Not Quite a Soldat

12

Steve hugged Bucky as he and Chanel stepped off of the quinjet. The Avengers' compound was very impressive. Tony and the others escorted the two around, giving the grand tour. Chanel actually liked that everyone stayed together. Of course it was easier when each room was practically an apartment. She was also grateful that no one new was added since they had been gone— she had shed her more quiet ways with the team, especially after having to always ask Shuri or the Dora Milaje for help with translations; but Chanel was still an introvert at heart and new people in her intimate settings made her feel some type of way. Chanel was the only non-Avenger, S.H.I.E.L.D. worker that would be staying in the compound housing and not just leaving when office hours ended.

"So we have Buckaroo on Steve's floor and Caliber, Nat and Wanda called you on their floor."

"Oh, we're not in the same apartment?" Bucky asked.

"You two?"

"It's just we lived together in Wakanda, we both kind of assumed." Bucky shrugged.

"We can always change that, Pepper and I are together on the top floor. What size bed, I'll have F.R.I.D.A.Y. put in an order. Queen? King? I suggest California King, that's what we have."

"Um, we still need two rooms," Chanel said. "If it's work don't bother, Tony, it's fine."

"Yeah, I think I can take two floors up to see printesa. Not sure if she can handle the walk though," Bucky said, cheekily.

"Love you too," she said before muttering under her breath. "Cur." (Ass)

"Ce?" (What)

"Hmm, nimic." (Hmm, nothing)

Chanel squealed when she felt herself suddenly in the air, looking at the floor. Bucky had lifted her over his shoulder. The tags almost hit the floor as she kept dangling but Chanel managed to catch them in time.

"Bucky, pune-ma jos!" Chanel said, lightly hitting his back— no real feeling behind it. (Bucky, put me down!)

"Ia înapoi ceea ce ai spus." (Take back what you said)

"Nu." (No)

"Atunci nu te pot da jos, printesa." (Then I can't put you down, princess)

"Buck, everyone can see up my skirt."

Instead of putting her down, Bucky adjusted his hold and used his free hand to cover the space where anyone could potentially see up Chanel's dress. He turned around to Nat and Wanda, asking what floor they were on. Chanel screamed as Bucky jostled her a bit.

"Let's go find your room, printesa."

The other Avengers watched the pair disappear towards the elevator down the hall.

"They do know what friends means, right?" Wanda asked.

Steve laughed. "If they were together, Buck wouldn't hesitate to let everyone know. I'm just glad she's got Buck back to the one I remember."

Tony helped Chanel set up her office very easily. She worked anywhere and everywhere but needed a place to store boxes and loose papers, not really wanting it all in her room. Bucky started training again, deciding to take Nick's offer and sign to S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers. Much to Sam's joy, Bucky at least tried to run at his pace or closer to it instead of being like Steve who constantly lapped them. Because she lived with them, Chanel let the rest of the Avengers see her a little dressed down.