Following Team Orders (A Steve Rogers AU x F1)

Singapore

"What about the fillet?"

"Are you listening?"

"My boobs are out."

"Bucky?"

"Bucky!"

Bucky looked up from the menu. "Sorry, what?"

"You are a million miles away," Olivia commented

"I'm sorry Bug. Just had a lot on my mind." Bucky has had the conversation with Steve from two weeks ago still on his mind.

"Wanna talk about it?" Liv twirled her wine glass in her hand. Bucky had arranged for them to have dinner in the city before the weekend got started but he had started pulling away since they had left Russia.

"We don't have to right now."

Liv frowned. "I think we do. Bucky, you have been so distant the last couple of weeks. What is going on?"

Bucky sighed and looked at Liv. "I've been really considering the future and with my arm getting better, I've been thinking that maybe a relationship right now is not the best idea." He dropped his gaze as soon as he saw Liv's eyes begin to water.

"You don't want to be with me? After all the bullshit you said to me," she whispered.

"Liv, you are amazing, beautiful, and there is a better man for you but it's not me. I'm sorry."

"What happened? What made you change your mind?"

"Nothing."

"Bullshit. I saw you go to talk to Steve. What did he say?"

"He said a lot of things but my decisions has nothing to do with him."

"I heard him," she said. Bucky snapped his head up. "I was outside."

"Doll face..."

"He was right. He lost any chance when he made out with that girl."

"It was an accident. Liv..."

"No. Why? Why are you allowing him to ruin this?"

"Because I know you still like him." His voice was soft, not angry or accusatory. "I see you look for him, probably unconsciously, but you do."

Liv paled. "Bucky..."

"Look its ok. Its what's best for all of us."

"I'm getting really tired of men thinking they know what's best for me." Olivia frowned. "I thought we had something."

Bucky shook his head. "I'm sorry. I just don't think we will work."

Liv fought the tears that were now flooding her eyes. She took her napkin off her lap. "Perfect. Great. I should go. Get started on my destiny of being alone." She stood up and moved to leave. Bucky grabbed her hand to stop her.

"Liv, I would give him a chance." Bucky pleaded with her with his eyes.

"I did. He didn't want it. And I gave you a chance, but you don't want me either. Goodbye Bucky, I'll see you at work."

She made it outside and hailed a cab. She made it back to the team hotel and kept her head down. She wiped an errant tear as she waited for the elevator.

Completely missing Steve sitting in the lobby and watching her, seeing her so sad.

**

Bucky and Olivia are cordial with each other. Liv had rationalized that not a lot had happened between them and there was no need to be angry with him. She sent him a text.