Marvel: Reader Inserts

Overwhelmed ~ Bucky Barnes x Reader

You and Bucky met at a fundraiser for your school. Sam had convinced him to come to help raise money. You were the energetic teacher in charge of it all and Bucky was immediately smitten by you. With some meddling, Sam got you and Bucky to swap numbers and Bucky asked you out on a date. The two of you have been together since.

That was six months ago. In that time, you and Bucky have grown close, sharing many things close to your own hearts. He's shared experiences from his life, including glimpses into the Winter Soldier, while you shared your teaching experience and your chronic illness. You had been thankful that up to this point, you hadn't had a flare up with Bucky, but you knew it was bound to happen.

You were taking on a lot at work. You were the leader of your teacher team, running student council, in charge of the yearbook, the pseudo tech coach, and just the person people came to for whatever they may need. You had been come to be known as the person people could rely on. You were also known to be good with students who had behavior problems, so you had many of those in your class. And now, you were just asked to do a fourth / fifth class next year, which you had done in the past.

It was all beginning to pile on and you felt like you couldn't say 'no' out of fear for disappointing anyone and knowing that others couldn't handle the tasks at hand. You could feel all the stress seep into you physically and, on your way home from school one Friday, you could feel a flare up coming on. You held it together until you got home and then curled up on the couch and broke down into sobs. Everything hurt. Emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Your phone buzzed in your pocket and you shakily pulled it out. It was Bucky, who you knew was away with Sam right now. He was calling to check on you, like he tried to do after school every day. You took a few deep breath's before you answered the phone.

"Hey, Buck," you tried not to show like you were barely holding it all together.

"Hey, doll," you could hear the small smile on his face. The one he saved for you alone. "Just calling to check on you. How did your day go?"

"It was, uh," you paused to clear your throat, "fine."

"Are you sure?" You should have known that Bucky would catch on. He wasn't an idiot and was very in tune with you. "What are you not telling me?"

Letting out a shaky exhale, the tears built up again and there was no stopping them. "It's been... a lot. Everything's finally getting to me and I don't know how to work through it all."

"What's going on, sweetheart? What do you need?"

"They asked me to teach the split class again... and I said yes."

"Y/N..."

"I know what you're going to say, Buck. But who else was going to do it? The options aren't good. The— The students couldn't handle the other options and I've done it before. I can do it again."

"At what cost, darling?"

"I know..." You moved slightly on the couch, a pained groan slipping through your lips.

"What was that? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"I don't believe you. What else is up?"

You sighed. "I... I have a flare up starting. But I'll be fine. I've dealt with it for years now and thankfully, it's the weekend so I'll take it easy."

"I should be there. I shouldn't have gone on this mission with Sam. Doll—"

"Stop that, Bucky. I'll be fine. Just finish the mission and I'll be here waiting."

"I'm sorry I'm not there, sweetheart."

"No need. I know you'll be back soon and make it up to me."

"I'll call you tomorrow. I love you."

"Love you too."

You hung up the phone and curled further into the couch, knowing that you'd probably fall asleep like that without any food or even changing. But it was just too much too move. You were in too much pain.

~~~

Bucky stared at the phone after the call ended. Guilt was bubbling up inside of him. He hadn't ever been there to help you through a flare up before, and here he was, not there again.

"You okay there, Bucky?" Sam wondered, watching the whole interaction.

"No," he replied, stuffing the phone in his pocket. "I'm going home. Y/N needs me and I need to be there for her."

Sam smirked. "I hope you know that I expect a child named after me." Bucky rolled his eyes. "Go. Help your girl."

"Thanks, Sam."

~~~

Though Bucky didn't live with you, he did have a key to your apartment. It was slightly past midnight when he slipped into your apartment. He snuck further into the apartment, glancing around to make sure he didn't accidentally do anything to disturb you. He headed for the kitchen to quickly get a drink of water before his eyes caught sight of you on the couch. Bucky's heart broke as he took in the sight of you curled up on the couch. You were still in your work close and there were dried tear tracks on your face. He could also see how tense your muscles were.

Quietly, he came over to you and gently scooped you up into his arms. You whimpered as he did so.

"Sorry, sweetheart," he mumbled. "Just gotta get you to bed."

"B—Bucky?" You slurred.

"Yeah, doll, it's me."

You began to wake up more. "What are you doing here?"

"Couldn't stand the thought of you struggling on your own."

"Really?" You quickly grew emotional again.

"Really, doll. I'm here for you. So let's get you into something comfy."

~~~

Bucky helped you get changed as he soon realized it was currently hard for you to easily help yourself. After you were changed, Bucky helped you get comfortable in bed.

"Have you eaten or taken any meds tonight?" Bucky wondered. You sheepishly shook your head. "Alright, I'll go whip something up." He pressed a kiss to your forehead. "Be right back."

~~~

Once Bucky was sure that you were fed and that you had some medicine down you, Bucky climbed into bed with you. He knew that you were in pain so he kept to his side of the bed.

"Bucky?" You whispered.

"Yes, doll?" He responded.

"Can you hold me?"

"Are you sure? I don't—"

"Please. You won't hurt me. I promise."

Bucky moved closer and carefully wrapped you up in his arms and pulled you into him. "This okay?"

"It's perfect."

He pressed a kiss to the side of your face. "I love you, you know that? You're the strongest woman I know."

"I love you so much, Buck... thank you for coming home to help me."

"Always, doll. I will always come home, for whatever reason."