Possessive - Book Two (Steve Rogers)

23. BROKEN

I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so, I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

-The Reason by Hoobastank

The mood in the Quinjet was split.  Most of the team was elated that the mission was so successful, no injuries and intel taken without issues.  But two people knew that coming home would be harder than not.  Sophia and Bucky sat together in the far back, holding hands, not knowing if it was the last time they would be allowed to be.  Sophia knew, coming home, that she would have to deal with an extremely pissed off Steve. Bucky understood that, while kissing Sophia had been a fantasy, reality would hurt harder. Both has no idea why it felt right.   As the jet got closer, the sense of dread fell over Sophia.  Bucky could feel the tension and held on to her, if only so she could stay in reality.

The jet touched down at the compound.  Bucky was the first off the jet, nodding at Steve before heading to his quarters.  The rest of the team disembarked, greeting the Captain with high-fives or mock salutes, their joy of a mission accomplished missing the hard face the Captain had.  Sophia exited last, trying to delay the inevitable. She gathered her bag and walked slowly off the jet.

"Hello Sophia," Steve greeted Sophia, his arms crossed in front of him.  "How was the flight?"

"It was fine.  Quiet."

"You didn't celebrate with the team."

"Nope, just tried to sleep." Sophia started to head inside, avoiding Steve's gaze.

"Sophia, I think we need to talk."

"Can we not?  I'm exhausted, I need to shower and get something to eat."

"Sophia, please? We need to talk about this."

"About what? The fact that you have had to do so many things to keep yourself undercover, and that has to be ok or the fact that when I was out into the same position, I'm reckless and uncaring."

"Sophia, you knowingly kissed Bucky.  You did it on purpose."

"Of course, I did it on purpose.  Ward was there looking for us.  He was security that we missed on recon and I did what I had to do to survive.  You taught me that!"

"I didn't teach you to make out in front of everyone.  I taught you to escape."

"Oh, so because I had one play to give me time to exit, you're pissed.  Would you be pissed off if it was Sam or Scott?"

Steve hesitated before saying, "Yes, I would be."

"You are a terrible liar, Rogers. You are a jealous, insecure liar.  I didn't do this to hurt you. I did it to survive."

"I am not jealous or a liar."

"You are too.  You agreed with the team to name Bucky to be a leader, you told them I could do this mission.  You approved it.  So, what is your damn problem?"

"I hate that you kissed him alright! I hate that you are close to him and I hate that you can't see that he is in love with you. Can't you see how terrified I am that he will take you away from me?"

Sophia took a step back as if she had been slapped. She knew of his love, of how their kiss felt, but she would never do anything to intentionally hurt the man in front of her.  It angered her that Steve thought so little of her.   "I can't believe that you feel that way.  That you don't trust me."