Shadows of Trust || A Bucky Barnes Love Story

Chapter 7 - The Heart's Choice

After the mission, the team returned to the Avengers compound. Exhaustion hung in the air, but there was also a sense of accomplishment. As soon as they arrived, Steve was the first to approach Diana. He pulled her into a tight hug, his relief evident.

"You did great, Dee," he murmured, giving her a proud smile.

"Thanks, Steve," she replied, offering a soft grin before heading inside to get debriefed by Fury.

With Diana gone, Steve turned to Bucky, falling into step beside him as they walked down the hallway.

"So," Steve began casually, his blue eyes glancing over at his best friend, "how did it feel? The mission, I mean. You two looked... convincing."

Bucky chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, convincing. That's one way to put it."

Steve raised a brow, sensing something more. "What do you mean?"

Bucky sighed, glancing at the floor as they walked. "If I'm being honest, Steve, it wasn't all acting. Not with her." He paused, his voice growing softer. "I've been thinking about it for a while now. Diana's... she's something else. I'm going to ask her out."

Steve stopped in his tracks, blinking in surprise. "You mean you're serious about her?"

Bucky nodded, his expression earnest. "Yeah. I've never met anyone like her. She's... She gets me, y'know? And I trust her, completely."

Before Steve could respond, they spotted Sam coming down the hallway, looking a little too determined for comfort. Sam had clearly been thinking along the same lines as Bucky.

"Barnes," Sam greeted with a tight nod, his eyes narrowing as he approached. "I was just about to talk to Diana myself."

Steve could already sense where this was headed, and his muscles tensed as Sam continued.

"I've been thinking, too, you know? Maybe I should ask her out. We get along well, and she—"

Before Sam could finish, Bucky stepped forward, his jaw tightening. "That's not happening, Wilson."

Sam crossed his arms, staring Bucky down. "Oh, really? And who's going to stop me?"

"Me," Bucky said coolly, his eyes locking onto Sam's with an intensity that brooked no argument. "I'm not going to stand by and let you mess with her. She's not some prize to fight over."

Tensions were rising quickly when suddenly, from across the compound, Diana's voice rang out. "Jamie!"

Both men turned to see Diana running toward them, her eyes shimmering with tears. She had overheard the entire conversation, and it was clear she wasn't happy about it.

Without hesitation, Diana launched herself into Bucky's arms, wrapping him in a tight embrace. "I don't care what they say," she whispered fiercely, her voice trembling as she covered his face in kisses. "You're mine, Jamie."

Bucky's arms circled around her protectively, his heart swelling at the sound of his first name on her lips. "I'm yours, Dee," he murmured, holding her close as if he'd never let go. He lifted her effortlessly into his arms, cradling her against his chest as she nuzzled into him, whispering soft reassurances.

"Jamie," she whispered again, her lips brushing his ear. "You're my man."

Bucky smiled, his grip tightening as he started walking, carrying her back toward his room. "I know, Dee. And you're my girl."

Behind them, Steve and Sam were left standing in the hallway, the tension still thick between them. Steve turned to Sam, his expression unamused, his patience wearing thin.

"You need to stop this, Sam," Steve said, his voice firm. "Diana's already made her choice, and you need to respect that."

Sam scowled, clearly frustrated. "It's not like I don't care about her, too."

"I know you do," Steve replied, his tone softening slightly, "but if you keep pushing like this, you're only going to hurt her—and yourself. Bucky's been through enough. And Diana? She's not going to put up with you treating him like this."

Sam looked down, his jaw tight. "Yeah, well... I just didn't expect it to happen so fast."

Steve sighed, placing a hand on Sam's shoulder. "It's not a competition. You're her friend, but Bucky's something more. Let her be happy, Sam."

With a frustrated sigh, Sam turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Steve standing alone in the hallway. Steve watched his friend go, shaking his head slightly.

"Good luck with that, Sam," Steve muttered under his breath before heading toward his own quarters, knowing that Diana and Bucky's bond had just grown stronger than ever.