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ponderingmoonlight · 18 hours ago

Text

And yet, you're here

Pairing: Geto x fem!reader

Word Count: 2,8k

Synopsis: Years after Suguru left, you're still not able to get him off your mind. When he reappears years after his betrayal, the past collides with the present. Unexpected, in a way you didn't even dare to dream about.

Warnings: this isn't proofread 100%, the emotional rollercoaster you deserve, hurt to comfort big time, this is for all my geto girlies who deserve their happy ending

please please please make this go viral thank you

„He’s a threat for the whole population!”

“We need to kill that brat before he kills all non-sorcerers.”

“I can’t believe someone like him was able to do something like…that.”

“So much wasted potential. Why does a special grade sorcerer act this way?”

“I thought he’s a nice boy.”

“So, you’re not one of those nice guys I guess.”

The sun already hung so low in the sky that you were barely able to see his soft features, let alone the surprised look that crept over his face while hearing those words coming from your mouth.

“Are you talking about me or Satoru?”

You let out one of those cute chuckles he adored so much, the kind he heard in his head on repeat even when you were long gone. Gosh, he couldn’t get enough of this. Those lonely nights with only you and a cigarette by his side, the countless hours he spent trying to understand you while it was his mind that slowly but surely fell apart.

“Nope, I’m always talking about you, Suguru.”

“What am I if not a nice guy, then?”

Sure, Satoru Gojo was his one and only best friend, but you were something else entirely: An unspoken bond that lived in the spaces between words, in glances that lingered just a moment too long. You weren’t a lover, not in the conventional sense, but you weren’t just a friend either. You were a mirror to his soul, the keeper of truths he couldn't bear to speak aloud, and the only person who could hold the weight of his silence without it breaking you both.

“You’re... complicated,” you finally replied, the word laced with warmth rather than judgment.

“You’re the kind of person who feels too much but hides it too well. The kind who would burn the world down if it meant saving the people you love. Not everyone understands that, but I do. Or at least I’m convinced I do.”

Suguru’s lips twitched into a faint smile, more melancholic than amused.

“Complicated, huh? That’s one way to put it.”

“And dangerous,” you added lightly, the hint of a smile in your voice.

“But not in the way they think. Not to me.”

His expression softened, the darkness in his eyes easing for just a moment as he stared at you.

“Not to you,” he echoed, as though testing the words on his tongue, letting them sink into the cracks of his fraying soul.

Till this day, that one last conversation both of you had on that lonely bench still haunts him. The way you looked at him back then, as if you’d already knew that you might never see him again, as if you just counted the hours until he goes berserk.

What are you thinking about him now?

Is he still on your mind?

Are you hating him the way Satoru does?

“You’re thinking about her again, don’t you?”

Fuck. He thought about you.

Again.

Suguru lets out a sharp exhale, the sound halfway between a sigh and a laugh, bitter enough to sting his own ears. How pathetic he has to look to the people surrounding him. When he walked down this path, he knew that he’ll have to do it without you, that he won’t be able to see you again. And yet…

Losing you seems to hurt more than anything else.

“Of course I am,” he admits to his assistant, his voice low and rough like gravel underfoot.

“Not like I can help it. She’s everywhere, even when she’s not. It’s ridiculous.”

There it is again, your face ghosting through his mind. Other than Satoru and Shoko, you never really tried to find him. If you wanted to, you would, right? Maybe you’re too mad at him for all the things he’s done. Or maybe you already forgot about him.

“But it doesn’t matter, does it? She’s gone. Just like everything else.”

For a moment, he closes his eyes, trying to drown out the memories, the sound of your laugh, the way your voice softened when you said his name, the weight of your eyes on him as if you could see through all the lies he told himself. He’d burn every memory if he could, let them smolder in the same fire that consumed the rest of his life.

“Besides. She’d hate me now, just like everyone else. Maybe she was just waiting for me to turn into the monster she saw coming.”

“Stop stewing in these thoughts, that doesn’t matter anymore. We’re expecting another bunch of monkeys in half an hour.”

But even as she said it, the words tasted wrong. It shouldn’t matter that he can still feel the warmth of your gaze, your unwavering belief in him, and yet it cuts deeper than any accusation ever could. Suguru shakes his head while straightening his shoulders, eyes locked onto Manami in front of him in order to force you off his mind.

“Doesn’t matter,” he repeats, his voice barely above a whisper, as though trying to convince himself.

“It’s too late for that now. So, where’s the monkeys?”

“Why did I know I’d find you here?”

His voice startles you, making you jump slightly. You turn to see none other than Satoru Gojo standing there, hands in his pockets, his white hair catching the fading sunlight. The sunglasses perched on his nose don’t quite hide the sharp edge in his expression he usually wears around you.

“Because I’m always here, I guess,” you reply softly, your tone as tired as the circles under your eyes appear.

“And I told you to stop a long time ago,” Satoru bites back, his voice bitter, cutting.

“The Suguru you knew… he’s gone.”

The weight of his words lands hard, though they’re not new. He’s said them before, with the same venom in his voice, every time you bring up Suguru or the past.

“I know. I’ve always known.”

“Then why do you keep punishing yourself? Dropping out of Jujutsu High when everyone needed you didn’t bring him back. Hiding out here doesn’t change anything, y’know?”

“It wasn’t about bringing him back, Satoru,” you snap, your voice sharper than you intend.

“It was about… letting him go. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me,” he challenges, stepping closer.

“I’ve spent years watching people destroy themselves over things they can’t fix. I know the look in your eyes - you miss him. You always have. But you didn’t even try to stop him when he turned his back on us.”

You flinch, his words hitting a nerve.

“Because it wasn’t my place. I wasn’t like you, Gojo. I wasn’t his best friend. I wasn’t strong enough to drag him back kicking and screaming or to stand in his way. All I could do was… let him live the way he decided to. I thought… maybe if I stayed behind, if I didn’t follow him, he’d understand that I believed in him, that I trust him and his actions, the path he chooses. That I’d be here if he ever wanted to come back.”

Satoru’s shoulders tense, his jaw tightening. He never understood. Until this day, he never wrapped his head around the fact that you didn’t try to stop his best friend back then. You, who had more power over Suguru than himself.

God, how much he hates that disgusting truth until now.

“And look where that got you,” he mutters.

You look away, your hands gripping the edge of the bench for support.

“I never expected to see him again, Satoru. I didn’t think I’d matter enough to him for that.”

The silence between you stretches thin, brittle as glass.

“Do you think he hates me?” you ask, your voice barely audible.

“For staying behind? For not going after him?”

Gojo doesn’t answer, which is answer enough. You know he blames you, at least a little, for what happened. For not doing more. For leaving everything to him. For allowing Suguru to turn his back on Jujutsu High.

“Suguru hating you? Never. I bet he still thinks about you every damn day”, Satoru mutters under his breath before turning on his heels and leaving you standing in the rain.

Suguru, still thinking about you? You shake your head vehemently, not allowing that absurd thought into your brain. If he would miss you, he’d visit you, right? In all those years, he never lifted a finger in order to find you.

You were right there. In your small apartment, at jujutsu high.

Maybe he forgot about you after all.

“Me? Forgetting you? I’d never be able to do that, (y/n).”

Maybe some promises are meant to be broken.

-a few evenings later-

You’ve drank too much.

You always do when Shoko isn’t with you, when no one’s around to watch you. But even though you emptied a whole bottle of liqueur on your own, you still aren’t able to forget him. Fuck, his face is glued onto your mind like a second skin, never leaves you even though you drink enough to forget your own name.

Will it always feel like this? Will that ache ever go away?

“What are you thinking about, handsome?”

“Something I’ve lost some while ago”, you mumble, absently swirling your glittery cocktail around.

“That’s a bummer.”

You don’t even gift the random stranger next to you a look, the guy who smells like cheap cigarettes so vehemently that you feel like throwing up.

Maybe it’s time to call it a day.

“Yeah. Whatever.”

You spring back onto your feet, the alcohol vibrating through your veins. You were never much of a drinker back then, only shared a cigarette with Suguru from time to time. But this became your only way to numb the pain. At least for a few hours, at least for some time.

The cold air of the night hits your face like a wall. Even though it’s far past midnight, the city buzzes in street light, laughter and cries. And yet, all you’re able to think about is him again. His laugh, his voice, the way he used to look at you when he thought no one else was watching. Is it wrong to long for him? Is it disgusting that you couldn’t care less about the things he’s done those past years, about what he’d become?

You shake your head, trying to dispel the thoughts, but they cling to you, stubborn and relentless. Why can’t you just stop? Stop longing for something that will never happen, stop running after a person who is long gone? Suguru won’t come back, you won’t just meet him on a random street-

The click of footsteps catches your attention. Heavy, yet elegant footsteps across the still busy street.

At first, you think it’s just another stranger wandering through the city’s darkened streets. But something about the rhythm - steady, purposeful - sets your nerves on edge. Something about this feels familiar.

You glance up, your heart skipping a beat as your gaze meets a pair of familiar dark brown eyes.

Suguru Geto.

The world around you blurs, the sounds of the city fading into silence. It’s him, unmistakably him. His hair is longer than you remember, strands sticking to his face from what looks like rain, or maybe it’s sweat. Blood splatters ruin his clothes and the sharp line of his jaw, painting a stark, gruesome picture paired with those cold orbs. His expression is unreadable, but his eyes… they’re searching, watching your every move.

You should run, or scream, or yell at him – at least something that shows him what he put you through.

Anything.

He’s the same man who left you, who walked away from everything, from you. He, who didn’t even tell you about his true feelings, who didn’t care about the consequences of his actions, who didn’t even ask you to join. All those miserable nights you imagined him sitting next to you on that bench, the bottles of alcohol you’ve drank just to forget his name. He needs to pay for it, needs to know what he did to you by leaving you behind.

But instead, your feet move of their own accord, closing the distance between you in an instant.

Before he can react, you throw your arms around him so, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Suguru freezes, his body stiff against yours. He doesn’t move, doesn’t speak, as if the sheer force of your presence has left him powerless. You bury your face against his chest, not caring about the blood, the grime, or the hurricane of questions swirling in your mind. All you care about is the fact that he’s here, alive, and solid beneath your touch. You can feel him – not only in your dreams, but for real.

Suguru is here.

He’s alive.

He’s right between your arms.

The scent of him - familiar, though tinged with something darker - fills your senses, dragging you back into a world you thought you’d never touch again. Tears sting your eyes, but you bite them back, unwilling to let them fall.

“Suguru,” you whisper, your voice trembling.

Finally, he moves. His arms lift hesitantly, then wrap around you with a force that knocks the air out of your lungs. He holds you like he’s afraid you’ll disappear any given minute, his grip firm and desperate. His head dips slightly, and for a moment, you think you feel him trembling too.

“What are you doing?”

His voice is rough, low, almost broken.

“I don’t know,” you admit, your voice muffled against his chest.

“I just… I missed you.”

He pulls back just enough to look at you, his dark eyes scanning your face as if trying to memorize every detail.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he mutters, his tone a mixture of regret and warning.

“Neither should you,” you counter, your gaze unwavering.

Suguru’s lips twitch, almost forming a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. He lifts a hand, his fingers brushing against your cheek as though testing if you’re real.

“You should hate me.”

“Maybe I should,” you reply, your voice steady despite the storm raging inside you.

God, you’re so furious at him. Mad because he ran away, mad because he left you standing in the rain.

Mad because this is actually the first time Suguru Geto hugged you.

“But I don’t. I guess I could never hate you.”

His expression falters, the mask he’s worn for so long cracking just enough to reveal the man beneath. The one you knew, the one you loved in a way you never fully understood. And for the first time since leaving everything behind, he feels that small ray of sunshine taking in his heart again.

“You don’t know what I’ve done, what I’ve become. I was so sure you’ll hate me like everyone else.”

“I know enough. And I don’t care. You’re still Suguru Geto, aren’t you?”

He exhales sharply, the sound almost like a laugh, though there’s no humor in it. You, not caring about the fact that he ended countless lives out of his own fulfilment? You, a jujutsu sorcerer who always protected those monkeys?

“You’re too good for this,” he bites back, shaking his head.

“Too good for me.”

“Don’t decide that for me,” you snap, surprising even yourself with your suddenly so sharp tone.

“You don’t get to make that choice. You already did when you left without saying goodbye”

The silence between you stretches, heavy with unspoken words. You’re right and he knows it. But… Was it really a possibility to take you with him back then? Was there a tiny chance that you…would have joined him?

Slowly, he leans his forehead against yours, his eyes closing as though seeking comfort in your presence. No, he doesn’t want to think this through. Not right now. Not when he feels your heart pound against his body, not when you’re this close to him for the very first time.

“I thought I’d never see you again,” he admits, his voice barely a whisper.

“I told myself it was better that way.”

“And yet you’re here,” you point out softly.

“And yet I’m here,” he echoes, his lips curving into a faint, bitter smile.

For a moment, it’s just the two of you. No blood, no curses, no jujutsu, no past or future. Just the weight of the present, fragile and fleeting. And for now, that’s enough.

For now, simply holding the man you thought you’ve lost forever on a random street is more than enough to make you feel whole again.

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the-winter-spider · 11 hours ago

Text

Invisible | Part 19

Bucky x Reader AU

Word Count: 4.1k

Warnings: Nothing

A/N: This is lowkey a pretty boring chapter lol but i really didnt wanna just jump right into the next bit, so ill probably post the next one right after!

The bar was alive with the familiar buzz of laughter, clinking glasses, and low music, but tonight felt different. Tonight, you and Bucky weren’t just walking into your usual booth as friends, as two people who danced around each other for years. Tonight, you were something more, and everyone would know it.

Bucky’s hand brushed against yours as you entered, a subtle but grounding gesture. His fingers lingered, warm and steady, before he finally slid his arm around your waist. You glanced up at him, catching the small, reassuring smile he shot your way. For years, you’d craved moments like this. Now, they were real, and the world felt a little steadier.

Sam was the first to notice, his gaze snapping to the two of you as you approached the booth. He froze mid-sip of his beer, his eyes widening before he stood up dramatically, spreading his arms wide. “Well, holy shit! Would you look at this! Holding hands and everything! Hallelujah—finally!!”

The table fell silent, all eyes turning toward you. Natasha and Wanda exchanged knowing smirks, and Steve, seated in his usual corner spot, leaned forward slightly, his sharp blue eyes narrowing as he took it all in.

Bucky chuckled low in his throat, squeezing your waist as he nudged you forward. “Well,” he said, smirking at Sam, “someone had to put you out of your misery eventually.”

“Oh, please,” Sam shot back, grinning. “My misery? Barnes, you’ve been in love with her since the dinosaurs roamed the earth. I’m just glad the rest of us don’t have to watch you suffer anymore.”

Wanda let out an excited squeal, practically jumping up to pull you into a tight hug. “Finally!” she exclaimed. “You two were driving me crazy. I’m so happy for you!”

You laughed softly, the warmth of their reactions easing the tension that had been building in your chest all week. “Thanks, Wanda,” you murmured. “It means a lot.”

Natasha leaned back against the booth, crossing her arms with a smug grin. “Took you long enough,” she drawled. “But I’ll admit, the slow burn was fun to watch. Better than reality TV.”

The group burst into laughter, the energy at the table light and easy. Bucky slid into the booth, pulling you down beside him. His arm rested casually along the back of your seat, his fingers brushing against your shoulder as if he couldn’t help but touch you.

But then your eyes flicked to Steve.

He hadn’t said anything yet. He was sitting in his usual corner spot, nursing a glass of whiskey, his face calm but carefully guarded. His eyes flicked between you and Bucky for a fraction of a second before he finally smiled—a polite, distant smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Congratulations,” Steve said, his tone kind but restrained. “You both deserve to be happy.”

Your stomach twisted. The cracks in his mask were subtle, but you could see them. You wanted to say something, to reassure him that this didn’t change anything between you, but before you could find the words, Steve leaned back in his seat and took a long sip of his drink, effectively removing himself from the moment.

You forced yourself to smile, but your chest felt tight. Bucky’s hand brushed against your shoulder, pulling your attention back to him. “You good?” he murmured, his blue eyes searching yours.

You nodded, offering him a soft smile. “Yeah. I’m good.”

But as the group started talking and laughing again, you couldn’t help but notice the way Steve’s eyes lingered on his drink. And when Natasha leaned across the table to whisper something to Wanda, you caught her glance at Steve, her gaze filled with something you couldn’t quite place—longing, frustration, maybe even sadness.

Your chest tightened further. You were happy, truly, but there was an unshakable weight that came with knowing the ripple effects your relationship with Bucky had on the group. The laughter continued around you, and Bucky’s arm stayed firmly around your shoulders, his warmth anchoring you. But every time you met Steve’s eyes across the table, a small pang of guilt twisted in your stomach.

You weren’t just navigating a new chapter with Bucky; you were navigating the fragile balance of a friendship that felt more delicate than ever. And as you caught Natasha watching Steve, who was watching you.

The bar was alive with the warm buzz of chatter and laughter, your group nestled into the corner booth like you always were, drinks scattered across the table. For the first time in what felt like forever, things felt… normal. Easy.

Sam was halfway through an animated story about one of his more adventurous days at the VA, his hands flying around as he described some “wild” shuffleboard tournament involving a 92-year-old named Agnes. “And I swear to God, she hustled me. Agnes had that killer glint in her eye. I didn’t stand a chance.”

Everyone burst out laughing, Wanda clutching her stomach while Natasha shook her head, muttering, “Should’ve seen that coming, Wilson. Never trust anyone with that much bingo experience.”

Bucky’s laugh came deep and unrestrained, his head tilting back as his free hand squeezed your leg. His other hand, resting on your knee, gently rubbed small circles into your skin as if grounding you, even through his laughter. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver of happiness through you. You looked over at him, your chest tightening when you saw the pure joy in his face, the crinkle of his eyes, the twinkle in them as they caught the low bar light. This was your Bucky. This was home.

And in that moment, everything felt right. The weight of the last few weeks lifted, and for the first time, you allowed yourself to simply exist in the bubble of joy that surrounded your friends.

But then, your gaze wandered.

Across the table, Natasha sat beside Steve, her hand casually toying with the edge of her glass. At first, it was nothing out of the ordinary—Natasha, composed as always, listening to the group’s banter with her usual smirk. But then, as Steve leaned forward to share his own jab at Sam, her eyes lingered.

And that’s when you saw it. Really saw it. The way her gaze softened as she looked at Steve. The way her lips quirked into the faintest of smiles, one that seemed reserved only for him. The way her fingers, usually so deliberate and precise, nervously traced patterns on the rim of her glass. It hit you like a freight train— how could you have been so oblivious before?

Your stomach dropped, and your mind spun. How had you missed this? All the little moments, the quiet exchanges, the way her demeanor shifted when he was around—it all clicked into place, a puzzle you hadn’t even realized you were holding.

Steve, blissfully unaware, was chuckling at Sam’s next ridiculous quip, his broad shoulders shaking as he leaned back in the booth. Natasha’s eyes followed him, her expression softening further, almost imperceptibly.

You wanted to say something, to acknowledge it somehow, but before you could, the server appeared with a tray of shots, breaking the moment. “Alright, next round!” the server announced, setting the tray down with a flourish.

Everyone cheered, grabbing their glasses and raising them high. Bucky leaned closer, his breath warm against your ear. “You okay?” he asked softly, his hand giving your leg a gentle squeeze.

You forced a smile, nodding as you grabbed a shot. “Yeah. Just… thinking.”

His eyes lingered on you for a second longer, searching, before he smiled and pressed a quick kiss to your temple. “You worry too much sweet girl, but im here no matter what's going on in that pretty little head” he murmured, his words a promise.

The group clinked glasses, Sam yelling, “To Agnes and her ruthless shuffleboard skills!” before throwing back his drink. The warmth of the whiskey burned your throat, but it didn’t quite chase away the new weight in your chest.

As the night carried on, the laughter and teasing continued, but your eyes kept drifting back to Natasha and Steve. You couldn’t unsee it now, couldn’t ignore the quiet longing in her gaze, the way she seemed to absorb every little thing Steve did. And for the first time, you realized just how deeply entwined all of your lives were—how every choice, every relationship, every word could ripple through your group in ways none of you could fully predict.

But for now, you let yourself focus on the warmth of Bucky beside you, his hand never leaving yours, his laugh like a lifeline tethering you to the present. Whatever the future held—for Steve, for Natasha, for all of you—you’d face it together. But tonight? Tonight, you’d hold onto this moment, this joy, just a little bit longer.

When the night finally wound down, Steve excused himself before the rest of the group, his usual good-natured demeanor replaced by a quiet reserve. His steps were quick, purposeful, like he needed to get away before anyone could stop him. But you couldn’t let him leave like this.

“Steve,” you called softly, your voice catching in your throat.

He paused, his shoulders stiff as he slowly turned to face you. His hands were shoved deep into the pockets of his jacket, his face calm and composed—but his eyes betrayed him, dark and heavy with emotions he couldn’t hide. “Hey,” he said, his tone too casual, too forced. “What’s up?”

Wrapping your arms around yourself, you took a tentative step closer. The cool night air bit at your skin, but it was nothing compared to the ache in your chest. “I just… I need to know if you’re okay.”

Steve’s lips twitched into a faint smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. It never did these days. “Of course, I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Steve,” you said more firmly, your brows furrowing as you searched his face. “You don’t have to lie to me. I know this is… hard. And if you need anything, if you need time away from me, I—”

“No,” he cut you off, his voice low but resolute. “I don’t need space. I don’t want space. I don’t want to lose you, even if…” He trailed off, his jaw clenching slightly before he continued. “Even if things feel complicated right now.”

His words twisted something inside you, and for a moment, all you could do was nod. “I don’t want to lose you either,” you whispered. “I just—I don’t know how to make this easier for you.”

Steve let out a quiet laugh, but it was bitter, devoid of humor. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tugging at the strands like he was trying to ground himself. “You can’t, and I wouldn’t ask you to. It’s not your job to make this easier for me.”

You opened your mouth to speak, but the weight in his gaze stopped you.

“Look,” he said, his voice softer now, tinged with resignation. “I’m happy for you. For both of you. I’ll figure out the rest on my own. I always do.”

The silence between you was deafening, and you could feel the walls Steve had so carefully built pressing between you. You hated it—hated that you couldn’t bridge the gap, that you couldn’t fix this.

Finally, he sighed, shaking his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. “You know,” he began, his tone quiet but laden with sadness, “there was a time I thought maybe… if I’d said something sooner, things would’ve been different.”

Your heart clenched painfully, and you couldn’t stop the tears that welled in your eyes. “Steve…”

He gave you a small, sad smile, waving off your words. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault. I didn’t, and that’s on me. But it’s not all bad. You’ve got your happy ending now, and… I’ll find mine eventually.”

You reached out instinctively, your fingers wrapping gently around his hand. “You deserve the world, Steve. And when you find someone, they’re going to be the luckiest girl alive.”

His smile faltered, just for a second, before he nodded. “Yeah,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe.”

The sound of the bar door opening behind you pulled you both from the moment. You glanced over your shoulder, and there was Bucky, stepping out into the cool air. His expression softened as his eyes landed on you, and without hesitation, he walked over, his hand finding its place on the small of your back. The touch was subtle, comforting, but it carried a weight you couldn’t ignore.

Bucky’s voice was gentle but edged with curiosity. “Everything okay?”

You nodded quickly, brushing at your cheek as you turned back to him. “Yeah. Just needed a minute with Steve.”

Bucky’s gaze flicked to Steve, and there was a moment of silence, a quiet understanding passing between them. “Hey, man,” Bucky said, his tone genuine. “Can we talk for a second?”

You hesitated, your gaze bouncing between the two of them, but Steve gave you a reassuring nod. “Go on,” you murmured to Bucky, stepping slightly to the side.

Bucky leaned down, pressing a kiss to your temple. “I’ll see you inside,” he murmured, before turning to Steve.

As they moved a few steps away, you stayed rooted to the spot, watching them. Your heart felt heavy but strangely hopeful as Bucky and Steve exchanged quiet words, their silhouettes outlined by the streetlights. You couldn’t hear what they were saying, but you could see the respect in their stances, the way they were trying—really trying—to make this work.

The silence between them stretched, thick and heavy like the weight of all the years they’d shared. The hum of the bar behind them was a distant echo, muted compared to the tension in the cool night air.

Bucky leaned forward, his elbows braced on his knees, his head bowed slightly. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet, raw. “Steve… I never wanted to hurt you. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I just—”

“Stop,” Steve interrupted, holding up a hand, his tone resigned but calm. “You don’t have to explain, Buck. I’ve had plenty of time to figure it out.” He let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head as his gaze flicked up to meet Bucky’s. “She was always meant for you. I get that.”

Bucky froze, guilt and sorrow etched into every line of his face. “That doesn’t make it right,” he said hoarsely. “You’re my best friend, Steve. And I—”

“You love her,” Steve said, cutting him off again, his voice softer now but no less certain. “And she loves you. That’s all that matters.”

Bucky’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. The words should have offered relief, but they only deepened the ache in his chest. “It’s not that simple,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “It’s never been that simple. You were always there for her when I wasn’t. You picked up the pieces when I messed up. I don’t know how to fix that.”

Steve let out a long breath, leaning back against the wall, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets. “It’s not about fixing anything, Buck. It’s not about me, either.” His lips curved into a sad smile. “She chose you. She’s always chosen you, even when she didn’t know it.”

Bucky’s hands clenched into fists on his knees, his knuckles whitening. “And you? You’re just supposed to what? Move on? Pretend it doesn’t hurt?”

Steve let out a dry, humorless laugh. “What else is there to do? You think I haven’t known all these years? I’ve seen the way she looks at you, Buck. The way you look at her.” He glanced down at his boots, his voice dipping lower. “I never stood a chance. Not really. But I always held out hope.”

Bucky flinched at his words, his chest tightening painfully. “Steve…”

“Don’t,” Steve said, his tone firm but not unkind. He looked up, his blue eyes steady despite the sadness swimming in them. “You don’t have to apologize for loving her, Buck. You think I wouldn’t have done the same if I were in your shoes?”

The question hung in the air, unanswered but understood. Bucky’s head dipped, his jaw working as he struggled to find the right words. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked finally, his voice quiet, almost afraid to hear the answer.

Steve hesitated, then offered a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’ll get there,” he said honestly. “It’s not easy, but it’s not supposed to be. Just… don’t screw this up, okay? She deserves someone who’s all in. Someone who won’t run the second it gets messy.”

Bucky let out a small, broken laugh, his eyes glistening under the streetlights. “I won’t. I promise. She’s it for me, Steve.”

Steve nodded, his expression softening as he pushed off the wall. “Good. Then do right by her.” He clapped Bucky on the shoulder, his grip firm but brief, and took a step back toward the bar. “Now get inside before she starts thinking we’re out here plotting something.”

Bucky watched as Steve turned and walked back toward the entrance, his silhouette illuminated by the warm glow of the bar lights. The tension in his chest eased slightly, but the weight of their conversation lingered.

“Steve,” Bucky called after him, his voice steady but earnest.

Steve paused, glancing over his shoulder.

“Thanks,” Bucky said simply, the word carrying more weight than he could ever fully express.

Steve’s lips twitched into a small, genuine smile. “Always, Buck.”

And with that, he disappeared into the bar, leaving Bucky standing alone under the stars, more determined than ever not to let Steve—or you—down.

The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft golden glow across the apartment. The city was still waking up, the distant hum of life filtering through the cracks of the world outside. Inside, everything was still—quiet but warm.

You shuffled out of your room, still in your oversized sleep shirt and fuzzy socks, rubbing your eyes as the smell of freshly brewed coffee hit you. The sight that greeted you was enough to make your heart do a little flip.

Bucky was standing at the stove, shirtless, his gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips. His hair was a mess of soft waves from sleep, and he had one hand on the frying pan, the other holding a spatula as he carefully flipped pancakes. The muscles in his back flexed with every movement, and for a moment, you just stood there, taking it all in.

“You’re staring, doll,” he said, his voice gravelly from sleep but tinged with amusement. He didn’t even turn around; he just knew you were there.

You smirked, padding over to the counter where the coffee pot sat waiting. “What gave it away?”

“I’ve got a sixth sense when it comes to you.” He glanced over his shoulder, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. “Or maybe I just heard you stumble into the wall on your way out here.”

You rolled your eyes, pouring yourself a mug of coffee. “It’s too early for you to start with me, Barnes.”

“Never too early,” he shot back, returning his attention to the pancakes. “Besides, you love it.”

“Debatable,” you teased, taking a sip of your coffee. You leaned against the counter, watching him move with ease around the kitchen. “What’s all this, anyway?”

“Thought I’d make you breakfast,” he said, plating a stack of pancakes and setting them on the counter. “Figured it’s the least I can do since you’re stuck with me as a roommate.”

You raised an eyebrow, grabbing a fork from the drawer. “Oh, so now you’re trying to bribe me into keeping you around?”

Bucky smirked, finally turning to face you, his arms crossing over his broad chest. “Something like that. Is it working?”

You pretended to think about it, twirling a piece of pancake on your fork. “Hmm… I don’t know. You do hog the covers at night.”

“Lies,” he countered, stepping closer and leaning against the counter beside you. “You’re the one who turns into a human burrito and leaves me with, like, a sliver of blanket.”

“Okay, that’s fair,” you admitted with a laugh. “But you snore.”

He laughed, his head tilting back, and the sound was so pure, so carefree, it made your chest ache in the best way. “I do not snore.”

“Do too.”

“You’re imagining it, baby,” he said, leaning in a little closer, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “Admit it—you just like having me close.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t stop the smile that spread across your face. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you love it.”

You didn’t deny it. Instead, you nudged him with your shoulder, breaking the momentary tension with a grin. “What’s the plan for guys’ night tonight?”

“Sam’s got some stupid idea about poker and whiskey,” Bucky said, rolling his eyes fondly. “Probably just gonna end with Steve lecturing us about the health risks of drinking too much.”

“And you’ll love every second of it,” you teased, taking another bite of pancake.

As you leaned back against the counter, sipping the last of your coffee, Bucky nudged your hip with his. “What’s the plan for girls’ night? Anything exciting, or is it just the usual chaos?”

You grinned, setting your mug down. “The usual. Probably face masks, way too much wine, maybe even a terrible rom-com. It’s a sacred tradition.”

Bucky chuckled, shaking his head. “Sounds dangerous. You think you’ll bring up the whole Steve and Natasha thing?”

You froze for a second, his question catching you off guard. “Why would you think I’d bring that up?” you asked, feigning innocence.

He shot you a look, one eyebrow arching. “Oh, come on. I know you. It’s been bugging you since the bar last night. You think I didn’t see the way you were watching them? Your eyes were practically glued to them.”

You sighed, crossing your arms over your chest. “Yeah, well… maybe I will. She used to do it to me all the time, so I think it’s only fair.”

“Do you, though?” Bucky asked, leaning a little closer. His voice was softer now, less teasing and more thoughtful. “Do you think it’s fair to poke at her about it?”

You tilted your head, narrowing your eyes at him. “What’s with the sudden wisdom, Barnes?”

He smirked, running a hand through his hair. “I’m just saying, Nat’s not you. You’ve always been a little more… open about your feelings. She keeps her cards close, you know? You might not get the reaction you’re hoping for.”

“I’m not hoping for a reaction,” you said, though even you didn’t sound convinced. “I just… I don’t know, Buck. I’ve been thinking about how much she must’ve been holding in, how long she’s felt that way about Steve. And now I feel like an idiot for not seeing it before.”

He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear. His touch was gentle, grounding. “You’re not an idiot. You were caught up in your own stuff. Nat’s good at hiding things—trust me, I’ve been on the receiving end of that more times than I can count.”

You sighed again, the weight of everything settling in your chest. “I just feel like I should say something, you know? Like, if I don’t, it’s like I’m ignoring it. And she deserves more than that.”

Bucky tilted his head, studying you for a moment. “Just… be careful, okay? Nat’s not as tough as she makes herself seem sometimes. She’s been there for you through a lot, and I know you want to be there for her. Just… don’t push too hard.”

You nodded, his words sinking in. “You’re right.”

“Of course I’m right,” he teased, grinning. “I’m always right.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped you. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Barnes.”

“Hey,” he said, his grin widening as he wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you closer. “You’re the one who’s stuck with me now, sweetheart. Might as well get used to it.”

You tilted your head up, your eyes meeting his. “Oh, I’m used to it. Doesn’t mean I won’t call you out on your nonsense.”

“Fair enough,” he said, leaning down to press a quick kiss to your lips. “Now, promise me you won’t stir the pot too much tonight?”

You pretended to think about it, tapping your chin. “No promises.”

“Figures,” he muttered, shaking his head with mock exasperation.

As he turned back to the sink to rinse the dishes, you watched him for a moment, a warm, contented feeling blooming in your chest. It was moments like this—simple, easy mornings together—that made everything else feel worth it.

And tonight? Tonight you’d handle Natasha in your own way. You just hoped she’d be ready for it.

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