I Guess We're Cool. [Captain America]

Chapter Eleven ♡

Steve had left with Tony for something secret. I didn't bother to ask. I planned out my day before getting dressed. I wore a mint tank top with a kimono that was white and kind of floral, light blue jeans, black sandals and black sunglasses. I grabbed my black purse and left the apartment.

I sat alone outside of a restaurant with a smile on my face. I went through the old magazine I used to work for. It wasn't interesting anymore. I pulled out my phone and looked at the time. I wasn't late or early for anything. I didn't have any specific time to get anywhere. I needed to go to the grocery store for sure.

After eating, I went to the Smithsonian. I had been in DC for awhile now, but still hadn't visited it yet. I walked around for a moment then wandered to the Captain America exhibit. There were many children there. I looked around and smiled at all the things Steve had done. Something caught my eye and I went in that direction. I stood beside a man taller than myself and read about Bucky Barnes. The recorded speaker said that Bucky and Steve had been friends since childhood.

"He cared about him a lot," I whispered, not caring if the person beside me heard.

"He did," the man agreed.

"I wish I could have met him. Bucky, I mean. With all that's been said about him, I think he would be my friend, too," I said. I looked over at the man and smiled. "I'm Adriella. I'm sorry if I'm bothering you in anyway."

"No, it's fine. I'm James," he replied.

"Is this your first time visiting here?" I asked. He nodded. "Me too."

"Would you like to look around with me?" James asked. I nodded and we both moved on to the next thing.

There was something about Bucky from a recording and we watched it. I saw Steve pull out a compass, or maybe a watch, that had a picture of a woman in it. I took a deep breath in and moved on. James followed behind me, probably confused about why I left that part. We sat together, watching an interview with Peggy Carter, the woman that was in Steve's compass. I sighed and looked down at my hands. I guess James realized I was uncomfortable and led me out of the theater area. We looked back at the Bucky thing and I re-read it.

"I don't know what to think," I said.

"About what?" James asked.

"Everything so far," I whispered.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I just don't know," I shrugged. I looked at the picture of Bucky then back at James. There wasn't anyone around us. I removed his cap and smoothed his hair back. I covered my mouth and stepped back. "You're Bucky," I breathed.

He brought a finger to his lips and hushed me. I nodded but wanted to ask more questions. Bucky and I left and he helped me with grocery shopping. He also helped putting the groceries away. I offered to make Bucky some dinner since I would be alone for the night, and he agreed. I made stir fry and gave Bucky some on a plate. I sat down beside Bucky and ate my plateful.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"Don't worry about it, Bucky," I replied. He smiled and went back to eating.

"Do you know Steve?" Bucky asked in between mouthfuls. I looked at him and nodded. "Is that why you wanted to leave Peggy's interview?" I nodded again. "Are you and Steve a thing?"

"See, that's what I don't know," I said. Bucky nodded. I took his empty plate and mine and started to do the dishes. "You can stay here tonight, if you want, Bucky," I yelled over the running water. I finished the dishes and showed him to the room he could stay in. "Is this okay?" I asked him. He sat down on the bed and nodded.