#alpha!steve

It was Pi Kappa Alpha’s annual New Years party and despite hating frat culture, your friend, Vickie, insisted you both come. You know it’s because she’s been hooking up with an alpha here since the beginning of the semester. She insists it's not that serious, but you can’t imagine her dragging you to a stupid frat party over a casual hook up.

She’d ditched you about half an hour ago when she found Robin with her other frat brothers, the two of them disappearing and leaving you behind to suffer alone in this house full of drunk college kids. You should have just dropped her off and left, but you were a good friend and wanted to make sure she got back to your dorm safe.

So that left you to fend for yourself amongst the drunk sea of people that filled the frat house. You’d tucked yourself in a corner of the room to lay low, which seemed to be the right call since no one was bothering you. But the growing urge to pee was becoming unignorable so you knew you’d have to leave your safety zone sooner rather than later.

With a sigh, you push yourself off the wall and start making your way through the crowd. It wouldn’t be too bad if you knew where you were going, but you have no idea where the bathroom is, and this was one of the biggest houses you’ve ever seen. You could try just opening each door you come across until you find it, but lord forbid you walk into something you don’t want to see.

Cheers erupted from the side of the room you were heading to, so you kept pushing until you reached a break in the crowd, hoping to see a familiar face. There was a long plastic table centered in the middle of the room with people on either end. It looked like someone had just won a game of beer pong, a guy in a backwards hat being surrounded by other people in shirts the same has his.

Once he turned around, you immediately recognized him as Robin’s major douche canoe of a friend, Steve Harrington.

A frown formed on your face at the sight of him. You didn’t understand why someone as nice as Robin was friends with a total jerk like Steve. You didn’t know him personally, but had heard that he was your typical rich, cocky, asshole of an alpha that thought the world revolved around him at all times. You’d heard that he hit on every unmarked omega he laid eyes on without a second thought, ditching every one of them after he was done with them. Vickie even told you that Robin said he doesn’t take suppressants, and that he sleeps with a different omega every night of his rut.

He was the worst of the worst when it came to alpha’s, and you were thankful that you’d not had the displeasure of being properly introduced to him yet. You didn’t even know if he knew who you were, doubtful that Robin had ever brought up her not-girlfriend’s best friend to him. The two of you had a class together this semester, but it was a huge one and you sat on opposite sides of the classroom, so there wasn’t any chance of interaction between you.

But, in this moment you wished that maybe you had met, because it might make this next interaction less awkward.

”Hey! Harrington!” You called once the attention on him seemed to disperse a bit. He seemed to hear you, his eyes scanning around to find the source of your voice. You called for him again and his eyes landed on yours as you approached.

But in that moment when your eyes met, it felt like something around you shifted. The air felt like it was stolen from your lungs, and your feet suddenly felt like they were full of lead. You tried to shake it off, chalking it up to the alcohol in your system, and after a moment, whatever you were feeling seemed to pass.

The smell of musk and mint suddenly filled your nostrils, prompting you to look up and see Steve was standing right in front of you. ”Hey, I’m— “ you start, feeling a bit dizzy in his presence.

He says your name and you look at him again, surprised he knew it. ”You good? You hear him ask, and you give him a small nod.

“Yeah, sorry, I just…” Your brain feels fuzzy, like you can’t think straight. Steve rests a hand on your shoulder and the contact has you jumping back in shock as a wave of electricity shoots through your body. Steve pulls his hand back and looks at it wild eyed.

”Woah, the static in here is crazy,” he says, shaking his hand.

”What? Oh, yeah, um, sorry. Can you show me where the bathroom is?”

Steve looks at you curiously before giving you a wide grin. “Yeah, sure thing, hun.” You grimace at the pet name, choosing to ignore it in lue of saying something snarky so that he doesn’t change his mind in helping you.

He nods his head and motions for you to follow him. You watch as the sea of people seem to naturally part as he approaches, rolling your eyes at all the girls who said hi to him as the two of you walked by. A few of them gave you dirty looks when they noticed you following behind their golden boy.

He says something to you that you don’t catch the first time with all the loud noise around you. “What?” You shout to him, trying to get a little closer to him to hear. He suddenly grabs your hand and pulls you closer, his scent flooding your nostrils once again.

”I said, are you having fun?” He says into your ear, his hot breath hitting your cheek.

”Oh, um, yeah, I guess so,” you shrug, pulling away from his grasp. He doesn’t fight you, letting you fall back behind him again.

After following him up the stairs, Steve takes you down the long hall to a door near the end, giving it a quick knock and listening close for a response. Then he’s pushing the door open, moving out of the way and gesturing for you to enter. “Thanks,” you say as you pass him, your bodies touching in the process.

“No problem, sweets,” he says with a devilish smirk that remains even as you close the door on him.

You take your time in the bathroom, splashing your face with cold water when you wash your hands. You hadn’t realized how hot you were feeling until you were by yourself and able to think straight, the bumping of the party barely there to distract you anymore. It made you realize how much you wanted to go back to your dorm and go to sleep, New Years be damned.

You weren’t even sure how long Vickie was going to be gone with Robin. The two of you really should have made a game plan before the party started, or at least made a designated rendezvous spot to meet up at. You hoped she didn’t plan on staying all night because you sure as hell weren’t going to leave her here, alone, in a house full of intoxicated alphas.

Pulling the bathroom door open, you were hit with that musk and mint smell again, followed by the sight of Steve leaning up against the wall opposite you. You raise a brow at him, silently asking what the hell he’s still doing up here when the party is downstairs.

”I just wanted to make sure you were alright,” he said as if he could read your thoughts.

”I feel better now. Just needed to clear my head.” But that lightheaded feeling was starting to come back again. You tried to be nonchalant and grab the door frame, but Steve followed your hand with his eyes.

”You sure?” He says, pushing himself off of the wall and taking a few strides towards you. The room got fuzzier the closer he got, and you felt like you needed to sit down.

“Yeah, I just—Are you wearing like a pheromone enhancer or something?”

Steve tilted his head at your question, but his confusion quickly morphed into amusement. “Are you saying you like the way I smell?”

“No—I mean—Yes, but—“

”Oh, honey, you don’t have to play coy with me,” he says, placing a hand above your head on the doorway and leaning down into your personal space.

“What? I’m not—that’s not—“ It felt like your mind was melting this close to him. The room started to tilt like you’d taken a bunch of shots too quickly and they’d gone straight to your head. That hot feeling washed over your skin and you didn’t want to admit it, but you could feel yourself getting wetter between your legs, that familiar ache starting to set in. It almost felt like…

No, it made no sense. You were on the best suppressants on the market, so there was no reason for you to be going into heat. It shouldn’t even be possible. But this feeling was undeniable. It had to be the close proximity to all these alphas in one spot.

You needed to get out of there quickly, before you made a mistake you couldn’t take back.

A hand waving in front of your face caught your attention, and you realized Steve was talking to you. “You still with me, sweetheart?” His tone was sultry and you didn’t like the way it was affecting you.

”Yeah, sorry, I just—I really need to go,” you say pushing past him.

“Woah, woah, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Steve says, grabbing your arm and pulling you into him.

“Hey, what the hell?” You say, looking up at him through heavy lidded eyes.

”You really think it’s a good idea for you to go back down there when you’re like this?”

“Like…like what?” You ask, your knees starting to feel weak.

”Newsflash, but I think you’re going into heat? Why don’t you let me help you—“

“Oh come oooon,” you slur, pushing him away from you, stumbling back in the process and landing on your ass. “Do you really think all omegas want to be fucked by you? Sorry to break it to you, but you can fuck off.”

Steve looks at you dumbfounded, like you’d completely thrown him for a loop. But then he tilts his head back and starts to full on belly laugh, which only seemed to piss you off more.

”I don’t need your help, Harrington,” you say, standing back up on shaky legs. “I know what kind of guy you are. I’m not about to be one of your pump and dumps.”

”Okay, first of all,” he starts, “I never said anything about having sex with you. If you’d have let me finish, what I was going to suggest was that you come back to my room to hide out until the party dies down. Because if you go down there smelling the way you’re smelling right now, you’re going to be making a target of yourself.”

You blinked at him, surprised by his words. Was he being genuine about not having any ulterior motives?

”What do you mean by how I smell?”

“You’re joking, right? I’ve been able to smell you since you found me downstairs. You’re clearly scenting up the place like a desperate omega. I’m surprised no one else came at you before you found me.”

“That…there’s no way. I’m on suppressants. And I’m definitely not scenting for attention.” You were trying to make sense of it all, but the more you thought the more confused you became.

”Could’ve fooled me,” he said with a shrug. “Now, if you wanna follow me.” He turns on his heel and makes his way down the hallway away from you. This should be your chance to run, get away from him. But…something inside of you wanted to follow him. So you did.

Steve opened a door at the other end of the hall and you were instantly hit with a wave of his scent as it emanated from his room. He walked inside and you were right on his heel, letting yourself be enveloped in the scent of his den. Everything in your mind slowly melted away, your body moving on it’s own as you made your way to his bed, plopping down on the mattress and inhaling the blankets.

”Feel free to whatever you want in here,” you hear from behind you, sounding almost distant in this headspace you were entering. “I’ll tell Vickie you’re in here when her and Robin are done, uh, well, you know.”

”Wait,” you say, lifting your head in a panic, “Are you leaving?”

Steve takes a sharp breath in, running his hands through his hair. “I mean, you said you didn’t need me so—Hey what are you—woah!”

You’d slid off of Steve’s bed and crawled the small distance between you until you were at his feet. You rubbed yourself against his crotch, feeling the bulge in his pants pressing against your cheek. It made you salivate, and you could feel the wetness building up between your legs once again.

“Shit, what are you—“

Your hands found their way to his pants and began to undo them, only stopping when Steve’s big hands grabbed yours.

”Wait, wait, stop,” he started, but you let out a whine in protest. “What happened to not wanting to be a pump and dump?”

”Need you, Steve. Pleeeeeease,” you cry, and Steve curses under his breath.

He said your name, prompting you to look up at him through your lashes. His pupils were blown out and he looked like his breathing was labored, as if he was doing everything he could to hold himself back.

“Look, if we do this, I don’t think I’m gonna be able to stop myself.”

”Don’t want you to,” you say with a pout, hand reaching up to grab at his shirt. You pull at him until he’s bending over to be face to face with you. He looks between your eyes and your lips and for a moment you think he’s going to kiss you.

Suddenly, he grabs your face and holds it in place in his big hand. He takes a ragged breath, the heat of it hitting you from how close he was to you.

”Tell me you want this,” he says, licking his lips, “I need to hear you want this.”

”Want it! Want it so bad—“

The chord of tension in the room snaps as he cuts you off by crashing his lips into yours. The kiss is hot and heavy right off the bat, Steve wasting no time shoving his tongue in your mouth to get a taste of you.

Then, you felt Steve’s hands around you, gripping you in a way that his strong, alpha arms could lift you off the ground. He walked you to the edge of his bed where he let you fall back onto the mattress, breaking the kiss. You watched in awe as he tossed his hat onto his nightstand and pulled off his shirt, revealing a thick, hairy chest to you.

The mattress dipped as he leaned into it, his body looming over you as he crawled onto the bed. Grabbing the hem of your dress, he pulled it up to reveal your slick soaked panties. ”Shit,” Steve hisses at the sight, licking his lips again hungrily. “Gotta get a taste of that.”

He shifts in the bed until he’s laying flat on his stomach with his head between your thighs. Taking a deep whiff, his eyes roll back at your scent, a low groan escaping his lips.

Without warning, his mouth is on you, tongue lapping at the fabric covering you. You jolt at the sensation, but Steve wraps his arms around your legs to keep you in place. You can hear him purring a satisfied hum as he tastes you on his tongue, his saliva mixing with your slick to completely soak your panties.

Suddenly you hear a tearing sound, and you look down to see that Steve has torn your panties in half. You can’t even bring yourself to care though, because as soon as his mouth makes contact with your sensitive cunt you’re a goner. He licks and sucks and shoves his tongue deep inside you, your hips bucking as his nose presses into your clit, effectively riding his face.

You chant his name with strained breaths as you feel yourself reaching your peak, body growing hotter with each passing second. One good roll of your hips does you in, body shaking as you begin to come undone on Steve’s face. You moan out, burying your fingers in his hair to keep him place so you can grind yourself on him, wanting to ride out this feeling as long as you could.

After a few moments, you felt yourself starting to come down from your high, body slowly slipping back into that needy ache that comes with being in heat. It had you grabbing for Steve, trying to pull him up to face you. He pushed himself up and you got a good look at his face, wet with slick and wearing a completely fucked out expression. You swore you could see something change in him right there in front of you.

”Steve?” You said, just above a whisper. But Steve didn’t respond. He was just staring you down with a wild look in his eyes, one that would scare you in any other context, but in this moment excited you.

“Alpha?”

And that was what did Steve in. His mouth was instantly on you again, all teeth and tongue as he kissed you desperately. His hips were bucking against you, the thick material of his jeans pressing into your heat where you could feel how hard he was. He let out a frustrated growl, pulling back quickly to fuss with his pants. He pulled them down just low enough that his huge cock sprung out and his heavy balls were on display. The sight had you feeling so needy that you probably had hearts in your eyes.

Grabbing his big cock in his hand, he ran it through your folds a few times, huffing in frustration as he tried to find your entrance. The feeling had you dripping in anticipation, a fresh wave of slick coming from you in preparation to take his large cock.

When he was finally able to catch your hole, he wasted no time pressing himself into you, each inch stretching you out on his thick length. Even for an alpha he was big, filling you up in a way you’ve never felt before. If you were more aware you’d be worried about it even fitting, but you were too far gone to care.

You were already cock drunk by the time he bottomed out, the both of you moaning out at the feeling of being connected like this. When Steve leaned forward, he hooked his hands under your knees and pushed your legs forward until you were folded in half with your knees to your chest.

Once he was steady in this position, he withdrew himself from you about half way before slamming back into you with a harsh thrust. The motion took your breath away with how his cock was so deep in you. He did it again, and again, until he built up a steady, sloppy pace. You could tell there was no real rhythm to it, he was just fucking into you to chase his own pleasure.

His body dropped from above you, his chest pressing into yours as his face landed in the crook of your neck, folding you in half even more. You wrapped your arms around his neck to pull him closer, enjoying the pressure of his body on yours.

His face dipped further into your neck, mouth nipping at the skin there. He let out a disgruntled huff, pulling away from you and out of your grasp. You whined out for him, but he paid you no mind as he stopped his movements completely.

Confused, you watched as he quickly grabbed your legs and lifted them together in the air before twisting them to the side. It caused your whole body to flip with his cock still inside you, putting you on your stomach in one swift motion. He pulled at your hips until he could get his arm wrapped around you, pushing himself all the way inside of you again.

He laid his body on top of you once more, flattening you out until you were completely prone beneath him. The pressure of your alpha on top of you was comforting as he began to drill into you. You could feel his hot breath on the back of your neck as he pants heavily from the exertion he was putting into fucking you.

The noises he was making were animalistic, his whole demeanor bordering on feral as there seemed to be no thoughts other than to fuck you going through his head. Not that you had any complaints. The only thing on your mind was Steve’s dick filling you up to your limit, and then him stretching you even more on his knot.

Oh. His knot.

You needed that.

Steve let out a high pitched hiss when he felt you squeeze around him, your body’s way of signaling that you were ready for him. All of him.

His thrusts became erratic then, barely pulling out of you before pushing himself as far into you as he could possibly get. You called out his name along with a string of curses and other nonsense as he fucked you harder than you’ve ever been fucked in your life.

You could hear him starting to mutter something under his breath, but couldn’t quite make it out at first. You turned your head to try and hear him better, eyes going wide when you were able to make out his words.

”Get her pregnant, get her pregnant, get her pregnant.”

His words pushed you over the edge once again, your orgasm hitting you like a train. Everything went white in your vision and your body was tense under Steve’s, hardly able to move with how you were pinned beneath him.

“Fuck!” Steve shouted, thrusting a few more times before stilling inside of you. His body shook above you as you felt his hot cum begin to fill you up, instantly soothing that deep ache inside of you.

Then, a pressure started to build inside you. One that you’d never felt before. It took your breath away with how intense it was. The stretch was almost painful, but your body wasn’t letting you feel anything other than pleasure in this moment as Steve’s knot locked your bodies together. It was a euphoric feeling, like nothing you’d ever felt before.

Just as your body began to shift into a more aware state, you felt a sharp pain on the back of your neck, making you gasp. Looking over your shoulder, you were shocked to see Steve’s teeth bared as he bit down on your mating gland.

“Steve!” You shout, but he doesn’t even so much as flinch. In fact, the look in his eyes tells you that he’s not even mentally with you in this moment. That's when the realization hit you.

Steve had fallen into his rut.

A knock on the door pulled sobered you up instantly, a familiar voice calling from the other side.

”Steve? You in there, dingus?”

Steve let out a low growl, his eyes alert and trained on the door. You could tell he felt threatened by the presence of another alpha so close to you, even if there was a door between you.

Then you heard Vickie call your name, and you knew you were screwed. “Tommy said he saw the two of you come up here but not come back down.”

”If you guys are screwing in there that’s fine, but you’re gonna miss the ball drop!”

You look at Steve again and determine there’s absolutely no way you guys are leaving here any time soon. You’ve never been knotted before, but you know it can take a long time before one can go down. Even more so when the alpha is in his rut. You could be stuck to him all night.

”We’re okay!” You call out, and you can hear Robin on the other side of the door laughing.

”Ha! I knew she was in there! You two enjoy yourselves! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

A little too late for that.

The day started horribly; Bucky woke up at around seven in the morning from a particularly harrowing nightmare. He hasn’t had one of those in a while, so it was very unwelcoming. This one, unlike other nightmares he’s had, was terrifying in a way he’d never felt.

He knows they’re gone, that Hydra and its agents have been obliterated, but that doesn’t mean Bucky doesn’t occasionally get anxious over the ‘what ifs’ of any potential harm Steve could go through should Hydra get him.

This ‘what if’ manifested in the form of you getting captured too. Even if he and Steve haven’t mated with you yet, they both know in their bones that you were crafted by any gods that exist to complete them. And the thought of you and Steve getting taken from him is far worse than anything Hydra could ever do to him.

Steve had to shake him awake, and he hadn’t been able to stop crying long enough to explain what had happened. After ten minutes of shaking and sobbing into his mate’s chest, he was finally able to articulate the horrifying images that now plague his mind, Steve had held him close, and he had kissed his cheeks and forehead and hairline, all while cooing words of affirmation and love.

The day only got worse from there. After the dream, it started with small things; he burned his hand while trying to make coffee - then spilled the coffee all over his favorite shirt. He ran out of his shampoo and had to use Steve’s - and, listen, Bucky is fully convinced that he survived Hydra because the universe wanted them together again, but Steve could definitely use some better shower products. The whole ‘two-in-one’ thing just doesn’t cut it for Bucky.

But then they had to meet up with their teammates for a briefing over a mission that Bucky is really not excited about, and found out the original one-day mission was going to be three days. Three whole days without you? Luckily Steve is coming with him, but then he thought about you being without both of them and started getting anxious. Now, even though you all haven’t been together for long, and they both know you can handle yourself, they detest the idea of leaving you for an extended period.

They’d managed to sneak in a few texts to you. Wishing you a good day at work, sending heart emojis when you send them a picture of a cute dog you saw while walking to the studio - Sam and Natasha spent a long time trying to get the men to understand modern language - and sending you pictures of them while they were too bored to listen to Tony talk.

But then they went to a coffee shop intending to grab their coffee and rush back to their apartment to get a few things so they could pick you up from work and take you to the new ice cream shop that opened up a few blocks from your studio. Dark clouds came rushing overhead while they were waiting for their drinks, and they decided to wait out the storm in a corner booth.

But people were staring, giving them - mainly Bucky - nervous glances, and a few people at the table next to them ate quicker than someone usually would and then placed a wad of cash on the table before rushing out.

Suddenly the idea of getting ice cream doesn’t sound so appealing.

Steve noticed because he’s so attuned to his mate that he knows Bucky is dejected, Bucky is hurt, he’s tired. Tired of people still judging him. Tired of being accused of things that he had no control over. They didn’t stay long, deciding that getting soaked while racing home was better than being in a place that’s now making Bucky feel unsafe.

Bucky’s been fighting with himself ever since they got home and changed out of their wet clothes. He wants to spend time with you more than anything, and you’ve been excited about this date ever since they told you, and Bucky will be damned if he doesn’t give you anything you want. But he really doesn’t think he can handle being in public right now.

His body is hurting with how bad he’s trying to force the negativity out of his mind enough so he can enjoy being with you, but it’s hard. And Steve telling him that you’ll understand that he can’t go out breaks him. His fists clench tighter.

Bucky wants to be normal for you. He wants to go out with his mates and not get worried about getting less-than-friendly looks at the three of you.

“I’m going to call her,” Steve says calmly, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend and pulling him in tight while Bucky’s body starts to shake with how badly he wants to cry. “I’ll call her and I’ll tell her that you’re not feeling well, but we’ll go to her studio tomorrow for lunch. Okay?”

Bucky takes a deep, shaky breath before nodding, trying his hardest to not blame himself when he imagines the look on your face as Steve tells you they have to cancel. Steve kisses his mate's forehead and then untangles himself so he can get his phone.

It doesn’t take long for you to answer, and Bucky can hear your chipper “Hi Stevie!” and suddenly he wants to cry harder. He also hears Steve telling you that Bucky isn’t feeling well and that they’ll come visit you tomorrow. You go quiet for a moment before asking Steve to pass the phone to your other Alpha. And when Bucky mumbles, “Hey, honey,” he knows you can hear that he’s holding back tears.

“Hi, Alpha,” Your sweet voice immediately fills him with warmth, images of your smile filling his head. “You’re not feeling well?”

“No,” Bucky clears his throat, trying to force himself to not feel bad about it. “I’m really sorry, honey. I promise we’ll make it up to you.”

You pause, and suddenly Bucky is worried that you’re mad. But before his mind can spiral into more negative thoughts, your voice - soft and shy - asks if he’s home. And when he tells you that he is, you simply say “good,” and then hang up.

Well, fuck. Bucky tries to convince himself that you’re not upset, but Steve can see that it’s not working well. And at his boyfriend's suggestion of a nap, he trudges upstairs, lying down in bed and wishing upon every star in the universe that you’ll forgive him.

____________

When you heard that Bucky wasn’t feeling well you immediately thought of the worst. Is he sick? Well, that doesn’t make sense, he’s a super soldier after all. Is he hurt? That’s a possibility, their jobs are tough.

Does he… not want to see you? As soon as that thought crosses your mind, you dismiss it. Bucky and Steve have shown over and over that they like you and want to be with you. The word ‘love’ flashes through your mind but you dismiss that as well. It’s too soon, right?

No matter what’s actually going on, you know you need to make him feel better. As soon as you hung up the phone you gathered everything you needed to make apple pies. But then you faltered, what if he doesn’t like apple pie? Well, you have things to make brownies, and you know both Alphas love them. So you took out everything needed to make brownies with the intention of bringing them over when they were done.

But then a thought popped up. Would they even want you in their house? There were a few times when you told them they could come inside your apartment while you finished getting ready for a date night, but they politely declined. You hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but now you’re worried you might be crossing a line.

You’ve just put the mixture in the oven when you decide that you’ll just drop them off and then leave. You don’t want to make them uncomfortable, especially since Bucky isn’t feeling well. While the brownies cook, you run to your bedroom to change into somewhat presentable clothes. You don’t bother getting all dressed up since you’re not going anywhere but your Alphas’ place, and even then you won’t be staying long.

By the time the dessert is done and put into a container, you’ve talked yourself in and out of going several times. Finally, after several minutes of having a mild freak-out, you gather the courage to gather your things and get in your car.

The entire drive has you a little on edge, though you know you have to do it. Not necessarily out of obligation, but because you want to make your Alpha’s happy. They’re always doing little things for you; buying you new plush blankets, getting you food on their way to visit your studio, Steve had even given you a sweater that both he and Bucky regularly wear - fully knowing and hoping you’ll use it for your nest.

Those men make you happier than anyone else ever could, you relish in their praise, your whole body lit up in flames whenever they get all sweet on you - which is all the time, neither man can resist kissing you, hugging you, telling you how you’re the sweetest Omega to ever exist.

They make you happy, and you will do everything you can to make them happy too. You want to be the perfect Omega for them, to show them that you can provide for them too, and that thought is what fuels you to park outside of their house and gather everything.

Your confidence wanes when you get to the front door, anxious again that the Alphas would be upset that you came over. You don’t even get a chance to think about leaving because the door opens wide, and Steve stands there with a smile.

“Honey,” He says, giving you that same longing gaze he always gives you. His eyes travel down to the container you’re holding, his smile growing wider while you cast your eyes down to the floor nervously. “What is that?”

A part of you wants to laugh, you know his heightened sense of smell can already figure it out. You don’t though, you merely shuffle on the porch nervously.

“W-Well I - um… I know Bucky isn’t feeling well, and I wanted to drop off some brownies for you guys.” Your eyes suddenly go wide, a small panicked noise leaving your lips. “Which I just now realized is probably not a good thing for Bucky to eat right now.”

You kind of want to smack your forehead. You were so focused on trying to be helpful that you didn’t even think of what would actually help Bucky feel better. Sensing your growing panic, Steve hums softly, reaching out and taking the dessert from your hands.

“That’s really sweet, honey,” Steve purrs, transferring the container to one hand so he can take your hand in his free one. “Thank you.”

An unexpected squeak leaves your lips, warmth filling your body as you squeeze Steve’s hand and smile up at him shyly.

“Y-You’re welcome, Stevie.” Your voice is soft, nearly indiscernible except for your Alpha with his advanced hearing. “Um, just… I guess you can text me later and tell me how they taste?” It’s phrased as an uncertain question because you don’t want to make him feel like he has to, but you desperately hope he does. You need their praise more than air.

“You’re not staying?”

That question has your head snapping up so you can look at him directly, your eyebrows furrowed in confusion as you take in his equally confused gaze.

“I - um. I guess I just thought you wouldn’t want me to. I mean, you never want to come in my house, so I just figured you wouldn’t want me in yours.” Your voice comes out shakier than you’d like, and the hope that he’d invite you in is creeping up. “Which is fine! You - you don’t have to, and I don’t want to make you guys uncomfortable, especially since Bucky isn’t feeling well.”

Steve sighs, his scent souring a little as though he’s disappointed, and now you’re anxious over possibly saying something wrong. But when he senses your growing panic, he tugs on your hand until you follow him inside. And immediately, the aroma of both Bucky and Steve’s scent calms you down.

“Of course we want you here, sweet Omega.” Steve smiles at you again, pulling you further into the house until you get to the kitchen not far from the entryway. He drops your hand so he can place the food on the counter. The Alpha quickly moves toward you, wrapping you in his arms and pulling you into his chest. Plush, soft lips land on the top of your head, and they linger there for a few moments.

As though he sensed your arrival, Bucky comes rushing into the kitchen with a wide smile.

“Omega,” He says, walking toward you and Steve with purpose so he can wrap around you too.

“Our sweet girl brought us some brownies since you aren’t feeling well.” You can hear the smile in Steve’s voice, and they both release their hold on you so you can turn around and face Bucky.

Bucky goes silent, and when you place your hands on his chest you can feel how his heart rate picks up. And after a few moments of simply staring into your eyes, his smile softens, his body relaxing.

“Oh, honey,” Bucky sighs wistfully, falling into your embrace while Steve stands behind you with his arms around your waist and helping you not fall over under Bucky’s hulking frame. You don’t mind though, you’d happily die by being crushed under their weight if it meant you could touch them, and have them touch you. Caressing you, kissing you, adoring you the way only they can. And despite your earlier hesitation, you wouldn’t pass up the chance to brighten up your Alphas’ day for anything. And their grateful kisses and pleased rumbles let you know that you did just that.

“Thank you,” Bucky mumbles into your neck as he presses soft and chaste kisses to the area. “You’re perfect.”

You can’t help the nervous chuckle that passes through your lips, nor can you stop yourself from shaking your head, immediately trying to deny it. While you love praise, specifically theirs, you don’t really feel like you deserve it sometimes. How can these two perfect Alpha’s possibly be interested in you? You’re not too sure why they like you, but you try not to think too hard about it. You don’t want to overthink everything and spiral into self-doubt, which would then lead you to sabotage the relationship, and you absolutely don’t want that.

“I-It’s nothing, really. I just want to make you feel better.” Your voice is small and shy, and you cast your eyes downward when Bucky pulls away from you to look at you with such intensity that it makes your entire body go warm. Your heartbeat speeds up when Steve steps back too and moves so he can stand beside Bucky and look at you directly.

“It’s not nothing, baby,” Steve sighs, reaching out and placing a large hand on the back of your neck and turning your head upwards so he can hold your gaze, and it’s absolutely impossible to suppress the shiver that runs down your spine. Oh, how you want to feel his hands on… other parts of your body.

“It’s thoughtful,” Bucky adds, lightly squeezing your hips. “We mean it; thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” You say softly, smiling at both of them and reaching out to place your hands on each Alpha’s chests. In a quick and bold move, you lean up on your toes to place a gentle kiss on Steve’s lips, then move over to Bucky.

Bucky, however, decides a single peck isn’t enough. Steve keeps his hand on the back of your neck and angles your head so it’s easier for Bucky to slide his tongue along your bottom lip and take advantage of your surprised squeak by slipping his tongue into your mouth. He swallows your little gasps and sighs, snaking his arms around your waist to pull your body flush against his.

The intensity of the kiss comes to a halt when Steve’s stomach rumbles. You and Bucky break apart with breathless chuckles, turning to look at Steve’s sheepish expression.

“Sorry,” He laughs, sliding his hand from your neck to the side of your face, and he smiles wider when you nuzzle and kiss his palm. “We haven’t eaten since this morning.”

“I can cook for you!” You say quickly, surprised with yourself by how fast you were to offer. You’re not the best cook, but depending on what food they have you’re pretty sure you whip up something presentable. Plus, your inner Omega is just aching to please them.

“You don’t need to do that, honey,” Bucky says, stepping back but keeping one hand on your back. “We can just order something.”

“Please?” You ask softly, smiling up at him and using the fact that he can never say no to your pout to your advantage. “I want to.”

Both men sigh, fully knowing that they could never deny you anything you want. So, they both nod, stepping aside so you can go to their fridge.

“You can just make something easy, it doesn’t matter to us.” Steve kisses your forehead, then smiles as he turns to look at Bucky while you go about finding something to cook. Pulling him in close, Steve quickly kisses Bucky’s lips and murmurs, “Told ya she’d understand.”

____________

“Told ya she’d understand.”

Steve chuckles when Bucky playfully shoves his elbow into his Alpha’s stomach. And Steve absolutely cannot stop himself from kissing Bucky again. And one more time. He can’t help it though, Bucky was feeling so awful earlier, and seeing his genuine smile and sparkling eyes fills him with happiness.

“Shut up, punk,” Bucky mumbles with a playful roll of his eyes, wiggling out of Steve’s hold so he can go sit at the kitchen island. Steve follows him, muttering “jerk” low under his breath as he sits next to Bucky.

The two men sit side by side, both with love-stricken gazes and twinkling eyes as they watch you flit around the kitchen happily, grabbing things here and there. They aren’t too sure what exactly you’re making, but it starts smelling good in no time. But the underlying scent of happiness coming from all three of you is what really strikes Bucky’s heart.

And in no time at all the food has been finished, and you make sure to pile their plates full of the food.

“I know spaghetti is boring, but I added a few spices so I hope you like it.” Your voice is soft and shy as you present them with their plates, and your rapidly beating heart showcases your nerves. You’re desperately hoping they like it - maybe praise you a bit for taking care of them.

“We’ll love it,” Steve says quickly, getting off the chair and walking up to you with a wide smile. “We’ll love anything you make us, honey.”

The squeak you let out makes both Alphas chuckle, giving you such soft gazes that makes you want to bare your neck to them in submission. With that, Steve and Bucky take their food and guide you to the couch in the living room, being careful as they sit down while Bucky pulls you into his lap.

They take time eating, occasionally feeding you despite your assurances that you already ate before you came over. They don’t care though, because they’ll be damned if they don’t dote on you for making them feel better.

And when the food has been eaten, Bucky gives you a glare when you offer to do dishes. “You’ve worked hard enough, honey,” Bucky tells you, wrapping his arms tighter around you to keep you in place.

It’s at that moment that Bucky realizes that this, the three of you under one roof, on one couch, is what home is for him. With you in his lap and Steve cuddled into his side, he knows that he’s the luckiest guy in the world, how can’t he be? He has his Alpha; the greatest love of his life, and you; the sweetest Omega to ever exist who’s teaching Bucky how to be happy in ways he never thought possible.

He doesn’t even realize he’s crying until you make a slightly distressed sound, your hands coming up to cup his cheek.

“Buck?” Steve coos, bringing up a hand so he can run his finger through his mate’s hair. “What’s wrong?”

Bucky sniffles, shaking his head as he wipes his eyes, then takes hold of one of your hands so he can kiss your knuckles. He smiles, so soft and sweet and innocent, smiling wider when Steve presses a kiss to his cheek.

“It’s stupid,” Bucky says with a quiet huff and shrugs. “I just… Today was shit, like, awful. And I’ve been happy all these years with Steve by my side, but other than right now, the only time I can remember feeling this happy was when I was finally reunited with him.”

Bucky briefly glances over at Steve, giving him that soft and adoring look he always gives him, then looks back at you and holds your gaze.

“You make me happy, Omega.”

Your eyes go wide, a soft gasp escaping your lips. Because, while you don’t know everything about what’s transpired in their lives and relationship, you know that it must be a pretty big deal for him to say this. And it fills you with a feeling dangerously close to love, but you can’t help it. Bucky’s been through the depths of hell and back, and he deserves everything good in the world. And you being able to give him some of that goodness just makes you want to cry.

“You-“ You cut yourself off, clearing your throat to suppress the waver in your voice. “You make me happy too. Both of you.”

“Good, Omega,” Steve purrs, reaching across Bucky to give you a tender kiss.

And when you break away from Steve, you turn to give Bucky a kiss as well, and Bucky? Well, Bucky is pretty sure (re: totally confident) that he loves you. He knows Steve does too, which makes everything easier. Knowing that they’re on the same page about their feelings for you gives him reassurance that maybe this could work out.

He wants to mate with you, he wants to be with you in every way possible. And when you pull away and smile at your Alphas with that sweet and tender way you always do, he thinks that maybe, just maybe, you want that too.

So who can really blame him when Bucky asks, “Will you mate with us?”

From next to him, Steve doesn’t visibly react, though his heartbeat speeding up and the flush creeping up on his face tells Bucky that he wants that too - they’ve also spoken about it in length, so he knows he’s not just speaking for himself.

All the two men can do now is wait for your answer with bated breaths. It comes only a half of a second later.

“Of course.”

m&h masterlist: @the-ginger-fairy-artist / @supernovatardis / @perdidosbucky-yyo / @wckedheart / @kandis-mom / @wandaneedstherapy / @bigcreatorwombatdreamer / @venusfly11 / @buckybarnesmetalarmswife775 / @the-photo-hoe / @matsumama / @fandoms-writings / @thornsnvultures / @sadboiabby / @lily-excal / @alright-i-guesss / @blondie-bluue / @loveforreading / @marvel-wifey-86 / @wheezy-stucky / @exposition-belongs-somewhere / @stuckysbike / @starkblackwolf / @caitlink26 / @dreaming-potato / @lethargicluv / @perfectlyboring / @monicachic13 / @akmenia / @shawnftjacob / @hc-kerr / @iamfandomwasted / @wizardofstories / @emerald-writes / @matchat3a  / @mollygetssherlockcoffee / @normalgirlnextdoor / @lolitsbuckybarnes / @rippedpiece / @biteofcherry

“Buck, this is Y/N.  Y/N, my best friend Bucky,” Steve introduced them, filling up some glasses with the cocktail mix he was making.  He grabbed a beer and held it out for Bucky to take.  When Bucky didn’t move Steve’s smile slid off his face and his eyes narrowed.  “Buck?”

Bucky’s nose flared and he stiffly turned to Steve, his eyes hardening.  “Thanks,” he said gruffly as he took the beer.  “Can I talk to you for a sec?”

“Uh, sure,” Steve said warily.  He turned to Y/N.  “Be right back.”  Bucky quickly turned and headed towards Steve’s bathroom.  Steve followed him in and closed the door.  The two of them in the bathroom made it feel small.  “What is it?”

Bucky put the beer down on the sink counter then ran his fingers through his hair then down his face roughly, rubbing his eyes harshly.  “Um…you know how you said when you met her you had a hard time controlling yourself?”  Steve nodded, then suddenly stiffened.  His brow furrowed as he gave Bucky a glare.  “Yeah, I’m feeling that.”

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Steve said.  The hair on the back of his neck bristled at the thought of another Alpha, whether it was his best friend or not, lusting after his Omega.  A growl rippled through his chest at Bucky.

“Hey, woah,” Bucky held his hands up.  “She’s yours, I get it.  I just…I’ve never had this happen before,” Bucky sat on the toilet, his hands wringing together, his metal arm whirring lightly.  

Suddenly there was a knock at the door.  “Hey guys?” Y/N called out.

Steve breathed deeply as he turned and opened the door just enough to look out at her.  “Hey, uh, we’ll just be a minute,” he tried to sound pleasant, but the bitter tone beneath his words didn’t fool her.

“Steve, I can smell him,” Y/N cocked an eyebrow at him.  “Just, both of you come out and talk to me.”

She turned back towards the front room and Steve turned back to Bucky, who was wide-eyed and stiff.  He sighed and gestured for Bucky to follow him.  They all sat in the front living room, Steve and Y/N on the couch and Bucky on the chair across from them.  “Okay,” Y/N sighed, getting comfortable and making sure she was facing both of them.  “First of all, I just want to apologize, Steve.” Steve gawked at her.  “For what?”

“Because it’s not Bucky’s fault he feels this way.  It’s mine,” she said, glancing at him.  Steve’s brow furrowed even further, while Bucky shook his head confusedly.  “A few years back I was having some issues in college.  My pheromones and hormones were going crazy and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong,” she started, fiddling with her fingers.  “I was…struggling.  People around me were trying to…claim me every chance they got,” she said quietly.  Steve nodded sadly in understanding.  When he had claimed and bonded with her she had been emotional and hesitant at first.  It was no wonder, he realized now, since she had probably almost been forced multiple times.  “I went to the doctor who ran some tests, and it turns out my DNA is…a little different.”  She looked up at Steve and glanced at Bucky briefly.  “I present as an Omega.  Everyone has varying levels of Alpha, Omega and Beta in their systems, mine had a fourth,” she said.  “Delta.”

“Delta?” Bucky scoffed.  “I thought that was an urban myth?”

“It usually is,” Y/N gave him a shrug.  “But my Omega level was nearly equal with this fourth one.  The doctor didn’t put me down as a Delta because, well, you know.”  Steve nodded again, knowing that the government tracked Deltas very carefully.  They were an anomaly, and their scents affected every other classification around them, making them a walking danger sometimes.  “So he put me down as an Omega, got me on some meds to help regulate my pheromones and I just…haven’t questioned it since.  Until today,” she said, her gaze stuck to the floor.

“So, what does this mean?” Steve asked, unsure of where to go from there.

“It means that Bucky and you are similar enough as Alphas that you both recognized and scented what I was.  Like a moth drawn to a flame, you came to me, and now Bucky,” she said quietly.  “I don’t even feel it when it happens.  Something in the pheromones just…calls to certain Alphas.”  She looked at Steve sadly.  “I swear it’s not on purpose.  And it’s not Bucky’s fault.”

“I know, I believe you,” Steve said, reaching a hand out and taking her closest hand to him.  “But what do we do now?”

“I don’t know, it’s never happened to me like this before,” Y/N said, glancing at Bucky again.  Steve looked at Bucky, who was slightly squirming under Y/N’s gaze, his hands still wringing in front of him.  

“I…I don’t know what to think,” Steve groaned, rubbing his face.

“I’m sorry, I’ll–I’ll just go,” Bucky said quickly before getting up and heading for the door.

“Buck, wait,” Steve called out, but Bucky quickly slipped out, shutting the door soundly behind him.  Steve sighed again.

Y/N watched him for a beat before scooting closer to him on the couch.  “Steve, can I ask you something?”  He nodded, looking up at her.  “Please understand I’m not trying to pry or judge you.  You and Bucky have been best friends, close friends, since you were kids.  Has anything ever happened…between the two of you?” she asked, her eyes narrowing and watching him carefully.  Steve’s eyes widened minutely and a blush crept up his neck.  “I see,” she huffed a laugh, a small smile on her face.  “You wanna tell me about it?”

Steve breathed heavily as he watched her.  She didn’t react negatively, and seemed genuinely curious.  “It was 1942, just after I found him and the 107th.”  Y/N nodded.  “We got back to camp and I just…” he looked away from her.  She grabbed his hand and squeezed it reassuringly.  “I was just so happy he was alive.  So when everything calmed down and we were alone I hugged him, and I wasn’t even thinking I just…I kissed him,” he said, exhaling like a huge burden had been taken off of his shoulders.  “He was surprised, but he kinda kissed me back.  Then it was over.  We never talked about it, just went on like nothing ever happened.”

Y/N leaned her head on his shoulder, her hand squeezing his again.  “You know there’s nothing wrong with that, right?”

“Yes, I know that now.  Back then it was different,” he said, leaning his head on top of hers.  

“I think you two need to talk about it,” Y/N said.  “See where that gets you.  And then afterwards, we can talk about what it all means for all of us,” she said, looking back up at him.  “I know you don’t believe in true mates, but if you ever had one, it would be him.  I’m just an extra part of the equation.  Okay?”

“No, you’re not some extra,” he disagreed, shaking his head.  “But okay,” Steve gave her a small smile, leaning over and kissing her lips softly.  “I’ll call him to come back.”

“No need, he’s just outside sitting on the stairs, feeling sorry for himself,” Y/N said, standing up and walking towards his bedroom.  Steve gaped at her.  “I’m an Omega and a Delta Steve, I scent all,” she said goofily, twisting her hands and fingers like a witch over a crystal ball, her eyes widening comically at him.  He laughed as she disappeared into the bedroom and shut the door to give him privacy.

Steve walked over to the front door and opened it, looking down the hall.  Just as she said there was Bucky, sitting on the top step with his head in his hands.  “Buck?  Come back please,” Steve called to him.  Bucky jerked and looked back at him, then puffed out some air and stood to come back inside.  Once they were sat back down in the front room alone Steve sighed heavily.  “I think we need to talk–”

“I’m sorry,” Bucky interrupted him.  “I know you’ve been trying to move on from Peggy, and now I’m getting in the way of you being happy again.  I just keep fucking things up–”

“Hey, don’t you dare,” Steve said.  “You are part of my happiness, so don’t you dare think that you’re in any way a problem.”  Bucky seemed struck by that and nodded.  “I think we need to talk about what happened in 1942.”

Bucky’s eyes widened again and he blushed, blinking rapidly and looking away.  “What about it?”

“When I…I kissed you,” Steve said, clearing his throat when his voice cracked.  “I was just happy you were alive, and in the heat of the moment I kissed you.  But you kissed me back,” Steve said, watching him with narrowed eyes.  Bucky glanced at him and slightly nodded again.  “Why didn’t you say anything?  Or talk about it ever again after that?”

Bucky sighed.  “You were in love with Peggy,” he said quietly.  “And it was the 40s, that kind of thing wasn’t okay back then.”  He looked at Steve sadly, a small smile on his lips.  “I’ve always loved you, pal.  As a brother, as a friend, and at times as something more,” he said, his eyebrows lifting in the middle.  “I just didn’t…didn’t know what to say or do about it.”

Steve nodded then reached a hand out.  He grabbed Bucky’s flesh hand and squeezed it, rubbing his thumb along his knuckles.  Bucky watched him, his mouth dropping open a little.  “I’ve always loved you, too.  I was curious but just…didn’t know how to…”  Bucky squeezed his hand back, nodding in understanding.  Steve then looked to the bedroom door.  “Y/N?” he called out.  Y/N came out a few moments later, looking at them both curiously.

“You guys good?” she asked, walking towards Steve on the couch and sitting next to him again, looking at their hands.  

“I think so,” Steve said, giving her a smile.  He looked at Bucky then back at her.  “Would it be okay if Bucky scented you?”

Bucky shook his head.  “Oh, no, you don’t have to, I don’t want to overstep–”

“Buck, I want you to,” Steve said, squeezing his hand again.  “Y/N?”

“Are you sure?” she asked him, looking serious.  Steve nodded.  After a moment she looked at Bucky.  “Bucky?”

Bucky looked like a deer caught in the headlights, his eyes switching from her to Steve.  Steve let go of his hand and gestured for him to approach her, leaning back against the couch so that he would face both of them.  Bucky swallowed harshly before standing and walking over to Y/N.  When he stood in front of her he knelt down and waited for her to tell him what to do.  Y/N watched him for a moment, her eyes flicking over his face that was closer to her now.  She moved forward and opened her legs so that he was slotted between her thick thighs.  

“Nice to meet you, by the way, big fan,” she smirked at him, holding her hand out to shake his hand.  Bucky smiled and scoffed but shook her hand.  She didn’t let go and instead twisted their hands so that he was holding her wrist, then moved her wrist up towards his nose.  Bucky seemed hesitant at first to scent her.  Steve knew why.  The second he got a good whiff of her it would mean a loss of control, which Bucky was not comfortable with.  Bucky sighed then lifted her wrist to his nose and slowly inhaled.  At first he didn’t react, freezing in place, then his eyes shut tight and he pressed his nose against the veins of her wrist and sniffed deeply.  He groaned as he clutched her hand to his face, his metal hand reaching up and around her back to pull her closer to him.

Steve watched on in silence.  He didn’t feel jealousy or anger, just a fascination with what was happening.  He felt a strange pride that he was able to give his lifelong friend a little bit of happiness like this, and excited at the prospect of possibly creating a more permanent, deeper connection and relationship with him and his mate.  Bucky moved her hand away and moved his face toward Y/N’s neck, his flesh arm winding behind her as well to erase any space left between them.  Y/N glanced at Steve questioningly, who only nodded.  She smiled then wrapped her arms around Bucky’s neck and moved her head to the side, letting Bucky nuzzle the crook of her neck.  He inhaled deeply along the column of her throat, then licked her scent gland heavily, shivering at her scent rolling off of her in waves at his actions.  

“Fuck, Y/N,” he growled as he moved to the other side of her neck where Steve’s mating bond mark was.  He sniffed it and groaned again at the mix of the scents there, licking it as well and nipping at the edges of the scar that was mostly healed by now.  Y/N’s eyes fluttered shut, her hands running through Bucky’s hair as she swallowed.  

“It’s okay, Y/N, scent him back,” Steve said, leaning forward and watching them.  She looked at him again, a pleading look on her face.  He nodded.  “Go on.  Make him feel good.”

Y/N let out a shuddering breath then turned back to Bucky and moved his hair out of the way to nudge his scent gland as well.  Her nose traced up his neck and she inhaled him, her hands gripping his jacket as she breathed him in.  She whimpered lightly and Bucky shivered in her arms.  She licked his gland and sucked on it, Bucky moaning softly against her shoulder.  Steve moved forward and joined Y/N, leaning into Bucky’s neck.  She stopped sucking at his neck and moved out of the way for Steve who inhaled Bucky deeply and groaned.  He had obviously smelled Bucky his whole life, but never this intimately.  He licked a long line up the gland to his ear and Bucky nearly sobbed at the sheer intimacy and intensity of the situation.  Y/N shushed him and ran her fingers through his hair again, her other arm wrapping around Steve’s shoulders.

She kissed Steve’s cheek and then Bucky’s.  Bucky pulled back and looked at her hungrily then turned to Steve, an awestruck expression on his face.  His eyes flickered down to Steve’s lips and then glanced at Y/N.  She waited a beat, looking between the two of them, then took the initiative and kissed Steve deeply, then turned to Bucky and kissed him.  Bucky reciprocated the kiss immediately, his hands behind her back gripping her shirt.  When she pulled away she leaned back and guided Bucky’s head towards Steve.  He looked at Steve for a long moment, then leaned forward slowly and kissed him.  Steve sighed into the kiss, a low rumble in his chest reverberating through him as he kissed Bucky back.  He never would have guessed that some 80 years later this would be happening again, but this time without fear or shame.  

A small giggle escaped Y/N and Steve pulled away from Bucky, looking at her questioningly.  “I’m sorry, y’all are just too cute,” she said, a blush on her cheeks.

Bucky laughed and hung his head while Steve scoffed.  “Way to ruin the mood, love,” he teased her, tickling her side and making her yelp and move further toward Bucky.  

“I’m sorry!” she cried as she buried her face into Bucky’s shoulder.  Bucky smiled widely and patted her back soothingly.

“Thank you, both of you,” Bucky said.  Y/N leaned up and looked at him, her smile widening as well.  “So…what does this mean for us now?”

Steve looked to Y/N.  “Well, if it’s okay with you,” he said, “I think we should try this.  The three of us.  Together.”

“Here’s my proposition,” Y/N offered, leaning back to look at both of them, holding each of their hands.  “Steve is my mate,” she said to Bucky, “we are bonded.  But there’s already something between you two, so I need to build something with Bucky,” she said.  “As handsome as you are, I still don’t know you very well,” she winked at him.

Bucky blushed and Steve gasped.  “Now you’re calling him handsome?  What the fuck?”

“You’re both handsome, what else am I supposed to call him?” Y/N shot back.  

Bucky laughed.  “So, some hanging out and a date then.  You and me.  And then, all three of us?”

Y/N nodded.  “Then when it comes to anything more serious, we can talk and see how we all feel.  Deal?”

They give her their favorite hoodies, sweatshirts and clothing, making sure each item smells like them. And the guys smell amazing—like she could get high off their scents kind of amazing—so she's in heaven.

They indulge in all her whims, so pumpkin carving, hot chocolate dates in front of the fireplace, fall themed brunches that end up with Steve guiding the tipsy pair into the car and somehow keeping them from stripping naked in the backseat.

Like Bucky, she loves the local festivals and they go together when Steve's at work (except they can no longer go to the one on 51st street because of Bucky and this thing he did with caramel sauce).

Heather looked at her over the rims of her sunglasses. “Where are you going with this?”

Robin looked back at the boringly empty Scoops Ahoy parlor. Slow days were a blessing and a curse. “You’re just in it for the show. I was too, back when I thought Steve was a total lady killer.”

Heather snorted. “I knew Steve was a sweetie way before you did. Don’t worry. Once the ruffled alpha feathers finally relax, they’ll see each other for what they are.”

“Disgustingly horny for each other?”

“Two alphas wanting to bone each other’s brains out isn’t disgusting…so long as they keep it out of my work hours. I don’t care where they get nasty, just stay the hell away from the pool. Draining and cleaning is a nightmare.”

Robin smirked and offered, “If it takes less than a month, I’ll trade jobs with you for a day.”

Heather looked at her, silently processing the offer. “You really think it’ll take them that long to be in each other’s pants?”

“Steve’s sweet but Hargrove only has so many strikes until he’s out of Harrington’s good graces.”

“Yeah but…hormones? The nose knows?”

Robin snorted. “I’ve seen first hand that Steve is predictably clueless and weirdly smart when I least expect it.”

Heather sighed an agreeing sound. “Billy surprises me too. He turns up his jean hems and irons them down.”

“You’re surprised he’s a diva? With that car?” Robin teased. “Have you seen his hair?”

Heather countered, “For a guy who’s trying to have all the peacock feathers of a war-prized veteran, he’s…soft.”

“I’m gonna need you to elaborate on that.”

So Heather did: “Usually it’s the girls who are supposed to teach the kids’ swimming lessons. Don’t get me started on that—”

“Regardless of second gender?”

“It’s old world bullshit,” Heather fumed and continued, “but it’s Billy. Billy’s the best one with the kids.”

Robin adjusted her position in the seat. It was going to be a real bummer whenever someone came in wanting ice cream, but for now, she enjoyed her extended break. “Steve’s the same. I never would have assumed he even liked kids, but the only people who ever visit him are next semester’s freshmen.”

Heather perked up. “The ones Billy’s sister is friends with?”

“Max,” Robin informed. “They’re all fine, I guess. In an…obnoxious freshman way. Max is the most tolerable of the bunch.”

“And she spends more time here than at the pool…” Heather contemplated aloud.

Robin felt inclined to correct, “She spends more time in the theater. Steve lets them into the R-rated films through the staff hallways.”

Heather dropped the stick of her lollipop into an ice cream cup and concluded, “A late night mall date sounds like just the thing.”

Robin stood up and disposed of the cup in the trash bin as she refuted, “I’m not friends with Billy’s sister, and the idea of recruiting a kid so her brother can screw my coworker gives me a bad taste.”

“Okay, prudish,” Heather scoffed. “What to you suggest?”

Robin smirked as she rotated to lean back against the glass, refrigerated case. “I’m so glad you asked.”

• • •

Steve sighed heavily, blunt fingertips scratching his neck as he mentally willed customers to keep walking past Scoops Ahoy. For some reason, all of Hawkins had him on their radar, and where was Robin to witness his ability to draw people into the store?

Steve needed to get laid. Between the internal itch of his body and him fidgeting near his glands, his throat was slowly becoming a red beacon. A dark blue, stupid sailor costume was not doing him favors in concealing it. And it was just his luck that he had to work solo on such a busy day—

“Wow. Do you want a cream for that rash?”

He frowned at none other, than Robin approaching the counter. Dressed in casual clothes, she pointed her stoic glare at him, but he’d developed a skill at reading her.

“You hate this place way too much to be here on your day off. What gives?”

She leaned on the counter with all the familiarity of someone used to being on the other side of it. “Word on the street is that Billy Hargrove is in the parking lot.”

Steve stared at her, visibly processing that until countered, “Robin. That’s not a rumor. You just saw him on the street on your way in here.”

“Whatever. Are you gonna make a move, or what?”

“Oh? A move?” His brows flew up towards the white sailor’s cap on his head. “Like the other move you suggested where I use the community pool’s gymnasium?”

“I didn’t know you could get ring worm from the gym,” Robin defended.

“No, I wouldn’t expect a band geek to know that.”

“You don’t need to go for my throat. At least it got you and Billy talking.”

“Yeah, because it was so thrilling for our first somewhat polite conversation to be him teasing me about the rancid gym. And he was right.”

Robin pursed her lips to the side and recalled one of Heather’s tactics. “Well he gave you nail polish for that, didn’t he?”

Steve’s eyes narrowed on her. “Buckley. I always knew band geeks can’t keep secrets—”

“The hell does that mean?” she recoiled.

“It means someone told him I needed to suffocate some ringworm on my skin!” Steve paused as his eyes darted over her. Steve might’ve been oblivious to her preferences until she spilled about Tammy Thompson, but damn it, that had been the key to a lock that was Steve figuring her out forevermore.

“Heather. You and Heather—!”

“They work together!” she shushed. “I had the best resource to help you with your dead end crush—”

“I am never a dead end,” he huffed. “Tammy Muppet Thompson is a dead end.”

“Okay,” she drawled in a hiss.

“Nothing stays at band camp! You squealed to Heather!”

“Why would I have supported your crush on Hargrove if I didn’t know you had a chance?”

That brought Steve up short. “You know he likes me?”

Robin’s dark blue eyes went wide. “Where did that get lost? Was it how he salivates around you so much that his tongue wags? That he brings you ice pops from the pool despite you working in an ice cream parlor? He behaves like it’s Florida or California, walking in here wearing only his swim shorts!”

“It’s hotter than hell outside, half the town is shirtless. Maybe if you’d told Heather to tell Billy that my favorite flavor isn’t cherry, I would’ve been impressed.”

“We’re always out of maraschinos because you eat them,” Robin countered. “What’s your favorite flavor?”

A deeper voice answered, “Caramel apple.”

Steve’s red neck blossomed up through his cheeks as Robin froze. Steve recovered faster, “You did say he was outside.”

“I thought we had time,” she bit out. “He takes so long to go anywhere, letting people look at him.”

“Are you two a package deal? Because I’ll need to read the fine print,” Billy remarked as he approached and placed two wrapped ice lollies on the counter.

Robin glanced at the green apple flavor boasting caramel sauce inside before she asked, “How long have you been here?”

“Long enough for all your customers and half the GAP to hear about you meddling in my sex life, thanks. Heather’s shifts for the rest of the month depend on how fast you can run.”

Instead of leaving, Robin smirked at him. “How about I take the rest of this shift, and you take the dingus to the pharmacy.”

Billy’s features flattened as he looked Steve over, not having considered him to be ill. He found the source quickly enough, sharp blue eyes riveted to his throat while Steve otherwise handed Robin his Ahoy sailor’s cap. However, she grasped it and frisbee-tossed it through the back room window.

“Screw company policy.”

“Oh-ho, look at you,” Steve sassed, shimmying his way around the counter.

They had to pass each other as she took over his shift, and her features pinched into a grimace. “You smell like a BLT. With pickles on the side.”

“My favorite,” Billy crooned, almost too quiet to hear.

A wave of heat swept over Steve, causing Robin’s eyes to roll while Billy’s nostrils widened. “God, get out of here before someone thinks we have salted caramel as a topping. You’re disgusting.”

“Maybe if you spent your time with Heather gossiping less and getting laid more, you’d sing a sweeter tone,” Steve finished, ice lollies in hand as he waved Billy through the staff door to the back room.

Billy’s composure lasted about as long as it took them to walk through another door to the hallways networking the back of the mall, and for the two of them to glance at each other. Billy’s hand slid over Steve’s lumbar, feeling his fellow alpha jump a little as the heat of his hand seeped through the sailor uniform. “Outside, pretty boy. You might lose your job if your scent lingers like that.”

“Why do you talk like that?” Steve blurted, shoving open the door to the outside. Hawkins was hotter than ever, and the lollies dripped condensation through his grip.

“Like what?” Billy countered, in the same husky tone as he let Steve back him up against the conveniently parked, maroon BMW. A good thing, indeed, that he’d worn a shirt today; the hot metal made him reach for one of the ice pops in Steve’s hand.

“Like you’re growling but shy.”

Billy pulled the wrapping apart to expose the green pop with murky innards promising caramel sauce. Instead of answering directly, he knocked his leg against Steve’s. The natural humidity on their skin made them stick, just for an instant, deliciously together. Billy liked the friction of their leg hair together. “And why’s it taken you this long to stand up to me?”

“I’ve always stood up to you. I just didn’t realize you liked being courted like this—that’s insane.”

Billy had bitten right through the corner of the green lolly that was threatening to melt into slush any second. His head tipped backward, a fast gesture to spare his teeth from the cold chunk in his mouth. “It’s ninety-eight degrees, Harrington, and we haven’t even reached today’s high yet.”

“You’re telling me,” Steve said as he raised the other lolly to the back of his neck. Billy’s tongue moved around his mouth, eyes resting way too long on Steve’s crimson neck. The poor guy was clearly in the cusp of a rut in the thick of July. It was a damn shame, for Billy’s cool fingertips found the edge of an inflamed gland and Steve vocally sighed at the tickling relief.

“You might actually need an ointment for this.”

Steve huffed and shoved the lolly—now ice pack—underneath the hair on his neck. “I get sweat rashes in the summer. This hair comes with a price that my glands pay.”

“Uh huh,” Billy purred, watching Steve’s mouth connect with the top of his ice cream and how his cheeks hollowed while he sucked the caramel out. A thread of sauce followed Steve up before he licked his lips—

Billy chased after it, licking sugar off of Steve’s lips between their kiss before Steve pushed his sweet tongue into Billy’s mouth. Billy’s fingertips found Steve’s chin and cheekbone, holding him in place while he switched sides. Their noses bumped together and Billy smiled against Steve’s overeager pursuit of his mouth. Getting teeth instead of lips made Steve complain, “Do I really smell like a BLT?”

Those doe eyes looked huge across the distance of their breath. Billy shamelessly gripped the red knot of the Scoops Ahoy ascot and pulled Steve’s uniform off his skin so Billy could press his nose against a collarbone. In his other hand, green apple juice dripped over his hand.

“Not yet, at least. You busy this weekend?”

The artificial highlights in Steve’s hair beamed in the summer sun as a dopey smile lifted his tired face. “I sure hope so. You mean with you, right?”

Billy nodded his head toward the car behind him. “We’ll take my car, before the heat takes you out.”

“What’s wrong my car?”

“I can’t drive home smelling you.”