In the Arms of Justice

Chapter Twenty-Two

Stepping forward a few feet with you beside him, Bucky stopped in front of the goateed, dark-haired Captain. He looked vastly different than how you had seen him previously in his office and in court, which was always in a finely tailored suit. Instead, he was currently dressed in jeans and a black band t-shirt with an unzipped hooded sweatshirt over it. It was a jarring sight, like seeing your teacher outside of school or something. Bizarre.

"Captain Stark," Bucky greeted him, extending his hand.

"Barnes," the Captain replied, shaking the man's hand roughly before releasing it and turning toward you. "Ms. (Y/L/N), it's good to see you in one piece. Mostly," he taunted, nodding slightly to the wound on your side.

"Nice to see you again, Captain. It could have been a lot worse, but Detective Barnes does have a knack for saving my life," you smiled tightly, sparing a glance to Bucky who had his gaze trained on the grass at his feet.

"Uh huh," Stark made a noise indicating doubt. "So, uh...is this fairly recent?" he asked, point a finger between Bucky and yourself with his eyes flickering down to your joined hands.

"Very," you spoke up quickly. "We're still getting to know each other."

"Really? You seemed to know each other pretty well up on the deck," he smiled knowingly, sticking a hand in his pocket.

You just smiled. "Yes, well. Life is short. We need to cherish happiness whenever it's offered."

Stark seemed to pause at that. "You make a good point. On another subject, I meant to tell you, Brock Rumlow's mother passed away yesterday."

"She did?" Bucky finally spoke up, which was good since you had frozen at the mention of Rumlow.

"Yes, and there are instances where inmates are allowed out under special circumstances for funerals and such..."

There was a rushing noise in your ears, the thought of him somehow escaping during transport flashing through your mind. You were brought back to the present by a squeeze of Bucky's hand in time to hear Stark finish his statement.

"....but apparently his extended family didn't want him there. Can't imagine why," he spoke sarcastically and you finally released the breath you hadn't realized you were holding. He wasn't getting out for the funeral, thank heavens. "That woman really did a number on him, though. It's no wonder why he turned out the way he did."

At Stark's last comment, your frozen limbs were suddenly filled with fire, a fury blazing in your chest. You had to speak up then.

"He was free to make his own choices, though," you addressed Stark, straightening your spine. "A child isn't solely a product of their parents. It can be a factor, of course, but many people with less than honorable parents grow up to be great contributors to society. Rumlow could have made something of himself, but instead chose to take that upbringing and become a killer. His mother can't be blamed for that. On the other hand, the child can't be held responsible for the 'sins of the father'. Or mother in this case. It is our actions that define who we become, don't you agree, Captain?"

Stark seemed stunned by your sudden righteous indignation, then finally responding. "Um...yes. I do agree. Well, it was good to see you again. I'm going to go get some food," he said, offering a nod to you and Bucky before leaving.

"You didn't have to do that," Bucky said to you quietly, although Stark was now safely out of earshot.

"I know," you admitted, stepping around to face him. "But I wanted to at least subtly make him think about how wrong his treatment of you is. He doesn't have to know why I said it, especially since I'm assuming some of what you told me is classified."

Bucky gave a half-smile, embarrassed. "Maybe."

You chuckled lightly. "Your secret's safe with me. I just know you deserve to be treated as the kind, hard-working, law-abiding, honorable man you are. I love you," you pressing your lips to his as your fingers wound into his chestnut strands.

"I love you, too," Bucky echoed after breaking apart, touching his forehead to yours. "God, it feels so good to say that."

"Well, it's good to hear it," you said with a smile, then taking his hand. "Come on. Let's get something to eat while we can. I've heard police officers have quite the appetite."

He laughed at that. "Well, you're not wrong."

You walked up the steps, hand in hand, to join the crowd of hungry people. Bucky introduce you to everyone and they were all welcoming and happy for the both of you. Officer Barton had arrived by then and he came to give you a hug. After your hospital stay, he felt so terrible about leaving you with Rumlow but once again, you held no ill feelings. Rumlow would have done whatever it took to get you alone and you never regretted letting Barton take that armed robbery call. It had been the right thing to do. He was one of your closest friends now.

You had heard that Barton and your boss, Natasha, had remained in contact and were possibly dating but you preferred not to know the details. Witnessing the weird chemistry they had upon first meeting was more than enough information for you. If they were happy together, though, you wished them all the best. Besides, a happy Natasha was better for everyone at the office.

After everyone had eaten, the sun began to set and the majority of the crowd had departed leaving behind only a handful of people, including you and Bucky. Captain Stark had left just after dinner with a beautiful woman with long, strawberry-blonde hair and an air of sophistication. You heard from Sharon that she was Stark's fiancee, Pepper, a highly successful CEO in the city and the more sensible partner in the relationship. Part of you wondered if she knew anything about Stark's grudge against Bucky and if not, how she would react if told. You decided to leave it alone, though. Meddling would only open up your relationship to scrutiny.

As the remaining friends and co-workers all settled into chairs on the lawn around the fire, stories flowed and laughter rang throughout the yard. Little Sarah and Maggie were given marshmallows and sticks to roast them on under careful supervision from Steve. You watched as the girls ate the messy, gooey S'mores their dad had assembled for them, then thanking him with sticky kisses that made you chuckle to witness.

Bucky pulled his chair closer to yours to put an arm around you and placed his other hand on your thigh. You watched him for a minute as he listened to one of Barton's stories, the flickering flames casting shadows upon his handsome face. For a short moment, you were transported to another place and time where you sat on the side of the road beside a young police officer, flashing blue and red lights coloring his features.

Bucky caught you staring, squeezing your shoulder with a smile. "Everything alright?"

You nodded. "Everything's perfect."

He pressed a lingering kiss to your lips, leaving a smile upon both your faces. You felt the glow of happiness fill you, grateful to have these new friends and the handsome man you love beside you. Difficult as the past few months, or even years, had been, they lead you right to this moment where you felt safe, happy, and loved in the arms of Detective Barnes.