Search for the Soul Gem

Chapter Six

     "Would you behave yourself Bucky, please," Steve said as the elevator doors slid open. We stepped in and waited for the doors to close. Steve pressed 37 and we started down.

     "What am I doing?" James asked. Steve looked over him with a knowing glance. There was a moment where they seemed to be speaking with simply just looks.

     "Boys, use your words," I teased as I glanced up at James. He smirked down at me.

     "I've been tellin' Steve this for years. Women like words Stevie. No different than the 40's," James smiled at Steve.

     "You're from the 40's too?" I asked, dropping my teasing tone.

     "Yes ma'am!" he smiled proudly down at me.

     "Did you fight in World War II with Steve?" I asked. There was a flicker of something in his eyes but as soon as it was there, it was gone.

     "Served in the 107th. Who do you think inspired little Stevie to join the army," James teased as he pushed Steve's arm affectionately. The elevator doors swung open.

     "Oh please!" Steve said stepping out of the elevator, followed by James and me. Steve turned to face James, "I seem to remember saving you in that war," Steve smirked. James smirked back at him.

     "You gonna really compare who's saved who more?" James counter. They continued  bickering as we turned the corner. The metal door to my apartment hung open slightly. I came to a stop, looking at it.

     "Uh, boys," I said. They both turned to look at me. I pointed toward my door slowly. They both turned to look at it before stepping in front of me. James whipped out a gun as Steve pulled his shield off his back; they're argument was completely forgotten as they made their way toward my door. They moved in silent unison toward the door. I followed close behind as they entered the apartment. There was very little options of hiding spots in the living room and Steve and James went to search them all. I stood near the hallway and heard dull banging coming from my room. I seemed to have been the only one who'd heard it. I turned to tell James and Steve about the noise but neither were looking at me. The bang came again with a hushed slew of curses. I turned down the hallway and started toward my room. The door was left open. I looked in hesitantly through the open door. Not paying any attention to me, Tony Stark stood in front of my closet.

     "Come on JARVIS! Open it for me!" he growled pressing his hand roughly against the door of the safe.

     "I'm sorry sir," JARVIS said regretfully. Tony Stark growled and slammed his hand against it. I crossed my arms and leaned back against the door frame.

     "JARVIS," Tony warned.

     "Sir, you know I cannot open it for you ," JARVIS said awkwardly.

     "Performance issues?" I piped up. Tony jumped slightly and turned to look at me. I cocked my head to the side and smirked, "What was JARVIS saying about you can't?"

     "Well, it's impossible for Mr. Stark to open up the safe because when the quarter is given to another person, that person gets all power over the locks. Mr. Stark's overrides no longer work," JARVIS explained. I pushed myself off the wall and over to Tony.

     "Hmm, power over Mr. Stark. I like the sound of that," I said, hovering my hand over the safe. He stared at me with a slight smirk on his mouth.

     "Ah, but see JARVIS, I didn't give the quarter to Dr. Scaffer, Fury did," Tony leveled, pressing his hand under mine and against the door of the safe. Nothing happened. I suppressed a laugh as I pressed my hand under his.