Echoes of Blue

Chapter Five

Lia leaned against the kitchen island, laughing as Sam dramatically recounted a mission mishap involving a very persistent goose. "And I swear, it had it out for me! I'm still traumatized," Sam said, shaking his head, feigning despair. Natasha chuckled, stirring her tea. "You're lucky it wasn't something worse. You should see what Clint had to deal with one time. Let's just say goats aren't as harmless as they look." Lia smirked, enjoying the lighthearted banter. "Remind me not to take any animal missions with you two."

Before Sam could retort, the sound of footsteps echoed into the kitchen. Tony walked in, flanked by Steve and Bucky. Tony, ever the showman, spread his arms wide as he strolled up to the island. "Alright, listen up, bitches," Tony said, his voice carrying a note of excitement. "Tomorrow night, we're throwing a party." Sam raised an eyebrow. "What's the occasion? Not that I'm complaining." Tony turned to Lia with a grin. "It's for our newest Avenger. Time to introduce Lia to the world." Lia blinked, caught off guard. "A party? For me?" Steve nodded, giving her an encouraging smile. "It's important. We want to show the world who you are, let them know you're part of the team now." "Just think of it as a very fancy, very public welcome," Tony added, his grin widening. "There will be press, reporters, the works. You'll get used to the spotlight."

Lia felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. "I've never been in the public eye like that." Natasha gave her a reassuring nudge. "You'll be fine. Just smile, wave, and don't let Tony make you wear anything too ridiculous." "I'd never!" Tony feigned innocence before flashing Lia another grin. "But really, it's nothing to worry about. The party's about you, after all." Sam leaned over, giving Lia a wink. "And don't worry, I'll be your go-to if you need to escape for some air. It gets chaotic." Lia smiled, though the thought of the party still left her a little anxious. "Thanks, Sammy."

Before the conversation could continue, Jarvis's voice filled the room. "Mr Stark, Director Fury is arriving now to meet Miss Lia." The lighthearted mood shifted slightly, the team exchanging glances as Tony let out a low whistle. "Well, well, the man himself is making an appearance." Natasha raised an eyebrow at Lia. "Don't worry, he's not as scary as he seems."

As the door opened, Nick Fury strode in, his presence commanding the room. He scanned the group, then zeroed in on Lia. "So, this is the new recruit, I've heard so much about." Fury said, his eye sharp as he looked her over. Lia stood a little straighter, suddenly feeling like she was in school and being sized up by a teacher. "That's me." Fury stepped closer, his tone direct. "I hear you've got powers. And from what I've seen, you can fight. Care to tell me where you trained?"

Lia hesitated, glancing at the others, who all seemed to be watching her carefully. "I... don't really remember. It's always been a bit fuzzy. But I've had my powers as long as I can remember." Fury's gaze narrowed. "You don't remember how?" Lia shook her head, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest. "No. It's like I just... always knew how to use them. Like they were part of me." Tony, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, a hint of suspicion in his voice. "Is this a trial, Fury? Trying to grill her on her first week?" Fury's expression remained unreadable, but he gave a small shrug. "Just trying to make sure we know what we're dealing with."

Bucky, who had been leaning against the counter, was watching Lia closely. She could feel his eyes on her, studying her, trying to figure her out. He could see the tension in her, how the questions were making her uneasy. He offered her a small, reassuring smile, as if to say, "You're okay."

After a long moment, Fury seemed to back off, sensing the discomfort. "Alright, I'll leave it there for now. Just... keep me updated, Stark." With that, Fury turned and headed for the door, followed by Steve and Tony. "We'll see you tomorrow night, Lia," Tony said over his shoulder.

As the door closed, the tension in the room seemed to lift. But Lia still felt the weight of the questions hanging over her. She wasn't sure why she couldn't remember certain things, why her past felt like a blur. She excused herself quietly, heading back to her room. The moment she closed the door behind her, she let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Her mind raced with thoughts of the conversation, of Fury's questions, and the uncertainty she felt about her own history.

After a few minutes, a light knock at the door broke her train of thought. "Lia?" Bucky's voice was soft, hesitant. She opened the door to find him standing there, his expression unreadable but his eyes full of concern. "You okay?" Lia offered a small smile. "Yeah. I'm fine. Just... a lot to take in, I guess." Bucky stepped inside, his presence calm and steady. "I get that. It's not easy when people start digging into your past, that you don't remember." She looked at him, sensing there was more he wasn't saying. "Do you... have trouble remembering too?"

Bucky's gaze flickered, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought. "Yeah," he admitted quietly. "There's a lot I can't remember, but also a lot I wish I didn't remember. Sometimes... it's better that way." Lia nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I just... I don't know why I can't remember anything before a certain point. It's like my life started a few years ago, with my powers, and everything before that is a blur." Bucky studied her, his expression softening. "It's not easy to live with missing pieces. But you're not alone. We've all got our secrets, things we can't explain."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their unspoken pasts hanging between them. Bucky finally broke the silence with a small smile. "Look, if you ever need to talk—or even if you just want some company—I'm always across the hall." Lia felt a warmth spread through her chest at the offer. "Thanks, Bucky. That... means a lot." He nodded, lingering by the door for a moment longer. "I look forward to seeing you at the party tomorrow night." Lia smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "I'll be there."

With a final nod, Bucky turned and left, leaving Lia alone with her thoughts once again. But this time, she didn't feel quite as lost.