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Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 10:05 am
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As they entered the kitchen, they found Steve cooking already, Bucky, Steve’s constant shadow, sat on the counter a foot or two from the stove. The assassin had been looking at Steve, listening to the blond’s chatter when they came in, but as soon as he took notice of them, he stiffened and crossed his arms, staring at the window pointedly, though that in no way meant he was ignoring them. Steve looked over when they came in and smiled, greeting them lightly. He glanced at Bucky, but didn’t say anything. “Need any help?” Bruce asked as he retrieved another cup of ice for Loki, handing it to the god. Steve looked them over before nodding. “I think I can find something for you to do.” He smiled. Soon enough, he’d set up some vegetables that needed to be chopped at the island in the kitchen and then helped Loki settle into a stool there, half carrying the god without a complaint. That was about the time Bucky turned his attention to the god, examining him intensely, not for the first time.
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Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 6:08 pm
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Steve saw Loki retreating inward a little and frowned, tilting his head. He had no idea why Loki would react like that, but then he glanced to Bucky and sighed. “He won’t bother you.” Steve said slowly. “Bucky just hasn’t figured out how to tone down yet.” He said, reaching over and poking Bucky’s cheek, making the man turn a glower on Steve instead, one that Steve just gave a grin to, one that he’d rarely ever shown before, a mischievous, stubborn look that showed how much trouble he could get into and that seemed to click with Bucky and for a moment he didn’t look so intimidating, more like someone who’d put up with the same crazy crap for a long time as he rolled his eyes and looked to the window again, relaxing minutely as Steve gave his shoulder a careful pat. Steve still didn’t move too fast, broadcasting his intentions to Bucky, and he never hugged Bucky or held his hand unless Bucky initiated it, showing the damage that had been done. Bruce settled on a stool beside Loki. “Bucky doesn’t trust anyone but Steve, so don’t feel awkward. He’s getting used to a few of us. Natasha and Sam he doesn’t mind too much. Tony, because he has to let him repair the arm on occasion. He doesn’t even let me near him to help.” Bruce murmured quietly so only Loki heard.
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Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 7:09 pm
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Bucky was a little more relaxed and not intent on Loki when Steve turned back to his cooking. The soldier began humming some tune or other, singing a few words under his breath every now and then, and soon enough Bucky was about as relaxed as he could be with others in the room, arms still crossed over his chest, but shoulders dropped and the tension leaving his jaw. Only after he’d hit that state did Steve start talking to Loki and Bruce. “You two doing okay?” he asked lightly, giving Loki a once over from his spot at the stove. “Haven’t really gotten a chance to talk.” He added. Bucky glanced at Steve when he spoke, then at the others, before turning his attention back to the window, though it was obvious that he was listening, alert as always.
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Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 7:46 pm
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Steve frowned slightly at the response he got. It really wasn’t what he was asking, and he knew it was defensive on Loki’s part. At first he thought Loki had a problem with him, but then he realized it was Bucky that Loki seemed so unsure about. It hurt a little. Steve wanted so desperately to have his friends and life here, but also have Bucky, but the assassin stuck out so badly amongst the group, it made everything hard. Of course he understood. Bucky had to be handled with extreme care, and he was still dangerous and volatile, but he hated seeing people treat him differently. As the conversation was dropped, Bruce glanced around everyone and tried to make the effort of speaking. “Loki’s fine, we both are. We were just enjoying the evening outside. It’s been a nice day. Perhaps when it’s a bit cooler outside, it would be nice to have a barbeque before fall really sets in.” he suggested.
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