A Distant Memory (Remastered)

~ return ~

"Exactly that," you chuckled.

Rhodey's expression changed when he saw you both. Deeper concern.

"Glad you're safe now. Well done." He hugged you, offered a hand to Thor, then noticed the sling.

Thor let out a small laugh.

Each reunion warmed you. Gave you breath. These people—you'd come home for them. And yet...

There was something in their eyes. Like they were searching for the old versions of you. And realizing they were gone.

Because they were.

Dhaka had taken something.

You stood a little straighter. Spoke a little quieter. Smiled, but it didn't reach your eyes. Not yet.

Then you felt it.

That shift in the room.

That pull.

Your gaze moved past the conversations, past the group of old friends catching up around you—and landed on him.

Bucky.

He stood near the far wall in the back of the kitchen area, half-shrouded in shadow, alone. Knowing he wasn't welcome in that reunion.

He didn't move. Just watched. His arms were crossed tightly against his chest like a barrier, his jaw clenched. Like he was bracing for something. His eyes were locked on you.

You froze.

The last time you saw him, he wasn't him. He was the Winter Soldier.

That look in his eyes—cold, controlled—haunted your nightmares.

He saw the change in your face. Saw the recognition—the fear. And in that second, he looked like he'd been punched. His shoulders dropped. His arms loosened, like he wanted to say something... but couldn't.

He didn't come closer.
Didn't call out.
Didn't dare.

Three years. Three years of love. Three years of shared glances and late-night whispers.
Gone in an instant. The second he lost control.

You hadn't seen him since.

You didn't know the work he'd done.
The therapy. The endless hours with Shuri, removing the last of Hydra's grip on his mind. You didn't know that he hadn't stopped fighting since you left.

But you saw it now, the aftermath, in pieces.

His hair was shorter. His beard was trimmed. He looked strong.
Composed.
Like someone who finally believed in himself again.

But none of that erased what happened.

Not yet.

Not for you.

He held his gaze. A faint smile and gentle nod.

Just enough to say: I see you. I'm glad you're back

You stood beside Thor, your hand brushing his. He didn't say anything. He didn't need to. Thor's jaw tightened at the sight of him. Looking away and starting a conversation with Bruce before he said something he'd regret.

Then, from the side of the room, someone stepped forward—Happy Hogan.

You could feel your eyes gloss over. The lump in your throat, shaking to stop the tears.

Happy had been there before the team. Before the missions. Before Bucky. Before any of it.

He was your day one. Out of everyone in the room.

He didn't say anything at first. Just opened his arms.