Missing Piece

Part One

When Steve first mentioned that Bucky would soon join them at the new house, everybody got a little wiry. The Winter Soldier's reputation preceded him everywhere he went, his past was far from being a secret, whether you were an avenger or not.

You had gotten pretty close to Steve after you joined the team. Everyone had welcomed you with open arms and you had nothing to complain about, but Steve always went the extra mile. When you first moved in, he always made sure you were included in their group activities, if no one wanted to train with you he would always volunteer quickly so you wouldn't feel like an outsider. The team had been together for a very long time before your arrival and it was never easy to let anyone in and to trust them, especially in life or death situations.

Steve had even made sure that your room was on the same floor as his so you'd know you always had someone you trusted around. He treated you like his baby sister and you loved it. He told you all about his life pre-serum and post-serum, telling you everything about his history with Bucky, never calling him once by the name Hydra had given him. You had heard so much about Bucky that you felt like you already knew him. You got excited when Steve told everyone he was going to join the team, from all the stories you had heard from Steve, he was definitely someone you wanted to have watching your back and to have as a friend.

Steve walked in first to make sure that not everyone was waiting for them, like he had asked, as to not overwhelm Bucky as soon as he stepped inside. No one was really looking forward to meeting him, anyway. When he saw that the coast was clear, he gestured for Bucky to come in.

You had been reading in the other room, close to the front door, when you heard the door open, some shuffling and the door close. You stood up from the couch, securing your bookmark in between two pages before closing your book and holding it close to your chest as you walked over, grinning at Steve.

''You're back!!''

You looked around, not seeing Bucky anywhere. You frowned. You took a few steps towards Steve to hug him and that's when you saw him, standing behind his best friend. Almost hiding.

You gave your friend a big hug before smiling at Bucky.

''Hi.''

Bucky nodded towards you, not saying a word and avoiding eye contact. He looked at the book you were holding and focused on it instead of you. You kept your eyes on him for a few moments, looking at his face and how exhausted he looked. Not only physically but emotionally and mentally. You wanted to hug him so badly, tell him that he's finally safe but you didn't. You knew it would take some time before Bucky warmed up to you, and you were willing to wait.

After that day, you weren't hanging out with Steve as much as you used to do. You didn't want to force his best friend to be around you, and Steve was the only person he knew and trusted so of course they were always together. You spent most of your days training at the gym or reading in your room, leaving the door open almost hoping someone would come over and talk to you but without Steve, you were always alone.

You were surprised when one day, as you were reading yet again, Steve knocked on your door before walking in, Bucky following right behind him. The soldier gave you a small nod before walking over to your book shelf and looking at every book you owned. Making a mental list of the ones he would to borrow one day.

Steve sat down next to you on your bed and wrapped his right arm around your shoulders, hugging you.

''Hi.'' He grinned down at you.

''Hey, stranger.'' You smiled, hugging him back.

He held you close to his chest, your head on his shoulder as you played with his fingers.