#work drabbles

It was late. 

Steve was exhausted and the hot shower had helped relax him. He had just thrown himself across the bed when he heard a knock.

He groaned as he got up wondering if Tony had forgotten his key card. He swung the door open, ready to chastise him and snapped his mouth shut, eyes wide. 

"This is not okay?"

"Oh!" He shook his head. 

The tall blond chuckled as he pushed past him. "I just- let me crash till Tony gets back? I'm a little wasted."

Steve nodded, standing by the door for a moment before slowly shutting it. Turning in time to see Rich dump himself across his bed. He frowned, "Tony shouldn't be long. It's fine," he hurried over and tugged on a shirt already nervous. He grabbed the remote and perched himself on the edge of Tony's bed since his was occupied by the enemy, left knee pulled up in front of him, right leg dangling from the edge. He was glad he had managed to pull bottoms on before the guy had shown up.

Honestly, if he wasn't so busy following Tony around he would have given Rich a go but… and for some reason he thought of that jerk. Steve huffed dropping his forehead to his knee.

Why was he still thinking of him? 

He glanced at the phone between the beds, he could dial his room number? He didn't know him but it felt like he did, god! He had called him a jerk!

He thought of the elevator how quickly Bucky had come between him and the others, how solid he felt under his hands. He had smelled of cigarettes and that cologne, it made Steves nose crinkle at the memory and he pushed his glasses up.

"You look good in glasses."

The other guy's voice made him startle. He had almost forgotten him. Had thought the guy was fast asleep. "Thanks."

The blond pushed himself up, tugging something from his pants which Steve realised was a flask after Rich drank from it. "We bring our own since the cons don’t sell alcohol," he winked. "Tony must've told you that?" Steve nodded, watched as the guy swallowed, tipping his head back and looked back at the screen. “Here,” Steve was surprised when he found the man moving to sit next to him, arm wrapping around his shoulders, “take a drink,” Steve shook his head, grabbing at the hand that was shoving the flask towards him, “c’mon, just a drink, you’ll like it, don’t be a prude!”

**

Bucky had gone to the party. Not because he had been hoping to find the cute blond. No. Because Nat and Clint had badgered him into it. Not that Nat being in that short skirt was what convinced him. It totally wasn’t the cute guy Clint said he had brought up too many times.

So, when said cute guy was dragged past him in the dark room, lit up in multi colors from the neon lights that strobe around he didn’t keep an eye on him.

Nor did he get slightly jealous of the way he stared at the guy dragging him along. Probably the idiot that he ‘was here with kinda’. Bucky didn’t stop looking at Nat dancing with Clint, nor did he watch as both guys sandwiched the blond between him. Nor did he think of the way he felt when he had him pressed up against the elevator wall that day, even when he hadn’t planned on it.

He wasn’t thinking about the guy named Steve Rogers who told him he would have to quit smoking if he wanted a kiss. 

Nor had he thrown his new pack of cigarettes away.

So, when the guy bowed out, when the older man followed after him and Bucky got that damned bad feeling in his stomach… he didn’t remember that Steve was in room 506 on the eighth floor.

It wasn’t weird that Nat was texting him and asking where he was. Nor was it weird that she said she was on her way when he told her he had had a bad feeling.

The Barnes gut feeling was usually spot on.

Bucky chewed his lip as he paced the empty hallway, he hated hotels, there was never anything to do and the hallways always felt off. Like everything was set an inch to the left and you kept banging into the furniture.

He would knock, if there was nothing wrong, no problem. He could leave. Maybe the guy would be happy to see him and if he wasn’t and sent Buck on his way- then it would be okay.

He growled and pivoted on his heel, he would take the elevator down and meet Nat and Clint, offer them some drinks-

“Uhhhmm…?”

He turned at the noise, his breath slamming out of him as wide baby blue eyes stared up at him. “Hey, I shouldn’t-” there was something wrong, he took in the fact that Steve’s shirt was torn, exposing his shoulder, “you uh, you alright?” he couldn’t stop staring at his collar bone, the pale skin that led up along his neck to that jaw that made him want to nip at it.

“Uhm,” the blond in glasses hiccuped. The elevator dinged behind Bucky as a body stumbled out behind Steve, Bucky heard Nat giggle and Clint say something, Steve whose bottom lip trembled as he flinched when a hand clamped down on his bare shoulder. “Nnngh!”

Nat cried out, surging forwards, Clint by her side in an instant as Bucky tugged Steve behind him with his metal arm and swung hard, right fist connecting with a loud resounding crack in the hallway.

Clint recognized the blond, the guy had spent almost half an hour with him gushing over his favorite pencils. He had told Nat about the guy, this was the guy that Bucky had been unable to stop talking about?! He grabbed hold of him as he stumbled forwards. It was easy with Bucky and Nat, they had been part of his life forever, they moved and he moved, it was that easy, everyone knew where the other would step. 

He caught the blond and Nat moved between Bucky and the guy that was laid out on the floor.

**

Tony showed up, the hotel security arrived, Nat and Clint huddled around Steve.

Bucky informed Tony they were taking him with them. He could find Steve tomorrow in the afternoon.

Once in their room Nat Led Steve into their bathroom and sat the blond down, Clint had reminded her this was the guy he had bonded with before the drawing panel. He liked the guy and this was the guy Bucky had brought up a few times, which meant he liked him. She spoke softly, cleaning him carefully and kept repeating his name, she smiled when he finally met her gaze.

Clint ordered pizza and beers, was chattering away in Bucky’s ear, he moved his stuff over and they both got a few extra linens from housing. Nat led Steve out into the room, he fidgeted suddenly nervous. Clint broke out a grin, cheering when there was a knock at the door, beer and pizza (don’t ask this is his super secret powers, not even Nat could get it out of him). Steve recognized him as the artist he liked and Bucky raised an eyebrow as he watched him make the connection.

“You’re their Winter Soldier?” he nodded in answer, face neutral. “You’ll do a photo shoot next year right?” Steve asked excitedly.

Nat squealed, and Steve relaxed as she went on and on about how she’s been trying to get him to let her include him in her photo shoots. Bucky watched from his spot on the floor next to his bed where Steve was sitting (his bed), as the guy's shoulders finally relaxed, it was in the middle of the movie when he broke down.

“I hit him with the phone!!” Steve sobbed, “h-he wouldn’t get off me an-ngh!!” Nat reached out gripping his knee from her position on the bed she was going to share with Clint, Clint stared at the TV, jaw clenched, gripping her other hand when she reached for him. Easily comforting both men.

“I broke his nose,” Bucky said matter of fact without looking away from the TV.

It shouldn’t have been funny, but Steve who was sobbing broke out in choked laughter. He laughed, the sound making Bucky look over, and Bucky thought it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen as he held Nat’s hand and scrubbed at his face with his free hand.

**

Steve woke the next morning, he had fallen asleep with extra covers piled on top of him and he wasn’t sure how to feel that Bucky was fast asleep next to him on the floor and holding his hand. The door opened and Nat smiled brightly as she held up coffee cups, Clint holding bags of food over her head. Steve blushed when he looked back and met deep blue eyes, it was natural waking up next to this long haired mess holding his hand.

“We stopped by your room and got your clothes, Tony says he’s sorry, but we told him you’ll be spending the last day with us!”

Steve sat up, nodding and murmuring a thanks as Bucky grumbled that it was still too early beside him.

*

The day flew by but Steve felt okay, Bucky stayed by his side. Nat and Clint were kind and it was really over too quickly in his opinion. They had spent the morning packing up Clint’s area in the artists gallery and switching info with their neighbors. They stalled the vendors and swapped merch. Bucky shoved Pocky into Steve’s pockets, Nat took pictures as the broody brunette sighed when Steve put different hats on him. Clint wrapped an arm around her waist as Bucky raised an eyebrow at Steve who blushed furiously, neither noticing as Nat took another volley of snaps.

Definitely over too quickly.

Tony was thanking Clint and Nat as they met him in the parking lot. They had hauled Aldrich away for the night, Steve hadn’t wanted to press charges so they had released him but the hotel had banned him from the premises and the con staff had been made aware of the matter.

Not that it mattered as they would be heading home now.

Bucky crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the flashy red sports car as Clint helped Tony stuff Steve’s bags into the trunk. “You gonna be alright?” he should ask for his number.

Steve nodded, looking anywhere but at Bucky. He wanted to ask for his number, any info really, he could send him a thank you present later. “I really… thank you.”

“So, not a total jerk?”

Steve jerked his eyes to Bucky who smirked at him. “Well, ya are… just salvageable. And you’re kinda incredible.”

Bucky laughed, head falling back as he did and Steven Grant Rogers knew he was in trouble as he felt his heart warm at the sight. Bucky quietened, “they’re staring.” Steve turned, grinning as he scratched the back of his head, “thank you. F-for everything.”

Bucky nodded, tongue swiping out quickly, “guess you should get going.”

Steve nodded, sticking his hand out awkwardly. Bucky grinned, catching his hand and jerking him forwards quicker than the blond could react. He tasted like mint toothpaste, coffee and.. “You taste like cigarettes.”

“Give me a break, I just quit yesterday.”

Steve chuckled. 

Nat and Clint squeezed him in between them. Clint got his email and phone number, texting him almost immediately. The trio started across the parking lot towards their own car. Bucky glancing over his shoulder once.

Tony was chattering away, already making plans for next year, heading towards the airport. Steve barely made out his apology about introducing him to such a prick, the ding of his phone distracted him as he assured Tony it was okay. 

ClintBarton: HEY!! It’s Nat, stole this dumb-asses phone but here’s Bucky’s info since he’s an idiot and didn’t give it to you or ask for yours. See you at next year's con?

Steve smiled, it grew as he stared at the text and the added info, laughter bubbling up. 

Bucky stood when he noticed you standing behind Clint. "Hey, coffee?" He asked awkwardly.

"Oh! I owe you," Clint said quickly reaching behind him and catching your hand. "Y/N, this is Bucky Barnes, he's my partner.. In a way."

You stepped forwards extending your hand with your brightest smile. "Y/F/N Y/L/N, its such a pleasure to meet you!"

"Holy shit, yeah! Sorry," Bucky grimaced as he shook your hand, "Clint talks about ya all the time!"

You looked over your shoulder with a smile, Bucky raising an eyebrow at Clint and his face screaming in silent communication. It disappeared as you turned back around. "All the time?"

"Yeah, punk never shuts up about ya and well," he let his eyes run down the length of you making you warm, "now I can see why."

"Who's this?"

You looked over Bucky's shoulder at the man in red tinted glasses, "hi! Y/N, I'm Clint's friend?"

Tony shoved Bucky aside catching your hand in his and shaking it only to hold onto it, "Tony Stark, I own the building-well, the business. Why are you hanging out with the likes of Barton?"

You laughed, glancing back at Clint, before turning back to Tony, "he's a really great guy, you know? You're his boss then?"

"You would be correct in that!" Tony crowed proudly.

"You hired him- what's that say about you?"

Tony leaned over your shoulder, "I like her, make sure to keep her!" He grinned at you as he backed up again.

"What do... You guys do?"

Tony blinked, "private security," he answered.

It surprised you to say the least, but then you gasped. Turning to look at Clint, "You did NOT really look Craig up?!" Bucky's roaring laughter was answer enough and you felt your ears heat up as Clint smiled at you.

Before you could say anything the door opened and two more men stepped in, both grumbling curses flying before they noticed you and both stopped.

Clint sighed, "Y/N these two are Sam and Steve." He grunted as Sam shoved him aside and you were swamped by both men, smiles wide and you were swept away by all four men and sat on the couch while Tony demanded Clint go for late lunch for all of you.

You laughed talking to them and answering questions enjoying yourself even as Clint left and came back with armloads of lunch and drinks.

It was late when you managed to pry yourself from the group of men, grabbing Clint’s arm, he looked rather sullen, perking up as you tugged him to his feet. Tony declaring the day late and everyone was to go home.

You turned down the invitation for drinks at a bar saying you needed to get home. Clint grumbled as you held onto his arm laughing. You reached up, poking his cheek, "whats with you Mr. Grumpy?" you asked as you both barely stepped out of the office.

Clint peeked down at you, "have fun?"

You laughed, "Clint?" You asked stopping, he let out a little sigh and stopped, "thank you, it meant so much to meet your family."

Clint scowled but realized you were not wrong, those idiots were more family than he cared to admit. He smiled, shoulders relaxing and was surprised when you moved in close reaching up onto your toes and pressing your lips to his jaw.

Clint felt his heart skip. "Thank you for putting up with them."

"They are your friends..."

"You're my friend, they're a buncha animals!"

"Just your friend?"

Clint grinned, "something more if you... If you'd like? Like mmm, girlfriend?"

You threw your arms around his waist, "thought I was gonna have to ask you out myself!"

"I mean you could-"

"Clint, be my boyfriend?"

He let out a howl of laughter at how quickly you came back. "Y/N you are something else!"

"Well, yeah! Otherwise you'd never have asked to be my friend."

"You don't know that!"

"It took you this long to ask me to be your girl!" You scoffed as he pulled you along, strong arm wrapping around your waist.

"Hey now! Would you have agreed on a date the first time?" He asked looking down at you, "how many times did Craig ask you?" You felt the heat from your ears travel down your neck. Clint stopped, "you were waiting for me to ask you weren't you?"

You held still, arms still wrapped around his waist, slightly burying your face into his side.

"Dammit," he pried you from his side and caught your jaw in his hands tipping your head back. Your eyes widened as he leant down and you squeezed them shut heart hammering against your chest.

You jumped when his lips pressed against yours, how many times had he kissed your forehead? How many times had you hoped he'd miss? You pressed up into the kiss, fingers gripping his collar and pulling him down.

"HOLY FUCKING SHIT!" "Take a picture!" "NAT IS MISSING THIS?!"

Clint growled and pulled you around as the men came stumbling out. "Buncha animals...."

You laughed as they whistled and created a scene, others on the streets looking as Clint tugged you along.

Peeking up you could see a blush crossing his features. You couldn't wait to find out what he was like as more than a friend.

***** Fin******

A/N: THANK YOU FOR READING!!! Comments are as always so appreciated!!

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Steve felt as if Bruce had gone at him as the Hulk, head pounding he stumbled back. He shook his head, there was no woman, there had’t been a woman, certainly not a woman covered in mud in the center of battle-

It had been a smoke grenade, that had gone off, he had just heard Clint, yelling a warning he was sure. But there she was, here he was, where was here? He looked around suddenly realizing there were a few more women around. He was in a hall of sorts, it was dark and his eyes struggled to adjust.

"This is he?"

"Odd clothing-"

"He does have a mask!"

Steve cleared his throat, pulling said mask off so that he could breath a little easier, get a better look at his surroundings, “oh! Look at how handsome he is!! Definitely a hero!!”

“Sisters!” one hissed at the two, though she looked at Steve appreciatively. 

"He is a hero in his time," the woman in front of him said. She wasn't wrong he thought, though he wasn't comfortable thinking of himself like that.

"He has fought Titans? Fire creatures, sea creatures?"

"Gods from the stars."

"Technically they weren't Gods per say," Steve cut in. The women all paused looking at him. "Names Steve Rogers, I need to ask- where am I?"

"Greece, we need the aid of a hero and you were chosen. I am Lachesis, my sisters," she waved a hand over her shoulder, "Clotho and Atropos, the graeae is one of many witches and she will take you back provided you help us." She paused as he said nothing, "there are three that you must deal with the Charybdis, the Minotaur, and finally a Gorgon that is threatening the people of the surrounding areas."

Steve frowned, "why not get a local to do this? I have a team that you took me from, they are depending on me and-"

"They can take care of themselves, we have no hero as of yet," Lachesis said firmly and matter of factually while the other women stood by watching.

The Graeae spoke up, "I will return you once you have accomplished these feats."

Steve looked at all four women, "its not like you've given me a choice is it?" He asked.

One of the women, Atropos, giggled clapping her hands together. "Can we change his attire?"

The woman with war paint nodded, her hands moving before she said anything, Steve tensing as those black tendrils moved over him, "you will look as any other," she said working her way around him hands gliding over him but not touching, "we have chosen a guide for you, make sure no harm comes to her or you will lose your way and spend the remainder of your life years here wandering till you finish what has been laid out for you."

Retaliation on his lips Steve let out a small groan as the area around him shifted and he stood on the banks of a river. "This is the beginning of your quest, Hebe is the one waiting by the boat, Charybdis is your first opponent. Hebe will guide you, do not forget, no harm should come to her."

Steve reached out when she disappeared in a puff of smoke. He had no choice it seemed, he needed to get home. Heaving a sigh Steve headed towards the boat, shifting his shoulders and adjusting the leather he wore now. Ancient Greece it seemed, if he remembered his history right. Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, those were the three fates. 

No more weirdo than Chitari from outer space and look at what Loki could do, not to mention Stephen... he slowed as he came closer to the boat, it was small, enough to be manned by one person, but could hold up to ten he guessed. 

“Small but fast,” came her voice, she stepped out to where he could see her and Steve took a breath in. She grinned at him, tilting her head to the side, eyes full of mischief, he had seen that look before, Natalia seemed unable to hide it, possibly more unwilling to hide it, when she and Bucky were up to no good.

“Lachesis visited not long ago, this morning, said I would have a job for the next week if not longer, she seemed confident that they would bring someone to take care of our woes.” Her eyes slid up and down him, one eyebrow raised, “sun kissed, do you have a name?”

“Rogers, Steve Rogers,” he answered meeting her green eyes, her hair was done up, braided up, thought loose tendrils flickered here and there s if it had a life of its own. “You? Your Hebe?”

Her laughter stirred something in him, “Such an odd name!” Steve felt drawn to her, she wore red, a sword at her belt, what looked like a whip, and she had leather guards on her forearms and her sandals were like his, meant for fighting. He was supposed to guard her? Protect her? “Yes, I am Hebe, come, let us get moving, you have to face Charybdis soon, if we do so at night I doubt you will have much of a chance, if we set off now... midday at latest.”

Steve nodded, stepping towards her on the rickety little dock. She waited, watching carefully as he stepped into her boat. “How do you know Lachesis sent me?”

Hebe laughed pulling the rope and shoving off the dock, “if you are not the warrior that she sent then you will have us die before the end of the day and well,” she shrugged her shoulders, “then we both have nothing to worry about then.”

Steve took a seat as she set about, making it look easy to handle such a boat, “is there anything I can do to help?”

“Stay out of my way,” she answered.

***

“That girl will drive him off before he has a chance to woo her.”

Lachesis smirked, “hush now sisters, this is how all romance stories begin.”

Atropos giggled, a sigh leaving her, “I think this is the best thread we have spun, it is certainly my favorite to watch!”

Lachesis smiled softly, her two sisters standing beside her, their time was coming to an end, they had fewer years left and she was glad that she would see Hebe’s story to the end here.

“We have work to do sisters!”

“Yes, yes Clotho!”

*****

A/N: Leave me comments?

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