Project: A Stark Winter

Chapter Eleven: A New Hope

A few weeks had passed as you began to fall into a new routine and find your place among the inhabitants of Stark Tower. Slowly things started to feel comfortable as Tony lead the "get you adjusted" initiative by employing you as a new tech designer of Stark Enterprises under Pepper Potts' watchful eye. Meeting this universe's version of Pepper was as hard as you had expected, but she quickly picked up on your personality and took you under her wing. She chatted away about projects and meetings as you followed behind her around the building you had spent so much time in; now a stranger to the faces that gave you courtesy nods and waves. Peppers approach was to act as if you had always been with the team and treat you like the fully functioning adult you were which you were thankful for. Not many people had given you the chance to breathe freely and stretch your legs outside the tower, so when Tony had Friday alert you that a car was there to take you for your first day, you practically ran for the door. Now here you were, rounding the final hallway toward the conference room for new hires as you release a heavy sigh. At least it'll be worth it to have something to do. You already knew the inner workings of the company, having helped run it for a few years in your own world, but let her guide you through orientation and filled the role left for you with ease. Every day started pretty much the same as you showered, had breakfast with Sam (of peanut butter toast) and Happy took you to work by 9 A.M. He'd smile widely at you as he opened the door to the car and usher you out, biding you a good day and reminding you he'd pick you up by 6 P.M. Confidently striding into the office building, you'd greet the receptionist with a warm smile and scurry to the elevator that would carry you to the Tech Advancement floor where you would spend the day tinkering and adjusting plans for the latest Stark tech. The normalcy of working and having an actual schedule calmed you and gradually you'd adjusted to life as it were. The evenings were what you had begun to look forward to most, with each night spent getting to know the team of this universe. Tony took to his new "dad" role with sincerity as he moved you from your small guest room to a new floor and room that was lavish and luxurious and in every way Stark-esque. He proudly showed you your new space and had spent that night cooking dinner for you and Pepper while listening to you share memories of your dad.
"Hahaha, that's EXACTLY something I would say, too!!" Tony had shouted with laughter at your dramatic retelling of a particular grounding for breaking curfew and how Pepper had been more mad while your father had simply begged you to go to bed so he could get some sleep. You had eaten his amazing food and sipped on the best wine with the pair of them, finally gaining the tiniest glimpse that these people were still your family, albeit a new type of family.

Sitting on the comfy, brown upholstered couch in the common room you felt the familiar sense of unease wash over you. Not too long ago you had been curled up here reading a book, time counting down to the moment that changed everything. You shook yourself from the thought and settled back into the plush cushions forcing yourself to relax. I'm safe here. Curling your legs underneath your body, you snuggled into yourself as the opening title scene of one of your favorite movies began to play on the flat-screen T.V. A small smile pulled at your lips as the long narrative of Star Wars: A New Hope dragged across the screen. Lost in the moment of reading the pale yellow words, a voice startled you from behind causing you to flinch instinctively.
"Hey, Y/n, whatcha watchin'?" Steve's warm baritone voice asked from over your shoulder. Upon seeing that he had scared you, Steve immediately stepped around the couch and stuttered an apology.
"Sorry, y/n...damn I didn't mean to sneak up on you." His cheeks tingeing with a pale pink blush as he speaks. Taking a brief pause to calm your heart, you turn to look at him making sure to beam an extra big smile to assure him everything was fine.
"I'm watching Star Wars. Pete and I would have marathons all the time. Wanna stay and watch?" Steve runs his calloused hand through his hair and beams a smile right back as he nods his agreement and settles in by your side. The movie plays on as you both sit in a comfortable silence watching Leia, Luke, and Han battle Imperial troops and save their universe. It was ironic how closely something of fiction can mirror your actual life, though they seemed to have a knack for battling Storm Troopers and you hadn't fought a target quite that easy in a while. You feel Steve shift beside you, his feet moving to rest on the table as his hips unconsciously move closer; brushing up against your feet. Wiggling your feet, you pull them slightly to give him a bit more space. He glances at you with a grin as he pulls your feet into his lap.
"It's only fair that you get to stretch out if I'm taking up the whole rest of the couch. You were here first." Steve chuckles softly as he pats your feet and raises his arm to rest on the back of the couch; attention back on the movie. Butterflies fluttered in your stomach as your eyes slowly drag back to the screen. You watch as Han decides to go back and fight alongside Luke to take down the DeathStar.
"Peter and I always argued over why Han went back to fight." You say quietly, eyes focused on the action on screen. "He always said that Han went back to be a hero and help his friend or whatever."
"He could've just left. He got his reward for saving Leia and could have paid his bounty." Steve suggests, shrugging his shoulders and frowning. Very much not the Steve thing to do. You scrunch your nose and shake your head at his response, resting your chin on your fist. Steve grins at you widely and laughs, clearly amused at why you're upset at his answer.
"Hey, I'm not saying I agree." He chuckles, raising his hands.
"I know. It's just...everyone always misses what I see."
"And what's that? Why do you think he went back?"
"For love." Steve quirks an eyebrow at your idea and snorts. Rolling your eyes, you scoff and pull your legs away and sit cross legged on the couch.
"See? No one gets it!" You argue back, but the wide eyed look in Steve's face has you giggling as the words leave your mouth and soon his laughter joins your own. Leaning back, you let out a contented sigh and tap him on the shoulder reassuringly.
"You'll understand when you're older." To which he only replies with a scoff as you both go back to watching the movie. Just as you both are settling into the silence once again, his voice breaks you from your thoughts.
"This was on my list." Steve whispers to you, eyes not leaving the screen. You turn and take a good look at his profile, sharp jaw being emphasized by the flashing T.V. light. Steve had a list in your own universe too, though most of it you had dragged him into completing. You had taken him to a few concerts, drive-in 80's movies, modern dance clubs, you name it. Star Wars had been one of the first things you had watched together, though the movie had ended with you making out and the plot long forgotten. How stark a contrast this memory would be compared to your original of this moment with him. Before too long, the credits began to roll and a long soft sigh fell from his lips as he tilted his head to look at you.
"So, what do you think? And full disclosure, I love this movie. If you say anything bad I'll have Tony fire you from the team." You asked him, holding your breath as you awaited the judgment on this movie. Steve frowns and bites his lip, nervously toting with his fingers.
"I hated it."
"What!? Who the fuck hates Star Wars? It's the best movie ever made!" You screech in disbelief, leaning forward and tilting his face to look at you. Unable to keep the rouse up any longer, Steve let's out a loud laugh, clutching his sides. You stare on in confusion as he wipes away a few tears and takes steadying breathes.
"I'm kidding, y/n." He breathes, still giggling as he places his hands on your cheek.
"Really? Because I take this shit very seriously."
"I can tell."
"Steven Grant Rogers." You scold to which he sighs in response while giving you his winning smile at the use of his full name.
"I loved it. I think I can relate a lot to the title, too." He said with a laugh, smiling so wide his cheeks creases with dimples. You joined him in a laugh as you began to tease him.
"What the Star Wars part?" The question took Steve by surprise but he didn't miss the mischievous glint in your eyes as you spoke. He grabbed a nearby throw pillow and hit you with it lightly causing more giggles to bubble from your throat.
"Steve! I didn't mean it!"
"Oh, I think you did." Steve roared playfully as he lifted the pillow above him, ready to strike again. You retaliated by kicking your feet at the pillow as he began to lean over you to continue the assault. You and Steve were chest to chest, your back pressed firmly against the couch while you both breathed heavily, giggling softly as his eyes traced over the features of your face. Looking back into his, you caught a glimpse of the old Steve and it made your heart grow warm when a smile widen on his handsome face. Slowly, and almost reluctantly, he pulled back and rested on his heels on the couch as he tossed the pillow at you a final time.
"Which part could you relate to." Your voice is quiet as you asked, not wanting the moment to fade away.
"The New Hope part." He said it with a laugh as he leaned back to stand, but you knew Steve well enough to know that there was lingering sadness in his words. Before he could move away from any further, you reach out and took ahold of his forearm. The simple touch causing him to still his movements completely and lock eyes on you.
"I understand, Steve. Like you said, I might not completely understand, but I still get it." You murmur it so quietly, not trusting your voice to hold steady if spoken too loud. He gently moves a hand to where yours rests on his forearm and gives you a reassuring squeeze. He stands up slowly, looking down at you with a torn expression.
"I gotta go train with Buck. Thanks for letting me join you. I hope we can do it again soon." His voice is warm and earnest as he speaks, but his expression makes it clear he wishes he could stay.
"Anytime, Mr. America." You coo with a wink as you, too, stand and start to walk down the hall to your room. You stop briefly and turn to call out to Steve as he walks in the opposite direction.
"And by the way, thanks for the journal. Both of my Steve's are very talented artists, apparently. Who knew?" You giggle toy with your fingers as Steve gives you the widest smile yet. He opens his mouth, shuts it, and then bits his lip.
"Other Steve must've been a really special guy. I have a lot of catching up to do. Ma'am." Steve calls back with an eyebrow salute and beams his winning smile at you once again. He moves to continue walking down the hall leaving you with a warm feeling once again growing in your chest as you watch him go. Turning to walk back to your room you collide with another certain super-soldier. As you bump into each other Bucky lets out a stream of curses as he quickly catches you before you topple to the floor. He looks down at you sternly while his large hands grip your shoulders tightly. You squeak out an apology and try to pull away but he holds you there, not allowing you to move away. An eerie silence fills the space between you and Bucky as he stares angrily at you. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before opening his eyes again and fixing you with his blue daggers.
"I don't know what game you're playing, but it ends here." Bucky's gruff voice chastises you, his lips set in a firm frown. As he speaks his fingertips dig into the tops of your shoulder to further emphasize his point. You're not quite sure what he's talking about, but knowing that he could snap an arm in a split second you just nod dumbly and look away from his gaze. He all but throws you to the ground as he stomps away after Steve, not sparing you a second glance. Shaking yourself off, you try not to take this interaction with Bucky personally. He had issues, that was a well-known fact and even the Bucky from your universe took years to warm up to you. Sighing heavily you continue to make your way to your bedroom. Stepping into the beautiful room, a small smile toys at your lips remembering the excitement Tony had expressed when he showed it to you. Deciding on a nap to clear your head of Bucky's intimidation tactic, you strip out of your pants and pull on a baggy shirt to sleep in. As you cuddle into the oversized comforter, your eyelids fall heavily shut and you drift off quickly into a deep sleep.