Unforgettable

Part 51 - Think Twice

Steve couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness that he'd had ever since he finished his call with Willow. He could hear the fear in her voice. He could hear how tired she seemed to be but he knew that no matter how hard he tried, there was no stopping Willow when she is determined to do something.

The worst part about all of this was how miserable Bucky was and Steve knew that if he just told him what was going on with Willow, that he would move heaven and earth to bring her home and still hold that slime ball to account for all of the hurt he had caused her.

But that isn't what Willow wanted and it felt more fitting that she completed whatever revenge she had for him. It was her father after all that Jeremy left for dead. If this helped her deal with all the grief she had been carrying around since her father passed away, then Steve wasn't going to step in her way.

Turning into the common room of the compound, he came face to face with his best friend. Bucky was barely at home and when he was, he spent most of his time in his room avoiding everyone. So to see him standing there, eating what looked to be a Chinese takeout and dressed up for a night on the town was a shock to say the least.

Bucky stopped mid shovelling food into his mouth once he had spotted Steve just staring at him "You ok there buddy. You look like you've seen a ghost"

Words seemed to be lost on Steve at that moment "You're here. I mean I feel like I haven't seen you in weeks and when I do, you're dressed up to the nine's like you don't have a care in the world"

Chewing his food whilst wordlessly trying to figure out why Steve looked so spooked, Bucky figured that being honest with his friend was the best way forward "I realised that I could continue to sit around moping or I could get my shit together and actually start living again. Why are you looking at me like you're seeing me for the first time. It's weird man"

After floundering a few times with his mouth opening and closing, Steve pondered how to respond, he just blurted out words "You just look good man, you know. If I didn't know better, I might even say you look happy. Why are you dressed up anyway and why do you seem to be in a hurry"

Smiling, Bucky threw the rest of the food in the trash, grabbing his leather jacket and slipping both arms through before turning back to his friend "Well you know what Steve. Maybe I am in a hurry. Maybe for once I actually have something to look forward to"

Sighing, Steve decided to bite rather than play these little games, because clearly Bucky was dying to tell him whatever was going on with him "Ok then, spit it out. Why are you all dressed up"

Bucky sidled up to Steve "Well Steve. The reason your buddy here is all dressed up is because I have a date this evening"

Processing those words, all Steve could think about was how crushed Willow would be once she heard about this "A date? Like with an actual woman. What about Willow?"

The smile faded slightly off Bucky's face upon hearing Willow's name. It was only for a second and most people wouldn't even notice it but Steve did "In case you've been sleepwalking through life the last few months Steve, Willow left me. She did a runner and ran back into the arms of her ex. Even going so far as to leave her ring behind as a reminder. Is any of this ringing any bells for you?'

Steve shook his head, unable to hide the disappointment he felt in that moment. That caught Bucky's attention "What?? You don't think I deserve to move on? Should I be here miserable forever because let's face it, she isn't. What do you want me to do Steve?"

"It's not that.... I" Steve stopped himself because he knew if he continued like this, he would be spilling his guts. Moving even closer, Bucky continued to prod "Because I do think I deserve to move on Steve. I gave everything to Willow but it still wasn't enough. I wasn't enough. Now if you'll excuse me. I need to go and get ready for my date"

As Bucky passed, Steve reached out grabbing Bucky's arm and making sure he had his full attention "All I'm saying is that you should think twice before making any rash decisions, especially when you're hurting"

Bucky ripped his arm out of Steve's grasp, snarling "I'm moving on Steve. Just like she has. Either support me with this or don't because I genuinely couldn't care less anymore"

"Shit, that's now what I meant Bucky... Buck. Come on, I'm just looking out for you" Steve frustratedly tugged on his hair watching Bucky leave "Well done Steve. You handled that amazingly"

Nat walked in having just seen Bucky in the hallway, studying Steve who looked in that moment that he regretted all of his life choices that had led him to that point "Care to explain why you're muttering to yourself and why I just bumped into an angry Bucky who would only give me your name as to what was wrong with him"

Steve slumped down into a seat before sighing "Because he's about to make a decision that I know he's going to regret later and his stubbornness is preventing him from listening"

Narrowing her eyes, Nat moved in closer "No. That's not it Rogers. You're hiding something I can tell"

Steve avoided her gaze "Just leave it. Please Nat. Hopefully this mess will all be resolved shortly"

Note: As always, thank you for reading this story. It means a lot to me. Please continue with the likes and comments as I appreciate each and ever one of them. ❤️