Sophia Strange: The Newest Avenger (Steve Rogers x OC)

4 - Breaking Out

"I'm surprised Bucky let you out of his sight long enough for any of us to be left alone with you," Steve said quietly as he sat back in the chair by Sophia's medical bed.

Sophia blushed. "You do know that isn't what it's like for Bucky and I, right? He's like... my brother? I mean, not like my brother. Because right now my brother is clearly acting like a dirtbag, but you know what I mean."

"Yeah, I know. Bucky and I talked about it. What is it you two are calling it? Appendage Siblings?" Steve chuckled.

Sophia grinned. "Yeah. I know, it probably seems kinda twisted. But when Bucky walked in that door that day, I was in kinda of a dark place, finding out I was gonna lose my legs, and in walks the guy who is missing an arm and has had it replaced by the very same people who are gonna replace my legs. It kinda bonds you."

"No, no. I'm really happy for you both. Bucky, he's—he's really important to me. He just got really protective after your brother pulled that stunt."

"Yeah..." Sophia said, her chin turning down as her eyes turned downcast.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up," Steve whispered.

"No, it's okay. He pulls some pretty stupid stunts sometimes."

"How you doing with that? I'm sorry he hurt you like that."

"I'm used to my brother's crap."

"You shouldn't have to be."

Sophia smiled. "Thanks. Now... let's talk about something else. Like... Bucky telling me all about you two and your history... I think it's awesome how you've been there for each other. I sort of made Bucky tell me his whole life story."

"Wow, you're really something, Sophia. Not many people can get Bucky Barnes to even speak, much less get him to laugh, or tell his story."

"It's the magic." Sophia giggled.

Steve's eyes grew wide. "Wait... did you actually use magic to..."

Sophia reached over and pushed Steve in the shoulder. "No! I would never!"

Steve chuckled. "Okay, I was hoping not."

"Oh my gosh. No! That would be terrible! That would go against everything I believe in. And how terrible... to like brainwash the poor man who was the Winter Soldier into telling me his story." She groaned.

"Okay, yeah, that is pretty bad. Yeah, sorry I even suggested it as a possibility."

"Yeah, let's move on." She grinned. "So.... Steve Rogers as a shrimp."

Steve groaned. "Sometimes I wish I could leave that part of the story out."

"Aww, but it's an important part of the story. I bet you were cute."

Steve rolled his eyes.

"I mean, you were like boy cute. Now you're like... man cute."

Steve blushed. "Oh... well... okay."

Sophia grew equally red. "I should shut up now. I wish I was on pain meds or something so I could blame my total awkwardness on something. Oh man."

"You, um... you're... cute... too. You know."

"Good to know I'm not the only awkward Avenger," she giggled.

Steve chuckled. "Oh, not nearly."

They both broke into laughter together that only got worse as Bucky walked back in. He stopped and looked at the two, confused as they continued laughing harder at his confusion, then shook his head and came closer. "Stark is on his way in with dinner...you two... okay?"