I hate you, don't I? - Stucky

I'll teach you

Bucky ended up leaving late that night after the film finished feeling happier about the new dynamic between him and Steve. They had talked some more and found out more about each other including what it was like growing up.

Bucky had learnt Steve was always ill and grew up as an only child by a single mother after his dad died. He couldn't even imagine what that was like as he grew up in a busy house with both parents and his sister.

And he realised just how selfless Steve was. He helped his mum whenever he could to make it easier on them both. He would do anything for her. And Bucky thought he'd be the same with everyone he cares about.

But they also agreed to keep all this a secret until they knew what it was. Which is why they were still ignoring each other in the gym today. They wouldn't fight anymore and their stares looked different, but they wouldn't speak.

It was hard because they both just wanted to be together again like last night, but it was for the best.

It got harder for Steve when Bucky had to fight another guy and was losing badly.

He got punch after punch in the ribs and each time Bucky managed to block an attack, another one would come out of no where.

Steve had to stay at his punching bag, pretending to workout as Bucky gasped at grunted at each punch. He knew Maria would stop it if it got bad but he hated to watch, and he couldn't get away.

Bucky held his stomach before straightening up and stepping forward, throwing a punch at the man and getting Steve's hopes up. Maybe Bucky would start to beat the man now and wouldn't have to get hurt anymore.

But then in a flurry of movement, Bucky dropped to the floor wheezing. The man had clearly hit him in the chest and knocked the wind out of him. For a second, Steve thought about punching the guy that did it, but he realised it was a scored fight and that's what's meant to happen. Still, he didn't like it.

He hoped Bucky would tap out and give up as he clearly wasn't going to win, not now he was so weak from the exertion. But he heard him huff and stand back up. Bucky looked annoyed with crinkles in his forehead as he clenched his jaw and got back into the fighting stance.

Why wouldn't he just stay down? Steve knew that was hypocritical of himself to think but whatever!

Bucky had no energy left and he was clearly slightly hurt as he favoured one side when moving. He didn't think about his next move and just swung out. He got hit to the floor again and the man wrestled with him, trying to get him to finally tap out.

Bucky struggled in his grip, trying to grab something, but his fingers slid away every time. Eventually, he was pinned and had no choice but to give up.

The man got off his immediately and they shook hands.

Steve could see Bucky looked incredibly grumpy as as he held his side and let Maria check his face for bruising.

"Just going to be a bit sore. If anything starts hurting more, go to the Medbay. Take the rest of the session off and give your muscles a break".

Bucky nodded but didn't say anything as he practically stomped off. The entire time he hadn't looked to Steve like he normally would have and so Steve just wanted to make sure he was okay.

It wasn't until an hour later at lunch time when he was finally able to go upstairs and into the mans room.

Bucky sat on his bed scrolling through his phone with his bottom lip jutted out. He looked up when he noticed his door open and his face turned into a smile.

"Hey, Steve", he sighed, moving over and throwing his phone down the bed.

"Rough fight, huh?"

Bucky shrugged and looked away until Steve say beside him and gently pulled his face around by his chin. He used his other hand to inspect the light bruising in Bucky's cheek but determined he was fine.