ANCHOR | BARNES

05. a simple introduction

A FEW DAYS had gone quicker than she thought. Three days had passed but it has seemed like three hours. Amelia wasn't going to deny that she enjoyed their company; Sam's constant yaking when Amelia would shower early in the morning or when there's nothing but cereal for breakfast. Steve and Sam has reminded her how much fun it was to be around people.

Natasha remained silent, keeping her distance from her former friend and her colleagues. Staying behind when Amelia offers to take the boys to the beach boardwalk. Natasha doesn't really know anymore how to make it up to Amelia. Perhaps all lost is gone. After five years, she would understand. But she'd be still willing to risk her life the way she did in Moscow. Hell, Natasha would gladly risk her life regardless the situation for Amelia.

So even if Amelia doesn't want to look at her in the eyes, Natasha would still tell her to stay safe and give Amelia her emergency contact regardless of what situation she's in.

"Please stay safe. Keep your profile a little low. Here's my emergency contact number. Call it if you ever feel like something isn't right."

"We'll check up on you in two weeks. Give you an update on the situation."

Steve voice reminds Amelia and he's suddenly pulling her into a hug that she never knew she was gonna get from Captain America, himself. Natasha wishes she could hug her like that, big arms embracing her body. But Natasha knows that she's back to first name basis. Perhaps it's because of the five years or her, but there's a change she felt.

Bucky remains stuck by Steve's side. Sitting on the red lounge chair, he watches the interaction happen between his new hostess and best friend; never breathing a word out to them as they hug each other. Bucky catches the way the red-head's shoulders tenses up. He watches her carefully, intrigued by her actions. She seemed. . . jealous? Maybe. Bucky doesn't quiet know. He tries to read her, thats his job, but her emotions are kept well hidden that even The Winter Soldier struggles.

"Bye, Mia." A hand on the brunette's shoulder and she smiles at her. A genuine one from what he can see. She doesn't answer but Bucky takes it that it's enough for Natasha to be satisfied.

Sam and Natasha seem to be ready to go but Steve doesn't. Bucky stands from his seat, knowing what Steve wants to do. The blond gives him a faint smile that Bucky returns, he knows why it's hard for Steve to leave. After all, he's the one who stuck with him through everything. "Goodbye, pal."

Bucky smiles at the nickname, he smiles for himself that he remembers that. He remembers being called pal when he was himself. "Stay safe." He says, a little unsure why he said but regardless he meant it.

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The house seems too quiet for its own good. It's deafening. Damn it, Wilson, Amelia thought. His constant bickering had led her to sit in the silence he left. She's not alone though, Bucky is here. But he hides well with the silence.

Turning around and seeing him on the couch, head turning as he glances around the room like he usually does, his eyes come to meet Amelia. "Sorry." He mumbles as he catches her eye.

"What for?" She asks, a little more than confused with the apology.

"For all of this. You're stuck with me." Bucky explains with a slight frown to his face, his eyes heavy and painted with dark circles.

Amelia sits herself on the chair across from his, a distance that isn't too offensive nor reaching. Bucky sees this and stands from his own chair, indicating that he didn't want to converse in a conversation with Amelia. The brunette frowns at his actions, a little offended by his words. "I mean, I don't mind a little company." She mutters.