Missing Piece

Part Eight

As you walked away from the conference room, Fury's words echoed in your head. Your suffering was a small price to pay. Because you weren't an Avenger your pain and suffering didn't matter to Fury. Not one bit.

In the conference room, everyone had watched you walk away. Rightfully so. Before anyone had the opportunity to say anything, Bucky was on his feet and running after you. There was no way you'd get into another fight because of a misunderstanding. Not after everything that happened and everything you went through together.

It didn't take long for Bucky to catch up to you. He moved to stand in front of you, stopping you in your tracks.

''I swear I didn't mean it like that. You have to believe me.''

You looked up at him, embarrassed. Tears were falling down your cheeks, uncontrollably. You knew he didn't mean it like that. Bucky went above and beyond while taking care of you, if he hadn't wanted to do it he would have done the minimum and walked away. You had been overwhelmed and you overreacted.

''I know. I'm so sorry.'' You lowered your head, trying to hide how hard you were crying.

''Please don't cry.'' He put his hands on your shoulders and pulled you to his chest. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders, hugging you tightly. He kissed the top of your head and whispered soothing words to you.

Your fists were between your bodies, clinging to his t-shirt. You were finally calming down.

''You're okay.'' Bucky leaned down to kiss the tip of your nose, making you smile.

''I'm really sorry.'' You apologized again.

''You have every right to be upset. I probably shouldn't have yelled. I'm sorry too.''

''Thank you. For standing up for me.'' You looked up and smiled.

''Always, baby. Always.'' He smiled.

His hands left your back to wipe your tears. Bucky heard something that made him take his eyes off of you and he looked behind you. Bucky grabbed your waist with one his hands and moved you until you stood behind him. He moved to stand in front of you, shielding you. His hand was still on your waist, never letting go once.

He raised his free hand in front of him. ''Back the hell up.''

Fury looked unimpressed. ''Calm down, Barnes. I'm not going to hurt her.''

''You already did.''

Fury stepped aside so that he could talk to you but Bucky moved with him. ''She's been through enough. Leave her alone.''

This time it was Steve who talked to Fury, appearing from behind him.

Fury sighed. ''Look, I did what I had to do to keep you safe. Everybody's safe and look-'' He pointed at you. ''She's fine.''

You could tell that Bucky's blood was boil in his veins. He was so angry. You took his free hand in yours and tugged slightly on it so that he would look at you.

Bucky turned his head to look at you. You smiled, trying to reassure him and to make him relax. It seemed to calm him down.

''It wasn't your choice to make, Fury. You should have talked to us. You knew we weren't going to be ok with the situation because you knew it was wrong.'' Steve added. ''The mission we just came from, we could have easily gotten her out of there. There was no need for her to stay back and take care of all of them by herself.''

''Except that's exactly what you wanted, right?'' Bucky asked. ''I was there, I saw everything. The way she moved and handled herself, that comes from years of training. You turned her into your own little assassin. She's the SHIELD version of me.''