#avenger fluff

Steve’s eyes widen a bit, his mind running through the different activities. Glancing around him, Steve looks at the team’s various reactions. Bucky seems a bit taken aback but not surprised, Nat looks like she knows where this is headed, and Sam is already dancing in his chair. Vaguely shimmying to the beat of the song, a mischievous smile pulls on Tony’s lips as he raises his voice over the music. “We’re going to a Salsa class. Spiderboy, Wanda, Pepper, and Vision are going too. You can thank Sam for the idea. Be ready by 1:30, I booked an hour and a half” Before anyone can say anything, Tony shimmies his way out of the room, the music fading with him. Sam looks around the table excitedly, hopeful his friends like his idea. His eyes practically glow with happiness. “Make sure to wear workout clothes, y’all. Y/Ns gonna make you work,” Sam says, his voice almost mischievous. Steve lets out a defeated sigh, accepting his fate of stepping on many toes and struggling to keep up. Thinking back, Steve was never the dancer, and even less now with the change of music over the decades he’d been in the ice. But he’d be damned if he didn’t try, especially if Sam was gonna be watching, poking fun at him the whole way through. Bucky gives a nod, a small smile on his lips. “So this is where you spend your days off,” Bucky says like he should’ve seen this coming. Sam gives him a smirk as he gets up and grabs his jacket. “How do you think I got these thighs,” Sam replies, gesturing towards said thighs, barely contained by his jeans. Steve lets out a chuckle, chancing a look at Natasha. Grabbing her laptop, her smile is warm but challenging. “I’m gonna dance you into the floor Wilson,” she says, confident in her dance experience. Sam lets out a laugh, his tone just as confident and challenging, “Are you stupid or stupid? I’d like to see you try.” With that, they leave the boardroom together, the faint sound of Spanish music filling the Tower until they all pile into a car and drive to the dance studio. 

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Getting out of the car, Steve can still hear Bucky and Sam bickering, though the parking lot seems deserted save for a few cars. Steve doesn’t know what to expect. Especially since he’s never been a dancer, and knows less about Latin culture, something he only got educated on when he was in the 21st century. As someone who was always in control, this was very new. But nonetheless, he walked into the studio behind Sam, Bucky, and Tony with Pepper on his arm, with Peter, Nat, Wanda, and Vision trailing behind. The first thing that catches his eyes is the glass case full to the brim with different trophies and medals. The studio’s walls were floor to ceiling mirrors and a front desk area near the entrance, with a door that led to what Steve assumed was a locker room. “Y/N, your favorite Avenger is here!” Sam called into the empty studio. The locker room door opens, and Steve couldn’t stop his blush from spreading if he tried. The woman, who he guesses is Y/N, walks out confidently, her arms outstretched to hug Sam. She is stunning, to say the least, her brown skin glowing under the studio’s lights. Her hair is in a slicked-back puff, donned in a simple muscle tank and leggings. And she’s wearing red lipstick. “It’s always the lipstick,” Steve can hear Bucky teasing in his head. “Just because you’re my student doesn’t mean you’re my favorite Sam,” she replies, her voice teasing but fond. Steve feels Bucky nudge him with his arm, breaking him out of his obvious ogling. Releasing from the hug, Y/N turns to the rest of the group. “I’m Y/N, incase Sam didn’t give it away, and I’ll be your instructor today.” Steve feels his heart skip a couple of beats at the prospect of getting to stare at you for the next hour, though his pathetic dance skills will probably kill any chance he has with you. Steeping on someone’s toes wasn’t the best way to make a first impression. In a fight, Steve was light on his feet and agile, but fighting was very different from dancing. Plus his experience with women isn’t exactly the best and he would probably break one of your toes before getting your number- He suddenly felt all eyes on him and a long silence. Blinking, Steve notices you looking at him, your hand outstretched. If Steve wasn’t blushing before, he definitely was now as he stuttered. “I- I’m sorry what did you say?” 

Looking at him consideringly, you awkwardly retract your hand. “I was asking if you wanted to be my partner for this class.” Steve can hear Natasha and Bucky holding back their laughter behind him, and Sam just looks as smug as ever. “Oh, I don’t think I’d be a very good partner. I’m probably the worst dancer here.” Steve replies, laughing nervously and rubbing his neck with his hand. Your face lights up in understanding before walking closer to him. You grab his hand and usher him closer to the front of the studio near a laptop and speaker set up. “Which is exactly why you should be paired with me, Captain Rogers. You’ll learn better if you’re with me. Plus, I’m used to students stepping on my toes.” Your voice is resolute as you hold him by the hand, grouping up the other team members as you fiddle with the music. Steve can’t help but feel like this is set up as he looks between your hand grasping his and his teammates, all looking various stages of smug or suggestive except Peter, who just looks happy to be there, and Vision, who is just staring at Wanda. Grouped in partners, Natasha is with Peter, who actually has experience with salsa he found out, Sam is with Bucky, both noticeably not looking at each other, Tony with Pepper and Vision with Wanda. 

Looking at the other groups, you start to explain the starting position and the basics of salsa without the music. “Normally, the taller of the pair will lead with their right and the shorter will lead with their left.” You seem to think for a moment before you continue your explanation. “While salsa is meant to be danced in pairs, the lead is the one who guides the dance.” Gently grabbing Steve, you place your left hand on his shoulder and hold his hand with your right. Before Steve can form a thought, you start to slightly move him by the shoulder, using your weight to push him. “When you lead it is very important to use your body weight. Even a dancer with no experience can dance well if they have a good lead.” Most of the group is either trying to hold back their imminent laughter or they’re too busy trying to ask questions so you continue to use Steve as a test subject. You either don’t notice or ignore them as you run over to the speaker, start the music, and go back to Steve. “Can I do a quick demonstration?” you ask him, and it was really unfair because there was no way Steve could say no.  Steve nods slightly, and before he can blink you shoot off like a rocket. You push him into a spin to the right, a turn to the left, another spin, and Steve can only see vague flashes of movement as you move around him fluidly. You almost leave him dizzy, until you finish, letting him fall gently into a dip. Steve opens his eyes, not realizing he closed them, and is greeted by your face inches away from his. His face erupts in a blush as you stare at each other, your breath only slightly labored. He can vaguely hear applause and Sam complaining about not getting to dance with you before you let him stand upright. You let out a small laugh before looking back at Steve. “I hope that wasn’t too bad Captian,” you say, your hands fidgeting with your muscle tank. Steve can only open and close his mouth repeatedly before just replying, “Wow.” The team and you laugh a bit and his blush continues to spread down his neck. “Well, we won’t be doing too many spins today, but I hope that was fun for you.” Steve laughs lightly, his hand coming behind his neck. “Well I- it was a lot of fun. Felt like a rollercoaster.” Your smile widens as your laugh rings through the studio, and Steve tries not to think how nice it sounds before you turn to the rest of the team. 

You seem to get back into a professional element, letting go of Steve’s hand to help out the other pairs, especially Buck and Sam as they bicker over who should lead. Coming back to the front of the studio you grab Steve’s hands and get into the starting position. Reaching behind you, the music streams from the speakers. Leaning into Steve, you talk to him over the music. “I’ll lead for now Captain Rogers,” you say, your voice almost teasing. Steve can only nod jarringly, before replying shortly, “Steve is fine.” You nod in acknowledgment before addressing the rest of the pairs. “We’re going to start by doing the basic salsa step, just forward and back,” you say as you demonstrate. Steve stands trying to follow your instruction, his hand clammy against yours. Everyone nods before you start counting the beats and doing the basic step. 

The rest of the class goes on without incident, and Steve is proud to say he only stepped on your toes twice. The team seemed happy as well, the couples very comfortable with dancing and lots of laughter coming from Pepper on Tony’s behalf. The rivalry between Nat and Sam got squashed very quickly because Sam was too busy bickering with Bucky, and Nat was trying to make sure her and Peter’s hands wouldn’t stick together. Wanda and Vision seemed the most peaceful, though it seemed they were staring at each other more than actually paying attention. Bucky and Nat kept sneaking teasing glances at him, especially if you used him as another demonstration, your hands landing on his waist or vice versa. By the end of the class, the team was tired but pleased. Everyone was joking around and laughing, so much so that Steve could almost ignore the blush that had coated his cheeks for the past hour and a half. Saying their goodbyes, Steve went to give you a handshake, but you held his hand for a moment. Your eyes lock for a moment before you look back at your intertwined hands and take a deep breath. “I don’t want to be too forward, since we just met and all, but I was wondering if you’d want to go out sometime? Not dancing but maybe dinner-?” 

“Yes,” Steve interrupts. You both let out surprised laughs, Steve’s free hand going to rub his neck, a nervous tick you’ve noticed. Both of you are thoroughly flustered and whipped for each other already, Steve found it hard to imagine how he could’ve said no. You let go of his hand, happily running towards the front desk to grab a pen and piece of paper to jot down your number. As you write down your number, you hear a thump against the window of the door of the studio. There stand, very squished together, Sam, Bucky, and Natasha, looking very pleased. Out of your peripheral, you can see Steve trying to shoo them away. “I’m sorry about them,” he says, his voice only half upset. You smile at him and gesture back at the trio. “I’ll have to get used to that if I want to keep you, right?” Steve laughs, his smile lighting up the studio. “Yeah, but I’ll get them to leave us alone somehow.” You nod in affirmation, the trio finally trickling away from the door as they notice their position has been compromised. Handing the paper to Steve, you lead him out of the door, the afternoon light making your skin glow. 

“How do you have so much energy in the morning, Anthony?” a deep voice was suddenly heard from your back. You couldn’t exactly turn your head to check who it was so you simply stared at the reflection of the man in the mirror in front of you. It was Sebastian, of course, you didn’t really have to check, you knew what his voice sounds like wherever you hear it.

“I don’t know, man. I just feel like today is a great day. Don’t you feel it, Y/N? The sun’s shining bright and all.” Anthony replied and took a sip from his coffee cup.

You rolled your eyes, “I don’t know about you, Anthony, the sun shines brightly everyday.” You shot back and Evans uttered a quiet touche before sitting down.

Sebastian chuckled as well, and you couldn’t help but to check for his reaction on the vanity mirror. Unfortunately, he was also checking on your face on the mirror, which made you lock gazes with him for a short while. Cheeks flushed and palm sweating, you looked away.

The whole cast decided to celebrate the success of the first film by having a drink on the nearby bar, you came with them, of course and had fun despite of not drinking much because you knew to yourself that you can’t handle alcohol well. So you sat on the booth pretty much the whole night and only had two glasses of beer, it didn’t bother you though, the little chats and Anthony’s loud laugh was enough.

The time quickly passed and it was the moment that everyone should go home and take a rest. You bid them goodbye, and didn’t forget to thank them for making the night wonderful and that you had a good time with them, even making promises to keep in touch. You didn’t need a cab home since you live nearby and a short walk wouldn’t really hurt.

When you got in your place, you sighed quietly as you place your keys on the table next from the door and headed straight to the refrigerator because you felt dehydrated. Feeling hot and tensed, you decided to take a quick bath to get rid of the smell of alcohol on your body. After that, you slipped into a pair of pajamas and a loose t-shirt. For some reason, you didn’t feel sleepy, so you walked out of the room and went straight to the living room, hoping to watch some T.V. shows but you heard a loud noise right outside your door.

You dismissed it, thinking it was meant to be for your neighbor and maybe they just accidentally hit your door. But it made a loud thud again, you didn’t know if it was a faint knock or someone fell right on your doorstep. Panic surged in, thinking maybe it was a thief that has been trying to pick on your lock, you quickly grabbed a knife from the kitchen and checked on your door. You opened it for an inch, peeking on the other side of the wood to check if it was actually a burglar.

But to your surprise, it was the same man that was eyeing you all night from the bar.

Sebastian.

He looked… frustrated? Maybe it was the drink he had, or the tiredness, but he definitely looked pissed. He was about to smash his head on the door when he noticed your eyes on the side of the door.

“Jesus Christ, Y/N. I knocked on wrong doors, four times, since I didn’t really know where exactly you live.” He sighed and your mouth fell open, but you quickly recovered and opened the door wider to welcome him in.

“What are you even doing here? How did you even know where my building is-“

“I followed you, then I got lost for some reason, then I started knocking everywhere. I’m telling you, everywhere.“ he confessed, as you lead him to where the couch was and invited him to sit down with you.

“You know that’s kind of creepy, right? You should have called in first or sent a text, whatever.” You told him, checking his face and he definitely looked tired and tipsy.

He laughed to himself, “Yeah, I know right? Weird.” He brushed his right hand on his face.

“Do you want water or something?” you offered and he only nodded. When you came back in the living room, a glass of water in hand, he was already asleep on your couch. Mouth hanging open. You chuckled at his appearance before fixing his position into a much comfortable state. Then you picked out extra blankets and put it on top of him.

It all happened multiple times after the first encounter. Until one day, you ended up being naked, on your own bed, and on your side is a sleeping Sebastian Stan, unbothered with all his glory.

How can a man look so good while being asleep?

You didn’t talk about what happened, yet it did happen again, multiple times over. You were just scared to drop the bomb or to talk about the elephant in the room because you didn’t want him to disappear from your life. You overthink already that maybe sex was all he wanted and not the commitment so you kept your mouth shut.

The set director called out the cast that were supposed to shoot for the day, your hair and make-up is all done but you still asked for an extra minute to compose yourself. Everyone in the dressing room made their exit already, all except Sebastian.

“Hey.” He called out and you turned to him and stared, there was something about his eyes that you couldn’t lay a finger on, it was a kind of look you haven’t seen before.

“Hey to you too.” You replied, as casual as possible.

“You didn’t answer my texts.” He stared down, whether he started looking at the floor or his shoes, you didn’t know but he looked shy and maybe embarrassed?

“Oh,” you quickly thought of an excuse, you did got his texts, you just didn’t want to reply to them because it will be such a hard slap that you fell for him and he didn’t really feel the same way, “Yeah, I kind of changed my number for a while, but the old one is still with me, I just don’t use it anymore.. I uh, I’ll check it out when I get home.” You smiled sweetly to him and finally turned back to where the mirror is, to once again attempt to fix your appearance.

He sighed quietly and left the room. You finally exited the room and proceeded to where the other actors are.

The day ended quickly. A minute ago, you were finalizing the shots with the director and then he announced that it’s a wrap and that you’re all done for today. You wanted to go home and get a lot of sleep however, Anthony and Chris has other plans.

“I really can’t. I’m supposed to clean my place tonight.” You lied when Anthony invited you to come and have a drink with them.

“Come on, who cleans their room at night? That’s weird, you clean on either weekends or morning!” Evans butted in and convinced you even more to come with them, but you feel exhausted, and the fact that Sebastian’s also coming is no help at all.

You just gave them a smile before shaking your head, “Sorry guys, maybe next time? My treat.” You replied to them instead.

“You better!” Anthony said and then you bid your goodbye to them as they walk away.

After a bag of popcorn, cans of soda and about 8 episodes of a Netflix series, you turned the TV off and sighed to yourself.

Cleaning your place, huh? Nothing happened.

You stared at your phone and clicked on the messages that Sebastian sent, all of it were unopened, but now you finally took the time to read all of it.

Hey

Hello

Y/N?

Is everything okay?

I don’t know what happened but you stopped talking

Hey

“Idiot.” You can’t help but to whisper on your phone, as you were about to make a reply, you heard a knock on your door. Hesitating, your first thought is again, thinking it was a burglar but you knew better, only one person has the audacity to knock on your door at this hour.

You opened the door and it revealed a flustered Sebastian, with his hair disheveled and his arm is leaning on the door frame.

“You know what, I’m kind of hoping for a burglar.” You blurted out, like a whisper to yourself.

“What?”

“What?” you copied him. He looks drunk, so there was no point to say something meaningful and stuff because he will definitely forget about all of this tomorrow.

“Alright,” he brushed his hair back and swallowed, “okay before you say something, or kick me out—wait, I’m still outside, can I come in?” he looked genuinely surprised when he figured out that he’s still outside of your place, you tried not to laugh at his reaction.

“Yeah, of course.” You took a step aside and allowed him to enter, he sat on the couch and noticed the bag of chips, sodas and tissue on the center table.

He looked at you with a puzzled look, “This is how you clean? I mean, okay, cool, no judgments.” He pursed his lips and nodded at the surroundings, “You did a good job, this room is spotless.”

“Alright, what do you want now? If you want a place to crash just lay there and sleep, I’ll bring a blanket.” You offered, arms crossed on your chess. It felt like you were lecturing him on something.

“Wait, no.” he sighed again, as if he’s mentally preparing himself on something, it made you think as well, and you wanted to know what was running in his mind. “Before you say something, just.. hear me out. Give me a couple of minutes to explain and just let this out, 5 minutes would be fine.” He blurted out and tried to fix his composure while sitting down.

The look of seriousness that washed and took over his face made you sit down on the chair beside the couch as well. You weren’t prepared for this, in fact, you never really thought that this moment will come along. So many thoughts are taking over your mind: will it be over now? Is he finally telling you to cut ties? Is he seeing anyone?

He opened his mouth and your breath hitched, “I.. know I made a mistake for not clearing out the things that happened after, you know, THAT moment.” He emphasized, “I don’t know what came over me and what I was thinking, I literally feel like a fucking idiot for not explaining this to you earlier.” He exhaled shakily, “But fuck it, I’m doing it now. You see, a lot happened recently, you know, with the success of the movie, with the other projects we’re taking on, all that.”

You were about to speak but then he held his hand up to stop you, and then you closed your lips, “I really like you, Y/N. For real, I don’t know why it took a while for me to fucking say it. I always come here, to you, to tell you how my days went, because I enjoy being with you, so much. I enjoy your company, your sarcasm, your witty remarks and all that. I would really like to experience it again and longer this time, instead of just the sex.”

By this point, your mouth suddenly felt dry and every swallow felt like sand paper on your throat. Your eyes started to well up and then you ended up chuckling at his confession, “Wow.. you really are a fucking idiot.” You replied to him before making your way closer to him and landed on his lap, straddling him. “You don’t know how much you cleared my mind.”

“Wait, what?”

“I like you too, dumbass. So much.” No words are left to be said because before he could even ask further or to clarify what you said, your lips already crashed on his. The kiss was passionate, calm and slow unlike the ones you shared before, the hungry, rough and needy—not that you’re complaining, you’re fine with either way.

After doing the deed, you snuggled on his side and breathed his scent. Despite of the reek of the alcohol, his distinct smell was still there and you admit to yourself how much you missed this. How much you missed him.

“Hey.”

Your moment of peace was momentarily disrupted by him, “Hmm?” you answered him, feeling a wave of exhaust on your body.

“The things that I’ve said are all true, it’s not the alcohol. In case you’re wondering about it. I will remember this when I wake up.” He uttered.

You couldn’t see his face but you feel like his eyes are closed as his hands slowly caressed your hair and planted a soft kiss on your head.

“I know.”

You were supposed to attend on the set with Sebastian, but he needed to drop by on his place to shower because as much as he wanted to come with you, he doesn’t have clothes on your apartment. But he did promise you a lunch date later that day so you had something to look forward to during the day.

You were straightening your top when Anthony, of course with Chris, approached you. “Wow, Y/N. You look like you’re in a good mood today! It’s just, it’s radiating off of you, I wonder why.” You blushed at Anthony’s remark and wondered if he knows something. Maybe Sebastian told him something last night, when they were out for a drink.

“I’m always in a good mood, Anthony. What are you saying?” you replied to him and he only ended up giggling. Evans pointed out that you look pretty much the same to him, but Anthony still thinks there is something different about you.

“Seabass may or may have not spilled some news last night.” Anthony whispered to you and you ended up blushing even harder, “I almost knocked him out right there but instead, I urge him to come at your flat.” He winked and you smiled at him, without Anthony, you’re probably walking around glass flooring and eggshells right now, being careful around Sebastian.

“Speak of the devil.” Mackie announced, seeing Sebastian walking over and heading towards your way.

“You know what, Evans?” Anthony started again, facing Chris this time, “There must be some kind of rash going around people, do you think it’s perhaps, a communicable disease?” he said, Evans looked dumbfounded and genuinely clueless with what Anthony is saying.

“Rash? What rash?” Chris asked, you and Sebastian looked at Anthony, listening to what he is about to say because the rash topic came out of the blue. Sebastian stood quietly beside you and you feel his fingers brushing on your arm.

“See that bruise-looking rash on Sebastian’s neck?” Anthony tried to be as quiet as possible, even leaning towards Evans’ right ear but his words are heard from a distance. “It’s so weird because I have seen the same bruise on Y/N’s neck! But the ones on Y/N are much darker than Sebastian’s. Are you guys alright? Maybe, sick or something?” Anthony’s sarcastic remark and endless teasing has led you and Sebastian to cover your necks, at the same time, bearing the same crimson red cheeks as you try to laugh to hide the embarrassment.

“Mackie, one day I’ll kill you and no one will know.” Sebastian replied to him but Anthony ended up laughing louder, even holding his belly. Evans’ eyes are still squinted, trying to see the bruises on your neck and on Sebastian, when he finally landed on a conclusion.

His mouth made a perfect round shape, shocked at his own realization, “Oh, my god. You guys are…?” his trailed went off, but Sebastian ended up nodding on him.

“I fucking knew it. I knew there was something else behind those lingering gazes you both give to each other.. like, alright, the tension is there but damn.” Chris ended up shaking his head on the two of you.

Sebastian didn’t mind the teasing and Anthony’s additional comments as he planted a kiss on your forehead, tucking you in his arms.

“To answer the question, Anthony, no, we’re not sick. Just a bad case of bed bugs.” Sebastian told Anthony, even glancing on where you are standing, “A very cute bed bug though. The bites are painful but I kind of like it. Who knows? I might get another BAD case of bites tomorrow.” He teases you as well and you covered your face with your hand to hide the embarrassment and blush on your face.

“Thank God for make-up right? You can cover that up.” You told him as you walk towards where the set is.

“Well his name is Jake and he is a CFO for some bank around here.” You answered, “We’ve been talking all week, I’m really excited, he doesn’t seem like the other guys.”

Pepper nodded her head, she hoped you were right. Seeing you heartbroken at least once a week was starting to chip away at her own heart.

“We are meeting at this Italian restaurant at 12 for lunch.” You said and puckered your lips, observing your lip line and making sure it was even and clean. You looked at your phone for the time, 11:30, time for you to leave. You quickly grabbed your jacket and purse “By Pepper! By Mr. Stark!” You called from the door and with that you were gone without another word.

At the restaurant you waited for 15 minutes before Jake met you at the table, so far it was going better than your last 5 dates. “Y/N?” He asked pulling the chair out.

You nodded your head “Yes! You must be Jake.” You said smiling sweetly. The two of you ordered a glass of wine and made pointless conversation. The same pointless conversation everyone makes on dates; where are you from, what are your hobbies, favorite movies, etc.

“So, where do you work?” Jake asked.

“I work for Stark Industries.” You were proud of where you worked, Mr. Stark had done so many amazing things within the last several years.

“Oh wow, that is such a great company to work for” He added enthusiastically, you knew but retorted a humble answer, “You know I think I am going to quick use the bathroom before the waiter comes back for our food.” He said, “I’ll be right back.”

You checked your phone, and aimlessly scrolled through your social media feed, waiting for your date to come back from his bathroom break. After about 15 minutes you looked around, and sighed, you had no idea what was taking him so long and texted him asking him if he was okay. Another 15 minutes passed and there was still no response and no sign of him. You packed up your things and threw a fist full of money on the table to cover the glasses of wine you sucked down at an ungodly rate while waiting and left. Your drive back home was spent with you blasting music and trying to hold back your tears after yet another failed date.

You were greeted with Tony’s smiling face “How did it-” he started but was cut off by you pushing past him and throwing your jacket and purse on the floor and storming off into your room.

You unknowingly shut the door in Tony’s face and sat on your bed, wondering what was wrong with you. A ping on your phone knocked you out of your thoughts, it was Jake. You didn’t know why you opened it, you should have just ignored his message, but for some reason you opened it curious as to why he just up and left.

Maybe he had an emergency?

You should really post full body pictures on your dating profile.

Was all the message said.

You felt you stomach drop as your face scrunched in pain and you threw your phone to the side. You knew this was why he stood you up, your body, you had always been a bigger girl, ample hips, plush thighs that touched, a stomach, this was why you couldn’t get a boyfriend.

You hadn’t even noticed the knocking at the door until you could hear Tony asking to be let in. You got up and shuffled to the door, Tony sighed seeing your disheveled state, lipstick half gone, mascara running down your face, nose red, and pulled you into a hug. You backed up and shut the door before you accepted his hug and leaned into his shoulder crying and leaving tear stains on his tee shirt.

“What happened?” He asked sitting down at the edge of your bed.

“He showed up this time, but he left before we even could order food.” You answered hiccupping and rubbing your eyes. “Then he sent me a message a few minutes ago saying I should post full body pictures on my profile.”

Tony looked at you in disbelief “All right. I want you cleaned and ready to go in the next hour. Wear that dress you wear to galas.” He said standing up. You looked at him, confused at what he was telling you, “Well come on, hurry up.” He said and leaving you standing there in disbelief.

Within the hour you had fixed your hair and makeup as best you could and waited for your boss down in the foyer wearing your best dress. Soon Tony wandered downstairs clad in a grey suit and sunglasses and walked out to where his car was waiting. He sped up to walk ahead of you and opened the door “Come on,” He said and ushered you into the seat. You looked around still confused at what was happening.

“Where are we going?” You asked once he was in the car and already on the road.

“A date.” His tone was very matter of fact.

You looked at him shocked “A date?” You asked, “You are taking me on a date?” You let out a somewhat bitter laugh.

Tony glanced at you with a puzzled expression, “I’m serious.” He said, “It seems like these guys don’t know how much of catch you are.”

Your face flushed, and you looked down at your feet “I don’t know about that. Maybe they’re right maybe I’m too fa-”

“I don’t want to hear you finish that sentence.” He said putting a hand up “You really have no idea how beautiful you really are, you’re just too much for these guys to handle, they don’t know what to do with all this woman.” You smiled but kept our eyes averted.

You kept a watch out your window and gasped when a five-star restaurant pulled into view. You knew Tony didn’t have reservations, but that didn’t matter when you were Tony Stark. No wonder he had asked you to dress up so nicely. Once again, he walked around and opened the door for you and allowed you to hold the crook of his elbow as he tossed his keys to the valet driver and within minutes the two of you were seated at a table with an amazing view of the city. You looked at the menu and frowned, everything on here was so expensive, way more than you could afford “Don’t worry about the cost I’m buying.” He said, “It’s a date remember?”

You nodded your head, almost forgetting how these things worked after dealing with so many shitty dates. You didn’t know what to say “So, I scheduled the appointments for next week,” Naturally business was the first thing to leave your mouth.

Tony shook his head “This isn’t a lunch meeting, Y/N, I’m taking you on date.” He added putting his menu down and looking at you “What are your hobbies, where are you from? I want to know about you, you’ve worked with me for 5 years now and I don’t really know anything about you.”

You nodded your head, he was right, you knew almost everything about Tony down to what his favorite shampoo brand was “Well, I grew up just outside the city with my parents, I went to college for PR and I enjoy painting.” You continued, on and on, describing your family and college along with anything else that came to mind. The entire time he seemed genuinely interested, which was not something you were used to.

Tony nodded his head taking in all the information you told him and burying it in his vast mental bank “You like art?” He asked, “Have you ever been to the Metropolitan museum of Art?”

You sighed, out of all of your years living in New York, you had never once been to the Met “No… I haven’t.” You said sounding disappointed.

“Well then, we have our next date picked out then.” He said smiling.

You looked at him shocked “Our next date?” You asked, “I thought this was like a one-time thing…” you forced yourself to think of it as a one-time thing, a pity date for all the times you’ve been stood up, you didn’t want the disappointment of getting your hopes up for a second date.

Tony furrowed his brows “Y/n” He said, his gaze was intense “I am taking you on a date because I like you.” It was very much Tony’s style to bypass most formalities and get straight to the point “I see you come home ever week, one guy after another, breaking your heart and I can’t stand seeing it anymore.”

You sighed in relief as the waiter conveniently came to take your order before you could manage an answer, you looked at your menu and quickly scanned it as Tony made small talk with the young man taking your order. A grandiose picture of a steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, all the fixings caught your eyes, and you looked down at yourself and at Tony, back at the picture, then back at yourself and felt a surge of guilt push through you. Guilt for wanting to eat this glorious spread of food, you’ve eaten enough food today, you thought to yourself as you turned the page back to the salads and appetizers. You let out a puff of air “I’ll take a cobb salad.” You said smiling softly.

Tony arched his brow “What are you a rabbit?” He asked in a joking manor.

You shrugged your shoulders “I don’t know, I mean I had a big lunch…” you said trailing off

Tony handed back his menu to the waiter “Go on sweetheart, treat yourself today.” He said smiling slyly.

Your face flushed “Well…” You thought for a minute, thinking about what you had for lunch, oh right it was a nice big helping of tears and wine because you got stood up. “The steak dinner, rare?” You asked the waiter, he smiled and wrote down your order and refilled the two glasses of wine and went off.

The remainder of your dinner with Tony went very well, you two made small talk and were both surprised how little you knew about each other. Upon your arrival back to the compound Tony walked you back to his room, he sauntered by your side with his hands in his pockets, trying to act coy “When are you free next?” He asked.

You laughed “Well, I’m your assistant so I guess I should be asking you that…” You trailed off leaning against your door.

“Right…” Tony said trailing off “How about next weekend?” He asked “After the meeting with the marketing department?”

“So, Saturday at 11?” You asked, your mind was racing, you hadn’t been on a proper date in so long, how was he going to say good bye? Was he going to kiss you? Was he going to hug you? Give you a firm handshake?

“Yes, 11. Wear your walking shoes, we’re going to go to the Met.” He said and smiled, unsure on how to end things with you, he was never good at saying goodbye to people. So, he turned your head to the side and placed a lingering kiss on your cheek, it was sweet and simple and made your face flush. “Y/N,” Tony started, “As long as we are together, I don’t want you to ever feel less than, you are beautiful.”

You held his gaze, no man had ever complemented you so much in one night, let alone treated you this well, you didn’t know how to handle it “Thank you.” You said “I’m sorry, I don’t know how to handle complements.” You said looking down and playing with the ends of your hair.

It was all over the news, how people are suddenly disappearing everywhere. Cars crashing, helicopters smashing on buildings and the panic it gave to the whole world. You were worried, just a few hours ago, but you know that Bucky will get home to you. He has always been the survivor, from the dark period on his life with H.Y.D.R.A. and how Tony Stark came for him— he survived all of that, and he will survive this battle too. At least that’s what you thought.

Then someone came knocking on your front door, you hurried, thinking it was Bucky on the other side but instead, this heart-breaking news is the one that came.

Your knees weakened, and you sat down on the couch and just allowed the tears to fall on your face. You didn’t care that Steve was there and he’s seeing you like this, you just lost the love of your life and now you cannot do anything to make him come home again.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I.. We didn’t… We lost.” Steve was out of words as he simply placed a hand on a spot at your back and he rubbed it, “I will be at the Upstate building if you need any help, any help at all.” he gave your shoulder a squeeze before he finally exited the house to give you some time alone.

It never bothered you that you spent a whole week inside your bedroom. You only ate when you feel like eating, the last thing you ate is an apple, and that was three days ago. You kept sleeping, or you kept laying down on the bed that you shared with Bucky, to inhale the scent of him, to remind yourself what he was like, to remind yourself of the memories you had with him.

But now he’s gone.

Every morning you would walk outside and stare at the open space filled with trees and grass right in front of your house. On some mornings, Bucky would grab a chair and sit down while he enjoys his cup of coffee, staring at nothing but the peaceful scenario that he sees. He would smile at you when you come out of the front door and he will pull you and he would always make you sit down on his lap. He would tell you the things that he used to enjoy back in the 40’s, and he would tell you that this kind of calm and peacefulness is already a luxury that not everybody can get. He would say he is very lucky that he found you and that he gets to enjoy his life despite of all the horrible things he did. You would tell him to stop, and that he deserved everything good that’s happening to him. The dark period of his life with H.Y.D.R.A. is not him, it was someone else. You would always tell him that you love him, no matter what happens. It will always end up with a mini make-out session, or cuddle back in bed, most likely.

You just woke up and felt very sick. You got up quickly, way too quickly, that the pain in your head only got worst. Maybe because it’s because you didn’t eat anything, or that you just kept on sleeping. You laid back down again, wanting to rest more even though it was all you did for the whole week. But then you felt something in your stomach, not because of hunger— it was something else. Something else that has been climbing up on your throat, you started running to the bathroom and threw up. This is the fourth time you threw up ever since Steve’s visit. You recalled the past events and noticed how eggs tasted disgusting to you now, even though you used to love it before; you felt sick every morning; and finally, you were always, always craving for something else to eat that you didn’t have inside the house.

Of course, you knew and recognized all of these symptoms. It was all because of one thing. You wasted no time and fished out for the pregnancy test just behind the mirror on the sink. You always kept a stock there, whenever you feel paranoid if your period is late. All of the previous tests came out negative, so there is certainly no chance of getting a different result now. It’s not like you didn’t want to have a baby with Bucky, but you both decided that it is not the perfect time yet to have a kid. 

But that’s where you’re wrong.

So many memories and questions flashed right before your eyes as you stared at the pregnancy test and the two vertical lines that it showed. Dumb-founded, you reached out for another test and did it all over again. The test showed the same result, the same as earlier.

Positive.

“Fuck.” was the only thing you could say. You got up and went back to bed.

How are you going to raise a kid?

You didn’t really have anyone— no parents, no siblings, no other known relatives. How are you going to do this?

How will you raise a child, all alone, without the man you are supposed to celebrate this with?

How are you going to raise a child without the man you love? Without Bucky?

You tried really hard of the things that you should do: get rid of it or raise it, in memory of Bucky?

 “Mommy?” you turned your head to the voice calling out to you, gently pulling you out of your thoughts. Your son, you kept him and managed to take care of him with all of your heart. You thought about getting rid of him but that was all in the past— that was five years ago.

“James, sweetheart.” you picked him up and sat down on the couch, as you placed him gently on your lap, “What’s up?”

“Uncle Steve is at the door.” he answered quietly. Your eyebrows furrowed, why would Steve pay you a visit without prior notice?

You knew that something’s up, whether it’s bad or good, you don’t know yet. “Alright. Mommy will go check, you stay here, okay?” he nodded and kissed the top of your head as he got off of your lap and sat comfortably on the couch, on the spot right beside you. You stared at him, he got his father’s eyes. You remembered the first time you’ve seen him and you cried upon seeing his face, and cried even more when you saw his eyes. Just like Bucky’s.

You got up and started to head to the door, “Steve, what’s up?” you asked him and you noticed that he’s dressed.. formally. Too formal. “What’s going on?” you asked, you notice a few scratches on his face too, and you remembered that they had another fight just a couple of days ago. You didn’t pry, you wanted to stay out of it because of James.

He sighed, “I need to show you something.” he stepped aside and pulled you outside of the house in a very gentle manner.

What you saw was the least of all the things you expected.

“The battle I told you about.. is against Thanos. We managed to undo the snap and those who disappeared, came back.” he uttered softly beside you as your eyes pooled up and you felt your hand covering your mouth.

The man you thought you lost five years ago is right in front of you now. Smiling softly as his eyes started to look glossy. You walked towards him, slowly, afraid that maybe this is just a dream and the moment you touch him— he will disappear into oblivion. Not again.

But he pulled you in for a hug. Your outstretched arms, when it was within his reach, he could not contain himself anymore and got you right in his arms. Where you belong.

“God, I missed you so much.” he whispered softly right next to your ear as he plants soft kisses on the side of your head.

You never wanted to let go of him, never again. But you pulled away and examined his face, a few scratch, and his facial hair growing— but you knew he’s Bucky. Your Bucky. “I can’t believe you’re real.” the tears just kept on falling now, you didn’t care and neither him, he looked at you as if you are the most beautiful person in the world. You traced his eyebrow, the wrinkles on his eyes that forms whenever he smiles, his nose, and the growing beard. “Are you really back?” you asked, voice slightly cracking.

 "I am, baby— and I will always be here now. I’m not going anywhere.“ he answered you and you hugged him this time. Eyes closed and as you hug him tighter in your arms.

Steve appeared on your back, carrying the bundle of joy on his arms, "Mommy?”

Bucky pulled away and wiped his tears away with the back of his hand, straightening his composure, “I-I didn’t know you have a family now. I’m very sorry, I shouldn’t have come here—”

Before he successfully spiral down deep into his thoughts, you stopped him, here and then, as you placed your lips on his and kissed him tenderly, you should have done this a little more earlier so he won’t think of anything else, “I do have a family now.” you smiled at him.

He’s still a bit confused, perhaps even shocked, because of the thing you said or maybe the kiss. You faced your son and took him from Steve’s arms, James gladly came to you and snuggled on your arms, “Bucky..” you called out to him and you realized that he’s already staring at the kid you’re carrying, “His name is James.. I named him after his father.” you smiled.

His eyes widened, another set of tears threatened to fall from his eyes again, a smile slowly forming on his lips and he chuckled nervously, “H-He’s mine?” he pointed at the kid that you’re holding.

“Of course, darling.” you caressed his cheek and he gave into your touch.

James shifted and leaned closer to your ear, “Mommy, he’s got a shiny arm.” he was aiming for a whisper but Bucky heard him anyway, “Is he my daddy?” he continued his whisper.

You nodded at the innocent child, “Yes, James. He’s the soldier I told you about!” you replied to him with a cheerful tone.

James turned his head and looked at Bucky with awe and wonders in his eyes. Bucky sniffed, not able to stop his tears now, “C-Can I hold him?” he asked you. You were about to answer him but James already leaned in to the man, wanting to get carried by his father.

“The kid likes you. He never leans in to a stranger.” Steve butted in with a small smile on his face, hands on his pockets as he stares at the small reunion of James and Bucky.

You walked to Bucky’s side and rested your head on his shoulder. The weight that has been sitting on your shoulder all throughout the years has been lifted. You exhaled as you felt in your heart that everything is on its proper places. You were home; you were safe; you are complete. Now that Bucky’s finally by your side again.

James kept tracing the lining on Bucky’s metal arm, examining its appearance with the use of his delicate fingers, “Does it feel cold? It’s very cold.” the kid asks his father innocently.

“No, buddy. It feels just fine for me.” Bucky replied and snaked his flesh arm on your shoulder, “He’s got my eyes, Y/N.” he looked at you and his glossy eyes were back again.

“I love you, Bucky. Always.” you whispered to him and leaned in to his face to plant a kiss on the side of his lips.

“I love you, Y/N. I’m so sorry for not being with you ever since he, since James was born.” Bucky replied with the warmest smile he could ever give and kissed the top of your head.