Only a Memory | Bucky Barnes

Chapter 10: Science Bros

Bucky's group history project wasn't looking too bad, that is until Mr. Coulson announced that he would be picking the groups. Their was a simultaneous groan in the class as everyone looked away from their friends, breaking away from the mental conversations they were having.

It became apparent, however, that this was not in attempt to separate friends. Partners were named off, most of which came from Coulson looking around the room and checking who was sitting next to each other. In the end, no one would really be having to switch seats.

But then Rhodey's name was called, and he was not put with Tony. Oh. So that was it. Mr. Coulson assumed that the two couldn't get any work done together, but Bucky knew that he was wrong. Tony, despite being an arrogant and obnoxious ass, did care about school. Albeit, perhaps Mr. Coulson had ulterior motives that Bucky couldn't see.

The only names left were Bucky's own, Tony's, and Bruce's.

"Tony and Bruce," Mr. Coulson said.

A few students snickered or said ooooh. Bucky figured it must have had something to do the with the spin the bottle game. But surely not everyone knew about that, and it was just a game, right?

Bucky watched a few people mouth 'science bros' to their friends, whatever that meant. Bruce's cheeks were beet red, and even Tony looked a little embarrassed.

"Okay, you guys can get started and work for the rest of the period."

Bucky raised his hand. "Sir, you forgot about me."

"Sorry about that, James." Bucky cringed. Mr. Coulson looked around the room, his eyes finally landing on Maria Hill and another girl that Bucky didn't even know the name of.

Great. Just great.

"You can work with these two. I'm sure they won't mind. Right ladies?" They both snapped to attention, Mr. Coulson standing in front of Maria's desk. "It's okay if James works with you two?"

They both nodded, but they looked less than thrilled. Bucky sighed as he dragged a chair next to Maria's desk.

"As you may have noticed, most of you have been paired with your friends." Eyes travelled around the room, looking at all the other groups of students. "Those of you who were not were put with someone who I think you are better suited to work with."

Bucky, last of course, because he wasn't really suited to work with anyone.

"Now the rest of the class of yours," Mr. Coulson said. He strode to the back of the class where his desk was and sat.

The class was immediately filled with murmuring students, which progressively got louder. Most of what people were saying wasn't even related to the history project. He turned back to Maria and his other partner, only to find that they weren't talking about anything history related, either.

"I can't believe Steve and Peggy are still dating," the girl said.

Bucky rolled his eyes. Of course they had to talk about the unspeakable. Yes, Bucky was beginning to find a way to regulate his emotions towards Steve. But it wasn't that easy. He still found himself feeling jealous every time someone brought up Steve and Peggy, or when he saw them together.