Just another lesson

Party

We got back to the compound with just enough time to get ready. Nat insisted that we get ready together, so we all took our stuff to her room and started getting ready.

Wanda was wearing this tight, burgundy dress that complimented her features very well. Nat had a red, sparkly dress that went down to the floor with a slit in it that went to her mid thigh. They both looked breathtaking. She suddenly felt nervous.

What if it's not enough?

She pushed the thought aside and got into her dress. She smoothed it down and looked in the mirror. Her hair was a disaster. With the help of her fashionista best friends, she did her hair in a messy but elegant bun.

(Again, this is what I picked, you can do whatever <3)

Her makeup was dark, but subtle and not too overpowering.

Wanda looked her over and sighed. "Beautiful. Just... beautiful."

Callie managed a smile and thanked Wanda, returning the compliment. Soon, the girls would have to depart. Nat was going with Bruce, Wanda was going with Vision, and Callie was... on her own. She didn't mind though. She didn't want to get that close to anyone. Callie walked down the stairway with her girls until they got to the bottom. The other two went with their men, and Callie walked strangling behind them.

Bucky was sitting in the giant party room, feeling a bit nervous not really wanting to socialize. Then, he saw Callie walking down the stairs. She was absolutely stunning. He had to stop himself from staring for too long.

She walked over to the bar and ordered a drink, staring down at her hands nervously. Bucky decided to walk over to her.

"Hi." He said when he approached her. His presence startled her for a moment but she relaxed when she saw who he was.

"Hey." She said in response. The bartender came back with her drink and placed it in front of her.

She mouthed him a thank you as she grabbed her drink and took a sip. Her mouth twisted a bit getting used to the taste. Bucky couldn't help but notice that she looked cute when she did that.

Don't do that. Don't get attached. He thought as he took a sip of his own drink.

"Nice party, huh?" He said after a moment, trying to start conversation.

She looked around, finally taking in the crowd, cameras, and decor.

"It's alright." She said shrugging. Before Bucky could talk again, Tony came over to Callie and grabbed her arm.

"Callie! Can you do a story for the reporters? They want a statement from the newest avenger."

She tensed at his hand on her arm, but took a breath.

"Uh... sure. I guess." She said, unsure of this.

Tony beamed. "Great! Let's go!" He pulled her away and into the crowd, leaving Bucky on his own. Bucky noticed Callie's discomfort and decided to follow her and Tony just to make sure she was ok.

"What's it like being a part of the Avengers?" A reporter asked as soon as she got over there.

"It's umm... it's great. They're all really nice and- and accepting." She answered. Tony's hand was on her back, smiling into the cameras like he'd done a million times before.

"Is it true you used to work for hydra?" Another reporter asked. The question made Callie's blood freeze. She was haunted by her past all day and all night, she didn't need people reminding her.

"Y-yes. I was." She stuttered.

The reporters wrote something in their journals and then spoke again, but this time, talking to Tony.

"And you think you can trust her?" One said.

Callie gasped softly. She wasn't prepared for that.

Bucky was watching the whole exchange closely, and he wasn't liking what he was seeing.

"Of course we do! With a bit more training, she'll be just like the rest of us." Tony answered, squeezing her arm a bit.

Just like the rest of us? The question resonated in her head.

I thought I was ok the way I was. What's wrong with me?

Her breath quickened as her anxiety began rising in her chest.

"I have to go." She whispered, shrugging Tony's hand off of her.

Tony tried grabbing her again. "C'mon, a few more questions?"

She shoved his hand off of her, causing him to stumble backwards into a table and fall.

She covered her mouth in shock at her own reaction.

"I-" she started before turning and speed walking away from everyone. She bumped into Bucky on her way to the back door.

"Hey, are you ok?" He said, slowly reaching kindly for her arm.

"Don't touch me!" She said a bit louder than she meant. Bucky stared at her, shocked and saddened by her reaction.

"Sorry." She mumbled before brushing past him and walking out the back door, all eyes on her.