Spiderman's Sister

The morning after

When I wake up the next morning, I'm lying in bed with my eyes closed and just enjoying the happy and contented feeling inside me. The feeling of James' hands and lips on my body, how he felt inside me, falling asleep in his arms........ such an indescribably good feeling. I turn to snuggle against James again, but I can't feel him. When I stretch out my arm to feel for him, it lands on the bedclothes. Confused, I open my eyes. James is actually not next to me. Why? For a moment I think I just dreamed it again. If it really was a dream, I'm probably going crazy. But the fact that the side of the bed where he was lying is crumpled up and the fact that I'm naked proves that last night actually happened. But why isn't James in bed with me anymore? Was it all just a one night stand for him in the end? Am I really so blinded by my own feelings that I overlooked the fact that he only wants to sleep with me? Just the thought of it being true makes me incredibly sad and angry at the same time. How could I be so blind? It's the first time in my life that I've actually had a romantic interest in someone, and that someone obviously doesn't have any interest in me. I can't and don't want to believe that. I jump out of bed, throw on my pajamas and walk out of the bedroom.

Victoria: James!

No reaction? I look in the living room, bathroom and kitchen but can't find him anywhere. For a moment I think he has left me here, but dismiss that thought when I see both his car and the scooter that was stolen last night outside the door. If his car is still here, where is he? Without really knowing what I want there, I go back into the kitchen and see that the sliding door is open a crack. Even though I can't see him on the porch, I decide to go outside. A little fresh air might help me organize my thoughts and emotions. I go to the parapet, lean over it and see James. Lying on an air mattress, he is floating in the water, has his eyes closed and seems to be listening to music. He has headphones in his ears, although I can't see what they're plugged into. It kind of makes me even angrier.

Victoria: James!

I call again but again he does not respond. Is he kidding me now? I call him again, but again no response. You won't ignore me. I go back to the kitchen, fill a glass with water and go back outside. Without even thinking about it, I throw the water over him. He is startled, falls off the mattress and into the water. After a few seconds he reappears, wipes the water from his face and takes the headphones out of his ears. At first he looks shocked, but this shock wears off when he sees me and he smiles at me. For real? He smiles at me like nothing happened, why?

Bucky: Good morning. Did you sleep well?

Is he serious?

Victoria: Actually yes. Until I woke up and found that I was lying in bed all alone.

Still standing in the water, he looks at me uncertainly. Like he doesn't know what I'm alluding to.

Victoria: Is that what tonight was for you - a one night stand where you get out of there as soon as possible the next morning?

He still just looks at me confused and uncertain without saying anything. Great, no answer is also an answer. I turn around and am about to go back inside when he finally says something.

Bucky: What? No! Wait!

Why should i wait? So that he can get me into bed again before he finally dumps me? No thank you!

Victoria: Don't bother James! But congratulations, this whole cabin thing works great.

Before he can say anything else I'm inside and on my way to the bedroom. I want to leave. How could I be so stupid? Like an Avenger would take a serious interest in me. Why couldn't I handle James like all the men before him? Why did my heart have to get involved this time? I was just getting my bag out of the closet when he appeared in the doorway. He's soaking wet and dripping all over the floor.

Bucky: What... why are you packing?

Victoria: Why not? You obviously got what you wanted. So I have fulfilled my purpose.

Bucky: It's not like that.

Victoria: Then why don't I find you in bed with me but out in the lake?

I can't even look at him because I'm afraid I'll burst into tears.

Bucky: I... I didn't know if you would want that.

Victoria: Why shouldn't I have wanted that?

Bucky: Well, we were both far from sober and......

I cut him off before he can continue.

Victoria: I was sober enough to know what I was doing.

Since he doesn't react to it, I'm not sure if he heard me at all.

Bucky:..... and I don't do that. I don't have one night stands or casual sexual acquaintances.

Victoria: I don't quite understand.

The fact that he doesn't usually do this gives me some hope. But what makes him think I just want something casual? Now he's the one avoiding my gaze.

Bucky: I...... I dunno. Since I've been free, I haven't had any contact with women. At least not in that way. But the way I was raised, you date the woman of your choice before you get intimate. And we? We didn't have a single planned date. We only met by chance. And I don't even know how you see it.

So he only doubts because he doesn't know how I feel about him? Oh god...... then this whole thing is just a misunderstanding? Because we were both afraid to tell each other the truth? Now I feel bad for making a scene like that. I thought after last night it would be obvious how I feel about him? I drop the bag I'm still holding on the floor and grab his hands. As soon as our fingers are intertwined, he lifts his head and looks at me.

Victoria: And I thought it was obvious how I feel. Besides, we can just catch up on the planned date, right? Then you can take me out like you would have done in the 1940's.

His eyes widen and a relieved, yet somehow uncertain, smile appears on his face.

Bucky: You...... you would go on a date with me? Planned and sober?

I peck his lips.

Victoria: Of course. In case you haven't noticed, I like you... a lot. And I like spending time with you.

Bucky: Really?

Victoria: Yes, why else would I be here now?

In the next second he has me picked up and I wrap my legs around him, my arms around his neck.

Bucky: Then we're going on a real date.

Victoria: Ok.

He kisses me so tenderly and lovingly that I actually forget to breathe for a moment. As he sets me down on the bed, I think we'll pick up where we left off tonight, but he just kisses me lightly and turns to leave.

Victoria: Where are you going?

Bucky: Planning our date.

He grins at me so happily that the butterflies in my stomach threaten to go nuts. I happily fall back onto the bed. I can't wait to see what he's planning.