𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙾𝚋𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 - 𝓑𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼 [1]

10. {Administrative Duties}

"Y/N, do you want to slow down, perhaps?" Bucky's voice echoes a few steps behind you. You're already striding briskly toward the elevator, preparing to place your hand on the scanner for what will be your last use of level eight security clearance for some time.

Your nose wrinkles in irritation at the sound of his approach, yet you refuse to look back, maintaining your pace. You know he's likely moving slower than usual, hampered by his new injury. "Not particularly, Barnes," you retort, realizing that your refusal to slow down is futile now that you've reached the elevator. He will catch up regardless.

You press your palm to the scanner, the elevator addressing you by your last name. The familiar hum of the elevator ascending to your floor greets you. Bucky reaches your side, and you can't help but let your eyes flicker to him momentarily before they drop to his injured foot and then back to the doors. You suppress the slight pang of guilt that arises, though it remains only a minor twinge.

Bucky leans against the wall, his eyes fixed on you with a mixture of amusement and frustration. "You know, I was only trying to help," he says, his tone more subdued now.

You exhale sharply, finally turning to face him. "Help? All you've done is confirm to Fury that neither of us can maintain professionalism while on the field together!"

Bucky's expression remains stoic, his gaze unwavering. "Maybe so," he concedes, his voice steady. "But I stand by my decision. I couldn't stand by and watch you take the fall alone."

You scoff, incredulous at his audacity. "Oh, how noble of you," you retort sarcastically. "Throwing yourself under the bus to save me from a little scrutiny. How chivalrous."

His jaw tightens, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "You know damn well it's not about being fucking noble," he shoots back, his tone edged with frustration. "Granted, I didn't expect you to actually pull the trigger, but the distraction got the job done. I played my part as much as you." 

You feel a surge of frustration at his words, mixed with a twinge of guilt for shooting him, even if it was to derail the auction. "You're unbelievable, Barnes," you mutter, your voice laced with exasperation. "You realize you deserved that, right?" You lift your chin, gesturing subtly to his injury before turning your gaze back to the doors, "Don't expect an apology from me."

Bucky's expression remains impassive, his gaze meeting yours with a hint of defiance. "Believe me, I don't expect anything from you," he replies coolly, his tone casual despite the tension between you. "Least of all an apology."

You grit your teeth, feeling frustration welling up inside you at his nonchalant attitude. "You know what? I'm taking the stairs," you declare, stepping towards them, but Bucky's movements are swift. Suddenly, you find one arm held firmly in place, preventing you from proceeding, while the other grips one side of the elevator's door as it opens, his expression now a frown directed at you.

"You're really about to walk down thirty-two flights of stairs?" His eyes remain fixed on you, unimpressed.

"I'd walk down them and back up if it means getting away from you." You retort, attempting to push forward, but he straightens from the wall, his arm still serving as a barrier.

"Just get in the fucking elevator, Y/N," he demands slowly, his voice low, his gaze unwavering. You start to protest, but he rolls his eyes, anticipating your next move. "Stop trying to be difficult; you know it doesn't work on me."

Your frustration mounts as Bucky's arm remains firm, blocking your path to the stairs. His insistence on controlling the situation only serves to fuel your irritation. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" you accuse, your voice laced with resentment. "You just love having the fucking upper hand with everything where it concerns me."