Bucky Barnes' Daughter

Part Three/Chapter Sixty-Seven

You would think after my first expereince at a high school party,  I would be reluctant to ever go back.  But after spending so many weeks hidden away from the world, I've decided that I'm not going to continue hiding.  

"Are you sure you want to do this?"  Ryan stands in my open doorway while his brother gets ready at their house.

"I'll be fine."  I reply quietly since my parents were waiting for me downstairs. Jason should be arriving any minute now to drive us over to Luke's place.  "I'll be smarter this time." 

"Alcohol won't be your only problem this time."  He counters as if I hadn't considered how everyone will react to me being an Avenger. 

I've considered their reactions extensively but until I show up, I can't really anticipate how they're going to react.  SHIELD has already threatened to make people disappear should they blow my cover and I know that all parents with kids at the high school had to sign a gag order.  Everything was in place to protect me but who knows if people will honor the contracts signed.

"That's not the only reason I worry about you."  Ryan adds after I fail to respond to his comment. 

"You don't need to worry about me."  I tell him as I hear Jason's truck pull up the drive.

"Easier said than done, Tsarina."  He offers me his arm before we head downstairs. 

Jason stands at the bottom of the stairs along with both of our parents.  Ryan hands me off to his brother who seems to share the same nervous energy that was radiating off of everyone.

"Remember to call if anything happens."  Bucky makes me promise before kissing my forehead gently.

"We will."  I promise as Nat pulls me in for a tight embrace.  

"Take care of her."  Nat threatens before I pull Jason towards the door.

Jason holds my hand tightly as if at any moment I would disappear again.  I have no intentions of running away again.  I want to spend two years here as I prepare for my graduation.  What happens after that is still a mystery but until then, I want to be a normal teenager.

He opens the passenger door for me as our parents watch from the front porch.

"Can't we stay in tonight?"  He pleads before turning on the truck. 

"Jason, we need to do this."  I take his hand in mine and give it a reassuring squeeze.  "There's no better time to do it and honestly, I want a break from everything even if it's only for a few hours."

"Fine, but don't leave my side tonight."  He stretches out his pinky, which causes me to laugh.  "Promise?"  I nod as we pinky promise each other.  "Come here." 

He leans over and kisses me passionately.  The world melts away when we're together and for a brief moment I almost forgot the party we were about to attend.  Jason pulls away too soon and turns on the truck as a goofy smile spreads across his face.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Tsarina!"  Luke calls as we walk up the driveway.  I run into his arms as he pulls me into a bear hug.  "It's nice to have you back."

"It's good to be back."  I reply as he sets me back on my feet gently. 

Judging from the look he's giving me, he's been following the news closely since my coming out as an Avenger.  Part of him wanted to ask me right now about my past but he decides it would be better discussed at a later date.

"So, everything's in the same place as last time.  Pizza's on it's way and there should be other snacks throughout."  We follow him towards the kitchen.