Hard to Love (Bucky Barnes fanfic)

Chapter 57

I knew from the start that I was going to explain things to Tony. But I always pictured it in a different setting

I'd take him out to lunch, some place relatively populated so he wouldn't, hopefully wouldn't, make a huge show or get physical. I would start by talking about him and Pepper, then bring up mine and Tony's parent/child relationship. Prove points on how he deeply cares for and loves me and we work great together. I'd even mention how Wanda and Vision don't let their relationship tarnish assignments

You know, ease him into the whole idea

Then Bucky would show up, I'd grab his hand and we'd explain how we couldn't stop our love for the other even if we tried. Which we did and failed miserably at. The conversation would then go one of two ways, yada yada, you get the idea right?

Of course you do, you've been tagging alone with Bucky and I since the start

But here we all are. In mine and Buckys house, that we live in together, after quitting the Avengers weeks ago. Because we got outed by a melted human candle

"Guess we should start from the beginning then.." I sigh out, looking over at Bucky as he rounds the counter to sit next to me

Tony looks between the two of us as Bucky sat, lacing his flesh fingers with mine. Though Buckys features were hard and masked, his eyes were soft and delicate for me. Urging me to continue and that he'd join in when he's comfortable. Openly talking about his feelings in front of others, especially one that tried to undoubtedly kill him, twice now, was definitely difficult for Bucky. But I understand and respect his decision

"It all started with that recon mission I begged you to let me go on. At first I was dreading the whole thing when I found out he was my partner." I point to Bucky, the whisper of a smile tugging at my face as I remember that day like it was yesterday

"She called me out on being an asshole towards her on that assignment." Bucky chimes in, the same faint smile on his lips as we looked to one another

"On the way back to the compound, I asked him why he didn't like me. He basically said he doesn't deserve me." I squeeze his hand that's resting on my thigh. "Then we kissed." I couldn't hide my smile at the memory and look down at our hands

We continue telling Tony our story. Obviously not mentioning us having sex, don't wanna give Tony a heart attack here. And throughout the whole thing, Tony stayed quiet. Listening and processing what we said. Even though I could see the disapproval and lack of empathy towards my choice of romantic partner as if it were a cloud hanging above him

What really tugged at my heart strings was the undeniable shimmer of happiness in Tony's eyes whenever I talked about how truly loved and cherished I felt with Bucky. Buckys face would flush pink every time. But knowing that deep down Tony was happy for me, almost brought tears to my eyes

"I think that's about it." I finish, looking to Bucky incase he has something to add. He didn't, so I turned back to Tony who at this point has eaten half the bag of grapes. "I'm sorry you had to find out like this Tony.."

He sighs, combing a hand through his hair as he let all the information sink in fully. "Ya know, I'm still upset that you two, especially you," he points to me, "lied and snuck around for months behind my back. B-"

"Did you want us to come clean right away and have you force us apart? Or have us continue to deny how we felt only to be miserable instead?" I furrow my brows at Tony, a small bite to my tone that he has the audacity to imply such a thing

"But," Tony gives me a look, irritated that I interrupted him, "knowing what I do now, I get it. If Fury had told me I couldn't marry Pepper... I'd go behind his back and do it anyways." He shakes his head with another long sigh as he admitted it