Gym Therapy
Iris hated herself for it but she couldn’t help her new found nervousness around Bucky. For the rest of the day they generally avoided each other, sharing only glances from opposite sides of the training room.
Bucky was suffering as well; he knew this would happen. He knew right from the beginning. He could see Iris’s fear. Although she would still smile and told him everything was okay it was impossible to not notice the glints of panic in her eyes.
At one point during the day Sam came down to the training room.
“Hey Iris, can I talk to you?” Sam approached Iris who was jogging on the treadmill. He could feel the tension in the room between the pair and although he didn’t know what had happened earlier that morning but he knew something had gone down.
Iris turned the treadmill off as she pulled out her headphones. She stepped off, sitting on a weights bench and Sam sat next to her.
“What happened this morning?” Sam asked. “If you don’t want to tell me that’s okay but I’d like to at least attempt to help.”
Iris could see out of the corner that Bucky was watching them through the glass wall separating the gym and the boxing area.
“To be honest Sam, I don’t really know.” Iris rubbed her eyes with her knuckles. “Bucky was having a nightmare of sorts, he was moving and talking in his sleep. I tried to wake him up but when he opened his eyes it wasn’t him.” Iris choked on her words. Sam rubbed her back.
“It’s okay.” He comforted. “Do you want to stop?”
“No, no it’s fine.” Iris took in a deep breath. “After that he kind of pushed me out of bed and cornered me. I had no idea what was going on and the next thing I know his fingers are around my throat.” Iris rubbed the newly formed bruises around her neck. Sam froze. “It just…wasn’t Bucky in there. No matter what I’d say he wouldn’t let go. It’s a miracle he snapped out of it in time. Now even though I know it wasn’t his fault I can’t help but feel nervous around him, it’s completely involuntary.”
“Hey, I’m not too big of a fan of your boyfriend myself and you have every right to be scared so take your time before you get back into anything. But as much as I hate to admit it, Bucky is really a great guy and I can see how happy you make him. Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile until you came along.”
Iris laughed, brushing away tears she didn’t even realize she had. She remembered when Natasha had said the same thing about Bucky only smiling around her.
“I know, it’s just after everything…” Iris stopped, her smile faded as memories of her past began to reemerge. Sam gave her a concerned look.
“You good?”
“Yeah, I guess it just reminded me of some shitty people from my past.” Iris somehow felt completely comfortable around Sam. He was like the brother she never had.
“I know it’s tough. I mean, I’ve never been in any situation like yours but I’ve had to go through a few tough patches myself. Take your time with making your way through yours but remember, Bucky loves you and he would never do anything on purpose to hurt you.”
They sat together for a few more seconds in a comfortable silence.
“Hey Sam…” Iris began. Sam looked towards her. “Thanks.”
“Anything for a friend.” Sam stood up. “I’ll let you get back to running.”
Iris stood up with Sam to give him a hug, holding it there for a few solid seconds before releasing.
“If you need anyone to talk to, you know where to find me.” Sam began to leave the gym but at the last minute he turned around. “By the way, tomorrow’s the twins’ birthdays, we are having a little party, Avengers only. You and, if you want, Bucky are invited.”
“Sounds like fun.” Iris replied, her mood lighter than before. “And yeah, I’d be fine with Bucky coming.”
“Good, starts at six in the main living room.”
Iris nodded with a curt smile, letting Sam leave before putting her headphones back in and started up the treadmill again. Looking through the window her eyes connected with Bucky’s. Iris decided to smile and give him a little wave. She knew that was the right gesture as Bucky visibly relaxed, returning her grin with a content smile.