"So, since you technically helped us on a level five mission, you technically can be an Avenger now," Tony said.

I looked up from the book I was reading. It was The Hobbit, something that Sam had recommended for me.

"Really?" I asked.

Tony nodded.

"That means we'll have to have a press conference, and then we can have a party!" he said happily.

"Party?" I asked warily.

"Don't worry," Natasha said. "We can make it mandatory to wear gloves, if it makes you feel better."

I smiled a bit.

"I think I'll be okay," I said.

"So, press conference," Steve said. "They're going to ask you a few questions. We'll be there with you, and if you need help just let us know."

"Yeah, you can use your awesome mind tricks," Sam said.

I smiled at the team.

"Okay, so when are we doing this?"

"Tomorrow," Tony said.

"You can organise a press conference and a party in less than a day?" I asked incredulously.

"Of course," he scoffed. "Who do you think I am? Steve?"

"Hey! That was uncalled for," Steve grumbled.

Tony just shrugged.

"Guess that means dress shopping," Wanda said happily. "Let's go!"

"I – I have dresses," I said. "We bought them together. Remember?"

"This is your first press conference and party," Wanda said sternly. "You need a fabulous dress, one that'll leave a great impression!"

Natasha nodded, as did Clint and Tony.

"Okay," I sighed.

Nat and Wanda smiled.

"Let's go, then," Natasha said.

"Be careful, you three," Steve said.

I looked to him to see he was looking at Natasha.

"What, you think we can't take care of ourselves?" Nat asked playfully.

Steve rolled his eyes.

"You know I just care about you," he said, smiling.

Natasha smirked at him and we walked into the elevator.

"When are you going to ask him out?" Wanda asked once the elevator had started moving.

Natasha chuckled and shook her head.

"If he liked me, he would have asked me already," she said.

"I don't know," I said. "He's kind of a wuss when it comes to that stuff. Besides, I don't need to be a mind reader to know that he likes you."

Natasha shook her head again, but I could see her smiling. Wanda, Nat, and I walked to the garage and took one of Tony's silver sports cars. We got to the mall and walked around, looking for some nice dresses.

Wanda found a red off-the-shoulder dress with a slit up the side. It looked amazing on her. Natasha found a lovely black, floor length dress. It had a slit in the side and flared out at the waist.

Next, it was my turn. Natasha actually found the dress. It was long sleeved and floor length. It had a deep v-neckline and flared out at the waist. We even found some gloves to go with it.

We drove back home to find everyone watching a movie. We joined in, sitting near the back, and giggling over how hot the main actor was.

Night came and went, my sleep being short and with long breaks in between.

I checked the time. It was five in the morning. I groaned and got up, knowing I wouldn't be able to sleep any longer.

Maybe I should exercise, I thought.

I put on my activewear, grabbed my water bottle and a towel, and walked down to the training rooms. I opened the doors to see Steve and Bucky arrive on the other side.

"Morning, y/n," Steve called from across the room.

"Morning, boys," I said.

Steve and Bucky glanced between each other. I cleared my throat.

"Uh... do you guys mind if I join in with your workout today?" I asked, walking closer to them.

"Of course," Steve said, while Bucky just nodded.

Steve took me through their workout. We all ran on the treadmill and lifted weights. It made me feel really good about myself when I bench pressed as much as Steve and Bucky.

"Alright, time for sparring," Steve announced.

I grabbed my gloves and held onto them.

"I'll watch you two first," I said.

"What, so you can figure out our fighting patterns?" Bucky asked playfully.

I didn't respond for a moment. I had two options here. Option one would be to fall back to our old habits and snap something back. Option two would be to play along.

"Who knows?" I said, winking.

"Sure," Steve said and chuckled.

"You might when she kicks your ass," Bucky said to Steve.

Bucky looked to me and I smiled. Was Bucky really that bad? Then I remembered everything from Hydra and my smile dropped.

"I'll watched from over there," I said, pointing to the bench where my stuff was.

I walked over and sat down. I began to think.

What the hell was happening? Only a few weeks ago, I hated Bucky. Then we shared an 'experience', and Tony told me his side of the story. Had I really been too harsh? Was becoming his friend a good idea?

The thoughts swirled through my mind for the rest of the day. Bucky was right – I did kick Steve's ass in training. At eight thirty we parted, all going for showers. I got dressed in a tank top and shorts, not wanting to be dressed in my suit for two hours longer than I had to be. Wanda came into my room and we sat on the bed and watched one of her favourite shows, Bewitched.

Soon enough, the press conference rolled around. I stood in front of hundreds of people in my new suit, Tony talking about me and how I was a great addition to the team. I was asked a few questions, and I answered them to the best of my ability.

And then, it was time for the party. Tony thrusted a glass of champagne into my (gloved) hands and waltzed off. I hung around with Natasha and Wanda for a while. Wanda went off to talk to Vision, and Steve came over to us.

"Rogers," Nat said flirtatiously.

"Romanoff," Steve said, equally as flirtatious.

"Is that food?" I asked, looking towards the buffet table. "I'm gonna go grab some of that. Have fun!"

I walked off in the direction of the table. I filled up my plate and walked over to a table and chair in the corner of the room. I ate my food slowly, watching everyone in the room. Clint came over at one point and stole some of my food. He barely got away with his life.

Once I was finished, I stood up, ready to get more. As a super soldier, I was ten time as hungry as I used to be. I took a step towards the table when a man stood in front of me. He was taller than me and wore a suit. He was mildly attractive, but not really my type.

"You're Echo, right?" he said.

"Yeah, that's my superhero name," I said.

He smiled at me.

"John," he said, holding out his hand.

"Y/n," I said, shaking his hand.

"Aren't you hot in those sleeves and gloves?" he asked.

"No, not really," I said, stepping back.

He grabbed my hand again and I tugged it away. My glove came off and John held onto it. He reached out for me, but I jumped back. I was tempted to throw him across the room, but I wasn't sure if that would be viewed as acceptable.

"Come on, don't play hard to get," he said.

He reached out for me again and nearly brushed my hand when a metal hand encased his wrist. I looked to the side to see Bucky standing there.

"No means no, asshole," Bucky spat.

Bucky pushed John's arm away. John grabbed his wrist and scowled at me.

"What are you, his whore?" he asked before throwing my glove at me walking away.

Bucky's metal arm turned into a fist and he stepped after John. I grabbed his metal arm with my un-gloved hand to stop him. Bucky tensed and I quickly let go.

"Don't worry about it," I said. "Thank you, though."

"Nothing to thank me for," he said.

There was, but he was being humble. I awkwardly smiled at him, still not used to being his friend.

"I think I'm going to head to bed now," I said, putting on my glove. "Nice talking to you."

I walked past him.

"Bye, y/n," he said softly.

I continued walking until I reached my room. I slipped out of my dress and had a bath. The way Bucky said my name had made me feel weird. There was a weird feeling in my tummy, and my legs had nearly wobbled.

I got into bed and tried to forget about it, but my mind replayed the moment over, and over, and over.