the strongest avenger (2)

fifty eight

I don't know how long I was asleep. The only thing to be heard are the deep breaths of the man next to me, and the low talking coming from the TV.

We're swathed in darkness, the blinds are still closed. And I am clutching onto James.

I woke up maybe ten minutes ago, I'm not the best at telling time, and I didn't want to risk waking him by turning over my shoulder to see the clock.

I probably should wake him, he definitely felt like he had to stay with me. I doubt he actually wanted to.

But, I like how he holds me close to him, our legs tangled together like vines. His metal hand resting on my low back, the other underneath the pillow.

He even smells good.

Dear God, what is happening to me?

I flinch as someone knocks on the door. James stirs from next to me, and with a frown, I detangle myself and walk over to the door.

I squint at the light that floods into the room as I crack open the door, seeing Steve.

What time is it? I ask him through the telepathy.

He stares for a second, but then shakes his head. "I forgot you can do that. It's one in the afternoon."

In the afternoon?

"Yeah you've been asleep since yesterday."

Oh. Uh, nice. Anyways, what's up? I was kinda comfy.

He chuckles a little. "Sorry. Uh, have you seen Buck? I've been looking for him."

I purse my lips and step back, kicking the door so it opens to reveal James—who is now awake and sitting up.

I create a quick link between the three of us. Look who decided to wake up.

"Oh hush," his voice rumbles through the room. "you fell asleep not even ten minutes into that Spongebob episode."

I shrug in response and look over at Steve.

"So, uh, what's going on here?"

We were sleeping. Did you want to join? Always wanted a little three way action. I smirk at the boys and watch as both of their jaws pop open, and they glance at each other and then back to me.

I clap my hands together and turn to James.

Okay, get up and out. I want to shower.

"What does showering have to do with me?" He falls back against the pillows and turns so his face is pressed against them. "Your bed is so comfy." His voice comes out muffled.

Where's Alpine? You probably have to go feed her.

He groans into the pillow, as I look over at Steve.

But seriously get lost, I need to shower. You can talk to Bucket when he decides to get up.

"Right. I'll tell everyone you're doing good. Are you hungry?"

I'll take a smoothie or something. But I take long showers so make it in like—

"15 minutes. I know Tal. We lived together for like 3 years."

Yeah, yeah. I smile at him as he leaves my bedroom.

I look over at the lump on my bed. I grab a pillow off the ground and chuck it at him.

Either get out, or come join me. I turn around and push open the door to the bathroom, starting up the shower.

I pause and just admire my bathroom, much more appreciative of its beauty. The double vanity with cabinets underneath, the private toilet and then the large shower stall, with two shower heads hanging from the ceiling, with smaller ones on the wall, and one of those things where you can detach the the smaller one.