Fire starter (Ana X Bucky)

24

(Ana POV)

Bruce and Natasha didn't wait long to move my things into James's room. They were practically singing show-tunes. James and Steve forced me to sit on the couch while they helped the move. I was surprised Steve offered to help. This whole breakup was because of his feelings about me and James. I tried to stay mad at him about it all. The truth was though, there always has been something between James and I. His reactions were because of a subconscious feeling that was completely valid.

I tried to love Steve. I really did. Everyday with him was a wonderful experience. It was fun and dangerous. We were a power couple. Leaders in our fields. The pressure was horrible though. I think I fell in love with how he handled life more than who he was. That wasn't fair for Steve, as much as his jealousy wasn't fair to me.

When I'm with James it all feels different. The fun is more warm and relaxed. I feel at home. I feel safe. I can't do anything about it though. I'm pregnant with Steve's kid..his best friend. How messed up can I be to move on to Steve's friend? It would ruin them. So no matter what, I have to stay away from James in that way. We can't have those moments I long for. The moments I know he wants so badly.

I sat on the couch eating chocolate ice cream and drinking lemonade. I was watching New Girl waiting for them to tell me my stuff was all moved. I just wanted to lay down and nap. Maybe after I nap I'll have enough energy to use my powers a bit. I've been hiding that from them. I still used my powers every now and then to light candles or feel warmer. Tony always suggested for me to use the cuff for the baby but declined. It wouldn't be safe if I was cold all the time. What if something happened and I needed to defend myself?

"Hey, we are all done" Nat sat next to me sighing happily. "Are you seriously drinking lemonade while eating chocolate ice cream?" She made a puking face then looked away. I laughed at her, I couldn't help the cravings as much as I couldn't help the need to freaking nap.

"Sorry for my child's weird ass hunger. Can I go and nap now?" I was feeling really tired for no reason and was about to sleep on the couch.

"Yea Bucky and Steve are just talking in the room, but everything is set up." I nod leaving the food on the coffee table. I'll clean that up later. I mindlessly run my hand over my stomach as I get close to James's room. The sound of yelling stopping me cold.

"Steve...come on man.."

"I love her. I do..it's..it's not obsession. I was just stupid"

"So you want me to back off? To ignore how I feel? To ignore how she's been feeling because of you?" I could hear the frustration in his voice. He was tired of waiting.

"She's having my kid Buck.."

"That doesn't mean you get to marry her. It has to be her choice, and she chose to end it. You slept around, you never trusted her."

"I ...god..is there any way we can fix this...all of this? Us..you're my best friend Buck, might as well be my brother. I don't think I can handle watching her fall in love with you."

"Steve. You and I are good. I stepped back before for you. I tried getting over her for you. Why can't you give me the same chance to be happy that I gave you?" Their voices lowered. James was sad, his voice breaking. I can't believe I did this to them... "And now knowing how I feel about her you decided to have her sleep in my room. But you want me to do nothing. Steve, what are you doing bud?"

"I...I don't know. I've never been so...I've always known what to do...What was right. I've fucked up with her so much I don't know what I'm doing anymore." My heart broke for Steve. I leaned against the wall listening to them a bit longer.