The lights of Uhvengers Tower glowed against the Manhattan skyline, a beacon of power & security. But inside, in a quiet hallway just off the main common room, my heart pounded for an entirely different reason.

Bucky’s vibranium fingers brushed against yours as you walked side by side, close but not too close. Anyone watching would think you were just teammates, just two people heading in the same direction. But the way his blue eyes flicked toward you when he thought no one was looking told a different story.

“Relax, doll,” he murmured under his breath, voice just for you. “You look like you’re about to bolt.”

“Maybe I should.” You shot him a look, barely holding back a grin. “My dad’s literally the strongest Avenger, and my mom has spy training. This is a terrible idea.”

Bucky chuckled, low & rough, & you felt it in your chest. “Then why are you still here?”

Before you could answer, a familiar voice called out from the common room.

“Hey, kid, where’ve you been?”

You stiffened. Bucky immediately stepped away, casual but careful, while you turned to face your father—Thor, God of Thunder, standing in all his golden-haired, muscle-bound glory. Your mother, Natasha Romanoff, was perched on the back of the couch, her sharp green eyes flicking between you and Bucky like she was already piecing together a puzzle you did not want her solving.

Crap.

“I, uh—training,” You said quickly, your voice an octave higher than normal. “Just finished up, actually.”

Thor beamed. “Good! You should train more. Battle hardens the soul.” His eyes flicked to Bucky, clapping him on the shoulder. “And you! Good to see you keeping my child on their toes.”

Bucky, to his credit, barely flinched at the godly strength behind the gesture. He just nodded, a tight smile on his lips. “Of course. Gotta make sure they’re ready for anything.”

Natasha didn’t say anything right away, just watched you with that unreadable spy expression that made your palms sweat. She raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh.”

You needed to get out of there. Quick.