Death & Ms. Dasey
Disclaimer: The Avengers and all related characters belong to Marvel and their incredible creators. I make no monetary profit from this work it is only for entertainment.
Spoiler Warning / Author's Note: I am being a bad and lazy fandom author for this little work. I really just want to write some fluff with plot that will turn into smut with plot. So! This work is set after whatever "fix" there will be created by the incredible Marvel cinematic universe. I am just running with the idea that Thanos has been defeated for a few years, and now that those that normally inhabit are trying to find their new normal.
The heart of a man is very much like the sea,
It has its storms, it has its tides,
And in its depths it has its pearls too.
Vincent Van Gogh
Chapter 4: You're Gonna Get Wet
The boat bobbed lightly in the gentle water the father and son team had carefully set anchor in. Cerulean water surrounded the craft and the soft curls of the sea only made the shallow reef dance below the surface. The ex-assassin had made an effort to help the kind boatsmen, and learned that they had met Dasey through her travels. She always sent them very nice clients, and in exchange they were always quick to help anytime she was on the island chain. Ben senior was rather nervous about the dive.
The sailor explained that Dasey was set for a series of underwater caves near the reef. Up until a year ago it was illegal to go to them due to the lava flows curling under the sea and sometimes into the chambers. Dasey was impossibly excited to return now that the researchers had declared the flows had stopped for the time being.
Steel blue eyes watched the petite woman tinker with the housing unit for her camera. She cast him a soft smile as she gathered her things. A belt looped around her hips with small tools including a few fist sized cans of air, emergency reserves. He shook his head as she motioned him to take his own, not to mention the mask and fins she had dug out of the bowls of the ship cabin.
He had assured her that he was a strong swimmer and had fewer concerns over diving than her. She appeared less than convinced. He fumbled with an explanation for the reason for his previous dives, but she was happy to nod along. She had explained that she didn't use scuba gear unless absolutely necessary, and hadn't planned on it for this shoot. Dasey proved a bit bossy and focused now that she had slipped back into her work. It was delightfully disarming and he rather liked her ordering him about. It was almost relaxing.
His only tension came from the clothing, or lack thereof. It was a sinful sight, Dasey flitting about the ship in that bikini. The girl had an ass like a ripe peach and he was struggling not to make it obvious how much he approved of it. Why was everything stored in something that required her to bend and dig around for it? He swept his tongue over the edge of his teeth as she tipped at the waist to fish her diving watch out of the gear sprawled over one bench. He felt like a dirty old man, but he found himself unable to look away. No, instead he struggled not to allow his head to tip when the item was retrieved with a little wiggle of her hips resulting in a criminal bounce of the ample curves he had been admiring.
There was also the sinking sensation in his stomach as she looked up at him and asked if he was ready. He fisted a hand in his shirt as he nodded and turned from her. The fabric pulled over his skin and fell away to the deck. He frowned at the puckered scars that still ripped and crawled from where his vibranium shoulder was forced to his body. They remained a gruesome reminder to what had been done to him, what had been made of him. The new, dark vibranium still glinted in the afternoon sun, and he felt his jaw tick. His muscles bunched under the stress of the moment, and he braced for Dasey's expression to shift at the sight of him.
Dasey's dark cobalt eyes caught him when she turned. Her small hands were wrangling her mane into a ponytail. Her plush lips quirked into a little smirk before she seemed to catch herself and threw her gaze back to the bracelet on her wrist. Pink dabbled her cheeks, and that dextrous tongue swept over her arched cupid's bow. She seemed to check the thin cord of leather that secured a charm of some kind while she gathered herself.
The soldier felt his adam's apple bob through a thick swallow. His fingers twitched as his mind caught up to her reaction. That was not the pity or morbid curiosity he was accustomed to from those who tended to be kinder to him. No, in one quick glance Dasey made him feel pride, perhaps even a bit smug. His feet moved to where she was pulling on her fins and setting her mask around her neck. He hovered close to her at the edge where the boat had a step off.
"Ready?" she chirped, sparing him a quick glance.
"I'm just following you doll", he murmured.
The pink on her cheeks was in full force when she giggled. She fretted over her gear one last time before stepping over the railing to the step off that was bobbing in the water. She reached back for her camera, and adjusted her mask to her face with the other. Then, she slipped into the water. Bucky quickly followed quickly.
The sea blurred time. Dasey lead him through a series of dives. Simple drops toward the reef to get their lungs used to the holds. She offered advice each time they surfaced about the breath and pressure. Then, the drops began to take them to the bottom where she skimmed the colorful reef. Fish and flora swayed with little concern for them as she arced and swirled about before him. Her fingers motioned to rare and vibrant life as they passed until the rock began to over power the coral. There he could see the hollowed entrance of the volcanic cave.
Dasey lead him back to the surface where they floated for just a moment over the entrance. He remembered her instruction from the ride out to the serene location. They would swim through the channel of the cave where there would be air pockets. Her brilliant grin was enough to tell him it was time, and with a lungful of air he followed her into the shadowy cave. The channel took them up and soon he surfaced alongside her in the dark cave with only a sliver of light pouring in from the break in the lava rock that surrounded them. Dasey pushed him onward, and then to his surprise the light shifted.
The next chamber was far from dark. Pinholes of golden sunlight poured in from the dome above and the coral below glowed in shades of yellow and orange. Dasey pulled her mask down to hang about her neck as she sighed happily bobbing in the water. The sound echoed off the chamber walls over the quiet sound of the water lapping at the edges. The cave was larger than the bungalow she was staying in, and seemed to be cast in gold from the light and life around them.
"Wow", his voice was quiet as his legs churned slowly.
Dasey hummed in response, "This place has a very long and very beautiful Polynesian name that I won't butcher, but it translates to House of Heaven."
He hauled himself out and onto the thin rocky lip of the wall where he could sit and take in the sight. Quiet settled between them as Dasey focused on her work. She floated along the surface to take shots straight down before sinking to the corner below where he had hoisted himself. When she broke the surface she happily swam to where his legs still sat in the water, and used one of his knees to prop herself to show him the shots.
The images stole any hope he had for intelligent commentary. They were open and contrasted the blue water, the dark dome and pillars of golden light grounded by golden watery heaven. It welled up a sense of peace and tranquility that he had no way to voice. He instead hauled her up from her position in an unquellable need to embrace her. Her back was to him as he perched her on his knee and swept his arms around her. She gave a little squeak, but leaned into him with a giggle. His flesh hand crossed her torso to grip the curve of her hip where her soft, wet skin anchored him.
"Thank you", he murmured against her hair.
Dasey pulled off her mask and set it on the slip of rock with the camera before turning to him, her legs swirling in the water between his own. Her arms draped loosely around his neck. Distantly, he remembered all the ranting his psychologist used to prattle on about concerning touch, and how he had been only exposed to negative touch for so long. Always urging him to take advantage of positive physical touch when appropriate and in small measures to re-learn. Dasey's touch was not in small measure and he would wager it bordered on inappropriate for him, but he basked in it.
Her fingers carded through his hair to sweep it from his face and he leaned into it like a family dog. She remained anchored in his lap and blushingly leaned into him to trail her fingers about his face and neck. He savored the tingles her touch sent over his skin and the wonderful buzz it sent to his nerves. Well, until they grazed his shoulders. Pale grey eyes cautiously opened to observe her expression as her fingertips slipped over his collar bones and rounded both his shoulders.
Delicate fingertips brushed over his scars and a crease pinched between her brows. The corner of her mouth lifted on one side. Those deep sapphire eyes to his again and took in his tense expression with a tilt of her head.
"You were hiding these", she muttered still petting the damaged skin.
Bucky licked his lips, but remained quiet. Tension curled in his gut, and he watched her motion to the dome above them. Her voice was a clever chirp, "Even the land has scars… but sometimes that's the only way the light gets in."
His hands gripped at his purchase on her slick skin. Her serene expression seemed to be unshakable though, and she curled into him. A soft pale cheek rested against where his tanned skin met the angry scars. Her eyes fell closed and her wet lashes dusted her cheekbones. One hand though reached down to take his flesh fingers. For a moment, they tangled with his in further comfort, but then she tugged his hand to her face. Her fingers drew his over the curve of her jaw to her petite ears, and then just past the curve into her hair.
His breath hitched. Her hand dropped away as he traced the thin raised line. He found three more in the shape of a claw mark that spanned an area as large as his palm. She puffed out a sigh against where she rested on his shoulder, and curled closer. He rested his cheek to the crown of her head and continued to trace the scars hidden in her thick hair.
"I know it's not the same in anyway, but I know what it's like to be put back together again." Her lips whispered against his collar bones and he melted.
His hand swept down to cup her jaw and tilt her up to meet his lips. The kisses were chaste but full, lips passing over one another and capturing between in soft presses. He could feel her smile against him when he lingered. She pulled away with a giggle and pushed away from his hold to slip into the water. His lazy attempt to snatch her back was met with a splash. This sparked a small battle when he joined her in the once calm water to churn waves and she focused her efforts on smaller attacks.
His own deep laughter rumbled off the walls of the cavern when he snatched her to him. He happily supported her in the water as she wiped the water from his most recent attack away. A brilliant smile greeted him as she relaxed in his hold sure that he could support her in his arms. Her hands pulled her hair free of the tie and it dipped into the water around them like a ruby halo.
They played about and Dasey shot a bit more before her watch chirped. The soldier felt it difficult to leave such a place, but Dasey explained that the tide would move in again and make it difficult to leave if they didn't get a move on. They both reluctantly made for the vessel, and when they reached it the evening sun was slipping against the sea painting the sky in pink and red as it sank.
"Come on doll", he urged hauling her up from the steps.
Her fatigue was showing and she gave him a lazy smile when he set her on a bench seat. "Thanks handsome."
Bucky gave a smirk as they shed the gear for the warm towels. The ride back was short, and they wandered to the bungalow. Dasey didn't bother going inside. Instead she plopped onto the hammock that swung between two posts of the porch. A quick motion informed him he was to join her, and he happily eased in next to her.
Dasey leaned into his side as she watched the waves in the distance, "This doesn't feel like a second date."
He gave a snort and nodded in agreement curling an arm around her waist. He quirked a brow after a moment though, and nudged her. "What does it feel like?"
Dasey shrugged her shoulders with a sigh, "I never thought I would be happy about accidentally sexually assaulting someone."
A grin pulled at his lips and he leaned down to snicker, "Anytime doll."
She barked a laugh and gave him an incredulous look he bore with pride. Dasey dug her phone from the bag at her feet, and rolled her eyes. "Pizza?"
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
As a New Yorker it was bred into him to dislike anything besides the pies from home, but the box that lay beneath the hammock was certainly looking empty despite his best efforts. He laid back with an arm curled under his head and the other holding a piece of the bastardized pizza he was enjoying. Dasey sat up to eat her own and made cute little noises as she chewed happily. He let one leg hang from the fabric to the wooden boards to rock them gently.
"So, Steve has always been hunting trouble?" Dasey giggled, gazing down at him as he regaled her with the story of the last date he was on a lifetime ago.
"I can't tell you how many times I pulled him out of fights", he grunted from around the crust of his last slice.
"I'm sure you never got into trouble on your own", she quipped in a sing song tone.
"Hey, I had an old man in the army and three younger siblings to look after. I had plenty of trouble, but being friends with Steve meant I had to take up boxing just to keep up." He rolled his eyes at her implication. He had been a good kid for the most part.
She gave him an incredulous look, but quirked a brow. "So, you say you were hot shit in the forties, and your last date was then. What am I missing out on?"
He felt heat rise to his cheeks at the thought. The flitting fantasy of finding Dasey back then was enough to make him feel young and dumb again. A poke to his cheek was enough to break him from the misty idea that he had drifted into for a little too long. Dasey had crawled to lay next to him and propped herself onto an elbow to prod him back to the moment.
"I would'a wanted to show you off", he began softly.
He leaned a little more towards her to take in her quirked brow and smirk, "I would have pestered you to make sure that I could walk you home a few times, and bide some time to save up for a proper date somewhere nice. Plus, I would have buttered up your friends to know your favorite flowers too."
Dasey bopped his nose this time with her index finger, "Peonies."
Bucky snatched her wrist and toyed with her small fingers, "Then I would need to take you dancing."
That earned a giggle, "Need to dance?"
Bucky was glad his beard hid his blush, "Doll back then I wouldn't have been allowed to just spend time with you like this."
He smirked as he continued, "Dancing was how I could get away with holding you nice and close for a few hours and maybe even steal some kisses."
"Skirt chaser", Dasey snarked when he brushed a kiss to the back of her hand.
He gave a shrug, "I'd make plans to introduce you to Steve and my folks. Probably only tell you about Steve though, so as not to scare you off."
Dasey reared up at that to her elbows, "I am not really the kind of girl you take home to meet the family. You do remember how we met? I only get dumber when I am nervous. I remember babbling to Tony just because you were standing in my eyeline, and then I couldn't leave a room like a normal person."
Bucky chuckled at the memory, "You asked doll. I would have all kinds of plans for you."
Dasey gave a huff as she sank back down, "Yeah, yeah sarge."
He felt her cinnamon waves tickle his skin as she rested against his right shoulder. A sigh pushed past him in almost dizzying ease as her frame tucked into his side. She did not push to envelope him and kept her limbs softly curled to herself, but that warmth seeped into him from the subtle skin to skin contact. Her indigo eyes as dark and lovely as the night around them were soft and curious.
Time hummed along and he smiled when her voice grew quiet over a story about how Johnny almost got them both arrested the year before. He chuckled as he waited for her to explain how they talked the officer out of the charges, his eyes on the sky he could see from the lip of the porch's roof. The stars glittered and the constellations were stark contrast to the view he normally had.
Dasey shifted next to him and he gazed down to find the reason for her quiet was not to drive up suspense. Her even breaths parted her pink lips that rested just below his collar bone. Sleep softened her features into doll like serenity, and she curled closer to his warmth, no longer shy of his bare chest. One hand was pressed to his side between them spanning his ribs and the other rested on his scarred shoulder. Her plush chest rested over his side and he again felt like a very lecherous old man for enjoying the sweet torture her oh so soft and warm frame created against his.
He let his arm rest along her shoulder and perhaps urge her to remain close. His hand was free to play with her hair. There is still a hint of her perfume mixed with the salt of the sea on her skin, and he shamelessly dropped his chin to inhale where it lingered on her wrist. His heart sank as he when he caught the time on her watch.
He held his breath in some effort to draw out the the moments before he carefully shifted his weight. It took some doing, but he was able to rise from a hammock with Dasey in his arms. His heart ached when he laid her on the soft sheets of her bed. Her hands cured into the pillow to replace him as he covered her. A crease pinched her brows as she settled. Lashes fluttered before she blinked owlishly at him.
"You're leaving?" she mumbled, sitting up a little panicked and disoriented.
Bucky felt a smile tug at his lips as he eased her back down to the cotton sheets and his voice was soft in the quiet, "I'll find you again soon baby doll."
"Promise?" She sat up again throwing his efforts to the wind chewing her lower lip.
A smile curled his lips boyishly with a nod from where he was still perched against the bed, "I promise."
Dasey shifted forward and he happily followed her into a kiss. He did not intend for it to be any more than a chaste goodbye. Dasey however cradled his jaw in her hands and tipped her head. Plump lips moved over his with purpose and they paid special attention to his bottom lips before he complied with a sigh that she seemed to drink from his lungs. She made a plush little coo when he swirled his tongue into her mouth.
He had forgotten how much he loved kissing. It was a sweet kind of intimacy he had forgotten about in the longer years of his life. How even as they parted it could mean he was free to keep her close and breath in her fading perfume. Feel her linger not for more heated pulls but for sweet brushes and whispers of her lips against his. He tuckered her close and let his eyes fall closed while his pulse hammered along. Dasey made this all the more apparent when she nuzzled into his neck brushing her nose just below his earlobe. Her breath fanned over his neck in soft pants as she collected herself, and unknowingly unraveled him.
"I'll be in San Francisco next", her words pressed into that sensitive skin below his ear.
Bucky managed to pull back with a nod, "I'll find you doll."
He eased away from her, slowly savoring the last moments of her affection. Her cobalt eyes were dreamy and a soft smile curled her lips when he shouldered his bag. The door creaked open and he almost missed it.
"Be safe."
The words followed him out to the pier. Wrapped him up in the darkness. Sand still clung to his ankles when he boarded the quinjet. He didn't bother the hide his smile. The leather seats cool on his back as he nodded to Wanda.
"It went well then?" the Scarlet Witch smirked.
Author's note-
So, first thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it, and I will update it soon. A huge thank you to those who have written reviews and left kudos! You guys mean the world to mean *Smooches* Please, always let me know what you think!
This has now been put through its paces by my darling Dragon!
Reviews are incredibly important to me because they are my only real way to gauge the audience. I welcome all feedback, so please let me know how I did! Thank you so much for reading!
Love,
Persephone