You and Bucky had been a couple once, but a few months ago, he pulled away, burdened by his past. Convinced you deserved better, he ended things. Now, as fellow Avengers, you saw each other daily, though it still felt strange.

You had moved on—at least, that’s what everyone believed. Your new boyfriend was nothing like Bucky. He was controlling, jealous, possessive. But you never told anyone, especially not Bucky.

"So, you’re happy with him?" Bucky’s voice was neutral as he walked beside you toward your car, though his protectiveness never faded.

You turned to him, forcing a smile. "Yes, I am very happy. Thank you for asking." You pulled your jacket around your shoulders, but you knew—he didn’t believe you.

Bucky stopped abruptly, his hand closing around your arm—firm, but gentle. "You really expect me to believe that? That you’re happy? That you’re in love?"

You met his gaze, your chest tightening under the weight of it all. "I am happy, and I am in love." you insisted, pulling your arm free from his tight grip, even as the words rang hollow.

Bucky stepped in front of you, blocking your way. His eyes darkened with suspicion. "Come on, doll. I know you too well."

You sighed, shaking your head as you folded your arms. But he wasn’t giving up like always.

"I know what you look like when you’re in love." His voice was firm, his gaze unrelenting.

Without thinking, you fired back. "Maybe you don’t know me anymore."

Then, you walked past him, leaving him standing there. But as you reached your car, he caught a glimpse of it—a bruise on your arm. His jaw clenched. He knew exactly where it came from.

And your boyfriend? He was about to have a problem with bucky now.