⠀ ( He didn’t say a word, nor did he move. Bucky just crossed his arms over his chest and stood where he was. Mostly because he didn’t know what to do, and partly because he wanted to stay—he couldn’t just leave her like this. Like all marriages, theirs was no different, and despite holding the record for ‘longest marriage ever,' they still had these moments, although a rarity. ) ⠀⠀⠀Look. I don’t know what to say. But I’m not going anywhere… Not until we talk this out, Steph. ⠀

⠀ ( Once the ice had thawed from his limbs, Bucky made a beeline for the room they had been staying. He wasn’t to know for sure if she was there, but it seemed the most likely of places. Opening the door without knocking, he found Steph stood in the middle of the room sobbing, but despite it, Bucky was relieved she was there, safe, and cautiously began to approach her. ) ⠀⠀⠀Hey… So, this is more than just the mission, right? ⠀

voice groggy as he shouts, “M’coming! Comin’..” His footsteps were loud, dull thuds. He didn’t bother to look out the peephole once he got to the door. He just opened it — no questions asked. “What’s up, what’s — oh, hey. Hi, come in.”

⠀

⠀ ( His breath hitched at that, catching in his throat as the rest of his body froze and locked in a momentary paralysis. Did she really just say 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡? Even if Bucky had wanted to move, he couldn’t. All he could do was watch as Steph rushed out of the room. He blinked rapidly in her direction, trying to clear the fog of disbelief from his vision as his stomach clenched, and for a moment, he was certain he was going to vomit. What the hell just happened? Bucky wanted to go home, and he’d wanted Steph to take a much-needed break and come with him. It would've only been for a few days. Bucky was only trying to help. Trying to be mindful of the date fast approaching. He had thought that she was struggling too, and now he didn’t even know what to think or what to do next, for that matter. ⠀