The morning light streamed through the large window, casting a soft, golden glow across the spacious bedroom. Gianna slowly stirred beneath the plush bedding, her mind enjoying a few blissful moments of groggy confusion before the weight of recent events settled back into her psyche. She blinked, the reality of her surroundings settling in.
She was here, in this famed place of superheroes and high-tech wonders, all because of an attempt on her life at her own concert. She was at the peak of her career and now it had come to a screeching halt. Strangely, that was the part that she minded the least. While she loved her career, she'd always wondered how much of that love had come from her making the best of a situation she knew she couldn't get out of anyways. Now, with Tony Stark having freed her from the confines of her contract and made the executive decision to cancel the tour, Gianna couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and disbelief. It had been a whirlwind journey from her world of music and fame into this realm of the Avengers.
But amidst the chaos and change, one person had remained a constant — James Buchanan Barnes. His unwavering dedication to her safety had touched her deeply, and she couldn't deny the growing feelings she harbored for him. Was it just gratitude, or was it something more? Was it their shared proximity over the past few months that made her daydream about things that made her blush?
I'd like to see anyone spend three straight months with a tall-dark-and-handsome man who shows up at their door daily with coffee, carries them to bed, quite literally saves their LIFE and try not fall for him. Good luck.
Gianna pulled the covers over her faced and groaned.
Does he feel the same way? He put me right next to his bedroom. Surely that means something. Maybe it just means he feels bad for me, I don't know anyone else here. Maybe this was more of a protection thing. Ugh, he probably feels bad for me and that's why he stuck me here. Don't read into this.
As she lay in bed, Gianna couldn't help but replay their moments together—the way he looked late at night with his mussed up hair and the moonlight illuminating his crooked smile. The smiles they shared when a coffee run had been longer than planned and they'd have to sneak into soundcheck underneath Tom's nose. The times she'd caught him glancing at her when he thought she wasn't looking, his blue eyes running over her body and igniting a fire inside her.
With a sigh, Gianna pushed the covers aside and swung her legs over the side of the bed. It was time to face the day. No good would come from laying in bed and chasing circles around her own mind.
Coffee. She needed coffee, something familiar and comforting in this new reality. Standing to her feet, Gianna trudged to the bathroom and turned on the shower.
After she'd woken up at the hands of the cold water, she ran a brush through her hair, still looking decent from the heavily hair-sprayed curls done for yesterday's press conference. Pulling a sweatshirt over her head, Gianna slid her feet into her loosely tied sneakers and opened her bedroom door.
A folded note fluttered to the ground as she stepped out. Opening it, she recognized Bucky's scrawled handwriting.
running at the lake - be back soon (in case you still aren't checking your phone)
Shit. She'd seen her phone charging at the desk in her bedroom and walked right past it. The longer she went without checking, the more she'd have to wade through when she finally did. Which only served to deter her more. The peace was welcome, but she forgot that people may actually be trying to get ahold of her during her cell-phone sabbatical. Of course Bucky had picked up on that.
She tossed the folded note onto her bed and closed the door behind her, doing her best to retrace yesterday's steps to the coffee station. The cool morning air greeted her as she walked out of the Avenger's living quarters and towards the main building. A few SHIELD agents jogged by her, sneaking a glance out the side of their eyes as if they didn't believe what they were seeing.
I guess a professional singer isn't exactly who they'd expect to see here. I'm sure they've seen the news, they can put two and two together.
In the distance, she heard birds calling through the trees. A light morning fog clung to the air around the treeline. Gianna's eyes scanned for any sight of Bucky, but she came up empty before reaching the main building. Pulling open the door, the familiar sight of the foyer greeted her. Unlike last night, it was alive with activity. People walking through in pairs, comparing data on tablets, men and women in tactical gear walking purposefully towards their destination. It reminded her of New York, in a way. Everyone on a singular mission, going about their day, stopping first to get their morning cup of joe. As she strode up to the tablet where Bucky had started the process the night before, she realized she had no idea what she was doing.
Staring blankly, Gianna hoped no one was waiting on her. A quick glance over her shoulder showed she was in the clear. As she lifted her hand to begin poking around, a large hand came over her shoulder and beat her to it.
"Hazelnut latte, right?" Steve's familiar voice spoke.
"Lucky guess." Gianna grinned, relieved to see a friendly face.
"Good memory." Steve winked as he punched a few buttons on the screen, sending the mechanical arm whirring back to life. "Bucky and I snagged a cup last week in New York before we were so graciously invited to a concert. He ordered for you."
"Ah, I see, still impressive. Tom, uh, my manager…he used to handle the coffee runs before Bucky came along and he got my order right maybe twice."
"Well I'm just glad to see Bucky being used to his full potential." Steve teased, eyes kind. He handed her the steaming latte just deposited on the counter. Nodding in thanks, she popped a lid on the cup and stood back, not sure where her next destination would be.
Steve seemed to sense her hesitation. "I can show you my favorite spot, if you want. It's peaceful in the morning."
"Yes please," She nodded eagerly. "I promise not to hijack it, maybe we can trade off days?"
"I'm not too worried about overlap…I usually have my coffee around 4am."
Clutching her chest, Gianna feigned shock. "What is it with you super soldiers and early mornings?!"
Steve laughed. "I think it's more of an old man thing, to be honest with you."
They strode out to the lake, the sun casting a beautiful glow across the clearing. Steve led them to a dock stretching out over the water. They sat down at the end of it, legs dangling off the end. The dock was low, so Steve had slipped off his shoes and cuffed his pants to avoid them getting wet. The very tips of Gianna's sneakers only barely grazed the water when she pointed her toes, so she left them on.
They sat in silence for a moment, observing the quiet morning as Gianna sipped her coffee. The calm waters mirrored the clear blue sky, creating a serene and idyllic setting. The steaming hazelnut latte in her hands felt nice, the warmth of the cup a comforting contrast to the cool morning air.
Steve turned his gaze towards Gianna, his blue eyes filled with genuine concern. "How are you holding up, Gianna? It's been quite a whirlwind since we met last week."
Gianna took a slow sip, in disbelief it had only been a week since they attended her show. "Honestly, Steve, it's been overwhelming, but...everyone here has been so welcoming. I'm not exactly a stranger to chaos, but I could definitely do without the life-threatening part. But, something tells me no one's going to come for me if Bucky's around." She smiled, eyes scanning the lake for any sight of him again.
Steve nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he noticed her gaze. "Bucky is the most loyal person I've ever met. He's not going anywhere, trust me."
Gianna set her cup aside and turned to Steve. "Can I ask you something, Steve?"
Steve met her gaze with curiosity. "Of course. What's on your mind?"
She hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. They were best friends and she was keenly aware that whatever she said may end up right back in Bucky's ear. "What was he like before I knew him? I mean, I can tell there's so much more to him than meets the eye. He's... different from anyone I've ever met. I just…I just want to know more. Know him more."
Steve leaned back, his gaze fixed on the serene horizon. "Bucky... he's been through a lot. He used to be one of the most charming, charismatic people I knew. Quite the ladies main, too." He raised his eyebrow at her before turning a more serious tone. "He was always the one with a smile and a joke. Owned every room he walked in. We were inseparable."
Gianna paused, thinking back to everything Bucky told her in her hotel room on that rainy day. "What changed?"
Steve's expression turned somber. "The war happened, and you know…he was captured and experimented on by Hydra. They turned him into something he never wanted to be—a weapon. A predator."
Gianna's heart ached at the pain she could hear in Steve's voice. "And since then?"
Steve sighed, his gaze drifting back to the lake. "Since then, he's struggled to find his place in this world. He's carried a heavy burden, and it's made him guarded. Before the pardon, he didn't always have the warmest welcome back into society. Even though he's been completely cleared of any charges, it really shook him. He struggles with a lot of guilt, feels like there was something he could have done. I know he's afraid to hurt anyone, anyone who doesn't deserve it. He hasn't dated since... well, since before the accident on that train."
Gianna's eyes widened with surprise. "That long?"
Steve nodded solemnly. "We've all tried to set him up with women over the years, but nothing ever seemed to stick. He never even mentioned anyone to us. Until now, that is."
Gianna absorbed his words, cheeks flushed, understanding the weight of what he was saying. She turned her gaze towards the lake, the reflection of the morning sun dancing on the water's surface. "I see."
Steve glanced at her, a hint of a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "Gianna, you've managed to do something bigger than you realize. You've brought him out of his shell, made him…lighter. It's been nice to see him like this."
Gianna felt a warmth spread through her at Steve's words. "He's done the same for me."
"Before I met him…I didn't really have anyone. No family left, I have my team…they're as close as you can be to people you work with, I suppose. But Bucky…he filled this thing in my life that I didn't even know was empty. As silly as it sounds, he's honestly my closest friend."
"He'd deny it, but he had the same emptiness. He may be big, strong, Bucky Barnes, but he's still a person. We all need someone." Steve leaned back on his palms.
"He has you, though. You've been friends longer than most people have been alive."
Steve laughed. "Yeah…but I don't think he'd be thrilled about bringing me coffee every morning. Maybe I'm just not his type." He winked at her.
Gianna leaned back too, a small smile playing on her lips. "Here I was, hoping he liked blondes. What a shame."
As their chuckles died out, they sat in the remaining stillness of the morning. The compound was beginning to liven up as the run rose higher in the sky. A distant shouting could be heard, orders being barked to a group of trainees.
"I think that's my queue." Steve stood to his feet, picking up his boots. "It's nice to have you here, Gianna."
"It's nice to be here. Thanks for this."
She sat for a while longer, relishing in the feeling of having nowhere to be. When her empty cup kept tipping over with the breeze, she decided to call it and head back to her room.
She got halfway up the trail when a familiar voice called out to her for the second time that morning. This time, it was Bucky.
"Good morning sunshine." He jogged up next to her, his dark hair pulled back in a loose knot. His gray crewneck sweatshirt was only slightly damp with sweat despite the fact he'd likely been running for hours.
"Good morning to you." She grinned. "I looked for you around the lake but didn't see you. Must have been moving too fast."
He chuckled. "Let me guess. Steve showed you the dock."
"He did. Plus a few of your high school photos."
Bucky raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just kidding - I know they didn't have cameras back then."
"Ouch." He put a hand over his heart.
"Oh, hush. How was your run?"
"It was good, long. This is my favorite place to run. I love the city, but it's just so quiet here. No angry New Yorkers in the way."
Gianna laughed. "Yeah, it's peaceful here. More quiet than I've felt for…I don't even know. It's nice."
"Did you sleep okay?"
"Ohmygosh, yeah. If this whole superhero thing doesn't work out, and you know, the record label thing, Tony could totally open his own hotel chain. 11/10 on the bed. I'll definitely be leaving a good Yelp review."
"What's Yelp?" Bucky looked down at her, puzzled.
"It's like, remember how I showed you Google Reviews?" He nodded. "It's like that, but for the whole website. People sometimes use it in a joke, like with things you obviously wouldn't review. For example, Bucky Barnes…five stars. Fantastic bad guy hunter. Good under pressure. Great hair."
"Ah, I see." He grinned. "Gianna Cruz…four stars. Good singer, great company…a little high-maintenance."
"Bucky!" She punched his arm, instinctively, immediately thankful she was on his right side and didn't just slam her fist into solid vibranium.
"Sorry, sorry. You're not high-maintenance." He put his arm around her shoulders as they walked, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "Just…a little bit of a diva."
"Okay, now it's personal." She ducked out from under his arm and tossed her empty cup back at him. He caught it without looking.
"I'm sorry, I am. I didn't mean it." He caught up with her, still laughing. "Where are you going, anyways?"
"Away from your attitude, old man."
"Okay…well, if you want to change course I'm headed to a sparring session. You could watch, if you wanted. I know you're probably booked solid."
She rolled her eyes. "I think I can make time for that."
"Great." He grinned, turning their course to the direction of the training building.
Gianna POV
Holy shit.
I'd been sitting on a bench against the wall of the main training room for over an hour. One by one, the SHIELD recruits would step onto the mat for their turn at hand-to-hand combat with Bucky. After the first dozen failed to last 10 seconds, Steve began to send them in three at a time. When that didn't help, he sent them in groups of five. None of them made it to the 30 second mark before landing on their back on the mat.
Between each group, Steve would pause and the two super soldiers would break down what mistakes the group made in getting disarmed, sometimes demonstrating various maneuvers they could use in the future. The group of agents was dripping in sweat, looking defeated, but nodding as they learned from the best.
I knew he was a badass…but damn. Seeing Bucky, who'd removed his sweatshirt to reveal a white t-shirt underneath, effortlessly take down five grown men at one…who knew this was such a turn on. He moved swiftly, his face never appearing strained or tired. He almost looked bored.
I shivered, my mind drifting to Madripoor. If Bucky could do this without even trying, without any real reason, what was he capable of when he was trying? When he was acting in vengeance, anger? What look did he have on his face when he was going after everyone who tried to hurt me? I shuddered, but not out of fear. I don't think I could ever be afraid of Bucky. He's the most composed, consistent, capable man I've ever met. He always seems to know what to do, always be in control.
He made me feel safe. Amongst other things.
It was hard not to let the other things take center stage in my mind as I watched. He lifted the bottom of his t-shirt to wipe his brow and his thick, muscular torso was revealed. I felt my cheeks flush, ripping my eyes away. When I looked somewhere, anywhere else, I saw several of the female agents indulging in the same view.
What the hell do they think they're looking at?
A sudden heat burned in my chest. Am I seriously getting jealous right now? Because other women are checking out my - my what? My friend? My bodyguard? The man I kissed the last time I was drunk and never brought it up again?
I sighed. I have no right to be jealous if I can't even find time to talk about that kiss. Plus, they're just looking. Can I blame them? I'm the one sitting on the sidelines, like a goddamn high schooler watching her boyfriend at football practice.
I guess this is how Bucky must have felt sitting through all those rehearsals. I hadn't thought about the role reversal. He'd put in dozens and dozens of hours watching me do the exact same thing every day, and now I finally got to see him in his element. If this was how the next few weeks of my life were going to look, you weren't going to hear me complain about it.
When the training session wrapped, Bucky strode over to me, taking a long sip of water.
"So. What'd you think?"
"I think there's a few more moves you're due to teach me." I reached up and brushed a strand of his hair back out of his face, keenly aware of the eyes on us.
"Oh, yeah?" He raised an eyebrow, taking another sip of water.
"I mean, I learned the knife flip pretty fast. Who says I can't learn that last move you did?"
"If you need to flip a grown man over on his ass, I think I can just take care of that for you."
"What if you aren't there?" I persisted, half joking.
He looked down at me, suddenly stern. "I'll be there."
I stepped back into my bedroom as the sun fell below the horizon. For not doing a whole lot, I was tired. After watching Bucky train, we'd walked back to our bedrooms where he broke off to shower. I finally bit the bullet and caught up on the mess that was my phone, which was mentally draining.
A few of the other team members had flown in from the city, so our building was livelier than the night before. Our floor had Sam, Bucky, Steve, Natasha, and me. Below us was Wanda, Peter, Vision, Bruce, and two empty rooms where Thor and Clint sometimes stayed. Tony had his own separate wing. When Natasha and Wanda had landed, they very sweetly came to check on me. We'd spent the afternoon on the balcony, somewhere between smalltalk and gossip.
I learned about Clint's family, which was a secret from the world. I learned that Peter had a crush on Wanda, who thought it was sweet but he was too young for her. I learned that Natasha and Steve kissed once before as a distraction on a mission and once during a game of spin-the-bottle at Tony's. Those damn game nights.
They, Wanda specifically, asked me for details on all her favorite celebrities. She was wide-eyed and intrigued, so I gladly dished out all the industry gossip I had. If anyone could keep a secret, surely it was two Avengers.
When the sun began to set, Sam had called us in for dinner. They'd grilled burgers. For the evening, it felt so blissfully ordinary. Besides the billion dollar, highly secure facility we were in, it felt like a suburban backyard cookout. Music playing in the background, beers clinking, enough laughter that my ribs hurt by the end of it. Sam's impression of Tony had everyone in shambles, even Bucky. It was a good day.
When we finished cleaning up, I excused myself to go to bed. Not that I had to be up early or anything, but when the fatigue started to set in these days, so did the headaches. Best to play it safe and go lie down.
I stood in my steamy bathroom, tousling my wet hair with a towel. My phone pinged in the other room. Flipping off the light, I flopped down on my bed and reached for it.
Bucky Barnes: "Gianna Cruz. Five Stars. Stunning. Sweet. Great kisser."
My stomach flipped and butterflies tore through me. I read his words on the screen over and over, my thumbs dancing over the keyboard as I tried to decide what to say.
Gianna Cruz: "Your feedback is greatly appreciated. We'd love to see you become a regular."
Bucky Barnes: "Here's hoping. Sweet dreams."
As I sat my phone down on the nightstand, sleep was the furthest thing from my mind.