𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 ☽ 𝘉𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺'𝘴 𝘗𝘖𝘝

𝟬𝟭 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨

The double glass doors spring open, almost slamming into the wall, drawing everyone's attention. A young girl enters the space stumbling, her clothes dangling from her smooth, tanned body. While some people's amazement at her entrance is noticeable, most appear accustomed to it by this point. Natasha, as I know her, rolls her eyes and waits for Tony to continue before turning to face him again. However, this woman has dominated the stage.

Despite being unkempt, her chocolate hair is stunning as it cascades down her back and moves with the room's mild breeze. Her face is lovely because of the symmetrical, ideal proportions on it. Her eyes immediately capture my attention and pierce through mine. They have a little brown border around the iris and are vivid green overall. Her pouty, puffy lips appear to be tugged and shoved out of her face all the time. My gaze shifts to her neck, where I notice that her upper shirt buttons are undone, exposing a dark purple hickey. It appears to be brand-new and soaking into her flesh. When I turn my head back to her face because I feel like I'm invading her personal space, I can finally see that her lipstick is a little smudged and has fallen down her chin. Despite all of these traits, I can only stare at her eyes. They are beautiful, and staring into my soul.

Tony chuckles next to her and smirks broadly as he observes her clothes. Natasha swiftly giggles while sitting on her chair next to him, concealing her smile with her palm. Steve's eyes are wide as I turn to face him and notice his cheeks turning an intense scarlet. He appears to be very flushed. Tony is soon side-hugged by this woman, who then hurries over to the extra chair beside me. Steve gets up from his chair and gives this woman a hug. Her legs are around his waist, and her arms are wrapped around his neck as he scoops her up. She gives him a quick peck on the cheek before Steve again places her on the ground.

"I'm so glad you're back." She smiles. "You were gone for so long on this mission with James."

"I know, I'm happy to be back too." He beams. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too." She sits down on the chair beside me. "So, when am I going to meet the famous James Barnes?"

No one says anything as they all gesture to the seat next to her where I am seated. She makes a head turn and gives me an uneasy smile. Despite her obvious humiliation, she doesn't seem to be bothered by it. I can detect the minor faults when I look closely at her face. Her features are unique to her, despite a few blackheads on the tip of her nose and little acne scars between her brows. She is still gorgeous despite her flaws. She smiles at me and looks into my eyes as I flush in front of her. I particularly appreciate that she doesn't try to shake my hand, touch my arm, or otherwise interact with me. But oddly enough, I want her to. I want to feel her skin against mine, but I push that feeling aside. I can't let myself get attached to anyone. I don't want to lose anyone anymore.

"Hi, I'm Eden Stark."

"James Barnes." I nod my head.

"I'm sorry for the first impression." She laughs. "I'm not usually like this, I swear."

"Liar." Steve coughs under his breath.

"Shut up," She wackes his arm. "Anyway, it's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too." There is a ghost of a smile on my face.

"Okay," Tony claps his hands together. "Time for all you losers to get out of my office."

Everyone gets up from their chairs and makes their way to the door. While waiting by the screen, Tony observes as everyone passes by. Steve, Eden, and I are left behind. Tony directs his gaze to my face, avoiding my eyes. He then turns to face Steve, glaring directly into his eyes.

"Steve, can I have a moment with Eden and James," Tony demands.

Steve expresses disbelief before turning to me and requesting permission to go. Even though I am aware that he doesn't want to abandon me, I can't help but feel as though he has a child lock on my life. He is unable to leave without knowing where I am or what I am doing at all times. Although I share his fear that he may lose me once more, I am not a fragile thing that can break at any time. As I watch him leave the room, leaving Tony, Eden, and me behind, I nod to him. She picks up her feet and puts them on the table before sitting down at his desk. She waits for Tony to be done with me, flicking through one of Tony's many magazines.

"I know Steve has talked to you about this team, but I need you to feel comfortable here." He orders. "This won't work if you don't trust us."

In spite of everything in my mind screaming to tell him, I nod. Since trust is a two-way street in this situation, how do I receive his trust? Though I'm offended by his tone, I must comply with his demand out of habit. He signals for me to leave by pointing to the door. As I get closer, I glance over at his desk and notice Tony seated at the end of the table, along with Eden, who is still leaning back in his chair and resting her legs on the desk. I grin at her antics since I am already enjoying her company. I was immediately enthralled as she entered the room and lit up the room with her smile.

I almost don't want to leave this place knowing she will be here.

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