the ol'web shooter

“I know I said don’t be a stranger… but it’s only been a few hours.” Bucky somewhat joked. As soon as he felt Alpine rub against his leg he knew he would lose you.

“Hellllloooo!” You began to drop to your knees, however before you could, Bucky towed you into his room. You watched as Bucky’s metal arm reached out, catching the frozen bag that was on your shoulder.

“What’s the corn for?” Bucky questioned, meeting your gaze.

“Peter.” You sighed, “He webbed me and almost pulled my arm off.” You squeezed your eyes shut, feeling a bit of pressure begin to build, “but I’m here for herrrr.” Crouching down once more, Alpine’s small head fit perfectly in your cupped hand, “I need to calm down and… sorry that Alpine’s the only thing that can do that right now…”

“What about the kid?” Bucky questioned, “Peter.” He corrected, “What about him? Don’t you guys watch movies or something?” He studied you as you scratched under Alpine’s chin, lost in thought.

The thought of watching a movie with Peter made you nervous. Why? Was it because you liked him or was it the way he has been acting? “That’s just… to pass the time.” You spoke, “Plus after dinner I’m training with Wanda.” You spoke, making your upcoming tests seem more professional than what they will be.

“More sparring?” Bucky laughed.

“No…” You looked up at him as your hands ran over Alpine’s soft fur, “I- She’s training me because I can move stuff- like her.”

“Really?” Bucky breathed out before walking over to the chair that sat across from a small tv in his room. He easily turned the furniture, not wanting you to think he was ignoring you.

“Yeah… I moved a bunch of pillows in the lounge.” You heard Bucky laugh, “It- It was my first time.”

“Was it now?” Bucky teased, pointing out the phrasing of your words.

“Shut up- No! First- first time moving things willingly.” You corrected him. You were a stuttering mess after Bucky’s claim, “With my mind.” His words were smooth as he teased you and it made your stomach flip, “Alpine thinks that’s great. Huh Alpine?” You stared at the cat that still sat before you. She let out a meow before turning, rushing to hop on Bucky’s lap. You let out a large sigh as the cat left your presence. Bucky must have noticed because you heard him laugh.

“You can still pet her.” He assured you, “And I’m still listening.” “Right.” You studied him, sat in his chair with Alpine on his lap. Could you mentally handle being on your knees in front of Bucky? You awkwardly scooted closer to Bucky and Alpine. Reaching out, you brought your hand closer and closer to Alpine but also Bucky’s lap, “I just…” You could not even remember what you were talking about before.

“I’m sure it was… cool.” Bucky gave you an awkward smile, “I’ve… I’ve never moved pillows with my mind before…” He was bad at this.

“Really?” You questioned sarcastically. You felt your shoulders soften, relaxing a bit as you once again pet Alpine’s head. “Bruce told me to find something to relax me… so sorry that I’m here. I just really needed to pet your cat.” You heard Bucky chuckle quietly, “Also Bruce was ragebaiting me I think.”

“That doesn’t sound like Bruce.” Bucky watched as you pet Alpine. Absent-mindedly, he brought his hand to the fur as well, “But… Doctor’s orders, right?”

“Right.” You somewhat joked. However, your mind went blank for a moment as Bucky’s metal fingers brushed against your own. You paused, taking a sneaking glance up at him. The interaction did not seem to phase him, probably because he couldn’t feel your skin against the metal. Right? “...dumb out of touch question…” You baited, “Can… you feel her fur?”

“Yeah.” Bucky shrugged.

That meant that he did feel his fingers brush against your own.

“But… I don’t know how to describe it… it’s just a little different.” He pursed his lips a bit as he racked his brain for an answer.

“I bet that’s… interesting.”

Bucky laughed, looking down at you. He could not help but feel something stir within him as he stared down at you between his legs, “When? When do you think that’s interesting?”

Your mind fell victim to dirty thoughts, “Wha- What? No! That’s not-” You felt the pressure behind your eyes begin to build.

“You brought it up.” Bucky teased.

“I just- I just meant…” You closed your eyes, petting Alpine harder, hoping to pet the pain away, “I meant having a metal arm must be interesting.”

You heard Alpine meow before your hand no longer found her soft fur, but fell against Bucky’s worn jeans. You did not dare open your eyes, the pressure was not going away.

Bucky felt the throw carpet under his feet begin to vibrate, “Hey…” Was this your powers? He did not know what your powers entailed and he did not want Alpine to find out, “Hey, I was just… messing around. I took it too far okay.” Bucky brought his hands to your shoulders, “...Look at me.” He instructed.

Bad idea. Bucky’s claim just added to your whirling emotions, but you did as he said.

“Just, take a deep breath or something.” Bucky looked a bit nervous. You were making him nervous, “I- I’m… sorry?”

“I…” Your voice wavered, feeling tears well up in your eyes. God you were so lame. You took a deep breath, attempting to stop the inevitable explosion of emotions that were on their way. You watched as a few piles of clothes began to rustle around you. You let out the breath you were holding, the air quivered your already trembling lips, “I’m sorry. I- I’m going. I’ll leave.” You rose to your feet as best as you could and rushed to the door.

“Y/N.” Bucky stood from his seat, but you already escaped through the door.

You navigated the hall through your tears until you found your door. Or you hoped it was your door since every damn door in this place looked the same. Your head pounded as you attempted to type in your code to unlock the door, because everything in the compound had to be so complicated.

“Y/N?” You heard your name again, but it was not from Bucky this time.

It was Peter’s voice and you did not dare turn to face him. Your door rattled in front of you from the pressure you were exerting.

“Hey.” You heard Peter’s voice soften, you felt his hands fall to your arms before he turned you to face him.

“W-Wh-what?” You sniffled, voice cracking.

“What happened?” Peter questioned, “Where were you?”

“In… in Bucky’s room.”

Peter felt his stomach drop. His hold on you loosened for a moment but he pushed past his jealousy, or at least he would to comfort you. He could go wallow on his own time. “What did he do?”

“Wha?” You questioned between sobs, “Nuh-Nothing. I-I made Alpine scared of me. I thiNK!” You let the tears fall, “I suck. I went to pet Alpine to calm down and I almost blew up on her.”

“I think you’re exaggerating…” Peter laughed, however his laugh was cut short as he caught your furrowed brows, “I just… I mean.” He wanted to hug you, but he knew the two of you were not there yet, “I’m sure everything is okay and Alpine isn’t scared of you. You know how cats are... There was this cat, Murph, he lived at Delmar’s.” He rubbed his hands up and down your arms, in a gentle attempt to calm you, “Oh- Delmar’s got the best sandwiches- it’s a deli, kind of like a corner store. It’s in Queens. And Murph would let me pet him for like ever and then out of nowhere he’d smack me!” Peter watched as you cracked a smile in front of him, “And- AND, I even saved him, or, Spider-Man did. And he acted like he could care less.”

“Y-Yeah,” You laughed, “Because he’s a cat.”

“Yeah.” Peter smiled, “So, you know how cats are.”

You wiped your running nose on your sleeve, “Yeah.” You could barely feel the pressure behind your eyes.

“Mmmmmmm…” Peter teased your action, “Cute.”

You felt your heart skip a beat, not only from your absent-minded and gross action but Peter calling you cute. Even if he was being sarcastic. “Sh-Shut up.” You gave him a gentle shove, forgetting that Peter’s hands were still on your arms.

“You feel better?” Peter questioned.

“...Yeah.” You rubbed your eyes, “Thanks.” Peter shrugged in front of you, “Bruce was right.”

“What did Bruce say?”

“That I need to find something to do to calm myself.” You spoke, “So that’s why I wanted to see Alpine. Cats always calm me down…” Peter’s hands squeezed your arms before letting go, reminding you of the interaction moments before. Peter was a nice guy, acting completely different than he was earlier in the day. Maybe Peter was never acting strange and maybe you made that all up in your head, “But… I’m good now.” You wanted to retreat back into your room before dinner, “I think I’m going to lay down until dinner. Sleep off the migraine or something…”

“You want me to make you coffee?” Peter offered.

You felt your stomach flip, “No… no it’s fine! I’m fine. I should probably just catch up on sleep.” Peter’s stare was making you stumble on your words. Your hand blindly searched for the door behind you.

“Okay…” Peter spoke, a bit confused at the state you were in, “Well… if you want to do something before dinner- or after, let me know.”

“Right.” You nodded, pressing the button, door sliding open behind you, “I’ll let you know.”

“Okay.” Peter smiled at you, still standing in your doorway. You flashed him an awkward smile before the door closed in front of you.

You stared at the closed door, separating you from Peter in the hall. Feeling your heart rate slow, you took a deep breath, mind replaying the moment in the hallway.

You really needed to sleep, feeling as if your thoughts of Peter were driving you crazy.

Walking into your small bathroom, you stared at your reflection in the mirror. You looked disheveled, hair out of place and dark circles peaking out from underneath your makeup. Your palms rubbed your eyes, vision blurring slightly as your skin pressed deeper and deeper into your sockets. Letting out a groan, you blindly found the faucet in front of you. Splashing your face with water, you rubbed the water in, hoping to cleanse yourself of your thoughts of Peter and the little amount of makeup that remained.

Walking to your bed, you threw yourself down on its surface. You covered your face with your blanket, far too lazy to close the open blinds of your windows. Sleep attempted to fight off your thoughts about Peter, about Bucky, about how you were about to probably see them both at dinner in a few hours. With a few more tosses and turns, you found yourself asleep.

**

Rubbing your eyes, you swung your feet off the mattress and onto the floor. Checking your phone you stared at about five texts from Tony.

Tony: The kid told me you were asleep so we decided on food without you. Hope you like sushi.

Tony: Here’s the menu.

Tony: What’s your order?

Tony: 10 more minutes and then I’m ordering you whatever.

Tony: Last chance.

You rolled your eyes.

You: unagi or anything salmon

You: thanks

Setting your phone down, you walked to the bathroom. Studying yourself, you looked more rested. You could probably still use some more sleep, but so could everyone else in the compound. After redoing your makeup up, you threw on a cardigan before heading down to the lounge.

Voices bounced off the grey walls of the lounge and met you as you exited the elevator.

“I’m sure she’s coming. If not, she’s missing dinner.” You heard Tony’s voice, “Or better yet, just go up there and get her.”

Turning the corner, you bumped into someone.

“Ouc- Sorry.” You spoke, looking up from where you eyes were on your feet as you headed down the hall. Your y/e/c eyes met Peter’s brown gaze, “He-hey…”

“Hey… uh. Food’s on the way.” Peter spoke awkwardly. You could barely hear him over the voices in the lounge.

“Yeah, that’s why I came down-” You walked past Peter, “Why is it so loud down here?” You walked in to find the lounge basically full.

In the lounge stood Tony, arms crossed with a glass of whiskey in his hand, talking to Steve. Nat and Wanda flashed you a smile as they sat on the couch with Bruce. Sam stood with his back to you, standing across from Bucky. There was a face you recognized but have not yet met, Thor.

“I’m just saying man, you’re goin’ soft.” Sam spoke, laughing in front of Bucky, “I’ve invited you how many times and heard how many excuses?”

“Now that we’re all here, how about drinks?” Tony asked. Looking down at his almost empty glass he spoke again, “Or… more drinks.”

“Want to get a drink?” Peter asked you.

“Sounds good to me-” You started, however your words fell short as you watched Sam head to the kitchen, revealing Alpine curled up in Bucky’s half zipped hoodie, “Alpine!” You called out, watching her ears twitch at the sound of her name. You left Peter’s side and rushed to Bucky, “I thought she always stayed in your room?” You asked him without even saying hello.

“She uh…” Bucky’s eyes caught the glances from everyone around the two of you, especially Peter’s, “didn’t want to miss out on all the fish…” He mentally cringed at his claim, but that soon faded after he watched you quietly laugh in front of him, “That… wasn’t fun.”

“I know.” You smiled, “That’s why I laughed.” Your voice grew softer as you reached out, giving Alpine a scratch.

“SO…” You heard Peter’s voice almost crack as he loudly interrupted the two of you, “This is… the cat.”

“Her name is Alpine.” You corrected, giving Peter some playful attitude, however it looked like Peter was not in the mindset to banter.

“Rightttt.” Peter drew out, his eyes fixed on Bucky, “You never bring her out… let alone come to dinner.”

Bucky shrugged slightly, “Alpine was… getting cabin fever-”

“She’s a cat.” Peter interrupted.

“I know I hate being trapped here.” You almost baby-talked, scratching under Alpine’s chin. The cat’s purrs cut through the tension in the air, “I understand, Alpine.”

Peter fell silent after your claim. He studied how close you stood next to Bucky in order to get to Alpine who was tucked away in his hoodie. Peter knew he could not win your attention if Alpine was involved. Silently he retreated to the kitchen, maybe if he made you a drink he could win you back.

You did not even realize Peter had stepped away, too busy petting Alpine’s small head.

“You want to hold her?” Bucky questioned.

“Really?” You questioned. You could cry.

“Yeah, just button up your sweater…” He watched as your fingers fell to the buttons of your cardigan, “not all the way, just enough for her to fit.”

“Okay.” You stuck your arms out, letting Bucky study your clothes to see if they were good enough for Alpine’s company. You watched Bucky shrug, “What?”

“Should be fine.” He began to unzip his hoodie.

“What do you mean should be fine?”

“We’ll see how she likes it.” Bucky spoke, “She might only like my clothes, I haven’t tried this before.”

“If not, give me your hoodie.” You instructed, making Bucky laugh.

“We’ll see…” He spoke. Gently scooping up Alpine, she let out a chirp. You watched as Bucky stepped closer to you, probably the closest he’s ever been, “Alright… don’t move.” You did as you were told, feeling him navigate the fabric of your clothes. Alpine’s paws grabbed at your once hidden skin.

“As long as she doesn’t try and rip my clothes off…” You somewhat joked at Alpine as Bucky tried removing Alpine’s nails from your camisole that sat under your cardigan, “in front of literally everyone.”

“I think she forgot we’re not in the bedroom.” Bucky joked, trying to defuse the tactical act of not exposing too much of your skin but also not letting Alpine rip your clothes. However, his joke only made you flustered. He watched as you stared up at him, silent. “That’s not- Not like that…”

Your gaze fell to Alpine as she began to curl up against your side, “Yay.” You spoke quietly, not wanting to jinx it. You carefully adjusted your hold on her as she stared back at you, “You’re like a little baby.”

“Hey.” You heard Peter’s voice address you, making you look up from Alpine’s piercing blue gaze.

“Hmm?” You hummed, now meeting Peter’s eyes.

“I made you a drink.” Peter smiled slightly at you, “You said you wanted one.”

“Oh. Oh yeah. Thanks.” You returned his awkward smile, “I just. I can’t really hold the drink right now.” Peter looked down at Alpine in your hold.

“...Right.” Peter spoke. Peter loved animals. He liked cats, however, Bucky’s cat was really sabotaging his time with you recently.

You watched Peter’s shoulders round, his once lively stance deflating, “Well… hold on.” You shifted your arms, hoping to free one of your hands while not disturbing Alpine, “There.” You brought your hand into his line of sight, wiggling your fingers awkwardly, “Thanks for the drink.” Peter met your gaze once again as you waited for him to hand you the glass, “What is it?”

“Huh? Oh nothing I just-” Peter stopped for a moment, “Oh- Oh the drink. It’s just whiskey and ginger ale. Since I know you like whiskey. I don’t think we have any more white wine right now or else I would have gotten you that.”

You watched Peter ramble in front of you, however, you were brought back to reality by Bucky clearing his throat next to you. You turned your head towards him as you brought the glass to your lips, “You having an old fashion?” You almost teased him, calling back to your previous conversation with him.

“You still think you’re funny, huh?” Bucky raised his brows at you, watching you grin around your glass, “Why don’t I take Alpine back then?”

“Nooooo.” You whined, dodging Bucky’s grasp that came towards you, “She wants to stay with me.” You turned back towards Peter, “Right?” You questioned him.

Peter froze. His mind battled between answers. Peter could agree with you, like you wanted. But if he did, Alpine would continue to occupy your attention, and where there was Alpine, Bucky was close by, “I-”

“I realized, Y/N,” Tony’s voice interrupted Peter’s train of thought, “you haven’t met Thor.” Turning his head, Peter caught Tony’s glance as he wrapped his arm around Peter’s shoulders, “Thor, Y/N. Y/N, Thor.” Tony gestured to you, his glass of whiskey splashing, “And… what was the little bugger’s name? Avalanche?”

“Alpine.” You and Bucky corrected together.

“Right, right. I’m still surprised you took her in there, Bucky.” Tony spoke, “I remember it like it was yesterday.” Tony jokingly reminisced.

“He was there?” You questioned Bucky.

“Yeah.” Bucky confirmed, “He was helping me with my arm and Alpine just walked right into the open garage.”

“I never took him as the caring type.” Tony joked. Reaching out, he brought a single finger to the top of Alpine’s head, ruffling her fur, “But hey. Look at him now. He’s actually leaving his room.”

You watched as Bucky’s gaze fell from Tony to you before looking away. Your eyes then found Thor, “Sorry, I-“ you realized you did not have a free hand to extend, “I’d shake your hand but… it’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you. On the news.”

“All bad things I assume.” Thor joked, making you laugh, “Very nice to meet you Y/N.” Thor gave you a nod, “And you as well, Alpine.” He added, meeting the cat’s gaze. You watched as Thor brought a firm hand down onto Peter’s shoulder, “Parker, how are you?”

Peter pressed his lips into an awkward smile, “Great.” he lied through his teeth before taking a large swig of the drink that sat in his hand. He tried not to wince at the drink. It was originally the drink he made you, however he added way too much whiskey as he studied you and Bucky earlier, in close proximity.

“Good good!” Thor smiled, “I shall see you at the dinner table.” He nodded before walking back off towards the kitchen, probably to make himself a drink.

Tony's phone buzzed from his pocket. Pulling it out he answered the call, “Uhuh. I’ll be right out.” Returning the phone to his pocket, he called out to the group, “Food is here.” You watched as Tony looked at you, “No cats at the table.”

You threw him a nasty look before looking down at Alpine who was curled up, head tucked away, attempting to drown out the bustling lounge.

“She’ll be fine on the couch.” Bucky spoke, next to you, “You might have to put down your cardigan for her though.”

You looked up at him from where you stared at Alpine. You could not take off your cardigan, you were not wearing a bra under your camisole, “I… can’t.” You drew out, “Why don’t- you said she likes your clothes. Put your hoodie down for her.”

Bucky stared at you for a moment, eyes narrowing, “Fine.” He spoke as he unzipped the rest of his hoodie. A black, ribbed tank top sat underneath it. Removing the hoodie from his arms, you tried not to stare. He tossed the hoodie blindly towards the couch, waiting for you to meet his gaze again. However, you studied the floor off to the side of you, “Come on.” Bucky finally spoke, catching your attention.

You followed him to the couch, watching him create a small nest-like spot for Alpine on the cushion. You tried to not let a smile creep onto your lips after watching the kind and uncharacteristic gesture. However, the sight of Bucky’s toned and bare arms… arm, brought you back to reality for a moment.

“C’mere you.” Bucky spoke as he reached into your cardigan to retrieve Alpine. His claim, coupled with his action made your stomach flip. Alpine voiced her protest, but thankfully did not attach her claws to you this time. You watched as Alpine was placed onto Bucky’s hoodie. She stared back at you, then Bucky while she decided if the hoodie was an adequate spot after being evicted from your cardigan.

After a moment, Alpine began to knead the fabric, making you let out an audible sigh of endearment, “Stoppp.” You spoke, “I don’t want to leave her.” That claim made Peter take another gulp of his drink from where he still stood in the lounge.

“I’m sure she’ll stick around.” Bucky spoke.

“Mmmmm… okay.” You crouched down, giving Alpine a few more pets before you watched the rest of the group start dishing out the food, “I’ll be back.” You quietly told the cat. You stay crouched for a moment, watching Bucky walk off towards the group, tank top hugging his body. Your eyes soon found Peter who stared at you, “What?” You questioned, unsure if he said something to you and you missed it.

Peter took in a deep breath, attempting to fight back the jealousy. Taking another quick sip, he winced, “You coming?”

You felt your mimosa buzz throughout your body. The alcohol somehow made plucking your eyebrows feel even worse than it normally does.

You stared at yourself in the mirror. What was Peter’s problem? Pulling out your phone, you opened up your messages to him. Maybe you should just ask. You had enough alcohol in your system where you would send a text. But… you shouldn’t.

Groaning, you placed your phone face down on the sink’s countertop. Leaning closer to the mirror, you studied your brows, wishing there were more hairs to focus on. Taking a step back from the mirror, you did not know what to do with yourself.

You wanted to go pet Alpine but you could not do that either. You wished Nick was here or that you were back home, or at your new apartment you were supposed to be in. Shit, did Tony break your lease?

Picking up your phone you texted Tony, “Hey so did you break my lease??? Am I still paying for my apartment? I didn’t call my landlord.” Hitting send, you stared at the time. It was only three pm.

Your phone buzzed. “I broke your lease”

You opened your banking app, eyes searching for a charge for breaking your lease. You were not made of money.

Your eyes traveled to the banner that came across your screen, “I paid to break your lease” Tony corrected.

“Oh okay.” You replied, “Thanks Mr. Millionaire."

“Billionare” Tony corrected, making you roll your eyes. 

You now found yourself by your bed after absentmindedly pacing around your room. You now noticed the deafening silence that occupied your space. Were you lonely? Or were you just so used to Peter’s company and Tony’s supervision that you were not sure how to enjoy time to yourself. For the past ten days you felt babysat and now you prayed for time to go by until dinner.

You walked over to your record player, a thin layer of dust sat on its surface. Placing a finger on the plastic, you drew a dumb doodle in the dusty layer. You could put on some music to prevent yourself from endlessly scrolling on your phone. Or you could read that book you were in the middle of. Letting out a groan, you walked back to your bed, falling on the unmade surface. Staring at yourself in the reflection of your screen, you unlocked your phone, fully prepared to doom scroll. However, a message came across the top of your screen.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything. I’d like to talk about your tests if that’s okay with you. Let me know if you’re not busy. It’s Bruce Banner by the way.”

The tone of his text made a smile cross your lips, “You just saved me from doom scrolling. Where should I meet you?”

**

“Sooo…” You drew out, finding yourself in awkward silence. Bruce stood across from you in the lounge, “What did you want to talk to me about?” He paced in front of you as you sat on the large couch.

“You’re results,” Bruce started, watching your eyes roll, “I-I know you don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”

“Yeah… I don’t…” You spoke, trying not to overstep your relationship with Bruce.

“So… why don’t we start with Wanda.” Bruce suggested.

“Wanda? You think I could move things with my mind?” You almost laughed.

“You come to, and find things thrown around your apartment.” Bruce reminded you, “You’re already pushing things away. Why not try to move things closer?” He watched you retract into your thoughts. Bruce walked closer to you hesitantly, he did not want to piss you off. All you could think of was what you said about Peter. You were scared that you were pushing more than just your things away, “Badddd idea?” Bruce questioned, trying to read your silence.

“Huh?” You questioned, “I… I mean. She’s already here.” You shrugged.

“Exactly.” Bruce motioned to you, “We’ll… ask her when it’s… convenient.”

“If it’s convenient.” You repeated.

“And it will be… small tests. Quick.”

“More tests?” You questioned, “I’m tired of tests.”

“Not medical.” Bruce spoke, “More like Wanda just getting a feel of your powers.”

“You want Wanda to vibe check me?” You scoffed, “Yeah… no thanks.” Silence fell between the two of you as you watch Bruce shift awkwardly before you. Your head rolled, falling back against the couch, “I just…” Your rubbed your eyes out of frustration, “I’m tired of feeling… judged. So sorry if I don’t want another vibe check.”

“No one’s judging you.” Bruce tried to assure you. You gave him an equally judgemental gaze, “We just want to help.”

You felt pressure begin to build behind your eyes, “None of this is helping.” You closed your eyes, “It’d help to go back to my apartment.”

“I know you want to go home-” Bruce began.

“It wasn’t even home.” You corrected, “I didn’t even get to start my job. I barely unpacked…” Your head began to pound, “So sorry- I’m sorry that I can’t just forgive and forget.”

“No one’s asking you to-”

“Tony is.” You replied, “Even Peter… or at least Peter- he’s trying to make me think that there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“And how does that make you feel?” Bruce questioned.

“What are you, my therapist?” You laughed.

Bruce felt the carpet under his feet begin to vibrate slightly. Did he want to push his luck, so he could see your powers for himself? He wished Tony was here to make pissing you off easier, “Maybe… you might need one.” Bruce shrugged, waiting for what might happen next.

“What?” Your eyes snapped to Bruce from where they were screwed shut. You felt the expensive pillows on the couch brush against your shoulders. The plush fabric floated off of the couch’s surface. You wanted to throw them at Bruce, it would make you feel better.

“You don’t want to be judged? Then do something about it.” Bruce baited and waited. He watched your brow furrow, gaze burning through him. Then, he felt himself being pelted with the couch’s feather pillows, “Psychokinesis…”

“W-What?” You spoke.

“Chaos magic, catastrophic. Maybe we can run tests, with Wanda, after dinner.” Bruce noticed your confused stares. Reaching down, he picked up a pillow and tossed it back at you, “The pillows. You did that.” He motioned to you, “With your mind.”

You stared at the pillows near Bruce’s feet, realizing you did not just think about throwing them at him, you did it, “I… yeah.” You breathed out, “I-I did.” A rush flooded through you. “Yeah… after dinner.” You stood up from the couch. You needed to go tell Peter, so without a thought, you headed to the elevator.

“After dinner? So… I’ll ask Wanda?” Bruce called out to you.

“Yeah- yeah later.”

The elevator ride felt like an eternity. You bounced between your feet as the doors began to open. Beelining it to Peter’s room, you knocked on his door repeatedly. Moments passed until you heard heavy footsteps approach the door.

“Wh-what? What’s wrong?” Peter questioned as he strapped a web shooter on his wrist, “Y/N?” He was surprised to see you, especially after you and Bucky, “What… what’s up?”

“We- we moved pillows!” You blurted out.

“You… moved pillows? With who?” Peter’s mind was racing. What did you mean by that? Was moving pillows a new slang for something? “With Bucky?” He boldly questioned.

“What? No, with Bruce.” You corrected, “Well, I moved the pillows.”

“What pillows?” Peter stood in the doorway, mind attempting to keep up with you.

“In the lounge. The pillows on the couch. Bruce said he thought I could move things like Wanda, with my mind.”

“Uhuh…” Peter spoke.

“And I did, the pillows.” Peter stared back at you, “With my mind.” You studied Peter. He stared back at you, with the same lost expression on his face. Was he sick of you? “...Sorry. I just. I wanted to tell someone.”

Peter hated himself. Jealously clawed up his throat, “Who else did you tell?” Did you tell Bucky?

“No one… well Bruce knows. But he was there…” You began to fidget from Peter’s demeanor. You could not tell what the vibes were but you knew they were off, “obviously… I told you. Bruce was there.” Was telling him a bad idea? Should no one know?

“Right. No… yeah.” Peter attempted to shake the negative thoughts out of his head, “No… that’s cool.”

“I could have waited.” You replied, taking a step back, “I’m probably bothering you.” You turned in the direction of your room that was further down the hallway, “I’ll leave you alone.”

Peter watched as you began to walk away from him, not letting him get another word in. Without a thought, instead of reaching out to you, he shot a web shooter at your wrist and pulled.

You felt your shoulder almost dislocate from Peter’s strength, “F-Fuc-” You stumbled towards Peter, tripping over your own feet.

“Sorry! Sorry!” Peter apologized, repeatedly. Reaching out, he steadied you.

“Peter, what the fuck?” You questioned, attempting to catch your breath.

“Sorry, it-” He studied your face, your gaze burned into him, “Reflexes.”

You looked down at your wrist, studying the web fluid that wrapped around it. The web’s surface was surprisingly tough as you wrapped your free hand around it. Tugging on it, it was not budging, “Now what? I just have this on my wrist now?”

“N-No.” Peter spoke as he brought his hands to the webfluid. Taking it in his hands, he began ripping you free from the home-made fluid.

You studied his flexing muscles as he worked on freeing you, “Don’t…” You felt your stomach flip. Why did part of you like Peter shooting you with his webs and ripping you free? “Don’t do that again.”

“I said I was sorry.” Peter spoke, not daring to meet your gaze. The sight of Bucky and you talking so casually still occupied his mind, “and I said it was just reflexes.”

What was his problem?

“You almost ripped my arm off.” You talked back, “Now I probably have to like ice it or something.” As soon as Peter ripped the last large section of webs off your skin, you pulled your wrist out of his hold. You turned, heading back towards the elevator.

You left Peter’s side without saying goodbye. He thought about how you said goodbye to Bucky earlier. Peter took in a deep breath before heading back into his room, door sliding behind him.

Rolling your shoulder, you stood fuming in the elevator. Once again, it was the longest elevator ride of your life.

Walking back into the lounge’s connecting kitchen, you passed Bruce. He studied you as you stormed in, “What?” You questioned, temper rising. The kitchen cabinets vibrated around you.

“You…” Bruce spoke slowly, “Nothing. You just seem… tense.”

“Do I?” You questioned sarcastically. Opening the freezer, you dug through its contents, hoping to find a small bag to nurse your shoulder. Your eyes found a bag of frozen corn.

Perfect.

Placing the bag on your clothed shoulder, you turned to Bruce. “How do you do it?” You questioned.

“Do… what?”

“Not turn green every two seconds around here.” You bluntly spoke.

Bruce laughed quietly in front of you, “I do things, think of things that calm me.” He explained, “Maybe… you should too.”

“...Yeah.” You replied, pulling out your phone, “thanks. I’ll see you…” You blindly made your way back to the elevator as you sent a text. Soon the elevator doors opened and you made a right out of the elevator.