A Heart Break In Time

Avengers, Assemble! *ENDING THREE

Bucky and I got to the theater room and approached the couch. He sat first which left me with the dilemma of where do I sit? Right next to him? That would answer some questions before they're asked. But sitting too far away would also give the wrong idea.

Bucky saw me hesitating to sit and sighed. "Talia, are you choosing him? I know we're about to have the conversation but I just... I need to know now because I can't do it all again. I really can't."

I blinked in shock, I was really unprepared for that. But knowing he wanted me to choose him was all the answer I needed. I sat next to him and smiled. "No, no I'm not." I squeezed his hand.

"Oh." Bucky mumbled as we pulled away. "Guess that answers that question for me." He smirked and I sat next to him.

"Guess it answers a lot of them." Steve's voice from behind us startled us. I instinctively moved away from Bucky.

"Steve-" I started to explain but he stopped me.

He held his hand up as he walked towards the couch. I noticed that Peggy wasn't with him. "I'm sorry, Buck, but this is insane. Talia, we've been together for years. And you're choosing him?"

I felt uncomfortable, he was right. We had been through so much together. I cared for Bucky, I loved Bucky. I couldn't deny that. But I loved Steve too. For the last five years, Steve was all I had. Sure, I saw Natasha and Tony... but they had their own lives. Steve was my everything and I was his. The stones were the problem. Again.

I didn't answer and they both seemed to notice. Bucky's body tensed up and Steve walked towards me. "Talia..." he crouched down in front of me. "If there's still any part of you that loves me, please. It wasn't me. None of the things I did or said were me. I'm here. I love you, I need you. Please. Do you still love me?"

"I-" I looked to Steve, then turned to Bucky. He stared at the wall, fists clenched. Guilt was tearing up my stomach. "Yes. I do." Steve's face lit up and Bucky stood. I wanted to reach for him, say no wait, I love you too. But that wasn't fair. Steve and I had years, a stable relationship built on trust and commitment. I made a promise when I took that ring.

Bucky walked out of the room, and I let him.

Steve picked me up and kissed me, passionately. In a way he hadn't in a long time, and I let him. This felt, different.

When he put me down he hugged me tight against him. "Are you coming back to the Avengers?"

He pulled away. "I'll help with training, with whatever you need. But no, I want a life with you. A real life. That's one thing I realized through this whole thing. We've both devoted everything. It's time we're a bit selfish. And now that you have your new position, Director." He said with a smirk. "I think we can have some fun. What do you say?"

"I can't wait." I leaned up and kissed him.

Two days later...

Steve and I stood at the platform as Bucky helped Peggy up. She gave us both an awkward smile but no real goodbye. And then Bucky went to stand next to her.

"Buck?" Steve questioned.

Bucky ignored him and turned to Bruce, nodding, signaling him to start.

"Bucky? What are you doing?" I started to walk towards him but Steve held my arm.

"Going with Peggy, what's it look like?" He replied, monotone.

"And you're out in five..." Bruce started the countdown.

"Why?" I continued to pull against Steve. "Bucky, come on..."

"Three..."

Bucky hesitated.

"Two..."

He turned, looking me in the eye. "I'm going to kill me before they turn me into the Winter Soldier."

Just then the lights began to swirl. Steve let me go out of shock and I yelled, lunging for them.

Only to be met with the metal platform. I looked up at Steve, tears in my eyes. "Steve..."

He walked towards me and picked me up, holding me tight. "I know. I got you." I cried in his arms.

THE END