Sweet and Sour

Chapter 25 - Yeah, idiot

Warnings: Sexual references, references to panic attacks, tooth rotting fluff

Steve had been entertaining you with stories from the past. You'd been screeching with laughter as he told you about what he and Bucky got up to as kids in Brooklyn, terrorising the local bullies and getting up to mischief. Steve was apparently a scrawny, sickly kid and didn't fill out until much later in life, so Bucky kept an eye out for him. You saw a lot of yourself in Steve's memories of Bucky - a headstrong kid jumping into fights he couldn't always win just to help his friend.

You were happy to learn more about Bucky's past, but also grateful for the distraction to keep your mind occupied and not be left to think about last night.

"Seems like we're having fun in here" came a gruff voice from behind you.

Bucky had walked into the kitchen. Dressed impeccably as always in a perfectly tailored navy suit. You felt a short flurry of butterflies in your stomach upon seeing him again, his eyes sparkling as they landed on you.

"Hey Buck" you greet him shyly.

He smiles and approaches you, giving you a kiss on the cheek. Then he carefully inspects the cut on your face, moving your head gently with his hand.

"This seems to be healing alright but I might ask Banner to check it out to be sure it won't scar - he has some medical training".

"I think it looks kinda cool" you retort.

Steve and Bucky exchange amused looks.

"Did we eat?" Bucky asks.

"We did" replies Steve. "Greedy over here was like a garbage disposal with those eggs".

"Hey!" You squeak at his teasing.

Bucky smiles. "Good. Glad to hear it". He paused to pull out his phone and stare thoughtfully at the screen.

"Thanks Steve" he continues. "Can you go find Sam and have him fill you in on this morning".

Steve nods, flinging his jacket on and heading for the door. "Nice hanging with you, cupcake".

"Thanks for breakfast, Stevie".

He shoots you a mock salute and a big grin and disappears out of the kitchen. Bucky moves to the kitchen island, pulling up a chair next to you.

"...Cupcake? Stevie?" He questions, the tiniest hint of jealousy in his voice.

"Mm. We hit it off. Do you know if he's single?" You wink.

Bucky rolls his eyes. "Don't do that..."

"What?" You ask innocently.

He smirks back at you before becoming more serious. "So, how are you feeling? Honestly?"

You squirm in your seat a little and grip your coffee cup. "Fine. A bit tired. But fine".

He cocks his head at you and it's clear he's not buying it.

"...I mean I did have a panic attack in the shower" you relent. "But other than that..."

Bucky smiles at you sympathetically, kissing your temple as his arm protectively finds your waist. You lean back into him, savouring his touch.

"And how about you? How did it go with your men?" You ask.

He grimaces. "Everyone is a bit shaken up, of course. But okay. They're pleased we got you out and didn't lose anyone from our side – a few injures and scrapes but that's all. We've got some guys on the road making sure we didn't miss anyone from HYDRA and I'm making progress on finding the rat".