The Sergeants Gal (Bucky Barnes)

Hoping

It was a particularly warm Sunday morning. The sky was clear with no cloud in sight. Bucky could hear the waves crashing and feel the warm sand beneath his body as he relaxed on the beach. He laid with his eyes closed soaking up all the sun he could get. He had desperately needed this vacation. Everything has been so stressful for weeks and he can finally take a moment to relax.

He felt a hand on his chest and he opened his eyes tiredly. "What are you doin' doll?" He smiled softly up at Liv.

"I told you, you need to re apply your sunscreen every hour if you're gonna lay in the sun the whole time. I don't want you burning up mister." Liv leaned over and kissed his warm forehead before applying more sunscreen on his face.

He chuckled. "I was too comfortable to move."

She grinned cheekily. "Well I did need help applying sunscreen on my back but I'm sure I can find someone else to help if you're too comfortable." She went to stand up but Bucky quickly shot up.

"No ma'am, I've got it covered." He grabbed the lotion from liv and moved her hair aside so he could spread it evenly.

She giggled. "I thought as much."

"You tease.." he chuckled tickling her sides.

She tried to wiggle away. "Bucky!" She laughed.

They rolled around in the sand before just laying there together enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.

"I love you ." Liv says softly.

"I-" Bucky freezes. An overwhelming feeling of dread fell upon him.

"Buck- what's wrong?" Liv asked looking worried.

"Somethings not right." He sat up clutching his chest. The blood was pounding in his ears as his heart thudded inches chest.

"Bucky!" Liv shook him.

####

"Wake up!" A voice called out.

Bucky's eyes snap open. His heart is pounding as he looks around the room his eyes finally settling on Steve. He let's out a sigh of relief.

"Steve, you damn near gave me a heart attack." Bucky shakes his head and sits up. "What's up man?"

"Shuri wants to speak with you." Steve motioned for him him to follow.

Bucky nods. He pulls on his boots and follows Steve down to Shuri's lab. "Did she say what this was about? Is Liv okay?"

Steve nods. "She's okay, Shuri just wants to talk."

"Boys, thank you for coming." Shuri walks over to them with a tired look in her eyes.

"Hey Shuri, how are you doing?" Bucky asked smiling softly.

"I am exhausted. Being a genius is hard work." She says.

"We really appreciate all the work you've done." Steve chimed in.

"Thank you boys, I feel that I'm getting so close but I don't want to push her. Her mind is in a fragile state and if I push too much it could overwhelm her brain and she'll lose herself." Shuri sighed. "I have a new idea that could work but it's risky."

"If she's okay with it, we'll try anything." Steve said.

She nodded and motioned to the room Liv is residing in. "She wants to see you Barnes."

Steve smiles encouragingly. "Go ahead."

Bucky nods and knocks softly on the door before walking in.

"Hey, you wanted to see me." Bucky smiles seeing Liv.

Liv looked up from her hands. "Bucky, yes. Thank you for coming."

"Is something wrong doll?" He walked up to her a concerned look on his face.

"No, not really. It's just- you said we were friends right?" She looked up at Bucky hopefully.

He nods. "Yeah of course." He rubs her arm softly. "What's going on?"

"Well, it's just ... I don't want to complain because I know you guys are all just trying to help me. But... I'm just so exhausted." She sighed looking down at her hands again. "I don't think I can keep doing this Bucky." A small tear fell from the corner of her eye.

Bucky's heart broke in two. "Liv, what are you saying?"

"If Shuri's plan doesn't work, then I think it's time to quit." She said.

Bucky couldn't help but feel disappointed but he knew this wasn't his choice. This was all up to her. "I- I completely understand. Whatever you think is best."

"Really? You wouldn't be mad?" She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"I could never be mad at you for doing what you think is right." He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug but pulled away. "I'm sorry, is this okay?"

Liv pulled him back in. "It's more than okay." She breathed out.

He relaxed into the hug imagining that things were different. That they weren't in an science lab preparing for the worst, but instead at their wedding hoping for the best.

A/N: HEY EVERYONE! Sorry I know I said I'd post in December but I was stuck on a scene and was just able to get past it. Anyways thanks for waiting! I love and appreciate all your comments. Y'all get me 😭