Time Flies When You're Saving Lives

Apologies

Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize. Only my OC, Agent Clarissa Melanie Connors and her story line belongs to me.

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"C'mon Mels, you know he's sorry." Howard told me.

We were in the lab talking about what Steve did... again. He told me that Steve didn't know that fondue was just cheese and bread and in return I told him that I knew that fact but it was too late, Steve already did the damage.

"He was kissing her Howard, and by the looks of it he wouldn't have stopped if I didn't interrupt them." I told him angrily, crossing my arms as I paced back and forth in front of him.

"And how dare he think there was something going on between us!? Us! You're my best friend for heaven's sake! He was like 'What about you and Stark huh? You two were just fondue-ing last night.' " I mocked him as best as I could, deepening my voice.

I looked at him apologetically, "I am sorry about treating you like that."

"Mels, it's fine but will you relax and stop pacing! You're making me dizzy." Howard said.

"I already explained to him that there was nothing going on between us in that way. You should've seen the way he reacted after I told him. Looked like he regretted putting up that shield."

Howard smirked and laughed. I, on the other hand sighed. I took Howard's advice and sat down on a chair.

"Why am I doing this Howard?"

"Well, I told you I was getting dizzy, so you listened to me and sat-"

"Not sitting," I said, rolling my eyes "This, with Steve?"

"You just got attached Mels, and I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I told you, it's good to indulge yourself in these feelings. Remember when you would've just punched at guy for disrespecting you? I kind of missed that Mel." Howard said with a laugh.

Howard's laugh made me laugh as well.

"I miss her too." I told him.

"Maybe you two just need to talk things out. Or yell at him. I know you always feel better after yelling at someone, well at least you used to." Howard offered.

I paused to think about that and perhaps consider doing it before I realized how bad that would end.

"He'd probably get scared if I, of all people yell at him. He's never seen me mad, even today that wasn't even me mad, just annoyed."

Howard nodded in agreement. I tensed when I notice Howard look over my shoulder. Fearing it was Steve, I felt my shoulders tense then relax again when the person spoke.

"Excuse me, Agent Connors? Can I speak with you for a moment?"

I turned around to see Bucky there looking timid. I heard Howard move from his spot, making me look at him.

"I'll see you later Mels." He said, kissing my temple before leaving.

I stood up from my chair and crossed my arms again, "Can I help you with something, Sergeant Barnes?" I snipped.

Bucky gulped, scared of my tone of voice before clearing his throat.

"I came here on behalf of Steve- or uh Captain Rogers I mean..." He trailed off seeing the harsh look on my face.

"I do hope it's not to apologize on behalf of him because then he is just digging himself deeper in that hole." I told him.

"No! No of course I'm not here to apologize, Steve's not that kind of guy." Bucky told me, defending his childhood friend.