~ Marvel ~
Stucky
———

The elevator was deathly silent, its occupants seeming to be contemplating the fact that they could quite possibly be heading towards impending doom.

Bucky searched for comfort in Steve's hardened blue eyes, but found nothing. This place made him nervous. Why wouldn't it? He had suffered endless torment here. It fueled his growing fear that he could snap at any passing moment. The Winter Soldier was still in his head. Hydra was still in his head. That's why all of this was going on. He was a wanted murderer because of Hydra.

The swell of dark memories was threatening to drown him now. He struggled to keep them at bay.

"Buck, you alright?"

Steve's crystal clear voice snapped him out of it.

Bucky met Steve's gaze, hesitating at first but not looking away. "I don't like this place." He murmured quietly as his gaze slowly wandered away from Steve and favored the floor instead. A wave of shame washed over him. He felt guilty admitting things like that to Steve.

Steve faltered slightly, his rock-solid composure slipping just a bit. Bucky was the one thing that could make him lose his composure. It was scary to think about what lengths he would go to in order to protect him. A moment passed before he gathered the strength to at least place a firm hand on Bucky's shoulder. "I know. I'm sorry we had to come here."

Bucky nodded and met Steve's gaze again. He saw right through the blond's stoic expression. Fear. Anxiety. Unconditional love. "How're you holding up?" He asked after another moment of silence, his voice cracking a bit.

Steve chuckled and squeezed Bucky's shoulder. "I'm doing alright." He replied smoothly, offering Bucky a small smile to comfort him.

Silence gripped the air again. Only the occasional shifting of the elevator's machinery filled the void. They looked into each other's eyes, finding comfort and security. They were perfectly content with just gazing at each other, no more words were needed.

Then, as if one of them had given a silent suggestion or command, they closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a gentle kiss that, even though it only lasted for a few seconds, was full of passion.

When they parted, Bucky cracked a grin as a soft blush appeared on his cheeks. "I guess kissin' all those girls helped prepare me for that, eh?" He chuckled lightly.

Steve rolled his eyes and chuckled as well, not able to keep his smile at bay any longer. "You're such a sap."