Title: open doors
Fandom: marvel comics
Characters/Pairing: Bucky Barnes/Clint Barton (pre-relationship)
Rating: Teen
Length: 875 words
Warnings: minor injuries mentioned along with some coarse language.
Summary: He made his way up the rest of the stairs, dug around in his pocket for his keys, and then realized that the door to his apartment was already open.




Clint’s leg throbbed as he limped up the stairs, his knee threatening to give out on every step. Why didn’t he live on the first floor? He paused to catch his breath and a soft moan escaped his mouth. He was getting too old to be falling off of buildings. Luckily the damage was minimal this time. He’d even let Kate browbeat him into getting checked out at the hospital. No broken bones. No major damage at all. They’d told him to stay off his leg and take it easy for a few days. He made his way up the rest of the stairs, dug around in his pocket for his keys, and then realized that the door to his apartment was already open.

If looks could’ve killed, Clint would’ve been dead the moment he stepped over the threshold. With his back against the refrigerator, dressed all in black, stood Bucky Barnes. The Winter Soldier set his deadly gaze on him and glared. Clint dropped his gear, shut the door, and sighed. “Kate called you, didn’t she?”

Arms crossed in front of his chest, Barnes looked so very stereotypically dark and foreboding. Clint chuckled. This, of course, made Bucky’s scowl grow even deeper. Yet, beyond the grumpiness, there was a look of genuine concern in his eyes. Clint turned away.

The scent of freshly made coffee caught his attention and he limped towards the coffeemaker. Someone had made a fresh pot. He turned back to see Bucky’s eyes still on him. A smug expression on his face, he turned towards the counter. Clint followed his gaze and saw the pizza box. He took a deep breath in and the scents of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni assailed him. He smiled. “You made me coffee and brought me pizza?”

“You’re welcome.” The stern look on Bucky’s face didn’t budge.

“Thank you,” Clint mumbled belatedly. He poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter.

Bucky loomed. “You should sit down and put your leg up.”

How much had Kate told him and why did he even care? “I’m fine,” Clint insisted.

Bucky raised his left eyebrow.

“Really. I went to the hospital like a good boy and got even let them take X-rays. I’m all good, no broken bones or anything.”

“Why are you limping?” Bucky’s voice was low and gravelly.

“Because apparently, I’m old and don’t spring back like I used to.” Clint grabbed a bag of frozen peas from the freezer, brought it and his mug over the couch, and sat down with a groan. Everything hurt. On the coffee table, he put his cup down and his leg up. Settling his makeshift icepack on his knee, he grabbed the remote and leaned back. That’s when he noticed the empty cat carrier on the floor. Scanning the room he spotted Alpine curled up on the floor with Lucky. They were both asleep.

Oh, Bucky just wanted him to cat-sit again. That was why he was buttering him up with pizza and coffee. For a moment he’d thought. He shook his head. Never mind.

Bucky grabbed the pizza and put it within his reach along with a plate and a roll of paper towels.

“Come on, sit with me.” Clint patted the space beside him. “We can watch Lawyer Cats. You’ll love it, it’s the new Dog Cops spin-off.”

“Sorry. Can’t. Got a job.” Bucky shook his head. “Just stopped by to make sure you were okay.”

“And to drop off your cat, apparently.” Clint hopped he couldn’t hear the disappointment in his tone.

“Do you mind watching her? I’ll be gone a few days.”

Alpine was more than a handful, but she got along with Lucky, and he didn’t really mind or anything. “Sure, no problem.”

“Thank you. I’ve gotta go dark for a few days, if you have a problem you can call Natalia.”

Clint rolled his eyes. “I’ve got this. I’m not an idiot, I know how to take care of a cat.” This would be the fifth time he’d looked after Alpine while Bucky went off on some mystery job. He wasn’t sure how he became the designated cat-sitter but apparently, that was who he was now.

“Thanks.” Bucky’s eyes roamed over him for a moment. Maybe he was cataloging his visible injuries or maybe it was something else that made his gaze linger. Clint shifted uncomfortably. Bucky grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch, draped it over him, and paused. Clint had the urge to lean forward just a little and press his lips to Bucky’s. Would they kiss? Would he push him away? Maybe he’d punch him in the face and tell him to fuck off. The moment passed and Clint let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

Bucky stood up and took a step back, nodding once before turning around and heading towards the door. He paused for a moment, looking over his shoulder. “No more falling off buildings.” He stepped over the threshold, closing the door behind him.

Right. Someone was feeling bossy. At least he’d brought pizza. The coffee had been a nice touch too. Clint leaned back and turned on the TV. Maybe next time he’d get him to stay.