Winter's Sunshine

15. Worth a try

"So Bucky Barnes is going to train you?"

"Yes. We already started yesterday. And went on a run this morning"

"That's lovely! And what did he say about the test?"

"Nothing. He didn't know anything about it"

"At least he is training you, that's pretty amazing."

Jen focusing on her laptop muttered, "Sure."

"Are you even listening to me?", Alex asked as she walked towards Jen. "What are you doing? Let me see"

"Nothing, not important.", Jen replied, slightly closing her laptop.

Alex glared at her suspiciously, making Jen uncomfortable.

"Fine. I was just looking for any information about the test on our server.", said Jen giving in.

"That's desperate and also not legal."

"I know, Alex. But there is nothing here about it."

"Isn't it obvious? It has to be in those private files, these tests are top secret right?"

"Probably.", Jen said nodding in agreement.

Alex went back to work, leaving Jen in deep thought.

Now how can I access those private files?

---------

"Hey Buck"

Bucky turned his head and saw Steve walk in.

"Hey man", he responded adding almond milk into the shaker.

"What are you doing?", Steve asked opening the fridge.

"Making a protein shake", Bucky said and dropped a banana in the shake closing the lid "-for Jen."

Steve did a double-take on hearing Bucky say Jen. "Jen?", he asked amused.

Bucky nodded to him and continued blending.

Bucky felt Steve's eyes on him and turned around to see him staring. He looked at Steve who was sipping water from his bottle and ogling Bucky mischievously.

"Stop it"

"I didn't say anything.", Steve said.

"Then why is that stupid smile plastered on your face?"

"Why don't YOU tell me?"

Bucky simply glared at him and Steve laughed it off. Steve sat in silence as he planned his next words carefully.

"Do you want coffee? I am making some for myself", Bucky asked him.

"No thanks, It will keep me awake. I need to sleep well tonight. Important mission tomorrow."

"OK."

"So?", Steve tried starting a conversation.

"So what punk?", Bucky smiled knowing well where this was going.

"Do you like her?"

"I don't hate her."

"So you like her."

"Maybe", Bucky said stirring his coffee, avoiding Steve's gaze.

"Maybe?", Steve pressed.

"Stop it now! Drop it already."

"It's okay buck. It's normal to like someone"

"Nothing is normal in my life"

"Come on now, we have decided to move on and leave the past behind."

"Yes"

"So why bring it up again and again?"

Bucky nodded. He had decided to move on, start afresh, but it was hard for him. Our past still sticks around. You can't run away from it.

"So did you ask her on a date?"

"What? No! Are you out of your mind? It's too soon for that.", Bucky said alarmed.

"Agree to disagree."

"It's not 1940s anymore and I have known her for less than a month!"

"Look man as maybe the world's leading authority on waiting too long, I would suggest, just don't. Don't wait for the right time. Just go for it."

Steve got up and walked around to where Bucky was sitting.

"As you said, it's not 1940s anymore. Things move fast now. At least give it a try", Steve said patting Bucky's back before leaving the dining area.

Bucky finished his coffee, still thinking about what Steve had said.

Maybe he is right, maybe I should give it a try. What could go wrong? Well, everything, but worth a try, right?

He looked at his watch and left for the gym.

Time for the training.