Chapter Text
Darcy sat at the window, her head in her hands, watching the raindrops hitting the glass, leaving little water lanes on the way down. She always was fascinated by a good thunderstorm, the clouds turning the day into darkness, and the lightning drawing complex patterns in the sky. It was violent, sometimes pure destruction, yet it washed away the dirt, leaving the unique earthy smell when it cleared. Thunderstorms deserved the title of the force of nature. But not this afternoon. It was merely raining. She wasn’t complaining. They needed the rain. The steady drum of the raindrops and watching the patterns they left on her window was like meditating. A warm, regenerative calm washed over her. She forgot the world around her.
Bucky smiled softly at his friend. It was rare to see her this calm and relaxed. The world they lived in had left its mark on all of them.
He ignored the gentle flutter of butterflies in his belly as he wanted to her. She deserved sunshine in her life. And he was more like the current weather outside, overcast and raining. It didn't stop him from being her friend and caring for her. He dropped one of the two hot chocolates in his hand before her and a blanket over her shoulder.
She blinked at him like he just woke her up. She took the cup in her hands and inhaled the sweet smell of his offering, lips curling in a pleased smile. "Thank you."
Bucky only nodded at her, tugging at the blanket till it covered her shoulders properly before turning to leave.
Darcy caught his hand, gently squeezing it. "Stay. The blanket is big enough for both of us. Watch the rain with me."
The soft flutter of the butterflies was gone and replaced by a hurricane. Bucky knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't say no. Not to her, not to his own heart. This afternoon he would allow himself to bask in her light, but only because she asked. Tomorrow, he wouldn't cloud her sky.
Darcy saw his internal battle in his eyes. She wished he would allow himself some happiness. He wouldn't believe her when she told him she felt the same. She had to show him, and maybe someday he would accept it. But this afternoon, she would take what he was willing to give. Scooting to the side, she made room for him and opened the blanket.
If he was doing it, he was doing it right. Bucky took the blanket from her and sat behind her, dropping the blanket over them both.
Darcy didn't need a further invitation and cuddled into his chest. She could spend hours like this. His warmth and the steady drum of the raindrops, this moment was serenity.
Bucky's arms around her tightened, hugging her closer, and he dropped his chin on her head.
He couldn't name what he felt, but it was good. Calmness, tranquility, or serenity, but he didn't care. Tomorrow, he would, but not now.