Who the fuck was knocking on her door at 11:30 in the morning? Phil had given her the entire week off to recuperate, so she should be sleeping, but whoever was outside her door really wanted in.
She knew it wasn't Peter. He really wanted to get into MIT so he was trying not to skip any classes. May wanted to pick up any shifts she could so she could help with his tuition. And Nat had insisted on staying home but Dublin forced her to go into the hospital. She was so close to graduating and Dublin didn't want to screw anything up for her.
In all honesty? Dublin wanted the alone time. So many things were going through head.
"Alright!" She rasped out. "Ná cuir do chuid cniogairí in aon chor..."
"I heard that, Doll." She stopped in her tracks as she reached for the handle of her front door. How did he- Without thinking she opened the door to see his shining blue grey eyes staring at her, a pizza box in his hands. "Thought you'd be hungry."
Bucky always knew the way to truley win her over was with a pepperoni pizza. She gave a laugh, threw open the door and stepped aside so he could walk in her apartment. "How did you know where I lived?" He placed the box down on her coffee table and placed his hands in his pockets, shifting on his feet. "The brothers...They're worried about you. I'm worried about you. How are you feeling? You were discharged yesterday and haven't really said much to anyone." She gave a small cough and walked over to the box and opened it, the aroma of fresh dough, freshly cut mozzarella and her favorite crispy and almost burnt thick pepperoni filled her apartment. But the best part was the sauce. Not sweet but spicy, all the right flavors. "Rocco made this, didn't he?" Bucky couldn't help but blush. "Said it was your favorite when not back home."
Home.
Her and Bucky used to talk about making Ireland their permanent home together. Just them. And then it all went to shit. She gave a chuckle and hobbled into the kitchen to grab a couple of cold beers, immediately handing one to Bucky. "Should you be drinking this while on medication?" He helped her open her own bottle and she chuckled. "It's just an inhaler, James. Not pain pills. Plus, I need it." She took a swig and nodded, clinking his bottle with hers as they sat on the couch to dig in. "How'd you sleep?" He was trying to keep it casual. She knew that. And it wasn't working. "James..." He let out a deep sigh and reached for her hand, gently wrapping his fingers against hers. "I'm sorry. I know. But..." She nodded her head and threaded her fingers through his, tightening the grip. It still felt right, but she couldn't quite get Steve out of her mind.
Sure. He was busy with the investigation. He was the new Detective after all, but...at least Clint had texted. Even Tony and Bruce. Fury and Phil even! So why- "Let's go out." She furrowed her brows and looked at Bucky, sauce dripping from his mouth as he pulled his piece away. She gave a chuckle and brought her hand to his bearded cheek, rubbing her thumb against his cheek and lip to wipe the cheese and sauce away. He wrapped his arm around her wrist and she saw that familiar glint in his eyes. Bringing her fingers to his lips, he licked the sauce and cheese off, giving her a playful hum. "Delicious..." She ripped her wrist away and stood up, giving a great huff and she hurried to the kitchen.
Leaning against the counter, she grabbed onto the sink. "You can't do things like that. Not anymore."
"Why?" Bucky took a step closer and smirked. The smirk he knew she would go weak at the knees for. "James..." He just gave that smirk. "You know I love when you call me that..." She looked into his eyes and saw two things: Regret. Love. "Baby..."
"James-" His lips met hers and she was a goner. Everything felt right with the world. Dublin and James. That's how it was always meant to be. But then she remembered. He was distant towards the end. Like he didn't want her. Something was absolutely wrong.
