"Wakey, wakey!" Wanda plopped onto Gianna's (Bucky's) bed with the energy of an overeager puppy. She was still in her pajamas, the sun barely peeking through the window.
"What time is it?" Gianna groaned, pulling the covers over her head.
"Oh, come on!" Wanda protested, pulling the comforter back down. "I've waited so long to go shopping with a girlfriend, please don't make me wait any longer."
"None of the stores are even open yet!"
"Well, we have to stop for coffee first. Duh."
The magic word that always got Gianna out of bed.
An hour later, they'd officially banished their bedhead and were ready for the day. The morning sun cast a golden glow on the sleek glass exterior of the Tower. Wanda and Gianna emerged from the prestigious building, only one of them surprised by what was waiting outside. As soon as they stepped onto the sidewalk, the peaceful morning evaporated. A swarm of paparazzi, twice the size of the one from the past night, awaited them. Cameras flashed, and a cacophony of shouted questions filled the air.
"Gianna, is it true you and Bucky Barnes are an item?"
"Ms. Cruz, any comments on your rumored romance with the Winter Soldier?"
"Ms. Maximoff, are you seeing Peter Parker romantically?"
"Gianna, any new music coming soon?"
Wanda's eyes narrowed slightly, her protective instincts kicking in. Gianna, accustomed to the media frenzy, ignored them except for a slight smirk at Wanda when she was asked a question about Peter.
They swiftly made their way to the waiting black SUV, Gianna flashing her bright smile and waving. Once inside, Gianna let out a sigh, her shoulders relaxing. "Man, I didn't miss that." she said with a chuckle, glancing at Wanda.
Wanda nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "It comes with the territory, I suppose."
"So, are you?" Gianna's eyes narrowed mischievously.
"What?"
"Seeing Peter Parker romantically?"
"Oh, shut up!"
Their first destination was one of Gianna's favorite coffee shops, a charming little place tucked in the corner of a smaller neighborhood in the city. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped them as they entered, the intimate shop a welcome refuge from the chaos outside.
Gianna ordered their specialty—a salted caramel macchiato—and Wanda opted for a chai latte. They settled into a corner booth, the soft hum of conversation and the occasional clink of cups creating a soothing background melody.
Pointing out of the window, Gianna said, "See that hotel over there? That's where I used to live."
Wanda followed her gaze. "You lived in a hotel?"
"Yeah. In the penthouse." Gianna looked sheepish.
"Damn, I can think of worse places to live."
"It might look glamorous, but it was incredibly lonely." Her eyes glassed over. "There were some nights when the city seemed to mock my solitude. It's always so busy, people everywhere, always on the move. I felt like I came home from the studio to my big, empty suite and all I heard were people's lives happening down below. It just made me angry I didn't have one of my own. "
Wanda's empathetic gaze met Gianna's. "I can't imagine how isolating that must have felt."
Gianna offered a wistful smile, attempting to shift the mood around. "But things are different now. I have you guys. I never thought I'd be able to say I'm going shopping with an Avenger."
"Oh, hush." Wanda elbowed her. "You're stuck with us now."
With their coffees in hand, they strolled down the bustling New York streets, Gianna dismissing the driver for morning. She wanted to give Wanda the real 'New York' experience.
Their first stop was a luxury boutique, its windows adorned with the latest couture creations. A little known gem Gianna's stylist had shown her.
Wanda's eyes sparkled with excitement as she browsed the racks, her fingers dancing across the hangars. "What do you think of this dress?" she asked, holding up a gown that caught the light and reflected it across the room in a thousand pinpricks.
Gianna smiled. "It's stunning, Wanda. It would look amazing on you."
Encouraged by her approval, Wanda decided to try it on, disappearing into the fitting room with a swirl of fabric. As she emerged in the breathtaking gown, Gianna couldn't help but gasp. "Oh my God, you look absolutely enchanting. You have to get it. This would be perfect for the gala, or whatever Tony's throwing."
Wanda twirled, the dress billowing around her like a cloud. "I wish. Unfortunately, superhero work doesn't pay as well as you'd think."
Gianna frowned. "You didn't think I'd bring you shopping and not pay…did you?"
Before Wanda could protest, she'd disappeared around the corner, telling the store owner to add it to her tab - along with matching shoes and earrings.
The day continued in a whirlwind of shopping bags, laughter, and lots of swipes on Gianna's credit card. Despite the relentless attention from the paparazzi, they managed to stay one step ahead thanks to service elevators and back doors.
The sun had finally dipped below the horizon as Gianna and Wanda returned to the Avengers' Tower, their arms laden with bags from their day of shopping. Quite literally feeling like they were about to drop, they decided to spend the night in. After a quick change of clothes, Gianna swiping the baggiest sweats she could find from Bucky's room, they met back in the living room. It looked even bigger than it had on game night, the two of them taking up hardly any space in the sprawling room.
"Takeout?" Wanda purred, pulling her hair into a ponytail.
"Chinese?"
"Wine?"
"You dial, I'll pour."
As they sipped their wine and ate straight from the takeout boxes, a comfortable silence settled between them.
After a while, Gianna let out a sigh, her gaze drifting towards the city lights twinkling outside the window. "You know, Wanda," she began, her voice soft, "I really am thankful we met. I haven't had…a lot of friends."
Wanda turned her head to look at her, putting a hand on her knee. "I know. I haven't either. I'm glad too. I didn't know how much I needed this."
"It sounds so silly, you know? To have this crazy, dream life…but all I could think about was having, I don't know, normal experiences. I used to watch all these shows on TV with best friends getting ready or talking or going shopping," She sipped her wine. "I used to get so jealous. Then I'd feel guilty for being ungrateful for the life I had."
Wanda looked down at her lap. "I went to the store, kind of incognito, you know. It was right after they came out with my action figure. Nat had one for a while, I was so excited to finally get my own. I just wanted to go to the mall and see for myself. When I got there, I saw a group of girls, teenagers all buying one together. I went home crying. I didn't even know why. It was…supposed to be something I was proud of, I was even going to buy one. Seeing them, all laughing together, it made me feel so alone. Then the fact that they were buying my action figure, it didn't make me feel cool at all. It made me feel like some kind of…"
"Commodity?"
"Yeah."
"Yeah." Gianna squeezed Wanda's hand. "I get it."
"Damn…we really shouldn't drink wine. This is depressing." Wanda cleared her throat.
"Surely there's something else around here somewhere." Gianna laughed.
"Change of subject. What else do you want? You wanted friends, freedom, you got it. Maybe you're speaking it into existence." Wanda winked.
Gianna's gaze became distant, her laughter trailing off. "I don't know…I guess I want more of this. I want to be surrounded by people I love. I don't like to be alone."
Wanda, unintentionally and without meaning to invade her friend's privacy, let her powers touch the surface of Gianna's thoughts. What she saw there made her heart swell. Images of a future, warm and inviting, unfolded before her. She saw Gianna and Bucky, their faces etched with happiness. Crows' feet had formed around both of their eyes from years of laughter. They were surrounded by children with familiar blue eyes and dark hair, the spitting image of who Wanda could easily tell was their father. She could feel the longing, even in Gianna's fleeting daydreams.
"Wanda?"
"What? Sorry!" She shook her head, snapping back to reality.
"I asked what you would want, if you could choose anything."
Wanda smiled. "I guess I want the same thing. Less training. More shopping sprees. A world that doesn't need to be saved." She winked. "To be able to wear heels around Peter without being taller than him."
"Cheers to that," Gianna raised her glass, gesturing out the window to the sprawling city skyline. "Let's hope there's a shooting star out there somewhere."
"I still can't believe it took three trips to unload all your bags." Peter groaned, dropping the last round on the common room floor.
"It wouldn't have taken three trips if you could carry them all at once." Wanda winked.
"Hey, I'm not -" he protested before being interrupted by Gianna.
"What, a superhero?" She elbowed him playfully. "Thanks, Peter. You're the best!"
Shortly after their early afternoon arrival at the compound, the sun had enticed everyone to enjoy the unseasonably warm October day. It was quiet around the compound, Tony and Nat still in New York and Steve and Bucky not due back from their mission for another day. Gathered near the lake, Peter and the girls had joined Sam on the dock. A game of frisbee had started, but got cut short when Wanda complained that she was bored.
Peter, raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Who's up for a little adventure?" he asked, a sly grin tugging at his lips.
Wanda perked up immediately. "What do you have in mind?"
With a dramatic flourish, Peter shot a web towards a nearby tree, creating a makeshift rope swing. "Ladies and Sam, I present - the world's first Spider-Swing!" Tugging on the web, he swung out over the water before letting go and loosely backflipping into the water.
Gianna and Wanda exchanged amused glances before Gianna shrugged, "Well, if it's the world's first!" She stood and kicked off her shoes, tugging her sweatshirt over her head just as a soaking wet Peter climbed onto the dock.
"Yeah…probably should have taken my shoes off first." He shook his wet hair, making Wanda squeal as the droplets rained down on her. Holding out his hand, he looked at Gianna. "You ready?"
"Don't make me regret this." She grinned nervously, taking his hand. Peter pulled her to his side, wrapping an arm around her waist as he shot a web high into a nearby tree. The tension on the web pulled them into the air, cool wind sending Gianna's hair flying behind them. When they got to the highest point, Peter let go, sending them both tumbling through the air towards the glassy lake. As she plunged into the water, the cold shock momentarily stole her breath, but it was replaced by exhilaration. From the dock, Sam and Wanda watched as they broke the surface. Gianna's scream and Peter's laughter echoed across the water.
Their heads bobbed to the surface a moment later, laughter resuming.
"Me next!" Wanda set her shoes aside.
"Girl, did you forget you can fly?" Sam eyed her.
"Shut up!" A wave of her hand sent Sam hurtling off the dock and into the water. Peter climbed onto the dock, giving Gianna a hand before turning to swing away with Wanda. Gianna couldn't help but notice his hand was ever-so-slightly lower on Wanda's hip than on her own. She grinned as they fell into the water.
Peter, clearly not content with the current level of excitement, decided to up the ante. With reckless abandon, he swung higher and higher, the arc of his swing stretching dramatically with each turn. The girls sat on the edge of the dock with Sam, clothes all completely soaked through.
"Gianna, are you afraid of heights?"
Wanda and Gianna exchanged a nervous glance, realizing what Peter was asking. "Peter, don't you dare—" Wanda began, but it was too late.
With a whoop that echoed across the compound, Peter looped his arm around Gianna's waist and sent them both soaring into the sky, reaching a height that seemed almost impossible. For a heart-stopping moment, they hung frozen in midair, two silhouettes against the late afternoon sky. A second later, gravity reclaimed them, sending both bodies hurtling towards the water.
"Shit," Wanda knit her brows together, holding a hand out to slow down their fall. Sam tensed beside her. Before she could engage her powers, Peter shot another web and swung to catch Gianna ten feet above the water's surface. He held her around the waist, swinging by the dock and dropping onto his feet, lowering her gently to the ground. Her laughter rippled in the air, unaware of any danger ever surrounding her. She had nothing but trust in her friends, for better or for worse.
Gianna wiped wet strands of hair out of her face, still laughing. "You have officially ruined roller coasters for me, nothing will ever compare to that."
Peter bowed dramatically, water droplets cascading from his hair. "Thank you, thank you! I'll be here all week."
Sam and Wanda exchanged glances, both of them taking a deep breath of relief. They knew Peter would never intentionally hurt anyone, but sometimes his playful nature got the best of him and he'd forget how powerful he truly was. Before Gianna had even caught her breath from the adrenaline rush, two sets of combat boots thudded across the dock.
"Bucky, stop!"
"What the HELL were you thinking!"
All four heads whipped around to see Bucky storming down the dock towards them, seeing red. Steve was hot on his tail, both of them still in full tactical gear. Without slowing down, Bucky made a beeline for Peter, who'd gone pale.
"I didn't, I was just -" He was cut off by Bucky grabbing a fistful of his soaking wet t-shirt and pulling him close.
"You were just…what?" Bucky's voice was a low snarl, dripping with rage.
Peter, standing on his tiptoes as his shirt was firmly bunched in a metal fist, looked utterly terrified. "I...uh, we were just having fun, Buck, I swear!"
Steve placed a calming hand on Bucky's shoulder, his brows knit together. "Easy, Buck. Let's talk about this."
Bucky was on the edge, his concern for Gianna sending him beyond reason. He ignored Steve completely. "Fun? You call risking her safety fun?" His gaze darted to Sam and Wanda, who looked equally taken aback. "And you two, you just let it happen! You're supposed to know better, what were you thinking?!"
Gianna's eyes were big and watery, guilt bubbling in her stomach watching her friends get scolded. The playful atmosphere of moments before had been shattered. Her heart felt twisted, half of her overjoyed to see Bucky a day earlier than expected and half of her in shock at this side of him she hadn't seen before.
Bucky's jaw clenched, his frustration palpable. "She shouldn't have to risk her safety for anyone's amusement. She's not a toy, Wanda. I mean come on guys, the goddamn bruises on her back haven't even healed!"
"Bucky…" Gianna's voice was soft, tentative. "No one made me do it…I wanted to. It isn't their fault."
His harsh, angry expression faltered at her voice and he released Peter. Slowly, Bucky turned to Gianna, eyes running over her entire body. He gingerly cupped her face, still scanning for any sign of harm. "Are you okay?" His eyes had completely softened, all anger had given way to concern.
"I'm perfectly fine." She smiled softly, his warm hands feeling heavenly on her cold cheeks. Holding his gaze, she pressed a gentle kiss on his palm.
Steve stepped in, his tone firm but understanding. "We get it, Buck. I'll talk to Peter and make sure it doesn't happen again. We're all here to look out for each other."
Bucky nodded, but didn't look away from Gianna. "You're sure you're okay?"
Gianna nodded, her voice small. "I'm fine, Bucky, really."
Bucky's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he reluctantly backed down, his protectiveness still evident. "Fine…but you should at least get changed. You're going to catch a cold if you stand out here in soaking wet clothes."
She grabbed her sweatshirt from the crumpled pile on the ground, giving Peter and Wanda an apologetic look while her back was to Bucky. Turning, she held her hand out to him. "Care to escort me?"
The tension began to ease as they walked back towards the compound, but it was clear that Bucky's protective stance wasn't just a passing moment of anger—it was a reflection of how deeply he cared for Gianna. His anger was well-contained, so for it to come out so wildly, especially towards his team…they knew he wasn't messing around when it came to her.
Once they were out of earshot, Steve turned to the group, eyebrows raised.
"You guys could have been a little more careful."
"I know, Cap, it's my fault. I should have stopped it." Sam looked sheepish.
"No, no, it's my fault, I got carried away and—" Peter began to fumble out an apology before Steve interrupted, holding a hand up.
"I get it. You don't need a lecture. Just…be careful. Especially with Gianna. Bucky's a little overprotective, especially since the accident. No harm no foul." He gave a reassuring smile. "But you should get changed, don't want anyone getting sick around here."
Back in her room, Bucky made a beeline for the massive bathtub that hadn't been used yet. As hot water began to fill the basin, Gianna sat on the edge, tugging on his arm.
"You're back."
"We finished a day early, I wanted to surprise you."
She chuckled. "You definitely did."
Bucky sighed, dropping to his knees in front of her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lose my temper. I just…when I came around the corner and saw you, so high in the air, all I could think of was that day." His jaw clenched. He didn't have to elaborate. They both knew exactly what he meant. "You were so vulnerable and I was too far away to save you. If something had happened to you—"
Gianna stroked his cheek, tilting his head up to look at her. "I know. I should have been more careful. I didn't mean to scare you. You were completely justified to feel that way."
He studied her face, eyes still concerned. Wordlessly, she lifted her hands over her head, giving him a pleading look. The water was the only sound as his hands grabbed the hem of her soaked t-shirt, slowly pulling it over her head. His breath caught as he studied her, topless, right in front of him. He'd seen her change before, but either averted his eyes of politeness or, more recently, desire to avoid temptation. This time, his eyes were locked on her. Goosebumps erupted across her skin, the cold air caressing her exposed body.
Gianna stood, her stomach now level with his eyes. Slowly, deliberately, he slipped his fingers inside her waistband and tugged her sweatpants down. She stepped out, leaving a soaking pile of clothes on the floor and her standing in nothing but a pair of white lace underwear.
For the second time today, Bucky showed a side of himself she didn't recognize. His eyes were dark as he bit his lip, eyes devouring her. As he knelt before her, he ran a hand up the back of her leg, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. His blue eyes were hungry as he looked up at her, the intensity making her blush. Steam curled around her body from the nearly full bath behind her.
A teasing smile danced on her lips as Gianna turned away from him. Hooking her thumbs in the lace, she let the last article of clothing fall to the floor. Bucky let out a soft moan, frozen in place on his knees. She lowered herself slowly into the water, the warmth feeling indescribable on her chilled skin. When she was fully submerged, she rested her elbows on the edge, meeting Bucky's eyes.
"Join me?"
His breath caught.
Eyes full of want, he reached out and stroked her hair back from her face. The cargo pants and tactical vest he had on, still adorned with weapons, made him look even bigger than he was. The juxtaposition of his intimidating exterior against his soft, pleading eyes was poetic. For a moment, Gianna felt like she couldn't breathe.
This is it. It's finally going to happen.
Just as she felt warmth and butterflies flood her stomach, he stood.
"I should clean up." Bucky's eyes had cleared, something inside him shifting. "I haven't showered in days, I'm disgusting. I'll come back when you're done and we can catch up."
He knelt down, cupping her surprised face, and planted a sweet kiss on her forehead. "I missed you."
Before she could protest, he was shutting the door behind him.
What the hell just happened? Gianna blinked.
Bucky shut the door to his room harder than he anticipated, leaning against it as he tried to catch his breath. Goddammit. This is going to be harder than I thought. He stripped off layer after layer of his gear and stepped into the cold shower, trying with everything in him not to think about her in the hot bath one room over.
