Chapter Text
“Buck, will you relax? It’s only for a week.” Steve said. He and Bucky were standing outside of your apartment. Your somewhat older brother, Tony, accidentally blew up your room when he was installing the new bathroom – how that happened nobody truly knows. So you were now reduced to living in a spacious apartment with only the finest furniture.
Steve was needed to help take down a HYDRA base in a very remote location but he couldn’t take Bucky with him. His friend was still recovering from the events in DC and so Steve thought it would be wise to leave him with someone he trusted – (Y/n) Stark.
Bucky had met you only once after the DC incident when you had visited him in the hospital with Steve. He thought that you were beautiful, smart, kind and, on the occasion, flirtatious. Bucky had seen the latter when you realised that the doctor in charge of Bucky’s recovery was incredibly handsome. Steve scolded you for trying to get the man’s number and then bought her coffee as compensation.
“But Steve, what if I…I…” Bucky wondered but fell quiet when Steve chuckled,
“You won’t lose control and if that does happen, I am more than certain that (y/n) can handle you.” He stated with a smile.
“How do you know?” Bucky asked, still not confident with himself.
“She beat me in boxing.” Steve answered.
“She beat you?”
“I let her win. She makes these amazing cookies when she’s in a good mood. So I lost nothing.” Steve grinned. He knocked thrice and waited quietly. There was a shuffling behind the door and then it unlocked. Swinging open, you emerged and smiled at your guests,
“Steve! Bucky!” You beamed and leapt towards Steve for a hug.
“Hey.” Steve laughed. You turned to the side and attempted to hug Bucky.
That was a mistake.
He hadn’t expected the contact and mistook it for an attack. Bucky pushed your welcoming arms away and grabbed your throat with his metal hand, slamming your back to the wall. You looked into his eyes and, unfortunately, saw the murderous side to Steve’s best friend. Obviously, he was still washing away the assassin in him. Steve’s face was full of shock when Bucky had reacted and he started to doubt leaving you with him.
“Bucky?” Steve said firmly, “It’s okay. She’s not going to hurt you.”
Bucky finally let out a breath and blinked a few times. Steve’s voice was like a miracle cure that broke through all the brainwashing in Bucky’s mind. He realised what he was doing and immediately let you go, stepping away.
“I-I’m sorry.” He apologised. You rubbed your neck, where the metal fingers had been, and shook your head,
“No, that’s okay.” You said kindly but Bucky backed away a few more paces and looked at Steve,
“I told you I shouldn’t be here.” He told him. Steve put his hands on his hips and sighed. He was thinking along the same lines as Bucky. It would be dangerous while he was unstable and, without Steve, Bucky could be lethal.
“It’s the exact reason that you should be.” You said, interrupting Steve’s train of thought.
“What?” The super solider asked with wide eyes.
“You heard me.” You nodded, “Bucky needs to unwind and learn the difference between friend and foe. I’m the best person to do that.” You replied. You did have a point. Bucky needed to learn how to differentiate to fit in to modern society, but Steve was still concerned about safety and stability,
“Maybe, but…” he began but you interjected,
“Don’t even try Steve. I’m not taking no for an answer. You called because you trusted me; so trust me.” You stated. Steve looked at Bucky and you followed his gaze. Bucky’s eyes were wide with surprise and fear. He looked like a scared puppy that needed to be cuddled. You stepped to the side and gestured into the apartment,
“We can have this conversation inside.” You said. It took a minute but Steve did as you suggested. Bucky, however, didn’t move. He stared at you and feared that he might try to kill you again.
“Come on.” You said kindly. Bucky exhaled to calm his nerves and took a cautious step towards you. He made it inside without any problems which made Steve smile proudly knowing how tough the decision was on Bucky. Once inside, you showed them to the living room which had an open kitchen and a variety of window plants. It was incredibly welcoming to both soldiers. You walked in front of them and smiled,
“It’s not like Avengers Tower but I’m sure it’ll do.” you began, “You can take a look around if you want.” You told Bucky. He cast a nervous glance at Steve and then walked off into the living room. While he looked around, Steve walked over to where you stood,
“Listen, if you don’t feel comfortable with this…” he began but you chuckled,
“Calm down Captain America.” you said defensively with raised hands, “It’s going to be fine.” and poured out some orange juice for him. Steve found a pen and sheet of paper on the kitchen bench,
“If something goes wrong,” he said as he scribbled down some numbers, “Give me a call.” Steve handed you the paper and you traded the orange juice for it.
“Okay.” You agreed as you read the number. Bucky returned from his brief inspection and joined you and Steve in the kitchen.
“How do you like it?” you asked happily.
“This place is nice.” Bucky replied. You wished that he would at least smile to show that he genuinely liked it but Bucky was still taking time to adjust and you could respect that.