I Don't Need New Friends

11. World's Deadliest Assassin My Ass

"Well, I definitely need ice cream..." Zoe sighed as she handed Bucky his phone back. "You want your own pint or should we share?"

"What've you got?" Bucky had a wicked sweet tooth and was glad Sam wasn't there to make fun of him.

"Chocolate strawberry, salted peanut chip, mocha fudge ripple for Sam, plain old vanilla, mint chip, oreo sandwiches, some popsicles, and I think there's still some of that gross low carb stuff from the last time Pepper was here." Zoe rattled off. "Pick your poison, new friend."

"You keep that much ice cream in the house?" Bucky laughed. "Impressive..."

"Chocolate strawberry it is then..." Zoe grabbed the pint and some spoons. "Any interest in a movie?"

"Sure, can we watch that zombie movie we were gonna see at the cemetery?" Bucky asked, digging into the ice cream. "Not sure it's on my list, but it sounds fun."

"Yeah, but you scream and I'm telling Sam." Zoe smirked. "Also, just to be clear, I would never actually remove one of your limbs if you got out of line, I just wanted to make sure Sam knows how serious I am about our safety."

"Of course, thanks for clarifying. You do know what I used to be known for, right?" Bucky smirked right back.

"The assassin thing?" Zoe rolled her eyes.

"World's deadliest assassin, actually." Bucky said smugly.

"And now you tag along with the flying marshmallow? I'm terrified..." Zoe laughed. "...sorry, sorry, I shouldn't taunt the tough guy who just ate two bowls of vegetarian chili and geeked out at a planetarium yesterday...worlds deadliest assassin my ass!"

"Ha ha, very funny." Bucky snarked. "Wait, that was vegetarian? Don't tell Sam, he'll never let me live it down. Hold on, why is he the 'flying marshmallow'?"

"Sam Wilson is the softest, squishiest marshmallow on the planet." Zoe laughed. "I don't care what his fancy new superhero title is, he's still the best guy who has the sweetest soul and the kindest heart. No matter what the world throws at him. That's his actual superpower."

"Never heard it put quite like that, but no arguments here." Bucky shook his head. He really liked hearing this about Sam from someone who knows him so well. It was touching to see just how much the two old friends cared about each other. He missed having someone like that in his life.

As they watched the movie and decimated the ice cream, Zoe started thinking about things to do for the next week to keep a super soldier entertained while stuck in the house. The last thing she needed was a bored super person.

"Hey James, do I need to order some books or games or anything to keep you busy?" Zoe asked. "Do I need to get, like, workout stuff for you?"

"No, I'll be fine." Bucky chuckled. "From what I've seen in the house, you have plenty of books and I noticed some jigsaw puzzles and board games, if it's okay with you. As far as working out, I can make do with calisthenics in my room. Thank you for asking, though..." he swallowed hard, still trying to get used to kindness after all this time. He tried not to feel so warm whenever she showed concern for him, but he couldn't help it. "...you're being very accommodating considering I'm the reason we're stuck in the house. Thanks for that. Sam said you're the best."

"Sam is actually the best, when not trying to get himself or others killed." Zoe laughed. "We can put together a grocery order tomorrow. Do you have enough toiletries and clothes? Are there any medications you need? Anything you forgot to pack?"

"I'm good, really. Thank you." Bucky smiled. Why was she so nice? Was she trying to prove that she wasn't as selfish as Steve thought? He didn't see her as selfish at all...quite the opposite, really. "As long as I can use your washer and there's enough soap and toothpaste, I'll be fine."

"Okay, but if you think of anything, let me know. I want you to be as comfortable as possible." Zoe put her hand on his arm without hesitation, then pulled back when he flinched, realizing which arm she touched. "Sorry, please tell me when I overstep."

"No, it's fine. Thank you, so far, everything's been great." Bucky felt something stirring for her already and was trying not to think about it. He was just feeling protective, that's all. Totally. Sam's best friend, Steve's secret former best girl. Nothing weird here. "To be honest, I've been completely at ease since we got here, you know, other than the whole Hydra thing...I really appreciate it."