Bloodline

1. Carry on my Wayward Son

Steve had decided not to get close with humans in his life. He had always held onto it 'cause he knows it will end badly every time. But he made an exception when he met the Maximoff twins. He had grown fond of them both in a short span of time and cared for them like his own kids. Then the tragedy struck. He understood that it would take time for Wanda to overcome and he decided to be there for her.

Steve was there for her preparing food. He was there to hold her when she woke up in the middle of the night screaming. He held her as she cried her eyes out. He tried to be for her all the time. But his office duties were pulling him on one side.

After Coulson left, Steve made sure an ad had been sent out for the vacant position. Considerable number of candidates have applied and Steve hoped he would find someone suitable.

"Good morning, sir" wished Koenig bringing Steve out of his thoughts.

Steve smiled at him, "Morning, Koenig."

William Koenig, known as Billy, worked as Steve's temporary assistant. He had been recommended to the job by Coulson. The man was everything he could ask for. He was professional and had skills up his sleeve.

"Is the interview ready?"

"Yes, sir. Overlooked it myself."

The two men went to the interview room. One by one candidates came and went. Steve wasn't satisfied with anyone. Steve wondered how Coulson jumbled both the works and completed both perfectly. He needed someone to fill Coulson's shoes.

"Koenig, sent a rejection letter to everyone please" Steve let out a sigh.

"Just one more candidate. If you ask me, he looks quite promising."

As the last candidate walked in, Steve looked at Billy and shook his head chuckling. A man looking at the exact copy of Billy took the seat opposite to Steve.

"Okay. Introduce yourself."

"Sam Koenig."

.....

Steve's life went on. He was surprised when he got a call from Bucky. He didn't know what to make of their position after their fight against Rumlow. Things weren't the same between them, like they used to be but he didn't force Bucky. The council meetings had been awkward in the beginning so Steve arrived late and left early. He wanted to give Bucky the space. The phone call was a pleasant surprise. Bucky said he wanted to speak and invited Steve for lunch. Steve agreed and they met the next day.

They decided to meet in the small cafe near Steve's office. Steve arrived a few minutes early. As he settled into his seat, he saw Bucky enter the cafe. The two old friends gave their orders. As the waiter left, awkwardness settled in. Steve sipped his water, avoiding eye contact with Bucky. He wasn't sure what to talk about. When Bucky broke the silence and Steve was grateful.

"I want to thank you for supporting the clan-less."

"You're welcome. But you guys aren't clan-less anymore."

"I know. But certain things are difficult to change" he gave a small smile. Steve smiled back. He didn't know what to say back. After a pause, he spoke.

"But changes could be good. They let you start over again."

"Yeah... But it is difficult to let go-" Bucky didn't finish the sentence as the waitress placed their orders on the table. Neither did Steve want him to. So much has happened between them and certain words are best left unsaid.

"I understand, Buck." Hearing the words Bucky gave a sad smile. They settled into silence as they sipped their coffee.

Seeing the slight change in Bucky's demeanour, Steve decided to change the topic. "Any luck in finding a job in the city?" he asked, looking at his friend.

"Applied for head chef in some night restaurants. Tony helped me with some fake graduation certificates."

"Great. Any opportunities yet?"

"Having an interview the day after tomorrow."

"Good luck."

Bucky grinned back goofily. Steve continued, "What about the others?"

"Hope and Scott are leaving soon to help Pym in his company. Sam is going to join as a paramedic in Jiaying's hospital. And Peter went back to Tony."

"What about Lincoln?"

"He got offers for doctor and spy. He still hasn't made up his mind."

"Lincoln? The blond kid is the one you're talking about, right?" laughed Steve. "Doctor and Spy?"

Bucky laughed, "He went to medical school before he was turned. When Jiaying came to know about this she approached him. But I have no idea why Coulson approached him. One day, he turned up at the Den asking to speak to Lincoln."

"I'm glad for him."

"What about Coulson's position in your company? Filled it yet?" asked Bucky in-between sipping his coffee.

"Hired a new guy. Sam Koenig. He looks promising."

Bucky gave a nod and mulled over his thoughts for a few moments before speaking, "How's Wanda doing?"

Steve's face dropped at the mention of her and he started meddling with his cup. He turned away from Bucky trying to concentrate on anything else. Bucky felt that he shouldn't have brought it up.

"She is... getting addicted. She is refusing to see a therapist. I'm just lost" Steve said, turning to look at the man opposite him.

"I'm sorry."

The two men busied themselves with their coffee.

Bucky broke the silence again. "What about you?"

"I'm great," Steve said with a fake smile. But Bucky was able to see through it easily.

"Steve," Bucky said, looking concerned.

Steve sighed, not able to escape the piercing look of his pal. "I will be fine, Buck. Right now, I'm just trying to be afloat for Wanda."

Bucky reached for Steve's hand on the table and gave it a small squeeze. Steve shut his eyes and exhaled. When he opened his eyes again it was wet, but his face was calm.

"How's council life treating you?"

"Great. Great. It is growing on me" chuckled Bucky.

"I have seen you more times in the library than the meeting room."

"What can I say? I'm a sucker for knowledge"

Both men chuckled. The conversation flowed with ease as time passed. They finally paid the bill and went out.

"Want to grab dinner?" Steve asked expectantly.

"Uh... Steve. Sorry, I can't" Bucky said apologetically.

"Oh... fine" Steve smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. He mentally scolded himself for even asking. He shouldn't have done it. Bucky had hinted that he wasn't fully comfortable to start things over.

"Maybe next time" said Bucky oblivious to Steve's thought. "I just have somewhere to go."

"Need a lift?" Steve asked before he could think.

"No, Tony said he will send Happy over."

"Tony?" Steve voice betrayed what his face was trying to conceal. He wasn't jealous; he tried to reason with himself. But he couldn't ignore the green monster tugging on his heart.

"Yeah. He said he wanted to show me something" Bucky said, still oblivious to how his friend was feeling. He was looking up and down the street trying to catch a glimpse of one of Stark's cars. He turned to look at Steve and his face fell in an instant.

"Steve, what happened?" he asked with concern etched in his voice.

"Nothing. I'm just leaving. Catch up with you later."

Steve half jogged and half walked to his car and drove away. Bucky stood on the pavement surprised at the sudden change in attitude of his friend. His thoughts were interrupted by Happy honking the horn.

"Mr. Barnes, over here" he called out.

Bucky quickly got in the car and they drove to the Stark tower.