A Little Calm...

Battle Scars

Moral Of The Story - Asche

As you predicted, Bucky was almost back to normal by noon. He was cleared to be discharged and so you went back to his place with him to babysit; make sure he doesn't hop straight on a plane to Sam. He gets about three paces inside and looks back at you as you close the door.

Bucky
"I'm gonna take a shower."

Y/n
"Okay."

You give him a tired smile as he leaves the room. He then pops his head back round and casually looks at you before disappearing again.

Bucky
"So are you."

His slightly bossy nature takes you by surprise as you watch him disappear round the corner.

Y/n
"Right, okay..."

After a couple of seconds, you quickly follow him through to the bathroom. By the time you've taken your clothes off and neatly folded them on the corner of the bed nextdoor, he's already under the running water.
You open the shower door and place a hand calmly on his shoulder. He turns his head to acknowledge your presence, but stays stationary as you approach closely. Feeling his skin, warm against yours brings you a feeling of comfort. He turns around slowly, which is when you see the bruising on his sides. He must have cracked some ribs during the fight, there's no way he couldn't have.
You're now fully immersed under the water as you trace your hands over his wounds. You stand, touching foreheads, as you realise how much pain he must still be in.
You can tell how vulnerable he must feel by his slightly tensed stance. He attempts to ease your concern by placing a hand over the scar on your stomach, and moving a few strands to see the scar emerging from your hairline. The display of sympathy towards your position of worry shows you that you've both been in this situation. You've both watched each other, lying hurt on a hospital bed, unsure of what to expect. You finally look up at him, with a mutual understanding.
You guide your hands up to his jaw and curl your fingers round the sides of his neck. He, in turn, rests his arms on your waist. You close your eyes once again and just stand under the water, in each other's company. Eventually, you bring one another closer, so that your head is resting on top of his shoulder and his cheek nestles just behind your ear. Your arms curl around each other, just wanting to be close. You've both nearly lost the other, so moments like these, where you're both present and safe, are the ones you savour.