Reaching Out | Bucky Barnes

36 | Saturday, August 29th

I pull in a slow breath and stretch my arms above my head.

A woman's voice speaks gently from my computer, instructing me to move to a chair pose.

Considering I was told by multiple doctors and Mother Hen himself to avoid intense exercise for a while, I decided to finally try yoga.

It's definitely different from what I'm used to.

I've always focused on cardio and pushing myself to my limits, so being told to find calm and balance is unfamiliar.

But refreshing.

I've practiced every morning and night for the last week, giving myself a few hours where the world is blocked out and I can breathe normally.

I flow through the routine, letting the brunette woman direct me, and as the video ends, I sit in the silence of the gym. I shut my eyes and lean back, stretching my shoulders gently and letting my mind wander. It's nice to slow down—literally and figuratively—but I'm itching to run the grounds. Especially now that the trees have changed color and it's gorgeous out there.

But no.

Apparently, I'm in no shape to go running. When I tried to sneak out on Monday morning Steve was waiting, smoothie in hand, and made me sit and have breakfast with him.

He's literally a grandpa.

That's when I decided to try yoga. I was a little grumpy about it at first, but by the end of my first session, found that I really enjoyed it.

I push myself up before rolling and strapping my mat, tucking it under my arm as I make my way out of the gym.

"Morning," Steve greets from his usual spot at the island.

"Morning," I smile, leaning my mat against the side of the island before heading into the fridge. I eye the time.

7:22.

Bucky will be up soon...

"Have you had breakfast already? I'm going to make omelets," I say, pulling out the eggs, peppers, and some cheese.

"I have, so don't worry about me. I'm just heading down to the gym actually," he explains, taking a sip from a mixer cup.

"Oh?" I cock a brow, "we should do some sparring."

"Maybe in a few weeks. Nice try though," he chuckles and shakes his head.

I send him a blank stare. "I'm fine, no bruising, no injuries, nothing. I'm a super soldier remember?" I say pointedly, gesturing to myself. "I don't get why everyone wants me to take it easy when I'm fine."

Steve sighs a little and looks across at me. "I don't know about everyone else, but I'm still getting used to the idea that you're enhanced now... But nonetheless, I don't think you should push yourself."

"It's not pushing though. I feel completely fine, and I just want to go back to normal. I don't need to be wrapped in bubble wrap," I shake my head, trying to keep the bite from my tone.

I know he's not doing it to be annoying, but it's getting frustrating.

He lets out a sigh and runs a hand down his face. "Okay... Okay. How about tomorrow morning we go for a jog around the compound?"

A smile grows on my face as I nod. "That sounds great. I just need to get out. Move."

"Talk to Nat about getting back into the hand-to-hand. She's probably just as annoyed as you are that everyone told you to stop."