Those Ocean Eyes and That Charming Smile

073

I hold Bucky's left hand tightly in mine and wrap my left arm around his arm to hold his bicep to my chest when we stand in the elevator. My hood is pulled up to cover the many bruises on my face and neck so I don't get comments on them but, I know the team will eventually see them anyways. My body flinches slightly when the elevator dings and the doors open a second later with Bucky looking down at me and smiling encouragingly as he starts slowly walking us out of the elevator and towards the island where Steve and Sam are.

"Morning, guys." Bucky greets and Steve turns around 

"Good morning." Steve smiles and glances at me

"No." I whisper in a blurt and don't return the smile before I step to the side so I stand behind Bucky, peering over his arm. "Bucky." I breathe as I feel Steve's mood shift but he keeps his smile strong trying to make me feel as comfortable as possible

"I'm making chocolate chip pancakes." He continues to talk to me like any other normal morning. "I know they're your favorite, Y/n."

"Thank you." I whisper and he nods

"You guys can go sit down and I'll bring it to you." He suggests

"Come on, doll." Bucky says and looks down at me. "Let's go sit down."

"Okay." I nod hesitantly and hold onto his arm as we walk past Sam who smiles and waves across the island. "Hi." I give him a small lipped smile and walk over to the dining table that has Tony and Natasha sitting and talking about something

"Good morning kid." Tony smiles when we pass

"Morning." I mumble and keep my head down

Bucky sits in my spot and I sit in his spot so I am on the end where I sit on the wooden chair and bring my knees up to my chest to rest my crossed heels on the edge. I wrap my arms around my legs and rest my chin on my knees to look at the polished table top which is where I can only look from my hood covering more than half of my vision. It hurts my ribs but I feel more protected as Bucky turns towards me and rests his right hand on my back, rubbing up and down my bruised spine.

"You're doing so good." Bucky whispers and sets his left hand on my arms. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you." I turn my head towards him and smile lightly

"Always, precious." He returns the smile and lifts his left hand to push some of my hair back behind my ear

"This isn't so ba-" I start before I feel someone's mood shift and I look to my right catching Nat's eyes that shoot down at her empty plate with a frown. "Bucky?" I mutter when my smile slightly falls and Bucky's eyebrows furrow before glancing over his shoulder to see Nat frowning at her plate

"She's worried about you." He says and looks back at me. "She stayed up most of the night too."

"Oh." I nod and lick my chapped lips when leaning into his hand that holds my bruised face. "Your hand feels good." I say. "Cold."

"I can get you an ice pack if you want." He suggests and starts to stand up

"No." I speak a little too loud that gains everyone's attention in the quiet room. "Stay." I whisper

"Okay." He nods. "I'm staying."

"Good." I sigh when he sits back down, resuming his task of rubbing my back and actually getting the knots out. "That feels better on my back." I admit

"Want me to keep doing it?" He leans forward and kisses me on the cheek making me smile so he does it again to see me smile wider. "Pretty girl." He compliments

"Yeah." I smile before the elevator door chimes and opens to reveal Clint and Bruce. "If you don't mind." I whisper and lift my head up a little as they walk in and sit in their spots, carrying on like any other normal day