12

Steve POV 

"I'm sorry your engagement didn't work out," Natasha says sympathetically. "Maybe you should tell us before you start dating someone so we can do a background check sooner." 

"That's probably a good idea," I agree, though I have no plans to start dating again any time soon. 

Sam approaches us, looking a little bit worried.  

"Please tell me you've seen Bucky," he demands. 

"He went home," I say. "Like, seven minutes ago."

"Motherfucker," he whispers disdainfully, then raises his voice to normal level. "By himself?" 

"No, John drove him home because he was drunk," I assure him. It doesn't seem to give him any peace. 

"Motherfucker," he repeats, a little louder. "John Walker?" 

"Yeah, why?" 

"That guy's an asshole!" he exclaims, beginning to leave. "I gotta go, I'll see you later." 

"I like him," I tell Natasha once Sam is gone. 

"I would think so; he's your best friend." 

What? He isn't my best friend. Bucky and Sam are my best friends. Oh, wait- 

"Not Sam!" I correct. "I like John." 

"Oh. I don't." 

"No one does." 

"He's got a weird face."

--------------- 

Sam POV 

Despite the fact that I was speeding the entire 4 hours home, I didn't get pulled over. I'm very proud. 

I don't even bother knocking on Bucky's apartment door. It's unlocked, so I just throw it open and whack someone in the face with it. 

"Ow!" Walker yells. "That was completely necessary. What's your problem?" 

I don't say anything, just grab him by the arm and drag him along on the search for my friend, who turns out to just be sleeping. On the floor, as per usual. 

"What is your problem?" Walker hisses.

"You didn't do anything?" I interrogate. 

"No! What would I even have done to him?" 

"I dunno. Robbed him?" 

"Like there's even anything to steal. I'm actually very concerned with the way he lives. He owns no food. Or medicine." 

"Why were you looking for food and medicine?" 

"I was looking for a cup and some Tylenol or something. I don't exactly envy him the headache he'll wake up with. Luckily, he has cups."

"Good job finding a cup," I praise sarcastically. "Did you find some running water to go with that? There's advil in the cabinet under the bathroom sink, on the off chance this ever happens again. Now get out." 

I let go of his arm and push him in the direction of the door. He takes a few places in the right direction before stopping and turning around. 

"I know you guys hate me," he sighs. "And I get it. I really do. I just want you to know that I am on your side." 

"I know that," I assure him truthfully. 

 He thankfully leaves without another word and I set off to get the aforementioned advil. And, hey, look at that; he did manage to find some running water to go with the cup.

----------------- 

John Walker isn't on our side. 

Or, if he is, he totally just deviated from our moral code. 

It's been a few days since... that, and Bucky still won't look at the shield. We've kept it inside its bag, which we then locked in the cabinet under his bathroom sink. 

"I'm going to talk to Steve," he announces softly, breaking the absolute silence of one of his 'Quiet Days.' Steve says those happen a lot; days where Bucky seems to be lost in thought and just won't speak. Today is one of those days. Or, was. 

"How long's it been?" 

"Couple months." 

"You've forgiven him, then?" 

"He hasn't apologized." 

I nod and he stands up, announcing that he's going to call Steve. He goes outside so I can't hear their conversation, but I can see him through the glass door and he looks pretty happy to be talking to Steve. 

"We're gonna go have lunch tomorrow," he tells me when he comes back into the house. "Me and Steve." 

(Short chapter but I just got a tooth pulled and I'm in pain)