Maya Stark

Chapter 95: A Community Cookout

I stayed at Sam's for a couple more days. It was only supposed to be a night, but then the community was talking about a cookout party thing, and they asked me to stay. I really couldn't say no, and Pepper agreed. A little more reluctant than before, but she did. I would be leaving the morning after; Sam was gonna drive me to the base so I could get my car. And Bucky's coming too, so really, it's a win-win.

I wore my dad's shirt and jeans, not having much to work with. The sleeves were rolled up and my hair was left down. The atmosphere of the community warmed my heart and I found myself smiling the entire time. I watched, amused, as Cass and AJ ran up to Bucky who had just arrived. They start to fake punch him and Bucky plays along happily. I walk up to them smiling. God this feels like home.

'Come on, boys, I taught you how to punch better than that,' I said. The two boys laugh as Bucky and I walk over to the table.

'How've you been, Maya?' he asked; setting down a cake he brought.

'I'm doing okay, actually,' I said smiling. 'I really like it here.'

It was a day filled with laughter, food, and pictures. It felt so familiar to me. Being around a bunch of people. I stayed close by Sam or Bucky, still not loving crowds, but I talked to more people. Yay to socialization. A couple teens, or young adults I guess, would flirt with me for about three seconds tops before Sam or Bucky would shut them down. It was endearing... and kind of hilarious. They were like overprotective older brothers. Still, I never really flirted back... totally. Every time someone would flirt, I would think of Parker, and then I'd feel guilty, and then I'd feel annoyed for feeling guilty.

I sat across from Bucky as he let kids dangle on his arm. He was talking to Sarah, forcing me to hide my laughter. AJ came running over to me and I look over to him.

'Can you use your powers to lift me up?' he asked, eyes sparkling.

I laugh. AJ reminds me of Morgan in a way. They would totally get along.

'Uhm, I don't know.' I glance at Sarah, who seemed hesitant. 'I wouldn't want to drop you.'

'Please,' he said.

I look at Sarah who sighs but nods. I smile and stand up. AJ bounces on his toes and I wrap a little bit of energy around him, lifting him up a couple feet. He laughs as a crowd starts to form around him.

'Okay,' I said, setting him down. 'I'm not lifting anyone else.'

The crowd groaned as I sat back down. Bucky laughed and shook his head at me. I simply shrug, still smiling. It was the first party-type thing I enjoyed since my seventeenth. Woah. And that was because dad agreed not to have a party so it was just him, Pepper, Rhodes, Happy, and Parker. And mysterious birthday presents which everyone knew were from Steve, Nat, and Wanda. I felt so much more normal now. Reminders of the good times. Sam kept making sure I was okay, and he kept giving me worried glances all night. I knew he was still concerned, and I couldn't blame him. My brain was still sensitive, and I couldn't be overstimulated, otherwise I would panic. I knew that, and he knew that. But a smile stayed on my face the entire time.

As the sun was setting, I sat on the edge of the dock, needing a bit of quiet time for just a couple minutes. I watched the sunset over the water. I was in my mind right then. Thinking of my dad. The great Tony Stark. The water reminds me of him. Sam and Bucky sat on either side of me.

'How are you doing?' Sam asked me.

I sigh and a content smile forms on my face. 'I'm doing okay. Really, I am.'

'So, you're finally going home tomorrow?' Bucky asks.

'Yeah,' I said. 'Sam's gonna drive me to the base where my car is, and then home sweet home it is. I'll miss this place though. It's peaceful. The people are nice.'

Sam chuckles. 'Well, you can visit anytime, kid.'

I nodded and looked out at the water again. Sam stood up and Bucky followed him. I stand with them, and we all turn back around at the same time. The three of us walk back to the laughter, music, and people. The good stuff.