Part Two

Late that evening, a knock sounded on Bucky's door. He looked up from his work table and went to see who was there.

When he opened the door, the first thing he noticed was that the light from inside was making Liron's eyes almost glow. All his words fled him for a few moments, before he blinked.

"Hi."

"Hello. May I come in?"

"Oh, yeah." He stepped aside. "Come on in. Sorry about the mess, I would have washed up if I knew you were coming this late."

She stepped in and looked around. "I do not mind."

Bucky shut the door and went to wash up. "Want something to drink?"

"Please."

He washed his hands and turned on the other lights before grabbing a glass. "Soda, beer, wine, water?"

"What kinds of wine do you have?"

"Red."

"Wine, please."

Nodding to himself, he opened the bottle and poured two glasses, then handed one to Liron. She took it with a smile.

"Thank you, Bucky."

"You're welcome."

She took a sip. He smiled a little, then went back to cleaning up, scrubbing his hands and arms one more time just to make extra sure. He dried off and threw the towel to the side of the sink, the turned just in time to see Liron lick a droplet of wine from her lip.

Bucky stared a little before looking into her eyes. "How did it go?"

"How did what go?"

"The stuff you had to do earlier."

"Oh. It went well. What about you?"

Bucky shrugged. "Been busy."

Liron nodded. He set his glass down.

"You okay?"

She smiled. "Perfectly well. Why do you ask?"

"You just seem kinda down, or something's on your mind."

She took a sip of her wine. "Nothing is wrong…but there is something on my mind."

"What is it?"

"You."

He stared, not really sure what to say. "Me?"

She nodded and took another sip of her wine.

"What for?"

"You are…captivating."

Bucky laughed so hard he snorted. "Me, captivating?"

Liron nodded.

"Usually a guy's supposed to say that to a woman…such as yourself."

She chuckled. "On a whole, I care not for 'supposed to'-s."

He nodded and smiled a little. "I understand."

She took another sip of her wine, smiling back, then drained the rest and licked a few droplets from her lip. Bucky finished his and poured more for the both of them.

"Trying to get us drunk?"

He laughed a little. "No."

"Good. It would take quite a while before you succeeded."

They shared a smile.

"Wanna have a look around?"

"Certainly."

"Okay."

They shared another smile and stood.

Bucky led Liron to the workshop, and she looked around, seeming interested, then looked at him.

"What goes with what result?"

With a grin, he explained how he worked, and what equipment he used for which product. Liron listened in silence. When he finished, he smiled at her.

She smiled back. "Fascinating."

"Mmhm. Oh!" He took out a box and opened it. "These are a few things I made that you might like."

Her eyes sparkled . "They're so pretty."

Bucky beamed with pride. "You can pick one if you like." He paused. "Or if you don't like any in there, I can make you one."

She chewed her lip silently for a moment, then picked up a delicate black choker displaying wings on either side of a blue gem. "This one."

He smiled. "Okay. I'll have to measure your neck, 'cause it's probably a little big."

Liron nodded and pulled her hair into a makeshift ponytail, off of her neck.

Bucky got out a measuring tape and wrapped it around her neck, his fingers lightly brushing her skin. He smirked just a bit when he felt her shiver a little, but hid it as he looked at the measurement.

"Thirteen inches exact."

He removed his hands and the tape, then started working on the choker. When he was done, he stood again and smiled.

"I have a box if you want to keep it in that when you're not wearing it."

She smiled back. "Thank you, Bucky."

He grinned and rushed to get it. The box was fancy, one of his favourite designs, blue, black, and silver, silk and velvet.

Liron stroked it a little. "It's beautiful."

He beamed. "Thanks."

"You are most welcome."

His smile widened.

She bit her lip. "I feel I must give you something in return."

"Oh, no, you don't need to." He smiled. "I was glad to do it."

She licked her lip. "Let me do something?"

"Well…if you really want to."

Liron took a slow breath, then leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Bucky's eyes widened, and he smiled brightly, face growing warm. She hesitated pulling back, just a bit. He turned his head, and she smiled a little. He smiled back, unable not to.

She straightened. "Thank you for making me this, Bucky."

"You're welcome."

"So…wanna do something?"

"What do you have in mind?"

He shrugged. "Dunno."

"What do you normally do at this time of night?"

"Sleep or work."

She nodded. "What did you have planned for tonight?"

"I was going to work, but then you came."

"Do you mind if I simply watch you work?"

He chuckled. "Sure."

She smiled.

Bucky grabbed some materials. "Have any ideas?"

"Whatever you want to make."

"Hmm…" He found something that looked good and started to work. "So…you mind me asking how old you are?"

Liron chuckled. "Don't you know it's impolite to ask a lady her age?"

"Yeah…but I'd still like to know."

"Thirty-two."

He smiled. "I'm thirty-three."

"Nice."

How about…a belt. "So…what made you want to pick me to go to the dance?"

"Best choice."

For some reason he had a feeling she had that one brow quirked. "Oh…so it's nothing to do with feelings?"

"What kind of feelings are you referring to?"

Bucky shrugged. "Like…gut feelings…kinda."

This time he was sure she was smiling. "Like…hunger?"

He froze, his face heating.

"Bucky?"

He looked up, willing his blush to disappear. "Yeah?"

"Are you unwell?"

"No, no I'm not…and yeah, I guess."

"What?"

"To feeling…hunger."

"Ah…"

He turned to see her soft smile, and had to look away again to hide his new blush. Perhaps half an hour of work and three easy items later, Liron seemed to be much closer than she was before.

Suddenly, once he had just set down something sharp, her breath fanned over his ear. "Perhaps you are more right than you think."

A shiver went up his spine and he looked her. "What do you mean by that?"

Liron smiled. "Feelings." She backed away. "But what kind…that is as yet uncertain."

"Oh?" He turned toward her completely, listening intently. "How so?"

She licked her lip. "Time."

"Time?"

"We met three nights ago."

"Oh, that is true." Bucky chuckled.

"Therefore, I am uncertain."

He nodded. "That's fine."

They shared a smile.

"So whatcha gonna do now?"

"What do you want to do?"

Bucky shrugged. "Not sure yet."

"Fair enough."

He looked at her, and she smiled, then shifted a little like she wanted to reach out, and licked her lip a little. They seemed caught in each other's eyes.

Bucky's lips curved into a little smile as he leaned against the counter Liron was leaning on. She watched him. He took her hand in his gently; it was colder than his, but pleasantly so. He ran his thumb over the back of her hand. Their eyes met, and she smiled a little.

He leaned in a little closer, gently slipping a hand under her chin.

Finally their lips met, and Bucky closed his eyes, kissing her with a passion he thought he never had.

Liron gasped and melted into Bucky, gripping his shoulders as she felt more alive in that one moment than she had for several hundred years. He kissed deeper, his hand slipping from under her chin to the side of her neck. She wrapped an arm around his back, pulling him closer to her, yearning for more of this feeling of being so alive.

He pressed her into the counter with his body, and she gripped his shirt, glad that she didn't have to breathe. Her mind was spinning, and she felt like her heart might actually be beating again.

One of his hands gripped her hair, the other sliding down to her side as the kiss grew heated. Liron moaned softly, her free hand tangling in his hair.

Bucky growled softly into her mouth, and she tugged his hair, trying to get him even closer as that growl set a fire within her that she hadn't felt in as long as she could remember.

He growled a bit louder and pushed his body against hers. She moaned again, her arm tightening around his back.

This time it was his turn to moan, and she smiled.

Bucky was the first to pull away, and he ran his thumb over her lower lip.

"You are a good kisser, Bucky."

He smiled and lowered his hand. "Thanks."

She tucked a lock of hair behind his ear, and knew from the look in his eyes that she had him, hook, line, and sinker.

"You're an excellent kisser as well."

"Thank you, but…I don't have all that much practice." Her eyes glinted.

"Really? Was I your first?"

Liron quirked a brow. "In a while, yes. On a whole? No."

He nodded. "Makes sense." His hand ran through his hair. "What now?"

"I don't know."

She put her hand over his heart, feeling it beat strong and rapid under her palm. He looked down, his cheeks pinking and his heartbeat quickening. She curled her fingers a little.

"Feelings, you asked earlier…I think…yes."

Her hand fisted in his shirt and she yanked him into a kiss. He nearly fell over, but caught himself, caging her between his arms as he kissed back. Those arms wrapped around her as she pressed herself close and let her hunger take over just a little. Glad her eyes were closed and he could not see them turn gold, she kissed him ravenously, holding him tight to her body.

Bucky moaned, pressing even closer. Liron bit his lip, not enough to draw blood, but just enough to almost taste it, and her eyes rolled back in pleasure. A deep growl rumbled from his chest, and her hands tangled in his hair, pulling and drawing him closer. He moaned again, and she sucked on his lip.

His mouth fell open, and she felt his blood racing. She sucked a little harder, tugging his hair, and he growled before she released him.

He looked at her, and she licked her lip. His eyes darted to the movement, then back to hers as his hand caressed her cheek, brushing away some loose strands of hair.

Liron smiled. "It will be a masked ball."

"What will?"

"The ball we are going to."

"Oh yeah."

"Mind coming over tomorrow for a fitting for an appropriate suit?"

"Sure." Bucky glanced toward the window. "Maybe you should stay here for the night. It's late and the wolves are probably out."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Where should I sleep?"

"You can sleep in my room. I'll take the couch."

His guest's brows furrowed a little. "Are you certain?"

"Yeah, it's alright." Bucky smiled.

She nodded a little. "Thank you, Bucky."

He smiled. "You're welcome."

She smiled back, and Bucky cleared his throat.

"'scuse me."

He left to get bedding for the couch, unaware that she was watching him the whole time, but when he finished, she was still standing where she had been.

"Bedroom's that way." He smiled a little.

She looked. "Thank you."

He nodded. "You're welcome."

Liron walked into the bedroom, and was instantly hit with the scent of Bucky. She closed her eyes for a moment to take it in, then looked around. Cherry furnishing, navy blue and black fabrics. It was nice; cosy, and almost perfectly dark.

A knock sounded on the door, and she turned and opened it to reveal Bucky, barefoot in a white undershirt.

"I forgot to get some pants."

She nodded and moved out of the way. He rummaged through his dresser, and Liron watched him a little…before realising she didn't have anything in the way of nightclothes.

"Bucky…"

He turned. "Yeah?"

"Might I possibly borrow a shirt? I did not bring any nightclothes."

"Oh, yeah, sure." He grabbed shorts and a shirt, handing them to her.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." He strode to the door. "I'll leave you to it then…night."

"Good night. Sleep well." Liron smiled and closed the door after him, then changed.

Once Bucky was asleep, she snuck out into the darkness for a snack; retuning before dawn clean and with a ring to combat the burning of the sun. She fell asleep as soon as she laid down.

Bucky awoke late in the day, and eventually got up and eventually went to check on Liron. He knocked, and she did not answer, so he opened the door and stopped short at the sight in front of him.

She was curled up around one of his pillows, holding it close and looking uncharacteristically vulnerable. The shirt she had borrowed had ridden up her torso, showing a few scars on her back.

Bucky smiled a little at the peace on her face, and tried his best to be a gentleman and not look at her exposed skin, but when his eyes did wander for a moment, they went right to the scars. His lips turned down in a frown. What had happened to her, and when? But he let her sleep, since she seemed fine other than the scars.

Liron shifted a little, a bit of loose hair falling over her face.

He stepped a bit further into the room, raising his voice slightly. "Liron."

Her eyes fluttered open, but she stayed still.

He went a little closer. "You okay?"

Her head lifted, and when she spoke her Russian accent was a little thicker than normal. "Yes."

Bucky smiled slightly. "Okay. I made breakfast, if you want any."

Liron sat up, adjusting the shirt. "Thank you."

He nodded and went to the kitchen, hearing her follow. He had already set the table with both dishes and food.

"What do you want to drink?"

"Water, please."

He nodded and poured a glass and handed it to her, then poured one of milk for himself and sat down.

Liron ate quicker than Bucky did, but somehow managed to still have impeccable manners.

"That was good."

He smiled. "Thanks."

She smiled back.

"So what are your plans for today?"

"I did not have any."

He nodded a little.

"What about you?"

Bucky shrugged. "Not really."

Liron nodded.

"Anything you'd like to do?"

"I am not certain."

Bucky nodded.

Liron put her chin in her hand. "You are a very attractive man."

He looked up with a smile. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome."

"You're pretty beautiful, though." His smile shifted to a faint smirk.

"Thank you."

"Mmhm."

Their eyes met, and then Liron leaned across the table and kissed him lightly before sitting back in her chair.

Bucky's mouth curved in a slight smile as he stood, his chair scooting back, and reached across the table to kiss her deeply. She kissed back, her hands threading into his hair, pulling him closer.

The table was pushed to the side so Bucky could step toward her, and her arms wrapped around his shoulders, his winding around her waist. One hand closed around some of her hair, tilting her head back a little. Their eyes met, and Liron licked her lip.

Bucky's eyes flicked between Liron's lips and eyes before he moved in again, running his tongue along the seam of her mouth. She kissed back, her lips parting and dancing with his with a soft moan than sent fire through his veins and drew out a mirroring moan of his own.

He drew her even closer, running a hand down her back. He moaned.

Knock-knock-knock.

Bucky pulled away, brows furrowed. Liron let out a soft breath.

"Who is it?!"

"It's Bruce!"

His brows furrowed more. "Just a sec!" He turned to Liron. "It's a friend."

She nodded.

Bucky let go of her and straightened up a bit before he went over to the door.

"Hi."

Bruce smiled. "Hi."

"Whatcha doing here?"

"Came to see if you were back."

"Oh, yeah, I went to see a friend."

Bruce quirked a brow.

Bucky chuckled. "I met her on my hunting trip."

"Where?"

"Up in the woods, she lives in that huge castle."

Bruce frowned. "The castle in the North Woods?"

"I guess so, yeah."

His frown deepened. "That castle is-" He cut off.

Bucky tilted his head in confusion, then turned around. "Oh, hey, this is Bruce. Bruce, this is Liron."

Liron smiled a little. "Hello."

Bruce nodded.

Bucky smiled. "So what were you saying, Bruce?"

He glanced at Liron, then shook his head. "Nothing."

"Oh, okay. Wanna come in?"

He shook his head again. "I have to get back to work; I just wanted to check again to see if you were back."

"Oh…alright, see ya later, then?"

"See ya." He left…oddly quickly.

Bucky shut the door. "Huh…he was acting kinda strange. So…wanna do anything?"

Liron shrugged and smiled.

Bucky smiled back and wrapped his arms around her. "We can continue what we started…"

She put her hands on his shoulders. "That sounds amazing, but I should probably return to my castle so I can prepare for the ball."

He pouted adorably. "Do you have to go right this minute?"

"…Maybe not."

His lips turned up into a smile, then met hers with so much more passion than she was expecting. She moaned, melting against him. He held her close, and she clung to him, her head swimming.

Her back hit the wall gently, and she used the leverage to start kissing back just as fiercely. A growl rumbled from his chest, and he kissed deeper. Liron grabbed his head, growling back and matching his hunger. He pushed her harder against the wall, and she pulled his hair, nipping at his lip. He growled again and bit at hers, and she moaned, arching into him, then pulled back.

"Bucky…"

He panted a little. "Yeah?"

"I need to go now."

His brows furrowed. "Now?"

She nodded.

He frowned a little as he stepped away. "Alright…"

She tucked a lock of hair behind his ear. "You are welcome at my home anytime, you know."

"I know."

Liron smiled. "See you later."

She went into his room and changed back into her dress, then headed out the door.

"See ya…"

She gave him one last smile as she stepped out the door, shadow-travelling to her castle, and then almost running to her room.