Roses

                                    

                                          
The days following Allie's pardoning were filled with excitement as they prepared themselves for Bucky's hearing. Allowing themselves to feel hopeful, they began to make plans for where they wanted to live once he was officially granted a pardon. Deciding on staying in Brooklyn, they began to look through listings of apartments. Steve's kitchen table was constantly scattered with papers of ideas and possibilities.
                          
Two nights before his hearing, Bucky helped Allie as she plated their dinner. Steve made their drinks and set the table, moving the freshly printed listings to an end table. 
                          
"So how do you feel about your hearing?" Allie asked as she handed him a plate.
                          
"Terrified," Bucky sighed. "I know it wasn't exactly easy for the three of you at yours, but I've done much worse things."
                          
"James," her voice soothed. "That was the Winter Soldier. Not you."
                          
"Allie, it was me. Whether I had a choice or not, it was still me. What if they don't see past that and decide to throw me in a cell? They tried to in Berlin," he sighed as they sat down.
                          
"Well, you saw what they did for Allie. And Sam and Wanda," Steve said as he sat down.
                          
"Well, yes," Bucky agreed. "But they also didn't commit as severe of crimes as I did."
                          
"It doesn't stop the public from viewing people in the same dark light," Allie sighed. "Take Wanda for example."
                          
"See, can someone explain to me why her pardoning conditions were more severe and direct?" Bucky asked as he rubbed his temples. "You and Sam were basically asked to be on call for the government. She was told she can't use her powers."
                          
"She was told she couldn't use them against another person," Allie corrected. "But, even if I don't agree with it, I understand why they did it."
                          
"But why did they make that her condition?"
                          
"Sokovia. Lagos. Leipzig. Those all give reason for the government not to trust her and her abilities," Steve sighed.
                          
"The Sokovia Accords aren't exactly in favor of enhanced people. I'm lucky that my condition is what it is," Allie sighed.
                          
"But you're also a war hero," Steve pointed out. "You're an actual part of American history. Wanda is from Sokovia and things are different for her."
                          
"It shouldn't be that way," she mumbled. "She helped to protect Earth. And so did you Bucky, so I don't see why we should be worrying about you being put into a cell."
                          
The table was silent for a moment as they each thought of what the next days entailed for them. Steve just wanted to make it through the next days and move on with life. Bucky was just beginning to pray that he wasn't actually put in a cell instead of receiving a pardon. Allie was allowing herself to continue being hopeful about the hearing. 
                          
"You know," Steve finally said. "Why don't you do something to ease your mind from everything?" 
                          
"What do you mean?" Bucky asked with a raised brow.
                          
"I mean, take time for yourselves before the hearing. Sam asked me to help him move furniture into his new apartment in Washington, so I'll be busy with that. You two can have the apartment for the night," Steve shrugged.