Blood In The Water
Steve adjusts his corduroy suit jacket, clenching his brief case in one hand. This year is the final steps of his career, all thanks to Professor Pierce. Steve walks on campus for freshman orientation; he puts a smile on his face, welcoming the new students. Passing by all the fresh faces, Steve finds a group of students and takes it upon himself to introduce himself.
“Hi everyone, my name is Steve Rogers. If you have any questions regarding Harvard, just come and talk to me. Why don’t we all share a few things about ourselves? How about….” Steve scans the group and points to a boy with glasses and shaggy brown hair. “You, why don’t you start?”
He looks up in surprise “Hi everyone, I’m Peter Parker. After failing at testing and producing genetically mortified spiders…I figured why not become a lawyer. So I’m here.” Everyone just nods their heads and mumbles “Cool” or “Hi”.
“Hi my name is Tony Stark, most of you already know me. I’m kinda famous.” Tony Stark speaks up, as he takes off his huge sunglasses that practically hide most of his face.”
“What are you doing at Harvard Law?” Peter asks, as everyone else is in awe.
“Being hot and rich gets boring sometimes.” Tony simply states.
“Okay now… that’s… Interesting! How about Next person?” Steve tries to delegates. Wow, these Students get weirder and weirder each year.
“America Chavez. Yes, my name is America. My mom’s were weird. Hi, I’m here the same reason why you guys are here, but less selfish.” America says, silent reaches the group, making everything seem more awkward then it already was.
“Alright!” Steve says finally breaking the silence. “So does anyone have any questions abou-“
“Yes finally, some help around here! Do you know where I can find Criminal Law 101 with Professor Pierce? I’ve been looking everywhere and I’m arms hurt from carrying all this shit.” A well put together brunet says. He has multiple expensive looking suit cases, dressed in also what looks like expensive clothing and a hat that makes him look like a paperboy. The gray eyes just stare back, waiting for an answer.
“It’s in Houser, right over there. It’s the second building to the left. Do you need any help? That’s a lot of bags you got there.” Steve says as he sees the man struggling.
“Don’t worry; I’m a big boy, but thanks!” The brunet says. He turns around and practically skips over to the building. It seemed like someone was excited for the first day of school, and lots of caffeine.
*
Bucky straightens out his clothing, trying to make himself look more presentable. This was the first time in months that Brock was going to see him, so he had to look good. So why not wear the hat Brock bought him? He also was wearing that blue tie that Brock said brought out Bucky’s eyes.
As Bucky makes him way past the sea of students, he finally spots Brock and his mouth becomes dry.
“Oh my god he is looks even hotter.” Bucky mumbles to himself. Bucky takes a deep breath and goes straight in Brock’s direction, trying to look casual as possible as Buck accidentally bumps into Brock.
“Oh god I am so- Bucky?” Brock says with wide eyes.
“Oh my god, Brock? I forgot you go here!” Bucky says with a smile.
“What are you doing here?” His tone seems harsh, but it doesn’t bother Bucky.
“I go here, duh.”
“You’re telling me, you got into Harvard Law?” Brock raises an eyebrow towards Bucky.
“What, like it’s hard?”
“Sorry to interrupt but James Barnes? Is this you?” The blond from earlier asks. Bucky nods.
“Yes it is. Is this my social agenda?” Bucky asks the blond, he automatically looks confused
“Oh, haha-um, no. This is your class syllabus.” The blond tries to smiles back at Bucky as he puts the folder in his hands before walking away.
“Damn, they’re giving these out already? Well anyways, let’s meet up after class, okay?” He turns around; smiling cheek to cheek at he makes his way to a seat.
“Everyone begin to take your seats. Professor Peirce should be here shortly.” The similar blond stands up in front of the class. The other students begin to take out their laptops and notes as confusion rises in Bucky. It’s the first day of class so why is everyone so prepared? Bucky digs in his bag and finds his notebook and pencil for caution. “I already met some of you, but for those who don’t know me, my name is Steve Rogers. I know you guys might have heard those same rumors and misconceptions about the professor. That he’s brutal and scary, but honestly-“
“Don’t try and ruin my reputation Mr. Rogers. They at least need to think I’m intimidating.” An older man in a clean and neatly pressed suit says as he enters the room. The class quietly chuckles and Steve, that’s his name! , quietly steps back and lets Pierce continue.
“As you all begin to start your law career, you will always hear the same joke; that a lawyer is a shark. Ignore that because it’s simplistic and dumb. Only some of you will become shark. The rest are chum. Our topic is blood in the water, you see? Your career is nothing until the adrenaline and thrill of the kill, and by kill I mean winning a case, becomes your life. You have to know what cases are the best cases.” Professor Pierce looks around and begins to scan the class.
“You all might be scared to take a case of defending a banker accused of fraud am I right?” A lot of the Students, including Bucky, nod and agree.
“Well you see, it’s all circumstances, it depends of if you’re lazy or not. An old woman says your client stole all her money? Call her old and crazy! Know your opponent and use that to your advantage. Law is not black and white; Law is an art form. Use and craft law on how it suits you best. Don’t be limited by it, manipulate it. Use it to your advantage.” Pierces pauses for a second, letting the weight of what he just said sink in. His eyes makes the room feels cold as he sizes up the class room, making it seem like he’s searching for his next victim.
“So what’s why point of all this? As most of you know, I own a million dollar law firm and every year I hire four knew interns. From this class I will select four new sharks that I will learn to respect throughout this year. These four will have a guaranteed career. I wanna see blood in the water, do you hear me? See who’s ready to kill for their career.” Pierce looks down on his class roster.
“Mr..Barnes.” Oh god. “Can you summarize State of Indiana v. Hearn from your reading?” Bucky’s stomach drops. What does he mean reading?
“Excuse me, but what reading?” Bucky slowly asks. He can feel all eyes on his.
“The reading I assigned to you.” Peirce’s cold eyes make Bucky shiver. Who assigns reading on the first day?
“You’ve got guts, Mr. Barnes.” Oh god, Bucky just said that out loud. “Mr…Wilson. Say You’re a professor at Harvard Law, something you’re very proud about, who has a student here who hasn’t read the reading you’ve assigned. Should you let it go or-“
“No. I’d throw him out.” The man says, glaring at Bucky. Well what the hell was his problem?
“Mr. Barnes you’ve heard your classmate. That is what a shark looks like. You’ve had guts but now they’re spilled. So please, leave. Get that look off your face. You think this is unfair? Oh please, I don’t care!” Bucky is ushered up and out of the classroom with the blink of the eye. “And if you choose to come back, get ready to learn.” The doors were slammed right in Bucky’s face. He feels a lump in his throat begin to form. Bucky walks towards a bench, noticing how calm it is outside, which sorta makes him feel better.
He stays on the bench, contemplating about things. The classroom door opens and snaps back Bucky’s attention. Steve appears, as he’s looking for something. When his eyes land on Bucky, he gives him a sympathetic smile, making Bucky groan.
“Hey James, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” Steve takes a seat on the bench next to Bucky.
“Yeah I’m fine. Thanks though. Call me Bucky?”
“Bucky?” Steve says, lifting one eyebrow higher than the other.
“It’s my middle name, kinda, it’s weird.” Bucky stammers.
Steve looks at Bucky and chuckles “Well I guess that’s another story for another time.” Silent breaks out between the two. Not really knowing what to say until Steve breaks it again “Hey, I got kicked out of class too once. It really sucks, but you’re life isn’t over okay?” Steve gives Bucky that sympathetic smile once again.
The door flies open, as Bucky’s classmates comes out. Bucky spots Wilson exiting the classroom and his blood begins to boil. “Excuse me, Wilson, why would you do that? We’re all here for the same reason; we can’t make each other look bad.” Wilson turns around and sizes Bucky up.
“I didn’t make you look bad, you did that yourself. Try opening a Law book, okay? But I should warn you, it has some big words in it.” Wilson steps towards Bucky, tension feeling thick.
“Alright! Well, I’ll give you two gentlemen a moment!” Steve quickly says while he makes an exit.
“Aren’t there guys doing beer ping pong somewhere without you?” Wilson makes one last glare at Bucky before walking away.
The classroom door opens and Brock steps up, causing Bucky’s mood to lighten.
“Oh Brock, I’m so glad you’re here right now.” Bucky runs over and hugs Brock. Hugging Brock is the only thing that has felt familiar since being at this school.
“Look, I’m really sorry-“
“Sorry about what?” Bucky asks. Brock looks down at Bucky with pitty.
“Isn’t there something you need to share with James, Brock?” Wilson walks towards Brock, still glaring at Bucky.
“You know him?” Bucky whispers. Brock distances himself from Bucky and meets up with Wilson.
“Yeah, um, Sam and I went to boarding school together and now…he’s my boyfriend.” Brock grabs Sam’s hand and smiles.
*
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