Bucky sighed, his expression unreadable as we pulled up to the Avenger's tower.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"I'm not a fan of this place. No one trusts me here."
"I do." Then I froze. For a split second, I wondered when I had come to trust him. But then he opened his door and got out. So I unbuckled and opened my door. I grabbed the crutches and tried to get out on my own. "Oof." I groaned as I hit the ground. Bucky came around the car and sighed.
"You're really bad at taking care of yourself."
"You just haven't seen me at my best."
He didn't reply as he helped me stand back up and positioned the crutches under my arms. After watching me closely to make sure I wouldn't fall again, he followed me inside. Nat was waiting for us in the lobby. She used her key card to unlock the elevator.
"You don't get one?" I asked Bucky. He didn't answer.
Nat glanced at us as we all piled in. "No," She stated. We waited silently as the elevator brought us to the floor where we lived during missions. They walked me to my room which was covered in flowers and cards.
"Aww, you shouldn't have," I said. I blinked, trying desperately to hide the tears forming in my eyes.
"Well, we didn't do all of it," Nat answered quickly. "You do have fans."
I looked around the room. Every surface was covered in either a large bouquet, fruit basket, or get-well cards. "Fans?"
"You're an Avenger now. You've saved countless lives."
"I really don't think-" I stopped. I couldn't believe so many people would think about me. Just appreciate it, I scolded myself. "Thank you."
They both left then to give me some space. I walked around slowly, picking up random cards, reading them, and setting them back down. I dared to look down at myself. I hadn't been allowed showers while in captivity. I could see where the IV had been, my pale skin shining through layers of sweat and dirt. I shuddered. I had to think of some way to get clean. I explored my options for a moment before calling, Wanda? in my mind. I still wasn't entirely sure how her mind-powers worked, but I was hoping she'd hear her name at least. I started rummaging through the drawers to find some clothes.
Wanda peeked in the door. "You called?" One eyebrow was raised in an expression of almost complete disbelief.
"I'm sorry, I uh wanted to, well I need to get clean and I'm not supposed to get the cast wet," I hesitated. "Could you help me bathe?" I winced at my weakness. Sure I'd been injured before, but my healing was normally fast. The fact I still had bruises was a sign that I really had changed.
"Of course," she answered without hesitation. She led me to the bathroom before turning to me.
"So how do you want to do this?" I was still surprised she'd agreed to help. We were friends but not close.
"Well, I was hoping you could create a shield? To protect the cast."
She nodded. "I've never really done something like that but I'll try."
"You're so open-minded," I laughed nervously.
She shrugged. "I'm just glad to be of use. I'm sure you know that ex-hydra agents aren't trusted here. We aren't invited to meetings and we have to have babysitters when sent on missions."
I looked at her with understanding and a little bit of guilt. I had created a lot of the procedures recruits had to deal with. "I went through the same thing when I first joined."
We got through the bath with minimal awkwardness. She helped me pull my arms through my shirt and my pants around my cast. I could feel red creeping up into my face. Wanda, however, showed no kind of embarrassment. I was a little impressed. She disappeared without a goodbye after bringing me back to my room.
I yawned widely glancing at the clock. The bath had taken longer than I thought. Despite the time showing 8'o'clock, the sun had started dipping down. Fall was almost here and I felt a little upset that I'd missed most of the summer. I sheathed my wings before dragging myself into bed. It felt like a cloud after sleeping so long on a hard cot.
"Friday?" I asked hesitantly. I always felt a little weird speaking to her since the whole Jarvis and Vision thing. Sometimes I found myself starting to say the wrong name.
"What can I do for you," the AI responded, bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Can you play my ambiance?"
"Of course. Do you require anything else?"
"Well… if it's not too much trouble, I need a reminder to take my medicine."
"Mr. Stark has already entered your medical information. Medication reminders are set."
I felt another pang of frustration. To start relying on others after so many years of independence seemed wrong. Might as well get used to it. I snuggled into the covers the best I could. The soft sound of a crackling fire and owls hooting filled the room. I smiled as I drifted to sleep.
Authors Note: Hey guys, I've been thinking a lot about this story and where it should go. There are a lot of chapters planned for this one, but reviews definitely help with the creative process. Happy reading!