A/N: Some things to know.
One: This is not MCU accurate. Places, dates, people are a little more loosey goosey.
Two: The OC (Basically Y/N) is named Alexia "Lexi" Harding
Three: For an example of number one, in this story it doesn't matter whether Bucky killed Tony's parents. You can choose what to believe, as it doesn't feature or play into this story at all.
Four: This story follows a lot into the grumpy/sunshine trope, but may venture farther into how two people handle trauma in very different ways.
Five: This may have some adult themes. Not quite an M rating (because I'm not sure I can actually write that), but definitely some readers should be advised.
Chapter One: The New Guy
Lexi's POV
We sat in the conference room. The main team was here, except for Steve who we were waiting for.
Tony, Natasha, Bruce, Clint, me, and Wanda. Together, we lounged around the large table, until Steve walked in followed by a new guy. He was tall, muscular, and had short, dark hair.
"Hey, everyone." Steve said, "Thanks for coming. I know some of you already know my pal, Bucky, but I just wanted to give a formal introduction to the rest of you."
"So, this is Bucky Barnes." He says and then begins gesturing to each of us around the table. "And Bucky, this is Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, Bruce Banner, Clint Barton, Alexia Harding, and Wanda Maximoff."
"Is he the one that tried to kill you and Steve?" Clint casually asked Natasha.
"Yep." She responded.
Steve rubbed the back of his neck. "It's kind of a long story."
"Then you might want to take a seat before you tell it." I say, trying to be helpful.
He smiles and both he and Bucky sit down. I noticed that Bucky seemed kind of uncomfortable. He hasn't looked at anyone.
"I guess we'll start at the beginning." Steve said. "We were best friends in the 40s, until I thought he died. Turns out he was brainwashed by Hydra and used on and off again as a weapon." Steve looked at Bucky, who moved uncomfortably in his seat.
Steve continued. "He's been working with T'Challa and Shuri to undo the programming and that work is now complete. So, I was hoping that, as long as you all feel comfortable, that he could work with us."
There was a brief pause before Clint spoke up. "Are you and Natasha comfortable? You're the ones who he almost killed."
Natasha answered. "I'm fine with it. Who I am to judge an ex-assassin? And clearly Steve trusts him and I trust Steve."
"Well, then it's fine by me." Clint says.
"Me too." Bruce seconds.
"I think it'll be fun." I say. "The more the merrier, as they say. Isn't that right, Wanda?" I turn to my best friend.
"Of course." She says with a smile.
"Sure," Tony says sarcastically, "All fun and games until someone takes a knife to the back."
"Tony!" I scold. "Play nice."
"I'm not saying he can't join." He says with his hands up in defense. He then mumbles, "I'm just saying we should be careful."
I ignore him. "I'll be the first to say it. Welcome to the team, Bucky."
He gives me a nod and a mumbled, "thanks."
Steve puts a hand on his shoulder. "Well, if no one else has any questions or concerns, I'll show Bucky to his room."
After a moment a silence and a few head shakes, everyone starts to get up to leave.
I sit at the kitchen island as Wanda and Vision are cooking on the other side of it. "So, what do you think of the newbie?"
Vision answers first, "I did not meet him, but from his record, I would say he is highly skilled."
"Yeah," I say in response, "I saw the video of him from this last summer. It'll be nicer to have him fighting with us then against us."
"That's for sure." Wanda says, stirring something in the pot on the stove. "Yet, he seems troubled."
"Did you get that from looking at him or did you sense something?"
"Both." She replies as she takes the pot off the stove. "But enough of that, go get everyone for dinner while Vision and I set the table."
"Fine." I say, getting off the seat. Then, in a Terminator voice, "I'll be back."
I went to the lab first. "Tony! Bruce!" I shout when I enter. Neither even bother to look up from their equipment.
"Guys!" I lift something off the table to bang on the table.
"Don't." Tony says, again, without looking up.
Bruce does look up, "Yes, be careful with that."
I set it back down gently. "It's time for dinner."
"Dinner?" Bruce asks, "What time is it?"
"Dinnertime." I say, laughing. "Just kidding. It's six."
"Okay, kid, we'll be right down." Tony says, "Just let us finish up."
"Cool. If your not down in 15 minutes- I'll come back and I will pick up everything." I threaten with causes them both to grin.
I head to the training room next where Steve and Natasha are sure to be.
I enter and they are sparring with each other. "Hey guys!" I say, "Wanda made dinner."
"Thanks," Steve says while blocking Natasha's fist. He must have been at least a little distracted, because Natasha swipes his legs, and he lands on his side.
"We'll be right up." Natasha says, giving Steve a hand up.
"Awesome. See you soon." I say. I go to leave, but then turn back. "Where's Bucky?" I had originally thought he'd be with Steve, but it was clear he wasn't in the training room. And he was the only one left in the building since Clint was with his family tonight.
"He just left a little while ago." Steve answered. "He was heading to his room. I'm not sure he'll join us, though. He's still adjusting."
"Don't worry. I'll talk to him." I say, leaving the room.
I get to his door and knock with a light little pattern.
He answers the door, but says nothing.
"Hey," I say. "Wanda made dinner, so I thought you'd like to join us."
"No thanks."
"Come on. It's really good, Wanda has been learning a ton of recipes and Vision helps. He's kind of like her sous-chef."
He just looks at me.
I'm not sure what to say next. So, I just continue. "I'm going to take your silence as you now want to go and, trust me, that is a good idea. It's so fun hanging out with the team and, like I said, Wanda is a really good cook. Plus, it'll be good for you to get to know everyone. And then, we can get to know you.
"You talk a lot." He says, staring at me.
"Yeah…" I say, looking down momentarily before I shake off the comment. "Anyways, let's go."
"I think I'll pass."
"You can't." I say, smiling. "You're part of the team now. You have no choice. Let's go."
The door shuts in my face.
I shout past the door, "Fine, I guess there were other options!"
I make my way back to the kitchen, huffing. Everyone is sitting at the table. Steve notices that I'm alone and smiles, "Guess he didn't want to come."
"Good guess." I say, irritably.
