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You feel the cold night air against your skin as you stand outside the Avengers compound. You stand in complete silence, afraid to wake one of the other residents. Most would find it bizarre being awake at this hour, however you find it to be the only time you can think clearly. You listen to the sounds of the night. Crickets chirp in the field in front of you, the quiet hum of the flood lights.
Suddenly you feel a set of eyes on your back, staring at you. You turn around to see a figure in the doorway of the compound. The figure approaches, you now recognize him as Bucky, the newest resident of the compound.
“Hey.” You say as he stops beside you.
“Hey,” he responds “couldn’t sleep. You?”
“Ya, couldn’t sleep. Needed to go somewhere to think.” You responded.
“I hope I’m not interrupting.” He says in an almost concerned tone.
“No of course not!” You reply as to assure him his presence isn’t a burden.
You both stand in silence. You think about asking Bucky why he can’t sleep, but you can pretty much guess. You’ve heard talk about his night terrors. The flashbacks, the trauma, the pain. You feel it’s best not to mention it.
“I’m gonna head back in. You coming?” You ask, breaking the silence.
“I’m going to stay out a bit longer.” He responds, staring out into the night.
“Alright.” You say turning towards the compound. “Please try to get some sleep.”
“Okay.” He replies. You begin to open the door but then hear a voice from behind you. “Y/N.” Bucky says. You turn to look at him. “Thanks.” He says.
“For what?” You ask, curious as to what he means.
“For not asking. For just letting me be alone yet not alone. The others always ask about the nightmares and pry for answers but not you. So, thank you for that.” As he says that you feel glad you chose not to ask.
“Anytime.” You reply with a smile. You see the slightest smile cross his face as well. “Good night!” You say as you open the door.
“Goodnight.” He responds. You walk back to your room in a far better mood than when you left.