Charlie exhales shakily as she leans her back against her door, pressing her hand to her chest, feeling giddy and light on her feet. She's had her fair share of dates, but none that has ever made her feel like she does now. Her heart is rapidly beating against her chest, and her stomach is fluttering with wings she didn't think was possible anymore.
She tosses her keys on the coffee table, slowly taking off her right glove and touching her fingers to her lips. Bucky's kiss was tantalizing, nearly melting her knee caps and if hadn't held Charlie as close as he did, she might have fallen right then and there. It felt like electricity igniting inside her, spread throughout every fiber of her body and made her toes curl in her boots. It was such a sweet, passionate kiss and one Charlie will never forget; one she never wants to forget.
She pushes herself off her door, shedding her coat and scarf and goes about her routine for bed. She takes a hot shower, and she doesn't smell the scent of her soap, but the comforting smell of leather and forest fills her nose instead.
Charlie slips into bed, but she doesn't feel the sheets against her skin, just the blazing touch of Bucky's fingers between her own. Just the gentle caress of his palm against her cheek, the light brush of his lips when he first pressed them to hers.
Everything about Bucky, his powder blue eyes, his soft lips, his smile, his touch. His overall nervousness during the whole evening, his charming little snips, his honesty and opening up a part of him that he hasn't really shown to anyone else. It all makes Charlie's head spin, her heart beating rapidly and her stomach twisting with desire.
If it weren't for the damn door knob stabbing her spine, Charlie wouldn't have stopped kissing Bucky. He tasted like the salted hot chocolate he drank earlier, along with something sweet beneath it, unique just like he is. He was captivating as he kissed her, and a strange sensation of safety had washed over Charlie as he held her. She nearly invited him inside, but she thought that might have been way too soon, and honestly, Charlie is still reeling and trying to convince herself that Bucky is real.
She falls asleep with a smile on her face, and the phantom touch of his lips on hers.
The temperature outside continues to drop, and Charlie tightens her coat around her body as she makes her way to Ella Café. Before she can reach the door, her scarf slips from her shoulders. She bends to pick it up and as she straightens, she nearly bumps her head into someone's chest. She has an apology on her tongue, but it turns into a spark of excitement.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Charlie inquires playfully.
Bucky flashes that charming little smile of his. She swears he doesn't even realize he has that affect on people. He takes her scarf from her hand and loops it around her neck.
"Maybe." He says, like he's hiding something she doesn't know. "Or we just arrived at the same time. I'm a little disappointment you're not holding coffee."
Charlie shoots him a flat glare. Bucky's fingers linger over the sides of her neck and his touch warms her skin. "There's still time, we haven't had breakfast yet. I convinced Pete to glue all the cups to the table."
Bucky laughs, tugging the door open to let her inside. The moment Pete sees them, he smirks knowingly, wiggling his eyebrows up and down in quick little movements. Charlie glares at him in warning, and Bucky awkwardly clears his throat. After Bucky gives his order, Charlie request the pumpkin French toast and Pete actually sticks his tongue out at her. Despite her protests and offer to pay for breakfast, Bucky pays with a fifty-dollar bill and insist Pete keep the change as a tip.
"Oh," Charlie pipes up as they sit at the same table they unceremoniously met at. "As I was distracted by our lovely date last night-" Bucky's cheeks darken in color a little. "I forgot to tell you that the Pepper Potts called the Center!"
"Really?" Bucky asks lightly, raising his eyebrows.
Charlie nods. "She wanted to speak to me and offered for Stark Industries to be a sponsor for Loving Arms and I just-" She breaks off trying to contain her excitement. "I can't believe she called. Do you know what this means for the Center? For the kids?"
She can feel how big her own smile is as she looks at Bucky. His eyes have softened around the corners, and his has a gentle tilt to his mouth. He reaches across the table to hold her hand, smoothing his thumb over her knuckles.
"You're so happy about it." He notes quietly. "That's amazing, Charlie."
Something clicks in her mind. "Bucky, did you have something to do with this?"
Bucky clears his throat. "I think Pepper found out about our visit to the center and looked into it. I think Stark had a little fit about not being asked to come as well."
"Wait…hang on. Tony Stark wanted to come himself?"
With a nonchalant shrug, Bucky says, "I think we all have a soft spot for Loving Arms."
"Because of you." Charlie whispers. Bucky doesn't react, but something in his eyes tells her the truth. "You're fucking incredible, Bucky."
"There's no cursing in my shop, Charlotte." Pete scolds her sarcastically as he walks by.
Charlie glares at him as Bucky laughs. They finish their breakfast, just enjoying each other's company. She can't stop her heart from swelling in her chest when he imagines Bucky mentioning the Center to Pepper.
Bucky walks her to the Center, his fingers locked with hers the entire time. They pause before they reach the doors, and Charlie peeks up at him. He looks cute with his hair tied back into a small bun, but the ever present black leather jacket makes him look sexy, and his deep blue eyes makes heat swirl in the it of her stomach.
Charlie abruptly brings her free hand up to his neck, pulling his face to hers. She quickly presses her lips to his, and Bucky seems surprised for all of two seconds before he kisses her back. Charlie keeps it short, and reluctantly pulls away otherwise she'll be late.
Bucky has a shy smile spreading across his mouth. He sways forward like wants to recapture her lips again, but he stops, his mouth an inch from hers. Instead, he squeezes her hand and his eyes flit up to the building.
"Is Colin here today?" He questions, locking his eyes back to her.
"Yeah," Charlie smiles brightly. "He'd love to see you. They all would."
"And it's okay I'm just stopping by?"
"Of course it is."
Bucky lifts his left hand to clear some of her hair away from her forehead. "Thank you."
Then he leans down and kisses her. It's so simple, so tender and Charlie has never felt this way about anyone so quickly. She nearly wraps her arms around his neck to kiss him deep. However, they're currently standing on a busy sidewalk in the city and the security guard can probably see them clearly through the glass doors.
When they break apart their breath fogs a little between them, and Charlie chuckles. At least she's not the only one who is left breathless. Forcing herself to step away, she tugs Bucky along behind her as they enter the building.
When Colin spots Bucky, he leaves the activity he's doing with Lizzie and runs full speed at him. Bucky squats down and catches him easily, letting out an overdramatic huff of air. Millie sees him next and she follows Colin's move. The rest of the kids realize there's a visitor and they all cheer when they see Bucky. Charlie spots Dave standing in his office watching the sight unfold. She makes her way over to him, beaming brightly.
"If you keep bringing him here, they're all going to turn on us and demand to live in the Avengers Compound instead." Dave teases.
"I don't think he'd be opposed to that." Charlie says. "It's okay that I brought him, right?"
He levels her with a look. "You don't need my permission, Charlie. Besides, it gives me and Lizzie the chance to grill your boyfriend."
Charlie feels her jaw slacken in shock. Before she can correct him that Bucky isn't her boyfriend, yet, Dave turns and waves her away.
"Your phone is ringing." He tells her, smirking smugly.
She glares at him, hoping he can feel the heat of her gaze. Charlie hurries to her office, and quickly grabs the phone to answer Pepper's phone call.
Charlie wishes she could have watched Bucky interact with the children again, but she's so excited to have spent an hour on the phone with the wife, and CEO of Stark Industries. Charlie was informing her of ideas she had for fundraisers, when Pepper politely interrupted, telling her that a gala for the Center, the children and their parents would be the best option.
The phone nearly falls from Charlie's hand, and she mentally scolds herself for not thinking of something like that sooner. She has to tamper down her excitement and agrees to the idea. They set up a date, the weekend after Thanksgiving, for gala to take place. The more they go over the details, the more Charlie feels giddy about it.
The children will be able to dress up, have a night of fun, and Charlie along with Dave, and the other OT's can enjoy the fact that people are out there who don't think the Center is below them. That these children with their prosthetics, and all the therapy that goes into helping, means something. That they aren't invisible. Stark's involvement means the world to her.
"I can't thank you enough, Pepper." Charlie express, holding the phone between her ear and shoulder as she types the details into a document. "However, I would like this to be a private event, if that's alright."
"Absolutely, Charlie." Pepper agrees immediately. "When this was first brought up, it was requested to keep it private."
Charlie stops typing, bemused at Pepper's words. Before she can question what she means, Bucky appears in her doorway. Her eyes linger over his body because he just looks good leaning against the frame. From his red shirt, the black leather jacket, his dark jeans that do nothing to hide how strong and muscular his thighs look. Charlie has to mentally shake her head. She smiles briefly at him before focusing back on her phone conversation.
"Thank you again." Charlie speaks into the phone, saving the document.
"It's our pleasure." Pepper assures. "We're really looking forward to this, and I'm looking forward to meeting the children. They sound amazing from what I've heard."
"They are, they'll be so excited."
"I'll call you tomorrow to set up a time for our meeting. Have a good day, Charlie."
"Yes, you too. Goodbye." Charlie hangs up, standing as Bucky walks into her office.
"I have to go." Bucky explains stopping in front of her. "Called for a briefing, and the compound is two hours away."
"No worries, go Avenge away." She says. "Another mission then?"
"Possibly. I'll let you know." Bucky takes her hand in his, bringing her knuckle to his lips and pressing a light kiss there.
"Please. I was so worried last time." She admits quietly, squeezing his fingers.
"I promise." Bucky assures.
Then he's leaning down and kissing her. Charlie could get use to this. She clutches his jacket in her fist, pulling him in just a little deeper.
Three and a half weeks past and Charlie and Bucky have been dating for just as long. it's been filled with more food outings, a trip to the Highline, motorcycle rides and breathless kisses. Now that Charlie has gotten a taste of Bucky, she can't seem to get enough, and he seems like he has the same thought. Considering that each time they kiss, it becomes deeper, more passionate, a little bolder with slow wandering hands.
On one of their last dates, Charlie refused to get off the motorcycle until he allows her to drive it. Bucky growled playfully at her, wrapped his arm around her and kissed her senseless. She had been leaning on the seat of the bike, and when Bucky attacked her lips, he accidently knocked into the bike. The vehicle started to fall over, however Bucky caught it with his right hand while pulling Charlie closer, and abruptly maneuvering her around.
The next thing Charlie knew, she was straddling the seat, as was Bucky, and he continued to kiss her, eventually pulling her onto his lap. It was a move that had desire sparking through every vein and she swears she released a soft moan against his lips. His hands had gripped her low on her hips, and Charlie found herself nearly tugging a fist full of his hair.
When Bucky left her that night, it was with coy smirk and a soft press of his lips to her knuckles. After Charlie watched him drive away, she had to take a cold shower, despite the chilling weather outside. She had to bite her lip hard to ride the tingling sensations that utterly feels like she was turned on, and once again was shocked with how fast she had fallen for Bucky.
Charlie leaves Ella Café, a maple latte clutched in her hand when she bumps straight into a solid body.
"I swear to god, Bucky, we're already dat- oh. Hi."
Blue eyes are staring into hers, but they're lighter and belong nonother than to Steve Rogers. He looks rather adorable, wrapped up in a puffy coat and black beanie. Charlie flits her gaze around, but he seems to be alone, and telling by his smirk, he knows just exactly who she was expecting to be with him.
"Almost had another disaster there." Steve laughs goodheartedly.
"Right." Charlie agrees, smiling back, "Would have given Bucky a run for his money."
Steve shifts on his feet, looking around quickly. Charlie gets the feeling that he's trying to stay incognito, that maybe he shouldn't be at the café. She raises her eyebrows in question, and the Captain jerks his head to the side. Charlie follows him around the corner, out of view from the street.
"What's up, Captain?" She questions feeling intrigued.
"Buck's just a few blocks away checking out a source with Sam, but I figured you'd be here." He starts. He checks the street again, but when his eyes meet hers, they're swimming with glee. "I wanted to find you, well. I wanted to thank you."
"Thank me? What the hell for?"
Steve smirks at her language. "For being in his life."
His words knock the breath out of Charlie, and she's glad she has a tighter grip on her cup, because it would have fallen onto the ground. She can feel her mouth open slightly, the shock of his words settling over her. She fish-mouths for a few moments as Steve's smiles grows wider.
"I- uh…what, what do you mean?" Charlie stumbles inadequately.
He shrugs casually. "I mean, I've been seeing a difference in him, not that he's been sad or anything, just, different. I think it's because of you, so. Thank you, Charlie. For putting that smile on his face."
Charlie racks her brains for words. Mainly how to respond when Captain America personally seeks you out and thanks you for making his best friend smile. She can't come up with anything in time, and despite Steve supposedly sneaking away, it doesn't last.
"There you are, you punk!" Bucky's voice calls from the street. "Thought you could leave without us noticing. You're shit at sneaking away."
Bucky comes up to him and wraps his arm around his friend's neck. Steve shoves him away, an air of playfulness surrounding them. Charlie finds herself smiling at the exchange, then notices Sam behind them rolling his eyes fondly.
"Jerk." Steve mutters, fixing his askew beanie. "I was only saying hi to Charlie."
"Hi." Bucky greets her, his demeanor changing instantly. His eyes soften, and his smile becomes shy. "You look beautiful, as always."
Charlie bites her lip to contain her smile. Sure, it's been nearly four weeks of his genuine compliments, but she hasn't gotten used to them yet. She reaches out for him, tugging him closer and immediately capturing his lips in a soft kiss. She brings her hand up to his jaw, soothing her fingers over the growing stubble on his face.
"Hi." She mumbles as they break apart.
"You're both so adorable, it's making me a little queasy." Sam pipes up, but there's a teasing tone to his voice.
Bucky ignores him. "He wasn't bothering you, was he?"
"Nah, though he did almost made me spill." Charlie jokes, holding up her cup.
"I was asking what her plans were for Thanksgiving, when you rudely interrupted." Steve lies breezily.
Bucky narrows his eyes at him, as his left hand draws circles on her low back. He's not wearing his gloves today, but Charlie wonders if the vibranium has a heating element, or it's just Bucky's general touch that warms her. His hair is down, but there's a hair tie around his right wrist, and he's wearing a cream colored shirt that fits a little too snug under his jacket. Charlie swallows and quickly pulls her eyes away from his chest.
"Right." She says a little delayed. She catches Sam's eye and he smirks like he caught her. "Uh- I usually spend it with my family. We head to Bedford, New Hampshire, uh my sister and I. That's where my parents live."
"Oh," Bucky voices, and Charlie thinks he sounds a little disappointment.
"It's just for two days." She assures him quickly. Her stomach clench strangely. "I have to be back at Loving Arms. We usually do a food drive and set up a little dinner for ourselves afterwards. The kids love it."
"That sounds nice." Steve comments kindly.
"What about you? What do the Avengers do for Thanksgiving?"
"Since this will be my first one in over seventy years, I'm not sure." Bucky quips lightly.
Charlie elbows him, then hooks her arm around his. "I'm glad you're able to joke about it."
Bucky chuckles and his hand slowly traces up and down her spine.
"I volunteer down at the VA here." Sam speaks up, pulling her attention away from Bucky.
"That's awesome, Sam. Let me know if you need supplies or anything." Charlie offers. "I'm sure we have extra to give out."
Sam steps closer and suddenly pulls her in for a hug. "Tin Man is right. You do have the biggest heart. I like you better than him."
Charlie laughs as he lets her go, and he shoots a shit-eating grin at Bucky, who holds up a threatening finger. Steve sighs, and begins shoving Sam backwards.
"Alright," Steve says, "We've taken up enough of your time. Sorry I bumped into you. Bucky, we'll meet you at the car. Have a good day and holiday, Charlie."
"You too, Steve! Sam." She waves as they walk out onto the sidewalk.
Once they're out of sight, Bucky turns, wraps his arm around her waist and walks her backwards. He presses her up against the brick side wall of the café and kisses her deeply. His move makes her forget the cup in her hand, and she accidently lets it go to wrap her arms around his neck. The smack that's sounds against the pavement makes them pull away from each other.
"Huh. That's a first." Charlie muses, staring down at the cup that miraculously remained upright.
"Sorry." Bucky chuckles breathlessly.
"No, you're not, lair." She laughs. Then she moves his face back to hers, kissing him again.
Bucky hums against her mouth, before swiping his across her bottom lip. Charlie opens up for him, trying to contain any reactive noise she might have made because when Bucky kisses her like this, she loses all sense of control.
"Fuck," Bucky murmurs pulling away to press his forehead against hers. "You taste like maple."
"Whoops." She huffs, brushing her thumb over his shiny top lip. "I was going to tell you today, by the way. About Thanksgiving."
"Shh, don't worry about it, darlin'. I'm just glad I was able to see you before you left."
Charlie nods, and has to gently push him back a few inches so she can breathe properly. "Me too. I thought you were at the compound."
"We had to check something out." Bucky informs, brushing his fingers through her hair. He trails them along her jawline, the virbanium sending warm shivers down her spine. "I didn't think we'd be here long, then Steve ran away. To find you, apparently."
"That he did, and now I'm grateful."
Bucky goes to move back in, but Charlie feels her phone vibrate in her purse. She sighs, knowing it's her alarm to start leaving for the Center. She gives him an apologetic smile as she pulls her phone out, and Bucky bend to pick up her coffee cup.
"Walk you to work?" Bucky offers, handing back her coffee.
"Your boys are waiting for you, handsome."
He smiles at her. "Unfortunately. I'll talk to you later then?"
Instead of answering, Charlie brings him back down for a kiss by the back of his neck. She keeps it short and sweet, but when she pulls away, Bucky takes her breath with him. His smile makes her heart do something strange, and he holds his hand out to lead her back to the street. As they part, Bucky kisses the back of her hand, and it's become one of her favorite things he does.
"Have a good day, sweetheart." Bucky whispers.
"You too. Don't go crashing into any windows." Charlie teases.
Bucky winks, then he's turning away and walking down the street.
