We're better sorry than safe

[soldieronwards]

Who| Bucky Barnes and Natasha Romanoff (both Marvel-616).
What| The aftermath of a fight. Bucky checks up on Natasha.
Where| Natasha's room in the Training Center.
When| Shortly after this post.
Warnings/Notes| Discussion of violence.

Since the moment he saw her on the screen after he made his post, questions have been simmering hotly in Bucky's mind. Why is Natasha injured? Who hurt her? How badly did she hurt them in return? He knows they couldn't have gotten away clean, because he knows Natasha. Still, he worries about her.

And when he's worrying about Natasha, he hardly has the energy to keep up the facade he's presenting for this stupid post on the network of a man who actually cares about prurient stories distributed on the Capitol's equivalent of the internet. He's much more interested in flying to her side.

Minutes later, he's tapping on the door to her room on District 8's floor of the Training Center, tense and wordless concern on his face.

Comments

[assassinat]

Steve seems to consider me a friend as well--we really ought to teach that boy how to pick a decent pal every now and again. [ She teases while poking fun at herself.

Really, who would want to be friends with a Russian super spy? ]

What do we do about him?

[soldieronwards]

Hey.

[ With his most winning smile: ]

I consider you a friend, so watch it.

[ He considers her much more than that, but sometimes it's hard to say that much. It's also hard to answer the question she poses, so he casts his gaze away for a moment--and says nothing. ]

[assassinat]

I know. That's why you both are such good friends. You and Steve share the same poor taste in companions.

[ It bothers her that he doesn't answer, but that speaks louder than everything else. What can be done about him? ]

[soldieronwards]

We also both defend our friends, so quit badmouthing mine.

[ The grin fades, and he finally addresses the question. ]

There's nothing we really can do. Just watch him. Make sure he doesn't hurt Steve. Or you, again.

If I see he's hurt you again, I won't hold back next time.

[assassinat]

I went looking for this trouble, James. [ Frowning. ]

And I don't need anyone to fight my battles. You know that.

[soldieronwards]

Who said anything about fighting your battles for you? I figure you'll give as good as you get, too.

[assassinat]

Oh, then tell me what did you mean by that earlier remark about what will happen if he hurts me again? [ Just wondering. ]

[soldieronwards]

[ And suddenly he's serious again. ]

You saw our fight. In the Arena.

I had him, at the end. I could have killed him. I didn't.

If he keeps hurting you, I don't know if I'll pull that blow next time.