Bucky is adorable. That's it. Good reading.

🔹️

Y/N's POV

You quickly hid behind Bucky, who was confused by your attitude.

-What is going on?-He asked.

-Nothing, let's just get back to the tower please.

-Y/N--

-Let's go Bucky.

Reluctant, he agreed and headed back with you.

🔹️

You were now in your office alone thinking about what happened. Did he see you? Why were you like that? Wasn't it over? Then why a sudden fear came to you? He couldn't just attack you....At least that's what you thought.

Eric was basically from what you used to see, the same walking in that "bad boy" style you used to make fun of, but at the same way there was grace, a charm in his gestures, you always found that somehow enchanting to watch.

But his clothes were different now, he was wearing some sort of suit, an expensive one apparently, it's not that he didn't care about his looks before, he did, he was always carefully with clothes that fit his style, with his hair always on the same brushed side, with his smoky tobacco because of his cigarettes that you didn't want him to smoke. But now it seemed different, his clothes were like for another man, a powerful and dangerous one. He was dangerous before, but didn't look so much like one.

You didn't even talk with him, but just the sight of him after all this time made your mind create a spiral of "ifs", what would he say? Would he scream? Try to kill you? The way things ended...You still couldn't believe how that happened. Since then you wondered about him, even though you felt so angry at the same time.

You were there, still diving in your old memories when Happy entered:

-Y/N, Tony is calling you at the Avengers floor.

-Oh, alright I'm going, just a second.-You said trying to recompose yourself.

Happy nodded and closed the door. You took 3 deep breaths and tried to clean your mind. You just saw him on the sidewalk. Just that. Then why did it seem to open all your old scars? Why did you still could feel the pain made before?

You tried to stand on your feet, even though it seemed like you had a huge weight on your back. You needed to be strong and deal with it, just like you did your whole life. You could do this on your own.

At the Avengers' floor you saw everybody at the pannel area, they seemed to be discussing something serious.

-Mr.Stark, I'm here.-You said.

-Hey Pizza, good, now can you please pass the slides for me?-He said while he standed in front of the team.

-Okay...

You did as he ordered and started the presentation.

-As everybody already know-Stark started- Pizza here got a weapon from the last attack, I sent it to Banner to know from where it is.

You showed the hologram of the gun in the air.

-Bruce, you have the word.-Stark led the speech to the scientist.

-So..
-Bruce standed- according to my researches the material can be divided into 2 sources. The iron and other components of the material are from Earth, apparently is some sort of strong metal, but not as strong as vibranium. -Bruce continued- The other part is what I couldn't find still, wich is the heater part, it's not made from a normal technology, probably from another world, realm, universe etc.

-Any chance of discovering soon?-Sam asked.

-Probably, just need some more time.-Bruce replied- But let's get back to the first part. This metal was sold by someone. I analyzed the different fingerptrints on it before it was given to the robot and then Y/N, and it identified several illegal gun selllers.

-Now that's where it gets interesting- Stark procceded- Those illegal sellers work for the Chinese branch office from Criminal Genious.

-Criminal Genious? You mean Wilson Fisk? From Fisk corp? The a.k.a Leader of the Assassins?-Clint asked.

-The one and only.

-And for who did he sell those materials?-Steve questioned.

-That's what we need to know. We need contacts in the chinese filliation to talk with then and then reach Fisk. Any ideas?

-Invade the building and kidnap their leader until he spills.-Natasha said coldly.

-As far as we know Natasha, we can't do that until they've commited a crime, and we have no prove they did one.-He looked at the others- Any other ideas? Contacts?

-Hm... Mr.Stark?-You asked him and all of them turned their eyes to you.

-Yes Pizza?

-Is this filliation on the Chinatown neighbourhood? The one where they  command the whole community there?

Stark looked at you surprised.

-Yes, how do you know about that?

-I...-You found it hard to say.- I think I might have the contact of someone there.

Tony looked shocked.

-What do you mean you "might"?-He insisted.

-I know someone who works there.

-Then what are you waiting for? Say it-Romanoff spoke.

-That's the problem...We don't talk anymore.

-But you have his number right? Not a childhood friend you don't see in years?-Tony.

-No, I have his number. It's just...-you glanced at Bucky, who had a curious look in his face, then turned to Stark- It's my ex boyfriend...

Most of the people looked around awkward, Tony gave kind of a funny look like "oh heck". Bucky was perplexed, it's not everyday you know the girl you like dated a criminal. While that Steve had a different look, he had his hands on his waist, then looked around a little, with a concerned face. Natasha on the other way continued the same way:

-So what? Can't you just talk with him?

-It's not that simple...-You tried to talk.

-Look Y/N, I don't think you understand but we need that information.

-Nat take it easy in the girl-Sam took your side.

-Oh please, we don't have time for couple therapy, we need answers. Y/N talk with your ex.

-Stop ordering her, you are not her boss-Bucky said sharply and they both started to argue.

The rest of the room did the same, everybody with different opinions at the same time, too many sounds, too many thoughts, you ran and left the room.

You were now at the hallway, when someone touched your shoulder. It was Wanda.

-I'm sorry, I couldn't help but notice you seemed stressed. Can I stay here with you for a while?-She asked with a sweet voice.

You just nodded with your head. She sat on the ground next to you

-They are being selfish.-she continued.

-It's not that...They are just trying to help the city, maybe the world, I don't know...-You said sadly- It's just that...

-Is he the person you told me you fell apart from?

-Yes...

-It must be hard.-She looked at the ground, her hair falling over her face, not being able to see her expression.- If you are not ready for it they shouldn't force you.

-I may not be ready, but it's necessary. I can't just give them his number, it'll be useless. I need to talk with him myself.

-How hard was your relationship?

-It was a relationship that leaded me to give everything I am...And receive hate on return.

She touched your shoulder, maybe of she was using her powers, you felt slightly better.

-Maybe you should explain that to them.

-Yeah, you're right. But since I work for Stark...-You took a deep breath- I will try to help. Someday I'll have to face him again anyway.

You gave a bittersweet smile wich she replied, she didn't look at you with pity, wich was good, you hated that, it was different, like an admiration glance.

-Thanks Wanda.

-It was nothing, you did that yourself. Now be strong.

You nodded and got back to the room. With a snap on her fingers she turned off all the lights and then turned it on again, making them pay attention to you and stop fighting.

-I've decided I will help.-You announced.

-Finally some sense!-Romanoff retorted.

-But I can't just give you his number, he won't care. I know him for years and that's his attitude.-You looked at Stark- I need to go there myself to convince him.

-What?!-Bucky exclamed.

-Y/N that's dangerous.-Tony whispered to you.

-Mr. Stark that's the only way.

He glanced at you worried, but agreed.

-You won't go alone-He said out loud now- Steve you'll go tomorrow with her.

-I can go!-Bucky said.

-No, Steve is going, you stay here.

-But they are dealing with the chinese mafia-Clint replied- I think having two soldiers would help Y/N.

-Yeah Tony. By the way she is saying this guy might be dangerous.-Natasha agreed.

Tony looked pissed but then said:

-Fine. But if you do anything wrong...

-You what? Are you threatning me?-Bucky challenged him and Steve held his arm.

Tony went in front of him:

-Just don't put Y/N into trouble. Or I'll rip that metal arm of yours.-He said with a killer look in his eyes then turned back to you- You three come to my office in 10 minutes, we need to make arrengements for this mission.

🔹️

You arrived at Tony's office, Steve and Bucky were already there waiting.

-Ok, now that we are all here let's start. Steve-Stark turned to him- No guns, the same goes for Bucky, as a crime organization they won't let you in with that, just take the shield.

-He won't let him enter with that shield.-You said.

-What?

-Eric knows most of the weapons the police and the Avengers use, he was trained for that, he's not fool to let you enter with this.-You said while they stared surprised at you- At the entrance they'll probably ban you or take your shield, and by taking I mean never returning it.

Tony looked at you impressed.

-Alright, no shield, you'll have to rely on your body attack.-He handled some microfones and very small earpieces- Spy equipment, if he refuses to cooperate with us you can use this to collect information, I'll be listening from the tower.

You looked at the tiny but powerful pieces.

-One extra thing for you Y/N-He handled you a bracelet- if you feel in danger touch it twice

-Alright.-You agreed glancing at the black and discret accessory. You hoped that you wouldn't need it.

-You'll go tomorrow at night,  it will have less movement and people won't notice who you two avengers are doinh at Chinatown in the dark.

-Mr.Stark-You added- To enter the organization you need to dress appropriately, they don't let you enter if you are not formally dressed.

-Shit, those ancient rules.-He complained.

-Language- Cap adverted.

-Alright, since it's a bussiness deal, Steve and Barnes, dress up, put suits, I don't know. Y/N I bet you are going to be ready so I don't need to tell you anything.

You nodded and left the office. Bucky and Steve reached for you.

-Are you okay going after that guy?-Steve asked.

-Yeah.-You answered unsure.

-You don't seem so.-Bucky said almost like he could read your mind.

-But I am. Please stop worrying about me. I need some time alone-You left them behind.

3 hours later

You were at the the last floor, on the edge of the building, the same place you and Bucky stayed at the party.

-I think that you are on my side of the edge-The winter soldier said making you surprised and sat by your side

-I said I wanted to be alone.-You spoke sharply.

-And you stayed, for 3 hours.

-Well, I still want to be alone.

He continued staring at you while you looked at the horizon.

-You can tell me if something is bothering you Y/N.

When Bucky said those words it was like he had a key to your feelings, like when someone asks if you are ok when you are about to have a breakdown.

-No, I can't.

-Yes, you can. Why wouldn't you?

-Because I don't want to take your time with me crying.

He all of sudden pulled you into a hug.

-The best time I have is when I'm with you silly.-He kissed your head gently- You can talk, I'm here for you.

His touch just made you feel comfortable, his tone was so kind, so sweet, you felt like you could trust him, that he understood you.

-I don't know how I'll face him tomorrow.-You opened up.

-Who? Your ex?

You nodded still hugging him.

-If he does something to you I'll kill him.-Bucky said.

You chuckled.

-No, you won't.

-Don't dare me, you know I will.-He put his hands on your face and looked at you- I'd do anything to make you happy again.

You felt a tear slowly growing in your eye.

-What did he do to you?-He asked kindly.

You thought about starting from the beggining, saying all the details, all the times you've been hurt, manipulated and betrayeld but it wasn't worthy. You just made a summary of it:

-He...He wasn't with me whn I needed him, he was selfish, manipulative, and always dragged me down...He used to say I wouldn't be happy or loved by anyone else if it wasn't him.

Bucky listened carefully, without saying a word until you finished, after that he held your hand:

-He's a jerk who can't see how lucky he was. You deserve the world Y/N. You should never let someone say something like that to you ever again.

-What if he is right? What if I'm really a failure or---

Bucky pulled you into a kiss while you were talking, a passionate and hushed one then he got apart and smiled.

-Don't ever say that again. I'm warning you.

-Or what?-You chuckled.

He leaned to you again, giving a more slow and romantic kiss this time, a gentle touch between your lips as he touched your hair.

-I'll be by your side tomorrow. Don't forget that.-He whispered.

You nodded and hugged him one more time.

-I'm here for you.-He added.

You couldn't help but let the tears fall down, you didn't like to cry in front of other people, your mom would always complain saying that it was a weakness, so you held your emotions everytime. But now you felt vunerable and at the same time trusted. You felt like you could cry and Bucky would be there for you to help you stand on your feet again.

And you stood like that for a while, crying while he held you tight saying "it's okay".

🔹️

It was the night of the next day, wich was rushed since you had work all the time and tried to keep your mind busy to avoid the anxiety of facing Eric again.

You were ready and met Steve at the hall, waiting for you and Bucky.

-Beautiful dress.-He said as you approached.

-Thanks.-You spoke.

-Are you ready?

-Not really. But we have to do this anyway.

-Don't worry, I'll be there if anything happens.

-Thank you Steve.

You stayed in silence for a brief moment.

-Y/N.

-Yes?

-If he makes you uncomfortable or anything...Please let me know.

-Why?

-Men like that shouldn't even exist- He said serious.

-I can't believe I'm wearing a suit to go to Chinatown.-Bucky arrived.

-You look good.-Steve smiled.

-I know, I know. - He looked at you- Damn, how can you be so pretty?

You chuckled even though you were still thinking about how serious Steve looked before, he may have noticed your past relationship wasn't good, but you didn't expect him to stay by your side. Maybe he was starting to be your friend? Who knows, maybe he was, or maybe he just said that for women in general.

You entered the limo and went to the location.

🔹️

You were now in front of the huge building where the base of the organization was.

The two security guards stopped you at the entrance:

-Who are you? What do you want?

Steve was about to say something but you stopped him.

-Tell Zhang that Y/N is here. We need to talk. -You said with a serious and unbothered air. You needed to look strong.

The guards were confused and sent a men inside to check the information. The same employee came back later, whispered something at the guard's ear and left.

-Mr.Zhang is waiting for you. Please come in.