Walls
Bucky’s POV
As Bucky’s eyes fluttered open he was greeted by the sight of Steve sitting on the chair by his bed. Confusion ran through his mind.
How the hell did I get here? Where is Iris? Iris. Bucky’s confusion was replaced with panic and anger as a few memories of the previous night rushed back into his mind. Bucky bolted straight up and glared at Steve. Steve stood up and rushed to his companion’s side.
“Where is Iris?” Bucky demanded as he stood up from his bed.
“She’s fine.” Steve responded, looking nervous.
“That wasn’t my question.”
“Iris is up in her room, recovering.”
“I’m going to kill him. I’m going to kill Tony Stark.”
“Well you nearly succeeded already. He’s in the medical ward.” Steve regretted telling Bucky where Tony was.
“Well then I’m going to finish the job.” Bucky stomped towards the door only to be stopped by a panicked Steve.
“No you are not.” Steve was becoming desperate as Bucky pushed past him. “Bucky, this isn’t you.”
“Who am I then? Hmm?” Bucky spun around. “If I’m not Bucky Barnes or the Winter Soldier, then who am I? Some screwed up combo of the two? I should have known better, it’s my fault so I’m going to fix it.”
“And by killing Stark you think you’ll fix anything? I know what he did was completely out of line but if you want Iris to trust you maybe you should start by not killing anyone.”
Bucky didn’t say anything in return. He just stared at Steve before he let his head fall to his chest.
“Then what do I do?” Bucky rubbed his eyes as Steve let out a sigh of relief.
“Go to her, comfort her. I bet she’ll need it.”
Bucky nodded and began making his way to Iris’s room.
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“Iris? Are you okay?” Bucky asked as he knocked lightly on the door to Iris’s room.
The door swung open within a second and Iris leaped out. Wearing an oversized shirt she wrapped her arms around Bucky’s body. His first reaction was to tense up at her gesture but quickly relaxed and returned the hug.
“I’m so sorry Bucky.” Iris blurted out and held Bucky tighter. After a few intimate seconds they both released each other and Bucky could see the tears in Iris’s tired eyes.
“Don’t be sorry. You were drunk and…” Bucky stopped.
“High?” Iris hung her head in shame. “I don’t know what got into me.”
“Why? I thought you had quit.” His concern was almost coming out as a whisper.
“Let’s go inside.” Iris gestured for him to walk into her room. As Bucky walked in and closed the door behind him he noticed her dress from the previous night on the floor as well as her shoes and bag. Iris sat on the couch and Bucky followed by sitting on the couch across from her.
There was a moment of silence before Iris let out a choked sob.
“Iris, it’s okay.” Bucky moved next to Iris, hesitating before sitting down by her side. Iris leaned her head on his shoulder, clutching his arm as tears ran down her face.
“I fucked up. I fucked up so bad.” Iris choked on her words.
“You didn’t Iris, please stop blaming yourself.” Bucky had no idea what to say as he realized his words weren’t exactly the most comforting. “I just don’t want you to get hurt by anyone.”
Iris looked up with pained eyes. Bucky felt his heart tear as he saw her emotional walls tear down right in front of him.
“Why do you care? All I do is cause you trouble. I shouldn’t even be here. I’m a nobody.” Iris rambled on through tears.
“You are not a nobody. Iris, I…I” Bucky stumbled on his words. “I love you.”