Two days after the gym incident, most of the team left on a mission, leaving only Bucky, Wanda, and Lillian in the compound. Bucky had taken up the habit of locking himself in his room and the only times Wanda and Lillian would see each other was during their training, so a quiet air settled in the large building. Lillian's control was slowly but steadily growing stronger thanks to Wanda's teaching, and Wanda's power was improving as well during this time, much to the pleasure of Steve and Tony.

It was late one night, with Bucky laying in his bed watching history videos to try and catch up on the years he missed, when a new sound drifted to his room from down the hall. He sat up almost instantly; it had been completely silent in this part of the compound for days and the noise intrigued him. He could faintly identify a guitar and a low, calming voice crooning, seemingly beckoning him from the depths of his bedroom. He cursed himself for allowing curiosity to get the best of him as he padded to the door, unclicked the lock, and slowly pulled his door open just enough to look outside. A door stood open a little ways down the hall, on the opposite side from his, allowing a soft yellow light to flow through the corridor. Without thinking, Bucky found himself walking to the door, trying his best to keep quiet until he reached the doorway. He stood out in the open, making no attempt to hide himself as he listened to the beautiful music.

Love me tender

Love me long

Take me to your heart

For it's there that I belong

And we'll never part

Lillian stood with her back to her open door, folding laundry and swaying to the music pouring from her record player. Bucky couldn't help but smile when he realized she was humming along, and stood there for a moment to watch her. He was amazed at how different the woman before him was from the one he saw in the gym earlier that week; she seemed happy and in her element rather than uncomfortable and stressed out.

"It's rude to stare, Barnes." Her voice startled him into standing up straight.

"Bucky." He corrected, and she turned to face him, lifting an eyebrow.

"It's rude to stare, Bucky." She repeated, and Bucky gestured to the room as if asking permission to come in, resulting in a nod and a sweeping gesture from Lillian.

He strode to the record player, a smile glued to his lips. "I can't believe you're using one of these things."

Lillian shrugged, "I like how the music sounds on vinyl, it's almost more authentic." She laughed lightly at herself for the comment and chastised herself for opening her mouth. It was strange to be in the same room as the man she had watched for months; it was an entirely different feeling altogether.

Bucky turned his head to face her, "Who is this?"

Shocked, Lillian's mouth dropped open slightly. "You don't recognize the King?" she asked, her gray eyes wide.

Bucky's eyebrows raised. "Did you miss the part where I was kept cryogenically frozen for most of the 20th century?"

An annoyed expression crossed the woman's face. "That still isn't a good enough excuse for not knowing one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived." She sassed back. "This is Elvis Presley, and I think it's time you caught up on some culture here. Sit." She pointed to a plush red armchair next to her bed.

He obeyed without question, sitting in the chair with his elbows resting on his knees, and watched as Lillian picked the needle up from the record, only to place it down back at the beginning of the record. The man's deep voice once again filled the room, only singing a different song. Lillian moved the clothes that she had been folding down to a laundry basket on the floor (Bucky blushed when he noticed most of it was comprised of undergarments) and sat on the bed next to the armchair. She mouthed the lyrics along with the singer, a small smile etched onto her lips, and was watching Bucky expectantly; excited to be introducing him to one of her favorite artists. They sat in silence as the album continued, Bucky now very much enjoying listening to "The King" as Lillian affectionately referred to Elvis Presley. She was laying on the bed now, bouncing her bare feet to the beat of the current song.

Well she touched my hand what a chill I got

Her lips are like a volcano when it's hot

I'm proud to say that she's my buttercup

I'm in love

I'm all shook up

When the first side of the record had ended, Lillian stood up to change it; Bucky, who had been broken from his trance, gazed at her worriedly.

"I know what it's like," she stopped abruptly before setting the needle back down, keeping her back to him. He continued, "To feel like you're not in control of yourself."

She turned, her eyes going wide and her expression nervous. "What are you-"

"I saw you and Wanda in the gym the other day. I didn't want to say anything because I didn't really know what to say, but I just want you to know that you're not alone. I can help."

She flicked the power button on the player and the record spun slowly to a halt, and she turned her back to him. "You should probably go. It's getting late and you have evaluation in the morning; you need to get good rest."

Bucky's heart sank, but he stood and walked to the door, stopping just short of exiting before repeating: "I can help, Lillian." And began to take a step toward his room.

"Lilly," she corrected, making Bucky grin.

After he left, Lillian shut the door and returned to her bed, thinking about what the man had just said. At one point, she feared she was beyond help, that soon her power would either destroy her or everyone around her, but now she was hopeful that with Wanda's (and maybe even now Bucky's) help, she could overcome her fear and learn to grow into her ability. She prayed she was right.

Howdy Howdy! A little bit shorter of a chapter today just to give you guys a little peek into the growth of Buck's and Lillian's relationship, but I should have another one in like a day (or less... O.o)

Anyway, thank you guys SO MUCH for all of the love and reviews! It means so much to me that you love Lillian as a character and I really hope to keep you guys hooked on this story since this is the most work and (kind of) research I've ever done for a fic! I'm so excited for where I want to take this, but for now I must leave you! I love you guys!