Sweet and Sour

Chapter 15 - I'm done with you

Warning: References to/implications of violence (mild)

Bucky sits in his office chair utterly seething, a group of his men surrounding the desk. Steve and Sam exchange a nervous look, practically feeling the anger pouring out of their leader and friend.

"So let me get this straight..." Bucky starts through gritted teeth.

"So not only did she see the car...she ran towards it, then stepped into the middle of oncoming traffic...was nearly hit by a cab...only to be saved by a random guy. A random guy who then proceeded to hit on her...and get her phone number. Is that everything?" he asked the group, practically spitting venom.

Clint and Scott exchanged brief fearful glances before Clint spoke.

"Yes, boss. We're sorry, she ran out so quickly and the cab was just there...we never could've got to her in ti-"

Bucky held up a hand to silence him.

"Ignoring the fact she only ran out because she saw you...why did nobody go out and check on her? Or call me?? Why exactly did you stand by and let some guy have his hero moment and talk with her long enough to ask her out?" he spat, the edges of his calm façade slipping.

"We're sorry boss" Scott chimed in nervously. "You always say not to approach her...to keep our distance...and we didn't-"

Bucky interrupted him. "I didn't think I'd have to spell out that if you see her in danger or another guy trying to fuck her then it's alright to intervene. You're not filming a fucking nature documentary" he spat, slamming his fist into the mahogany desk.

Scott and Clint nodded, their heads hanging low.

Bucky sighed. "Okay. Everyone out except Steve and Sam" he gestured dismissively to the door with his hand.

"And you two" he pointed at Scott and Clint. "Come back here in ten for some extra training" he barked. "Seems you need a refresher."

Scott and Clint nodded again, swallowing with fear as they knew exactly what 'training' entailed.

"Don't be too hard on 'em, Buck" said Steve after the others had filed out and the door had closed.

"Nobody really knows what you want them to do with this girl. If they're just watching or stepping in. It's not exactly their day job. Everyone thought you wanted to stop following her".

Bucky sighed heavily, rubbing his eyes with his hands. Steve and Sam were the only members of the group who could speak freely like this with him. As much as it annoyed him, he knew it was important for the boss not to exist in an echo chamber.

The only other person who could speak to him like that was you.

"Sounds like you need some damage control after what happened in the bakery anyway" Sam added. "Not sure why you thought flaunting another girl in her face was a good idea..."

Bucky groaned. "I dunno. I fucked up. I was just trying to make her jealous and keep her on her toes. She seemed standoffish after our night together and I didn't want her to think I was whipped. I thought she'd just get mad and we'd do our bickering back and forth like always. I didn't want her thinking I'd gone soft just because we'd slept together..."

Steve rolled his eyes. "Well, you were so convincing you drove her into the arms of another man. So, good job" he scoffed.

Bucky knew they were right. He wasn't used to have feelings like this. Normally he slept with a woman once or twice and lost interest like clockwork. But you had got under his skin, chewed your way through into his mind. He had no idea how to handle it. But clearly he was failing, regardless.