A Reason to Return
When Avery woke up, Bucky was still beside her. Her heart did a little jump at the sight. It was still new, waking up with him like this. She carefully slipped out of bed, deciding to grab some breakfast for both of them.
The rest of the team was already in the kitchen, the air tense. Natasha was scanning a list of names, Sam was focused on his laptop, and Steve was sipping his coffee with a knowing smirk.
"Morning, guys. Everyone sleep well?" Avery asked casually.
A few gave her absentminded nods, but the mood was serious.
"Like a baby," Steve said before raising an eyebrow. "I assume you and Bucky made up?"
"Yeah, he apologized."
Sam let out a chuckle.
Avery busied herself making two bowls of food, but Wanda’s stare bore into her.
"Who are you making breakfast for?"
Avery froze. Wanda had a way of sensing when something was up, and this was no different.
"Just me and James," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
Wanda frowned. James? Since when did Avery call him James?
"Since when does Bucky let people into his room that aren’t Steve?"
Something wasn’t adding up.
Before Avery could answer, Sam—ever the troublemaker—grinned. "Probably helps that he isn’t in his room."
Avery shot him a glare, but it was too late. Wanda’s concern flared.
"FRIDAY!" she snapped. "What room is Bucky in?"
"Sergeant Barnes has spent the last two nights in the new agent's room, Miss Maximoff."
Silence.
For a moment, Wanda’s mind went blank. The words didn’t quite register.
Bucky. The man who barely let anyone close to him. The man who spent years guarding himself like a fortress. The man who even Steve had to push sometimes.
Had spent two nights in Avery’s room.
Wanda turned to Avery, her stomach twisting. The initial flash of anger melted away, replaced by concern.
"You’ve only been here three days," Wanda said slowly, trying to process. "Are you okay? You weren’t forced into anything, were you? Or doing this for Steve’s sake? If you’re being pressured—"
Avery’s heart softened. Wanda wasn’t mad—she was just worried.
"Wanda, it’s fine," Avery assured her. "You’re the one who kept saying I had a crush on him in the first place. Nothing’s happened, we just talked and went to sleep. I swear."
Wanda narrowed her eyes, scanning Avery’s face for any sign of discomfort, any hint that she was lying to protect someone.
But there was none.
A deep sigh left Wanda’s lips. She pulled Avery into a hug, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly.
"I just feel protective over you," she admitted.
Avery hugged her back, understanding.
"I appreciate it," Avery said. "But I’m stupid enough and ugly enough to make my own choices."
Wanda scoffed, pulling away. "First of all, shut up. And second—" she turned to the rest of the team, hands on her hips, "you all knew and didn’t tell me?"
Sam chuckled. "Figured you’d find out eventually."
Wanda rolled her eyes, but something still lingered in her chest. Concern. Worry. She knew Bucky wasn't a bad person, but he was complicated. He had walls, shadows that never truly left him.
And Avery? She was new.
Wanda just hoped Bucky wasn’t about to hurt her.
Avery, sensing her moment to escape, grabbed the bowls and hurried back to her room.
Bucky was awake now, sitting up in bed with a confused look, eyes scanning the empty space beside him.
"Morning, Jamie. You okay?"
His shoulders relaxed when he saw her.
"Yeah, feel great," he said, accepting the bowl she handed him. "Just… weird waking up alone when I expected you to be there."
"Sorry, I was hungry." Avery sat beside him, eating her breakfast. "You confident about today?"
Bucky exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I always am when Steve’s leading. Nat’s been on Ember’s case for a while, but the women going missing was the last straw. We’re lucky you got us out of that dead end."
Avery just nodded, finishing her food before heading into the bathroom to get dressed.
By the time she came back, Bucky was gone. So were the trackers.
Her heart sank. Had he left without saying goodbye?
She sat at her computer, focusing on setting up her station for the mission. Even if she wasn’t out in the field, they’d still be in communication. She had an earpiece this time—she’d still be part of it.
There were still twenty-five minutes before the Quinjet took off. Nerves buzzed in her chest. This mission wouldn’t take Ember down, but at least they could get those women out. That was all that mattered right now.
Deciding she needed coffee before everything kicked off, Avery headed for the door—only to nearly collide with him.
Her Jamie.
Standing there in leather, metal arm on display, looking every bit like the soldier he was.
God, he looked good.
"Oh, there you are," she said, trying to keep eye contact instead of gawking at those broad shoulders. "I was just gonna grab some coffee."
"And I was coming to get that goodbye kiss."
Before she could react, his right hand was in her hair, his metal one pulling her closer by the waist.
The kiss was deep, intense—one she’d feel for days. It left her breathless.
As he pulled away, she just stared up at him, speechless.
"Glad I have a reason to come back from a mission for once," he murmured.
Then, with one last hug, he was gone.
"Sergeant Barnes? Quinjet up in five," FRIDAY called out.
Avery didn’t even think to say goodbye—she was too stunned.