Chapter Text
Aveline watched as Bruce and Clint boarded the elevator before speaking. “You know, instead of eaves dropping, you could have spoken up.” Turning to her right, she frowned at the glimmer that moved in front of her. “Wade.”
“Ok, ok, I wanted to check on you without anyone asking why.” Sighing, Wade pulled the hood over his head and grinned. “Forgot you would know by air displacement.”
“You're just tired, go to bed, I'll be up in a few.” Giving him a smile, Aveline turned to the easel behind her. She studied the picture, staring at it blankly. What is he doing here? How did he know I was here, specifically? Does he mean to..
“Av?” Wade frowned, watching as the bracelet's flashed. “You alright?” He waited until she turned to him, a smile curving her lips. “What's on your mind, angel face?”
“You're just as worried as Bruce and Tony, aren't you?” Aveline studied the silent man in front of her. “I'm not crazy, Wade. I'm just..”
“You said there were flashes, of what? Of you two some where doing something? Was he hurting you or..” Breaking off, Wade sighed. “Yeah, I'm fucking worried and I know you're not crazy. You're just..” Shaking his head, he frowned. “You're just acting weirder than me so yeah, even I'm worried.” Anytime she acts weirder than me, I have to be the sane one and that takes to much trouble.
“Why are they here, Wade?” Running a hand through her hair, Aveline sighed in frustration. “Specifically, why is he here? Jim said they're here to help but..”
“But..what? What about him, angel face?” Wade watched as Aveline paced in front of him. “Is it just Barnes or both of them?”
No matter what happens, bidadari, don't forget me.
Shaking her head, Aveline stopped in front of Wade. “You know the history between us. The last time I saw him he was trying to..” Aveline broke off, a frown of confusion curving her lips down. “He was yelling at someone, I don't..”
No! You need to leave, if they find you here with me..
I am not leaving you! If they take you in they will just wipe your memory again! Please, James, don't do this!
If it will save you two that's all that matters! Now go, take Wade and leave!
“I don't remember but some thing's happened, Wade, things that involve him, specifically.” Looking at Wade, Aveline studied the silent man. She knew his tells, when he was hiding something, when he would lie to her. She could also tell when he knew something she didn't. And Wade knew something she didn't about one, James Barnes. “What did he say when you talked to him?” Turning, Aveline moved in front of an easel, smiling at the picture of Bruce in a tuxedo.
Wade frowned, studying the easels closest to him. “Nothing really, he said he doesn't remember anything and that they're only here to help.” Glancing over at Aveline, he didn't miss the small frown, or the slight twitch of her left hand. Eyes narrowing, he waited before he saw it again. What the hell is that about? She's never twitched before, no matter what's on her mind, she's never had that happen. Thoughts going over the past few hours, Wade shook his head. “Which of these are mine and which are for everyone else?” When she looked up, a smile curving her lips, Wade grinned. “I mean, we all know you love Tony but when it comes to me..” He waved a hand over himself with a grin. “We all know who you love best.”
“Actually, this year's show is about big brother.” Aveline laughed in pleasure. “We are introducing the Banner Collection.”
Wade grinned, stretching as he stood up and looked around. “Well, it's about damn time. Finally, the world gets to see just how sexy scientist can really be.” He leered at a picture of Tony and Bruce. “The hair and those eyes, the world isn't ready for them both.”
Laughing, Aveline studied the picture in front of her. “Well, we will help them get ready. Bruce and Tony have given so much to the world and to me, it's time I share that generosity.”
Wade grinned as he moved through the easels. He stopped in front of one with Abraham, Aveline, and himself. She's painting everyone from memory. Not sure I should be flattered or..
“Wade?”
Turning, Wade wasn't surprised to find Aveline watching him. “Yes, angel?”
“Do you think Sam will be cleared? Our last outing wasn't the best but..” Aveline frowned as she thought about her wingman. “Do you think Sam would want to go on vacation as well?”
Wade nodded, moving to the next row of easels. “Well, you know we're all down for some fun and relaxation.” Expression turning thoughtful, Wade chuckled. “Yeah, I think Sam wouldn't mind a vacation as well.”
“Good, we're making plans to visit Sumba, so I'll let you know what we decide.” Picking up a paintbrush, Aveline studied the smiling man in front of her. She couldn't wait to see the other man, to finally have him standing in front of her with a warm, welcoming smile. Aveline knew she would breath better once she could see that Sam was truly alright. Maybe by then she'll remember what she needed to about James Buchannon Barnes.
Shaking his head, Wade moved over to where Aveline stood. “Well, I'm going back to bed, don't stay up to late, alright?”
“I won't, going to finish up a few outfits for Abie and Ben.” Looking up at the blond next to her, Aveline smiled. “This years show is going to be one of the greatest ever.” At Wade's nod, she let out a soft breath. “I'll see you for breakfast?”
“If you're cooking, of course.” Wade grinned before leaning over and giving Aveline a hug. “You know, if I wasn't sure Bruce would kill me..”
“Get out Wade or I just might let him.” Laughing, Aveline pushed Wade towards the elevators. She waited until the doors closed behind him before calling out to Jarvis. “J, save everything and bring up a private screen.” When the easel's and hologram's disappeared, Aveline turned to the screen behind here. “Show me Sgt. Barnes, J. Is he and Captain Rogers still awake?”
“Currently both men appear to be resting. Would you like to speak to Sgt. Barnes?”
“No! I-I mean, no, just..” Stomach churning, Aveline glanced at the elevators. “Lock down the studio and show me Sgt. Barnes.” Aveline waited as the windows in the studio went dark. Turning back to the screen behind her, she pulled up two more screens. “Show me Bruce and Tony, too, J.” When the images of both men appeared, she let out a soft breath. “At least they're resting, they don't do enough of that.” Turning to the screen showing Bucky, she paused, watching the brunette as he tossed and turned. “What's on your mind, James, what is it that currently keeps you from sleeping peacefully?”
Bucky rolled to his side, sighing in frustration. How did he know about Junior and her dual personality? Why did it bother him so much to see Wade flirting with her?
The questions raced around in his head, making him frustrated and confused. He knew Aveline held the answers, problem was getting past those who stood between them. He knew getting past Wade wouldn't be easy but he could do it. It would be getting past Bruce and Tony that would pose an issue. They were protective of her, obsessively so. Getting anytime alone with Aveline would be almost next to impossible.
Letting out an angry huff, Bucky rolled to his back. Running a hand through his hair, he stared up at the ceiling. He was surprised at the mural above him, eyes narrowing in concentration. He could make out the images of himself, Steve, Howard, Peggy, Eli, and Jim. Wondered if any of them had mourned him. Were any of them previous targets? He'd been told about the deaths of Howard and his wife. Had fled from his captors after remembering he'd been the one to kill his friend. It hadn't been until he'd met Aveline, had he really begun to question the things he'd been forced to do.
She had been beautiful, chestnut curls with blond highlights framing her face. Her smile had made his stomach clench and his heart pound. He'd met many women through out his tortured and fragmented life but she..no matter how many memory wipes he'd had, she never left his memory.
The first he can remember seeing her, it was as if she had imprinted on hm. She was seventeen, just graduating high school, and the cousin to his current target. He'd done his usual mission recon. Matching schedules, checking out the targets usual patterns, and observing those who surrounded them. Bucky had been ready to fulfill his mission until she had turned and looked in his direction. The sight of bright, laughing green eyes and a wide, care free smile, made him stop and wonder. Tony and Bruce had been standing with her, taking pictures and laughing with those around them. They had looked happy, safe among their friends, why would one of them be his target?
Bucky had been prepared to pull the trigger until their eyes met. He'd held the wide, curious gaze until someone spoke to her and she broke contact. He'd never wanted to know someone as desperately as he'd wanted to know her.
Years later, they'd come across each other in a bistro in Southern France. She had been on vacation and Bucky had been on the run from a bounty hunter. Until he'd seen her, heard her laugh, and had forgotten everything but her. He'd spent the day getting to know her, enjoying the wide, smiling green eyes and open, care free expression.
Over the years, they would see each other off and on. They had spent time together, had gotten to know each other despite the years of separation. Until almost seven years ago..when he was sent to Istanbul under the guise of finding a defector. He'd crossed paths with Aveline and Wade, almost getting himself killed.
Bucky hadn't remembered her then, his memory being wiped after his missions. He did notice the bright green eyes were no longer laughing. The once open expression was hard with hatred and rage. He didn't know the woman in front of him because the expression was one he'd never seen from her. He had, however, remembered the man behind her, having sparred with him on more than one occasion.
The hard blue gaze blazed with rage, matching the green one staring back at him. Bucky had taken them both on, aware that to run would more than likely get him killed. It hadn't been until a lucky punch to Wade, had he been given a chance to get away.
Wade had gone down and Bucky had run. He'd glanced back once to see..to verify that the woman who haunted his memories had not just tried to kill him. He'd held the turbulent gaze, heart twisting at the pain on her face. Bucky had pushed back the urge to go to her, to comfort her and tell her that it was alright. Instead, he'd turned and left, disappearing into the cold, dark night.
It wasn't until his capture by Steve in Tripoli, was he allowed to keep his memories. For months, he'd dealt with fragments of his past. Bits and pieces of memories filled with people he'd once known or had been forced to execute. He'd fought against the terrors that plagued his dreams, trying to escape the voices that chased him.
Until a familiar face had breached the memories. Wide, green eyes watched him, the soft voice whispering to Bucky grounded him, chasing away the other more demanding ones. He'd never told Steve of the dreams, selfishly wanting to keep them to himself. The idea being that some how, if he held on to them, they would eventually meet again. Bucky never expected to find her in the one place he'd tried to hide.
Closing his eyes, Bucky ignored the sounds of Steve moving around in his room. He knew the other was restless, the need to be active a constant itch under his skin. He understood Steve's mood, felt the desire to get out and do more exploring. To find out more about the new group of people that now surrounded them.
Shaking his head, Bucky forced himself to slow his breathing and calm his thoughts. He wouldn't deny he'd felt something when their eye met. She had studied him with open curiosity, eyes wide while giving him a shy smile. Bucky would admit that her blush had affected him as well. His stomach had tightened in awareness at the action, the desire to protect her spreading through his system.
A memory had fluttered at the back of his mind, one of a flushed face, and wide, dilated green eyes. The distant sound of a soft, breathless voice had echoed in his head. Bucky had to force himself to sit next to Steve during the game. Sneaking glances at the woman across the room and the blond man sitting silently beside her.
Bucky had read the file on Wade and his involvement with the other three. How close he was to Aveline, personally, was what bothered Bucky the most. He'd watched as she would turn to Wade, a smile curving her lisp as her hands waved towards the television. They had been discussing the baseball game and eating wings. Bucky had watched as Aveline would lick her fingers clean after each piece. It had been a simple action but it was enough to make his heart race and his stomach tighten.
Sighing, Bucky ran a hand across his chest, letting it rest over his heart. He didn't remember everything about her, not as much as he'd like but he remembered enough. Enough to know that she recognized him..knew him on a different level. A level he desperately wanted to get back to.
Glancing back up at the ceiling, Bucky wondered where the camera's were, if any. He got the feeling Tony was the type that didn't take another's privacy into consideration. Unless they were Bruce or Aveline. Studying the ceiling, Bucky felt a smile curve his lips. Is she watching me? If I tell her goodnight, would she even respond?
No matter what happens, bidadari, don't forget me.
Bucky heard the words, a distant echo to someone he had been trying to save. Did she forget me? Does she remember what happened or is she stumbling through the dark like I am? Does she even want to remember me?
When his tablet beeped, Bucky blinked in surprise. Reaching over for the small device, he frowned to find a new file under the tab for Aveline. Pressing the small icon, Bucky was surprised to find a photo of them in Paris. It had been one of the very few they had taken together and he'd always kept it hidden.
“How did she get this? I wouldn't have..” Bucky broke off as a message popped up on the screen.
“Goodnight, James, I wish you sweet dreams.”
Letting out a soft breath, Bucky grinned. Maybe being able to talk to her wouldn't be so difficult after all.
Aveline let out a soft breath, aware that sending the message and photo would have repercussions. Especially with Tony and Bruce, but she couldn't resist the lost look on Bucky's face. When he'd smiled at the tablet, she knew he'd gotten the file and quickly closed the screen. Face warm, Aveline shook her head as she looked up at the screens showing Bruce and Tony. She hoped that whatever was between Bucky and herself didn't hurt them. Or force her to make a choice, because if it came down to it, she would always pick Tony and Bruce..no matter what.