It was now Friday, I'd been up and walking on my own for a couple of days now. Sam and I had got our ice cream but I was still awaiting my all you can eat buffet with Bucky. I didn't mind though, Bucky had spent pretty much every night with me making sure I was OK and didn't have any other episodes like when he ran me a bath. I still wasn't able to bathe normally just yet but we had moved from bucket baths to sink baths so I was doing it in the bathroom which was a big step, we'd also figured out a way to wash my hair in the sink which was good. He'd not told anyone about my episodes either which I was thankful for. The last thing I needed was people worrying about me when they didn't have too. 

I looked in the mirror at the dress which hung to my now much skinner body having not eaten properly when I was taken, I didn't look bad but it just didn't wow me. Nat, Wanda and I were taking a girls day to get something new for my return party and of course neither of them would let me rock up in jeans or my sweat pants which I'd been wearing a lot more recently. I stepped out of the changing room and saw Wanda and Nat stood there. 

"I feel like it's too long, you know" Nat said as she tilted her head and looked at me, "Like it's got my head turning but not snapping round like we want" You mean like you want Nat. Speaking of the party none of us had been able to get in touch with Clint so I'd still not seen him, texts and calls had been made but coming back undelivered. He'd best be OK. "Arielle... Are you even listening?" I jumped out of my train of thought and focused back on the girls.

"Here... Try this one on" Wanda chuckled as she handed me a dress, I went back to the changing room and pulled the curtain on, slipping the current dress off and hanging it up on the hanger it had come with. This new one I was trying on was a beige skin tight dress, looks like it stops mid thigh, long sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. I slipped it on and gave myself a once over in the mirror, OK this one I did like. It was plain and simple... It was me. I pulled the curtain back and watched Wanda's face drop as she nudged Nat who was looking at the other side of the room. 

"OK yes. One million times yes! If you don't get that for yourself and wear it tonight I'm buying it for you" she gasped as I rolled my eyes,

"I've not got the willpower to try anything else on so I will be buying this" I laughed as Wanda motioned for me to twirl. I did a 360 turn and she nodded,

"Yes. Go and get your own clothes back on, then we'll grab some food, you can get your haircut and we'll head back?" Wanda asked as I nodded, I've been in dire need of a haircut for a while I just haven't taken the time to get one. I am debating getting a drastic cut, my long hair usually goes to my lower back, I'm thinking maybe upper back length? I'll probably make an impulsive decision and decide when I'm there, thankfully Bucky had helped me wash my hair this morning so I had an excuse not to get a wash cut and dry too. It didn't take long before I was in the comfort of my own clothes and paying for my dress. As we were walking towards whatever food place Nat and Wanda had settled on we passed a shop which Wanda dragged us in.

"Underwear hmmm... Is Vision getting a treat tonight?" Nat smirked as Wanda blushed,

"It's more for me than him, something about a fresh, matching pair of underwear just gives me an insane amount of confidence" she admitted as I nodded,

"I know exactly what you mean" I added on as we began looking around, 

"So when do you think you'll find a man Arielle?" Wanda questioned as she looked for her size in a set she'd found,

"I think she's already found one. Her and Sam went on an ice cream date the other day" Nat teased as I chuckled, oh if only they both knew.

"Sam and I are just really good friends. We've got the same humour and he's sort of taken on a brotherly role to me" I defended as Wanda nodded,

"What happened with Steve? Like did he ever make a move after the kiss or after buying that date?" she questioned as I shook my head,

"Maybe he'll make a move tonight" Nat wiggled her eyebrows,

"If he knows what's good for him he won't" I said a little too quickly as the girls looked at me funnily, "You know... Cause Nat will probably beat him up" I covered as they both chuckled. That was a good cover up.

"Hey I'm just going to try these on, you coming Wanda?" Nat asked as she glanced at her, Wanda shook her head,

"You go ahead, I already know my size here" Nat walked off to the changing rooms as Wanda raised her eyebrow at me. "You know I can read minds right..." Shit. "I know all about you and Bucky" she admitted, panic flew across my face, "I'm not going to tell anyone though. Don't worry, I've known since you both kissed and watching you now that I know that, it's blatantly obvious. I think you're both good together, he's good with you" she smiled at me as I blushed,

"Thanks Wand" I smiled at her,

"So tell me how it's going!" she jumped for joy as I let out a giggle,

"It's actually going really well. He's stayed with me since I've woken up to make sure I'm OK, he helped me walk again, it's still early days but I'm as happy as I can be. With him everything is just easier" I had to admit, it was nice to be able to talk to someone about this, I've wanted to tell Nat for ages but I know she'd make a big deal out of it and that's the last thing I wanted. Before long, Nat, Wanda and I were sat in a boothe eating our food, we'd come to some American Diner and I'd ordered myself a burger and Nat was currently snapping a photo as I shoved it into my mouth.

"I swear sometimes you're just like a man when you eat" she joked as I nodded and swallowed my mouthful,

"I like my food. What can I say? Maybe I was obese in my past life" I chuckled, taking a sip of my orange juice and placing it back on the coaster

~~

"Wow" Wanda said as she walked into my room,

"Some of my best work I'd say. She looks like a million bucks" Nat smirked as she stepped to one side. I had to say, I felt like a million bucks. For once in my life I felt like I had all the confidence in the world, "Is everyone here?" Wanda nodded and Nat walked to the door,

"You coming gorgeous?" Wanda asked as I nodded and walked over to them. We walked down the corridor and towards the lift,

"Is everyone already there?" I asked as the lift opened,

"Yeah, I made sure we were fashionably late, don't worry. We're about to make the entrances of all entrances" she chuckled as she pressed the bottom floor and we began to descend, "Apparently a few other people are coming too, old agents of SHIELD and such. We'll go and get a few drinks first, tonight is the night we get you unable to walk again" Wanda joked as Nat and I laughed along, I heard the faint sound of music which gradually became louder as we got lower and lower. The doors opened and Nat and Wanda pushed me out first, eyes turning our way, my eyes scanned the room for Bucky. There's Steve, Sam, Tony, Clint, Bruc- CLINT! A smile wider than the atlantic ocean fell on my face as he outstretched his arms and ran at me, engulfing me in a hug.

"Oh my little mermaid, I've missed you" he muttered into my neck as he pulled away,

"I-I didn't know you were coming" I said as I looked up at him,

"I managed to get some form of a signal a couple of days ago. Nat told me all about the party and I flew straight over" he informed me as Nat came up behind me and smiled,

"Thought it'd be a nice little surprise for you" she chuckled as Wanda followed her, thankfully the eyes had left us all to our reunion and Clint draped his arm over my shoulder,

"Now let's get you a drink!" he chuckled as he walked me over to the bar, Nat immediately went behind it and began making whatever concoction she fancied,

"Just a scotch for me" I chuckled at her as she grabbed a glass, filed it with ice and then that beautiful drink I've come to love. Clint grabbed his drink from the bar and held it up,

"To the toughest bitch I know. She always comes out of things stronger" he toasted as I clinked glasses with him and sipped my whiskey. I couldn't help but continue to look for Bucky though, I couldn't see him anywhere.

"There she is! The Goddess of Comebacks!" Loki exclaimed as he as Thor walked over to me, I gave them both a hug and smiled,

"I see you decided to not wash your hair for the occasion" I chuckled,

"I see you cut yours though Arielle, suits you very well" Loki smirked, "How're you enjoying your life now you've discovered you're one of us?" 

"It's no different. Did a bit of research on my Mum and my ancestors though, reckon I could match you both in a fight now" I joked as I sipped on my scotch,

"Hmmmm, maybe Loki but definitely not me" Thor motioned to Loki, "He's way too attracted to you to beat you in a battle" Loki gave Thor a death stare and a short lived silence fell among us, "Have you discovered any powers yet?" 

"Not yet. I've not had any time to train really, I've been working on walking and just researching. I do have an idea on one of them but a true magician never reveals her secrets" I said as they both chuckled,

"Well if at any point you want to train I'm sure Loki would love to dedicate his time to you... He's got quite an eye for you, didn't shut up about you when you first me-" Thor was pushed away by Loki, anyone would've thought Thor was the God of mischief with what he was causing. I was left laughing to myself, still scanning the room for Bucky,

"So do you come here often?" I smirked as I turned around once more and was met with that handsome face. My eyes trailed down to his clothes, it was nice seeing him all dressed up. Formal trousers with a white, button down shirt and his sleeves rolled up his forearms,

"I do actually. Do you? You look amazing by the way" I smiled at him after finishing checking him out,

"I don't usually but if you're here often it gives me more of a reason to come. I love the dress too" he said, he leant over towards me and brushed his hand against my arm, "It would look much better on my bedroom floor" he whispered as he pulled away, a drink now in his hand as I felt the blush rushing to my cheeks. Bucky Barnes, who knew you could have such a dirty side? Well two can play at that game. 

"Well soldier..." I said seductively as I ran my fingers along the neckline of my dress, pulling it away from my body slightly, "Behave and you may just see that" I watched Bucky swallow a lump in his throat and force a smile on his face,

"It's like that is it? May the best person win" he chuckled as I took a sip of my drink, "On a real note though, jokes and playfulness aside, you look gorgeous Elle" I went to reply but Sam interrupted,

"Arielle Romanoff. Man you're looking good, let me tell you something Buck... You ever see a woman this gorgeous walking the streets, she's gonna get arrested because she's killing all the men. Look at you!" he exclaimed as he pulled me into a hug and I chuckled at him,

"You don't look too bad yourself Wilson, you scrub up pretty good" I teased as he looked at the drink in my hand,

"You drinking scotch again? Do you ever switch it up and drink something different?" I rolled my eyes at him as I took another sip of my drink,

"I do. It's just good scotch here, Tony doesn't mind splashing the cash on some good scotch" I admitted as I glanced at the drink in his hand, "The real question is why do you have a ladies drink in your hand?" I laughed as Bucky also looked at it and chuckled, "Is that a cocktail?"

"Taste it!" he offered, holding his drink to me. "Tastes like juice and goes down a treat, it's how I get drunk so fast" I grabbed his cup with my spare hand and sipped it.

"I'll give you that one, it does taste good" I confessed whilst handing him his drink back, "What're you drinking Bucky?" I asked as my head turned to Bucky, he began to speak but I couldn't concentrate because somehow his hand had sneakily made its way to my behind and was resting on it. I saw him throw me a side smirk and I knew he was doing this on purpose, well payback will be a bitch, Barnes. I cleared my throat and looked between the two of them, "I'm just going to say hello to everyone else. I'll catch you both up in a little bit" I said as I squeezed between the two of them, making sure my arse grazed Bucky's crotch and walked away like nothing had happened.

"There she is!" Tony shouted as I saw him stood with Peter, Rhodey, a woman who I didn't recognise and Fury, "The woman of the hour looking like a supermodel, come over here!" he added as I joined the group and was pulled into a hug, "Nice to see you on the scotch again, I stocked up for you! This is Maria Hill by the way, she's Fury's little bitch... Maria, this is Arielle Romanoff" he laughed as Fury and Maria threw him a not to amused glance,

"I'm an agent of SHIELD, practically his right hand woman" Maria smiled as she leaned in and kissed my cheek. "I've heard a lot about you Arielle, all good things! It's nice to finally meet you" she introduced,

"It's lovely to meet you too!" I smiled, returning her kiss on the cheek as Fury gave me a small nod,

"I just dropped by to show my face Arielle, I'm glad you're doing well... I'll leave you to Tony, lord knows I can only handle him in small doses and he's already drunk" he said as he left the group, Nicholas Fury. I've learnt he's a man of very few words... Very mysterious too.

"How're you liking living here?" Maria asked, taking a sip of her drink,

"It's lovely I have to admit, a bit crazy when everyone is here but they've all been so welcoming!" I declared as I finished the rest of my drink, "I'm going to grab another drink, do any of you guys want one?" They all looked at their pretty full drinks and shook their heads as I approached Clint, Nat and Wanda to see Vision had also joined them now.

"Arielle, settle a bet. Who'd you think would win in a fight, Nat or Clint?" Wanda asked as I came up to the group,

"Just hand to hand combat?" I questioned as she nodded, "Nat hands down" Good responses came from Wanda and Nat however Vision and Clint sighed, "Sorry Clint, but you're getting old now. You don't have the flexes you used to, we'll be putting you in a home soon" I joked as he rolled his eyes at me,

"Need a refill?" Wanda asked as I nodded, she grabbed my glass and placed it on the bar, "How about some shots?" she gasped, Nat smirked and began to line up 4 shots glasses since Vision doesn't drink. Clint looked at them and shook his head,

"Wow you really are getting old. I'll have yours" I chuckled as I picked up two glasses and downed them one after the other, placing them back on the bar once I was done. "Can I have another scotch please Nat?" I asked as she poured another drink for me,

"Has anyone seen Steve yet?" Nat asked as I looked around the room and shook my head, "Maybe he's with Sharon again" 

"Who's Sharon?" I questioned, grabbing my drink and taking a sip of it,

"They dated a while back, I think he was a bit put off when he found out she was Peggy's niece. Plus, she didn't really converse with any of the girls and was kind of rude to everyone. She didn't get on with Sam or Bucky either, we think she also had the hots for Bucky too" Nat explained, "Speak of the devil" I turned around to see Steve enter the room with a gorgeous woman beside him.

"She's stunning!" I exclaimed as Clint scoffed,

"Yeah but she's ugly on the inside. I'd say I'm surprised Tony invited her but he loves a bit of drama" he laughed as I rolled my eyes,

"I'm going to be nice and introduce myself!" I told the group as I began to walk towards them,

"Good luck!" Vision chuckled, really. Vision disliked her too? Wow, I didn't think he had a mean bone in his body... Is it a body? I walked up and flashed Steve a smile,

"Wow. I didn't think they let the staff dress up here. I'll have a sex on the beach... Hold the grenadine, makes me bloat" Sharon said, wow OK. I get what Nat meant now.

"Sharon, this is Arielle. Arielle this is Sharon" Steve introduced us as I forced a smile on my face and looked at her,

"With the way you've been spoken about by everyone I thought you'd have been prettier." I beg your pardon bitch? No Arielle. Play nice.

"I'd say the same but you've never been mentioned before" I smiled as Bucky and Sam came up to us. Hopefully they did it to save me,

"Hey Steve, how're you doing man?" Sam asked as he pulled Steve in for a bro hug, Steve responded and Sam looked at Sharon, "Sharon" he acknowledged, ooooh that was cold. "I see you've met the dame of the party" he motioned to me,

"I have! Thought she was a staff member coming for a drinks order at first" Sharon chuckled, man even her laugh is atrocious. "How about we go get a drink Stevie?" she hung to Steve's arm as he sent us three a weak smile and allowed himself to be pulled away by her.

"We thought we'd come save you" Bucky smiled as I laughed,

"She's a piece of work. I don't know how Spangles puts up with her" I watched as they grabbed themselves a drink, Steve looking over at us, but Sharon keeping an arm on him so he couldn't move.

"None of us do, she seems to just want to have an in with the Avengers. It wasn't long ago she was flirting with Bucky after her and Steve drifted apart. She tried it on with Tony once but Pepper shut her down straight away" Sam laughed, "She likes to put other people down too"

"Oh really? I hadn't noticed, I'm hardly dressed like a member of staff" 

~~

The night had flown by and it wasn't long before it was just The Avengers, Maria, Sharon and I left. We were all now sat on the sofas having a laugh and just spending time together. I get the feeling it's not often that everyone is in one place at one time. A lot of us were now feeling the affects of alcohol, even Steve and Bucky were, apparently Thor and Loki had brought some Asgardian alcohol down with them which seemed to give them both a buzz.

"How about we play some old classic truth or dare?" Nat smirked as a few people shook their heads before eventually giving in. "Sharon truth or dare?" Nat wanted information, she wouldn't have picked her otherwise. I'd learnt that everyone disliked Sharon but Nat actually hated her, something to do with hurting Steve a while back.

"Truth" My eyes flicked back to Nat who was smiling ear to ear like a cheshire cat,

"Who's the strongest Avenger?" Why in the world did Nat want to know that?

"Ohhh, if we're going off of actual strength it'd be Thor. But looks wise probably Bucky" I tensed up, bitch say what? First of all, what do looks have to do with being strong? Second of all, you've come to this party with Steve, presumably as a date and you've just said his best friend is better looking than him. Finally, not to get territorial or anything, but he's seeing someone.

"You don't think it's me?" Tony questioned as she shook her head,

"I'm afraid not, Stark." The room filled with silence. "Steve. Truth or dare?"

"Dare." He said as he looked at Sharon,

"I dare you to kiss the person you're most attracted to" she smirked as Steve looked around the room.

"I-I can't do that" he admitted as a puzzled look fell over our faces.

"That's because he wants to kiss me and he knows I'm not down for it" Clint chuckled as we all began to laugh. Sharon questioned why he couldn't do it but he just ignored her and asked the question to Clint "Dare. Hit me big boy"

"I dare you to try lift Thor's hammer" he chuckled as Clint stood up,

"I like a challenge. There can't be anything to it can there?" he asked as Thor laughed and placed is hammer on the table, "If the table can hold it up so can I" I watched as he grabbed the handle and began to pull up, letting out a huff and he adjusted his grip and pulled again but the thing didn't budge. After admitting defeat the game of truth or dare changed to who can try and lift Thor's hammer. Tony tried, failed, added his iron man suit and still failed. Rhodey tried to help him but the hammer didn't move. 

"Banner?" Thor motioned to his hammer as Bruce stood up and tried to lift it, he let out a roar as he couldn't do it and looked around at everyone, obviously looking for a laugh so I threw him a bone and laughed. Loki didn't even bother trying and Steve got up, attempting to lift it, I swear it moved ever so slightly, by the look on Thor's face he saw it too. 

"What about the woman of the night? The Goddess over there?" Tony motioned to me as everyone looked at me, "Is it just a God thing or do you not reckon she can lift it?" he asked as Thor shrugged,

"Loki can't do it so I'd say Arielle isn't worthy either" he chuckled as he sent me a wink, "Give it a go" I stood up and walked over to the table in front of the hammer and looked at it,

"I don't think I'll be able to do it" I chuckled as I grabbed the handle and pulled with all my strength. It didn't budge at all, I continued to pull and saw it leave the table. I looked over at Thor and Loki who were now sitting upright and continued pulling it up. Jesus this was heavy.

"Oh my Goddess" Nat said as she watched, the hammer was in the air. I was holding it, what the fuck? I strained and strained but eventually had to put it down, looking around to see everyone's jaw on the floor. "Has that ever happened before?"

"Never" Thor said, gobsmacked. "We'll have to tell our Father about this" he smiled at me as I took a sarcastic bow and jumped back in my seat next to Bucky. Loki decided it was a God thing and went to try lift it but my mind was on Bucky Barnes,

"I knew you would be able to lift it" he whispered as I smiled and looked at him,

"No you didn't. Nobody expected that Buck" I chuckled under my breath, "Plus I hardly lifted it."

"Did a hell of a lot better than everyone else Elle. Give yourself some credit" he whispered in my ear. I blushed slightly before turning my attention back to Loki who had failed lifting the hammer and was now sitting back down. 

"Anyway, now that that's all over let's go back to the game. Arielle... Truth or dare?" Wanda asked from across the sofa,

"Let's go with a dare."

"I dare you to kiss the person you're most attracted to" she smirked at me, oh I should've known she'd do this.

"Just leave Steve alone... He's with me" Sharon inputted, I didn't even bother to respond to her. I turned my head and saw Bucky already looking at me. Without a second thought I grabbed his face and crashed his lips onto mine, lingering them for a split second before remembering we weren't alone and pulling away.

"Who in the fuck saw that one coming?" Tony chuckled,

"Upset it's not me but I'll take second best to Bucky" Sam joked as we all cracked into laughter.

"Anyway forget truth or dare, it's a game for children and it's boring. I don't want to see people kiss all night. It's time for karaoke!" Tony yelled as a few cheers came out of peoples mouths. Lot of people began to get up, presumably either to go towards or get away fom karaoke or even get another drink but I stayed next to Bucky

"Well that was nice" Bucky smirked whilst nudging me with his elbow,

"Well I'm hardly going to go up to Clint and kiss him am I? You are the most attractive person here" I chuckled to him and I took a sip of my drink,

"Just wait until we're up in my bedroom. Then you can really kiss me" he moaned in my ear as I bit my lip, "Keep doing that darling and I'll have to take you up to my room now."

"Oh so biting my own lip turns you on as well? That's nice to know" I smirked at him as Tony and Rhodey began singing to a backing track, "Wow. What a way to kill the mood"

"Don't think for one second that you're not getting up there with me and blasting out Mamma Mia" Bucky laughed, his love for Mamma Mia the films stemmed from before we even started out our movie nights, who knew the cold hearted man with the metal arm had such a large love of ABBA? Not me.

"And what if I refuse?" I raised my eyebrows at him,

"Well then you'll just have to be punished" he whispered in my ear before getting up and walking off to the bar, leaving me sat flustered on the sofa. 

"What do you mean when am I going home? Noooo, I want to stay the night with you Stevie" I heard Sharon whine and that was my cue to get up and follow Bucky. I did not need to hear that. He was at the bar with Nat and Sam when I joined,

"We're having a competition who can take the most shots in a row without pulling a face. You in?" Nat asked as I looked at the rows of shots lined up and nodded,

"Of course. Only if Bucky isn't playing, taking shots for him doesn't count" I laughed as Sam shook his head,

"No it was just between Nat and I, but sure. The more people I beat the better!" Sam exclaimed as Nat raised a brow at him,

"With that attitude you can go first" Sam didn't even take a breath before downing shot after shot. I had to say, I'm impressed so far. Nine... Ten... Eleven... Twelve. "THAT WAS A FACE! TWELVE SHOTS TO BEAT!" she shouted as she repoured the shots and stood ready for them. Sadly after the fifth on she pulled a face, "No way too bad for me" we all chuckled at her as she shuddered and I waited for the shots to be ready before starting,

"Don't get too drunk" Bucky whispered in my ear as I turned and smirked at him,

"I won't... Don't worry" I laughed as I grabbed my first shot and threw it down me. Easy. Second one down, straight in with the third and so on. I got to my eighth one before stopping, "Nope. Sam you're the winner. I can't do anymore" I laughed as Sam threw his arms up in triumph. "As winner you get the remainder of the shots well done" I laughed as Sam shrugged and finished off the drinks.

"So what do you think of Sharon?" Nat asked as I glanced back and saw her still on the sofa, practically laying on Steve, I looked back at the group and pulled a face,

"Yeah I don't like her. I should've taken your warning" I laughed, 

"Don't worry Ari... No one does, I don't even think Steve does" Sam joked as we watched her on the sofa, not only did I dislike her but Steve didn't seem to talk much when she was around. Steve and I weren't as close as we have been but he'd barely said two words to me tonight. He'd not even spoken to Buck, his best friend and I think that's all her doing.