A Different Universe (Avengers x Reader)

Knock Knock! (3)

"FRIDAY? Would you mind?"I looked up to the ceiling

"Not at all, Miss." Said the disembodied AI "Let me explain, Sir."

~~~~~

As the AI explained the situation, I waited for what felt like centuries. Through FRIDAY's monologue, the Winter Soldier slowly loosened his grip on my shoulder, clearly relaxing - I hissed quietly. Nevertheless, my arm hurt like a bitch.

That's gonna leave a bruise.

Finally, FRIDAY finished explaining. Looking up at the sergeant, I saw a flash of guilt in his dark eyes. However, as quickly as it arrived, it was gone. James turned on his heel, making his way to the nearest exit. No apology, no nothing - as if I don't even exist.

"Hey! Wait up!"I declared, running towards the assassin. He didn't even spare me a glance - only a low grumble, as if he was annoyed by my presence.

Oh, you're annoyed? I'm the inconvenience?? You're the one that almost murdered me! Musty Voldemort-looking bitch.

"You could at least apologize Bucky" I mumbled under my breath.

The Winter Soldier swirled around, eying me down.

"What did you just call me?"

Yikes. Looks like I've hit a nerve.

"I called you Bucky. That's what Steve calls you, isn't it?"I replied with sudden and completely undeserved confidence.

The Soldier gawked at me - stopping dead in his tracks, slightly startled by my words, taking a moment to think. He then proceeded to scoff at me, continuing to walk towards the kitchen.
Opening the cupboard, he took out a kitchen knife. I instantly felt myself stiffen – just to relax as he brought out the cutting board. I watched as he started making himself a meal.

I should probably leave, but since I'm going to be sharing the floor with this guy, I might as well try to get to know him. I mean, I do know him. Just not personally... I know what he's been through; 72 years of HYDRA, torture, brainwashing, mind control. His mind has been wiped over and over again. James has endured more pain than I could ever imagine...

"...Are you lost or something?" he asked, still staring at his now finished sandwiches, snatching me out of my thoughts.

"No. I mean... I'm waiting for you to finish. I haven't eaten in a bit." I explained, giving James a grin.

"Hmm..." he mumbled, seemingly lost in thought. He hence picked up a plate, placing it on the counter. Picking up two of his sandwiches and setting them on the dish, James tugged it in my direction, taking a seat. Nudging the plate with my hands, I gave him a questioning look.

"It's for you," he murmured, taking a bite out of his sandwich.

Ah, yes! He made me a sandwich. Our alliance is prospering. Now, I'm going to get a good score in friendship, something that is both normal to want and possible to achieve.

"James, you didn't have-"

"Don't. Call me Bucky." He declared, much louder than he intended – earning a flinch on my side. I didn't mean to - but since the whole 'who-are-you-I'm-going-to-shoot-you' incident, I couldn't help but keep my guard up.
I'm not sure if he noticed, I hope not. I hate my flinches with a burning passion.

"So," James mumbled, placing his empty dish in the sink.

Did he finish eating already?

"What do you do for fun?" he continued, facing me.

Immediately, all my thoughts started scrambling all at once - like a discord server that just got hit with an @everyone. Let the clown show start;

Art? Books? Netflix? Marvel? Sadness???? No, that's embarrassing. Don't embarrass yourself, moron! You gotta make him think your cool and trendy! OR INTIMIDATING!! THINK!!!!

"I don't do anything for fun. Ever." I deadpanned, mentally facepalming myself.

"...Sure..." he said, squinting in my direction "Well-"

Interrupting Bucky's remark, Tony Stark burst through the kitchen. He looked surprisingly calm, considering he just put a teenager in one compartment with a homicidal assassin. I am not salty. All I'm saying is – he probably should have thought this through.

"Making friends already, I see!"

"What do you want, Stark" grumbled Bucky, clearly fed up with Stark.

"Just checking up on the kid, RoboCop." he said, mockingly "Ya' still alive?"

"Unfortunately" I mumbled, taking a final bite of my sandwich.

"That's not the only reason you came down here, is it?" Bucky interrupted

"Not really – I sent you here because it was the only available floor but Steve was worried about how Bucky'd react, he was the one who urged me to come here. But it seems he had nothing to worry about, per usual..." Tony took off his glasses and scrunched up his nose "...right?"

Bucky glanced down at the floor with a guilty look - he looked like a sad puppy;

"...Well-"

"Yep. FRIDAY was nice enough to explain my situation to James. No need to worry" I smiled lightly.

"Great! Also; I arranged a visit with Loki tomorrow. We'll see if you do have any unnatural abilities! Is that alright?

"...um-"

"Amazing. He'll be at your door at 9 a.m. sharp. Goodbye!" with that, Stark stormed out of the room, leaving me a stammering mess.

"I'm screwed."

~~~~~

After changing into some new PJ's, I brushed my teeth and sat down on the bed. Picking up my phone, I checked the time and date. It seems like my phone is still working... somehow.
How does that even work??? Universal mobile data???? Is that a thing????? Scrolling through my notifications – mostly Youtube, unsurprisingly – I opened Teams, sending my teacher a message about how I'm sick and hospitalized, and won't return for a good couple of weeks. Turning off my phone I fell asleep, once again.

~~~~~

I woke up to an annoying knock on the door. Confused and slightly startled, I yawned loudly.

What the fuck do they want? Now I'm irritated too!

Walking up to the door, I opened it – just to come face to face with an angry god.

Shit.

Loki looked pissed. His hair was neatly slicked back, and his eyes were drilling through my skull;

"You look terrible."

"Gee, thanks. Give me a break, wouldn't you?"

"We haven't even started yet - why would I give you a break?" he asked, raising his brow.

"It's a phrase- Look. I just woke up. Give me 6 minutes" I said, closing the door.

"Counting!" announced Loki, right before I thumped the door closed.

Well, fuck.

[A/N: This one came out kinda late but I hope you like it! It's a bit longer too]