Our Story

023

"You have all of your books, paint, electronics, and clothes, right?" I ask to make sure Eli and Aj have all of their belongings as Sam loads Aj's suitcases in the back of Happy's car

"I promise, I have everything." Aj nods with a smile and stays patient with my persistent questions I seem to forget that I asked him already but being the sweet man he is, he happily reassures me

"Oh, I could just bring it down in July." I wave my hands and step forward. "Please, be safe and text me every hour." I say as I let my worry prevail and hug him close to my chest, not wanting him to go so soon

"I will." He also promises and gives me a kiss on my cheek. "I love you, Aunt Y/n." He hugs me extra tight and I don't squeeze so I don't hurt the kid because that is still my fear even with the strength enhanced superheroes upstairs

"I love you, too." I sigh and pat his back so he can get in the car and give me a wave before shutting the door so he can text his mom while I head over to Eli and give him a hug. "Give my love to Isaiah." I tell him with a smile

"He already knows, but I'll make sure to pass on the message." Eli smiles wide and hugs me back. "Can't wait to show him all of the stuff I got." He says with a thankful tone to his voice for giving him the money and I soothingly pat his back in welcome

"Just make sure to cover this." I lift a hand and press my finger to the dark hickey on his neck that makes him flinch and rub the spot. "Fuck... How many do you have?" My eyes widen as I look to find more and more when he moves and his neckline drops a bit

"Like... six." He shrugs and my eyebrows raise in surprise. "Zara was good but Chanel was my favorite." He smiles and I roll my eyes. "Got her number too." He adds

"Chanel?" I soon repeat when it sticks in my head. "Like the luxury brand?" I ask

"Yes, ma'am." He nods proudly. "I didn't have time to clean the sheets though." He gives apologetic but amused smile when I mock a gag

"Christ, I'll have Steve take care of it." I wave hand and place it on his chest to shove him lightly while he laughs up a giggling storm. "Ice and some concealer." I give the hint to hide the many fun nights Eli had away from his grandpa

"Thanks, Genie." He winks and heads into the car after Aj

"Yeah." I chuckle and shut the door just as Sam shuts the trunk and pats the top, signaling to Happy that everything has been taken care of. "Got everything?" I ask to make sure once again

"Everything they sent down." Sam nods and claps his hands to dust them off

"Awesome." I smile and turn to wave as the car drives down the tunnel and disappears around the corner. "Alright. Let's go see what the other two are doing." I suggest and head towards the elevator

"Steve and Bucky?" He questions as he follows me

"The two and only." I nod and press the button to the bedroom floor with my baby pink nails Bucky painted but he was kind enough to leave my ring nails a baby blue to keep my hope and suspicion of me having a boy. "Has Bucky talked to you at all?" I create conversation but Sam shuffles awkwardly at the mention of his ex-best friend

"Like... casually or..." He leaves the question open for me to clarify

"Like as buddies, friends, siblings..." I list off and he shakes head

"He's made small talk at the stove or when he's passing me but nothing that is worth mentioning." He shrugs and steps out of the elevator with me. "Finally got that ketchup off the window, I noticed." He switches the conversation and I respect it when I laugh