Chapter Text
A chorus of yelling from across the school yard causes you to look up, eyes searching for the interruption. You close your book and push it to the side when you see a skinny teen standing across from Henry, the school bully, both of their fists raised. You watch in horror as the skinny boy swings at Henry, missing entirely, before Henry lands a punch on the boy's nose. The gathering crowd cheers as he immediately starts bleeding, and you stand from your spot on the bench, eyes still trained on the skinny boy. He swings again and lands a punch, but it lacks the power to affect Henry, and only earns him a black eye. You move towards the fighting pair as fast as your legs will carry you, before firmly planting yourself between the boy and Henry. Henry glares at you. “Move.”
You glare back, chin raised slightly in defiance. “No.”
His fists are still raised and he shifts closer to you. “Move!”
You put your hands on your hips. “What're ya gonna do, Henry? Hit a girl?”
Over his shoulder, you spot a dark haired teen striding across the school yard, eyes laser focused on Henry's back. He reaches him in seconds and yanks him back by the collar, tossing him to the ground. “Yeah Henry, you gonna hit a lady?”
Henry scrambles to his feet, still glaring, but you notice it falter for half a second. He spits at the dark haired boy’s feet. “Stay out of this, Barnes, it's not about you.”
He shrugs. “Any issue you've got with Steve is an issue with me.”
Henry seems to consider his options before shaking his head. “Forget it. Tell Rogers to mind his business.”
Henry turns and walks away, and you immediately spin towards the skinny teen, concern written all over your face. “Are you okay?”
He smiles up at you, shy, and nods. “I'm alright, ma'am.”
You laugh at the formality and introduce yourself before asking, “And you are?”
He extends a hand towards you. “Steve Rogers.” He gestures at the dark haired boy that was watching your interaction quietly. “And that's Bucky Barnes, my best friend.”
You smile at them both. “That was quite the punch you took, Steve Rogers.”
Steve shrugs. “I've had worse.”
Bucky laughs from beside you and your turn and question, “Does this happen often?”
Bucky nods. “At least once a week. Usually more.” He turns to Steve. “We better get you cleaned up before we get home, your ma will kill us both if I bring you home covered in blood again.”
Steve glances down at the blood staining his shirt and nods, before turning to address you. “It was nice to meet you, ma'am.”
“You, too.” You glance over at Bucky, offering him a smile. “Both of you.”
They both turn and walk away, already deep in conversation about the cause of the fight, leaving you to watch them go.