Imagine someone asking Bucky “If you could go back, knowing how it all turns out, would you still follow Captain America?”

imaginebucky:

“What the hell kind of dumbass question is that?”

Pepper takes a deep breath and reminds herself that Bucky’s a veteran, he’s been through a lot, and this is only his third interview since he came out of the shadows and became an official, publically acknowledged member of the Avengers. He’s bound to make mistakes until he learns the appropriate way to interact with the press. That’s why she’s here.

Just as she’s opening her mouth to gently steer them to a safer topic, though, Bucky continues, jaw set and eyes hard. “I wasn’t following ‘Captain America’ at all. I was following Steve Rogers, and yes, there’s a damn difference. Captain America’s a symbol. Steve’s the best human being I’ve ever known. And do you honestly think I would even fucking be here right now if I didn’t still believe that enough to follow him through anything?”

Well, the phrasing could use a little work, but Pepper can’t argue with the message. Bucky seems to have said his piece, so she quickly rescues the poor hapless interviewer, and when Bucky glances her way with those did I say something bad? puppy eyes of his, she shakes her head minutely and gives him a small, encouraging smile. They’ll work on the confrontational attitude later.

It doesn’t hurt that she gets to see the way Steve’s eyes shine at Bucky as they leave the interview room.