Ahaahaaha I'm back! Ok, that was the world's lamest internet laugh.

Just enjoy the chapter!

I'm not exactly sure how I end up in my room, considering I'm still partially numb from shock and confusion that had hit me like a truck when Bucky had paced away. I try pushing away the thoughts. I swear, I really do. But they keep resurfacing like those annoying pop-up ads on the internet that you think you've deleted and when they come up for the fifth time, you feel like throwing your computer out of a window. To simplify it; I am feeling very jumpy.

However, the feeling plummets into emotions of anxiety when I hear a knock on the front door. I sigh, at least try to smoothen down my somewhat crazy hair and trudge to the door. Then, I hesitate in front of the doorknob. Do I open it? Who is it? Should I ask? God no, that would sound like from a horror movie and judging by my luck so far, it would probably also play out similarly to a horror movie. When I silently finish chastising my brain for being the most incoherent and unhelpful brain in the history of brains, I finally open the door to reveal...

Both Steve and Bucky.

Okay, to be honest, I've never seen two super-soldiers look this antsy. Scratch that, these are the first two super-soldiers I've ever seen in general. So whatever. Either way, I try to pull my lips into a pleasant smile and causally ask, "What's up?"

When Steve just looks at Bucky like you may speak, Bucky returns the favour with a glare. Clearly, I pissed either one of them, or maybe even both - which sounds likely with my people skills - off. But yeah. Bucky clears his throat, then looks like he's forcing himself to look me in the eye. Wow. Does my hair (and face) really look that crappy? Hmm... wait, that can't be it. I almost miss out on what Bucky's saying, but then realise it's a question. "Can we talk... outside?"

Okay, now I am confused. Did I fuck something up again? I don't remember anything. Then again, I could've accidentally gotten drunk, wreaked havoc then just not remember. But I don't have a hangover and I don't drink a lot. So what did I do? Are they firing me from being an Avenger? Fuck. So soon? Huh. I guess they don't like me that much... I end up just ignoring everything my brain is yammering on about and just shuffle out of my apartment, if I can call it that. Is it really mine? Well, I am an Avenger... uh, for now.

Fuck it. Ebony's brain, if you could please shut the fuck up, that would be great, thanks.

We end up sitting on the sofas which Bucky and I had watched Star Wars on, with me just nervously lacing my hands into my lap and switching my eyes with glancing at both of them. For the first time, I notice how small I actually am compared to both of them. Like, they could most likely throw me across those fields I ran across when I was here for the first time. But I don't want to find out, because really, I'm in no mood for a joyride from two genetically enhanced people. My bloody point is; my 5"3 is nothing compared to their 6"0 and up height.

"Well," I ask. "What's up?" I look at both of them expectantly. Bucky, for some reason, looks far more uncomfortable than Steve, and I am still in the dark about why. And honestly, I hate being in the dark. Not literally. Like, about plans. Probably another reason why I always worked alone. Ha ha, my brain yells. You have no friends.

Okay, brain. Stop making me miserable now.

Finally, Bucky speaks up again. "You... you knew me..."

At first, I'm like, what the fuck is he talking about? But then, it slowly dawns on me and a filthy string of curses winds around my mind. Well, fuck. He recognises you. Great. Good job, Ebony. You are so in control of your life, aren't you-

SHUT UP. Brain, just shut up.

I snap out of my reverie, and I don't bother masking anything. "Oh..." I slowly trail off. What do I even say? "Hey, I know you sort of held me hostage and let people cut me while you interrogated me, but we can still totally be friends, right?" No. Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid situation. Damn my stupid luck, I'm so done with it all.

"Why didn't you say anything?" He continued, clearly not catching my train of thought. Good. I don't want him to know how ashamed and abashed I feel. I don't need him to. That's stupid as well. You know what, everything's just stupid right now.

Also, how do I reply to that question? Oh, I don't know. Maybe I just value my life more so I didn't want to piss you off. Also, I think you're my friend.

I haven't realised I said the last sentence out loud until I saw Bucky smiling at me. Was that amusement glimmering in his eyes? That son of a bitch. No one gets amused by Ebony. Especially when she's saying stupid crap her brain is mindlessly feeding her, imprisoning her in a world full of strange things.

Wow. I really need to make that grunge/punk cafe happen.

Also, I think me speaking in third person is weird as hell and I have no clue how he's still smiling at me. In fact - his smile has sized up now, and it's, like, a full-blown grin. He is amused by me. I will make him pay. I swear-

Okay. How about you don't try to pick fights with ex-assassins, Ebony? Good idea, some part of my mind which is definitely not controlled by my weird brain says.

"I'm your friend?" He challenges, and I have a feeling I should take the words back. But to no avail. He leans forward, in a way that he's rather close to me. Well, my face. Steve is watching this with a sort-of amused expression. Hello! Captain America?! What is so damn funny right now?! I slowly, yet boldly, nod slowly, letting a smirk of my own find its way to my face. I am currently pretending I do not feel like a firecracker has gone off inside of me as his smile grows, slowly and steadily. In a flash, he leans back.

"So you're fine."

I nod again, this time the smirk not setting on my lips because last time I did that, someone got dangerously close... I think you know who I'm talking about. Either way, I stand up, brushing off imaginary dust and giving each party in the room other than me a glance. "I take we're done here?" I questions, and when neither of the boys answer, I take my leave, feeling somewhat in power. I just managed to stare down an ex-assassin with hella dreamy blue eyes - do not ask where this side of me is coming from, probably the depths of hell - and singlehandedly finished off a simple conversation. So, ten points to Ebony (I see that Harry Potter reference right there).

Then, I shuffle back into my room, and only then does it hit me that I just fucking flirted with a highly-skilled ex-assassin.

"Holy fuck," I whisper, then burst into a long, loud string of laughter even though I have no goddamn idea why.

Bucky's POV when Ebony leaves...

When she swayed out of the room, his mouth was slightly agape and he could feel his pupils dilated. That girl just ran a train through his mind - how is that possible? When he broke out of his trance, Steve was grinning at him boyishly.

Bucky glared him down. "What?"

Steve smiled and shook his head. "That girl's gonna make you go crazy, Buck."

Bucky sighed. His best friend did have a point. She already has, he thought dryly as he couldn't help but have a dry chuckle escape from his lips. Oh, if Steve only knew. He decides to voice this.

"She already has."

OMG, is Bucky opening up?... Well, I have no idea. I guess I'll have to keep you guys on your toes!

Don't forget to follow, fave and review because I'm sure Ebony would love those! *suggestive wink* :3