The Aftermath

Chapter 8

You arrive at the police precinct a few hours later after practically breaking the sound barrier to get there to find a frustrated Sam pacing in the pit. "What the hell happened? I leave you two alone for a few days and Bucky ends up behind bars?" Sam chuckles although the sound lacks any true amusement, "apparently he violated his pardon terms by missing a court-mandated therapy session while he was away but they are working on releasing him now." You sigh and are about to ask about the terms of his release when you are interrupted by a petite brunette woman. "Sam, (Y/N)," she greets as she shakes your hands, "I've heard a lot about both of you. I'm Dr. Raynor, James' therapist." Sam gives her a winning smile as you stare at her in confusion, wondering why she is there. "So nice to meet you and thank you for getting him out," he says but she quickly shakes her head at the words. "That wasn't me, I'm just here to-" she starts before a frustratingly familiar voice butts in. "Christina! Great seeing you again," John Walker calls out as he walks through the station, shaking hands with officers along the way. You and Sam share a look before John reaches the three of you. "Thanks for coming all this way," he continues as he shakes Dr. Raynor's hand, "we appreciate you coming to do your final evaluation with Bucky to sign him off, he's just too valuable of an asset for us to be trying to work around your timeline," he says with a grin that he casts in your direction. Dr. Raynor doesn't looked pleased with this turn of events but you don't have time to worry about that as you see Bucky being escorted out of the holding area.

You breathe a sigh of relief and rush to meet him but only get a couple of steps before John grabs your arm and leans in close to speak to you, "I'll be taking that thank you anytime now sweetheart." You shake him impatiently from your arm as you give him a look of revulsion, "we don't need your help," you hiss before pushing past him to get to Bucky. "We have unfinished business," John calls after you before walking out of the building. "(Y/N)? What are you doing here?" Bucky asks as his eyes flick from the door that John just disappeared through to you just as you reach him and lay a hand on his arm although you aren't sure if it a gesture that is meant to reassure him or yourself. "I came to bail you out but it looks like Captain Asshole beat me to it," you say earning a glare from the nearest officer and a small crooked grin from Bucky. You don't have time to even appreciate the curve of his lips before that smile is wiped away. "James, a condition of your release session now," Dr. Raynor barks as she marches towards a conference room that she had apparently been granted access to. "(Y/N), Sam, you two as well." Seeming to sense your hesitation she calls back, "that wasn't a request," as she disappears into the room. The three of you enter the room behind her and take seats in the cold metal chairs that are lined up on one side of a table facing an already seated Dr. Raynor. You take the middle seat with Bucky to your left and Sam to your right as you meet the doctors assessing stare. 

"I don't like the ultimatum I was offered by John but I don't seem to have a choice in this matter, so the four of us are going to talk so that I'm certain that James is okay and that what I think needs to happen is at least out in the open," she sighs even as the men on either side of you groan. "This is ridiculous," Sam whines and Bucky scoffs his agreement. "Be that as it is," Dr. Raynor comments, "we are going to start with something that I typically save for couples counseling. It's called the miracle question. Suppose that when you are sleeping a miracle occurs, when you wake up what is something you would like to see that would make your life better?" She looks expectantly at the three of you before Bucky speaks up. "In my miracle, he would talk less." You choke back a laugh as you look between the two men, wondering what had occurred during the few days you had been away. "Exactly what I was going to say, isn't that ironic?" Sam agrees spitefully as Dr. Raynor rolls her eyes to the ceiling clearly unimpressed with their childish behavior. "You've been quiet since we got in here, (Y/N)," she comments as she pierces you with an expectant look, "maybe you can answer the question in a more mature manner than your companions at least." You open your mouth to protest your participation when Sam butts in, "clearly she would wish for Steve to still be here," he says in such a matter of fact tone that you can feel your anger flooding your veins before you suddenly find words tumbling from your lips unbidden. Truths that you had never revealed before, come spilling out before everyone in the room.