Present day:
The short ride to Stark Tower is made in silence. Bucky has attempted to roll the window down three times. Each time Natasha firmly says 'No' and he rolls it back up with a sigh and slight blush. It's clear to Steve that he's agitated, the way he's shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He puts his hand on his friend's arm.
"You alright?" He asks.
"Just want some fresh air.." Bucky says and clears his throat, tugs at the collar of his shirt. Natasha watches him in the rear view mirror, her eyes softening just a fraction. Every day since coming back from the dead (almost literally) has been a constant struggle for the ex-assassin. Anxiety has rocked him to the point of collapse. She knew he'd be too embarrassed to say he just needed a little more space than the small car offered.
"Actually, I could use some air too." She says quietly. Bucky quickly rolls the window down and closes his eyes, leaning back in his seat. He puts his flesh hand out of the window, making waves in the wind as they drive. Steve mouths 'thank you' to Nat.
The rest of the ride is uneventful.
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"It's about time you got here." Tony Stark announces when the three Supers arrive. "Come on everyone else is waiting" he gestures comically to a conference room brimming with heroes.
"This better not be about one of your little inventions Tony... Again." Natasha says as she heads in to greet the other Avengers. Bucky follows her, earning a curious look from the Iron Man.
"Hey Cap got a minute to chat before we begin?" Tony pulls Steve aside before he follows the other two into the room.
"Can it wait-"
"Are you sure he's ready for this Steve." The Avenger nods towards Bucky going through the doorway. His voice is just above a whisper. Steve is taken aback by his playful friend's unusually serious tone.
"What do you mean 'ready'?"
"I mean are you sure he isn't going to shut off in the middle of battle? Are you sure he's ready to step up and be a hero again? Are you sure he isn't still going to turn on us?" Steve is shocked. Of course not! There hasn't been an 'incident' in over a almost seven months. Sure he has his good days and his bad days, but Bucky's been on the road to recovery for years now. He may not be perfect but he's pretty damn close, at least in Steve's opinion.
"Yes I'm sure. He's sure." Steve shoots back. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend." He shoves past his friend and walks into the conference room, looking quite annoyed. He takes a seat next to Bucky, who nudges him lightly.
"You okay? What's up with you two?"
"Nothing important Buck, don't worry about it." He gives his old friend a smile before Tony enters to begin the meeting.
"Alright ladies and Natasha, cool stuff going on lately- F.R.I.D.A.Y a little help please." Same old Tony. Cocky and irritating.
"Of course, sir." The A.I. Obliges, and computer screens come alive all around the table displaying several different violent scenes.
On the first screen two masked people fight against authorities in Southern Asia. One wields a sword and slices through the opposition easily.
