Thank you to Harliquinn for beta editing!
On Saturday morning Skye woke up around eight. Her friends were coming in an hour to help her pick an outfit for her date with Tucker that afternoon. She got out of bed and went into the kitchen. It was quiet in the kitchen for a Saturday at the compound. Skye went into the fridge and pantry and pulled out the ingredients for a granola bowl. Once it was made she sat down and started to eat it.
Thor came into the kitchen.
"Hey, Thor," Skye said.
"Hello, Skye, you are up early," Thor said.
"My friends are coming in about an hour to help me pick out what to wear for my date with Tucker," Skye said.
"A date? I did not think your father wanted you to go on dates," Thor said.
"He changed his mind," Skye said.
Thor smiled and nodded.
"It's pretty quiet here this morning," Skye said.
"Yes, it is. I think most are still in bed," Thor said.
"Oh," Skye said.
"You are feeling better?" Thor asked.
"Yes," Skye said with a smile. "Fully healed."
"That is very good," Thor said.
"Loki making you think otherwise?" Skye asked.
"I know you two have not had the easiest time getting along, but I do think he meant well in this situation," Thor said.
"I think he was trying to drive me mad," Skye said.
Thor shook his head. "I understand why you might think that, but I think you two will get along in time."
"Maybe, but I'm not holding my breath," Skye said.
Thor nodded. "I understand."
Skye finished her breakfast before putting her bowl in the sink as a few others started to come into the kitchen.
"Morning, Peanut," Steve said.
Skye smiled. "Morning, I've already eaten my friends will be here soon."
Steve smiled and nodded. "Okay."
"Hanging with your friends today?" Nat asked.
"They are coming over to help me pick out what I'm going to wear on my date with Tucker," Skye said with a big smile on her face.
Nat looked at Steve surprised.
"Yes, Natasha?" Steve asked.
"Just making sure you knew?" Nat said with a smirk.
"You think if he didn't I'd be stupid enough to say something when he was in the room?" Skye asked with a chuckle.
Nat chuckled and nodded to the door where her friends were coming in with someone from security.
Skye smiled at the twins. "Hi!" she said.
"Hi," Ivy and Lily both said to her and everyone else before Skye led them to her room. Anna wasn't going to be back before tomorrow, but they video-called her so she could be part of it too.
Skye and the twins looked through her clothes and helped her pick out the right outfit for the date, with Anna giving her input on what she was shown.
"So, what made your dad change his mind?" Ivy asked.
"Me being responsible. And I think his boyfriend played a role. Even if he says otherwise," Skye said as she looked in the mirror at the outfit that had been decided on, a pair of black leggings a red sweatshirt a pair of white sneakers, and a baseball cap to keep the sun out of her face.
"Whatever the reason, it's great," Lily said.
Skye smiled and nodded. "This has been a long time coming. And we are good friends. I just hope this doesn't screw that up."
"I'm sure it won't. Just don't let it," Ivy said.
"But anyways, how has your dating been going?" Skye asked Ivy.
"It's been fun," Ivy said.
"Three dates in one week, and that's all you're telling?" Skye asked with a smirk.
Ivy chuckled. "I don't know what to say. We have been having fun - dinner and rollerblading, picnic in Central Park, and the movies."
"Where in the cinema did you sit?" Skye asked with a smirk.
"What difference does that make?" Ivy asked.
Skye chuckled. "I forgot that you have never had older siblings. Sometimes people sit in the back so that they don't have to focus on the movie, and everyone in the cinema doesn't see what you are doing."
Ivy laughed and rolled her eyes. "We watched the movie."
"Boring," Lily said with a smirk.
Anna laughed.
"No, not boring. Just what she wanted to do," Skye said with a shrug.
"Thank you," Ivy said, smiling at Skye.
Soon her friends headed out, and Skye went and put a backpack with the things she might need for the day by the door before she went to the living room and sat on the couch next to Bucky.
"Friends help you figure out what you are going to wear?" Bucky asked.
"Yes," Skye said.
"Did you really need the help or just an excuse to talk about your date?" Bucky asked.
Skye chuckled and shrugged.
Thor came into the living room with Loki.
"Skye, where is your dad?" Thor asked.
"Not sure. Why?" Skye asked.
"It seems my little brother left out information on why he has been concerned," Thor said.
"Steve is not here at the moment, what is the problem?" Bucky asked.
Thor looked at his brother. "Tell them."
"In my universe while training I had accidentally stabbed the Skye from my universe. And something with her blood mixed with the magic of my knife. It caused an issue. It did not appear that anything was wrong before it was almost too late," Loki said.
Skye shook her head. "Bullshit."
"What happened exactly to your Skye?" Bucky asked.
"She was okay, then suddenly she just passed out. And when testing was done it was found that her blood and the magic of my knife caused some serious internal bleeding," Loki said.
"I have been checked multiple times for any internal issues. Nothing is wrong," Skye said.
"She is right, she has," Bucky said.
"So was my universe's Skye. Nothing was wrong until it was," Loki said.
Bucky let out a breath.
"On that logic then nothing will show up until it happens," Skye said.
"That is true, except maybe something will show up that you just don't know until it's too late," Loki said.
"This is bullshit, why is he suddenly telling us this now?" Skye asked.
"Yeah, why didn't you say anything sooner?" Bucky asked.
"I did not think I would be believed," Loki said.
"You're right. I don't believe it," Skye said.
"What reason would I have to lie?" Loki asked.
"To cause issues in my life because you still think I am like your universe's Skye, even though I took a knife for your brother," Skye said.
"I do not think you are like the Skye from my universe anymore," Loki said.
Bucky let out a breath. "Skye. I know it's annoying, but let's let Bruce check you out again."
Skye looked at her phone. "Fine, but when I get back from my date. Because he will be here any minute."
"I do not think it is wise given this information for you to go on the date without being checked out first," Thor said.
"Right now I don't really care what you think," Skye said to Thor.
"Skye," Bucky said warningly.
"Bucky. Loki is screwing with me. Maybe because he knew that doing so, so close to my date time means it could affect that," Skye said.
"Maybe, but you don't need to take that tone with Thor," Bucky said.
Skye let out a breath. "Sorry," she said to Thor.
"I am not trying to affect your date," Loki said.
Skye looked at Bucky. "Are you going to make me get checked and miss my date? You promised you would have my back if something came up about this."
Bucky took a breath. "When is Tucker picking you up?"
"Ten minutes, and we have a scheduled time for renting the kayaks," Skye said
"Did your Skye say anything about feeling off at all before or was it really just sudden?" Bucky asked Loki.
"You believe him!" Skye said, clearly upset.
"Skyler, let him answer, please," Bucky said.
"She said she had some stinging, but she assumed it was just the stitches pulling," Loki said.
Bucky nodded slowly.
"You told me you believed I was fine. And promised me to have my back if he tried this bullshit," Skye said to Bucky.
"I know," Bucky said as he tried to think about what he should do.
"Maybe he did, but I did not," Thor said.
Skye took a breath. "Thor, I am not trying to be disrespectful, but you have no idea when Loki is lying to you. And he is messing with me."
"I do not believe he is," Thor said.
Skye looked at Bucky. "Are you going to stop me from going on my date?"
Bucky took a breath. "Skye, if I let you go and something happens that I could have prevented, your dad will never forgive me."
"You promised me. And, Bucky, I am fine," Skye said.
"I believe you are fine, but if what Loki is saying is true," Bucky said.
"Then we won't even know until something happens. I will not stop living my life for something that is probably a lie, and, if it's not, it probably won't happen today," Skye said. "It's not fair. You know my dad says he wants me to have as normal of a teenage life as possible. Please don't stop me from going," Skye begged.
Bucky let out a breath. "If you start feeling off, you call me right away. Promise me."
"I promise," Skye said as Tucker came into the room.
Bucky looked at Tucker. "If she seems off at any point, you make sure she calls me."
Tucker nodded. "Of course."
"Oh my god, Bucky, I promised you I would," she said as she got up.
"Just being extra sure," Bucky said as he watched the teenagers go.
"What is that all about?" Tucker asked.
"Loki pulling some bullshit out his ass to try and screw with me. Again," Skye said.
Tucker shook his head. "Do I want to know?"
"He claims that when the Skye in his universe got hit with his knife, even after she was healed, the magic from his knife reacted with her blood and caused her almost to die," Skye said. "And she seemed fine up until the point she passed out."
"And you don't believe him?" Tucker asked.
"No. Thor does. I don't know what Bucky really thinks, if he believes it or just wants to be extra careful because my dad is not here at the moment," Skye said. "I will get more tests done later, after our date," Skye said with a smile.
Tucker nodded a little.
"I'm fine, Tucker. It's just one of Loki's games," Skye said.
"Okay," Tucker said with a smile as he led her to his parked car and opened the passenger door for her.
Skye smiled and got in. "Thank you."
Tucker smiled and closed the door before going around, getting in the driver's side and starting the car. He started the drive to the kayaking place.
"So, I didn't know you knew how to kayak," Skye said.
"Yeah, it's one of the activities that the group home I'm in does, and I love it," Tucker said.
"Guess I never knew because I got kicked out of the home so quickly," Skye said.
"Yeah, when I told them we were friends they were slightly concerned," Tucker said with a chuckle.
Skye chuckled. "Yeah. I guess I was a handful."
"What did they say when you told them you were taking me on a date?" Skye asked.
"Well, at this point, they realize you are not the same person you were when you were there. I've made sure they know you have changed, and who you are is not a secret. You are. . . talked about within the system," Tucker said.
"Oh great," Skye said with a sigh.
"Well, when you have been through every home in the area, and you are found to be Captain America's daughter. And the fact that you were the face of the Dyers' victims. . ." Tucker said.
"Yeah, my name was not supposed to be released for that though," Skye said.
"No, it wasn't. But it was, so it's known," Tucker said.
Skye nodded. "And what exactly has been said about me?"
"Well, at first my social worker and the workers at the home were worried. They were debating telling me I could not hang out with you. But I convinced them you have changed. When they found out you were Captain America's daughter, well that was a hot topic from the others in the home, too. And when the stuff came out about the Dyers and you being one of the victims, I think it explained a lot for the workers at the home," Tucker said.
Skye let out a breath. "So my behavior was suddenly excused?"
"Better understood, maybe," Tucker said.
"My behavior was not about that trauma," Skye said.
"You don't think so?" Tucker asked.
"No, I don't," Skye said.
"Okay. My mistake," Tucker said, not believing her but deciding not to argue with her about it. "But how about a change of subject," Tucker said as he pulled into the parking lot at the kayaking place.
"Sure," Skye said.
Tucker got out and went around opening Skye's door for her.
"Such a gentleman," Skye said as she got out.
"Well, I have to do something to distinguish from our usual hangouts," Tucker said with a smirk.
Skye chuckled.
Tucker closed her door and led her to the building where he paid for the rentals of the kayak. Tucker then led her to where there were lockers. "Here put your stuff in the locker. You don't want anything to get wet, and it will."
Skye nodded and put her stuff in the locker. Tucker put a couple of things in the locker too and locked it before they were given wetsuits.
"Didn't realize we would be wearing wetsuits," Skye said.
"Yeah, water is still pretty cold, and you are learning so ending up in the water is more likely," Tucker said.
"But won't it be less likely because we are using a tandem kayak?" Skye asked as she was given a suit in her size.
"Probably but still, the water is cold. And I am not letting you end up getting sick because you didn't wear a wetsuit and ended up in the water even only once," Tucker said as he put on the wetsuit he was handed.
"You do know that it's pretty much impossible for me to get sick," Skye said with a smirk as she put the suit on.
Tucker chuckled. "Do you know you are the most stubborn person I have ever met?"
Skye chuckled. "You've told me this before, yes."
They both zipped up their wetsuits, and Tucker grabbed them both life jackets.
Skye took it and put it on, zipping it up as well.
Tucker put his on as well before they went out the back door of the building to the water where someone was waiting for them with their kayak. The employee knew Tucker was a regular but made sure Skye knew all the safety things she needed to know before handing them both paddles and leaving them to kayak.
Tucker let Skye get into the back of the kayak before he got in front. He explained to her what she needed to know before they started to paddle the boat slowly, giving Skye a chance to learn at normal speed.
"So, you come here often enough that they recognize you," Skye said as they rowed toward the middle of the river.
"I come with the group about once a month. I come on my own at least twice more a month," Tucker said. "I tried to get a job here. But it's run by the city, and my record means I can't."
"That sucks," Skye said.
"Yeah, the person who runs the place tried to go to bat for me, but the city said no," Tucker said. "He told me if I stay out of trouble to re-apply when my record is sealed at nineteen, he will make sure I get the job.
"Well, that's good at least," Skye said.
"Yes," Tucker said. "I was surprised he went above and beyond to try and get the city to make an exception."
Skye smiled, "Because there are good people in this world."
"I know," Tucker said. "Just never experienced that with adults before. . . well, before your dad and my lawyer."
"You said the group home workers are good," Skye said.
"Yes, they are, but they are hard asses. They don't go out of their way to help fix my mistakes. I'm expected to work to fix my own mistakes," Tucker said.
Skye nodded.
"Which I get - the whole learning from your mistakes thing," Tucker said.
"Yeah. I get it to a degree too. But aren't adults supposed to help us with that?" Skye asked.
"Like I said, they help but they just do it differently," Tucker said.
"Okay," Skye said.
"So before we get to deep I do want to teach you what to do if you capsize," Tucker said.
"Okay," Skye said.
"So I am going to flip us, when I do, stay calm, take a deep breath, pull your knees together to get them out of the braces on either side of the kayak, and then push the kayak away from yourself, and you should come to the surface because of your life jacket. If for whatever reason you don't, just swim to the top. Once you are above water grab onto the kayak and your paddle," Tucker said.
Skye nodded.
"You understand everything I said?" Tucker asked.
"Yes," Skye said.
"I was nervous the first time too. It is easy. But when you've never done it, I get it. So it's going to be fine, but I'm here if it's not," Tucker reminded her.
Skye smiled. "Okay."
They both took a breath, and Tucker flipped the kayak. They both pushed out of it and came up to the surface, grabbing the side of the kayak and their paddles.
"Good job," Tucker said
Skye smiled and let out a breath.
"Now to flip it back over, grab the handles on either side, push up on the side closest to you, and pull down on the other side," he said.
Skye did as instructed at the same time Tucker was doing it on his end, and they flipped the kayak.
"If you are close to shore at this point you swim to shore with the kayak and paddle and can re-enter from there. But if you are too far out, pull yourself onto the middle of the kayak on your stomach. Then turn yourself until you can sit in the seat with your legs on either side of the kayak. When you are steady pull your legs back in. Use your paddle to help keep yourself steady," Tucker said before he demonstrated it himself and then watched her do the same a bit slower than he did it.
"Perfect," Tucker said with a smile. "How do you feel?"
"Okay," Skye said as she pulled her hair out of its hair tie and retied it into a high bun. "Better that I know how to do that."
"Good," Tucker said. "I would say it's normal to be out of breath from doing that, but I think you have better lung capacity than the average healthy person."
Skye chuckled. "That I do."
They continued to paddle until they reached the middle of the river. "Wow, it's peaceful out here," Skye said.
"Yeah, part of why I love it," Tucker said. "Especially when I am here on my own. I mean there are others out here, yeah, but everyone is pretty much on their own."
"You kayak in a single kayak usually?" Skye asked.
"Yes, I learned in tandem first, but after only a couple of times I was in a single kayak," Tucker said.
"That's cool, what other activities do you do with the group home?" Skye asked.
"A bunch. They really bring us out into the community. Bowling, lots of water sports in the summer, rock climbing, in the winter skiing or snowboarding, ice skating," Tucker said.
"Kayaking has been the one you have liked the most?" Skye asked.
"Yes, and rock climbing is fun, too. I don't particularly like the winter stuff," Tucker said.
"Because you hate the cold," Skye said, remembering that fact about him.
"Yes," Tucker said with a smile.
"I remember some things," Skye said.
Tucker chuckled.
"I know you have a better memory than I do most of the time," Skye said.
"Yeah, but that's okay. I know you don't forget things on purpose," Tucker said.
"You're right, I don't," Skye said.
They continued to paddle through the river. "I kind of wish I had my phone to take photos. But someone made me put it in the locker," she said with a smirk.
Tucker chuckled, unzipped a pocket on his wetsuit, and pulled out his phone.
"Hey! Why did you get to keep yours?" Skye asked.
"I have an attachment for the wetsuit to keep things dry. I use it for the key to the locker and my phone." Tucker said. "Now you can continue to be grumpy about it, or I can take the pictures you want and send them to you." He added with a smile.
Skye chuckled, and Tucker took a few pictures of the two of them before putting his phone back into his pocket and zipping it shut.
"Also, you are clumsy, and I don't trust you wouldn't drop your phone," he said with a smirk.
Skye faked an offended gasp. "Ass," she said with a smirk.
Tucker chuckled. "Ready to continue?"
Skye nodded, and they both continued to paddle. They were out on the water for a couple of hours before Tucker had them paddling back towards shore.
"So, what do you think of kayaking?" Tucker asked.
"It's fun," Skye said. "I'm sure the good company is part of it."
Tucker smiled. "That definitely makes it more enjoyable."
They made it to shore and both got out of the kayak. Tucker had Skye help him bring the kayak to where they were stored. They both went back inside and took off their wetsuits. Tucker unlocked the locker, and they got their things.
"You hungry?" Tucker asked, taking her hand.
"Yes," Skye said, smiling when she felt his hand in hers.
"Come on, let's go get food," he said as they headed out and back to his car. He opened her door for her again.
Skye smiled. She could get used to this, she thought as she got into the car and buckled up.
They drove to a burger place and went inside to a booth. The server came to their table right away. They ordered what they wanted before they looked at each other and smiled.
"You okay?" Tucker asked.
"Yeah, why?" Skye asked.
"You look a little tired, and I didn't think you got tired that easily," Tucker said.
"Not tired, just hungry, going to be hangry soon," Skye said with a smile.
"That's dangerous," Tucker said.
"Ha. Ha. I'm not that bad," Skye said.
Tucker chuckled. "I didn't mean it like that. I meant for your blood sugar."
"Oh. Yeah. I'm pretty sure the diabetes is healed. I'm off the insulin on the doctor's advice. And my sugar has been normal. I check on occasion, but I probably don't have to anymore. Dr. Banner is going to do some testing on it to see if the super serum has gotten stronger in me and cured me," Skye said.
"Well that's good," Tucker said.
"It's great. You have no idea how great it is to not be dependent on medication to make your body do what it should," Skye said.
Tucker nodded. "Well, I think your body does more than the average human's at this point."
"Very true. But the superhuman abilities come with not only positives, but also with risks," Skye said.
"You've never been all that worried about risks," Tucker said.
"Yeah, well, people change," Skye said.
Tucker took a breath. "So, were you more injured than you let me think a few days ago? Is that what made you think taking risks isn't a good idea?"
"Well, I think I got in my head that I'm invincible. But a fucking knife hurt me, while I was in my suit," Skye said.
"It's made of some space magic thing though isn't it?" Tucker asked.
"Yes, and the person who wielded it normally pretty much hates me. It makes me worried what he could do if he wanted to hurt me," Skye said.
"Then maybe you need to figure out how to fix whatever you two need to, so you don't live in fear," Tucker said.
"I can't control how he feels. I have tried. Over and over again," Skye said. "I don't like him, but I can co-exist. He is the one with the problem."
"I thought you two talked, and he apologized and said he didn't blame you anymore," Tucker said.
"Yeah, and then he goes out of his way to cause issues but making some bullshit claims about me being more hurt than I think," Skye said.
"Well, maybe he is telling the truth about what happened to his universe's Skye. Maybe there is something different, and it won't affect you quite the same. But that doesn't necessarily mean he is lying about what happened to his Skye," Tucker said.
"I'm sorry, are you saying I should believe him?" Skye asked.
"I'm saying that you are worried about him turning on you. Maybe the best way to ensure he doesn't is to make nice. To agree with what he is saying and be extra cautious. And tell him you believe it happened to his Skye, but that you don't think it will happen to you. If on the off chance, he is correct and something happens then you won't have to eat your words for not believing him," Tucker said.
Their food was brought, and they started to eat. Both had ordered burgers. Skye got hers with fries, Tucker got his with onion rings, and they both got Dr. Pepper to drink. They both enjoyed their meals, sharing their fries and onion rings.
"So, you have your program this summer," Skye said.
"Yes," Tucker said with a smile.
"How many students are given the opportunity?" Skye asked.
"There are twelve of us, from all over the country," Tucker said.
"Oh cool. So living in dorms?" Skye asked.
"Yes, for the summer I will be in a dorm," Tucker said.
"With a roommate?" Skye asked
"Yes," Tucker said. "We're staying in double rooms with shared spaces with two other double rooms. So there will be six people with shared living and dining space."
"You might be at an advantage with being used to living with lots of other people," Skye said.
"Yes, that is true," Tucker said.
They finished eating and their bill was brought. Tucker took it to pay for their meals.
"I could have paid," Skye said.
"Call me old fashion, but on the first date, the guy pays," Tucker said.
"And what if it's a date with two guys or two girls?" Skye asked.
"I suppose they have to figure out what works for them. But I am paying for the first date," Tucker said. "Argue with it, and I'll pay for every date."
Skye raised an eyebrow.
"What?" Tucker asked with a smile.
"When did you get so. . . assertive?" Skye asked.
Tucker chuckled. "When it comes to you if I'm not. . . I'll use your word . . . assertive, it usually doesn't get through your head."
Skye chuckled. "Point made."
Once he paid they both got up and left the restaurant, heading to his car.
He started the drive back to her place.
"You had fun?" Tucker asked.
"I did, did you?" Skye asked.
"Yes. A lot of fun. But I always do when we hang out," Tucker said.
"Well, this was different than our regular hangouts," Skye said.
"I know, and that difference made it almost better," Tucker said.
Skye smiled. "I'm glad you think so, too."
Tucker nodded.
"So, if we both had fun, does that mean we will have another date?" Skye asked.
"I hope so," Tucker said, looking at her with a smile at a stoplight.
"Can I plan the next date?" Skye asked.
"Sure. Do you have something in mind?" Tucker asked.
"Arcade," Skye said.
"Sounds great," Tucker said.
"What is your availability in the next couple of weeks?" Skye asked.
"I work both days both weekends, double shifts. Are you allowed to go out on weeknights? We could do it one evening after dinner?" Tucker suggested.
"I have never asked. I can find out and let you know," Skye said.
"Okay," Tucker said as he pulled in at the compound.
He parked and got out, walking her to the door.
"Thank you for a really fun afternoon," Skye said.
"Glad you had a good time too," he said as he moved in closer.
Skye took a breath taking a step closer to him.
Their eyes locked as they bridged the gap and their lips connected in a small kiss. Even though it was small, it felt like electricity between the two of them. They broke apart after a couple of seconds.
"Have a good night. And let me know if anything comes of those tests," Tucker said.
"Drive safe let me know when you get home," Skye said before she went inside, leaning against the door and sighing happily.
Nat was sitting in the living room when Skye came in.
"How was your date?" Nat asked.
"It was great," Skye said, smiling from ear to ear.
"Well, come sit and tell me about it!" Nat said.
Skye sat on the couch and shrugged, "We went kayaking and to get burgers."
"And it was different than other hangouts?" Nat asked.
"He opened doors for me, we held hands, we. . . kissed," Skye said.
"Ooh, first kiss. That is something special," Nat said.
Skye smiled nodding. "My dad home?"
"No, he and Bucky are out on a date of their own," Nat said.
"Right, I remember being told they were going on a date too," Skye said.
Nat smiled and nodded.
"What about you? Any dates recently?" Skye asked
"Yes," Nat said with a smile.
"With anyone I know?" Skye asked with a smile.
"I think you know the answer to that," Nat said.
"Maybe, but is it not more respectful to ask instead of assume?" Skye asked.
Nat nodded. "I see your point. And I appreciate that."
Skye smiled.
Bruce came into the room. "Skye, you are home. Barnes told me you would like me to run some more tests?"
"I'm not sure I would like to, but I will, because someone is still spewing that there is something wrong," Skye said.
"Yes. I spoke to Thor and Loki. I have heard the theory," Bruce said. "I'm not going to force you to undergo any more testing if you don't want to. At this point, if what Loki is saying is even true, we won't know until something goes wrong."
Skye let out a breath. "I did tell Bucky I would do the tests, and I don't think he would appreciate it if I didn't do as I already said I would."
"I can talk to him. Let him know I do not think it is necessary to make you undergo tests that would introduce your body to radiation when it's not necessary," Bruce said. "But if you start to feel off, you tell me, and we can do the tests then. Deal?"
Skye smiled. "Deal. Thank you."
Bruce sat on Nat's other side, and Skye got up and left the room, leaving them to be alone.
She sat on her bed and called Ivy and Lily and gushed about her date. She would have to wait until Monday to talk to Anna about it.