His Soulmate | Bucky Barnes ✔

Chapter Fourteen

The days after the funeral were harder than I imagined they would be. I struggled leaving my rooms and when I did I still only wore pyjamas. My hair was a knotted mess, my thoughts were scrambled and I couldn't bear the looks of sympathy that greeted me every time I bumped into someone.

Peter had visited a couple of times, but we'd sat in silence, the tv always too loud in the background. Steve came too, but that silence would be different. He'd sit on the sofas and sketch, letting my lie on my back and nap. I was grateful for both their visits, but it was only Bucky who could make me talk.

He'd come down every day without question. He'd drag me out of my bedroom, and make me some food if I hadn't eaten, which was likely. We'd watch tv, he'd tell me stories of his life pre-soldier, and I always felt a little better. I would catch myself laughing, but then feel guilty for being happy, and then I'd slip back into my spiral.

But I was beginning to get cabin fever, and reasoned facing the others would be healthier than hiding away from them. I decided to make some breakfast then would join them in the living room.

I trawled through my cupboards in the hopes of some form of food, but was met with the disappointing sight of bare shelves. I dragged myself downstairs to the main living rooms, but was still met with the sight of no food. I sank down in a crumpled heap on the floor of the kitchen, tears suddenly pricking my eyes as the room filled up with people.

"I'm just saying, she needs to leave the tower."

"We know she needs to leave capsicle but we can't force her."

I heard Nat laugh darkly, "don't challenge me."

"Nat we are not dragging her out against her will."

I heard someone cough and Peter began to speak. "We just need to encourage her. None of us have exactly been the most... helpful, have we?"

A silence descended the room as a shadow fell over me. The voices continued as they moved to the sofas, but I couldn't hear them as Bucky's figure gently lowered to sit next to me on the floor.

He nudged my shoulder. "How about we get something to eat?" His voice was quiet, but I heard it clearly.

I shook my head "no food." I mumbled, wiping the tears away. I  leant into his side, his shoulder surprisingly comfortable. He produced a pencil and piece of crumpled paper from his pocket, smoothing it on his knee before writing. "What are you doing?"

"I've not left this tower properly in over two years. They've cleared my name and yet I never leave. But today we are changing that. We are going food shopping." His voice was steady, his brows furrowed as he began writing a list.

I stared at him "I don't want to-"

"Don't care." I stared at him as he continued writing.

"But-"

"No."

"James..." I whined and he turned to stare at me, wiggling the pencil.

"You know I love it when you call me that. But no, we are going food shopping and that's it." I grumbled and picked at my top as he stood up. "Get changed then."

I sighed and pulled myself up of the floor and walked back upstairs.

***

~Buckys POV~

Watching Amelie grieve was heartbreaking. It was all I could do to not break down at the sight of her crumpling. But I had to be the strong one. She would be there for me if the situation was reversed, and I knew I owed it to her to stay strong.