Addie wouldn't consider herself a genius. Things didn't just come naturally to her, she wasn't way ahead of her age group, and she wasn't on her way to changing the world because of her IQ.

So no, Addie wouldn't say she was a genius. She'd just say she grew up wealthy.

"What's got you thinking so hard?"

"Huh?" Addie jerked her head in the direction of the voice and saw Natasha standing over her, an eyebrow quirked. Addie smiled at her and shook her head. "Just thinking about my upcoming Astronomy exam."

Natasha hummed, disbelieving of what she said, and Addie closed her eyes, placing her hands behind her head to avoid the (scary) eyes of Natasha Romanoff. The redhead plopped on the couch next to the brunette and shoved her roughly causing her to tumble over with a yelp.

"You're a terrible liar, you know," Natasha pointed out. "You don't have to tell me, but I've noticed you've been acting weird since the semester started."

"Have I?" Addie wondered thoughtfully. "It could be from the stress."

"You're perpetually stressed."

"How could you say that?!"

Natasha gave her a small smile that had even Addie confused. It wasn't the fact that Natasha was smiling, per say, because the woman did. Or well, she gave smirks and small quirks of the lip. No, what had Addie confused was how genuine and different it looked compared to her normal ones.

"A-Are you okay?" she couldn't help but ask, sitting up fully to face her roommate and friend. "You've been acting weird."

Smile still on her face, Natasha shook her head. "Just glad we're friends, and you can tell me anything, Addison."

Addie couldn't help but groan and scrunch her nose in distaste. "Don't call me Addison, Nat, I've told you!"

Another shove was sent her way.

"I'll call you whatever I want."

Affection filled her. With Veronica, Addie was never fully comfortable. She was nervous all the time and couldn't imagine having a moment like this with her. Veronica was self-centered and very good at making Addie feel inadequate even if it wasn't on purpose. Natasha, however, was pushy but in a good way. Addie knew she was awkward and hard to talk to (Bucky had informed her multiple times) and she knew that she could be emotional. And while some people would dislike living with her, Natasha honed in on it and was aware of her tendencies. Instead of ignoring them or even mocking her, Natasha pushed her way into a position that allowed Addie to not feel as uncomfortable.

"You're thinking again."

Blinking her eyes a few times, Addie grinned at Natasha. "Just thinking that I lucked out with you."

Natasha didn't grace her with a response but the small lift of the lips was enough.

The library was an extension of home for Addie. She didn't go as often as she'd like (mostly due to her friends occupying her time) but she enjoyed how peaceful it was.

And she really enjoyed it when she could just stare at the man in front of her.

Bucky Barnes was physically attractive. His long dark hair contrasted against his pale skin and blue eyes well, and his jawline was something to be trifled with. He was fit, very fit, and wore flattering clothing that allowed anyone to see it. He was tall and muscular and so pretty that to anyone, he was aesthetically pleasing.

But what Addie found the most attractive about Bucky Barnes was his normal actions. The way he would dart his eyes away if he said something embarrassing, the teasing he gave Sam, the disgust on his face when she tried to force him to eat super sweet things, and the way he'd tried to hide the fact he was crying when they watched sad movies together. She could watch him stare at a wall, and she would still be enthralled.

Of course, he didn't know like every typical "girl likes her best friend" scenario. And it was fine. It hurt but it was fine.

Because she was still able to watch him and find new things she loved about him.

"Are you alright?"

Addie shook her head from her reverie and smiled softly. "Yeah, Buck. Just working myself up about the exam."

The man snorted as quietly as possible, blue eyes twinkling. "How many times do I need to tell you? You'll do fine. You don't even need to try."

Her happy mood turned sour ad she glanced back to her astronomy book with a halfhearted, "Yeah."

A sigh came from him and he moved his computer to the side so that he could lean his arms on the table. "It's a compliment, Addie. I know you work hard."

She pulled her eyes to meet his, a small frown on her face. "I know it's a compliment, idiot," she reprimanded lightly, ignoring his indignant huff. "I was just remembering some stuff when I was kid, that's all."

Bucky let out a groan and flicked a rolled up piece of paper at her. "That's what's got you all mopey? Come on, Steve and I both know that you worked for your degree and every other thing. I know I joke about you being a spoiled rich kid but you know that's not how I feel, right?"

Someone hushed him as he had gotten too loud, and Addie chuckled at the murderous look on Bucky's face as someone had stopped his rant. He whipped his gaze back to her, dark strands of hair flying with him. Despite her insecurities, Addie nodded. "I know. And I just get, you know, uncomfortable when people think that about me."

"Did some guy say something? I'll beat him up for you."

"Uh, that's sweet, but no. I was just thinking about it today."

Bucky leaned back in his seat and folded his arms, an irritated vibe emanating from him. Addie knew it wasn't at her - he was never truly irritated at her, bless him - and let him stew in his own feelings.

Addie's parents were strict on her education. They had been as soon as she was able to talk, and it increased as she got older and able to retain more information. She didn't meet Steve and Bucky in school since she was placed in the expensive private school for "gifted" students as they liked to say.

Addie hated it.

She wasn't gifted. Was she intelligent? It was a word that had varying meanings depending on who was asked, but she could see herself as someone that was intelligent. She wasn't dumb (Sam called her an airhead, but she doesn't count that), and she hoped it wasn't pretentious to think of herself as smart. Or at least book smart - her decision making needed some revising. Growing up in a prestigious household, however, didn't allow for her to be anything but "gifted" as her parents would say.

She had tutors her parents hired that relentlessly shoved books, pamphlets, and loads of information onto her. She was allowed little leisure time because "a Graham doesn't rest" and she was miserable. Of course, her parents provided for her the finest things: clothes, jewelry, shoes, anything they thought she wanted or needed. They gave her a bed to sleep in, a house to live in, and food to eat, so she always felt guilty when she thought poorly of her upbringing.

"Your parents really do piss me off, you know," Bucky drew her back. "I wouldn't mind avoiding them for the rest of my life."

"You're still mad that they like Steve better."

"A lot of people like Steve better," Bucky grumbled lightheartedly, and Addie rolled her eyes fondly at the rare display of immaturity the serious man in front of her showed. Bucky suddenly stood and began packing his and her things together. Bewildered, Addie tried to snatch her textbook from him. "What the hell are you doing?"

Bucky raised an eyebrow. "What does it look like? I'm getting our things together so that we can leave," he said matter of factly, handing her her backpack and shouldering his. "It's not too late for all of us to go out. I'm sure Sam would love it, and we can see if we can convince Steve to get drunk for once."

Reluctantly, Addie followed him, "I don't really want to go out tonight," she admitted, turning her head away. "I'm not in the mood."

Bucky wrapped an arm around her shoulder and drew her into his side. "Just come with us for an hour, and if you want to leave, I'll pay for the Uber to take us back to your place, how's that?"

Addie stared up at him for a few moments before letting out a defeated sigh. "Fine. I'll let Nat know."

"Perfect."

"You sure you're okay with going?" Addie asked timidly, adjusting her jeans before slipping on a pair of nice sneakers. "You don't have to." But please do.

Natasha nodded again, an exasperated look on her face as she finished up her makeup. "Addison, it's fine. Now, grab your things because we're not leaving your ID here, okay?"

"Pushy, pushy," the brunette grumbled but did as asked. They would meet the guys at the bar in their own Uber (Steve wanted to pay for his own this time) as none of them could really decide on who wanted to be designated driver for the night. Addie was sure Steve would do it if anyone asked, but with the stress of midterms coming up, even he would want to have fun and relax.

The ride to the bar wasn't uncomfortable as Natasha held most of the conversation with their driver. When they arrived, Addie wasn't surprised to see the place full of other students like them that needed a break. Addie couldn't help but latch on to Natasha's arm as she dragged the two of them to the entrance.

"You remembered your ID, right?" Natasha asked, giving her a pointed stare, and Addie rolled her eyes, nodding, digging through her purse to find it. "You specifically told me to grab it, so I did."

With an approving nod, Natasha found the guys. She leaned towards Addie. "You could've worn something a little nicer, you know."

"Don't talk to me."

Sam ripped her from Natasha's side, hooking an arm around her neck. "I can't believe The Addison Graham decided to come out instead of studying!" He put a hand on her forehead. "Are you sick? Did Natasha poison you?"

Addie struggled from his hold, flailing her arms around. She could see Steve running a hand down his face in exasperation and attempting to pull Addie away. "Come on, Sam, we're in public."

He let go of her, and Addie huffed, patting her hair down, glaring at her friend. "Why do you do this every time? Why?"

Sam grinned. "You know it's fun."

"I hate it."

"Don't lie, Addie."

Bucky cut in between the bickering by shoving a beer into each of their hands and pulling them to a table, away from the crowd of people. He pushed the two into seats opposite of each other and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You two haven't even started drinking yet, why are you causing issues?"

"Blame Sam!" Addie cried, pointing an accusing finger to the laughing man across from her. Bucky shook his head and sent a pleading look to Steve and Natasha to hurry over. Sam suddenly stopped laughing and looked serious. He jerked his head to something behind her and glared.

"Veronica's here," he grumbled, and Addie immediately lowered her head to avoid being seen. Sam shook his head. "She already saw you; she's on her way over."

Oh no. No, no. She is the very last person I want to deal with right now.