Forever Friends

Chapter 9: Running

You get a shower and go for a walk around the garden to rehearse what you are going to say to Steve. Nat sees you after a while and joins you.

"So, I know we have not got to hang out as much as I'd like, but can I ask you something?" She asks, bumping you playfully.

You nod, "Of course, Nat!"

She smiles, "What is going on with you and Barnes? I've caught him smiling twice since we got back-which he doesn't do," she shakes her head, "And both times, he was looking at you."

You bite your lip, "Well you know, we've been friends for years."

She nods, "Yeah, I could tell from all of the yelling between you two before we left."

You shake your head, smiling.

At 6:00, you make your way to the meeting room and sit next to Bucky. Where have you been, Doll? Just hanging with Nat. You? Talking with Sam, he knows. You look up to see Sam smiling at you.

You can't help but roll your eyes as Tony starts the meeting, "Ok, so Thor, Peter, Clint, and Scott have had to go to Asgard to help straighten some stuff out there. Loki, Vision, Wanda, Steve, Bucky, Banner, Y/N, and I have got our work cut out for us. On this last mission, we learned that there is a branch of Hydra that is still fully operational. Their sole mission is to recover the missing Power Winter Soldier that was lost 30-plus years ago." Tony looks at you. Shit!

Your eyes go wide, "What?!?" You ask, your hands trembling, "Do they know where I am?"

Tony shakes his head, "For the moment... we don't think so. You're safe for now, but we will need you on the next mission."

You nod in understanding before glancing over at Bucky. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you. What if they take me again? What if they take you? I won't let that happen... none of us will. You try to smile at him. Buck, I'm scared. I've never been on a mission before. What if I hurt more than I help? He shakes his head slowly, That's not going to happen. You suddenly notice how quiet it is. Bucky and you turn your head back to the others.

You see that every eye in the room is on you. You have been quietly staring directly at each other for the better part of two minutes.

Steve is glaring between the two of you, "Something you'd like to share with the class, maybe?"

You swallow hard, "Umm, no... sorry."

Steve shakes his head and hits the table, "What is it? You two were at each other's throats when we left and now you can't take your eyes off of one another." His immediate change causes you to jump slightly.

"Steve," you start.

"This is not the time or the place, Rogers," Loki pipes up, attempting to relieve some of the tension.

"I don't remember asking you anything, Loki," Steve glares before standing up and motioning out the door, "Both of you, outside. Now!"

You blink a few times and can feel your power focusing. Who the hell does he think he's talking to? Y/N, don't. Bucky's thoughts instantly calm you.

You look at Tony who shakes his head, offering you a reassuring smile, "Go ahead and get this cleared up. We'll be here when you get back."

You nod and follow Bucky and Steve outside. Loki slips out to follow you three once the group is talking again. Steve leads you to the training room.

"Ok. Let's hear it. What's going on?" He looks at you.

Bucky looks at Steve and starts to explain, "Steve... I've seen colors for years. I saw them the day I got my orders for the 107th..." He pauses but when there is no reaction from Steve, he continues, "Steve, I saw them with Y/N. She never saw them and I was jealous when I saw you two together. That's why I made an ass of myself that night at the tavern."