Right Place, Wrong Time
***A/N Music playing at bar and throughout the story:
"Trouble Man" - Marvin Gaye
"Love and Happiness" Al Green
"Never Let me go" - Florence +The Machine
"Castle" - Halsey
"Think" - Kaleida
"Take me to Church" - Hozier
"Lost at sea" - Hugh Dillon
"Dark Paradise" - Lana Del Rey
"Mercy" "Madness" & "Undisclosed Desires" - Muse
"Left Hand Free" - Alt-J
"Ain't no Sunshine" - Bill Withers
It was close to closing time when Agent Carter stepped into the local pub. After the long day she had had she needed a strong drink before going to bed. Stepping up to the bar she asked for a double. Discarding her jacket and taking a seat at one of the stools, she waited for her drink. Looking around she counted only five other people in the building. The Bartender, the cook, Two business women and a bum. She thanked the bartender as the drink was set before her.
"-Formally known as "The Winter Soldier" James Barnes has yet to be apprehended." The news caster announced, Drawing the young agent's attention towards the telly. " He was last seen Fleeing with now known Vigilante Captain America." Attention on the telly she didn't notice the bum looking at her from under his cap and moving a few seats closer.
Agent Sharon Carter looked down into her drink feeling the familiar sadness and anger fill her body. "Vigilante" and Captain America should never be used in the same sentence. Just that morning when she sat for her own slice of judgment, she had heard it enough to make her sick. The director had gone easy on her in an attempt to get her to disclose where the Captain would go. She answered honestly, she simply didn't know. The only thing she knew for certain, Where Barnes went, Rodgers would follow. Those two had a bond that was as unbreakable as the come.
She knew Bucky held Steve's heart with steel ribbons. How could he not? No one went to war over a person they didn't love with everything they had. She had tried to understand it as much as she could Bucky was his last living connection to his past.
"So Why'd he kiss me?" He mind yelled at her.
"Hard to believe he once fought for us eh?" He bum asked, a small accent to his voice. He was now sitting one seat away staring at the telly as intently as she was.
Eyes not leaving the screen she said. "He still does, in his own way."
"Better not say that too loud, they might come after you next, Carter." He said, smirk evident in his voice. "They tried." She thought.
"I'm sorry, have we met?" She asked as politely as she could. Her experiences had her pulling her leg up for better reach too her gun. Even as she turned to look at him full on she hoped. Could it be him? Rodgers didn't seem the type to kiss and run.
Her eyes saw medium length brown hair, A scruffy but sharp jaw line and intense blue eyes. Barnes. Her eyes went comically big and she tensed up for a moment. "I didn't tell anyone anything - " She began but stopped short when she saw a flicker in his expression. Hurt. She had hurt him. She assumed the worst in this man and it had hurt him. "I'm sorry, that came out wrong." She said looking down feeling slightly ashamed. His mind wasn't his own. He couldn't fight against what the programing had made him do.
"No it didn't." He bit out. Then taking a calming breath he continued. "I won't hurt you. And given who i was. I understand what you thought. And why."
"Still, you have never purposely hurt me." She said. Stressing the word and moving closer.
He smirked again. "Well, You can take a punch." She smiled at that. Was she flirting with the assassin? "Yes" Her mind supplied for her
The bartender brought over a burger and chips placing it in front of Barnes and then retreated to the back to flirt with the cook some more. They sat in silence as Bucky ate. Wolfing down his his burger in a matter of minutes. "When was the last time he ate." she wondered. "Want another?" she asked outloud. She couldn't help it, she worried about people. And this man was as close to someone she cared about as one could possibly be. She also wanted to help him. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. She could only guess at the memories that hit him in his sleep. And the stress that came along with being on the run.
He looked at her curiously, "Naw i'm good. Just killing time." He wiped at his mouth and slowed down on the food.
A stool scraping against the floor had them shooting up from their hunched closed together state and looking around. The ladies had gotten up and made their way to the jukebox. One was tall and blonde, with legs for days. The other, a brunette with a hourglass shape. As they made their way over the blonde pinched the brunette's ass. They giggled and then kissed. Turning they selected a song. When Carter turned back around she found Bucky's eyes wide with slight confusion and his head tilted to the side.
"It's slowly becoming accepted." She said as an explanation. "No one really cares what you do behind closed doors anymore." He only nodded. His mind spirling, when did that happen? And then more possibilities and memories were spilling into his mind. He HAD Steve. The memory made him smile. They had told one another they loved each other that night. It had been never said before then.
Sharon's curiosity got the better of her after another minute of silence she asked. "Why are you killing time?" She was oblivious to the thoughts swimming around his mind.
"Waiting on Steve." He replied. And watched the woman's body react. Surprise and happiness covered her face almost instantly. Within a moments time her entire demeanor had changed.
Sharon's heart lept to her throat. He was meeting Steve? Here? She couldn't breathe. She wanted to see him again. And honestly she really wanted to kiss him again. Her face must have betrayed her thoughts because Bucky started laughing at her. She looked down as color spread across her cheeks. "It's okay, He has that effect on people now."
"Myself included" He thought. "He's always had that effect on me."
"And when will you be meeting him.?" She asked sweetly. He was pretty positive if he didn't invite her she'd invite herself. And possibly be followed. It's a good thing this is the place where he was headed.
"Within the hour. He's coming here. Then we are leaving the country" He said warmth spreading through him as he spoke the words. Soon he'd see his best friend. And that made them both happy. They shared a smile.
As his words set in part of Sharon's smile faded. They were leaving as soon as he got there. She wouldn't have time to talk to him. She would barely get to see him. But Barnes was here. A small prang hit her chest as she realized he looked as lonely as she felt. He needed a friend. And she really wanted to at least see Steve.
Trying to make the most of her time and possibly get to know Barnes a bit more she asked. "What shall we do to pass the time?"
"I can tell you about the trouble we got into as kids." He offered. Seeing her face fall for a moment. When he was younger that line would be a set up for an invitation to go home with her. He didn't if that was the case nowadays. He didn't even remember the last time he went home with a woman. Could he even flirt any longer?
"I'd love to hear that!" She exclaimed. Good mood returning and scooting closer to him. "Did you get him into trouble or did he do that himself?" She was so damn excited to know more about them that he couldn't help himself, he laughed.
He chuckled, and the sound was music to her ears. In that moment she knew she was in trouble. How could two men affect her both in the same way? These "Men out of time" were completely different and had tragic pasts that she might never fully understand. Deep down she knew she would do anything to help them. Bucky began talking and she couldn't stop the smile that spread from her heart to her face. His voice was magic. Transporting her to a whole nother time and place.
He was as relaxed as he could get without Steve there. The agent was friendly enough, and she was an extra set of eyes to watch his back. While he never fully trusted anyone other than Steve, she was more along the line. Almost as far as The Bird. Steve always helped bring out the best in people and inspired their loyalty. Just another reason to love the man.
"We went to the park once. -" He began.
Not only had she stayed to wait for Steve she was asking about the both of them. It stirred long forgotten things deep inside of found right next to where Steve was imprinted in his being.
*SR*BB*SC*
Steve was running late. Only by an hour or so. But sill Bucky was going to kill him. He was shocked to find that their old pub was still open almost untouched by history. So naturally that's where he told Bucky to meet him.
He had been securing passage to Wakanda. The Panther was going to allow the team to stay there until their names were cleared. A saving grace for everyone. But as Wanda put it "Another Prison."
Better a whole country as a prison, than a cell. With windows and sky not one under water. He made sure the king allowed the team to go anywhere in his country without fear of being imprisoned again. And he agreed. He owed The Panther. Big.
Natasha was to meet them at the docks, a final goodbye she had said. It would be nice to see her. She was a good friend. Always pulled through for him. He REALLY owed her. They were after her as well, for her involvement in their "Airport fiasco".
When asked if she would be joining them in Wakanda. When she said "No" he was a little surprised. She believed that she should stay away, just in case they needed help with a break out, again. And as she told him "They'll never find me." He didn't doubt her.
A few minutes later he turned down a street only to find a dead end. "I must be getting old." he thought. Back tracking he finally found the pub. Looking in through the window his eyes found Bucky almost instantly. He drank in the sight of him, Alive.
The Width of his shoulders caught his attention and he couldn't help but stare. He knew the power that man's body had. He also couldn't wait to see it again. It had been a long time. And he had missed his Bucky.
A hand on bucky's arm caught his attention and for a moment jealousy hit him hard. Followed quickly by hurt. Did Bucky not want him, and who the hell was that woman? Eyes following the hand to an arm and body he was surprised to find Agent Carter. What was she doing here? Was she going to bring Bucky in?
He was becoming paranoid in his old age. It didn't look like she was there to bring him in.
It did however look like he needed to get in there.
At one point in his life Steve couldn't read body language to save his life. But with a little help from Tony and the Avengers He had gotten better at it. And what he was reading between the three of them read "Attraction." Loud and clear. His heart leapt a little bit, Could it be possible?
*SR*BB*SC*
"- I'm telling you, he loves them, "Best Things in the world." He used to say." Bucky was telling Sharon. He had the woman in tears of laughter.
Bucky felt rather than heard Steve approach. And by the smile on Sharon's face as she looked up he knew Steve was right behind him. It took everything he had to not relax his back against Steve's chest. They were standing close enough he might get away with it.
Sharon was too sharp for her own good. While Bucky relaxed the moment Steve stepped in the door. Steve was tensed. Polar opposites to one another. She smiled. What was it about these two men that made her pulse race and muddle her brain? The moment they are around her she feels it, this pull to hold them. Tell the world to fuck off and just be with them. She would stand by them for everything, Through everything.
A dark thought crossed her mind. "What if they didn't feel the same?" Followed by an even darker thought.
"What if i'm the third wheel to their happily ever after?"
*SR*BB*SC*
For Being an Agent, Sharon Carter's face was very easy to read. Bucky watched as The emotions filtered across her face. Happiness, amusement, sadness, doubt, and lastly fear. His brow furrowed, She had nothing to fear from him or Steve. Perhaps it was inner fear, or fear for them?
He looked up at Steve then their eyes meeting for the first time, He cocked an eyebrow at him then nodded at the agent. They weren't best friends for nothing. Steve understood every unspoken word.
While he wanted to sit down and ask every burning question he could think of, to both of them, He only asked, "Buck, did you find a hotel?"
"Ya, its not too far." Came his reply. His eyes locked on the Agent, Who was looking down at the bottom of her empty glass. "How 'Bout a drink before we turn in?" He suggested. The agent relaxed a bit them. He knew at one point they would have to leave. And go where she couldn't follow. "I don't want to leave her behind like we did Peggy." The thought hit him hard and in a tender spot. Leaving him even more confused.
Sharon knew Barnes had done that for her. So she could spend some time with Steve. The misty eyed smile she sent him was the only way she could think of to thank him. She flagged down the bartender as Steve took the seat on her left. She'd take as much time with the both of them as she could get. There was so much she wanted to talk about. She had so much to say. However when she opened her mouth, " So you really loved "Nickel Naks" huh?" Came out.
Steve's laugh filled the room. "Out of all the things you could possibly tell her, you go with my love for candy?" He asked Bucky. All though the fact that he could remember that much made Steve the happiest he'd been all day.
The bartender brought over two beers and another shot, setting them down by each person respectively she asked, "Any more food for ya this evening?" Upon their collective "No's" She walked away.
And the silence set in between them.
It wasn't uncomfortable. They just sat close to one another and listened to the music playing. The soft melody and strong female vocals washed over them. Filling the peace with in their souls.
One of them had to be brave they needed to say something before they all walked away. There was their feelings that needed to be addressed? When, if ever would they be able to see one another again?
Sharon's thoughts were swimming with "What if's" What if they didn't want her the way she wanted them? What if they only wanted one another? What if only Steve wanted her? She knew she wouldn't be able to handle rejection from spending the past hour with him she knew that he would fit right into the same place in her heart as Steve did.
Steve was questioning on what Bucky would be think of regarding Sharon. He always did like blondes. However would he be up to spending more time with the agent? With Sharon looking down at her glass he looked at Bucky for guidance.
Bucky couldn't believe it. Years of being a trained killer had taught him more about people than he ever dreamed of knowing. Steve was always easy to read to him. And surprisingly so was the agent. Her face gave away every little emotion. They were both wanted him. Even after what he had done. Knowing their feelings left his stomach in knots. He would never feel like he deserved them.
He looked at the clock on the wall behind Steve. Then met his eyes. They didn't have enough time. They had to leave before someone came looking.
"Sharon," He began softly. "Look at me." She took a sigh and turned to meet his eyes. "You are wanted."
He looked up at Steve who moved in closer to the both of them and whispered, "You both are very much wanted."
"We are just short on time." Bucky's voice dropping to a husky whisper smirk spreading along his face. He knew the effect his voice had on Steve and was happy to find that Sharon reacted to it as well.
"And wanted men." Steve added.
"That's part of the thrill right?" Sharon asked smiling. Some of her doubt leaving with they way they were looking at her. They looked at one another liked that. She knew that look. Pure desire and affection.
"You could say that." Steve confirmed.
"When will - " she began.
"As soon as we can." Bucky promised his eyes never leaving hers. The promise that it would happen. She was thrilled. The look she was getting would send her over the edge any night. Steve's arms wrapped around her from behind. She felt so warm, aroused and safe. Bucky place his hand upon her leg. "We will find you. And we'll be all yours when we do." They all really liked the sound of that.
The men stood up to leave. Sharon knew this was coming. Knew she couldn't have them at this time. There were just too many problems left in the air for this to happen. She did however take comfort in the knowledge that they were alive and headed towards safety. The fact that they wanted her was icing on the cake.
Bucky and Steve watched as Sharon made no move to get up brows furrowing. Cocking his head slightly Bucky loopped his good arm around the agents small back and pulled her to her feet and embraced her close to his chest. He buried his face against her head and inhaled the smell of her. Pure woman and whiskey. He was about to pull away when She turned her head and her lips found his. One small soft kiss was pressed against his lips, then another. Before he had time to think his body reacted on instinct and he kissed her back. He felt her lips spread into a smile before he pulled away.
"Until we meet again Miss Carter." He whispered. "Watch over him when i can't." He added, before pulling away and stepping back so Steve could have a moment with her.
Steve looked between the two of them. Growing up he always had Bucky, which was all he had. And now he had Sharon. His possessive side roared its head and as he pulled them both to him, his heart screamed "Mine."
His hug was vice like for a moment before he eased up and let Bucky step aside. The amount of attention he was getting seemed to make him uncomfortable. Sharon stepped fully into Steve's waiting arms. And their lips found each others simultaneously. Their kiss last but a second, Soft and sweet, before he pulled away.
He didn't want to leave her with no way to get ahold of him. Looking at Bucky he told her. "Should you need us, the king will know where to find us."
She nodded her understanding. Settling their tab, they bid their goodbyes. Her heart was heavy as she watched them leave the pub.
Sharon didn't know when or how but she knew that the two men walking out of the pub's doors were her's and she would do anything to keep them safe. And out of had an effect on her no other single man did. She knew with one conversation with Barnes that she didn't mind in the least to share her love. They had a lot to talk about they had feeling to sort through. There would come a time and place for everything to be resolved and tonight was not that night. Which hurt it its own way.
She paid the tab and walked out. The sky was clouded over and starting to spill the rain. Knowing that it was silly for her to cry she tried to hold it in. She didn't lose anyone. She wasn't hurt. She was just frustrated with the injustice of it all. As she walked to her small flat a few streets away she let a few tears escape their confinements. Her heart wished them all the luck in the world. That they stay safe and would come back to her again. She just hoped it was sooner rather than later.