The Compound was quiet when you slipped through the doors, the soft hum of security systems the only sound greeting you. You’d barely made it a few steps inside before a familiar voice cut through the silence.

“Oh, here she is. Where have you been?”

You groaned, already regretting coming back at all. Turning toward the source of the voice, you found Bucky Barnes leaning against the wall, arms crossed, an annoyingly smug expression on his face.

“None of your business, Tin Man,” you shot back, making a beeline for the hallway leading to your room.

Bucky pushed off the wall, falling into step beside you. “What’s with the attitude?”

“I only do it to the people I dislike… like you.”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “Well, someone needs to teach you how to keep your mouth shut.”

You huffed a laugh, turning to glare at him. “And what are you going to do? Tell your mommy and daddy?”

Bucky’s lips twitched, but he kept his composure. “You really don’t know how to stop talking, do you?”

“Actually, I do, but I forgot how to, so why don’t you teach me?" When he didn't say anything, you turned to walk away, smirking at him over your shoulder "What? Nothing to say?”

Before you could blink, Bucky lunged, grabbing you with ridiculous ease and throwing you over his shoulder.

“Hey! Put me DOWN! JAMES!!!” you shrieked, kicking wildly as he carried you like you weighed nothing.

Bucky laughed, patting your thigh with a cocky grin. “I love it when you call me that.”

Your face heated as you smacked his back. “I swear, if you don’t put me down—”

“Relax, doll,” he interrupted, strolling toward the common area. “You’re the one sneaking in past curfew. Someone’s gotta make sure you don’t get into any more trouble.”

You groaned, still wriggling in his hold. “I hate you.”

Bucky just chuckled. “Sure you do.”