Avengers RP Lost Souls Brought by Forgotten Memories - ABANDONED

"I can!" Pietro was standing with his hand up like an excited kid in a classroom.

Kerica cracked up and immediately regretted it, "Ow...haha...oh...mm, I could, too, sir," she smiled and shook her head.

"I would prefer until we're acclimated, having a single room with J.J.," Bucky said, standing, "Are we done? Steve said he would show me the training room...gym."

"Nope! Actually, change of plans. I heard you guys need clothes and are only borrowing what you got. So!" Tony jumped to his feet and pulled out his wallet and handed it to Kerica, "Go shopping. Get a haircut," he pointed at Bucky, "You'll be recognized unless you get a makeover."

Buck made a face but he huffed and looked at J.J., "I'll go if you are."

"Kerica, you mentor her. Pietro, she's your charge." Fury agreed. "You're all dismissed. Let me know about that job offer." He said and everyone was starting to stand up, and leave.

"Good luck." Wanda murmured to her brother, excited that he was given an opportunity to be responsible. She was thankful that he was moving somewhere with the Avengers. She knew that her brother and herself worried sometimes that they were extras on a plate. "Ve'll talk later." She assured him, patting his shoulder before turning to Vision. "Let us go..."

J.J burst out laughing as Bucky gave her a pleading look. "I'll come." She offered. "You'll scare the children if you went without me." She stood up as well and stretched, her back cracking in several different places. She was kind of glad for the offer of actually getting outof the area. She needed to think things through and she could use a city landscape to do it.

Steve chuckled. "Considering I'm supposed to be monitoring Bucky, I hope you don't mind the extra company."

"I know very little of what you ol' men wear." J.J responded, making Steve laugh again and shake his head. "I'd probably wind up making him wear something too young for him." She turned towards Pietro. "Pietro! You coming with us?"

"I'm your monitor! Coming with you is now part of my job!" Pietro grinned widely and once he scooted in his chair he was beside her.

Kerica put the wallet Tony had given her in the leg pocket of her green cargo pants since her other pockets were too small or occupied. "I'm going to see if Tessa can put a patch on my cheek before we go out so I don't look abused."

"Aw, and that was just a love tap," Natasha cooed and everyone was getting to their feet.

"I'll get a car ready for you guys," Tony gave a thumbs up and was already walking out the door.

"Steve, let's just go to the mall and we can split up, but we'd be in the same building in case anything happens. Do you have a jacket or a hoodie Bucky could use to cover his arm and face?" Kerica asked.

"If that's a love tap, then what's a kiss?" Clint teased Natasha as he started walking out towards the door. "I'll leave you behind."

"The malls perfect and I do have a hoodie that'll work." Steve agreed and then turned to the other three. "Meet us in the lobby. I'll be back." He started walking towards the door alongside Kerica. "Do you want me escort you to the infirmary or at least part of the way?"

"You know what a kiss is, Clint. I'm Black Widow after all," Nat winked at him and finally stood, following after him.

Kerica's grin was bright and she ignored the pain, "You could escort me partway, thank you." When he offered his arm, she took it but still felt self-conscious...especially with most of the others watching. This was going to spread like wildfire and the only issue was he hadn't asked her to be anything official. All in good time, right?

~*~

"Steve, you go set up an appointment with Bucky at the hair salon, and book an extra spot for J.J., I'm going to go this way to get this one some girly things," Kerica waved at the Captain and hooked her arm with the black haired girl to lead her away, "You look like you haven't had a haircut in ages, either, so don't even argue," she said when the girl opened her mouth. They entered a bra store that wasn't Victoria's Secret because she /hated/ that store. All their bras were uncomfortable and not fit to wear for work, in any case. At least this store carried ones that didn't have under wire but were still supportive.

Pietro didn't even look phased by following them in, but he did stray off to the other side of the store when he saw a pretty red silk nightgown his sister might like. Ah...he stopped in his tracks when he thought of her reaction. She'd probably punch him and say "I'll buy my own clothes!" but then...she'd keep it anyway because he'd be right. So now his dilemma was whether he wanted to risk getting that punch.

~

"So are you and Kerica a thing yet? I didn't miss you asking to escort her to Dr. Rivera...and neither did half the crew," Bucky smirked at Steve as he wandered their way to the barber's walk-in shop.

J.J was more shocked that Kerica dragged her inside a bra store than Pietro following behind, though lingering on the other side of the store. While she knew it was more of a common occurrence for girls to arrive in packs and guys to feel more awkward than anything. Yet she felt like the world flipped on her again, making her feel like she was awkward, and that Pietro and Kerica were the ones that were the girls used to arriving in packs to gush about underwear and bras even though they were no where together.

Speaking of bras, she had to remind herself to see if there was a way to find a binder here, or maybe materials to make her own. "I'm so thankful I know my cup size. But since this is a new store, I probably should get myself measured again. Last I checked I was a C...32? I probably went down a size really."
~
"No, not yet." Steve said as they walked through the mall. It wasn't too far away from where the girls and Pietro left. He felt kind of bad for the guy, but if anyone could handle them while they were shopping, it was probably going to be him. "It's not really a...dating thing. It's more of a...I don't even know."

"That sounds like a good idea," Kerica smiled and they found someone who agreed to take her to the back and measure her, "What colors do you like? I can grab a few in difference sizes."

~

"I'm just attempting to save you from the pain of being teased mercilessly," Bucky shook his head, then tugged on it with his good hand to make sure it didn't fall, "Don't stress over it. I was just asking. We discussed this last night, no need to again. It looks like we'll be here for lunch, though. If you trust me enough to leave me with Quicksilver, then you could get her some ice-cream." Where was all this /coming from/? It just...fell out. He didn't even know half the shit he was talking about, but it made Steve feel better...and that felt, deep down, like that was what mattered. They finally got to the salon and after Steve booked the appointments, they were told it would be fifteen minutes. Checking his watch, Steve nodded and they left to go find a men's store so he could get out of the damn hoodie.

"I'm not all that picky. Nude, white, black are the basic ones. I don't have a boyfriend so I don't have to get anything super sexy." J.J laughed as the woman took the measuring tape off of her neck and wrapped it firm but not too tight around her bust to get a good measure.

Turned out she was a 38-B. "Well...makes it easier for me."
~
"No I understand completely." Steve agreed as they walked towards one of the stores nearby. He knew that he was smaller than Bucky was so he also knew that the clothes were probably killing him. A decent fit for now would work wonders before they actually made a dent in a wardrobe. He wouldn't be too uncomfortable during the haircut. "Though I trust you completely with Quicksilver. He's with J.J and if J.J can't affect him, I don't think you'd abandon her in order to take off running." He paused, remembering how he asked question after question about him and J.J. "We grew up together." He decided to tell Bucky randomly. "We were in Brooklyn."

Nothing sexy her butt. Kerica waved at J.J. "You just go find a stall and I'll hunt down some bras for you," she grinned and shooed her off before disappearing into the racks. Once sure J.J. was out of earshot she called, "Pietro!"

"Yea? What is it?" Pietro blinked at her expectantly after making the racks rustle with his speed. He'd picked up the red nightgown after all.

"Oh, that's gorgeous! Your sister, right? You should show me where that is, I love it," she smiled and felt the silk, enjoying how it slipped through her fingers, "I could give it to her so she doesn't clean your clock. I like red, too."

"Oh would ya?" Pietro's shoulders dropped in relief, "Okay. What'd ya call me for, besides?"

"You like blue-grey right? It's not just what you picked for your uniform?" Kerica asked.

"Yeah, that's right," he nodded, brows furrowing in confusion.

"Awesome. You go do your thing and I'll do mine," she gave him a brief hug before disappearing again. Soon enough, she went to the back and after discovering which stall J.J. was in, threw in four items, "Don't complain just try them on."

~

"Brooklyn...New York..." Bucky furrowed his brows, "I imagine it was much, much different then. The world was a lot classier." He sighed and wrinkled his nose at some of the outfits he saw before moving deeper into the store. There had to be something he could wear. It wasn't until they got to the pants section that he started grabbing things and holding them against his hips. He could live with the damn hoodie, but he needed a bit more leg room. He felt like if he bend over these things would rip in two.

"What's with the sudden amounts of blue?" J.J questioned as she picked up the silk dress first. What the hell was that supposed to cover? Her breasts would show, she was certain of it. Instead of complaining, she slipped off her clothes and tried on the dress. It was comfortable...she would probably would wear it when she had her own room or something. As much as she teased that Bucky's seen her nude, it wasn't like he constantly wanted to see her like that.

She did like the color, it was flattering on her skin tone. She slipped off the dress and quickly hitched her pants back up, blushing wildly. She tried on a dark blue bra with black underlining. It looked like a sports bra, and she'd knew that even if she didn't wear the silk dress as a day off thing and it forever hid in her dresser, the bra would definitely work. It was comfortable, no under wire, and it felt amazing. The back strap was thick and it didn't make her feel like she was relying on a thin piece of frabric. Her breasts felt comfortable too.

She did not, however, enjoy the pure black bra. "My boobs look like cones." She deadpanned, knowing too well that Kerica was probably listening in to see if she'd complain. She took off the bra and tossed it out the stall, wondering if she aimed it correctly at the woman. "You should try that on in your size. You have the hair for it. I look like I'm trying to be Xena warrior princess or some superhero."

She tried the other blue one on and hummed. It was a light blue, had a design on it, nothing fancy. "Okay so out of the four, I found three." She said. "I think once I find a black and a nude I'll be okay for a while. Bras last me a long time." She tossed on her shirt and winced as she nearly whacked herself with the door. "Right...this one you pull."
~
Steve had to smile at the way that Bucky suddenly went after things. "Your hips are much wider than mine." He noted. "Funny, I would have thought you'd have a slimmer waistline." He walked over towards the jeans and hummed as he looked through. "It may be a lot classier, but I find that today's society has a lot that we didn't have. Vaccinations, more cures, the internet's helpful, and movies came a long way."

Kerica giggled and shrugged, "I'll go put this back and I actually do have it. I'm /wearing/ it since I thought I'd be working today." She looked down at herself in the typical SHIELD uniform...black tight pants tucked into her knee-high black boots that had a thick to-inch heel. She'd taken off the uniform jacket to blend into the crowd, but was simply wearing a red shirt similar to JJ's green on. It wasn't very...outstanding at all. "I'm going to grab something else for myself instead. Go pick out some new underwear and wait by the register," she sighed and walked off to go find herself that red nightgown Pietro had discovered. In her search, she found a different outfit...just a silk PJ set that was a soft wine red, and had black lace outlining the bottom of the top, so it wasn't all one straight color. Grabbing it, she met with the two at the front, paid for everything with Tony's card, and then they left to go find the other two men.

~

"Too much CGI," Bucky snorted, "I do prefer colored TV though..." he shook his head and decided on a black pair of jeans, "I'm going to see if these fit." He grabbed two others just in case the one he had didn't fit. Going to the changing room, he left Steve alone with his thoughts...and he was left with his own.

Was this really to be his life now? After...so many years...decades...of being Hydra? Brainwashed and trained to be the number one enemy to Captain America. Yet...there was something in his the makeup of his body, heart...soul, that kept him from walking down that path for very long. Even while working for them he was a wanderer.

Could he handle the red tape? He already hated being told what to do...perhaps...he might not stay with the Avengers. It didn't seem like his place. He didn't feel...comfortable, there. Of course, he'd never fight for Hydra again if he had a choice in the matter. He would stay long enough to get what he wanted, and then go from there.

Steve also had to wonder about this. It was nice, reminiscing with Bucky again. It was wonderful to talk about their past, even if Bucky couldn't remember it all. However, he knew his best friend and he knew that the man who was wearing Bucky's face and name weren't the same person. They were different, changed by what Hydra did to them.

He knew that his friend wouldn't stay for long. He could read him like an open book, it's never changed. Steve may be oblivious to some things, but he wasn't to many others. J.J was a traveler, a wanderer by heart as well. One of them would decide to leave, most likely Bucky...and the other would follow. He put his hands into his pockets.

What could he do to make Bucky want to stay? What was there that he could do? There was limitations, but those limits would decrease the more Bucky would rise up. He could talk to J.J, see what she could do to, but at the same time...he knew too well that their unwritten rule was that Bucky would decide to leave or stay, and J.J would follow.

But where did that undying loyalty come from? What made J.J follow a solider? Maybe...he had his own questions to a man he did and didn't know, just like Bucky had. He was snapped out of thoughts when he heard Bucky come out. "You found one you like?" Steve questioned, hoping that his expression didn't betray his worried thoughts.

"Yeah, I didn't feel like I'm going to get castrated if I moved wrong," Bucky quipped, "Let's pay for these so I can change back into them, and I'll be able to have a /little/ more fun once I'm comfortable." He smirked a bit when Steve went to turn around and Kerica ended up hugging his front instead of the sneak hug she was going to do from behind.

Kerica's face turned as red as her shirt and she pulled back, "U-Uh, sorry..." she didn't know what to say to cover up her actions.

"It's okay," Steve smiled at her. "I see you guys already made a dent in your shopping already." He didn't miss that J.J was carrying a few bags from the store that they had been into. He could guess it was a lingerie shop and didn't ask for details. Mostly because he knew better. He also didn't want to embarrass Kerica any further. He knew that she had tried to sneak attack on him, and was a little flattered by the hug. He just hoped that it wasn't obvious. "We're about to pay."

"I heard." J.J grinned. "What do we do after this?"

"Well you'll suffer a haircut and then we'll continue hitting stores until you two have a better wardrobe than you already do." Steve said simply.

"We should be able to trade partners somehow." J.J said seriously, knowing very well that Bucky knew where she was going with this. "Like, maybe after an hour or two of shopping, we switch. We can talk about it further later. You guys get paid for. Kerica....if you want him to hug you just ask."

Steve was pretty sure the tips of his ears went pink.

"You don't ask for hugs, you either demand them or you just do," Pietro laughed at Kerica's and Steve's predicament, "Let's go, then."

Kerica shifted and she scurried away over to the register where they waited for Steve to use his card to buy Bucky's pants, and then he disappeared again to change. He did look a lot more comfortable and was walking normally now, more relaxed. "So J.J. here needs pants still, and you both need shirts..." she tapped her chin, "Let's go do the haircut thing. You could always change into your new stuff in another store."

The five of them wandered back to the salon and Bucky elbowed Steve in the side meaningfully before going to sit down, taking off the hoodie he was wearing so the person taking care of him had better access. A few people recognized him, but they didn't say anything because who didn't recognize Captain America either? J.J. was taken to a chair right next to him and that helped him relax a bit, "I don't want a lot taken off...just cleaned up."

J.J nodded her agreement about not taking a lot off. She sat down on the chair and swiveled a bit to as they got him ready. "Long hair suits you." She beamed and the man who was going to fix him up laughed. "

"Not a problem." The man assured. "A trim and we can get some of the weight off and you'll look good. Let's get the hair wet so that it'll be easier to cut. Come along." He gestured for Bucky to stand and come with him behind a screen where the sinks were so that he could wash his hair and get it prepped for the trim and cut.

J.J just had to bite back a laugh and then looked at herself in the mirror as the woman behind her asked her what she wanted to do. She was a gorgeous blond with a cute lolita dress and stockings. Her energy was hyperactive, but there was a professionalism to her energy. "All off." She finally said. "Short...stylish..." She showed her how short by using her fingers.

"I'll cut and you tell me." The woman agreed with a laugh. "Come on, we better do the same thing and get you wet."

J.J's cheeks probably blazed a hundred times hotter than they would've if anyone else uttered that.

"Pietro." Steve turned to him. He felt bad for the kid, leaving him alone like this and probably bored out of his mind, but he knew too well that he probably already resigned himself to his fate. He had watched the interactions and presumed that this would work. "Do you mind keeping an eye on the both of them while Kerica and I go somewhere real quick? I promise, we'll be back before they're done. We won't leave you to die of boredom for too long."

"Sure! Dey won't be goin' anywhere until you get back," Pietro nodded firmly and grinned, "Enjoy yourself, Cap."

Kerica blinked in confusion, "Where are we going?" she asked curiously.

"Keri! Leave your stuff with me," Quick said and in a snap he already had her bags and her hands were holding air, and he waved, "See ya in a little while!"

"He's not obvious at all," Bucky muttered to J.J. beside him at the washing sinks.

"Come with me," Steve told Kerica and walked out of the salon, having her follow. "Sorry if that was abrupt." He apologized. "I should've asked first, but would you like to go to the food court with me and grab a snack or ice cream or something? They're going to take a while in there, and I don't want you to get bored." And he wanted to spend time with her, but he was pretty sure that would come off as creepy.
~
J.J laughed as she closed her eyes and melted into the touch. The woman who was washing her hair had a calming energy, but a hyperactive one. Besides, since it was just her hair that was being touched, she couldn't affect her, so it was all good. "I don't think subtly is his art form. He follows me like a duckling. I don't know if it's because I'm recovering from my concussion or if it's for other reasons."

Kerica's eyes brightened and her grin was stunning, "Yes! I'd love to! I wouldn't ave gotten bored, not with Pietro's hyperactive personality, but I'd love to get some ice cream. We were supposed to eat lunch together at the facility, anyway. I guess today is desert before the meal?" she put her hand on her back to make sure it was still there and then looked around for the directory 'you are here' sign. Once she spotted it she jogged over and examined it. "It's this way," she pointed, "I come here to window shop but I always get turned around," she admitted.
~
"I think it's other reasons...such as he likes you," Bucky smirked. He only closed his eyes to make sure the shampoo and water didn't get in them, but opened them immediately when he was brought forward to sit up and toweled off.

"It is a maze," Steve agreed as they started walking towards the direction of the food court. "I don't mind breaking the whole dessert rule either." He wished he knew what to say, how to untie his tongue and actually talk. Tony would be laughing at him, and Bucky....well...the Bucky he knew would have face palmed and groaned. Probably say something along the lines of "you're a hopeless punk" or "for god's sake Rogers" or something like that. "Your dad's a doctor right?" At Kerica's expression he felt quick to add, "I read your file...I was just...wondering what he was like. What kind of person he was."
~
J.J burst out laughing as she was also pushed up and was toweled off. "Like me." She choked. It wasn't that she didn't believe Bucky. He was an honest person. She valued that honesty and returned it with her own. "I'm a likable person," she reminded him. "A lot of people like me." Or she could make them like her.

"Meara...Dr. Knight," Kerica smiled fondly, "He became a single dad when I was five, but he's raised me by himself my whole life. It was hard, since he was barely home because of work, but being a doctor pays well and I never went without. Doesn't mean I'm not grateful for anything he did for me. Like Tessa he can be really scary when you don't do what he says for your health. My asthma was bad as a kid, I used an inhaler until I was in high school where I /mostly/ grew out of it. He still asks me every time we talk, though, if I keep my emergency one somewhere. Tony keeps it in the Jet first aid."

Kerica shook her head, eyed Steve and then reached out to hook her arm with his. Once given the okay to touch, she latched onto the person, "My father is a really sweet, kind man. He didn't deserve the hardships he went through to have me, though he keeps telling me he'd do it again."

~

"You know what I mean," Bucky rolled his eyes, "Whatever. I'm already dealing with a person who's having relationship jitters. I don't need one, let alone two since I don't know jack about relationships to begin with. I'm pulling everything out of my ass, J.J., so take it or leave it."

"I remember having asthma when I was a kid. It wasn't fun, especially when there's no money." Steve shook his head. "Modern day medicine's advanced so quickly and so far since I was a solider back in WW2, it's amazing." He didn't mind that she had latched on to him, and quickly adjusted so that he was a little closer to her. "I'm glad that it's not affecting you as much as it could've. I'll keep a mental note to where your inhaler is, just in case something happens." He nodded his head determined.

"As for your father, he sounds like a great man. I'm sure every hardship he went through, undeserved as is, was a happy moment if it meant keeping you around somehow." He told her gently. "Do you go and visit him?"
~
J.J snorted as they were escorted back to their chairs. Pietro was far enough away, so she didn't think he could hear her or not over the loud sounds of a dryer going from the station nearby. "I don't have relationship jitters." She told him shortly. "I know you're awful at relationships too. When was the last time you got laid?" She could feel him glaring at her from the side, but she kept going. "I just don't have time. Though if you wanted someone to hook with for a night or so, I know someone. Her name starts with a T and ends with an A."

"When I can. I wouldn't endanger him by going to his home, but I do stop by the hospital from time to time. It'd be impossible for our days off to coincide, anyway. Tessa's mom works with him, too, so she and I usually go together," Kerica rested his head on his arm and they finally got to the food court. Finding the nearest Dairy Queen, she guided him over to it, "What kind of ice cream are you after today? Mint chip oreo sounds good for me."

~

"You know, they do travel all around, you wouldn't be bored by staying with them," Bucky pointed out, "I don't need to get laid, J.J. While you say you're 'too busy' which is bullshit, my life doesn't allow for that sort of thing. People will end up getting killed. I can't count how many times you almost did. I'm not bringing Dr. Rivera into the equation. She couldn't follow me if I left, anyway, so why get her hopes up and break her heart? You on the other hand? He thinks your attractive." He motioned with his hand to Pietro who was going through one of the haircut books, "He's not only following you, he's trying to get your attention in other ways so you notice him."

"A Reese's peanut butter cup blizzard sounds fantastic." Steve nodded his head as they walked up. They placed their orders and Steve paid, ignoring Kerica's protests and smiled warmly at her as they waited. "I don't mind paying. It's my treat after all, though if you want to be even, next time it'll be yours, deal?"
~
There were facts, and then there were facts. J.J wasn't sure if Bucky was reminding her that one day the road that they were traveling together on was going to split soon or if he was just telling her that because he observed them. She looked into the mirror to see Pietro flipping through the book. He found her attractive? While she had noticed that he followed her, she couldn't for the life her figure out why. She couldn't affect him like the others, there wasn't a need to follow her. She was a wanderer by heart. Most of her travels was a closed-eye-point-to-the-globe method and pray it works out.

It was fancy and whim that lead her to Bucky. Well, lead her to the train tracks and get stopped by Bucky. It was fancy and a dash of brashness for her to watch him get up and leave, and follow. It was determination and gritted teeth that she followed him through hell, and saw hell, and looked at the demons that wore clothes and pretended to be human. It was luck as well as misfortune that sometimes she tested fate too much and nearly was caught time and time again. It was a complete and utter leap of faith that they were sitting in the barber's chair, talking right now.

Pietro was a different matter entirely. When he caught her and she tried to get him to let her go, all he did was hold onto her tighter. She did her best to affect him and all she got in turn was more of his energy, a better read on his emotions. He didn't seem to mind getting her breakfast and as they had walked he was terrified of her outcome. What was the worse that they could do? Erase her memories and she was left with no recollection of Bucky? (In honesty, that was the worst thing that she could imagine happening.) He followed her, got to know her, but she didn't ask much about himself. She thought about it, but was that the smart thing to do?

She wasn't stupid.

She was completely insane, she gave him a piece of her name. Something she swore she wouldn't do. She wanted to groan. "Maybe you're right." She said after a moment as she closed her eyes and listened to the snipping of the scissors. "But then by that logic you have to ask yourself why you allowed the weakest player in the game to join your party. You're safe with me, right? I may be attractive, but that's because I'm using the she/ her pronouns. Let me shop with you and grab a wardrobe and I know he'll drop me the moment I say "he". That's usually what happens."

Kerica bit her lip and nodded, "Um, okay. Thank you, Steve. You're amazing," she went to the other end of the booth where their cups were set down. Taking hers she handed him his, "Do you want to sit down or walk back?"

~

"It'd be easier to believe once you have short hair," Bucky hummed. He thought that was cruel, but it was J.J's life. If Pietro was still determined, then he would give him more respect than he already did, "We can look for shirts together. Steve's always been a classic guy, but I'd like something to fit in with the times. A jacket, a couple tanks and some t-shirts. You'd be able to help me with that more than he would."