I know the Winter Soldier timelines are way off, but I'm taking artistic liberties with it.
Chapter 4- Friends
If you considered Kurt nervous when he met with Isabelle Wright for his Vogue interview, meeting the Avengers amplified his nerves by at least one hundred.
Everybody knew Stark Tower. Of course they did. Tony Stark was one of the most innovative people the country had probably ever known and his tower rose above most skyscrapers. It was impossible not to know him. According to Steve, Tony had only recently joined the crop of Avengers based in New York. They had six superheroes under one roof.
Steve wasn't at liberty to say, but S.H.I.E.L.D had not impressed Tony and he had persuaded the five other heroes to move into Stark Tower. He divided the space out equally, giving them each an entire floor. Kurt had a small space in the corner of a loft with a privacy curtain separating his intimate space with the place where Santana slept and from the general living areas. Noise blockage was not an option. Kurt had to blast Lady Gaga whenever Santana wanted to have phone sex with Dani. Which was often, he would have liked to point out.
Steve had spontaneously whisked Kurt off to Stark Tower. Kurt had changed outfits knowing that Pepper Potts was going to be there. She was renowned as a fashion critic and Kurt wanted to impress her as well as the others. He didn't know too much about them apart from their superhero aliases and what they specialised in. He was particularly excited to meet each of them for different reasons.
Thor was simple enough to explain. He was a literal alien and not too hard on the eyes.
The same held true for Hawkeye, well not the alien part, from what Kurt had seen from the news. Kurt always connected somewhat with fictional characters who used bows and arrows, so he knew that Hawkeye would have a personality equipped to deal with the weapon.
The Black Widow frankly terrified Kurt. Santana had told him stories about what often happened to her victims and he made a note to be very nice to her. Not that Steve would let her hurt him if he wasn't. He had his own protection detail.
Obviously he wanted to make an impression on Tony. Who didn't? Although he seemed like a hard guy to impress, Kurt would try.
Dr. Bruce Banner frankly intrigued him. Not because of what he turned into, but because of the type of person he must be to deal with something that monumentally challenging.
If he hadn't just made out with Captain America, he would have been the most excited to meet him.
"Kurt, they're going to love you, honestly. Just be you and they will definitely adore you like I do."
Kurt smirked.
"Well, not exactly like I do. I wouldn't let them," Steve said defensively, puffing his chest.
"I would never have thought that a big, strong Avenger would get jealous," Kurt chuckled.
Steve gaped. "I'm not jealous. Because I actually have you on my arm. If they even try to get near you, then I'll probably be jealous."
"Aren't they all straight?"
Steve smiled widely. "Yes, I would say so. But sexuality isn't an issue on Asgard, where Thor is from. Tony lives by the phrase "I'll dabble in a bit of everything". Natasha…well, she would probably eat you up. Bruce doesn't really get involved in relationships or attraction, but he's compelled by brilliant minds. He and Tony call themselves 'The Science Bros'. Clint…well, Clint has always been somewhat of an unpredictable man, the dating pool included."
Kurt took all of this in, including their names. "And what about Captain America?"
Steve smirked. "I have it on good authority that Captain America is absolutely enamoured by you, Kurt Hummel."
"Kurt Hummel is enamoured by him right back."
The elevator pinged open and a voice echoed around the walls.
"Captain Rogers is back, Mr. Stark. He is accompanied by a male guest."
Kurt's eyes widened. "Steve?"
"Oh, that's JARVIS. Tony's AI system. He's rather brilliant."
"Thank you, Captain Rogers," JARVIS replied swiftly.
Kurt shook his head. "This is all crazy."
"I assure you, Mr. Hummel that I am perfectly sane," JARVIS said merrily.
Kurt just blinked as they entered the main lounge area. He was amazed by the décor. A crackling, yet artificial fire sat beneath a wide television that hung to the plain white walls. All kinds of technologically baffling spigots lay haphazardly everywhere Kurt looked. All five of the remaining Avengers sat around, flicking through channels. If he hadn't known better, Kurt would have pegged them as regular domesticated friends who did not possess any kind of superpower.
Steve cleared his throat. "Everyone, there's somebody I would like for you to meet. This is Kurt Hummel."
That gained their interest.
Steve Rogers, eternal bachelor, had brought a guy home.
"Finally," Tony Stark cried as he stood up, approaching them, "you've romantically attached yourself to someone far better looking than yourself. Tony Stark, nice to meet you."
Kurt laughed musically. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Stark."
Tony glared at him playfully. "Do I look like an old man to you?"
Kurt frowned. "My perception of age was kind of shattered with the revelation that Steve is a ninety-seven year old man who looks about twenty five, so I don't know. Were you encapsulated in ice too?"
Tony fell apart laughing, as dramatically as he always did. "Oh, Rogers, I like this one. He's full of sass. Seriously, call me Tony, kid." Tony patted Kurt on the shoulder and allowed Clint to get through.
"Clint Barton, great to meet you. You didn't happen to bring pizza did you?"
"I'm afraid not. Shouldn't superheroes have better cholesterol control?"
Clint pouted. "I should've known Steve would bring back another health nut."
Kurt folded his arms. "We'll be the ones laughing when your arteries get clogged."
Clint grinned and high-fived Steve. Kurt took that as a good sign. He was surprised with how normal everyone looked. They looked more attractive in person than on television. Kurt hadn't realised that they had basically set up a queue in order to meet him. It was quite amusing, considering they specialised in saving the human race from destruction, yet they formed an orderly queue to meet him.
"Welcome friend," Thor boomed, "any friend of Steve's is a friend of mine." Thor pulled him into a hug. Kurt was taken by surprise, but predicted that Thor was a little more unorthodox than the others. "I am Thor Odinson, son of Odin, brother of Loki."
"Nice to meet you, Thor. I hope you don't mind me saying, but you could gain much more comfort in your outfit if you used a different material. If you're going to fight monsters, you don't want any chafing."
Thor looked rather amused. "I had not thought of that. Asgardians have little concern for comfort in clothes."
Kurt chewed his lip, thinking. "Hmm, yes there is a lot I can do with this. I could bring over some example swatches if you would like."
Thor nodded. "I appreciate that, friend."
Kurt smiled at how nice everybody was as Bruce Banner approached him.
"Lovely to meet you, Kurt. If you've caught Steve's eye, you must be somebody worth getting to know."
"I don't know about that, Dr. Banner. We sort of stumbled upon each other."
Steve smiled. "He met Captain America before he met Steve." That was all Steve had to say for everyone to get the message.
"Still, it's great to meet you. Also, call me Bruce. If you don't, The Other Guy will make sure you remember to."
Kurt noticed the joviality in his tone. "I've always liked the colour green," he mused, making Bruce grin.
"I like this kid," Bruce said to Steve, who put his arm around Kurt.
Kurt immediately noticed that Natasha, or Black Widow, looked so much more beautiful in person. Her tight black clothes accentuated her body perfectly and had a divine elegance that reminded Kurt a lot of Santana.
"Natasha Romanoff and I'm wondering how I can steal that Alexander McQueen scarf without you noticing."
Kurt tilted his head, playing with the ends of his scarf. "You may be an assassin an all, but fashion turns me into someone who makes the Hulk look like SpongeBob Square pants."
Natasha grinned. "I see. In that case, I'll settle for a shopping trip sometime."
Kurt nodded. "I can take you to the Vault at Vogue. You can have your pick there."
Natasha hugged him. "Great catch, Steven! I love him already."
Steve cuddled Kurt little bit closer. Kurt noticed the slight alteration in his position and smirked, rather charmed by jealous Steve.
Minutes later, they were assembled on the couches, Kurt sat between Steve and Natasha, who had commandeered his attention. Steve rolled his eyes amusedly at the two. Natasha seemed to have taken Kurt under her wing, something which Steve thought might have sparked terror in the eyes of the other Avengers.
"So how did you two meet?" Tony asked interestedly.
Kurt and Steve took turns explaining the story from their initial meeting to how Steve told Kurt everything about him.
"Aww," Clint cooed, "that's adorable. Does this guy know not to mess with you again, Kurt?"
"Steve certainly taught him not to hurt me anymore," Kurt affirmed happily. Nobody missed Steve interlocking his fingers with Kurt's own, squeezing his hand. Nobody decided to comment on it. Not even Tony.
Natasha sighed. "Well, if you find yourself in another rut, feel free to call any of us. It's been too long since I whooped ass. Maybe not Bruce…until you want a big green mess on your hands."
Bruce chuckled lightly. "That's true. Only call me if you need several villages being destroyed."
Kurt raised an eyebrow. "I could think of a few. I heard Lima, Ohio was asking to be eradicated from the map."
Tony blinked. "Let me guess, you grew up there?"
Thor frowned. "This town named itself after a bean? That is human life at its most pathetic."
Kurt snorted, Thor having no idea how right he was. "Oh that's too accurate, Thor. I won't get into my small town blues right now. In fact, Tony I was hoping to meet your better half."
Tony turned. "You mean like my left side instead of my right?"
A hand darted out and slapped him over the head.
"I'm pretty sure he means me," Pepper Potts announced herself, rubbing Tony's head.
"Someone give me some warning next time she tries to do that!" Tony complained, glaring at Thor who was chuckling.
"Who is our gorgeous new houseguest?" Pepper asked, perching on Tony's knee.
"Kurt Hummel. It's wonderful to meet you, Pepper. It is alright if I call you Pepper, isn't it?"
Pepper sniggered. "If you think about calling me Virginia, I'll have JARVIS throw you out of the window."
"Noted," Kurt grinned.
"Where's Buck?" Steve asked. Kurt had no idea how 'Buck' was supposed to be. The six of them were the only Avengers he knew.
Bruce frowned. "I think he's in the gym, still. He's been in there since you left."
Steve tutted. "I should go and talk to him. Clint, make sure Nat doesn't start Kurt with the assassin training."
Natasha scoffed. "I'm not a bad influence, Rogers! You should be asking me to make sure Clint doesn't pick out a nice bow for Kurt to use next time he's accosted."
Pepper gasped. "You were attacked?"
Kurt nodded glumly. "Twice. Today, in fact. I'm just fortunate that Steve is a certified stalker." Steve chuckled as he left the room.
Clint took the free seat next to Kurt and Pepper slid off Tony's lap into Clint's vacated one. Clint put his arm around Kurt.
"If you do want a bow, I can hook you up."
Natasha smirked. "I actually think assassin training will do you some good. Plus, think how fabulous the clothes would be."
Kurt grimaced. "I think I have a better chance of being able to lift Mjolnir than I do becoming an assassin. I sing nearly everywhere I go, I'm much too conspicuous. Plus, I love wearing boots that make lots of noise."
Thor laughed. "You should try, Kurt. You might be surprised."
"I think I'll pass. I have the upper body strength of a baby penguin, I'm not sure I'd be able to wield it anyway."
That got a communal laugh and the seven chatted mindlessly in Steve's absence.
Steve walked into the gym and saw Bucky Barnes sitting rigidly, staring out of the window.
"You know, my room's much better for brooding than in here," Steve said.
"Not brooding," Bucky replied. "Just relaxing. I got bored with Bruce's yoga shit and didn't know what else to do."
Steve sighed. Bucky was not long recovering from his stint as the Winter Soldier and ordinary life was hard for him to adjust. They were doing it together, reinserting themselves back into the human race after their experiences. Bucky's memories were fully recovered, though his personality was a little bit strained at points. When it got too much, Steve would remind him of little things that they used to do or moments of their past.
"I actually understand. We're programmed to be far too impatient for things like that."
"Programmed," Bucky spat. "Just another example of how fucked up we are, Stevie."
"We're not fucked up. We're different. Both of us went through something much different to everybody else and they don't get room to judge. Only we know how we feel. Listen, Buck, you remember that guy I told you about the other day?"
"Kurt something? 'Course I do."
Steve smiled. "Well, he's here. He feels everything that I feel for him. He's it, Buck, that's the only way I can explain it."
Bucky presented him with a genuine 'Bucky Barnes' smile. "I'm happy for you. Just reassure me that he's not some punk who wants you for Captain America."
Steve shook his head. "Kurt isn't like that. He sees through me. In a way that only you have ever done."
"Wow, this is serious. My little Stevie's growing up."
"Shut it, you. I'd like you to meet him. I really think you'll like him."
Bucky nodded. "Bring him here, though? I stayed in here to get some peace from Stark. Man's been driving me crazy since you went out this morning."
Steve chortled understandingly. "I know exactly what you mean. I'll go and get him."
As Steve briefly left the gym, Bucky concentrated on feeling the emotions he felt when he smiled. He was genuinely happy for Steve. Sure, he had felt more than friendly feelings for him while they were growing up, but they had faded into purely platonic ones. The thought of dating Steve now was not an option, even if he was single. Steve was still the most important thing in Bucky's life and his happiness made Bucky feel as though he could be happy too.
Minutes later, Steve arrived with Kurt in tow.
"Kurt, this is Bucky Barnes, my best friend. Bucky, this is Kurt Hummel, my boyfriend."
Kurt hadn't realised they had officially branded themselves boyfriends, but figured that Steve announcing it to Bucky was his way of doing it. And Kurt agreed one hundred percent.
He took in Bucky's hardened appearance, including the metallic arm that stood out from his simplistic outfit.
"Nice to meet you, Kurt. I would shake hands, but one of them is asleep from the workout I just did and the other is temperamental and pretty chilly. I'll explain about the arm another time."
"Steve?" Maria Hill's voice called into the room. "Fury wants an Avengers meeting. It sounded urgent."
Steve nodded. "Be right there. Kurt, do you mind hanging out for a while? I wouldn't leave, it's just…"
"Avengers business and all," Kurt nodded. "I get it. Go. Bucky and I will get better acquainted."
Bucky smiled. "Go save the world, punk."
Steve kissed Kurt's lips slowly before jogging from the room, following Agent Hill back to where the others were.
"So, you were with Steve during the war?"
Bucky nodded absently. "We grew up together. We both wanted to enlist, but I had his full support even when he couldn't come with me. That's when I knew he was special. Not just some punk kid who got into fights he could never win. I'm not going to go into protective best friend mode, but look after him, okay?"
Kurt nodded. "Of course. What I feel for Steve is something I never thought I would ever feel. Or at least something I never thought somebody would feel for me."
Bucky laughed. "Trust me kid, he's all in. I've never seen Steve so consumed by anyone before. But you're an attractive guy, why would it be impossible for someone to love you back? You got a metallic cock or something?"
Kurt blushed and chuckled before shaking his head. "Nothing even remotely as cool as that. I guess it's just…a lot of years with a lot of people making me think I'm not worth somebody's love. I heard it enough times to start to believe it."
"I understand," Bucky nodded shortly. "I guess now is a good time to explain my story. Sit yourself down, kid, and I'll take you on a journey."
Kurt sat down opposite the man as Bucky took him through the events of the war and the things that led to him becoming The Winter Soldier, including the cognitive alterations.
"My memories were taken away from me until recently. I was a machine of war and a deadly assassin. I was everything I wanted to destroy in World War II. They called me the Winter Soldier for a few reasons. One of them was because I had no feelings. I was directed towards a target and I would kill them, no questions asked."
Kurt found himself crying during the story, consumed in Bucky's emotions. Kurt put a hand on his lower leg and blinked back the fresh, oncoming tears. "I can't imagine…I don't know what to say. I'm sorry that that happened to you."
"Yeah, well," Bucky shrugged, "what's done is done. Hey, don't get upset. I didn't mean to go into that much detail. If I unnerved you, I—."
"No, I'm fine. I just…you don't see what goes on in a hero's life past the abilities."
"I'm no hero," Bucky muttered.
Kurt exhaled. "You are to Steve. In my book, as long as you're a hero to one person, that's all that matters. Also, I imagine that the metal arm can come in handy."
Bucky was thankful for the levity. "It has it perks. As long as you keep me away from magnets, I'm pretty much good to go. You're pretty cool, Kurt. I'm glad Steve has you. He can get too caught up in the hero of it all that he forgets that he's a person who isn't always obligated to save people."
"I got that impression talking to him before. Steve is…unlike anybody I've ever met and I plan on keeping him around for a long time."
"In that case," Bucky said, "I'll get Stark to have you fitted for a metal arm, okay?"
Kurt just laughed, though intrigued about all of the offers he had received today. "So by the end of the day, I'll have assassin training from Natasha, a new bow from Clint and a metal arm courtesy of you. Do I get to be an Avenger yet?"
Bucky smirked. "Get in line, punk."
