when he's buried 6ft under the ground, the tags around his neck will shine bright in the sand under the moonlight and some star 100 light years away will look into here and see them holding each other. they won't even know the tags weren't his. they would see them calling each other idiots. but they wouldn't ever see how they look at each other behind closed doors. they wouldn't see that when they make love to others, they think of each other. they wouldn't know that when they can't sleep, they lie awake thinking of what could've happened if they had more time.
both of them didn't know that before the bullet went through their skull, their last breaths were each other's names.
they will never know that they're buried facing each other, as a testament to what they could've been.
He does look like a protective, possesive husband who would really kill for you.. and would never let you know about it..
Who would be such a gentleman with you and would be stoic around others... He would only let you see that soft side of him cuz he trusts you with his life..
Warnings: some hecking words, bucky being an insensitive jerk
Prompt: The rules were simple. 1. Be his fiancée and enjoy the perks that comes with it. 2. Do not tell anyone about the contract. 3. Do not fall in love with him.
Simple enough, yes. But that rule number three is a pesky little thing.
Makes it sound like there was only one, doesn’t it? One assassin, one soldier, one life stolen and taken over to be used as a tool for evil minds. There was never only one. Hydra’s bloodstained hands, people called them. And once one’s hands have been bathed in blood so many times, it’s near impossible to look at the skin and not see red. Yet, when Hydra has been pushed out into the open by the Avengers there’s the slightest flicker of hope for the asset left behind. You see, I never had a Steve Rogers. No one is looking for me. The only person I’ve ever had is the one I was trapped with, the one that’s now free. The one who, if he finds me, I will surely destroy.
A/N; This took forever, but I hope you all enjoy this series!
We’re back in the quinjet and it’s a couple hours into the flight. Steve is on the hospital bed in the middle of the jet despite his many protestations while Tony flies. Natasha has been stationed to his side to make sure he stays put. After Steve was settled and I’d done everything possible to help him, I retreated to the furthest reaches of the quinjet wing. Bucky followed me soon after and now frames my body, his legs caging mine, arms wrapped around my waist, head resting on my shoulder. I allow it. He’s the only thing that makes me feel alive right now and I know my presence helps him with the stress of Steve being hurt. My eyes burn into the dark grey floor of the quinjet, aware of most of the jet’s occupants’ eyes on me. They’ve never seen that much emotion come out of me and I can feel their concern filling the small space. Snuggling with Bucky might also be a contributing factor.
“Thank you for saving him.” Bucky tells me with a sigh. Silence. “I wish you would talk to me.” James whispers while gently rubbing his scruffy chin back and forth where my neck melts into my shoulders. My head shakes imperceptibly. “You’re scaring me, doll.” He breathes and my eyes shut a moment to keep myself from breaking down all over again. Gently, I rest my arms on his and knit my fingers between his. Flesh on metal, flesh on flesh.
“I need more time.” I tell him and even to me I sound broken and hoarse.
“It’s been five hours and you haven’t said a word.” He tells me and I blink. God, it’s been that long? “What did you see in there, Rosie? I could hear you screaming and shouting. Shots fired too.” He shifts me slightly so he can see my face, but I can’t meet his eyes. “You were saying sorry, before you came to the door.” I instantly stiffen. “Was there someone else there?” I separate myself from him and stand.
“No. No one else was there.”
* * * * *
When we get to the facility everyone moves out of my way as I walk out and to my room, shedding my suit immediately and taking a quick shower, then slip on sweatpants and a black long-sleeved shirt. Before Bucky can shed his stuff and find me, I head outside to a line of pines. The grass tickles my bare feet and keeps me awake even as the time change makes me feel like I’m in a shaking hourglass. Soon, my feet fall out from under me and I collapse on the pine needles shed by the trees above. Instead of sitting up I just roll onto my back and look up at the shivering branches as a gentle breeze blows. I sit straight up when I hear footsteps but relax when I see it’s just Sam now in a blue shirt and black sweatpants.
“Hey.” He greets me with the softest of smiles. Sighing, I scoot back so I’m leaning on the closest trunk.
“How’s Steve?” I ask immediately.
“Stark has a genius doctor on call. He’ll be fixed in a couple hours.” Sam assures me and a bit of relief embraces me. “Thanks to you, I might add.” He adds and I shake my head.
“Don’t chit-chat me, Wilson. Bucky sent you. I can see him through that window.” I tilt my head slightly and Sam knows better than to look.
“Yeah, he did. He’s kind of freaking out, Rosalie.” He tells me and sits across from me, adopting my position.
“So, he sent the shrink. Sweet of him.” My words are soft so as to not offend. Sam just shrugs and smiles.
“He’s worried. Him asking me to come talk to you is a testament to that, he had to stop being a smartass for a whole minute.” A ghost of a smile passes over my face but is gone like a breeze. “So, I’m here. If you want to talk about whatever.” Sam says and relaxes comfortably in his spot, as if he could stay here for hours and be content. Some of his calm rubs off on me.
“Where did you serve?” I ask. The dog tags around his neck are conspicuous and I’ve noticed them before. Although, he looks surprised at this question.
“Afghanistan. Two tours.” He answers with a little bonus information. I nod.
“Ever see kids while you were over there?” I ask and his brows furrow slightly, but apparently, he’s trusting that I have somewhere I’m going with this.
“Yeah, a few. Soldiers would trap citizens between our two forces so we’d hesitate to shoot on sight.” He explains.
“And when you weren’t in combat? When you were just walking down the street and a kid would come up to you, maybe hand you some bread, a flower, didn’t that just make everything okay? Just for a second.” The wide smile slowly making its way across his face answers my question for me.
Sam leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “There was this girl, barely seven. I was walking the back streets with my squad and she just came right up to me. Held up a little stone with arms barely bigger than toothpicks.” He chuckles lightly. “It was black with light grey streaks through it. Perfectly smooth. Never seen anything like it over there.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out that very stone and spins it between his fingers. “Since then it’s never been out of my sight.” His eyes return to me before the stone disappears back into his pocket. “Why?” He asks curiously.
“I’ve seen younger.” My eyes are steady on Sam’s warm, honey gold ones. “Babies wrapped tight in blankets splattered with blood after a shot burst through their mother’s skull, then crushed under their dead mother’s body as she fell to the dirt. Ten-year-old boy shot clean through just to get to the man behind him, his father. A child running down the street with broken fingers and broken hands because his parents betrayed the wrong people and they took it out on the kid. Shot dead just before reaching their arms.” I end, tightening my hold on my clasped hands while tapping my foot fiendishly. Sam’s expression has fallen into a listening face, brows furrowed, head slightly cocked. “Babies…” My voice cracks and my eyes shut a moment to collect myself. “Babies snatched out of mothers arms for experiments.” When I look up at Sam his lips are pulled down but his eyes are still steady on mine.
“I understand how taxing that can be on someone’s mind.” Sam says gently. So sweet. Assuming I wasn’t the person behind the trigger in all those examples. Almost, anyways.
“All of that? Nothing compared to what I just saw. What I…heard.” Sam’s lips part slightly in surprise and his eyes scan mine for any semblance of manufactured emotion but finds none. “So, I appreciate you Sam, I really do. But there’s nothing you can do for me. Nothing anyone can do for me.” Sam absorbs this before crossing his legs under him to lean forward even more.
“I understand if you don’t want to talk about this now, but you should. Doubt I need to even tell you that, but you seriously need to unload or your PTSD is just going to get worse.” Scooting forward, he grabs my foot firmly, trying to connect with me on any level. “Whether it’s with me or someone else. Hey, at least with me you know I can keep a secret.” He teases and that ghostly smile returns to my face.
“You’re darling, Sam. Really. But you’d tell. You’d tell because you’re a good friend and it’s something I should be telling someone in particular but have chosen not to for many years.” I glance at the window where the soldier still stands, wiggling my fingers at his firm form. My eyes return to the warmth of Sam’s as he considers my words. “Here’s a question for you. After so much time seeing someone you care about suffer, is it so wrong to do whatever you can to prevent more?” I ask. My heart aches at the mere thought of telling James. It would rip him up from the inside out. Sam stands with a hefty sigh and offers me his hand. A moment passes before I accept it and he tugs me up. He pats my hand sweetly.
“No. It’s not wrong. But…if you think your suffering doesn’t affect him, you’re very wrong.” He smiles gently at me and squeezes my hand before releasing it. “You should get some sleep. Jet lag’s a bitch.” Nodding, I follow him inside and we part ways at my bedroom. I’ve just shucked my pants when James comes in and shuts the door behind him. I don’t even glance up to make sure it’s him. The warmth that falls around my shoulders like an old blanket the second he enters confirms that it couldn’t be anyone else. Only he makes me feel this way. Used to the routine, I just set my trashcan in its usual place and shed my bra before slipping under the covers and looking at James. He hasn’t moved since coming in as if unsure what to do and where to go.
“Saw you talk with Sam.” He states. My eyes note his damp hair and draw the conclusion that he must’ve taken a shower to get rid of the dirt.
“Yeah. Nice that you sent him.” I call him out on it and watch the slight façade he put up fade off his broad shoulders.
“Help any?” He rolls onto the balls of his socked feet and relaxes back on his heels as I sigh. My teeth hold my bottom lip captive as I think on that, sitting up and leaning back against my pillows to better see him.
“In a way, yes.” I answer and almost flinch at the hope in his eyes. “James.” My objection is futile and leads to nothing. Honestly, I’m not even sure what I’m against. His hope? Him? Frowning, he walks over to me and slides into the empty space on the bed next to me.
“Rosie. Put me out of my misery.” He pleads, hand grasping mine and sending heat throughout my body at the mere touch. “At least tell me something I can do for you. Anything.” I stare into those blue eyes and bite my tongue to keep myself from crying all over again.
“Stay. Even if it’s just for a little while.” I request softly. Selfish yes, but I can’t help it. I need him right now. More than maybe I ever have. Instantly, he moves further onto the bed and I instinctually melt into his side just like so many times before. A firm kiss is pressed to my hair and I sigh with some relief as my eyes shut. His arms wrap around me and he sighs as well.
“I’ve got you, doll. I’ve always got you.” He murmurs and I fall asleep thinking how could I possibly have nightmares like this? Pressed against the familiar shape of the man I love and have loved for…what seems like forever.
Of course, my twisted mind always finds a way.
Despite the man in my bed and what should be proper exhaustion, I still wake up at the same time. This time sans vomit, but still with cold sweat and with the addition of tears instantly streaming down my cheeks. Sobs shake out of my chest as I scan the dark room and I flinch when I feel Bucky’s hand slide up my back.
“Rosalie, what’s going on?” He asks groggily and I put my head in my hands as I cry.
“God, you know, I can’t do this anymore. I just can’t.” I wail, feeling emotions bubbling up inside me about to pop.
“Then tell me, doll. Tell me anything, tell me everything, whatever you want.” He pleads and I sit up, leaning over and turning on the lamp. We both cringe before relaxing into the amber warmth. I turn towards him and his hand slides off my back and instead slides gently up and down my thigh. My eyes take their time scanning him. This might be, after all, the last time I see him.
“When we were together in Hydra…you weren’t always you. There were times it was just the Soldier and Rosalie.” I start off and already Bucky’s eyebrows are furrowed.
“So, what? I don’t remember everything? I think I remember enough.” He says and I shake my head.
“Just listen.” His mouth shuts. “We didn’t meet in Bolivia. Or at least, that wasn’t the first time we met.” When he doesn’t interject, I continue. “We met here, in America while you were the Soldier. I was being kept here to help the Hydra take over the government and I almost got blown to shit in the process. Suddenly, they were made aware of my…mortality. They came up with an experiment and brought you over from Russia.” I swallow, confusion and patience constantly swimming in those baby blues. They were always so bright, even in that hellhole. “It was a contingency plan, of sorts. A back up in case either of us passed away. Since you were difficult from the start, I don’t know if they wanted you dead afterwards or what, but they chose us to head it. The first time we met was in a cell. A dirty cell that stank of piss and sweat and blood. They brought you in and injected us with a rusty orange mix of chemicals. To this day I don’t know what it was.”
“What did it do?” He asks quietly and I hesitate a moment.
“It was…excruciating. I fell to the floor and you fell to your knees as it entered our blood stream. The Soldier held my hand as I writhed on the floor and there was a heat. This same heat.” My hand reaches out and lays over his, causing sparks to shoot up into my fingers. Bucky shakes his head, not wanting to understand.
“I still don’t get it. What did they inject us with?” My eyes are pleading as he stares at me.
“James, our chemistry is just that. Chemistry. They engineered our connection.”
“No. No, they didn’t. What fucking purpose would that serve? Hydra doesn’t fucking bring love into the world, they kill it.” He rants slightly and every word hurts, it fucking hurts so bad, but I have to continue. I have to.
“They did have a purpose, Bucky. Physical attraction.” I wait a moment for that to sink in. “If we cared enough for each other we wouldn’t rip each other apart while making an heir.” The pain in his eyes as he follows is my own pain and it’s virulent.
“Jesus Christ, what did we do?” He asks brokenly and I do my best to hold back tears. For him, always for him.
“You didn’t know.” Dammit my voice is shaking. “You didn’t know what was happening.”
“But you did.” He shoots back and I flinch. “What happened? Was there a…was there a baby?” Anger leaks into his voice and I’m grateful. I can handle his anger better than his sadness. I nod. “No.” He whispers. “NO!” He screams and punches through the bedside table on his side. I flinch and contain my whimpers. “What happened to it?” He thunders, trembling with loss and rage.
“There…” I swallow, “there were four children.” An agonized scream rips out of his throat. I can’t stop now. He needs to know. At least, that’s what I’ll be telling myself for the rest of my life. “None of them made it. When…when there were no signs of abilities they were killed in infancy.” His next scream burns out my ears and he falls to his knees.
“And you knew. You knew this whole time?” He asks without even looking up at me.
“Yes. Yes, I knew.” Our door swings open to reveal Natasha, Tony, and Sam with wide eyes. I wave them off so they know we’re not in danger. “Their bodies were in that room at the base. That’s why I didn’t want to leave. That’s why I was apologizing. I didn’t…I didn’t want to leave them.”
“But you did.” His eyes look up at me and I stand, feeling more than ever that the Soldier is on the cusp of escaping. “You could have told me this years ago. You could’ve passed me them at the base and we could’ve buried them. But no. You had to lie and just leave them there in that godforsaken place. Jesus Christ.” I’m silent as he says this because it’s true. Every word of it. “Fuck this.” He turns and walks out and as soon as he’s out I’m trembling.
“What the hell is going on?” Sam asks and his voice calls me to action. I walk to the bathroom and grab my bag, leaving the bloodstained suit on the white floor.
“I’ve got to get out of here.” I breathe and push past them, sprinting out to my motorcycle in the garage. Revving her engine, I shoot off into the early morning with tears streaming down my cheeks and my heart ripped out of my chest.
Makes it sound like there was only one, doesn’t it? One assassin, one soldier, one life stolen and taken over to be used as a tool for evil minds. There was never only one. Hydra’s bloodstained hands, people called them. And once one’s hands have been bathed in blood so many times, it’s near impossible to look at the skin and not see red. Yet, when Hydra has been pushed out into the open by the Avengers there’s the slightest flicker of hope for the asset left behind. You see, I never had a Steve Rogers. No one is looking for me. The only person I’ve ever had is the one I was trapped with, the one that’s now free. The one who, if he finds me, I will surely destroy.
A/N; This took forever, but I hope you all enjoy this series!
“Remind me not to piss you off, Red.” He says and now I allow myself to smile. “You know, if you show me how you move I can make you a suit. Should anyways if you’re going to be a part of the team.”
My eyebrows shoot up and my mouth pops open. “You want to make me a suit?” I ask as we enter his workshop. His expression turns amused as I stop and he spins around his lab pressing buttons.
“Sure. You’ve just got to do a couple things for me.” He returns to my side and takes my hand, pulling me onto the platform as the robotic arms switch their appendages. My gaze on Tony is skeptical and he shakes his head at me. “Nothing weird. Science stuff. Promise.” He winks at me and leaves me in the center of the platform to grab small circles from a drawer in the far desk. White with small blue dots in the center of each, I recognize them almost instantly.
“Ah, I get it. They detect movement so you can see where the suit needs the most durability or maneuverability.” Tony’s eyes widen at my conclusion before nodding.
“That’s exactly right. God, that’s sexy.” The corners of my mouth quirk up as he displays the stickies on his arm. “Now, do you know where these go or can I help you?” He waggles his eyebrows suggestively and I laugh, taking the stickies from him.
“Think I can handle it, Einstein.” I quip and remove my cardigan, tank, socks, and pants. Tony watches with an open mouth as I toss my clothes over his shoulder with a smirk, then apply the stickies in their proper places. Over my heart, on both my thighs, wrists, and ankles. Now just in stickies, my purple bra, and purple boyshorts, I’m ready. And Tony’s staring happily without a qualm. “Tell me when you’re ready to look at the monitors, Tony.” He blinks and seems to return to earth.
“First, you’re a babe.” He spares me a wink before turning to the nearest desk and pulling up holographic information. My pulse and other vital signs appear in front of him and he nods approvingly before turning back to me. Excited light brown eyes look up to me and the arms of the robots now glow blue. Suddenly a little hologram of me appears in the middle of all the information. I raise my arms and lower them, fascinated when the little me does the same. “Nice.” Tony commends me and my eyes return to him. “Now, move how you normally would. Start with walking.” Nodding, I do so. I yelp when the machinery around me starts moving with me so I still remain in the same place. Grinning like a school girl, I pick up my feet and watch this weird machine catch each step. Metal blooms around my foot and soon I’m running at full speed without outrunning the arms.
“This is amazing.” I breathe and glance at Tony who is studying me and my movements avidly.
“You’re doing incredibly. You’ve the same speed and stamina as the two popsicles upstairs.” Tony reports and I smirk. “Alright, you can stop.” I halt a little sadly. Our eyes meet and I only have a moment to absorb the enthusiasm swimming in his hazel eyes before he spins to the holograms. I shift back and forth in place, my heart and muscles now wishing to move, move, move. “I’ll need you to fight how you’d normally fight. I’ll grab a dummy-”
“I don’t mind standing in.” My head snaps to the doorway and finds James leaning in the doorway, eyes like matches to light the gasoline in my blood.
“Go for it, Robocop.” Tony encourages and turns back to the holograms. I don’t even have time to object before Bucky’s stepped up onto the now smooth platform.
“Like the outfit, Rosie.” He teases and whistles lightly. I clench my jaw and crouch slightly so I’m in position.
“Can it. Why’re you down here anyways?” I ask as he rolls his shoulders. He hesitates and I realize why. “Wanted to catch us fucking, huh? Hm, didn’t know you turned kinky.” I just can’t resist joking quietly and watch his mouth turn down.
“And was that a possibility?” Bucky asks just as quietly. His eyes are sad now, but I harden my heart against them. I can’t fall just because he looks like a kicked puppy.
I scoff. “Like I’d dignify that question with an answer.”
“Whenever you two are ready.” The both of us look up when Tony speaks and we nod simultaneously. This won’t be my first time fighting Bucky and I’m fairly certain it won’t be the last either. Since this is just a little fun, I start slow. Punch, punch, kick. Punch, punch, kick. Bucky easily dodges each and every move with an intense look in his eyes. It’s distracting. Tony opens his mouth but he doesn’t need to tell me to go harder, I’m already planning on it. I circle Bucky once and a side of his mouth turns up just a little.
Once behind him I take one giant step before flipping and encasing his head in my thick thighs. Before I can break his nose again, he grabs my thighs and bows at an extreme speed to smash my head into the floor. I let go of him just enough to give me enough body maneuverability to curl into his body so I’m protected. In the moment he pauses before going to straighten himself, I plant my hands on the ground and with a loud grunt I use what leverage I have to flip him onto his back. Now sitting flat on his pecs, I roll forward between his legs before his hands can catch me. Unfortunately, his legs snap up and capture my waist. He sits up and quickly embraces me close to his chest so I can’t use my arms. I feel every breath shake out of his lungs, his skin and tight shirt brushing what exposed skin I have. Lips at my ear, he bites the shell and my eyes shut a moment. Faintly, I hear my heart monitor spike.
“I could get used to this again.” He breathes shakily and my eyes snap open. My head droops forward before I snap it back into his face. It stuns him enough that I can force his arms off and a quick elbow jab just before his knee lets me shove that off as well. Standing again, I take a few steps away from him to regain some semblance of my sanity.
“Uh, that’s all I need. Unless you two need more time here.” Tony comments and I instantly hop off the platform to land beside him. I remove the stickies from my now sweat slick skin and place them on a metallic tray for cleaning. “Impressive work, Red.” He pecks my cheek but has a different look in his eyes than earlier. “Make a list of must haves for me and I’ll get started right away.” A pen and notepad seem to just appear in his hands and I take them gratefully. I toss my clothes over my shoulder before walking out of the room without a backward glance at James. I’m dry by the time I get back to my room and didn’t sweat enough to be rid of the clothes I have on, so I take my time slipping them back on.
Sighing, I sit on my bed and run my long fingers through my blood red hair. The notepad and pen Tony gave me are beside me, so I grab them and write down what must-haves come to mind. Holsters and stealth. I write, then pause. Honestly that’s all I can think of. I’ve made do with a lot less. I stand up to get ready to walk back and give this to Tony, but of course James is standing in the doorway.
“Is skulking in doorways just your thing now?” I ask and sit back down in irritation. He walks in and leans against the far wall, letting the door swing and click shut.
“Well, at least you’re still a good fighter. Clearly haven’t softened at all.” James jokes and I roll my eyes.
“And you have. Back in the day you would’ve never let me get a hit in. You let who you were fighting get into your head.” I tsk and stand, unwilling to sit in his presence any longer. “If we go out together, on a mission, you can’t be distracted by me being there. I need your word.” I toss the pad and pen back on the bed and my arms cross as I look at him. I’m thrown off slightly by the soft smile on his face. He pushes off the wall and comes a little closer.
“You know, in normal life, it’s okay to go a little soft with someone we care about.” He tells me and I pout as I back up from his slow progress towards me.
“That’s what gets you killed, Barnes.” He pauses and sighs.
“Has it occurred to you yet that you aren’t in a war zone anymore?”
“Life is and always has been a war, James, you of all people know that.”
“No, we were always taught that.” Flesh meets flesh as he raises a hand to rub his blue eyes before looking back to me. “You’re stubborn as hell, you know that?”
“Sorry, are you trying to therapize me? I’m fine.” My back finally hits the wall and he stops just in front of me with a critical look on his face.
“Sugar, waking up covered in sweat and puking into a prepared trashcan is not okay. Not even remotely.” He tells me and I frown. He huffs and takes the final step towards me, letting his hands reach up and rub up and down my arms, one warm and the other frigid. “Wish you’d tell me what got you so spooked, doll.”
I shake my head and nearly smile at his good intentions. “Nightmares are just nightmares, James. I’ll survive.” He grinds his teeth together and reaches up to gently brush my hair back. I lean into the movement involuntarily.
“That’s what I thought too but I want more than that for you.” His hands drop to my cheeks and I instinctually put my hands over his. Our bodies know each other too well. I tell myself silently, watching him just barely move when I do and not even have to think about it.
“James-”
“Don’t you want more for yourself?” He asks, steel creeping into his voice and eyes. A smile teases my lips. He’s always believed in me. Believed I was better than I am.
“It does me good to see you like this, you know.” I admit and bite my lip as I reach up to tuck a stray wave behind his ear. “Preaching and telling me I can do more. It’s sweet.” I sigh and let my hand drop. “But I don’t deserve it. Might as well give up now, James.” My hands remove his from my face. His jaw flexes again in frustration and as his emotions spike so does the heat between us. Like a chemical reaction.
“Right. When have I ever given up on you, Rosie?” My eyebrows raise at the insinuation that I’ve given up on him. I suppose he’s right.
“You know, I seem to remember you telling me you’d back off.” My fingers touch my stomach, then his. A smile pulls on his lips.
“And I said it was a shit promise, so.” His shoulders shrug and he leans forward to barely skim his lips across my cheek. My breath leaves my body in a quick whoosh when his hands gently land on my ribs, thumbs grazing the bottom of my bra. God, he’s like heroine.
“James…no. I can’t do this. I’ve told you.” I object with difficulty and he instantly pulls back. Emotion reaches up to choke me. “It’s too hard.” My head shakes. His hands claim mine as he gives me a little more space and furrows his brows.
“Tell me. Rosie, tell me what’s going on.” He pleads and stoops a little to meet my eyes that have wandered to the floor. I look up and my heart squeezes at his concerned expression.
“It’s just-” I’m cut off by a loud blaring and Bucky’s eyes shut in irritation.
“That’s the alarm. We’ve got to get to the war room.” His eyes linger on me before tugging my hand. We walk out and head to a room I haven’t been to before. It looks like a fancy meeting room for execs. Long, oval table, leather swivel chairs, and a holographic screen at the far end of the room. Tony, Sam, and Steve are already here. Tony’s screwing with the screen while Steve sits in a swivel chair across from him. Sam’s next to Steve so I sit beside Tony’s standing figure while James sits next to me.
“What’s going on?” I ask and Steve looks at me.
“We’ll wait till the rest of the team is here to brief.” He tells me and I nod, glancing at the door as Natasha comes in. “And that’s it for now.” Steve waves to Tony and Tony nods in confirmation.
“We’ve got another Hydra base to sack. Despite not being big on clean energy, they needed a way to power their bases off the grid. The Tesseract was perfect for this. Now, I’ve got satellites scanning for that specific energy signature and we just got a hit.” We all look to the screen when Tony presses a button and watch land and oceans fly across the screen until landing.
“Pripyat, Ukraine?” My tone is disbelieving. “Outside Chernobyl?” Tony shrugs.
“Never said anyone from Hydra was smart. We should be fine as long as we go in and get out within a day. A few hours would be better.” Tony reports and I frown at the screen, not liking this one bit.
Steve stands and crosses his arms as Tony sits. “Since this is a high-risk zone, Buck, Rosalie, Natasha, and I will go in first since we won’t be affected by the chemicals. Sam and Tony, we’ll need you to be our eyes in the sky so we can see what’s coming on the ground. This should also protect you from exposure.” He turns away from the screen towards us. “Hopefully, we’ll have more information on what Hydra’s doing here soon so we’re heading out tomorrow evening. Be ready then.” Steve pauses for questions, then nods. “Alright. Dismissed.” We all stand but I turn to Tony instead of the door.
“Hey, I only have two notes for the suit. All I need is at least two holsters and something stealthy.” I tell him, hoping that’s helpful. His eyes light up.
“Good! Okay, that makes you easy. I’ll have your suit done by tomorrow Red, don’t worry.” His hand is soft and gentle on the small of my back as we walk out past Bucky. No doubt he’ll stay and talk things over with Steve, but I feel his eyes on my back as I walk out. I think a moment.
“Thanks, Tony.” I peck his cheek and spin back around to walk back into the war room. I let the doors shut behind me before walking up behind the two soldiers. “Anything we can help with, Steve?” The man turns and smiles softly at James and me. Barely, I see the corner of Bucky’s mouth lift.
“Whatever you need, punk.” Bucky reaches out and pats his shoulder. Steve gratefully pats the same hand and looks to me.
“Keep each other out of trouble and I’ll be happy.” Bucky and I glance at one another before looking back at Steve.
“I’ll watch out for you, Steve, if you look out for him.” I flick my chin at Bucky and he grins. Steve nods in agreement.
“And I’ll look after your smartass, Rosie.” James swears and I shake my head.
“If you can keep up, Barnes.” I quip and let the weight of having a team settle on my shoulders. The more members, the more to lose.
* * * * *
Tonight is very different from last night. Dinner is made by oneself and eaten in each other’s respective places. There’s definitely the feel of wary anticipation around the place. I’ve yet to see Tony come out of his workshop and I feel a little guilty about that since I’m most likely the reason. After finishing my bowl of cereal, I head down to see his progress. Steve nods to me on the stairs as he heads up them and I nod back before slipping into the place.
“Ah, Red. Nice to see a pretty face.” Tony teases through a mouth full of sandwich. “At first I thought you might be Mr. Patriot come back to scold me.” My smile comes easy as I walk to him and sit on the stool across from him.
“Felt a little guilty that making my suit is most likely keeping you from coming up. How’s it going?” Sandwich in hand, he pops up and twiddles a little with a screen before a little holographic me appears once again. Rolling over in his swivel chair, he tugs me down into his lap before rolling us back over. “Tony…” I start disapprovingly, but he puts his hands on either side of my head and makes me look at the hologram. “Oh, Tony.” I breathe in awe. “It’s fantastic. Genius. Holy shit.” Tony’s arms wrapped around my waist squeeze with happiness.
“Glad you like it. The only thing happening now is stitching and that’ll be done within the hour. See these pieces here?” He turns and lets his fingers graze over the hologram’s chest, torso, and shoulders. “All this is armored. And you’ll have these as vambraces.” He clicks twice and little blue arm braces float onto my arms. “You’ve got two holsters, one on each thigh. Two above your fine ass for small pistols, and I added these,” he gestures to what looks like two pieces of cloth wrapped around my hips, “for fun. The cloth will be strong enough to choke someone I suppose or you could wear it over your face to hide your identity. Oh!” He rolls us backwards and points under the desk. Black combat boots sit underneath with a pile of knives next to it. “Sheathes inside and you can add those knives wherever you like. The straps are adjustable.” I’m in complete awe.
“Tony. I’m blown away. Thank you.” I turn in his lap and press a happy kiss to his cheek. His shining eyes meet mine and he pats my thigh affectionately.
“Course, Red. I’ll send it up to you when it’s ready. Probably in the morning after I’ve given it a once over. I’ll have the colors be a surprise.” Tony tells me while glancing at his creation.
“Well, it’s perfect. I appreciate your work.” I tell him and fluff his hair before getting up.
“Oh, one more thing, Red.” I pause before walking out the door. Tony has a serious expression on his face and I make sure to listen closely. “I’m trusting you with all these knives and guns and stuff. There’s a toxin on each knife edge that will in capacitate whomever you hit within a minute. This isn’t a team of killers.” My lips turn up.
While I can think of three examples to prove him wrong, I let it go. “Of course, Tony. You got it.”
Makes it sound like there was only one, doesn’t it? One assassin, one soldier, one life stolen and taken over to be used as a tool for evil minds. There was never only one. Hydra’s bloodstained hands, people called them. And once one’s hands have been bathed in blood so many times, it’s near impossible to look at the skin and not see red. Yet, when Hydra has been pushed out into the open by the Avengers there’s the slightest flicker of hope for the asset left behind. You see, I never had a Steve Rogers. No one is looking for me. The only person I’ve ever had is the one I was trapped with, the one that’s now free. The one who, if he finds me, I will surely destroy.
A/N; This took forever, but I hope you all enjoy this series!
I’m down the driveway within five minutes and in the city within thirty. The chill of the open air is welcome on my sweat slicked skin and the familiarity of this city calms me. Nothing in Hydra ever looked like this. Passing the coffee shop Natasha and I were in the other day nearly brings a smile to my face, but soon I feel the sadness catching up to me and I have to run again. With the sun no doubt getting ready to rise, I decide to head back to the facility. My first stop is that gorgeous gym. Luckily, I’m first. Since I still have energy, my fists curl and I start with the punching bags. Bare skin hits the dark navy of the bag and it’s a damn satisfying feeling. When my knuckles are raw I walk away towards the shooting range. All concrete and targets, it’s not exceedingly impressive. At least, not until I see the wall covered in knives and guns. A low whistle slips from my lips and I back up a little to pick my poison.
I choose six knives to start with. Pure black and double edged that comes to a sharp tip. Laying them out in the farthest stall, I smile. This station has foam at the far end and a target already painted into it. I twirl a knife in my hand before tossing them all in quick succession. Two in the heart, two in the head, two in the crotch.
“Not bad.” I spin to face the soft voice and find Natasha waiting there for me. “Rough morning?” My eyes follow hers to my raw fists.
“You could say that.” I allow and slip into the danger zone to retrieve the knives. After I return and place them in their proper place, I walk out with Natasha.
She pauses and I take the moment to notice she’s in workout clothes herself; black yoga pants and a white tank-top. “Actually, I was feeling like a workout. Care to go a round with me?” She moves onto the padded floor and raises an eyebrow as a challenge. The corner of my mouth lifts and I take down my hair, then redo it into a tight ponytail.
“I’m flattered.” I incline my head towards her and step onto the softer floor as well. As she cracks her knuckles I crack my neck and we both grin at the sounds. “Ready?” She hums the affirmative and we both crouch slightly. Right now, I have the advantage. I know what she can do and she only has an idea of what I can do. This can also be a disadvantage if she decides to test me by going all out.
That is exactly what she does.
For a few minutes we throw and dodge punches to feel each other out. Reaction times, where the eyes go, retaliation times. My only warning that Natasha’s about to change things up is a small upturning of the left side of her mouth. I press forward and as I step she hooks my ankle with her foot and tugs forward while shoving my chest back. Midfall I manage to pull my hands back and use them to flip back onto my feet, but Natasha is only just getting started. My foot shoots out to kick and she easily intercepts it, catching it with a hand and tossing it. I use this as leverage to spin and jump, kicking at her with more force. She ducks with a wide grin on her face and slides under me. As soon as both my feet are back on the ground her hands are around my throat. Feeling her body close behind me, I grab her wrists and flip us both. The breath is knocked out of her long enough for me to loose her hands. I elbow her ribs to prolong my advantage before rolling off her and standing. I lift a foot to knock her out, but she once again catches it and extends her arms to throw me off balance. My hands catch myself and I roll before hearing the thud of her fist hitting the pad where I just was.
We both stand and huff at seeing the grin on the other. “So how is this going to go, Natasha? Until one of us is unconscious?” I offer and she barks a laugh.
“How about first blood drawn?” She suggests and I nod, happy to have had the respite. “Unless, of course, you give in.” I snort.
“Unlikely.”
I slide towards her legs and she easily somersaults over me. We spin to face the other and limbs shoot out towards each other’s face. The nose is the easiest target and we both realize we’re aiming for the same body part at the same time. We both smirk. I duck an incoming punch and she snatches a handful of my hair, snapping my head back.
“Cheating, don’t you think?” I groan before flipping and smacking her hand off.
“Staying alive, I call it.” She remarks before taking a gut shot so she can throat punch me. I choke and focus solely on moving out of the way of her punches instead of throwing my own until I’ve regained my breath. Now when she throws her next punch I take her wrist like she did mine earlier and spin around her, holding my arm around her throat and leaning back so she can’t flip.
“Yield?” I question.
“Funny.” She croaks and peels up my pinkies, bending them back until I’m forced to let go or lose them both. My fingers wiggle in relief that the pressure is gone and Nat shrugs at the movement. “Winner makes the loser breakfast?”
I laugh and turn out of the way of her cartwheel of death. “After a shower. Agreed.”
“And what the hell is this?” My eyes look to the door and my entire body stalls when I see James standing there, shirtless. Fire echoes throughout my body before pain shoots through my arm.
“Aw, fucking hell.” I curse and rip my arm away from Natasha’s nails. Too late. The small crescent wounds are already barely bleeding. “Dammit. Jackass cost me the fight!” Natasha’s light laugh calls my eyes back to her just in time to catch a towel.
“Wipe off and meet me at the gathering room in thirty minutes.” She winks at me and heads out, whipping her own towel at Bucky as she passes. I wipe off my face and neck, then leave it to hang off my shoulders.
“Sorry for…distracting you.” James tells me and my eyes lift to meet his smirk. His eyes rove over my body the same time mine scan his. He’s just a tad more exposed than I am in my sports bra and shorts. He’s shirtless and in navy shorts with matching navy tennis shoes to match. As he sashays over to me it’s involuntary to slowly look him up and down. Scars litter every inch of his body, including his thick thighs hidden by cloth at the moment. His sharp V has me biting my lip as well as the few, what I know to be soft, dark, curls leading up to his belly button. White lines decorate his molded stomach all the way up to his pecs and those beautiful shoulders. Mouthwatering doesn’t even begin to describe him. Godlike, maybe. “Wouldn’t mind going a round with you, doll.” He offers before stopping in front of me. I make sure to keep at least five feet between us or else I’m almost positive I’d touch him. And that’s the minimum I’d do. A few stray waves escape his half bun and fall to frame his face. “Or just joining you in the shower.” Bucky continues and sucks his bottom lip between his teeth at the mere thought. Fucking hell.
“Think I can manage on my own. Or I could always enlist someone else’s help.” That shuts him up and I smile softly as I walk to the door. He catches up to me and gently takes my arm. I turn towards him and feel electricity crackle between our nearly naked bodies. Our eyes meet and I just know he’s about to ask me a mushy question.
“You alright?” There it is. Heat dies down only slightly as my mind flashes back to those blank eyes and I hear the memory of my neck snapping. I shrug my arm out of his grip and take a few steps away from him.
“I’m fine.” I cross my arms and face him. “Thank you, though. For last night.” His expression instantly softens.
“You can always come to me, Rosie. In any condition.” He tells me and I can see the honesty shining out of those bright eyes. “I care about your smartass.” Bucky jokes to lighten the mood and I roll my eyes.
“Sure. Shower.”
“Wouldn’t mind joining you!”
I flip him off and savor his laugh as I head to my room and take a shower. Afterwards I toss on a purple kami, white shrug, and jeans. I slip on some socks before heading into the gathering room to find Natasha waiting for me at the bar. She smirks at me.
“I like sausage patties and over easy eggs. And buttered toast.” She tells me and I shoot her a humorous look as I get the things out of the fridge.
“You got it your majesty.” I say sarcastically.
“A bit formal, but I’ll take it.”
My eyes look towards the door to find Tony standing there in red flannel pants and a black tank top. “And a good morning to you too, Tony.” I greet him and he grins at me, walking over and wrapping an arm around my waist to peck my cheek.
“Hey, Red. You’re a lovely sight this morning.” He charms, but I still smile. He’s cute.
“Mm. Hope you like eggs and sausage patties because that’s what I’m making.” I reveal and watch his brown eyes light up.
“I’ll love whatever you give me. Especially if it isn’t burnt.”
“Hey, I’m actually a good cook. Nothing will be burnt.”
Tony laughs and pecks my cheek again. “Then I look forward to it. Natasha.” He inclines his head towards her before turning around and making a cup of coffee. Natasha watches my every move with a small smirk on her face and I’m certain she bought these ingredients as well. She’s making sure she knows everything going into this food. Assassin habits die hard. I get out the pans at Natasha’s instruction and pop up to find a steaming cup of coffee beside the stove. I glance at Tony and he shrugs. “Some milk and a little sugar. You don’t seem the sweet coffee type.” Tony gestures to Nat who also now has her own coffee that is a horrifying toffee color.
“Thank you, Tony.” I tell him, a little surprised. My first sip is delicious and I’m even more surprised he got it right. I hum happily and get back to work. Tony and Natasha start up a quiet conversation as Tony leans back on the counter behind me and the sound is nice to cook to. This is the calmest I’ve been in a while.
“So, we’re getting breakfast because you beat Red in a fight? Damn, I would’ve loved to see that.” I roll my eyes at Natasha. She knows I’ll never admit I lost because Bucky’s fucking bare chest. “Cap.” Over the sizzling in front of me I hear Tony greet Steve and I look up to see Tony handing him a cup of coffee.
“Morning, Steve.” A soft smile is already on his face as he looks over the scene and he looks like he’s already been running.
“Morning.” He gestures his head to everyone before walking over beside me and surveying what I’m cooking. “Heard there was a little bet this morning. Lost?” He asks me and I sigh, knowing Bucky must’ve told him. Natasha’s smirk only grows as she sees me struggle to confirm.
“Barely.” I reply and meet Nat’s green eyes. She hums and shakes her head slightly with mirth. When I look back at Steve I notice he has it in his eyes at well. Must make him happy to see the team mingling without fists being thrown. Yet, anyway.
“Would’ve liked to see you in action, Rosalie.” Steve tells me with interest in his eyes. “I’ve heard it’s something.” A little challenge rises in his eyes and amusement creeps into mine.
“Uh-huh. You trying to pick a fight with me, Steve?” I tease and like the bright smile that settles on his face.
“Wouldn’t do that, punk.” We all turn towards the door when Bucky comes in, tank top now hiding that pretty chest from view. He shoots me a wink and I quickly look back to the food, putting everything on serving plates. “Natasha beating her is one thing, not sure if you could take her.” Despite resisting, a smile makes its way onto my face.
“Guess I’ll stick to kicking your ass then.” Steve acquiesces and dodges a weak punch from Bucky, taking the plates for me and carrying them to the table.
“You’re on your own for toast, everybody!” I announce and hand Natasha hers per our bet before heading to the table. Sitting down closest to the door and facing it, I watch interestedly as the rest sit down. Tony sits next to me first and scoots as close as possible, causing me to shake my head at him. Bucky sits across from me and I can tell this isn’t his normal seat since Steve hesitates only slightly before settling beside him with a little smirk. Natasha remains at the bar lording over us with jade eyes.
“Delicious. Please lose more bets.” Tony teases and Natasha hums in agreement from her tall seat.
“I don’t plan on losing any more bets. Well, unless losing is a better option than winning.” My eyes involuntarily flick to Bucky and he smiles lopsidedly. Well, until Tony puts an arm around my shoulders and bumps our chairs together. Then he has a frown on his face and slightly furrowed brows as he tries to hide his displeasure.
“I’ll start thinking of a few propositions for you then.” Tony winks at me and I purse my lips to keep a smile off my face. Suddenly, my outstretched legs are caged between Bucky’s and I look up to a mischevious look on his face. I lift my legs and he scoots closer, tightening his hold on me irritatingly. Giving up, I finish up my breakfast while listening to Tony.
“Are you working on anything new?” I question, turning to Tony’s melty chocolate eyes. They light up with excitement.
“I’ve actually just started on something new for Nat. I could show you, if you wanted?” He asks and I smile.
“I’d love to see it.” I tell him and he instantly hops up, taking my plate and putting it in the dishwasher as I try to extricate myself from Bucky’s death grip on my legs. “Let go, James.” I hiss and his grin grows.
“Beat me in an arm-wrestling contest and we’ll discuss it.” He proposes and sets his metallic elbow on the table. Rolling my eyes, I kick my legs up and hear the wood of his chair splinter.
“Let go, or it’ll be your balls next.” I threaten and everyone in the room stills, except Bucky. Asshole has the gall to laugh.
“Pretty sure you like my package too much to actually hurt me, doll.” His blue eyes dare me to do it, so I pull a foot back to the edge of his seat and shove it back instead. It slides, then falls backwards with Bucky soundly in it. Smirking, I finally stand and step away from the table and round it to stand over him.
“Don’t test me, James. You already know how that’s worked out for you in the past.” I tell him and he looks up at me with wide eyes, then lets his head rest back against the floor.
“I’m fine if it always ends up with you above me, doll.” A smile endeavors to coerce my lips, but I just shake my head at him and walk out. Tony catches up with me in only a moment.
Makes it sound like there was only one, doesn’t it? One assassin, one soldier, one life stolen and taken over to be used as a tool for evil minds. There was never only one. Hydra’s bloodstained hands, people called them. And once one’s hands have been bathed in blood so many times, it’s near impossible to look at the skin and not see red. Yet, when Hydra has been pushed out into the open by the Avengers there’s the slightest flicker of hope for the asset left behind. You see, I never had a Steve Rogers. No one is looking for me. The only person I’ve ever had is the one I was trapped with, the one that’s now free. The one who, if he finds me, I will surely destroy.
A/N; Been a while since I’ve posted, but here’s the third chapter. Enjoy, lovelies!
Warnings; Hm, just language I think.
Words; 3,246
Chapter Three
Natasha
As soon as we’re out of earshot of the boys she speaks. “So, you and Barnes have a history.” It’s not even a question but she looks at me like I’m supposed to answer.
“You could say that.” I agree. That’s just the fucking minimum, believe me.
“Conflicted?”
“Definitely.”
“Romantic?”
“Some of it.”
“Reason for termination?”
“A long one.” I answer with a little smile on my face. I like that she’s to the point but seems to know when not to push, at least, she isn’t pushing yet.
“Skill set?”
“Same as Barnes. Maybe a bit more stealth.” I tease lightly as we descend a set of stairs deeper into the facility. A corner of her mouth lifts.
“And your current living situation?”
“Well…less than five star.” I admit reluctantly, knowing if Bucky heard me he’d hold it over me till I acquiesced. Natasha nods.
“You know, we have more here than just Barnes.” Our eyes meet before she looks ahead again. “Training, for us and for newcomers, missions, for good causes. Irritating the boys is fun too.” She specifies and suspicion sneaks into my mouth, staining it with the taste.
I hum and stop. Natasha stops as well and turns to me. Her eyes confirm everything I suspect. “You know.” Of course, she does. She’s Natasha Romanoff. Her eyes scan me carefully as she decides on her next move.
“I know a lot of things.” She barely admits. “And you wouldn’t be the first person on this team to have a past.” Layered meaning coats her words and she makes sure to prolong eye contact just a beat longer before beginning to walk again. I follow, seeing Natasha in a new light. She now moves in front of me to open the lab door. As soon as the door opens we’re nearly blown back by booming AC/DC. My wide eyes meet Natasha’s unsurprised ones and she shrugs, waving me inside. I walk in and absorb the room. It’s at least the size of a four-car garage and has the feel of one too. Concrete floor made slightly more upscale by the gloss covering it and metal pretty much everywhere. Two large desks sit to the right with holographic displays and the wall behind them is decorated with rows of Iron Man suits. On the other side of the workshop is a flatscreen on the wall, coffee bar, and a pile of stereos. Finally, the center of the room is a platform with robotic arms frozen mid-reach towards it. A man with a mess of black curls on his head is facing away from us at the far desk, sparks spraying out to the side of his body as he works. While he has rubber gloves up to his elbows, his white tank top shows off plenty of his arm muscles. Hello, biceps. Suddenly, the music cuts off and I breathe a sigh of relief when I look over and see Natasha at the stereo. Tony instantly puts his things down and rips off his gloves and mask as he turns around.
“Romanoff. Well, at least you didn’t shoot it this time.” He sighs and hops up, eyes moving to me and lighting up with curiosity. “Wow. Red. Name?” I blink funnily as he speaks and walks over to me.
“Rosalie Warren.” I tell him as he comes to a stop in front of me.
“Tony Stark. No offense, but why are you here? Not that I don’t mind some eye candy.” That quick mouth tips up into a charming smile while warm brown eyes flit between Natasha and I for an answer. He’s cute.
“Barnes brought a friend.” Natasha teases lightly and walks over to the two of us. Tony’s black eyebrows pop up as he considers me.
“Damn. Didn’t know he had friends other than Capsicle. Well then, you’re a welcome sight Rosalie. And a pretty one.” He winks at me and I find myself smiling a little. He’s surprisingly charming, but I guess that isn’t too surprising after all.
“Off limits, Stark.” I turn and frown as Bucky walks in with a clean, reset nose. Steve enters reluctantly behind him, still wearing an amused smile.
“Sorry, pretty sure I decide that.” I snap and move towards Natasha and Tony rather than James. He notices and looks at me with disdain. I resist sticking my tongue out at him.
“Unless you want another bloody nose, anyway.” Natasha points out with a small smirk and Tony’s jaw drops. Yeah, I like her.
“I was just thinking you look uglier than usual, Barnes. You broke his nose?” Tony asks me and he chuckles when I nod, nodding happily. “It’s settled then. Stay as long as you like, Red.” I roll my eyes when Bucky actually perks up at this comment instead of taking offense.
“I’m not against it.” Natasha speaks up and continues shocking me. Maybe she’s coming to like me as much as I’m coming to like her. “Wouldn’t mind seeing Barnes being put into his place more often.”
“Sorry, is this a thing?” Tony points between the two of us.
“I like her more than anyone else in this room right now. Sorry Steve.” He waves me off as soon as I apologize. Natasha shrugs.
“I wouldn’t throw her out of bed.” We smile at one another then look to absorb the reactions of the men. Tony’s staring at us with a mixture of shock and awe, Steve’s holding in a laugh at Bucky’s expression which is a mix of disdain and amusement.
“You know what, we never finished touring. Rosie?” Bucky’s tone is pleading and it’s very tempting to see how far he’ll go to stop this, but I decide to be merciful.
“Nice meeting you.” I nod to Tony and he quickly snaps out of his stupor to grab my hand and kiss it.
“Hope I’ll see you again. Soon.” Bucky’s now tugging me towards the door with his arm around my waist. I shoot Natasha a wink before slipping out the door and back up the stairs with James.
“You’d be a great hook guy at the theaters. On the side of the stage, you know?” I tease and tap the arm around my waist. He makes no move to release me and I’m still glowing from the fun downstairs so I don’t reprimand him. It also feels very good to be pressed against him.
“Very cute. Have fun teasing me down there? And breaking my nose?” He asks and slows down after we’ve ascended the stairs.
“Just a tad. Release.” I tap his metallic hand but his grip on me only tightens, lips brushing against my hair. The humor in me fades.
“Why should I? You seem to make trouble without me.” I scoff and fight the warmth rising in me at his closeness.
“And with you. Pretty sure I am trouble. It doesn’t need to find me. Now, let go before I injure a more sensitive part of your body.” I threaten and we stop in the middle of the hallway. His arm lets me go but his body backs me up against the wall with his arms on either side of me. Our eyes meet and I pause before getting ready to kick his crotch. His face is all hard lines until my stormy grey’s meet his clear blues, then he softens.
“What’s it going to take to convince you to stay, doll?” He asks quietly and my breath hitches when he rests his forehead against mine for a moment. The smallest of hums slips from his lips, happier and happier the longer we’re touching. “Bring you breakfast every morning? Dinner every night?” He offers with a small smile. “Heavy blankets for your bed? The ones you can snuggle down into with a mug of coffee?” My eyes widen a little that he remembers I like to do that. “Something else?” Bucky questions and I just now notice my hands are balled up in his shirt.
“James…we-” I pause to swallow and try to collect myself. It’s doesn’t help. I can feel his heart shoving blood throughout his body at a faster pace because I’m near to him. It’s just as it’s always been between us. Electric. Chemical. Vital. “we can’t do this. I need you to stop.” I plead and his brows furrow.
“But I can fucking feel you.” He huffs, irritated with the unspecific words floating to his mind. Little does he know I know exactly what he means. “Hear you breathe faster when we’re like this, hear it stop when I walk by, fuck, every time I touch you I feel the heat coming off you like a motherfucking fire. And still you tell me to go to hell when I know, I know you want me just as much as I want you.” As he speaks his hands fall from the wall and instead claim my hips, slipping under my sweater and now allowing his index fingers under the waist band of my jeans. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth as my eyes shut involuntarily. When I realize, I stop and my eyes snap open. Bucky’s smirking.
“You’re not exactly…playing fair.” I sigh and relax as fair back as I can against the wall. Bucky accepts this move and pushes closer so our chests are pressed together. “Christ.” I breathe and Bucky groans at the explicit moan. God, we’re in a motherfucking hallway.
“And that was fair?” He pants, his own breathing kicked up a notch. “Come on, doll. Let yourself go.” His eyes close now that his lips are so close, close enough that his words are spoken onto mine. Hands still firm and wanting on my hips, he has me. As much as I hate to think it, he was right. We’ve owned each other for a long time. So, what if I just cheat a little bit? My fingers ache from how tightly I’m clinging to his shirt and it feels like my blood is electrocuting me from the inside out. Screaming, just touch him. Bring him closer, closer, closer. And motherfucking god do I want him closer.
A sharp whistle calls me out of the stupor and I shove James away, feeling the electricity fade the farther away from him I am. Still, it feels like a loss. Natasha looks between the two of us searchingly.
“I’m going out for coffee. Care to join?” Her eyes are steady on me but switch to James when he speaks.
“There’s coffee here.” He grumbles, clearly unhappy about the interruption. I avoid his eyes. Natasha shrugs.
“Not Starbucks. Rosalie?” Jade meets my storm blue and I nod. I start following her and hear Bucky after me. “Just Rosalie.” Natasha tosses the words over her shoulder and I’m shocked to hear the footsteps stop while ours continue. The minute we step outside I take in a deep breath.
“Thanks.” I tell her and she smirks. Now that I think about it, Natasha kind of reminds me of an owl. She tweaks her movements like an owl does its head when it’s looking at it’s prey and her eyes betray nothing but a mysterious wisdom. Whether of you or the world, no one could say. Probably both.
“Usually I’d be all for someone on the team getting down and dirty in the hallway, but I have a feeling it’s a little more…complicated between the two of you.” She says as she leads the way towards what I’m guessing is the garage.
“You could say that.” I let loose a dry chuckle, then survey her. “Clarification. You know who I am. What I used to do, I mean, but you don’t know everything.” She admitted as much earlier, but I need to know just how much she knows and how much she wants me to think she knows. The corner of her mouth lifts as if she knows this.
“Does anyone know everything?” She questions and we both pause as the garage door opens with all the bluster of a screen door caught in a hurricane. Silence descends as we enter the concrete confines.
“I do.” I answer and her smile grows into almost a complete one. She opens the driver’s side door of a sleek, black mustang.
“Do you?” She asks and my brows furrow at her before she ducks into the car. I sigh and shake my head before doing the same. Now what the fuck does that mean?
* * * * *
“What the hell is that again?” I ask Natasha, grimacing slightly at the drink in her pale hand.
“Caramel macchiato with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon on top.” She answers while scanning the small Starbucks. Two exits on opposite ends of the shop. We’re sitting against the wall with one a few tables away. I’m facing that one and Nat’s facing the other. Old habits die hard. “Don’t make that face. It’s good.” I sip my simple Caffe Americano and sigh at the warm liquid sliding down my throat.
“I’ll stick with mine, thanks. Do you do this often?” I cross my ankles and rest my arm on the back of my chair. Natasha’s in a similar position but her nails are tapping lightly on the table while her coffee is in her other hand, resting lightly on her crossed knees.
“If you stick around you’ll find regular escapes into the outside world are necessary to resist bodily harm coming to others.” She winks at me and I smile softly. “Coffee helps too.” We both take a deep hit of our respective drinks. “You’re welcome to come with me from now on.” My eyebrows pop up at the offer.
“So now you’re sure I’ll stay too?” I ask, much less annoyed with her insinuation than James’. Natasha shrugs and meets my eyes.
“Do you want advice?”
I sigh. “Why not?”
“I think you should face this head on. He obviously isn’t willing to let this go, so either give in, or show him proximity won’t even change your mind.” Her eyes burn slightly as she looks at me, bright red curls making her eyes seem a more vivid green than they actually are. “You’d have to work a little on that bit.” She tells me in a teasing tone, but she’s right.
“Not sure if that’s completely fair. He’s hard to resist in the first place and there are certain other…extenuating circumstances.” I hint with a little discomfort at mentioning it. Still, I’m certain Natasha doesn’t know exactly what I’m talking about.
“Well, letting him pin you against the wall in the hallway isn’t a great way to resist.” She smirks and takes a dainty sip from her coffee to keep herself from smiling wider. I groan and shut my eyes a moment. “You could tell me about it. Your extenuating circumstances.” My eyes open and meet hers again.
“Thanks. Don’t think so. Some things are meant to stay in the dark.”
* * * * *
On the way back to the facility I think on what Natasha said. Face it head on, she said. Prove I can resist him in close proximity, she said. A little sigh slips out of my lips as we both slip out of the car, now safe back in the garage. My eyes flit over the yard and land on the gaudy fountain, then the man standing beside it with bulky arms crossed. I roll my eyes and walk over to him, nodding at Natasha so she knows she can go ahead. She waves her fingers off her forehead in a relaxed salute before leaving Bucky and I alone. Our blue eyes meet and I start walking towards the grass. He follows, his presence soothing and frustrating at the same time.
“You know, I’ve never known Natasha to take to someone so quick.” He tells me and the corner of my mouth lifts. “Or you, for that matter.” I grin and shrug as he smiles softly at me.
“I like her. She’s not a schmoozer and she doesn’t want anything from me. Those two things are in rare supply these days.” I look at him pointedly and he sighs.
“Is it wrong of me to want you safe and looked after, Rosie? And to want answers?”
“Pushing me to do what you want is a pretty shitty thing to do, Barnes.”
“You’d never do anything if I didn’t push you.”
I snort at that and stop our walking, looking up at the emerging stars before meeting his eyes again. “Pretty sure I’ve done a lot of things without you, James.” Silence settles over us for a few beats. I’ve always liked these moments with him. Honest, free, rare moments that they are. Right now, it almost doesn’t hurt being near him. “I’m staying.” I tell him and warm at the sight of his instant smile and perkier eyes. “Natasha brought up some good points so don’t think it’s because of you. You’re the reason I didn’t want to.”
“Rude.” He comments, but he can’t even wipe that smile off his face. He steps forward and wraps his arms around me without a second’s hesitation. I’m so surprised at the action I freeze a moment and don’t push him away. “I’m so happy you’re here, doll. Despite my apparent assholery.” Bucky jokes and my heart sighs at hearing the happiness in his voice. After a breath, I wrap my arms around his waist and let my head rest on his shoulder, my face pressed against his neck. The electricity is a steady thrum now that we’re pressed to one another as if complacent in this moment that this is enough. Heat bounces between us as if our skin is steaming. Fuck, I forgot how good this felt. My arms tighten around him and his arms echo the movement. I can feel his heart thumping through his shirt and sweatshirt and every beat seems to scream home, home, home. He pulls away too soon and it feels like ripping apart Velcro. His hands reach up and frame my face. “As long as you’re here, I’m happy. I’ll do whatever you want as long as you’re nearby.”
I swallow thickly and struggle to reach up and remove his hands, then take a step back. “Since I’m staying I’ll be civil, but that’s it. Nothing is happening here.” My hand gestures between the two of us and Bucky’s expression turns a little skeptical.
“And you really think that’s a remote possibility for either of us?” Bucky asks, eyebrows raised. No. But that’s how it has to be. “And is that really what you want?” He takes a step forward and I take a step back.
“That’s what I need. Please, James.” I let a little desperation leak into my voice and he frowns when he hears it. He clenches his jaw and presses his lips together.
“I’m not promising a thing, but…” He runs a callused hand over his dark scruff, “I’ll back off. A little.” I sigh in relief and nod, knowing this is the best I’ll get.
“Thank you.” I breathe and he nods with a displeased look on his face.
“I’d rather you didn’t. It’s a shit promise.” My expression turns disdainful and he smirks. “Have you had dinner?” I shake my head. “Come on then. There’s gotta be somethin in the kitchen left to eat.”
Makes it sound like there was only one, doesn't it? One assassin, one soldier, one life stolen and taken over to be used as a tool for evil minds. There was never only one. Hydra's bloodstained hands, people called them. And once one's hands have been bathed in blood so many times, it's near impossible to look at the skin and not see red. Yet, when Hydra has been pushed out into the open by the Avengers there's the slightest flicker of hope for the asset left behind. You see, I never had a Steve Rogers. No one is looking for me. The only person I've ever had is the one I was trapped with, the one that's now free. The one who, if he finds me, I will surely destroy.
A/N; Second chapter! Reblog and comment and tell me what you think!!! :)
My apartment is small and relatively empty. A mattress on the floor with one heavy, navy blanket tossed across it, a small island, mismatched stools, bare kitchen counters excepting a coffee maker and toaster, stove, microwave, and mini fridge in the corner. There’s a bathroom just across the kitchen the size of a closet and has my big suitcase in it with what clothes I own. A couple of books lay beside the mattress and supplies me the only entertainment in my tiny apartment. After a quick shower last night, I just put underwear and a big T-shirt on, then fell onto the mattress to get some sleep. It was about three in the morning when I fell asleep. Which is why I’m pissed that it’s seven and I’m hearing a knock at the door. Knife clipped to my underwear, I stalk over to the door and swing it open.
James is leaning in the doorway with a dark blue baseball cap pulled low on his head. He’s traded his black clothes for dark jeans, rust Henley, and dirty white sneakers. My eyes shut in irritation and to shut out just how good he looks as my taut muscles relax.
“Gotcha.” He smirks as I open my eyes. “Nice outfit.” He looks me up and down appreciatively. This is made even worse since the shirt I’m wearing used to be his.
“It’s too early. Go away.” I swing the door at him and walk to the kitchen to make coffee. A thump tells me he caught the door and a slight click speaks to him shutting it behind him as he comes in. Drat.
“Little rude. Then again, you did give me a bullshit address before so maybe this is you being nice.” I shoot him a glare as I make a pot of coffee. If he’s sticking around, I’ll need it. “So, this is your place…” I whirl around and nearly throw the mug in my hands at his head. His eyes widen amusedly when my stormy grey eyes meet his clear blue ones.
“Oh Jesus, don’t even start. Sorry, I’m not sleeping on silk sheets and having eggs benedict every morning, but this is how I’ve decided to live. If you have a problem with it, get the fuck out.” I snap and spin back to my coffee pot. It actually takes him a minute to respond. Must be getting old.
“This place is shit, Rosie. I know, I’ve had places like this.” He tells me in a slightly softer voice and comes to this side of the island to be closer to me. After pressing the on button, I turn back around to face him as the pot groans.
“Don’t call me that godforsaken name.” I hiss and look up to meet gentle, stupidly affectionate eyes.
“Why don’t you let me take you out of here? No bullshit, I want an answer this time.” He crosses his ankles and arms at the same time to tell me he isn’t going anywhere and raises an eyebrow. I notice his arms flex and can tell he’s holding himself back from touching me, a habit I would’ve thought he’d have forgotten by now. Sighing, I hop up on the counter and put my hands in my lap so I don’t flash him.
“Pretty sure I already told you. Besides, what would I even do there, James? Hang out with the janitor? At least I’d have something in common with him.” He waits for me to continue and I roll my eyes. “Invisibility.” He huffs and pushes off the island to walk over to me. My legs instinctively widen to make room for him and the second his hands touch my legs goosebumps pop up all over my body. My soul sighs at being close to him again as electricity crackles between us. Cold and hot fingers tap in a line on my thighs as he stares into my eyes. “Oh, Chr-” I force a frown onto my face.
“You’ll be with me,” James says quietly and I nearly throw up my heart in his face. “And I can look after you. I’d be happy to get an apartment a little ways from the facility with you. Separate rooms. Single room, if you want.” He smirks a little to lighten the seriousness of his proposal. “Bottom line is, doll, I’m not leaving you. We’ve been apart for a little while,” I snort, “and I’ve got to say, not a fan.”
“James. It’s been years.” I sigh. “It’s been years since anything happened between us and there’s a reason for that.” I remind him and jump when the coffee pot beeps. His hands slip further up my thighs to my hips, tugging me closer to him. My hands plant themselves on his chest and he leans into it slightly, my palms pressed against his pecs.
“Because you kept running from me. You never explained that pesky reason you keep bringing up anyways. And that’s not true. It’s only been a year since that night in Brooklyn.” He corrects and I shake my head to block out the memory. Bucky pushes a little closer to grab the pot and fill the two cups I got out, then puts the container back. I press my lips together to prevent myself from reaching out to those familiar lips.
“That’s different.” I murmur and accidentally sigh with pleasure when his mismatched hands squeeze my hips. His pupils are blown wide with desire as my hands make fists in his shirt. “It was my first time seeing you since…since.” I end my sentence there and shove him back before hopping down. I take a breath of air, free for a moment from the drug that is him.
“So, you have to think I’m dead to give me any attention?” He pokes fun and I slide his coffee down the counter so he can make his own. Milk and sugar go into mine and the smell drifting up to me as I stir is at least slightly soothing.
“We’re talking, aren’t we? That’s attention.” I sass and he groans with frustration. “And I haven’t thrown you out for coming here so early. I think I’m being pretty damn hospitable.” My feet carry me around the island and to one of the stools around the island. It creaks slightly under my weight as I settle and look back at Bucky.
“Can you stop being a smartass? I told you I’m not going anywhere without you and I fucking meant it.” He walks around the island and splashes coffee on the counter when he slams his coffee mug down. Wasting coffee is a personal offense to me.
“Hey-”
He leans against the counter and huffs. “So, am I dragging you out of here, hogtying you to my bike, and taking you back? Or are you coming willingly?” There’s nothing but honesty in those baby blues, so I know he’s being serious.
“Pretty sure I could take you, Barnes. You’ve been out of the game longer than I have.” I point out and he frowns.
“Exactly. Not gonna let you fall into something again, doll. Not a chance.” My eyebrows raise and I take a hearty gulp of coffee as I think of a comeback.
“Sure. People just fall into Hydra.” I tease and his frown weakens a bit. Always prided myself on getting him to smile. “Look,” I lift a hand and rub my tired eyes. “I’ll come look at it with you. Alright?” He’s not going to let this go, obviously, so maybe this’ll hold him off a little. When he smiles it makes it harder to maintain the fact that I cannot fall into this. Fuck, what have I gotten myself into?
“Good. Change and let’s go. Right now.” A heavy sigh leaves my lips and I hop up and head to the bathroom with my coffee.
“You’re infuriating.” He chuckles outside the door as I sit on my toilet to finish the rest of my coffee. My feet lift and I set them on the edge of my bathtub to relax. He can wait. Once my coffee is gone and Bucky’s asking if there’s a window in my bathroom that I’ve snuck out of, I change. First, I take my hair out of its bun and the burnished bronze falls in big curls below my shoulders, down my back. Then comes light jeans, a plain grey sweater, black socks, and ankle boots. Just to make Bucky wait a little longer I take my time doing my make-up before finally opening the door. Seems he was content to wait since he’s made himself comfortable on my mattress and is peacefully leafing through the pages of one of my books. “Tada. Let’s go.” I call and he looks up, then scans my body slowly. His lips part, “Don’t start. Come on.”
I strut out the door and wait for him to follow. He does, but with my bag on his arm and my heavy blanket around his shoulders. “Alright, ready.” He winks at me as I frown and basically skips down the stairs. Sighing, I lock the door and follow. We’re on the road within two minutes. Would’ve been quicker if Bucky hadn’t had to strap my stuff on his bike, but whatever. Hate to admit it, but it feels good to be beside Bucky on motorcycles again. Despite myself I’m grinning as we speed through the streets to what Bucky apparently thinks is my new address. As we tear into the driveway, my eyes take in just how beautiful it really is. Bright green, manicured grass, gravel that turns into concrete, multiple buildings housing multiple utilities, even a goddamn fountain which we pull up to. I’ll say this; Hydra definitely had nothing like this. Then again, there was a time where everything Shield had, so did Hydra. My eyes instantly meet James’.
“A goddamn fountain?” I ask and he grins, shouldering my bag and blanket.
“Stark. He’s fancy.” He tells me and slips happily into step beside me as we walk in. “We’ll drop this stuff off then I’ll show you around.” I roll my eyes and stay close as he jogs up a flight of stairs to a row of doors with names on them. We walk down past every door until we’ve reached a hall of blanks. There’s a door with J. Barnes on it and Bucky marches right into the one next to it. It’s small. Grey walls, white bed, black bedside tables, black tv, and a black tv stand are all that’s in the room. Except now there’s my blanket and my bag in it too.
“Never said anything about staying, Barnes,” I tell him as we head out of the room and back from where we came. He shoots me a playful grin.
“No way I’m letting you leave now, Rosie.” He teases and I shove his shoulder into the nearest door.
“What have I said about that fucking name?” I point a finger at him as he presses his lips together to prevent a laugh from escaping. The door he’s leaning on opens and he tumbles inside, then I’m laughing. God, I can’t remember the last time I laughed. A tall blonde that I know is Steve Rogers stands over James with a confused grin on his face, then he looks up at me. His eyes widen and he steps over James to reach me.
“You must be Rosalie Warren?” He questions and offers his hand to me. My smile melts.
“Uh, yeah. How exactly do you know that?” I ask and shake his hand once before releasing. Steve moves to the side as we watch Bucky stand, looking a little sheepish.
“This idiot hasn’t stopped talking about you. Would’ve been humiliating if I didn’t recognize you on sight.” I look at James with raised eyebrows.
“You talk about me, huh?” I ask and take great satisfaction when his jaw clenches.
“Great to finally meet you.” Steve tells me with an earnest smile and bright eyes a shade lighter than James’. The small smile I give him is genuine.
“Shut up, punk.” Bucky shoves Steve lightly once he’s on his feet again.
“If you didn’t want me to say anything then you should’ve shut up about her. You know Nat’ll want to see her too.” Bucky nods as a million thoughts fly through my head. His eyes meet mine again as he passes by us. “I’m in the gym, Buck. Hope to see more of you, Rosalie.” Steve tells me and jogs down the stairs. My eyes look back to Bucky’s and my eyebrows raise.
“Busted.” I tease and he rolls his eyes.
“Might as well follow him. Natasha’ll be in the gym too.” Sighing, I follow him back down the stairs and down the hall a bit until we’ve reached the gym doors. I’ll admit it. I’m a little jealous of the facility. Every exercise machine known to me is in here, lining the walls. There are even various punching bags for the old-fashioned. The center of the room is clear and the floor is padded for hand to hand combat. There’s a door to the far right with the words ‘shooting range’ written boldly above it, so that’s just another thing to look forward to. My eyes pause on Bucky’s smirk as he watches me survey the room.
“Not bad,” I admit and his smirk grows.
“Knew you’d like it. There’s a knife throwing section in the shooting range as well.” Dammit, he knows me. He gestures to another red-head in the room and starts walking over to where she and Steve are wrapping their knuckles. “Tasha.” Jade green eyes snap up and barely skim over Bucky before turning to me.
“Hi.” She greets me with a disinterested voice, but her eyes say she’s anything but.
“This is Rosalie Warren. We go back a bit.” I swear I hear her whisper ‘I bet you do’, before she stands and lets her wrapped hands fall to her sides. She scans me, then purses her lips slightly.
“Nice hair.”
My lips lift at the compliment. “Back at you.” Her hair is probably at least a shade different than mine. She smirks and I find it’s charming. More fighting a smile than quiet judgment. Or both.
“Come to see our two fossils? Pretty great, right?” Her eyes move between Steve and Bucky who both sigh and smile at the tease.
“Not bad. Actually, just trying to get this one off my back.” I flick my chin to Bucky and all eyes turn to him.
“Rosalie’s moving in with us.” He states and my mouth pops open. Excuse me?
“And you’ve told Tony?” Steve finally stands and joins the conversation with amusement dancing in his eyes. Bucky turns to Steve and crosses his arms.
“Didn’t know I needed permission,” Bucky emphasizes the last word, clearly hating it with every fiber of his being. Steve shakes his head.
“This is a team, Buck. Don’t be an asshole.” Steve playfully punches his shoulder before retreating behind a punching bag to start working.
“Stark’s in his lab. Personally, I’m not against having another red-head on the team.” Nat winks at me before walking to her own punching bag. Meanwhile, I’m sizzling slightly with anger.
“Sorry, I don’t remember saying a thing about moving here,” I tell him and cross my arms over my chest. Bucky turns to me and his eyes widen when he sees the look on my face.
“And I said I was unwilling to be without you.” He answers carefully, aware I’m pissed but unwilling to back down.
“Wow. Alright. I humored you and let you bring my stuff here and drop it off in some room. Fine. Doesn’t mean I’m going to agree to stay!” Natasha and Steve have both paused and are watching us. Steve, hesitantly entertained, Natasha, amused and wary. Bucky steps forward so we’re in each other’s breathing space and I hate how my eyes instantly flick to his lips then back to those deep blue pools.
“Sorry if I haven’t been clear, doll.” His left-hand lifts and lets his finger trickle down from my jaw to my collarbone. He sighs as it does, as if it wasn’t intentional but just a need to be in contact with me. It hits me like a shot of tequila; strong, staggering, and sweet with the promise of getting me drunk. “I’m not lettin you slip away. You’re stayin.” His words are quiet and firm and dammit it’s so hard to hold onto my anger when he’s like this.
“You don’t own me, Barnes.” Instantly, Bucky chuckles.
“Doll. We’ve owned each other for a long time.” His voice drops an octave with these words and they yank on my heart. Electricity pops and sizzles between us the longer we stand this close and I feel the pull he has on me. Judging on how he’s slowly leaning towards me, he does too.
“Don’t. Don’t say that.” I object as I feel emotion rising up in my chest. Gently, his hands claim my upper arms, but I instantly push him off. “Look, I’m not yours. You’re not mine. Back the fuck off, Bucky.” My words are a warning, but he just smirks.
“Whatcha gonna do about it, doll?” My eyes narrow. His hand reaches up and grazes my cheek. I shiver and it’s easy to get angry now. My hands frame his face and god he feels good under my hands again. Surprise creeps across his face as he smiles softly. My eyes shut as I savor this brief cheat of resisting him. “Rosie-” He’s cut off when I pull my head back and headbutt his nose. We separate instantly as his hands instead go to his nose. “Fuck!”
It’s just a little satisfying to see the shock and anger on his face. “That’s what you deserve,” I tell him firmly while Steve cracks up behind him and Natasha smiles, clearly entertained. Bucky balls up the end of his shirt and holds it to his nose to staunch the bleeding. The glimpse I get of his torso only makes this all the better.
“You fucking broke it!” He accuses and I still have yet to feel a bit of sympathy.
“Good. Remember this for the next time.” A light, airy laugh escapes Natasha as she stands and tosses a rag to James.
“I like her.” She compliments James and comes to a stop next to me. “Seen Tony yet?” I shake my head. “Walk with me, then.” Natasha pauses at the door as I spare another glance at Bucky before following her. Steve can nurse the asshole while I have fun with Natasha.
