Wanted

Anna dunked her piece of shortbread in her coffee for the third time, only realizing that she'd zoned out when it broke off. She quickly picked up her teaspoon and rescued it, popping it into her mouth and chewing slowly.
She let a breath out as she poked at the foam on her cup with the spoon, her eyes looking out into the rainy world through the window she was sitting beside, before settling back onto her phone.

Call him... Talk to him or send a text... The longer you leave it, the more awkward it's gonna be...

She begrudgingly picked her phone up, rolling her eyes at herself as she unlocked the screen and opened the text menu.

Just be cool, he knows he messed up, and he's already apologized so don't make a big deal about it... You're lucky to even be here...

Anna groaned, her eyes darting up to the bright bouquet of flowers on the dining table, the miniature card still tucked into the lightly glittered petals. She let a breath out, a smile crossing her lips at Tony's thoughtful gesture.

"Okay... Just do it" she mumbled to herself as her fingers moved over the screen, "don't be ungrateful"

Anna, 2.07pm
Hi Tony, thank you for the card and flowers, they are beautiful and it was really kind of you. Sorry I wasn't in touch yesterday, to be honest my head's all over the place - but that's my fault, not yours... That, and I didn't really know what to say... I guess - I'm sorry for everything would be a good start. Anna.

She swallowed hard and hit the send button, part of her regretting it immediately, worried she seemed like an idiot.

Jesus Christ, Anna... Get it together... What's done is d-

"Oh my god" She gasped, the message tone interrupting her train of thought as it went off within seconds. Her hand sprang into action as though it had a life of its own, snatching the phone back up and unlocking it as fast as she could.

Tony, 2.09pm
Don't apologize. I'm the idiot and it's my fault. Admittedly, my head's a bit all over the place, too... I'm sorry too, Anna. Hope you can forgive me...

Her brows knitted together as she was hit with a pang of sympathy for him as she hit the reply button.

Anna, 2.09pm
You don't need to apologize either, Steve explained everything, you were only doing what you thought was right... We wouldn't even be having this conversation if I hadn't have freaked out and ran... I'm an asshole.

Tony, 2.10
No you're not... Hey, are you up for getting out of the house? And do you prefer caramel or chocolate?

Tony, 2.10
That sounded terrible... I mean mud cake. I have both...

Anna chuckled, shaking her head as her fingers hovered over the screen, the phone beeping a third time.

Tony, 2.10
Scrap that... Rewind. 'Anna, would you like to come down to the lab for some coffee, cake, and a clean slate?'

Anna, 2.11
That sounds amazing, and I'd LOVE to get out

Anna, 2.11
...And I don't mind which flavor, whichever you like the best.

Anna, 2.11
Not that you have to bribe me with cake...

Tony, 2.12
I'm downstairs and absolutely swamped with work, but if you'd like to come down we can hang out. If you'd like?

Anna, 2.12
I thought the lab was off limits?

Tony, 2.12
It is... But a good friend suggested something about a little trust going a long way, and I thought I'd 'extend the olive branch' so to speak... Limited time offer.

Anna, 2.13
I'll see you in 10 :)

Another chuckle escaped her as she stood up and took her mug over to the kitchen sink where she washed and dried it, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the splashback behind the stovetop.

"Ugh" She cringed, quickly making a beeline for the bathroom where she took a few minutes to make herself look a little more human, and a little less 'hermit'. She tied her hair back and swapped her sweats for jeans, before giving her teeth a quick brush.

"That'll do... Hmm, maybe some 'face' on as well..."

When she was satisfied, she spritzed on some perfume and made her way to the front door, pulling on her leather ankle boots and slipping a scarf and jacket on over her tank top.

"Open the door please, Friday"
"Certainly, Miss Pierce"

Anna grinned when the door unlatched and she was able to pull it open, a small 'yay' escaping her. She patted her pockets to ensure she had her key card and phone on her before stepping out into the corridor and closing the door behind her. The feeling of freedom was somewhat elating, Anna relishing every second of it as she tucked her hair behind her ear and made her way towards the lab.
She walked with a spring in her step, proud of herself for only having to ask Friday for directions the once.
The elevator was familiar from her little 'tour' Tony gave her when she first arrived, and she was relieved to find it empty when the doors opened.

She leaned against the hand rail, absent-mindedly fiddling with the ends of her scarf as it descended a couple of floors, Anna straightening up as it slowed to a stop.
She was still playing with the tassels, her fingers untangling a knot in the ends as she waited for the door to open, only for someone to step in and just about bowl her over.

A gasp escaped her as she braced herself, finding her hands on the muscular chest of someone who was now holding her steady by the arms, both of them frozen in surprise.

"We've gotta stop meeting like this..." Came the smug voice in front of her, Anna looking up into the blue eyed, scruffy face of Bucky Barnes.

She let out a breath of relief, her hands still on his chest as she shook her head.
"You scared the hell out of me" She said as he let her go and stepped back to let her out.
"Maybe you should watch where you're going" he sassed with a wink.
"YOU walked into ME" She scolded him, unsuccessfully stifling a smile as she swatted him with her hand.

Bucky let out a laugh, feigning injury, Anna rolling her eyes at him before a laugh escaped her, too.
"You look like you're feeling better" He smiled,
"I am, thank you... Well I WAS until I got nearly knocked over" She joked
"Lucky I was there to catch you" Bucky said, cocking his head as he turned up the charm on her.
"Hmm... Well maybe chivalry isn't dead after all..."
"Of course it isn't" He smiled, an awkward silence now building between them.

"So where are you headed? He asked after clearing his throat, changing gears from flirtatious to friendly again.
"Oh, I'm going to see Tony" She said, relief crossing her face
"What's wrong now?"
"Nothing, we're just gonna hang out... And cake was mentioned"
"You like cake?"
"Pfft, who doesn't like cake?" She laughed, Bucky grinning back at her.
"Any particular kind?"
"Caramel mud cake... But I don't discriminate"
"I'll remember that" He smiled, Anna's stomach fluttering which she mentally scolded herself for, "You nervous?" He asked, sensing unease in her.

"Is it that obvious?"
"A little..."

Anna blew a breath out, trying her best to shake it off, Bucky offering her an understanding smile.
"Relaxing is easier said than done..." He started, "-Wanna know a secret?"
"I suppose?"
"Just act cool and confident. He'll be relaxed if you are, and his demeanor will then in turn rub off on you - trust me, it works" He offered, looking pleased with himself, "Psychological trick - goes back to the herd mentality, people always follow a strong leader..."
"Fake it till you make it?" She asked,
"Pretty much, but instead the end game isn't instilling confidence in others - it's instilling it in yourself through others, through yourself... That doesn't make sense does it?" He chuckled, scratching his head.
"...Actually it kinda does" She smiled with a thoughtful nod,
"It's a mind trick you have to try and play on yourself..."
"Like when you're feeling sad and you smile at someone, which makes them smile, and then you feel happy from having made someone smile?"
"...Uh... Yeah, I guess, but with confidence instead of smiles"
"Holy shit, did we just get all philosophical with each other?"
"Yep - and without alcohol, too"
"That's either impressive or sad"
"I'm opting for impressive" Bucky chuckled, before snapping back into reality, "Tony's going to be waiting for you..."
"Oh  crap" She said, suddenly feeling guilty she'd gotten lost in conversation, "sorry, I'd better get going"
"I'll walk you if you like?" He offered, gesturing down the hallway, Anna pausing for a moment while she considered his offer.
"Sure"

Anna smiled herself, thinking it was a cute gesture knowing the lab was literally only meters away and around a single corner.

Because there are SO many muggers and threats in Tony Stark's basement...
Oh shut up, brain... It's adorable...

They chatted between themselves, Bucky telling her a funny story about Steve embarrassingly trying to chat up a girl earlier that morning, who was secretly dating Sam.
"Hang on, so nobody knew he was seeing someone?" She asked, both shocked and amused.
"Nope - all that bravado, but doesn't brag about women... Well, not the ones he likes, anyway" Bucky chuckled, Anna shaking her head in astonishment as she took in the 'office gossip'.
"I thought all guys bragged to their buddies about girls?"
"Not always... It depends..." He said with a shrug, Anna frowning, confused.
"On?" She asked
"The guy, the girl... The situation... Lots of things" He clarified, "No different to how girls talk about guys I guess"
"I suppose..."
"Oh come on, I bet you brag about guys!"
"HA!" Anna laughed, Bucky giving her a smug, 'know it all' smile, "What guys, and to whom would I brag!?"
"I dunno... Maybe the girls at the beauty salon?"
"Beauty salon? ...Oh my god Bucky" She said, still laughing
"What?" He asked, feigning innocent naivety.
"Do I look like I spend a lot of time at a beauty salon to you!?" She asked, shaking her head as she tried her best to compose herself.
"Well, yeah..." He offered after a pause, Anna frowning little as she tried to work out exactly what he meant, "You kinda do" he added with a shrug, Anna narrowing her eyes suspiciously at him, making him chuckle.
"I think you may be making fun of me..."
"Or paying you a compliment?"
"Are you?" She asked, still unsure.
"I guess you'll never know..." He teased, giving her a wink which she returned with an eye roll before the two of them burst into laughter - one setting the other off.

She sighed when the laughs died down, the two of them coming to a stop at the entrance to the lab. Despite his 'cool' demeanor, Bucky couldn't shake the feeling like he'd just walked a date to her door. Another awkward moment built between them as the lab door unlatched from inside, making them both jump.

"So I'll see you tomorrow?" He asked, Anna sensing a nervousness in him that she somehow found endearing...
"Maybe?" She sassed back with a nonchalant shrug, Bucky giving a snort before chuckling at her. The lab door slid open on its own, both Bucky and Anna turning to see Tony smiling away, seemingly trying to 'hurry up' the exchange that was going on in his doorway.

"That's my cue..." Bucky smiled, watching as the cockiness drained from her expression, replaced with worry.

"Hey..." He whispered, catching her attention again, "You'll be fine" He assured her, Anna nodding as she tried to paint on a brave face, "Cool and confident, remember?"
"Cool and confident" she repeated, giving him a nod.
"That's it" He said with a smile, giving her shoulder an encouraging pat.
"Thanks Buck"
"Don't mention it... Go and enjoy yourself" He said, glancing up when he heard Tony clear his throat impatiently.
"Will do... I'll see you tomorrow" She smiled.
"Looking forward to it... Bye Tony!" He said, calling into the lab with a somewhat sarcastic tone before smiling back down to Anna, "See you tomorrow"
"Bye " She smiled, giving a soft wave before turning to the door.

Anna stepped into the lab, the door closing behind her. She looked around in absolute awe as she made her way over to Tony, eyes wide as she took in all the machinery, floating screens, lights and tech-looking things.
"This place is incredible..." She breathed, Tony smiling at her, looking very pleased with her reaction.

"Coffee?" He offered, when her attention found it's way back to him.
"That'd be great, thank you" She beamed.

Tony gestured around the corner, Anna somewhat surprised at the sheer size of the room which seemed to go on forever. Not surprisingly, Tony had a little lounge set up, complete with a kitchenette and all the homely necessities.
She followed him over to an island bench where there was coffee and cake waiting, along with some really expensive looking bar stools.

"Shit!" She gasped, jumping back with fright as she passed one of the Iron Suits that was casually standing beside the fridge. She backed away quickly, her eyes darting over to Tony who's expression had gone from smug to reassuring in seconds.
"It's safe" he assured her, raising a hand as he stepped between her and the suit, "I swear..."

Anna's heart was just about beating out of her chest as she looked it up and down, before glancing at Tony again with extreme caution, fear evident on her face.
"Oh my god..." She stuttered out, turning to find a whole fleet of them against the back wall in display cases, her breath picking up pace again as she started to feel trapped and surrounded
"Anna, calm down... You're perfectly safe, honey. I promise" He assured her, raising his hands as he stepped between her and the suit.

"Sorry" she said, blowing out a breath and taking a moment as her eyes darted between his and the face of the suit.
"-It's fine... I suppose it's something you'll have to get used to, huh?" He joked now that she was starting to relax.

He stepped back, both of them turning to look at the impressive piece of machinery together. Anna found her bravery little by little as she looked the suit up and down, taking in every detail, lips parted in awe.
"I've seen it on T.V... It's so different up close..." She breathed, Tony watching her as she cautiously stepped toward it, the helmet of the suit tilting as if to look at her, Anna shrieking and jumping back.

"Power down" Tony said firmly, chuckling at Anna who was behind him now.

The lights on the suit dimmed, Tony reaching forward to pick an 'arm' up, the whole thing limp in his hand.
"It's just a machine... It can't hurt you" He assured her, reaching over and pulling her closer to it.
"It's a weapon"
"It's a suit" He corrected.
"Tony, no..." She stammered as he steered her in front of it, " That's close enough..."
"Relax. It's just a machine that's turned off. Can't hurt you any more than the fridge can"
"The fridge doesn't have guns"
"Well actually..." He trailed off, Anna turning her head and giving him a look which he couldn't help laughing at, "reach over and touch it. Just once, and then we'll have cake"
"It looks angry"
"It doesn't have emotions"
"But the face part..."
"It's not angry... It's badass! If I painted it pink and made it look like Hello Kitty... Maybe added a bow, I don't think threats would take me seriously now, would they?" He asked, Anna letting out a giggle, despite herself.
"It'd be adorable though"
"I'll build you a pink suit for your birthday"
"Oooooh no, I'm not getting in one of those. Absolutely not! " She laughed, reaching out hesitantly, risking a glance up at the suits' mask.

Her fingertips brushed the forearm that Tony was holding up, and suddenly any anxiety inside her vanished and was replaced with curiosity for a moment.
"It's actually... It's kind of incredible, really" She muttered, gesturing for him to turn the arm over, noticing wear on the palm of it's hand, "what's that round thing on the hand?"
"That's what kills the baddies" Tony smiled, "Repulsors... I can use them to fly, steer the suit, and even shoot"
"Oh" She said, pulling her hand away.
"It's safe, no power..." he reminded her, "Actually, this ones in for repair, which is why it's here plugged into the wall"

Anna smiled, looking down at the wire which was indeed plugged into the wall socket.
"Like charging a phone up, huh?"
"Yeah, well kinda..." He said with a chuckle, "This is one of the old suits, before my chest piece was taken out, so it doesn't have its own power source"
"Don't you have newer suits? I thought the others got blown?" She asked, Tony gesturing for her to take a seat at the bench.

"Nostalgia" he said, with a smile as he went with her to the kitchenette, passing her one of the coffee's he'd had brought over, "It's my version of a 'classic car' I guess... You wouldn't throw a '67 Chevy out just because it's old would you?"
"I guess not"
"It's kind of a project... I like to tinker when I have the time" He said with a shrug as he sat beside her, opening the plastic container and cutting them a slice of cake each.

Anna reached over to pass him the plates and spoons which he'd gotten out earlier, and the two of them sipping their coffee quietly. Tony prodded at his slice of cake before looking over at Anna who was looking around the room again, something about her being so fascinated by the lab endearing to him...

"Thanks for coming to hang out..." He started, his voice gentle and genuine, Anna giving him a smile.
"Thanks for inviting me" She said, taking the tip of her slice off with her spoon, "It was really nice of you"
"I'm trying..." he chuckled,
"I can see that" she said kindly, "And I do appreciate it"

There was a somewhat awkward silence between them, Tony clearing his throat before speaking up again.

"I've never been an awkward person before... This is weird" He chuckled, Anna joining in.
"Wish I could say the same" She joked, shaking her head, "it doesn't have to be awkward, though... We don't have to do the eggshells thing..." She added, giving a kind smile which he returned, along with a look of gratitude.
"That's a relief... I'd have to build a bigger suit if we kept having 'suck up' cake..."
"This is a 'suck up' cake?" She asked.
"Yeah, pretty much... Is it working?"
"Like a charm"
"Good"

They exchanged a glance, Anna covering her lips with her hand as she chuckled again mid-mouthful, Tony laughing at her.

"So we're cool?" He asked, Anna nodding as she ungracefully composed herself.
"Definitely"




They chatted between themselves, Anna actually relaxing and finding Tony quite funny - much to his obvious delight. Halfway through their second coffee Anna's phone lit up, her hand lazily reaching across the counter to pick it up, still in mid conversation with Tony. She smiled at the screen, looking up to realize she was being watched.
"Sorry..." She started, Tony looking at her quizzically, "It's Bucky" She said, answering his unspoken question.

He drew a breath in, doing his best to look unbothered as he nodded, acknowledging her.
"Oh..." He said, failing miserably at the 'unbothered' part.
"You really don't like him do you?" She smiled, cocking her head.

Tony opened his mouth to speak, diplomatically stopping himself as he thought about his answer before delivering it.
"Uh... No" He chuckled, letting out a sigh as he smiled back, his expression remaining gentle, "...Buuuut, like it or not, you guys are friends... So I'll just - " He said, pulling the imaginary zipper across his mouth.

Anna chuckled, nodding appreciatively at his tact.
"He uh... Told me why you guys aren't friends" She started awkwardly as she stirred her coffee with her spoon, "I'm so sorry, Tony"

Tony shifted uncomfortably in his seat, putting his coffee cup down.
"Yeah, well... What's done is done... It's kind've a sore subject-" he said, looking away and letting out a breath.
"I can only imagine... Like he said - it's... Well... Unforgivable-"
"-Right" He cut her off, sounding much more abrasive than he'd meant to, "As I said - it's a sore subject..."

Anna swallowed hard as she paused for a moment, regretting having 'gone there'. Try as she might, she knew there was no hitting the rewind button on those words...
"Sorry... I didn't mean to bring it up" She offered, "Sometimes I say things I shouldn't, and... Yeah..."
"No..." He started, letting out a breath, "It's fine... I'm the one who should be sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you, and I suppose you've got every right to know about that night" He added with a little compassion in his voice, "They're your family too..."

"We don't have to talk about it, Tony... Really"
"I know, but I'm fine with it if you are... I mean you want some sort of relationship with the both of us - I'm your Dad - Still feels weird saying that" He said, letting out a chuckle before getting serious again, "And I take it he's your friend?"
"Something like that..." She said with a little uncertainty as she sat her spoon down.

Tony looked down, letting out a breath as he gathered himself up before looking back up at Anna. There was pain in his eyes, a vulnerability that she was sure not many people had ever seen from, but there he was - walls down and exposed right before her...

"I'm really trying, Anna" He started, his voice soft, "But I don't even know where to start with James 'Bucky' Barnes..."

Anna let a breath out, suddenly feeling uncomfortable... Almost like she was about to hear something that was absolutely none of her business...

"I've read all the articles... I've gone back and watched the tape hundreds of times..." He started, "I get it - I know he was being controlled, I know he had no say in it, and I'm sure that he'd take it back in a second if he could... But at the end of the day, I just can't get past the fact that he killed my Mom" He said with a shrug, Anna pursing her lips as she commanded herself not to let emotion overcome her

"That was HIS hand around her throat. He choked the life out of her, right after he smashed my Dad's face in.... HE caused the crash, he did all those things, and every time I look at him, all I see is that blank face - the same face from the tape..." He said, Anna's heart braking as his voice faltered, "How the hell do you move past something like that?"

Anna shook her head, looking back up into his sad eyes again with a new sense of understanding.
"I'm so sorry Tony... I don't even know what to say"

He shook his head, letting out another breath as he rubbed a hand through his hair.
"It's fine... As I said, it's a sore subject" He said, gathering himself back up again, "Sorry to get all weird on you"
"No, not at all... I understand where you're coming from"
"Thanks" He smiled, looking down at his coffee, "...I guess I don't want to come off ungrateful - I mean I have a blood relative here. You're safe because of him... And I'm more thankful than anyone could ever realize, but people aren't like possessions... You can't break something and replace it with a new one" He said, "I'm almost offended that he assumed that" He added with a shrug...

Anna paused, considering his words for a moment before speaking up.
"I don't think he meant to bring me here as a 'replacement' to your Mom, Tony... I don't even know if my being here is even a 'goodwill gesture' or a ticket back into your good graces or anything like that..." She started, "What he did was pretty terrible, and he's apologized - which doesn't fix it - but I think bringing me home was more... Well, I think he's trying to turn over a new leaf?" She offered with a shrug, Tony nodding.
"You think so, huh?"
"Well yeah... I mean I'm sure he hoped it would 'help things along', but he never asked for praise or thanks, never came bounding in like a hero or demanded a medal for it... He just did what he thought was the right thing, and then stepped back again"
"Hmm" Tony mused, thoughtfully.

"It's nice that he's trying, I think" She said, throwing her two cents in, "Having heard both sides, I feel awful for both of you... You losing your parents in such a horrific way - and then having to live with the guy who did it... Being expected to tolerate or even be nice to him after finding out the way you did, too-" She started, shaking her head in disbelief at the situation, "And then there's him... I can't imagine what it must be like for him to know he did the things he did... To carry that on his shoulders every single day, knowing that people hate him for doing something he had no say in..." She said, hearing Tony let a breath out, "It must be awful for both of you... There are just no words..."

Tony sipped his coffee, the both of them silent for a few moments before his expression softened as though a switch had been flicked.
"You have a good heart" Tony said with a smile, Anna smiling back a little embarrassed, "That, or he's got you complexly sucked in..."
"I don't know about the good heart... I'm just calling things as I see them," She started, "And I'm sure my views on the whole thing are completely skewed - I've only known him for a couple of weeks, and you for only half that" She chuckled.

"No... I think there's some merit there." Tony said with a shrug, "Sometimes an unbiased outside perspective helps"
"Sometimes" She agreed, "And just so you know, I'm far too judgey and cynical to get sucked in" She chuckled, her eyes meeting his.
"That's a relief"
"Oh?"
"Barnes has a reputation around here... I'm not going to go planting seeds, but just don't let your guard down too quickly with him" Tony said, treading carefully with his words but trying to warn her at the same time, "I know you're friends, and that's great, but keep your eyes open, okay?"

"...What kind of a reputation?" Anna asked after a pause, hardly able to resist asking.
"The kind that's cost me half a dozen assistants in almost as many months..." He said, letting out a breath and pursing his lips in disapproval.
"Oh... From-"
"-Charming them into bed, dumping them, and then moving onto the next conquest" he clarified bluntly, Anna's expression a little taken aback, "Not saying that you're that kind of girl, or that you'd fall for it... But I'd rather you know what you're dealing with straight off the bat"

Anna cleared her throat, reaching for her coffee to take a sip, awkwardness building again as she realized Tony had pretty much asked her not to sleep with Bucky...

"Just so you know... It's not like that with us" She assured him, Tony giving her a smile as relief crossed his expression again.
"What you do is none of my business, but I guess I don't wanna see you get hurt..." He said with a shrug, "Barnes is on thin ice as it is"
"Point taken" She said, acknowledging him, "And if that's the case - he was a freaking gentleman the week we spent together"
"Really?"
"Absolutely... He didn't try anything on me, and he had plenty of opportunity to"
"-Not sure I wanna know that..."
"No! ...I didn't want-" She started, covering her face momentarily with embarrassment, "It wasn't like that - we couldn't even get along for most of it, never mind anything else happening... When we weren't running for our lives or he was fighting baddies off, we were usually screaming insults at one and other" She said with a shrug, suddenly feeling a little guilty in hindsight for how difficult she was.
"Oh?" He said, his interest piqued as he sat up.

Anna let out a breath as she went over the events of that week in her mind...
"I was a real bitch to him that entire week " She started, shaking her head at herself, "He saved my life - several times... He also made sure there was always food, warmth, clean water, clean clothes... All the things I'd ever need, and he took my attitude and sass with a grain of salt, all while trying to make me feel safe, too"
"That's actually surprising" Tony said with a shrug as he took a mouthful of cake, "I wouldn't have picked him for a 'nice guy' - unless he's got an ulterior motive"
"He was actually amazing, I mean he didn't take shit from me - if I was being unreasonable he was pretty straight up about it... But he also knew when I was just having a bad day or wasn't coping and he'd just come talk, or give me space..." She said, her voice trailing off when she realized Tony was looking at her like she was crazy.

She let out a chuckle, shaking her head and giving a shrug, Tony relaxing at the same time.
"I don't think there's any ulterior motive there... He was really kind and respectful the whole time"
"Uh... Didn't he put a gun to your head?" Tony asked with that smug, 'know it all', expression he wore so well.
"Well yeah-"
"Hmm..."
"He had no choice"
"Poor guy had no choice but to threaten a girl half his size with a gun?"
"Well-"
"-I dunno, It's just that there are better ways to get a girl to go home with you... But that's just in my experience..." He shrugged, trying unsuccessfully to keep a straight face, Anna joining in despite herself when he began to laugh...

"Jokes aside, At least you're clued up that 'wonderboy' has been known to be 'less than wonderful' in recent months." Tony said, sipping his coffee, "I'm not saying anything to try and scare you off, but yeah... He's upset a few girls and it's caused problems for me here... We had to re-hire, re-train, and then he'd lock onto the next one and it'd start all over again... Two of them sued me..." He explained, Anna's jaw dropping.
"They sued? Over what, you can't sue because someone dumped you!"
"Occupational health and safety, trauma, assault, unsafe workplace... There's a list as long as my arm, and it all goes back to the legal war that was fought trying to keep his ass out of prison for mass murder."
"He assaulted someone!?"
"Not in the 'traditional' sense"
"How, then?"
"It's all in the paperwork... He didn't attack or hit anyone, but it was all based on exposure to someone in their workplace who was unstable and 'enhanced'... You get the picture I'm painting here?"

Anna's lips parted as she clued on to his point, nodding with an annoyed look on her face.
"That's so unfair..."
"You're telling me - he broke hearts, it cost girls their jobs, and they wanted to see if they was eligible for any compensation as a result... Makes sense to back yourself up financially I guess" Tony said, thoughtfully.
"It still sucks... Why'd it cost them their jobs"
"No fraternization rule"
"But they knew what they were getting into when they 'fraternized' with him, they knew they were breaking rules didn't they?" She asked, Tony letting out a somewhat 'tired and over it' sigh...

"To be honest, there's a whole lot more to it... It's a really long and complicated story, lots of legal bullshit involved..." He said, gesturing that it was supposed to be on the 'down low', Anna giving him a nod as she took the hint.
"Got it..." She said with a wink, part of her feeling sick about everything she'd just learned...

"How's the cake?" Tony asked, changing the subject.

Anna smiled, very grateful for the subject change as she took another bite. She gave a very impressed nod, Tony digging into his, the conversation turning to the deliciousness in front of them, much to her relief.

Tony's phone lit up, vibrating a little from it's spot on the bench, catching their attention. He picked it up, unlocking the screen and reading the message.

"Did you get a text before?" He asked, looking over at her.
"Oh crap... Yeah I did but I got distracted" She said, picking up her phone and checking her inbox, "An invite for pizza and drinks tonight in the rec room... Bucky, Steve, Sam and a few others..." She mumbled aloud before looking up at Tony.
"I got the same one... Are you in? Might be a good way to meet everyone?"
"Yeah I guess so..." She said, giving a nod.
"I was going to throw you a party, well I still will, but this sounds nice and low key..." Tony mused aloud, "Unless you want a party straight off the bat, I can get one set up-"
"No!" Anna laughed, "Don't go to any trouble for me, this sounds great..."
"Maybe another night? I throw good shindigs... It's kind of a rite of passage in our family..."
"Sounds great, Tony"

"Great, it's settled then. Pizza tonight in the rec room, and we'll throw you a party next weekend once you know a few people?"
"Oh god..."
"Is that a yes?"

Anna looked up at him, feeling completely spoiled but unable to refuse him when he looked so excited. She shut her eyes and nodded, hearing Tony let out a little 'woohoo' in the background, Anna giggling.

"Okay, well I'd better get back to work as much as I'm enjoying our little catch up - you're welcome to stay if you like?" Tony said, his voice as friendly and light hearted as his expression.
"I might head back to my room, and get some rest in before tonight if that's okay"
"Sounds like a good idea..." He started, "Hey, sorry things got a bit heavy before"
"Oh don't mention it!" She assured him with a smile, "I'm sure we'll have many more 'heavy' conversations along the way"
"Yeah, you're probably right..." He chuckled, "Go on, go get some rest"
"Okay" She smiled, "Thanks again for the cake and everything"
"My pleasure."



Anna looked down at her phone as she stepped out of the lab, the door closing behind her. She opened the message from earlier on, reading it twice through...

Bucky, 2.32pm
Hey... A bunch of us are getting together in the rec room for pizza tonight. If you're not doing anything, it'd be great to see you there. We're meeting at 6.30pm, let me know -Buck

She let out a breath as she hit the reply button, her thumb gliding over the screen.

Anna, 3.06pm
Hey, sorry about the late reply... Thanks for the invite, we'll be there. -A

She hit the send button, looking up towards the elevator before heading over to it, her phone buzzing in her pocket before she'd made it to the steel doors...

Bucky, 3.07pm
We? You've found a date already?

Anna, 3.07pm
Would it be a problem if I had?

She screwed her face up, not sure whether she was being playful or defensive - especially given her newfound unease since finding out what he was like with girls... She pressed the button on the wall, stepping into the elevator carefully, making a point to watch where she was going.

Bucky, 3.09pm
Not at all, I guess I'll bring a  date too, then - the more the merrier. See you tonight, -Buck

Hmm.... That was a little weird, does he seem jealous? Competitive? ... Uhhh - yes and yes... Holy shit, I'd better find a date, I can't roll up empty handed... Or should I, and insist I was joking... I'm comfortable with myself... I'm a modern woman and I don't need a man... Shit, I sound like one of THOSE chicks...

Anna grit her teeth, bracing herself as the elevator doors opened after the chime sounded. She stepped out and quickly made her way around the corner, hurrying along as to not run the risk of running into anyone...

Do you think he'll really rustle up a date in three and a half hours? OH MY GOD - I wonder if he'll chat Tony's new assistant up! Does he even have a new assistant yet?
Anna... Relax. It's a pizza night, not a soap opera.
Okay, new plan of action... Arrive without a date, laugh the message off and insist you were joking - you can even make fun of him if he's felt the need to bring a girl along with him... And make sure you look good.
Remind me again why we're dressing up for Bucky Barnes?
Just because...

Anna swiped her card and pulled her door open, hurrying in and closing it behind her. She leaned against it and let a breath out as she jammed her eyes shut, trying unsuccessfully to escape from her thoughts.




Why does the thought of him being with someone make me so damned uncomfortable!? Especially since Tony said he could bag anyone he wanted...

...Okay, you've got three and a bit hours to get your shit together... It's just a casual pizza catch up... Don't be weird...
For Christ sake don't be weird...