heart tremors » bucky barnes

two

For the first time in a long time, I'm not late for work.

Well, I'm not early either, I think, as I press the elevator button up to the labs floor once I'm inside the small space.

Kadyn thankfully didn't leave me with that much to do for her last night, so all I have for her this morning is her usual coffee and my ecstatic attitude.

The elevator dings and the doors open, I exit with a bounce in my step and head towards Kadyn's lab, swiping my ID card through the reader.

Kadyn's head lifts up from her paperwork in shock. She looks at her watch and then back to me, "You're... Not late," she then squints her eyes at me, "And you look happy to be here."

"I am happy to be here, Kadyn. You know why?" I ask, setting her coffee down in front of her, which she takes gratefully.

"I don't suppose it would have anything to do with the fact that Sargent Barnes is coming over today?" She replies after she fuels her caffeine addiction.

"You're weird," I tell her, "Why can't you just call people by their names? Bucky is coming over today."

"It's a sign of respect, Jo. Maybe you'll understand when you're older and you have an official title."

I sit down on the stool across from her, "Yeah, right. I'll probably just be your assistant forever."

Kadyn puts her papers together and moves to her laptop, "You don't mean that."

"I mean, if you quit making big Avengers bucks, then I'd have to go find a different job," I tease.

"Well, good thing I'm one of the most valued research doctors here."

I laugh. It's not often that Kadyn takes pride in herself.

A tap on the glass interrupts us and I whirl around, seeing a happy Steve standing next to a slightly-confused Bucky.

I rush over to the door and unlock it for them, "Sorry, I forget you guys don't have access cards to the labs. Which is strange because you guys, like, run this place, but whatever. Hi, Steve."

Steve laughs softly at me, "Good morning, Jo."

My eyes dance over to his best friend, whose glance remains on the floor, "Hi, you must be Bucky. I'm Jo," I introduce myself with a soft smile.

He's tall. Like, Steve Rogers tall.

Bucky speaks slowly and quietly, as if he doesn't actually want me to hear him at all, "Hi... Jo."

This'll be fun.

"Well, I trust he's in good hands," Steve announces, gently touching Bucky's shoulder, causing him to lift his head and look at his best friend.

Steve gives him a reassuring smile and squeezes his shoulder. Bucky gives him a small smile in return.

"Of course he is, Stevie. Not to worry. The two of us have quite the day ahead of us," I send a wink at the two of them, causing Steve to laugh softly and Bucky to look down, turning red.

"See, Buck? It'll be fun. I'll come back later, alright?" Steve waits for Bucky to nod his head before releasing his shoulder.

I assume there's a little bit of attachment issues between the two of them. Steve having not seen Bucky for like 70 years, and Steve being one of the only people Bucky can trust in this world.

"I'll see you later, Jo. Buck," Steve waves at the two of us and heads back to the elevators, leaving me with his best friend.

I gesture for Bucky to follow me through the doorway, "Welcome to my lab."