Entwined | Bucky Barnes *On Hold*

Chapter Twenty Two

~Bucky's POV~

'Don't run outside. We can't get the dress dirty - it has to stay clean.'

D'Arcy frowned, grumpy, 'But I want to play-'

I tilted my head to the side, seeing that David was having a similar conversation with Owen on the other side of the room.

'D'Arcy, love, just please be careful. We have to dress smart to show respect.'

Her face softened slightly, and she nodded, finally accepting my hug. I didn't want to snap at her, or for her to feel like I was constantly nagging her to stop playing, but it was the funeral for David and Owen's Grandfather. There had to be some boundaries.

Amelie walked into the kitchen, tugging at the black dress she was wearing. She gave me a smile, and played with D'Arcys hair as she stepped out of my hug. 'All okay?'  She signed.

D'Arcy nodded, 'When do we have to go?'

'Two minutes.'

She pecked my cheek, and turned to call to David, "if you're ready we'll leave soon?"

He nodded, quickly signing the information back to Owen. He slid his blazer on, then put Owen's on for him, handing him a white handkerchief with his Grandfathers initials embroidered into the corner.

River passed me a bottle of water, before slipping one into her bag. "Got to stay hydrated today," she nodded, "crying can give you a killer headache."

I felt a small smile flicker on my face. She had definitely opened up since moving here, and although it was a rough day it was good she was approaching it in a better mood. "That is very true."

She looked back at the brothers, who were already tearing up, kneeling together hugging on the floor, and her hand began shaking around the bottle, "I'll be strong today." She whispered under her breath.

I nudged her shoulder with mine, "you're allowed to not be."

"I know," she looked up at me, "but he's been so strong for me. It's my turn now."

She smiled sadly, then walked over to the boys, carefully helping David to his feet, and holding Owen's hand to guide them both to the front door.

Amelie was putting tissues and water in her bag, checking her purse and makeup was in there.

I drove D'Arcy and Amelie, after making sure the others got into the hearse. We followed them, making sure to park neatly in the car park before joining the others in front of the door.

There was a small group milling outside, who fell silent as we drew closer. The main doors opened, music playing gently as David gripped Owen and Rivers hands, leading the way inside.

***

Amelie watched the bartender making drinks, her eyes scanning the room to make sure everyone was doing their job.

"You aren't working today." I reminded her, as I passed her the gin and tonic she'd asked for.

"I know, but I want things to go smoothly, I can't let anything go wrong."

"Baby, it's a wake, we have the area for the guests, people are talking and enjoying the food - we don't need to do anything else."

I slid into the chair beside her, helping D'Arcy climb onto my lap as she grabbed a pen and sheet of paper from the pad we had bought with us.

Owen was sat opposite, looking unhappy as he sipped on his juice.

I tapped his hand, 'Do you know how to play tic tac toe?'