#cevanslatte

Bucky laid on his back with his metal arm stretched above his head, his other arm holding you close to his chest. The room was quiet, you and Bucky staying in one room while Sam and Zemo had their own. Zemo’s place in Riga (why he had a place in Riga you guys didn’t know) was nice. If they hadn’t been there under the circumstances they were, Bucky would’ve loved to walk the streets of the city with you, hand in hand as you explored together. 

Things have been hard for him since Steve went back to Peggy and everything with Walker and Karli and the flag smashers and his fucking shrink wasn’t helping. But you were there to support him the entire way. You held him and listened to him when he told you of his newest nightmare. You took care of him in ways he felt he could never deserve given his history. You loved him so deeply it was impossible for him to not feel the same. 

You captured him with your sweet smiles and witty comebacks. You comforted him when he needed it but didn’t put up with any of his bullshit. You checked him if he was out of line and he appreciated that (also wouldn’t hurt to say it turned him on when you attitude checked him). You were everything he could ever want in a girl and he loved you just as much, if not, more.

He thought back on the last few days; Zemo, Madripoor, having to act like the Winter Soldier, Sharon, the whole thing with the shipyard, seeing Ayo in Riga. He paused and circled back to Ayo. He went through their conversation, his mind lingering on one sentence.

“With time, will, and the resources, the Winter Soldier programming was removed from you like a rotten fur.”

He thought about his days in Wakanda. He’d been a little hesitant about trying to remove the program when he was first told about it but only because he was worried about hurting anyone during the process. You reminded him that if he went to Wakanda and removed the program, he would never have to worry about hurting anyone because of the Winter Soldier again. That, and your love and support, was enough to convince him to do it. And he was so glad that he did.

It was tough at first, especially because he was alone but he wanted to be. He felt this was something he needed to do on his own. While you wouldn’t hesitate to go with him to support him, you were so proud he was taking this step for himself. You sent him off with a breathtaking kiss and a promise to keep in touch. He kept your words (and your kiss) close as Shuri and everyone in Wakanda worked tirelessly to remove the program from him. 

He remembered when Ayo tried the words on him and they failed. That intense fear that flowed through him as his eyes watered, just waiting for them to click and send him into a blind, murderous rage. But they didn't. Ayo said all ten words and he was still him. He was still Bucky Barnes. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he faintly heard Ayo tell him he’s free. A sob of relief escaped him, a weight being lifted and he felt like he could finally breathe. 

He was free.

The Winter Soldier wouldn’t hurt him or anyone else anymore. He couldn’t have been more relieved. His past would always haunt him; that would never change. He would always feel the guilt of his days with HYDRA and there was nothing he could do about it. But at least he knew going forward that he could finally live in peace and he was so happy he could share that with you. At least he hoped he could.

He thought about the ring he kept hidden in his jacket pocket. 

That thought brought his attention from the ceiling to you, Bucky glancing down at you laying in his arms. You were asleep, your head resting on his chest and little snores escaping you every now and then. You slung an arm around his waist and intertwined your legs with his, effectively keeping him close to you. Not that he wanted to pull away anyway. He tightened his grip around you and buried his nose in your hair, your lavender vanilla shampoo filling his chest. 

He sniffled as he thought about when he told you he was coming home. The way you lit up and your eyes watered knowing he’d be with you after being apart for so long. You listened with the proudest smile as he told you about his final test. You could see how much better he felt; his words were breathy and his eyes were brighter, speaking with a soft smile when he told you the words didn’t work.

You were so happy for him. He finally had the peace he deserved and your love only deepened for him. He could see it in your eyes when you told him you loved him and were so proud of the person he’d become.

God he loved you. 

He let a few tears fall as he kissed your head, shuffling closer to you despite already being as close as you could be. The movements caused you to stir, your eyes blinking up at him blearily as you were roused from your sleep. You blinked sluggishly as you tried to get your bearings, your eyes widening a bit when they focused on Bucky crying above you.

“Bucky what’s wrong?” you asked quietly, becoming more and more awake as you made sure he was okay. He let out another sniffle and shook his head, not answering you for a moment as he leaned down to place another kiss atop yours.

“I’m alright, doll.”

“Are you okay? Did you have another nightmare?” Bucky couldn’t help but smile. You always looked out for him and he adored that about you. Not only was he lucky enough to feel that support, but everyone you cared about felt it too and he truly admired how deeply you loved him and everyone else in your life. 

He was so lucky.

“I was just thinking about how much I love you.” his words made your heart flutter. You’d been together for four and a half years yet he still made you blush like it was your first date. 

“I love you too, Bucky. What brought this on?” you smiled up at him, tracing circles over his hip as you shifted closer. He moved down the bed a bit so your head was resting in his neck, your breaths mingling as he spoke.

“I was thinking about Ayo when I talked to her earlier today. She was upset we broke Zemo out of jail and reminded me of how they removed the Winter Soldier program for me,” he paused for a moment. “I understood why they’re angry but when she reminded me about the program, for a second I was back in Wakanda, sitting in front of the fire as she said the words to me.” 

“I was so afraid it was going to work. I thought I was going to lose control and I was going to be him again but I didn’t. She said them and I didn’t turn. It was the greatest feeling knowing I would never be him again. I wouldn’t be HYDRA’s asset anymore. I'd just be me. I only wish I could’ve shared that moment with you.” Bucky pressed his forehead against yours, shifting to lay on his side so he could wrap his other arm around you and press you to him. You were touched he wanted you there with him but you shook your head.

“You said Wakanda was something you needed to do on your own and you were right. As much as I would’ve loved to be right by your side supporting you, the Winter Soldier was something only you could face and you wouldn’t get the closure you needed if I was there. I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, Bucky. 

“It hurts me knowing how much you’ve been through, how much pain you were in while you were all alone but all that made you stronger and I admire you for that. Taking that first step led you to become the man you are today and I couldn’t be prouder. You are amazing, Bucky Barnes.” 

Your words left him in awe, not even bothering to respond as he cupped the back of your head and pulled you into a deep kiss. That was his response. You immediately kissed back, gripping the front of his shirt with both hands and pulling him closer. He tangled his fingers in your hair as he kissed you passionately, determined to show you how much he loved you. He loved you so much and he couldn’t believe he got to call you his. The weight of your words with the way you looked at him so genuinely made his chest ache.

He used to think he wasn’t worthy of love. He never thought he would get to meet someone he could love who would love him in return because how could anyone love him? He was a monster. He was a killing machine, who could ever love someone like that? He thought he was doomed to be alone forever. And then he met you. The first time you met he was still the Winter Soldier and you fought alongside Steve to stop HYDRA. 

You helped Steve escape to help Bucky, risking everything for him because you believed in him. You never faulted him for the things that he did. You knew he was under HYDRA’s control. You knew he never would’ve done the things he did if he had a choice. You made an effort to talk to him, to get to know him and let him know that you were someone he could count on. Steve was the only person to be so open and trusting so it meant everything to him that you cared about him. He hadn’t felt that kind of affection in years and his heart raced every time you gave him a taste. 

His metal arm pulled you impossibly close to him, swallowing your whimper as he gently bit your lip with possession. You were his just like he was yours. He put everything into this kiss, hoping you could feel how much he loved you. Your hands moved from his shirt to the back of his neck, your nails lightly scratching him as he bit your lip again. He hitched your leg over his waist and gave a slight roll of his hips, the both of you emitting groans as he held you tighter. He ground into you a couple more times before pulling away to breathe, giving you some long, hard pecks before he did. 

You both panted as you caught your breath, looking at each other with deep love and growing lust. Bucky nudged his nose with yours as he looked down and spoke before he could stop himself.

“Will you marry me?”

Your eyes widened as you processed what he said. Did he just?

“Will you marry me, doll?”

You had to take a moment to catch your breath once again.

“Are you serious, Bucky?” you asked quietly, heart swelling when he nodded.

“Absolutely. I love you so much and I can’t imagine my life without you. You saw me for who I am and not the person HYDRA made me be. You believed in me and stuck by me. I was alone for so long and I thought I would never live a normal life. I would never get to have the life I deserved because I was robbed of it but you changed my mind. 

“You showed me what it was like to have people in your corner and I couldn’t appreciate you more for it. You said that you’re proud of who I’ve become but I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for you. You’re my everything and the only person I want to be with for the rest of my life. Would you do me the honor of making me the happiest man alive by marrying me, doll?”

You were full on sobbing by the time he was finished, garbled cries leaving you as you nodded your head and said 

“Yes. I’ll marry you, Bucky.”

You’d never seen Bucky smile so wide before, happiness radiating from him as he pulled you into another kiss. Neither of you could stop smiling as your lips locked, little laughs leaving both of you as you lived in the moment. Bucky felt like he was on cloud nine. The love of his life just agreed to marry him. He held you tightly as you exchanged whispered ‘I love you’s’ to each other, basking in the love you both shared. He couldn’t believe you were going to be his wife. The thought made him smile as he rested his cheek on top of your head. 

He knew that tomorrow would bring more problems than they already had to start with. He knew that when they woke up, they’d have to go back to work so they could stop Karli and the flag smashers and get the shield back from the stale piece of white bread they were trying to call Captain America. He knew life would have to continue on so he closed his eyes and let himself savor this moment.

This moment that would forever be shared between you and him and no one else. He let himself feel your love for him and fell asleep in your arms, dreaming of the future he couldn’t wait to share with you.

A grunt escaped you as you jumped to hide behind a pillar, a starred vibranium shield being flung in your direction. The pillar shook beneath the impact, little cracks forming as you leaned back against it. You took the split second you had to make a mad dash towards your opponent, twisting your body to dodge the punches thrown your way. It was getting a little hard to breathe through your mask but you pushed through it, your orders blinking in red lights in your mind. 

“Get the files and terminate anyone who stands in your way, Soldat.”

You kept those words on repeat as you quickly jabbed at his stomach, a little groan leaving him as he grabbed you by the arm and threw you back. Your head hit the wall, your mask flying somewhere in the room and exposing your face. Your eyes scrunched in pain as you tried to get your bearings.

You had to get up before he could get to you.

Shakily, you stood up but before your vision focused, you felt a hand wrap around your throat and push you back against the wall. Your hands flew up to grip the one restricting your air flow, a murderous look in your eyes as you kicked your legs out in an attempt to free yourself. 

You watched his eyes widen and change from a look of anger to shock, his blue eyes flitting over your face as he took you in. It only irritated you further as you struggled against him, the man leaning forward and pressing his leg in between yours to keep you pinned. 

“(Y/N)?” He asked quietly, your thrashes stopping so you could get a clear look at the man in front of you.

You couldn’t see much of his frame as he kept himself pressed against you but you already knew he was massive, his broad shoulders blocking your view from the room behind him. His plush lips were curled in a confused pout as he reached to unclasp his cowl. It fell to the floor with a clatter, his blond hair falling to cover his forehead while his eyes stayed trained on you. You hated the uneasy feeling that swirled in your stomach as he stared down at you.

“Who the hell is (Y/N)?” You glared up at him, his expression turning from one of confusion to... sadness? Who was this man and why was he looking at you like that?

His grip on your neck loosened just slightly so you took the chance to lean up and headbutt him, the both of you groaning as he stumbled back and held his head. You sidestepped him and ran as fast as you could towards the exit. You’d have to stake out and come back for the files later. The man quickly composed himself and chased after you, managing to catch your wrist and spin you back into his chest. He wrapped his arms around your waist and held you tightly, bending over slightly to keep you from running. 

You grunted in frustration as you tried to break from his hold again, a foot hooking around your ankle until you were flipped onto your back. Your wrists were pinned above you and your hips were straddled by his, effectively keeping you from escaping. The uneasy feeling in your stomach intensified as he looked you over, sorrow radiating from him the longer he stared. What the hell was his deal? His eyes met yours and the intensity behind them forced you to stop wriggling for a moment. Seriously what was he staring at you like that for?

“It’s been a long, long time, (Y/N).”

His words struck a chord in you, your eyes widening as images rapidly flashed through your head. Images of the two of you together. 

Shrieks of laughter escaped you as Steve’s fingers poked and prodded at your sides, a smile spread across his face while he tickled you. Rain softly pattered against the windows of Steve’s apartment, the sweet melody of the record player dancing through the living room. You loved when he played music from the 40s; it put a smile on his face that you absolutely adored.

Your giggles quieted as you pushed his hands away, reaching up to loop your arms around his neck and pull him closer. You shared a loving smile as he rested his forehead against yours, enjoying being in each other’s arms as you listened to the combined sounds of the rain and Steve’s record player.

“So kiss me once, then kiss me twice. Kiss me once again. It’s been a long, long time.” 

You met Steve when he accidentally took your coffee order, a sheepish smile on his face as he handed you your drink and you handed him his. You recognized him immediately when he came to stand in front of you while rubbing the back of his neck. How could you not? He was Captain America, one of the Avengers who protected New York and the rest of the world. You always thought he’d be smooth and charming so imagine the surprise when he gave you a little crooked grin and apologized for stealing your coffee. 

“Captain America a coffee thief? I’d better call the New York Times so people can start guarding their caffeine when you’re around.” You lightly teased, smiling when your comment pulled a laugh from him. He had such a nice laugh. 

“Is there any way I can make it up to you? Can't have you running to the news and outing my secret criminal life.” You bit your lip and pretended to think about it, narrowing your eyes playfully at him.

“Trying to bribe me, Captain?” He shook his head and grinned at you in amusement.

“More like trying to score a date with the cute girl whose coffee I accidentally stole.” Your cheeks flushed as you looked up at him through your lashes, a hopeful glint in his eyes as he tapped his thumb against his cup.

“You free for dinner Friday?” You watched as his baby blues lit up with excitement, the two of you exchanging numbers before parting ways. Neither of you could wait for Friday to come.

That fateful Tuesday morning led to date after date before Steve built up the courage to ask you to be his girlfriend, sickeningly sweet smiles spreading across both your faces as he brought you into his arms after you said yes. Your relationship was nothing less than perfect, the two of you soon becoming New York’s sweethearts when paparazzi captured photos of Steve carrying you on his back because your heels were hurting your feet.

He made you the happiest you’d felt in a while while you did the same for him, his teammates often teasing him for the heart eyes he’d been caught using to watch you as you told embarrassing work stories to Natasha. You shut them down quickly as you told them they were just jealous they didn’t have girlfriends as cute as you, the group groaning playfully as Steve pulled you in for a kiss.

Everything was going great between you. 

Until it wasn’t.

You were walking to Steve’s apartment after picking up some takeout, the two of you agreeing to meet at his place for dinner. He was stuck at the compound so you promised you’d stop by your favorite Chinese restaurant after you got off work. You started searching through your bag for the key Steve had given you to unlock the main door, your gasp muffled as someone wrapped their hand around your mouth and pulled you into an alley. You dropped your dinner as you grabbed at the hand over your mouth, struggling in whoever’s arms as they wrestled you to the ground.

“You’re stronger than you look. Though you are Captain America’s girlfriend so I’m not that surprised.” Your eyes widened in fear as you fought to get free, your limbs falling limp as you felt a sharp prick in your neck before you were out cold.

You woke up in a frigidly cold room, head groggy as you tried to figure out what was going on. You went to rub the tiredness out of your eyes but found your wrists strapped to the arms of your chair, your feet tied in a similar manner. You tried to pull yourself out of them to no avail, your breathing picking up as you looked around the empty room. Where were you? Your panic only intensified when you heard the door open, two older men and a couple of scientists filing through it. You kept your glare harsh to hide the fear that was coursing through your veins, voice brash as you questioned them.

“Who are you and what am I doing here?” You asked, not really expecting but hoping for a serious answer because villains only revealed their masterplans to their victims in movies. 

“You are at one of HYDRA’s underground facilities Ms. (Y/L/N). You’ve been selected as our next subject to become our newest super soldier seeing as your boyfriend took our first.”

Your fingers trembled slightly as you tried to keep yourself composed. Bucky told you stories about his time at HYDRA when he was still the Winter Soldier, the dread in your stomach weighing you down as you realized what was happening. 

“This is our director, Alexander Pierce. I’m Dr. Zola, I’ll be in charge of your transformation.”

“Like hell I’m gonna be your next plaything. Steve is going to find me and when he does, it’ll be over for you.” The group of men smirked at your words which only angered you more. 

“Then we’d better make sure you’re ready for him when he gets here. Won’t it be fun to watch his little girlfriend kill him in cold blood, all while he begs and pleads for you to remember who he is.” Pierce smiled wickedly at you, his smile quickly shifting to an irritated frown as you spit at him. He said nothing as he wiped his cheek, using the same hand to back hand you. Your head snapped to the side, your cheek burning as you glared at him. 

“Eat shit.” You snarled, Pierce only smirking as he turned his back to you.

“Take her vitals and prepare her to go under. I want to start seeing results as soon as possible.” You tried to resist as Zola and his goons approached you, tears filling your eyes as you were once again pricked in the neck and put under.

“Please hurry, Steve. Please save me.” You thought as your vision faded to black, later waking up to a man speaking to you in Russian. You repeated his words as they unstrapped you and led you to a room to begin training, HYDRA’s new super soldier awake and ready to learn how to tear the world apart. 

The next year was a blur, your memory being wiped at the end of every week to ensure you stayed under HYDRA’s control. You were given orders and acted on them with no questions asked, killing whoever you had to to complete your missions. You were ruthless. You were cruel. You were exactly what HYDRA hoped for.

The next orders you were given were to retrieve some files from one of their old bases where you were met with an equally strong red, white, and blue clad soldier who gave you one hell of a fight. You weren’t sure how he got in but you knew you had to take him out as your orders rang in your ears. 

“Get the files and terminate anyone who stands in your way, Soldat.”

The two of you fought tooth and nail before you were pinned down by the man not once, but twice, his eyes piercing as he drank you in. You had no idea who he was and the way he stared at you made goosebumps rise on your skin, his voice soft as he spoke to you. 

“It’s been a long, long time, (Y/N).”

You blinked rapidly as image after image flashed through your mind, the gears in your head turning as you tried to figure out why his words were affecting you so much. There was something about him that seemed almost familiar, something about the color of his eyes that caused your chest to tighten. The way he held your wrists gently contrasted the way he handled you earlier, his gaze soft as he took in everything he could. 

“I missed you so much.” The man said tenderly? He missed you?

“Who are you?” You asked with a quieter tone, no longer struggling against him as you looked for answers. You wanted to know who he was and why he had this effect on you. He smiled sadly as he answered you. 

“My name is Steve Rogers. And your name is (Y/N) (Y/L/N). We have a lot to catch up on, doll.”

Ransom sat in the back booth of the tavern, sipping on some black coffee while he read the paper. He was on his way home when he decided to get dinner at The Flat Penny, a little rundown tavern on the side of the road. He couldn’t cook for shit and even if he could, he was too lazy (entitled) to do it himself so there he was; sitting at a table alone drinking black coffee because he didn’t like that froufrou sugary shit they always serve while he waited for his food.

He was expecting a quiet night until he felt someone grab his arm.

He looked up to see a young girl holding onto him, a desperate but sorry look in her eyes as she kept glancing back over her shoulder. She started to explain herself but was so nervous she stumbled over her words. He took in her features and even though she was at least ten years younger than him and not even the type he’d usually go for, he had to admit she was cute.

She looked to be in her early 20s, an aura of innocence surrounding her as he looked over her. She wore a cream turtleneck that almost matched his cream cable knit with a brown corduroy skirt and a green jacket to keep her warm. She had black leather boot heels on her feet, a pair of burgundy socks poking out of them and contrasting her black tights. Her socks matched her scarf around her neck, a mini bag hanging on her back.

“I-I’m so sorry for bothering you, sir. Could you help me?” Ransom’s gaze shifted from her hand that still rested on his arm up to her face that held a worried expression as she looked over her shoulder once again.

“How can I help you?” He asked simply.

“There’s a man who’s been following me and he won’t leave me alone. I-I told him I was meeting a date so he’d go away but he kept following me a-and I ran as fast as I could but I think he saw me come in here. Would you be comfortable acting like my date? I’m sorry to put you on the spot like this-”

“Sit down.” He cut her off, the girl thanking him as she sat down in the booth across from him. She took her bag and jacket off along with her scarf, setting them next to her while looking towards the door again.

“What’s this guy look like?” Ransom asked as he looked in the same direction as her.

“Tall, blond hair. I’m pretty sure mid 30s? He’s wearing a black pea coat and a blue scarf.” She described the man who followed her, her heart dropping when the man she was talking about walked in and caught her eye.

But he also caught Ransom’s.

Ransom reached across the table and held the young girl’s hand in his, her eyes flitting from the man to him as he winked at her and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. She had just enough time to blush before the man who followed her stood right next to them. His eyes went from her to the man who held her hand, his smile mocking and his tone unimpressed as he looked back at her.

“So you really were meeting a date huh?” He asked, Ransom already hating the way he looked at the girl sitting in front of him.

While Ransom was a grade A asshole, he would never make a woman feel so unsafe that she had to ask a complete stranger to help her.

“You bet she was. Who are you?” Ransom and the man had a little stare off as they sized each other up. The man scoffed as he looked back at the girl and smirked.

“You’d rather spend your night with this asshole instead of me? I could treat you so well baby.” Ransom was about to snap at him for talking to her but she beat him to it.

“My name’s not baby. And for yours and your fragile ego’s information, yes I would rather spend my night with this asshole instead of you. At least he knows how to properly treat a girl.” The girl had no idea if the man in front of her really knew how to treat a girl but he agreed to help her so that had to count for something.

“And how do you know that I don’t know how to treat a girl? I could treat you like a princess if you’d just let me.” The girl rolled her eyes at his sickly sweet tone.

“If you were gonna treat me like a princess you wouldn’t have chased me down the street and told me how pretty I’d look on my knees for you. Especially after I said no.” Her voice turned cold as she glared at him, Ransom feeling a little intimidated by her glare and he wasn’t even on the receiving end of it. The man could only kiss his teeth and return her icy stare.

“I think it’s time for you to leave, pal. If you don’t mind, I’m trying to have a nice night with my girl.” Ransom went so far as to lead her from her side of the table to his, the man having to step back so she wouldn’t run into him as Ransom sat her on his lap. The girl let out a squeak as he wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her cheek while smiling cockily at the man in front of them.

“Like I’d want a slut like you anyway.” The man scowled as he sauntered out of the tavern, his ego clearly hurt that he was taken down a peg. The door slammed shut behind him, the girl sitting in Ransom’s lap letting out a sigh of relief.

“Thank you so much for helping me.” She turned to face him, realizing how close their faces were and blushing. Ransom found her reaction cute.

“You’re welcome, darling. So you like older guys?” He teased her, the blush in her face darkening as she rolled her eyes. She went to move off his lap when he tightened his grip around her hips and pulled her closer.

A small gasp escaped her as she put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself, blue eyes meeting (y/e/c) as the man who held her hips smirked at her. While Ransom took in just how cute the girl sitting in his lap was, she was taking in how incredibly handsome he was. While she usually didn’t go for men much older than her, it was kind of nice to pretend that a guy as handsome as him was her boyfriend.

Brown hair styled to perfection with cold blue eyes that pierced through you. His sweater fit snugly on his broad shoulders, strong arms encasing her frame and holding her to his chest. A smirk resting on his lips as his eyes flitted over her face, soon falling on his favorite feature. Pretty pink lips coated in cherry lip gloss, parted slightly as she admired his sharp jawline. He wanted to know what they tasted like.

“You got a name or should I just call you pretty girl?” Ransom finally asked after he forced himself to stop staring at her lips. She blinked as she was brought out of her trance and he suppressed a smile at knowing he was the cause of it.

“My name’s (Y/N).” (Y/N). It suited her.

“Well (Y/N), my name is Ransom. Wanna tell me how we ended up here?” (Y/N) nodded, glancing over Ransom’s shoulder only to do a double take. He felt her tense in his arms, turning his head a bit to see what she was looking at.

“What’re you looking at?” He asked, her voice shaky as she said

“The man who followed me. He’s watching us from across the street.”

Ransom turned his head further to see the man standing across the street, a cigarette in his hand as he watched the “couple” in the tavern. He turned his attention back to the girl in his lap, thinking through his plan before making sure she was looking him in the eye.

“Do you trust me?” He asked.

“Enough that I chose you to fake being my date.” Ransom smirked as he lifted her by her hips and had her straddle him.

“Ransom!”

The tavern was fairly empty but the few who were there heard (Y/N)’s squeal of surprise.  Ransom held his hand over her mouth, his other arm pinning her down to his chest. He bit back a grin at how she tightened her thighs around his hips in an attempt to hide herself. He could still feel her and he was tempted to roll his hips up into her, but he refrained because they were in public and if he was going to make her whine, it was going to be in the privacy of his home.

“That guy has a good view of us so might as well give him a show. Just follow my lead.”

Just as Ransom finished his sentence the waiter came with the food, his eyes wide at the sight of (Y/N) straddling him. Her face flushed in embarrassment, a squeak caught in her throat as Ransom pushed her further up on his lap. She leant forward and hid her face in his neck, feeling absolutely mortified that she was caught sitting like that with a man she barely knew. Ransom couldn’t hide the smile that grew as he wrapped his arms around her back, his grip tightening on her waist.

“Hey! Eyes off her.” Ransom snapped as the waiter looked (Y/N) up and down. (Y/N) hid herself further, pressing herself even closer against his chest. The action made her hips (more like what was between them) roll into his, Ransom taking in a breath as he dug his fingers into her sides.

The waiter stuttered an apology, placing the food down in front of them before briskly walking away. Ransom rubbed small circles on her back, the girl eventually pulling away from her hiding spot to pout at him. It made Ransom want to bite at her cherry coated lips.

“Give a girl some warning the next time you’re gonna squeeze me like that in front of a stranger.” She frowned, the expression on her face too cute to take seriously.

“Duly noted, sweetheart. The creep still watching us?” (Y/N) looked up to see if he was still there. He was still there.

“Yeah he is.” Ransom paused for a moment.

“Do you mind if I try something?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“You can stop me if you’re uncomfortable.” The word ‘uncomfortable’ instantly raised some flags.

“What do you want to do?”

“This.”

Ransom cupped her cheek as he leaned in and kissed her, (Y/N) letting out a hum of surprise. His movements were slow in case she wanted to pull away but to his surprise (and delight) she slowly kissed him back, her heart pounding in her chest. They sat in the booth of the basically empty tavern with their lips connected, her hands resting on his broad shoulders while his slid to hold her hips.

(Y/N) had no idea what she was doing. Sure Ransom saved her and he was handsome, but he was still a stranger. She knew nothing but his name yet she was sat in his lap as he gently bit her bottom lip while she held fistfuls of his sweater. She let out a faint whimper, Ransom smirking as he fought the urge to deepen their kiss.

They had plenty of time to do that in private.

With a final nip at her lips he pulled away, savoring the taste of cherries she left. There was a slightly dazed look in her eyes as she tried to process what just happened, her brow furrowed cutely. She looked up at him to see him smirking, a deep blush coloring her cheeks as she looked away. He didn’t like how she looked away from him. He used the hand that still held her cheek and turned her face back so she had to look at him.

“Is he still watching us?”

(Y/N) completely forgot why Ransom kissed her in the first place, blinking before once again looking to see if the man was there. There he stood with a glare on his face, his eyes hard and his lips curled into a frown. A little huff escaped her at the sight.

“Why is he still there?” Ransom found the huff she released cute and let out a quiet chuckle.

“You got somewhere to be?” (Y/N) shook her head.

“Wanna swing by my place? I’d like to eat my dinner in peace and I can’t do that with some guy watching me like a stalker. Plus I don’t wanna drive you home because that guy could end up following you.” Alarm bells started ringing in her head at the idea of her going to a stranger’s house.

“You don’t have to drive me home. I could wait for the bus or call a lyft.”

“You really think taking the bus or calling a lyft is a good idea? You had to ask me for help because he was harassing you; what’s keeping him from doing it again once I’m gone and can’t protect you?” She knew he was probably right but she also knew that going to an unfamiliar house was just as dangerous.

“Ransom I really appreciate your concern for my safety, but we’re still strangers. It’s not a good idea for me to go to your house alone. Why don’t we go to a park?”

“It’s getting dark and it’s too cold to hang outside for too long. You can text a friend to pick you up from my place and keep them on the phone until they get there.” The idea of keeping a friend on the phone sounded okay but she wasn’t completely sold.

“Why can’t you just eat your dinner here? Maybe he’ll go away if we stay long here enough.”

“And if he doesn’t?” He raised a good point.

“Why can’t I call my friend to pick me up from here?”

“Who was it that just crawled into my lap and pretended I was her date to get some guy off her back? You don’t think it’ll look weird for someone else to take you home?” His tone rhetorical, (Y/N) knowing he was right. His words made her frown as she bit back at him.

“Hey I didn’t crawl into your lap. You picked me up and put me here.” Ransom didn’t bother hiding the smirk that graced him when he remembered the way her thighs tightened around him.

“So? You coming with me or not?” The girl thought it over for a moment before sighing, lifting herself from his lap.

“Let me just use the bathroom before we go.”

Steve loved her

More than anything in the world, he loved her

For him, she was the sun and he orbited around her

He would travel to the moon and back if it meant she was happy

For her, he would do anything

Anything

He wanted to be the cause of her smile

Make sure she was never frowning, not one grimace ever making an appearance

Steve made a vow to himself that she would never be unhappy the day that they first met

A day he would never forget

It was a cold day in Autumn

The leaves were just changing colors and a few even began to flutter to the ground

The coffee shop was where he found his solace, where he spent his afternoons to evenings

He found comfort staring into a cup of warm, black brewed coffee 

Just a few minutes later, after he’d settled at his usual table right next to the corner

She walked in

She was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen

Eyes bright and full of life

Her nose frosted pink from the cold air of outside

A scarf wrapped around her neck and covering her blushed lips

Her hair framing her cheeks perfectly

She was absolutely stunning

Steve swore his jaw fell open as he watched her take small steps into the shop

Her eyes darting over the menu as she looked for what she wanted

Her lips pulling into a sweet smile as she quietly recited her order

She made his heart swell

Their eyes met as she felt a stare being bored into her figure

A blush spread across both their cheeks as Steve looked down, mortified that he was caught

He heard quiet taps approach him, looking up to see the girl standing right in front of him

“Hi…”

“Hello...”

A few hours and some coffees later, the two were talking like they’d been friends for years

Comfortable smiles and hushed giggles filled their corner as they stayed until closing

Two people walked home as he made sure she arrived safely, smiles shown shyly while numbers were exchanged

Goodbyes were whispered into the night as the man turned the corner, doing a happy dance when he was out of sight

She knew how to make him laugh till his sides hurt

When he was tired, it was her shoulder he laid on

The days he couldn’t pull himself out of a slump, it was her hand that drew him back

A reassuring smile was all he needed from her to make his day infinitely better

She was his safety blanket and he wanted to be hers too

He wanted to be the only one she depended on

To be her one and only

And Steve would do anything to reach his goal

Anything

He tried to fill up her schedule so he’d be the only one she saw

The first to text her ‘good morning dove’, the last to text her ‘goodnight dove’

He did his best to keep tabs on her

Know when her family events were so he could accompany her

Her friends and family noticed his constant presence, questioning if they were together

To which she assured them they were just friends, not seeing his fallen expression

Steve desperately wanted to change that

But of course she didn’t know that

He began to grow more aggressive, persisting she change her mind when she wanted some ‘alone time’

She offered to make plans for tomorrow but he insisted and pled to see her

She didn’t answer his texts for the rest of the night

The first red flag was flown

Steve slowly started noticing a strange man showing up on her feed, the two of them eating out or exploring the city

Anger flooded him as he took a screenshot of her post and demanded to know who he was, the girl not understanding why she had to defend herself

Not understanding why he was so angry there was another man in her life

The second red flag was flown

He escalated to showing up at her front door, sitting there all day and refusing to leave

The girl resorted to jumping over her neighbor’s fence if she needed to leave, her face flushing when they walked in on her with a leg hitched over the pickets

She hid under her blankets as she covered her ears to muffle Steve’s screaming, shouts demanding she come out and see him, the poor girl fearing for her life

The third and final red flag was flown

He was leaving the compound when he was served a notice that she had a restraining order out against him and he was not allowed to come within one hundred yards of her

Furiously he ripped the notice to shreds, outraged a piece of paper was keeping him from seeing her

All he was trying to do was love her the way she deserved

Why couldn’t she see that?

He fumbled to pull his phone out of his pocket, nearly dropping it in his franticness

He had to know what the meaning behind all this was

He clicked on their text thread to see dozens of messages he left her all unanswered

It hurt Steve that she didn’t even look at them as he read them over

Please just talk to me

Why won’t you answer me?

I miss you

Please let me see you

He frowned as he scrolled through the unopened texts, composing a new one to ask about the restraining order

His chest heaved at the sight of a red exclamation mark telling him he’s been blocked, his blood running cold

She couldn’t have blocked him

She would never do something like that; she would never treat him so coldly

It must’ve been her asshole boyfriend telling her to block him so he could keep her all for himself

Yes that must’ve been what happened because he knew she would never intentionally hurt him

His poor dove, she must’ve been so scared

Steve had to save her from her piece of shit boyfriend so she could be free

So she could be free to be with him like she was supposed to be

He checked her instagram to find his profile but he was blocked there too

A huff escaped him as he typed in the other username he had memorized, upset that his dove was forced to block him online too

He found her boyfriend’s account easily and took some screenshots

Anything that could help him find any personal information about him

After a few hours of stalking he found his workplace, smirking as he searched and saved the directions in his notes

He spent the next few days watching him, following him so he could learn his schedule

Steve’s heart ached every time he saw his girl with the man he loathed, a smile on her face as he told her some stupid joke

It had to be a fake smile, one to keep her safe from his harm in case she didn’t act how he wanted her to

It was going to be okay

He was going to save her soon

She just had to hold on a little longer

She had to wait just one more day and she’d be in his arms where she belonged

The next day he parked his bike outside the man’s workplace, phone in his hand as Steve looked at a photo of his girl

Her eyes shone brightly and her smile caused the butterflies in his stomach to flap wildly

His fingers tightened around the gun as he counted the freckles that littered her cheeks, warmth spreading through him as the sound of her laugh played in his head

He fixed his gaze back to the office’s doors to see her boyfriend walking out, climbing off his bike as he began to follow him around the corner

For her, he would do anything