Stages of Grief ~ BUCKY BARNES/WINTERWIDOW

Fourth Phase: Depression

"At this stage memories emerge about the deceased. The intensity of the symptoms of mourning decreases, rational acceptance intensifies. During this phase, on anniversaries, the symptoms may intensify again. the deceased is intensely mourned by the relative, who may take over the deceased's style, habits. It is often the case that the mourner engages in an internal dialogue with the deceased, to help themselves overcome their grief. The phase is successful if the mourner is able to let go."

"I dreamed with her tonight," Bucky remarked during an early morning workout. Only Clint was next to him on the shooting range. Every time Tony was asked, he didn't change their schedule. It was uncomfortable for both of them, but they were forced to swallow it all. They couldn't do anything else.

"Well, that's wonderful ..." Clint muttered under his nose then let go of the bowstring. The arrow was drilled straight into the eyes of the dummy forced into the victim role.

"Don't you have dreams of her too?" The other man tried to find common ground with his company.

"Yes, but only about what could have happened if I went with her instead of you."

"Clint, you can't do this forever..."

"Why couldn't I? It's still better than pretending nothing happened."

"If you would remember you would know that by now we would get our asses kicked because we were tearing each other up soo much." Bucky hung his towel over his shoulder and sat on the floor with his back against the wall.

"I remember. You would get less kicking if she would be still here though." Clint reached for another arrow but realized that he ran out of them. He put his glasses down.

"Depends on the situation. If I would try to kill you because of the way you are acting with me I would get more kicks."

"And would you?"

"What?"

"Try to kill me."

"No. Why do you think so?"

"You've probably had enough of me in the last few days."

"Other times I would have taken it upon myself. But at these times I understand why you acted the way you did."

"Good to know." Clint hesitantly lowered himself onto the ground next to Bucky. "How long has it been?"

"Half a year"

"Half a year." The archer murmured.

"Now I can think of her and it doesn't hurt... "Bucky sighed."Not so much, at least."

"Same here." Confessed Clint. "But so far, it felt easier to hate you. However well we worked together for years before the accident."

The ex Winter Soldier snorted.

"Do you think you almost killing both of us during every mission is good work?"

"Yeah. Is there peace now?"

"I wasn't angry with you for a second."

"Good." Clint offered his hand, which Bucky accepted without hesitation. "Good to be in peace with you again Barnes."