Bucky's eyes flew to the door when it slammed shut. He uncrossed his legs and sat up, waiting for Sarah to acknowledge him. A wink, a smile, something as she entered the apartment, like she always did.

She tossed her keys and purse onto the small entry table and stalked into the kitchen without even glancing his way. A cabinet slammed, then the teapot banged onto the stove. When the sound of glass breaking was followed by Sarah's curse, Bucky was on his feet.

He leaned against the doorway with his arms folded.

"You ok, babe?"

"Fine."

She didn't look at him. She just grabbed a towel and bent down to collect the broken pieces of her mug.

"You don't seem fine."

"Just trying to make some tea."

"Hmm."

She stopped and glanced up at him.

"What?"

"You only drink tea when you're upset."

"That's..."

"That's what?"

"Not true."

"Isn't it?"

"No."

"Mmhmm."

Sarah sighed as she folded the broken pieces up in the towel and tossed them in the trash.

"Of course, that was my favorite mug."

Bucky filled the tea pot and turned on the stove.

"Why don't you go sit, and I'll get this for you."

"I can make my own tea."

"I know you can."

Bucky watched while she grabbed another mug and got everything she needed.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No."

"You usually do."

She slammed her palm onto the counter. "Well, I don't right now, ok?"

Bucky lowered his eyes.

"Bucky... I'm sorry. I'm just..."

"You're shaking."

"I'm so angry right now." She curled her shaking hand into a fist.

Bucky walked toward her slowly until he was standing behind her at the counter. He put his hands on her hips and gently circled his thumbs.

"Talk to me."

Sarah let out a breath. "I work so hard."

"You do."

"You know that spot as department manager opened up a few weeks back, right?"

"Right."

"I've been working my ass off, trying to get this job... and he gave it to Beth."

"Who's Beth?"

"The woman who comes in late every day. The woman whose work I always have to check because she makes so many mistakes."

"Then how did she—"

"She's sleeping with him, Buck."

Bucky rested his forehead against the top of her head.

"I'm so sorry, babe."

"This woman is my boss now. I just... it took everything in me not to quit today."

Bucky wrapped his arms around her waist, and Sarah sank back into him. She placed her hands on Bucky's arms.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you."

He kissed her temple. "Forgiven."

He held her until the tea pot began to whistle.

"Go sit," he said.

Sarah let out a sigh and nodded. He kissed her head, and made her tea while she went into the living room. He couldn't get the image of her shaking hand out of his head. He'd tried to be stoic for her while they were talking, but he hated seeing her that way. All he wanted to do was pull her into his arms, but the way she was when she walked in... no, she would have withdrawn.

Bucky placed her steaming mug on the coffee table and sat next to her on the sofa.

"It's really hot. Give it a minute."

Sarah nodded. With one finger, Bucky brushed a lock of hair from Sarah's face. She closed her eyes and turned into him, clutching his t-shirt. Bucky wrapped her in his arms and held her tight.

"That's my girl."

With his thumb on one side of her neck and his fingers on the other, Bucky massaged the base of her skull and she melted against his chest.

"That feels so good."

After a while, Bucky pulled her to lie down between him and the back of the sofa. He wanted her to feel safe and secure in his arms. The idea that anything could make her that angry hurt him.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, and she sighed.

"How do you always know what I need."

"Gotta be honest, doll, I was winging it. I've never seen you that angry."

"But you did just what I needed." She ran her hand over his jaw. "And you're right about the tea... I've never noticed it before, but I only drink tea when I'm upset."

"Speaking of... it's getting cold."

Sarah snuggled deeper into Bucky and buried her face in his neck.

"I don't need it."

Bucky smiled and gave her a squeeze, happy to be able to comfort the woman he loved.