Chapter 11
Banging on her door distracted Star and Bucky before she could respond.
Star hurried to answer the door and was almost run over by Tony and Steve who started talking over each other
"Turn the tv on, any news channel, you have to see this"
"Holy shit this is the best thing ever"
"Friday, turn the tv on any news show."
Star and Bucky just stood there staring until she spoke up "What the hell is going on here?"
Tony smiled at her and nodded towards the tv "Check this out."
The news anchor was talking about a storm in the Caribbean when the co anchor took over and the picture of the entrance of Stark tower went from a small box in the corner to full screen
"This is footage from outside of Stark tower in Manhattan earlier this evening. New congressman John Walker is being walked out of the building in handcuffs. While no one has confirmed why, insiders say it is probably related to the recent drug overdose of his wife of 3 years, Heiress Y/N Pierce. She was saved by a dose of narcan administered by an EMT and was released from the hospital yesterday. She is reported to be staying with Tony and Pepper Stark while she completes outpatient rehab.
Regardless of whatever the facts end up being, this isn't a good look for Walker who is rumoured to have his eyes on a Senate seat. Especially when added to the rumours that he has already been served divorce papers.
We'll be reporting on this story as it updates."
Star looked at Bucky blankly, unable to form any words for a moment. Bucky squeezed her hands and brought her back "Wow. I really didn't expect all-" her phone rang and she stopped speaking to find it. She answered it on the 3rd ring and didn't even get to say anything before the caller started speaking hurriedly at her. She just listened and hummed in answer to the barrage of questions.
When the caller finally stopped speaking Star barked out harshly "Where did you get this number? This is a private number. If you need to contact me you can call the main number for Stark Tower and leave a message." she angrily hung up the phone before answering the question on everyone's face "Reporter asking about the divorce and John's arrest."
Tony looked annoyed "They shouldn't have been able to get your number unless John or one of his people gave it out."
She shook her head "It wouldn't surprise me if he leaked it. Anything to make my life more difficult. That's kinda his thing."
Bucky growled "I could fucking k-"
Star cut him off "Nope. We're not going there. I'm not letting you get into trouble over me." She lowered her voice "I'm not worth it."
But Bucky heard her "No doll, you are worth everything. That's what I've been trying to tell you. Star, you mean everything to me and I'm so sorry I messed it all up." He gently reached out to touch her cheek, she closed her eyes, leaned into his touch and he saw a tear fall.
Star shook her head "You didn't mess anything up, my father didn't give you much choice. If you hadn't accepted his offer he would have sent Brock to take care of you. I heard them talking about it at my wedding. They expected you to show up and disrupt everything. My dad said he hoped you would so he could take care of you once and for all. That's when I realized it was hopeless, even if you tried to save me it wouldn't have worked."
She jumped when her phone rang again, another unknown number. She sighed and answered it only to be assailed with questions.
Tony looked at her and put his hand out so she handed him her phone. He just hung it up and turned it off. "This isn't going to work. I'll get the number changed and bring it back later. I'll have Jeri contact John's office and advise them to use the main number here to contact you."
Tony's phone rang and Star jumped again, Bucky rubbed her back to soothe her.
Tony answered and spoke in short, terse sentences before hanging up quickly with a sigh.
He looked sadly at Star. "The story is out and everyone wants to talk to you. There's a mob of press in the lobby so it looks like you're staying in for the night." He looked at Steve and Bucky, "you're both welcome to stay too. I can have rooms prepared for you."
Steve shook his head, "I need to get back to Peggy. My bike is in your parking garage so hopefully I can get past the press."
He looked over at his friend "Buck?"
Bucky looked at Star hopefully "It's up to you, doll. I'm here if you need me or I can go if you need space."
Star looked at him with wide eyes "Are you sure? I don't want to be alone but I don't know.." She trailed off.
Bucky pulled her close "I'm positive Star. Whatever you need, I'll do."
She melted into him, his warmth and scent taking her back to happier days. He gave her hope that just maybe her nightmare with John was almost over and better times were on the horizon.
Tony and Steve quietly excused themselves and a short while later Star and Bucky separated, both of them smiling and hoping the other couldn't tell their faces heated up, and then ate their dinner.
"Do you want to see if there's any more news or find something funny to watch?"
She giggled "I don't know, watching John doing a perp walk and listening to the speculation about why and the divorce is pretty damn funny"
Buckys grin grew at the sound of her laugh and he knew he would do anything for her. He wished he could touch her how he used to but knew it would take time, for her to heal from John and for her to trust him again. He promised himself that he would be here for her no matter what.
Star went to get ready for bed and came out of the bathroom in a long shirt and sleep shorts then climbed into the big bed before patting the spot next to her for Bucky to sit.
He looked at her concerned "Are you sure? I can sit over here" he gestured at the chair in the corner but Star just rolled her eyes and listed the blanket up for him to climb under.
Bucky grinned and shrugged "Who am I to question my Star?" and cuddled up next to her.
They stayed up late talking like they used to. Bucky told her stories of the drama from going to school and living with his three closest friends. Star listened and smiled but every time he tried to ask her about the time they were apart she changed the subject or asked him questions to distract him. There wasn't much worth discussing outside of the abuse from her father and John and she'd rather not talk about that anymore than necessary.
They both finally fell asleep as the sun was coming up, wrapped up in each other.
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They were woken up by the disembodied voice that Star was trying to get used to. "Ms Pierce? Mr Stark has invited you and Sargent Barnes to join him for brunch in an hour. Shall I tell him you will be there?"
Star tried to sit up but Bucky growled and made her laugh "Yes, Friday, we'll be there."
She poked Bucky in the ribs and he opened one eye and stared at her until she went to poke him again and he snapped at her finger then grabbed her arm and pulled her flush against his chest. After taking a deep breath of her he shook his head "Nope. Staying here."
She giggled "come on Jamie, Tony Stark has invited us for brunch" she didn't notice that Jamie slipped out but he wasn't going to tell her and simply basked in the glow of their slowly rekindling relationship.
When they made it to Tony's dining room they saw Tony, Pepper and Morgan.
"Star, Barnes come in and have a seat. Fill up a plate, drink mimosas."
Star went to sit next to Pepper, talking to Morgan in her high chair. Bucky sat next to her, a soft look on his face as he watched Star play with the baby.
Tony sat down "I wanted to let you know I was able to talk to one of the judges that handles divorce and family law and he's willing to meet with you in his chambers. There you can try to convince John to just settle and walk away before you release the particulars of your marriage and it's end. Hopefully sitting before a judge will make him realize how serious this all is." He explained. "Plus you'll have credible witnesses to John's crapulance."
Tony looked at Bucky and sighed "You won't like this but I think Barnes should sit the divorce mess out. You don't want John trying to throw out some fidelity issues."
Bucky started to protest "I don't want her facing him alone, she-"
Tony cleared his throat "I know, I know and I will send Happy and Rhodey with her. They will keep her safe from John or any of his people."
Bucky scowled at Tony but conceded and squeezed Stars hand, trying to assure her everything will be ok.
Star nodded "Will that even work? He knows that he's already facing charges for his last round of abuse and ordering Brock and Jack to discipline and kill me."
Tony nodded "Maybe. He might think he has a chance to get out of those charges and keep his job but an illegitimate kid? Conservatives aren't attached enough to him to overlook cheating so without your money, he'll be too broke to fund his next campaign like your father paid for his last which puts him out of a job."
Star thought for a minute while chewing on a piece of bacon, then shrugged. "I'll have to trust you Tony, I don't know anything about all this mess."
Tony smiled at her "Well you know I have to do what I can or your biker friends might cause me some trouble" and winked.
Star laughed and shouldered Bucky "I've been told that they are troublemakers." She took a deep breath "So when is this appointment?"
"Tuesday, 10am. It's already coordinated with your attorneys so all you need to do is wear something nice and stand your ground."
Star nodded "I know, he's a bully. He will try to intimidate me. I'm not letting him do that anymore."
Pepper spoke up "So Y/N we should find some nice court outfits for you. I can have some sent over for you to try on. Accessories too. Once you are past this divorce mess we will have to have a girls day out, brunch, shopping, beauty treatments, a play. The works. For now we will have them brought to you."
Star felt herself start to choke up and wondered when she would stop feeling overwhelmed by others kindness "Thank you, Pepper."
Tony looked at his watch "Alright Barnes, we have business to work on. Your partners should be here soon."
Bucky looked at Star "You'll be alright here without me?"
She nodded with a smile and he gave her a kiss on the cheek and followed Tony out of the room.
Pepper looked at her excited "Business has kept me so busy I haven't had time for pampering and you know how hard it is to make real friends in our world. I think you might need a friend as badly as I do.
Let me make a few calls to get things started."
Pepper left her to finish her food and returned 15 minutes later. "They're on their way, let's go to the wardrobe and get comfortable.
They spent the morning drinking mimosas and trying on an endless stream of clothes. By the time they were done both were more than half drunk and had put together 2 weeks worth of court appropriate ensembles.
"I don't know, Pep. Do you think I'll need this many outfits?"
Pepper nodded and giggled "If you don't need them for court they'll be good for the talk shows and book signings."
Star shook her head "Book signings and talk shows? What are you talking about?"
Pepper giggled again "After you write your book. I think people would love to read your story."
Star shook her head "Because people love dirty laundry, especially when it proves that the rich and famous are as fucked up as everyone else."
"But Star, you could use any profits for your work at your stable."
"Lets not get ahead of ourselves. Divorce and John's criminal BS because I know he won't settle. Thats all I can handle right now."
While they were getting their mani-pedi Pepper kept gossiping like a teenager. "What about you and Bucky?"
Stars head snapped up "What about what? I definitely can't think about that right now. I'm still recovering from John and not ready to jump into another relationship right now. He's being a good friend, thats all I can deal with right now."
Pepper frowned "But its so obvious you two still love each other."
Star took a breath "I don't know what we feel. If we are going to have something again it will have to wait till I can heal."
Pepper nodded "I don't think he's going anywhere unless you tell him to. I'll let it go as long as you remember that Tony and I are here for you."
Star smiled "Thanks, Pep."
When they were done, Star was exhausted and went back to her room to lay down. She couldn't get Bucky out of her mind and when she finally did fall asleep he haunted her dreams.