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[emberedroses]

Hands that Heal [Bucky x Reader]: Chapter 2

Masterlist | Prologue | Chapter 1

Summary: You're the Avengers newest all-star Medic. Your life changes when you meet the infamous Bucky Barnes, who is unlike any veteran you've met before in your career.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Doctor!Reader

Word Count: 8.7K

!! Warning 18+; Minors DNI !!

Chapter Warning: Mentions of anxiety.

The Doctor is In

Bucky could have turned either right or left and avoided the office at the end of the hall entirely.

He could have pretended he was lost or on the wrong floor and turned back around to avoid the doors that separated the office from the rest of the rooms on the level.

He could have easily avoided seeing a doctor.

Bucky could have gotten out of this situation and gone about his day as if nothing had happened.

Yet, he didn't. He couldn't bring himself to go through with his escape tactics.

Bucky knew he needed help. Whether he liked it or not, visiting 'Dr. Delmar' was the only way to get rid of the pain plaguing his back.

'It's just a check-up,' Bucky reassured himself. He stood in front of the glass sliding door, his finger hovering above a security keypad. 'You've faced worse. Like Steve said, it's just a check-up. It's not the end of the world.'

He couldn't lie to himself. This big jump out of the realm of his usual routine was the end of the world. Or at least it felt like it. The only reason Bucky found himself walking down the third-floor hall was to prove he wasn't the weakling coward he feared he had become.

The keypad lightly beeped with every number he inputted. A small green light flashed in the corner of the keypad, and the glass door quietly slid open.

'Breathe.' Bucky took a quick breath and stepped inside. 'It's not the end of the world.'

He took a few more steps inside the office. It was far enough that the door slid shut behind him. He knew now there was a point of no return.

'This office is huge,' Bucky almost whispered. 'It's more of a clinic if anything.'

He couldn't help but admire the details of the clinic. If Bucky could spare one compliment to Steve's snarky billionaire husband, it would be that he spares no expense when it comes to interior designs.

The same teal that was seen contrasting the white and grey marble tiles was the exact same shade of teal that formed a line toward the end of the office contrasting the rest of the off-white wall. The doors leading into the consult rooms were grey with a white letter in the middle.

Even the air smelled like a walk on a beach. The scent was stronger once he stepped through the foggy transparent door, though, the cold ventilation was a big contrast to the nostalgic warm summer rays and reminded him that he was still in a doctor's office.

But the color scheme or the aroma wasn't the best part about the clinic. No, the highlight of the entire space was the water wall near the desk.

It took its name literally, as it was an entire wall of falling water. There was no glass casing over it, but the stream was thin enough to give the illusion that it was part of the dark blue backdrop. The bed of white rocks lined on the floor caught all of the water as it fell. The gentle pitter-patter of droplets made the entire place feel less intimidating.

'This place is beautiful,' No, 'beautiful' isn't what he would describe this place. It was calming. He forgot that places are capable of making one feel at peace. 'It's definitely calmer than most medic wards in the tower.'

His eyes lingered on the man at the desk a little longer than he wanted. It was hard not to when he seemed so hyper-focused on the screen in front of him that he hadn't noticed someone walk into the room.

'I haven't seen him before. Must be new.'

"Woah, I'm so sorry about that. Welcome in," Bucky nearly jumped from the sudden greeting. He hoped the man didn't catch on to his staring earlier. "Are you seeking treatment?"

"Um, yes, my back hurts?" 

Bucky walked closer to the desk. The man's hazel eyes followed him as he approached, and his pearly white teeth shone as bright as his smile. Getting a better look at the man, Bucky could confirm that he'd never seen him anywhere around the tower before.

 The man's face was youthful and clean-shaven, and his curlish brown locks were gelled back. The navy scrubs complimented his olive skin tone, and he could see the outline of defined muscles underneath the grey compression sleeves he wore on each arm. 

'Tony really hired an entirely new staff for this place. This doctor must really be something.'

"Did you sustain an injury?"

"Yes."

"I'm very sorry about that. Good thing you came to the right place,"

The man's words bleed with perkiness despite his deep voice. Part of him envies how happy he is, to have such joy that it seeps into your tone and diction.

'What is it like to have a fraction of that?'

"Have you been here before?"

"No," Bucky shook his head. "This is the first time I've heard about this place."

"That's okay; my name is Cristóbal or Cris, and I'm an RN here," Cristóbal pointed to his shirt pocket, which had his name embroidered in white cursive text with a white heart next to it. "I'll be checking you in and taking your vitals once we get you set up in a room. Could you give me your name and date of birth so I can pull you up in the system?"

"It's James Barnes. Birthdate is March third, 1917."

"Ah, you look good for your age."

Bucky tried to match Cristóbal's smile. It was a light-hearted joke, but there was this pain that lingered inside his chest. He badly wanted to respond: "I wish I didn't have to be this way," but he knew better than to go around making bad impressions on the new staff.

"Thanks."

Cristóbal focused his attention back on his keyboard. He typed something into the computer before looking back up at Bucky.

"Alright, got your chart going," Cristóbal reached underneath his desk, pulled out a tablet, and slid it toward Bucky. What appeared to be a sign-in form was on the bright white screen. "Please fill this out so we can check you into the system. Once you're done, we can bring you back," As Bucky grabbed the tablet off the desk, Cristóbal pointed towards the water wall. "You can sit over there. It's more comfortable than standing here."

"Oh, okay."

Bucky was a bit embarrassed that he had been so engulfed in taking in the scenery that he hadn't noticed the line of chairs in front of the wall.

"Just bring it over when you're done."

Bucky nodded and made his way over. The moment he hit the chair, another wave of pain shot up his back. He huffed as he adjusted his back to gain some relief, but still, there wasn't any.

'If this works, I won't have to be dealing with this any longer.'

Most of the questions on the screen were auto-filled with his information. Bucky scrolled down, checking to see if there were any mistakes or blank answers.

"Everything seems to be in order," Bucky mumbled to himself. "Is there something I'm missing?"

From across the room, he heard the sound of a door clicking open, followed by the soft mummers of a woman's voice. Bucky looked up briefly, but no one other than Cristóbal was near the desk.

'Why did he hand this to me if everything was answered for me?'

His eyes focus back on the screen and he scrolled further down on the page. A blank table finally came up. He sighed as he read the question at the top.

'Place an "X" in the column that describes your level of pain?'

He read through all fifteen works that ranged from 'throbbing' to 'cruel-punishing'. He feared putting an 'X' next to any of them.

'I have to put something...' Bucky stared at the words. He felt his face grow hot as he read them. The thought of him being in this position in the first place filled him with shame. 'It's definitely not 'cruel-punishing'. I'm not supposed to feel that helpless.'

Bucky placed an 'X' next to the words 'sharp', 'aching', and 'tender'. It seemed less embarrassing than the other thirteen descriptors.

Below the chart was an outlined diagram of a man's body with one facing frontways and the other facing backward.

'Mark the area where your pain is the most persistent.'

Bucky gently pressed his finger to the area between his neck and shoulder and zig-zagged the jagged line near his lower back. When he moved his hand away from the screen, nearly half of the diagram was covered in red lines.

'That's a good way of describing it.'

He scrolled further down away from the diagram only to see two questions in bold lettering, along with a little box big enough to type in a number or two inside.

'On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your pain?' Bucky clicked his tongue while thinking. 'An easy five, maybe?'

'How long have you had this injury?'

Bucky re-read the question a couple of times. He didn't know why. He had come to terms with what he had for a while, but seeing it on paper felt different. He forgot that underneath the bouts of serums and enhancements, he was still human.

He forgot the curse that comes with being one.

'Five days. I've been injured for five days.'

Bucky scrolled down, hoping to see more. At the end of the page was a green 'submit' button.

'Thank fuck that's all,' Bucky thought, pressing the button at the bottom of the chart. A green check mark took up the page. A sigh left his lips at the sight of it. 'Halfway through this.'

Bucky got up and saw Pietro coming out from one of the rooms and standing in front of the desk. Bucky tried to be quiet as he lined up behind him.

'I wonder what happened to him?'

"It's good to see you better," Cristóbal's overly cheery voice echoed through the clinic. "We don't have a follow-up scheduled for you, but do come back if you have any complications."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll catch you later."

Pietro turned around, and his face lit up with a smile. Bucky could only awkwardly move aside so the speedster could get through.

"Hey, what happened to you?"

'Great.'

"Hey, bad back," Bucky pursed his lips in a slight smile. What brought you here?"

"I got an arrow stuck in my shoulder. The emergency medics were able to take it out, but it caused a bit of nerve damage. But that's what I get for making bets with Sam."

"Well, be more careful, I guess?"

"No promises!" Pietro laughed, patting Bucky lightly on the arm. "Hope you feel better!"

Bucky waved the silver-haired man away as he turned to leave. He was painfully aware he sucked at small talk. As much as Steve assures him that the others on the team like and respect him, he doubts it with the way he awkwardly makes conversations with the rest of them.

"Thank you for waiting. I appreciate you filling this out," Bucky nodded at Cristóbal and placed the tablet on the desk. The preppy nurse moved it to the side. He typed something on his computer before standing up. "Let's get you to a room, James."

"You can call me Bucky. Everyone does."

Cristóbal turns his head, stopping them from stepping into the empty consult room. His smile had dropped slightly by this point. An almost invisible gleam cast over his eyes, making them glossy. 

'What the...?'

Bucky squinted, unsure if he had really seen what he thought he saw. 

"Is that your preference?"

He felt something pang in his chest like nothing he'd ever felt. It might have been how the nurse was staring at him so intensely that made him so uneasy.

"Yes?"

"Okay, Bucky, right this way, please!"

Cristóbal blinked; the glossiness was gone, and his smile returned. 

'Are you going crazy already?'

Bucky exhaled lightly through his nose, trying to ignore his voice of woe as he walked into the empty room. 

'This is different.'

His eyes wandered around for a little too long. He couldn't help it. The room is unlike anything he had ever seen before. It had the same setup as most intake rooms in the emergency and non-emergency wards. Everything from the bed, the sink, the cabinets, and the chairs were identical other than color. All the furniture matched the color scheme of the office to a T. 

The only distinct difference was a multi-layered fountain built into the corner of the wall. It almost blended into it if it weren't for the teal-jade accents of the fountain blurring through the crystal-clear water.

'This place loves its fountains.'

"Have a seat for me right here, please," Cristóbal's voice interrupted his thoughts. The nurse held his hand out toward the chair next to the sink. "I need to check your vitals before the doctor can attend to you."

Bucky didn't hesitate to nod and shit down. His eyes locked on the nurse, but he refused to look into his eyes again after what he had seen moments before. There was a bit of silence lingering in the room. Bucky wanted to ask Cristóbal about the fountain, but before he could, the nurse was already scurrying around to the other side of the room toward a white cart carrying some machinery. Bucky watched intently as he plugged and unplugged some cords and pulled out a thick white cuff. He gulped as he knew what came next. "Do you mind rolling this sleeve up for me?"

Cristóbal pointed at his left arm. His body twitched uncomfortably. The words were stuck in his throat. Bucky contemplated showing him what lays beneath the black fabric of his loose-fitting shirt. He hoped the silent gesture would tell the nurse to use his other arm.

But Bucky didn't want a pitied look from the man. He didn't want to have to make up a fake explanation as to why he had such an advanced prosthetic or explain what the red star stands for.

"Oh, um, use this arm," He stammered. Bucky's eyes twitched a bit. He wasn't made to stammer. " It'll be easier."

Cristóbal smiled and undid the cuff. The sound of the velcro ripping apart made him a bit uneasy.

"Whatever you are comfortable with, just roll it on up for me."

"Right, sorry."

Bucky tried to be neat about it. But Cristóbal's eyes seemed to burn into him, and he ended up messily driving the end hem up to his shoulder. He looked back at Cristóbal and the nurse smiled and started lining the cuff up with his arm.

His skin grew with goosebumps from the feeling of the cool cuff mixed with the warmth of Cristóbal's fingers brushing against his skin.

"You're going to feel a tight squeeze," The nurse whispered to him as the cuff began to tighten around his arm. Bucky learned to plant his feet when he was nervous. It was safe to say the soldier was a few seconds away from trembling from the tension between his legs and the floor. "just try and relax for me."

'Easier said than done, pal, easier said than done.'

Though Bucky's eyes were locked on one of the tiles of the floor a few feet away from him, he could hear Cristóbal shuffling around and hitting things against the metal of the cart. He then felt something light clasp over his right index finger.

"It's just to check your O2 levels. Look up for me, will you?" Bucky did what Cristóbal asked and his eyes met the ceiling. The light void gave him some comfort until he felt something glide against his forehead and rest below his chin. "And we're done!"

'Oh, thank goodness.'

The cuff released its tight grasp and Bucky nearly sighed in relief when Cristóbal began to remove the cuff and finger clasp from his body. He watched as Cristóbal load everything back onto the cart and push it away until it softly hit a wall.

"Good news, everything came back normal, so have some piece of mind about that. The doctor is currently finishing up with another patient, but they'll be within to meet you shortly, okay?"

"Sounds good, thanks."

"See you outside."

The door clicked when Cristóbal left the room. Bucky was alone for the first time since he entered the office. The first thing he did was let out an exhale he didn't realize he was holding in.

'It's almost over,' Bucky nearly whispered. He rolled his sleeve back down to his elbow, trying to make the wrinkled fabric seem neat. 'It's just a doctor. He's not gonna hurt you.'

There was a soft knock at the door. Bucky stared over at it before it opened, and a woman that he didn't recognize walked in.

"Good morning," You said, smiling through your teeth. "Am I speaking to Mr. James Barnes?"

"Yes?"

"Great," The door clicked behind you, and you tucked a strand of (h/c) hair behind your ear. You picked up a tablet that was on the sink counter. Bucky watched you scroll through it for a moment in silence. You finally looked up at Bucky and he straightened his posture up to try and match yours. "How are you today, Mr. Barnes?"

"I'm doing okay."

"That's amazing to hear!"

You went back to looking over the tablet, leaving Bucky to just continue to stare at you. He couldn't stop himself.

"Let us see here..." 

As your voice trailed off into the silence of the room, Bucky's eyes trailed over your body. He noticed right away your outfit differed from Cristóbal's. While he wore a full set of scrubs with his name on full display, you were wearing a thin, black fleece jacket with a pair of navy blue scrub bottoms. Your name was nowhere in sight. 

'Is she a nurse too?'

"I have noted here you've been having back pain? How long has that been going on for?"

'More questions?'

"Oh, um, I've already had my intake."

You laughed a little bit to yourself. Bucky could only stare at you in confusion.

"Yes, I know, Mr. Barnes. I'm sorry for the confusion, I should have introduced myself first," You stood up and walked toward him with your hand out for him to shake. He stared down at it for a moment before you interrupted his gaze with your voice. "My name is Dr. Delmar, I'll be treating your injury today."

'Oh shit.'

Bucky's face flushed with embarrassment. Immediately, he took your hand and gave it a firm shake, and he grabbed your wrist with his other hand, caressing it slightly.

"I'm so sorry, I did not mean to be rude by any means."

"You're alright, don't worry about it."

"Right."

Something about your words calmed him. It might have been your sweet and quiet tone or the way your eyes softened whenever it met his. It could have been anything, really. What he was sure about was that it felt nice to be talked to in a way none of the other nurses and doctors talked to him in the other medical wards.

"So, you've been having pain in your back leaning to the left?"

"Yes, I fell from a rooftop right on my back five or so days ago."

"Oof, yep, that'll do it to you," Bucky nodded politely. You finally set the tablet down again and clapped your hands together, getting his attention again. "Now, do you mind removing your shirt so I can get a look?"

"No problem."

The cold air painfully hit his body upon taking off his long sleeve. Bucky sheepishly crumbled it up in his hand and lazily set it over his knee. He could see the outlines of wrinkles already forming in the black fabric. And he would have cared more if not for how nervous he was being shirtless and alone with a woman he barely knew.

"Alright, I'm going to feel around. I apologize if my hands are a little cold."

Bucky had to physically stop himself from jolting away from your touch. He must have been so wrapped up in his own head a second ago he didn't even notice how freezing you were. And it only seemed to get worse the more you pressed around on his skin.

"I'm feeling some inflammation around this area. You may have a muscle tear or a damaged nerve. But nothing that can't be fixed here!" You moved away from his back and came back around to stand in front of him. "But I need to know something first."

"Hm?"

"Is your prosthetic removable?"

"Not particularly?"

He heard you hum an 'okay' as you nodded your head slightly.

"I assume you shower with if that's the case?" You questioned again. "Does that mean you can get it wet?"

"Wet?"

"Yes, my treatment program requires that I get your back wet."

'This wasn't what Steve and Tony told me at all.'

If he could be honest with himself. He didn't know what exactly to expect. But getting questioned by a doctor about whether or not he can get his metal arm wet while shirtless wasn't something he was prepared to have happened during his session with the famed 'Dr. Delmar'.

"Um, yeah, it should be fine."

"Okay, Mr. Barnes, I need you to lie down on your stomach for me, alright?" You went over to the other side of the bed and lifted up a padded head cradle. You then walked over to the cabinet pulled out a few small white towels and laid them around the padding, careful not to cover the hole in the cradle. "I'm going to perform a water scan on your back to get to the root of the problem. Then we can discuss treatment and a possible follow-up."

"Water scan? What do you mean?"

"I should really invest in infographics," He heard you whisper. You looked back at him and moved your chair out from behind you. "I'm not sure if Mr. Stark mentioned it, but I have the ability to heal people using water. Give me a moment so I can bring in my demonstration."

"Okay?"

Bucky watched you leave the room quickly, only hearing you say something along the lines of, "Cris, come here."

You went over to the fountain in the corner of the room and dropped something from the bottle into the water. Bucky's eyes widened when he saw the clear water sparkle. You placed the dropper into your pocket and placed both palms underneath the stream. When you pulled them out, a small orb of water floated over your hands.

'This seems...different.' Bucky's left leg swayed while he waited. He was almost relieved when he heard footsteeps approaching the door.

"Nurse Cris will be my demonstration," Cristóbal looked unamused as you brought him into the room by his arm. He awkwardly waved at Bucky before you let him go. "You're arm?" He pursed his lips as he looked over at you. You smiled at him and pulled a bottled dropper out of your pocket. "Give me one second."

'This is VERY different.'

You moved your hands around, and the water manipulated itself between your palms. Bucky couldn't take his eyes off the way it danced around so effortlessly.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Cristóbal laughed out. "You would think you'd see it all as an Avenger."

"I don't mean to seem so surprised. I've never seen anything like this."

You smiled and stretched out the water as you made your way back to Cristóbal.

"Come here for a second, Mr. Barnes," Bucky quickly got up, still staring intently at the water flowing between your hands. He watched you place the stretched out water on Cristóbal's arm. "What I'm doing is taking this water and aligning it above his skin," Bucky nodded. He saw as the water showed faint outlines of nerves, arteries, and muscle. It was like the water made the top layers of skin and fat invisible. "You see that blue mark? That was from him pressing on it earlier. Everything else looks healthy and he is in no need of healing or care. What I did to him is what I will do to your back. Do you have any more questions?"

"Nope."

Even if he had questions, he would be too afraid to ask what he had just seen. He thought he would be used to all the magic and unusualness that surrounds him, but someone always comes along with some new ability he has to pretend to understand.

"Great. Thank you, Cris."

"It's always a pleasure, Doctor."

Cristóbal waved again and left the room in silence. Bucky made his way back to the bed. As he sat, he processed everything that he had just seen.

'No wonder Steve was so serious. Was he this surprised, too?

"So, um," Bucky weakly muttered out. "Do I lie down now?"

"Yes, sorry about that. Go on and get comfortable. We can get start as soon as you tell me you're ready."

Bucky aligned himself up with the bed and he was soon faced with nothing but the room's marble floor.

'Nothing to worry about.'

There was a silence interpreted by his own exhale. He checked his body to release any tension he thought he was holding. As his shoulders relaxed, he muttered softly, "I, I think I'm ready."

"Perfect," Your sweet voice followed his own hushed one. He exhaled again, doing his best to try and lean into your words. "Now, I'm going to be transparent. This may tickle. Can you promise me to be as still as you possibly can?"

"Sure I can do that."

"Thank you. Let's get started then!"

Bucky felt something cold tingle its way all around his back. He did what he was told and stayed as still as possible. Not one muscle in his frame moved. He heard you mumble a list of 'okays' and 'alright' to yourself. He imagined your eyes scanning over his open body. The image of his own veins and organs made his stomach churn, but he knew he had to contain himself.

'I don't want to be known as the patient who threw up all over the floor on his first check-up.'

"Just as I thought," You hummed. "Torn muscle."

'Steve was right after all.'

"This is an easy fix, Mr. Barnes, I understand this is your first treatment with me. What you are about to feel may be painful or even unnatural. But for your safety, I need you to do your best to hold still for me, okay?"

"O-okay," Bucky felt himself tense up a little. It was his nerves taking over. He let out a shaky exhale to try and ease his body back to being relaxed. "Sorry."

You light out a little giggle. It was a sound that made something in his chest flutter.

"There is no need to apologize, Mr. Barnes. I'm here to help you in the way that's most comfortable for you. If the healing session becomes too intense, please, just say so."

"Oh," Was all his brain could respond with. Bucky's eyes wanted to gloss over, but he knew better than to let a stranger see him cry, much less a kind stranger who happened to be his doctor. "Thank you."

"No need, Mr. Barnes. I want you to understand that this is a judgment-free area. And I am here for you."

'I am here for you.' He repeated. 'She is here for me?'

There was a moment where Bucky had to stop himself from getting up and engulfing you in the biggest hug of either of your lives.

'She's so...' His anxious mind, once racing with thoughts, could only settle on one word: 'Kind.'

"I'm going to begin now. Remember what I said, okay?"

"Yes. I'm ready."

Bucky wasn't prepared for the immense pain of the healing process. The entire left side of his body burned with an ache he had never felt before in his entire life. He never knew there were more levels of pain until this moment.

"Mphf!" Bucky muffled his own sound of pain by sucking in his lower lip. To distract himself, he tried his best not to bite into it, but the pain was so intense he was willing to risk scarring himself if it meant at least a bit of comfort. "Mphf...mphf..."

'Holy hell, how long is this going to take?'

"I'm almost done, Mr. Barnes. You're doing amazing. Thank you for holding still."

"Mhm." That was all he could say to you.

'What the...' The pain lasted only a few more seconds. Soon, the cool water was all he could feel on his back. No more burning pain or numbness. 'Is this real?'

"All done, Mr. Barnes," He felt the water lift off of himself, but he still felt damp skin. "Let me dry you off first, and then you get up."

The towel was warm against his skin. He shivered a bit but soon softened at the feeling of relaxation it brought.

"There we go."

Bucky lifted himself up and hopped off of the table. He adjusted his muscles, smiling at the feeling of his body being 'normal' again.

'Whatever 'normal' is for me anyway.'

"Would you like a warm robe?"

"No thank you," Bucky paused to slip his shirt back on. He used his hand to try and iron out the wrinkles but gave up halfway through, knowing that he would never get it crisp again without a real iron. "I have a mission brief after this."

"Understandable," Bucky caught a glimpse of your glistening pearly teeth as you talked. He couldn't help but smile at the sound of your voice. "How do you feel now?"

'Intense.'

That is what Bucky wanted to say, but there was no way he was going to blurt that out to her.

"It doesn't hurt anymore."

"That's what I like to hear!" You exclaimed. Bucky watched as you washed your hands and dried them with a towel. He heard you mumble to yourself again before turning to look at him. "So, may return to regular activities, but I do want to schedule a follow-up if you plan on embarking on any combat missions in the next week."

"I have one scheduled in two days."

"I suppose I'll be seeing you tomorrow then, Mr. Barnes. Just following precaution."

"I know," He nodded. "Thank you, by the way."

"Of course. Thank you for trusting me enough to do this for you, Mr. Barnes."

"Careful what you say. You might be the only doctor I come to see from now on."

You laughed and bowed your head slightly.

"Well, I'd be my honor. Here, let me walk you out," You rushed to the door, holding it open for Bucky. He slightly thanked you and waited for you to close it back up so he could stay at your side. He followed silently as you strode your way to the front desk, where Cris was typing something into the computer. "Cris here will give you your discharge slip and schedule your next appointment."

"Thank you, Doctor."

"No problem. Take care, Mr. Barnes,"

You flashed him a last smile. Bucky felt so at ease looking at your face. He'd never known such kindness before. He's been to the medics on base, and they are respectful, but none of them were as nurturing as how you treated him.

It was different. The type of different he wouldn't mind getting used to.

'I can't get that ahead of myself.'

"Cris, I need to get something from behind the desk, so try not to kick me."

"Go for it," Cris didn't move his eyes away from his monitor as he picked up his keyboard and scooted his wheeled chair to the left. He finally looked up at Bucky and smiled. "Good to see that you're better, Bucky,"

Cris clicked his mouse a couple of times before grabbing an energy drink with various cherries decorated on the can. "I see the doctor has you scheduled for a follow-up tomorrow. What time works best for you?"

"I can make it around this time."

"Let's see here; I think we have that opening available," More clicks filled Bucky's ears. He noticed you pulling some items out from beneath the desk and platting them onto the desk. Several bottles of unlabeled drop bottles and boxes of gloves began to clutter the free space of the desk. Though Cris was concentrating on his screen, he kept looking to the side to ensure nothing would slide onto the keyboard. "So, I have you down for eight-thirty tomorrow morning. Does that sound alright with you?"

"Sounds perfect."

"Okay, let me get your discharge paperwork in order, and you'll be on your way," Cris clicked his mouse a few times before looking to his left. "Careful, Nene. I'm going to head to the back for a second. We're out of ink and paper at the desk printer, I'll get more after my break."

"Alright," Cris got up from his chair and nearly jogged back toward the other end of the clinic. You must not have noticed he was gone because Bucky could still hear you whispering about what you were missing. "Hey, Cris? Do you happen to know where the spare to-"

"Lady Delmar! Lady Delmar, are you in here?"

"Thor-? Fuck!" You cut your own voice off with a yelp. Then you got up and rubbed the top of your head with a face stung with annoyance. "I shouldn't have gotten up so fast," You hummed to yourself. You must have forgotten Bucky was there because the moment his eyes met yours, he could see your face flush with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Barnes, I didn't realize you were there."

"Are you okay?"

Bucky reached out toward you, and in your dazed state, you took a step back. He immediately felt his face fall. Had he already overstepped with you?

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that. Is your head okay?"

"No need to apologize. I'm okay," He watched as you moved the stuff on the desk to the side. You dusted your pants off before striding out from behind the desk. You reached out your hand, and he nearly flinched when he watched your fingers lightly grace his left upper forearm. "Thank you for worrying. I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Barnes. Please excuse me."

As you walked off, taking your hand off his body, he had to stop himself from snapping his head back to watch you walk off.

'Did that really happen?'

He knew it was just a touch, but he couldn't stop replaying it in his head. You knew he couldn't exactly 'feel' the way your fingers felt on his arm, but you knew what arm you were touching, and you did it anyway- no apprehension, no judgment. It was hard for him to comprehend how someone could treat him with such normalcy.

"Thor," Your sweet voice rang through the clinic. "My favorite God of Thunder."

"Lady Delmar, fair as ever. I always had a suspicion I was your favorite."

'Favorite?'

"By default, as you are the only God of Thunder I know," You retorted sarcastically. "How is your arm doing?"

"Amazing! See, good as new."

From the corner of his eye, he could see Thor flexing his arm- presumably the one that had been injured before. Bucky self-consciously touched his right arm. It may be unfair of him to compare himself to a literal God, but he had more muscle than the average man.

'That has to count as impressive, right?'

"That is always good to hear. Do you have an appointment? I didn't see your name down in my books."

"No, thankfully, I am in excellent health. I mean, look at me, perfect as ever, no flaws. Would you not agree?"

'He may be a God, but he isn't indestructible. I've seen him banged up before and it's never pretty,' Bucky felt a little invasive for eavesdropping. But his only other option is to stare at a wall until Cris returns. It didn't help that Thor's voice was loud enough to be heard from several rooms over. Bucky was inclined to say the lack of secrecy was a flaw of God. 'And I would count arrogance as a flaw too. No one is THAT perfect.'

"As your doctor, I am happy you aren't in pain. What really brings you in here?"

"I have a patient for you."

"Really? Whose is this 'oh-so-mysterious' patient?"

"One moment, he has escaped from me."

Thor's loud footsteps could be heard leaving the room.

"Hello there."

'I forget he is able to do that.'

"Loki, is everything alright? Your brother seems to be worried."

A muffled sentence could be heard from the other side of the sliding door. Bucky nearly broke and turned his head. He worried you would judge him if he found out he was listening to the conversation and he was already struggling with trying to make a good first impression.

"He burned his hand on the stove!"

"She didn't need to know that, you goof!"

"Why not? It is normal and important information. How embarrassing said information can be is not for anyone to judge."

"My apologies to him. He insisted I come to undergo your treatment once again."

"He's just looking out for his little brother. It's very sweet of him."

"I have been told I am very kind. Thank you for noticing."

"Let me see your hand," There was a pause in the conversation. Bucky couldn't help but roll his eyes at Thor's incessant flirtatious remarks. He couldn't judge him too harshly. He couldn't count how many times he would shamelessly hang around the health wards during his time in the Army, hoping to woo the women there. "Hm, that looks like a second-degree burn, but it isn't anything I can't treat. Come on back, I'll have you out as quickly as you came in."

"Can I come back too?"

"The person being treated has to make the decision. Loki?"

"I suppose."

"Alright, come on, you two."

"Thank you for being so patient!" Bucky's eyes jolted toward Cris. He was so focused on the conversation behind him that he had forgotten why he was waiting there for him in the first place. "I apologize for the wait. Here you are!" He took the slip of paper in his hands and stared at it. It smelled like a gas station receipt with how pungent the ink stunk in his nose. A code with a website link underneath it was printed in navy blue lettering. Right at the bottom was tomorrow's date and the time of his appointment. "Just follow that site, which will give you access to the client portal. Other than that, I'll be seeing you tomorrow!"

"Thank you, I'll be seeing you."

Bucky awkwardly walked out of the office. The way he darted toward the elevator felt like deja vu. A part of him was scared Cris would clear his throat and call him back.

'I got to get out of here.'

He pressed the elevator and smiled softly when it dinged. The smile was nearly wiped off his face when he saw Sam standing there.

'Of course, it had to be him of all people.'

"Isn't someone a little late to the meeting?"

"Aren't you late too?"

"I'm always late. I thought you were better than this, Barnes."

Bucky chose to stay silent. Sam chuckled and shoved at his arm playfully. He only stared bullets into Sam rather than saying anything.

Another thing that came with reconnecting with Steve was getting along with his friend.

A friend he hated.

Hate was a strong word to Bucky. He doesn't hate anyone. Not even Tony, who, despite finding him annoying beyond belief, he can't find it in him to hate. He can never do that to the man who changed Steve's life. It would be disrespectful.

Sam wasn't Tony. He'd prefer to deal with another Tony than Sam. Tony respected him in some regard despite their strained relationship. Sam, on the other hand, never liked him and never tried to hide that fact.

Bucky would want to say his transparency was admirable, but he'd instead jump off two more buildings than dish Sam a compliment.

"Lighten up, man, it's called a joke. They didn't have that in the forties or something?"

'They did. They were a hell of a lot funnier than you.'

That is what he wanted to say. Instead, he held back a glare and nodded while forcing a smile.

"No, I got it."

"We're set on a mission together in two days," The elevator dinged. Bucky didn't get a chance to move before Sam shoved past him to get in front of the doors. "Try not to get in the way this time."

Bucky huffed as Sam walked off. He locked his jaw trying not to let Sam's childish words get to him.

'"That's just his sense of humor,"' He could already hear Steve telling him. '"If he jokes around with you, that means he likes you.""

'If he was so dang funny why haven't I ever laughed at a single one of his lousy jokes?'

Bucky couldn't help but let out one last huff as he made his way down the blue-lit hallway. The door automatically slid open as he approached. He could hear Steve, Tony, and Bruce talking amongst themselves. 

'This better be quick.'

"Buck, you're alright?"

Steve got up from the briefing table with a grin on his face. Bucky's cheeks tinted. Steve had the habit of sounding like his mother when it came to his woes and it turned him back into a blushing little kid.

'Now I know how Peter feels.'

"Yep, better than ever," Bucky retorted. "About the mission..."

"We just about wrapped up. I sent notes through the portal."

"I'll go over them later then."

"Well, it's still good to see you not squirming anymore.” Steve said, patting his shoulder. “How was meeting Dr. Delmar?”

Those eight syllables pulled the entire room toward him. Loud conversations died down into hushed whispers and the sound of swivel chairs adjusting could only mean one thing: 'They're watching you.'

"So you did take our advice?" Tony cooed. "Truly, I'm touched, Tinman."

Bucky stopped himself from rolling his eyes at the snide comment. Steve didn’t even bother giving his husband the ‘look’ anymore like he used to whenever he poked fun at him. 

"Me? I'm fine," Bucky waved off. As soon as those words left his mouth he saw everyone's eyes were off of him faster than they were ever on him. "Where did you find someone like her anyway?"

"What do you mean?"

Bucky looked away from Steve for a second. His heart beat like a drum against his chest.

‘Why did you say that out loud?’

"I mean, she was talking to Thor and Loki like old pals, I assumed she must be important."

"Sounds like someone's jealous they could talk to people."

"To answer your question, not particularly. She spent years working down at the Veterans Center in Brooklyn before Tony recruited her."

"I’ve heard of that place before. They said it was underfunded as hell, but they’re medical wing was the best in New York."

"(Y/n)'s only accolade before was being a star student. She graduated high school at fifteen, became a licensed physical therapist at nineteen, and became a Doctor by twenty-four."

"Tony, do you mean to tell me you hired teenage protege (y/n) Delmar?" 

"You were in the room when I was researching, how did you only now notice?"

"Still! You should have told me; I would love to meet her!"

In all the time Bucky has conversed with the seven-time doctorate scientist, rarely has he ever seen him this bashful. According to Nat, he’s easily impressed with anyone in the STEM or medical field. 

‘But he’s heard about Delmar before. She isn’t just something, she’s a real hotshot if people like Tony and Bruce are fanatics.’

"I asked you, and you said, to quote, 'I don't have time to meet every new hire.'"

"I was probably brain-dead then because I would never turn down a meeting with THE (Y/N) DELMAR!" Bruce chuckled at himself before using his cupped hand to cover a sigh. "I am a big fan. Did you know her thesis on the benefits of water therapy is the inspiration behind the spa pools I installed in the lounge?” 

"That was the best idea you've ever had by the way,” Tony interjected. “I mean, it’s only logical. Humans used nature to heal centuries ago, why is it such a surprise now that we should incorporate them more in the healing process?”

“It’s incredible stuff! Remember when I read it to you, Nat?”

“Oh, I remember. That was the longest coffee date you’ve taken me on.”

“I heard government agencies were trying to recruit her. I would say it’s a shame she turned them down, but if she didn’t she wouldn’t be working here with us,” Bruce's laugh echoed through the lab. Tony nodded in agreement with his words. Steve and Natasha were side by side and could only pretend to understand what they were conversing about. “I can’t wait to show the lounge to her, I know she’ll be impressed. Right, Nat?”

“Yes, I’m sure she will.”

“So what I’m hearing is she’s too smart for me?”

“On a technical level, yes, I would say she is too intelligent for you.”

Bucky tried to stifle his laugh, but he couldn’t help himself to at least smile at the comment.

"Smarts rarely get you anywhere. You gotta win her with charm, Wilson."

Steve gave Nat a look, but he rolled his eyes in response. 

"What? Look, if you aren't smart enough for a woman you gotta be funny or charming. You gotta have at least ONE."

"Hey, I'm funny!"

"I'd beg to differ." Bucky interjected quickly.

“I don’t recall asking you, Barnes, but noted.”

"Before you go harassing my new hire, keep in mind that Dr. Delmar is a resource for post-mission injuries and inquires only. Don't pester her with needless flirting.”

"She might not want to stick around when she meets you."

"Ha, you're one to talk, Barnes,” An annoying laugh echoed from the walls. Bucky hoped his frown was visible. “When was your last date? 1939?"

"It was actually 1943. You should ask your grandmother how it went."

"Oh yeah?"

"What do you plan to do about it, Wilson?"

A silence lingered amongst the team. Bucky watched Sam approach him from the other side of the room.

‘What do you plan to do?’

"Are you two done?” Tony’s voice boomed through the office. It did little to break the eye contact between him and Sam. “Unless you're in here for a mission, get out!"

"Yeah, Barnes,"

Sam got close to his face. 

Too close. 

The only time somelike like Sam should be this close is if he’s looking for a fight.

‘Don’t try me, Wilson. You won’t like where this will get you.’

Bucky’s chest puffed out from the instinct of the fighting thrill. Bucky wasn’t one to start fights, but he was more than willing to put an end to one.

“Go.”

‘Now he’s asking for it.’

“That’s enough, you two, not even my own son acts this immature! ” Steve managed to separate both of them before either one of them could get a word, much less a punch, in. “Bucky, Sam, I sent you both the briefing notes for Thursday’s mission. Go over them and report to me if there’s an issue. Don’t make me regret choosing you two for this.”

"Whatever."

Bucky turned and left the room without another word. He heard Steve say something to him, but he couldn’t stand to look at Sam’s face any longer.

‘I don’t even know what his problem is. Tony doesn’t treat me this badly!’

He dragged himself back into the elevator and practically smashed the ‘close door’ button. He didn’t want to risk anyone from that room joining him. 

Bucky was angry. He practically fummed as he folded his arms.

‘I gotta get some air.’

Bucky pushed the button for the ground floor and sighed as the shaft descended.

"It’s been a hell of a long day," He muttered to himself. "I can’t wait for it to be over."

The elevator lifted slightly and his eyebrows rose at the floor he was stopping at.

'Third floor. Could it be…'

His heart skipped a beat as the door opened. To his dismay, it wasn’t you, but another one of his teammates.

"What up, Barnes?"

His cheery voice entered the elevator shaft before he did. Bucky forced a slight smile and stepped to the side to let Clint inside.

 "Hey, Barton," He responded half-heartedly. "Did you also get an arrow in your shoulder?"

"What?"

"I saw Pietro earlier, he said he got an arrow stuck in his shoulder?"

"Oh, no nothing like that!" He laughed. "Just came down to greet the new doctor. She’s real a real sweet girl. Have you got a chance to say hi yet?"

"Y-yeah, she treated an injury I had. She’s nice."

"Oh shit, you alright?"

"I fell off a building a couple days back and Steve needs me on a mission with him and Sam in two days."

"Oh shit. How bad was it?"

"Torn muscle, but I'm good as new."

"Glad you’re alright, man, you should have said something before. Remember, we look out for each other, no matter what."

"Thanks."

Clint smiled and faced back towards the door. Bucky held back a sigh. There was something strange about the entire thing. How someone can work with someone else for so long, know everything from their fighting style, their flaws, and fears, yet not know their favorite color is?

Steve would always tell them they’re a big family. They might be HIS family, but who knows what the rest really think about him.

'What’s wrong with you?'

'DING.'

Clint turned toward him and waved as the door split open.

"Take care, man. No more injuries, alright?"

"Bye," Bucky said so quietly he wasn’t sure Clint heard him. The door opened right then and Clint sped off into the cold and gray parking garage. "Good talking to you."

Bucky stood back and watched him for a second before also stepping off away from the elevator. He didn’t bother going further than a few steps before plopping himself on a blue steel bench. 

‘Even if I wanted to go anywhere, I didn’t bring my damn keys.’

Bucky didn’t want to head back to the Tower anytime soon. But he also didn’t want to ride his bike when he was still hot from his conversation with Sam. 

"I just need a few seconds…" He mumbled. "Sam’s just being a dumbass."

He cringed slightly when he heard the small echoes of his muffled words pang through the garage. He didn’t want to know what would happen if someone heard him.

'When did my life become some mellow-dramatic mess?'

A sigh so loud drew out from his lips that it vibrated throughout his body. He could feel every muscle twitch with the force of his own anguish. He rolled back his shoulders and relaxed them. For the first time he noticed how painless he physically felt. 

'It worked,' He exhaled a breathy laugh and ran a hand through his brown locks. 'She really is the best of the best.'

You were not someone he expected to feel fondness for so early. He feared doctors with a passion, but he feared talking to others outside of Steve and Natasha more. It could have been anything really. Your kindness and understanding. The way the water carried his pain away. Or even the way your hands melted onto his warm skin.

'It could have been anything, really.'

He sighed, even louder than before this time.

His life really was a mellow-dramatic mess.

'I have to see her tomorrow too.'

Something about the sentence made his face grow hot. Not with embarrassment, or anger, or anxiety. There wasn’t an ounce of negativity in his face. He was excited, no, ecstatic, at the thought of you, of getting the chance to see you again. 

'What the hell is this feeling?'

[emberedroses]

Hands That Heal [Bucky x Reader]: Chapter 1

Masterlist | Prologue

Summary: You're the Avengers newest all-star Medic. Your life changes when you meet the infamous Bucky Barnes, who is unlike any veteran you've met before in your career.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Doctor!Reader

Word Count: 3.4k

!! Warning: 18+; Minors !!

Chapter Warning: Mentions of anxiety and negative self-talk.

An Ache for a Cure

Bucky is many things. The Winter Soldier. An Avenger. Redemption incarnated.

'Physically injured person' was the last thing he wanted to put on that list.

It literally cost him an arm for his body to be durable. All that suffering meant never having to succumb to the feeling of helplessness and injuries ever again. In his mind, as twisted as it may sound, it was a cruel bonus that came with living in this new reality.

This week, Bucky learned he was not as invincible as he thought.

Though he wished for any explanation other than 'injured,' there was no denying what the throbbing pain in his back was other than an injury. To say that the famed Winter Soldier wasn't a bit concerned would be an understatement. After all, he hadn't had to nurse an ache this bad since the forties.

'A mission that simple should not have left me this fucked.'

Recalling the memory of the situation made the pain ignite all over again. The body never forgives what happens to it. Bucky had learned that the hard way.

He exhaled softly. His mind dwindled back to the mission five agonizing days ago. The strain in his body could not forget the feeling of hitting the floor from what could have been hundreds of feet up.

'It was supposed to be easy.' A sour taste formed in his mouth. 'Why did that have to be the thing to take me out like this?'

Jumping out of that helicopter to take out some pesky guards on the roof was nothing he hadn't done before. He had pulled more dangerous stunts during his deployment in the Army. What he didn't expect, however, was the rigged bombs to hit him the moment he touched the rooftop.

His eyes winced. The helplessness engulfed his mind all over again.

Falling.

Falling.

Falling who knows how many feet down.

He remembers clearly the one question on his mind: "Is the last thing I see going to be the floor or the sky?"

'It all happened so fast,' He wanted to whisper. He was so entranced with his own memories he couldn't move his mouth to say anything. 'I couldn't have done anything.'

His heart pressed heavily against his chest. The air caught in his throat. It felt like a pair of someone's hands were choking him to sit still in place.

'Remember,' It whispered. 'Why couldn't you save yourself?'

Bucky wishes he could forget the way he tried with everything he had to cling onto the side of the building, only to fail. The feeling of anxiousness of knowing what comes next still haunts him. Still, Bucky considers himself lucky that in his moment of panic, he was able to think quickly enough to roll onto his left shoulder. His metal arm cushioned the otherwise hard blow. Still, nothing would have been enough to stop all the pain he's in.

'Why couldn't you save yourself?' The voice repeated. Bucky couldn't move to shake his head in protest. He felt like he would break apart if he escaped its grasp. 'Since when did you become so weak?'

'Since when did I become so weak?'

Bucky knew there was no voice. Nor hands holding him. His anxious mind convinces him this is the doing of someone else. In the end, it is he who tortures his own self.

'Get through the morning. It can't be that hard.'

His injury had other plans. The sharp pain ran from his left shoulder blade down toward his lower back. He pitied himself for not being able to 'walk it off' like usual. Which made mornings like this more frustrating than normal.

'It hurts like all hell,' Bucky felt the thought echo through his pained vessel of a body. He rolled his left shoulder. It didn't alleviate any of the pulsating aches in his muscles. 'How much longer do I have to wait this out?'

"Bucky," A tap to his right shoulder jolted him out of his trance. "Milk or creamer?"

"Huh?"

Bucky blinked up at Steve, who tilted his head and lightly chuckled.

"For your coffee?"

"Oh, sorry, " Bucky breathed out. His eyes bounced around the room, and his face warmed a bit when he realized everyone had a mug in their hand except for him. Even Steve had a full mug for himself next to the coffee machine. "Just two sugars is fine, thanks."

Steve nodded and turned his attention back to the counter. The earthy smell of the coffee filled his nose and melted away the anxious sigh stuck in his throat.

'I have to stop spacing out like this before Steve notices,' Bucky adjusted himself in his seat for what could have been the one-hundredth time that morning. 'But I can barely keep still without something hurting.'

"You alright there, Buck?"

A cup of hot coffee was placed in front of him. He eyed the steam for a moment. He found tranquility in the white whisps floating above the dark brown liquid.

'Maybe a sauna would help me relax my muscles?'

"Bucky?" The blond raised his brow, practically staring Bucky down for answers. In response, the brunette continued staring at the cup before him. "Are you okay?"

"Hm?" Bucky silently thanked Steve for making him the drink and took a sip. The warm and bitter-sweet coffee soothed his otherwise aching body. "Yeah, m'fine."

"You don't seem 'm'fine'"

Bucky looked at Steve, begging him with his eyes to drop the conversation. But with the way Steve had his arms crossed, he knew he was far from dropping anything.

'It's that dad instinct in him, isn't it?'

"You've been squirming all morning."

Bucky took another sip of his coffee. He was far too tired to be dealing with Steve's overprotectiveness at the moment.

"And?"

"And?" Steve's stern voice boomed through the quiet kitchen. Tony and Nat could only sip from the contents of their mugs and eye each other across the room. Everyone, including Bucky, could feel a friendly argument arising. "That's not normal."

"Not to be rude, Tinman, but you've been acting like you have something shoved up your a-"

"Tony," Steve interrupted. In return, Tony flashed his husband a playful smirk. "Please, it's just turned eight."

"Excuse me, dearest, but it's never too early to say ass."

"I'm going to ignore you saying that so I can start my morning off right," Steve pinched the bridge of his nose, earning a snicker from Tony. Bucky watched Nat hide her smile by sipping her coffee, but Bucky knew better than to crack even the slightest smirk. He didn't want to deal with Steve's fuming later. "In all seriousness, you've been readjusting your back since you've sat down. Is it because of what happened on your last mission?"

Bucky stayed silent. He took another long sip of his coffee, not caring about how hot it was. It didn't matter if he downed the entire cup. The silence won't save him from Steve's questions.

It seemed like only yesterday, the roles would have been reversed. If he even saw a bruise on his scrawny little friend, he would have gladly dropped him off at a medic and watched as they provided him the care he was entitled to as an armed soldier. Maybe even rough up the person who dared mess around with him.

Now?

Bucky feels too cowardly to admit to a backache. Hell, it took him a good two days to admit it to himself. How could he say that to Steve? The one person who was able to bring him out of his trance?

He was right. He had become weak. But he could never let anyone know that, let alone Steve.

"I have a teenager at home, I know a 'yes' when I see one."

'Of course he does.'

"Nothing gets by you, does it?"

Bucky smiled sarcastically. Steve leaned against the counter behind him, his arms still crossed. To Bucky's dismay, he wasn't smiling back.

"No, unfortunately."

"You should worry more about your coffee getting cold," Bucky took a last big gulp of his drink before getting up to wash his mug. He stood facing away from the other three in the room. He heard the sound of a drawer open and close from behind him as he turned on the water. He could feel the warmth sizzle against his skin. The thought of a sauna came across his mind again, and he smiled to himself. "But I really am-"

'SNAP.'

Whatever hit his central back brought upon a huge wave of pain. To add insult to injury, the mug he was rinsing off broke in his hand. The only thing he had to be thankful for was that the white porcelain fragments littering the sink didn't knick him. He slammed his hand down to grip the front of the sink as he turned around to face the three.

"What the f-?!" The culprit's face was as smug and all-knowing as ever. "TONY?!"

"Calm down, old man, it was a rubber band."

Bucky's face warmed up with annoyance and aggravation. Though Steve gave him a look, he didn't say anything to the man who had flung a rubber band into his back.

"Steve!" Bucky extended his arm and gestured towards Tony. "Say something to him!"

"Tony, why did you fling a rubber band at Bucky?"

"Clearly to prove that his back was hurting," Tony looked Bucky up and down before scoffing quietly. "Aren't you a little too old to only now be having a bad back?"

"Can you please say sorry to him?"

"I'm sorry your back is hurting, pal," Steve looked at Tony to continue; the shorter man sighed and approached Bucky, who still had his hand tightly gripping the sink. It surprised him when he put his hand on his left shoulder. "Look, if you want whatever pain you're going through to go away, you can see the new medic on base."

'New medic? Since when did we get a new person on base?'

"Tony, that's not an apology."

"Yes, it was; I even threw in some empathy and advice in there; what more do you want from me?"

Bucky could only look on, unamused. He knew Tony would rather jump off a cliff before apologizing to anyone, especially to him. It was no secret between them that their tolerance of one another was built upon their love for Steve. To Bucky, Steve was his blood brother, and thankfully, the feeling was so mutual that his son knows him as 'Uncle Bucky.'

The resentment mostly boiled down to the fact that, whether he was all there or not, he was responsible for the death of his parents. Bucky understood that it must be hard having to be cordial with the man who killed his parents. But at the same time, how could Tony be blind to the fact that he never asked to be a vessel for HYDRA's wrongdoing?

'Wait, Tony wants me to see a doctor?'

The proposal was so unlike Tony's character. He was used to his sarcasm and his selfish remarks, but rarely did he ever show 'empathy' toward him.

Steve looked just as fed up with the situation as Natasha did. The three men were so invested in their conversation with one another that they practically forgot that Nat was still observing them.

"Geez," Steve looked just as fed up with the situation as Natasha did. Bucky was so invested in his conversation with the two that he forgot Nat was still observing them. "Can we not have peaceful mornings anymore?"

"Not in this tower," Natasha laughed as she walked over to the coffee machine and picked up the entire glass pot. "I'll be in Bruce's lab. Feel free to continue whatever is happening here without me."

Bucky awkwardly waved Natasha off as the rest softly bidded her goodbye.

"Since when did we get a new medic?"

"Right, you and the some of the others were on mission when Dr. Delmar was introduced. They're," Steve's voice trailed off, and he turned to Tony for assistance as he shrugged. "well?"

"A different kind of doctor from what we have on base."

Bucky's eyebrows raised, unimpressed.

"Different?"

"They're a physiotherapist, and I have them on staff for post-mission injuries that do not require emergency treatment. Such as sprains, aches, broken bones, stuff that doesn't involve getting stitched up or undergoing surgery."

'Why would I go see a physical therapist for a backache?'

"Nat was one of their first patients. Remember when she got her ribs broken?" Bucky nodded. He wasn't there when it happened, but from what Steve told him, she was in pretty bad shape. "She was up and back on her feet the next day, like nothing happened."

'She's just about as scared as doctors as I am. If she was okay with it, maybe it won't be so bad?'

Bucky still couldn't shake off the feelings of anxiety that came with doctors. The idea of being strapped down and pricked and prodded like an object reminded him too much of HYDRA.

"Yep, Dr. Delmar is really good at what they do, which is why I hired them when I did."

"I'm not sure. Doctors and I don't partially mix well."

Bucky still couldn't shake off the feelings of anxiety that came with doctors. The idea of being strapped down and pricked at like an object reminded him too much of HYDRA.

"I don't employ just anyone off the side of the road, Tinman. If you're under Stark Industries, they're the best in the business."

'There he is. I knew he was holding one in for me,' Bucky pursed his lips at the semi-insulting remark. He nervously tucked some of his brown strands behind his ear, finally lifting his hand off the sink. He turned his attention to the mess he had made and wanted to sigh at how much of a pain it would be to clean up. 'Maybe Steve's right. What if it isn't that bad?'

A part of Bucky hated how anxious he had become post-HYDRA. Back in the forties, Bucky was the pinnacle of confidence. He had it all. The guts got him into the Army in the first place, and the glory got him all the girls he could dream of. He is but a shell of that self now. But the apprehension is the only thing that keeps him sane.

'But, then what if it is?'

"There's no harm in getting checked out," Steve interjected. "Worst-case scenario, you pulled something and you'll have to take it slow for the next few days. But you won't know if you don't go and see someone."

Bucky slowly nodded at Steve's reply. He didn't even avert his eyes to look at him.

'What if I'm overreacting and I don't need to seek care? I won't be able to show my face in their office again.' Bucky readjusted his back again. The pain wasn't utterly unbearable as the first few days, but it was irritating him beyond belief. He let out a shaky exhale that only made the pain more intense. 'Or, what if it's something worse? Something the doctors can't even help me with? What will happen to me then? Is there even a cure for something like me?'

"There he goes again," Bucky shot Tony an annoyed look. He was too busy sipping his coffee to pay attention to his reaction. Then again, it wasn't like he would care if Bucky gave him a dirty look. They both know they exchange worse gestures with each other on a daily. "We can't force you to do anything, but just so you know, what she does works. Steve and I shadowed them for a bit to ensure they would be a good fit for everyone on the team."

Steve nodded in agreement.

"Dr. Delmar is a sweetheart, Buck. You'll be in good hands."

"Maybe."

"Maybe, he says," Tony snickered as he took another sip of his coffee. "Though, if you do decide to go, which is highly advised, might I add, the healing process you will undergo is-"

"It can be a bit intense, Buck. I've seen it, and it will be unlike anything you have experienced, but it works. That's what ultimately matters in the end."

The look Steve gave Bucky as he spoke unsettled him. Being so stern was so out-of-character for the capitan he knew that he should take his word as nothing short of fact.

'Seems to me that they might not all be that 'sweet'.' Bucky can feel his heart speed up a little. 'Still, what the hell do they plan to do to me that has Steve giving me that kind of ominous warning?'

Tony cleared his throat, and the attention in the room geared toward him.

"Before I was rudely interrupted. Dr. Delmar's treatments differ from the traditional methods you would get with our current medical staff. Trust me, it isn't as terrifying as he makes it out to be."

"I figured it would ease you a bit by being more upfront about it than technical."

"I appreciate it."

Bucky couldn't help but feel weak. How couldn't he? He never needed to be 'eased in' by anyone before. Even Steve's reassurances that 'he has never felt sorry for him' get harder to believe when he does things like 'baby proof' his words.

'It gets so confusing, things like these. I feel afraid, but I don't want Steve to know that. I don't want him to constantly feel the need to be responsible for my own security.'

"Here," Steve gently grabbed Bucky by his his injured arm, leading him away from the sink. Bucky followed the pace of the pull and took a few steps forward as he went back to the other end of the counter. "Let me clean this up for you, and you can think about what you want to do. Sounds good?"

Bucky could only nod. He whispered a quiet 'thank you' to Steve as he walked towards the elevator. The soft patter of his boots filled the room. It was tranquil for those few seconds and Bucky's mind began to wonder onto what decision he wanted to make. That was until he heard Tony clear his throat for the second time. Bucky froze up before turning around to face the two. Steve was too busy picking out the shards to pay any mind to the conversation between them.

"If you decide to go, Delmar's office is on the third floor at the end of the hall. You'll know when you see it."

Bucky pursed his lips, trying to muster a smile. But he wanted nothing more than to dart into the elevator before Tony cleared his throat for the third time.

"I'll see."

Bucky made his way to the elevator and nearly celebrated when the doors opened, revealing it to be empty. He scurred inside and didn't bother to look at either Steve or Tony. As the doors closed, he collapsed against the walls and nearly sighed in relief.

'Glad that is over with,' Bucky rubbed his chest. It was a self-soothing habit he'd had since breaking free from HYDRA and, ironically, one that he had picked up from Tony. 'Do I even want to bother going to this mission briefing?'

Bucky looked at the panel of buttons. His eye fixated on the bottom row.

'Third floor at the end of the hall,' Tony's words repeated themselves in his head. He has ignored every face, remark, and gesture the man has made toward him for years. Bucky found his own desperation annoying. 'Well, at least Steve is right. It doesn't hurt to get checked out.'

Bucky softly pressed the silver 'three' button, and the elevator dinged in response. He exhaled heavily as he felt his body ascending down towards the bottom of the tower.

'It won't be that bad. Steve wouldn't lie to you.'

The elevator dinged again, and Bucky felt his heart rate pick up. He rubbed his chest again until the doors opened back up, and he quickly moved his hand away in fear someone would see him.

As Tony had said, he couldn't miss the brightly lit white opening at the end of the hallway.

Bucky could smell salt and mint in the air while walking up. The soft, white lights gleamed on his face. Taking in the scenic office, he only had one thing on his mind: 'I could only hope it won't be as bad as I think.'

[emberedroses]

Hands that Heal [Bucky x Reader] Masterlist

Summary: You're the Avengers newest all-star Medic. Your life changes when you meet the infamous Bucky Barnes, who is unlike any veteran you've met before in your career.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Doctor!Reader

Introduction Arc:

Prologue: Holy Shit, You're Iron Man

Chapter 1: An Ache for a Cure

Chapter 2: The Doctor Is In

[emberedroses]

Hands that Heal [Bucky x Reader]: Prologue

Masterlist

Summary: You're the Avengers newest all-star Medic. Your life changes when you meet the infamous Bucky Barnes, who is unlike any veteran you've met before in your career.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Doctor!Reader

Word Count: 3.9k

!! Warning: 18+; Minors DNI !!

Holy Shit, You're Iron Man

Your vision blurred under the white office lights. You wrist and hand strained as you held the pen you were working with. You had been sitting down for so many hours you felt that you would buckle under your weight if you decided to stand up. 

'What time is it?'

Your tired eyes darted toward your phone that was turned over next to you. You reach to turn it over and lazily tap on the screen twice. The blue light illuminates over your glossy eyes and you forced a painful breath out at the sight of the hour.

'11:12 p.m.'

You sighed and returned your attention back to the mountain of charts and forms in front of you. You have been in your office since seven in the morning and you hadn't had a break since one that afternoon. You were used to staying an hour or two after closing, but because of a bad hiring decision, you were stuck doing the paperwork of the five new staff hires. You were close to finishing, but what really got to you is that, no what what time you finish, you were still expected to show up at seven a.m. to open tomorrow.

'I told them it was a bad idea to hire so many interns! But no, it's 'good business',' You felt the heat go to your face as you chugged the rest of your (favorite flavor) energy drink. You shook you head and resumed your internal argument. 'They get paid peanuts so of course I'm not going to let them stay any overtime no matter how much the boss pressures them into doing so. Even if they did, it's not like it would be any good for our patients. They don't have enough experience to be giving complicated treatments to these people, why does he insist of letting them be in charge of doing anything other than paper work?' 

If it were any other day, the senior therapist, Liliana, would be here with you, but she had stayed up with you for the past two weeks and you say how badly it was starting to effect her. You managed to convince the boss to have her leave early. It was a miracle within itself that he said 'yes' at all. 

'Thirty more minutes. I can hold out for another thirty minutes.'

Your eyelids might as well have been bricks as you struggled to keep them open. You eyes fixated on the white page in front of you, but your vision began to blur and your mind was cloudy from exhaustion. You couldn't even make out the words in front of you.

'Just thirty more minutes.'

"Dr. Delmar?" 

You yelped and your body literally jolted itself into awareness. You turned your head towards the source of the robotic voice calling you. Your skin grew cold as your recognized who was at your door. 

"Holy shit!" You quickly cover you mouth, mortified that you dared to utter profanity at the man in front of you. "I am so sorry, Mr. Iron Man, sir!" 

You wanted to sink down to your knees before the man in the glistening crimson and gold suit. It wouldn't erase what you said to him, but you thought the gesture would have at least made him go easy on you.

'Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck, what did I do to get IRON MAN's attention?'

Deciding against embarrassing yourself further, you removed your hand from your mouth and shakily place your hands on your desk.

"Well, Dr. (y/n), you have no idea how many of my resources I've exhausted into finding you, my dear." 

"O-oh, re-really? Me? Wow," You didn't know whether to be flattered or deathly afraid. You knew the type of people Iron Man and his team of Avengers hunted. No matter what, if they were looking for you, it meant nothing good. "He-hey, I'm not in any trouble, am I?" 

A robotic laugh echoed through the room. Your shoulders raised slightly, unsure of how to interrupt it. He tapped on the side of his head, and the armored mask he was wearing disappeared and collapsed into the metal hem of his suit. Out of you own exhaustion you gasped seeing the man hiding in the 'iron' suit.

'Fuck, it's him.'

Before you knew it, the myth himself smiled at you. Your cheeks grew warm at the sight of his pearly white teeth. The effect Tony Stark had on others astounded you since you first day you ever saw him on TV. You never thought that the same man who had you starstruck as a teenager would be standing in front of you. 

"Trouble? No, no, no, don't get this twisted. It wasn't 'that' kind of looking for. No, you see, you've peaked my interest for quite some time. In fact, ever since I first saw your picture in the paper," Tony raised his wrist toward his chin and began typing something onto it. A blue holographic image projected a newspaper article with your picture in it along with the headline, 'NEW YORK NATIVE BECOMES DOCTOR AT 23.' "You have quite the resume too. You were a high school graduate at fifteen, yet you still went to a community college and was a licensed physiotherapist at nineteen. I'm sure it didn't surprise anyone when you received your doctorates at twenty-three. That's the average age of a medical student in the United States, I assume you know that, right?"

"Y-yeah, it took a lot of hard work to get to where I am."

 You tried not to sound too arrogant in front of Tony Stark. The last thing you wanted was to bite the hand that served you so many nice compliments. At the same time, you couldn't stop stuttering as your words dragged themselves out because of your own exhaustion. 

"I'm sure," He chuckled lightly. "I read your thesis on the healing properties of water and cold therapy. Quite interesting."

"That is a huge compliment coming from you, sir," His eyebrow raised as you sputtered out the sentence. You've always wanted to talk to the one and only Tony Stark, but never thought he would be handing you so many compliments at once. Which begged the question, 'What is it that he wants?' "I-I did want to thank you for something though. My major didn't qualify for a grant under Stark Industries, but I still used the open textbook resources from your foundation that saved me hundreds of dollars. If it weren't for you, I don't know how much debt I would be in." 

"Funny you bring that up. You're a doctor, yet, you're almost four-hundred thousand dollars in debt, nearly twice the national average for someone at your level." 

Your felt something in your chest twist. A shiver prodded at your spine. No one, not even your own dad, knew about your loan debt. How was it that Tony Stark, Iron Man himself, knew?

"H-how did you-?"

"Likely, it's because you hold employment here. Hell, you're basically volunteering your time since you get paid pennies a week compared to what you could be making opening a private practice or working through insurance."

"I-I," You stood up quietly, the room filing with the sound of your own joints popping from how long you have been sitting down. You cringed slightly. You wanted to defend yourself and the people you work for. But you find that hard to do when you own patients tell you that you work too hard or your co-workers try to convince you that you are far too overqualified for this place. You eyes dart to a framed photo at the corner of the desk, and you remembered why you could never part from this place. "I can't leave."

"Can't?" You gulped. He shook his head and gave you a look that said 'you have to be kidding me'. The corners of your mouth formed an uncomfortable frown as he continued to speak. "From testimony from your boss and co-workers, you do a pretty damn good job given the shitty pay."

'The boss said that? About me?' You refrained yourself from bursting out laughing. 'Well, I'd sing praises too if Iron Man was in front of me.'

"Hence why I'm here. Look, Dr. Delmar, I would like to give a job opportunity you can't refuse."

"What?"

"I tend to scout only the best of the best. Which is why I employ the people that I do. The best spies, the best scientists, the best medics. We at the Avengers only want the BEST so we can do the BEST work for the world," Your eyes felt shaky. You never knew they could vibrate against your skull like they did. Then again, you've never felt an emotion like this before. A brew of excitement and guilt. You clung onto his pausing breath like a nervous child latched onto their parents legs. You and this child  had something in common: you both fear what come next if you let go. "Which is why I want you to work for my team." 

"You-you have to be joking?" 

'Right?' 

"Our employee benefits are amazing too, may I add. Having a billionaire philanthropist for a boss has its unspoken perks," He seemed to be proud of that sentence as place a hand over his right collarbone. "You get all the basic stuff, medical and mental health services, and amazing retirement plans," He looked up, seemingly lost in his own words. "Oh, dental, that one is important nowadays!"

'He's not joking.' 

"We offer generous maternity leave, paid leave, paid vacation time, paid overtime!" 

'Paid overtime? I-I could get out of debt with that!'

You looked over at the picture again. His face haunted you. You sighed in defeat.

"T-this is a great honor to be offered a position like this from you of all people," You shook your head. Your chest felt heavy, as you looked over at Tony's patient face. "But I'm sorry, I can't go through with it."

"There is one more benefit that I haven't mentioned. Under Stark Industries, and working for the Avengers, you access to top-tier lawyers in case of any-" Tony paused to look at you. You averted his gaze for the first time in you two talking. Law talk always made you uncomfortable. "Mishaps that happen in and out of Avengers Headquarters. You know how damaging it could be to a reputation if something where to come out about you and your practices." 

"What are you saying, Mr. Stark?"

"See, I didn't just find out about you through the paper. It was through an underground investigation done by a private investigator employed by me. From what I was able to gather, you've been busy in places outside of the Veteran's Center,"

'What?'

"I have hundreds of pages of evidence that you have the unique ability to heal using water." 

"No, wh-what are you talking about?" 

"For instance, the Gabrielle Salazar case."

It was a name you knew well. A name you associate with your greatest feat: healing what cannot be healed.

Gabrielle's father, Moses, was an active-duty Marine and a friend of your dad's. His daughter is nearly eight years younger than you and only a toddler when you first met her. As you both grew up, you were always too busy with school to get to know her well, except when you would overhear a conversation between Moses and your dad about Gabrielle's muscle condition that was slowly killing the girl. When you began to first use your abilities to heal, your parents ensured that they kept their circle small and only allowed you to heal people within the family. Even that came with its restrictions, as they only let you cure minor injuries like the occasional scrap or minor burn. You were only months away from receiving your license when your dad came to you asking if you could attempt to heal Gabrielle as her condition was on the verge of worsening. It took a week of small and straining sessions, but you got her to walk again.

'What does he know about Gabbie?' 

"She was diagnosed with minor form muscle dystrophy that effected her ability to walk. She was wheelchair bound and because of lack of money from her parents, her condition was worsening. In the matter of one week, to the surprise of her doctors, she walked into their office for a general check up. She hasn't had any complication since,"

'How does he know about her story?'

"They cited physical therapy as the cure to their daughters condition, but failed to say who they went to go see. Here," It was a video of you helping Gabrielle walk. Your breath hitched as you heard your dad laughing at the miracle that was happening before everyone's eyes. "That's you, isn't it?"

You stared at Tony, who was still watching the video. You didn't know what to do, nor say, nor think. You're mind was foggy. So many emotions were rising within you, that all you could do was stare.

'What is he planning to do with that video? With Gabrielle?' 

"H-hey, look, I'm licensed, you can't put anything on me." 

"Not at the time. You were given your license in July of XX15. The Gabrielle case took place two months prior. You can go to jail for upwards of sixty years for practicing without a license as well as medical malpractice. Or worse, get you licensed suspended indefinitely." 

"How did you-?" 

"We like to keep track of those with special abilities in the area. It's a precautions we have to take to ensure there is no abuse done by those with said powers,"

'Abuse? I don't abuse my abilities?' You thought back for a moment, thinking of every patient you have healed. You shook you head softly and held back an annoyed huff. 'I would rather die than abuse my powers.'

"Your powers caught my attention. The ability to heal with water? Why would I not want that on my team?" 

"Mr. Stark, is this-?" 

"What, blackmail? No, my dear, I wouldn't dream of such a thing!" His empty chuckles rattled your core. You hated being this powerless. But you knew better than try to pick any argument with an Avenger. You had to measure out your words, especially since you were so exhausted, you couldn't afford to ruin your life over a couple of petty words. "But I am saying that I am a technical mandated reporter. Being one of the heads of the Avengers after all. I can't condone crimes as serious as this one. I know you heard the government isn't too kind with those with special powers."

You paused. Weighing your options.

Option One: You refuse, and lose your license and possibly go to jail for the crime of treating someone without a medical license. Not only that, since you also have 'crazy' abilities. You know more than anyone that the American Government doesn't take kindly to that sort of thing. You'd be put away in a special holding facility for the rest of your days.

Option Two: You go into an environment where you are free to openly use your power of healing for the Avengers. 

It seemed so simple to you, but there was still another thing holding you back. 

'Apa,' A smiling face beamed at you from the frame. You can see your own waist in the reflection. 'Your eyes hold so much life in this shot. Why can't you be here to tell me what to do?'

"Um," You hesitated voice broke the silence. "The folks at this center need me. I can't abandon them like this." 

"Oh, not to worry. I'm ensuring that there are qualified therapists to take your place and make sure the quality for care is improved for every veteran who walks in here to seek care. As of now, I donated a sum of money for this center to add a new mental health wing."

"What?" You squeaked. "Are you serious? That's amazing!" If it weren't for your own body aching with sleep depravation, you would have been jumping for joy at the news. For years, you and the other staff that would come and go would advocate for a mental health center to be added to the center, and hearing that it would finally be a reality nearly brought a tear to your eye. "Mr. Stark, you didn't have to do that, but thank you! I know that everyone here appreciates what you're doing!" 

"I'm aware. It pleases me to know that you deeply care about the patients at this facility. I could tell you care a lot about this place."

"More than you'll know, Mr. Stark."

"I'm going to do everything in my power to ensure this place is improved when you leave."

'I'm really going through with this, aren't I?'

"So," Tony stuck out his hand and the armor over it recoiled and stopped just above his elbow. "What do you say?" 

'There is no reason in me staying if there are going to better staff,' You eyed the picture again. A soft smile appeared on you lips at the sight of it. 'It's not like I'll be gone forever. No one can pull me away from this place.'

You approached Tony who was still near the door with his hand out. You felt him flinch underneath you as you shook his hand. The warmth soothed your whole being, making you more tired. You were so sure you would collapse, but the excitement of a new path kept your still. 

"You have a deal," He smiled again. "Just give me two weeks to put in my notice." 

"Perfect, that gives me ample time to set up your office," 

'An office? Of my own?'

"We can schedule a time for you to come by and have some input on the interior design of it, but for now, you can choose some staff to help you run the place. Just forward their information to me so they can properly be vetted out by my team," 

'My own staff? That I can choose on my own? It's like I'm a real doctor!' You nearly collapsed within yourself at the painful revelation appearing in your own thoughts. 'I am a real doctor. I hadn't realized how restricted I've been for the three years I've been in practice.'

"Other than that, leave me your contact information and we can schedule a meeting with the Capitan and I. That way we can properly go over your duties at Avengers Tower, as well as get your contract and base pay sorted out."

"Of course," You went back to your desk and opened a drawer. You pulled out three business cards and almost tripped over your own feet when walking back over to him. "Here's my information. I gave you three just in case." 

"I look forward to speaking to you in the future, Doctor." 

"As do I, Mr. Stark." 

He smiled and pressed a button on his suit that secured his mask back on. You could nearly see your own reflection in the golden face plate.

"Have a good night." 

"You too!"

You waved your new boss goodbye, and as soon as you saw his silhouette disappear, you nearly lunged yourself towards your phone. You pressed the green 'telephone' icon and quickly dialed a number you knew by heart.

"Cristóbal? Are you busy?" 

'Eh, um, es que estoy con mis jefes ahorita, porque?*

"I have an offer for you."

~~ ~~

The past two weeks were a blur. You already signed a contract with Mr. Stark, your office at Avengers Tower was ready to be used, and you already had your assistant nurse ready for when you begin on Monday.

For now, you were relishing the last time you would come into the Veteran's Center as an employee.

You stood in the center of a room a room full of former and current patients as well as your co-workers and boss. Everyone had already had time to pull you aside and say their goodbyes. You held back tears hearing some of the stories your former patients have told you because of what you did for them. Even better, your usually bitter boss unexpectantly gave you a nice bottle of wine to celebrate your new job venture. 

You kept saying to yourself that things would be okay, but you still felt a sense of guilt by leaving this place. 

'This was his place too. And it will always be apart of me,' You took a sip of sparking apple cider. Due to there being a presence of veterans, alcoholic beverages were prohibited on the property. Not that it mattered. No one could turn down a crisp sip of sparkling cider. 'I could never leave forever.'

One of the newer interns, Asia, got up on a white folding chair and banged a spoon against a plastic champagne cup.

"I propose a toast, to our favorite doctor," Another intern, Jackson, handed her a glass of sparkling cider. "So cheers, to Dr. (y/n) Delmar!"

"FOR DR. (Y/N) DELMAR!"

"Yay!"

"Don't go!"

A collective laugh erupted in the office. You couldn't help but speak up at the sentiment.

"You all act like I'm leaving forever, you know I'll be back in no time to visit and volunteer when I can."

A blonde woman still decked out in her fuchsia scrubs approached you, crying. Liliana was a good friend to you, as well as your mentor. You've known her since you were a child sitting by yourself in the waiting room and she took you under her wing when you began your career as in intern at the Veteran's Center. Seeing her pale face flushed red because of her crying made some tears prick in the corners of your eye. 

"We know, but it won't be the same!" A blonde woman still decked out in her nurse uniform approached you, crying. Liliana was a good friend to you, sticking by you since the moment you were an intern. Seeing her crying made some tears prick in the corners of your eye. "Let us have this moment, (y/n)!"

You laughed at some tears rolled down your warm cheeks. She place the ginger ale she had been sipping on atop of one of the party table. She made you take a few steps back as she threw her arms around you. You, instinctively, wrapped your arms around her waist. 

"Okay, Liliana," She buried her wet face in the crook of your neck. If it weren't for the navy blue turtleneck you were wearing, she would have gotten slobber all over your skin. Your face warmed as you patted her back. "Whatever you want."

Memories of the endless days and nights you would spend in the office together poured over you. You gripped her tighter and whispered some faint 'thank yous' into the air between you.

"Me llamas, y no te olvides de nosotros, okay?"*

"Ya se, nunca olvidaré de todo este lugar me ha dado,"* You whispered into her ear. "Thank you for getting me here."

"Stop!" She stepped back to face you. Her black mascara and some of her blue eyeshadow was smudged around her tired, aging eyes. Still, her beauty shined through her wide smile. "You'll ruin my make up again!"

"Sorry!"

"I forgive you," She pulled you again, even tighter this time. You felt her love illuminating through each beat of her heart. You sunk, limp in her presence. "Just visit us soon, okay?"

You breathed out a breath you've been holding in all night. Finally, you felt at peace in her warm embrace.

'A new start.'

=== 

Translations (in order of appearance)***:

1. 'Well, um, I'm with my parents right now, what's up?'

2. "Call me, and don't forget about us okay?"

3. "I know, I could never forget what this place has given to me."

[emberedroses]

Meme #4

McCree after learning basic Spanish from Reyes:

[emberedroses]

Meme #2

Reyes after he found McCree