Untangling a Memory

Shared moments

Upon Sam and Bucky's return to the apartment after their workout, they found Steve in the kitchen, finishing up lunch. He and Natasha had already made plans to relax at the pool for the rest of the day. Steve suggested the other two join them and they quickly agreed. Steve had already changed into his swimsuit, so Natasha had gone to his room to do the same. Sam went to take his shower, leaving just Steve and Bucky in the kitchen.

"How was your workout with Sam?"

Bucky opened the refrigerator door and retrieved a bottle of water. He cracked it open and took some big gulps while leaning against the kitchen counter, facing Steve who was eating the last of his apple.

"It was good. I'm glad we got to catch up a bit on my recovery. I was bad about contacting him while you guys were away."

"Don't blame yourself, you both were busy."

Even as Bucky kicked himself, Steve would always be there to console him. He tried not to let Bucky punish himself over trivial things, even if it was usually fruitless.

"Yeah, I know." Bucky hung his head a little as he fidgeted with the cap on his water. "Either way, it was nice to speak with him. He made me think about some things a different way. Always pushes me a little bit further, which I think is helpful."

"I'm sure it is! Well, I'm glad you had a good time. Did you kick his ass on the stairs?"

"He barely made five sets! It was absurd. Though, I did run at full speed, so that might have had something to do with it." Bucky smirked and they both had a good chuckle.

Steve got up to clean the last of his dishes from lunch and Bucky headed toward his room to shower and change as well, but before he left, he caught himself.

"Hey- if I have a note for Natasha, could you give it to her?"

"Sure, of course, Buck. Is everything ok with you two?"

Bucky looked sheepishly at his hands as he rubbed them together nervously. "Yeah, we're good. I just want to make sure she gets it. You know, I don't want her stumbling on it at a weird time or it getting lost."

"Ahhh, another breakfast note. Got it. You want to give it to me tomorrow morning?"

"Ummm, yeah. I haven't written it yet, so I'll get it to you later tonight or tomorrow. Sometime soon."

"Ok, sounds good. Easy enough."

Steve smiled and nodded to Bucky as he left the kitchen and headed down the hallway towards their rooms. Steve didn't really know what to make of Bucky's request. It definitely seemed a little off, surprisingly tentative for the way both Natasha and Bucky had described their reconciliation. But, who was he to judge. Steve decided that it was likely just his own nerves and the reasoning was something Bucky would rather keep to himself.

Steve and Sam had already headed down to the pool by the time Natasha and Bucky were ready. Coincidentally, the doors of Bucky's room and Steve's room (where Natasha was still staying and getting changed) opened almost simultaneously. Standing across the hall from each other, Bucky and Natasha gave each other a quiet smile, both still looking a little nervous after their most recent interaction.

"You look nice."

Natasha pulled at the oversized t-shirt she was wearing over her swimsuit. Clearly, Bucky must have recognized it as one of his own. "You know, just trying to look fancy for you." She gave him a sly smile.

Natasha handed her towel to Bucky for him to hold while she put on her watch. Bucky's eyes went wide as he noticed her briefly wince as she wrapped it around her wrist and began the latch. When he saw why, his brow furrowed in sadness and disappointment.