The Viper || BUCKY BARNES [2]

04 ― New Jersey

2014 ― Wheaton, New Jersey

STEVE ROGERS, NATASHA ROMANOFF, AND HOLLAND STARK had now crossed state lines into New Jersey. They stole a truck that Steve was now driving; Holland was sitting passenger and Natasha in the back. "Where did Captain America learn how to steal a car?" Natasha asked.

"I was actually wondering the same thing," Holland said as she looked over at her friend. She had her feet resting up on the dashboard.

"Nazi Germany. And we're borrowing." He responded to Natasha, and then he looked at Holland. "Take your feet off the dash." He said. Holland looked over Steve with an arched eyebrow as she slowly lowered her legs.

"Alright, I have a question for you, which may be a mistake because it might only enhance your sour mood. And you don't have to answer, but in this case, your silence would definitely be an answer." Holland said, and Steve glanced over at her and rolled his eyes.

"What is it, Holly?" He asked.

"Was that your first kiss since 1945?" She asked, which made Natasha almost choke as she tried to hold back her laughter, and Steve shook his head.

"That bad, huh?" He asked.

"I didn't say that." She said as she shook her head.

"Well, it kind of sounds like that's what you're saying," Steve said.

"No, I didn't... I was just wondering how much practice you've had." Holland said.

"You don't need practice...-" Natasha cut him off.

"...-Everybody needs practice." She said.

"Okay, it was not my first kiss since 1945. I'm 95; I'm not dead." Steve said.

"Okay, so... in the last 3 years since you've been back, you have kissed someone, and you never told me?" Holland asked.

"Do I need to tell you everything?" Steve asked.

"Yes..." Holland said, and Natasha started laughing. "Yet there's still nobody special?" She asked.

"Believe it or not, it's kind of hard to find someone with shared life experience," Steve said, and then he looked at her. "You're the only one." He said, and Holland rolled her eyes.

"Are you trying to tell me you've been holding out for me, Cap?" She teased, and Steve rolled his eyes, but he was still smiling.

"You could always just make something up," Natasha said.

"She's right." Holland echoed.

"What, like the two of you? I don't know." Steve said.

"The truth is only a matter of circumstance. It's not all things to all people, all the time. Neither am I," Holland said as she shrugged her shoulders. Steve looked over at his friend before looking back at the road, and he sighed.

"That's a tough way to live." He said.

"It's a good way not to die, though," Holland said.

"You know, it's kind of hard to trust someone when you don't really know who that someone is," Steve said as he glanced at her again.

"So what are you saying? You don't trust me, Steve? Who do you want me to be, then?" She asked.

"How about a friend?" Steve asked.

"I thought we were way past friends. I thought we were family. I hold you in the same regard that I held, Howard, Steve. You saved my life; I'll always be grateful to you for that," Holland said. Steve slightly smiled as they pulled up to a gate and got out of the truck. Steve had his shield in hand, Natasha had the flash drive get in her hands, and Holland had a gun ready.