against the world

the kitchen

Ella whipped around. She was greeted by Kamala- a sorrowful look on her face.

"I'm sorry..."

"Kamala..."

"No! I was there! I was there and I didn't do anything. It's all my fault-"

"No it's not."

Bucky steps up behind Kamala. 

"I-um I messed up. I was supposed to watch them, and I.... I'm so sorry Eleanor."

Ella turned around. She buried her face in her hands. Then the tears started. Yelena stepped in the kitchen and pulled Kamala into a hug-bringing her away from the kitchen. It was now Bucky and Eleanor in the room. Bucky stepped towards Ella. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. Eleanor turned around. She had the sudden urge to hug him. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his neck. Bucky's body tensed up, then relaxed. He held her tight. When she let go he held her hand. 

"I'm sorry," He whispered.

Wiping her eyes, Ella walked into the living room with Bucky behind her. Jen immediately embraced Eleanor. 

"Um, I- I don't know what to say..."

"Ella," Sam stepped forward, "I am beyond devastated that this has happened-I really am. I know you need some time to be alone, so we'll leave now. But I don't want you to be alone. Please come live with us. At the compound. Please. We'd love to have you there. We'll take care of everything for you. Room, moving, whatever you want."

"Sam..."

Ella looked up at the ceiling. She took a breath.

"I'll see... I'll get back to you Sam. Thank you everyone for coming."

One by one, they all filed out of her house, saying their goodbyes and wishing her well. When it was Bucky's turn, Ella stopped him.

"Hey Bucky... I just want you to know that, whatever happened, Miles cared about you. I don't think that he would want you to blame yourself over it."

Bucky nodded, then smiled and walked out. Ella shut the door.