Dancing Off Page

Eight months.

Eight months you'd settled with your Aunt Natasha in town. Your father must not have known her making of such money or you knew he wouldn't have indulged. Her girls and saloon widely known a place for someone to relax and disappear from their lives.

A rest bit in the desert.

When you arrived you assumed you'd join the women under Natasha's protection; however, she kept you at arms length. She was kind enough but never truly seemed to let you in. A stranger still in the house on the outskirts.

"Pour this out back." Natasha's voice rang out over the tune as she handed you a bucket of water.

You nodded taking it making care not to slosh water across the dance floor.

The cool air hit your skin slick with sweat from being inside with so many bodies.

The water splashes as you dispose of the dirty water before placing it down at your feet. You take a deep breath as the cooling air hits your lungs. The muffled noise of the organ fades into the distance as you enjoy the peace for a small moment.

"Doll."

A hand gripped around your neck feeling the leather glove hold you against a brick wall. Your heart skipped a beat as you stilled. Your voice would carry if you screamed...you probably should have.

The glove toyed with your necklace.

With a slight turn of your head you saw the profile that plagued your constant thoughts. Not needing to meet the blue of his eyes to know who he was.

"What's something so beautiful doing in a shithole town like this."

You never heard his voice last time, but now you knew it would haunt you. Someone so dangerous with a voice so soothing was dangerous. A voice to the stranger now.

"May I have a name for the man so entranced with my necklace?"

His voice gruff, "Bucky."

"Bucky." your words repeated low and slow as if to savor the word that rolled off your lips.

"Ma'am," Bucky's voice slight as he continued, "you say my name like that I might do something indecent."

"Might."

Bucky's hand stilled as he watched your chest heave, "Beautiful desert flower."

"You say that to all the ladies you find behind saloons."

The words stilled Bucky as you felt his start to retreat from your back. You only meant to tease not tear him away from your body. Your body was cold from the lack of his warmth.

Your body spins instinctively as your hands clasp around the jacket of the outlaw...Bucky. He seems started by your forwardness letting you push him against the wall. Bucky's hands are tight against your waist as if you could slip through his fingers.

The darkness still casts shadows as you can't make out his face entirely, but you don't need to. Your breath catches in your chest just like when you first saw him.

"Fuck." Bucky's breath muttered as you faintly heard it.

The power you felt having this outlaw...this man trapped against he wall at your disposal.

Through Bucky's rough vest and shirt you could feel his muscular chest. You didn't dare to make eye contact fearing you would lose your edge and whimper at the sight of those deep pool of blue eyes. the world seemed to still the air thick between the two of you.

Bucky stilled as you seemed to halt your advances glancing down as your soft polished hands. Bucky's gaze traveled up towards your collarbone exposed under the delicate lace of your dress. Bucky then settles on the features of your face. He hadn't seen another women so striking yet so regal. Bucky was determined to travel and roam the desert but the tug on his heart was different.

Before any thoughts could cross Bucky's mind the backdoor of the saloon flung open. As soon as the door opened the woman took her hands off Bucky's and the ache of the loss of her heat tugged at his heart.

Bucky turned his head just in time to see the scour on Natasha's face and her barking for the woman to return inside. Bucky's head rested against the wall of the saloon taking a final breath of her perfume before it faded in the dry heat of the desert.

Your head rested on the rough oak of the carriage as your mind wandered. Your Papa would never have considered letting you travel this far out west if he had survived the sickness. Now alone you travel to meet with your aunt, although blood related you were not.

Once word of your Papa's passing had reached her she agreed to take you in. A stranger to family now as you travel to your new life. A life you weren't sure you wanted but a life nonetheless.

The desert was barren but stories of robbers and outlaws filled the heads of travelers going west. The threat of violence and bloodshed that could come upon a traveler in the vast unknown.

The stories and word that had graced your homestead should have scared you, but a piece of thought of the wildness that would be on your travel. What a world where you could travel with reckless abandon. One that you would probably never know of. You figured your aunt would have men eligible lined up to take you off her hands. One less mouth to feed and passed to yet another to take care of.

"Woah!"

The driver held the horses as the carriage came to an abrupt stop. You lurch forward catching yourself on the satin cushion seat that laid in front of you.

Before your head could look out to see what the abrupt stop was all about you heard the gruff voices and cocking of guns before you saw the faces, or lack of them. Bandanas covered their faces beyond recognition even if you wanted to.

The sheen of sweat beaded down on the horses coats as your riders halted surrounding your carriage. The shouts of the driver lost on your ears as you saw the rider of a black quarter horse separate from the pack. Your breath caught as the rider approached the door as you pushed yourself fat into your seat, as if you could disappear into the lace and satin.

The black cowboy hat covered his eyes casting a dark shadow of darkness you could feel yourself fall into the abyss. The red handkerchief securely sat to the bridge of his nose hiding his mouth but slight sublet cast across his jaw. His clothing was well worn but not tattered. You could recognize the gold embellishments of his saddle was not cheap and well maintained.

Under different circumstances a man of wealth...instead an outlaw stood before you.

The door of your carriage creaked as the man's heavy footsteps echoed through the silent desert. You could hear shouting and the bags above being removed but your eye stayed trained on the man now seated across from you.

Black hat tipped ever so slightly to reveal the clearest blue eyes strained on your face.

Time stilled.

Your heartbeat stilled as the move removed a single black glove to show his rough hands. His hand outstretched as if you could bolt at any moment. He leans forward his hand still out as if to coax a startled mare. Your chest rises and falls as the man traces the lace of your bodice.

Something less innocent if another man attempted but you dare not move. Moving would halt the man's hand as he continued up towards your embordered shoulder until his hand clasped against the back of your neck. His rough skin met your untainted soft skin.

Without warning your hand clasped to the golden necklace, but the man did not dare retreat his hand.

"A gift." Your voice meek and low, "My Papa gifted to my Mama on their wedding day. When she died I was gifted it."

His eyes stayed trained on yours and slowly broke the hold on the back of your neck.

Silence.

The man bestowed upon you a short curt nod of understanding...an outlaw with a conscious. As if a shadow he retreated from your carriage. No evidence he existed as your hand clasped your necklace still.

The man left your life as soon as he entered.

Thoughts should have died on that day.

They didn't.

As if it seemed to go on for hours finally, he stopped and you all waited.

Your heart stopped as you scanned the list finally for your name.

The breath escaped as you felt Nat tackle you into a hug, "Roomies!" Nat screamed as you both giggled with laughter. This couldn't be any more perfect as you basked in being done with training. Finally, after all the hours of studying and hard work it was time. Your life was just beginning.

The air of the bar filled with cheering and laughter. Everyone had quickly changed out of their dress uniforms after graduation to have a celebratory beer. The music rang through the air as cadets celebrated finally be real cops.

"So you ready to room with Nat?" Bucky leaned against the bar next to you as you slowly sipped your beer.

"Mhmm." You hummed absent mindedly, "Steve and you gonna room together?"

Bucky laughed, "Who else would I rather live with than that punk."

Who would have thought the four of you thick as thieves would stay together. The job would be a little less scary when you were surrounded by your support system. The world would be a little less cold with the four of you all together.

"So," Bucky charmed as he started to come closer to you, "One last time?"

Your chest tightened as you knew what would come next. The last time was always promised as the last time...until Bucky asked one more time. You knew you were too weak to deny the request...but deep down you knew you never wanted to deny him anyway or yourself.

Bucky's hands graced up your ribs as you felt his breath span across your ribs. His tender kisses came peppered down your body. Your breath came out shaky as you inhaled and exhaled.

"God your beautiful." Bucky's slick tone cut through the thick air, "I'd never get tired of you."

The pleasure of tingling warmth radiated from between your legs as you felt Bucky's lips bring gasps from your lips. Your orgasm came over you intense and electric, like laughter that bursts out of you.

Bucky's face came into view as he tenderly kissed your lips.

This couldn't happen again the phrase continuously rang through your head. It wouldn't happen again...but you could not let it go. You needed him like you needed water. Your mind ceased thinking when you felt him slipping into your core. The fullness made you gasp.

...

The academy building loomed above you as you stood. The memories coming back to you. It felt weird to come back to the place where it all started. You welcomed the next two weeks of teaching the new cadets. When Steve asked if you would, without hesitation you said yes.

The relief of getting some time away was welcomed.

"Just like old times right?"

Fuck you.

Life could not be easy could it.

You took a deep inhale as you faced Bucky, "What the fuck are you doing here?"

Bucky sighed, "Not the welcome I thought I would get."

"What? You think I would just be happy? I left to get a break."

"From me?"

"Everyone."

Bucky met your eyes seeing the bags that were under your eyes. It looked like you hadn't slept in days and Bucky felt like an asshole for begging to get put on the staff for the next two weeks. When Steve off-handily stated the firearms instructor had to back out for family reasons Bucky jumped at the opportunity. Bucky made some off hand statement about insuring the next generation or some bullshit.

"Let's just get through the next two weeks okay?"

One girl next to you shakes as she falters off her small pointe, the scream echoing off the mirrored walls. Your gaze didn't falter off the chip in the wallpaper you focused on to keep your balance. Your gaze didn't falter when the steeled toed boots thudded against the wooden dance floor. Your gaze didn't falter as you heard the scuffle and screams from the girl being dragged out of rehearsal.

The screams you would hear in your dreams later when you try to fall asleep in the room with the rest of the ballerinas. On your cot slightly damp from the moisture in the damp air.

Your eyes squeeze shut as your muscles tense and beg to give out. Giving up means death. You can't give up not when it means losing everything...including him.

The darkness is the only time when the Red Room is silent. The sounds of mice scurrying in the walls and light breathing of the girls around you are the only sounds. One cot remains empty as the girl never returned after being dragged off. Your skin prickled with goosebumps. As the night went on you slowly dragged yourself off the cot.

Your toes gently padded down the room as you slowly slipped out the door. The lack of light made you rely on your memory as you silently went to the training room. You flip the switch as the light brings the room out of the darkness.

Breath escapes your lips as you hit the punching bag again and again. The sweat beads down your neck as you work up a sweat training. You groan as your muscles feel as if they are on fire while your knuckles will surely be bruised later.

"Razve balerine ne pozdno bodrstvovat?"

You knew the low voice behind you. Isn't it late for a ballerina to be up?...your mind translated his Russian. The fear ran your blood go cold as you dared to face or more mask of the man behind you.

In front of you stood none other than the Winter Soldier. Most feared assassin Hydra had created. He moved through the shadows like a ghost, the glint of metal the only hint that he was anything more than human. His hair, long and dark, fell into his eyes — eyes that were cold, distant, a storm trapped in steel blue. They carried no warmth, no recognition, only purpose.

"I just wanted to train."

Your voice meek and small as the Soldier towered above you casting a shadow onto your frail frame. You heard him hiss behind the steel as you tried to slow your breathing that was starting to increase.

He could go to Mother and tell her his discovery of you outside the sleeping quarters past curfew. He could cause pain to you if they found out you had broken a rule. There is one thing Mother never tolerated...rule breakers.

"Smh...You call that training? Your body will give out on you before you gain the muscle, Malenkaya balerina."

Little Ballerina.

The pet name escaping from his lips made your spine bristle.

The Soldier's first made contact with your ribs faster than you could comprehend as your body buckled under the force. Your hands splayed across the floor as your vision blurred as his boots appeared in your peripheral.

"Get up."

Your muscles screamed out as you stood straight looking ahead at the Soldier. His left arm gleamed beneath the dim light, a work of terrible beauty — smooth steel, etched with the red star of the Soviet machine that had remade him. The steel wound to life as you prepared for another blow...but it never came.

Your eyes met the Soldier's eyes, the deepest blue but behind them a man built from fragments, stitched together with secrets and pain. The mask he wore covered the lower half of his face, reducing him to eyes and metal — a weapon rather than a person.

The Soldier slowly stalked closer to you as you stood perfectly still hoping he didn't notice your body shake at every motion he made towards you.

"You need to get stronger before you can efficiently train. Your too weak. Another blow would kill you instantly, nonetheless, from a killer like me."

As the Soldier towered over you, it was like time slowed for an instant. Your body seemed to have a mind of its own as your hand gently placed itself on the cool metal under your fingertips. The Soldier didn't move when the hiss of the connecting piece of the mask came to life.

The cool wooden floor met your chest faster than you could retract your hand. Your breath coming out as a gasp as you felt the Soldiers hand on the back of your neck keeping you splayed to the floor. Your chest heaved as you tried to catch your breath.

"Go to bed, little ballerina."

In the morning your muscles screamed more than normal as you tried to get through the day. The cold porridge as breakfast did little to fill your stomach. The hours of dance practice caused your feet to bleed through your shoes more than normal. The beating your body received; however, light left the bruises littered across your frail body.

All day your body wanted to give up.

All day you wanted to give into the fatigue and darkness.

The little will power you had pushed you through the day.

When the night encroached, you laid in your cot like the rest of the girls. Your body ached keeping you from your slumber. As your eyelids became heavier the slight movement in the corner of your eye made you turn your head. The door was slightly ajar, and you know Mother never forgot to lockup before bedtime.

Slowly you made your way through the Red Room until you saw the only door with light escaping it.

Your tumbling hand pushed it open as you saw the training room with the Soldier standing in the middle.

"Your body is getting weaker, little ballerina." The Soldier's low groan echoed through the empty room. The Soldier moves his hand from behind his back to reveal a plate as he slowly knelt to the floor. He settled the plate on the floor moving as if you were a deer he would spook in the woods. "Need to be eating more if your gonna survive."

You couldn't help rushing to the plate of warm food as the soft bread elicited a groan from the back of your throat. The meat was salty but you didn't care as the Soldier watched you consume the meal. You were too busy eating to hear his low voice.

Bucky couldn't help but let his thoughts wander to his son...the word he never thought he would say...son. His chest panged with the need to not let the boy or you out of his sight, but you didn't want that. Of course you didn't. You didn't even come find him after decades of him yearning over your loss. You'd kept yourself hidden, but as soon as he had seen you again, he'd felt the bond grow close once more.

How could you had hide from him in the world...your loss was unimaginable.

"What are you going to do?"

Steve's voice rang taking Bucky out of his thoughts. Bucky shook his head, not knowing what to say.

"I want to be in his life. I don't know how it happened, but seeing his face his eyes. I thought I lost her forever.” And now Bucky got more than he ever wanted.

“Mamma, tell the story again?” Even when it was painful you’d never deny him the story that he longed to hear over and over again. The fables he grew up with not realizing how much truth was in them. A smile, however, painful as you drew in a deep breath.

And so it begins…

The creek trickled as you pulled the purple linen from the water. The cold water felt nice against the heat of the afternoon sun finally starting to set. Carefully setting every single piece of fabric on the clothing line before repeating. The monotony was welcomed as it had been a hard week. The coven had been anxious with rumors of more arriving for the King. Soldiers you heard of. Dangerous. Deadly. Undead.

The monsters that lurked in the night would be coming soon. Your quiet town soon would be swarming with them. Your MaMa had told you not to fear. The new king would have slaughtered the witches if he viewed them as such a threat. You weren’t so sure.

Snap.

You perked like a fawn in the forest. Ears alert and widened eyes scanning for any sense of danger. The woods you’d grown up in now seemed foreign.

Maybe it was nothing. Your mind repeated over and over. Maybe if you said it enough to yourself it would rein true.

Again the snapping of another twig. You scurried to your feel letting the cloth you had been washing splat to the ground. Your eyes searched until you felt the cold behind you. A sudden spark down your spine made you straighten instantly. You thought the fear would creep in but it never did.

“I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

His voice rolled off his tongue like honey as you detected the faintest accent. Your head slowly turned to face the young man behind you. Your pace quickened but not with fear.

“I’m not scared.” Your voice coming out stronger than you would have thought as a smile crept upon the strangers face.

“If not scared little witch then why has your pulse quickened?”

How? The question died in your throat as you finally broke your gaze from the stranger’s face. He was dressed in leather and furs with a glittering broach attached the symbol you had learned of when the King ascended to power. The monsters were real and you’d found yourself alone in the woods.

The stranger seemed to know your thoughts before you could voice them. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to frighten you. I was on my way to the castle and felt something and well it brought me here…I’m Bucky.”

You introduced yourself still weary of the stranger…Bucky. He seemed harmless enough didn’t try to encroach too much on your space instead keeping his distance. Bucky’s eyes were a sharp blue you couldn’t seem to tear your gaze away from the endless pools of blue. His face slightly flushed enough to fool you but the slight glimmer of magic you could recognize. The magic hiding the true form of him.

“Here, let me help you.”

Your hands touched as Bucky handled you the fabric that had fallen and a sudden burst went through your skin. You couldn’t keep the scream in as it felt like your skin was burning then everything stopped…

The vision was strong and you’ve never experienced one before or even heard of a witch seeing what you were…it was impossible.

Your body filled with pleasure transporting yourself into another place. You weren’t in the forest but your cottage, although it didn’t look like where you currently lived. Little details were missing but your mind blurred as your eyes made contact with a mirror in your bedroom.

You felt and saw Bucky’s lips tracing over your skin as his rough hands held your breast ever so tenderly. His fingers worked to magically twist your nipple exciting a giddy yelp causing him to laugh…that laugh you’d never grow tired of hearing.

“My little witch,” Bucky’s breath hitched as you gently grabbed ahold of his cock working the precum to make it easier for your hand to go up and down. “I knew you’d be trouble the first time I saw you at the lake.”

“Mhmm.” Your breath coming out heavy as Bucky continued to kiss down your neck before replacing his fingers with his mouth. “I saw you were going to be trouble the first day you touched me.”

“Maybe I should show you how much trouble I can be.”

In one easy swoop Bucky flipped you under him as you felt the fullness enter into you. The air growing thick and heavy filled with the sounds of both your gasps.

Your vision blurred as you were somewhere else… a place you had never been. The castle looming above you as you heard screaming and crying. Frantically you looked for Bucky until you saw his face twisted in anguish. Your body restrained by three guards as you thrashed to get to Bucky. It wasn’t until your eyesight sharpened did you see five guards holding Bucky back as his fangs were barred screaming your name.

The heat was intense as you saw the pyres. The flames engulfing the screams as your pulse quickened. You weren’t strong enough to fight your way back to Bucky as the heat rose engulfing you.

One last feeling of darkness before you were brought to another place you didn’t know. It was cold and bright as you sat on a hard table. A knock came from the door as a cheery woman came in.

“So, congratulations! Will you need an envelope for the father to know?”

Your voice came out one you couldn’t recognize as your own, “No. He’s not in the picture.”

Your gaze went down to your extended stomach. Your hands gently and protectively resting on your stomach.

Suddenly, you were back in the moment. Another stick broke and you didn’t hesitate to run this time. Your feet carrying you away from the monsters. Away from the visions. Away from Bucky. It was all too much. All too real. But how could it have been. You didn’t know this man.

Back at the lake, Steve approached Bucky seeing his best friend so still. He’d seen the girl felt the power between the two and it had always been a myth.

“Who was that Buck?”

“I think I met my soulmate. I saw things I can’t explain. I felt things I can’t explain.” Bucky said almost in a dream.

The whole ride back to the castle Bucky explained what he had saw while Steve listened. Until they arrived, “Well it seems like you need to protect the witch because soulmates don’t come often. There hasn’t been a fated vampire in centuries.”

The sweat clung to your chest dripping down your boobs as you work your hips. God the way he felt inside of you always hit the right spot as you could feel him tense. Your nails dug into his toned chest as the two of you rocked in tune with each other, chasing the fleeting high.

His hands gripped into your waist holding you up slightly so he could thrust himself inside of you at a quickening pace. Your breathing coming out in short breaths as your moans echoed off the walls.

Your neck thrown back and eyes closed you could almost imagine he was someone else...almost until he reached his peak and your name comes out in a groan.

Back to the reality...

You leaned down kissing Steve deeply as you felt his muscular toned arms grab around your waist. Coming down from the high Steve peppers your face with tiny kisses, always ending with a lot one on your forehead.

Steve was also so sweet and gentle with you. The safety net in a world where every day you clip on the badge to your belt or holster your firearm could be your last. Steve was the perfect man, the one everyone woman who picks the shittiest of men finally feels safe with.

You melt onto Steve's body your head perfectly resting in the spot between his neck and chest. Your fingers trace delicate shapes lazily into Steve's chest as both your breathing comes back to a relaxed state.

"What about next summer?"

The questions comes abruptly.

"Yeah? Is that what you want? Summer wedding could be nice but you know it's always the worst to take vacation." You say only half-hearted listening to the conversation.

Steve hums in agreeance. "I know you don't care about the wedding." Your shift up to look Steve in the face your protest lost in your throat as he continues, "You told me you've never been the type of woman who dreamed of their wedding so why don't we just do it now."

You couldn't help but giggle because Steve might be the only man on the planet who listens to every word you say. Of course, he would remember the off handed comment when you visited your mother six months ago. Family picture scattered across the living room floor and your mother's offhanded comment how you never pretend married the neighbor or stuck a ball under your shirt to pretend like your pregnant like the other little girls. No, instead you joined the boys for cops and robbers, climbed trees and committed to being a cop.

"But I thought..." Steve silences you with a passionate kiss before interrupting you, "I want you. That's all I ever wanted. You know when I feel in love?"

"When?"

You were genuinely curious because for you it was a calculated moment to fall in love with Steve Rogers. You needed to love him. You wanted to love him. You should love him.

"Pepper spray day." Steve laughed to himself as if swept away in the memory, "Everyone was crying and having trouble handcuffing Captain Fury, but not you."

"Yeah, I'm sure my bright red face and snot running down my nose was real hot Rogers."

Steve gently cupped your cheek, "It was the determination. I knew if you were that determined in your job, I couldn't imagine how determined you would be as a partner. And you have been. Baby, you don't know how hard it was for those three months."

You wanted to shy away...Steve never talked about those months. The three months the two of you never spoke, didn't acknowledge each other's presence. It was the moment that changed your relationship with each other forever.

Years earlier...

"Oh fuck, baby!" Bucky's groans echoed in the supply closet as his hand intertwined in your hair.

Bucky's cock was hot in your mouth as you moaned with his rough hands holding your head in place. Your knees would ache later but right now you were focused on making him feel good.

You'd worry about fixing your hair or uniform later but right now it made you feel sexy and wanted. Bucky and you had never been official but more on than off, while the passion never seemed to stop.

Bucky's hips stuttered as your mouth was filled with his sweet cum, "Mhmmm baby swallow it all like a good girl. Better not drip out so no one knows what we did."

The secret of it made it sexier, the hiding your relationship was exhilarating. Soon Bucky had promised you both could make it official. He said last week you both would walk straight to human resources and fill out the paperwork.

As you stood Bucky held your face gently before sealing your debauchery with one final passionate kiss.

"Okay, okay, we gotta get to briefing."

Captain Hill stood before everyone reading out the names for today's pairings, "Rogers and" Your eyes darted to Steve when your last name was said. You loved riding with Steve. Reliable and safe. As always, a day you wouldn't have to be worried.

Sitting in the passenger seat as Steve was driving was nice. You'd just stopped by your favorite taco spot and nice a full from lunch.

"Got any fun plans Rogers? Any dates with weekend?" You inquired loving the blush that would creep up Steve's neck as his embarrassment grew.

"You know I never do. What about you, who's that mystery guy your seeing?"

You startle at his accusation as Steve motions to your neck. You bring down the visor and see the hickey visible. Fuck you'd have to warn Bucky later.

Before you could continue the radio clicked on as the dispatch radioed need for assistance for domestic violence. You picked up the radio, "Dispatch, Unit 12, en route."

When you both arrived, you heard the screams of a woman pounding on the outside of the front door. The streams of tears coming from her face as the scream ripped from her body sending chills down your spine.

"Ma'am, what's wrong?"

Steve tried his best to get the full story but her cries kept interrupting. From what you knew she's been getting a divorce from her husband. He showed up drunk and demanded to see their two year old daughter. A verbal altercation ensued and he grabbed the little girl pushing the mother out of the residence.

You stood slightly off of the door as you pounded your fists, "Police! Open the door!"

"Go away!" a man yelled back as you heard the cries of an infant.

"You know I can't do that. Nothing you've done can't be undone. Your not in trouble, just come out and bring the little girl."

You could hear Steve behind you already radioing for backup, your heart thudding in your chest faster when you heard Bucky's voice crack over the radio.

"Do not come in I have a gun."

Before you could think you looked at Steve...first almost fatal mistake of many as you kicked in the door. The bang erupted through the house as you feel Steve right behind you without hesitation.

As soon as you rounded the corner you saw a man handing a baby pistol in his hand. Your body didn't have time to react just instincts and training kicking in.

"Put down the gun!" Your voice firm but focus on the firearm. "Sir, put the gun down now!"

Your mind went into to slow motion as you felt pressure on your back...then the bang. Your head hit the hardwood floor as you saw the toddler crying on the sofa unharmed. The blood pooled in front of you from the shot until you heard the sirens.

The call came next.

10-99

The code echoed.

10-99

Again, and again as you turned seeing more red across the floor.

"Steve!"

Fuck. Your body rushed not even seeing the rest of the officers around you.

"Steve. You're gonna be okay."

Steve was going pale as he reached for your hand. His eyes didn't seem to dim his sparkle as a cough erupted through his chest.

Your name came out faint as you leaned closer grabbing his hand as you applied pressure to his shoulder.

"It's just a scratch."

Of course, always being the hero.

"I love you."

Your cry got caught in your chest. The three words came at you as you leaned down closer.

"You're gonna be okay. You have to be okay."

Steve gave a faint smile as you both were so close.

Then before everything Steve leaned up and kissed you. The kiss was gentle but felt like a goodbye it couldn't be a goodbye. Steve leaned back down as you saw him grow paler.

"Fuck you, Steve Rogers. You don't get to fucking kiss me then die on me."

Steve gave you another smile as finally the paramedics rushed on scene taking over.

You'd fought Bucky you kept you back not letting you get in the back of the ambulance. The hot tears continuing to stream down your face.

You'd sat by Steve's side for six days as he was in the hospital. When he awoke you weren't there not being able to meet his face in-person. The anxiety wearing off and everything hitting you.

You were fucking Bucky. Steve confessed he loved you. You kissed Steve in a dying moment, or what you thought.

The night you'd had a screaming match with Bucky. You didn't know he'd seen you kiss Steve...heard the fleeting words. Things were said that couldn't be unsaid. Your world fell apart. Three months of time off and healing. Or so you thought because when you came back to work your life came crashing down. There wasn't escaping the words you said or what was to come.

"Fuck." You heard Nat next to you knowing if she was struggling the rest of you stood no chance against Captain Fury.

Looking to your right just one recruit seemed to not even seemed fazed. His face still resting in his normal what Nat called, "resting bitch face." Bucky Barnes continued his push-ups while the rest of you fumbled to keep some semblance of form. You couldn't help but notice the bulging of his biceps. The way his t-shirt seemed to be two sizes too small and clung to Bucky's chest was enough to make you notice.

Bucky's glance met yours as you hurriedly changed yours back to the ground.

The torture was soon over as Captain Fury dismissed the class to shower up.

"So saw you watching Bucky." Nat slightly bumped into you as you left the locker room. "I know , he's hot right and word on the street doesn't have some girl waiting for him on the outside. A shame how a guy like that is single."

"I was not!" You said shifting your focus intensely on your watch checking the time before class stated, "Besides, he's an asshole. Always thinks he's God's gift to the Earth. You think he just stares at himself in the mirror every morning."

Before Nat could respond Steve appeared coming out of the men's locker room, "Hey!"

Steve jogged to catch up with the two of you, "You both going to Dixie's tonight?"

Dixie's was the one dive bar in town that didn't hassle all recruits out of the place. Instead offering half off pints and where you often found yourself when you weren't training or studying.

"Was thinking about it." You said as Steve seemed to just ignore Nat all together, "Yeah, me too!" Nat pipped up finally drawing an acknowledging smile from Steve.

"Well, um maybe..." Steve never got to finish the though as Bucky appeared clapping him on the shoulder.

Your group chatted while on the way to chow hall as Bucky seemed to hang back only putting gin little quips here and there. As you approached you felt Bucky tap your waist coming close to whisper in your ear, "Yes, I do admire myself in the mirror. Bet I'd look even better in yours though."

You were speechless as everyone went into the chow hall.

Years later...

"Bucky hand me some of those hot Cheetos, will you?"

Bucky sat in the driver's seat as you both watched the house down the street. "Hey!" As Bucky pelted you with the bag of chips and laughed while you flipped him off.

"How long you think this asshole is going to stayed holed up in that shithole?"

You shrugged, "Umm I don't know Bucky that's why it's called police work."

The buzzing of Bucky's cellphone went off, "Fuck." Bucky murmured before silencing it.

"What trouble in paradise?"

Before Bucky could answer your phone went off next, geez was the whole world against the two of you now. You answered keeping the phone pinned against your ear and shoulder, "Hey baby."

"Hi, you staying safe out there?" Steve's voice echoed as you could tell he was still holed up in his office, "Keeping punk out of trouble?"

"Mhmmm. He keeps complaining though." Looking over you see Bucky flip you off, "Wow and flipping me off! Sounds like insubordination to me."

Steve's deep laugh came through the phone and always made you feel better. Steve was good at that. He was good at making you feel safe. Always was.

"Put me on speaker." You obliged giving Bucky a wink before, "Punk, stop messing with my fiance. Don't make me write you up for insubordination, technically she outranks you."

"Punk," Bucky groaned, "She outranks me cause I pissed off Captain Fury who demoted me for no reason! You know we'd be the same rank."

"Well maybe you should not have rushed into that house before the SWAT guys pulled up."

You laughed listening to the best friends arguing back and forth. The two of them were always inseparable. You'd always loved their friendship. That was until somehow everything turned beyond the two of your control. Oh how your life just seemed to spiral more than you could have imagined.

"Baby," Steve's voice pulled you from your thoughts, "Come over when you're done?"

"Yeah, if you promise to go home and actually leave the office at a decent time."

Steve gave you a huff but complied as you said your goodbyes and hung up.

Silence filled the car.

"She wants a baby."

Bucky's comment almost made you lose your breath.

"That's good right?"

"I don't think I want to." Bucky said and you knew not to look over, "Or I don't think I want to with her." And there it was the comment that would always come back.

"Bucky. Enough. Your scared of being a Dad everyone is. You'll be god and you know Nat will be a good mother."

"But." Bucky started but you were damned if you were gonna let him finish that statement, "But what Bucky? Your married. I'm getting fucking married...to your best friend!"

Bucky's eyes went to your hand seeing the glistening ring on THAT finger.

So many mistakes had been made for the two of you to get to here. Bucky knew it. You knew it, but damn it if you both were gonna blow up your lives...for what some good sex? Both of you knew it probably wouldn't work...or had that just been a lie you'd told yourself so many times you made yourself believe.

"Fuck there he goes."

The snow soon replaced with stone behind you as you made your way up to the path of the castle. The deep red brick contrasted against the white snowy day of winter. The castle loomed over the village you'd spent your whole life in.

Calls from the guards and maids rushing carrying plates of silver rushed around the grounds. The castle felt more alive in the eve of the celebration. The King had announced it three moons ago and the hectic castle showed it was more than just another party.

You knew the path since you'd traveled through the castle a hundred times easily avoiding interrupting the preparations. The large double oak doors soon where in front of you always seeming larger than life and grand. The two guards didn't hesitate to let you inside as the long table was filled with the King's consorts. The arguing and strategy concealed your entry as you keep to the walls blending in.

"My King," One noble shouted over the other, "they are dangerous. More powerful and how do we know they won't use it against us."

The King stood tall in his throne above the rest, looking the same as the hundred decades before. The crown perched on his head glistened and showed his power, but no mere mortal would ever be able to challenge the King. The King of the Dead he had been called in battle. His army too powerful the surrounding kingdoms fell easily. The King now stretched his power so far there wasn't anyone under his control.

May would assume the King of the Dead would be relentless or murderous under his control, alas he was merciful and no one even had tales of him being angry. Although the King of the Dead was powerful the woman seated at his right was even more so and not because of her abilities. The King of the Dead's Queen kept him in line and you'd grown up on their tale of love. Many knew her by Queen, but you were part of the few who knew her by Elspeth... Archwitch of your coven.

"Enough." The King demanded ending whatever debate you'd happened upon.

Your thoughts were lost when you met eyes with the man standing behind the King's throne...Knight Commander, or as you knew him as Bucky.

Bucky's eyes met yours as you couldn't help the heat creep up your neck and smile grace your face. Bucky's eyes sparkled meeting yours and a mischievous smile always came across his face. The heat came even more when you knew he was thinking about two moons ago when he came into your cottage. His mouth moves as you read his lips, "Little witch."

The King claps his hands as the table seems to quiet enough for him to dismiss his consorts. Bucky stays still waiting for the King to motion whispering something in his ear as Bucky nods. He makes one last smile at you before retreating behind the King's throne into the King's chambers. As Bucky leaves you miss having him close, but your thoughts of his disrupted as Elspeth notices you.

You kneel as she approaches, "My Queen."

"Stand, little one. We are sisters no need for that here." Elspeth calmly states even though she knows her coven would never head her not wanting to be seen as a royal.

"You summoned me."

"Shushhh," Elspeth grabbed your hand firmly, "Not here."

You followed close behind as Elspeth lead you to her new quarters in the castle. The King didn't like her away from him and a potion room made up for her. Elspeth did not seem like herself, her face felt tense not like her usual self.

"Els..." You couldn't get her name out before she stopped you again, "Sister. You are one of the strongest witches in the coven. You must heed my warning this village is no longer safe...for any of us."

"I don't understand. The King surely will protect us. The hunting of witches ended years ago...for once we are safe. We have to be safe."

Elspeth reached for your face gently holding your cheek, "The King would fall before he lets harm come to me, even more the coven. I have never doubted that. The others though, they are weary of our power."

"What? Why?" You shook your head, "They are vampires...they cannot die. They are stronger than us."

A smile crept upon Elspeth's face, "Oh sister, there is a lot you do not understand but will."

You wanted to know what Elspeth was keeping from you. Her expression still tense even if she tried to plaster a smile on. You knew the Archwitch was all knowing and powerful in the coven, it would not be your place to keep pushing

"No go find your knight. I've heard he's been anxious to see you, sister."

You should probably be more embarrassed but you wanted to see Bucky more than anything. Your feet carried you fast to Bucky's quarters where you figured you'd wait till he returned.

"My little witch." You felt his lips gently against your cheek as you awoke from your slumber. You had not realized you drifted off as books littered Bucky's bed. You met his eyes as he laughed and you'd missed hearing his deep timber reverberate through your body.

"How was your day?"

"Better that I found a little witch in my bed. Looked so peaceful my love, wish you could grace my bed every night."

You knelt on your knees nearly meeting Bucky's face as you wrapped your arms around his neck. Bucky lightly touched his lips against yours but you were hungry for more. Grabbing Bucky's neck you met him with more passionate kiss.

You started with a gasp clenching your chest as your heart raced. The memory disappeared as you awoke from your nap. The echo of Bluey came from the TV as your soon continued to play with that damn slime. Hopefully this time your new landlord wouldn't charge $300 for cleaning carpets after the last slime explosion.

Although you could never get mad when he showed you that dimpled smile, matching the one of the man you'd give anything for decades before. It was a joy as much as a torture. Having to look upon the face of your beloved knowing you'd never be re-joined. It would be so easy to go to Brooklyn and knock on his door. How would you explain...hell you believed it was impossible until you held your soon in your arms.

If only life was that easy.

"Mama."

"Mhmm."

"I'm hungry."

You stood from the couch picking up your son as he wiggled in your arms as you kissed his face, "Want some Goldfish?" He burst into excitement as you made your way to the kitchen.

Could life be that easy?

If you showed yup would Bucky really cast you out?

The bullpen was busy today as you sipped your now luke warm coffee from your travel mug. The laughter and talking echo through your office. Everything you wanted you finally had...well almost everything.

As you looked across your eyes were met with the icy blue eyes across belonging to none other than Detective James "Bucky" Barnes.

The stare Bucky held with you seemed to last eternity as you stood your ground admiring how his shirt stretched across those muscles in his chest that you'd learned so well. His jeans tight like always with his trusty boots you'd always make fun of him for keeping. Gold badge glistening in the fluorescent lights above.

A tight grip broke you out of your trance as you felt your best friend, Natasha Romanoff come up and pull you to her desk.

"Woah," you laugh as she doesn't relent dragging you clear across the bullpen, "Nat what's got you so excited?"

Natasha Romanoff, striking woman with a lithe, athletic build, fiery red hair, and piercing green eyes. Her personality was almost as fiery as her love for the job. Nat was always a natural talent, you'd envied how academy was so easy for her. As you got the shit kicked out of you she seemed to barely break a sweat. She'd been determined to be a detective for the Vice Unit and advanced quicker than anyone in your academy class.

"I found it."

"No, Nat!" She'd been working on locating the network were girls seemed to be going missing into from numerous strip clubs across the city. You'd think the lack of media coverage would discourage any hungry detective, but not Nat.

As Nat explained the new wire tap she'd been able to get the District Attorney to authorize you couldn't help but feel the heat build sensing the presence.

Bucky's gruff voice sliced through the air, "Nat, c'mon stop stealing my partner away ."

"She was my best friend first." Nat huffed finally relenting the grip she kept on your wrist. "But fineeee. If you must drag her away before briefing. Go do your narc things."

You shook your head chuckling, "I'd like to think our work could be more eloquently put than narc thingy."

Bucky laughed as it reverberated through your body. Your favorite thing when he allowed himself to let the softer side of him show was his laugh. It would fill the air and carried through whatever room you were both in. The deep laugh could always make you forget your worries lost in the sound you wished you could hear more often.

"Bye, Nat. Still on for Friday?" Nat just nodded completely thralled in her work not paying either of you attention. You turned your attention to your partner.

Bucky Barnes. Your partner in the Narcotic Unit, as deadly as he was handsome. Bucky tall, muscular man with rugged features, intense blue eyes, and dark brown hair. Even in academy was Bucky the draw of everyone. He earned his title of asshole first day and seemed to piss off mostly everyone who tried to work with him. Well, mostly everyone except you, earning you the title of Bucky whisper.

Bucky's face dropped into the serious mode he was known for. "What?" His mood changing making you feel uneasy.

"He's gonna ask."

You shook your head clearing your thoughts and mood sobering, "No." Bucky didn't seem to buy your denial. "He's not. I get he's your best friend but there is no way he is. He would have told you and brought you with him. Bucky your not serious."

"Oh, I'm sorry he's my best friend. Don't you think I would know that. Also you know Steve of course he wouldn't go to a store...He's got Sarah's ring." Damn, you hadn't thought of this as deeply as you should have forgetting how much Steve idolized his mother, Sarah.

Shit.

Before the two of you could continue you heard the footsteps you'd know from anywhere. Turning to see the one the only, Captain Steve Rogers. It wasn't a surprise to anyone when Steve was your academy's class president and soon rose to oversee the entire place itself. If you wanted a leader Steve was it...the best man you'd ever known. Steve Rogers is a broad-shouldered, muscular man with a clean-cut appearance, bright blue eyes, blond hair, and a strong jawline that reflects his classic all-American hero look.

"Buck, ready for me to humble you on the course Friday?" Steve's voice light as his eyes always held happiness never darkened through the rough times of work.

"Punk. There is no way you will beat me this time. Last time was a fluke."

Steve Clapped Bucky on the shoulder changing his focus to you. You felty his gaze wrack down your body normally wouldn't cause the queasiness in the pit of your stomach.

"You're still going out with Nat and Wanda right?"

You nodded not trusting your voice at the moment.

"Good. Hope you have fun."

You were saved by anymore interaction with Steve by him needing to start the briefing for the bullpen. You leaned against your desk as Bucky stood next to you. The more you tried to focus on the deadlines and protocol that Steve was talking about the more you got lost in your thoughts.

In no other words you were absolutely fucked.

Bucky moved his cellphone to show you a message typed but not sent on his messages to you. "He's my best friend. We shouldn't have started."

And there it was the age old dilemma that always stood between Bucky and you that was argued over more times than you wanted to count. The age old push and pull that the two of you always tried to fight but failed.

In that moment the whole world went silent because as much as the two of you fought it. Both of you knew the more passionate you both seemed to yearn for each other.

Children's tales warned about walking through the dark woods along the village alone. Stories of monsters and magic floated through the minds of the children to keep them safe from the darkness that lurked in the woods. Although Bucky didn't fear the woods, if anything the woods feared him.

The melody floated as Bucky encroached on the small collage draped in wolfsbane and wisteria. The blue hue glowed from the doorframe and windows.

Bucky couldn't keep the smile from forming on his face.

You knew his presence even without your powers. The feeling in your stomach growing tighter as he grew nearer.

"You know it's dangerous sneaking up behind a witch."

You felt his hand grip your throat as his breath fanned down your neck sending chills down your spine.

"Good thing I'm always welcomed in by you, little witch."

Bucky's fingers delicately played with the ties on your corset and you didn't need to turn around to know his mischievous smile lingered on his face. His stubble on his cheeks rubbed against your soft skin as he mumbled to you, "What are you cooking today my little witch?"

"Mhmm, well before I was so rudely interrupted." You yelped as Bucky playfully nipped at your ear. "It's a protection spell. The coven feels the changes coming. I don't know what it is but before winter comes something bad is gonna happen Buck."

You felt Bucky stiffen slightly behind you his muscles tense with unease. You knew they felt it too. Everyone did. Something was coming.

The pot simmered as your magic started to disperse throughout the cottage.

"I'll protect you, my little witch." Bucky's deep voice reverberated through your body and soul. You knew he meant it too.

Turning around in Bucky's arms your hands drifted to touch his face. Bucky melted into your palm feeling the warmth of your skin contrasted with the coldness of his own.

"I know my love." You whispered as the two of you locked eyes feeling the bond between you.

The killer and the witch intertwined more than just magic kept you two together.

Bucky's lips found yours as you melted into the taste of him. The rich spicy hint of him surrounding your every senses. You deepened the kiss feeling connected to him once more. A surprise giggle erupted from your throat as Bucky scooped you in his arms as your legs wrapped around his waist. Your mind forgot the unease of the night lost in the kiss of your vampire. Your breathing started to quicken as Bucky brought your back against the wall.

Your cottage filled with passion and sounds of you both utterly wrapped in each others warmth.

"Ahhhhh."

Bucky awoke with a scream of utter anguish as he sat up in his penthouse apartment. His skin sleek with sweat instantly cooled upon his cold dead body.

The light from the TV of the nightly news glowed as he knew he was alone again.

Dreams were the only place he found you.

Lost once more in the reality of losing you decades ago.

Pain of his decisions echoing through his head knowing everything would never be the same.

Ring. Ring.

Bucky's phone brought him from his despair seeing Steve's name come across his phone was the brief relief from his sorrow.

"Yes."

"Buck, I think you need to come down to the office. There's something you might want to see."

Click.

Steve's short message all Bucky needed as he made his way through the dead streets of Brooklyn not bothering to call his driver. Solitude is what he needed before seeing his best friend.

The frosted glass doors etched with Roger & Barnes Associates stood as a sign of what Bucky had been able to build. The lights on warmed the space as Bucky made his way through the office. The oak door was slightly ajar of his business partner and best friend, Steve Rogers.

"Buck."

Steve's warm voice was lost on deaf ears as Bucky smelled the warm scent of vanilla wafting into the air. The spice and warmth he hadn't smelled in decades and resigned he wouldn't again.

"How?" Bucky's voice slightly shaken seeing the sight of you in blue jeans, t-shirt unlike the last time in muslin, wool and corset. Your face flushed and Bucky could smell the love wasn't just the only one who felt the bond as strong as that fateful night.

"Mama."

The little voice drew Bucky's attention and there was no mistaking the blue of the boy's eyes. Bucky looked into the spitting image and couldn't understand.

Bucky's eyes darted to you once again, "Impossible."

The fresh coat of paint did little to disguise the memories that flooded back to you instantly when seeing the neon pink flashing sign in the window. 

The side parking lot where you unabashedly made out for what felt like hours in the back of a tinted Dodge Challenger. 

The upstairs loft where you’d spend hours studying with textbooks sprawled across the floor. Giggles filling the air for what seemed like an eternity. 

The front door where you had walked through that fateful night. The boy standing there is a ribbed white tank top and torn jeans that made your knees weak at the sight. 

The bell above the door was almost enough to take you out of your twilight until the silence was deafening across the bar. Your friends pregamed too hard to notice the stares that turned towards the front door of the seedy dive bar tucked into the country lines. Bar was filled with men and leather drinking beers with pretty women draped at their sides. 

The click clack of your heels was the only sound you heard when your eyes met with the steel blue ones. He looked good, well he always looked good to you. The boy had grown up into a strapping man built like a stallion with a jawline that would make any women weak in the knees. 

If only you’d not walked away, maybe your life would be here. 

The sinking of acrylic nails dug into your bicep and the smell of similar purfume wafted into your nostrils. She was always protective of him, ironic since he was older and four times her size but you weren’t stupid enough to underestimate her. She gave him something you’d never be able to now….undying and unconditional love. 

“Get out.” Her tone anything but soft, not loud but just loud enough for you to hear over the blasting music echoing in the bar. 

You took a steadying breath, “Hey Rebel…” 

“You don’t get to call me that. You lost all of that when you left him.” 

You didn’t need the reminder of that fateful night. She probably didn’t know the whole story, why would she? Not everyone had to be brought into your twisted love affair that ended in tragedy Too soon after it started. 

The rising giggles stole both of your attention when Lucky asked the group of girls what they were celebrating. You inwardly cringed knowing what the next steps would be. Fuck. 

“We are here for a bridal shower!” Your one friend way too drunk to even stand straight laughed while pointing to you as the bride to be. You must be a glutton for punishment to even think that this would be a remotely good idea that didn’t end up in you getting your ass kicked by Rebel. You didn’t blame her either. 

You could take the beating, but what you couldn’t is the brief wave of sadness in those steel eyes before the hatred took its place. 

A crash of a pint echoes taking you from your memories snapping to see Lucky, your most trusted friend shooing some younger guys out of the way with her broom. 

“I’ll get the mop!” You yell in return as Lucky gives you her signature smile before scolding them out of her way once again. 

The shiver in your spine reminds you that autumn is coming as soon the cold of winter as you enter into the back alley. Thinking twice to grabbing a jacket before you left the bar. 

Locating the mop and bucket, you bend down before a crash form the dumpster jolts you. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Must have just been a really big rat, your mind tells you less convincing than you would have liked. You turn with mop and bucket in hand before met with a brick wall to the face.