Unforgettable

Part 6 - Coming Home

It has been two weeks...... two weeks since Willow woke up not remembering anything from the last few years.

Two weeks of Bucky not being able to visit his wife because she had no memory of who he is.

Two weeks of feeling like his heart was going to break and today she was coming home. To the compound at least. Not to the home they shared because Willow had no memory of their marriage and home life.

Bucky lingered in the hospital corridor near Willow's room. Then he spotted Sam coming towards him

'Buck.. you know you're not meant to be here man. Nat is bringing her home'

Bucky tried to hide his frustrated tone without much success 'It should be me though Sam. I'm her husband. I should be bringing her home'

Sam looked at how defeated Bucky looked in that moment 'I know buddy. And we all know how difficult this has been for you but you know you need to take baby steps with Willow right now'

'If baby steps were allowed then at least I would feel like I was getting somewhere. I don't know how much more of this I can take Sam'

'You need to hang in there Buck. In sickness and in health, for better or worse. Those were the vows you took and now you need to honour them. Things can't get worse than this. You're at rock bottom already so the only way is up'

Bucky looked between Willows room and Sam 'I feel like I'm losing her. I can't remember what it feels like to kiss her or to hold her in my arms. This is slowly killing me'

'What can I do to help!'

'I don't think there is anything you can do. I know I need to back off for a while but I feel so helpless. I feel like I can't breathe without her by my side'

Sam felt the heartbreak rolling off Bucky. All of them had felt some level of heartbreak over the last couple of months. Thinking they were going to lose them both in the accident to learning the extent of Willows injuries and now watching his friend fall apart in front of him. They all just needed a break

'If I could wave a magic wand and take your pain away or fix this, I would. In a heartbeat. But the truth is there is no magic fix and the Bucky I know would never be defeated. He would fight tooth and nail to fix this'

'I'm just so tired Sam'

'I know' Sam responded 'why don't we go back to the compound and get Willow's room ready. Bring some of her stuff from yours and make it home for her'

Bucky perked up at the thought of helping Willow settle back in to the compound 'Ok, let's go do that'

Sam clapped Bucky on the back whilst Buck gave one last lingering glance at the hospital room before leaving

*************

Natasha peaked out of the door and saw that Bucky and Sam were no longer to be seen 'Ok the coast is clear. It looks like Sam has managed to persuade Bucky to leave'

Willow slouched back on the bed feeling the tension she was feeling seep out of her 'Good. I'm not sure I could get through this knowing he's watching my every move'

Nat sits next to Willow gently taking her hand 'We've been best friends for a long time me and you and I can tell you without any doubt in my mind that Bucky is the love of your life'

'Nat' Willow warns

'I'm not trying to push you into doing anything. I promise. I just want you to know that he's not hovering around to annoy you. He's hanging around waiting for any attention from you because he doesn't know how to be ok without you.'

'Nat, you're really not helping. I feel bad enough as it is. When I look at him, it's like looking at a kicked puppy and he's waiting around for any small scraps that I might throw his way'

'I'm sorry. I just love you both and I hate seeing either of you sad. You were always attached to each other right from the word go so it's just taking me some time to get used to it, but I will back off. I promise'

Willow smiles at gently at Nat 'Thank you Nat, I appreciate it. I know this is difficult for you all but I'm sure we'll all get used to it shortly.'

'Yeah I'm sure you're right. Do you want some help with the packing or are you planning to camp out longer in hospital?'

Willow looks horrified at the thought of staying there longer 'God no. Have you tried their food. I wouldn't even give it to a stray dog. Please tell me that Tony still has an amazing chef on-site at the compound because I think I could eat a banquet at this moment in time'

Nat laughed at Willow, seeing a glimpse of her old friend again 'Yes he has a chef. And if Bucky has had anything to do with it, I'm sure he has all of your favourite foods stocked by now'

Willow stopped dead in her tracks 'Wait does Bucky live at the compound too?'

Nat frowned 'He's just moved back in actually. You guys had your own place before... well before the accident. Why do you think that will be a problem?'

'I hope not' Willow turned round to finish grabbing her things muttering to herself 'God help me'