The Fangirl that Saved the World

Chapter 26

Natalie's POV

We have been working for the whole night when we decided to rest. Everyone was tired, or at least those on my team were.

I was completely exhausted and stressed. I was excited that I actually had a plan for once. That plan being we get the stone and snap Thanos out of existence before he gets a hand on any of the stones.

I just hope the teams report back to me so I can get things really going.

As I stood in the hot shower, I could just let myself think and be to myself. Think about happier things rather. It was one of the few moments truly to myself all day.

I was just about to step out when I heard my bedroom door open.

I quickly wrapped a towel around myself and slowly opened the door.

As I looked out through the small crack I had made, I was relieved to just see Steve. As I opened the door a bit more calmly, I realized he wasn't alone. He brought Bucky with him.

I froze in place as they stared at me.

"Can I help you, boys?" I nervously laugh and I slide over to my dresser.

"We need to talk to you, Natalie," Steve said in his serious voice.

"Can you at least let me get dressed?"

They both look at each other before turning around to face the wall.

Because that worked out so well the first time.

"Wow, great thank you," sarcasm escaped my lips.

I grab some clothes and go to the bathroom to change in order to avoid any more awkwardness. I changed quickly and came back out still very wet and not really looking all that great. Not that either of them really cares.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" I asked.

I knew exactly what they wanted to talk about, but I really didn't want to. I know that I shouldn't be this selfish, but I hate knowing that I will lose Bucky as a friend.

"You know what we want to talk about, Nat," Bucky said.

I went to sit on my bed to try and hide my body language as I was going to visibly get nervous.

"I know, I just don't know what to say."

"Yes, you do. You just don't want to say it," Bucky sighs.

"Look, I'm sorry that I strung you both along for so long. It wasn't fair of me. I'm just scared to lose either of you as friends. The truth is, yes, I made a choice, but I don't want to become a wedge between the two of you. I don't want to make things any worse," I tried to explain.

"Nattie, you have to be honest with us," Steve said and took a step towards me.

"I don't think- "

"Natalie! Please!" Bucky raised his voice.

I jumped back, shocked that Bucky would get so aggressive. It makes me want to tell them even less. I didn't think that would be possible.

Once seeing my scared reaction, Bucky did appear to feel regret. I know he's upset and stressed, but it didn't make the situation much better to continue.

"I'm sorry. Truth be told, I didn't need all of my memories back to realize that Steve and I had history. And I'm sorry Bucky, but I can't just throw that away. You mean a lot to me, but I really can't see you much more than a friend to me anymore. After remembering, I know for sure that my feelings for Steve are real and strong and I can't just ignore them."

I could tell Steve wanted to smile, but he didn't let it show as much as he wanted to. He still felt bad for Bucky. And so did I.

"I'm sorry, Bucky. I wish-"

But before I could finish he left the room with a tear running down his cheek.

Seeing him go hurt me more than I thought it would. It felt like a punch to the stomach.

"Steve, I didn't mean to hurt anybody. That's why I didn't want to tell you. I'm sorry it's all my fault. I shouldn't have let him gain any more feelings for me. I'm so sorry," I started to cry harder and harder as I continued.

Steve ran over to me on the bed and just wrapped his arms around me to comfort me. I just remained numb in his arms as my cries just got louder.

I could feel my tears getting thicker and my nose starting to run.

"Steve, I'm so sorry," I cried into his shoulder.

"Oh, Nattie. You didn't do anything but show him he's loved. It's okay, love," Steve said while stroking my hair.

As his fingers combed through my wet locks, I started to calm down. Crying exhausted me along with the workload and I started to fall asleep. It felt nice being in his arms once again.

It felt nice to be home.

A/N I know this one is a bit shorter than usual, but I wanted to get it out as fast as possible and I like how I ended it :)