Waiting for Superman

Sargent James Barnes or as of late The Winter Solider, had just left the Smithsonian. It was clear to him what he had done. He thought it'd be best if he didn't stay in DC where he had caused so much damage. He pulled the trenchcoat closer to his face. Truth be told that he wasn't going to be the same, James Barnes was a completely different person. He sighed as he walked into a small cafe he stood awkwardly in line with a hat on his shaggy hair.

---

Iris had just finished her shift at her bakery and was headed to the hospital where she volunteered every weekend. As she walked in Iris grabbed the hospital uniform. "Iris so glad you're here, your new patient is in room 32 C. " Iris grabbed the clipboard and looked it over as she walked to her patient's room. "How are you feeling...mister Rogers..captain Rogers?" She looked up in shock at how bruised he was.

Annie's eyes scanned over the pages of the book in her lap. She sat nestled in an armchair in a corner of the coffee shop. Lifting her cup to her lips, she took a sip of her coffee, her eyes never once leaving the book in her lap. This was where she usually spent her days off. Anyone who knew her knew that, and they would be surprised if they didn't find her with her nose buried in a book. It was just how she'd always been.

---

Steve was only just waking up when a nurse walked into his room. He was surprised to see how young she was, though she seemed pretty shocked herself. He wondered if he really looked that bad. He knew that Bucky must've done a number on him, though he didn't know the extent of the damage that had been done. "I've been better." He said, cracking a small smile and wincing slightly as he was reminded of the stitches on his face.

James sighed softly as he took out cash and looked up to read the menu. His head throbbed from all the brainwashing and flashbacks, and James just wanted to forget and move on. As he stepped closer to order his coffee, black no cream or sugar. He turned over noticing a girl whose face was buried in a thick book. James walked over after paying and walked over to the girl. Bucky was good with the ladies in the 40s but James was different he cleared how throat "do you mind if I seat here?" He asked softly.

---

Iris pushed some of her hair aside as she stepped forward, looking closer at Steve's face. She touched his face gently "well, I'm here to help, the hospital needed extra help so I volunteer to look after you. Hope you don't mind. My name is Iris" she smiled softly. She grabbed some bandages and cream, "now let's change your bandages. I don't know why anyone would want to punch that handsome face" she smiled softly.

Annie was a creature of habit. She'd been coming to the same coffee shop since she moved to DC three years ago. And she could always be found, in her spare time, with her nose buried in a book, and a cup of coffee or green tea nearby. Most people were creatures of habit. Or so Annie believe. No matter what, they did what was comfortable. Sure, stepping out of your comfort zone every once and a while was great, maybe even healthy, but Annie was never the type of person to do the unexpected. In fact, she knew that she was extremely predictable. She was kind of surprised when someone approached her. Tearing her eyes away from her book for a few seconds, her gaze shifted to the man who stood in front of her. "Go for it." She said, a small smile gracing her lips.

---

"It's nice to meet you, Iris. I guess you already know who I am, but please call me Steve. No Captain Rogers or anything like that." Steve told her. The comment about someone punching him caused his thoughts to shift to Bucky. He still couldn't believe that his friend was alive. He knew that he'd gotten through to him up on the hellecarrier. The recognition had been written all over his friend's face when he uttered that one simple phrase. And, once he got out of this hospital, he was going to find him. He was determined to do so. "It's a long story."

Bucky, James whoever he was now looked tired and confused and hoped that wasn't written over his face. He smiled weakly at the brunette before taking a seat. "Thank you" he quickly said he looked over and noticed her face of was still in that book. She must love reading, or at least that's what he picked up on. James took a drink of his coffee and looked at his surroundings mostlty older couples sitting talking, having tea or coffee. Younger people chatting away or on their mobile device. James has trouble with his own phone due to his metal arm. "Come around here often?" He asked, then taking another drink from hia coffee.

---

Iris looked at him and nodded "staying casual, I can do that" she smiled. She walked over and started instructing him to sit up. "Going to change your bandages around your ribs, feel free to use my back as supoort." She started to unravel the bandages and looked at Steve's bruises "ouch, someone certainly did a number on you" she said as she gently touched him. Iris looked up "well, I'd say I have all day but usually when people say something like that it means they rather not discuss it. So I won't be pushy. " once she finished up and threw the dirty bandages in the trash Iris smiled "all right all done, is there anything else I can do for you or anything I can get you?" She asked politely. Even in his state, Iris thought that Steve was handsome.

Annie nodded. "No problem..." She said, though she really didn't know why he was thanking her. Had he expected her to tell him that he couldn't sit there? She didn't think that she seemed like the type of person who would do something like that at all. She focused her attention back on her book, though she was taken from it once more as he spoke again. "If by often you mean whenever I have free time, yes." She said, letting out a quiet laugh. "I don't think I've ever seen you around here before though."

---

Bucky had certainly done a number on him. Steve knew that he would heal soon enough, but he was still pretty sore right now. That didn't mean that he was okay with staying in the hospital though. The longer he was in there, the more time passed and the less time he had to search for his friend. That was exactly what he planned on doing when he got out, and hopefully that would be very soon. "Yeah." He said quietly, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips. The frown turned into a small smile at her later words. "Thank you...do you know how long I'm in here for?"

James listened to the girl and cracked a small smile, "what are you reading there? If you don't mind me asking?" James wasn't much for speaking to others especially after everything that happened in the last few months, he figured he'd try to make some acquaintances. "I'm new to the area, just been here a few months, what about you?" James asked politely, wanting to take a good look at the woman who was reading. How would he introduce himself? James? Bucky? James was too formal and Bucky well, he wasn't comfortable with that yet.

---

Iris looked over at Steve as she fixed his pillows, "not much longer from what I've been told. Itching to get out of here huh? I don't blame you, it gets boring and one feels kind of useless just sitting on that bed with that gown" she nodded. There was a knock at the door and iris went to open it smiling at the man in front of her, "Steve you have company." She watched as Sam walked in, he looked at her, "nice seeing you again Iris, tell your sister I said hi." He grinned and walked over to seat next to Steve. "Yeah, I'll be sure to ask if she's single too" she teased. "Anyway, I'll bring you some water and food Steve."

[Sorry, I went out shopping with my friend again yesterday and then went back to her house to catch up on AHS, ended up sleeping over and then I had work tonight.]

Annie glanced down to the book in her lap, smiling slightly at her worn copy of The Great Gatsby. It was one of her favorite books of all time, and the condition of the book certainly showed that. "The Great Gatsby. It's always been one of my favorites." She told him. "I've lived here in the district for about three years now. It certainly doesn't feel like it though." It was strange how quickly time seemed to fly by sometimes. She felt like she'd just moved into her apartment a couple of weeks ago or something. "I'm Annie by the way. Probably should have introduced myself before..." She let out a sheepish laugh.

---

"You could say that." Steve said, offering her a slight smile. He couldn't really get into why he was itching to get out of the hospital. He just had things that needed to be attended to. Ghosts from his past so to speak. He wasn't going to elaborate and tell Iris about all of that though. He hardly knew the girl, and he wasn't about to spring all of his problems on her. He wasn't the type of person who did that. He followed her gaze over to the door, not at all surprised to see Sam standing there. He nodded in response to her words. "Alright, thank you."

[its okay. I was shopping and working lol]

James listened as she spoke and nodded "I enjoy that book quite a bit myself" he remember reading it once or twice. She was definitely attractive from what he gathered. He stuck his hand out and shook it gently "I'm James but uh feel free to call me Bucky." It was the first time that he didn't feel so pressured into making a good first impression. Every date in the past had felt that way this girl seemed very laid back and he liked that.[line{

Iris smiled brightly "all right, be nice Sammy okay?" Sam rolled his eyes and walked over taking a seat. "I'll try." He looked over at Steve "I've known her since we were kids, she's a nice girl, has a thing for blondes though" he chuckled. "I also used to date her sister so that's not awkward at all. How you feeling anyway? You've looked better.."

Annie smiled. "It's definitely one of my favorites, hands down." She said, taking a sip of her coffee. She was honestly kind of glad that he'd come and sat near her. While she did enjoy her reading, it was nice to have a conversation with someone every once and a while. And that didn't always happen for her, with her nose buried in a book so frequently and all, not many people approached her in the small cafe. "Bucky? How exactly do you get Bucky from James?" She asked curiously.

---

Steve nodded. "She seems nice." He said. And he meant that when he said it, though he did think it was rather ironic that Iris happened to know Sam, and clearly pretty well too. Small world he supposed. "So that's what the sister comment was about before. Makes sense now." He chuckled slightly. "I'm alright, I guess. I've been better, though I suppose it could've been worse."

Bucky smiled gently at the girl, the way she talked about the book sounded like she was passionate about reading. He laughed shaking his head, "James Buchanan " he said softly. "Too formal for me so Bucky is all right" he looked around at his surroundings then back at Annie. She sure was pretty and seemed very laid back. "I've always enjoyed horror novels for some reason " he chuckled. Bucky hadn't felt so relaxed around a person in so long, this was nice.

---

Sam leaned back on the chair grinning, "yeah. Things got complicated and well, we called it quits. " he sighed. "Yeah, that's right. He could have killed you... but he didn't. You think you got through him?" Moments later Iris walked in with a tray of food "its bland spaghetti, pudding and a juice. I did get some of my cookies though. They're delicious" she grinned. "They are the best in DC" Sam chuckled.

"That's a mouthful." Annie said, letting out a quiet laugh. She could see why he would shorten his name to Bucky. It was definitely a lot less formal, and it was different too. Though something told her that his name wasn't the only thing that made him different. "Eh, horror really isn't my thing. I like realistic fiction and personal memoirs and some fantasy. Dystopian societies are always interesting to read about. I think so anyway." She punctuated her words with a shrug of her shoulders.

---

Steve shrugged. "I'm not sure. I guess so? It's hard to tell." He said. He didn't really know if he'd gotten through to Bucky or not. He hoped that he had, maybe finding his friend would be easier if that were the case. He wasn't banking on it though. Moments late, Iris walked in, so the conversation was put on hold for the time being. "I'll take your word for it." He chuckled slightly.

Bucky ran his right hand through his messy hair and smiled at Annie. "I know, I'm always mocked for it" he chuckled. "Do you scare easily? " Bucky finished off the rest of his coffee and smiled. "The coffee here is pretty good here, I don't go out much but I decided why not. Can't be a shut in all my life." smal talk really? Since when did you need to make small talk? Oh..right. Bucky hadn't been this anxious in quite a while and he couldn't figure out why this stranger had such an effect on him.

---

Sam looked at Steve thinking for a moment "well, since he didn't kill you. . I'm going to assume that you did. We think he might have pulled you out of the water..you we're completely soaked. ." Iris was confused with the conversation but decided it was best not to ask. "I wouldn't say the best.. " she handed Steve his tray of food. "She's so modest, " he chuckled taking w cookie from the bag. Ella shook her head, "those are not for you, Sammy " she teased. "Look ar him, he isn't going to eat them. He looks miserable. " Ella rolled her eyes, "I forgot how blunt you are and he doesn't look miserable. He's covered in bruises I probably wouldn't want to eat either. "

[]

[Sorry, I've been busy.]

Annie let out a quiet laugh. "I'm not surprised." She said, sipping her coffee. "It's not that, I guess horror just really isn't my cup of tea." She gave her shoulders a slight shrug. "There's a great big world out there, it'd be a shame to stay cooped up all the time. You'd miss out on a lot." She didn't mind making small talk. Sure, she could be completely engrossed in the novel in her lap, but she'd read it so many times over that she didn't mind taking a break and talking to Bucky for a little while. He seemed nice enough, and there was something in his eyes that intrigued her, something that made it seem as though he'd been through a lot. It certainly peaked her curiosity.

---

Steve nodded. It made sense. Who else would've pulled him out of the water? Bucky was the only one who'd been up there on the hellecarrier with him, and he highly doubted that there had been anyone in a close enough range to notice him fall from it. The only logical explanation for him being alive was Bucky. And that gave him a little bit of hope. Maybe he had gotten through to his old friend after all. "It's really not a big deal, I'm not really hungry anyway." He said, shrugging his shoulders. He winced slightly soon after, kind of wishing that he hadn't done that.

[its okay. Sorry for spamming you everywhere lol >.< happy new year btw! Hope your spending it well. :)]

Bucky smiled at Annie, "it's not for everyone. How about thrillers or suspense it's not gory but... Also descriptive with some intense scenes and such." He nodded in agreement to what Annie had said. The world was big and since the 40s it sure felt like it had gotten bigger. He just wanted to try and move on and make new friends and forget about his past. Start over and maybe some day see his old friend again. "Yeah, especially when there's so much to explore" Bucky shot Annie a genuine smile, something he hadn't done in such a long time. This girl peaked his interest something about her beautiful eyes just poked at his interest. The way her smile formed on her lips, the curiosity in her eye, it made Bucky smile.

---

Iris stared back and forth from Steve and Sam and watched as they talked. Before walking over and fixing Steve's pillows "I told you to take it easy, your still not I'm condition to go anywhere," she rubbed his sides gently. "You have to eat something to get your energy up mister. Don't make me feed you" Iris teased. "She will too, I've seen her in action. She's a sassy one" Sam laughed. Iris' cheeks grew pink as she shook her head, "not always and I'm his nurse I'm suppose to be pushy."

[No worries, haha. I would've posted sooner, but I've been so busy that, up until yesterday, I wasn't really in the mood to roleplay I guess? Same to you! And eh, it was pretty uneventful to be honest. I was supposed to go to a party, but then my friend who was hosting it got sick, so it was canceled, so I ended up at home...like I do every year This year looks like it's going to be a good year though!]

Annie smiled slightly. "Thrillers aren't too bad. There are some intense scenes, which makes it interesting, I suppose." She said. "Exactly! Life is short, if you stay cooped up inside all the time, how can you really accomplish anything?" It was the sad truth, and something that she'd realized several years back. She couldn't help noticing how he smiled. She knew that it was a genuine one because it reached his eyes. He had really nice eyes. "I never really understood people who kept entirely to themselves. I can't really talk, my face is almost always hidden behind a book, but at least I get out of my apartment. I feel like life would be way too boring if I stayed there 24/7."

---

"I've had worse, trust me on that." Steve told her, refusing to actually admit that he knew that he needed to rest up. There was just so much going on out there right now, it was hard for him to just sit there in that hospital bed. "I'll eat, don't worry." He chuckled slightly. "Well, you're doing a very good job then." He was only teasing her of course. He knew that she was only doing what she was supposed to do. He glanced over to Sam. "Have you heard anything from Natasha?"

[well at least you were busy having fun.:) I've been working and being sick with the flu. It was awful lol. As for New Years I'm always home. Hopefully this year is good for the both of us!]

As Bucky listened to Annie he noticed the way she talked about reading and books and she sure seemed passionate about it. He enjoyed watching her eyes light up whenever she spoke with enthusiasm it was cute to say the least. "Well, at least you're reading and not staring at your phone constantly I've seen that all day today" he chuckled. "Not that there's anything wrong with that but there's other things out there," he explained. Bucky finished up his coffee and looked at Annie closely she was definitely the prettiest gal he's seen in years, well, decades.

---

Iris looked at Steve and smiled "well, I'm sure you have but you still need to rest." She placed a hand on her hip, "I'm only sassy when people don't take me seriously just ask Sam he knows more than anyone," she glared at him playfully. He let out a laugh, "see, sassy like your sister. Except I think you're the nicer one" Iris rolled her eyes and sat next to Steve. "Last I heard she was pulling some strings for something she says she'll come see you soon enough. Is she still pushing dates on you?" He asked teasingly.

[Ooh, that sucks. I thankfully haven't gotten sick yet this season...yeah, hopefully!]

Annie let out a quiet laugh, taking another sip of her coffee. "Yeah, I guess it is better than staring at my phone constantly." She said. Personally, she hated when people were practically glued to their phones. She thought it was rude, especially when she was trying to have a conversation with someone like that. "Exactly. There's a lot more out there in the world, and it can easily be missed if you're constantly on your phone."

---

Steve smiled slightly and nodded. He knew that she was right, so he wasn't going to really argue with her on that. He figured he wouldn't be stuck in the hospital for much longer anyway. He really hoped that he wouldn't be, there was just so much going on out there, and he just wanted to start looking for Bucky. If he could, he'd be out there looking for his friend right now. "I think she's put that on hold for a little while thankfully." He said, chuckling slightly.