Hello! Thank you for reading. This one is all about Bucky and Andi, a little bit of angst here. Let me know what you think x
Usual disclaimer, I don't own anything.
Chapter 26: I Flew Here
Bucky has been ducking Andi for almost two weeks, his best friend, however, has near enough moved out of the tower and into Amelia's place, Bucky rolls his eyes just thinking about their love stricken gazes and stolen kisses.
Since the night at the bar Bucky's been considering his and Andi's interactions, questioning the benefits and possible implications. He's tried to discreetly distance himself from her. He knows he enjoys her company and the sex is like nothing he remembers, he can admit that. But if he's fully honest with himself, he's scared to get invested any further than he already is.
On a Wednesday, he's sat in a meeting, it's mind numbing and he idly twists a pen in his fingers, trying to stop himself driving it through his temple. He looks up in time to catch a glimpse of someone running past the conference room window, through the open blinds. He can see a dash of blonde hair sprint past. He immediately thinks of Andi and kicks himself for being so predictable and needy. He'd be lying if he said he hasn't missed her. He's glad Steve has at least been kind enough not to push the subject.
The meeting wraps up and Bucky pushes away from the table with force, stomping for the exit before anyone can ask him any questions.
Once in the hallway he keeps his head down and walks for the stairs, trying to avoid pointless prattle from his "colleagues". Someone starts to keep pace just behind him and he tries to catch sight in his peripheral. He stops and pretends to check his phone and the footsteps behind him also stop.
He smells her perfume before he sees her but the hand across his eyes and small giggle, give her away. In his ear a warm voice whispers, 'where have you been hiding, Sargent Barnes?' He spins and comes face to face with the blonde he's been ducking, she's wearing a light grey uniform and a name badge that reads Andrea is pinned to her right breast. Her hair is free flowing and she is holding a clipboard proudly.
His eyes widen as he realises she works here, the Stark logo on her badge is obvious and hits him like a falling piano. She pays no heed to his stalled reaction and continues, 'got a grown-up job, didn't I? Surprised?' He nods silently and slowly. 'Marketing!' She announces, 'this is my second day, it's a little dull, I've got to be honest! But lunch is a-ma-zing!' Bucky just stares, so much for avoiding her. Following his eye-line to her name tag, she groans 'ugh, I know. Andrea, I told Stark to get it changed or else I will walk. Don't think he really cared… or heard me, for that matter.' She pokes his arm and asks seriously 'are you ok?' He shakes his head and reassures her he is fine, 'just surprised...' he mutters. She smiles, 'I know, didn't think grey was my colour either, but here we are.' She smiles at him and Bucky wonders why he has put this invisible wall between them, she's a breath of fresh air. She adds, 'if you bothered to catch up with me recently, I would have told you in advance!' Bucky closes his eyes in embarrassment and mutters about work and long hours. He doesn't say he's kept an eye on her pictures on his phone app or pushed Steve for information when he wanted it.
A man walks by and for a minute, Bucky's breath catches, thinking it's Greg and he ignored their warnings. The kid calls Andi's name and Bucky lets out a sigh of relief. Then he watches on as she chats happily to the guy, he must be new as well, Bucky doesn't recognise him. She turns away from Bucky, dropping her clipboard to her side and he notices scribbles and doodles adorning the paper. In the corner is a phone number and he narrows his eyes at the pair in front of him. Andi puts the board between her legs and starts to pull her hair back into a ponytail, away from her face. Bucky watches her arms tense and the way she strokes her head, collecting the blonde, wavy hair, fine strands bouncing free. The newcomer continues to chat to her and begins to back away, smiling warmly at her. Bucky zones back in, just in time to hear her say 'see you at lunch, Ryan!' He frowns and as she turns back to him, her hair sways and she bounces happily, 'who was that?' Bucky barks out. Andi pulls her head back in surprise and confirms, 'Ryan, we started together, there's eight of us,' she leaves it at that, but Bucky's not satisfied, 'lunch?'
She looks up hopefully, 'oh yeah, sure, that would be really nice, come and join us-' he interrupts 'no, I meant are you and him having lunch?' Andi nods happily and then looks coy, 'actually, it's kind of embarrassing, he sort of asked me out.' Bucky can feel his heart rate rise and he bites his tongue, they start to speak at the same time, but Bucky's voice is dominant and the entire floor hears, 'you should go, say yes.'
Andi's words die on her tongue and she looks hurt, her eyebrows curve and her lips part. 'Umm, well I said no, I thought that we...' Bucky wants to smack his forehead, but his pride stops him from backing down, 'go on the date, Andrea. He seems okay, better than your last choice anyway.' That feels like a low blow and suddenly Andi's sad brows knit into an angry scowl, 'do you mean you or Greg?' She asks bitterly and Bucky knows he asked for that, he just looks beyond her, not wanting to do this in the hall.
Andi cuts off his thoughts, 'fine, I'll go out with him. Don't think I don't know you've been avoiding me. I was willing to do this how ever you wanted, but I don't want to be taken for a ride, so I think it's time I get off, don't you? And not with you!' She scribbles something angrily on her clipboard, trying to look important, she then turns it around to face him. She bites out, 'good to see you, Sargent Barnes, have a pleasant day' in a clipped but formal tone and starts to back away. He looks at the clip board and it reads Fuck you! She turns fully and walks briskly off, until she rounds a corner and is out of his sight.
He groans and drags a hand through his hair, he moves off quickly before anyone can ask him what that was or God forbid, moral standards Steve turns up with a frank warning and a telling off.
….
Andi can hear Amelia and Steve laughing in the kitchen, as she dresses for her non-date with Ryan. Normally she loves the sound, but tonight she's bitter, mad and on the war path. What a dick, she mutters. She's allowed herself to get attached and for that she's pissed with herself. He's shut her out and for that she's pissed at him and Amelia brought all of this into their lives, so for that, she's unreasonably pissed at her.
Andi looks down at her red leather mini skirt and black ankle boots, wondering if it's too much. Tucking in her shirt, she throws on a black jacket and checks hair is still partially plaited like a halo. She applies her lipstick in the mirror and looks at her bed in the reflection, remembering Bucky stroking her thighs and biting the inside of her leg. She pictures herself moaning his name and lets out an embarrassed groan, thinking that it's all erotic until you realise you've been used. She smacks her lips together and ruffles her hair, making a growling face in the mirror in an attempt to pep herself up.
As she strolls into the kitchen to say goodbye, Rosie shouts wow from her seat at the counter. Amelia and Steve look up from their food prep and smile at her. Steve looks her up and down, unsure of her choices. The warm reaction eases Andi's tension slightly. 'You look different,' Steve comments with uncertainty, Andi grins awkwardly, 'I'm pissed off and Amelia touched up my roots.' Steve pauses, confused by the statement, 'wait, you're not a blonde?' Amelia laughs at his confounded expression, passing him another pepper to chop. 'What's wrong, Cap, you interested?' She smiles flirtatiously at him and he looks between the sisters, checking Amelia can see what she's doing.
'Woah, where are you off to? Hot date?' Amelia asks excitedly. Andi bites her lip and then wipes her teeth dramatically, checking them for lipstick in the toaster. 'Yep' Andi confirms with a pop. 'Steve and I went to this really nice place the other night… I don't know why I'm bothering, she's not listening.' Amelia tells Steve, Andi is too busy tugging at her shirt and smelling her arm pits. 'Don't give Buck a heart attack, Andi, he's an old man,' Steve jokes. She smiles weakly and leaves a pair of red lips on Rosie's cheek, as she says goodbye.
'His name is Ryan actually and not the Sargent,' she says subtly, avoiding the little ears in the room. Steve stops chopping an onion and looks up at Andi in surprise. He juts his shoulders back and looks like he's about to tell her off for messing with his friend, she raises a hand, 'cool it, dad, his suggestion actually. Basically set me up with a new guy,' then she mutters, 'prick'.
Steve relaxes but looks confused, 'I know he hasn't been around much.' Andi's eyes widen and she asks, 'oh, so you've noticed too. Whatever. I haven't got time for this. Anyhow, I'm off, don't wait up!' She calls to them, grabbing a piece of chopped pepper and dramatically leaving the flat. She slams the door and the walls shake, Rosie covers her ears and Steve looks at Amelia with concern. She wipes her hands in a towel and goes after Andi.
Amelia calls her name in the hallway. Andi sighs and stops 'what, Mia?' Amelia is surprised by her harsh tone, 'hey, I know you are upset, but it's his loss. Don't forget he has a lot to deal with and you are a force of nature that he didn't account for.' Amelia reaches for Andi's hair and pulls it down on either shoulder. Andi's grateful, her big sister always knows just what to say. She's managed to turn being dumped into it's because you are too fabulous. 'Please be safe,' she calls as she walks back to the flat. Andi watches her leave, a little envious at how happy she is and the family evening she has lined up. 'Call us if you need anything,' is the last thing Andi hears as she enters the stair-well.
Andi arrives at the restaurant and spots Ryan waiting outside, leaning against a wall. Andi thinks he's cute and very keen, hopefully it will be easier than with Sargent Mood Swings. He only asked her for a drink, she suggested dinner after Bucky basically told her to go for it. She stops before she approaches him and considers that this is her last chance to back out. She thinks she feels someone watching her and looks around, but doesn't see anyone she knows, or who appears remotely interested in her. She yanks her skirt down further around her thighs and walks over to Ryan. He looks up at her from ankles to face and smirks in approval, Andi feels a little ogled, but just pulls her jacket close.
Once inside and seated, she feels the weight of the colossal mistake she has made. Bucky might be ok with this, but she's not sure she is. She's not used to being like this, questioning herself, doubting her decisions. She shakes the doubts and peruses the menu, holding it over her face, blocking her view of Ryan. It reminds her of watching Grease with Bucky and she starts muttering lines from the film, in a bid to calm her panicked pulse. Looking up she cringes as Ryan asks her a question and she wonders why she is here, when she lowers the menu he looks friendly and sweet and she chastises herself for being stupid. 'How are you enjoying the job?' Ryan asks politely.
Sometime later, Andi looks around and once again, feels like she is being watched. She sips her lemonade, learning from her own and her sister's recent bad judgements and eyes the other patrons. They all appear harmless and then a waiter appears beside them, with a mass of black hair and she double takes, praying it isn't Bucky. She calms and realises that it isn't but it triggers another thought within her and she realises he is there, somewhere. All night, she has felt eyes on her. She plays with her hair and subtly leans back and looks around. Nothing. She decides if he came for the show, he will get one.
She laughs over-zealously at the waiter and compliments his hair. She laughs at everything Ryan says, almost choking on her drink when she realises she laughed at his Nana passing away. She grabs his hand to apologise and Ryan looks terrified at her forward nature. Unperturbed, Andi continues to flirt and romanticise the evening. When she departs the table for the restroom, they have only eaten bread and olives, because she is too busy playing out a seduction to order a meal. She takes a different direction at the last moment and finds herself on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. She manages to square a cigarette from someone and the woman offers her a light. Andi leans back against the wall of the restaurant, with a smile forced on her lips. Someone in a hood steps up beside her and bitterly jokes, 'didn't know you smoked.' Andi looks at a hooded Bucky, 'Jesus Christ, I knew it was you. Look at you, what did you put in on Amazon? Predator kit?' She's loud and people are looking at them. Bucky's embarrassed but Andi doesn't move. 'Why are you here?' His pupils dart around and he sighs, yanking the hood down. 'Checking on you,' he says honestly. She softens slightly and over dramatically declares 'well, here I am' she spins on the spot, proving it's really her and flashing her legs at him. He looks at her and takes the cigarette from between her fingers. He speaks, 'just checking you don't make a mistake.' He takes a drag of the cigarette and Andi clenches her legs, thinking that it should be illegal to look that good. She thinks smoking is gross and not ok, but right now she's all for it. She finds her voice, 'you did this,' she pokes him and Bucky raises both hands, letting the cigarette hang from one corner of his mouth. He doesn't want to do this now, he meant it, he came to check on her, Andi just reads it that he doesn't care. 'Look, I didn't mean…I don't want… I want…shit.' Bucky desperately weaves a hand through his dark locks, 'you're not making any sense, Barnes.' He looks down when she spits out his name with distaste.
'I gotta go, James Dean, not really feeling like dinner now, might get an early night.' For a moment, he thinks it's an invite, but quickly realises that it is a taunt. She grabs the cigarette, drops it and stamps it out, 'you shouldn't make any mistakes either.' She walks off leaving him there. Ten minutes later, she walks by, dragging the Ryan guy by the hand, telling him she's just a cab drive away. She avoids eye contact with the hooded man on the bench opposite them.
….
Amelia leans over Steve on the couch, her bra straps slipping down her shoulders and her dress around her waist, she's smiling down at him as he kisses her neck. She sits back and asks 'am I your first?' Steve's eyes go wide and she just bites her lip cheekily. He kisses her deeply and says quietly into her shoulder 'in this century, yes.' She giggles and kisses his earlobe, 'was it as good as you remembered?' She asks nervously. Steve sighs contently, 'better.' Amelia smiles smugly and grinds her hips onto his, 'good answer, Captain.' She's working his shirt undone and asks 'did you forget what to do?' Steve looks offended and shifts her up, tickling her sides. 'No, Miss Miller, I did not forget. I might have done a little research, just in case things had changed around here, but no, it all came back to me.' Amelia laughs loudly and asks 'you Googled sex?! You are so sweet.' She kisses him feverishly and strokes his exposed chest. She pulls back and looks at him, 'God, you're hot, I love you, honestly, like really love you, like you can never leave, love you.' Steve laughs at her giddy voice, kissing her again. He reaches around and strokes her thighs, 'you're not bad either.' He nips at the edge of her neck and she moans loudly. He looks up at her, 'you need to be quiet, you will wake up Rosalyn.' She leans back, 'you never call me Mia, why is that? Well, one time.' He looks surprised by the change in topic. 'Is that ok? Amelia?' She giggles, 'mmm, yes, it's fine, I like it. I just wondered why?' Steve considers it, 'I was introduced to you as Amelia and it suits you, beside lots of people call you Mia and to me you are Amelia.' She grins, 'how about a pet name? Baby? Honey?' Steve winces, 'umm, I'm not sure…' Amelia leans in close to his ear, 'loverrrr?' He grabs her sides and tickles her, she protests and reaches down between them, stopping him quickly. He groans loudly and she jokes 'now, now honey bear, you will wake up Rosalyn!' Steve kisses her lips, pushing hard against her, quieting her giggles.
They don't hear the front door and a voice shouts 'ugh, gross, not on the couch!' Amelia and Steve tear apart and look at Andi in surprise. 'It's eight thirty, you're early!' Amelia says in shock, she makes no effort to cover herself and once Steve has done his buttons up he reaches for Amelia's cardigan, holding it up to her. 'It's just my sister!' she says defiantly 'and her date...' she mutters, as she notices the shorter male behind her. She grapples with her dress and Ryan jokes, 'roommate?' Andi says, 'sister,' flatly and drags him to the kitchen. Amelia springs up and follows them into the room, Steve lazily strolling at her heels. Amelia blushes and waves at Ryan, Andi says 'Amelia, my sister and Captain America, her boyfriend.' Ryan gawks at her and looks between the three of them, Steve steps forward and introduces himself properly. Amelia smiles and directs to her sister 'dinner? What happened?' Andi shakes her head, glugging a glass of water. 'Didn't like the place, prices were steep and Ryan wanted to see where I lived.' There's a suggestive tone and Amelia wraps her sweater tight around herself, the tension in the room is palpable. Ryan mutters, 'I should be going actually, it's so nice to meet you, Captain.' He says politely, ignoring Amelia. 'See you at work, Andi?' She's flipping through a magazine on the counter and barely looks at him as he leaves. Amelia shows him out and when she steps back in to the kitchen she says 'well, that was rude, he seemed ok?'
Andi continues briskly flipping through the magazine, 'so is having your tits out in the lounge, but there you were.' Amelia blushes crimson and Steve ignores the comment, asking, 'what went wrong? Why did you bring him here?' Andi looks up from her magazine, wrapping it into a tube and whacking Steve's shoulder 'I brought him here, so that you can tell our stalker friend, that he came home with me.' Steve looks confused and she continues, 'he was there, watching us, all night! God, what is his issue, make up your mind!' She cries out in exasperation. Steve looks concerned, 'who was there?' Andi continues to rattle on about Bucky, how it's his doing, why was he there, what does he want from her. Meanwhile Amelia slips out and leaves Andi and Steve to bicker over Bucky. When she steps into the complex's hallway, she looks around expecting to find a hooded follower, but frowns and guesses she made a mistake, stepping back in to the flat and quietly closing the door.
Another day at the office and Andi makes her way into the reception, shouting to Martha at the desk. The woman still can't stand the blonde and was not even close to thrilled to find out she now worked there. Andi sweeps towards the lift, listening to earphones and swiping through her phone. She spies Bucky lingering nearby, talking with arrow man and the scary red head, so she ducks her head down and hurries to a stairwell. Someone walks beside her and asks 'Tinder?' She looks up and sees Tony. He picks a white earbud from her ear and reprimands 'I should fire you for even owning these things.' She just shrugs, 'I'm running late.' Jogging ahead, he calls 'running from something, that's for sure.'
Andi is traipsing the tower, getting some action shots of people working. Her plan is this, take a photo incognito, show the colleague how fabulous they look and then make them sign a disclosure form. So far it has worked to perfection, apart from the forty minutes she spent with Stan in the copy room, as he mimed out his daily chores for her benefit. On level ten she spots Steve and freezes, eyes searching for his metal armed comrade. With a Bucky free zone she skips over and steps up beside him. 'Good morrow, Captain, missed you at breakfast.' He eyes the colleagues stood opposite them, they are chatting, but two curiously look up at the comments. Andi notes this and continues to tease him 'I wish you wouldn't run off like that, no way to leave a girl.' Steve blushes and ignores her, reading the paperwork in his hands. Andi tries not to laugh and warns 'don't skip out on me tonight, save me some of the good stuff.' Steve groans and the colleagues opposite giggle at them. 'Later, hot stuff,' she says as loud as she can in a breathy tone.
As she turns to stroll away she spots Bucky heading towards her with his head in a folder. She stands in front of Steve and begs him to hide her. He folds his arms across his chest, 'for that performance, I should lock you in a room with him,' Steve threatens. Andi banishes the instant steamy thoughts that appear in her mind and Steve decides to help her out and puts a hand on her lower back, steering her away to an office. Out of sight and relieved, Andi jokes, 'Cap, people will talk if you do shit like this. My, your hands are so big.' Steve rolls his eyes and threatens to turn back, 'you owe me,' he says pointing at her, once they are inside an empty office. Bucky walks past, with his head down and unaware of their existence on the level. 'You can't keep this up, you work here, so does he.' Andi looks anywhere but Steve's concerned face, 'gee, thanks for the reminder, Steve, but I think I am doing just fine.' Andi ends up promising her babysitting skills and leaves the office, as she does she calls back through to Steve 'same time tomorrow?' Licking her lips.
Andi has made it through the entire day with no Bucky, very little Tony and a small voice in her head reminds her, you can't keep doing this. She checks her phone and Amelia has messaged her, talking about Thanksgiving. Make it up with Bucky, or there's no turkey. Andi just moans and mutters to herself. As she finishes booking her Uber, she looks up and spots him sat by the fish tank in the main reception. He has his head down, legs apart, hands folded between them. He must be waiting for her she discerns; he wouldn't brave the public place for much. She walks past, determined to leave, but then she hopes he really is there for her and she stops, turning around and awkwardly catching his attention. He looks up surprised that he nearly missed her. He stands and they meet halfway. They are silent and both look anywhere but at each other. Eventually he asks, 'how's the job?' She nods, 'yeah, really good, got out and took some pictures today, messed with Steve some.' Bucky looks dismayed that his friend didn't mention seeing her. 'How was your date?' He asks seriously. Unable to help it, she shouts 'you should know!' He looks hurt and feels bad, recalling her face at the restaurant and her pulling that kid into her apartment. Her phone buzzes and she sings 'gotta go, Uber.' She waves her phone at him and it lights up with a picture of Amelia and Rosie, making Bucky smile a little. Andi tries to ignore the smirk tugging at his lips and her heart. She spins to leave and he catches her hand and asks, 'you here tomorrow?' Andi looks down at his metal hand on her wrist. He never grabs her with that hand and she looks up slowly at his face, he looks desperate and she feels awful. When she nods, he adds 'good. Meet me after work, on five.' She just eyes him and leaves, without confirming or denying anything. He sighs watching her go and hopes she will meet him, at least give him a chance.
At seven am Bucky wanders down into the pits of Avengers Tower, daring the white coats and test tubes. He looks around until he can hear loud, aggressive music and he knows he has found who he is looking for. Bucky heads for the room marked lab one. He gently taps the door and pushes through, when there's no response. The music is blaring and Tony looks up.
'Ah Sargent Barnicle, what can I do for you this evening, morning or is it lunchtime?' Bucky sighs and asks 'do you ever leave this place?' Tony grabs an energy drink from a mini fridge, 'only when Pepper makes me.' Bucky tries to relax and goes to sit on a stool, Tony makes a noise and shakes his head. Bucky moves to another seat, but Tony squeaks in displeasure and Bucky once again moves. A third time he tries to sit and Tony shakes his head again. Bucky almost growls and gives up, convinced Stark is playing games, he decides to stand. 'What do you need unlucky Barnes?' Bucky grits his teeth and looks around idly, eventually spitting out, 'a flying car.' Tony holds his gaze with Bucky and then just laughs, spluttering everywhere. 'I'm sorry Barnes, but there's no such thing, even I haven't got one of those yet.' Bucky feels embarrassed and Tony questions 'won't a quinjet do?' Bucky shakes his, 'it needs to be a car, like Howard had.' Tony stops joking and tenses at the mention of his father. He turns slowly to Bucky, 'now that does sound like a challenge, doesn't it?' Tony ponders the idea and then asks 'and where are you going in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?' Bucky looks at him with a puzzled frown. 'This wouldn't be anything to do with a pair of long legs that I hired and getting some bang bang with her, would it?' Bucky straightens and folds his arms, unimpressed. Bucky decides to give up and makes for the door. Tony's voice halting him 'look, I may have one idea, Caractacus Potts.'
Andi taps on an office door and waits to be called in, she enters slowly and smiles brightly at two women working at neighbouring desks. 'Hi, I'm Andi, from the emails? Here to take some photos?' The two colleagues are deep in conversation, both looking at the blonde like they have no idea what she's talking about. One stops, a Diet Coke can poised at her lips, 'the photos? Yeah, sure, sorry I thought you were coming later. Do we need to pose?' Andi shakes her head, fiddling with her camera, 'no, it's better if you don't, Mr Stark wants natural shots, showing what a great place this is to work.' The women stare at her sceptically, Andi's not sure if it was the great place to work bit or Mr Stark wants, but they look unconvinced. 'Carry on, really, don't mind me.'
Andi starts to snap pictures, the pair chatting at their computers, giggling at one another. One of the pair shoves her half-eaten snack into her desk drawer, the other checks her phone. Andi rolls her eyes, it's like they've forgotten she's there, she didn't mean this natural.
'Oh, I was saying, about the canteen… so he has this new kid by the throat, in the lunch queue.' Andi pauses, listening as she checks her photos on the camera screen. 'How can he still be here acting like that? Surely they should fire him,' the other colleague asks, shocked by the story, revelling in the details. Andi squints at the pair, trying to read their name badges as they gossip like they're seventeen. One reads Belinda and the other Andi gives up trying to see, the woman's long red locks blocking her view. 'I don't know, but it's not the first time. Paul from the control room called him James once and he threw a stapler at his head.' Andi freezes at the name James, 'apparently, he only answers to Sargent Barnes.' Andi swallows, the last sentence confirming her suspicion, they are talking about Bucky. She coughs obnoxiously, 'smile, ladies!'
Andi checks the last photo, too many teeth and too forced, but at least they aren't talking about Bucky anymore, 'looks great, that's a really good one.' The women nod overzealously and resume their chatter, much to Andi's chagrin. 'I mean everyone says he's crazy, but beating people up, while waiting for a sandwich, really?' Andi clicks her camera lens cover on and sighs loudly, 'or maybe he's just been through a lot and the people around here need to learn how to deal with that and respect it some more!' The women stare at her in surprise and Andi hears the word hypocrite echo around her head, she's still learning herself and she's currently ignoring him, just like he blanked her. Belinda looks confused, 'ummm well, sick or not, he shouldn't be acting like some psycho at lunch!' Andi pulls back in shock at the word psycho and starts to challenge the brunette.
An adjoined office door opens, distracting the three from a heated stare off and a warm voice interrupts, 'Miss Miller is right, and talking about our colleagues is not the way to help one another and certainly not the image we want to present as a company.' Andi focuses on the strawberry haired woman, recognising Pepper Potts. Suddenly she feels dazzled by the slender, boss lady. Her calm disposition and subtle words, encouraging the women to return to their menial tasks. Pepper smiles warmly at Andi, folding her arms and smirking at her. Andi realises she's staring, scrambling for a piece of paper from her back pocket, 'ummmm, you're not on my list, Miss Po…Potts! Not today!' Pepper nods, a closed lip smile hiding her mirth, 'I told Tony, I need notice of a photo shoot, but it was nice to see you, Andrea.' Andi closes her eyes at the name, astonished and intimidated by the amazing Pepper Potts, she deliberates before spilling 'it's just Andi actually and I'm all done here for now, I'll see you all around!' She slips from the office, feeling warm in the face and embarrassed. Her goodbye suggested her and Pepper might share a shake sometime. She looks back at the door, noticing the glaring name plaque now. She prays Pepper kicks their gossiping asses and then remembers the story about Bucky. Biting her lip and hoping he's ok.
At six, Andi clocks out, she's exhausted, she forgot what nine to five is like. She looks up and makes eye contact with Ryan and he scurries off before she can even wave. Suddenly, the canteen and Bucky comes to mind and she makes the connection, new kid in the lunch queue. She watches him make a sharp exit, shuffling away from her at speed. She's not sure if it was the outrageous flirting or the superhero she's living with, or the beating in the lunch line, but she's obviously ruined that friendship.
She checks the time and remembers Bucky. Tempted to just leave him, she finally concedes and starts to take the stairs leisurely, unafraid of keeping him waiting. Two flights in she realises how unfit she is and jumps into an elevator. When she arrives at the level, she recognises it as where they first met for the photo shoot and remembers Rosie's special dress, Amelia's big debut. It's silent and the lights are off, as she walks further in, they automatically switch on and Bucky is illuminated. He's sat on a window ledge, perfectly still. 'Oh my God, you are kidding, right? That was terrifying. Stop doing that!' Bucky stands and looks out the window, his back to her, 'I have to, you keep hiding from me.' She looks down, embarrassed that she been caught. 'I assume that's what you are doing in offices with Steve?' Andi ignores him. His voice catches her attention. 'Amelia is here next week for that damn interview I agreed to.' Andi doesn't know what to say, unsure of what they are anymore. He turns and looks directly at her, 'got your camera with you?' She just nods and pats her satchel. He starts to walk towards her and starts unhooking buckles and popping buttons. Andi wonders what is happening and looks around for anyone else close by. He's pulling at his tactical jacket, undoing it.
'Woah, what are you doing? I haven't spoken to you properly for two weeks! I'm not sleeping with you and certainly not here! And… I'm dating someone else, I'll have you know.' Bucky continues to unbuckle his shirt, approaching her with soft foot steps. 'Is that right?' he asks casually, 'because Steve tells me he ran out of there like a little lost boy.' Andi huffs and mutters fucking Rogers beneath her breath. He shakes his jacket off and reveals a black t-shirt. He pauses and then reaches two hands to the back of his neck and pulls the shirt over his head. Andi wants to moan at the sight, she's missed seeing him like this, that's for sure. He drops his clothes, with no cares at all and stands with his arms folded across his chest and his legs shoulder width apart. His metal arm is on display and cradling his flesh elbow. He stares at her and she's unmoving, partly in shock and partly enjoying the view. 'Get your camera out,' he instructs. Andi splutters, 'what?' Bucky huffs 'you are the one who's always saying don't hide it, let you freak… flag...' she cuts him off, 'it's not Hustler, Bucky, put your shirt on.' He's proud at her flustered face and just puffs his chest out further, 'just take a goddamn photo, I want to prove to you that I can do this, even if just for you.' Andi pauses and slowly smirks, 'you mean spank bank material?' she asks suggestively. Bucky lowers his head and shakes it slowly. She starts to explain and he stops her, 'I get it. It's very self-explanatory.'
'I'm serious, Andi. This is all there is, this is all I have. All I can offer you.' She watches him, touched by the effort of honesty. She sighs and starts to unpack her bag, grabbing her camera. 'Fine, come on, Romeo, just a couple and then put your shirt back on, I don't know where to look. Maybe I'll buy you a coffee for your efforts.'
Once she concedes, she watches him as he awkwardly tilts from side to side, as if he doesn't know which is his good one. He folds his arms, drops his arms, shakes his hands, flexes his fingers, when he looks like he might crack his neck, Andi coughs, pleading with her eyes.
She tries not to laugh, taking it seriously and letting him know that she's still annoyed. She sighs and walks over to him, stopping in front. 'May I?' Bucky stares at her, just nodding. She gently cups his elbow, 'don't over think it, fold your arms, metal side out, it's a power pose, trust me.' Bucky looks down at her, barely hearing her words. Feeling her close has him on edge and he struggles to remember where this went wrong for them. She bends his arms, positioning them and he watches as she blows her hair out of her face. She looks up and stops short at his blue eyes following her every movement. She steps away reluctantly, shaking herself free of intimate thoughts and grabbing her camera, 'right, stud, lets see the smoulder, le me feel the burn.' Bucky smirks at her, despite himself. He doesn't move, keeping his arms folded and tilted away from her, right in the way she positioned him.
'Gotcha!' Bucky looks up quickly, wiping the smirk from his face, knowing that's what she's referring to. 'No use in hiding it now, soldier, evidenced it, you smirked. It's all here and here,' she offers, tapping her camera and then her temple.
The level is silent apart from the clicks of Andi's camera. 'I heard something about you.' Bucky scoffs, 'that I'm a killer? An insomniac? A nomad?' Andi pauses, 'nooooo, Mr Dramatic! But close. That you beat someone up in the canteen. Trying to get the last bowl of custard, was it?' Bucky looks at her seriously, 'oh yeah? What did I do, allegedly?' Andi blows out, 'well, the last I heard was you had some new kid, just started, in a sand-which, his head between a tray and the counter, face down in soup of the day. Allegedly, of course.'
Bucky looks around, trying not to look too proud, 'maybe he deserved it?' Andi shrugs, 'so what's your version of events?'
Bucky looks down, trying to mask his grin. Pushing his hands into his pockets, Andi tries to ignore the way his muscles tense, he looks at her, square in the eye, 'I went to grab some lunch and in the queue, I discovered it was lasagne, again and I slammed my tray down, a little rough, I can admit, and I scared the kid next to me. But in my defence, that's all they ever cook.'
Andi goes silent, partially because she's amazed by the eloquent telling of his story, 'I gotta say, the physical, tray slash counter sand-which sounds way more believable.' Bucky laughs heartily and holds his hands up in surrender. Andi bites her lip, looking at him quizzically. 'Ok, tell me, how may times have you eaten in the canteen?' Bucky resumes his folded arm stance, 'hundreds.' He looks so confident she almost buys it, but pushes him anyway, 'the truth?' Bucky shrugs, 'never.'
'Who was next to you in the queue? Who's the guy?' Bucky rubs his scruffy chin, 'Richard? Ryan? Who knows.' Andi looks at him in understanding, 'mmm hmmm and how was the lasagne?' Bucky sighs, 'petty damn good, actually.' Andi giggles at him, 'I thought you never ate in there?' He looks her in the eye, 'I ate it in my room.'
They fall into a lull and she finally asks, 'why the fake fight? Why are there rumours everywhere that you tried to kill someone with a butter knife?' Bucky doesn't answer, turning to look out the window, Andi snaps a picture of his bare back, scratches and scars littering it. He flinches at the click of the camera and she waits for his answer, 'I thought you would find me, shout at me or something, maybe bring us back…' He appears to think twice about the words and turns to her. 'When people fear you, they ususally stay away.' Andi considers his words, finding the game plan here baffling, 'but I'm not scared of you.' Bucky shakes his head, muttering to himself, 'no, you are not, but you did stay away.' Andi looks ruffled, 'because you did first! That's on you Mr Go out with him!'
Andi huffs, looking around, hoping this doesn't turn sour. 'I followed you home, you know? The other night,' Bucky confesses, flexing his fingers, watching them closely. Andi just nods slowly, 'please don't slam anymore trays? Just find me if you want to talk.' Bucky nods, solemnly. 'I didn't touch him, I just bashed the tray and growled lasagne. It was sufficient to scare most of Stark's people and obviously enough to reach you. Breadcrumbs.'
Andi looks away, ignoring the way a chill shoots down her spine at the word breadcrumbs. She swipes through the photos on her camera, silently surprised by all of this effort from him. 'I'm not sure this is what the Manhattan team are looking for, well, maybe Beth.' Bucky is redressing and comes up behind her, looking at the screen, but darting his eyes away, afraid to see himself. She notices him and pouts that he is wearing his shirt again. Realising she is still mad she announces, 'I haven't forgiven you.' Bucky fastens his jacket and grabs a piece of folded paper from one of his many pant pockets. 'And I still want to know what is in all of those pockets.' Bucky reads the paper and instructs her to follow him, 'I have something else for you.' She opens her mouth to question and he lifts his hand up, 'please? Just trust me?'
'Hey, Bucky?' She calls calmly, he turns to her and nearly steps back at how close they are, 'I let you follow me home the other night, you know?' He looks a little stunned, but masks it quickly. 'How do you like that, Barnes?' Bucky considers it, 'I'm impressed, kid. Come on, don't dawdle.'
….
'Where the hell are we, Barnes?' Bucky has an idea in his head, grown from the seed of an idea from Tony. But now he is faced with pulling it off, he doubts it will work, thinking it might end up looking stupid and he tries to look for an out. 'You know what, this was silly. Don't worry about it, let's go for dinner.' Andi's followed him into the pits of the tower and is not giving up just like that, she's owed an apology and an explanation. 'Oh it must be bad, if you are offering dinner! Proceed!' She waves her hands, encouraging him to keep moving. Andi turns fully to him and puts both hands on his chest 'no, no, no what was it you wanted to show me? Come on, follow through, Barnes.'
Bucky sighs in defeat, 'fine, but you need to cover your eyes.' Andi just looks at him with blown pupils, 'are you serious? we aren't five!' By the look on his face, she can see he is deadly serious, so she shuts her eyes. 'It better be worth it, you better be stood there naked when I open them.' She stands still and hears him come close. 'Hey, I just took my shirt off upstairs and you told me to put it back on, make up your mind woman.' She can't help but think that's their entire problem in a nutshell. Bucky takes a hand, guiding her, she can hear the clicking of her shoes and she can sense that the room is dark as well as cold. There's no hustle or bustle and she wonders for a minute if he's going to kill her.
Bucky takes both her hands and she can feel him stood in front of her, like a warm wall. He tells her to step up and she lifts her left foot and wobbles slightly, he moves one hand at a time to hold her waist securely. He tells her to stand still and backs away slowly. She holds her hands out to steady herself, 'you're coming back, yeah?' she asks in a small, almost frightened voice. She can hear him laughing and knows that at least he's not far away. She hears a noise that she can't quite place and he walks back to her guiding her by the shoulders a few more steps forward. Then he spins her around and tells her to sit. She does as she's told and once sat down, she feels much more at ease. Bucky tells her to her keep eyes shut and she recognises the sound of a car door closing. Suddenly she's desperate to look, concerned she's being stowed away in a getaway drive.
He shouts back, 'you need to trust me and keep your eyes shut,' suddenly she hears another door and feels his presence beside her. She knows now that they are sat in a car. 'You know if you trusted yourself, I'd feel much better about trusting you, Barnes.' Bucky looks down, knowing she is right. He looks to the control device in his hand and inhales, hitting a red button.
Then a whizzing noise begins and suddenly they are moving, climbing towards the sky, like a ferris-wheel. Andi jumps and moves her head side to side, eyes still closed, 'this is so weird. It's not a trash compactor, is it?' He doesn't answer, there's a slight rustle and she can feel him close.
When they come to a stop he tells her to open her eyes, slowly she peeks out of one and then another, her eyes fly left to right. She can't see anything but the metal beams of the ceiling. When she looks out across the room, it reminds her of the inside of an air hanger. When she looks down she realises she is sat in a car, with Bucky in the driving seat next to her. She peers down over the edge and can see that the car is on a metal square, hovering over the garage and workshop below. She looks at Bucky questioningly and he just shrugs slightly, 'it's a flying car.' It takes Andi a moment to realise what he means and then she laughs, 'like Grease,' she says quietly. Bucky smiles, pleased that she gets it. 'This was the best I could do, a sports car in a garage and a lift. For a genius, Stark was next to no help.' Andi is still laughing and throws her hands in the air above her head, as if she is driving down the highway with the wind in her hair. 'You went to Stark?' Bucky looks away, not wanting to talk about the arrogant scientist.
'Seriously, what gave you this idea?' Andi asks quietly. Looking around, she realises they are up pretty high. 'You did, well, Grease did and Howard Stark, I guess.' Bucky scratches the back of his head awkwardly, surprised he has something to thank a Stark for.
Andi smiles widely at Bucky and leans across to him, pushing her lips against his ear, she whispers 'tell me about it, Stud?' Bucky's brow creases and he slowly turns to face her, so their lips are inches apart. Andi chuckles lightly at his confused face, 'we really need to finish that film.' Bucky's eyes dart to her lips and he mentally tells himself, that they need to talk first, sort this mess out. She obviously feels the same, as she pulls her eyes from his lips and relaxes back into her seat, shuffling down and putting her feet on the dash. They both sit awkwardly, unsure of who will speak first. Andi wants to know where the hell he has been, why has he been avoiding her?
'Steve and Amelia seem happy,' he says out of the blue. Andi looks at him side on and marvels at his poor tactics, he hasn't spoken to her properly for two weeks, and he starts with the strong ship that is Amelia and Steve. Andi nods, 'he's at home all the time, I suggested we did a wife swap and maybe I should move in with you and he can have my room, you know, see how the other half live.' Bucky's eyes widen at talk of moving in and he doesn't know what's more terrifying, Steve moving out or hurricane Andi moving in. 'Relax, I'm joking,' she says dryly, sensing his apprehension. Andi strokes the leather interior and sighs, realising he has nothing more to say. 'Well, I better get going. I'm having dinner with the couple of the hour.' She looks down and wonders how they get out of here, she looks over and sees the controller in his hand.
Bucky looks a little sad at this, Andi assumes he misses his best friend and says 'look, you've really made a mess of this, if indeed it was meant to be an apology, your words don't really match the gestures. But Amelia is planning Thanksgiving and she'd like you to come.' Bucky looks at her with bright blue eyes, cocking his mouth to one side, disappointed at her wording. 'I'd like you to come,' she confesses. Bucky smiles to himself and as she turns to get out of the car he puts his hand over hers, 'I'm sorry I've not been around, I'm sorry I made you go out with that Richard kid. I'm sorry that…' Bucky stops and wipes his face with his palm, muttering, 'I used to be better at this, I'm sure.' Andi bites her lip and fights to keep her mouth shut, she's realised Bucky is like a little bird, and if she comes on too strong, he will fly away.
'I like being around you,' Bucky admits mainly to himself, she nods. 'You make me laugh,' Andi nods bigger and with pride, obviously she mutters. She watches him, wondering if there's more, but he appears to be done, exhausted by all the honesty.
'Look, Lucky, I'm just going to stop you there, as I feel like one of us might die having this conversation. I like you, you like me, the sex is phenomenal and speaking purely as 50% of this…friendship? I don't want to see anyone else. No Ryans or Richards and I've certainly had my fill of Gregs.' Bucky struggles again to answer, she makes it all seem so simple.
'I can tell you are terrified of the label and the pressure, so what would you have called me back in the day?' He considers it, finally deciding and smirking, 'a challenge.' Andi looks a little offended, but decides she quite likes it. 'Well, you are definitely a challenge also, so maybe we could be each other's challenge?' Bucky looks at her like she is crazy, 'are you going to introduce me as your challenge?' Andi just smirks and suddenly announces 'let's keep this between us, not sure how it will sit with work, you're not my boss or anything, but still.' Andi looks down at her lap, 'I actually quite like it here, feels like a real job, an opportunity for me.'
Bucky looks across and catches a glimpse of her name badge, asking, 'Andrew?' Andi throws her hands up, 'I know, fucking HR, can you believe it? How difficult is it, still, better than Andrea.' Bucky tilts his head, 'why do you hate it so much?' Andi ideally presses buttons and explains 'my Mom is the only one who calls me Andrea. And speaking of families- Thanksgiving, make sure you are there. My dad will be there, my MOTHER is not invited, that's for sure.' Bucky can't keep up, but nods at the dinner invite. Andi looks at him, 'I really do need to go. Dinner. Amelia. Steve. Vomit!'
Bucky climbs out of the car, not bothering to open the door and Andi rolls her eyes 'you could just open the door you know, Zucko? You think you are so cool.' He cranks a lever and they start to lower. It's not as smooth as the ride up and Andi just watches the ground get closer and closer. Bucky looks out across the level, smirking a little, glad to be back spending time with her.
They stop at the ground and Andi leaves the car. 'This was nice, Barnes. You're a thoughtful guy.' He looks at her and wonders if he should kiss her or say more, he checks his mental list, questioning if he said everything. He quickly realises there is no list and he said very little. 'See you later, Bucky,' she offers will a small wave. As she walks away, winding between the cars and the tools, his voice echoes and she hears 'would you want to go out for food?' Andi stops and asks 'like a date? You mean as your one true challenge?' Bucky puts his hands in his pockets, 'yes. Please?' Andi smiles and jumps a little, 'text me, buckaroo. Do not forget Thanksgiving,' she shouts back and then she's gone.
AN: I hope you liked it! I really enjoyed writing this chapter. Bucky makes so much effort and just can't quite convey what he's feeling. It was fun to think about how might he apologise and react to Andi. I like him following her to the restaurant and I can't help it, I'm a romantic and like the fluffy Steve and Amelia… but things don't stay fluffy forever.
Just in time for January… (?) the next chapter is Thanksgiving. Rosie is back, family event, pumpkin pie and a splash of Tony.
Thanks so much for reading, let me know what you think. x