#litaf writes

There were lot of shops, but they were full of people standing in front taking shelter from rain.

Several people were carrying umbrellas but even in sea of people his appearance will fail to shield him, even if he hunched.

Nothing big.

Hind in plain sight.

Something simple.

His training resonated in his head again.

Public displays of affection make people uncomfortable. Steve’s words echoed in his mind when his friend narrated his and Nat’s escape from hydra agents in ‘no escape’ situation.

He had taught Natasha well, back in the day they would never let go of such opportunities.

Somethings never go away.

An idea formed in his head just in time something caught his eye, he plucked bouquet of roses from the stand on the footpath, knowing the owner must have taken shelter under one of the shop’s ridge.

He will find a way to give him money later, walking faster avoiding bumping into anyone as he neared his target.

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You stepped out of the shop shifting bags in you one hand opening your red umbrella with other, making way home.

Rain was falling steady, slowing everyone’s pace, as they clutch their coats and belongings near trying to shield themselves from rain.

As you mixed into the crowd, unaware that someone was making their way towards you.

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Bucky kept his head down and shoulders still hunched as he progressed towards the ‘red umbrella’.

He sincerely hoped that whoever was under it won’t be too dramatic and punch him for, what he was about to do.

He contemplated before reaching out and tapping on your shoulder, but it was the only option he could see other than getting caught.

Evac vehicle was making its way towards him but it was still far away and the guys tailing him were closing the distance.

Although, he was not sure how to approach he hoped the person would be sensible and will have an ounce of presence of mind.

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Someone tapped on your shoulder and before you knew you were turned on the side and the person was gripping your shoulders.  

You were about to protest but the person spoke first & your words caught in your throat, you continued to gaze into the ocean blues.

“Sorry to do this but I need your help ma’am” your intruder spoke in one breath

“Need you to pretend for just a couple of minutes, like I’m your boyfriend” holding a bouquet of red roses in front of you, not knowing if he was able to get through you.

You were about to say something when he pulled you closer, pressing himself into the buildings wall behind, to avoid holding up the passersby.

Bucky tilted your umbrella to hide his face, as still no words came out of your mouth.

Before either of you could react, you heard couple of voices.

“Believe we lost him?” one guy asked

“He couldn’t have gone far, look around you” second one ordered

As if some bulb switched on in your head you caught up to the situation as you leaned closer to the stranger who looked fearful,

“OMG honey these are beautiful, you know how much I love red roses” you placed your hand on either side of his face pulling him closer.

Catching up to your clue, Bucky shifted closer to you, looking into your eyes for hesitation.

You just pulled him closer and your lips met, his were colder than you anticipated but none the less you continued.

After the initial shock wavered Bucky pulled you to him with one hand around your waist and another tangled into your hair, he angled your face as he could keep eye on passersby.

You pressed yourself into him, as you were still juggling your bags and umbrella but stranger was doing pretty good job in keeping you in place and kissing you that you were not bothered by the awkward position.

As he continued to kiss your warm soft lips, Bucky started to lose himself into it. It had been really long since he has had such intimacy with someone and he would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy this.

Maybe because it was life and death situation or maybe because it was such a romantic setting, falling rain, under the umbrella, just for second he wanted to pretend that he was kissing the love of his life.

As you were lost in the kiss, you heard the same two voices, and Bucky’s hold on your waist tightened

“Maybe he had partner, who picked him up” one of them said

“Yeah, maybe” second one said “Let’s go back on the same route to check if we can trace him”

Hearing the departure, Bucky broke the kiss, resting his forehead on yours. Both of you panting, as your breaths became one.

“Wow” praise escaped through Bucky’s lips.

“Yeah, wow” you agreed

“I’m so sorry doll” Bucky apologized his face twisting in genuine regret

“Don’t worry about it” you assured “I always dreamt of being kissed in the rain by love of my life”

Bucky chuckled as you winked at him, “Half of it came true, tonight”

“Barnes, you are clear” he heard Sam’s order in his ear

“Damn, next time I want to kiss the girl” Clint said from behind

Bucky just groaned, stepping away from you.

“Gotta go doll, thanks once again for saving my life” Bucky said caressing your cheeks with his gloved hands

Disappointment clear in your face but, you reminded yourself that this was a stranger after all, he could be a bad guy too. For all you could know you might have become accessory in some crime. You truly hoped it wasn’t the case.

You just nodded in agreement, as he put some distance between the two of you and you missed the warmth. Now that rain was almost stopped you could see his handsome face clearly.

He gave you a gentle smile, kissing your cheek with now warm lips.

Before you could say anything, he turned you so your back was pressed to the wall. He tucked the bouquet of roses in one of your bags & made his way to the waiting vehicle, which sped away before you fully recovered from what’s just happened.

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Some part of him feels better seeing her revelling at his words. But another part of him hates it, the part of him that’s telling him to stop playing with her emotions and with his own.

The one that’s been nervous to go to the party he is headed for.

The one that he rarely let’s out nowadays.

The one actually looking forward for him to go to this party and finally get to see you.

‘How long has it been?’ 

‘More than eight weeks’, the same part reminds him.

‘Two months, 3 days, 14 hours…’

‘Not if you count the brief phone call couple of weeks back’.

God Bucky was such an asshole to you!

Sure the timing was odd and the way you asked, no begged him to come and visit assuring that you just wanted to talk to him felt weird, but at the time the so called “rational” part of him felt proud that he reprimanded you standing his ground by saying no to you.

But he didn’t feel better after that, he continuously thought of you after that, even though he watched movie with her, his now girlfriend.

Made love no tried to make love to her and although she reached her release because of him, he had to think of his rushed, encounter with you at the midnight on the rooftop to achieve his peak. 

‘okay stop’, other part the more rational part yells at him…

It’s like he has an angel and a demon sitting on his shoulders.

But he can’t tell who is eviller, the angel or the demon. 

The angel part tells him, what he did was right, what he is doing is right, for both of you.

The demon part smirks at him? Which both? Him and her or him and you? 

‘Stop it’, angel part warns. 

What he did, what he said was the right thing. This love between the two of you is toxic!

It’s not good for him, for you.

To see you ready to be blown along with him, because you couldn’t get him out in time, that’s not love.

That’s obsession, it’s not healthy. 

But what’s love if you are not ready to die for it? Isn’t that’s what those love stories say.

 No no no.

He can’t do this. He can’t go back to these thoughts, not when he is about to see you in few minutes. Not when he is standing with another woman in his bathroom, getting ready to go. Meet his friends, officially be introduced as his girlfriend.

He needs to do this; he needs to set it right. He needs this time, for himself, to discover himself away from everyone, his friends, his team, his family, you.  

She is perfect, she is beautiful, sane, grounded, wonderful, knows everything, still accepts him, dare he say loves him. 

But so, do you. 

He knows love when he sees it. 

And that’s not what he feels for her. Or he does but it’s not the same kind.

God! This is so confusing, so Messy.

Why? Why life was so difficult. Which deity did he displease in his past life that his sufferings never end? 

No. No, what he is doing is right. It’s right for him, it’s best for him. The woman in front of him is the best thing that can happen to him. She is the blessing, she is the one who has been there for him for past two years, she is “perfect”. 

Then why does he keep on thinking about you? Every damn second of the day. Why does he fight himself from running towards the tower where he knows you are waiting, waiting for him.

To be his. 

‘Because love is not perfect’, the demon whispers. 

‘It is this messy, this consuming, this painful, yet exhilarating, freeing’. 

Why does he close his eyes and thinks about you when he is being intimate with the perfect woman in front of him. 

Why does he, keeps on thinking about you when he is alone, he just has to close his eyes and he can remember every single detail of your body perfectly. The marks on your body left from missions, or the ones he left himself. When he accidentally held you harder while having nightmares. Or the happy ones when he bit your thighs while going down on you when you snuck into the empty office before the meetings. 

‘No no no’, he can’t think about this. The angel screams. 

“Bucky” she tapes his shoulder 

“Huh” Bucky looks at her 

“Did, you get lost in your head again?” She observes mildly

“Yeah, no, I just” Bucky shook his head

“It’s going to be alright Bucky” she assures

God this woman had patience of a saint. 

“Of course, it is” Bucky says “Everything is perfect, they’re going to love you, they already know you, nothing has changed, and it’s just Stevie’s birthday nothing big” he reassures her or himself he doesn’t know.

She gives him wary smile, but says nothing further.

“You look beautiful sweetheart” Bucky says once more and kisses her cheek.

It feels more formal, he still isn’t comfortable with her. They have kissed, made love for God sake but every time he tries to be free, something in him holds back.

Is it because he doesn’t want to get hurt again or he feels guilty because it’s not you, he doesn’t know and he doesn’t dwell on it either. 

The closer they come to the tower, his anxiety skyrockets. 

The demon is thudding against his ribcage, trying to be free. Trying to run away and latch itself to you, like a child latches itself to its mother’s leg after being separated. 

‘Ugh, he is pathetic’, Bucky thinks & angel and demon nod in agreement.  

It’s the usual hustle bustle, typical Stark party thrown for America’s Golden Boy. People everywhere, who’s who from every part of industry is here.

Grrr, Bucky hates this already, but what can he do? He can’t turn his back away to his oldest and his only living family member because he is anxious and has love problems.

‘Classic Bucky, always has a problem with dames’, he hears Steve’s mocking in his head. 

Seriously, what a pathetic friend Bucky has been to Steve. Moving out of tower, not answering his calls, texts, meeting him when his girlfriend is with him. 

Poor Steve, deserves better than this. They’re Avengers, have bigger problems than Bucky’s love life. He sinks deeper into his self-deprecating rabbit hole. 

Steve also has issues and no-one to understand than Bucky and all Bucky does is self-wallowing. 

He spots Steve quickly, always surrounded by people nowadays, it’s a good picture especially when back in the day Bucky had to try so hard to find company for Steve and try even harder to keep it as little punk always found trouble. 

He walks up to his best friend without a word and hugs him tight. Not caring people’s gaze or judgement.

“Whoa” Steve breaths “hey there buddy”

“Happy Birthday Stevie” Bucky whispers tightening his hold. 

“Thank you, jerk” Steve pat his back

“You welcome, punk” Bucky retorted with no heat behind the name calling

Steve looked over his shoulder towards her, concealing his mild discomfort very well. 

It was a package deal he guessed, wherever Bucky went she went. 

“Happy Birthday” she wishes Steve shaking his hand “thanks for inviting me" 

"Of course,” “you are our friend too, not just Bucky’s” Steve says to her

He hands each of them champagne flutes, Bucky could see teasing defiant glint in his best friend’s eye which challenges to be corrected, and little disappointment on her face at being addressed as his friend not “girlfriend”. He could see his friends were still not warmed up to the idea. 

Steve clicks glass with Bucky, “This is just for show, real stuff at the bar available on request only” winking 

Bucky just snorts, coming out of his thoughts.

His gaze fleeting around, looking over at the guests. Steve sees but before he could say anything Bucky spots you, laughing with Natasha and Wanda.

The demon and angel sigh, for once have the same reaction to something rather someone.

In dim lighting you are “glowing” as if you have some fire within which is bringing out a warmth. 

“Wow” angel exclaims “Not seeing you does benefit her" 

Bucky’s heart clench at the observation.

"Isn’t that’s what you want?” Demon asks  

Bucky thinks, demon feels it serves him and angel right for pushing you away. Although he knows demon will do something to change it very soon, yet he can’t help but stare at you.

The glow is not a wildfire that burns everything down, that resonates passion!

It’s a calm burning wood fire, like the one he remembers when his Ma used to take him to the bakery to buy bread, or standing next to the stove to get that extra comfort on cold winter mornings. 

The one tells you that you are home, safe! That everything will always be alright.  

Before he could tear his gaze away, someone approaches you.

‘A man’, Angel remarks, demon snarls.

The man puts a hand over your shoulder casually and offers sip of a fruity drink from their glass. 

You smile gratefully and take long sip. Then whisper something, a thank you maybe. Person just smiles at you and rubs your back gently.

Since when do enjoy, let alone drink fruity cocktails? Bucky thinks?

You were a scotch girl. You liked it neat. Hell, you were the only one after Steve and him who could handle Thor’s famous Asgardian mead. His gaze again flickers to the group.

Nat says something and Wanda agrees, you just roll your eyes and blush. The person next to agrees too and you poke him playfully. Bucky’s hand wraps around his beer bottle dangerously that sound of a crack brings him out of his thoughts.

This man next to you is nothing special. He looks so ordinary, like he has no business being here, being next to you. Still he is there, next to you like he belongs at your side.

Like he deserves to bask in your warmth.

And you!

“You” are readily giving it to him. Holding on to him, daresay Bucky, you are clinging to this man, as if you need his ordinary existence to survive.

You! You don’t cling. You don’t need support. You don’t need him! 

‘Which him?’ Angel asks

Demon snorts, growling!

Bucky just can’t take it anymore; he must do something. 

Before he makes a move, someone touches his forearm. He is about to brush away but he looks up, her.

‘shit’ Bucky curses inwardly. How must he be looking staring at you without care in the world. Did she caught him looking at you?

Could she feel his turmoil, could she see storm in his eyes?

Of course, she could, she can see everything, feel everything knows everything.

‘You are an asshole’ demon points out

Angel just groans

He meets her eyes, half ashamed to be caught. But she is smiling at him gently, wait she didn’t see him looking at you? Her eyes are a different story than her face, there’s pleading as if imploring him not to embarrass himself and her of course. Not to backtrack on his promise, not to crack the trust. He hates himself more for putting her in a place where she is still questioning her place in his life.

Before he could say or do anything, his gaze lands on you one more time and this time he finds you staring at him already. The glow is dimmed, there is sadness in your eyes, the look on your face is that of loss.

Loss of something precious, loss of Love.

You take sharp breathe in as if to control yourself from crying but a tiny sob betrays you, and your eyes glister. Everyone around you notice change in you and follow your gaze. They all look at Bucky and her, even if they notice they decide not to acknowledge. 

The women are literally throwing daggers at him with their sharp looks. He knows and fears that Wanda can actually hurt him, but her dark eyes just show tinge of wrath before it turns back to normal same with the fiery redhead. The man next to all is little clueless but within seconds recognition runs in his eyes and his hold on you tightens.

They all just turn and drag you to dancefloor.

“Bucky”, she calls as runs her hand over his forearms, voice little unsure, after witnessing the exchange.

Before she could say anything or offer any words, Bucky smiles at her shaking his head.

Takes her hand and guides her to the dance floor. He promised her good time, he is going to be the best boyfriend and ‘play’ his part. 

She wants to protest, but within seconds her resolve weavers and they’re dancing on the peppy number playing. 

He can see the group. He makes sure they’re in his line of vision.

None of you are doing any serious dancing, instead the other three are doing funny expressions and little shenanigans as if to make you laugh, to improve your mood. 

It looks like you are caught in your head and they’re doing their best to distract you and get you to enjoy the party.

It works somehow when Sam and Steve join the group and what seems like, Steve pulling out, “it’s my birthday and you have to do as I wish” card.

Although the punk can’t dance to save his own life and as if it’s a cue, DJ changes the song to a slower one. 

Bucky sighs knowing it’s your song.

He looks over, Steve pulls you closer and you sigh in his embrace, it’s as if someone from family held you close and gives you comfort. Both Steve and you saway slowly. 

He exhales and closes his eyes and your face pops up in his mind, while pulling her closer, burying his face in her neck, hands roaming, he inhales her scent but it’s all wrong it’s not bad but it’s not what he likes and it’s not what he wants. 

She is not unaware what’s playing in Bucky’s mind, but for some time she wants to give in, wants to relish in the attention, the touch Bucky is offering her, even though she knows it’s not hers, that these moments maybe numbered and might be taken from her.

She knows your hold on him is permanent, body and soul. It was easy for her to think or pretend that Bucky could be hers eventually, when you were not around but the moment you came back.

She knew she was fighting lost battle.

A fight she had no place in, but the heart wants what it wants.

She wanted to be selfish, wanted to believe him when he said he didn’t love you anymore, that he was hers and he would love her the way she loved him.

But the moment you came around, he was lost. 

She still remembers the phone call in the middle of movie night. Just minutes before Bucky had asked her to stay over, while watching movie. How even though Bucky insisted he didn’t want to talk to you, he itched to answer you, it was like he was conditioned to answer you. 

She hated it how deep your hooks were in him. She told him to answer as she made her way to kitchen to drink water or to soothe herself, she could here when Bucky reprimand you, insisting he needed space. After the dreadful conversation, for a minute she felt he will leave her to come to you, but he tossed his phone away. 

The same night they made love for the first time. She knew he was giving in to reassure her that he was hers, even though he was not ready for it. He was still insistent, maybe they both needed the assurance.

So, she took it.

She selfishly basked in the warmth. Felt like a small victory. Only for a new day to arrive, and start new battle. 

That’s what tonight was, she knew Bucky was dreading meeting you, but he couldn’t avoid his best friend’s birthday.

Also, he couldn’t avoid you and his team, his family forever.

So, when he asked her to be there with him, she was going to be there as his anchor. Someone for him to hold on to when his mind strays and tries to get him to latch to you again.

She saw the way he looked at you, the way his body trembled as if it was trying to work against gravity that was pulling him towards you.

As if, his body was doing something unnatural by not being next to you.  

But right now, he is in her arms, rather she is in his. He is caressing her, kissing her neck, feeling her up. By the moments pass his actions are getting heated and she is forgetting everything, it’s so easy to love him to fall for him.

How can she not?! 

He is nipping at her collar bone, grunting in the process, lips ghosting over her jawline and then over her lips.

As if he trying to make love to her.

His tongue slips past her lips and he grabs her hips pulling her as closer as it was possible and grinds against her.

Her skin prickles and she gasp, it’s as if he is trying to make love to her. But suddenly song stops and she realises they’re on the dance floor, in public for everyone to see.  

“Bucky” she sighs. Trying to push him away, both of them trying to control their breathes.  

“Bucky, everyone can see us” she chastised him  

Even though there is no heat behind her rebuke, it pulls Bucky out of his spell and his eyes widen in realisation as she tries to get free and excuses herself to the bathroom. 

Bucky straightens up and nods at her. He takes in the surroundings to see if anyone noticed.  It’s dark and people are enjoying the party. 

His eyes roam in your direction, you are standing as if frozen, you have witnessed his actions and Bucky can see unshed tears in your widened eyes.  

“Well done”, Demon snarls 

Bucky whimpers.

All the while he was dancing his eyes were closed and he was imagining you in his arms. But you don’t know neither does she. 

Bucky, thinks he is a ‘number one’ asshole. 

“Yes, you are” angel and demon affirm.  

And of course, you saw him, of course you look hurt. Like you can’t believe he would actually hurt you like this, like some kind of vengeance. He, feels ashamed, like he somehow is betraying you. 

You must be thinking he is doing it on purpose, to show you that he has moved on. To make his words true, that he doesn’t love you anymore.  

Steve is trying to coax you, ask you why are you so upset but you just look upset. You shake your head, mumbling something asking for fresh air and water. 

Steve nods and makes his way to get the drink. 

Bucky releases the breath he was holding when your eyes meet. He saw you make your way to the balcony; he follows you avoiding angry stares from widow and witch duo.

Sam and your other companion just look confused. 

When he enters the balcony, your back is to the door, your shoulders are shaking looks like you are wiping the angry tears. 

He curses himself for being the cause of your pain. He never wants to see you cry; his heart literally breaks in pieces when he sees you like this. 

Before he could say something, or at least announce his presence you speak. 

“I always thought it would be impossible for me to fall in love. To find someone, doing what we do and still get to have everything. Then, I met you and thought it was a dream, maybe it was. Because nothing good lasts forever. I broke us, in fear thinking I could never achieve the heights I wanted, if I had someone to tie me down, to hold me back. So I ran, ran from everything, you, my family, the love. ” You laugh 

Bucky doesn’t interrupt, at first, he thinks you are talking to yourself but soon he realises you are addressing him. He lets you continue. 

“Your Love” you say still have your back to him 

“It’s so hard to stay away from it, to fight against it, every day, every minute, every second. It was like fighting gravity, an unnatural thing to do. Staying away from you from our love was the hardest thing to do and god knows, I have done some pretty tough shit” you laugh again and continue, 

“So I came back, asking for forgiveness, to beg you to love me back. Knew there was no way I’ll get what was lost, the Love is one emotion that’s impossible to find, even tough create, then you tell me you don’t love me anymore. And think that’s when I knew, the pain you must have felt when I said the same thing to you. When, I broke your heart, because I think that’s what dying would feel like.”

“But then in the moment of anger and passion, love and hate, we created something, something both of us unaware that it was possible, something so valuable that it’s beyond you and me. Something I didn’t know I could love more than you, more than my life." 

Bucky is frozen to place, he doesn’t know what to make of your speech, he understands your words but not quite there yet. He is still comprehending your words when you turn. 

Red nose, clearly dishevelled, eyes red and face distort with tears and emotions.  

Before he could say anything, before he could offer any comfort you speak again with a sorrowful smile, 

"I’m pregnant” you announce 

Bucky feels as if someone pulled the rug from under his feet, like someone punched air out of his lungs or put his head in cold water making him unable to breathe.  

The angel and demon are shocked too but they’re quick to make the choice, they don’t think twice before pushing him, making up his mind for him.

His legs move to their accords and before his mind can understand he is falling to his knees in front of you burying his face into your middle, hands wrapping around your waist, he lets out a sob before confessing, 

“I love you…" 

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A/N: Thank you for reading. Show me some love. Tell me if you enjoy my writing. is it any good/bad? Would love to hear from you. xoxo :) 

“Seems like bird man enjoyed his time with the mystery Doctor” Bucky said

Sam just shook his head, he was too happy to come up with any retort.

“Awww, our boy is in loooooooooowe” you said

Bucky started humming in a low voice, “You are in love” “You are in love” “You are in loooooooowe” ...

“Ohh, stop it you two” Sam warned

“Yeah, just because you act like an old married couple doesn’t mean none of us can have fun” Clint pointed out

Natasha & he wear playing their weird elaborated board game.

Bucky rolled his eyes, chose to ignore the remark from Clint. It was a common practice among the team to make suggestive remarks at you both being couple.

You have both been best of friends since Bucky’s time at Wakanda.

When King T’challa chose to open his country’s doors to the world, you decided to follow Bucky to the avenger’s initiative. You wanted to see the world, learn new techniques on how to keep the whole world safe not just your people. Much to the displeasure of your family and fellow colleagues, they feared the western world will change you. Also, many people still didn’t trust Bucky, or believed he deserved a chance at redemption. But he was your mentor and now best friend. You both were still outsiders in Avengers compound and so naturally were always joint at the hip. People just assumed things; you both were tired of explaining that you were “not a couple”. But your fellow avengers always teased you guys.

Sure you did everything together, just the two of you, went to missions together, trained together, had your weekly movie nights, checked out every new restaurant or bar, or café, went to parties together, had the same opinion on everything, hung out with each other more than anyone else, but that didn’t mean you were a couple.

Definitely, not a “couple”.

You were just a couple of friends hanging out together.

“So, when are we finally getting to meet your mystery man?”  Bucky asked Sam

“When he wants to break up with him,” Clint said “or scare the shit out of him” Natasha added

Bucky & you just rolled your eyes at them.

“C’mon we are better than you both” you defended

“Yes, if he can meet you clowns, we should be a delight” Bucky added

Clint & Natasha snorted giving him finger.

“Seriously, Sammy why haven’t we met your guy yet?” you asked gesturing between Bucky & you

“It’s not like I don’t want you to meet him, but…” Sam’s voice trailed

“But what?” Bucky & you both asked

“But nothing, forget about it…” Sam said

“NO” you said “This has gone far too long, you have been dating him for two whole months. Everyone, including Thor, Banner, Parker, hell even Loki has met him. Why can’t we?” you asked folding arms over your chest as you continued to accuse him.

Bucky was just giving you proud smile for you holding your ground. When you looked at him, he winked at you and you winked back at him.

Sam just opened and closed his mouth several times but nothing came out.

“You both haven’t met him, because you two are just too much sometimes…” Sam retorted back

“Excuse me?” you both asked loudly

Sam looked like a deer caught in the headlights; in his haste to retort he was afraid he revealed his true apprehension.

“We are too much?” you asked gesturing between Bucky & you

Bucky stood next to you, “We are too much?” he repeated you question with more serious tone.

“We are too much than these clowns, a spy who will kill you in a number of ways you can’t count, and an archer who shoot arrows at trainees from vents for fun, that joker of a spider kid, Stark who can’t stop himself from making inappropriate jokes for 5 seconds, Wanda who  can destroy aliens without even blinking, Vision the walking & talking Encyclopedia, and god’s righteous man Steve Rogers who will fight air if it bothered his friends, and don’t even get me started on Banner, Thor & Loki” Bucky said

You just fist bumped him and gave him a proud smirk.

By now Sam was completely undone and had no answer. He just stood frozen to his place dumbfounded.

“Come Doll” Bucky said while collecting his knives, “let’s hangout where people are not ashamed of us to introduce to their boyfriends” he gestured you to go

You just nodded and followed him, when you were in earshot of Sam you said to Bucky,

“We were better off in Wakanda; at least people were receptive of us”

“True” Bucky said

That did the trick on Sam, it crumbled his resolve and he turned to both of you.

“Wait” he called in your direction

Bucky & you just smirked at each other & said “yes” in a low voice. Clint & Natasha just rolled their eyes & shook their heads they knew you guys were baiting Sam, and he was falling for the trick.

You both turned to look at him raising your eyebrows expectantly.

“Fine” Sam said “God, I’m going to regret this, ugh, I will plan dinner this week with both of you, to meet him”

“But, please try not to be yourselves and scare him off” Sam requested “I really like him”

Bucky & you both crossed your heart and gave him a mock salute. Sam just snorted and turned to walk towards the kitchen.

“Can we at least get a name?”

“Errr…” Sam hesitated

He had managed to keep the identity of his boyfriend secret from you hoping that you both won’t stalk the guy under the pretense of research. He had made everyone at the compound swear not to spill the beans.

“You made us promise we won’t do anything stupid” you said

“Fine” he said “It’s Richard”  

“Richard” you coaxed him in giving more information.

“Dr. Richard Grey” Sam sighed and left the room

You waited for the man to be out of ear-shots, jumped back on the couch.

“Should we ask FRIDAY?” Bucky asked you

“No, too risky” you said

“Then, do your magic doll” Bucky said

“Already on it” you replied as you started fiddling with your beads again trying to find information on subject of Sam’s affection.

“Un-fucking-believable” Clint said

“And you guys wondered why he didn’t want to introduce you to his boyfriend in first place” Natasha asked

“Mind your business Romanoff” Bucky warned

“Bucky, look” you called for Bucky’s attention

“huh” Bucky said

“Ooooh he is handsome & smart” you read through man’s details “I wonder why he got speeding ticket last week?”

“He is ok looking” Bucky remarked “We should ask of his intentions are honorable with our Sam”

“Look for dirt, we should be thorough in our research before we meet him” Bucky asked you

“hmmm, agreed” You said

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“So, you are taking y/n on a double date with Sam and his boyfriend?” Steve asked

Bucky was doing the weights next to Steve in gym. He just let out the breath.

“It’s not a date” Bucky defended “Sam is introducing us to his boyfriend and we are having dinner together”

Steve just rolled his eyes at his best friend “Whatever you say Buck” he said

“Just dress nicely, like actually for a date and seriously this has gone for ridiculously long amount of time. Please ask her out, before it’s too late” Steve ordered Bucky as he wiped his face.

Before Bucky could argue with his usual comments, Steve was out of the gym.

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“Hey Wan” you called as you entered Wanda’s room

“Hey lovey” she looked up from her book

“Can I borrow your lip gloss mine is over and I’m too lazy to go to the shop” you asked

“Sure” she replied

“Hey aren’t you & Bucky going on a double date with Sam & Richard” she asked

“It’s not a double date” you told her “Sam is introducing us to his boyfriend apparently we are the only ones who haven’t met him”

“Whatever you say” she said “But I think you should wear that new dress that we bought last week and pair it with those killer heels of yours”

“Why would I dress up, it’s not a…”

“Yes, I know ‘it’s not a date’, I heard you the first time…” she interrupted you before could finish

“But a little birdy told me Barnes is dressing up, so I think you should too” Wanda shrugged as she informed you.

You felt a little something, a hope? A wave in your heart? ‘Was Bucky treating this as a double date?’ ‘But he didn’t give any such signs to you when you last spoke’

You just brushed it off.

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“Hey Doll” Bucky called as he entered your room

You were sprawled on bed surfing on your phone mindlessly.

“What’s up Buck” you asked looking up from your phone

Bucky held two shirts in front of you.

“Which one should I wear for the date” he asked

You heart skipped a beat, without thinking words left your mouth,

“You have a date?” you asked bewildered

Mind racing at some hundred miles per hour, why was this bothering you so much.

When did Bucky meet a girl? And asked her out? When did that happen? Who was she? Did he like her?

You were on the verge of hyperventilation as your eyes widened.

Looking at your distress Bucky dropped the shirts on your bed and came to your side, he rubbed your back.

“Uhh, sorry shouldn’t have assumed that it was a date” Bucky said

“It’s just that everyone is calling it a double date so, I thought it’s what it was and...” Bucky’s voice trailed

You understood what he meant and relaxed visibly. But now you were embarrassed at your outburst.  

“ohh, uhh, ahh, ok” you fumbled for words “Blue one suits you”

Bucky nodded with a soft smile, not knowing what further to say about the subject. He relaxed next to you; awkwardness hung in the air. Bucky suggested to continue watching your new favorite show, so you put on Netflix and earlier trepidations were forgotten.

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The day of dinner came and you were getting ready when you heard a knock,

“Come in” you called

But knock came again.

You went to open the door, saw Bucky standing with soft smile and flowers in his hands.

You felt weird butterflies in your stomach.

It wasn’t like it was the first time Bucky brought you the flowers. But maybe the situation was playing with your mind.

Seeing you standing without saying anything, Bucky shifted wait from one leg to the other unable to find the right words.    

“Uhh” “Ready to go?” Bucky asked

“Oh, yeah” “Yes, was just putting on finishing touches” you answered smiling

“You look beautiful” Bucky complemented

You looked at him with surprise and avert your gaze, “Thanks”

“You always look beautiful” Bucky reaffirmed

Realizing he still hadn’t handed over the flowers Bucky followed you into the room,

“Uhh, these for you” Bucky said

“Thank you, Buck, they are beautiful” you said

“Not as you sweetheart” Bucky assured

You fumbled with the flowers, not knowing how to react, to what Bucky just said.

“Shall we?” Bucky asked

“Ohh yeah, let’s go” you replied

Sam was waiting for you both near the elevators,

“Fucking finally” he exclaimed “What took you so long?”

“Relax birdbrain, we know you are eager to meet your man” Bucky teased “But play a little hard to get don’t be so easy”

“Hey, I’m not easy” Sam retorted

You just rolled your eyes at their banter, “C’mon Bucky don’t rile him up” you chastised “We promised we will be on our best behavior”

“Yes, Ma’am” Bucky mocked salute to Sam & you

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You ordered drinks at the bar, waiting for your table when Sam informed Richard was running late.

“Here, taste this doll” Bucky brought his glass to your lips as you were standing between his legs.

“mmm, you always order the best drinks Buck” you sipped complimenting him

Sam just smirked at two of you, shaking his head, not saying anything.

You were looking through menu once seated at the table, Sam was texting on his phone as Bucky and you discussed what to order. Just then a tall, silver haired man walked in.

“Sorry, I’m late, my phone call ran longer than expected” he announced

Sam stood up and pecked man’s lips, “It’s ok, we were…”

Bucky cleared his throat before Sam finished.

“You must be famous Bucky & Y/N” Richard walked towards you

He hugged you kissing your cheeks, and held out hand for Bucky to shake. Bucky unnecessarily flexed his left arm and shook his hand.

“Are you always this late?” Bucky asked “Do you always make Sammy wait?”

“Bucky” both Sam & you exclaimed

“No, he doesn’t” Sam affirmed

Bucky gave him hard look before sitting down. You just looked at Bucky, but he warned you to go along with him.

As you sat back in your seats, you tried to start a conversation.

“So, tell us something about you” you asked “Sam, here has kept you away from us”

Sam just rolled his eyes, while Richard laughed.

“Yes, he told me about how protective you two get about him and others” Richard teased

You laughed but Bucky scoffed

“Well, we have to look out for each other” Bucky informed “we have a lot of bad guys behind us”

“Understandable” Richard said

“yeah, so why don’t you start with explaining why you got speeding ticket last week” Bucky accused “As you just claimed being late is not your habit”

Sam’s eyes went wide. “I knew you guys would do this,” he said

“It’s fine Samuel, they’re just looking out for you” Richard assured

“I got a speeding ticket because I was running late for a call with President” he said “my appointment with my patient had ran longer than I expected”

“huh” Bucky shrugged “if I may point out, it’s the same excuse”

You kicked Bucky under the table giving him warning look.

Richard laughed, “I’m afraid but it’s the truth” he said “My published research to help veterans has been noticed by military and they’re interested in setting up some programs. It seems our president has taken personal interest in them to ensure how we could improve chances of veterans, rehabilitation into society”

Bucky grumbled but relented, “Well as far as excuses go, this is not bad”

“So tell us how did you guys meet” you asked changing the subject

Sam and Bucky ordered the food meanwhile.

Richard caressed Sam’s hand, “He didn’t tell you?” “We met in D.C. during one of the gala’s and just hit it off I guess”

You awed and Bucky just rolled his eyes.

When the salad was served, you reached into Bucky’s plate and took all the mushy vegetables as he reached into yours and took the bitter ones along with mushrooms.

When the main course was served you held spoon for each other to help the other try your dish.

Unbeknownst you both, Richard observed this and asked, “So how long have you been in a relationship?”

“What?” Bucky & you asked

Sam just snorted but didn’t intervene.

“How long both of you been a couple” Richard asked again

“We are NOT a couple!” you both exclaimed

“Really” Sam’s boyfriend asked in genuine surprise

“Yes” Bucky said

“Well could have fooled me” Richard remarked

Sam laughed clearly enjoying his friends discomfort, serves them right for snooping he thought.

“Well let me rephrase it then” the doctor said, “Why are you not a couple?”

You both gave incoherent noises but no definite or solid reasons came to your mind.

“I mean, by the looks of it you both know each other very well” Richard pointed out “you both clearly like each other’s company and according to your body language are clearly attracted to one another. Have strong individual personalities that complement other's persona”

“So, if I may ask once again, why are you not a couple?” “why are you depriving yourselves and other from what could be a rewarding blossoming relationship” he asked finally

Before either you or Bucky could protest, he added final blow which sealed the fate of your relationship,

“If it’s fear of rejection then that’s foolish and please don’t start the bullshit of she deserves better than broken soldier like me” he finished pointing to Bucky

“Fucking finally” Sam said as he leaned across the table and kissed his boyfriend

Both you and Bucky were too dumbfounded to say anything or come up with any retort. You continued with avoiding each other’s gaze and evening passed by.

It was not awkward but neither of you ganged up on Sam or his boyfriend as you planned.

Once out of the restaurant Sam announced that he would be going to Richard's place. You said your goodbyes.

Bucky offered you hand and you looped yours into his. “You want to take a cab darling” he asked

Term of endearment was not new to you but it still lit a hope in your heart.

“How about we walk back” you asked

Bucky smiled nodding and you both silently walked back to the tower.

This was not awkward, you thought. This was easy, almost surreal. Bucky was perfect in every way and your confidant for all these years why haven’t you two ever thought of this?

Bucky’s thoughts were not far different from yours but maybe there was a fear, an obvious fear sure but more than that the fear of losing you to someone else and losing you as a friend.

But then some hope renewed, maybe if he overcame his fear something more beautiful would be waiting for him at the other end.

Love.

He smiled down at you, you smiled back. He put a hand over your shoulder and pulled you into himbas you wrapped around his waist.

Once at your door however, Bucky’s confidence wavered a little but he cleared his throat, it was now or never.

“Hey Doll” Bucky called

Your turned to look at him your eyebrows knitting together

He smiled at you, taking your face in his hands, thumbs caressing your cheeks, “Don’t punch me” he said

Before bringing his lips to yours, he looked at your eyes they had same longing or rather desire as his.

As your lips met, excitement ran through both of you. But more than that it felt like you were home. That feeling of ‘everything will be alright’ bloomed in your chest.

You sighed and Bucky broke the kiss, resting his forehead on yours.

“why haven’t we done this sooner?” he asked

You laughed, “Because we are idiots”

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Couple of weeks later, early in the evening you were sleeping on the couch with head in Wanda’s lap as she read a book, running fingers through your hair.

Bucky, Steve and Tony were discussing something drinking coffee at breakfast counter.

Sam walked in looking kind of out of it. He clearly was too into his head that he didn’t notice being called.

“You alright there buddy?” Tony asked

Sam just shrugged, “Fine”

“What’s going on Sam?” Steve asked in serious tone

Wanda was already looking up from her book trying to get vibe from Sam.

Bucky was looking skeptical, at sad looking Sam.

Finally Sam confessed, “Richard and I broke up”

“What?” Bucky’s voice was the loudest of all

Before Sam could explain anything, Bucky cried your name “Y/N, code red”

As if programed robot, you jumped from couch visibly awake, making Wanda screech.

Your movements were too fast for normal human eye. Before anyone knew you were standing in full gear with gun and rocket launcher ready to fire at the threat.

You looked around confused with lack of visible threat. Finally meeting Bucky's eyes who was admiring you proudly

“What's going on?” you asked

“Tin Man is overreacting is what is going on” Tony said “Would you please stop pointing that rocket launcher at us”

“Sorry” you said

“No” Bucky argued “We have to kick Sam’s Ex-boyfriend’s ass, keep that up”

“Bucky would you calm down, let the man speak” Steve reasoned

You put down your weapons as Wanda helped Sam sit between the two of you.

“What happened Sammy” she cooed

“Ohh, it’s nothing serious, it was just” Sam said “Richard’s program got approval from President so he need to move to D.C. for further work, we decided long distance and with our line of work its best to end things”

You were clearly sad for Sam, he was a good guy and you really liked Richard. You just rubbed his back and hugged him.

Steve and Tony relaxed. But Bucky was still fuming.

“Knew he was not a good guy” he jabbed

“Bucky” you chided him

“Sammy you want to come to my room and sleep with us?” you asked

“What?” Bucky screamed

“We can eat ice cream in bed and watch Netflix” you said ignoring Bucky

“No thanks” Sam said “I don’t want to be kicked in the balls by certain someone, for cock-blocking them” "also no-one wants to see Barnes being cuddly and needy"

Bucky just rolled his eyes

“How dare you? I’m sharp like knife and always alert” he defended

“He is totally the little spoon, and he sleeps like a baby totally drools” you said

“Babe” Bucky approached you clearly ready to pounce on you

Everyone laughed and Sam joined in to tease.

Steve and Tony watched the others from distance when Tony leaned in,

“Now might be your chance to make a move Captain” he said, “More than one happy ending can come out of Sam’s relationship”

Steve just looked at Tony then Sam with gentle smile, “Maybe”.

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Hence, this task he was assigned to was his favorite. He looked forward for doing it; he applauded himself for being able to do it and being trusted by others to carry it out. It brought such happiness to him that he almost cried happy tears when he was asked to do it.

It was simple task for any normal person, but for Bucky, it felt like a validation from people around him that the former assassin “The Winter Soldier” was trusted by not only his fellow comrades but people he now called his family.

Thus, he is truly grateful for the miniscule happiness allowed for him to have.  

The task, anyone might not understand the fuss. They will feel it was totally mundane but for Bucky it was best part of his day. 

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The task was to pick up Nat & Sam’s daughter from school.

“Riley Alianova Wilson”.

Apple of Bucky’s eye.  Around whom his whole day was planned.

“Riley” was the proof that even when Avenger’s saved the day, they actually didn’t save the day.

The collateral damage was always there, and there was nothing they could do about it.

A typical mission, some enhanced caused havoc and Avenger’s tried to keep it away from civilians but the fight still caused casualties. What was left behind, were rubbles and tiny cries.

Natasha & Sam just couldn’t move past the cries, decided to take next step in their relationship and thus,

Enter tiny bundle of joy, in lives of Avengers.  

She captivated everyone with her smiles and tiny feet pitter-patter.

Bucky was happy for Sam & Nat, the vision of tiny bundle in Nat’s arm brought tears to his eyes. He always regretted not being able to save her from Widow’s fate.  

At first, he was skeptical and, that somehow, he will do worse, he still remembers how scared & worried he was to be around a baby.

On one sleepless night caused by Riley’s teething and every effort made by Sam failed to sooth her. To make matters worse Nat was on intel mission that meant total silence.

Exhausted, Sam came to common room to see if change of scenery will calm the baby. This didn’t make any difference either & in the end baby crawled into an unsuspecting super-soldier’s lap all the while sucking & biting his cold metal fingers, which brought her gums some relief.

Sam begged reluctant Bucky not to move, and hence started new friendship where the ex-assassin was in charge of the baby whenever she was crying or in distress and many times people around found her sleeping on Bucky’s chest while her hands were tangled in his hair and Bucky humming old songs to her and metal arm making circle on her back.

Since then they were inseparable.

First time when Sam asked Bucky to go pick Riley from school brought tears in his eyes. Sure, he took care of her, baby sat her when both her parents were on missions or on dates. But to trust him to go outside and the trust they put in him was something else for Bucky.

So, when Nat or Sam were, not around which was at least 2-3 times a week Bucky happily obliged the duty.

Every time he got near the school his heart raced. He worried for her safety, deep down he knew everything was fine but his anxiety still got best of him. Then she always came running towards him with biggest smile and calling him,

“Uncle Bucky”, he just eased up.

On the ride back home, Riley filled him with her day, telling him anything & everything she did at school. Bucky enjoyed hearing about her life. She laughed and told him stuff; no doubt she was dramatic like ‘bird brain’ & sharp like her mother. His friends were doing great job raising their kid.

In his eyes Riley could do no wrong. He was the one she came running to, when she wanted to hide or got into to trouble with either or both of her parents. Usually she got away with it as Bucky made some excuses for her or defended her. All in all, Bucky was whipped.

Yup, when it came to the little girl Bucky was ready to see other way.

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So today was no different, Nat was training new recruits with Barton and Sam’s meeting had run longer than expected. Bucky jumped to the opportunity to pick up the little troublemaker.  

As usual Bucky waited for her at the spot, he did one look over breathing easily realizing there was no eminent threat. There were only fellow parents who were either ogling at him or giving him weird looks, which the Ex-Winter soldier was used to ignoring by now.

He spotted ‘Riley’ when she walked out of the front door, she spotted Bucky pretty quickly. He waved at her, she waved back half-heartedly and her usual smiley face was worried today. It looked like she was holding back tears and it put her surrogate uncle at unease. Suddenly Bucky wanted to run towards the little girl, take away whatever was causing her stress, but he held off against his instinct and waited.  

The moment she reached him, Bucky crouched down to her level, Riley wrapped hands around his neck, leaning her head on his shoulder and her lips quivered.  

Bucky just cooed her, coaxing her to take her time in telling her what was wrong all the while rubbing her back soothingly.

“Uncle Bucky” Riley called

“Yes Sweetheart” Bucky asked

“We are not friends with Brooklyn anymore because she said I dress weird” Riley informed

Bucky let out a small laugh, he was worried problem would be something bigger but this was not what he expected. None the less he will keep his promise to her and do whatever she wants.

So as usual he did pinky promise, and agreed that he will not be friends with Brooklyn and will not talk to her father as well.

Then to cheer her up, Bucky promised to watch “Tangled” again.

He swore his heart just skipped a beat, when she hugged him a little tighter and her smile got wider.

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Couple of days later as promised, Bucky & Riley were watching “Tangled” for thousandth time singing along the songs.

Their performance was interrupted when Natasha called her daughter,

“Riley Alianova Wilson”.

Uh-Ohh. Nat, full naming her daughter only meant the kid was in trouble.

Bucky quickly hid the child behind the couch sitting straight, putting on news on the TV, trying to look nonchalant.

“James” Nat called him

“Yes?” Bucky asked

“Where is she?” the mother asked

“Where’s who?” the super soldier asked feigning confusion

“You are perfectly aware who I’m asking about” Widow crossed her arms

“No, I’m not. You have to be specific” the ex-assassin told her

“James Buchanan Barnes” Natasha said “Tell me where my daughter is right now”

“Oh, you are looking for Riley?” Bucky asked “Haven’t seen her today”

Natasha was losing her patience with Bucky’s theatrics but before she could accuse him she heard her daughter’s giggles and she walked past him to find her baby girl, who was trying very hard to stifle her laughter.

“Riley” Nat called

“Hi Mommy” the girl waved innocently

“I received a call from your teacher today, saying that you are not talking to Brooklyn and that you told her that you don’t want to be friends with her. Care to explain?” Natasha asked her daughter

Now Bucky understanding everything, decided to interrupt.

“Well, Brooklyn said that Riley dresses weird so, we decided not to be friends with her anymore” Bucky explained

“We?” Nat asked astound “You knew about this and didn’t think of telling me or solving the issue”

“Hey now” Bucky raised his hands, as if to defend his actions or rather to say he didn’t regret them

“I don’t make the rules to this gang shit, I just play my role” he said

The mother looked at her daughter who looked pretty smug about her godfather taking her side and defending her.

“Well fine then” Natasha said “if that is the case you won’t have any problem explaining the same Gang stuff to her class teacher tomorrow”

Suddenly, Bucky was not so sure about his allegiance, but then he looked at the kid, who was looking up at him with eyes full of hope he just shrugged and replied,

“Sure, I’m not afraid of kindergartner teacher” Bucky said “I’m an ex-assassin remember, I can handle anything” giving unnecessary flex to his left arm.

Natasha tilted her head smirking at him, “Sure, sure if you say so James” she said “The meeting is tomorrow after school be there” turning on her heel.

Leaving Bucky & Riley to plot their way out of this trouble.   

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“No way Tony” you said “I’m not going anywhere with the grumpy gramps here”

“As if I’m dying to be there” Bucky retorted

“See what I mean” you replied gesturing towards Bucky

“This is a bad idea Stevie” Bucky warned

“We can’t even stand each other, how do you want us to pretend to be a couple?” he added

“It’s not that hard Barnes, you just have to pretend for the mission” Tony argued

“Tony no” you tried to reason

“Stevie this won’t work” Bucky argued again “We don’t work” pointing between the two of you

You both were sitting across the table from each other in the conference room. The argument started when Tony told both of you that you will be posing as a couple, in upcoming mission to which both of you were refusing profusely.

The moment Bucky laid eyes on you, he treated you like a petulant child. No matter what you did he always found a flaw in it.

You were never enough, never good, never smart, never this, never that. No matter what you did it never pleased him.

At the beginning you took it in stride tried to impress him but when all efforts failed you started to get irritated and that irritation turned into a spiteful game. No matter where or what you were doing you always found a way to get a rise out of him.

It continued on and off the field. Off missions, your revealing dresses and forward behavior bothered him, not that he was seeking you out during parties but still did you have to wear short dress and low cuts that barely hid anything?

Then there was time in the gym, where you did all sorts of stuns just to show how powerful you were. You had to show-off, especially when Bucky was taking training of new recruits to scare new male agents and shoo away female agents that ogled at ‘Sargent Barnes’.

Just to get rise out of him, nothing else of course.

No matter how many times Steve tried to pacify the situation it seemed to put fuel in the fire. Many times team actually broke physical fights between you. (By team it was Nat, Wanda and Steve as Tony, Clint and Sam had flare for drama) They always told others to let you fight pointing that you both had some underlying sexual frustrations you need to get over with.

“Let it go Cap” Tony said it last time

“Yeah Cap, they will either kill each other or they’ll kill each other” Sam said winking

“I mean it’s not like they will die” Clint shrugged eating pop-corn

How he managed to bring pop-corn in the middle of fight on the mission was a mystery no one wanted to solve.

But yeah all in all Steve also left you all to your own devices after that day.

And here you were today forced to do the unimaginable.

“Seriously, I can do this alone” you reasoned “I don’t need babysitter”

Bucky snorted, “Ohh please, I’ll have to save your stupid, arrogant ass continuously, you don’t follow orders, you rely on your powers too much, you are spoilt by Tony & Steve is too soft on you and everyone covers for you when you are irresponsible and hasty. Now I’m stuck with you on this mission, they are Hydra you don’t know what it is but you don’t care because no one ever trained you or disciplines you and …”

“That’s enough Buck” Steve ordered  

You were stunned by Bucky’s outrage, of course it was not new but it stung all the same. So were sitting there, trying not to shrink yourself.

What had you done to this man to be treated this way?

Everyone else was waiting for new argument, new fight, you retaliation but nothing came out of your mouth.

You just calmed yourself breathing out evenly before responding.

"Ok, I'll do it" you agreed

"WHAT?" Bucky screamed in disbelief

“Good Girl” Tony praised you winking

“That's great y/n” Steve agreed

Both of them ignored Bucky's indignation

“Don't fucking play me y/n, you don't want to do this” Bucky accused voice still raised

You merely folded your arms and relaxed, “oh, I definitely don't want to do it Barnes” you retorted

“But you so desperately not want to do it, makes me want to do it even more” you told him

Bucky groaned, “That doesn’t make any sense”

“Well it makes perfect sense to me and if you want to back out you can” you challenged him

“I think me and Sam look much better together” you added

Sam winked at you agreeing, “Damn right we do”

“Well this is with Hydra y/n no-one knows them like Bucky so it has to be him & well your powers help making this success so it has to be you two” Steve reasoned

“Relax Cap, I already agreed it's your 'friend’ who is dragging this” you pointed out

“C'mon Buck, we need you” Steve pleaded

“Fine” Bucky resigned

The fire in you was still burning inside at Bucky’s words but you had to keep it under control. Just when you were planning ways to kill him or make him suffer painful death in your head, Natasha kicked you under the table.

You looked at her and she subtly pointed behind Bucky where his latest conquest the new receptionist, miss perfect was walking towards the conference room.

Your eyes shined with mirth & revenge. Ohh this was going to be sweet, perfect opportunity.

“Alright Barnes” you called “Kiss me”

“What?” Bucky yelled

“Well we have to pretend to be a couple and we need to do more than hand-holding and hugging” you reasoned

“That’s right” Tony agreed

“I mean if you are so apprehensive to kiss me in front of your teammates, how you are going to convince some strangers” you asked

“Yes & the way you were talking about her right now, don’t think you will be able to do it” Sam said “This is going to fail”

“Sam has a point” Nat added “Right Cap?”

Steve just shrugged. He didn’t want another argument but he really didn’t know how the two of you were going to pull this off if his friend kept resisting it.

“They have a point Buck” Steve said

“I mean I don’t mind seeing free show, so I agree with them” Clint laughed

Bucky just groaned. Time was running out for you so you pulled the final straw.

“So much for the ladies’ man, knew Steve was just boasting about him” you said

“I guarantee Sam is a better kisser, hell Nat might be better too” you smirked

“Ohh, you wanna try?” Sam asked

“Why not?” you winked at him

Bucky knew you were all trying to get the rise out of him, especially you but he just couldn’t hold himself back from being challenged like that. He knew he was good, but he hated the fact that he had to prove it.

Least of all to, you.

When he saw the enthusiasm with which you climbed the table to crawl towards Sam, Bucky stood up & pulled you towards him. He looked at you once & warned you,

“You are playing with fire!”

When he saw your eyes challenging him and your lips curled up he couldn’t stop himself, he grabbed your face in his hands crashing his lips on yours.

At first you didn’t do anything, due to shock but then you let him pull you into him. Before you know it, he was sitting in the chair again, and he sat you sat in his lap swiftly. Your hands rested on his shoulders for the balance. But then kiss became fervent, & feeling his thick thighs under yours, your fingers tangled into his hair.

Bucky on the other hand was so confused, he was surprised at the kiss and how he had the urge to claim the dominance over you.  He was actually losing control over his hands and they were now roaming freely over your body caressing you and dare he say he was enjoying it.

Sam, Clint & Nat high-fived each other the moment Bucky pulled you to kiss him. Proud that their plan worked, but when the kiss became too passionate everyone distracted themselves by doing something.

Tony went to his tab showing something to Steve; Sam occupied himself with files in front of him. Nat pulled the phone pretending to read something but Clint could see she clicked couple of pictures of you two kissing then opening some game to play.

Clint however was enjoying the show in front of him and didn’t even pretend or try to occupy himself.

Just then the door to the room opened and Miss Perfect walked in, with perfect everything. Her eyes found Bucky & you, and she gasped a little too loudly at seeing the two of you lip locked going at it like teenagers.

Both of you were still unaware of your surroundings, Clint was the first one to notice her, elbowed Natasha who gave evil grin but didn’t move.      

Seeing you two not stopping, Miss Perfect dropped the files on the table loudly. This got attention from everyone in the room including Bucky & you.

You two broke the kiss looking at the source of the sound, Bucky quickly moved his hands away from you and you missed the warmth.

It took a minuet for you to recollect & remind yourself why you were in this position. You didn’t make any attempt to move out of Bucky’s hold.

Bucky tried to recollect himself still dazed from the kiss & tried to redeem the situation. He couldn’t decide how to start but before he could speak his conquests spoke,

“Didn’t know you had a girlfriend”

“No, no, no it’s not what it looks like…” Bucky defends himself

“What? What do you mean honey” you asked innocently

Bucky just glared at you. Before he could say anything else, Miss perfect strikes again,

“If you already have a girlfriend why did you ask me out Bucky?”

“You asked her out?” you asked feigning offence

“Bucky we just had a little fight, doesn’t mean you could go and ask other people out?” you asked

After hearing you, Miss perfect stomped out of the room.

Everyone tried not to laugh at Bucky’s misfortune, you too felt a little guilty but before you could say anything Bucky growled at you,

“WTF? Why would you say that?” he asked

“Was keeping in the character Barnes” you defended

“You & I both know that’s not true” he argued

“Well, she bought the lie. She believed we are a couple, isn’t that what we were trying to do?” you asked

“We are supposed to pretend that we are a couple in front of the strangers & she is a stranger” you pointed out

“Mission accomplished”

Bucky let out frustrated sigh, and walked out of the room without a word.

Natasha, Clint and Sam cheered you on for causing trouble in paradise.

The moment Bucky walked out, your face fell, Nat said

“Bucky is going to be so pissed, can only imagine what you will do on the mission” she winked

“Yeah, either you guys will kill each other or you will get along” Clint adds with wink

Sam nodded in agreement and Tony gave you thumbs up. Steve on the other hand scrutinized your face, you schooled perfect neutral face. Steve just hoped that his idiot friend doesn’t break your heart even more.

He was pensive as he contemplated your situation, as he was aware of your crush since start. Damn super soldier and his observation skills you thought.

You just shrug and said under your breath, 

“Yeah I put myself out there and he still went after the other girl”... 

missing Steve’s somber expression.

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