It was a busy Tuesday afternoon at the Smithsonian Museum. Constant in and out visitors as they explored the many exhibits on display. One of the exhibits that was particularly popular was of course the Captain America exhibit. Avery Ryan couldn't help but smile a she saw some high school kids on some field trip excitedly made their way to said exhibit.
She had heard all about the story of Captain America, and honestly it was an interesting story. Seeing how a small, sickly boy become America's greatest hero. For someone born outside of the U.S. it definitely was a tale when she first heard of it. Though despite the popularity of Captain Rogers, she appreciated the tale of the Howling Commandos. They were great support to Captain America during their fight in World War II.
She paused, seeing that she had arrived at an early time before he was done with whatever the hell he does during this time, she thought she could kill some time. She strolled through the exhibit, glancing around at each display. She paused in one particular part of the exhibit. James Buchanan Barnes. Eyes gazed up the few clips from WW II with him and Captain America himself. They were best friends from childhood, she recalled. Just that itself left a small smile on her lips, recalling her own best friend from her childhood.
She never noticed it during the times she had visited the exhibit, but she noticed the boyish smile on the Captain's best friend's face. She took a seat on the bench, not noticing the man that was also sitting on the same bench just a bit away from her. He seemed to have notice her, but she didn't. She had been in her own thought as she stuffed hands in the pockets of her jacket.
Everything she knew of him was on display, but it didn't give her much of who he was as a person. A full biography of a person didn't give much personality in her opinion. Avery knew that he was a handsome fellow with his clean cut hair and blue eyes, probably had many gals in line for him, but seeing such jovial smile on his face as he laughed with Captain America made her think it was...
"Cute," was what she uttered to herself. Although it wasn't as quiet as she thought as the man that had been sitting near her heard her words. She didn't seem to pay mind to him as she had been staring at the deceased man's face, not noticing the slight flush on the face of the man sitting near her.
It was when she heard a slight shift did she notice the man beside her. Her eyes wide as her hand flew to her mouth, "Oh shit, sorry!" she suddenly blurted out, internally cursing herself, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," she stumbled over her words, her face feeling flushed as embarrassment took over her, "I, uh, tend to talk to myself without realizing it."
"It's fine," he replied in a low voice, head hung low as his cap was obscuring his eyes from her view. She didn't take his word, still embarrassed about her slight outburst, but decided to let it be as she didn't wanting to be more of a bother than she already was. Her eyes glanced back at the biography, reading the words engraved on it to herself before she spoke up again.
"Um, any particular reason why you're here? You look kinda frustrated there for a second," she stated, a bit curious. She waited for a reply, but slowly figured that he was uncomfortable with her presence, "Sorry, never mind, you don't have to answer that actually," she retracted, her face feeling flushed again. Silence fell among them before she heard him mutter something to her.
"Just thinking," wide eyes stared at him as she was surprised to get an answer, although she didn't want to press much further than that. Avery nodded as she stared up at the image of James Barnes. It didn't take long for him to ask her now, "What about you?" She raised a brow at him, he didn't seem to be looking in her direction as he still had his head down, as if purposely trying to hide his gaze towards her (although she brushed it off as him still being uncomfortable with her presence).
"Hm, just passing the time really," she answered truthfully. Her brown eyes stared up at the exhibit around before she spoke again, "Although every time I come to this exhibit, the story still seems surreal to me." He glanced at her from under his cap. "I mean, can you imagine?" she asked, a hint of sorrow in her voice, "Captain America, a little kid from Brooklyn that joined the war to make a difference," She started. "And then he became America's most famous hero."
He didn't reply, remaining silent. She sat up straight, shaking her head, "Sorry, if I was making you uncomfortable...again," she muttered, "I just help but think of the losses as well," she added, "I mean, he lost his best and childhood friend during the war," she continued, pausing for a second. Her mind slowly drifting off for a second as a melancholic expression was now seen on her face, "if it were me that lost my best friend—I think it'd kill me inside."
He felt his mouth go dry, trying to come up with anything to say. Before he could open his mouth, he could hear footsteps hastily making their way towards them. Apparently the woman beside him heard it as well, as she glanced over her should, a puzzled look on her face.
"Issac?" she called out. She saw a young man of Asian decent, hands buried in his pockets. "What are you—?" She didn't get to finish her question as the other cut her off.
"I got what you needed, time to go, sweetie," he said, taking her hand in his own. Seeing that he was done with what he was doing beforehand while she was passing the time, Avery turned to the inconspicuous man she had been conversing with earlier only to see that he was already gone.
Her mouth was slightly agape, wondering how the man could suddenly disappear when she had only turned her back on him for a mere minute (or least without her noticing), "What are you looking at?" She heard the thick Australian accent in the other's voice before she turned back at him.
"I-It's nothing," she said, a slight stutter leaving her lips, "So you managed to find it?" she asked as they started to head towards the exit. He simply nodded, holding out a small, black flash drive between his fingers. A smile was seen on her lips as she took the flash drive from him.
"Yup," he said, popping the 'p' at the end, "Took a while, I managed to comb through some of the Smithsonian's research files, but I think," he trailed off for a dramatic pause, "I found a match," he said proudly, watching as the brunette's smile grow even wider.
"Oh god," she rasped out, eyes wide as there was a small twinkle in them, " You're amazing," she smiled, pulling the younger male into a hug.
"You do know I'm the world's greatest thief right?" He asked rhetorically. She merely shrugged him off.
"Yeah, yeah," she brushed off, "World-class thief, yadda, yadda." Issac feigned indignation as she brushed him off with ease. He raised his arms, linking them with her own.
"Mock me all you want, but you know you love me," he teased, "I am your Duckie to your Andie as you put it," he added. She rolled her eyes at him as the two slowly made their way out of the Smithsonian, arms linked together.
"Don't ever change, Issac," Avery laughed out, a playful grin on her lips. He gave her an equally playful grin before answering her.
"Why would I?" There was a gleeful look in his eyes as they two headed to the nearest cafe. Unbeknownst to the two, blue eyes had been watching them carefully as they walked away from the museum.
a.n. Haven't written fanfics in a while so I'm very rusty at this, including how to make decent beginnings and grammar. But ever since I watched Endgame, my hyperfixation and love for Bucky had resurfaced so here we are. I originally posted this on wattpad cause I like how I can add gif there but I'm post this here to for anyone else interested in reading.
This story takes place post Winter Soldier and during the time of AoU (aka how I think what Bucky did during the time of AoU and how he ended up in Bucharest in Civil War) and continues until maybe Infinity War.
I really want this to be to be a slow burn story, so romance won't ensue until way later on or so I hope it will be unless I get a bit antsy. Please enjoy and let me know what you think as well.
