{Previously: "I won't," he whispered.}

Bucky and Steve came back to the apartment. Conveniently, your current roommate was visiting her hometown so you three had the place to yourselves.

Steve, absolutely ready to drop, went straight to his old room. He was pleased to find that it's new owner had kept it tidy.

Bucky smiled as soon as he saw Alpine, "hey little girl. long time no see."

Alpine purred in response.

As he pet the cat, Bucky took in his surroundings, "not much has changed around here, huh?"

You shook your head.

Part of the reason you hadn't redecorated, or even so much as moved around some furniture, was because you didn't want anything to change.

Both of your boys went off to war and keeping the furniture where they had it just felt... right.

There was an unspoken understanding in the room and Bucky just gave you a sad smile.

As you stood there staring in each other's eyes you tried, once again, to tell him. How hard could it be?

It's only three words.

I love you.

Bucky's low voice interrupted your thoughts, "You should get some sleep, doll."

You nodded with a slight smile before scooping up Alpine and walking to your room.

Before closing the door, you turned around, "Goodnight, Bucky."

Bucky grinned, "G'night."

You laid in bed for hours, unable to rest. Your mind was whirring like the gears in a clock.

Finally, you just got up and went out to the living room.

Bucky, who had originally planned to sleep on the couch, was now on the floor.

A frown was carved into his delicate features as he slept.

You carefully brushed your fingertips along his cheekbone, making him relax a bit.

His piercing blue eyes met yours.

He didn't say anything, he didn't need to.

Bucky pulled you close to him and laid his blanket over you. And despite being curled up on the hardwood floor, you slept better than you had in months.

Bucky did too, and he didn't even bother getting up before Steve. He didn't care about his agreement anymore. He liked you and he wasn't going to toss you aside. You were different.

...

Steve woke up as soon as the sun poked through his sheer curtains.

He got ready for the day and went into the kitchen to make breakfast. As soon as he stepped out of his room, he saw the two of you curled up on the floor.

Steve smirked.

He knew that Bucky truly cared for you, he didn't care about the promise anymore. The two of you needed each other, anyone with eyes could see that.

Steve started preparing breakfast for everyone. Toast with margarine spread, freshly prepared orange juice and porridge.

It didn't take long for the warm scent of Steve's cooking to reach Bucky's nose.

His eyes fluttered open and the first thing he saw was you. He brushed the hair out of your face and kissed you in the forehead, waking you up.

You smiled.

Bucky smiled back.

Both of you got up and hurried into the kitchen.

Steve was hard at work and didn't pay attention to either of you.

"Holy mackerel!" Bucky grinned.

"Wow, Steve. This all looks amazing," you exclaimed.

Bucky reached out for a piece of toast, but Steve quickly slapped his hand away, "don't touch that, knucklehead."

You snickered at Bucky's disapproving pout.

Steve continued cooking as you went to get dressed and brush your teeth.

You quickly made your way back to the kitchen and fed Alpine.

Bucky was still off in his and Steve's room getting ready.

"Sleep well?" Steve asked with a knowing smirk.

You glared at him playfully, "Yes, actually. Thanks for asking."

He chuckled.

Steve looked around the room, "I gotta say, it's nice to be back."

You gave him an understanding nod.

"Kinda weird...but nice," he said truthfully.

You couldn't imagine what it was like for them. Being away from home for so long. Fighting an endless battle. Especially Bucky.

As if Steve could read your mind, he spoke up, "Ya' know, he puts on a brave face. When I found him...he wasn't right."

Your face fell. You fixed your mouth to ask him what he meant, but Bucky walked out of the bedroom.

He rubbed his hands together excitedly, "Well are you gonna fix me a plate?"

Steve pointed his mixing spoon at Bucky threateningly, "I will use this."

"Settle down, fellas. We've got a big day ahead of us," you quipped, referring to Bucky's idea to go to Coney Island.

Steve set your plate down in front of you first, then Bucky's; with a disapproving frown of course.

You all ate quickly and Bucky offered to take everyone's dishes. Being the gentleman he is, he cleaned every dish and helped you and Steve put the leftovers away.

You accidentally dropped one of the bowls and both of the boys froze. "Oh shit," you leaned down and tried to pick up the shattered pieces.

Bucky shook himself from his daze and crouched down to your level. He gently pulled your hands into his, "Hey, don't touch it. You'll cut yourself."

Steve grabbed a broom from the closet. You took it from him, despite his protests, and cleaned up your mess.

Trying to bring a lighter mood to the room, Steve grabbed the sunscreen and clapped Bucky on the back, "Let's go!"

You all, hesitantly, took the subway to Coney Island and spent the rest of the day there.

Bucky tried to convince Steve to ride the Cyclone again, but to no avail.

You bought hot dogs and cotton candy for the three of you.

Steve was being swarmed by women and reporters who were excited to see the famous Captain America.

Bucky blinked, "I think we swapped places."

You lightly elbowed him in the side and he draped his arm across your shoulders.

Steve, looking slightly terrified, waved you two off, "You guys go on. I'll catch up later."

So, Bucky and you made your way down to the beach.

The sun was slowly starting to set and the ocean breeze blew his soft brown hair in every direction.

He stopped and looked at you, "We haven't really gotten to talk much since I got back."

You picked at your cuticles nervously.

"There was so much I needed to say..." He started.

"Bucky, I love you." You interrupted him, not wanting to hear whatever rejection you assumed he was coming up with.

He was stunned. He himself was surprised by your boldness, and elated because he knew he felt the same.

"I love you too," Bucky beamed.

You looked up from the ground you had been pretending to find interesting with a very confused expression.

Almost pained.

Is he lying?

"I've loved you from the moment we met," Bucky confessed.

You gave him a look that said, now I know you're lying.

He chuckled, "Okay, maybe not the exact moment."

You started to smile, "You love me?"

Bucky frowned, "Isn't it obvious? How could anyone not?" He flashed his pearl white teeth, the signature way he always does.

You smiled back and a realization hit you. You would never be able to live without that boy.