𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙾𝚋𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 - 𝓑𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼 [1]

3. {Shuffling the Deck}

A day later, Steve finds himself standing at Bucky's apartment door, a heavy sigh escaping him as he prepares for what lies ahead. He raises his hand to knock, the sound echoing through the hallway before the door swings open, revealing Bucky standing there shirtless, his muscles glistening with sweat from a recent workout.

"Hey, Steve," Bucky greets, his tone casual as he steps aside to let his friend in.

As Steve enters, his gaze inadvertently drifts to Bucky's bareness, only to be met with a sight that leaves him rolling his eyes in exasperation. Etched across Bucky's back are a series of scratch marks, vivid evidence of the passionate encounter he had with you just the day before.

"You two never learn, do you?" Steve mutters under his breath, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he follows Bucky further into the apartment. "So, Y/N paid you a visit, huh?" Steve remarks casually, trying to suppress a smirk as he eyes the scratch marks on Bucky's back.

Bucky frowns, genuine confusion clouding his features. "What? No, why would she?" he responds, turning to glance at Steve.

Steve gestures towards Bucky's back with a knowing look. "Those claw marks suggest otherwise," he points out, unable to hide his amusement.

Bucky's eyes widen in realization, a chuckle escaping him as he shakes his head. "Damn, I didn't even notice," he admits, a hint of amusement lacing his tone. "But no, Steve, I haven't seen her since we got back yesterday."

Steve raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but he decides not to press further. Instead, he changes the subject, knowing that when it comes to you and Bucky, some things are better left unsaid.

Bucky grabs a shirt from a nearby chair and begins to pull it over his head as he listens to Steve's explanation. "So, what brings you here today?" he asks, adjusting the fabric over his torso.

Steve sighs, his expression grave as he meets Bucky's gaze. "Fury has decided to mix things up a little," he reveals, his voice tinged with concern. "Too many missions have been close calls in recent weeks, and he thinks it's time for a change in strategy."

Bucky's brows furrow as he absorbs the news, a sense of apprehension settling over him. "What kind of change?" he inquires, his tone guarded.

Steve takes a deep breath, choosing his words carefully as he prepares to deliver the next piece of information. "Well, Fury's noticed that you and Y/N seem to... clash on the majority of your assignments," he begins cautiously, his tone measured. "And with the recent close calls like yesterday, SHIELD can't afford to take any more risks."

Bucky's expression darkens as he processes Steve's words, a mixture of frustration and resignation washing over him. "So, what does that mean?" he asks, his voice tight with apprehension.

Steve hesitates, knowing his next words won't be easy to hear. "It means the assigned partners are going to be changed around," he explains, his voice somber. "Fury wants to see if mixing up the teams will lead to better results. And that means..."

Bucky finishes the sentence for him, the weight of the implication hanging heavily in the air. "That means Y/N and I won't be partners anymore," he concludes, his tone unreadable.

Steve nods, unsure on how to act but continues, "Yeah, that's the gist of it," he confirms, sympathy evident in his eyes. "Fury's still finalizing the details, but it's likely we'll all be paired with different agents moving forward."

Bucky clenches his jaw, fighting to contain the flood of frustration and disappointment bubbling within him. While he recognizes that parting ways may serve the greater good, he can't deny a hint of relief at the news. No longer will he have to endure your constant complaining or the power struggles that invariably arise when dealing with you. Yet, despite the chaos and the moments of genuine dislike you evoke in him, the prospect of losing the one constant in his tumultuous life—the partnership with you—leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.