Devotion

C15: Enough Space

The week following our fight was the longest week of my life. Even though things were okay between us, Steve was still getting used to being alone and he pushed me away a whole lot more than he normally does. I didn't know how to help him other than being there, and it seemed like he didn't even want that anymore. I was lost... and staying away from him wasn't helping anything even if he wasn't mad.

I would pace around my house daily, just wondering when I should go and see him again. My nerves were off the wall with our lack of communication.

It was killing me. Truly, it was.

But he needs space. Right?

********

"Wrong... Wrong, wrong, wrong... Bucky what are you thinking?"

Caroline hit me on the head with a rolled up newspaper. I coughed so hard I almost choked on my food.

"Well I don't know. We got in a fight about it."

We were home alone and I made her grilled cheese for dinner, which was rare since I'm never home to begin with. As we sat at the counter and ate, I told her about everything, like I usually do.

"Well is he still mad?" She muttered through bites of food.

"No... He kinda felt really bad about it and super apologized immediately. But I still don't know Car..."

"You're such a jerk! He probably thinks you hate him now, you don't leave someone like that!" She yelled at me.

"I just thought he wanted to be alone..."

"Nobody wants to be alone... Especially when you're the only thing he has."

"You're right." I mumbled.

"Then what are you still doing here Bucky?!"

She got up from her chair and pulled on my shoulders.

"What do you mean?"

"Get up and go to Steve's!"

She pulled me up and pushed me out of the kitchen, stumbling.

"Alright, alright!"

I grabbed my coat and took ahold of the door.

"Thanks Caroline."

I kissed her on the head and sprinted down the stairs.

"You better not come back tonight!" She shouted through the doorway.

"Will do."

I walked down the sidewalk, with the sun setting down behind me, as I made the all so familiar turn towards Steve's house.

********

When I reached his door it was dark and the light was off.

What if he's asleep?

I struggled to find the nerve to knock on my best friends door. Why?

Just knock. Do it. Come on Bucky!

I saw a light inside the window turn on, so I bring my hand up to the door and knocked. I took a deep breath and ran my hands through my hair as the door unlocked. It opened in front of me revealing Steve standing there with his sad eyes staring up at me. I looked up at him.

"Steve?"

"Bucky." He whispered as he pulled me inside the door.

"I..."