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Sam was standing before the barbecue, and Bucky helped him, they were talking, she could see but couldn’t hear, however every few minutes Y/N could see him looking in her direction. Stealing glances, then turning to talk to Sam. They were a crowded group so she could sit away from him, eat in peace even though the food stuck to her throat. After the cake ceremony she kissed goodbye to the kids and said to Sarah that she would like to leave and rest at home, Sarah, thankfully understood and gave her a small smile and hugged her. 

She got her bag and left, feeling a pair of heavy eyes watching her go. 

She spent her evening as usual yet with extra heaviness in her chest. She took a shower, wore her silk nightgown and threw a robe over it, hair damp she went downstairs to her kitchen. This house, which was given to her by the US Government was something she had never dared to dream of. The house had two floors,  a nice front yard with a porch, seating area where she had many breakfasts, or read in solitude, a place where she slowly turned into a flower haven, hydrangeas, carnation flowers, daisies and many more, the back yard had only green grass but she was planning to build a shed maybe, a small shed where she could place many tools… of course she had to hire someone to get it done. 

She sighed as she made her evening tea, her shoulders shrunken, the kitchen’s orangy light made the place look homey, the brown cabinets, white counters, marble kitchen island, everything was pristine clean, she liked it this way. 

She picked up her mug and the book she was reading these days and walked to her front porch, settled and started reading. It was late so her neighbors were in deep sleep, no lights around, quiet, just the way she liked it. When she was deep in the world of the book a sudden sound caught her attention, it was the engine of a bike, approaching her neighborhood. Her heart leaped with hope and she wanted to curse it, after all this time she was still hoping to see him and her gut feeling was right, for Bucky, on his bike came to her front yard and parked, took off his helmet and hung it on the bike’s handlebar, his hand went through his long hair and he hopped off his bike, slowly made his way to her, after climbing the stairs in silence he finally looked up to meet her eyes, eyes he adored now looked sullen and distant. She seemed so calm it unsettled him, for a moment all they heard a dog barking at a distance and fireflies. 

‘’You still drink tea before bed?’’ Bucky finally said something. When no response came he rubbed his neck in defeat, ‘’Can I?’’ he gestured the empty chair close to her, ‘’You’re already here.’’ She finally spoke, Bucky didn’t know if this was a yes or no but he decided to sit anyway. Y/N placed her book on the wooden table and then turned to him slowly, Bucky’s blue eyes were traveling on her face, body, like a man who was denied water in the desert just found a well. ‘’I wanted to come back..’’ he began. ‘’What stopped you?!’’ her question was sharp, her voice a bit higher than intended, ‘’After rescuing little Steve, defeating the Baron.. the officials made it difficult for me-’’ he sighed, ‘’I knew your address, I listened to the voice memos you sent over and over again..’’ he confessed, ‘’What happened to Steve?’’ she was hoping that little guy was safe and happy, ‘’He is in the foster program, I-’’ Bucky looked around the road then her face, ‘’I want to adopt him one day.’’ 

There he was, the man she fell in love with, that kind soul was still in him, ‘’None of this would have happened if I didn’t see you… If I never came back to that shop again… you would be safe and-’’ she had to cut in, ‘’I was never safe with that man and you know it. Now, answer my question James. What exactly stopped you?’’ his Chriatian name coming from her was heaven to his ears, he had missed her devastatingly, ‘’I figured you would be better off without me Y/N.’’ It was the truth, he couldn’t face her now, his head dropped slightly, his eyes on his hands in his lap, ‘’Look at me James.’’ she said calmly and he did. ‘’That decision wasn’t yours to make.’’ She got to her feet, and moved to her door, she quietly walked in, leaving it open behind her and Bucky, seeing it as an invitation, followed her like he always did, and closed the door behind him. He caught her wrist in the hallway and made her stop, she turned to him and finally their lips met. 

The kiss was desperate just like their first time many months ago, when Bucky could taste her tears he pulled away and started kissing her cheeks, her closed eyes,

‘’I am sorry.’’

‘’I thought I was protecting you.’’

‘’I was wrong.’’ 

And they kissed again, he cupped her cheeks, backing her against a near wall. She had missed and he had yearned and yearned for her, and now they were united again. When they finally broke the kiss to breath, she held his hand and guided him upstairs to her bedroom. 

His hands found the loose rope and untied it, it fell onto her bedroom floor and he saw her cute silk nightgown, ‘’Y/N..’’ he breathed, his hands went to caress her body through the fabric, so soft, just like he remembered, ‘’Bucky..’’ 

Her hands went to lift his shirt up, his toned chest was on display, old scars, like a twisted map, she traced her fingers on them, just like she always had done. Then as they were kissing her hands went to his belt to unbuckle it, Bucky, gently guided her towards the bed, and laid her softly. ‘’Come here…’’ she pulled him to kiss him deeply again, his furnace of a body made her feel safe, like she was wrapped in a soft blanket, Bucky’s one hand went to her waist, the other helped him take his weight off her a bit, not to crush her, Y/N’s legs found his waist and automatically wrapped themselves, pulling him closer, ‘’Easy doll,’’ he chuckled as his mouth found her jaw, biting teasingly, ‘’I might crush ya.’’ Then his lips trailed down, tasting her salty skin, leaving kisses and bites, he lifted himself to look at her laying under him in her silk nightgown, hair messy already, then his hands travelled on the silk, her chest, waist then down and he held the hem of the skirts, patiently lifted the fabric and took it off over her head, underneath it she was bare, the same body he dreamt and hoped to see again, not in a lustful way but in a way to gaze in awe and worship. He was her worshiper after all. 

He lowered his head to give a kiss to her beating heart, thanking the universe for this reunion. 

Once they were both bare he climbed back and she welcomed him, Bucky’s breath hitched, after a long time they were in skin to skin contact and that thrilled him, they kissed again, Bucky’s hard member was very dominant on her  thigh and the feeling of it excited her, she could feel this fluttering sensation already. Every kiss from him screamed ‘’I missed you and I am sorry.’’ The heat between them was thick now, electric. When he aligned his hardness between her legs, that sweet and slick core he could tell he didn’t have to spit on his palm to get himself ready because they were both ready and more than willing. 

Slowly..  so slowly he began to press forward, joining them together again after too long apart. His eyes closed with the sensation, warmth, tightness, her.  She felt like heaven. Y/N arched into him with a soft gasp, her arms tightening around his shoulders, it was overwhelming, the intimacy after silence, distance… Bucky kissed her to muffle the moan that escaped him. He gave himself time to adjust, to the feeling of being inside her again: home

He stayed still for a beat, forehead pressed to hers, breathing each other in.

Then, gradually, he started to move. Tiny rolls of his hips first, testing. Letting her also adjust, every shift sent sparks to their bodies, Bucky lifted her thighs to hit a better angel, more deep, a soft whimper left Y/N’s mouth that went straight through him. He kept a steady rhythm, there was no need to rush, no one was threatening them or chasing them, they belonged to each other just like the first day he saw her, he knew. 

The peace stayed steady, never rushing or forcing. He kept himself supported with his strong arms, not to crush her and occasionally lowered to touch their foreheads or kissed her tears, happy ones, relieved ones, all. His hips rocked with quiet devotion, the sounds of skin to skin, or the bed’s creaking filled their ears, soft breaths, Y/N’s whimpers and Bucky’s groans were creating a harmony only for them. 

Bucky buried his face in the crook of her neck when he picked up the pace, hitting that spot inside her, Y/N helped in surprise when she felt it, his hips angled perfectly, each thrust was deliberate now. There was raw need in his movements, she could tell by the way he gave her messy kisses, his hips chasing something, his groans and soft whimpers he tried to hide and failed were turning her on even more. When he hit that spot she clung to him more, her nails digging his shoulder blades, It set fire into him, Bucky couldn’t help but picking up the pace and hitting that sweet spot making her grip his manhood tighter, Y/N could feel that she was close, it was overwhelming in the best way possible and he knew it too. ‘’Please be mine again..’’ he begged, ‘’Please doll, please..’’ he was desperate as he also climbed his high, the heat and the tightness were too much, Bucky spilled inside her, buried deep, it triggered her own release, as she came Bucky kept kissing her face, begging, pleading. 

When their breathing got even, neither of them spoke, silently took a shower together and went to bed because  for once time wasn’t against them.

Y/N woke up to the smell of bacon and a hint of coffee. She checked the alarm clock on her nightstand and it was turned off, odd. She clearly wasn’t the one who did it, she stretched and felt her muscles protest, the morning sun lit her bedroom, Bucky was nowhere to be seen though, she got up, and after taking care of herself in the bathroom she wore her robe which was on the floor and went down stairs, following the smell. 

There he was, naked chest, he had found some shorts in her wardrobe that she had brought from their old apartment, already belonging to him. He was humming something, a rare moment to see the former soldat at peace and enjoying his time. He was making breakfast for them, looked comfortable, and looked at home. ‘’Morning handsome.’’ She was leaning against the archway with crossed arms, and he turned to face her, up until that moment he didn't know how she would react in the morning, would she kick him out? He wouldn’t object since that’s what he deserved, but here she was. A soft smile, and messy hair. 

‘’Morning doll.’’ He said with a small smile and got their plates ready, ‘’Coffee?’’ he asked as he found two mugs from a cabinet, ‘’Yes, please.’’ How astonishing to see that they both fell into the same domestic dynamic that they had built brick by brick. Both of them paid a price to be here so neither of them was going to take it for granted. 

And for sixteen days the black banner of House Harkonnen had greeted her instead. The sight no longer shocked her, she had to close her eyes to relive the old, happy memories, the scent of salt coming from the open window calmed her, the breeze danced in her hair. 

She heard a knock on her door and the door opened slightly, the old maid Sammi walked in, bowed as usual, ‘’My Lady?’’ 

Y/N opened her eyes and saw the woman, she looked healthy and yet Y/N could see the years hadn’t been kind to her. ‘’Good morning Sammi, I took the liberty to dress myself up. I had woken up earlier.’’ A lie. She had no sleep these past days. Sammi nodded, ‘’Any requests for today, my lady?’’ the old woman asked, of course she had noticed the dark circles under Y/N’s eyes but decided not to comment. ‘’I would like to visit my gardens and take care of them. Alone.’’ 

The castle came with lush gardens and there was a section where she claimed she had been planting and gardening there ever since she was little. Lady Jessica had taught her not to rely on being a noble girl and learn how to survive, know which plants are edible and which are poisonous, learn the soil you occupy and find herbs to grow.

‘’Yes, my Lady.’’ 

‘’Has he-’’ she started before leaving her bedchamber, ‘’requested my presence?’’ 

‘’No, my Lady. Na-Baron locked himself in the strategy room with his men.’’ 

Y/N sighed, ‘’Thank you Sammi.’’ as she walked the halls of the castle she had noticed how the Na-Baron was busy and it had been a few days where he didn’t call upon her to dine or tour anywhere. Not that Y/N was complaining, she liked being alone, it gave her time to think of the days they had spent and analyze his behavior. 

The gardens she had been attending to were on the west wing, sheltered from the harsher sea winds by ancient stone walls covered in ivy. It had always been her favorite place, a sanctuary because here she didn’t have to be the Duchess or the last remaining Atreides. She was just Y/N, a girl who was on her knees, pulling the weeds between her colorful flowers. She had made a pile of weeds, the light blue dress of hers had dirt on it now, she realized she should’ve worn something more practical and comfortable but it was too late. The repetitive work soothed her stormy mind, 

Plant

Trim

Water

Breathe…

For the first time in days she could feel her nervous system calm down, she was even humming a song when she felt it. A sudden presence behind her, she froze, not out of fear though, it was the years of training that made her realize that someone was watching her. Without turning she already knew who it was, no servant or a soldier carried themselves like that. There was something predatory about Na-Baron, the way he occupied space. The silence stretched between them, then came his raspy voice ‘’What are you doing?’’ 

Y/N closed her eyes briefly, clearly annoyed so she didn’t turn to face him. Just continued her work. ‘’Gardening.’’ she replied calmly and yet her hands picked up pace, she heard his heavy combat boots and now he was before her, in his regular jet black uniform, his hands were clasped behind him. ‘’I can see that.’’

‘’Then why ask?’’ she had to clap back, because she never liked being disturbed in her gardens, something flashed in his blue eyes, it wasn’t anger, it was amusement which was more dangerous… he took a step closer, the tall tree leaves were dancing on his pale face under the golden sun, it was a beautiful day, the sun was pleasantly warm on Feyd’s face and he could feel it. It wasn’t like the black sun of his planet which burnt the skin and irritated the vessel. ‘’You enjoy this?’’

‘’Yes.’’ She turned her attention to the plant before her, ‘’You kneel in dirt voluntarily.’’ It wasn’t a question, it was a statement, she could pick up on the disbelief under that statement. ‘’Yes.’’ 

He sighed, ‘’Strange.’’ 

She snorted slightly in a sarcastic tone, ‘’You come from a world where nothing grows Na-Baron.’’ 

His blue eyes narrowed, ‘’You have never seen Giedi-Prime, Duchess.’’ It was true. 

‘’No.’’ she admitted, ‘’Then, how do you know?’’ she carefully brushed soil from her hands, ‘’Because, Na-Baron, if you had gardens like these you would know why people tend to them, and protect them.’’ Her tone was sharper than intended. 

Silence followed after that, Feyd crouched closer to her and examining the flowers, plants before his eyes, he was genuinely staring. It was surprising to her because she had never seen him kneel for anything or anyone voluntarily. His gaze settled on a cluster of flowers, ‘’What are those?’’ he pointed, ‘’See asters.’’ 

‘’They serve a purpose?’’ he asked looking puzzled. A sigh escaped her, ‘’They make people happy.’’ 

‘’That doesn’t answer my question.’’ 

‘’I just answered it. Think harder.’’ Y/N was snappier today, more than usual and she had wondered if she overstepped but looking at his face she saw no warnings or threat, in fact she noticed a ghost of a smirk, was she dreaming? Y/N Atreides got to her feet, her hands now at her waist, looking around, she worked hard today. Na-Baron also bolted to his feet, just like her examining the gardens, colors everywhere, such a stark contrast to his planet, to his home. His eyes were more deep blue here, maybe because he was surrounded by vibrant pigments in Caladan or maybe he enjoyed the Duchesses company. Y/N didn’t want to dwell on that thought. ‘’You’ve been busy.’’ she began, Y/N was actually curious about his plans because she belonged to him now and she would like to know if she had a chance of survival. 

She had profound fears, fears of him destroying this beautiful planet,  heavily industrializing Caladan like Giedi-Prime, or Na-Baron finally deciding what to do with her which involves her being tortured or murdered… her eyes were on him now, directly. 

‘’Yes, I have.’’ Even though there was space between them she could smell his scent, his cologne mixing with his pheromones, just like his presence it was there and strong. 

She couldn’t dare ask directly, so she decided on a different approach, ‘’Would you like to sit?’’ she gestured to the nearby wooden bench, a spot where they could sit and enjoy the view of the garden. She didn’t wait for a response, just walked and sat, and Feyd followed. 

She was seated at one end of the bench, Feyd another. For a while neither of them spoke, they could hear the seagulls calling to one another. Y/N lifted her head to watch the birds above, the sea wind in the air, she took a deep breath and exhaled, knowing for a fact that he was watching her. ‘’You dislike me.’’ His raspy voice reached to her ears, making her skin crawl, she didn’t look at him,  ‘’What gave it away, Na-Baron?’’ she asked sarcastically, ‘’You answer questions with insults.’’ 

‘’You invaded my home.’’ Her voice came harsher than intended but so many unsaid things lied beneath those four words. ‘’You tried to kill me.’’ He retaliated sharper. ‘’You invaded my home.’’ She said again, persistent. Again silence followed. Feyd-Rautha had never met a woman like her, such wit and a  sharp tongue, it unbalanced him more deeply than he would ever admit to himself nor anyone else. 

Y/N used one of the techniques to calm her nerves, she was on a mission here, get information, maybe later reach out the the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam to ask for rescue, she was the head of the Bene Geserits, and Y/N was sure the old lady favored her and would like to help. ‘’How do you find it?’’ She began, looking around, ‘’Caladan I mean..’’ Feyd’s blue eyes wandered up to the sky, so vibrant, and then found her, ‘’Different and..’’ he was telling the truth, Caladan was different from Arakkis and Giedi-Prime or any other planets he had been to, ‘’intriguing.’’ 

Y/N senses noticed the drop of a tone when he spoke, was that intentional? Was he confessing something without realizing? She wanted to go deep into his subconscious and figure him out because to her surprise she found him very much puzzling and just like he said, intriguing. ‘’People here waste land.’’ He continued, ‘’Waste?’’ she raised an eyebrow, didn’t understand his meaning, ‘’Flowers, trees, empty grass…’’ He gestured around them, ‘’None of it produces wealth.’’ Now she understood, a classic Harkonnen brain, use the land to its limit and vaporize. She gave a knowing smile to him, it made him look at her more focused, ‘’It produces peace, Na-Baron.’’ He scoffed to that, ‘’Peace has no market value, Sea-rose.’’ She took the challenge and physically turned towards him on the wooden bench, ‘’Everything doesn’t need one.’’ 

And that drove him insane more, how dare she stood up to him like that, and he finally asked the question he was wondering since day one, ‘’Why do they still bow to you, Duchess?’’ 

An interesting question from the Na-Baron, the one who held the power, she had also noticed, after the invasion, at the docks, among the merchants or in the castle everyone bowed to her first and then him. ‘’Because I never stopped being their Duchess.’’ she simply replied, keeping her voice in check, now Feyd also physically turned towards her, she couldn’t see if he was angry or frustrated… or both. ‘’You lost!’’ he said rather harshly, but it was the truth, she had lost and Y/N didn’t like to be reminded of that. ‘’Titles can be taken, Na-Baron, respect cannot!’’ And she bolted to her feet, smoothening the wrinkles on her now dirty dress, ‘’Is that what your father taught you?’’ he asked curious, he was still sitting, his head tilted to the side slowly, observing her, and he continued, ‘’To mistake affection for weakness?’’ 

‘’No.’’ She said, done with fixing her dress, her hands were clenched into fists, ‘’He taught me that if they fear you, they obey until someone stronger arrives, and if they respect you… they stay.’’ 

The words hanged between them, Feyd was processing, ‘’Respect is unreliable.’’ he spoke again, still challenging the ideology of her house, ‘’Is it?’’ she asked sarcastically, 

‘’Fear isn’t.’’ Feyd was trying to prove his point, that was what he was taught. She studied him, not as Y/N but as a Bene Geserit and she noticed the slightest tension in his sharp jaw, his body looked alert, as if a blow was coming to him and he had to either dodge or attack. 

Someone had taught him that lesson long before he had ever held a blade. For a split second an image came to her mind’s eye, little Feyd-Rautha, and his uncle Baron Vladimir, her heart ached for that little boy but quickly she recovered. 

Feyd got to his feet, hands clasped behind his back, his usual standing posture. ‘’Do they alş have names?’’ He gestured the greenery before them, she blinked, why was he asking a question like that? ‘’The flowers.’’ he spoke again, ‘’Yes.’’ 

‘’Show me.’’

That late afternoon Y/N Atreides introduced the flowers she had, the names, origins, purpose and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen stood a step behind her, listening intently to every word she said. 

For someone raised by the Harkonnens, asking another person, especially a woman to teach him something voluntarily was an act of vulnerability and Y/N noticed that. She explained, Sea asters, white heathers, lavender, whatever she had here. ‘’Which one’s your favorite?’’ 

Y/N didn’t expect a question like that, ‘’My favorite?’’ she raised an eyebrow, one of her hands went to caress the violet petals of sea aster, he nodded only.

‘’These,’’ she replied, ‘’most flowers struggle here but these ones bloom despite the salt wind.’’ 

His azure eyes travelled on the violet petals and her fingers playing with them, same hands tried to kill him weeks ago, ‘’They bend, and survive. Very stubborn I dare say.’’ she added smiling, ‘’So am I.’’ he commented, now looking at her face, she was pretty and Feyd-Rautha kept thinking about it every time he looked at her. ‘’I noticed.’’ She replied with a subtle chuckle and it made Feyd laugh for the first time in weeks, it was the first time she heard him laugh, a deep and wavy sound filling her ears. She hoped and prayed that maybe, just maybe she could make it work. Survive, get information and then choose her route.

‘’Where is he?’’ Y/N asked, hoping to get a reaction, the maid stood by the white door and without turning she spoke, ‘’He is busy.’’ and she left Y/N alone. It was close to midnight when it happened. She was in the bedroom which she occupied these days. The entire buildings’ lights went off first with an odd sound, then an emergency generator started, lights illuminated the room, and then the sirens followed. She had no idea that the building had sirens, she covered her ears in panic, her only hope was that someone, maybe Baron’s enemy, found him and killed him. She wanted out. Tonight, if possible. Soon the sounds of gun shots followed, Y/N crouched down, leaning on a wall next to her bed, the gun shots were getting louder, bodyguards were screaming and saying things in German. When the ones by her door stopped making sounds she heard violent punches on her door and his voice, screaming her name. 

‘’Bucky?!’’ Y/N bolted to her feet and rushed to the white door, ‘’Y/N?!?! Are you in there?!’’ Bucky screamed in panic, praying that she was inside and this was over, ‘’Yes!’’ Y/N screamed back, the door was automatically locked when the sirens went off. ‘’Step back! I’m gonna shoot the lock!’’ 

Y/N put distance between herself and the door by hiding behind the massive bed, she covered her ears and Bucky did what he said, he pushed the door open and rushed inside, under the red lights his eyes searched everywhere and found her, crouched down and trembling. Once Y/N looked up to see him she let a sound of primal relief and jumped into his arms, he had few scratches on his face, he was in a dark uniform, he looked more the soldier then her Bucky but in that moment all she cared was that he was here to save her. ‘’It’s over.’’ He was hugging her so tight she felt as if he was trying to make their bodies one, his voice soft, he spoke again, ‘’I got you.’’ He caressed her hair, gave kisses to her head, ‘’How did you even-’’ she wanted to ask, she had so many questions but before either of them spoke Natasha Romanoff rushed inside, Y/N’s eyes went wide, so Bucky asked for help to save her, it was both fascinating and scary to see her, ‘’We gotta go Barnes!’’ when she realized that she had interrupted the love birds’ reunion she smirked, ‘’I’m sure you can make up for the time you lost back in your home. Let’s go!’’ 

Bucky held her hand and ran out the bedroom, her silk dress clutching to her thighs, her heels clicking on the floors, there was smoke, she figured they first shut down the electricity and after the generator they broke in, blinding the bodyguards with the smoke. They arrived in the living space of the penthouse and to her surprise again there was Clint Barton and Sam Wilson, all of them suit up and alert. ‘’The maid??’’ she suddenly remembered, ‘’Who?’’ Sam asked, ‘’There is a maid, a German girl, young, where is she? I don’t want anything to happen to her.’’ 

Bucky felt this thing in his chest, she was the one who was kidnapped and yet she was still thinking of others before herself. Natasha cut in, ‘’I locked the servants in the left wing, they’re safe.’’ she explained shortly which relieved Y/N, she was still holding Bucky’s hand, hard. 

‘’He is not here, Bucky. We searched every goddamn hole here-’’ Clint began but he was cut because Baron’s voice was heard through the hidden speakers in the building, 

‘’You disappoint me soldat.’’

Bucky’s ears were ringing with that, soldat… a title, not asked but forced on him decades ago, and it was still there, haunting him. 

‘’I expected more…’’ Baron continued, every Avenger in the room was focused, Sam was trying to detect the source of the voice, clearly Baron wasn’t here, probably hiding somewhere and taunting them. ‘’Why is he stalling?’’ Clint asked after a brief silence, Bucky had a suspicion but he was praying that he was wrong. 

‘’While you were busy retrieving dear Miss Y/L/N, another acquisition was made.’’ 

No one was understanding except Bucky, his blue eyes went still, Y/N could see the gears turning in his mind, something was wrong. Soon they hear a child’s voice, a boy… Y/N and Bucky immediately recognized the owner of the voice, the child was begging to be saved and the voice stopped, no instructions, no puzzles, nothing. 

‘’Who the hell is that boy?’’ Sam asked, still looking at the tablet’s screen, locating the source, ‘’Barnes?’’ Natasha asked, her intel never mentioned a boy and she didn't like not knowing. 

‘’A kid I take care of sometimes, his name is Steve.’’ His voice was full of sorrow, his history was a ghost, following him behind, a step back and causing all of this, this chaos. The Avengers in the room didn’t ask for further info, they knew this kid was important to Bucky and Y/N, and now they had another rescue mission. ‘’Y/N..’’ Bucky began, not meeting her eyes, ‘’Clint will take you to a safe house.’’ His ocean eyes were locked on the marble floor’s carpet, before Y/N could speak he turned and went to Sam to check if he did find the location of the Baron, Clint approached, gently held her arm. ‘’Let’s go.’’ 

Y/N could only look at the man she loved but his eyes didn’t meet hers. 

That was the last time they had spoken, last time she had seen him, kissed him and hugged him. That night she was taken to a safe house as Bucky said, and thankfully that night little Steve was saved and put into the child services programme. The U.S Government  had moved her to a different state Delacroix, Louisiana. She had met Sam Wilson’s family, they were in the same neighborhood and quickly she became friends with Sarah, Sam’s sister and her lovely children. Over the weeks she subtly asked if Sarah had heard from them but all she learned was the same thing from the news, Baron was defeated, captured and in prison, his establishment demolished, good news. However, no sign of Bucky, she kept calling, leaving voice memos, no answer. Each day her heart sank, whenever she heard a car outside her house, she felt her chest rising with hope but it wasn’t him. Some agents came to interrogate her, asking if Baron had any partners, any other bases around the world, she told them everything she knew, which wasn’t much. 

Soon she got used to the loneliness, well, she had always been a survivor, knew how to take care of herself. Slowly she started to help with the Wilsons, they had a family business about fishing, and since they were kind to her she wanted to return the favor. They became a family to her, and that’s why she had baked and marched her way to the docks to meet with them. It was AJ’s birthday and she was invited, well, the entire neighborhood was. It was a beautiful sunny day. She dressed up today, slowly accepting the fact that she was alone and needed to look after herself, not just mentally also physically. She had a flowy, midi sundress, a deep green one, had her sunglasses on and the containers of the baked goods. The docks were busy, people gathering, making barbecue for everyone, just a day she needed. AJ, the birthday boy immediately ran to her to give her a big hug, ‘’Careful now, don’t wanna spill the treasure.’’ the kids loved her baking, ‘’Help me carry these will you?’’ Together they approached the family, Sam was there. The last time she saw Sam was that night, she kindly smiled and so did Sam.  ‘’Hey Sarah.’’ She simply greeted the busy mother and immediately started helping, they chatted as usual, Sarah was seeing someone and she was excited but mid conversation she stopped, held Y/N’s hands and also made her stop, ‘’I have to tell you something.’’ Sarah looked concerned, ‘’What’s wrong?’’ 

‘’Someone is coming here today-’’ before she could finish her sentence Y/N got distracted by the kids cheerful screech, she glanced towards the sounds and there he was. 

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Y/N Atreides was alone in her bedchambers. Truly alone. Woods in the fireplace were crackling, matching the sounds of the waves crashing to the rocks at the bottom of the castle. The orangey color of the fire dancing on the stone walls of the room. She was sitting on the floor, before the fire on a rug which was made of bear fur, she was hugging her knees as she was sobbing like a little girl, that fighter Duchess from earlier today completely disappeared. Only a grieving girl remained. She only realized how many hours she had been there when her legs and chest ached from squeezing herself as she cried, then she managed to lift herself and stumbled to her cold bed. Her legs protested immediately, her entire body was stiff from the fighting already.

It was very late, the sky full of shiny stars, she got under the fresh covers, felt at least a bit at ease as she drifted to sleep. She felt something close to safety, not much, only a fragment, a fleeting illusion inside the walls that did not belong to her anymore. 

Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen spent the day giving military orders, having his men arrest anyone who tried to fight, he settled his men for the watch, instructed them to be careful with the Atreides soldiers, they were still loyal to the Duchess Atreides… the sea-rose… 

He was seated on the head chair in the strategy room with his soldiers when dinner was brought to him, a bowl of fish soup (he could tell any dishes with fish was common here), bread and rice. He knew he needed a chief tester, these Atreides servants didn’t utter a single word to him but their eyes talked. They wanted him gone. Before the servant girl left after placing his food on the table he stopped her, and ordered her to taste the food for him. He wasn’t going to lose one of his well skilled men over poisoned food.The girl bowed her head and did what she was told, Feyd-Rautha watched intently to see if the poor girl was stupid enough to poison his food, the girl took small bites and Feyd made her wait for a few seconds, she had no reaction. ‘’Dismissed.’’ and the girl ran away. 

‘’Na-Baron,’’ one of his commanders, ‘’We shall leave you to rest.’’ 

Finally he was alone in the strategy room, the holograms of maps before him, a  few disks of information scattered on the large table, he ate his food with the eternal sounds of waves and his dark thoughts drifted to her. 

He took Caladan, the ancestral home of the Atreides, finally fallen and fell to their enemy, the Harkonnes. His uncle, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen had ordered him to take Caladan and eliminate the last member of the House Atreides, the recent Duchess Y/N Atreides. On his way coming here, as he was feeding his murky mind with the information on her, Feyd-Rautha had decided on something else, a power move. ‘’Keep the Duchess.’’ Something from the depths of his mind spoke to him, and he wondered what would happen, the time was going to tell for it was too late to get rid of her now. The entire ‘’Known Galaxy’’ now knew that the Harkonnens took over Caladan and let the Duchess live to show ‘’good faith’’, to his surprise Emperor Padishah Shaddam sent him a message of congratulations and specifically thanked him for changing his mind and letting her live ….

Maybe the Emperor wanted her to survive since her father, Duke Leto Atreides was a cousin of the royal blood and killing her would make other houses revolt or conspire against the Emperor. 

He left the room and walked around the castle walls to find a servant to escort him to Duke Leto’s bedchambers which now belonged to him, soon he was successful and once he entered the grand chambers his sneaky eyes scanned the space. The fireplace was lit, and glowglobes were hanging in the air with their soft orangey lights. One of the walls held Duke Leto’s father Minotauros Atreides’ large oil paint portrait, double doors which opened to a large balcony with seating area. Inside a tempting bed which looked softer than what he was used to waiting for him, the floors had carpets which were sent from Arrakis, he could smell the melange. His feet took him to the bathing chambers to get rid of the sweat and tiredness of the day.

After his shower he wore a simple set of fleeting linen pairs and laid on the bed that was his now. His blue eyes were on the engraved ceiling, tracing the lines. His mind kept dwelling on the duel, she almost killed him, Feyd got so irritated with the idea of her not being afraid and openly asking for trial by combat, he left the bed and started pacing the room bare feet. His hand went to his wound which was a gift from her, sleep wasn’t going to visit him anytime soon so decided to explore, searching the wardrobe of the late Duke, checking the drawers here and there and he found something. 

A photo of them, all together, smiling. Feyd wasn’t familiar with the concept of ‘’family’’ so it puzzled him. Why would a man like Duke keep a simple, sentimental piece of photograph in the drawer of his bedside table where he could hide a weapon to protect himself? 

To him this was stupid and got Duke killed. 

He studied the photo longer than he meant to, the Duke was between his children, Paul and Y/N, his hands on their shoulders, physical closeness astonished him, and the bright smiles on their faces, the children must have been 7, maybe 8 years old. Duke had darker hair and beard than a few days ago, before he passed.  

No one stood like that near Na-Baron, no one smiled in his presence. He found himself resenting the photo. He was about to throw the photo back into the drawer but then he slipped it inside the linen pants’ pocket, with a single thought he left the Duke’s bedchambers, he analyzed the castle’s architecture before so his feet knew where to take him. 

The guards waiting at her door were his now, they bowed immediately without a single word, ‘’Leave us.’’ he ordered and the bald headed men in black uniforms disappeared into the dark halls. His hand went to the knob, pushed for a second, listened but heard nothing. Was she asleep? It was a late hour after all. He gave the door a push and it opened, through the creak he saw the burning fireplace, and two chairs before it, he slithered in like a snake and shut the door silently. 

There she was, under the soft, golden color of cotton sheets, her back was turned to him so all he saw was her long hair spilling from the pillow and falling down, his eyes traced the length of her hair, of course he knew in most planets most people had bodyhair, or natural long hair, he had slept with many slaves like that but on his planet and his genes didn’t allow him to even grow eyelashes. The glowglobs orangey lights danced on her hair, he approached. 

Feyd-Rautha stood over her like a predator, watching her sleep, she was holding something inside her palm and it looked like a golden hawk pendant, cutting inside her palm, there was even dry blood. He sighed in disbelief, first warrior Duchess, then a little girl smiling at the camera and now sleeping beauty. She was an enigma. 

Feyd moved to sit on one of the chairs facing the fireplace, his gaze on the flames. 

Feyd lost count of minutes, maybe hours listening to the crackling of the fire and the Duchess’ mournful sobbing in her sleep, he was in trance and didn’t realize of her waking up.

Y/N didn’t believe it at first, she felt this lurking presence in her space thanks to her Bene Gesserit training and opened her eyes slowly and turned, towards the fireplace, she saw a sitting silhouette and mistaken it for Sammi, however when her eyes adjusted to the light she felt her heart beat rise in panic, he was here, in her private bedchambers. What was she supposed to do? It was his castle now, he could do whatever he desired and no one could speak up, she winched in pain when the sharp edge of the pendant she was holding hurt her palm and he spoke with his raspy voice, ‘’You cry loudly for someone trained by witches.’’

She realized he had been here for a while. 

He got to his feet, to her surprise he looked like a boy under this light in a soft linen set, he approached her bed and did something. 

He took the pendant from her palm, and pressed a silk, black handkerchief to her small wound. 

‘’Did your father teach you to fight like that?’’

He was back on the chair again, not facing her which made her a bit at ease, she sat on her bad, pressing the handkerchief into her palm, ‘’Both of them did.’’ 

Feyd tried so hard not to snap his head at her, could mothers also teach their daughters to fight? Where he came from he was taught that noble ladies were to be bred and unite two houses. And the none noble ones were to the men’s enjoyment for there were very sick things one couldn’t project on their noble born wives. 

‘’Your father’s chambers are comfortable.’’ He said that to sting her, it wasn’t her fault that Feyd-Rautha was brought up by his freak uncle but Feyd felt resentment towards her. 

No answer came from her side, he sighed and got up again, she was carefully watching him. He pulled out the photo from his pocket and placed it next to her on the bed and left without a single word. 

Y/N had to cover her mouth to suppress her primal scream. 

The grim morning came to Caladan, the lights of the morning sky seeped through the white curtains of her bedchambers and she stirred, then her senses came to her. She sat on her bed with a sore body, the duel, getting injured, almost killing and dying, and his visit… the memories came rushing to her, she took few deep breaths and closed her eyes and started praying, holding the silk, black handkerchief

"I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

Soon Sammi softly knocked, over the years Y/N knew which servant was knocking on her door, ‘’Come in.’’ and the old lady walked in, ‘’My Lady, let’s get you ready.’’ She looked uncomfortable, ‘’Sammi, is something to matter?’’ Y/N asked leaving her bed, Sammi closed the heavy door behind her and whispered, ‘’Na-Baron wishes to have breakfast with you, in the formal dining hall.’’ 

Y/N nodded and let Sammi help her. She chose a deep purple, velvet dress with a gold chain belt around her waist and gold jewelry to go with it, Sammi used oils on her skin to moisturize and make her look as if she wasn’t mourning for her home, she had to look undefeated, for her father, mother and Paul. Before Sammi could braid her long and soft hair she raised her hand, ‘’Leave it.’’ Y/N was going to test a theory today. ‘’Yes, my Lady.’’ Sammi trailing behind her they walked to the formal dining hall, the heavy doors were open and there he was, seated at the head of the table on the high chair her father used to sit, she had to control her face. ‘’Good morning.’’ Na-Baron’s raspy voice echoed slightly in the hall, there was a plate for her close to him, not on the far end of the table. Reluctantly she sat, didn’t wait for to be addressed to sit, it was her home still. Even though she seemed distant her calculating eyes were slightly picking up on Na-Baron, how he leaned back while holding his goblet, his blue eyes on her bouncy and wild hair, was she correct in her assumptions? She had to collect more evidence. ‘’How’s your palm?’’ he asked directly, ‘’Very well, thank you.’’ 

Feyd took a sip of the wine, ‘’Eat. You’re going to show me your planet. If I rule Caladan I ought to know.’’ 

Y/N only nodded in return, she had no intention of speaking to him more than necessary or to anyone, however, Na-Baron was demanding a tour, and she had no choice but to oblige. The breakfast passed quietly, she could feel his snake-like gaze on her, how she ate, slight cleavage that her dress showed, her straightness as she was sitting. Y/N wasn’t the only one who was collecting data. 

The first started with the nearest fishing town to the castle, escorted by Harkonnen soldiers, what Feyd noticed was that commoners still bowed to her as she walked past them, she gave them generous smiles and nod, he couldn’t help but grow more grim.

Why was she loved so much? 

Didn’t they know that she lost and Caladan fell?

He had these strange inklings inside his chest, he did not know how to name them but they were new and very dominant at the moment. Feyd demanded to see the fishing products and how the system worked, packaging and shipping to other planets and she took him to the port. All of the commoners who work there bowed, she calmly asked the head fisherman come forward and speak, explaining how the system works and an old man approached, he had long white beard, and hair, his skin darker due to being under the sun all his life, he bowed to her first, then the Na-Baron.

The old man explained everything to Feyd in detail, Feyd was pleased, and then something happened. Y/N asked about what the old man needed and if there any issues because of the battle yesterday and the old man swallowed the lump in his throat and spoke about losing some of his men and fisher boats, Y/N reached for the old man’s hands to hold them, Na-Baron grew stiff beside her with disbelief, a noble woman touching a commoner right before his eyes, and the fact that she belonged to him, Feyd never liked sharing. He cleared his throat, giving three seconds in his mind before he ordered the old man’s execution but Y/N politely nodded at the man, said she would look into whatever she could and let his hands go. 

Y/N noticed the way Feyd looked after the interaction, angry, bothered and uncomfortable. She noted.

The next spot on their tour, with her request, was the cemetery of the house Atreides. 

It was on top of a green hill, the wind was sharp here, Feyd could see her ancestors’ graves, she bowed before the graves, it puzzled him. They were dead. There was one of Duke Leto as well but empty. She rose to her feet and turned to him, the breeze was tossing her wild hair, the skirts of her velvet dress, the enormous waves were crashing at the bottom of the hill, ‘’If-’’ she began, lowered her head first then her eyes gazed around her, not ready to face him, he waited for her to continue, standing proud and tall in his jet black uniform. ‘’If by any chance his body can be found.. I would like him to return home and be buried here.’’ Y/N hesitant and yet had to ask, it was her father’s wish to be buried next to his own father and other family members. Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen was astound, he opened his mouth to say it was impossible or he wasn’t the one who took Arakkis so how could he kow.. but he closed his mouth, he let the silence linger for he realized how hard it was for her to ask something like this from a man who took her home. Her eyes were searching his blue orbits, she seemed calm yet she was peeling the skin of her finger.

‘’I will see what I can do.’’ Feyd replied, it was neither a yes or no because he was also interested if Glossu ‘’the Beast’’ Rabban, his older brother, did something to the Duke’s body or left it in the desert to rot. 

‘’Shall we head back, sea-rose?’’ he extended his hand to her, she looked at his pale hand and up his face, then she walked down the hill on her own. 

Later that night she excused herself to her chambers, sent her apologies to the Na-Baron for she was too tired to dine with him. In truth, all day she felt as if she was walking on a sharp blade, his dark presence towering above her, observing her every move. He was an unstable man and it was obvious that for the rest of her days (how many she had no idea) she had to play this smart. Y/N Atreides bathed with roses and then got under the covers to get sleep, tomorrow was going to be another tiring day. 

Thank you for reading. :)

She moved to the vanity to brush her hair before the mirror. She had basic and yet effective skin care products which were placed by the same maid she saw before, a young girl in her 20s, speaking only German. After brushing her hair she applied moisturizer on her face, neck. She was hesitant at first to do her make up, after all she was a prisoner here, kidnapped and trapped in a penthouse. Yet again she had to play the game to survive and to show him that he could talk to her, she was planning to listen and observe and maybe learn valuable information to use it. The penthouse was silent and she decided to ‘’explore’’, one white door opened to a library and she gasped in awe. So many books, in different languages. There was a comfy seating area where one could pick a book and sit, read in peace. She made a mental note to come back here if her days here were to be longer than expected. She gently closed the door and decided to take the marble stairs up, the walls held oil paintings, small tables had sculptures. The house looked like a museum to be specific. With her sharp eyes she noticed the tiny red camera lights at the ceilings or near a large vase, inside a painting. She wondered if the room she was occupying had hidden cameras, that made her shiver. Surely he couldn’t be that strange? She pushed the thought away and kept walking barefeet, the silk skirt grasping her thighs with soft touches, she tried a door, locked. 

Soon she stood before a door, similar to the rest, his voice came from inside, ‘’Come in.’’ How could he know that she was there? She slowly opened the door and it was his study. 

He was standing with a porcelain coffee mug, one hand in his pocket, he was in a suit again, ironed and smelled fresh mixing with his cologne. His eyes roamed over her in assessing, focused on her bare feet then up, ‘’I hope you are satisfied with your accommodation.’’ he began, He was by the large window, looking like a king, ‘’Yes, thank you.’’ she simply said, ‘’I’ll leave you to it.’’ She assumed he was busy since this was his study, a mahogany desk with a black chair, computer running and then she saw it, on the screen there were the footage of cams of the house, he had a white notebook, pens, an old telephone, it was obvious that he was much older than her but she noticed his obsession with ‘’nostalgia’’ 

‘’No, please. You’re just in time actually.’’ 

She didn’t understand, he placed his mug on a nearby coffee table, ‘’Please, sit.’’ he pointed to the black chair, but that was supposed to be his.. 

With careful steps she sat, ‘’I would like to show you something.’’ he casually said and approached, now he was behind her, his hand went to the mouse and clicked and with that she saw a footage of an old warehouse that was turned into a bar, people who look dangerous were launching, drinking. ‘’Let me fast forward it.’’ and in a second she saw him

Bucky and his friend Sam, guns in their hands were in now empty warehouse, Bucky looked tense, eyes focused. ‘’He still has it in him, you know.’’ Baron spoke, still standing behind her chair, ‘’The Winter soldier running through his veins.’’ 

She tried hard to sit still, not letting his words get to her. ‘’I can bring that back, just like we, as HYDRA used to do.’’ His words were like poison, she knew about his past but she also knew the man she loved, he wasn’t and will never be the Winter Soldier again. She wasn’t going to let him crush her hopes. ‘’Come now, let’s have lunch.’’ He moved and extended his hand, with a sour feeling in her stomach she held his hand, his grip was strong like steel binding her. He smiled, a dangerous one and added, ‘’How unusual you are Miss Y/L/N.’’ 

The lunch was set in the dining hall, rich aromas filling her nostrils. He pushed her chair like a gentleman and sat at his place, ‘’Before you there is Sauerbraten. A favorite of mine. What’s yours?’’ he placed his handkerchief on his lap, so did she, ‘’I like keto salad for lunch.’’ Her stomach protested but she had to eat and prove to him that she wasn’t shaken to see her man on a screen, her man who was looking for her. He chuckled, a real chuckle, ‘’You women and your salads. Please, Guten Appetit.’’ 

She cut the tender meat, dipped it on the gravy on her plate and took a bite, it was delicious, ‘’The meat is to be marinated for 2 weeks, maybe more.’’ He explained as he ate, ‘’Does he cook?’’ 

The question came out of nowhere, why was he interested in that? 

‘’With me, yes.’’ she didn’t intend to speak sharp but she did anyways, and that caught his attention, ‘’With you…’’ he repeated carefully, ‘’Interesting.’’ 

She sipped her water to calm her nerves, ‘’It is fascinating to hear about the man he has become Miss Y/L/N. I would love to hear more.’’ It wasn’t a request, it was an order.

‘’He doesn’t like it when I skip meals.’’ she began, noticing the change in his face, he looked curious and a tad bit of thrown off. ‘’He makes coffee in the morning.’’ She took another bite of the tender meat, ‘’Any nightmares of old endeavours?’’ His question made her pause because there was a bite into it, ‘’No, not anymore.’’ She replied confidently. ‘’Interesting, very interesting.’’ His red eye focused on her with a mechanic sound, it made her skin crawl, she had to get out of here. 

‘’He wants you angry,’’ Sam spoke, ‘’the second you stop thinking he wins.’’ They were gathering evidence together from the warehouse and Bucky was being hasty and missing things. Bucky sighed, shoulders falling, ‘’You’re right.’’ His blue eyes were on Sam’s dark ones, no words spoken after, they were on the same page: 

Gather evidence

Call old friends for help

Because this was getting bigger than them, an ex Hydra agent kidnapped a former super soldier’s girlfriend to reach him? Surely this needed a carefully designed plan with backups. 

Hours passed and they were under Clint Barten the Hawkeye’s roof, on a dinner table which was prepared by his wife Laura Barten, their children helping with the plates after a delicious home cooked meal. Natasha Romanoff was there too, stomach full and ready to dive into the topic already. Soon the kids departed to their rooms, giving them a space to talk. Laura kissed Clint’s temple, such a small yet affectionate  gesture that it made Bucky’s chest ache with yearning of his girl, his Y/N

After a beat Clint spoke, ‘’Tell me who took her.’’ 

‘’Baron Wolfgang von Strucker. An ex HYDRA scientist.’’ Bucky said with distaste. 

The room went silent, Natasha knew already, her spy skills had been picking up on Baron’s recent activities, she was just being informed and keeping her distance, waiting for the U.S Government to sign her up on a mission,  Clint knew both of their stories with HYDRA. This wasn’t going to be easy. ‘’What do we know about him?’’ Clint asked again, this time Natasha moved to her bag, she brought a file with her so she pulled out some photos, documents etc. 

‘’As Bucky said,’’ she began, ‘’Baron was one of the leaders of the science projects back when Hydra was operating fully, he was also in charge of the Winter Soldier programme.’’ 

Bucky’s face was blank, his blue eyes gazing on the photos, old labs, cells, his cage…

‘’We thought he was MIA after Hydra fell, however in recent years my intel has picked up on movements. I made a report on Baron’s activities and sent it to the upper highs, they asked me to keep tabs on him and not intervene.’’ 

She continued explaining about the shipments, ‘’We found vaccines,’’ Sam cut, ‘’A few months back, me and Bucky raided one of his ships and found scientific equipment and vaccines, Bucky believes the vaccines are for super soldier serum.’’ 

Clint’s face fell, he was concerned, ‘’You’re telling me this freak wants to make more super soldiers?!’’ 

 Bucky only nodded, ‘’The substance in the vaccines are under the control of the US now but I don’t know if they are the actual serums or Baron is playing us, distracting till he gets.. me.’’ 

Clint’s eyes found his, ‘’Are we on our own?’’ a simple question yet they all knew what it meant. ‘’Can't risk her, so yes.’’ Bucky replied sharply. 

‘’So where are they?’’ Sam cut in, arms crossed, now it was time to brainstorm. 

Natasha pointed out some documents, ‘’I’ve tracked some lab companies, and found ties to HYDRA funding. This one specifically,’’ she tossed the paper to Bucky, ‘’several luxury Manhattan properties were bought under a fake name.’’ 

‘’You think he keeps her in a luxurious sky-scarper?’’ Sam was confused, ‘’Baron isn’t a man of brutality, this is personal to him so I believe he keeps her somewhere he can see everyday. Which leads us to..’’ Natasha was a prepared woman, she pulled out a file of a skyscraper, ‘’somewhere he stays. Calls home.’’ 

‘’You sure this is it?’’ Bucky finally spoke, feeling his blood boil in anger and shame that he couldn’t protect his woman. ‘’The building has private security, the cameras wiped every 48 hours. Seems suspicious, doesn’t it?’’ she asked casually and yet they all felt it, this was it. 

‘’He is walking us through a maze.’’ Sam sighed, already tired but willing to help his friend. 

That night, in the basement of Clint’s home (where he kept his high tech equipment) they searched and mapped the building, Bucky was cold, precise and efficient, like the soldier which didn’t go unnoticed by his companions. Sam found a supply list to the building, imported coffee, luxury groceries etc. 

‘’You go angry, you lose her Buck.’’ At some point Clint had pulled him aside and warned, all Bucky could do was to nod in appreciation. 

‘’Got it!’’ Natasha sounded triumphant, she managed to pull out a satellite image from today’s early hours where Baron is by a large window sipping his coffee, in the exact building they were suspecting. 

Somewhere above Manhattan, Y/N stood barefoot before a wall of glass, unaware that beneath the city lights, the man who loved her was finally coming to her rescue and Baron, Wolfgang Von Strucker had finally gotten what he wanted: The Winter Soldier was coming to him willingly. 

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‘’My Duchess,’’ he began out of breath, ‘’they’re here.’’ before she could even utter a sentence explosions were being dropped far ahead, shook the ground beneath them, she calmly rose to her feet, looked at her subjects with pride, at şeast she had loyal and good people who were ready to give their lives for her house, it was something Shaddam and the Harkonnens could not relate. ‘’Follow the plan, evacuate women and children first, you know what to do.’’ and she left the room. Another explosion shook the castle, closer this time. Y/N Atreides moved to a nearby balcony to see it with her own eyes, beyond the cliffs heavy and gigantic Harkonnen ships in the color of midnight black were approaching to her castle, they were still crossing the uneasy sea underneath them, she and wondered if they ever saw sea before in their God forsaken planet Giedi Prime, oil-soaked, blood soaked, hell hole of the Imperium.

Soon they had crossed the sea and the ships started to drop their soldiers one by one to the lands, gun fire could be heard. She had wondered if Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen would be among his trained dogs, fighting or hiding behind Padishah Emperor Shaddam like his uncle Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. 

‘’My Lady..’’ a servant woman who had been her nanny and companion for so long rushed to her, the old woman’s face was pale, ‘’We must escort you to safety immediately.’’ 

Any high born Lady in this situation would be escorted from her home and taken to a new planet to survive, however, that was not her plan. If the Emperor or Baron had their own plans, so did she. She gave the old woman a smile which didn’t reach her eyes, ‘’No, my dear Sammi. I will be at the Great Hall.’’ Lords, ladies like her didn’t have a throne room, it only belonged to the Emperor but in Caladan they had a Great Hall to greet guests or diplomats. ‘’And you will be my side,

 witnessing it all so that when this is over, someone will remember it truthfully.’’ Sammi was confused but she followed her Duchess to the Great Hall.

Y/N was wearing a pair of simple fitted  beige linen pants, and a dark green tunic marked with the golden hawk of house Atreides, underneath she had light armor. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek knot, severe, controlled. Leaving nothing to distract her. 

She took her seat on the dais, which were made of ancient trees which grew on her lands; she felt honored to be the last Atreides to be seated here. The Great Hall had large windows overlooking the sea and the morning light illuminated the hall. The green carpet on the floor caught her attention before she spoke to Sammi, ‘’I would like to send a message to Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. Bring my Mentat here please.’’ 

Sammi did what she was told, soon her Mentat was bowing before her, ‘’My Lady Duchess, what message would you like me to send to Na-Baron?’’ 

Y/N swallowed before speaking, ‘’I demand a trial by combat.’’ 

Mentat froze, calculating, ‘’But my Lady!’’ he protested, ‘’ All projections indicate the same result.’’ He spoke rapidly and paused, ‘’You will die.’’

When he saw no shock or any emotion on her face the Mentat knew that it was her plan all along, to die and join her family in the afterlife. Their Duchess was going to sacrifice herself for them. The Mentat bowed lower than necessary then fell to his knees, his forehead on the green carpet, for it was his last bow to an Atreides. 

The Great Hall did not change, it remained vast and still. Drenched in pale morning light that poured through the high windows and stretched long across the green carpet. And yet, everything felt different, as if the air itself had tightened around her, waiting. 

First came the sound of soldiers’ heavy boots and then the double doors opened, Harkonnen soldiers entered, covered in black uniforms head to toe, lined themselves on the left and right, leaving the center empty for their Na-Baron.

And then he stepped inside, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen

It was her first time seeing her, a tall young man who was paler than the morning light which was unsettling to her, he was bald and his pale skin was a stark contrast to his jet black uniform, he walked forward, his every step was deliberate, and his blue eyes found her. She could feel her stomach turn in hatred. He did not bow and silence stretched between them, heavy. Neither of them spoke, the Caladan’s sea roared faintly beyond the windows, the only sound dared to exist between them. His snake-like eyes moved over her, not lingering, not searching but assessing. 

‘’You stayed.’’ His raspy Harkonnen voice made her skin crawl but she did not show any reaction, ‘’As you can see.’’ She replied calmly.

He took a few steps closer now, measured. ‘’Most would have run.’’ Feyd-Rautha wasn’t easy to be speechless or shocked but here she was, last of her kind and still lingering. 

‘’And most would not be worth your time.’’ 

Something flickered in his blue eyes, interest. 

The soldiers remained still, not daring to interrupt their Na-Baron. 

‘’What do you want Duchess?’’

Y/N Atreides rose slowly to her feat. The movement was deliberate, controlled and when she spoke her voice did not waver; ‘’I demand a trial by combat.’’ the words settled between them, when Feyd had the message from her Mentat he didn't believe it. Thought it might be a Bene Gesserit witch trick so he decided to march the halls of the castle and find her. The words settled between them, sharp. 

For the first time, he smiled, it made her uneasy. 

‘’Good.’’ he said with a grin, ‘’What are the conditions Duchess?’’ His soldiers could not believe that their Na-Baron was about to fight a high born Lady, ‘’If I win, you and your forces withdraw from Caladan. You do not return.’’

He clasped his hands behind his back, approaching more, now he was at the bottom of the stairs to the dias, looking up at her, she could see his face clearer, plump lips, sharp jaw line, he looked nothing like his uncle Baron. One could even argue that he looked like a pretty bow, face up, lips slightly parted. ‘’And if I win?’’ he asked curious. 

‘’Caladan falls to House Harkonnen.’’ she spoke thanking her mother’s Bene Gesserit teachings, she was as calm as a stone, ‘’And I die.’’ 

He had a cunning smirk now, face still tilted to meet her gaze, ‘’Great deal.’’ 

Silence followed, longer this time. ‘’You would wager your life for them, Duchess?’’ he had to ask because in Feyd-Rautha’s book no one deserved for him to sacrifice anything, let alone his life. ‘’I already have.’’ 

Her certainty was remarkable, on his way to Caladan he did his research about her, Emperor Shaddam’s spies had sent various photos of Y/N Atreides ruling as Duchess, helping the commoners, planting in her private gardens, visiting her ancestors’ graves. He read reports of the way she ruled as a Duchess and it had confused him, so devoted. It made him curious about being devoted to something or someone… 

‘’No hidden conditions?’’ he asked not trusting, she wasn’t just an Atreides, he knew that she was getting lessons from the witches. ‘’None. The terms are clear.’’ 

He studied her again, slower this time, ‘’Very well.’’ the words settled in the room, ‘’Then we fight.’’ he said, shocking his subjects again. ‘’What weapon do you choose?’’

‘’Blades.’’ she replied as she climbed down the stairs, walked past him, her tunic slightly touching his arm, she moved to nearby table to get her weapon, ‘’No shields.’’ she added.

‘’Bold.’’ he pulled out his Holtzman shield which was attached to his rib, turned it off and tossed it to a soldier. ‘’Na-Baron-’’ his soldier protested and with one swift motion of his wrist the soldier fell to the ground with a tiny dagger in his throat, the shield falling next to his dead body. 

‘’Was that necessary?’’ She asked as she was sharpening her sword which was given to her by her father Duke Leto Atreides, the handle had diamonds in the shape of their hawk. He just gave her an annoyed look and barked an order to his men, ‘’Clear the hall!’’ 

In seconds his men left, only Sammi was left, Y/N moved her head to give her a signal, it was her choice, staying or running, Sammi stayed. 

‘’One more thing,’’ she began withdrawing his sword, ‘’If you had run,’’ almost thoughtfully he spoke, ‘’you might have lived.’’ 

‘’And you would have followed’’ she clapped back, Y/N had a feeling Feyd-Rautha would not rest until he found her. It pleased him to hear her saying that, ‘’Perhaps.’’ he sighed, ‘’Try not to disappoint me, pretty Duchess.’’

‘’Try to keep up, Harkonnen.’’

First blow unexpectedly came from Y/N, directly at his throat that was exposed but he blocked it, however she could see that he was startled, steel collided with a sharp crack that echoed through the Great Hall. His blue eyes for a split second shone with the shock, then he recovered quickly and blocked the blow with his own sword, black, probably made from obsidian. ‘’There it is…’’ he breathed circling her like a predator, ‘’Show me again, storm-rose.’’ the name slid from his tongue like something unfamiliar. She did not react but struck again, faster this time. Her Bene Gesserit training mixed with combat lessons made Feyd-Rautha feel respect towards her, a feeling he never knew he could conjure. 

A feint to his side, then a sharp turn towards his ribs. He twisted, the blade grazing fabric but not flesh. He laughed hard, pleased. ‘’Yes… again!’’ 

Their blades met in flurry now, sharp, rapid and unforgiving. Y/N moved with precision, each motion economical, disciplined. Years of training revealed in every angle of her blade, she pressed him, drove him back, forced him to yield ground. He didn’t mind, in fact he seemed to enjoy it. ‘’Careful…’’ he murmured, circling again, his eyes as deep as Caladan’s gushing waters, menacing. ‘’You’re starting to look dangerous, sea-rose.’’ 

She answered with steel, why was he calling her that? It made her blood boil with hatred. A sharp upward strike, he blocked again but he was slow this time. Her blade cut across his side, a thin line of crimson bloomed against black. Feyd-Rautha stilled and looked down, touched it with his pale fingers, the crimson looked much dominant on his fingers, then he looked back at her and smiled, ‘’Good.’’ and this time he moved first. He was fast, sharp and more violent, she knew about the arena of Giedi Prime and how brutal fighters could be and Feyd undoubtedly was trained there. His strikes came harder now, they were both sweating, he was forcing her to shift, block, and to step back. However, she adapted, and met him with every blow, she turned his force against him. Their blades locked, they were close now, too close. His face was inches from hers, his breath steady and eyes bright under the morning lights. He looked as if he was fighting to find the words to say something to her and she didn’t want him to manipulate her so she shoved him back with sudden force and struck again. 

She slipped past his guard, her blade rose, and stopped at his throat, unmoving. The sharp tip of the blade pressed just enough to promise death. ‘’Yield’’ she said. Silence followed. The sea roared faintly beyond the windows. For a moment Feyd-Rautha did nothing, then a soft laugh escaped his plump lips, ‘’So certain..’’ he murmured, ‘’sea-rose.’’ and he moved but not away from her or not to strike her blade. His weapon snapped upward in a sudden precise motion, catching the binding at the base of her sleek knot. 

Her long and silken hair fell down her shoulders all at once, for a smallest friction of a second it disrupted her. A strand crossed her vision and her focus broke. And he saw it. His blue gaze shifted to her hair, something unfamiliar flickered across his face, ‘’beautiful…’’ he whispered under his breath. 

Then he acted. His hand shot forward, seizing her wrist, first physical contact. He twisted her wrist hard,  pain flared up her arm, and she screamed in pain, her composure of a statue wavering. He stepped in, too close for her to strike again, He drove his forehead into hers, the impact shattered her focus, his blade slid across her side, not deep but enough. She staggered back, he pressed forward, relentless now, she tried to recover but the pain in her head and wrist were distracting her, Y/N blocked one strike, then another and yet her rhythm was gone. Feyd drove her back step by step, she faltered and fell. Her blade slipped from her grasp, skidding across the stone. Before she could even reach it he was there, above her. His blade was at her throat, silence returned to the hall other than their rapid breathing, sweat was glistening their skins. Her hair laid around her now, loose and unbound. Two enemies' eyes met, she had almost killed him and he knew it. 

His blade didn’t press any further. His gaze lingered, not on the weapon but on her. ‘’you almost had me…’’ Feyd-Rautha Harkonen said calmly, ‘’sea-rose.’’ 

She lost, and with that notion she could speak freely, ‘’I am not yours to name. Finish me and end my house once and for all.’’ That was the deal. Y/N wondered if her family felt the same things in their last moments… She welcomed death with open arms. 

Seconds past and his blade didn’t move. He crouched down, his breath fanning her face, he seemed to have contemplated something in his dark mind, then with a swift motion he withdrew the weapon and placed it back in its sheath. Her Bene Gesserit mind was suggesting something dangerous, a new outcome. 

‘’Kill me!’’ she yelled this time. ‘’That was the deal.’’ 

From the beginning Feyd knew she was suicidal and didn’t want to win, just die in an honorable way, and he played her. Feyd made her think that she was going to die in her ancestral home at a young age, one thing about Feyd he loved to prove people wrong. 

‘’Caladan is mine and so are you.’’ He simply explained, back of his bloodied fingers tracing her cheek now with tenders that didn’t belong to someone like him. Her eyes wide, she was struggling to come up with protest without cursing his entire bloodline. Feyd’s tender fingers now squeezed her cheeks and lifted her face with force, ‘’My war prize…’’ 

The entire day she stood proud and tall but once at night when she reached her bed chambers she let go of her Bene Gesserit training and collapsed on the cold floor, crying.

First days of her being a Duchess was her copying her father, answering to questions just like her, however, one of her and Leto’s most trusted Mentat warned her affectionately about the matter ‘’You are not the Duke.’’ he said, ‘’You are the Duchess.’’ and thus she started to add her own personality and perspectives. After getting the first memocorder from Paul she was more relieved to hear that her family was settling into the palace in Arrakis, a palace which was built by the Harkonnes 80 plus years ago, Y/N tried not to think of the Harkonnes, the thought alone unsettled her, due to the fact that their houses were in blood feud for thousands of years and despised each other. They were the ones who were placed at the god forsaken land of desert by the Emperor Padishah Shaddam Corrino IV, and ruled under his name for decades, extracting spice for the known universe as they fought the actual inhabitants of the land. The rumors of the Harkonnes’ iron grip on the poor folk travelled in the entire Imperium, nevertheless no Major or Minor houses disagreed as long as they got spice. It made her sick. She only hoped that her father, Duke Leto Atreides would patch up things between the Imperium and Fremen. Build peace with the Fremen instead of ruling over them. She couldn’t fathom the idea of an alien, an outsider coming to her land and enslaving her and her people.

Soon Y/N Atreides started to visit the common folk, fishermen, farmers and merchants, making sure everything is under control and trade is moving smoothly. She and her Mentat took note of the requests of her people diligently, she could see the effect she had on her people. Their eyes would shine, heads bowed in respect.

After months of being a Duchess, handling her people, trade and maintaining a civil and peaceful relations with other planets’ rulers via correspondence she threw a ball in the name of her father to honor him and his rule in Arrakis. She sent invitations to nearby systems and got positive feedbacks, her servants worked for weeks to put the Castle Caladan in good shape, the castle was the Atreides’ ancestral home for over ten thousand years, sitting on a rock which overlooked the sea, the waves crashing and bringing the smell of salt through the windows. For a moment, everything felt stable.

The music filled the ball room, tables full of the fish and wine that Caladan was famous for, the lord, ladies, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, however she did notice the looks she got from them as she walked and talked. She was dressed in the color of Atreides, a green ceremonial gown, adorned with gold laces around her waist, a thin yet golden tiara on her head, her braid falling to her back, she looked positively fresh and very much a Duchess.

‘’My Lady Atreides, Caladan flourishes under your reign..’’ ‘’You honor your father greatly..’’ ‘’Your grace does not go unnoticed..’’

She accepted the compliments with a calm smile, ‘’I serve as I must.’’ Her gaze fell on the one empty seat which was for the Emperor, he had sent her his apologies, he wasn’t in the position of travel due to his age and he wished her a bountiful and cheerful event.

Even through the music one could hear the waves crashing to the rocks, a wind’s mystical whistle, chill of the vast sea seeping through the high windows, she sighed and looked around the ball room, paintings of her forebears hanging on the walls, a huge bull’s head or stag’s between paintings, the flag of House Atreides, a golden hawk on a green surface. She was happy and content. It was a shame really for she was about to hear the most dreadful news that would change the course of her future..

The heavy wooden doors of the ball room were pushed open by soldiers, her Mentat and a high ranking, gloomy expressioned soldier entered the room, she knew him. He was old, way older than her father, she knew he had served her grandfather as well. The Mentat and the soldier bowed before her wooden seat, it was on a high platform so she could see the room entirely. ‘’Rise.’’ She ordered, ‘’My Duchess…’’ he began, voice stern, ‘’Arrakis has fallen..’’ three words. Three words that meant the end of everything. She could feel the noblefolk’s eyes on her, the music stopped, the conversations died. She did not react, after a pause she dared to ask, ‘’And my father?’’

‘’The Duke is dead.’’

Something inside her stilled, her Bene Gesserit training calmed her senses so that she wouldn’t react violently, ‘’And my mother?’’

‘’Presumed dead.’’

Her breath remained even.

‘’Paul?’’

‘’Also presumed dead.’’ She could see the grief in the old man’s grey eyes, seeing the house he had served for decades was falling apart and he could do nothing but watch.

She slowly stood, still holding her wine glass. ‘’Who delivered this message?’’ ‘’Imperial channels.’’ A flicker of ice passed through her entire body and her gaze shifted to the empty seat of Emperor Padisha Shaddam, how kind of him to send his regards..

Whispers spread like Greek fire. The nobles watched her with calculation, distance. Already, the shift had begun. The old soldier continued, ‘’The attack was Harkonnen.’’ She spat on the floor to show his disrespect to the house, ‘’Baron Vladimir is sending his heir, Na-Baron Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen to Caladan to-’’ he couldn’t finish and yet every single soul understood what it meant. One lord bowed swiftly, ‘’My Duchess.. I must take my leave. Urgent matters require my attention.’’ The other did the same and soon the nobles paid their respects and left the ball room in haste to leave Caladan to its fate…

House Atreides no longer held Arrakis, and Caladan stood alone.

Once the noble folk left then her calm eyes found the old soldier, ‘’Then we prepare.’’ Her voice did not waver, not once. Because Caladan would not fall quietly.

It was a normal day at work, she was organizing the displays or making quick arrangements according to the customers’ like, at lunch time, Melanie left to get some food for them and Y/N was alone, her head lifted once she heard the chime from the bell and it was him. The gentleman who sparked up interesting conversation, again he was in a clean and expensive suit, he had his regular glasses and calculated smile, ‘’Hello Miss.’’ he greeted and she smiled, ‘’Hello. Which ones this time?’’ she asked casually, no answer came from him first then he spoke with a cold tone ‘’Lillies again.  And a card to write a note please.’’ she obliged. 

He wrote and waited for her to finish the bouquet, once she was done he placed the card between the lilies and clasped his hands behind his back, she was puzzled, ‘’Aren’t you going to take the flowers Sir?’’ 

A sneaky smile found its way to his face, ‘’I plan on leaving them here,’’ he spoke, it sent chills to her spine, ‘’However, you’re coming with me if you want to save your man, The Winter Soldier.’’ 

Y/N refused to cry, or panic, her body was calm but numb, ‘’What do you mean?’’ she asked coldly, her posture made Baron admire her, ‘’Let’s just say he is an old pet of mine, back in his HYDRA years and there are unresolved matters between us.’’ he was frank and up front, ‘’What happens if I don’t come with you?’’ she had a feeling he would tell the truth. ‘’Well, I already found out where you two live, it looks like a happy nest. Well done, I’m sure a woman's touch always elevates the environment.’’ He was stating facts without being hostile but she could feel the threat under his words, she had to make a choice, ‘’Lead the way.’’ until today she wasn’t aware of how much she was fond of Bucky and her depth of love towards him. She was going to whatever she needed to save him from his ghosts. 

And now she woke up in a penthouse, a comfortable bed and minimalist yet luxurious furniture pieces around her. She slowly left the bed and found a white door which opened to a bathroom bigger than her home with Bucky, extremely clean and organized, she washed her face to calm her senses, if she wanted to survive she had to regulate her nervous system around this man. She rubbed her face with a white linen towel which felt super smooth on her skin, she left the bathroom and closed the door gently to not make any sound and she noticed how silent it was. Was she alone? Did he dump her here and left? Only one way to find out, she walked to the double white doors which stood at the center, her steps quiet on the light brown flooring. Her hand went to the golden handle, she gave it a slight movement and to her surprise it opened. Now she could hear the soft classical music coming from somewhere in this maze of a penthouse. She left the bedroom behind, started to follow the sound. 

It was coming from the grand salon, multiple seating areas in white, carpets in the color of silver, walls beige, there was a piano overlooking the Central Park, one could see windows from bottom to the ceiling. A glass coffee table stood in the middle which had few science magazines in different languages, one white mug of coffee, her mouth watered with the delicious smell, and she could see the steam coming from it and the owner of the coffee, sitting casually in his dark grey suit, holding news papers, what struck her the most was the news papers, not being kidnapped or waking up in a penthouse. Who is still reading newspapers? Apparently him. She couldn't see his face due to the papers but his silver watch caught the morning light of the sun, before she could observe more he cleared his throat. ‘’Morning. Just in time for breakfast.’’ and then he lowered the newspapers, his red eye on full display.  ‘’Good morning.’’ she replied back, not wanting to cause a scene.. yet anyways. She could see his artificial red eye scanning her from head to toe. ‘’After breakfast you may change into something, one of my servants will provide you with everything you need.’’ 

In a normal setting one could assume he was a kind gentleman, however, this wasn’t a normal setting. As he realized that she was still standing, he gestured to the couch, ‘’Please do be seated.’’ This formal language  made Y/N feel more nervous and afraid, she sat slowly, her gaze was around her, observing, at her back there was a door to a dining hall, soon she heard footsteps behind her but didn’t dare to look. Finally he neatly folded the pacers, placed them next to his mug and lifted his mug to his lips, ‘’I specifically get my coffee from Ethiopia and make my servants brew the coffee in Yemen. An old tradition I would like it to continue and-’’ he lifted his mug ‘’volai!’’ he took another sip, ‘’I’ve read-’’ she began and caught his attention, she was an eccentric man so she had to play with him to get him to talk, ‘’before spreading worldwide coffee, in 15th century was being brewed in Yemen.’’ Her hands were on her lap, she still had the same clothes from yesterday, ‘’That is correct.’’ was his reply. 

Another pair of footsteps behind her and a woman, in her 20s and in a simple black skirt and white blouse appeared, said something in German to him and bowed her head slightly, without even looking at Y/N she left. ‘’Breakfast is ready.’’ He got to his feet, ‘’Please, follow me.’’ 

The dining hall wasn’t a formal one and yet it had more furniture than she had ever owned. A white long dining table, white chairs with comfortable cushions, a giant glass vase in the middle filled with white roses. He sat at the head of the table, and her place was at the other head, keeping a distance from her. He pulled her chair, up close she could smell the detergent of his suit, she looked before her, an omelette on her plate, warm bread, coffee, water and orange juice, and fruit bowl. 

‘’Guten Appetit.’’ 

Bucky hasn't sat down ever since he found himself at Sam’s secret den. He was pacing as Sam was before a computer and making calls to a small number of people he could trust with this, because Bucky directly ordered not to get the suits involved. This was a personal matter and he was sick and tired of the U.S meddling in with his business. Sam didn’t argue, he just nodded and since then he was like a machine. 

‘’Got it!’’ Sam screamed in exultant cheer, ‘’What?!’’ he asked, daring to hope. ‘’I have the footage of the cameras on the street of her shop. Come.’’ 

Together they watched yesterday's footage, things seemed normal until a sleek car parked outside and there he was, Baron Wolfgang Von Strucker in a suit, once he was out the car left the street,  ‘’Wait? Where did the car go?’’ they watched it closely, after maybe 10- 15 minutes Y/N was leaving the shop with him. Without her bag, or coat, and before they disappeared into the back of the shop where there were no cameras Baron looked up at the camera slightly, and smiled. That was for Bucky.  

‘’He knew we would watch the cams.’’ Sam sighed in frustration. Bucky had a sudden desire to punch a wall with his vibranium arm, the ground shook with the impact, ‘’Bucky..’’ Sam kept his voice controlled, then Bucky collapsed to the ground in defeat. His shoulders low, breathing deeply, Sam came to hold his shoulder, ‘’I might have an idea…’’ 

Before touching her breakfast she observed the precise placements on the table, everything at rightful places, clean and intentional. Baron had already begun eating, he was calm, unbothered even. As if this were a perfectly normal morning. Y/N picked up her fork, more out of strategy than hunger. She took a smile bite of fruit and it felt nice, juicy and delicious, as if she had picked it from a tree moments ago. Silence settled between them, filled only by the faint melodies of the classical music coming from the other room, ‘’You don’t seem to be afraid.’’ 

Y/N swallowed before replying, ‘’I am.’’ She figured to be frank with him. Baron’s lips curved slightly, ‘’Good.’’ he said almost thoughtfully, ‘’Fear when regulated, sharpens the mind Miss Y/L/N.’’ Her fingers tightened around the fork for a split second before relaxing again. ‘’You seem to value control.’’ she deduced. ‘’I do.’’ He had neither hesitation nor shame, she expected him to say something smart or avert the statement. His red eye caught the light as he looked at her, ‘’Many in your position would’ve reacted… poorly.’’ He drank his orange juice, giving her a room to speak, ‘’You gave me a reason not to.’’ 

Something flickered in his expression, his interest getting more profound, ‘’Your… attachment to him is remarkable.’’ Here we are, mention of Bucky, she couldn’t help her heart rate getting faster, thankfully her face didn’t betray her. ‘’You used that against me.’’ She wasn’t accusing, just stating facts. ‘’Of course.’’ he was speaking more in a German accent now that they were in his realm. ‘’What is it exactly you want?’’ she dared to ask him. 

‘’You’re just deviation.’’ He admitted after a long pause, ‘’And Bucky?’’ she asked quieter now. ‘’What is he to you?’’

‘’An unfinished matter.’’ 

‘’You could’ve taken him.’’ Then she popped a piece of fruit to distract herself from sobbing, ‘’Yes.’’ he replied casually, no denial at all. ‘’Then why didn’t you?’’ the question lingered between them, he leaned back, his cup in his hand, ‘’Because he would’ve fought.’’ And with that her stomach tightened, ‘’And I was curious,’’ he continued, his eyes were fixed on her, ‘’to see what he would do … if something he valued was removed from him.’’ The words settled like ice, she felt it through her body. ‘’You should eat.’’ he added lightly, focusing on his breakfast like a surgeon performing surgery on a human being. ‘’You’ll need your strength.’’ 

‘’He wants you to find him.’’ Sam pointed at the screen and Bucky got up, he had to, he looked at the computer screen, Baron’s smile made him want to punch the computer, he barely stopped himself. ‘’Look at him, he is not hiding Buck. He is performing.’’ Sam was right, ‘’He took her in broad daylight,’’ Sam continued, ‘’No guns no nothing. That’s not a man covering his tracks, that’s a man setting a trail.’’ 

‘’A trap.’’ Bucky muttered. 

‘’Yeah,’’ Sam nodded,  ‘’an invitation.’’ Silence fell for half a second. ‘’What happened to the lead your contact got?’’ Bucky asked, after they had raided Baron’s ship one of Sam’s friends got a lead on a warehouse, ‘’She’s been digging into it, I can check right now.’’ 

‘’Do it.’’ Bucky tried hard not to sound desperate or clueless but time was ticking and his dark mind was going to places he didn’t want to, what if she was dead in a ditch? or Worse what if he was torturing her to get information? After Sam talked to his contact about the warehouse he hung up, ‘’There was an activity last night at the place-’’ before he could finish Bucky turned his heels to exit, ‘’Let’s go.’’ 

When they reached the place they found no one but empty chairs, half empty glasses scattered, some cigarettes still curling smoke into the air, the dim yellow lights gave the atmosphere a suffocating vibe, ‘’Cleared out.’’ Sam muttered, placing his gun back, ‘’Recently.’’ Bucky corrected, kept his gun raised as they moved between  the chairs and tables, he lifted a still lit cigarette. They were close, so close and still far behind Baron’s plan. 

Then Sam whistled to get his attention, together they walked a long hall and found an open door, inside that looked like an office, too clean and too organized. ‘’This must be his place to deal with his business.’’   

Bucky’s eyes moved across the heavy desk, files closed and drawers locked, there was a single white rose laying on the shiny desk, Sam exhaled slowly, ‘’He knew we’d come here.’’ 

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''Its me.'' you said when he answered. ''Hello Y/N,'' he replied with a cold voice, ''Any ideas for our second date?'' continued with arrogance that you wanted to shove the phone somewhere he wouldn't like.

''This is a project and we should treat it such Hannibal.''

''I like it when you call me by my name, Y/N. And yes, there is no reason for us to be uncivil.'' he added, ''I do apologies if I have ever offended you. Where would you like to go?''

You were startled first, didn't expect him to be this indulgent. You sighed first and Hannibal had to pause after hearing that, you sounded so.. sweet

He had to calm his manhood.

''I was thinking we could grab coffee.'' she blurted out the idea she had.

''Excellent, which place?''

In an hour they met at the cafe she suggested, it was a bit cold day so she was in blue jeans, a black sweater, and a dark red scarf, she had a long black coat. Hannibal approached in his long brown coat that screamed expensive and a scarf which looked like it was made by Arachne herself. He was in a white sweater and black pants.

You greeted him, and he sat before you, crossed his legs, ''A cozy place.'' he observed, sounded calm but if she knew him better she could've noticed his uneasiness.

''I come here often, it makes me grounded and feel at home.'' she smiled to herself then sit tall, ''Anyways, I brought some papers and pens to take notes about things we like and don't like. I'm sure professor will quiz us at the end of this week aobut this... assignment.'' she sighed deeply as she laid olut the papers on the small table and Hannibal shifted on his seat, he was still astonished by the effect she had on him and she was oblivious.

Hannibal observed the way she she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, her eyes focused, ''Here.'' she handed him a paper and pen and their fingers brushed for a split second, her hand was cold. His free hand went inside his pocket to pull out his black, leather gloves, ''Wear them.'' and when he realized the utter shock in her eyes he felt... annoyed

Why was she shocked? She was so lovely when she accepted things from other people... Hannibal felt a strange sting in his chest, he had no idea why. Or maybe he wanted to surpress it...

''Your hand is cold Y/N.'' he stated the obvious fact. ''Oh... Thanks.'' she wore them.

Day 3

This time Hannibal appeared with a bag of fres and warm breakfast at her doorstep, she was already awake, no classes, she was in her oversized t-shirt and shorts as pjs since her small apartment that she shared with her roommate was warm. As she opened the door she paused, Hannibal Lecter was standing before her, in his casual yet clean clothes, first it was surprising to see him before her second in blue jeans, boots and a grey turtle neck sweater, he was holding his coat on one arm and holding a bag in the other. ''Good Morning Y/N.'' he greeted and waited for her to let him in, since it took a while he spoke again. ''I hope you'll invite me. Please forgive my unannounced visit.'' He held up his hand which was holding the bag, ''I brought breakfast.'' without a word she moved, and he walked in. She was neat, and clean. ''Your roommate isn't home I take it?''

''How do you know I have a roommate?'' she crossed her arms.

He acted innocnet and shrugged his shoulders as he placed the bag on the kitchen counter and unboxing the containers. ''I'm sure you mentinoed it before.''

She was suspicious but didn't press on it any longer.

''Smells delicious.'' she had to admit, ''Thank you, I made it.'' He moved in the kitchen as if he were living there, finding plates, fork, glasses. ''I never have breakfast.'' she started, ''Too time consuming.''

Hannibal chuckled, ''If you had someone preparing for you it wouldn't be time consuming. Here.'' he pushed the plate towards her, she took a bite and hummed in satisfaction, Thank God Hannibal was in sitting position. Every small detail of her drove him near mad, he wanted to know more, needed to to be specific.

''I hope your boyfriend don't mind.'' he preyed, playing with his omlette, ''I'm single.'' she simply replied, he was suspecting but it was nice to hear it from her.

Day 4

This time she needed to buy a dress for her friend's party which Hannibal was also invited and instead of sitting and chatting she suggested that they could go on shopping, he agreeded.

''Turn around.'' He said as he observed the dress on her, short, too short but damn she looked good in it. ''Beautiful.''

Y/N couldn't hide the effect his word and eyes had on her, if a stranger were to see them they would think Y/N and Hannibal were a couple, shopping for an event. ''Are you coming to the party?'' she asked to change the topic, she never saw him at a party before. ''Yes.'' He was eyeing her form, ''Absolutely.''

Day 5

The party was at one of the rich student's house, music and drinks never stopped, she wanted to take a break from all of that and walked upstairs to find a bathroom but her roommate saw and marched up to her, ''Your boy is looking for you.'' she grinned, ''What-?'' before she could understand her friend dragged her downstairs again and there he was, leaning on a wall, looking elegant with his casual white shirt, leather jacket, pants and messy brown hair. To be fair he looked charismatic. ''Hey..'' she approached, ''I never got to thank you for the dress.'' yesterday he was insistant on buying it for her, said it was for the project. He shrugged his shoulders, ''I was happy to oblige.'' Hannibal's maroon gaze travelled on her form, liking what he saw and taking pride in it, she was wearing what he had bought for her. ''Care for a drink?'' He suggested, ''Sure.''

The rest of the night everyone noticed how Hannibal was glued to her hip, never leaving her side and shooting dangerous glares to the boy who tried to approach. Later he offered to drop her off since her roommate decided to stay. He came to the party on his bike and offered her his helmet, and when she secured herself on it, holding him tightly he started the engine.

The ride was very fun for her, she had never experienced it before so it was a first and once she got off she got sad, she wasn't goign to experience it again, or so she thought. Hannibal, ever the gentleman walked her to her door, ''I had fun.'' he admitted, ''Wow! Hannibal the neat freak had fun at a stranger's party.'' She was a bit drunk, and to him she looked adorable. ''Make sure to drink water before bed and in the morning.''

Day 6

She woke up with a massive headache and hated her life's choices. As she was walking around in her apartment, drinking the very much needed water she thought of Hannibal and last night's events. He wasn't difficult, in fact he was helpful about this project but why? Her thoughts were interrupted by a ring on the landline phone, she picked it up, ''Good morning Y/N, hope you're feeling well.'' it was him. ''My headache is simmering down, thanks to your advice. How are you?''

He invited her for dinner at his place, he once mentioned that his family bought him his apartment when he started studying there and he was there ever since.

She was before his door at 7 sharp. She decided to look casual yet chic and even did a slight make up, maybe deep down she wanted to look pretty for him but she dismissed that thought and let Hannibal take her coat, his apartment was tooluxurious for a univeristy student. She knew that he was coming from old money but this? She was in awe of the paintings and architecture, ''Nice place.'' She said while Hannibal was showing her around, ''Yours is more lively.'' he replied, which shocked her, who would say that?! ''How about switching places?'' she joked as they walked to the dining room, Hannibal chuckled, ''Only in on condition..'' he pulled a chair for her, his lips next to her ear, ''Whic is?'' she asked pulling a napkin on her lap, ''That I get to stay with you.'' His breath was a ghost of warmth, before she could reply he pulled back and left to bring the food he had cooked.

The food was delicious and new, ''You're quite the chef Hannibal.''

''I like cooking,'' he leaned on his chair, ''especially for the ones I care about.''

Y/N was puzzled, they were rivals for God's knows how and now he was being like.. like he was trying impress her and court her. ''In that case, I love to eat so keep them coming.'' She joked and Hannibal laughed at that, he liked being around her lively aura, his apartment felt barren and colorles for so long but as soon as she entered the atmopshere changed. His maroon eyed were on her as he made the desicion to keep her forever.

Day 7

They met at a park, with coffee and books to read, neither of them spoke much since it was the last day of the project, there was tension between them, ''I believe we have made progress.'' she began with a cold tone which Hannibal detested, he wanted her to be like yesterday, warm and making jokes. ''Y/N-'' he turned to her on the bank they were sitting, morning sun was alluminating her features, making her look etheral. ''I don't want to stop seeing you.'' he confessed.

''What?''

''I have been watching you ever since we had our first disagreement and the reason why I kept wexing you was beacuse I truly enjoy your wit and charm. When the professor gave us this project there was a reason why I didn't protest.''

She was listening carefully, not believeing her ears at the moment.

''I want you Y/N.'' he finally said, ''Be mine.''

‘’How was work?’’ Y/N asked, it was dinner and they were eating Chinese take out, Bucky shrugged his shoulders, contemplating what to give and what to keep to himself, in order to protect her. ‘’Me and Sam are making progress on the guy we’re chasing.’’ As soon as he said that he could see the gears turning in her pretty eyes, ‘’Who are you chasing?’’ she looked curious, Bucky sighed first, ‘’A man, from my past. Very dangerous.’’ he was done with his take out container so he dumped it into the trash, ‘’Want beer?’’ he walked to the fridge, ‘’Yeah.’’ Once he opened the fridge he saw how clean, organized and stocked it was. Clearly she kept herself busy by turning this apartment into a home. With a small smile he handed her a bottle of cold beer, ‘’Thanks.’’ she said softly, ‘’I should be the one thanking you doll face.’’ she could feel the heat creeping up to her face, ‘’I was just… free and thought I should do something around the house.’’ she explained shying away but Bucky grabbed her from her waist and pulled her towards him, now her back was pressed to her chest, it took them long time to achieve this intimacy and Bucky was a man who would rather burn the world to the ground than not fell her against him, in his kitchen, in their home. ‘’Missed you.’’ he murmured into her neck, and she giggled, feeling his stubble on her skin, she used to hate that with Leo. ‘’You were only gone for a day.’’ she protested jokingly, and took a sip from her cold beer, ‘’24 hours without my doll… was a torture.’’ he started kissing her neck, gentle pecks, ‘’Kept thinking about you..’’ he admitted, ‘’Oh really?’’ 

His kisses went up and up, then he pressed her to the counter, her back was still turned and he wanted to face her so he turned her swiftly, she was liking his strength. ‘’Yeah,’’ he then kissed her on the lips, he wanted to do that as soon as he arrived to the apartment but he didn’t want to scare her or make her flinch, he eased into the space, took a shower while she prepared the take out food, then they had a chit chat and now, Bucky was eager to explore her once again, maybe this time in a different setting. 

Y/N had also missed him dearly, at work or at home she kept wondering about him. His sweet lips made it difficult to focus on anything right now and she wasn’t complaining. His knee pressed between her legs and she moaned into his mouth, ‘’Doll’’ Bucky breathed into her and his lips then travelled to her cheek, jaw as his hands went to her pj bottoms, lowering them slowly, Y/N hissed when his hand discovered that she had nothing underneath and to hear him chuckle like that was a first. He was gaining confidence step by step. ‘’What do we have here?’’ he teased as his fingers found her slick core, her hands immediately squeezed his shoulders, her head buried in the crook of his neck, ‘’That’s all for me doll?’’ he asked knowing that she was like this for him and him only, she hummed in response but Bucky chuckled again, ‘’I want you to say it.’’ he wasn’t being dominant or trying to be controlling, he was yearning to hear her say that she was his. His finger traced a long line and he threw her head back and moaned, ‘’You… all for you.’’ and she kissed him, feverishly, like she was in a deep trance and as his fingers started to work in her she found herself kissing him more, letting him explore her mouth, her tongue…

Bucky inserted two fingers in her dripping core, gently and slowly, pumping her like he had all the time in the world, no rush, it was just them in the tiny kitchen, under the orangy light. ‘’Please..’’ her hands went to his belt, trying to free him and he helped her, ‘’Missed me much?’’ he asked jokingly but deep down he wanted her to say it, again and again, he wanted to be missed and desired and needed. ‘’Yes,’’ she kissed him again, ‘’God yes..’’ 

He, with a quick move placed her on the counter, her legs immediately latching themselves around his waist, Bucky lowered his black jeans and boxer brief, his erection hitting his stomach, his palm went to her lips, silently begging so that she would spit in his palm, his ocean eyes pleading with her.

Y/N spit in his palm and he immediately rubbed his lengthy cock with her saliva, he was already leaking from the tip. 

When he lined himself with her sweet folds he dragged his tip up and down to tease her and she slapped his arm, ‘’Baby please..’’ which he earned a sweet chuckle from him. 

He slowly pushed inside, her walls grabbing him like a vice, he had to stop for a second, ‘’Doll, im gonna come if you keep that up.’’ he panted, ‘’I just missed you so much James…’’ his Christian name spilling from her lips almost made him come right there but he held himself, ‘’Fuck-’’ he grunted, then he started to move, testing the waters, every sweet sound she made drove him mad, he wanted to be buried deep in her and never let go. 

He knew he was close, Y/N breathing into his ear, or grabbing him by his dark hair didn’t make it easy for him to hold on either and he spilled inside her, ‘’Fuck doll-’’ he rode his pleasure, once he was done he immediately got on his knees, ‘’What are you-’’ she was puzzled, ‘’You didn’t finish,’’ he began, ‘’I can’t let that happen doll face.’’ with a wicked grin his head was between her legs. 

Mornings were easy these days for her, she was adjusting her dress in front of the mirror when Bucky moved on the bed and she heard the creek sound, ‘’You up early.’’ His morning voice did things to her, she smiled to herself, ‘’I have a reputation to maintain soldier.’’ she joked as she touched upon her make-up. he huffed quietly and pushed himself up from the bed, ‘’Yeah?’’ he smacked her ass as he made his way to the bathroom, she yelped and paused in shock, a good kind of shock, ‘’What kind of reputation is that?’’ he called from the bathroom. ‘’The responsible one.’’ she called back. 

The bike ride to the shop was peaceful, she loved hugging him and the wind in her hair, ‘’That would be me.’’ She hopped off the bike, ‘’Text me when you’re done.’’ He said, ‘’I always do handsome.’’ She winked at him, he was handsome, those black sunglasses, leather jacket, his scent… she had to stop herself. ‘’Any customers being weird to my girl?’’ he asked casually just to keep her here a bit longer but underneath he wanted to know. ‘’You know I can handle myself James…’’ he was silent letting her speak, ‘’Well, we have normal customers although…’’ she hesitated, ‘’What?’’ tone shifting slightly.

‘’The other day there was this man..’’ she began, his posture changed, ‘’What about him?’’ 

‘’He was strange… not in a bad way.’’ she added quickly, ‘’Just different.’’ 

Bucky took off his sunglasses, his blue eyes on her. ‘’Different how?’’

She thought for a second then sighed, ‘’Very put together… maybe too much.’’ she said half laughing, ‘’Expensive suit, gloves, very polite. And asked a lot of questions about flowers.’’ 

‘’That’s your job.’’ Bucky said, there was an edge to his voice, quiet and controlled. 

‘’Yeah, I know.’’ She quickly replied, ‘’He was just too observant I guess.’’ She shrugged her shoulders, ‘’Did he give you a name?’’ He was in soldier mode. 

‘’No. Asked mine though, said he might need weekly flowers.’’ 

There was silence between them now. 

‘’Bucky?’’ 

He blinked, pulling himself away, ‘’Just be careful, alright?’’ 

‘’Will do.’’ she said casually, checking her bag if she had everything she needed, ‘’Call me if anything feels off.’’ she could see in his eyes that he was thinking something else, ‘’Alright alright, gotta go.’’ She kissed his cheek and rushed inside the flower shop. Bucky didn’t leave right away, his eyes scanning the street. 

He told himself he was just passing time, just making sure the street stayed quiet, but he hadn’t started the engine in 20 minutes. His sunglasses on, sitting on his bike like he belonged there, it was going to be a sunny day, the green door of the shop started to open and close by the customers, he saw a man in suit and he could feel his body go into a stealth soldier mode, his senses sharpening but the man left quickly, not even looked back at the shop. Bucky had been doing this for decades so he knew if someone was danger or not. 

However, it wasn’t what she said, it was how she said it. Bucky had met men like that before and none of them were harmless. 

At some point Y/N, as she was organizing the display of the vases, saw him. He was directly across the street, not even trying to hide, Melanie whistled behind her as she saw what Y/N saw. ‘’Damn!’’ she laughed,  ‘’Rose guy is into you girl. How did you even wrapped him around your finger?’’ she asked jokingly but Y/N was stoic, ‘’Excuse me.’’ she said calmly, the bell above the door chimed as she left, she crossed the street and walked right to him. ‘’You gonna sit there all day?’’ she asked stopping in front of him, her tone wasn’t angry but it wasn’t oblivious either. ‘’I told you to text me when you are done.’’ was his response as if it explained everything. ‘’My shift just started James:’’ she protested, ‘’Yeah… I know.’’

She studied him, softer now, ‘’You’ve been here this whole time?’’ if only she had known how many days he did this behind the shadows…

He didn’t answer right away, which was an answer in itself. ‘’This is about what I told you, isn’t it?’’ she asked quietly, ‘’Just being careful.’’ he said flatly. 

‘’You don’t trust me?’’ her question made him feel this thing on his chest, whatever it was it was heavy and suffocating. He took of his sunglasses and his eyes snapped at hers, ‘’I trust you.’’ he was pleading, ‘’I don’t trust people.’’ Her expression eased but here was still hint of hurt there, ‘’You can’t sit here all day.’’ She crossed her arms, looking around. He almost smirked, ‘’Watch me.’’

‘’Bucky.’’ It was a warning. He sighed deeply, didn’t want her to doubt his trust in her, ‘’Fine.. I’ll go.’’ 

Days went by without a single incident. They had acquired a routine together, having meals together, especially dinner. She once told him that her grandmother was strict on having the full family at the dinner table and as far as he could remember that was his family structure too so he fit right in. She made it her life mission to make him watch movies he had missed over the decades, it was a long list but he wasn’t complaining, in fact he liked her taste. What was surprising for both of them was not being able to stop love making. They weren’t like rabbits, more sensual and more adult. Every night they lost themselves in each others’ body, Y/N worshiping his scars, Bucky being a slave to her desires… neither of them stopped or wanted to stop and yet faith had woven her web for them. 

Ever since Y/N had mentioned the strange customer Bucky was off, not in a bad way, he was more cautious, asking her detailed questions of her day, scanning the street automatically. 

It was a normal day, after dropping off Y/N and scanning the street for 30 minutes he rode his bike to meet Sam, there was a new intel about the Baron and his recent shipments, the government had ‘’asked’’ them to move their base to a building where they were under surveillance and the officials were updated, Bucky didn’t mind as long as he could move freely. 

Sam was there, in his casual t-shirt and black jeans, making jokes with employees as usual, sometimes Bucky asked himself ‘’How could someone be that sociable?’’ He had no idea. ‘’Hey Bucks.’’ Sam grinned when his eyes landed on his partner, ‘’Hey Sam.’’ They were in a conference room with folders, and a projector,  ‘’What do you wanna show me?’’ he sat, looking annoyed. ‘’Always down to business,’’ Sam rolled his eyes, ‘’Girlfriend of yours, how is she?’’ and Bucky froze, his expression going stoic, ‘’How?!’’ he had told no one, well, those two government officials literally barged in and learned about Y/N, how could Sam know? 

‘’Chill man, I’m happy for you-’’ Sam raised his hands, ‘’plus, I have ears everywhere.’’ he winked and Bucky rolled his eyes. 

Sam presses on the button of the controller and several images pop up, ‘’After we busted his shipment Baron changed tactics, only thing he is shipping is metal parts, guns, prosthetics and some medicine, nothing we can use against him,’’ Sam sighed, ‘’Well.. the man is a no show so we can't find him anywhere. Intel says he is streaming the streets in expensive suits, gloves, that’s the description we know. ’’ 

Bucky’s gears were turning, ‘’He doesn’t hit randomly Bucky.’’ Sam said, ‘’He studies first.’’ and with that Bucky went still, could it be?

A man in a suit.

Polite.

Observant.

Asking questions.

‘’Sam..’’ Bucky said slowly, ‘’He’s already here.’’  

Sam was puzzled, ‘’What are you-’’ however, Bucky was already on his feet, the chair screeched harshly against the floor as he pushed it back, he grabbed his jacket and rushed to the door. The shift in him was immediate. No hesitation nor doubt. 

‘’Bucky!’’ Sam called out quickly following him as he realized this wasn’t a theory, it was a fact. ‘’What did you just connect?’’ Sam pressed as they moved fast through the hallway. ‘’Suit. Gloves. Observant. Asking questions.’’ His jaw tightened, ‘’He found something.’’

‘’Found what?!’’ 

He didn’t say anything, didn’t need to. They both hopped on their bikes and took off, the ride was fast, too fast. Traffic seemed blurred to Bucky, many stop signs ignored by them, when the green door of the flower shop came to view it looked normal, too normal. 

He killed the engine and jumped off, followed by Sam they walked through half open door, the bell was chiming with the breeze, he called as he stepped inside, ‘’Y/N?’’ The shop seemed as always, clean, smells of flowers but something was off, his gut was screaming at him. ‘’Hey-’’ Melanie came back from the back door, ‘’Uh she just-’’ she knew the Rose Guy was here for Y/N, ‘’Where is she?’’ Bucky cut in, his voice sharp. Melanie blinked, looking a bit startled, ‘’She stepped out like 5 minutes ago.. said she would be right back. Why?’’ 

5 minutes. Bucky scanned the shop with his eyes, Y/N’s coat and bag was still here including her phone on the glass display, in the meantime Sam was outside, also scanning the area and he came back with a calm yet disturbed face, ‘’No sign of struggle.’’ He said to Bucky slowly, and that didn’t help, made it worse. His back was turned to Sam, couldn’t face him now, his mind miles away, ‘’Found this though.’’ and with that he turned. 

Sam was holding a bouquet of lilies with a note attached, he grabbed the note in a second tore the small envelope to get it out,

‘’Devotion is a fascinating thing.’’ -B

Bucky knew lilies meant purity, virtue, and devotion. Three things which Y/N embodied, and he took her. He looked up to Sam with pleading eyes, Sam’s hand found his shoulder, ‘’We will get her back. I promise.’’ 

Thank you for reading! :)

He popped a few nuts into his mouth and continued drinking, looking around. He ran his fingers to his hair often, he seemed calm but if the info he was about to share wasn’t enough.. then he was going to have a problem. He could feel his hands shaking slightly. He saw his reflection on the mirror that was placed under the drinks, behind the bar, sharp jawline, dark circles under his eyes, however, he still looked handsome in his careless way. 

Soon a man with a stern look and clean suit approached him, ‘’Baron is waiting for you. Follow me.’’ 

Leo gulped his beer and bolted to his feet, following the man. They walked past people, smoke burning his eyes, the establishment was long, built in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city, Baron knew how to lurk in the shadows even when he was in HYDRA, however, when HYDRA collapsed he had to choose this way of living. Once the chatter was distant Leo noticed that they stopped in front of a door, the man who collected him knocked twice and he spoke, ‘’He is here.’’ It was Leo’s cue to enter.

His office was remarkably a stark contrast to the atmosphere he had created in the rest of the building. 

A warm desktop lamp looked vintage and illuminating the room. The light was low and intentional. Leo caught the faint red reflection from Baron’s artificial eye, he had heard stories about his appearance but this was the first time he saw him. A heavy darkwood desk stood before him, giving an aristocratic energy, one clean leather chair for guests, Leo was hesitant to sit, with Baron’s simple nod he sat and felt how uncomfortable it was. Agin. Intentional. 

Baron was seated behind the heavy desk, on the high-backed chair. One could see some blueprints pinned neatly on the wall, schematics of prosthetics, at the corner there was a large metal cabinet, Leo didn’t dare to ask what was inside, he knew that Baron had a secret lab somewhere and he didn’t want to end up there. Leo could hear the soft classical music coming from a nearby gramophone, placed under the window; he had no idea about the composer. Next to the vintage gramophone there was a small, circular wooden table with only one wooden chair, on the table there laid a chessboard mid-game, Leo got the eerie feeling that Baron was playing both sides. This entire time Baron didn’t even look up at him, he was too busy writing something on a tablet that was high-tech. Once he was done, he calmly shut down the device, placed it on the center of the desk, rested his elbows on it and his artificial eye landed on Leo, which made the air in the room feel thinner for him. Baron cleared his throat before speaking, ‘’Metal arm, you say?’’ his red eye whirred softly as it focused on Leo. 

Leo nodded, ‘’He is the guy you’re looking for.’’ he added. 

‘’I suppose you don’t have an address?’’ Baron was a man of few words, he never liked over explaining things. Leo paused, Baron noticed.

‘’Your debt will be erased, if you give me something valuable, son.’’ For a bad guy he sure knew how to ease someone in, Leo could feel his throat going dry, ‘’A flower shop in Brooklyn. I’m sure he rides there.’’ For a split second something shifted in Baron’s expression, or perhaps it was only the red eye recalibrating. ‘’Interesting.’’ 

Y/N woke up on her own, before the alarm, she liked waking up these days, especially waking up to a man who envelopes her like a bear but this morning Bucky’s side of the bed was empty. She frowned and thought he must have slept on the floor again so she left the bed, opened the curtains and the window to let the fresh air in. Then, after the bathroom she almost stepped on Alpine’s paw, that cat was everywhere, ‘’Morning Alpine.’’ she greeted and gave her a small kiss on her white head, the apartment was too quiet, ‘’Where is your daddy?’’ Bucky was nowhere to be seen and that heavy feeling on her stomach started to grow ‘’Had he left her?’’ but when she saw the note on the fridge she sighed, ‘’Meeting with Sam. Be back for dinner. -B’’ she noticed how pristine and soldier-like his handwriting was. ‘’I guess it's just you and me this morning Alps.’’ 

After breakfast she started to get ready, her hand went to the dress Bucky had given her last week, soft fabric, simple cut, nothing extravagant,  soft blue one. He had called it ‘’practical’’ but the way he’d looked at her when she tried it on had made her keep it. She let her hair loose, even did a little bit of make-up, once she was done, she said goodbye to Alpine and left work. 

The bell above the door chimed. Y/N was alone since Melanie went to get coffee and she was cleaning the display showcase, the apron tied around her waist neatly, she looked up to meet the customer and smiled kindly to the man she saw. Bald, late in his middle ages, sharp and dark suit which was immaculately tailored, leather gloves covered his hands. He had an unfortunate scar on his face leading back to his scalp. Y/N tried not to stare, he had thin framed glasses. ‘’Good morning.’’ he said calmly.

‘’Good morning.’’ she replied back. He stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. The bell gave one last ring. His gaze moved around the shop, not hurried, not curious but assessing. ‘’You have a lovely establishment.’’ 

Y/N smiled at that, ‘’Thank you but I’m an employee here.’’ she said correcting, ‘’The owner left me in charge.’’ she started cleaning her hands with a clean piece of cloth, ‘’How can I help you?’’ Baron noticed how practical and clean she was and found himself liking it. He slipped off his gloves one finger at a time and placed them neatly on the counter. Very deliberate. Very composed. For a tiny second Y/N thought his right eye caught the light strangely, a faint reddish glint, but she blamed it on the morning light seeping through the large windows. 

‘’Do you work alone often Miss?’’ he asked, glancing around once more, his tone remained polite, almost gently concerned. ‘’Not usually,’’ she replied easily, ‘’my co-worker stepped out for coffee. She’ll be back soon.’’ Then after a beat she gestured the display showcase full of flowers, ‘’Which ones would like?’’ His gazes moved over the flowers slowly, deliberately, as if he were examining rare artifacts rather than flowers. ‘’Those.’’ he said, nodding towards a duster of white lilies near the window. Y/N started her craft, ‘’Lilies are beautiful,’’she gently lifted to inspect the flowers, ‘’they’re often associated with renewal. And sometimes remembrance.’’ He raised an eyebrow, ‘’Remembrance.’’ he repeated, watching her rather than flowers. ‘’And what do you believe they symbolize?’’ she glanced up at him. ‘’I think it depends on who’s receiving them, flowers mean what we allow them to mean.’’ she said trimming with practiced movements. Each cut was clean, measured. ‘’They change with intention.’’

Interesting.

Baron observed the steadiness of her hands. No wasted movement. No carelessness. ‘’You take pride in your work.’’ He deduced, not a question. She smiled faintly, as she adjusted the stems, ensuring symmetry. ‘’Flowers deserve that.’’ The simple answer lingered in the air between them. He watched her wrapping the bouquet in crisp paper, folding the edges, tying the ribbon. Even the bow was balanced. 

Pristine.

‘’Most people handle delicate things carelessly.’’ he remarked. 

‘’I don’t think they’re meant to be handled carelessly,’’ she replied nonchalantly, ‘’If something is fragile, that’s more reason to be careful with it.’’ They shared a pause. He reached into his coat and placed exact cash on the counter, got his gloves. ‘’I’ll require arrangements on a regular basis,’’ he said smoothly, ‘’For business.’’ 

‘’Of course. We do custom orders too, if you ever need something specific.’’ She got the cash and without counting put it inside the machine. 

‘’I prefer specific.’’ He took the bouquet, but didn’t leave immediately. ‘’You’ve  been most helpful Miss..?’’ She gave him her name without hesitation. Baron inclined his head slightly. ‘’Thank you.’’ 

The bell chimed as he stepped out. Once he was outside, he adjusted his glasses subtly, and through the faint tint of the right lens the red glow sharpened as he studied the shop window reflection. 

Let me know what you think. :)

She could hear him humming, she didn't know the song but it sounded beautiful coming from him and she wanted him to continue so she just sat quietly and rubbed Alpine’s soft fur. 

Once the tuna casserole was done Bucky placed them on the bowls he had and opened himself a beer, and he brought the tray to the coffee table, ‘’Oh Alpine is going to enjoy this.’’ she joked and it made Bucky smile, ‘’Us first, then she can eat what’s left over.’’ he replied and they heard Alpine meow as if she was answering and it made Y/N laugh, then she stopped and noticed how surprised Bucky was, ‘’You sound beautiful when you laugh, doll.’’ he admitted as he sat and turned on the TV. ‘’Thanks…’’ she lowered her head and got her bowl, once she tasted the casserole it surprised her, ‘’Oh my god…’’ she muttered as she ate, ‘’Bucky, this is so good..’’ 

Hearing her complimenting him made his cheeks go red, she was sincere and honest. ‘’I’m glad you liked it.’’ he managed to say as he took a bite, the TV before them didn’t matter, all it mattered was this comfy environment that they created in a few days, the food being delicious of course surprised her but what surprised her the most was that Bucky took time to go on a grocery shopping for them. Neither of them acknowledged it but it was obvious that he was already making plans ahead. And to think of it didn’t make her jump or run away, it made her wanting to be involved and stay.  ‘’I quit the night shift at the market.’’ she said bluntly, Bucky turned to her, she was like a starved child, ‘’Hold on sweetheart,’’ she stopped eating, ‘’really?’’ In his mind he was planning to talk to her about dropping that night shift at the market, because it wasn’t safe and he didn’t like it and to hear it from her made things easier. ‘’Yeah, now that I'm done with Leo and his never ending debts… I’m free and flower shop will be enough.’’ she explained shortly, ‘’Smart girl.’’ was all he said and Y/N was the one who blushed this time, as if they didn’t give themselves to each other last night. She cleared her throat, ‘’Thanks…’’ she noticed how close they were sitting on the couch, it was a small couch but he or she could’ve easily created a space between them but they were being drawn to each other, their knees were touching. 

She wasn’t the only one noticing things, Bucky was watching her eat and he noticed that Y/N was taking huge bites as if the food was going to be taken from her, and she was eating fast, he wasn’t a therapist but he could tell she had a rough childhood and adult life too. 

When they were done with their food, Bucky, without a word, collected the bowls, forks, his now empty beer bottle and headed to the kitchen to do the dishes and Y/N watched him. It was obvious he liked doing things for people and he never complained once, never made a face or a comment. He was a soldier indeed. Always ready for anything. Bucky collected the leftovers and gave it to Alpine which gladly accepted. 

Y/N was watching the TV when he came back, he was done with the dishes and Alpine and he sighed as he sat next to her again, once again she was reminded of how beefy and large he was but she didn’t move, she was way comfortable with him here, their knees brushed again and neither of them moved, Bucky subconsciously let his metal arm rest on the back of the couch and settling more, spreading his legs, he also looked very much comfortable. She shifted closer, a certain warmth was radiating from him and once again she found herself liking his scent, his manly and fresh scent. Y/N’s head found his broad chest and Bucky froze for a second, he swallowed deeply and hesitated at first but then his metal arm dropped down and slowly enveloped her, rubbing soft circles on her upper thigh, their eyes were focused on the TV but neither of them listened,  some late night rerun playing, she lifted her head to look up into his ocean eyes, ‘’You don’t have to do everything.’’ she said, above a whisper, ‘’I know.’’

She exhaled long and soft, it made his chest feel tight. She took the initiative again like last night, one hand cupped his cheek and made his head tilt down slowly and she kissed his lips gently. Slow and careful. He froze like last night, instinct, maybe fear? But then, he gave in to her soft and warm lips. 

He kissed her back, slowly but deeply, his lips moved against hers with patience, and clarity. When she shifted closer, her thigh sliding between his legs, he let out a quiet sound he didn’t mean to make. The kiss deepened with more feeling and intimacy. His metal arm remained where it was, protective, while his flesh hand moved to cup her cheek. She pulled back to breathe, their foreheads were touching, ‘’You okay?’’ he asked, out of breath. ‘’Yeah…’’ she whispered, ‘’More than okay..’’ she chuckled. As he leaned back he pulled her to her lap, now her legs were straddling his lap, both his hands found her bare thighs, playing with the hem of the sweater, not lifting, or pulling. She kissed her sharp jaw, Bucky’s head fell back and he made a softer sound, the he lifted his head and cupped her cheeks, ‘’Tell me to stop if you want..’’

‘’I won’t.’’ she said under her lashes, looking all innocent yet a little seductive. Bucky leaned to kiss her and when she adjusted on his lap he moaned into her mouth, helpless… honest. 

He pulled back to look at her, ‘’You want this?’’ his voice low rumble, ‘’Yes…’’ she whispered again and her mouth found his throat this time, kissing gently and giving soft bites and licks, he could feel his pants getting tighter and uncomfortable, his hands rubbing her thighs, he had to adjust sitting and Y/N hissed with the feeling of his hard member between her legs, her panties were thin and she could feel how desperate he was. ‘’Baby…’’ she whispered, ‘’Help me take off your shirt..’’ she said calmly and her hands went to the hem of his shirt and he obliged and his toned and broad chest were on display. Her mouth found the shoulderblade where it held the metal arm, covered in old scar and she gently placed her wet mouth, kissing his wounds, Bucky’s hands tightened on her hips, pulling her closer, ‘’Y/N… you don’t have to-’’ she looked up, ‘’I want to.. will you let me pretty boy?’’ 

‘’Anything..’’ he rasped, ‘’Anything you want…’’ 

Her hands travelled on his chest, then to his belt, Bucky helped her and she had to lift herself so that he could get rid of the pants and his boxers, her mouth started watering when she saw his leaking tip begging to be taken care of and Y/N realized she liked being in control. She liked leading and deciding what to do to this poor man before her and she got up, it made Bucky puzzled but then she lowered herself between his legs, ‘’Want me to take care of you’’ she asked softly like it was the most casual thing to ask, Bucky’s head was spinning like he was in a trance, ‘’Yes,’’ he panted, ‘’Yes please..’’ it made Y/N chuckle, she spit on his throbbing cock and smeared the saliva on it then she lowered her head to take his tip into her mouth like a sucking candy. Bucky’s head fell back with a deep moan, as she sucked on the tip and swirled her tongue his lips bucked forward involuntarily, with little control he had his flesh hand found her hair, and gently fisted. His ocean eyes burnt into hers with pure desperation. He watched through hooded lashes as she smirked up at him before taking more of him deeper this time, and Bucky Barnes saw stars.

He was powerless against her, completely at her mercy. 

Once he was fully in her mouth her fingers digged on his thighs, Y/N’s eyes were watering but she didn’t stop, she kept her slow torture on him. He watched helplessly as she swallowed him down again and again. Bucky’s chest heaved with ragged breaths, his eyes almost black with desire, his body coiled so tightly it seemed ready to snap. ‘’Doll.. please..’’ he found his broken voice, ‘’Need you..’’ her mouth left him with a pop and she got to her feet, took off the sweater and tossed it aside, she only had panties.

Bucky’s breath hitched as he took in the sight of her, bare, flushed, and utterly in control… a real Goddess. His gaze roamed on her body like a man starved, ‘’Come here…’’ he said begging, ‘’please..’’ watching her smirk like that made his cock throb in need, ‘’You ask so nicely Bucky..’’ she said with confidence, ‘’What do you want? Tell me.’’ she asked. 

Bucky leaned towards her and held her hands, ‘’Let me put my mouth on you too,’’ he began, ‘’Sweetheart, please, let me taste you, I want to drown in you..’’ Y/N had never seen a man being so eager to do… that. Well, she had only been with Leo and he never asked to do that or even suggested. ‘’Are you sure?’’ she asked questionably, ‘’Yes!’’ his answer was quick and sharp, ‘’Please, that’s all I want…’’ 

Now it was Bucky who was on his knees and Y/N sitting on the couch, legs spread, the soldier’s head between her legs. Bucky was practically breathless with anticipation, ‘’May I?’’ he asked and when he got a small nod from her he gently pushed her panties aside and tucked them so that he could have a nice look at her wet core, she was wet and seeing it this close made his cock leak, he could feel it, but now all he wanted was to please her, to make her come on his mouth again and again, she smelled divine, all for him. His hands came to her thighs to make her legs open wider, his eyes at her glistening core, ‘’Never seen anything more beautiful.’’ he was more talking to himself than her, she never experienced something like this, a man’s face close up there and it made her cheeks heat like touched by fire, Bucky first started to give open mouth kisses on her inner thighs which made her impatient, her hands tightly holding on to the couch’s edges. He looked up when he kissed her clit, when she sighed in pleasure and disbelief he sucked hard, Y/N back arched with moan, and his mouth started to work on her wet core, liking and kissing, the wet sounds his mouth mixing with her own wetness made obscene sounds echo in the living room, ‘’God..’’ he sighed pulling back a little, ‘’you have no idea how good you taste..’’ and without losing time he dived back in. Bucky groaned against her, the sound vibrating through her entire body as he devoured her like a man starved. His tongue lapped at every inch of silk heat, his lips sealing around that sweet little bud in slow, filthy suction. Just to feel how hard she clenched for him. ‘’Perfect-’’ he rasped between strokes, ‘’Wanna make you come on my tongue.’’ His metal hand slid up to grip the curve of her ass while his flesh one worked in tandem with his mouth, one finger teasing at her entrance before pushing inside just enough to make her arch off of the couch with loud noises she was making. 

Bucky’s entire body shuddered when her fingers found his thick hair, it made him double his efforts, tongue circling faster, sucking hard. Once her fingers grabbed his hair and pushed his face closer to her heated core he moaned, ‘’Use me just like that princess.’’ He liked it when she took control. His metal arm clamped down on her hip to keep her still as he crooked two fingers inside and curled them upward with brutal precision. Every filthy sound she made was fueling the fire in his veins until he was practically drunk on the taste of her. 

When she came hard on his mouth full of whimpers and gush of liquid he made sure to lick it all and swallow like he was a man on a desert who just found a source of water, her legs were a shaking mess, her breathing heavy, he made her see not stars but galaxies beyond. He looked up to see his art of mess, his chin was red and damp, he licked his lips as they made eye contact, he leaned in to kiss her and mix their tastes on their tongues, tonight was filthier than last night and neither of them complained, they were getting used to their bodies and sharing these intimate moments. He was caressing her legs between kisses, ‘’You did so good baby.’’ he praised her again again, ‘’My precious doll..’’ he dared to say that she was his, it was too late to turn his back and leave, too late to lose her, no matter what he was going to have her, keep her safe and keep her at arm’s length. 

Morning came slowly. 

Neither with an alarm nor with urgency, but with pale autumn light entering their shared bedroom, dust moats were flying lazily in the air and her first thought was to clean the house and then it made her smile, this place was becoming her home too. She didn’t move right away. She was tucked against a solid furnace, a strong arm around her waist, heavy in the best way, grounding her there. Bucky’s breathing was slow and steady and she nıticed that he wasn’t using the hard floor to sleep anymore, he was here, with her. 

No tension on her shoulders, no bad thoughts, just enjoying the soft morning. 

She shifted slightly and his arm tightened immediately, it wasn’t possessive or demanding, it was just pure instinct. ‘’Hey…’’ he murmured, voice husky with sleep, barely audible. ‘’Morning.’’ She smiled to herself, he opened his eyes and blinked a few times to adjust to the new day. There she was, her back turned and tucked to his chest, safe and sound. ‘’You okay?’’ he asked, he had to know. ‘’Yeah, I am.’’ she reassured him. He exhaled the breath he was holding and kissed the back of her head, neither of them rushed to move, the world could wait. After a while she turned in his arm to see his pretty face, the morning light was kinder now, making him look less a soldier and more of a man. Still intimidating in size but more gentle. Her fingers traced the edge of the scars he had on his shoulderblade, he watched her for a second, ‘’You don’t have to be gentle with me, doll.’’ 

She kindly smiled, ‘’But I want to..’’ she confessed, all she wanted to do was to wrap him like a baby and keep him away from the past harm and trauma, little did she know that it was the exact thing Bucky felt for her. 

Soon they left the bed, he gave her a t-shirt, she borrowed his socks and they marched to the kitchen to make breakfast where Alpine was grumpy because her bowl was empty. 

Together they made coffee, bumping into each other in the small space and laughing each time. It still felt unfamiliar but they were making it work somehow. 

The bike ride to her old apartment felt like an eternity and also a second for Y/N, Bucky put some bags in the trunk of the bike but Y/N didn’t have many belongings anyway and even if she did she just didn’t want to get them all, they would keep reminding her Leo and her old life with him. 

They climbed the stairs in silence, their hands brushed every few minutes but neither of them dared to make a statement. Once they reached to her door she got her key from her pocket and in that second they heard a man’s groan coming from inside, ‘’He is here.’’ she whispered and Bucky’s jaw ticked, ‘’We don’t have to do this today if you don’t want to.’’ he suggested, he didn’t care if that piece of white trash was in or not but he was here for her and he promised to help her. ‘’I want to get it over with Bucky.’’ She exhaled and used her key to open the door, she stepped inside first, ‘’Oh there she is!’’ Leo’s sarcastic voice filled Bucky’s ears and he, like a guard dog, followed her inside, as soon as Leo saw him walking with her his face fell for a second but he recovered quickly. 

‘’And her new toy!’’ He finished with a jab. Before Bucky could do or say anything Y/N spoke up and made him respect her space and her ways.

‘’I’m here to get my stuff Leo. I talked to the landlord, your name is on the lease from now on, including the bills.’’ She explained matter of factly and got an empty bag from Bucky and marched to the bedroom, they could hear her walk around the house. Bucky's sharp eyes were on Leo, just waiting for him to do something stupid, and to give him an excuse to jump at him. His arms were on his sides, Leo sighed and looked at him up and down, ‘’She moves on fast.’’ 

Bucky didn’t reply or say anything, just looked at him with icy blue eyes, he could feel the Winter Soldier in him at the moment, cold and calculated.

‘’You don’t wanna make enemies with me,’’ Leo continued, crossing his arms to show his arm strength, ‘’people that I know aren’t to mess with…’’ he was openly threatening Bucky. 

Bucky kept his silence, he already knew who Leo was acquainted with or who he owed money to, he couldn’t reveal himself. He didn’t move, didn’t blink, but his jaw tightened once. Like he was locking something away. 

When Y/N came back with the black bag over her shoulder Leo scoffed, ‘’You always liked hiding behind people.’’ 

Y/N didn’t even look at Leo, ‘’I’m not hiding, I’m leaving.’’ Her tone was cold and dismissive, she held Bucky’s hand and he replied instantly by interlacing their fingers. 

Leo’s screams faded behind them, and for the first time, it didn’t reach her.

Leo on the other hand grabbed his phone and dialed a number, he was fuming with anger, ‘’I got the man your boss is looking for.’’ he said to the person on the other side, ‘’Yeah, he has a metal arm.’’ he reassured the person, ‘’Does this mean my debt is cleared?’’ After a second he sighed in relief. ‘’I’ll be there tonight.’’

Thank you for reading! (:

The soft lights of the morning sun were illuminating his bedroom, her bare back was turned to him, her soft and vivacious hair spread on his pillow, he had this sudden urge to plant a gentle kiss on her shoulder blade, he checked if she were sleeping and it was affirmative so he followed his urge. He had no idea he could harness urges like that still, after all this time. The room felt warm and cozy, the blanket that wrapped them made him feel like he was in a silky and smooth cocoon which he didn’t want to leave but last night’s events made his stomach whine in hunger. He quietly lifted the blanket and left the warm bed, made his way to his bathroom first, had a quick shower, shaved, he liked being sharp. Later he thrown a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants, his foot took him to the kitchen counter where his keys were, he had to get breakfast for them, Alpine meowed which made him shush her, ‘’Sorry..’’ he apologized and left the apartment. The shops were close to his building since he was in the city center, he quickly made his way he bought some fresh and warm pancakes, two cups of strong coffee, he also thought to get groceries since he usually had nothing in his fridge, that had to change if she were to continue staying with him… the idea of it sent a suspicious warmth to his lower stomach, living with someone, sharing a space, a life, if he dared to dream. He settled for breakfast and with haste he turned his way to his building, as he was walking on the side walk he saw a black, escort car that screamed government. ‘’Y/N!’’ was his first thought, had been ever since he had met her. He quickly marched to the elevator, pressed the button rather hastily and waited, it didn’t take long but it felt like eternity. As soon as he left the elevator he walked to his door and before he could use his key the door was opened by a man, in a black suit, middle aged, white, and high rank. ‘’Sergeant Barnes.’’ He greeted Bucky, which made him walk inside and the man closed the door behind. ‘’We would like to thank you formally about last night’s mission even though you and PJ Sam Wilson hadn’t contacted us.’’

‘’Oh,’’ Bucky thought, ‘’This isn’t a congratulations, this is a warning.’’

Bucky’s blue eyes landed on the woman also, sitting next to Y/N, she was in his white t-shirt, which looked like a dress on her, her hair damp, she must have taken a shower, ‘’Honey,’’ he addressed her which puzzled Y/N, ‘’Can you take these?’’ she looked uncomfortable so he wanted her to be busy with something, Y/N gladly stood up and reached to get the bags from him and walked to the kitchen, even though it was a small one bedroom apartment Y/N was glad to be away from them.

‘’Next time,’’ the man lowered his voice, ‘’The US Government would like to have a briefing of your and Wilson’s endeavors. Wilson had given us what you have… found. We will be in touch about Baron Wolfgang von Strucker.’’ And with that they left the apartment. Once the door was closed he walked up to her, ‘’Are you okay? Did they do anything to you?’’ he held her arms and checked her, ‘’I’m fine Bucky, it’s just… they asked me few questions, I offered them tea but they refused and then you came.’’ She was unpacking the breakfast, ‘’What questions?’’  the smell of delicious and still warm pancakes filled the apartment and attracted Alpine’s attention, poor thing hid herself in the bathroom and started scratching the door to get attention. ‘’I’ll get her.’’ Bucky said and left for a second, Y/N was placing the pancakes on the plates, she never liked eating from plastic. Bucky came back, his hands on his hip bones. ‘’What did they ask Y/N? Please, I have to know in order to protect you.’’

Y/N gestured him to sit next to her, ‘’They asked the nature of our relationship, and if I knew anything about your ‘’mission’’ last night.’’ She took a bite from her pancake, ‘’This is very good…’’

Bucky was more interested in the way she was eating and small love bites on her neck, his face was in his palm and he had a small smile on his sharp face, ‘’What?’’ she asked, ‘’Do I have something on my face?’’ she looked puzzled, ‘’No, I just want to watch you eat,’’ he explained with a soft tone, ‘’also I would like to know your answer to their first question.’’ He asked rather reserved, not knowing how he would react if the answer was a good or bad one but he had to know.

Y/N waited a beat, cutting a piece of pancake with precise focus and then she spoke, ‘’I told them that I care about you.’’ She confessed, Bucky sat next to her and she held his flesh arm not metal one. He noticed. Bucky’s jaw tightened—not disappointed, not relieved. Just attentive. “And?” he asked.

“And that you didn’t bring me here because you had to,” she added, softer now. “That you chose to.”

That did it.

He leaned back in his chair, hand dragging down his face. For a moment, the soldier slipped—just a man sitting at his kitchen table, realizing someone had spoken for him when it mattered. “They shouldn’t have talked to you,” he said. “I should’ve been here.”

“You were,” she replied. “Just not physically.”

“If this gets complicated,” he said carefully, “you don’t owe me anything. You can walk away.” She met his eyes then, really met them. “I didn’t stay because I owe you,” she said. “I stayed because I wanted to.” Silence settled between them again—but this time, it wasn’t heavy.

It was chosen.

Bucky dropped her off at the flower shop just like yesterday, the Harley rumbling softly beneath them before he cut the engine. Morning light spilled over the street, catching in the chrome of the bike and in his blue eyes as he swung off first, steadying her with an easy hand at her waist.

Before she could step back, he took her hand.

He pressed a kiss to her knuckles — slow, deliberate — like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Y/N felt her face heat instantly. She laughed under her breath, shy and a little breathless, tugging her hand back as if caught doing something she wasn’t supposed to. He smiled at that, small and private, like it was just for her.

“See you later,” he said.

She nodded, still smiling as she stepped away, watching him pull off down the street before she finally turned and unlocked the shop door.

She was still glowing when Melanie arrived.

Melanie didn’t even make it three steps inside before stopping short, squinting at her like she was a puzzle that had suddenly become very interesting.

“…Okay,” Melanie said slowly, setting her bag down. “What happened to you?”

Y/N blinked. “What do you mean?”

Melanie crossed her arms, eyes flicking over her face, her posture, the way she moved. “You’re glowing. Like—” she gestured vaguely “—rom-com third act glowing.”

Y/N laughed nervously, busying herself with straightening a display of tulips that absolutely did not need straightening. “You’re imagining things.”

“Oh no,” Melanie said, stepping closer. “I’ve known you since you cried over a dead cactus. I know your baseline. This—” she tilted her head “—this is new.”

Y/N shrugged, still smiling despite herself. “I just… slept well.”

Melanie raised a brow. “Uh-huh. And let me guess. You slept alone?”

That did it. Y/N bit her lip, failing to hide the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Melanie gasped, delighted. “Oh my god. You didn’t.”

“Mel,” Y/N warned softly, but there was no real heat in it.

“You did,” Melanie said, grinning. “You totally did. Was it the Rose Guy?”

Y/N’s hands stilled.

“…Maybe.”

Melanie clapped a hand over her mouth. “IT IS THE ROSE GUY!”

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “Please keep your voice down.”

Melanie leaned in conspiratorially, eyes bright. “Okay, okay. Details later. But I knew it. You look… happy. Like, actually happy.”

That made Y/N pause.

She looked down at the counter, fingers tracing the grain of the wood. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I think I am.”

Melanie softened instantly. “Good,” she said. “You deserve that.”

Outside, the street carried on as usual — unaware, uninterested — but inside the shop, surrounded by flowers and quiet morning light, Y/N felt it settle in her chest.

Whatever this was with Bucky… it had already changed her.

The day had slowed into late afternoon by the time Y/N locked up the flower shop. The sun was lower now, casting long shadows across the street, the air warm but not heavy. Bucky was already there, leaning against his Harley like he’d been carved into the scene—arms crossed, jacket unzipped, eyes tracking every movement around the shop out of habit.

Her heart eased the moment she saw him.

She walked toward him, bag slung over her shoulder, her steps slower than usual.

“Hey,” he said softly, pushing off the bike.

“Hey.” She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes this time.

He noticed immediately.

“You okay?” he asked, scanning her face the way he always did now—careful, thorough, protective.

“Yeah. I mean—” she hesitated, then sighed. “Can we… walk for a minute?”

He nodded without question, falling into step beside her as they moved down the sidewalk, the city humming quietly around them. They didn’t talk at first. Bucky never rushed her; he’d learned that silence could be an offering.

They stopped near a small park, the kind with a few benches and tired trees. Y/N sat, twisting her fingers together in her lap. Bucky stayed standing for a second, then sat beside her, close enough that their knees almost touched but not forcing it.

“There’s something I need to do,” she said finally.

His head tilted slightly, attentive. “Okay.”

She swallowed. “I need to go back to my old apartment.”

His jaw tightened—not angry, not jealous. Alert.

“To get my things,” she added quickly. “Just… my clothes, documents, some personal stuff. I left everything when I—” She stopped herself, breath catching. “When I left.”

Bucky didn’t interrupt. Didn’t push.

“I don’t want to go alone,” she said, quieter now. “I thought I could. I told myself I could. But every time I think about opening that door, my chest just—” She pressed a hand there, shaking her head.

He turned fully toward her then.

“You don’t have to,” he said immediately.

She looked up, surprised. “What?”

“You don’t have to do it alone,” he repeated, voice steady. “Not if you don’t want to.”

Her eyes searched his face, like she was checking for doubt, hesitation, conditions.

“I’m not asking you to—” she started, already retreating. “I mean, I know it’s not your problem and-”

“Hey,” he cut in gently. “Stop.”

She froze. He leaned forward, forearms resting on his thighs. “You’re not a burden. And this is my concern—because it matters to you.” She exhaled shakily, shoulders sagging like she’d been holding herself upright for too long.

“I just need you there,” she admitted. “I don’t even know if I’ll be able to go inside. I might just… stand there.”

“That’s fine,” he said. “We’ll stand there.”

Her eyes filled despite herself. “What if he’s there?”

Bucky’s answer came without hesitation. “Then I’ll handle it.”

There was no bravado in his voice. No threat. Just certainty.

She nodded slowly. “I don’t need you to fight anyone.”

“I know,” he said. “I just need you safe.”

They sat like that for a moment, the city moving around them while something important settled into place between them. “When?” he asked.

“Tomorrow,” she said. “If that’s okay.”

He stood, offering her his hand. “Tomorrow.”

She took it, squeezing once—grateful, steadying.

As they walked back toward the bike, she realized something quietly monumental:

For the first time, she wasn’t bracing herself for what came next.

She wasn’t alone.

Thank you for reading. :)