Chapter 1: Chapter 1
The day after the funeral of Steve Rogers (Captain America), Tony Stark was still feeling depressed about his friend's death. He had known that he would be sad for some time now but it didn't help to think about how much Steve loved him or what they were going through together as friends. As if on cue, there came a knock at the door. The Avengers' leader opened up immediately. "Hey," said Thor. "You're not alone."
"I know," replied Iron Man.
As soon as Tony entered the room, Thor pointed out to him something on the wall behind them. It looked like an old photo album which contained several pictures. They all showed different scenes from their lives together as best friends; one was Tony and Steve walking down the street just after they defeated Ultron one sitting next to each other eating lunch another then playing video games together.
Tony felt a visceral sensation of pain in his gut as he looked at them. He needed something to take his mind of it. Thor who today seemed to have the most impeccable sense of timing pulled out a bottle of tequila from his satchel.
“Drink?” Thor said with a forced grin upon his face.
Tony with a solemn look on his face have a nod. “No thanks. I don’t drink.” Bucky replied. He had been sitting in the corner quietly, twisting a tunic cube aimlessly.
“I prefer beer.” He added.
Thor nodded. “Well, that’s good.” He opened the bottle and poured two shots into each of their glasses. “To Steve.”
Bucky took a sip of his shot and winced. It burned going down. He swallowed it anyway. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” They all drank.
The next thing Bucky knew, he was on the couch watching Thor and Tony play Fortnite. Tony had an uncanny ability to be able to play any game he put his hands on.
Bucky smiled. Tony was such a nerd.
He watched him for a while before he decided to go to bed. Hopefully tomorrow would be easier.
Bucky woke up to the sound of a loud bang. His eyes shot open. He looked around and saw nothing. He stood up and walked towards the window. The glass was cracked but there was no way someone could have broken through.
“What the hell was that?” He asked himself. He turned back and looked at the bed where Thor and Tony were sleeping peacefully.
“They’re fine.” He thought to himself. He got dressed and went downstairs.
Thor wondered down 20 minutes later looking rather rough.
“So, how are you feeling?” Thor asked.
“Better.” Bucky answered.
“Good. I feel like death” Thor said bluntly.
“I must be off”
Bucky always appreciated Thor’s matter of fact speaking. “Ive heard Black Widow will be popping around shortly”
Bucky s ears picked up.
He always liked hanging out with her. Although the situation at the moment was dark, she’d have a way to spice things up.
It took another 2 hours for Tony to appear. He came down clutching a bottle of water. “Nat is about to arrive” he said.
…………………………………..
When Natasha entered she came and gave Bucky a tight squeeze. The smell of her sweet perfume tickled his nostrils.
“Come and have a drink” said Tony.
Bucky always noticed how Tony seemed to puff out his chest a little more when she was around.
The three sat down and had a few drinks. It was a good time.
“How did it go last night?” Asked Natasha.
“Well, we didn’t do anything” Said Tony.
“You mean, you just lay there all night?” She asked.
“Yeah well we drank and played video games” Said Tony.
“That’s so romantic” She said sarcastically, she looked at Bucky with a cheeky look in her eyes.
“I think I’ve had enough” said Tony excusing himself from the table.
Nat looked concerned afraid that she’d offended him. Without saying anything Tony gave her a kiss on the cheek, as of to reassure her.
As Tony left the room seemed to narrow, so all that Bucky could see was Nat. A comfortable silence fell upon them for a few minutes.
“How are you” said Natasha looking deeply at Bucky.
“Fine” said Bucky trying his best to look as earnest as possibly. “Another drink?”
“Really Bucky, how are you” pressed Natasha. She put her warm hand over his.
“I’m fine honestly… Steve wouldn’t want us to dwell”
“Steve would be proud of us” she said, looking deep into his eyes.
“He would” agreed Bucky.
“Steve loved you Bucky” she said softly.
“Yes he did” said Bucky, but then he couldn’t help but feel like he should say something else.
“He really did” said Natasha, “you were his one true friend”.
She leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. He felt an electric current run through him.
“I know more then most it’s hard being alone. But don’t worry, you can come and stay with me anytime”
“Thanks” he said.
“You know what” said Natasha, “I’ll make you some dinner tonight, if you’re hungry”.
“I am” he said. Still stunned and confused about what just happened.
“Great” she smiled, “I’ll cook you some pasta”.
“Sounds great” said Bucky.
After dinner they sat together on the couch watching TV.
“I’m glad we all have other” she said snuggled up to his real arm.
“I am too” said Bucky.
“So what do you want to do now” asked Natasha.
“What do you mean” asked Bucky.
“Do you want to go back home or stay here”
“I don’t know” said Bucky.
“Why don’t you come to mine?”