It's you, it's always been you.

Proud of You B

It was well after the meeting when you and Bucky finally stepped out of the shower. Your fingers started to look like raisins from staying in there for so long but you wouldn't change it for the world. The two of you get dressed, Bucky wore a nice casual white tank top with some athletic shorts while you wore one of Bucky's long sleeve shirts and one of his boxers. They looked like shorts on you, after changing you guys head down stairs to have some breakfast, you notice two familiar faces that also didn't show at the meeting.

"Steve?" Bucky says as he comes down the stairs.

"Hey Bucky, want to grab brunch with us?"

You see Sam and Wanda behind him, they instantly started giggling.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry guys. I didn't know you guys were home, Buck and I thought everyone went."

"Well Y/N we could definitely tell you and Buck were home, we sure as hell heard it." Wanda smirks.

"Thanks for that Wanda!" Bucky said sarcastically.

"Besides the point, do you guys want to go out for brunch? Tony ate all the breakfast as punishment for not signing the Accords." Steve laughed.

"Bucky and I are starving, we would love to join y'all!"

"Yeah I bet you guys are tired from all that exercise" Sam said as he placed his hand on Bucky's shoulder.

"Give me five minutes, I need to get changed." Bucky said as he sprinted up the stairs.

Confused as to why Bucky would need to get changed if he was already dressed ready to go, you follow him upstairs to see what he was changing into. You hide behind his door frame and see what he was changing into. You see him changed from his white tank to his red long sleeve, he added a large jacket on top with a casual hat. Confused once more, you knocked.

"Hey B, why you changing? It's not that cold out."

You walk behind him and attempt to help him undress his jacket but he turns away not letting you.

"It's fine Y/N, I usually get cold anyways no worries." He said with a fake laugh. He turned back around, checking himself out in the mirror. You notice that he pays particular attention to his metal arm.

"B?"

He ignores you.

"James. Look at me please?"

He turns towards you and sighs.

"I jus- I just want to go out and be seen as Bucky, not the Winter Soldier. The people stare at me Y/N, they look at me like if I was a monster, like if I was going to hurt them. I don't want to ever make anyone feel that way." A tear rolls down his face.

"Oh B, you know that wasn't you who hurt those people."

You wiped the tear from his face and place your hand on his cheek and kiss him softly.

"Y/N I just want the world to see me as a good guy, I'm tired of being seen as the bad guy."

He hugs you tightly and places his head on your shoulder. You could hear his sniffling in your ear and it made your heart sink. You lift his head up and hold it in front of yours.

"The world will know what a great man you are one day James Barnes, I'll make sure of it."

He gives you a quick but passionate kiss and walks back towards his mirror, he eyeballs his arm once more before he spoke again.

"Will you help me take off my jacket Y/N?"

You look at him and smile, you were so proud.

"Of course I will."

"I think it's your turn to get dressed Y/N." He said snickering.

"Oh my goodness, I forgot I was still in my PJ's. Meet you downstairs?"

"Yes doll."

You quickly get changed and head down stairs to see the team waiting for you.

"Let's go eat, shall we?" Cap says.

"Let's!" Wanda adds.

"Who's riding with Sam and I? I can fit two more."

You look at Bucky to see if he wanted to go with them or walk, the diner wasn't very far and it was a beautiful day. Not to mention, Bucky loved waking past the fresh market along the way, he has a thing for plums.

"Whatever you want to do Buck, I won't force you to walk."

He looked at you and squeeze your hand and let out a sigh.

"I think Y/N and I will walk there, it's not too far."

You looked up and smiled at him once again, admiring his bravery.

You whispered in his ear, "I'm so proud of you."

He smiles back and leads you out the door but before you could leave you stop.

"Hey Sam, take my purse in the car please!"

"Sure Y/N, I got you!"

You and Bucky start walking down the street, admiring the people and admiring the day. It was a beautiful day with not one cloud in the sky, the whether was nice and chilly but not too cold, it was just right. Although some people noticed Bucky's big ol' arm in his tight long sleeve, he felt safe holding your hand and walking next to you.

I'm so sorry, I had my SAT this week and I was stressed to the max! I'm gonna stay on top of my writing now that I'm done with that. Thanks for sticking around! Love you all❤️