Summary: It’s first date time at last! Master list can be found HERE.
Warnings/ Content: Sweet romantic date feels
Word Count: 2.5k
Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! We made it to Friday. And after this crazy week, that feels like an accomplishment. I encourage everyone to take some chill time / self care/ relaxation time / whatever you want to call it time, at some point this weekend. Now, please enjoy the most perfect, sweet, romantic first date two super soldiers could ever take a girl on! XOXO - Ash
Chapter Twelve
Emma hadn’t been anywhere as fancy as DaVinci’s in about ten years when her parents had taken her out to celebrate her college graduation. Luckily she had a simple black dress that would work if she added her nicest set of jewelry and pulled her hair half up with a clasp. It was a swing style dress with elbow length sleeves and hidden pockets on the sides. Emma prided herself on her amazing thrift shop find and very begrudgingly pulled on a pair of Spanx to smooth out her silhouette. She was comfortable with her curves but appreciated a little extra support smoothing them out. The set of pearls that her mother had given her when she turned eighteen looked perfect against the plain black dress, a classic look she mused the guys would probably appreciate. Emma didn’t do make up often other than a quick wave of mascara, but she took the time and effort to draw neat lines with tiny wing flicks on her eyes and smoothed on a bold red lipstick.
She was fixing her hair one last time when the buzzer sounded in her apartment. Emma buzzed them up and smoothed her dress nervously in the mirror one last time. A series of quick knocks rapped on her door and she opened it to welcome the guys inside her apartment. Steve looked like he had swallowed his tongue. “Oh wow.” he said quietly, not budging.
Bucky chuckled, throwing an arm around Steve’s shoulders to herd him into the apartment. “What Stevie means is: hi Emma you look amazing.”
Emma was struggling to find words herself. They were both in suits, Bucky in navy blue and Steve in pale grey, and Bucky had pulled his hair back in stylish half up bun. They were both breathtakingly handsome in very different ways and complemented each other perfectly.
“You both look incredible.” Emma said as she gathered her purse and coat from the living room closet.
“Thanks, doll.” Bucky looked down at Steve who was blushing brightly at her compliment. “You gonna be okay pal?” he asked quietly
Steve nodded and gave Bucky a hesitant smile of assurance.
Bucky led them down to his waiting car, he wouldn’t be affected by the wine at dinner so it made the most sense for him to drive. But also he just really loved driving his car. He had bought it when the Army back pay came in and it was his one truly extravagant purchase. The government had been less than thrilled to give him the same honor as Steve but after it was publicly proven he had spent the last seventy years as a prisoner of war they had little choice.
“This is your car.” Emma looked at the sleek black Audi with wide eyes.
“This is her.” Bucky said with pride, opening the passenger side door and letting Steve slide into the back seat. Emma moved to follow but Bucky held onto her arm for a moment, “You can sit up front, doll.” he offered.
Emma shook her head, “It’s okay, I want to sit with Steve. Not that I don’t want to sit with you too but...”
Bucky nodded, “You’re not gonna hurt my feelings. Go ahead and squeeze in with Stevie.”
Bucky helped Emma into the back seat before hurrying around to the driver's seat. “When it gets warmer we can take her down the coast with the top down. There’s nothing like it.” he said after sliding into his side.
“Sounds great.” Emma agreed easily, still surprised by the luxurious car she was sitting in.
Steve gave the back of Bucky’s seat an affectionate shove, “Someone likes showing off his fancy car.”
“Says the guy who brags about his motorcycle like it’s his first born.” Bucky shot back.
“Hey, it took me years to find a restored Harley Liberator. I loved that bike back in the war and they just don’t make ‘em like they used to.”
“It’s great, but we can’t take our girl out to dinner on your bike.”
“Well, I could. You’d just have to stay at home.”
Bucky shook his head when he saw Steve sticking his tongue out at him in the rear-view mirror.
Emma bit her lip trying not to laugh, glad Steve seemed to be loosening up a little. She reached out and took his hand in hers. He looked over at her, seeming to remember she was there again, and he swallowed hard. “Hey.” she said quietly, trying to relax him a little.
“Hey.” he replied, his tone equally hushed.
Slowly Emma got Steve to come out of his shell as they chatted quietly in the backseat. Bucky was thankful Emma had picked up on his nervousness and was willing to take the time to calm him down a little. She seemed to really get Steve and it was a blessing. Not every girl was willing to take the time and patience but Emma did it as easy as breathing. He hadn’t seen Steve so smitten right off the bat since Peggy and he hoped his instincts were right about Emma.
Steve enjoyed watching Emma look around, drinking in all the little details of the restaurant as they were led through the dining room to a secluded booth near the back. It was a beautiful restaurant, the dim lighting shimmering off the chandeliers and playing off the deep wood tones. The tables were set far enough apart to keep the ambient noise subdued and the scent of fresh bread and herbs lingered in the air. The booths were wide, heavily padded semicircles and Steve and Bucky took advantage of their design to sit on opposite sides of Emma.
Emma tried not to look as overwhelmed as she felt but it was a little surreal sitting between two of the most stunning men she’d ever seen, in a restaurant she could only ever dream of seeing the inside of. “How is this my life?” she murmured quietly to herself.
Steve was sitting with Emma on the side of his good ear and he just barely caught the quiet comment to herself. Bucky’s enhanced hearing caught it easily and they shared a pleased look across her. They had wanted to give her an unforgettable night and it appeared they were succeeding.
The waiter welcomed them back to DaVinci’s and took their drink orders, Steve ordering a bottle of wine for them to share. Emma folded her hands in her lap, still feeling a little off kilter when the sommelier stopped by to uncork their bottle. Steve sipped and nodded, prompting the man to pour their glasses. After stowing the bottle in a caddy by their table the man hurried off leaving them back in their solitude.
“I didn’t know you were so well versed in wine.” Emma commented, sipping the rich red he had selected.
“I’m not, really, but we’ve been to enough fancy parties to learn what words to look out for. I’d be just as happy with a bottle of two buck chuck.”
Emma bit back a laugh, “I have a bottle at home right now. You might have to put your money where your mouth is.”
Steve shook his head, “I will drink it happily. There is nothing wrong with Trader Joe’s wine.”
“Heathens.” Bucky interjected haughtily before sipping from his glass.
Steve raised an eyebrow at him, “Should I share the story about that time you drank bathtub gin with Danny O’Neil and got so sick your ma thought you were dyin’?”
Bucky’s eyes widened, “I was fifteen and the only reason you didn’t drink it was because you were getting over pneumonia. Again.”
“You were sixteen and I told you that bathtub looked dirty.”
They shared a look and both erupted into laughter.
“I don’t want to know.” Emma said, shaking her head at them.
The tension was relieved though and gradually conversation flowed easier. By the time their meals arrived they were talking like they would have if they were back at Matty’s. The platters in front of them were enormous and artfully presented. The restaurant clearly had two Michelin stars for a reason. Two bites into her gnocchi and Emma had decided that they could have served it on a dumpster lid and still have gotten those stars. The tiny pillows of pasta were so delicate and the lemon chive pesto brightened it so that the richness wasn’t overwhelming. It was easily the best meal she’d ever had.
Steve let out a startled squeak and she looked over just in time to see Bucky shoveling a forkful of Steve’s pasta primavera in his mouth. He chewed quickly despite Steve’s shoving at him. “He started it.” Bucky pointed at Steve with his fork.
Emma looked at Steve, waiting for him to explain.
“I took one, tiny, little piece of veal.” he admitted finally.
“And so I took a fork of his pasta.” Bucky explained without remorse.
“It was a giant forkful!”
“I have a giant super soldier appetite.”
Steve huffed but this was clearly a squabble they had often.
Emma rolled her eyes at the pair of them. “I can’t take you boys anywhere…”
“Uh oh,” Bucky said kicking Steve under the table, “I think we embarrassed our date, Stevie.”
Steve sighed, playing along. “Jeez, Buck. What should we do?”
“Drag her down with us!”
Buck and Steve both had forks in Emma’s pasta before she could blink and she tried in vain to fend off their utensils with her own. They escaped with one gnocchi each and in her mind that was one too many. They were all giggling and stealing off each other’s plates when the waiter returned to pour them more wine and the trio did their best to look mature and not like they had just been acting like children.
Even with Bucky’s super soldier appetite, they all had leftover boxes to take home by the end of dinner. The chef was aware of Bucky’s birthday and brought out a thick slice of tiramisu with happy birthday written around the edge of the plate in chocolate. He chatted with Bucky for a moment and Emma sat back just watching the obviously familiar exchange. The trio tucked into their dessert as soon as the chef bid them a good night and Emma wasn’t surprised it was just as good as the pasta. The tiramisu was so light that between the three of them it disappeared quickly.
Wanting to be fair, Emma sat up front with Bucky on the way back to her apartment. He looked extremely pleased when she opted to sit there and reached over to hold her hand across the console for the entire drive. Old, gentlemanly habits dying hard, Bucky and Steve both insisted on walking Emma to her door. It was clear none of them were ready for the night to be over but Emma didn’t trust herself to invite them in. She wanted to take things slow and after such an amazing night it would be all too easy to get carried away. They stood outside her door, each holding one of her hands.
“So, how’d we do?” Bucky teased, swinging his hand and hers a little.
“Are you sufficiently wowed?” Steve joined in.
Emma pretended to think a moment, “I think I need another date to really form an opinion,”
“Do you now?” Bucky laughed, “Sorry to tell you this, but second dates are for pizza and Star Wars.”
“Oh wow. That’s some bait and switch routine you got there.” Emma giggled.
“Yep, we get you all starry eyed and then, bam!, it’s all sweatpants and greasy take out.”
Emma freed her hands and pulled Bucky close by his lapels. “I’ll take sweatpants and snuggling on the couch over fancy dinners any night.”
“Whatever you want, baby doll.” Bucky gave her a wolfish grin before lowering his mouth to hers. Emma shuddered despite herself. His lips were firm and demanding against hers and it was difficult to not get swept away. Bucky wasn’t greedy though, he pulled back after a few moments and Emma braced her hands against the hard plane of his chest to steady herself. They both remembered Steve at the same moment and looked over to see him shifting in place with his hands shoved awkwardly in his pockets. He was trying to not be obvious with his staring but he must have seen everything with not being even two feet away.
“Hey Stevie.” Emma said, blushing furiously and still clinging to Bucky.
Steve’s own blush deepened. “Hey.” he replied quietly, finally glancing up.
“See something you like?”
Steve mumbled his assent.
“Then come here. Unless you think you need to go get beaten up first?”
Bucky chuckled and turned Emma around by her shoulders so she had her back to his chest and was facing Steve.
Emma reached out for Steve and pulled him to her gently. He was so shy at times, it was endearing. Once he was all but toe to toe with her, she reached up and threaded her fingers through his hair, pushing it away from his face. Steve looked into her eyes for a moment, asking, not demanding, before leaning in slowly. Emma let him set the pace as his lips carefully danced across hers. His kisses were reverent where Bucky’s had been commanding and the difference between the two enthralled her all over again. She loved how dissimilar they were, it made for a heady experience. Emma was the one to pull back this time, watching a broad smile spread across Steve’s face. She looked up and back to Bucky who gave her a nod of approval.
“We’d better let our girl get some sleep.” Bucky told Steve who nodded in agreement.
“Thank you for tonight. It was… perfect.” Emma admitted honestly.
“We aim to please.”
They exchanged another round of quick goodbye kisses before parting finally. Inside her apartment Emma leaned against the door after closing it behind her. She was in way over her head with those two.
Bucky wrapped an arm around Steve as they headed down to the car. They were both still vibrating with happiness that the night had been a success.
“We got so damn lucky, Buck.” Steve told him once they were in the car.
“She’s one in a million.” Bucky agreed.
“Think we can convince her to come over tomorrow?”
“She works tomorrow night but we could go hang out at Matty’s with her.”
Steve nodded thinking. “I thought synching up two work schedules was going to be a pain.”
“We’re gonna need a bigger calendar.” Bucky told him with a laugh.
Steve chuckled but whipped out his phone, pulling up wall calendars on Amazon.
Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder @remilupin22 @supraveng @hiddles-rose
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE ROGERS!!!! (And also July 4th or something) I love how this came out!
commissions — patreon
To get exclusive discount codes, access to art early, free stickers and a whole bunch of other rewards, BECOME A PATRON! Give as low as $1 a month! HOW SWEET IS THAT??
Summary: Emma spends the night with the guys and they take their relationship to the next level. Master list can be found HERE.
Warnings / Content: Smut. Some sweet feels. But a lot of steamy smut.
Word Count: 5.4k
Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! No, that’s not a typo above, this chapter is a loooong one. And it’s entirely because of the sex. If I can’t bed two super soldiers in real life, I am damn well gonna take as many words as I need to describe it. Hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it ;) XOXO - Ash
Chapter Fourteen
Spring was trying to get underway, the smell of rain heavy in the air as Emma made her way over to Steve and Bucky’s apartment. It had taken a few weeks until their schedules aligned again, much to everyone’s disappointment. Seeing each other every few days at Matty’s was nice, but Emma loved the nights they had just for themselves. She never expected to fit so seamlessly into a relationship with Steve and Bucky. Since they came to the bar to visit while she worked it gave them a lot of time for talking and getting to know each other better. Emma came to know their history little by little but more importantly, she got to know their present. She knew they had both lived through a lot in their extended life spans but what mattered most was who they were now, the men she had developed surprisingly strong feelings for after only a few months.
Emma knocked lightly on the apartment door, barely having time to pull her hand away before Steve swung the door open. “Hey, sugar.” he greeted her with a wide grin.
Emma leaned into give him a quick hello kiss, “Hi, baby.” she said against his lips before pulling away.
Bucky had snuck over while she kissed Steve and she bumped into him when she pulled back. Emma let out a shrill squeak of surprise and she could feel the rumble of laughter in Bucky’s chest as he pulled her to him. Bucky craned his neck down over her shoulder to plant a loud kiss on her cheek. “Missed you, darlin’.” he told her, hunger thickening his voice.
“Mm.” she shuddered against him involuntarily, “You just saw me yesterday.”
“Still missed ya.”
“I missed you too, sweetheart.” Emma relented, turning around to give him a proper kiss. She didn’t linger though. God knew, they’d never get to eat dinner if they kept that up. “Where can I put my bag?” she asked holding up the large messenger bag she’d brought.
“Bedroom’s fine.” Steve told her, “You can put on top my dresser if you want. Bucky has crap on top of his.”
“Hey!” Bucky protested, “I use all that crap. And since you seem to like the way I smell and look, I don’t think you should be judging it.”
Steve rolled his eyes dramatically. “And they say I’m the feisty one.”
“Oh, I’ll show you feisty.” Bucky threatened, stalking over to Steve who he grabbed by the backs of his thighs and lifted up to wrap his legs around Bucky’s hips. God he loved being able to do that to Steve now that he was small again.
Emma just laughed and headed towards their room. “Okay, Steve’s dresser. Got it. You two keep it PG, will ya?” She could hear the muffled sounds of giggling and kissing while she set out the few things she’d brought for overnight. They had agreed she’d stay over and they would grab breakfast the next morning. She didn’t need to be at work until the afternoon so they’d have even more time to hang out then.
Emma returned to find Steve still wrapped around Bucky and she smiled, appreciating the helpless little giggles Steve made while Bucky pretended to attack him with kisses. A sigh slipped out before she could stop it and both men looked over, realizing she was there. “Hi.” they chorused sheepishly; Bucky setting a slightly rumpled looking Steve back down on his own two feet.
“How do you feel about Indian food and Breaking Bad?” Steve asked her, straightening himself out.
“Love it and love it.” Emma nodded.
“Great, I’ll call it in and you two can get an episode set up.”
“Get me gobi manchurian? And those sweet ball things? Gulab... jamun?” Bucky requested.
“I’ll get you the gobi manchurian but keep it away from my chicken this time. I think I ate an entire bottle of tums last time, ya punk. And I’m getting three orders of the gulab jamun because I’m not sharing with either of you.” Steve said while he dialed.
“We take our Indian food very seriously when someone is hangry.” Bucky informed Emma in a stage whisper.
She followed Bucky out to the sofa to help pick an episode while Steve placed what sounded like a massive order. They settled on the episode where Gus dies, both agreeing it was one of the greatest TV deaths.
“It’s all in.” Steve announced, curling up on Emma’s other side.
“What all did you get?” she asked him.
“A little of everything. We normally get a bunch of different things to share and then eat the leftovers for days.”
“That sounds amazing.” Emma moved closer to Bucky as Steve tucked his feet under her thighs. It was an endearing habit, she’d noticed and she didn’t mind falling victim to Steve Rogers’ frigid toes. Bucky had an arm wrapped around her shoulders and with Steve on her other side they were all in a heap at one end of the sofa. They were all surprisingly comfortable, especially after Bucky pulled down the blanket from the back of the sofa to cover them all up.
It was with groans all around that they untangled themselves forty minutes later when the food arrived but it was short lived once they had all loaded up their plates and returned to the sofa. As soon as their plates were cleared they resumed their heap, insisting Emma stay in the middle so both guys were able to cuddle with her. It was barely ten o’clock but they were all sated and sleepy, dozing on and off while yet another episode of Breaking Bad played. Emma yawned which set off Steve and then Bucky despite his efforts to fight it.
“Why am I this tired?” Emma whined, burying her head into Bucky’s warm chest.
“Warm. Cuddles. Food. Reruns.” Steve contributed, too tired to form sentences.
“Look at the two of you.” Bucky commented, yawning for a second time.
“What?” Emma asked skeptically.
“All cute and cuddly and sleepy. I gotta get you two in bed and never let go of ya.”
“What are you waiting for then?”
Bucky raised an eye back at Emma who looked at him with a challenge in her eyes. With a shrug he extracted himself from their heap, letting Emma shift away enough from Steve that he was able to get his hands under her thighs and, just like loved doing to Steve, he lifted her up with one rapid swoop. Emma squeaked and threw her arms around his neck for support, her thighs gripping his hips tightly. “No!” she squeak-protested, “I’m too big! Put me down!”
“I gotcha, darlin’.” Bucky assured her.
Emma went to protest again and received a nip to her earlobe as Bucky nuzzled her neck.
“Super soldier.” he reminded her, “You’re light as a feather.”
Steve was watching, highly amused that he was not on the receiving end of a Bucky-transport for once. Secretly though, he did like how easily Bucky could lift him and carry him around. It made him feel cherished, not that he’d ever admit that to Bucky’s face. If he did, the other man would never put him down. Steve got up when he heard his lovers shuffling around on the bed, turning off all of the lights and making sure the door was locked for the night.
Bucky, needing no nightly ritual, was already on his side of the bed. He’d carelessly tossed his clothes mostly into the laundry basket, keeping on only his boxer briefs. Emma was taking out her contacts into their little overnight case, still fully dressed. Steve hesitated, he was used to his routine but it was different sharing it alongside someone new, even though it was Emma.
Steve started with his night time meds which he took with a long swig of the glass of water he kept next to his pill case. He did his inhaler treatment, trying his hardest not to cough the bitter medicine while holding it in for a few seconds. Then he took out his hearing aid, setting it to charge overnight on its stand. His glasses were the last to go, the world becoming blurry as he made his way to join Bucky in bed. He knew it was a lot to do just to go to bed but Emma hadn’t commented or even seemed phased really. Steve counted himself lucky though, he felt like he should have known it wouldn’t turn her off of him with his myriad of ailments. He chose to stay in his boxer briefs and soft tee shirt, not quite as confident as Bucky who was waiting for him in their bed.
Emma had very stealthy slipped out of her clothes and into her long sleep shirt. She’d changed her shirt using the technique she’d mastered in the locker room in middle school when they’d all been too shy to be topless around one another. Her bra was slipped off and out through the arm hole of her sleep tee and then her pants came off when she was sure the shirt was pulled down enough. She liked the guys a lot, and she knew they liked her too, but they hadn’t gone past making out yet and being exposed in front of them in a non sexual context just seemed too much at the moment. Once she was changed Emma moved to the bed, her vision only a little worse off without her contacts, and tried to figure out where her spot was.
Bucky noticed her hesitation and patted the spot between him and Steve. “You can be in the middle.” he offered.
Emma nodded and crawled up to her spot from the end of the bed so as not to disturb the guys. She was barely laying down when two sets of arms wrapped around her. Emma had shared a bed with a man before, and a woman once in a night of giddy curiosity, but sharing a bed with two men was quite a different thing. She looked from one to the other, unsure where to even start. Bucky’s lips were upturned in a pleased little smirk while Steve was smiling through his nervousness. Before she could make up her mind, Steve, in true Steve Rogers fashion, decided to dive in head first before he could let his nerves get the best of him. Emma matched the brush of his lips with her own, eagerly letting him explore her mouth as he deepened the kiss. Not to be left out, Bucky had slid closer to wrap himself around her, rubbing her back lightly and placing small kisses across the crest of her shoulders. Emma moaned into Steve’s mouth as Bucky hit a particularly sensitive spot and she felt something jump against her thigh. She moved back to quirk an eyebrow at Steve who blushed, knowing she had felt his body’s reaction to her moan.
“You… you don’t have to…” Steve muttered, cheeks burning.
“I know, but I want to.” Emma assured him. Then, leaning back and craning her neck so she could press a kiss to Bucky’s jawline, she whispered “And with you too.”
Bucky groaned lightly, shifting yet again so she could feel him pressed against the curve of ass.
“How, um…” Emma found herself stumbling through her words, “How are we going to do this?”
“Any way you want, darlin’.” Bucky rumbled in her ear making her shudder. “But I think getting naked would be an excellent start.”
Emma nodded excitedly, wanting to get her hands all over both of them. She was facing Steve so he was the easiest target and she had no preference which order they went in anyway. Emma slipped her hands along the hem of Steve’s shirt, giving him a moment to protest if he was in any way uncomfortable, but he nodded briefly in assent and she pulled the shirt off and over his head. He pulled at his own underwear, careful not to catch his straining cock along the waistband as he got them off. Emma licked her lips, biting the bottom one, as she got her first sight of Steve. It was an involuntary reaction and Steve doubted she even realized she’d done it, but damned if it didn’t do wonders for his self esteem.
Steve’s body wasn’t as frail as the pictures at the Smithsonian made him seem. Living in a time where he had access to decent medical care and food had helped him fill out a little to the point where a soft layer of padding laid across his delicate features and Emma was thankful that he was well cared for. She liked being able to sink her fingers into the softness on his hips when she pulled him closer. Emma trailed kisses from the sensitive spot behind his ear all the way down to the wings of his collarbones while her hands explored the rest of his body. Steve was stock-still, almost afraid to move as her hands roamed free. He wanted to get her bare as well but Bucky had already started taking matters in his own hands.
Emma shimmied her hips to help Bucky tug her panties off and then arched herself up when he tugged at her sleep shirt. Both men made equally pained noises once she was completely naked and she reveled in having that kind of power over both of them. She gave Steve one last lingering kiss before rolling over to address the only bit of clothing left in the bed. Emma cupped the bulge behind the cotton of Bucky’s boxer briefs, making him hiss out a breath, before pulling them down so he could flick them off with his feet. He was deliciously thick and Emma looked forward to the stretch that would inevitably come when he was inside her. Bucky watched expressions flit across her face as she stared at him for a moment, taking in the wide, thickly muscled planes of his body. He loved the contrasts between himself and Steve, and apparently so did she. Bucky took advantage of capturing her lips with his while she was facing him. Emma moved so she was flush up against him, her nipples pebbling as they brushed across the hard muscles of his chest. Everything about him was just so broad and thick. It was overwhelming in comparison to her own petite features and curves, and Emma loved it. She lost herself in his kiss, hands exploring as much of him as she could just like she had with Steve.
Steve was laying against her back, gentle, polite, as he watched. Just enjoying being able to watch his lovers for a moment. After a moment, Steve let his hands do some exploring of their own. God, he loved how soft Emma was. She was exactly what he liked about women, so soft and sweet and plush. He couldn’t get enough of the feel of her under his fingertips and he wished desperately for his charcoal pencils so he could capture her curves on paper. It would have to wait though, there was a more pressing need at the moment, quite literally pressing against her.
Bucky let Emma go before he lost his mind and started rutting against her like a horny teenager. He needed to clear his head for a minute and figured Steve could use some extra attention. He’d been waiting so patiently while Bucky took his time with their girl. She fit with them perfectly, it was like she’d always been there. He watched as Emma turned her affections on Steve, worshiping his smaller body with eager hands while Steve did the same. They touched and kissed, just letting each other get to know every soft curve of their bodies. Bucky’s heart was fit to burst knowing she was giving Steve all the loving appreciation he deserved, just like he would have.
Emma had quickly lost any feelings of shyness when Bucky had rained affection down on her and Steve had done the same from behind her. It was exhilarating and she never wanted to come down from the endorphin high she was riding. Two of the most gorgeous men she’d ever met, both inside and out, wanted her as desperately as she wanted them. Finally she couldn’t resist anymore and she let her hand sink lower and lower down Steve’s belly until she had it wrapped around his hard length. He let out a small whimper, almost like a plea for gentleness. She was careful as she tested the weight of him in her hand, sliding her palm up and down his shaft slowly. He wasn’t as thick as Bucky but he was longer and beautifully flushed in her hand. He was so pale that the blush was almost cherry red as she worked him slowly until he was shaking and pressing a palm to her forearm, easing her back. “I want you so bad.” he murmured against her chest. Emma loved how easily they fit together, Steve only being an inch taller than she was. “I want you too, baby.” she whispered back, “But we can’t forget about Bucky.”
Steve looked over at Bucky who seemed quite alright on his own, having enjoyed watching the two of them for the past few minutes. He loved him so desperately, thankful that they could share easily without the fear of jealousy. It was hard not to get completely lost in Emma, she was so new and sweet. But seeing Bucky, all lazy and lust fueled, had Steve aching for him as well. “Buck.” his name caught in Steve’s throat, God he loved that man.
Bucky’s eyes were blown dark with lust, more than enough turned on just watching his two little lovers worship each other. He loved the way the two of them fit together almost as much as he loved the way they fit against his larger frame. Emma didn’t spend much time dancing around the rest of him this time, just a gentle slide of her hand from his sternum to his dick. It was harder to wrap her hand around him than Steve but she did her best as she teased him gently flicking her thumb across his head where beads of precome had welled up. Bucky groaned, forcing himself to resist thrusting into her tight fist. He was surprised but pleased when Steve’s lips captured his own, a searing kiss that was almost enough to push him over the edge he was already teetering on. Steve needed the closeness with him, needed the connection in that moment. Emma shifted so that Steve could attend to Bucky while she continued stroking him. After a few minutes of glorious torture Bucky eased Steve back for a moment, “Guys.” he rasped desperately, “I hate to put a break on things but we need to figure out logistics before I can’t.”
“What’s it?” Emma looked up at him confused.
“I can’t keep going with the two of you like this or I’m gonna come.”
“Okay…?” Emma didn’t look any less confused and Bucky felt like a heel.
“Which is fine. But I was really hoping I’d be able to do that somewhere other than your hand. If you wanted to. If not, that’s fine too.”
“Oh.” she murmured as it dawned on her what he wanted, “Yes. Please yes. I want that too. And Steve too. Please?”
“Good, I’m glad darlin’. Real glad. I have a pack of rubbers in the nightstand if you could grab them, Stevie?”
“I have an IUD.” Emma blurted out, both men now looking at her confused. “I can’t get pregnant. And I haven’t been with anyone in ages so you don’t have to worry about any of that either so… if we wanted to, we could…”
“Oh darlin’.” Bucky shuddered, “You want us to come inside you? Fill you up with both of us?”
Emma heaved a breath, turned on by his words until her brain threatened to abandon her. “Yes.” she managed weakly.
“You going first or second Stevie?” Bucky grit out, still on edge.
Steve chuckled at Bucky’s solicitousness despite being so close. “You go ahead, Buck.”
Bucky looked at Emma, needing to be sure. “You good? We can stop at any point.”
Emma rolled her eyes and took his face between her hands, “Just get inside me, Barnes.”
“Yes, ma’am.” he grinned and slipped a hand down to graze the delicate nest of curls between her legs before dipping a finger between her folds. “So wet, darlin’.” he groaned as he spread the dampness around her slit giving his thumb an easier glide over her clit.
Emma trembled in Steve’s arms, “Please, Buck, please.” she pleaded.
“Just makin’ sure you’re ready for me.” he knew she was, but he loved watching her get worked up. She had both of them worked up the whole time, it was time she got to her edge as well. Bucky was merciful though and only made a few gentle flicks around her clit until he helped her move to get comfortable on the bed. Steve reluctantly let her go, laying right next to her as Bucky pulled her hips up and sank himself inside her. Emma gasped at the stretch of him. She had expected to feel full but he was burning hot and heavy inside her as he let her adjust to his size. She was thankful for that moment before he started moving because once he did it was like a live wire was dancing through her veins. She could barely catch her breath as he found his rhythm, the sensation almost too pleasurable. Emma had expected it would be like this with Bucky; raw, desperate, almost crazed. It was perfect. Her hands gripped into his shoulders, one metal and one flesh, for support.
Now that he was steadily moving, Bucky was able move a hand back down to toy with her sensitive nub again, wanting to feel her come around him before he lost control. It didn’t take much, Emma was already close just from the drag of his dick across the sensitive spot on her inner walls. Emma clung to him, keening in between gasps of yes, yes, yes, as his fingers rolled her cilt until she cried out a garbled prayer mixed with his name. The orgasm overtook her like a tidal wave, everything going blank and then crashing down around her. It lingered, her body still keyed up from his thrusts, until she was just making small gasps in rhythm with his motions.
Bucky wanted to keep going. He would have happily spent eternity inside of her, but the moment she clamped down around him and came, he knew he was running on borrowed time. The pulsing of her inner walls around his dick had Bucky tensing and spilling inside her after only a half dozen more thrusts. An almost feral moan burst from his chest as it heaved with the labored effort of his breathing. The tips of his long hair danced across the peaks of her breasts and he admired the contrast of the chocolate brown strands against her pale skin. Once his breathing had slowed down a bit, and hers as well, he shifted himself off of her, pulling her as he went so he could have a moment to hold her before he had to relinquish her to Steve.
Steve had to remember to keep his jaw closed watching his lovers lose themselves to one another. It was one of the most erotic things he had ever seen in his life. Emma was so expressive and the way she just let herself go in the moment was stunning. Steve couldn’t wait to have her himself, as long as she was okay with it. He knew how worn out he felt after going a round with Bucky and would understand if she needed a break. Steve watched as Bucky stroked her long hair and down her back. He knew the look on his lovers face well, he was completely gone on Emma whether he realized it yet or not. It was sweet to see him show such tenderness and care for her, she absolutely deserved it and Steve was thankful. He reached out tentatively, running a hand along her arm just for the simple joy of connecting to them as they basked in the afterglow. Emma looked over at Steve with a heartbreakingly sad expression and he felt guilty for interrupting them. He pulled his hand back but Emma took it in her own, shuffling away from Bucky after giving him one last quick kiss.
“Steve.” Emma’s voice wavered, “Oh baby, I’m so sorry. We just let you lie there while we had all the fun”
Steve shook his head once he understood what had upset her, “It’s okay. I’m okay.” he assured her, “I loved watching you two. You were amazing. I was perfectly fine the whole time.”
“Promise?” she was still unsure, stroking her thumb along the side of his face looking for any signs of unhappiness.
“I promise, doll. And if we have to wait for another time, that’s okay too. I know what it’s like after that one has his way with you.”
Emma’s eyebrows shot up, “Oh, so you…”
“We switch. Both of us enjoy each other either way.”
Emma let out a desperate throaty noise.
“What? You want to watch Buck and I sometime?”
She swallowed harshly while she nodded.
Steve chuckled, “We’ll have to do that sometime then. Maybe we can all join in? Get me in you, and him in me all at the same time.”
Emma whimpered. She couldn’t even think about that too hard without losing her mind a little.
“So,” Steve prompted gently, “Do you want to wait? Or?”
Emma’s brain caught up and she shook her head frantically, “No! I don’t want to wait. I still want you too.”
Steve’s face split into a grin as he leaned into press a series of little kisses to her lips and neck. Her skin was so soft and sweet, he was already half hard having watched them but his cock was interested again within seconds of kissing her. Steve made himself take his time, showering her breasts with kisses, really letting himself go slow and enjoy her. There was no hurry except the simmering thrum of desire in both of them. Steve was careful when he reached down to cup her sex in hand, wanting to feel how perfectly she fit in his palm. He couldn’t resist slipping a finger along her folds, she was slick from her own orgasm and Bucky’s and there was something overwhelming about that to Steve. He choked out a groan as he withdrew his hand. Emma had been running her hands across his chest and back, enjoying the feel of him above her and she stilled when she realized he was moving into position.
“If you need me to stop it’s okay.” he warned her.
She nodded her understanding, wondering for a moment if maybe being fucked twice was going to be a bit too much. Especially when both men were quite a bit above average. But when Steve slipped himself inside of her, it was absolutely perfect. It felt like ages as he slowly pushed further and further in until he bottomed out, pressed fully inside her. Emma found herself writhing against the sensation of a very different type of fullness, equally exquisite as it had been with Bucky.
Steve was gentle, knowing she was already sensitized. It also ensured his asthma wouldn’t take the opportunity to flare up. It had only happened once but he was lucky Bucky would even go near him for a week afterwards he’d been so distressed about Steve’s well being. Gentle and slow was perfect for them both though. It gave Steve a chance to sprinkle kisses across every inch of Emma his lips could reach and let Emma take her time caressing him with reverent hands. Steve shifted up a little, his knees starting to slip and the change in positions allowed his cock to hit a spot that had Emma crying out against his shoulder.
Emma felt like her body was going to shatter. She hadn’t even known the spot Steve was hitting had existed. She had found her g spot before, and god knew Bucky’s dick had found it earlier too, but this was just more. The head of Steve’s cock nudged against it with every thrust and she almost giggled thinking of it as unexplored territory. “So good.” she gasped out to him and Steve’s whole body shook under her praise. It was just the nudge his body needed to lose control and Steve came with a gasp, spilling inside her. Emma felt his cock throb right before he came and then the hot rush filling her up. It was exactly what she wanted and the heady mix of pleasure had her crying out his name as she found her second release of the night.
Steve collapsed partially on top of her, supporting himself on trembling arms to keep most of his weight off of her even as his body pressed against hers. Emma reached up to card her fingers through his shaggy blonde hair, then leaned to press a soft kiss to the tip of his nose. He was amazing and Emma thanked whatever god was listening for letting her have him in her life. She wrapped her arms around his back, wanting him to stay put and lean on her more. She liked being underneath him, only slightly squished feeling. They traded soft kisses playfully, their own little bubble of afterglow consuming them. Eventually they looked over at Bucky, still laying entwined, neither one willing to move quite yet.
“Beautiful.” Bucky whispered reverently, “Both of you. Absolutely beautiful.” He leaned over, taking turns kissing them both. Eventually Steve tugged on his hand so that he moved over to press himself up against the two of them and they spent what felt like hours just kissing and touching each other as they all came back down from their highs. They would have stayed put longer but Steve had softened and slipped out of Emma and she could feel a slick trail dripping down her thigh.
“I should go clean up.” she told them with a reluctant half smile.
Both men groaned but let her up from their tangled limbs. Emma took her time in the bathroom, delicately cleaning her tender skin. She was sore but pleased with herself that she had been able to keep up with both of them. It had been an experience, that was for sure. A few times she had to shake herself a little to bring her wandering mind back to the task at hand. She stared at her reflection in surprise as she washed her hands in the sink. The mirror expanded from the base of the counter top, up almost the ceiling and she was able to see her body from the hips up. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes glassy. The long waves of her firery auburn hair had become tangled curls, blatantly sex mussed as it fell around her shoulders. The skin along her neck and chest was pink, faintly scraped from the rasp of Bucky’s beard and her nipples were still pebbled. It had been a long time since she’d had a lover, and even longer still since she’d had one that blew her mind so completely. She looked absolutely, thoroughly fucked and she smiled at her reflection amused by the state of herself.
Emma returned to the bedroom to find Bucky and Steve working together to make the bed. They’d changed the sheets and were just spreading the fluffy, grey duvet over the bed again. Both men wore expressions of bashful pride as they got a look at her. They grinned at each other after a moment and all three of them laughed lightly as she crossed the room letting them wrap her up in a three way hug. “Bed” Bucky commanded, planting firm kisses on her forehead and then Steve’s. They climbed in, assuming the same positions they had been in originally with Emma in the middle. This time though, it was chaste kisses and soothing hands between them as they basked in the comfortable warmth of their bodies and drifted off to sleep at last.
Update! If you’d like to read a scene that was hinted at in this chapter, check out A Sort of Anniversary!
Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder @remilupin22 @supraveng @hiddles-rose
Summary: Emma and Steve are both devoted to helping Bucky recover from his injury though the process is slow going. The guys finally admit their feelings to Emma and make her an offer she can’t refuse. Then her decision sets her life on a course she never could have imagined. Master list can be found HERE.
Warnings / Content: Fluff and feels all the way :)
Word Count: 2.9k
Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! So this chapter has the scene that started the whole fic. I had a dream one morning a few months ago of being bed with Bucky who was trying to distract me while Steve was trying to sketch me. It was so freaking clear and vivid that I knew I wanted to write it, and the more I laid in bed and daydreamed, this whole little world came together. We only have one chapter left too! The final chapter AND the epilogue will be posted tomorrow evening around this time. And then I will be taking a much needed hiatus for a week! In the mean time, enjoy this penultimate chapter! XOXO - Ash
Chapter Seventeen
It was three weeks before the news finally started dying down. Bucky was getting around much easier on his crutches but still needed help with some things. Emma had returned to work part time but still spent every night at the guy’s apartment. She had used up every last day of her paid time off but didn’t regret a second of it. Steve was back on schedule with his appointments and had adjusted his hours at the VA so that someone was always home with Bucky. Though Emma still went back to her apartment for things from time to time she had started referring to their place as “home” without even realizing she was doing it. Bucky and Steve both knew she had effectively moved in and they were more than pleased with that development. They wanted to officially ask her but she seemed so content with things as they were, they were afraid of rocking the boat. Eventually Bucky had made Steve promise that they would ask her the next time the opportunity presented itself.
Bucky had pushed himself too hard the previous day when he’d insisted he was up to walking to the coffee shop for breakfast. It was only half a block away but it was the furthest he’d gone in weeks and had proved to be a little too much. He paid for it dearly for the rest of the day, and the following morning he was still stiff. Emma insisted he stay in bed for breakfast and Steve curled up with him to make sure he stayed put. She didn’t make anything fancy, just bagel sandwiches and coffee so that they could eat while still nestled in their big, overly soft bed. The morning sun was shining in the room, bathing it in a golden glow that made Steve restless until he got out his sketch pad. He needed to capture the way Emma looked in that moment before it was gone. Bucky watched with amusement, remembering all the times Steve had convinced him to model for him.
It took a few adjustments but once Steve got Emma where he wanted her he started drawing at lightning speed. Emma was laying on her stomach, head cradled on one arm with her hair spilling out around her. She was in just her sleep shirt with her bare legs crossed up in the air behind her. It wasn’t the most comfortable position to hold without moving for minutes on end but she did her best to hold still. Until Bucky intervened. He couldn’t roll around much because of the cast but he was able to stretch just enough to tickle the sole of one foot when she stretched for a moment. Emma squealed and wiggled away while Steve pleaded for them to behave so he could finish. Bucky held up his hands placatingly, retreating back to the head of the bed. He could tell Steve was almost done a few minutes later when he kept glancing up and making random little adjustments. Bucky decided Steve had seen enough and with a great flop he flailed himself forward, landing right next to Emma who he attacked with tickles. Steve grumbled, setting down his sketch pad while Emma screamed for mercy. Not willing to miss out on the fun, Steve pounced as delicately as he could on Bucky while avoiding his cast. Bucky liked to say he wasn’t ticklish but Steve knew better. There were two small spots, one on each side of his torso, on one particular rib, that if hit just right made him howl. After skittering his long fingers along Bucky for a moment he found it and Bucky rolled into a ball the best he could with the cast, yelling at Steve to take it easy on the cripple. Emma was hysterical watching them, relieved to have a moment to catch her breath.
The chiming of Emma’s phone interrupted their fun and she groaned as she turned off the alarm. “I don’t wanna go.” She lamented, clutching the phone to her chest. She was being dramatic, she knew, but having to go to work and leave the guys in bed was practically torture.
Bucky exchanged a look with Steve before speaking. “What if you didn’t have to?”
Emma rolled her eyes, “Oh sure, I’ll be sure to grab a lotto ticket on my way in.”
“No, I’m serious.”
Emma sat up to look at Bucky with wary eyes, “What do mean?”
“You love art, it’s why you got your degree in it. You should be doing something in your field.”
It was hard not to bristle at being told what she should be doing with her life but Emma bit back the snarky response she wanted to give. Choosing instead to just be realistic, “That would be great but nowhere that’s hiring can offer me enough to go full time and still manage to live in the city. I have bills, Bucky.”
“That’s what I’m saying. What if you didn’t have to worry about all those bills? What if you could just take a job at a gallery and work your way up from there?”
“I won’t take your money.” that Emma did bristle at.
Steve, knowing he’d feel the same in her shoes, jumped in to clarify, “We’re not offering you money, doll. We want you to live with us. You’re here every day now and most of your clothes are here too. After Buck got hurt you basically moved in, it’s just a matter of logistics.”
“I didn’t realize...” Emma was quiet a moment, she knew he was right and a pang of guilt hit her, “I didn’t mean to take advantage of you guys, it just kind of happened.”
“You didn't take advantage.” Steve assured her, “We want you here. And if you were actually living here you wouldn’t have to worry about rent or utilities and you could take a job at a gallery.”
“I’m not going to just move in and mooch off of you. I’d have to be able to contribute.”
“You can help with groceries sometimes but you should focus on your student loans first since you’re not finished paying them.”
“It still doesn’t seem fair.”
“Well, it doesn’t feel fair to us that you have this huge debt hanging over your head that you really didn’t have a choice in taking out so you could get an education. But, since we know you won’t let us pay it off, you can put your money towards paying it off faster yourself.”
Emma was floundering her way through pros and cons, refusing to let herself get carried away at the idea of living with the guys. “But what if… what if things… don’t work out? I can’t do that to you guys.”
Bucky gave her a sad smile, he knew she was worried about their well being just as much as her own. “We love you, darlin’, how could it not work out?”
“What?” she squeaked out, not having expected that answer in a million years.
Bucky hauled himself up so he could pull her in against his chest, “I love you.” he told her earnestly.
Steve took her free hand, rubbing his thumb over hand soothingly, “I love you too. We both do, and we want you to move in with us. Not because it’s convenient, not because you have more socks in this apartment than we do, but because we want to share our lives with you.”
“Oh.” Emma squeaked out between tears. The guys were quick to wipe them away from her face, waiting with baited breath for her response. “Okay. Let’s do it. I love you too, both of you, so much.”
Steve and Bucky enveloped her in a hug, holding her close while tears turned to giggles and then sweet chaste kisses and a few more happy tears.
Emma was fifteen minutes late to work and gave her two weeks notice that very day.
The places hiring in the city varied from large world renowned art collectives to small hipster galleries who only featured up and coming artists of one scene or another. Emma saw the allure of both types of places and applied everywhere that looked even remotely interesting. She got a few offers her first week, none that really felt right and one that was completely unpaid. The second week, panic was starting to set in. She was down to her last three shifts at the bar and had two more weeks on her apartment lease. Emma knew the guys wouldn’t push her to take a job for the sake of taking a job but she didn’t want to be out of work long. Her savings had dwindled a bit when she was down to part time while Bucky recovered but she had enough for another month with no pay if it came to it. She really hoped it wouldn’t though.
Emma was chatting with a group of Friday night regulars, it would be her last shift seeing them, Sunday being her last day. Her phone buzzed angrily in her back pocket and she waited for it to die down but it persisted like a hive of bees. A call then, not a text. She pulled her phone out, trying to catch the call in time but it went to voicemail right as she swiped frantically to accept it. The number was unfamiliar and she hoped it was a gallery with a new offer instead of someone offering a timeshare sales pitch. Two agonizing minutes later a voicemail notification flashed and Emma excused herself for a minute to dart out back to listen to the message.
Hi Emma, this Pepper Potts. Steve and Bucky’s friend. Steve mentioned that you were looking for a job in an art gallery in the city and I was hoping to talk to you about that. I might know of an opening you would be perfect for. Give me a call back when you get a chance. Thanks, bye.
Emma stared blankly at her phone for a moment, dumbfounded. Pepper Potts, a friend of Steve and Bucky’s. Not Pepper Potts, famous, multi-billionaire, savvy business woman who Time had made woman of the year twice now. Emma blinked a few times, still getting her head around the seemingly causal call. She had to call her back, it would be rude not to. But what were the guys thinking not warning her that this could happen? And why would Steve, of all people, who railed against the evils of nepotism and the whole “it’s who you know” side of politics, try to have a friend give her a job. Well, she could at least give the woman a call back. Taking a steadying breath Emma dialed.
“Hello?” a cheerful, but slightly frazzled, voice answered.
“Hi, Ms. Potts? This is Emma. Steve and Bucky’s… umm…” Emma trailed off. What was she anyway? Girlfriend, partner, lady friend? Emma added that to the mental list of discussion topics for when she got home. Meanwhile, she sounded like an idiot.
“Oh, Emma!” Pepper chirped, saving her from further fumbling. “Thanks for calling me back.”
“Of course. I don’t know what Steve told you but I’m just looking for entry level jobs at a few galleries around Brooklyn right now.”
“Mhmm. Yeah, he mentioned - ohGodnotagain - sorry, can you hold on a minute Emma?”
Emma didn’t even get out a “yes” before she heard Pepper yelling “Morgan H. Stark!” followed by the sound of a crash in the background. There was a moment of hushed scolding and then a child crying and whining unintelligibly.
Pepper came back to the phone with a long sigh. “Sorry about that. Every time I turn my back Morgan is taking a screwdriver to something trying to see how it’s insides work.”
Emma bit back a laugh, “What was it this time?”
“The roomba. She’s only five but I swear she’s just a miniature version of her father.”
“Sounds like you have your hands full.”
“And then some. Now, about the job. It’s not too far away, still in Brooklyn, it’s a nonprofit gallery where they feature up and coming artists who need help getting some exposure. We need a gallery assistant to start as soon as possible.”
“We?”
“Yeah, I’m on the board of directors there. When Steve gave me your resume I hugged him. The timing is perfect and I think you’d be a great fit.”
“What’s the name of the gallery? Maybe I’ve already applied.”
“The Hideaway. We haven’t listed the job yet though.”
Emma swallowed roughly. She knew of the gallery in one of Brooklyn’s trendier, more affluent neighborhoods. It was known for being the starting place for many well known modern artists. “Pepper, really I’m just looking to get my foot in the door to gain experience. I appreciate the offer but…”
“But what? You can get experience anywhere, come do it with us. How about this, let me stop by the guys apartment tomorrow and we can look at the portfolio of artists we have right now. Give you an idea of what we’re about? If you don’t want the job it’s fine, but at least take a look. I’ll bring brunch?”
Emma shook her head, she was going to wring Steve Roger’s neck for this. “Okay, I’ll take a look.”
“Great! I’ll come over tomorrow around ten thirty?”
“We’ll be home.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then.”
Emma hung up, torn between stunned and angry. She wasn’t taking a pity job at Steve’s friend’s gallery. He should have known her better than this. It was tempting to text him, vent some of her frustrations before she got home, but instead she tucked her phone away and went back out to the bustling bar where she could distract herself for a few hours.
It was a little past eleven when Emma finally dragged herself into the apartment. She was not going to miss the exhaustion of a ten hour shift bartending. Steve was perched on one end of the sofa, glasses slipping down his nose while he read a book. Bucky was laying across the other two seats, his head nestled on Steve’s lap. They looked so sleepy and sweet, she wanted to join them but she had a bone to pick first.
“You have some explaining to do.” Emma announced, setting her purse down on the breakfast bar.
Steve looked back with wide eyes, pushing his glasses up a little, “What?” He sounded guilty too quickly. He knew.
“Oh, I think you know. Let’s see if you can guess who called me at work tonight? It’s a friend of yours.”
Steve gulped, “Sam?”
“Don’t play cute, Rogers. Why would you try to get me a pity job?”
“I didn’t think-”
“Oh damn right you didn’t think. Do you know how that feels, Steve? I can get my own job! I know we’re cutting things close but I still have applications out there and if worse comes to worse I can call back one of the places that was interested and just take one of those until something better comes up.”
Steve opened and closed his mouth a few times like a fish, a torn expression on his face.
Bucky, who was woken by their tiff, cleared his throat. “We know you can, darlin’. And we’re gonna be proud as hell when you find the right job. No matter how long that takes. Don’t take some job you’ll hate just because it’s there, that’s why you quit Matty’s.”
Emma shook her head, “I can’t just take a job I’m not qualified for because you’re friends with one of the directors.”
“You’re not.” Bucky countered, “Steve mentioned it to Pepper because she asked how you were doing when they were talking this morning. It was a friendly call, that’s all. Pepper asked for your resume to see if she could throw out some feelers in the community for you. We didn’t know she was going to offer you a job.”
Deflating a little, Emma scrubbed at her face. Annoyance turning onto herself for biting Steve’s head off. “I’m sorry Steve,” she mumbled “I’m an asshole.”
Steve gave her a wry smile, knowing all too well the chagrin of putting his foot in his mouth. “Hear that, Buck?” he poked Bucky in the side, “I’m not the asshole this time.”
Bucky rolled his eyes, “You’re always the asshole, punk.”
“Yeah, but you love me.”
“God help us all.”
xxXxx
Pepper arrived the next morning with arms weighed down by a large leather tote on one arm and take out bags on the other. “I didn’t know what to get so I got everything.” she huffed out, setting her stuff down on the living room table.
Bucky was sprawled out on the sofa watching yet another episode of How It’s Made because “Did you see it Steve? Who would have thought it was all in one tube like that?” He had been hooked on the show for months and Steve didn’t have the heart to make him pick something else. It reminded him of Bucky before the war, always so curious and eager to learn. Bucky did have the decency to turn off the TV and slide up so he was mostly sitting, making room for Steve and Emma while Pepper set up. Steve popped out from his studio and started rifling through boxes of take out before Pepper could even set them down on the table.
“Thank you so much for bringing all this.” Emma told her, trying to play hostess since the guys were lost in the array of breakfast foods.
Pepper swatted Bucky’s hand away from a box of frittata, “Mine,” she practically hissed at him before turning to Emma with a smile, “No problem! I’m glad you were willing to at least look at the portfolio from The Hideaway.”
Brunch was a mostly quiet affair. The food was plentiful and delicious, Pepper having impeccable taste in restaurants, as usual. Between bites of eggs benedict and maple pecan french toast, Steve and Bucky got updates from Pepper on a few things going on with the training program at the Avengers Compound. Steve huffed when she mentioned him coming out to speak to the new trainees. He still wasn't convinced they would want to hear from him since he no longer wore the mantle of Captain America; regardless of how many times Bucky told him that it’s a lifetime title, like being President. Emma agreed with Bucky but Steve forced a change in topics before she could do more than chime in with a “he’s right”.
Steve offered to clean up the disaster on the living room table so Pepper and Emma could go over the portfolio binder for the gallery. Not wanting to be a distraction, Bucky politely escaped to the bedroom. Forty five minutes later Emma had to admit she was impressed. More than impressed, really. The Hideaway was the exact type of gallery she wanted to be a part of. Pepper gushed about the current team and how lucky they were to have such a tight knit group. It was a dream job but Emma was still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“You don’t have to decide anything today. I can hold off posting the job publicly until Monday.” Pepper offered.
Emma considered it for a minute, still unsure. “I really am tempted. It’s an amazing opportunity.”
“You would be such a perfect fit for the team. I can see you thriving there.”
“Me too but, Pepper I gotta be honest; would you be offering me this job if my application came through with the swarm of others?”
“It would depend.” Pepper was direct, “If it came along with other equally educated and experienced people, then yes. And then for sure the interview would have sealed it. If it had come over with a batch of people more qualified and well suited, then possibly not.”
“Thank you for that.” Emma was relieved by the honesty in Pepper’s answer, “I’ll think about it and let you know by tomorrow night.”
“Perfect.” Pepper smiled widely like she already knew it was a done deal. Emma thought it was too but she really needed to weigh things out before she jumped in with both feet.
After Pepper headed home, Emma joined Bucky in bed where he was reading a new copy of National Geographic. She figured that she might as well be comfortable while she made her mental pro and con list. Steve joined them after a little while, snuggling his way in between the two of them.
“Have you decided then?” Steve asked Emma, throwing an arm around her waist.
Emma groaned, “Yes and no.”
“You want to take it, don’t you?”
“Yeah, so badly. But...”
“It seems too good to be true?” Bucky butted in.
“Yeah, it does. It’s the perfect opportunity. Great work environment, paid vacation and sick days, benefits, and holy shit pay bump.”
“I seem to remember you stressing over something else that seemed too good to be true a few months ago.” Steve teased.
Bucky nodded along in agreement, “And look how well this turned out.”
“I love you.” Emma kissed Bucky and then Steve in turn. “I think I’m going to take it. But,”
“No buts!” Steve exclaimed.
Emma rolled her eyes and continued unphased, “But, I want you to seriously consider giving a few talks at the compound. You would be such a good example for these kids, Steve.”
“What’s the point? Who’s going to listen to the guy that can’t raise his voice without risking an asthma attack? These kids are training to work with the Avengers, with some of the best mentors on the planet. They’ll be fine without listening to the ramblings of a retired old man.”
“Oh sweetheart no.” Emma wrapped herself around Steve, pulling him close so she could run her fingers through his hair and litter kisses across his face. “You are so much more than your body. Your mind is one in a million Steve, and those kids would be damned lucky to hear anything you have to say.”
Bucky shifted himself over to curl around Steve’s other side, sandwiching him between them. “Erskine didn’t pick you for your body.” Bucky reminded him gently.
“What would I even say?” Steve relented.
“That would be entirely up to you. Just think about it, okay?” Emma pleaded.
Steve nodded in silent agreement. Thinking about it and actually doing it were two very different things. If he could actually think of something to say to a room full of twenty year olds then maybe he’d come around.
Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder @remilupin22 @supraveng @hiddles-rose
Summary: Bucky, Emma, and Steve have a night at the guy’s apartment where Emma learns a little bit more about Bucky. Master list can be found HERE.
Warnings / Content: A moment of slight angst featuring a sweet slightly insecure Bucky.
Word Count: 2.4k
Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! As promised, a new day and a new chapter! I don’t if anyone saw, I have a new stand alone fic I posted earlier (Love, In Any Form). I wanted to get that out there despite having this series going. It’s night and day different from this, but if anyone needs some nonbinary!Bucky in their life, check it out! I’m going to be popping up a one shot related to this fic in a little while too. Three new posts in one day... ya’ll are gonna get spoiled ;) The one shot is going to dive into the origin of Bucky’s rainbow pants and I think ya’ll will enjoy the little head cannon as much as I do. XOXO - Ash
Chapter Thirteen
It was ten days before their schedules synced up again and the guys made good on their promise of pizza and Netflix. They had both visited Emma at work since Bucky’s birthday but it was a poor excuse for quality time and they were all anxious to see each other outside of the bar again. Emma brought along her bottle of Two Buck Chuck, mostly as a joke but also so as not to show up empty handed. Bucky answered the door dressed in a pair of low hanging grey sweatpants that made Emma’s mouth go dry. He was still towel drying his hair and hadn’t gotten around to putting on a shirt yet.
“Sorry, I was running late.” Bucky told her, moving aside so she could come in. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and the woodsy, slight spicy scent of him made her toes want to curl. “I’ll be right back.” he assured her before going back to the bathroom to finish drying off.
Steve called out a hello from the kitchen where he was getting out plates and Emma headed over to him. He was in blue sweatpants and a baggy white tee shirt she suspected he had stolen from Bucky. Everything about him screamed soft, and comfortable, and home. Emma greeted him with a lingering kiss, finding it easier to be a little bold with him. She helped him gather up everything and take it out to the living room while Bucky finished up. He joined them just as she was setting the second box of pizza on the coffee table.
“Thank you, god, for leggings.” Bucky whistled from the doorway.
Emma snapped upright and pulled down the hem of her shirt, realizing he must have had quite a view of her backside. “Be nice, dirty old man.” she teased.
“Guilty as charged, ma’am.” Bucky nodded. He’d put on a black a-line tank and his hair damp hair fell around his shoulders. Emma thought it was unfair how attractive he looked standing there leering at her. The man was walking talking sex appeal and he damn well knew it.
“I was just wearing what I would at home. That’s what you said tonight was for. Lazy day clothes, movies, and pizza.”
“And it is. Your lazy day clothes just happen to be what dreams are made of.”
Emma huffed, unable to come up with a witty response. She didn’t have to though as Steve joined them with the opened bottle of wine. “If it makes you feel any better, Bucky is cheating.” he informed her.
“Am not” Bucky sputtered at the same time Emma asked “What do you mean?”
Steve’s smile was cheshire. “Those are not Bucky’s around the house clothes. Those are his gym clothes.”
“Steve…” Bucky’s voice was a low warning sound.
“And what does the illustrious James Buchanan Barnes wear around the house?” Emma had a feeling this game was going to get good.
“Steve, no.” Bucky growled.
Steve tried to slyly motion to the bedroom room door and Emma caught his intention. “Alpaca pants!” Steve cried and bolted to the bedroom with Emma quick on his heels giggling. “What the heck are alpaca pants?!” she asked between giggles.
Bucky was diving after them and caught Emma around the waist barely inside the bedroom door. Steve was already rooting through a dresser drawer when Bucky tossed Emma onto the bed and went after him. He held up the pajama pants in question and threw them to Emma before being tackled by Bucky who tickled him mercilessly on the floor.
“Oh my god, what even are these?” Emma howled as she looked at the fleecy materials print.
Bucky left Steve panting on the floor to pounce on the bed and wrestle the pants from Emma.
“I hate you both.” he grumbled petulantly, holding the pants close to his chest protectively. Emma noticed his eyes were actually wary as he clung to the pants, his cheeks pink from more than just exertion.
Steve joined them on the bed, still flushed from being tickled. “Oh come on, Buck. She’d have seen them eventually.”
Emma gave Bucky shrug, “They’re actually pretty fantastic.” she admitted.
“I know they’re… colorful.” Bucky agreed, his tone still hesitant.
“Why wouldn’t you wear these tonight?” Emma asked, “They seem so cozy.”
“I don’t know. They’re kinda private. I love my ‘paca pants but... they’re a little feminine... and over the top.”
“Bucky, hey, no.” Emma moved so she was right up against him, both of them laying on their sides. She wasn’t used to seeing this shy side of him. “I don’t care what you wear. You could have on a leather jacket or a My Little Pony sweater, you’re still you.”
Bucky nodded, knowing she was right but still unsure. He tested the waters a little more, “I have rainbow pants too. And a matching fluffy robe.”
“They sound cute too.” she assured him.
“I know it’s silly but those kinds of things remind me I’m safe, ya know?” Emma nodded encouragingly and Bucky took a breath and continued, “When I got away, it was hard sometimes to remember where I was. I’d wake up in the middle of the night and it was… yeah. It wasn’t great. There was this fuzzy kids blanket that someone left in the apartment I rented and it was so cold that I started sleeping with it. After that I didn’t have trouble waking up at night, I could feel the blanket on me and I knew I was safe. No way HYDRA would ever give me something so nice and soft.” Bucky paused to look at Emma and the understanding in her eyes made him push on. “I’m better about that now, but I still like having things like that around. Shuri gave me the rainbow pants when I was living in Wakanda and it just became a thing. Steve’s gotten me a few things and I have a pretty nice collection now.” Bucky let out a heavy breath. He hated sharing things that he struggled with but he cared for Emma and wanted to start trusting her with more pieces of himself.
Emma gave him a small smile and a kiss. “You’re allowed to like having nice things. It doesn’t make me think any less of you. But I will take a little offense if you don’t think you can be yourself around me. This is supposed to be a relationship, right?”
Bucky nodded, “Yeah, it is.”
“Then you gotta trust me. I’m not just here for a hot threesome, I really like you guys.”
Bucky huffed a laugh. “We like you too, doll. It’s just going to take a little time.”
“Everyone has baggage, Buck.”
“We have a cargo plane full of baggage at this point.”
“Oh come on,” Steve protested, “It’s not that bad. I mean you have an ex brainwashed assassin, who’s only missing one limb, and is down to screaming in his sleep once every few months now. And a retired American icon who shrank and got a little chubby, lived two full lifetimes already, and has a list of medical issues a mile long.”
“Well when you say it like that…” Bucky rolled his eyes dramatically. Leave it to Steve and his oversharing tendencies.
“I think I’ll keep you.” Emma laughed, “Both of you.” She stretched so she could drag Steve closer to them and rolled on to her back so she was lying with them on either side of her.
“I don’t know what we did to deserve you, doll.” Bucky said with adoration in his eyes.
“I don’t know either, but you better keep doing it ‘cause I’m not going anywhere.”
Steve draped himself halfway over Emma, snuggling into her warmth and reaching out to Bucky to hold onto him as well. They lay for a minute, basking in the warm, tender moment, before Bucky hopped up and dropped his sweatpants to the floor with one quick motion. Steve and Emma both made surprised sounds but he waved them off, “I might as well get comfy.” he told them pulling on his pajama pants.
Emma pulled herself up and hugged him tightly, “They look perfect.”
Steve got up too then, kissing Bucky lightly as he passed by. “Come on, you two. Pizza’s getting cold.”
Bucky smiled gratefully at Emma and they followed Steve, hands linked together.
Bucky got the middle seat while Steve brought up the movie they’d queued earlier and Emma flopped large pizza slices on plates for everyone. His nerves were still a little raw from all the sharing and both Steve and Emma seemed to pick up on him needing a little more affection than usual. They made their way through a pizza and a half while the movie played, a SciFi drama with just a little romance thrown in. It was engrossing and they were all a little surprised when it ended and they realized how entangled they had become during the movie. Bucky had sprawled out in his seat, his back leaning on Emma’s chest, one of her arms wrapped around his middle being hugged by his arm, and her other hand playing idly in his hair. His feet were tucked in on Steve’s lap and Steve had been rubbing them lightly, stroking up along his calves too. Steve’s feet were tucked under Bucky’s thighs for warmth despite the blanket on his lap.
“I never want to move.” Emma groaned as Steve turned off the movie which was just scrolling credits at that point.
“I don’t think. I can move at this point.” Bucky said hugging Emma’s arm just a little tighter.
Steve yawned and stretched as much as he could without disrupting Bucky’s feet, “It’s late.”
Emma looked over at him in disbelief, “It’s barely after ten.”
“I know,” Steve half shrugged, “But we both have work in the morning.”
“Ah yes, you who keep to relatively normal work hours. I get to sleep in as much as I want to.”
“Braggart.” Bucky teased, and then more seriously, “Don’t leave, doll. Stay the night?”
Emma looked down at Bucky’s face, searching his expression, “What are you asking me, Bucky?”
“We don’t have to do anything but sleep, but we’re all tired and the bed is big enough to share.”
“Tempting, so tempting. But I don’t have anything with me and I don’t want to be in the way tomorrow while you’re both trying to get to work. I definitely can’t sleep with my contact lenses in either.”
Steve squeezed Bucky’s foot and gave him a look, he was disappointed too but it was just bad timing, not a rejection of them. “It’s okay, another night maybe?” Steve tried.
Emma nodded emphatically, “Yes, definitely. Maybe on a day that none of us have work in the morning. We can sleep in and get breakfast at the diner over on 5th.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Bucky told her with a slow grin.
“I’ll look at the calendar tomorrow and figure it out.” Steve agreed.
“Kiss for the road?” Emma asked, looking from one to the other.
Bucky turned over so he was hovering above her and leaned down for a long, reverent kiss. Emma couldn't even breathe as his tongue danced along the seam of her lips, asking tenderly for permission. She opened her lips for him and shuddered when his tongue darted in. His hand stayed in PG-rated territory but the firm caresses of her shoulders and the back of her neck made it clear he was struggling to keep things from progressing further. Bucky was lost, barely reigning himself in after he got a taste of her mouth; all wine-sweet and perfectly her. Steve had moved so he could watch, rubbing a hand in small circles on Bucky’s lower back. It was with great reluctance that Bucky finally pulled back, “I’ll miss you.” He murmured against her mouth before moving away.
Steve didn’t have to be told to slide over as Bucky moved away. He was painfully hard from watching Bucky and Emma kiss but he knew it wasn’t the time for that. He would take his goodbye kisses and be more than happy enough with them. Emma practically melted against Steve as his lips brushed across hers. Where Bucky was bright flame, Steve was glowing embers; patient and steady. Emma let him lead, enjoying the careful way his fingers combed through her hair. A soft sigh escaped her lips when he trailed a few feather light kisses along her neck. They were so soft but they absolutely ignited her body. Steve moved away and pulled himself up, extending a hand to help her up too. “You gotta get going before we start something we can’t finish.” He told her.
“Well, you and I can’t finish. But you two could.” Emma motioned between the guys.
“Uh, yeah… I mean we could but…” Steve stuttered, flustered.
Emma chuckled, “It’s okay, Steve. I know you two weren’t living like monks before you met me. I adore the way you guys are together and I wouldn’t dream of infringing on that. We’re all a little worked up; I don’t expect you two to go without a little fun once I leave.”
“You’re perfect, you know that?” Bucky cooed, wrapping his arms around her. “We just don’t want you feeling left out.”
“I’m far from it. And I don’t feel left out, I’m coming in new here and that’s okay.”
Emma was traded between her guys for a few more goodnight kisses until she was finally able to get her coat and head home.
Bucky shut the door behind her and looked at Steve, his love-struck expression mirrored on Steve’s face. “We are in so deep here, Stevie.”
Steve let Bucky envelop him in his arms, his head resting right under Bucky’s chin as he hugged him close. “We are.” He agreed, “But, god, we are lucky.”
“You feelin’ lucky, punk?” Bucky asked, quoting loosely from a movie Sam had made him watch.
Steve laughed lightly, “Yeah, jerk, I think I am.”
Bucky grinned before dropping down to wrap his arms around the back of Steve’s thighs, picking him up with ease and carrying him off to show him just how lucky he was feeling.
The one shot is up now! The Origin of the Rainbow Pants
Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder @remilupin22 @supraveng @hiddles-rose
Summary: After a lazy morning and brunch together, their schedules go back to normal leaving the trio to find time together when they can. When they finally have a night planned off together again, an unimaginable issue halts their plans. Master list can be found HERE.
Warnings / Content: The beginning is fluff but end involves an injury to one of main characters. Nothing is overly specific or graphic, but the person does end up in the hospital.
Word Count: 2.4k
Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! Only three more chapters and then a (very) short epilogue after this. I feel like it’s gone so quickly since I started posting! This chapter ends a little, okay very, rough. Remember that I love you all and the next chapter will be out tomorrow night! XOXO - Ash
Chapter Fifteen
Emma was the first one awake the next morning. She felt like she was roasting alive, tangled between her guys who were both doing their best furnace impressions. She felt sweaty, sticky from their heat, and when she tried to wriggle away Bucky just held onto her tighter, keeping her in place. “Mmm no.” he grumbled, half awake.
Emma leaned over to kiss him on the cheek, “You’re a furnace.” she chastised him mildly.
“So ‘re you.”
“I’m temperate.” Steve interjected, surprising them both that he was awake.
“You were a furnace too.” Emma told him.
“This is nice.” Bucky commented, reaching across Emma to run his hand along Steve’s arm affectionately.
“I never want to leave this bed.” Emma moaned happily.
“Then don’t.”
“I need a shower. And the lure of creme brulee french toast is strong.”
“Okay that is tempting. But you know what else is?”
“Showering together.”
“If we shower together we won’t get out of this apartment until noon.”
“We can behave! Right, Stevie?”
“Huh?” Steve snapped to attention, having been preoccupied with the way the light hit Emma’s hair creating a multi-tonal sea of auburn hair that his fingers itched to try and paint.
Bucky raised his voice slightly, “We can all behave if we shower together before going out.”
Steve nodded, “That’s fine.”
Emma shrugged, hoping they would both be true to their word.
In the end, she was pleasantly surprised. Both men were able to keep things from going too far and, although there were kisses and the occasional straying hand, they behaved themselves. Emma was towel drying her hair in the bedroom, unwilling to waste time on a blower dryer, despite Bucky’s offer for her to borrow his. He had likewise foregone the dryer, instead letting his long brunette hair air dry in natural waves and curls. He gave Emma some of the leave in conditioner he favored and she ended up snapping a picture of the bottle to buy herself some later. It smelled wonderful and she liked knowing she’d smell like him all day.
Emma shot Steve a small smile when he perched his glasses back on his nose and got his hearing aid back in place. “That has to be better.” she commented.
He blushed lightly but nodded, “It’s not so bad without them but it is nice being able to see you better and hear you on both sides.”
“I want you to be able to see and hear me. It doesn’t bother me that you need a little help to do it.”
Bucky sighed quietly across the room while he pulled on his black tee. Emma was so intuitive with Steve. He knew the tiny blonde like the back of his hand after spending a lifetime with him, but Emma had rapidly picked up on his little tells and was able to ferret out his concerns with impressive accuracy. It made Bucky want to learn all of her little tells even more. She deserved the same kindness and acceptance that she showed them. Bucky mused he’d figure them out eventually. If he could figure out Steve, Emma should be a walk in the park.
Emma was running hair hands through Steve’s hair, helping him style it a little so it wouldn’t flop in his eyes. He was practically beaming under her care and Bucky couldn’t help but join them. He came up behind Emma, placing his warm hands on her hips and pulling her close. He moved her wet single braid of hair away from her neck and sprinkled kisses across her skin. She shuddered and swatted him away when she finished with Steve. “Doesn’t he look nice?” she prompted.
Bucky admired Steve for a beat before smiling broadly. “He looks like a million bucks.” Bucky drew Steve in to him, fitting their bodies together like puzzle pieces so he could duck his head and capture Steve’s lips with his own.
Emma took the opportunity to get dressed herself, throwing on her favorite soft jeans, a cotton camisole, and an old black and grey flannel shirt. She was comfortable and stylish, with just a hint of sexy thrown in from the low neckline of her camisole and the way her jeans clung to her curves. The guys were still making out and whispering to each other quietly between kisses once she was ready, so she perched at the edge of the bed to enjoy the show. It was a little voyeuristic but she was allowed to watch and she was taking full advantage of it.
Steve caught her eyes first and pushed Bucky away, whispering something that had the other man laughing lightly. “Ready, doll?” he asked her, discreetly wiping the side of his kiss bruised lips.
“Whenever you two are.” she assured him with smirk.
“Oh no,” Bucky warned, “Don’t start. I was promised diner breakfast and, in case you two forgot, I have a super soldier metabolism to keep up with.”
Emma stood up and patted a hand to Bucky’s chest on her way past him, “Trust me, we didn’t forget.” she told him with a cheeky wink.
Steve snorted, covering his outburst with a cough, and then quickly followed Emma out to grab their coats before Bucky could respond.
The diner on 5th was a short walk from the guys apartment and they had been there a few times before, but only for dinner or lunch. Emma had raved about their breakfast creations but insisted they wait until she could go with them. Two bites into his breakfast scramble and Bucky had told her that promise no longer stood. He all but inhaled the scrambled mix of eggs, potatoes, various meats, and cheese. After stealing a few bites of Emma’s french toast he ordered a plate for himself before she actually got him with the fork she kept trying to poke him with in revenge. Emma was happy as ever with her tall pile of brioche french toast loaded down with creme brulee filling and shards of caramelized sugar. Steve had opted for egg benedict but instead of having an english muffin base, it was over top tall slices of toasted brioche and the ham was the thick spiral cut kind. Both men couldn’t stop talking about how good the food was the entire way home and Emma just laughed, reminding them she’d happily go with them anytime.
Since it was a rare day off for all three of them, Emma agreed to lounge around their place for the day. There was nothing pressing that any of them needed to do and it was nice to just relax for a change. The only downside was, by the time she needed to head home in the evening none of them wanted to part. She knew she needed to go, the guys were both off to work in the morning, with Bucky leaving before the sun was even up. They passed her back and forth, unwilling to let go until, finally, cooler heads prevailed and Emma left with promises to see them again in a few days. Steve would have off on Thursday so she’d see him at Matty’s then, and they would both likely pop in on Saturday to see her.
Though the night air was still a little cool Emma took her time walking home, letting herself daydream a little about the past twenty four hours. She wished they’d had more time but she had to get back to her normal life eventually. Every moment with them felt like a dream, something warm and wonderful but separate from her day to day life. She wondered if they’d ever actually become part of her day to day. If they’d ever get to the point of doing laundry side by side, taking turns cooking dinner, and sleeping together every night. It was a nice fantasy, but knowing how devoted they were to each other she doubted it would ever become reality. Emma frowned, not at the thought, but at her reaction to it. She expected it to sting a little, when she remembered she was the interloper in their lives, but she loved how much they cared for each other and she knew she would never do anything to disrupt what they had. It was enough, she thought to herself, it had to be.
xxXxx
After their day off together their routines went back to normal for a few weeks. The guys popping in on their days off and on Saturdays together. They’d always find one day where their schedules aligned and they were able to grab lunch or dinner together too. Sometimes it was just a short few hours to lounge on the guys sofa and eat sandwiches before Emma had to head to work and Steve was off to one of his appointments, but they made it work. Eventually though, their schedules aligned again and the guys both had off on a night she did. After spending all their time at the guy’s apartment Emma had insisted that they come to her place for a change. She wanted to cook for her guys and something about having them in her space made her feel all nervous and excited. Like it was a milestone of them being together or something. Emma didn’t dwell on trying to pinpoint it, she just knew it felt special and she was going to make it perfect.
After a full day of cleaning her small apartment top to bottom, Emma was exhausted. She still had three hours until the guys were due over and she was trying to talk herself into getting off the sofa and prepping dinner. She wanted to get everything done ahead of time so once she was showered, dressed, and ready for the guys to arrive all she had to do was pop the lasagna in the oven and wait.
Emma had just started getting the ingredients together when her phone buzzed in her back pocket. She pulled it out with a frown, assuming it was a telemarketer or a scam. No one called these days, it was all texts. When she saw Steve’s face on the screen her expression quickly changed. She had wanted to ask him about allergies one last time anyway.
“I was just thinking about you, baby.” she told him sweetly.
“Emma.” Steve’s voice was ragged, “It’s Bucky.”
“What?” she breathed, terrified of what was causing his tone of voice.
Steve continued like he hadn’t even heard her. “I’m sending a car for you. They’re taking him to New York Presbyterian, he should be there any minute now.”
Emma was fighting for composure, “Okay, I’ll be there.” Numb from shock she put away the food she’d brought out for lasagna until the buzz of her intercom sounded and Happy announced his arrival to pick her up.
“What happened?” Emma asked from the back seat, her own voice sounding strangely calm to her ears while her mind was screaming in fear.
Happy, despite his name, looked anything but. “I’m sorry, Miss. I don’t have all the details.”
“But what do you know?”
“Well, it’s not good.” the grim set of his mouth made it clear he was done talking about it and Emma slumped back into her seat, defeated.
Emma wished she was a religious person so that she had someone to pray to while she waited the agonizing eighteen minute drive to the hospital. Instead she just wrapped her arms around her waist, holding herself in a futile attempt for comfort while she prayed up to the universe that Bucky would be okay. The second Happy stopped the car outside the emergency room Emma was bursting out of the car, running in until she saw a familiar face. Pepper Potts was unmistakable, her glossy hair and pale lilac suit all screaming wealth and professionalism. “Emma,” Pepper said, a statement, not a question.
“Yeah,” Emma nodded.
“He’s on the third floor, I’ll take you.”
Pepper didn’t elaborate on what had happened or what unit the third floor was, letting Emma trail behind her as they hurried through the hallways and elevator. There were ICU signs along the walls and the fact that they were following the same path as the signs didn’t seem like a coincidence to Emma. A gnawing fear took root in her gut and she was frantic by the time she saw Steve talking to a group of people in white doctor’s coats.
Emma screamed Steve’s name as she burst past Pepper, running into his arms. He stumbled back a step, accepting her in his arms without question. Steve murmured soft comforting okay’s and I got you’s while Emma clung to him. The scent of his cologne and the crisp wild undercurrent that was uniquely him filled Emma’s senses, comforting her despite the fear that still clawed in her chest. After a few long minutes Emma pulled back apologizing but Steve waved her off, making sure the doctors knew she needed to be filled in as well. She recognized Bruce Banner and Helen Cho but the other doctors were unfamiliar, she assumed they were from the hospital.
Bruce led most of the questions to the doctors, back peddling every so often to explain something to Steve and Emma when the doctors went too far in medical jargon. Helen was more interested in getting to examine Bucky herself which they assured her she could, they just needed to get him out of the OR first.
Happy’s assessment of “not good” had turned out to be an understatement. The list of what had gone wrong seemed longer than what had gone right. Emma pieced together that Bucky had been helping to evacuate an apartment building that had started collapsing after yet another aftershocks hit the area they were working in. He was more than a dozen stories up and the floor he was on gave out. They’d pulled him out of the rubble thanks to Sam and Redwing but he’d been unconscious since then. His leg was shattered and because of his serum it had started trying to heal before they could set it properly. They’d had to re-break his leg in order to get it positioned to heal properly but they still couldn’t rule out any long term damage. The bruises on his body were deep but were healing as quickly as they could. They just needed him to wake up so they could determine if there was any brain damage.
“So what do we do now?” Steve asked the doctors, gripping Emma’s hands in his own.
“Now,” Helen said, her voice solemn, “We wait.”
Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder @remilupin22 @supraveng @hiddles-rose
Summary: Snap shots of Steve, Bucky, and Emma’s life together post More Time.
Warnings/ Content: Domestic bliss only :)
Word Count: 203
Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! While the fic is done and over, we still have a few little snap shots into the lives of our favorite trio....
Epilogue
Emma starts her job at the gallery and is creating her own exhibit setups within a month. Pepper and the other board members are stunned with her creative eye and insight on what will work best for the artist’s vision.
Bucky watches entirely too much HGTV while recovering and becomes even more invested in finding an old house to renovate than Steve is. His healing is a little slower than expected so he spends the time getting their house set up since he can’t return to the field for a while longer.
Steve goes back to volunteering more at the VA after Bucky starts getting around easier, he misses the lazy days at home but was starting to get stir crazy.
It takes a few months but Steve finally concedes to start giving guest lectures at the Avengers compound on top of his VA schedule. His lectures fill the auditorium, standing room only in the back. He’s floored by the warm reception and starts planning for future sessions right away.
Emma, Bucky, and Steve move into their newly renovated brownstone right before Christmas. They celebrate quietly at home with a ridiculously large tree and shiny gold wedding rings for all three of them.
Thank you again to everyone who has taken the time to read this fic. And to those who have sent love via likes, reblogs, and comments, I can never thank you enough. I appreciate the support so much and it keeps me going even when I'm ready to give up writing.
Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder @remilupin22 @supraveng @hiddles-rose
Summary: In the wake of Bucky’s accident another unexpected hurdle is thrown into their lives. Stronger together than apart, the three grow closer as they face this new reality together. Master list can be found HERE.
Warnings/ Content: A little angsty, lots of feels.
Word Count: 2.9k
Author’s Note: I’m so sorry for that last cliff hanger, lovelies! I really am. Be patient though, we need to get through the woods in this chapter so our three main characters can move forward in their lives together. XOXO - Ash
Chapter Sixteen
So they waited. Neither Steve nor Emma was willing to leave the ICU waiting room so they alternated between sitting huddled together on an assortment of love seats and sofas, and pacing around the room. Pepper, Happy, Bruce, and Helen all urged them to consider getting some sleep or a shower or a decent meal but it fell on deaf ears. What sleep they got was leaning on each other in their seats. The food they picked at with disinterest was from the vending machine or what someone brought them. Steve would tell Emma stories from their childhood, good memories he had of Bucky when they were young, before the war started. Sometimes he’d get so lost in a particular memory his eyes would glass over and he’d trail off mid-sentence, the rest of his words caught by the lump in his throat. Emma told Steve about all the nights Bucky had come to visit her solo at Matty’s. How his smile had charmed her even when she had tried to ignore it. The way he was so easy to talk to because he genuinely listened and cared about what she had to say.
For two days they waited, the time passing feeling both too long and non existent. It was like they were trapped in the same moment in an infinite loop, frozen in time by their fear. The only thing keeping them from completely falling apart was the comfort they drew from one another’s presence. The one time when Emma had run off to the bathroom Steve looked around the empty waiting room realizing if it weren’t for her, he would have been all alone there waiting for Bucky to wake up. The pain in his chest doubled and he pushed past the thought, unable to think about how unbearable that would have been. And if Steve had clung to Emma a little harder after she returned, she didn’t mention a thing.
It was Bruce who came to get them after Bucky woke up. It was like a dam breaking as soon as the words were out of his mouth. Tears streamed from both their faces anew, relief and joy washing over them in waves. Steve started asking Bruce questions but he told them that they didn’t know much yet. Helen and the other doctors were busy running a series of tests and scans now that he was awake. They wouldn’t know much until the doctors had the results. As much as the pair wanted to see him right away, Bruce made them slow down as he led them back to Bucky’s room so that the doctor’s had time to finish up.
A tall, grey haired man came out of Bucky’s ICU room to let them know the scans were complete and they were free to go in. His only request was that they go easy on Bucky who was not entirely out of the woods yet. Steve and Emma nodded in unison, eager to get in Bucky’s room no matter what. When they finally were allowed through the large white doors it was like they could finally breathe again.
Bucky was reclining in a large white hospital bed, IV’s coming out of his right arm. His left was removed, sitting off on the far side of the room in a case for safe keeping. They had cleaned him up a bit but his hair was still disheveled and his beard had grown out a bit to the point where it was a proper beard, not just the scruff he usually kept it as. The bruises hadn’t all faded and he looked paler than usual, deep purple-blue crescents under his eyes.
“Buck.” Steve choked out, his voice breaking.
Bucky looked over at Steve, his brow furrowed, “I’m sorry,” he said, “Do I know you?”
Emma felt like she’d been punched. She barely got her arms around Steve as he started to collapse.
“Stevie no!” Bucky cried, eyes wide. “Shit, I was kidding!” he tried to scramble out of the hospital bed but two nurses immediately put their hands on his shoulders to keep him down.
“Fucking punk.” Steve panted. He pulled his inhaler out from his pants pocket and took two long puffs with shaking hands.
Emma was caught between wanting to hug Bucky and smack him. “You can’t do that to us!” she scolded him.
Once Steve was steady on his feet and breathing better, he and Emma made their way over to Bucky who gave them each a one armed hug, letting them hang on as long as they needed. He apologized to them both repeatedly for his ill-timed attempt at humor. They talked with the doctors for a while once they returned from the lab. Bucky would be okay, his brain scans were all fine, the bruises were healing, he just needed to wait out the break in his leg and be careful around the stress fractures along a few of his ribs on his right side. His right leg was going to be in a cast from his hip to his ankle for at least a month, maybe longer, and then he’d probably still need a brace after that for a little while. It was hard to gauge his healing ability but a normal person would be looking at six months in a cast and then a long road of physical therapy. Bucky was dreading every moment of his recovery.
After he woke up the hospital only kept him another day for observation before Steve and Emma were allowed to take him home. They were all restless by the time they got the all clear and couldn’t wait for a decent meal and their own bed. Emma had taken time off from the bar, letting them know there had been a family emergency and she would be out for a little while. She was thankful for her saved up vacation time and her savings account. Nothing was more important than being there for Bucky and Steve at that point.
Bucky was forced into a wheelchair to leave the hospital despite vehement protesting. It was policy, super soldier or not. At least they let him put his arm back on when he had gotten dressed. The trio felt, and looked, pretty grungy as they blinked against the midday sun; seeing the outside the world for the first time in three days. The sidewalk was packed with people. Some holding signs of well wishes and others holding cameras and microphones. Steve and Emma helped Bucky into the back of the car while Happy did his best to shoo the reporters away. The hospital staff intervened, making the crowd disperse so they could safely navigate the car out and away. It was frustrating but Steve and Bucky just sighed, resigned to the fact that this was life in the public eye. Avengers didn’t always have the luxury of peace and quiet.
Bucky sat between Steve and Emma, wincing every so often when the car bounced over a pothole. It wasn’t a terribly long drive but it was enough to wear Bucky out and they got him into their enormous bed as soon as they got home.
Emma offered to call in a food order and Steve was doing damage control with Pepper over the phone. He understood that the public was worried about Bucky and wanted to know how he was doing, that was okay. What worried him were the photos. The world didn’t know what had happened in Bruce’s lab yet and he was reluctant to have the news break just yet. He liked living in relative anonymity now that he was back in his smaller body. No one stopped him on the streets anymore, he could come and go as he pleased. He knew it was only a matter of time but he just wasn’t ready yet. Pepper promised to do her best but let him know that it was likely already circulating.
It only took an hour for the news to hit the internet. An hour after that, it was on TV. Pepper called apologizing but Steve knew she had done her best. There would need to be a press statement released. Steve gave her the okay to give a blanket “we’ll do an interview soon” statement and they would have a trusted reporter come to the apartment soon for an interview that could be taped and aired later. Steve was used to seeing the best and worst of humanity, he was still considered a hero and a criminal in turns. What he didn’t expect was for Emma to get drug into their mess. A few of the reporters had snapped pictures of her with them, the affection between all three clear as day. Stories circulated, most painting ugly scandals but some just asking “who is the mystery woman”.
Bucky came limping out on his crutches to find Emma and Steve sitting together and watching the news, their hands tightly entwined. “What’s going on?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Steve jumped at the sound of his voice, not having realized he was up out of bed. “Oh, you know, the news.” Steve tried to play it off but Emma’s stricken face told the whole story.
Bucky could easily guess what happened. He saw the reporters at the hospital as they were leaving and he was well accustomed to being smeared in the media. “They saw you didn’t they. They know.” he guessed.
Steve nodded, “Yeah, they know. I couldn’t hide forever.”
Bucky crutched over to join him, sitting on Steve’s side to wrap an arm around the smaller man. “It’ll be okay. It’ll be in the news for a while but it’ll die down eventually.”
“They got pictures of us, and Emma. There’s… There’s a lot of speculation about the three of us. Especially about you and I.”
“Well, we figured that would get out eventually anyway. It’s not like we’ve hidden what we are to each other since I got out of cryo.”
“We’ve never confirmed anything either though. And now Emma is wrapped up in this too. They’re making it sound like we’ve abducted her into some type of polygamist cult.”
“Hey!” Emma protested, “I don’t care what they’re saying in the news. I knew the risk I was taking the minute we agreed to give this relationship a try.”
“But you shouldn’t have t-”
“Nope, stop it right now Steve. I knew what I was risking. And you’re worth it. You’re both worth it. I wouldn’t give a minute of what we have just because some online bullies think what we’re doing is wrong.”
Bucky was grinning ear to ear watching Emma’s temper flare. She was so brave even in the face of their quiet little world exploding around them. He knew then that she’d be fine no matter what the outside world threw at them. Bucky had to let himself give her the same trust that he gave Steve. “So what do we do next then?” he asked.
Steve still looked torn but continued with a small huff. He was a master strategist, after all, and the moves were the same dealing with the media as they were in a war zone. “Well, we have to get a head of this thing before it blows out of proportion. If you’re feeling up to it we’ll get Diane from NBC to come over tomorrow and do an interview. We show them that you’re alive and well, talk about our plans for your recovery, make it abundantly clear that yes we are together and that Emma is a new addition to our lives. We’ll have to address my lack of serum somehow but we’ll be vague and keep the conversation moving. Pepper will make sure we control the dialogue so we can get the right message across the way we want it.”
“That sounds like a plan.” Bucky agreed.
“I need to run home and get some clothes if I’m going to be on TV.” Emma told them nervously.
“You don’t have to be on TV unless you want to be. We can confirm you exist without giving up your identity.” Steve offered, giving her one last out.
Emma shook her head, “No, I’m in this now. I won’t sit in the shadows and let you two do this alone. I just never thought I’d be on TV. It seems kinda daunting.”
“You get used to it.” Bucky shrugged.
Emma couldn’t imagine ever getting used to it but she knew she would manage with the guys by her side.
xxXxx
Bucky was like a whole new person the next morning after a full night’s rest and a few good meals. The shower helped the most, though he hated having to let Steve and Emma wrap his leg in a garbage bag so he could go in. He tried to be as self sufficient as he could but Emma and Steve were like a pair of mother hens fussing over him. A small part of him enjoyed letting them fuss, it was sweet and who would complain about being loved on by the two most amazing people in the world? It was love, he knew it for certain. They hadn’t said the words to Emma yet but the feeling was there. It was unmistakable in the little looks she and Steve gave each other as they moved around the kitchen cooking breakfast, the way she insisted on taking care of Bucky’s hair for him so it would be shiny and nice on TV, the sweet words of apology she gave General when she had to move his cat condo to make room for the camera crews equipment. Spoken or not, the love was there and he was going to make sure she knew it sooner rather than later.
Diane Hastings showed up at their apartment at eleven o’clock on the dot. She was a statuesque whirlwind of polished professionalism but who often let them drive the conversation in interviews. She was a bright woman who knew when to push and when to back off, happy to get exclusive interview rights even if it meant she had to bite her tongue from time to time.
Steve greeted her warmly, welcoming them into their home. She raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow when Steve said “our home” but didn’t ask. Bucky stayed put on the sofa, as much as it pained him to be impolite he knew the interview would be draining and wasn’t going to push himself. Diane was solicitous asking if he was comfortable and letting him know if they needed to stop or move to a different spot they could. She didn’t quite know what to make of Emma but she was polite, shaking her hand and making small talk. It was clear questions were flying through her head but Diane, ever the professional, kept them to herself.
Steve was seated between Bucky and Emma, holding each of their hands in his own. They could do this, together. With one last long look between the three of them the cameras started rolling and started the chain of events that would change all of their lives irrevocably.
xxXxx
The interview aired at 6pm that night after a few rounds of editing by the station’s crew and representatives for Steve and Bucky. It was condensed into a ninety minute broadcast despite taping much longer. They had mixed feelings about watching but agreed it was good to see how it played out after the editing. The three of them curled up on the sofa together in their usual spots sharing an assortment of Chinese food right out of the cartons. It was better than they expected in the end. The world was going to be a very different place for all three of them, for better or worse.
The world knew Bucky would be out of commission for a few months until he was healed enough to return to work full time. He gave a moving call for aid to help the areas impacted by the earthquakes. It was explained that Steve’s serum was gone and it was permanent. They skated around the issue by claiming the details were classified. They spoke about their lives together and their joy about having moved back to Brooklyn. Diane was smiling with genuine happiness for them when Bucky confirmed that yes, he and Steve were in love and had been for a very long time. They clarified that he was bisexual while Steve was pansexual. Emma was brought into the conversation at that point, the three of them sharing an abridged version of how they’d met. Both men were impressed with how poised and composed Emma stayed under the scrutiny of the video cameras. She was well spoken and witty, making sure the world understood that they were just like any other couple trying to live their lives quietly together. They all knew there would be more questions but for now it was enough. Pepper could release statements as needed after that.
Steve and Bucky’s phones lit up with congratulations from their friends shortly after the interview ended and Emma was surprised a few of her friends sent her well wishes too. It was a strange feeling having her life on display for the world but she was more than willing to deal with it if it meant she was able to stay together with her guys.
Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder @remilupin22 @supraveng @hiddles-rose
