AN: Hello again, tyring my best to stick to a weekly update, I, like all FF readers, know how sporadic updates and lost stories are a real downer. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, it's very much appreciated, hi to anyone new! Kudos, as it's a lot to catch up on! Usual disclaimer applies. Own nothing. Fan work only.
Chapter 23: Boxed In
The next morning, Victoria hurries through reception, keeping her head down and hoping she doesn't bump into the dark-haired Sargent. Reaching her level with no sightings, she stops, almost walking into somebody, her supervisor advises her firmly, 'Captain Rogers wants to see you, he was here looking for you, but you're late.' She opens her mouth to explain, but he doesn't care. 'He has an office two down from Miss Potts, he never uses it, so it must be serious. What have you been up to, Haynes?' Victoria grips her bag tightly, just nodding and leaving again.
Tapping on the door, she hears nothing, waiting for permission to enter. Suddenly the door opens, the Captain smiling down at her. 'Agent Haynes, sorry to drag you up here, I know how this looks, I tried to catch you at your desk, but… well, never mind. Come in, please.' Victoria steps through, her supervisor was right, doesn't look like he's ever been in there, no stationery on the desk, layers of dust on the shelves.
Steve feels guilty, pulling her away from her job and making her feel like she's the one that did wrong. He retraces the words he planned on his run earlier that morning.
'I just wanted to say, how sorry I am and…' Victoria holds her breath, dreading the next part. 'That it will never happen again, the shouting. My behaviour was inexcusable. It's no way to speak to anyone, especially a member of the team. Which you are, and a valued member. Your work and calm demeanour with Sargent Barnes does not go unnoticed.'
She's shocked by the admission and flattering review, but still surprised when he doesn't mention kissing his best friend at any point. Exhaling, she's suddenly desperate to get out of there, reliving the rejected kiss. 'Can I go now?' She asks suddenly and Steve is surprised, hoping she might talk with him some more. 'Uh, yeah, of course. Again, I'm sorry, it wasn't your fault and it was misdirected and not aimed at you.' Victoria agrees, 'sounds fair enough.' He offers to get the door for her, hurrying to her side. They almost bump into one another at the exit, she mumbles something and leaves quickly, Steve watching her go, slightly puzzled by her behaviour.
In the hall she pauses and takes a deep breath. 'Hey!' Someone calls, distracting her and she looks over, adopting her regular persona, 'morning!'
Lillian stops beside her, linking arms, 'what you doing up here? Not into that guy as well now, are you? He's a heart breaker, I've been there, trust me. But he's having a baby, and that's a deal breaker for me, don't want to be known as a home wrecker.' Victoria laughs, throwing her head back merrily, 'no. Still just the one love interest.' Lillian squeals, dragging her to the elevator, 'when will you tell me who it is? It's not Tony Stark, is it? Even I would say give up on that one. I think I've guessed everyone in this place.' Victoria smiles calmly, 'no, it's not him. But let's just say, some distance might be required for now.' Lillian raises her brow, 'ooh tricky, I like it, a woman who knows how to get what she wants. It was so dull before you started. We still on for drinks tonight?' Victoria agrees, nodding slowly 'can't wait.'
Andi walks past with her head buried in paperwork, Lillian groans, 'God, she's annoying, seems like she's everywhere these days, reporting back to the boss man, no doubt. You know her? Have you met her yet?' Victoria watches the bubbly blonde, skimming through notes and humming to herself, a not so well-hidden ear-pod under her hair. Victoria shakes herself back to reality, 'no, I don't think so. I've seen her about, what's her name?' Lillian gasps, all too excited to share some details, 'that's not the intriguing bit, you won't guess who she's dating...'
…
Higher up the tower, Sam is strapping on his harness, suiting up and looking over at Bucky, 'let's hope Steve has calmed the hell down today. What was that last night?' Bucky hears last night and feels a chill reach down his neck and back. He just mumbles agreements. 'Hey, you ok? You seem quieter and grumpier than normal.' Bucky chews out, 'fine, let's just get this done.' Sam backs off, giving up, sensing it's a 'don't talk to me' kind of day.
Bucky places his ear-piece in, tilting his head and stretching his mouth, trying to get comfy. 'Good morning, Sargent Barnes.' Bucky looks up at the robotic voice, 'FRIDAY?'
'Yes, Sargent Barnes.' Bucky looks around in confusion, watching Sam as he chuckles with his comms agent. He glances about the hangar, unsure what's going on. 'Uh, FRIDAY, where is Agent… Agent Haynes?' Bucky separates from Sam, ignoring his idle prattle. 'Agent Haynes has been reassigned to Agent Wilson.'
Bucky stares over at his friend, 'well that explains that.' Bucky hates the automated voice in his ear, rubbing his face, he queries lowly 'is this a permanent thing?' FRIDAY answers, 'Agent Haynes has been reassigned, I will now be your communications liaison.' Bucky removes the device from his ear with an angry snatch of his hand, Steve appearing in view. Bucky storms over to his friend, 'what is this?' He holds up the listening device and Steve doesn't know what he means. Bucky groans at his blank face. 'Victoria… Agent Haynes, she's gone, no longer my comms, replaced by some, by a robot, this anything to do with you?' Steve shakes his head, surprised 'no, I apologised this morning as planned, she didn't mention anything, desperate to get away though.' Bucky stills, coughing 'she say anything else?' Steve mumbles, 'no, like I said, only a very profound need to leave.' Bucky turns away from his friend, 'shit.'
Steve watches on, Bucky's hands gripping at his sides, he calls to him, 'you ok? Didn't think you were that crazy abut her?' Bucky looks about panicked, 'we had found… a rhythm, I just don't like change and I don't like artificial women, whispering in my ear. And what the hell is that?!' He waves across at a chuckling Sam, 'what? He's going to flirt his way through missions now?' Steve laughs a little, frowning, 'why so bothered?' Bucky reacts, 'I'm not bothered, I just think if I'm going to let things go, she should too.' Steve folds his arms, 'is this about what you discussed at our's last night?'
Bucky halts, 'no, why?' He can't believe Amelia told him, Steve shrugs, 'just if this wedding stuff is too much for you, put the brakes on it a little. Speaking of, we need to get going, should be short and sweet, got to get back for my cake tasting session.' Bucky looks to his ear device, reluctant to plug it back in, 'you going to be ok with FRIDAY? You'll get used to it, she's nice.' Bucky rolls his eyes, he can't believe they are having this conversation. 'You didn't sign this off then?' Steve shakes his head, 'no, it will be Fury.'
Bucky thinks back to Amelia, how she did keep his secret. He deflates in relief and tries to be a little nicer, 'Mia ok? That's some bump alright.' Steve smiles proudly, 'yeah, she's doing ok, at home, day off. Promised me she would take it easy.'
…
'Hey, you came,' Natasha stops in front of Amelia, 'you bring some kit?' Amelia snorts and the red head looks serious, 'kit? I'm not kidding.' Amelia shrugs, blushing 'I brought a shirt and some joggers, oh and my sneakers, that ok?' Natasha just stares at her, eyes skimming down to her baby pink lace ups. When she says nothing, Amelia backtracks 'I can go buy something...' Natasha exhales and walks past her, brushing her shoulder, 'it's fine, now you coming or what?' Amelia hesitates but jogs after her.
Later, Amelia shuffles through the gym doors, peering down at her unflattering baggy Flintstones shirt and then across at Natasha, who looks like a model. Her toned midriff showing, where Amelia's bulging baby bump sits. Natasha nods for her to come over, 'get in here, stop over thinking.' Amelia walks across to the boxing ring. Stopping beside it and wondering how she even gets in. Natasha huffs and walks close, pulling the rope up and encouraging her inside. It's not a graceful climb and Amelia can already feel the embarrassment flooding her face as she rolls onto the mat. Standing slowly, she wobbles, 'it's bouncy?' Natasha nods, stating 'yeah, bouncy.'
The Russian looks at her seriously, 'now, your doctor said this was fine?' Amelia swallows nervously, 'yes, to do exercise is fine, light, my normal routine. I mean, this is new but I do Pilates and gym once a week, so this is instead and it's mainly arms, you aren't going to karate chop me down, are you?' Natasha splutters a cold laugh at the mention of Pilates. Amelia flushes red, babbling and can feel Natasha judging her silently. 'No karate today. Bruce said the same.' Amelia looks up at her slowly, blood draining from her face, 'you asked Bruce? About me? And my uterus? Oh god, I'm mortified, I can never come here again.' Natasha waves her off, 'it's fine, he's a professional. At least I didn't ask Stark.'
Natasha grabs a pair of boxing gloves from the floor of the ring and holds one open, nodding for Amelia to slide her hand in. 'How you feeling now?' Amelia looks squeamish, 'my uhh, the bleeding hasn't come back…' She seems like she's done and then words begin to tumble from her 'but it might as well have, it's all I can think about. Steve treats me like I'm made of china, Andi acts like it never happened, Rosie is scared I'm going to vanish again and I just… sorry, you don't want to hear this.' Natasha tightens the gloves for her, not making eye contact 'I asked, so I obviously do.' Amelia appreciates her soft tone.
'They blame me,' Amelia confesses quietly. Natasha steps back, her face stoic and unmoving. 'No, they don't and for what? Everything's fine.' Amelia nods uncertainly, 'I guess.' Natasha surprises her, pinning her with a firm stare 'who do you blame?' Amelia glances around quickly, unsure how to answer. Natasha allows the question to linger, but gets tired of waiting.
'You ever done anything like this before?' The red head questions.
'Fighting?' Amelia squeaks.
'No. Boxing?'
'Oh, no, never, but like you said it could be good for me,' Amelia smiles with a dopey grin and Natasha circles her, 'trust me, it will be. Rogers isn't going to burst in here, is he? I hate it when he's mad, it's tiring.' Amelia coughs, peering down shyly, 'no, I haven't told him.' She waits for the telling off and Natasha surprises her, 'good girl.'
Natasha tugs on two punching pads and holds her palms up, 'ok. Hit me.' Amelia giggles nervously, 'I assumed it would be a doll, a rubber man thing, not you. I can't hit you.' Natasha shrugs, 'sure you can, just do it.' Amelia mutters, 'maybe this isn't right for me.'
Natasha stands up straight, eyeing her 'Steve is away a lot, isn't he? Pretty irresponsible of you to get pregnant, alone, again.' Amelia freezes, questioning why she would be so cruel. She thought the woman across from her was a little more open minded. Natasha just nods to her punch gloves.
Then Amelia realises. 'Even your sister has had enough and is moving on.' Amelia shakes her shoulders, suddenly she can see that her own thoughts are being projected back to her. 'I know what you are up to, it won't work.' Natasha holds her palms up once again, 'and that asshole at work, are you really going to let him treat you like that?' Amelia stumbles, 'uhh, huh, how would you know that? Serious, how could you possib…' Natasha continues, 'your sister moving away, getting married, beating you to it, eek.' Amelia laughs at the way she speaks eek. But Natasha remains serious, 'everything you went through, just labelled as not uncommon by a doctor. That's the kicker.'
Amelia turns quickly, lobbing a weak punch, but it's something. Natasha pouts, 'hmm ok, I can work with that.' Amelia is embarrassed and wonders where that came from. Natasha was saying such awful things and yet for the first time in weeks she feels liberated. 'What's his name? The work guy. We aren't done. Hit me, right palm.' Amelia swings again for the right hand and mumbles 'that was a cruel tactic and it's Richard.' Natasha listens carefully, 'well, if you feel more comfortable, we have a plastic Richard in the cupboard you can chat with.' Amelia tilts her head dryly.
'Left hand.'
'It's not your fault, what happened,' Natasha states like she has the authority on it.
Amelia knocks her away forcefully with an unsolicited hit, it's not much of a punch, but there's energy and aggression there. She hits again, 'it is my fault, I'm looking after her, I'm her mother.' Amelia stops and wipes her hair away, struggling in the oversized gloves. Natasha smirks 'mothers aren't perfect. I mean, I've met yours.' Amelia laughs loudly, 'truer words.'
Natasha holds both palms up, 'come at me, just give it what you've got.' Amelia pummels lightly, trying to keep it calm, not elevate herself too much. 'If I was fitter and less pregnant, I think I could really get into this.' Natasha nods, 'you still can get into it, both those things won't last forever.' Amelia sniffs, 'this isn't some secret way of slipping me self defence, is it? Am I going to get beaten up for sleeping with Steve?' Natasha sneers, 'so he does do that kind of thing?' Amelia is sweating and rubs her forehead, inhibitions lowered 'yes, and very well might I add.' She pauses and Natasha summons her to have another go. Amelia's punch is weak and Natasha can sense she's tired and not just from this. The red head pushes 'what you thinking?'
Amelia bumps her gloves together, 'about Steve, he doesn't… touch me now, not since…' Nat understands, 'he's nervous, it's to be expected. Best he can do is wrap you up and keep his hands away.' Amelia growls and throws a punch, 'I don't want that, I want to feel like a woman. Like he wants me. Like having this baby is a powerful thing that only I can do, not just something else I screwed up. I see all these people on TV, pregnancy makes them feel sexy and I'm like a baked potato someone left in the oven too long. It's the greatest privilege on earth, blah… no, it is, truly..' She wipes her hair from her face, 'honestly, I can't see why anyone would be interested. I've been more attracted to a sack of potatoes at the grocery store. Why would he want to touch this?' Natasha is surprised by her harsh words, 'I knew you were under confident, but that's just sad. Also, why do you keep talking about potatoes?'
Amelia shrugs, feeling riled 'are you still trying to spur me on? Because it's working.' She throws another punch and Natasha is a little knocked off balance, hiding it quickly. 'You have some rage, girl, we just need to harness it.' Natasha straightens and drops her hands, 'but we are done for today. Call me next time you fancy it and we will see what we can do, ok?' Amelia seems disappointed, 'that's it?' Natasha chucks her a water, which she struggles to catch in the gloves, she looks down at her friend's stomach, 'you are with child, just take it easy, don't go pushing yourself and proving anything. Be honest with Steve, remind him you are fierce and take the lead. You are not a potato!'
Amelia smiles at her, tugging the heavy gloves off her sweaty hands.
'I hear you are a bridesmaid?' She asks and Natasha hides a coy smile, 'yes, Andi asked me. Barnes' choice apparently, very touching, being chosen by someone who's been forced into it.' Amelia laughs loudly, 'well I'm going to need all the moral support I can get, might need to be wheeled in by then. Do you own a wheelbarrow?'
Natasha walks for the exit, 'wheelbarrows are for potatoes, Amelia!' The brunette watches her leave and then wonders how the hell she finds her way out of this complex. The last forty minutes might be the most surreal she's spent in this place.
…
Steve steps into the cake shop, looking around at the rows of baked treats. Display wedding cakes in the window, towering intricate designs. White cakes, pink cakes, cakes in every colour. He wonders when weddings became more than just white. He spies a counter with fresh cakes and smiles at the guy at the register. He peers around, finally spotting Andi, sat at a metal table at the back of the shop. It's light and bright, clean wooden floors, vibrantly decorated cupcakes piled up everywhere, clearly baked with love and affection.
He arrives beside her and she pulls her headphones off, 'hey, you made it, I wasn't sure if you'd be back.' Steve smiles, happy to see her, dragging out a chair across from her. 'This place is nice, Brooklyn as well, good choice.'
He glances around again, 'so why did you pick me for this?' Andi grins, 'thought it would be some nice bonding time, big brother.'
She pulls out her wedding notebook and scribbles in it, 'what's your favourite flavour of cake?' Steve considers, 'uh, just classic. I don't know, with jam?' Andi grins, 'sounds about right, you are a vanilla kind of guy.' Steve can't tell if that's an insult, 'Emma, the baker, is bringing four pieces to begin with, we need to choose a flavour and flick through this book for a design. Or come up with our own, hey, you're an arty guy, but no shields.'
Steve drags the portfolio closer, turning the pages, eyeing the exquisite cakes and the cost. 'Oh, my dad is paying for the cake. Managed to squeeze that out of him.' Steve agrees, still looking through, he asks 'how many people are you catering for?' She answers causally 'around eighty. Invites are going next week, just need Bucky to finish his list. He missed the deadline. Twice!' He looks up in shock, noting her excited face. He feels guilty and quickly hides his surprise.
'What? What was that?' She asks in a hurry and Steve acts, playing it down, 'nothing, why?'
'You pulled a face.'
Steve exhales, 'it's just… eighty people, does Buck know that? You said small.'
Andi folds her hands on the table, she looks a little embarrassed and Steve senses she knows it's close to the mark 'it is small-ish and yes he knows. Look, I invited you here, because I want you to be part of it… and Bucky refused. I know you don't like me much, but…' Steve is shocked, 'what? I like you, we are… we're, we are family.' Andi laughs loudly, causing people at the counter to look across, 'that pained you, I saw you swallow. Twice! Your throat does thing.' Steve leans back, 'what thing? No, you know what, I do like you, let's just pick a cake.'
Andi eyes him as he gently caresses the laminated pages, he's so gentle, before he arrived she flicked through, mentally shouting, 'no. no. nope. Ugh, no.'
'Are you jealous?' She asks suddenly. Steve looks up from the file slowly. 'Uhhh, no, I don't want to marry Bucky, will you ever let this go?' She smirks, 'no, I mean that he had the balls to ask me, unlike some people.' Steve slaps the file shut, leaning into her, ushering 'I did ask! She said no!'
Andi leans into him, 'almost three years ago, Steve! And your timing was abysmal!'
He eyes her sceptically, 'well I can't now, can I? It will seem like a team event if I do. Just you do your thing and I will…'
'What? Sit and wait for life to pass you by?' She teases smugly.
Steve is frustrated now, checking his watch, he can see he's only been there ten minutes. 'No, it just needs to be right, Amelia and me, it means so much.' She watches him, he appears thoughtful and maybe she's pushed him too much. Steve eyes her and thinks she seems satisfied and watches as she takes the book from him. Steve frowns but decides to try again 'what about you? When are you moving out?' Andi scoffs, 'ok, that was polite. Soon, some time, one day… I don't know!'
Emma arrives with a tray and four plates of cake, 'there we go, have a bit of each and let me know your thoughts.' Andi smiles politely, 'we have to share, you ok with that?' Steve ignores her, reaching for a fork.
'Ok, so chocolate first?' Andi offers and they tuck in, tasting the light, fluffy cake, chocolate ganache spread across the top.
'How's my niece growing?' Steve smiles, his frustration with the woman across from him melting away, 'yeah, she's doing well, lots of movement.' Andi grins, despite the tension between them, 'did you like my name suggestions? Can you add April for me?' Steve hopes he forgets to honour that request.
They munch on the cake, Steve nodding and Andi humming, 'mmm.' She licks the fork and watches him, 'thank you for looking after them, how you were the other week.' Steve stares up at her slowly, just one bit left between them. He's taken aback by her honest tone, she continues 'it's strange for me, trusting someone else to look after my family.' Steve watches her pinched brow and thinks of Bucky, 'I get that.'
She nods to the last bite, 'you go.' Steve agrees and finishes the cake, thanking her and she looks down shyly, 'are you ok? Bucky told me you lost it with Victoria. Watch out, she definitely wants to be his next best friend, don't give her room.' Steve laughs a little at her joke, 'yeah, that was a bad day, but I'm doing ok, we all are.'
Andi's soft tone surprises him, 'I know it was hard on you as well, it's not easy being number two. When Mia had Rosie, we both lost sleep and felt the stress, but it was Amelia people asked "you ok, dear?" I sound bitter, but I'm just saying, I get it.' Steve looks at her thoughtfully, 'Amelia experienced it, not me. I will do anything to keep her safe. All of them.'
Andi can't help it, 'when you're here, that is.'
Steve rolls his eyes, she can't help herself it seems. She reaches for the next piece of cake, a small tag reads lemon.
Grabbing a clean fork, Steve keeps glancing back to her, unimpressed by the slight dig. 'I'm trying, I've been here more.' Andi nods, 'yeah, I guess so.' Steve hasn't even taken a bite, before dropping his fork, 'what is it you want to say?' She holds up her hands, her mouth full of cake, 'nothing, nothing to say here.'
He grips the table, explaining 'can you imagine taking a step back from something that is all you've known for most of your life? The only thing that remained the same?' Andi licks her fork with a pop, 'yep, hence I haven't decided when I'm moving out.' Steve suddenly feels guilty, seeing the comparison she's made. He looks down, but she's finished the cake, 'it's a bit tart, bitter even,' she discerns, pushing the plate away. She stares at him and he wonders if she still means the cake.
'I'm learning there is more to life than fighting and war,' he admits, 'even if it is for a good cause.' Andi smirks, 'there will always be someone else to fight the good fight.' Steve challenges her, 'like Bucky?' Andi smiles at the mention of his name, 'we are fine, we are in a good place and the same stage. Literally, work wise, no kids, no commitments, just each other, it works.'
Steve grabs the third piece of cake, she makes it sound easy. He nods at the plain sponge, keeping it closer to him this time. 'So, you and Bucky, you will look after him?' Andi laughs loudly, 'this isn't a break my legs talk, surely not?' Steve is offended, 'I won't hurt you, but I want you to take this seriously, look at what he's been through.' Andi thinks back to the scene in Tony's lab, a few weeks back. 'Uhhh, I love him, I think I know.' Steve offers her some cake, 'I just want him to be happy… as well as you.' Andi chuckles, 'thank you, Steve, very kind of you.' She slices the sponge, munching on it, 'oh vanilla, nice.' Steve watches her, she looks happy and he feels bad, as if he's making this hard. He tries to be softer, offering 'thank you, for convincing him about the arm.' Andi looks a bit embarrassed for the second time, 'we both know it wasn't without difficulties, but in the end I didn't convince him and that's what matters.' Steve hears her words, nodding, 'just like you and Mia, you need to decide about hero school and not her, shut the voices out, make up your own mind. You have to live with the choice.' Steve is mildly impressed by her advice, he can truly see why Bucky likes her company.
'Right, last but not least, coffee cake!' Andi takes the final plate, this time grabbing a knife and fairly splitting it. Offering Steve a final fork and smiling over at him. He gratefully accepts, 'gosh, I think we are out of topics,' she jests. She takes a bite and grimaces, 'no, oh no, no coffee, take it back.' Steve looks at her, 'you don't like it?' She pushes her half his way, 'no, knock yourself out.'
Steve peers across at her, 'does it worry you that he's never said it back?' Andi is taken by surprise, unsure what he means, 'you know, "I love you."' Andi shakes her head, shrugging 'he does, in his own way.' Steve takes another bite of cake, 'he says "thank you." I've heard it. Not really the same thing.' Andi rolls her eyes, 'we can't all be cookie cutter couples, Steve! It is what it is. That's what he's comfortable with and that feels better than me knocking a forced I love you out of him.' Steve watches her, he feels bad for mentioning it, but it's always bothered him. She's right, he and Amelia are different to them. 'Sorry, I'm just looking out for you.' Andi kind of appreciates the care, offering him a small smile.
Steve finishes his cake, pushing the empty plate away, 'well, thank you for inviting me, this is fun.' Andi laughs loudly at that, 'yeah, let's do it again, never.'
Emma returns and takes a seat beside them with a notebook. She introduces herself properly to Steve and asks them what they liked. They both answer 'this one.' Pointing at the vanilla sponge. She smiles at the pair, 'great, very traditional.' Andi smiles across at Steve, before affirming 'yeah, reliable and a little bit old school.'
AN: I must stress that Natasha is taking it so easy on a fairly pregnant Amelia, as we will see in the next few chapters… she's not really working out so to speak. Natasha is so fun to write, she just voices what everyone is thinking. Also, just like I don't know doctoring, I don't know boxing, sooo no judgement, but it's amateur, so I think I get away with it.
Poor Bucky is confused, he didn't do anything and now he's paying for it, not good with change.
Andi and Steve get along, but they aren't best friends and they are both protective of Bucky. I also felt with them being sisters it would be too easy if they all slotted into happy family relationships. Andi is the opposite of Steve, but they do find common ground
This one is a little bit shorter, maybe a mid-week update…?
Up next, a longer chapter, Steve finds out what Nat and Amelia are up to (preachy speech ensues), Bucky bumps into his unwelcome admirer and things start moving with his new arm.
Stay safe and take care x
