Even If You Can't Hear My Voice, I'll Be Right Beside You

Entering Ari’s apartment Bucky was fine until his eyes found the blood that was smeared across the cupboards in the kitchen, seeing the blood sent a shiver down his spine because he had been close to losing Ari. If that ever happened, what would he do? He wasn’t going back to HYDRA, he would only get locked up for the rest of his life if he went to SHIELD. He could just be on the run, but that wasn’t living and neither was hiding somewhere. He glanced over when Steve spoke up, the doctor’s name was Grace. Ari had mumbled a name but he didn’t really catch it before, “Grace would be better.” He agreed as he didn’t know what Ari would need and he didn’t want to go through her belongings, he had no idea what he’d find and he didn’t want to found out. He stepped over to the dining table which would probably need to be replaced, but he lifted it up easily and set it back where it had been before although now there was one less chair.

He picked up the chair which had one leg missing and one was about to fall off, he set it by the front door so he’d toss it out before they left. “I dealt with them, that’s all you need to know.” He told Steve as he wasn’t about to tell the man that he killed the agents, left their bodies in a dumpster a few streets over. So he changed the subject, “You like her.” He stated as he grabbed a towel and a bowl of water, he decided he better clean the blood off the cupboards before it started to dry. Wetting the towel he wiped the cupboards down and refused to think about what happened to Ari, he might not remember a lot about his life before being turned into an assassin but he did recall one moment in that life. Steve had only ever found one woman in life that he truly loved, Peggy Carter, but Bucky being the assassin he is had quickly noticed the way he looked at the doctor. The same way he looked at Peggy.

---

Grace wanted to continue on with their topic, that being Ari and Bucky but it seemed like Ari didn’t. Maybe she hadn’t allowed herself to realise that her feelings for the Winter Soldier were growing, not that Grace worried because she’d have plenty of time to ask questions as her friend rested and her body healed. “I understand why you couldn’t tell me, but just answer me this for now. Do you believe in what they do?” It was something Grace needed to know before she could let down her guard, she prayed that Ari didn’t believe in what HYDRA did and that she just worked there because it was a job.

“We were on a date but it’s fine, we’ll just have to go on another to make up for this one ending so quickly.” Grace smiled at Ari as she missed this, just being able to talk to her like they used to. “I’m just glad that you felt like you could still come to me after all this time, of course next time please don’t break into my home.” She knew under the circumstances that it was problem the only thing Bucky thought to do, he could really knock on the door with a bleeding Ari in his arms. One of her neighbours would have seen or heard and called the police, “Steve’s amazing. I don’t know what I’ve done to be this lucky and have him in my life, he’s Captain America. He could have any woman he wanted, Ari.” She gushed as she couldn’t help herself, she was falling in love with Steve and it felt nice to tell someone that.

Steve opened his mouth to say something, but shut it, deciding it was best not to question how Bucky had dealt with them. It wasn't a casual punch up in the alley Bucky. This Bucky probably cracked their heads open and hung them somewhere. Whatever the fate of them was, Steve had to let it slide. One thing at a time. He helped pick things up, picking up the stray knife lying around and wrapping it in a towel before finding some bleach under a sink and dropping the knife into a bowl of it that he had poured, leaving it in there for a few along with the towel. He picked up a few other things, set some shoes right, and in general made the apartment look a lot better while Bucky fixed the furniture.

Feeling somewhat bashful and with a little feeling of warmth, Steve looked down at the object he currently busied himself with setting right. "She's a nice girl," he replied quietly, though couldn't keep the small smile off his lips. How had Bucky managed to pick that up so easy? Was it so obvious even though Steve could have sworn he hadnt done anything obvious in front of the other two. He wondered what it looked like from the side. "Kind. Caring. We work together, saw each other a lot." He set a bowl right and picked up a fallen picture. Steve tried not to get preoccupied with the thoughts of Grace now, knowing he couldn't fully let his guard down just yet. He came across a hoodie and picked it up, was about to put it aside but wondered what Ari would wear while at Grace's. He somehow doubted she'd want to stay in the bloodied clothes. Setting that neatly folded on the nearby coffee table, he glanced at Bucky. "How'd you end up here?" he pointedly glanced to the side, meaning the apartment. "An assassin and a girl don't just run around together. Even if she is an agent." He paused for a moment, then carefully asked, "Is she responsible for your..." he trailed off, lacking a better word for 'handling', not wanting Bucky to sound like an animal.

---

Ari raised her gaze from the blanket to Grace's face. "No." She didn't know if she had to explain anything, and weakly added, "But I didn't protest, exactly." She closed her eyes and wondered if that meant Grace would throw her out now. "I didn't have a choice to say no," she added even more quietly, feeling a little sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. If the sofa could come up and swallow her, that'd be nice. Lightly, she pulled at the corners of the blanket in small guilt.

Though Grace seemed to be able to pick the mood back up and Ari couldn't help but smile too. "I'm sorry," she chuckled soundlessly, "You'll have to speak to Bucky on that. I would have waited but alas." She shrugged a little and listened as Grace spoke on about Steve, feeling a playful teasing grin come onto her lips. "But he chose you, yeah? That's something. You're gonna have to fight all the other girls off now." She winked and reached over to touch Grace's knee in a playful prod. "Ayyyy, Gracey, you can watch the news now and see your boyfriend saving people and say, 'yeah he's getting a reward tonight'." She nudged her, all suggestive and grinned more, breaking off to wince before giggling again.

Once Bucky had finished washing the blood away, washed the towel before also letting it soak in the bowl of bleach that Steve had set the knife into. Was he glad that Steve had found someone he could trust? He wasn’t sure but he did feel different knowing that Steve had someone close to him, he knew how lonely life could be. Once the kitchen was clean he started putting the couch back in place and cleaning up the books that had been tossed on the floor, he froze for a second as he listened to Steve’s next question. “She’s different, she designs machines. They forced her into it all,” He spoke glancing over to his old friend, he wanted Steve to know that Ari was a really good person and only worked in HYDRA because she had to. If she refused they would have killed her.

“She helped me there, wasn’t scared of me. She treated me like a person, never gave me orders. She was the only one who was nice to me,” He spoke as he picked up the last few things and set them back where they belonged, he noticed the folded hoodie on the coffee table. “I was going to run, but she brought me here.” He told Steve as he took the hoodie into Ari’s bedroom, he found a bag and packed a pair of clothes just so she’d be able to change. “I owe her a lot, I won’t allow SHIELD to arrest her.” He warned Steve so he would know, SHIELD could do whatever they wanted to him but if anyone laid a hand on Ari then he would protect her.

---

Grace understood completely, if Ari had said no then she wouldn’t be there right now. “I’m sorry they put you through that, I would have done something if I had known.” Although what could have she done? Gotten Ari out of HYDRA and then both of them would have been in danger, asked Steve to rescue Ari but it still would have put Ari in danger of HYDRA tracking her down. “Trust me, I will be having a word with him. He can also replace my lamp,” A smile formed on her face as she looked at her friend, she shook her head and brushed off Ari’s comment. “I won’t need to do any fighting, Steve’s still so awkward around women that he’ll probably run if one was to try anything.” She laughed softly at the thought, but of course she’d defend their relationship if it was ever threatened.

“Ari…” She gasped softly and pushed her hand away, “We aren’t even close to that. We haven’t been dating for that long,” She could feel her cheeks becoming warm at the suggestion, it would happen eventually between her and Steve. He wasn’t the type to jump into sex, he wasn’t brought up to treat women like that. “You do know that technically their both super old right, luckily they don’t look it.” She grinned at her friend, “Surely you’ve gotten close to Bucky. You two would make the cutest couple,” She teased Ari as she sent her friend a cheeky wink.

Designs machines? Steve had two thoughts then. She probably helped make a helicarrier, and that she would be useful to substitute the latest loss of designers in SHIELD. He’d have to consult with Grace before even bringing that up to Ari or SHIELD. He continued to put things away as he listened, following Bucky into the room (For now everything was placed back into its spot), and leaned on the doorframe, watching his friend.

He smiled a little, “I won’t let SHIELD arrest her. At least, I’ll do my best.” He had to trust Bucky’s word on this. As a witness against any crimes the girl could be accused of if ever caught and brought up. He waited for the other to pack the bag and then looked around once more. “Anything else you think would be urgent? Everything’s locked. We can go.” He started for the door, glancing behind him. He stopped by it before opening though and looked at the floor, before adding, “It’s nice to have you back, Buck. It really is.” He opened the door and headed out.

---

Ari shook her head a little, “There’s nothing you could have done without putting yourself in danger.” She couldn’t help but glance to where the lamp had once stood (vividly remembering herself jerking slightly in surprise when it crashed). “Sending him out to buy a lamp? I wanna see this.” She could only imagine Grace scolding Bucky – how would he even take it? Well, she hoped. With that image in mind, she had a good few seconds of amusement, turning to Grace once more. “Aw, that’s adorable. Tough on the outside, but still the little wee one on the inside? That’s cute.”

She groaned and rolled her eyes, snorting in laughs, “Oh yeah, they’re almost a 100. God, for your sake, I hope everything of his still works.” She feigned seriousness and added, “Do you reckon everything was buffed up? Hm?” but the serious look didn’t last long, and she was laughing quietly again, trying her best to not use her stomach muscles, but it proved a problem and a second later she was hissing in soft pain, though – in her opinion – worth it. “Aw, Grace, don’t condemn his poor soul to me.” She sighed softly and averted her gaze, “I want him to try the world first. I don’t want to be the…” She paused, wondering how best to say what she wanted to say. “I’m probably on of the first few girls that approached him not for HYDRA interests. I don’t want him to be limited to me just because I was the first thing he saw. In honest truth. Steve had interacted with many girls, and he picked you – you know that’s true. But Bucky? He… didn’t exactly have a social life as of late.” She rubbed her forehead, “Am I making sense?”

Bucky nodded his head lightly, that’s all he wanted. For Ari to be let off if SHIELD did ever catch up to them, “She’s never been involved in anything that I’ve done. All she’s ever done is draw,” He tried to explain what Ari did to Steve, not that he understood completely either but he did know that Ari designed machines. “I think that’s all,” He lifted the bag into his hand and left Ari’s bedroom, only stopping by the bathroom to get her toothbrush and hair brush as she would need both of those items. Zipping the bag shut he followed Steve as they left the apartment which was now clean and tidy, like it would have been if agents hadn’t attacked. He did wonder if the neighbours heard anything, he hoped not as he didn’t want Ari to get into trouble from her landlord or for questions to be asked.

He simply nodded his head at Steve’s comment, he wasn’t sure if he was back or not. He wasn’t sure how he was feeling about letting his old friend back into his life, not after everything he has done. But a part of him did know that he could trust Steve, it was just hard to actually allow someone else into his life. He already had Ari and he thought that was enough for him, but maybe it was fate or something like that. Maybe Steve was always meant to be there, and that’s why he was frozen in the ice. They walked back outside and climbed into the car, it was then that he noticed the bags of groceries. “I’m sorry for ruining your night,” He apologized and knew he’d need to apologize to Grace as well, “I’m not sure what Grace told you. But I wasn’t calm or gentle when she entered her home,” He needed Steve to know what he did, in case it was something that caused Steve to leave because he wouldn’t blame the Captain.

---

“Well I’m not going to buy myself another lamp, he’s lucky that it was cheap and I never really liked it.” Grace glanced over to where the lamp once had stood, now the space was bare but she wouldn’t be there for a while. She’d stay with Ari until she was completely healed, she wanted to make sure that her old friend was healing and was safe. Heat quickly flowed to her cheeks as Ari brought up the topic of Steve, “Ari…” She gasped trying to keep the blush on her cheeks hidden, “I’m sure everything still works and neither of us should be thinking about that.” She chuckled softly as she hadn’t thought about that, she would probably see when the time came for being intimate with Steve.

“Ari please, he wouldn’t be condemned being with you. He obviously has some feelings for you, otherwise why was he so stressed and tense when you were in pain?” She looked at her friend on her couch, “He can still experience the world. I highly doubt he’ll want to experience the world without you being there beside him,” She spoke even though she did understand where Ari was coming from, she felt the same way with Steve sometimes but she did know that he had chosen to spend his time with her and no one else. “Steve had met other girls and had somewhat of a social life, but what if this is how it’s meant to be for you and Bucky? He’s been through so much, you seem to calm him down and that’s what he needs right now. It seems to me that you two were meant to find each other,” Grace expressed her opinion on the whole situation, whether Ari wanted to hear it or not.

@ sugarplum.
Steve wasn’t sure how to response so he simply nodded his head, “Okay.” He would keep it in mind, but even though he believed Bucky, the others at SHIELD or whoever would take charge of Ari’s case should it ever come around – might not. They would both have to be ready for that. Though Steve hoped it would all go smoothly. For everyone’s sake.

Getting back in the car, Steve glanced back at the groceries in question and shrugged, “Ah, it happens. A dying friend is a little more important than some potatoes.” He turned the car on, but rested his hands on the steering wheel for a little while, listening to Bucky apologise. When the man was done, Steve turned to him. “I understand. With time, you’ll relearn how to enter a door properly, yeah?” He grinned and drove them back home.

---

Ari couldn’t help but laugh, “He doesn’t even have a job. How will he pay?” Satisfied when she saw her friend blush, Ari bit her tongue before she could tease her more, deciding that for tonight it was quite enough. Besides, all this talking was getting to her abdomen. It seemed though that Grace was determined on insisting otherwise in regards to the little relationship between Ari and Bucky, and Ari felt a little shy. She pulled at the covers, pulling them half over her face so that if she blushed, Grace would not see it. All she managed to reply to it was a small mumble, “Still.” but argued her case no more.

Her saving came in the form of a knock on the door – the source of which was Steve, standing outside with some bags of groceries. He called out through the door to let Grace and Ari know it was him, and once allowed in, gave Grace an uneasy look, “Can I please store these in your fridge for the night?” he lifted the few not-so-frozen vegetables and looked at her with a sheepish smile. Unsaid, he also implied an offer, may I stay here the night also?

Sure it was nice having Bucky back, but there were dangers too. Steve had to be realistic. He sort of didn’t want to leave Grace in the presence of an assassin – friend or not.

[you can skip to the next day whenever you're ready ]

Bucky followed Steve back into the apartment once Grace let them inside, he carried the bag as he stepped over to where Ari was still laying. “I grabbed some clothes for you, I hope I got you the right things.” He told her as he set the bag on the floor, “How are you feeling?” He asked looking at her, she looked better than she had and was beginning to get more colour in her face. Bucky glanced beside him when he noticed Grace was holding out some spare clothes for him to take, which he did gratefully. “Thank you,” He took the clothes from her hands before he walked into the bathroom and changed out of his bloody clothes, stepping out he moved over to Ari and sat down in the armchair.

He was fine sleeping there for the night, if he actually did fall asleep which he may not. He would stay awake to keep an eye on Ari and make sure nothing else happened to her, “You should get some sleep.” He told Ari as she needed all the sleep she could get, so her body could start to heal completely from the wound.

---

Grace opened the door for Steve and Bucky, she nodded her head at Steve’s question. “Of course,” She walked into her kitchen and helped him put his vegetables into the freezer and any other cold food into the fridge, she looked at him once his bags were empty. “You can stay any time you like, you know that.” She told his hand into her own, she had been hoping he’d stay there with her as it made her more comfortable. She leaned closer to him and lightly rested her forehead against his, “I’ll find you and Bucky something to wear.” She whispered as she tenderly kissed his lips, before she moved to the closest in her hallway where she had clothes packed away.

She searched until she found some old lounge pants which she used to wear, but were actually men’s pants. She had brought them because the fabric was incredibly soft, she also found two oversized t-shirts which should fit them or at least the clothes may be slightly tight on them but it was better than nothing. She walked over to Bucky and handed him the change of clean clothes, she handed the change of clothes over to Steve as well before she got a blanket and pillow for Bucky to use. She took Bucky’s dirty clothes and dropped them into the washing machine, “I’ll see you two in the morning.” She looked at Ari and sent her a wink at how Bucky had gone straight over to her when he arrived, stepping into her bedroom she changed into a tank top and a pair of shorts. She tied her hair into a messy bun and climbed into bed, “Did you just need another reason to stay here?” She teased Steve when he walked into her room.

Ari glanced up from her couch to the bag that was set near. "Aw, thanks." She smiled and flopped her hand off the couch again, "A little better. Very sleepy though." She closed her eyes for a little and when she heard him sit down, opened and looked over. He was so far away. She lightly beckoned him with her hand, "Come closer, bring the chair." She watched him for a moment, "I'd share the couch but I might bleed all over you." And it would also be quite squishy and she couldn't afford being squished or one of them accidentally agitating her wound. That wouldn't be very pleasant. She kept her hand outstretched as if wanting to take his hand and maybe she did, though she wouldn't admit that to anyone at this moment, for knowing he was close somehow made her feel a lot more safer.

It wasn't long before she closed her eyes again and slipped into dreams, tired out from the day and wanting nothing more than to fall right asleep.

---

Steve was grateful he was allowed in - if not, he would have slept on her doormat outside or something. Nodding, he let her go get them some clothes, and put them on in the bathroom, finding them quite fitting in size. Just a little tight but that was expected, with almost any clothing it seemed. Coming out, he passed the room with Bucky and Ari and nodded to them, bidding them a goodnight and then continuing on to Grace's bedroom knocking and entering once allowed in. "Another reason?" he pretended to think, but grinned cheekily. "Maybe." He set his clothing down in a neat folded pile and sat on the edge of the bed, watching her get ready and crawling in. He followed in soon after.

[I'll leave my reply here. You can take us to the next scene or let me know and I'll edit :) ]

Bucky was sitting on the ride-on lawn mower that he had found in the shed, it was covered in dust but it still started on the first try. The lawn had grown and hadn’t been taken care of, so he had decided that he’d help out around the small farm as much as he could anyway. He understood that Grace didn’t have to bring him and Ari there, to a place that was special to her but she had and he was grateful that she had decided to help him. Especially after how he had treated her on the night Ari had gotten hurt, he knew the danger he was putting them all into by staying around them. But Steve had made it clear to him that he would continue to help, no matter what which is what Ari had told him all this time. He just didn’t believe anyone would want to help him, after what he has done.

He drove the lawn mower past the deck that surrounded the house, Ari was sitting outside so she could get fresh air and some sun which Grace said would help her body heal. She was still supported by cushions to make her more comfortable, it had only been a few days and she was already trying to do things on her own that she shouldn’t be. But she was stubborn and wasn’t listening to any of them for the most part, he was probably being too protective over her but he wouldn’t be able to stand it if she was attacked again by HYDRA agents.

---

Grace was sitting beside Ari on the deck of her grandparent’s old house, she loved being there again as she had so many great memories of growing up there with her grandparents. “I have to admit, I’ve missed being out here. Away from the city and the traffic and the people who are too busy to even look at you,” She smiled over at Ari, it was also really nice that Steve was there with her. She wasn’t sure how comfortable she would have been if he hadn’t come with them, Ari’s wound was healing nicely so far but there was still a long way to go for her. She watched as Bucky mowed the lawn for her, “You know if he wanted to meet other women. He wouldn’t be here right now, he would have stayed in the city but look at where he is. He may want you safe, but it seems to me like he’d rather protect you then leave you.” She smiled at her friend, to Grace it was obvious they both harboured feelings for each other.

She wanted them to both see that, but Steve had already warned her about pushing Bucky and Ari too much. She just wanted them to be happy, and they were happy when they were close to each other. She decided that was enough for now, hopefully it would give Ari something to think about. Her attention was captured when her phone beeped, she opened the new message and softly hummed to herself. Tony Stark had sent her a message which she never expected, he was inviting her and Steve to his party that night. Of course she couldn’t go, she needed to stay there for Ari but she’d tell Steve that he should go. Tony was his friend anyways, she hardly knew the man.

@ sugarplum.
Ari lifted the cup to her lips and smiled, watching the lawn mover roar to and fro and Bucky on top. What a twist of events. She did not think she would ever see this, let alone be in a position such as this. Was she saddened by the attack, disturbed? Yes. She had to be honest, she wished it hadn't ever happened - but she felt she could not trade away Bucky in place for her safety. She had thought about that night many times, and although he never admitted it she came to a conclusion that whatever happened to those agents - it wasn't good. She did not hold Bucky's actions against him, and never asked. She guessed, but never mentioned it.

"You can hear the birds, and rustle of trees, and smell the greenery," she nodded in agreement, looking over to Grace. "You know, maybe I'll purchase a house in the countryside too one day. Have a farm, a few chickens and a cow, and many vegetables." Ari laughed softly, looking the yard (and Bucky) over once more. "With your permission, I'd be happy to tend to some of the garden there I spotted earlier. I always did like plants." Barely she finished saying so, when Grace pointed out feelings Ari was not ready to openly admit - they made her warm and fuzzy inside, and Grace had a point - and the warmness would tug out a blush - it was easier to pretend she had no idea what Grace was talking about. "Time will tell. We will see," She replied softly.

---

It had been a while since he last laid his hands on an axe, and even more so a while since he cut wood with it. The job wasn't difficult at all, it just felt slow. Very slow. Steve looked at the wooden tool in his hand and put it down, picking up the piece of wood and - with little effort shown - ripped it in half. Now that was more like it. This he continued for a while until he had enough to carry into the house for the fireplace of Grace's grandparents' home. These he piled up and marched to the deck where Ari and Grace were sitting, setting the wooden pile just outside the door. He approached just as Grace's phone beeped, and watched as she read the message. He picked up an empty glass and poured himself some water from the jug, glancing back at Bucky on the lawnmower.

"HYDRA would lose their minds if they saw this," he chuckled softly, and Ari chuckled quietly for he voiced her thoughts exactly.

Looking back over at Grace, he gestured to the phone with the glass, having seen Tony's name unintentionally. "What's up?"

Ari quietly excused herself and made a small gesture to the side of the yard, muttering, "I'm gonna go smell those flowers," and quickly hobbled away using a walking stick they found nearby to brace herself and share the load off her muscles. Leave the two lovebirds alone for a while, and go smell the roses or something. She crossed the lawn carefully - wanting to avoid getting in Bucky's way and stopped in some shade when she reached the little rose garden - one still well thriving but needing in some weeding.

Bucky steered the lawn mower until he had covered every inch of the lawn, once he was finished he drove the mower into the shed and shut the engine off. Pulling the catcher out, he emptied all the cut grass onto the compose. It was then that he saw Ari under a large oak tree to keep herself away from the sun, she was looking through the rose garden that was in desperate need of some love and care. Moving over to her, he watched her closely before he picked out a healthy white rose. He easily removed the thorns with his fingers and tucked the stem behind her ear, “Should you really be moving this much?” He spoke as he knew from Grace, Ari’s wound was healing nicely but her body hadn’t healed completely yet.

He didn’t want her to reopen the wound or cause herself harm, simply because she wanted to smell the flowers. This was much different from what Bucky had been expecting, part of him expected SHIELD to be hiding and once he was there would jump out and arrest him. He wouldn’t fight if that did happen, he’d go willingly as it would be easier on Ari if he didn’t struggle. But the past few days had been really nice, he was constantly alert which he doubted would ever go away. But being away from the busy city was making things easier, he wasn’t looking over his shoulder at who may be following him.

---

Grace looked up at Steve as she set her phone down, “Oh just Tony inviting us to his party tonight. I said you might go if you wanted, but…” She trailed off as she knew the reason why she didn’t want to leave the house, but could she really tell Steve that? That she didn’t want to leave Bucky alone because she didn’t completely trust him yet, she couldn’t tell him that. But she also couldn’t lie to Steve, “I’m just not sure it’s a good idea for Bucky to be here on his own.” She admitted to him and hoped he wouldn’t take that the wrong way, “But you should go. It’ll be fun,” She sent him a warm smile, she wouldn’t let him stay there with her. Not when his friends will be at the party, it’d be good for him to go out and have some fun.

Grace watched as Steve moved to sit on the chair that Ari had once been using, she saw the look in his eyes. A look that expressed to her that if she wasn’t going to attend Tony’s party then neither would he, “Steve. You have to go, I already told Tony that you would be there.” She looked at him as she did want to go out, forget about all the troubles and worries that filled her mind. They haven’t been out since their date at the park, which had been ruined because Steve had seen Bucky after searching for his friend for so long.

Ari was quite preoccupied with the flowers, running her fingers along a few petals of a few roses and leaning down ever so gingerly to smell them. Their scent was wonderful, the aroma so satisfying. She was surprised to hear a footstep so close to her and looked up quickly, but relaxed upon seeing Bucky. Curiously, she watched as he picked out a rose - though she looked away in case he wanted privacy in smelling a flower without being judged, who knew what was on his mind? Her surprise was renewed when she felt a stem slide in behind her ear. With a soft surprised gasp, he looked up at him, and couldn't help but smile.

"It was necessary," Ari nodded to the veranda but didn't look over. The two lovebirds were so cute, she couldn't bring herself to be around them and had to give them their privacy. They were like a couple. Ari briefly wondered if they were actually dating or not. She turned back to the flowers. "You're here though, aren't you? You can be my second walking stick." She inched a little closer and leaned on him, closing her eyes and sighing with content. "Don't these smell nice? Flowers are so fragile and pretty. Mother said they felt the aura of a person and environment, and if it were filled with negativity it would wilt away... Superstition, but I still can't help liking to believe that." She trailed off, then added with renewed energy, "I'm thinking of getting Grace's permission to clean out the weeds. I like gardening. It's nice." Ari looked up at Bucky and smiled a little shyly. "Something pleasant and different to do with my hands. Want to join?"

---

Tony? A party? Somehow Steve wasn't surprised - about Tony hosting a party that is. Steve set the glass down and thought about it. He didn't want to not go, that would be rude. Tony was his friend, and a friend had invited him. He also did not want to leave Grace alone in the presence of Bucky. Friend or not, Bucky had undergone some hardships, and Steve wasn't blindly optimistic. Realistic, he hoped. At the same time, he didn't want to go to the party without Grace. Although unsure of where this new emotion was from, he did not rebuke it.

"He's not going to be on his own," Steve said softly and smiled, turning to look at her. "Ari will be here with him. She seems to know how to handle herself around him, and he listens to her." He reached over and took Grace's hand, gently rubbing his thumb over the back of it. "Besides," I don't want to go without you. But it seems she read his thought, because next she was saying he had to go, having told Tony he would already be there. Maybe take this as an opportunity. "I'm not going without you," he reaffirmed, "Which means if you don't come with me, I won't go to Tony's party. Now that's not a nice thing, to ditch a friend." He grinned cheekily, hoping she would catch where he was going. "So, you have got to come with me. Think of it this way, it can be our next date."

Bucky stole a quick glance back over his shoulder, his eyes landing on what Ari had mentioned. Steve and Grace were having a private moment together, or that’s what it looked like to him now that Ari had brought it to his attention. Moving his eyes back onto Ari, he watched as she inched closer to him before her body was resting against his as they sat on the grass by the rose garden. Bucky liked how Ari looks with the rose in her hair, of course her beauty couldn’t increase because that was plainly impossible. She was gorgeous, no one Bucky has seen has compared to Ari in any way. He was fond of her, he knew that but he didn’t know how to exactly tell her that or if she’d be okay with knowing that. He would hate to make her feel awkward with him, as he doubted she would harbor any feelings for him.

“They do smell nice,” He commented and listened to her, he didn’t believe that flowers could feel a person’s aura. If it were true, the entire rose garden would have died the second he joined her there. There was always negativity in his mind about everything he did, he couldn’t seem to stop the negative thoughts from sliding into his head. “You have to believe in what makes you happy,” He told her as it was good to believe in things, he looked down at her with a slight frown pulling his brows together. “I will join you, but only when Grace clears you. I’ve been keeping an eye on you, you’re beginning to push yourself to do more.” He hadn’t been the one who had been stabbed, but he was certain her body was still fragile and weeding probably wouldn’t help with the healing process.

---

Grace had seen the affect Ari had only Bucky, they had been together since HYDRA fell and that was some time ago. Which meant Ari knew Bucky, knew how to keep him calm and how to deal with him. But she still wasn’t completely sure about leaving Bucky alone in a place that meant so much to her, looking at their hands Grace listened silently to Steve. He had a good point, it would be rude for him not to go tonight as Tony was his friend after all. But when Steve told her that he wouldn’t go without her, it surprised her a little and caused her eyes to find his. He hasn’t spoken like that before, but it warmed Grace’s core knowing that he wanted her to join him at the party.

“Fine,” Grace mumbled to him but couldn’t stop the smile that formed on her lips, “But if I’m under dressed than it’s your fault.” She hadn’t been expecting to be invited to a party so she hadn’t brought any of her nicer clothes with her, she’d need to search through her bags and hopefully she’ll find something decent to wear. Leaning closer to him, Grace captured his lips with her own. “Did you need any help cutting the fire wood?” She asked softly not really expecting him to say yes, she knew he had probably already cut enough for them to use when the nights grew colder.

@ sugarplum.
[I hope you had a lovely period of celebrations! i had a lot on my plate since then, my apologies for not responding sooner!!]

Ari patted his leg, "Oh she will. You two worry too much. I am fine, fit as a-" She broke off and took a breath, wincing mid-laugh and rubbing the side of the wound, "Fit as a bull that just got skewered." Humor even in this hour? She had to be proud of her own self. "Maybe you can do the weeding for me," She closed her eyes and leaned on him a little more, a smile playing on her lips, "How 'bout that? Hmm? Cook me something while you're at it, massage my feet, care for Ari till Ari gets better..." She trailed off and opened an eye peeking at him, breaking out into another grin - and having a little laugh, "I'm joking!" And grasped his hand, shaking her head, "Don't run away now!"

She had to give him that, that somehow he made her feel a little happier, a little more relaxed. Like... like being with a really close friend that she had known for a while, someone she found the time to be with, wanted to be with like... a crush? Ari looked at him and when that thought crossed her mind, smiled with mischief to cover the blush and looked down to the toy with the grass. What a handsome face. She wondered if he really did like her in all the ways Grace said. Would he stay long enough? It seemed Grace had a talent to keep the men around, but Ari... Ari picked from the wrong bunch that ran away too quick, more like the very next morning in all honesty and on second thought. She was still learning.

---

Steve's whole world was on hold while he waited for her reply, searching her eyes in a way that he hoped was lowkey, and not too evident. Fine. He breathed out a small sigh of relief and gave her hand a squeeze. "I will make sure it is worth it and fun for you, I promise." He grinned, leaning in and lifting her hand to his lips, giving her fingers a small kiss. "Under dressed? I don't think you ever can be. Even at work." He met her lips with his then, and rested his forehead against hers, liking the way her eyes sparkled as she talked, the way she looked at him, full of attention and a little more. He was all hers to look at, she could look at him any day, all day, whenever she pleased - as long as she would let him be with her too. Steve wanted to be more than friends, more than a kiss hidden away in a farm far from the city - he wanted to show her off, lift her up and say 'yes, this is my lady'. He'd protect her with everything he had. She would not be taken away from him. Not by others, and not by time. Not in this life anyway.

He laughed softly, "Help? Maybe." He winked, clearly not serious, and making up a number as he went on, "I was getting a little tired on the 134th one. Might have to get someone to take over. You think you're up to that? Or maybe we can do something else," he laced their fingers together, "And make a meal for the hard workers?"

(I did, I worked for most of it. Is everything alright? Don’t worry if you can’t reply, I understand completely.)

Bucky didn’t believe Ari one bit about her body healing, especially not when she winced in pain as she laughed. He had forgotten how long it took for someone to heal after being stabbed, it never took him this long. Maybe a day or two, depending on how injured he was. He had to keep reminding himself that Ari was a normal human being, her body worked differently than his and that was easy for him to forget about. “I can do the weeding and care for you until you get better, but unless you want to live off cereal then someone else will need to cook for you.” He spoke as his eyes moved up to watch the cloud pass them by, it was such a nice warm day even when the cloud covered the sun.

“I won’t run,” He lowered his voice as he promised that to her, he continued watching the clouds as he couldn’t bring himself to look at her. He had been tempted many times to leave her, he had numerous chances to run but he never took them. He wanted Ari to be safe, and she would be if he was out of her life. But then he worried HYDRA or SHEILD may still get to her because she had been close to him, if he wasn’t there than he couldn’t protect her. And he did like being near her, she calmed him down like no one else could and he wasn’t sure if she knew that she had that effect over him. “I did find a walking frame in the closest,” He grinned wickedly as he teased Ari, knowing she’d get offended by his comment.

---

Grace’s cheeks flushed as her forehead rested against his, for someone who apparently wasn’t great with women, he still knew all the right things to say to her. She wondered if Sam has given him tips or if Steve was just saying what he truly thought, either way she wasn’t complaining. She rolled her eyes at the number Steve threw out there, “I’ll have you know that I always used to help my Grandpa chop the fire wood. I know how to use an axe,” She grinned at him as she held his hand in her own, Grace knew they weren’t officially dating but she was waiting for Steve to ask her to be his girlfriend. Her mom would tell her to ask him herself, that she shouldn’t wait for a guy to make the first move. But that is how Steve was raised, she was pretty certain that he wouldn’t reject her but she was still nervous about asking him.

She was nervous that if she did get closer to him, something would happen and he’d be taken away from her. He risked his life every time he fought to keep the world safe, she wasn’t like him so she couldn’t make sure that he survived and came back to her. “Hard workers? Chopping wood would have been nothing for you and Bucky was on his ass mowing the lawn,” She giggled but stood up and pulled him inside, “What do you feel like eating?” She asked him as she had stocked up the fridge and pantry for while they stayed there.

@ sugarplum.
[oh no, that's no fun! I hope it wasn' too stressful then~ And, thank you, its mainly just my being sick and a lot of things due ]

She looked over at him a little surprised - for she hadn't expected him to so willingly take on the job she mentioned. Not that she'd let him do it, for it would defeat the purpose of satisfying her own gardening wishes. "I think we will be fine. I can stand long enough to cook. We won't have to eat your cereal." At the mention of a walking frame, Ari gave a soft gasp and playfully jabbed him with her finger, rolling her eyes a little as she did so, and giving him a small pout. "Says you! I'm injured, not old, unlike someone." Ari glanced back at the house, for the sun was starting to set and the ground was getting a little colder and she was getting hungry. Steve and Grace had already gone inside. For a moment it was just the two of them, with the house at enough of a distance to give them a moment of solitude. Ari put her hand out, palm up and glanced at the sky. A little sprinkle of rain started to fall. Nice.

"Well, that's time for us to go in as well."

---

"Knowing is one thing, frequently using it is another, mm?" Steve reached up and - to prove his point - gave her upper arm a squeeze (and was pleasantly surprised and satisfied to find it rather firm). "Alright, maybe you can swing it three or four times." But his little ego he had worked up over the last minute or so wouldn't let him admit what he just found - and made obvious for both. He stood and followed her into the house, welcoming the warmth and the pleasant change in atmosphere. Even inside the house it smelled natural, of wood and clean air. He turned on the lights so that they wouldn't have to bother about it later and followed her to the kitchen.

"Surprise me." He caught her just before she could step any further into the kitchen, giving her a hug from behind. "Something warm, a home sort of meal. I think we all could use one like that." He said softly, and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder before letting her go.

Bucky enjoyed this, making small remarks to Ari in a teasing way. He was comfortable doing this, and it made him wonder if he used to act like this with Steve. Since coming out to the farm, he hadn’t spoken much to the man that was once his mission. As he was too busy caring for Ari and fussing over her, he’d need to speak with Steve soon enough. Once Ari was a little more healed and didn’t need him as much, although she’d probably tell him that she didn’t actually need him hovering around her. “True but most people wouldn’t know my age, everyone can see that you’re injured.” The slightest of grins formed on his lips as he glanced up at the darkening sky, a single drop of rain landed on his forehead.

Making him stand up before he offered his hand out to Ari, once she took it he helped her up in a way that hopefully didn’t put much pressure on her wound. “We should, we can’t have you getting cold now.” He headed back towards the house with Ari at his side, he walked at her speed but didn’t notice that his hand had found its way to the small of her back. Helping her up the steps Bucky knew he was most likely annoying her, but her injury was his fault so he’d be there to help her until she didn’t want or need him.

---

Grace didn’t response to Steve as he was right, she’d probably only get three swings of an axe in before she stopped. Not that he needed to know that. She giggled softly when arms wrapped around her and stopped her from walking, “I know exactly what to make.” She rested her hands on Steve’s arms as he hugged her, and continued into the kitchen once he had let her go. There wasn’t time to cook a roast dinner, but Grace had time to do the next best thing. So she turned the oven on so it would heat up as she grabbed all the ingredients she needed, she washed and peeled all the vegetables before cutting them into small bite size pieces as they would cook faster that way.

She coated them in oil and a few herbs before spreading them out in a roast pan, she placed the pan into the oven before she started cooking the steak on the stove. Hearing footsteps she glanced behind her to see that Ari and Bucky had come inside as well, “Dinner won’t be long so grab a drink.” She told them before her eyes moved to Ari, “Um… Steve and I have been invited out tomorrow, will you be okay here alone? With him?” She asked Ari as she wanted to make sure her friend would be, she didn’t want to go to Tony’s party and come home to find Ari hurt again.

[Hope you had a lovely Valentines Day! Sorry for my absence, I had a week to host a valentines day event thing, and it took so much time!]

Small things like getting up, standing up, walking up stairs were something Ari had once taken for granted, but without the full use of her abdomen muscles she found that it was rather difficult. She had to go about using other muscles and weird angles to stand up and achieve the same result. Nevertheless, Bucky's helping hand made it all the easier, be it helping her up or resting on her back - oh yes, she noticed it and found it adorable - and she gave his upper arm a small grateful squeeze once they conquered the few stairs up. Once inside and out of the small rain she relaxed again. Coming to a stop in the middle of the room to watch Grace work in the kitchen, Ari smiled a little. How cute she looked there being watched by Steve (as much as he tried not to be way too obvious about it).

"Invited out? Ooh, interesting, I hope you have fun." She winked and sided up to the kitchen counter and looked for something to help Grace with. "Oh, we will be fine. No need to worry." She smiled to Grace and pointedly glanced at Bucky, "I'm being taken care of very well."

---

Satisfied and trusting her she would make the best meal, Steve set about gathering plates and utensils. Neatly he stacked them to one side lent a hand in washing and a bit of cutting - but Grace seemed to have it all handled well and there was not much for him to do. She seemed to cut things up faster than he washed. There was a reason he was a super soldier and not a super chef. Watching Grace cook, he couldn't help but remember the sweet smell of his mother's cooking, the same small house, the same familiar clanging of dishes and forks and other. How long that had been. He had had the honor of knowing Grace's family (or some of) but unlike her - he had nobody to bring her to, to show her off too. He thought his mother would be proud though.

Surprised by his own thoughts, although not too surprised for the feelings he knew very well, Steve glanced up as Grace looked over and watched Ari and Bucky walk in. He used the moment to study his old past time friend. A chat alone before he and Grace left would be nice. Perhaps tomorrow morning, if not after dinner tonight. Steve stood and grabbed the plates when the dinner was ready, passing them to Grace to pile the food onto. "We'll be going to Stark's. We'll leave a number of his just in case you can't reach us, if anything."

[No, that’s fine. Did you have a good time? I’m single so I just worked and watched tv with my housemate.]

Bucky stood in the archway of the kitchen and living room, he still felt out of place there and always worried about getting in the way. Mostly he was worried about getting in the doctor’s way as it was obvious she still had her guard up when he was around, he overhead that the doctor and Steve had been invited out. His eyes found the floor when he knew what they were thinking, whether they could trust him to be with Ari alone after what happened to her. He himself wasn’t sure if Ari should be alone with him any time soon, he would continue to protect her but after the attack that could have taken her life. He was doubting himself heavily.

He only moved over to the table and sat down when the other’s did, he looked at the delicious food that was before him. He was never fed like this in HYDRA, which caused him to look over at Grace. “Thank you, this looks amazing.” He told her honestly as he did miss this, having a hearty home cooked meal. He ever so slightly remembered having something similar when he was younger, but that memory wasn’t a strong one yet. Picking up his fork and knife he started eating the delicious food, he would glance over to Ari every now and again just to make sure she was still okay.

---

Grace looked at Ari as she assured her that everything would be fine, but would it? It was just for a night, a few hours. “Call us if you need to,” She told her friend before she started piling the food onto the plates, letting Steve take them over to the table. She set a bowl of gravy in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves, as she had already covered her food with the gravy. Sitting down she smiled at Bucky, “Thank you. I hope you all enjoy it and there’s plenty of left overs,” She smiled as she looked at Steve, she could get used to living a life like this. One where she wasn’t constantly working, she could get more hobbies and spend more time with Steve. It was at times like this that she forgot about what was actually happening, she forgot about HYDRA and SHIELD trying to track Bucky down. She forgot that Steve risked his life every single day, just so he could keep innocent people safe.

“I also baked a cake earlier today, so there’s dessert if any of you want some.” She told them before she ate her dinner as she was pretty hungry, it was nice to cook for more than just herself. It was nice to have company, even having Bucky there was nice because she knew how much it meant to Steve to have his old friend back. “Maybe we could watch a movie tonight, something you two haven’t seen yet.” She suggested knowing that Steve was working his way through all the movies he missed while he was still frozen.

@ sugarplum.
[It was for a studio, for a bunch of friends actually :'D I am single too so rip, haha]

And so it happened every night. Steve and Bucky would work in the day, and get whatever they could done around the yard and outside the house - bringing it back into a rather good state (for some spaces had overgrown with weeds or some fence or two fell, and they put their strength and skills to good use to fix it all up). Steve made sure every night that all was safe, and they even set up a small security system - just for good measure. Ari - who seemed to be getting better now - started moving around more and would go out occasionally and do some digging in the garden or help Grace around with the usual chores. There was an attic and a basement discovered, and a lot of dust cleaned. It was like a big family spring clean. It seemed everyone enjoyed it.

And time came when it was time for the party. Steve dressed to the occasion, and sat in the lounge room waiting for Grace to finish readying herself. He sat leaning forward a little, hands clasped together and looking at the table in front of him. He eyed the checkers board with some intense concentration, reached forward and moved a piece. Opposite him, Ari watched just as intently and quickly assessing his movement, moved her own piece. The cycle continued a little while longer, until Steve managed to knock out some of her pieces and Ari was left with just four against Steve's seven. But there was a trick up her sleeve, and a move later, she had taken off Steve's three pawns. Now they were even. As if seeking praise for her wise and cunning trick (which left Steve with a small frown wondering where he had managed to slip up), Ari raised her eyes to Bucky - a small habit - What did he think?

Checkers and chess - they seemed to play that a lot lately, to spend the time in the evening.

[You can have Grace waltz in any moment :D]