Missing Piece

Part Nine

You and Bucky were finally able to catch up on the sleep you had missed during your mission. You went to bed around noon and when you woke up it was dark outside. You lifted your head to be able to see the alarm clock and the glowing numbers showed that it was 7:30. You still felt exhausted and almost closed your eyes to go back to sleep but your stomach growled, letting you know that food would be necessary before any other activities could occur.

Bucky seemed still deep asleep and you didn't want to wake him up, he needed to rest.

It took you about 5 minutes before you were able to slip away from Bucky, wiggling under him until you were finally free. You slowly got out of bed, trying not to make any sound or movement that could potentially wake him up. You exited his room silently, closing the door once you were out as softly as you could then you went straight to your room to put on clothes that weren't as revealing. You quickly texted Bucky to let him know where you were in case he woke up and made your way downstairs.

When you walked into the kitchen, you were surprised to see everyone cooking together. This usually only happened in the morning for breakfast.

Steve grinned when he saw you. He quickly stood up and walked over to you.

''Hey toots.'' He opened his arms, an invitation for you to hug him.

Which you gladly did.

You stepped forward, leaning into his chest. His arms closed around your shoulders and he squeezed you gently. He kissed the top of your head.

''How are you feeling?'' He asked after a few minutes.

You tilted your head back to be able to look in his eyes. ''I feel better. I'm still exhausted though.''

As if your body thought he needed proof, you yawned. A soft chuckle escaped his lips and he smiled. ''Tony's going to make sure you get plenty of rest before going back out there.''

It was reassuring to know that her health was taken seriously and they truly cared about her and what happened to her.

''How are you?'' You felt like you hadn't seen him in months when you had just spent an entire week together and only came back less than 24 hours ago.

''I'm okay. I'm worried.'' He lifted his shoulders slightly before lowering them.

''Worried? Why?''

''I'm worried about you. I didn't know any of this was going on... I swear to you. None of us did. Otherwise we would never have let it happened.''

''Stevie... None of this is your fault, none of this is anybody's fault. The only people who are to blame are Fury for manipulating me into being his perfect little killer and well, me for not seeing that what I was doing was wrong. I could have spoken up at any time... but I chose to believe and trust Fury. That's on me.'' You smiled at him, only to comfort him. ''You have nothing to feel bad about or feel guilty about.''

''It's not your fault either-''

You shook your head, cutting him off. ''I don't want to talk about this... Please. Not right now.'' You pleaded with him with your eyes to let it go.

Steve looked in your eyes and nodded, agreeing to drop it. For now.

''Where's Buck?'' He looked around, behind you, not seeing him anywhere.

''He's sleeping.''

''And you left him alone?'' He asked, surprised.

You narrowed your eyes. Clearly you hadn't been as subtle as you thought you had been. As if Steve could read your mind, he spoke again.