Steve called Bucky the next day to give him the news. He wasted no time and rushed over to the apartment, wanting to get as many details as possible on the situation. He was always thankful when Steve's mom took him in after his own parents died.
"What did the doctor say? Is she…, will she make it through this?"
"Buck, so far all we know is that it's cancer. Her doctor is optimistic because it's still in an early stage. It's also one they've seen before. And the last patient they treated was cleared. Right now we just have to have faith."
"And Natasha, how did she take the news? Is she holding up okay?"
"She's doing fine. When Mom saw her she told us she was glad we got back together."
"No doubt. Your mom treated her like a daughter for years. Probably still does. Where is she today?"
"Nat's at work. She's working on the consultation."
"So it's just us then. What's the plan for guy's day out?"
"Guy's day? Didn't you have plans with Sharon today?"
"Yeah, but she got a call last night from her parents. Her Aunt Peggy is sick. She's flying to London this afternoon."
The first thought they have is to go down to The Falcon. But it's closed with Sam still in Harlem. Instead they end up the couch in a good natured debate about movies. Who was the best actor to play James Bond, and why the original Star Trek movies are better than the new ones. They're still there three hours later when Natasha gets home.
"Hey babe, I'm back. I've got news. Oh hey Bucky."
Her tone of voice makes him think he should probably go.
"Natasha, you need me to leave? Is this a private conversation between you and your fiancé?"
"No, it's okay. Steve left me a message that he told you about his Mom. I had a feeling you'd be here. I picked up some pizzas."
"Nat, what is it? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just have to go to Florida for a few days. My mom needs help moving into her new apartment. She wants to meet you, but I told her it would have to wait for the next trip. I explained the situation. She understands."
"Good, I never got to meet her when we were first dating. I'm looking forward to it."
"So you're okay? You don't need me here?"
"Sweetheart, I'll always need you here. And I'll miss you when you're gone. It's only for a few days. You'll be back before you know it."
His honesty doesn't surprise her. It only makes her fall more in love with him. Family has always been important to the both of them.
"Barnes, I'm holding you to a promise to take care of him while I'm gone."
"Don't worry about it. We'll be okay."
"Nat, you might want to rephrase that. Bucky might try to cuddle with me, especially since Sharon is gone as well."
The three of them break into laughter before settling down to eat. After dinner, Steve helps her pack while their friend picks up where he left off with the movie. He can't help but notice that she packed her computer as well.
"You're taking your laptop?"
"Yeah, I've still got to work on this consultation. I don't have to be as involved with this one as the last. I've seen the plans. I've got to add the art placement in to the blue prints."
"I'm sure it will look great. The last one you did was incredible."
She appreciates his belief in her work, but she can't help but notice a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Steve, are you sure you're going to be okay? I don't have to go. I know you're worried about your Mom. I hired a great group of movers for my Mom. Do you want me to stay?"
"Nat, I want you to go. I know you don't get to see your Mom that often. And I've got Bucky here. We'll be okay."
"All right, but promise me you'll call me if anything happens. I want to know right away. Your mom means as much to me as you do."
"I promise. So do I get to drive you to the airport in the morning?"
"Oh you'd better. I'm not leaving without you making me breakfast."
He smiles as they finish packing her suitcase. When they're done, they rejoin Bucky in the living room for the movie.
"Okay, Stevie, this is why the new Trek movies are better than the originals."
Into Darkness starts playing and Bucky can't stop talking about the special effects. Steve's point in the debate is that the camaraderie between Kirk, McCoy and Spock isn't as defined. Great visuals aren't the only thing that makes a good movie. Natasha just rolls her eyes, as she leans in to cuddle with her fiancé. The conversation bores her so she falls asleep. The guys start whispering, so as not to wake her.
"The movie's over Buck. I've got to take Nat to the airport, but I'll see you tomorrow."
"All right. I want to stop by the hospital. I want to check in on your Mom."
"I'll see you there. Night, buddy."
"Catch you tomorrow."
