hardest to love: bucky barnes

fifteen.

The following morning I woke up from the studio floor to see Tony sitting on the bench with a book in his hand. I stretched and removed the blanket he must have thrown over me before standing up.

"I was wondering when you would wake up, Medusa." He said sipping one of the cups of coffee next to him.

"Here, I thought you might need this." I took the black coffee cup out of his hand before sitting with him.

"Thanks. How long have you sitting here?" I asked fixing the blanket I threw over my shoulders.

"Since five."

"What time is it now?"

"nine thirty."

"Why have you been sitting here that long?"

"Made sure no one bothered you."

"Oh, thank you?"

"Did Rodgers get in you're head last night?" He asked.

"Yup." I said popping the p.

"You know I hate when he's right, but he is right."

Tony has always cared for me like a daughter. It took time for us to get close but he was surprisingly very open with me. He taught me how to use and even build a lot of cool tech that I now have. I'm very grateful for him. He reminds me a lot of my father in certain ways and I know he only wants the best for me.

"I know, that's why I passed out here instead of my bed." I said looking down at the floor.

"Yeah, I figured. I'm still not sure how the hell you slept there." He said making me laugh.

"What time is Peppers party tonight?" I asked him.

"You're going?" He questioned.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I?" I questioned back at him.

"You haven't exactly been Miss. Social Butterfly this past month so I didn't think you would come."

"I think I can push my personal problems aside for one night for Pepper.... and some alcohol." I said making him laugh before we headed upstairs. Sam, Peter, Vision, Nat and Wanda were eating breakfast in the dinning room when we walked in.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty." Sam joked causing me to laugh at him.

"I've missed you're smile around here, Val." He said as I went to make myself cereal.

"Heads up kid, Barnes is coming down the stairs if you wanna take the elevator." Tony said as I poured my cereal.

"I'm fine."

It was true. By no means am I on good terms with James but Tony was right, I can't avoid him forever if I still want to be on this team. When James and Steve walked in, I pulled down two more bowls while they sat at the table. James was never good at hiding the fact that he would stare at people. It threw me off when I first met him but I grew used to it. I made their bowls then dropped them off at the table, leaving the others surprised.

"Here you guys go." I said quickly turning back to the counter where Tony stood.

"Thank you, Val." Steve said digging in already.

"Anytime, Steve." I said knowing he was probably happy that his speech last night helped me feel better.

"Thank you Valentina." James said reluctant to look up at my eyes. I was the one shamelessly staring this time.

"No problem, James." There it was. The first nice conversation we shared in a little over a month.

I ate with the others before heading to my room to get ready for tonight. Showering and picking out an outfit to wear. I settled for a short black satin dress with heels. My makeup was not far from the usual eyeliner, concealer, blush, brow gel and mascara. Part of me hoped James would be attending but I knew he probably wouldn't. I finished getting ready before going to help Wanda finish with the decorations. After shutting my door I headed to the elevator and waited for it to open. When it opened I saw none other than James.