Avengers One Shots

Together - Part 2

Important Note From RogerCaptain: This story is a standalone story... However, for the full effect, you should really read the chapter "Together" (Steve Rogers x Reader) - Part 1" BEFORE you read this one. I think it will offer a fuller experience for you. And I'm all about immersing you in this world!

I do not own these characters, I just write them as a way to love and care for them. This story gets the good Captain's language warning.

Together - Part 2

The feel of her shoulder pressed softly into his own ribs left a warm impression that, sadly, started to fade as she stepped away from him.

"It's going to be okay," he said softly, giving her a sincere look. Whatever grief he was feeling was about to be put aside. His priority now was helping her and making sure she was okay.

Y/N lifted her head to meet his gaze with lips pressed into a fine line. She nodded her head, "Thanks for walking me back, Buck."

His face grew sad as he watched her, wishing there was something more he could do. Stooping down a bit, he looked directly into her exhausted face. "If you need me... if you need anything..."

The faintest smile began on her lips, "I appreciate it. Thank you."

"Okay," he sighed lightly, not wanting to walk away and leave her, "get some sleep, sweetie." A soft but firm grip on her upper arm left her knowing that he meant what he said and he'd be there for her. He'd only be in a room across the hall.

She let herself into her room and looked out at him through the door one last time. "Goodnight, Buck."

"Sergeant Barnes?"

Bucky blinked hard before he looked up, a frown coming over his features. "I'm sorry... just remembering everything, I guess."

"I'm sure it's comforting to have memories again, even the bad ones."

He nodded. Sitting in a therapist's office was something he'd never be totally comfortable with, no matter how many times he'd been there. He imagined it was the same for most people though. Seeing Dr. Brooks on a somewhat regular basis was something he'd agreed to when he was invited to join the Avengers and move to the compound. Steve had urged the team to welcome him and they agreed, although the continued therapy had been a stipulation of Tony's. He hadn't been mean or vindictive about it and even Steve had agreed that it would be a good idea. Though the talented Princess Shuri had helped sort out his brain in Wakanda, they all knew Bucky was going to have a long road of figuring out who he would become now. He wasn't The Winter Soldier and he wasn't the fresh-faced Brooklyn charmer any longer. He'd always have the memories from both lives and combining them wasn't going to be incredibly easy. So Bucky didn't fight the therapy, he showed up faithfully, no matter how uncomfortable he was. No matter how much the torrid topics ripped him to shreds.

"The memories I see the most now... they're... well, there have been a lot of bad memories lately," he confessed.

Dr. Brooks nodded and paused to think a moment. "On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, how would you describe your sadness today?"

He shook his head lightly. "That's a loaded question... but, 7 or 8, I guess."

"7 or 8. Okay." She looked at her notes. "7 months ago, you answered 11. —11 out of 10." She sat forward in her chair to make a point, "That's progress."