Hey Guys! Sorry I haven't been posting as frequently. As usual, reviews always help me see what i'm either doing right or wrong with this story. I welcome everyone's point of view!
Speaking of reviews, i wanted to once again address Honeywells's review because they are awesome! I can't reply to them privately because it's a guest review, but i'm glad I can't reply privately, because my response give a slightly in depth response towards things that I hope you're all curious about as well! :
Yes! I want Bucky to be a complete ass about Bethany trying to help him. In Civil War, I think it's been two years since he was released from his indoctrination, and even though he has an idea as to who he is, he doesn't seek Steve out. It's the guilt factor, and being alone has been a big part towards his recovery. The way I write Bucky, as this harsh dude who hates everyone and everything, is how I try to realistically interpret how he's feeling. In this timeline, it's been about 6 months since he discovered himself, so he's just getting his memories back.
He remembers Steve and what he was forced to do, so he hates himself. He wants to punish himself pretty much. He doesn't remember Bethany though. He loved her with all of his adorable heart in Down To Earth, but what I failed to realist is that Steve and his friendship is extremely strong, stronger than his and Bethany's love. In this story, his love for Steve completely overrules Bethany's because that's the realistic way of thinking. I'm trying to make Bucky as similar to the movie Bucky as possible, like trying to see it from his point of view.
Bucky in his early stages of recovering would obviously be lost and angry, and now some 'random' girl is forcing herself into his recovery. He doesn't want that. He rather be alone and frustrated by himself. But when Bethany yells at him for being 'inconsiderate', Bucky still despises her, but he is also fascinated as to why he made her love him all those years ago. She is still annoying to him though.
I don't want to sugar coat Bucky at all, because I believe his new form isn't the cuddly type. Maybe flirty James was, but the Winter Soldier is a seasoned assassin 'ready to comply'. I'm trying to make the story as canon as possible, with behind the scenes moments and things, which definitely includes how I think each character would react to Bethany's presence.
Bethany's character changes through each event and story, finding herself in the new world is difficult but necessary. She will find a man, she just needs to find out what she wants first. She's lost a lot in her weird lifespan, and happiness is rare but it's not impossible. You just need to tune in for the rest!
I'm sorry if this reply was too long, I just wanted to explain myself hehe :D
Anyways, I hope that clears a couple of things up! Also, some times when I try to update my story, it doesn't refresh into the Captain America category. I still don't know why, but I pretty much upload every day :(
I hope you guys enjoy nevertheless!
"Where exactly have you been?" Steve asked with playful curiosity, cocking his head to the side to catch a glance at Bethany.
She instantaneously tensed at his words, but quickly resumed folding her crumpled clothes in an effort to mask her sudden hesitation. After landing in Washington, it had taken her an painfully long time to prepare herself to face Steve. She had decided, during the daunting flight, that it was best he didn't know where she had been, and especially who she had seen. To her relief, Steve had just been glad to finally receive word of her well-being, and didn't, thankfully, press for answers towards her suspicious disappearance. Although, over the course of a couple of hours, and the question had arisen, terrifying Bethany in more ways than one. She knew, regretfully, that he would ask sooner or later. She just hoped he would forget.
The pair had instantly welcomed each other as soon as they could, settling down inside Bethany's apartment. To distract herself from the impending question, folding clothes seemed to be the right way to go. Simple, yet effective. Steve had positioned himself on the arm of the couch, helping her while discussing his recent endeavors with the Avengers. It turned out that they had finally secured Loki's mystical Scepter, simultaneously eradicating the remaining Hydra threat. Stark, to Bethany's dismay, had decided to host another extravagant party in honor of their achievement. Shortly after explaining his recent victory, Steve had unfortunately turned his attention towards her absence.
His reproachful eyes watched her carefully, as she silently struggled to conceal her guilty expression. She crossed her arms hastily over her chest, obscuring her quivering hands from his watchful vision.
"Travelling." she retorted truthfully, forcing a teasing smirk.
He raised his sturdy eyebrows, surprised with her response.
"Travelling? Where?"
"Everywhere. I wanted to see the new world, you know?" she chuckled, calmly shaking her head as she folded another plain jumper.
He stared at her thoughtfully, seemingly studying her answer. Bethany knew he had always been concerned for how she saw the world, as skipping 70 years could break anyone's psyche. Including a Super Soldier, no matter how powerful they were.
Her mind raced as he stayed unnervingly silent, as she quietly prayed that he would believe her remorseful lie. She could feel her palms sweating against the frail woolen material, as she struggled to ignore the escalating fear rising in her dry throat.
"Fair enough. Don't leave me hangin' next time, I was calling for hours." he finally sighed, prompting her to expel her breath, a gesture she hadn't realized she was holding in.
"Will do." she laughed with silent relief, sagging her course shoulders against the comfortable couch.
"You still coming tonight? I promise I won't let you drink as much as you did. Scout's honor." he stated, pressing three fingers to his broad chest.
She rolled her eyes at his mockery, placing another folded jumper on the pile.
"Oh is that so, Rogers?" she sneered, glaring menacingly towards him.
"I have to admit, I quite enjoyed your dancing..."
She slapped his arm forcefully, but, eventually, was unable to hold back her embarrassed laughter.
Bethany couldn't help but sigh in appreciation towards the magnificent Stark tower, shining like a boasting star against the pitch black night sky. The building stood out among the busy hustle that was New York City, as the entrance was crowded with famous business men and women walking along the pretentious red carpet Stark had most likely suggested was necessary for the occasion. Paparazzi surrounded the barracks, snapping photos and interviewing anyone that they deemed important. This particular event seemed extensively more 'extravagant' than the last function, as the flashing lights and swarming fans encouraged this prospect, slightly overwhelming Bethany to an extent. Also, the limo that Stark had personally ordered for the duo may have had something to do with her nervousness.
Steve sat opposite her inside the luxurious vehicle, staring out the frosted window intriguingly. He wore, as usual, his brown leather jacket, tightly fitted over a presentable white shirt rolled at the sleeves. His new, expensive jeans and black formal shoes were the only thing that she could convince him to wear that was different than his casual attire.
Bethany had decided to find herself her own dress, instead of constantly borrowing Natasha's outfits. Nat disliking her was also another factor as to why she couldn't ask. Her dress was entirely black, with long sleeves covering most other scarred arms and a low drooping back, exposing most of her pale back. It was a stretch to what she was used to, but she had hastily decided to take a chance. Her entire life was full of spontaneous decisions, a fancy dress wouldn't hurt anyone. Well, she hoped.
The entirety of her wavy chestnut hair cascaded loosely down the right side of her neck, shaping her sharp jaw pleasantly. She felt good in her own skin, as she specifically chose her look to fit in with the modern 'fashion'. Steve seemed to like it, and that was enough for her.
"Beth? We're here." Steve called, breaking though her daydream with deafening clarity.
Swiftly blinking her heavy eyelashes, she calm back to reality, promptly flashing him a brilliant smile.
"Finally."
The party was in full swing as the pair stepped out of the elevator, immediately greeted with welcoming conversation from the guests surrounding them. Old and new faces flashed before her excited eyes, as the shyness quickly expelled itself from her self-conscious mind. The penthouse was exactly how she remembered it, only this time it was completely packed in with illustrious guests and superheroes.
"Ah! Captain Rogers and Miss Bethany. What a pleasure it is to see you both!" Thor greeted enthusiastically, immediately approaching the pair from the crowded bar.
Bethany's heart skipped multiple beats as she secretly marveled at the God of Thunder, admiring his glowing sea blue eyes and extremely pleasant exterior. His rough dirty blonde hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, exposing the rest of his desirable face and jolly grin.
"Nice to see you too Thor." Steve replied with a grin, shaking his firm hand.
"You look quite ravishing." Thor acknowledged towards Bethany, gently grasping her soft hand to plant a gentle kiss against her skin.
She faintly blushed, but quickly composed herself, as being a proper gentleman was a custom in Asguard.
"As do you." she teased, nodding her head with a small, flirtatious smirk.
"It's always delightful to be able to settle down after an tedious battle. With Loki's Sceptre within our care, we can finally 'let loose', as you mid-guardians tend to say." Thor noted, puffing out his broad chest.
"Of course. I'm just glad it over." Steve admitted.
"So what do you plan to do with the Scepter?" Bethany asked intriguingly.
"Take it back to Asguard, to where it truly belongs. My rebellious brother will not be able to get his hands on it ever again." he swore with sudden determination.
Bethany and Steve impulsively exchanged cheeky glances, amused by Thor's literal language and way of thinking.
"I shall set out to enjoy more mid-guardian beveridge. Enjoy yourselves." Thor finished, nodding his head towards the duo, and continued on into the party to most likely complete his mission.
"Always a delight with that man." she sighed, watching Thor disappear into the crowd.
"What is? His godly eyes, his great body, his luscious hair flowing in the wind-"
"Oh shut up Rogers." she giggled, linking her arm around his playfully.
He eagerly complied with her friendly gesture, and escorted her into the thriving party.