The whispers were beginning to bug him. Just on the edge of his mind, not tangible, not noticeable to anyone but him.

Those whispers in the back of his head that told him he was failing his mission. Those whispers that made him believe he was worthless, a shell of a man he once was. Those whispers which made him doubt Steve Rogers and just how much he could heal someone like him.

////

Bucky sat on the edge of his bed and plugged in his headphones, and stared numbly at the closet door.

Soon the soothing words of a song he'd found called As The Rush Comes filled his mind instead of the droning of his own thoughts.

He didn't think he could be saved. Not after what he'd done. Not after what he'd heard.

You'll never make it.

He closed his eyes and turned his music up louder. "There's a coldness in the air, but I don't care," he murmured along with the music.

Don't think you're worth anyone's time.

"We drift deeper, life goes on..."

Give up.

Bucky squeezed his eyes shut and ducked his head down.

He didn't realise Steve'd been calling him until he stood right in front of him and tapped his shoulder.

Bucky flinched and yanked a headphone out. "What?"

"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt." Steve looked at him closely. "I was just, um, just hoping you were okay."

Bucky looked at him as he pulled his other headphone out and paused his music, frowning a little. What did Steve care if he was okay or not?

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"

"You were staring off, I thought... Well, thought I'd just check in." Steve crossed his arms and Bucky lifted his chin.

"Yeah. I'm okay." He gave him a small grin. Steve smiled back, albeit a little worriedly, nodded and left. Bucky held his posture until Steve was in the living room, and he slumped over with a sigh.

You don't need to talk to him. Lord knows you're beyond saving.

Beyond saving. Bucky rubbed his face and stood.

"Hey, I'm going for a walk." He hesitated before asking, "Wanna come?"

Steve lit up at the suggestion and that did lift Bucky's spirits a little.

////

He was very quiet, but Steve didn't press, just happily chatted as Bucky walked in stony silence.

"Hey," Steve finally said and Bucky cocked his head.

"What?"

"You haven't been yourself lately..."

Bucky frowned a little and leaned up against a tree, folding his arms.

Moron.

"I..."

You ruined it. Now you're going to scare him away. Don't say anything.

Bucky took a shaky breath. "I..."

"You don't have to tell me," Steve said softly and smiled. "It's okay."

Bucky stared at him, desperate. Steve tilted his head.

"You're not the only one who's been there," he murmured. "You aren't alone, okay?"

Bucky paused and nodded a little. "Okay," he said quietly, looking at the ground. Steve waited a moment before clapping him on the shoulder and continuing their walk.

And for once in his life, the whispers were strangely silent.

////

Woo! Longer than the last two! Progress!