Shadows of Trust || A Bucky Barnes Love Story

Chapter 2 - Unspoken Bond

The mission was in full swing as the Avengers infiltrated the enemy base. Diana Valentine worked swiftly at the main computer terminal, her fingers flying across the keys, extracting critical data. Bucky was a blur of motion beside her, fending off incoming agents as they tried to overwhelm them.

"Two on your left," Diana called out without even looking up from her screen.

Bucky moved instantly, blocking an attack from one agent before delivering a precise punch to the second. "Got it," he replied, his voice full of focus.

Another agent rushed him, but Diana kept guiding him, her calm voice sharp and tactical. "Sweep the leg. He's off balance."

Without hesitation, Bucky ducked, sweeping the agent's legs from beneath him before delivering a quick strike to incapacitate him. They were a well-oiled machine—Diana giving Bucky the edge, making each of his movements faster and more efficient, as if she could see the fight unfolding without even turning her head.

In a matter of minutes, the room was clear. Bucky took a quick breath, watching as Diana finished downloading the last of the data.

"We good?" he asked, still alert.

"All done," Diana confirmed, pulling the USB from the computer. "Let's get out of here."

They ran through the corridors toward the exit, but halfway out, Diana's foot caught on a stray cable. She tripped and fell hard on her hip, twisting her ankle in the process. Pain shot through her leg as she tried to stand but quickly realized she couldn't put weight on her ankle.

Bucky was beside her in an instant, his vibranium arm catching her before she could fall any further. "Hey, you alright?" His concern was immediate, his voice gentler than usual.

"I'm fine. Just my ankle," she winced, trying to shake it off.

But Bucky wasn't about to leave her behind. Without a second thought, he scooped her up in his arms, holding her bridal style as if she weighed nothing. "You're not walking on that," he said firmly, glancing around to ensure the area was clear. "We're getting out of here, now."

Diana didn't protest, trusting him entirely. As they raced out of the base and back to the jet, Bucky's arms never faltered, and despite the pain, she found comfort in his unwavering presence.

Once aboard the jet, Bucky carefully set her down on a seat and immediately grabbed the first aid kit. Kneeling in front of her, he gently removed her boot, wincing slightly as he saw the swelling on her ankle. "This is gonna hurt a bit," he warned, pulling out a cold compress from the kit and applying it to the injury. His fingers worked with precision, treating her ankle with surprising tenderness.

Diana leaned back, wincing slightly but managing a soft smile. "You're really good at this, you know."

Bucky handed her a couple of painkillers and a bottle of water. "I've had my fair share of injuries," he said, giving her a lopsided grin. "Figured it was time to put those skills to good use."

She took the pills gratefully, her eyes softening as she watched him work. Bucky's hands were rough and scarred, yet gentle when it came to her. He was already her favorite person on the team, and every action of his seemed to confirm that he felt the same way. She could see it in his eyes, the quiet affection that simmered beneath the surface.

Bucky finished wrapping her ankle and leaned back, satisfied with his work. "You'll be fine in a few days. Just keep off it as much as possible."

Diana smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "You take good care of me."

Bucky's gaze softened, and for a moment, the world outside the jet seemed to disappear. "You make it easy."

Just then, Steve walked over, his expression one of concern. "How's she doing?"

"She's good," Bucky replied, looking at Diana with a small smile. "Ankle's swollen, but nothing serious."

Steve nodded, relieved. "Oh, by the way, your phone's been going off, Diana." He held out her phone, which was vibrating with a call. "It's your boyfriend."

Diana rolled her eyes, groaning slightly. "Ugh, of course. What does he want now?"

Before she could reach for the phone, Bucky grabbed it instead, narrowing his eyes at the caller ID. With a swift tap, he declined the call and, without missing a beat, blocked the number. "You don't need that kind of distraction," Bucky said flatly, tossing the phone aside.

Steve stared at Bucky in disbelief, eyebrows shooting up. "Bucky! You can't just—"

Diana, on the other hand, burst out laughing. She reached over and pulled Bucky into a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck as she laughed against his shoulder. "Oh my god, Bucky, you're terrible," she giggled, her voice filled with affection.

Bucky grinned, wrapping his arms around her in return. "Someone had to do it," he said, his voice low and playful.

Steve shook his head, crossing his arms. "You guys are impossible," he muttered, though there was a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. He could see it now—the connection between them was undeniable. Diana and Bucky trusted each other in a way that went beyond words. They understood each other in a way that even Steve, as close as he was to both of them, couldn't quite grasp.

As Bucky held Diana close, Steve realized that Bucky had found someone who could not only keep up with him but also make him feel at ease. For the first time in a long time, Steve could see a lightness in Bucky, a sense of belonging that he hadn't seen since before the war.

And in that moment, with Diana laughing in his arms and Bucky grinning like he hadn't in years, Steve knew—this was exactly what they both needed.