Darcy tried not to fidget impatiently as she waited for Bruce to come back with the results from the medical tests. She was in his lab, reclining in a comfy chair facing the zen garden, trying to let the atmosphere sooth her. Soon, she would know the extent of the damage.
Her wait was solitary (not counting the bashful Bruce), as the men were out doing some kind of training exercise with the newest Avengers. Which meant, if the news was bad, at least she would have a little time to herself to hyperventilate before having to face them.
The training was taking place at the brand-spanking-new secondary base. The one that had come about after the whole Ultron affair. (Which no one had thought to mention until the boys were packing up to leave.)
Darcy hadn't gotten all the details, but Clint had mentioned Coulson had sent a liaison from SHIELD over. Plus Sam and Erik Selvig, the pantless professor (her nickname for him, not Tony's), were helping out at the new facility too. Maria was going to be splitting her time between the Tower and the new location so she could continue running SI's security (because she was a BAMF and Pepper had refused to give her up).
No one had told Darcy much about the new members that were currently residing there, other than names, but Darcy wasn't worried. (They were Avengers, right? They had to be good people. It was in the job description. LIterally.) Sooner or later she would rope someone into inviting everyone up to the Tower for a team dinner and movie night to meet them all. That dinner would take definite some strategy, which she hadn't had time to come up with yet. Her culinary skill were much more suited to pastry items, and though she could do down-home cooking well she wanted something a bit more impressive for welcoming new teammates . Maybe she could talk Tony into getting his chef guy to assist, the one who had catered several of Tony's parties. The hors d'oeuvres had been to die for! Literally heaven in her mouth. Especially those little bacon-wrapped dates and the...
Her stomach growled. Loudly. Just the thought of food and the beast had woken.
Rolling her eyes, she dug out a pack of fruit snacks from her pocket of her jeans. She had been ridiculously hungry lately. Nothing seemed to appease the beast in her belly. Bruce assured her that she needed to eat when she felt hungry even if that meant scarfing down two cheeseburgers only an hour after lunch...or popping fruit snacks after having a stack of pancakes. She hadn't noticed any weight gain though (and she'd been checking). Must be all those calories burned during their marathon sexing, she thought with a contented smile.
So far, she hadn't been able to pinpoint an exact difference in herself, other than the hunger. But she felt weird. Not any stronger (She'd tested the super strength with the weights in the gym...yeah not so much). But different. Off. She had been getting headaches the last few days and loud noises aggravated them. But migraines were on her list of issues already so she didn't think the headaches counted.
There was a small clang as Bruce knocked a tray over where he was puttering about by the door. It was the furthest away he could possibly be from her. It might have been a deliberate avoidance tactic. Or he could really need to be there. She couldn't tell. It really didn't mattered. She was just nervous. The only thing to distract her were the sound of the water feature, the sonata Jarvis was providing, and the patterns in the sand of the rock garden. Relaxing? Potentially. Distracting? Eh, not so much.
There was a small whoosh from the lab door opening.
"How's it going," Natasha asked, her voice soft but clear. For a split second, Darcy thought the question was directed at her. That was until Bruce answered.
"She shows signs of increased healing, heightened metabolism also. But no other effects from the serum." Darcy felt the weight on her chest begin to lessen, the nervous knot in her stomach unraveling. "The stimulant is wearing off too according to what Bucky says. I asked Steve as well, but he wasn't comfortable discussing details."
"You could always share a little of we do to draw him out," she teased with a tenderness Darcy had never heard before. "You know when I use my tongue to-"
"Okay," Darcy interrupted, without turning around. "That's enough. While that answers some questions I've had for a long time, I seriously don't think I can handle hearing about your sex life. It's like walking in on your parents or something." She gave an exaggerated shiver to show she was teasing.
There was a moment of silence, then Natasha spoke even more softly than before. "You can hear me?"
"Yeah. I mean I wasn't trying to eavesdrop or anything but I'm right here." She raised one hand to point out her location.
Footsteps approached slowly. The pair came around to face her, trepidation clear in their expressions.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that? Was I not supposed to know about the sex thing? I will totally keep it a secret, Tasha. You know I won't go blabbing," she tried to reassure the assassin.
Natasha gave no response. She turned to Bruce instead and cocked a brow. The scientist dropped his gaze to the tablet in his hands. Tapping the screen, Bruce frowned. Not his I'm-uncomfortable-with-this-topic frown. This was his problem-solving frown, which he only got when he was working though a particularly involved science problem. "Darcy, what can you hear right now?"
"Your waterfall," she replied with a hint of sass.
"Concentrate, sestrenka," Natasha admonished. Her voice had that hard line Darcy had come to know meant she was concerned.
Heaving a sigh, Darcy closed her eyes and listened. A multitude of sounds assaulted her. None were the type to stir up another headache though. At least she didn't think so. The waterfall was the loudest, as it was closest. Beneath the gurgling and bubbling of the water, there was a buzzing, almost like a white noise. Her attention turned to the buzzing trying to determine what it was. A Sinatra song came into focus first and under that the staccato of tap dancing. Layered through it was a child doing a rendition of the Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address. As she sorted through them she called them out. When she opened her eyes, Bruce and Tasha were both staring.
Bruce shared another look with Natasha, but this one had the gears in her mind whirling.
Before he could speak, it clicked. "Oh. My. God. Ohmygod! I have super hearing, don't I? Do I?" She popped out of her seat like the cork from a champagne bottle. (Oh - champagne. Definitely later.)
Natasha nodded, a grin peeking out at her enthusiasm, before Darcy grabbed at her for a quick hug.
All things considered, this was probably the best possible outcome she could have hoped for. This was a safe easy super power. Not very useful for combat. Definitely not something that made her dangerous. Not flashy. Easily hidden. And the perks...
Pulling back she tried not to dance in place. (She lost that battle spectacularly.) "Oh, man. Clint is gonna be soooo pissed. I'm gonna be able to hear his sneaky ass when he tries to pull something. Please, please, don't tell him," she begged of them both, hands clasped before her pleadingly.
Bruce sighed and shook his head, but agreed. Natasha only smirked.
It was late evening when the good Captain finally called an end to the exercise. There were thankful expressions all around, followed by sighs of exhaustion. Even Bucky had one to share.
Once the rest of the team filed out, Bucky gave Steve a raised brow. Steve chuckled and offered an apologetic smile. "Got a little carried away again, didn't I?"
"Yeah. I know you're only trying to get us all in fighting formation. But sometimes Captain America takes over, and you become a bit of a taskmaster." Bucky pulled off his sweat-soaked shirt and wiped his brow with it.
When he pulled the shirt down from his face, his little Brooklyn punk was looking at him slyly. "Can I make it up to you? I could...wash your back."
The shower in their quarters was quite large. Large enough to comfortably fit more than two. Bucky was certain that Tony had done that on purpose when he had planned out the facility, assuming their triad would still form even while Darcy had been away.
Stalking forward, he pressed himself along Steve's frame. "That would be decent of you, Captain," he said as he laid a teasing kiss to his lips.
"I aim to please."
"Oh, you will."
After a long and hot (in all meanings of the word) shower, they were lounging back on the bed. "We should check in with Darcy," Steve tossed out casually. As if he hadn't been glancing at his phone over on the coffee table every ten seconds for the last fifteen minutes.
"We only left last night," Bucky countered, though he was as anxious to hear from her as Steve. It took about three seconds for him to cave to Steve's hangdog look. "Alright, alright."
Grabbing his own cell off the bedside table, he punched up the number, setting it to speaker.
It picked up after only one ring.
Darcy's voice was breathless and happy when she greeted them with, "Hey, fellas. How are my two sweet slices of mancake?"
Bucky laughed, partly at Darcy's statement and partly at the pinking of Steve's cheeks. "Hey, doll. We're doing fine. You sound excited. What's going on in your little corner of heaven, angel," Bucky asked.
"Oh nothing much, charmer," she replied, her voice trying for casual but falling short. She was never good at hiding when she was thrilled about something. "I've got a surprise for you both when you get home. And, before you ask, it does not involve gift-wrapping myself, Barnes. That's not gonna happen no matter how much you beg."
He shared a look with Steve, noting the way his eyes were darkening with desire. "Mmm, I still think I can convince you to try it, darlin'. Maybe for Steve's birthday." Her giggle was soft but audible, as was her "keep dreaming" comment.
"You been keeping out of trouble," Steve asked.
"Of course not. But no one needed to go to medical and nothing irreplaceable has been destroyed. So I think I came out in the black today." Her carefree laughter cut down the line, assuring the both of them that she truly was fine. They hadn't been away from her this length of time since her return to the Tower.
The sour worry he had been nursing in the back of his mind all day was probably irrational, but he hadn't been able to shake it. Thankfully, he was better at hiding it than Steve, who had been wearing his worry all over his face. Relieved, he made sure to keep that particular emotion from his voice. "That's our girl. Any plans for the evening?"
There was a pause and small sounds that signalled Darcy crawling into bed. "Not really. Dinner was me and the Science Trio. Two of whom went right back to the labs. And I'm sure you can guess which ones. Since then I've been surfing the net and making chocolate chip cookies. But I think I'm done for the day. Don't want to overload my brain with too many cute cat videos."
Bucky made a pained expression. "The cats again? I still don't understand the fascination."
"Well I have to look at something cute since my two main sources of that particular vitamin are too far away." There was a pause then. The loaded kind. Thick with whatever went on in woman's mind. "When are you coming back," she asked softly, her tone tender with emotions she was likely unaware of. "I miss you."
Bucky wasn't expecting to hear the admission. The words, yes. The depth of meaning behind them, no. He saw Steve's lips curl into a sentimental smile, his eyes shining with love. They both knew very well that Darcy cared for them, but she had always been cautious with her words on the subject.
"We miss you too, baby," Steve added. "Not sure how much longer this will take, but we'll hurry."
"See that you do, Captain," she said, the more vulnerable tone wiped from her voice. This was their spitfire. "I've got plans."
After sharing their goodbyes and goodnights, Bucky disconnected the call, leaving Darcy to sleep.
"So," he began neutrally, "how soon do you think she'll be ready to see that little black box you've got tucked in your sock drawer?"
Steve's eyes narrowed. "Why am I not surprised that you know about that?"
"You've been hiding your shit in the same place since you were ten," Bucky offered with a shrug. "By now I assume you put things there you want me to find."
The blonde rolled his eyes, but still ran a hand through his hair and over the back of his neck, uncertain. "I don't know," he said in answer to the original question. "I don't want to pressure her or rush her to say something she's not ready for. And I definitely don't want to scare her away with my...enthusiasm. But I still want to do this right. I want to do right by both of you."
He knew the grin on his face was wide, but he didn't care. Sometimes Steve was just so...adorable. (God, he might have been spending too much time with Darcy if he was using words like adorable.) "Of course, you want to do this right. I never thought you'd do it any other way. And I agree. Which is why I didn't open that little black box. Was sorely tempted though. Have to say I'm curious to see if you're gonna make an honest man out of me?"
The punk had the nerve to laugh, even as a blush stole up his cheeks. "That seems like a tall order. Plus I don't think I'm up to the challenge of finding something that will stand up to your brand of rough handling."
Bucky only quirked a brow. The fact that Steve had even said anything meant he'd definitely looked into it and probably already come up with a solution. "Uh huh. Whatever you say, punk."
"Jerk," Steve countered, pushing playfully at his shoulder.
His metal hand clamped around Steve's wrist. The good Captain offered no resistance as Bucky pulled him forward until their lips met. He knew they had to get up early for another day of focused training, but that charming embarrassed blush on Steve's face had to be dealt with first. He was going to wash it out with a very different kind of flush.
Two nights without Darcy had Steve itching to have her back between them.
Spending time with only Bucky had been nice, but the three of them together was always much better. Plus Steve was still feeling a bit overprotective where Darcy was concerned. Logically he knew that she was safer in the Tower than anywhere else she could possibly be. Yet, he couldn't shake his worry. He knew Bucky was feeling it too, though he was much more subtle about it.
The quinjet hadn't touched down when Steve opened the cargo door to exit. Their pilot was one of the SHIELD-Hydra debacle cast-offs that Maria had vetted when she first came to the Tower. Steve knew the man had been angling to get an invite inside, but right now he wasn't up to playing host. He wanted to see Darcy and he certainly didn't need an audience for that. Instead of having him land, Steve had instructed him to pull it in close to the balcony then he and Bucky had jumped.
When they stepped in from the balcony, Darcy was waiting with a smile and a coffee. The smell of baking bread was in the air, and there was a dusting of flour on her jeans. Steve was struck by the feeling of home.
"Seriously? Was that little stunt for my benefit," she asked as they dropped their bags and he unstrapped his shield. "Because I am not impressed. That was a lot smaller of a drop than the parachute-less jumps you did with Natasha."
Beside him, he saw Bucky tense slightly and give him a glare.
"You, uh, know about those," he queried.
"Oh yeah, big guy. Tasha told me some pretty interesting things," she informed him. She paced forward as she spoke. "You should probably kiss me to keep me from spilling any other secrets."
That was a challenge he could get behind. His hand wrapped around her neck, thumb brushing her jawline as he leaned in and complied.
When they broke apart, she turned to Bucky. "You should probably kiss me to get me to spill the rest of his secrets."
Bucky laughed and kissed her as well. He upped the ante by tracing kisses along her jaw and up to her ear, where he nibbled at the sensitive flesh. Darcy leaned into him, unconsciously seeking more. When Bucky raised his head, he had a brow lifted in challenge. Of course, Darcy caught the look and slapped his chest.
"Boys," she said with mock exasperation, though it was easy to see the laughter in her smile.
As she turned away to top off her coffee, Bucky cut a sharp glance his way that clearly stated they would be talking about the parachute thing later.
"So I've got some news for you," Darcy said turning to face them away. She was bouncing on her toes as if she'd had too much caffeine, though he didn't think that was truly the cause. She began talking in that rapid-fire way that spoke of nerves more than how caffeinated her blood was. "Which I'm excited to share. Not in a like I'm-excited-about-that-new-movie way. This is more like a I-might-throw-up-because-there's-a-herd-of-butterflies-in-my-stomach excited. Wait. Do butterflies herd? I think they flock. Anyway. Overall I think it's a good thing, but maybe you won't think so. Part of it is really good and I don't think you'll have any complaints but-"
Steve knew the best way to shut her up was to give her lips something else to focus on. Namely his own. He pressed against her firmly, tongue demanding entrance to her sweet mouth, his hands tight on her biceps as he steered her toward the couch. Bucky came in the for the assist by grabbing her hot coffee before it could spill over both of them. He only stopped when the back of her knees hit the edge of the cushions.
Her eyes were sparkling when she looked up at him. "Definitely more of that later, Captain."
"Yes, ma'am," he promised.
"First, you need to sit down, darlin'," Bucky instructed.
Without further prompting, she flopped down into the middle seat. They took the seats on either side, Steve placing a hand on her thigh, and Bucky laying his arms across the back of the couch behind her, to keep her from bouncing away. Her behavior was definitely due to nerves, but she wasn't panicking. And the tension eased slightly at their touch. "Bruce did some tests," she began. "Turns out Hydra's little gift basket in my bloodstream has left me with a few permanent changes. First off, the grocery bill is going to get a bit bigger. I apparently have a metabolism to match you two. But it comes with the bonus of increased healing, so I can't complain."
Steve felt a wave of relief flow through him. Thank God. It was another layer of protection, since she couldn't be expected to stay in the confines of the Tower forever. Nor would they always be around to protect her. Should she ever be injured, even critically, it could save her life. For the first time in his existence, he felt a smidgen of gratefulness to Hydra. It was due to them that Darcy would have this gift. He knew it was her sheer strength that had kept Hydra from getting what they truly wanted, and he knew the bastards would be the first to take advantage of this new development as well.
"That's all good news, sweetheart. We both know how to feed increased appetites. No need to worry about that."
"There is one more thing," she said carefully, without looking at either of them. "I also ended up with an...enhancement."
Steve remained deceptively lax. Whatever it was they could deal with it. If Darcy wasn't panicking then there was no reason for him to either.
"I can hear everything now. Everything. Your heartbeats and your breath. The buzz of the electricity in the walls. It's a bit overwhelming if I concentrate on it, and I keep getting headaches. Tasha's working with me to figure out how to filter through it. And If I'm not thinking about it I don't really feel much of a difference. I feel normal." The last word was coated with a tentative fear even Steve could read.
"I guess that means we can't surprise you anymore," Bucky said with a smirk.
Darcy's head came up and she smiled, traces of relief in her eyes. "I think you both will always surprise me, but you won't be able to sneak up on me anymore that's for sure."
Darcy never came right out and said why she had been fearful of their reaction, but he had known her for long enough that he knew she would never purposely put her insecurities on display if she could help it. And he knew she had them. Their girl was a firecracker, but she still had those spots of vulnerability like they all did. Eventually, much later, through off-handed comments and quips, he was able to put it together. She had been afraid that having a power meant they weren't going to see her the same way. That they were going to throw her onto the Avengers roster and eventually only see her as a teammate. That they wouldn't love her anymore if she wasn't 'normal'.
When he came to the realization, he took the time to ease her fears by seducing her. He took her apart with reverence and patience, whispering to her all the things that had made him love her. He told her he wanted to hold her to his side for all time, that he would never let go. When she was lost in the haze of sweet touches and soft words, he laced his fingers through hers and swore again that he loved her. He repeated it over and over until her body exploded beneath him.
It hadn't been the first time it had only been the two of them, but it was certainly the sweetest. Afterwards, the self-depreciating comments ended, and Darcy would smile without a trace of concern in her eyes when they talked about her new abilities.
Bucky noticed immediately. His response was to punch Steve in the shoulder companionably then give a very commendation of "Good job, punk."
It was a Tuesday when the rest of the team finally figured about her new "gifts". Darcy had been finishing up cooking dinner in the common kitchen when a noise startled her. The (extremely) sharp knife sliced into her finger, nearly down to the bone.
The knife clattered to the floor as she tried to suck in a breath and grabbed at her finger to keep the wound semi-closed. The air stuck in her lungs for a moment while her body processed the shock. Then she let loose with every expletive she knew while grabbing a dishrag to wrap around the injury and contain the blood.
After running through her very creative list, she went to the doorway and focused her gaze on the specific vent where she knew Clint was hiding. "Get the fuck out here Barton. Christ! You're supposed to be a superspy right? How come you're so goddamn noisy then?" Anger had her voice sharp.
There was a moment of silence where the typically talkative Clint was nonplussed. Then the vent opened and Clint crawled out. "How did you-" he began, but the sight of the blood staining the dishrag derailed him. "What happened?"
"I sliced my hand open, thanks to you."
"To me?"
Darcy didn't get a chance to respond as the elevator opened revealing the whole gang sans Sam and Jane. (Jane was off on some science conference and Sam was staying at the new facility full time.)
Of course, Bucky spotted the blood right off and was at her side in an instant. Steve was right behind.
"What happened," he said as he gently drew the cloth away from her to get a better look.
"I'm fine," she grumbled, her anger beginning to dissipate. The edges of the cut were already starting to close, but it was still bleeding. Bucky re-wrapped her finger gently. "Clint startled me and I cut myself."
Bucky turned his icy glare on the archer, who threw up his hands. "Hold up. Its not like what you're thinking. In fact, I'm not even sure what it is. I wouldn't jump out and scare her while she was using sharp implements. That's hazardous to everyone's health. Mine included. I was being very quiet so I don't see how this is my fault."
"You weren't being quiet," Darcy argued. "I heard you. Even over the white noise thing that Jarvis was doing for me. Which means that you were being loud."
Clint opened his mouth to argue, but Tony got there first. "What white noise thing? Jarvis, you're providing the lady with white noise? Is the soundproofing in the walls not working?"
"The soundproofing is working within normal ranges, Sir. The white noise is to help compensate for Darcy's new abilities so that she might have some peace. I was happy to provide what I could."
All eyes were on Darcy now.
"Something you want to share with the class, Lewis," Tony asked.
"Um...maybe." Only three of them didn't know yet. Thor, Tony, and Clint were each looking at her expectantly. "I may have picked up some new tricks," she offered.
"That is not gonna cut it, kid," Clint said. "Especially after almost getting skewered by your boyfriend for supposedly being at fault for your accident."
Buzz. The oven timer went off announcing the dinner rolls were done. Saved by the bell, she thought.
"Okay, can we do this after I finish getting dinner together? You can totally interrogate me then."
"No one's going to interrogate you," Steve stated firmly fixing both Tony and Clint with hard looks. Evidently, he wasn't concerned about Thor.
When everything was on the table and the inhabitants were quietly eating, Darcy finally gave in to the silent questioning stare Clint had been giving her as he shoveled the baked ziti into his mouth. Setting down her fork brought everyone's attention to her. Her announcement brought various reactions including much skepticism. The next hour was sent having the range of her abilities tested by Clint and Tony. When they were through she could tell that Tony's mind was already whirling with possibilities.
When his mouth opened, Darcy held up a hand. "No."
"But-"
"No. Whatever you're thinking. No. I'm not an Avenger, nor do I plan on signing up. The only role I would ever fit would be bait, and I'm not up for that."
Tony didn't argue further right then, but she could tell the battle was far from over.
The next day, there was an email from Tony with specs on a whole new taser with attachments much like Natasha's Widow Bites. She politely responded with a seventy-two size font "No"...and a picture of Grumpy Cat.
Then came Clint's move. Printouts of costume designs began appearing on her desk in Jane's lab and the kitchen counter and her apartment (when she bothered to go there). She waited until Clint was watching from his perch to shred each and every one.
She knew that all these things are making the boys nervous, but they were very careful not to pressure her one way or the other. Even if it was obvious they didn't want her involved in anything dangerous.
Natasha graced Tony with her terrifying frowny face when she caught Darcy yelling at him down the hall. "No, Tony! I do not need elastic kevlar forany of my clothing, let alone my bra." Yet Tasha didn't offer any advice on the subject either.
Realistically she knew that her new 'power' would be useful for a spy or a scout for the team, but she readily admitted that she is not that girl. Like she had told them at dinner, the best role she could play would be bait.
The tipping point came when she found her social media pages had been changed. "God damnit, Barton," she shrieked. "Stop changing my name to Violet Shock online. I said no. Besides what the hell does that have to do with enhanced hearing anyway?"
Clint scurried off before she could retaliate in any other way, but some twenty minutes later Natasha cornered her for a training session. Ugh. "Barton put you up to this didn't he," she questioned even as she followed the older woman into the gym.
Smirking Natasha shrugged. "He may have mentioned that you might need to burn off some excess anger."
"Of course, he did," she said as she yanked off her shirt and began changing into her workout gear in the locker room. "He wants me exhausted so I can't enact revenge. He thinks I won't be able to plan anything good while I'm tired." She smiled evilly as she pulled her socks on.
"I get the feeling you already have something planned," Natasha said as she leaned against her locker and watched.
Darcy tried for an innocent face while she began to lace her sneakers. "Little 'ole me. No. I'm just a civilian. There's no way that I would already have a half dozen plans uploaded to Jarvis." She finished off the knot on her second shoe and stood from the bench. "Or that all I'd need to enact one is to say - Jarvis, could you start the Little Black Cloud protocol?"
"Indeed, Darcy. Shall I record the outcomes and send the video to your tablet?"
"You read my mind, buddy."
Natasha actually laughed as she straightened and headed for the mats. "I would like to request a copy as well," she told the AI.
"I will be happy to provide one, Miss Romanov," he said.
A short time later, Darcy was sweating like it was her job and Natasha looked as serene as always. Taking in her red face and panting, Tasha mercifully called a ten minute break. Collapsing to the ground to do her starfish impression, Darcy took deep breaths. She had gotten the inkling that Natasha was pushing her much harder than normal. And that maybe it was due to the new powers. Which prompted Darcy to ask a question that had been burning at her for a few days. "Tasha, what do you think about" she waved a hand to encompass herself, "all this?"
Though the question could very easily be misconstrued, Natasha took it for what it meant and gave her blunt honesty in response. "I don't like it. I'm happy that you are all right and grateful that ended up with things that can be easily hidden. But I don't want to see you doing anything like we do. I would prefer you never enter the field as a combatant. But….you care about people. You adopted everyone here." Darcy opened her mouth, but Natasha rode right over her. "No, don't try to deny it. We may not have noticed how deeply entrenched you were until you were gone, but we did notice. If a situation arose, where your new skills were needed, you would jump in with both feet no matter what protests Steve or Bucky or myself gave."
She sighed and gracefully sank to the floor beside Darcy. "I didn't come to be who I am now because I cared. At least not at first. My first motivation was for myself. Then for redemption. There are a few of us here who are seeking redemption still. You aren't like that. Your first thought is to fill the holes in other's lives. Tony may have provided this space for us, but you made it a home."
Darcy could feel the tears rising, but she still smiled. Natasha took her hand and pulled her into a sitting position so that they were facing each other. "This is your home, Darcy, and I believe that if anyone ever threatened it you would defend it as fiercely as any of us."
Somehow Darcy found her words behind the lump of emotion in her throat. "Damn straight."
Natasha laughed and stood in one smooth motion before reaching down to drag Darcy up as well. "Which is why you and I are going to put more focus into your training."
Darcy gave a good-natured groan.
Back at the apartment, Darcy couldn't sit still. Natasha's words kept circling in her head. "This is your home, Darcy…"
It was. These people were her home. This crazy place with it's omnipotent AI and heroes and billionaires and geniuses and ex-assassins. She was sure that this time the universe wasn't going to demand any payment for her good fortune. Dealing with Stark and Barton were enough payment some days.
She found herself in the kitchen, a vague plan taking shape in her mind. It was far past time that she fessed up to the commitment she had already made in her heart. The boys deserved to know that she loved them.
Time to set the scene.
Two hours later and Darcy was putting the finishing touches on dinner. There were candles on every available surface and the lights were so dim they might as well be off. She'd had to call the girls for reinforcements for the romantic lighting though. No way she had enough to furnish this space. Natasha, Jane, Pepper, and even Maria had dropped by with all the candles they owned. There were a line of pillar candles in the hall. Jars on the kitchen counter. Tapers on the dining table. Floating candles dominated the tables in the living room. The bedroom was done in votives in dozens of matching containers (courtesy Pepper).
It may have been a bit overdone honestly, but she figured they were both old fashioned enough to appreciate the seduction attempt. Besides she was fairly certain she would do something awkward or to be exact her mouth would, so every little bit of help she could get to set the mood from other sources was necessary.
"Jarvis, how we doing with a playlist?"
"I was able to use your parameters of 'romantic but more Sinatra and Fitzgerald than Manilow' to come up with an appropriate selection." Her tablet lit up with a list.
Glancing over she nodded, "I definitely approve, J. Very nice. Que it up. What's the ETA on the two targets?"
"Captain Rogers and Sergeant Barnes are twenty minutes from the Tower, Darcy."
"Well, shit," she said looking down at herself. The whole shower and pamper portion of the evening had already come and gone, but she had put on sensible clothes to cook. Now she needed to change into something a bit more...sultry.
"Shall I stall them," Jarvis asked, as she yanked off her apron.
"No. I don't think that will be necessary. But could you keep a countdown running for me?"
"Of course."
Darcy hurried to change into the sexy little number she had been saving for a special occasion. An off the shoulder dress (never strapless because boobs) that left little the imagination. It clung in all the right places and made only a bare nod at modesty. The rich royal purple color made her naturally pale skin glow. Paired with stunning red stilettos and a red pendant necklace on a silver chain that nestled in the cleft of her cleavage she was ready.
Earlier she had given thought to called Clint for makeup, but she had tossed that idea. They needed to see her naturally tonight. Well as naturally as mascara and eyeliner made her. No way was she going to go through this night without a little cosmetic assistance.
"The...targets are in the elevator, Darcy."
Taking a deep breath she told her reflection she was ready. She would not let the past ruin the wonderful life she had found here. "Thanks, Jarvis. Can you throw down some privacy mode for me?"
As the AI answered in the affirmative, she heard the doors open. Both men took exactly two steps inside before pausing. A smile was on her lips before she even rounded the corner to take in their confused faces. Two gazes focused on her instantaneously, changing the furrowed brows of confusion to wide eyes of want. "Hiya, fellas," she greeted, basking in the obvious desire radiating off them both.
They were both still in uniform, but neither was injured or even dirty. It must have been a good day at the office.
"Hey, doll," Bucky said, pulling the rifle off his back by the strap. He leaned it in the corner and stripped off his gloves before coming forward, his intense focused gaze never once leaving her. Steve was similarly stripping off weapons. First his shield and cowl, then the belt that held his knives and other equipment.
She gave them both chaste kisses before turning away with a little extra swing in her step. "Dinner will be on the table in two minutes gentlemen. I suggest a quick change."
"Yes, ma'am," Steve called to her retreating back.
She heard them whispering questions to each other about what the occasion was, but neither could come up with an answer. Darcy smiled to herself but didn't give any indication that she had heard. They had probably forgotten all together about her increased senses when faced with the possibility of having missed an important occasion. This left Darcy to fall back on the unwritten rule of women everywhere: Keep the men guessing.
Less than two minutes later they were joining her in the kitchen. Steve had gone with slacks and a silk dress shirt that had to have been tailored to him to make his chest look...like a freaking buffet. Bucky was more casual in his black jeans, but he also sported a button down with the sleeves rolled up and a distressed leather vest overtop. Damn they looked edible. Darcy felt her palms itch to run her hands over them. Later, she reminded herself. Later, she would be digging into the deliciousness that were her two boys.
For the moment, though, they sat down to dinner like respectable adults. Which was strange considering the thoughts Darcy had about pulling up her dress and sitting on Bucky's lap. Or maybe running her tongue along Steve's collar where the shirt was buttoned far too high.
"It all looks lovely, sweetheart," Steve said as he filled his plate. "How long did you work on this?"
"It does look good," Bucky agreed. "But what Steve really mean to ask is if there's a particular reason for this spread?"
Suppressed laughter had her lips twitching and eyes sparkling. "Oh there's always a reason, Soldier. But you two didn't miss an anniversary or anything so relax. I wanted to do something nice. If you don't like it though I can go throw on some sweats and -"
There was emphatic 'No' from them both, which made her chuckle.
The conversation was natural after that. The boys shared the anecdotes from the day, and avoided the classified things that would endanger her. (Pepper was working on getting both their and Jane's security clearance raised as all three of them were already in the middle of the Avengers shenanigans, but until it happened they were playing by the rules.) She told them about training with Natasha and about Jane freaking out about her upcoming science conference.
Before long both of them were looking at her expectantly. Their plates were clear and they weren't reaching for seconds though she knew they could pack away far more. Not that she was complaining about them wrapping this up.
"Would you like desert," she asked casually as she rose from her place. Bucky eyed her speculatively, even as Steve shook his head. "You sure?" She stepped away toward the hall as she looked over her shoulder for confirmation.
They were both out of their chairs before she could escape around the corner. Her laughter rang in the air as she backed away from them down the hall, her hands held up in prevent them from approaching. "Now fellas. I don't know what kind of girl you think I am, but that was not an invitation for something...carnal in nature." Her lips quivered while she tried to give a prim disapproving expression, which completely failed.
"Our mistake," Steve said pausing in his pursuit, hand on Bucky to stop him too. "You heard the lady, Buck. It wasn't an invitation. Means we'll have to take care of each other."
Darcy's hands settled on her hips with indignation. "Steven Grant Rogers! I can't believe you would leave lady in the cold."
Steve smirked as he closed the distance between them. "Never," he told her as he swooped down and tossed her over his shoulder.
Darcy felt that the strangled noise of surprise that escaped her was as dignified as she could hope for in the moment, but it still had the men laughing. "Really funny, Rogers," she said as she thumped him on the back with her fist.
In the bedroom, he released her from his hold, sliding her down over his front. She could feel every inch of his hard frame against her, and her dress inched higher on her thighs as it snagged slightly on the fabric of his clothes. Abruptly the mood changed from good-natured teasing to potent need.
Bucky's heat hit her from behind as his hands on her hips steadied her when her stilettos sunk into the thick carpet. His lips were on her neck, his breath on her skin. Steve claimed her lips, one hand on her cheek. They pulled her down into the fog, muddled her mind with the haze of desire. Their touches were tender and sweet, but she struggled to keep some sliver of herself from full surrender.
This time she would give as good as she got. She touched them with adoration as well as need. In every moment, she tried to show them the sentiment that was screaming through her soul. She would be sure to show them this even if the words got buried in the heat of the moment...again.
In the afterglow, Darcy lay between them. Her body loose and relaxed. Her hair a mess from their fingers. She was happy to just lay there for the rest of her life if they boys agreed. Seriously sex had never been this good before.
The air that blew across her skin was blessedly cool, and it helped her to focus her mind. There were still things to tell them. If there was one time in her life when she wanted to have the perfect words, it was now. Of course, her mind choose that moment to throw up the most intense mental block she had ever come across. It was a brick wall covered in vibranium. Thanks brain, she thought caustically.
So Darcy fell back on her humor as she always did. "That was the most intense sex I've had in my life. No way it could be better. Which means I have to break up with you, since after this it's all downhill."
They froze beside her, tensing in a way that told her they weren't seeing the joke.
Immediately, she was up on her knees, spinning around to face them. Gesturing a bit wildly as she tried to backtrack. "Okay, that didn't come out quite the way I was intending. I mean the sex was great. Don't get me wrong. But I know it can be better." There was pause while she digested what she had said. "Not what I meant!" Covering her face with her hands to keep from seeing their expressions, she gave an aggravated growl. "I officially suck at this," she mumbled into her palms.
Bucky chuckled while Steve tried to rescue her from choking on her own embarrassment. "We understand what you meant, sweetheart."
"No," she said with force. "No," she repeated more softly. "I mean yes, the sex was fabulous and I'm not breaking up with either of you. Not by a long shot. But I was trying to say - in my terribly pathetic roundabout bad-humor laden way - is that I know things between us are amazing. But I also know that we," she emphasised by circling her finger around their small huddle, "can be even better."
Her heart hiccuped in her chest but she held tight to her resolve. She need to have the words out there in the ether. To give them to the universe as an offering of thanks for blessing her with these men.
"I love you, Steven Rogers. And I love you, James Barnes. And I don't know what I ever did to deserve you both, but you're stuck with me now. No returns. No exchanges."