Peter remembered noticing right away that this isn’t just finding solace with the dead. This was grief pure and simple that has this beautiful man. Up against a headstone with two headphones in listening head back. How does someone suffer beautifully?
Besides this guy of-course it seemed unreal. And Peter felt dirty for witnessing the private moments of grief. He pulled it up on his phone and his heart sank. Damn it, staring back at him was two best friends.
One smiling the other looking like he would rather be elsewhere. The guy currently grieving Peter deduced is the one that wanted to be elsewhere. He checked the tag mouthing ‘Bucky Barnes.’ Looking back over to where he’s sitting Peter decided to make his approach.
Walking up to him, “hey man, ‘scuse me” he took an ear phone out. Wiping his eyes which Peter noticed was more like blood. He looked up at him “uh, sorry man I noticed you were just laying here. And I got kinda worried wanted to make sure you’re ok.”
There was a gentle soft smile that had Peter trying hard not to bend down and hold him. “Yeah man, thanks for checking I’m… having a rough time. But think I’ll survive, “ he promoted “Peter” the boy smiled. “Peter, Bucky, nice to meet you” they shook hands. “Nice to meet you to James” omitting ofcourse that he’d interrupted.
Peter could tell, rather painfully that Bucky knew he wanted to ask. And James would rather not drag his feet to the fire or use his trauma to guilt him for it. James gracefully directed the conversation to save Parker from doing his famous ramble. “Listen, why don’t I catch you around town or something. I just… you know” Peter nodded in understanding “oh, yeah ofcourse. See you around m-James.”
Another smile this time a bit more genuine. “See you around Peter” Peter wished he could’ve told Barnes. That he’s making his friend both happy and sad not letting him move on. Clearly seeing the man with a blue hue around him. Standing beside an unaware Barnes the man seemed understanding. Peter wondered if that was James’ keeper or vise versa. Now that Bucky has no one to keep up after he’s all thumbs.
Either way Peter knew loss all too well, knew it like an old friend. One you randomly catch up with at the market but it stays with you. He’d decided it was better to simply stay. Besides what’re the chances his enemies would mess with a super soldier.
Every so often in the preceding month he would walk by. Seeing Bucky in his spandex material hoodie. Against the grave of his best friend head back against it listening to music. Before he couldn’t take it anymore, if no one else would pull him out of it. Just call Peter your friendly neighbor grief counselor.