War of Change // TFATWS

XIV

Bucky and Michaela made their way back to Brooklyn, New York and Bucky said, "Go on back to the apartment, doll. This is something I should do alone."

Michaela cupped Bucky's face and said, "But you don't have to."

"Mick, making amends is-"

"Difficult. I know. Let me come. Let me be there for you."

Bucky glanced down and nodded. "Thank you, Michaela."

Michaela didn't respond, but simply took his hand and squeezed it.

They walked up to Yori's front door and Michaela asked softly, "Are you ready?"

Bucky shook his head before replying, "No, but Sam was right. This is something I need to do."

He knocked on the door.

Yori opened the door and asked, "Hey, what are you two doing here? It's late, come in before someone call the cops." Bucky and Michaela entered and Yori closed the door behind them. "What are you two doing here? It's not Wednesday."

Bucky replied, "I, uh, I have to tell you something. About your son." He sat, pulled off his glove to reveal his Vibranium hand, and Michaela stood behind him, a hand on his shoulder. Yori sat as well. "He was murdered."

"What?"

"By the Winter Soldier." His voice shook as he whispered, "And that was me."

"Why?"

Bucky inhaled before replying softly, "I didn't have a choice."

He left and Michaela glanced at Yori before saying, "I know what he did was horrible. But he's making amends. He's a good man and he's trying to redeem himself. Please understand that. Please give him a chance."

She left the apartment and walked up to Bucky and said quietly, "I'm proud of you."

Bucky met her eyes and his expression turned to one of overwhelming guilt. He nearly fell into his arms and Michaela held him tightly as she listened to his quiet sobs. She pulled him closer to her, feeling her own heart break at his pain.

After a moment, Bucky said, "Thank you for coming. I thought I'd have to do this alone."

Michaela stepped back slightly, wrapping her arms around Bucky's neck. "The thing is, you don't have to. I'm with you until the end of the line, Buck."

Bucky smiled softly and said, "I love you, Michaela. My Sweet Caroline."

"I love you too, Bucky."

The next day, after dropping off a gift bag and card for Dr. Raynor, Bucky and Michaela, who had an arm linked around Bucky's left arm, walked the streets of Brooklyn.

They passed Izzy's and Bucky and Michaela looked in the window to see Yori sitting at the bar. Michaela caught Leah's eye and smiled.

Michaela glanced at Bucky and asked, "You want to go in?"

Bucky shook his head while glancing at Yori and took Michaela's hand, something that had always, and probably would forever always, bring comfort to him.

He stepped away from the window, pulling Michaela with him, still staring.

"Bucky," Michaela called softly. "Are you okay?"

He used his free hand to stroke her hair and replied, "I will be, doll. Being with you makes everything okay."

"I'm glad I can help, however it may be."

---

Sam made his way to Baltimore to make a visit.

He walked down a familiar street in Baltimore and up to a front door. He knocked on the metal screen door of Isaiah's home.