A Little Calm...

Bet

We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off - Ella Eyre

It's 3 days later and after some tests, the doctor has cleared you to go home that evening. You're having a quick shower before Bucky and Alice come to help you with your things. You're just about back on your feet but any exertion makes you dizzy and too much movement hurts your scar.
As the hot water drips through your hair, you stand staring into space whilst tracing the raised tissue on your stomach. Thinking back to when it happened, you can't help but contemplate the fact that you let him hold you. You had some strength to push him off, you know that. But lying there with your life in his hands, you let him get close. You hadn't let anyone do that since the blip.
No. This isn't where the handsome man comes along and fixes all your problems. It doesn't work like that. But still, you're making progress.

You carefully step out of the shower and throw on some clothes that Alice brought over. You honestly just want to live in sweats for the rest of your life but anything with an actual back is better than the hospital gown. Using the door frame to prop yourself up, you dry your hair with a towel in the other hand. You almost don't even notice Ivy, the nurse who was on duty when you woke up, as she takes away the bedding.

Ivy
"Oh, y/n! I thought you left already! I was just changing the sheets but I can come back later?"

You lean on the wall as you walk over to the table in the corner and sit in front of it.

Y/n
"No go ahead, I'm just waiting to get picked up."

You give her a tired smile as she gets back to work.

Ivy
"That boyfriend of yours comin' to get you? Be nice ti get once last look at him."

You scoff at the suggestion, knowing that if she knew the history between you two, she'd have never even thought you'd be friends.

Y/n
"God no! Yes he's coming, but , I mean, we're just friends. What made you think that?"

She gives you a look as though you just gave the wrong answer to 1 + 1.

Ivy
"Come on! I've been working on this ward for nearly half a decade and I have never seen someone's name pop up so many times on the visitors sign in sheet!"

You stop drying your hair and give her your full attention.

Y/n
"What are you talking about?"

Ivy stopped and looked at you like she would a child.

Ivy
"He came in every single day. Sometimes even twice. I'll give you 10 bucks if he's not into you."

Before you can discourage her, Alice knocks on the door and opens it without waiting for a reply.

Home - Catie Turner

Alice
"Hey! You ready to go home??"

You act normal so that it doesn't show that the previous conversation is very much still in the forefront of your mind.

Y/n
"Actually, due to the 5 star cuisine and exquisite scent of cleaning products, I think I'll stay."

Bucky
"Woke up with the sarcasm still there, I see."

Until he spoke, you hadn't even registered his presence behind Alice. You try not to look surprised and instead just smile at him as he walks over and grabs the bag that sits at your feet. Your smile drops slightly however as you both maintain eye contact when he slowly stands back up. You break the stare however when Ivy speaks up from the other side of the room.

Ivy
"I'll finish up once you guys are gone."

As she leaves the room, she shoots you an 'I told you so' head tilt. You squint at her as Alice pipes up again.