The man in the rain

Apologies

Vieve walked over to where Steve was standing, still with some tears on her cheeks threatening to fall even further down her face. She knew that Steve and the others didn't deserve the hate that she was giving them, but in her mind, it was just easier to put the blame on somebody else. She was going over in her head what to say to Steve but was failing miserably. She wanted to say more than just sorry. She looked up and when she did Steve was right in front of her with his intimidating power stance causing Vieve to take a couple of steps back. 

"Hi Steve," She said shyly " I know that I have not always been kind to you or your friends, but I was hurting and I needed someone to blame for my hurt and you guys were the easiest targets," She said meeting his gaze, which was so kind and caring that she felt like a heavyweight was lifted off of her shoulders. Steve simply didn't say anything. He just simply strutted over to where she was standing and gave her a hug. A hug in which she accepted and almost sobbed into. 

Bucky was watching the whole thing from a distance. He wanted to walk over there with Genevieve but knew this was something that she needed to do on her own. He couldn't explain to himself why he felt so drawn to her. Maybe it was that fact that when they first met she was one of the only people to not see him as a monster, or she was actually really kind and didn't judge him for the slight episode he had in the diner. Whatever it was he didn't care, he was glad he could find someone to be friends with outside of Steve. He was snapped out of his thoughts by Gevnevie asking him a question that he did not hear. 

"What?" he questioned.

"I was asking if you wanted to head back into the diner to finish dinner" she giggled with Steve. James was confused by the giggle shard between the two, but he didn't think any more about it he just nodded and the three of them started back to the diner. Vieve lagged behind a little bit and looked up towards the sky. She sat there a moment and then mouthed a single thank you. She knew that today was all because of her brother and sister. She knew that because of those two she was finally able to have some closure and possibly a new friend who she knows will always understand her. 

"G, are you coming," Bucky asked turning slightly. She jumped at the sound but then turned to him with a smile. She nodded and looked up one last time smiled and hurried toward James. 

"G huh? Is that a new nickname for me" she asked James. 

"Uh, only if you want it to be. Just kind of seemed natural to say" he said stumbling with his words just enough for Vieve to notice. She didn't want to say anything to him but she smiled at the fact that she could make him so nervous. 

"No, no I like it. Probably one of my favorite nicknames I've gotten," She smiled at him locking eyes. When they locked eyes they both stopped in their tracks. Vieve could hear how heavy and nervous sounding James' breath sounded. Reaching for his hand she was hoping to calm him down, but before she could fully reach his hand Steve popped out of the diner. 

"You guys com-" he stopped mid-sentence ashamed of himself for disrupting the moment between the two. The couple jumped and both responded with a panicked 'yes'. The three all headed into the diner and went back to before Steve came into the diner. 

The group was able to enjoy each other's company for the night. Steve joined for dinner but felt that he was overstaying a small welcome so he told them he was heading home because he had training in the morning. So he left the two to talk and get to know each other more because he knew that Bucky would need a friend outside of the compound. 

It was time for the diner to close and Genevieve and James were still in the diner talking and laughing. It was nice for the Gilbertson's to see. They were happy for Genevieve. They have always wanted to see her happy and genuinely happy and when she was with this guy, they could tell she was one hundred percent happy. However, it was way past closing and the old couple wanted to head home. 

"Hey honey" Charlene came up to the table "It's way past close and me and Dalton would like to head home, do you want to lock up?" She said to Vieve. 

"Oh my god, I am so sorry Mrs. Gilberson! We will head out right now. Thank you for letting us stay so late!" She scrambled to her feet and James followed but was still confused. But he followed her out of the diner and they went about their way walking. 

"How do you know the owners?" James asked stuffing his hands into his coat pockets

"Oh, I guess I forgot to mention it but I actually work at that diner. They are like my only family left, and they aren't really even blood-related" She told him while staring down at the sidewalk. 

"I see, that's why when we were deciding where to eat you didn't mention that place," he said with a coy smile, in which she returned. It meant a lot to her that he actually was listening to her when she would talk. She had never been treated with such respect and that's what James was doing for her. 

James felt very comfortable around this complete stranger and he was getting scared of it. He was never expecting to come back to New York and meet a complete stranger who helps him feel like he is back in the '40s. He liked how open and honest she was and how she was not afraid to be herself around him. James was just listening to her talk about her schooling and hearing how excited she got made him realize he was really starting to like this girl. 

They were walking for what seemed like forever until G came to a stop. They stopped in front of an older building and James thought that he recognized it, but he pushed the thought from his head. 

"Well, this is my place. I hate to end the night, but I have class in the morning and I really need to head to bed" She said turning to face him. James felt the smile on his face fade just a little bit but then realized that he could soon see her again. 

"Oh, yeah, no I completely understand," He said looking down at her. 

"Okay, well I will see you around James," she said with a tinge of sadness in her voice turning the door handle and walking into her building. 

"Wait, G!" he reached out. "When can I see you again?" He questioned with a shake in his voice.

"Come stop by the diner tomorrow. I'll be working until close. Besides, I think I owe you a cup of coffee" She playfully said and James felt his face start to get warmer and she disappeared into her apartment. 

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Hello loves! I hope you all are enjoying the story. Remember to vote if you liked this chapter and let me know if you have any thoughts that you think would make a great addition to the story or even some characters you're wanting to see. 

HAPPY READING!!!! 

xx- pag :)