"So you met a boy?" Christopher's white fluffy mustache wiggles as he contemplates what he had heard. He still hadn't turned to look at me, too busy cutting up some carrots for supper. "When?"

I shrug as I swing my legs back and forth as I sit on the run down table. "A day ago..."

"During a fight?"

I clear my throat and fidget with the fabric on the table, "No..."

"I'll give you one more chance." The knife cut through the carrot harshly making me flinch slightly. However, when he continued, his voice was level. "During a fight?"

I sigh knowing he already found me out. "Yes, I'm sorry but it was against some fella who was trying to harass a lady. It's not a big deal, Chris."

"Not a big deal?" He puts the carrots in the pot and turns to look at me with a serious expression. "You put yourself in danger."

I look down in guilt but quickly look back up. "But I didn't! I'm still alive and so is the young lady!"

He steps towards me and lifts my chin up to examine my face. "And what bout all these bruises?"

I push his hand away gently and notice his blue eyes gazing at me with worry and slight anger. "They're just bruises."

He crosses his arms and mutters gruffly, "And what happens when they're not just bruises but a stab wound? A gunshot?"

This was getting too serious for me. I didn't want to think about that. "Aww come on old man. Don't get too mushy on me. You know I'll be fine. I know how to take care of myself thanks to you."

He looks at me unamused as he rubs at his bald head. It's a habit he has when something is bothering him. "Hmm. Still, I'd be more comfortable if you'd continue your lessons instead of running around with boys, getting into street fights."

"It was one boy and I'm not messing around with him. I saved him from getting beat to a pulp. I just figured you'd be proud."

He chuckles as he motions me to get the spoons. "You know I'm always gon be proud of you, girly. But that won't get you out of lessons. We're starting up again tomorrow bright an early. I want you up by six ya hear?"

I groan. "Fine."

Chris had been teaching me the basics of self defense. To say the lessons were grueling would be an understatement.

He never talked much about his past but from what I gathered he was in some type of military program and was an expert in fighting and weapons.

He had promised to teach me how to fight with weapons once I had gotten a good knack for fighting hand to hand. For a big man, he sure was fast on his feet.

As we sit down to eat I look at Chris who was busy reading a small book while eating. He had reading glasses which to me looked ridiculous on him. He was such a big burly man and the glasses were just a complete contradiction.

But I wouldn't change it. Chris has always been there for me, even if he wasn't related to me at all. He had picked me up from the streets when I was small and filled in as a father as best as he could. I'd probably be dead without him.

I smile softly to myself before I clear my throat.

"After you're done eating." Came the curt reply. He hadn't even looked at me.

I open my mouth to argue but he cuts me off again.

"You aren't leaving this house till you finish your food. That's final."

And so I was left with no choice but to eat the bowl of stew in front of me. It was delicious but all I really wanted to do was go out an wonder around. Maybe visit that science museum that had recently opened up.

After stuffing my face and cleaning my bowl, I stand next to the door and look at Chris expectantly.

He flips a page in his book and takes a bite of his stew before finally looking up at me with a raised eyebrow. "Where are you off to now? To meet with the boy?"

I scoff playfully. "No, I'm not meeting up with Skeletore. I probably will never see him again."

He sets his book down and focuses on me. "So you're on nickname basis now huh?"

"Chris," I whine as I begin to open the door slowly, stopping when his eyes squint at me. "I'm going to that new science museum that opened up. Then I'll be back as fast as I can."

"I don't wanna see any new bruises when you get back." He warns as he opens his book back up.

"Goodbye to you too, old man." I reply as I open the door and start stepping out.

He clears his throat before I'm fully out causing me to turn around. "Don't forget a jacket. Its gonna be cold at night."

I rush back in and snatch one of his jackets from the coat hanger. They were pretty big on me but they were warm and comfortable. Besides, they gave me a feeling of safety that mine just didn't.

"I'm leaving now!" I yell as I pretty much run out before he could call me back.

•°•°•

My original plan was to just wonder around and see what other kind of trouble I could get into but I decided I wanted a break.

The science museum could probably help me with that. It wasn't like all I liked was fighting. I was a fan of science and things like that. I even enjoyed listening to people who had been to Howard Stark's shows. Who knew, maybe I could go to the next one he had.

I make a face of approval at a skeleton of a monkey and move to another room. The room had display cases of... boats. Or ships if you'd like to be more accurate.

I walk around admiring the details on some and imagine sailing the ocean in some. One day, I'd love to travel the ocean. Sail to other countries and learn a thing or two. Maybe I'd see all the creatures sailors rave about in bars when they return.

I stop at a particular large one and stare at it for what seemed like forever; imagining the adventures I could have if I had a boat like that.

"Beautiful isn't she?" I hear a voice say next to me.

I was scared for a second but managed to not show it. I simply turn my head to look at the stranger.

It was a boy. Well, young man I suppose. He had short black hair combed neatly with eyes that reminded me of the ocean. Heh. How funny.

"I suppose." I reply back. I look at his clothes to see him wearing a casual white dress shirt, the sleeves carelessly rolled up, and dark dress pants. He couldn't have been wealthy since his shoes were not nicely polished but showed use and scrapes.

He saw me analyze him and smiled, probably assuming I had interest in him. "I haven't seen you in here before."

I shrug and go to look at another display. "I like to wonder around. This museum caught my eye."

"So you enjoy science?" He follows me, his smile and friendliness never wavering.

"Yes." I look at him in amusement. "Do you?"

His smile widens as he messily pulls up his sleeves again. "Definitely! This is the second time I've been to this museum. Last time I brought my friend but he was quite sick to begin with so we had to leave early. I might look like a simple strong handsome guy but I'm a strong handsome guy who also likes advancements in science."

I couldn't help but laugh at his rant. He laughs and I couldn't help but notice the proud look on his face.

"You look pretty when you laugh." He comments softly.

The smile was still on my face when I put a hand on my hip. "Well aren't you also a flirty guy."

He shakes his head and sets a hand on his chest. "I, dear lady, am a truthful gentleman."

I chuckle and make my way to the exit. "Well not much of a gentleman are we? A gentleman wouldn't have forgotten to introduce himself."

I hear him mumble something before he rushes in front of me. He extends his hand out and smiles widely at me. "James but my friend calls me Bucky..." he thinks for a moment before saying," I have no idea why I added that bit."

I roll my eyes playfully but still shake his hand. "Nice to meet you Bucket. I'm Y/N."

"Pretty name." He comments as he let's go of my hand. He let the Bucket comment slide which kind of surprised me.

"Thanks." I reply curtly as I continue to make my way to the exit. I had promised myself I would leave before it got dark outside but it seems the museum took more time than I thought it would. Chris will scold me if I go home too late.

"Wait!" James runs after me.

I let an exasperated sigh as I turn around, my hand still on the handle.

"I was wondering," he begins saying with a small smile, "if you'd like to go to Howard's Stark's show?"

I raise an eyebrow. "That's months away."

"I'm sure we'll still be in touch." He says confidently.

"You sound pretty confident about that. How are you so sure you'll even see me again?"

"I have my ways." He laughs before stopping and hurriedly apologizing saying, "Oh God that sounded horrible. I promise I'm not a weirdo or a criminal or anything."

I laugh. "I'll believe you this time, Bucket. It was nice learning about your science fascination but I'm afraid I have to get home."

I push the door open and start walking on the sidewalk.

"Would you like me to walk with you? Its getting dark!" I hear him shout at me.

"I know my way around!" I shout back and salute him.

As I turn back around, i miss the curious expression as he notices I'm wearing pants instead of a skirt. He had seen women wear pants it was just that they were usually paired with heels. You had boots that were very worn down.

You were a very curious person indeed.

●•°•°•°•°●

I'm back guys! This was mainly a 'wow I've been gone a while but here's a chapter to apologize for the wait' chapter 😬

I also want to thank Nyansound for pretty much believing in this book so much and apologize for making the wait super long (I'm so sorry sis)

But you'll be glad to know updates will come more frequent now 😉