the only exception

chapter one: i can't let go of what's in front of me

But then, he looks at her, thinking of all of the ways she was trying to cover up the situation. He hates it, knowing that something is there, but that it can't be fully addressed.

"Is everything... good? Are we good?" He asked her, calmly, taking another bite and chewing.

"Yeah, we're all great, Bob, why wouldn't we be?"

"Every time I try to bring it up," he began, "you cut me off, but you've been... looking at me in kind of... a weird way all afternoon..."

"Maybe it's because I like hanging out with you, silly."

"But you keep cutting me off, Yelena. Why?"

"Please, don't overthink it, Bob, I— I just like being your friend, I like your company."

"I can't help but overthink everything, Yelena. And I like being around you, too. We... we're on the same page with that." he added. "Why cut me off, then?"

"You heard what I said. I like your company. No need to... make it awkward between us."

"I'm not making it awkward!" He exclaimed. "You're confusing me, Yelena..." he furrowed his brows, quietly pushing his styrofoam container to the side. "If it isn't a big deal, why make it a big deal by cutting me off? I'm confused," he whispered, wiping at his hands with a towel.

Yelena, noticing that he had pushed his food to the side, frowned. Because he's right. He's totally right.

He deserves to know. But she's afraid. Afraid of opening up. Afraid of the love that's forming inside of her heart.

"I..." she began, looking into his tired, pleading eyes.

"I really—- oh, Bob. Shit," she laughed, her eyes now dancing around the room. She's anxious. Sweet, lovable Bob. If only he knew.

Bob blinked, his eyes darting between her and the half-eaten plate of chicken tenders. "Yeah? Just— say it. You're making me... nervous. Please. Did I do something wrong? Just tell me... please... I... I need to know..."

"I really l—-" she started, but the door opened, revealing John Walker with his arms filled with groceries— Bucky Barnes trailing behind him, quietly adjusting his robotic arm.

"Am I interrupting something?" John Walker asked, laughing.

Bucky looked towards the two of them, at Bob's puzzled face, and then at Yelena, who looks like she's trying to say something. He sets the groceries down, looking at John Walker with a swift nod.

"Yeah, is... everything alright?" he looked towards Bob.

Bob buried his face into his palms, taking in a deep breath. "I'm going to go on a walk for a while."

He slung his messenger bag over his shoulder, slowly making his way to the floor. He grabbed the styrofoam container and the soda, placing them in the fridge.

"You're going for a walk in... in that?"

"No," he said, removing his robe and slippers and heading upstairs. "I just... need some fresh air," he replied. In a few minutes, he rushed down the steps in some sneakers and gym shorts, wearing a hat and the same band tee.

"Bob," Yelena tried, reaching for his arm.

"I don't want to talk right now," he said softly, gently moving her to the side. "Please. I need..." he looked outside at the busy streets of New York. "... I need a walk."

She doesn't understand you, a voice mocked him. No one understands you.

He parted his lips, his eyes becoming glassy.