Avengers Imagines

James Barnes #7

"Thank you so much Sir for this opportunity and chance to prove myself." I said as we begun our ascend of the stairs within the new avengers base.

"You do not need any opportunities to prove yourself ______. Your star studded history as a ex solider is enough to gain any man or woman's approval. You have already gained my upmost respect." he smiled, his hand moving to hover behind my lower back to guide me up the stairs.

Not close enough for contact, but close enough to feel the warm which radiated from his hands.

"Thank you Sir."

"Please. ______, it's Steve." he smiled warmly at me.

"I-" I started but was cut off as we reached the door where my familiar suitcases rested outside.

"This will be your room here. I hope you find it most comfortable." Vision smiled, holding the handles of my suitcase.

"Thanks you." I returned his smile in appreciation.

"If there is anything you need please just let us know." Vision nodded before turning and making his exit.

"You have the pleasure of residing the room next to my best pal Bucky. He is a little anti-social since he was woken from his cryo-sleep in Wakanda following early recovery. But I'm sure you guys will warm towards each other and become firm friends and team mates. "Steve smiled as he unlocked my bedroom door and pushed it open before ushering me in before him like a true gentleman.

- - - -

"Again." Natasha breathed out heavily.

I did not know whether it was with frustration or exhaustion.

I do not believe she enjoys being closely matched with skill level to another female team mate.

I threw another hit, taking her off guard and my fist landing squarely in her jaw.

Her head wiped to the side from the impact.

"I am so sor-" I started to apologise before she crouched lowly to the floor as I was unguarded and landed a forceful kick to my abdomen sending me flying backwards off of the safety mats and skidding across the gym floor.

As my head collided with the hard gym floor the familiar ringing sound flooded my ears. Similar to the sound from the memories that haunt me.

The memories that keep me awake at night.

I had seen much on the battlefield. Wishing I could eradicate it from my mind. But scaring memories scar deep.

These memories would forever haunt me.

"Never apologise during battle." Natasha countered with a shrug.

"I would never." I heaved, oxygen failing to fill my lungs.

I felt fingers tap my shoulder causing me to flinch as a hand was offered out to me.

My gaze travelled up the arm to greet the face of my neighbour.

Ex-winter solider.

James Buchanan Barnes.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his free hand attentively reaching for the back of my head before quickly retracting his hand and his eyebrows furrowing at his actions.

"I'm fine thank you." pushing back the reality of what haunted me the most.

I thought I had recovered.