We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Bucky Barnes x Reader

9 || Memory Repair

In a cruel form of irony, you've managed to retain more memories of the past than Bucky has despite him being the only one currently living the same life. Unlike him, you're able to easily recall the forties as if the war ended just yesterday, even the smallest details of your far off past dripping into the present. From day one, you had found yourself a little too comfortable in the given situation, never once shying away from the man who could quite easily kill you in a blink of an eye because how could you possibly fear the same man who once made you feel so safe?

Of course, this isn't a mutual feeling. Regardless of your relaxation in his presence, Bucky has always been understandably hesitant in yours, confused as to why a complete stranger would be so kind and trusting toward someone they owe nothing to. With this being so, it should be no surprise the amount of distance he originally put between the two of you both physically and emotionally; a distance that took quite some time to get past, but fortunately for you, Bucky started out as desperate as he was wary. Like a lost puppy, he had little choice in accepting your help.

Since his motel room was in clear violation to various health standards, you were quick to insist he stay at the hotel with you, even offering to purchase a separate room if it made him more comfortable, however he turned that latter proposal down much to your secret relief. That night, you made him take the bed despite knowing full well he wouldn't sleep. Instead, he spent the latest hours of the night staring towards the blank wall ahead as if it held all the answers to the universe. You, meanwhile, didn't get much sleep yourself, lying on the couch where you could sneak glances at him here and there just to remind yourself that everything has been real; your beloved Sergeant has finally come home to you and you'll be damned if you let him go again.

That next morning you made sure to order a big breakfast consisting of a little of everything room service had to offer: eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes, sausage, fruit, hash browns and more. Putting on a smile, you gave a joke about indulging before inviting Bucky to join. Of course, he remained cautious of the spread, merely staring at you without the slightest lift to his expression even when you teasingly promised nothing had been poisoned. Nevertheless, his mouth watered at the delicious smell and he was eventually no longer able to deny his own hunger.

It had been bittersweet for you to watch him scarf everything down as if it would be his last meal, clearly starving since going on the run (and that's assuming HYDRA fed him enough to even begin with). You said nothing, deciding you should simply be happy he's getting a decent meal than to comment on the matter.

After breakfast and as you promised, you took Bucky to the Smithsonian for what would begin a pattern of regular visits. Over the course of a month, you had both spent quite a bit of time wandering the Captain America exhibit and watching the countless documentaries there. He always took his time dwelling on it all, his eyes shining with focus and sometimes a hint of tears, although you're sure you weren't supposed to notice the former.

If not at the Smithsonian, then the two of you sometimes stopped at the library for some research or stayed for a day-in at the hotel where you could teach Bucky the basics of the internet; a skill he's surprisingly mastered in contrast to Steve who would always complain about how 'complicated' the modern era is.

Speaking of Steve, you've only spoken to him once since your departure that day. It was a quick call, only enough to confirm what Natasha had told him about you attending a last minute personal mission out of country which isn't entirely a lie. You're a spy of sorts on what you'd call a personal mission no one planned for. The only difference is you weren't out of country then. No, you were probably only about eight blocks away from Steve's apartment which was why you never took Bucky to too many places because how awkward would it have been to run into Steve on a walk through downtown, forced to explain your presence with his former best friend?