucky wouldn't screw this up.

xXxXxXxXx

The next time Steve saw Bucky, Natasha's words echoed in his head. He couldn't believe it, but he was actually considering asking Bucky to the prom. He'd wanted this for years and now there was a chance, no matter how slim, it could happen.

"Hey, Bucky," Steve said, coming up beside him while he was at his locker. Steve's heart fluttered when Bucky looked at him with a wide smile. 'Stupid boy for being so attractive and having such a beautiful smile' Steve mentally grumbled.

"Hey, pal. What's up?"

"Uh, there's actually something I wanted to talk to you about," Steve mumbled, clutching the books he was carrying tighter to his chest.

Bucky paused in his organizing of his locker, looking over at Steve worriedly and giving him his full attention.

Steve took in a quick breath when Bucky's attention was fully on him. He always forgot how intense the boy was. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and spoke, "Um, about prom…I wanted to know if you-"

Steve didn't get a chance to finish his sentence because Bucky interrupted him, "Yeah, about that! Maria said yes!"

Steve blinked at Bucky's grinning face, feeling shock set in. Natasha had seemed so sure…but of course, Bucky didn't like him. Why would he? Shaking himself from his thoughts, Steve attempted to smile.

"Aw, that's great, Buck. I'll probably just go with Natasha. I hope you two have fun!" Steve said quickly, eager to get away. The burning in his eyes became more insistent and he tried to swallow around the lump in his throat.

"Hey, are you okay, Stevie?" Bucky asked, seeing the beginnings of tears in his friend's eyes.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine, it's just allergies. I have to go, I have class. I'll..um..I'll talk to you later." Steve forced himself to say, giving Bucky a watery smile and rushing away.

Bucky watched him leave with a confused look on his face, "But…you don't have allergies…"

xXxXxXxXx

"Steve! How'd it go?" Natasha grinned, excitement lighting up her face as she waved him over to her table.

Steve hurried beside her and dropped down to his seat in English Lit, thankful it was his last class of the day.

"He's already going with someone." Steve grit out, ignoring the tears that threatened to reappear. He forced himself not to look at Nat when she gasped, he couldn't look her in the eye right now. He knew that if he did, he'd break down crying right in the middle of the classroom.

Natasha looked at him shocked and confused. How could this have happened? She was so sure Bucky liked Steve back. And he did. Unless she was widely incorrect in reading people, which was extremely unlikely.

"What?! Who?"

"Maria Hill. She's in his math class. I knew they talked sometimes but I didn't know they had gotten, uh, close." Steve mumbled, trying to distract himself by flipping through his binder.

When Natasha didn't reply, Steve looked up. He noticed a hurt and jealous expression on Nat's face and grew confused.

"Nat?" He prodded, concerned.

"What? Uh, sorry, babe. It's just, well, I kind of wanted to ask Maria myself." She said softly, looking at her hands.

Steve drew in a sharp breath and looked at her with sympathy, "Fuck, I'm so sorry, Nat."

She looked up at him and shot him a weak smile, "It's okay, I'll be okay."

Steve looked at her for a moment and made a decision.

"Natasha Romanova, will you do me the honour of going to prom with me?" He asked dramatically, making her giggle. "I know I'm not Maria, but I promise I'll give you a nice night filled with awkward dancing and minimal pining."

Natasha laughed and looked at him gratefully.

"I'd like that, babe. Thank you."

"Anything for my best gal," He grinned, his grin widening when she grinned back.

He was still unbelievably disappointed Bucky was going with someone else but he was going to make the most out of prom. He wouldn't let this get in the way of having an awesome night with his best friend.

xXxXxXxXx

It was two weeks till prom and Steve had been avoiding Bucky since their talk at Bucky's locker. It was surprisingly easy. Steve used to curse their conflicting schedules, they only had one class together, but now he was glad. He missed Bucky a lot but he needed this space. He couldn't bear to look at Bucky's smiling face and re-live the rejection he felt.

He knew he was being unfair to Bucky and he was being a terrible friend. He shouldn't be upset at Bucky for not liking him back. He should respect it and try to move on.

With that in mind, Steve went looking for Bucky for the first time in days.

Unfortunately, for Steve, when he found Bucky, he was curled up with Maria at a far table in the library. Too focused on Maria's arms around Bucky, he missed the utterly miserable look on Bucky's face and the concerned look on Maria's.

He stood frozen at the entrance for a minute, just staring at them with wide eyes.

He had known they were going together, so he had no idea why it was such a shock to see them being affectionate. Ignoring his feelings for Bucky and being happy for him was going to be harder than he thought.

With one last glance at the 'happy couple', Steve turned to flee. By doing this, he missed when the movement caught Bucky's eye and he looked up; Steve never saw Bucky's expression crumble as he watched Steve run away.

When Steve found Nat, she looked at him once before gathering him up in her arms. He buried his face in her neck and let the tears fall.

Natasha felt tears burn in her own eyes as she both saw and felt her best friend's heartbreak. She tightened her arms around him for a moment, before letting go and gently wiping his tears away.

"Come on, let's go watch a movie and eat ice cream!"

Steve gave her a watery smile, his heart swelling with love for his amazing best friend.

"Okay," He sighed. He knew she wouldn't let him leave her sight until she was sure he was cheered up at least a little bit. Plus, maybe this is what he needed right now. Some down time with his best gal.

He brightened up and gathered his stuff, hovering while she packed up what she had been working on before he arrived.

Nat grinned as she saw Steve start to brighten, his expression becoming more genuinely excited. She finished packing up her stuff and threw an arm around his shoulders as they walked out.

xXxXxXxXx

Meanwhile, Maria was comforting Bucky as he watched the boy he'd been crushing on for years scurry away. His expression had crumpled: tears forming in his eyes and letting out a sob. She put her arms around him and he leant into her.

This was all a huge misunderstanding.

Maria wasn't with Bucky. At least, not in the way Steve seemed to think.

These boys were so oblivious.

She had absolutely no idea how Steve didn't see just how stupidly-in-love Bucky was with him and vice versa. They were that kind of in love where they'd say things like "Forever and always" or "Till the end of the line". You know, sappy shit like that.

Maria had been surprised when Bucky had come to her a couple weeks ago. They had a couple of shared classes and were friends. They had gotten closer this year but she was still surprised when Bucky had shown up at her house, crying. He explained to her how he had tried to ask Steve to the prom and Steve wasn't interested.

She comforted him for a couple hours and when Bucky stopped crying, she'd suggested a movie.

She was actually the one who had brought up going to prom together. Bucky wasn't who she wanted to go with but it didn't look like Maria would get to go with the one she wanted, so why not be there for a friend?

He had looked at her with a wide grin and admitted he had been scared he'd have to go alone. Maria knew exactly how he felt.

She was pulled from her thoughts when she felt Bucky move.

"Hey, you okay?" She asked. It was a stupid question but one she had to ask.

"Y-Yeah, I'll be fine," Bucky sniffed, voice cracking.

Maria's heart went out to the miserable boy.

She was dealing with her own pining, hurt, and jealousy but she at least she hadn't been close friends with her crush. They'd talked a few times during the only class they shared, which was enough for Maria to develop a huge crush on the beautiful girl. But Bucky was dealing with all that and the newfound distance between him and Steve. Which was why they'd been curled up in the library in the first place. Maria had found Bucky sitting there, blankly staring at the table, looking like a downtrodden puppy.

Making a quick decision Maria started gathering their stuff, momentarily ignoring Bucky's confused stare.

"Come on, let's go have dinner," She said, in a tone that was gentle but also booked no argument. "I know this adorable little café, it's just a few blocks from here."

Bucky hesitated for a moment before he stood up and followed her, putting on his sweater as they walked.

xXxXxXxXx

They had had a very enjoyable dinner. It was late, so there weren't too many people. Maria was right when she said it was adorable. It was small and cozy, exactly what Bucky needed right now. And the food. It was absolutely incredible.

"Thank you," Bucky mumbled out during a pause in the conversation.

"For what?" Maria asked, looking up from her spaghetti, confused.

Bucky flushed, looking away. He took a minute to gather his thoughts before he looked back at her, a fond, grateful expression in his eyes.

"You've really been there for me these last couple weeks and I want you to know just how much I appreciate that." He confessed in a quiet voice.

Maria looked at him surprised before she smiled warmly.

"You're welcome, Buck. Always happy to help!" She replied, reaching over and taking his hand for a moment. "Honestly helping you has really helped me."

Bucky chuckled, "Listening to my pathetic pining is helpful?"

"Surprisingly, yes." She giggled, taking her hand back to continue eating her food.

Bucky looked at her for a moment before asking, "Are you ever going to tell her?"

Maria looked at him startled, "Tell who what?"

"Tell Natasha you're in love with her," Bucky said matter-of-factly, a mischievous and knowing glint in his eyes.

"Oh! Um, I wouldn't say in love with…" Maria started to say but was interrupted when Bucky snorted.

"You're completely in love with her, it's obvious," Bucky said, not a trace of doubt on his face.

Maria sighed, put down her fork and covered her face with her hands.

"I didn't know you knew about that…" She muttered, voice muffled by her hands.

"Of course, I knew! It's really hard not to see it. You stare at her all the time and you blush when she catches you looking. I've never seen you pay as much attention to anyone than when she's talking. I swear to god your eyes glazed over that once time her shirt came up when she was taking off her hoodie. Not to mention that time she smiled at you in the hallway and you spent the next hour smiling." Bucky listed, actually ticking them off on his fingers.

Maria groaned, red staining her cheeks. She could actually feel the heat of her blush it was so bad.

"I didn't know I was so obvious, oh my god, this is so embarrassing!" She said, embarrassment colouring her tone.

"Honestly, it's hardly obvious to anyone but your friends. I know you're in love with her because I'm your friend and I pay attention. But I haven't seen any evidence that anyone else has picked up on it." Bucky quickly reassured her, he didn't want her to close up because of embarrassment. He knew she was a pretty private person, and the only reason he was privy to so much was because they were close friends.

"Oh thank god," She sighed in relief, body relaxing.

Suddenly she blanched and stiffened in her seat, "Shit, do you think Natasha knows?!"

Bucky opened his mouth to respond but Maria cut him off, "Oh my god, what if she does! She's probably disgusted by me! I'm supposed to be her friend, not creepily lusting after her! Fuck, what if she's uncomfortable around me but she's just too nice to say anything?! I don't want her to hate me, Bucky, I love her." Maria gasped out, panic settling across her features. She clawed at her throat with trembling fingers as it got harder to breathe.

Bucky stood quickly as he noticed the signs of a panic attack and knelt in front of her, putting his hands on her shoulders, "Okay, breathe with me, Mar. You can do this. In for four and out for four, that's it, you're doing so good. You're safe, just breathe."

Bucky did the breathing exercise with her until her breathing slowed back down to a regular rate.

"Thanks, Buck," Maria whispered, feeling her heart beat start to return to normal.

"No problem, Mar," Bucky whispered back, relieved that the worst of the panic was over. Having had his fair share of panic attacks, he knew just how exhausting and hard they were.

He waved over the waitress, who had been looking over with concerned eyes, and asked for the check. Quickly he paid and led Maria out of the restaurant, giving her his sweater as he knew she must be cold right about now.

Once they were outside, Maria took in a big gulp of fresh air and closed her eyes. Bucky waited by her side quietly, waiting for her to initiate the conversation whenever she was ready.

Maria did breathing exercises for ten minutes, every minute her body becoming more relaxed from the stiff, tense form she'd adopted when the panic attack had started before she opened her eyes.

"I'm sorry Bucky, I didn't mean to ruin our dinner," She said in an apologetic tone, a blush staining her cheeks.

Bucky's eyes widened, "No! Don't apologize! Don't ever apologize for that, Mar. I get them too, you know."

Now it was Maria's turn to be surprised. She hadn't known that Bucky also had panic attacks. She wrapped her arms around him, grateful that her friend could relate to her. He hugged her back, knowing what a good feeling it was when you had someone who actually understood. The only people who knew about his panic attacks and anxiety were his parents and Steve, and now Maria.

"You wanna sleep over? We can build a fort and watch movies!" Bucky grinned, waggling his eyebrows. He knew how much she adored forts.

"Sure, Bucky. Thank you, that sounds nice." Maria laughed, feeling lighter than before.

"Let's go, m'lady!" Bucky said dramatically, bowing and holding out his hand. His plan worked, and she giggled, all traces of panic gone.

Maria accepted his hand, smiling widely, and they walked to Bucky's house. Thankfully it was only about twenty minutes from the restaurant.


Chapter one complete!

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