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

15 || The Hardest Truth

In your opinion, it's too quiet in here considering everything that has just occurred. You can hear the whistle of wind blowing through broken windows and panels along with the distant echo of a helicopter as nearly every agent in the country is currently out on a manhunt for you guys, but other than that, it's silent.

You know Steve and Sam are standing across the warehouse, both keeping an eye on Bucky who's been unconscious for quite some time now, not that you're too worried seeing that you've seen super soldier's survive much worse. Hell, he's survived much worse to even make it this far.

The two Avengers in question whisper amongst themselves, but it's nothing you can make out provided the distance and hushed tones. The only reason you know they're talking at all is because of their not-so-subtle peeks in your direction. Whatever they're discussing, it involves you and probably not in a positive way either.

They haven't said much to you since what happened back at the facility. Sam helped you get out of there, even asking if you were okay, however nothing more than that. It isn't so much a hateful silence as it's an awkward one around him, not that he should hold any blame for it. You both fought alongside each other once years ago, only crossing paths again after you had been discovered in the company of a 'dangerous fugitive'; he doesn't owe you a friendly 'how have you been?' or an invite to coffee later.

While Sam's voice isn't necessarily missed, the same can't be said about Steve. When you guys had reunited for the third time today, he spoke only to Sam, very blatantly ignoring your presence in a way that makes you certain he would rather have had you be left behind at the facility. From that entire interaction down to everyone's arrival at this makeshift hideout, he has never looked nor referred to you until his little chat with Sam.

You can't blame Steve for his cold behavior either. You realize that. He has every right to glare your way while spitting harsh remarks about you to his true friend. Honestly, he'd have every right to come over here and demand that you leave - go find your own place to escape the government since you apparently like doing things on your own so much. You've been a shitty friend to him under logic he can't wrap his head around, so what's to stop him from playing the same role?

Nevertheless, you feel a bit bitter inside about it. It's not like you purposefully hurt Steve nor are you trying to steal Bucky away from him; you've insisted as much. You really wanted to tell him - it killed you inside not being able to, knowing your silence could always end like this, however Bucky's comfort is your top priority.

Is it that difficult to understand? Yes, he's Steve's childhood friend, but he's also your fiancé! Everything that you've done in these past few years has been to make Bucky feel safe and valued. Throwing Steve into the mix right away when it clearly wasn't a good time would've only messed things up. Why can't Steve just think past himself and realize this? Bucky was the one who wasn't ready, not you. You were just respecting his boundaries!

"Has it moved on yet?" You're surprised to hear Steve actually talk to you for once, although his voice is the opposite of friendly, in fact it sounds as if it kills him to even acknowledge you.

It takes a moment to realize that he's referring to the helicopter outside, but with a quick glance out the shattered window, you nod, "yeah. It's heading North. Hopefully we're safe."

With that, Steve turns to walk away, however officially fed up with this silent treatment, you stop him by calling out his name and standing suddenly.

"Not now."

"Yes now. You can't just keep glaring at me from across the room. We need to talk-"

"-You already said enough back in the interrogation room."