A Heart Break In Time

When I Drift Off, I Will Think About You. Because It's Always You.

I woke up the next morning knowing that Sam and Bucky would be back tomorrow morning, and that our new guests would be arriving shortly after. Rhodey and I spent most of the day getting their rooms together. I wasn't sure how much they would be coming with, or how willing they were to even be here. But we agreed not much could beat coming home to a freshly made bed. We agreed on cool colors and left options in their room in case they didn't like the gray sheet set we picked up.

Pepper made it clear that Tony wouldn't have spared any expense so I shouldn't either. She gave me a credit card with no limit, knowing that Tony would have done the same. It was another reason I missed him.

Steve came later that night to discuss a plan for their entrance. Day one we decided would consist of getting to know each other. No pressure, right? Just discuss powers and hope that we'd trust each other.

Steve, Bruce, Rhodey, and I ordered pizza and we had what might be the last quiet night we could have. It was confusing to be around Steve. The energy felt both awkward and not. Maybe our relationship was forced and it wasn't at all real. How much was just projected love for Peggy and how much was my desperate attempt to finally love someone? My hurt and betrayal possibly stemming from past trauma, afraid of being abandoned by the closest person I had. Really, the only person I had left.

I contemplated this a lot as I went for a quick run before showering and heading to bed.

I tossed and turned, thinking of the surprises that may come tomorrow. I woke up to a knock at my door. "Go away." I groaned, but the door opened anyway.

"Well, this certainly isn't the warm welcome I expected." Sam's voice spoke from the doorway.

I grumbled. "Hi Sammy. Bye Sammy." And rolled away from the door. I heard footsteps as he made his way to me.

"Is that anyway to speak to the new Cap?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, 'cause I've liked the last two so well." I shot back and Sam let out a laugh.

"Come on. I've heard we have company coming today. Should be a fun time."

I pushed the blankets off of me and groaned as I got out of bed. "Fine. Fine. Get out so I can get ready."

Sam kissed my cheek before leaving. I wanted to make a good impression on the newcomers, but also didn't want to dress up for them. This wasn't for fun, it was assigned. I opted for comfortable. Yoga pants and a tank top. I threw my hair into a pony tail and walked out. I saw Steve and Bucky talking and laughing. I smiled, it wasn't often that Bucky ever looked carefree. But when he was with Steve you could what I'm assuming was Bucky, pre-hydra. He saw me and stopped laughing with Steve. Bucky called me over and hugged me tightly. "Hey."

"Hey back." I leaned against him and I looked at Steve. His face showed no emotions as he looked at Bucky and I. I stepped back. "Glad you're here in one piece. You and Sam. Steve tell you about what Fury called us for?"

Bucky nodded. "They should be here soon, right?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna go get something to eat first. You want anything?" Bucky shook his head and I turned to Steve. "You?"

Steve gave a small smile. "No, thank you." Bucky looked at us, obviously confused about the polite interaction. I giggled as I walked away.

We stood there as a team, waiting for Fury to walk out of the jet with the newbies. Rhodey stood with Steve on his right. Followed by Bucky, then me, and then Sam, and lastly, Bruce. Bruce wanted to stand back, worried his newer form would be overwhelming for them. I disagreed, they were powered. It would likely bring them more comfort. "We embrace the different here, Bruce. Don't we?" Was my final argument. It won.

Fury walked in, the three of them behind him. He walked right up to us and nodded. He spoke one sentence before turning and going back on the jet. "Good luck."

They stood side by side in front of us. Kai was on the far left, followed by Eva, and lastly, Angel. Kai stared at the ground by our feet, his shoulder length hair blocking his face. It reminded me of when we found Bucky. Parted in the middle, it was partially tucked behind his right ear. Eva was looking around the landing area, less interested in us as she was the environment. Her hair was long and pin straight, pulled back from her face with a thick headband. Her blue eyes were almost the color of Bucky's. Angel stood with her arms crossed, staring down Steve. I wasn't sure if there was a reason for it, or if just she recognized him. Steve looked to me and nodded. I took a step forward.

"I'm Talia Aimilios. I go by Talia. That is Rhodes, Steve, Bucky, Sam, and Bruce." I pointed at the men around me. When none of them answered I took a step towards Kai. "I'm sure being here isn't easy. This probably wasn't your idea. But I'd like for today to be simple. Just get to know each other."

"That seems redundant. I'm sure you have files on each of us." Eva shot out. Everyone else seemed nervous to be here. She seemed angry about it.

I walked to her. "Yes, and no. I know about all of your powers. I don't know how they work. I know Kai here has a criminal history. But I don't know why. I also don't know why there were no injuries reported, whether that was luck or intentional. And I know you're here for training. But we aren't just trainers. These men here-" I pointed around me "-are my family. We would like to treat you the same way. We didn't get here by reading about each other."

Kai and Eva looked to Angel. However long they had been together, they trusted her to lead them. Angel looked at them both before turning back to me and nodding. "Okay. What would you like to know?"

Steve took a step next to me. "Your powers. You all have control over them?"

"We do."

"So we've got the Avatar, another speedster, and mind control?" Sam spoke aloud.

Angel rolled her eyes. "Not mind control."

"Mind manipulation?" I questioned.

"I can make... suggestions. But I can't force you to do something you don't want to. It's... typically easier to make a vague statement. So you think it's your own idea."

I nodded. "Okay. Show me." I took steps back, to line up with Bucky and Sam again. Angel tilted her head as we locked eyes. I suddenly felt the urge to reach out and grab Bucky's hand. I looked down and saw Bucky looking as well. "Neat. I didn't even think anything, just... wanted to grab his hand. What did you think?"

"I told you to touch your favorite person here. Which is... interesting. Given some other things I'm learning. Should I go again?"

"Sure." I gave her a small smile. It felt like she was opening up to us, and if she did, the others would as well. Again, her head tilted and I looked at Bucky and smiled, before doing the same to Sam, grabbing his hand. I was now holding hands with both Sam and Bucky. They both looked confused. Realizing what I did, I looked back at Angel, who's face was covered with a huge grin.

"That's very interesting." When I raised my eyebrow, she continued. "I told you to touch the person you're most attracted to."

I dropped my hands quickly and prayed for someone to change the subject. Bruce answered my prayers. "What happens when you're direct?"

Angel looked to me and I nodded. She again tilted her head and this time I braced myself to fight it. I looked to Steve. Something in my brain said you should kiss him. I quickly shook my head. "What the fuck." I whispered.

"Talia?" Bruce asked, stepped towards me.

"I'm fine. It was... it felt like a random intrusive thought honestly. But I didn't feel the urge to do it."

"Do what?" Sam asked.

Angel smiled. "I told her to kiss original Cap."

"I think that's enough." Steve spoke up.