An unconventional trio

Shared Secrets

Bucky's POV:

The rhythm of my fists against the punching bag keeps me grounded, a steady metronome of hits echoing in the otherwise quiet training facility. The morning's tranquility is shattered as Natasha strides in, her presence commanding attention even when she's not trying.

"Missed your quiet brooding at breakfast this morning, icy hot," she quips, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

I can't help but shake my head with a grin of my own. "Sorry. I slept in," I reply, retaking my stance, ready to lose myself in the motions again.

"Hmm... Nova sleep in too?" she asks with a saucy grin.

"Jesus," I laugh through a sigh, my punches faltering for a moment. "She'll be down soon," I say, resuming my hits on the bag.

Natasha's eyes twinkle with curiosity. "Picturing a certain someone's face there, buddy?"

I shoot her a stern look before hammering the bag again.

"What? You know we're all curious about what the hell happened yesterday. And then you and Nova disappeared for the rest of the afternoon, so..."

Before she can continue, Tony walks in, his usual casual authority filling the room. "Okay, guys, nothing special today. Do your own thing. We have a mission in two days, and we'll brief when the Lords of Curtains get back. They had some... Asgardian business to attend to, so they won't be joining us today."

"Oooo... and now he's suddenly absent... interesting," Nat whispers as she makes her way over to Clint, her tone dripping with insinuation.

I try to refocus on the bag, but Tony's voice breaks through my concentration. "Hey, is Nova okay?"

I pause mid-punch, nervousness tightening in my chest. "She had a headache this morning, but other than that she seemed okay. Why?" I ask, meeting his concerned gaze.

He crosses his arms, his expression serious. "She texted me she wasn't coming to training today. Said she didn't feel good. It's just... it's not like her."

*Shit.* I feel a pang of worry.

"She hasn't missed a single training in four years. So, just concerned," he adds.

*I knew it... I knew I should have gone back to her room and walked down here with her. Why didn't I?* I think, anxiety clawing at me.

"I'll, um... I'll go check on her," I reply, quickly turning to make my way out of the training facility and towards her suite.

The elevator dings softly as I arrive on our floor, a quiet sound that feels almost too loud in the stillness of the hallway. My boots make a muted thud on the wood floors as I head towards her door, my steps quickening with each heartbeat. Before I even reach her suite, I hear it—a soft, quiet sound that sends a pang of concern through me. Nova.

I don't hesitate, opening her door quickly and closing it behind me with a quiet click. The only sound is her faint, almost inaudible sobs mixed with her music. "Nova," I call out, my voice steady but urgent as I make my way to her room.

Pushing open the door to her bedroom, I find her there, curled up on top of the blanket, clutching her pillow, her back facing the door. My heart aches at the sight. "Nova, sweetheart? You okay?" I ask gently, moving to the other side of the bed.

I kneel beside the bed, my eyes searching her face. Her eyes are bloodshot, heavy with the weight of tears. She's been crying again, and she won't meet my gaze. I reach out, my hand trembling slightly, and push a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Nova..." I whisper, "can you talk to me?"