#marvel imainge

“Darling,” the morning rasp of Daniel’s voice caused your ears to perk up. You loved it when his voice got like that. You’d do anything to hear his voice like that. You felt the bed shift around beside you. “Darling,” Daniel repeated again, this time you felt his hand on your face.

You opened one eye and saw that Daniel had sat up on his right arm. He brushed the hair from your face and smiled down at you once he saw you fully open your eyes. His dark brown eyes never left your face. You knew exactly what he was going to say. 

“I know,” your voice was soft as you said it first. “I gotta get up and catch my flight.” You felt like your heart was about to burst saying it out loud. 

You had spent the last two weeks in Germany with your boyfriend. It was the first time in almost three months that you and Daniel had any kind of quality time together. Daniel had taken you to his favorite places, again, and that included his restaurant, for the millionth time. It had been a blast until last night when you realized that it would be your last night with him. You had to go back home to the states for your next job. You weren’t sure when you would see him next and that made your heart ache.

Distance was cruel sometimes.

Daniel and you met in Atlanta while you were working on the set of Captain America: Civil War. You were just a crew member and your number one rule, it was a huge rule for you and you alone, was to never get involved with an actor. That was due to their busy schedules and the fact that you would most likely never see them for months at a time. 

That all changed when you weren’t paying attention to where you were walking and bumped right into Daniel. His coffee had spilled everywhere on the front of his shirt and yours. You had been horrified but, luckily, for you, he wasn’t filming yet and it was just a random shirt. He brushed the whole incident off and insisted that you didn’t need to clean it.

The two of you started out as friends, talking and getting to know each other. While working on set, he’d take you out for coffee. Evans and Mackie teased you all the time about it, but the teasing never bothered you. Out of all the people you communicated with on a daily basis, Daniel was the one you talked to the most. It never seemed weird to you. You loved talking to him and talking to him made everything about your day feel better. Daniel had become a safe place for you and it didn’t take you long to realize you had feelings for the German-Spanish actor. You began to crave his presence each and every day while working on set.

It wasn’t until about a year later, after the very last scene you worked on Civil War, you guys ran into each other again. This time in London, you were working on another film and ran into him while dining at a small restaurant. The two of you hung around the restaurant until it was super late. You didn’t want to go your separate ways so you invited him back to your hotel room for a couple more drinks. It didn’t take long for things to heat up and the clothes to come off.

That was nearly four years ago.

Four years of making a relationship work with an actor, despite the number one rule you had, had years ago.

“I’ve enjoyed our time together,” You could hear the sadness creeping into Daniel's voice. He didn’t want you to leave at all either. He loved being with you because you brought out the good in him. He won’t admit it to you, but he hated the time and distance away from you. He wished that he could wake up to you every morning and fall asleep with you in his arms.

 “It’s such a shame you have to go back.” His fingers traced around your bare shoulders, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “I had so much more planned.”

You took a deep breath and sat up into a sitting position. Daniel soon followed. “I wish there was more time, but I gotta get back to start this new project.”

Your job wasn't hard, but it was very demanding. You got to travel the world with well known actors, directors, stunt doubles, etc. and everything was paid for. It paid well so when you had breaks from traveling, you had a little apartment in the suburbs of your hometown that you would stay in for a month or two. It was nicely furnished and whenever you traveled, you let your brother stay there to take care of your two cats. 

Daniel bit his bottom lip and sighed real deep. “I know, I know,” you spoke Daniel's unspoken thoughts before he could. “One day, there won’t be time nor distance between us.” 

“I know,” Daniel whispered as he brushed hair out of your face. “Why don’t I help you pack up your things while you shower, my love.” 

The rest of the time, it was silent. It always was whenever one of you had to leave. You showered while Daniel packed up your things. You contemplated staying an extra day and calling your boss about the delay. One more day couldn’t hurt. When you stepped out of the shower and got dressed, you noticed your bags sitting by the door. Your jacket, laying on top. 

The two of you went around the corner to the small little coffee shop that you loved. Once the two of you ate and had a small cup of coffee, Daniel called you a taxi and helped you load up. Before you could get into the backseat, Daniel took hold of your upper arm and spun you around. Before you could even open your mouth to ask what was wrong, Daniel's lips were already pressing against yours. You sighed and melted right into his arms. 

“I love you,” Daniel whispered into your ear before kissing the side of your head. 

“I love you, too,” You loosened your hands and let go of the front of his shirt. When you looked up, you saw the softest smile on Daniel’s face. “I’ll call you when I land,”  you stepped back and settled yourself into the taxi. 

“I look forward to that.” 

As the taxi pulled away, you looked behind and watched as the man of your dreams grew smaller and smaller. You hated this feeling more than anything. You hated that you had to go or that he had to go. You hated everything about your situation and arrangement.

Distance was cruel.

Training with Natasha, or Nat as everyone referred to her as, was kind of a challenge that Nadia welcomed with open arms. Natasha never once went easy on her and Nadia was thankful she didn’t. Nadia learned a few of Natasha’s blind spots and weaknesses. By the end of their session, Nadia finally was able to get Natasha on her back. Natasha smiled and gave her an approving smile.

Training with Wanda proved difficult as well. Her mind reading always had the upper hand and Nadia had to learn how to channel her own thoughts to try and trick Wanda. The red thing that she does with her hands, Clint had reason to be scared of it. Nadia hated it when Wanda used it on her during training. At the end Wanda would always come up and make sure Nadia was okay.

Training with the others was just as easy as training with Clint but they were just slightly better than him. That was until they decided to bring out their suits and gadgets. Sam was easy to predict when was in his Falcon suit. James Rhodes, or as everyone called him, Rhodey, too. When they did that, they were challenging but easy to over come. Tony wasn’t particularly fond that Nadia bested is best friend that he refused to train with Nadia. No amount of convincing that Steve did could get Tony to train with her. Nadia didn’t mind. She would have to just learn about Tony’s tactics in the field which she was okay with.

In between her training, Nadia found herself relaxing or going out for a drink with either Natasha or Wanda or both. The two women were so welcoming, and Natasha, even though she scared the shit out of Nadia, was an easy person to talk to. Wanda knew how to approach you depending on your mood and thoughts. In the end, they were like sisters to Nadia and she could tell them just about anything.

Well, almost everything.

Nadia couldn’t tell them or even think about her attraction to Bucky Barnes. When she learned the name of the metal armed man, she couldn’t help but smile a bit when she could finally put a name with the face that she saw in her dreams at night. She wanted to keep it a secret for as long as she could until Wanda picked up on it or before Natasha saw her checking Bucky out if he passed by while working.

Nadia still hadn’t really met Bucky. Bucky always kept to himself most of the time unless it involved meetings with Steve or overseeing parts of Nadia’s training. He didn’t really speak during those times but Nadia would see him whisper something to Steve. The look in his eyes always held a mysterious look. It made Nadia want to learn more about it.

One day after some intense training with Vision, Nadia least favorite opponent, Nadia went to Natasha and asked about Bucky. Nadia had to make it look casual though. She couldn’t sound too excited when asking Natasha.

“Hey Nat,” Nadia walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water. “What’s the deal with Barnes?” Nadia wasn’t going to lie, she liked the sound of his last name coming off her tongue. “He’s so, statue like and mysterious with the way he looks at things.”

Natasha looked up at Nadia from the paper she was reading. “Barnes is Steve’s longest and oldest friend.” Natasha set the paper down and folded her hands. “The two of them joined the Army back in forty-five. Barnes was thought to have died in action. Turned out he was captured by Hydra. Turned into a super solider and brainwashed. He killed Tony’s parents and it took a long time for Tony to somewhat forgive him for it, cause you know brainwashing. Um,” Natasha looked down at her hands. “It took a while to undo what Hydra did to him. But according to Steve, he’s the Bucky he knows and trusts.”

“Is there anything else?” Nadia looked out the kitchen window to see Bucky and Steve carrying stuff from a truck. Nadia then remembered the party that Tony had planned. It was tonight. Nadia wasn’t exactly thrilled with that, she hated being the center of attention. But maybe it would give Nadia a chance to meet and speak with Bucky before they train together.

“He has nightmares every now and then,” Natasha followed Nadia’s gaze. “Oh yeah, that’s tonight. Do you have anything to wear? I might have something that might fit you.”

Nadia wasn’t really paying attention. Her focus was more on Bucky carrying things into the building. He carried things so effortlessly without breaking a sweat. Bucky laughed at something Steve said and his eyes met Nadia’s. He nodded while still smiling and continued on his way. Nadia’s heart may have just skipped a beat.

“That’s new,” Wanda’s voice startled Nadia to where she dropped the glass in her hands. Fortunately it didn’t shatter at all. “So that’s why you start reciting random songs and shit whenever he’s around. That way I don’t see you checking him out or thinking about him.”

Nadia quickly picked up the glass and set it in the sink. She turned to the two women who were now very interested in Nadia and what she had kept from them. Natasha was raising an eyebrow with a little smirk on her face. It clicked in Natasha’s head why Nadia asked about Bucky in the first place. Wanda stared at Nadia with her arms crossed.

“Fine, okay,” Nadia gave up her little secret. But if this were going to Nadia’s life now, she had to open up some more. “Yes I think he’s attractive and yes I asked about him to get a run down of him. There’s no harm in it at all, and to frank,” Nadia started to leave waving her hands. “I don’t think he could like me. Plus I don’t do office romance shit.”

Nadia disappeared around he corner leaving Wanda and Natasha exchanging looks. Nadia then peeked back around and eyed Natasha. “I do need something to wear, I don’t have anything nice for a party.”

Nadia stared at herself in the mirror.

Natasha had a nice little black dress that fit Nadia perfectly. It hugged her curves in all the right places and gave her breast a little push up. Natasha even did her hair up in a braid with some loose strands hanging here and there. It surprised Nadia when she saw the sparkle in Natasha’s eyes when she did this for her. Even her make-up.

“It’s natural and subtle. Perfect for you and you don’t even need lip color.” Natasha stepped aside and looked over Nadia. “You look beautiful.” That being said, it put Nadia in good spirits.

Once at the party, Nadia was the center of attention. Which she hated. The way people had flaunted around her made her clam up and force a smile. She resorted into automated answers like “Nice to meet you.” “Oh yes, its been really nice here.” “Everyone’s nice.” “It’s been lovely meeting you.” When Nadia thought she escaped one group of people, another engulfed her in conversation.

It was a lot for her and all Nadia wanted to do was make her way to the open bar and down a shot of bourbon. No, not a shot, probably the whole bottle. Nadia wondered if this was Tony’s way of having the upper hand from the meeting some days before. If so, she knew how to play this game. She made a mental note to send a glitter bomb to Tony to make him see that she can out petty him.

Maybe.

Just when Nadia thought she escaped the sixth group of people, she turned around and bumped right into Tony. Guessing that the woman on his arm was Pepper. Nadia threw on her fake smile and smoothed out the dress she wore.

“Alexis,” Tony said reaching out a hand. Nadia let it slide and took his hands and shook it firmly. “I hope you’re enjoying the night. Didn’t Pepper did an amazing job planning this.”

Nadia looked at Pepper with a smile. “It’s beautiful and Tony,” Nadia put on the sweetest voice. “I’ve told you to call me Nadie. I don’t want to called my dead brother’s nickname.” Total lie, Nikola was Nik to just about everyone. But it didn’t beat the look on Tony’s face when Pepper lightly slapped him, scolding him for being so inconsiderate.

It gave Nadia time to make her escape and finally make her way to the open bar. When she turned back, Tony was staring at her. The look he gave her, he knew she was messing with him. It also made her pull out her phone from her dress pocket, something that Nadia loved, and pulled up the glitter bomb site.

“Bourbon,” she told the bartender when he asked what she wanted.

“Bourbon?” the bartender asked. “Are you sure? We something that’s a bit lighter.”

Nadia looked up at the young bartender. He must have been fresh out of school and was probably needing money to pay back all those loans. The look on his face was pretty innocent so Nadia knew that he didn’t mean anything rude towards her. Probably just looking out for her well being. Nadia opened her mouth to say something but someone had beaten her to it.

“If the pretty lady says bourbon, you give the pretty lady her bourbon,” The voice wasn’t familiar to Nadia. It was smooth not too deep, and almost raspy. It sent a small shiver down Nadia’s spine. “Make it two bourbons, though.”

Nadia watched the young bartender hurry to get the two drinks ready. Poor guy was flustered and whoever spoke still stood next Nadia. Nadia made the decision to turn to the her left and who she saw was the one person she didn’t except to see here.

Bucky stood there with a small smile on his face. His dark hair was pulled back into a hair band. His face was clean shaven too. Bucky wore a custom made suit because of his metal arm. He didn’t look too comfortable in it but Nadia wasn’t going to lie to herself, it looked good on him.

“I didn’t except to see you here,” Nadia said taking a deep breath.

The drinks were placed on the counter. Bucky grabbed both of them and handed one to Nadia. Nadia took it and took a big gulp. “Yeah, this isn’t normally my kind of scene. I was about ready to leave when I saw you trying to make your way over here. I could see it plain as day that you hate this party too. I also saw the opportunity to introduce myself.”

Nadia’s jaw almost dropped. Bucky had been watching her. “Well, I mean, I know your name is Bucky.” Took another drink.

“That’s just a nickname Steve gave to me growing up.” Bucky sipped on his drink. “My real name is James.”

Nadia felt the bourbon start to kick in. “Are you saying that I should call you James,” she smirked.

Bucky laughed a little. “No, you can call me whatever you want, Doll.” Nadia wasn’t sure if doll was something he called girls because of the time period he’s from, but it didn’t matter. Nadia liked it. “Should we get out of here?” Bucky asked after taking another drink.

Nadia furrowed her eyebrows and tilted her head to the side. “You want me to run from my own party?” she asked.

Bucky reached behind the bar counter and grabbed the bourbon bottle. Without the young bartender seeing. Or even if he saw, he didn’t make a move to stop a man with a metal arm. “Yeah, why not? It’s not fun anyway. Stark did this just to boost his ego more.”

Nadia bite her lip and looked behind her to see if anyone, such as Wanda or Natasha were watching her. When she couldn’t see them or anyone the knew or recognized for that matter, she turned back to Bucky who had been waiting for her answer. “Sure, why not.”

Nadia and Bucky found themselves outside sitting on the curb. They shared the bourbon bottle while they swapped stories about anything the two were willing to share. Some war stories from when they were in the army. Some mission stories Bucky thought was worth sharing like one time Sam Wilson got caught in a pine tree and it nearly blew the whole mission. Nadia told the story about how her brother almost got caught by his commanding officer and started to pull shit out of his ass. That story left Nadia in laughter and tears. Bucky had laughed hard as well.

“Your brother sounds fucking amazing,” Bucky handed the bottle to Nadia who took a sip.

“He was pretty fucking amazing,” Nadia said softly and she saw the expression change on Bucky’s face.

“I’m so sorry,” he said looking he deep in her eyes as he put the pieces together. Bucky saw the sadness creep in and knew that it was a sore subject. “I didn’t know.”

Nadia flashed a forced smile. “It’s okay, how could you have known.” she took the bottle from Bucky and took a long drink. Nadia wasn’t ready for this kind of conversation but she got herself there. She really didn’t owe Bucky anything but part of her felt like she had to. He was her team member right?

“His name was Nikola,” Nadia gave Bucky a smile. “We were Irish twins. He was a New Years baby while a few months later on Saint Patricks Day, I was conceived. Born a few days shy of Christmas.” Nadia laughed. She recalled her father jokingly telling her that she was a drunken mistake. “We gave our parents hell growing up. We enlisted at the same time. Shipped to boot camp the same time, obviously different bases. We always had each others backs despite the distance between us.”

Bucky leaned forward and brushed a stray tear that had escaped Nadia’s eyes. The action surprised her and felt nice at the same time. She hadn’t realized that she had let a few tears escape. Nadia knew that she still wasn’t over her brother’s death for various reasons but she didn’t know that it still brought her to tears.

“How? If I may ask?” Bucky let his hand linger a little longer than he should have. After a minute he slowly pulled back and took a long drink, knowing the alcohol wouldn’t do anything to his super human body. He was surprised by his actions as well.

“Our units somehow got merged together and our outpost was a building that was supposed to secure. At midnight it blew up, leaving him dead and me injured and discharged.” Nadia took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. It was beautiful. The stars shined just perfectly here because the compound wasn’t located smack dap in the middle of the city. The bright city lights would drown them out.

“I’m sorry, that must have been hard,’ Bucky said.

“It was, but it opened up this opportunity,” Nadia looked back at Bucky with a smile. “I’ve made some pretty good friends. One who I haven’t been able to train with.” Nadia eyed Bucky with a small smirk. “Any weaknesses or such I should be aware of?”

“Aside from pretty girls who drink their liquor straight?” Bucky laughed. “I guess you’ll have to see when the day comes.”

Nadia rolled her eyes. “Come on, you’ve seen me train and probably have pin pointed weak points and blind spots.” Bucky side eyes Nadia with a smirk. “Okay,” she stood up taking the bourbon with her. “I guess, let the best man or woman win.”

“You’re on,” Bucky stood up.

“There you two are,” Steve’s voice brought Nadia and Bucky back to the reality there was a party going on. “Nadia, people have asked where you are.”

“Good, it’ll teach Stark to not call me Alexis. If that doesn’t work I have a glitter bomb being sent to him either way.” Bucky, who had taken the bourbon from Nadia, choked back on it. He didn’t dare say anything but smile at Nadia.

“I’m going to pretend that I didn’t hear that,” Steve said crossing his arms. “I’ve seen how you fight and honestly it scares me almost as much as Natasha’s fighting scares me. Speaking of, you and Bucky are training first thing in the morning. Then in the afternoon, you and I are training. Don’t be too sick.” Steve turned to leave but turned back around. “Also, Vision has voiced he won’t train with you.”