AN: Hello! Thank you so much for reading. I hope you are enjoying the story, you can always leave a comment/thought etc. Few notes at the end x
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from Marvel Comics world, which is trademarked/owned by Marvel/Disney. All characters created and owned by Marvel and I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Marvel. I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story. Just a story based on great characters. I only own any original characters.
Chapter 29: I Thought I'd Risk it
Amelia tightens her coat at the waist belt, she pulls her phone out, her hands shaking a little.
Is Steve at home?
She hovers by the car at the tower entrance that they have used multiple times, she feels like an idiot, she doubts herself and almost gets back into her car. Then her phone lights up and she looks at the message.
Yeah, he's around, are you ok?
She smiles and responds quickly.
I'm at the back entrance, any chance you can let me in? Just trying to surprise him.
She waits patiently, pulling on her collar and checking her car is locked three times, but at the same time wondering who would break into a beat-up Ford in the Avengers' complex. 'Amelia?' A voice calls, she jumps and looks around slowly, expecting a face. She half thinks she imagined it until she hears a second call of her name. She looks up and asks quietly 'FRIDAY?'
'Amelia, up here,' she looks above the elevator and spots a camera and simultaneously recognises Bucky's deep voice. She waves happily and then cringes thinking she looks like a moron. She tucks her hands in her pockets and shouts, 'any chance you can let me up? I just wanted to catch Steve. And I'm so cold…' Bucky chuckles at her mumblings, she hears a buzz and he says, 'come on up.' She quickly steps into the elevator and stares at the control panel, she can't remember where she's going, but the slight jolt tells her she doesn't need to worry. Suddenly she wonders what if they do a bag check or a coat search, she tightens her coat belt and does a silent prayer.
When the doors open Bucky is stood there, arms folded and looking concerned. 'Are you ok?' He asks quickly, she brushes him off, 'fine, everything's fine, but dad and Dana have Rosie, they offered, so I just wanted to maybe catch Steve, grab dinner. I don't know if he's free or around?' She kicks the ground and tightens her coat again. Bucky eyes her and laughs lightly, he watches her and she blushes under his stare, thinking he can see straight through her. If he can, he has the decency not to comment. 'Come on,' he utters with a tilt of his head.
'I thought reception would be open' she admits quietly as she trails behind him. He shakes his head, 'no, Scrooge lets them have it off.' Amelia grins, impressed by the joke. She's wearing a pair of heels and she wonders why she bothered, as they cut into the back of her feet, 'is it far?' She looks around nervously and Bucky shakes his head, smiling. Amelia twists her ankle a little and thinks about turning around, while he isn't looking.
As they head around a corner they come across a woman with a tidy bun and a dark blue uniform. She looks up from some paperwork. 'Barnes' she mutters, 'who's this?' She asks, looking over at Amelia. Bucky straightens, 'Hill' with a curt nod, 'this is Amelia Miller, Steve's partner.' Amelia looks at him from the corner of her eye, mesmerised, she's never been introduced as that. Maria Hill shakes her hand and Amelia marvels at her tidy hair, no frizzy bits in sight. She has beautiful shaped eyebrows and she looks like a boss. Once again, Amelia tightens her coat and checks for her belongings. Maria watches her pat herself down and raises a brow. Bucky steps behind Amelia and steers her past, asking, 'is he still down there?' She nods, resuming writing on her forms, 'yeah, clearing up. Some Thanksgiving, hey?' She leaves and Bucky resumes walking beside Amelia, smirking at her flushed face, 'smooth!'
'She's hot,' Amelia notes. Bucky looks at her surprised and she gasps 'what? I can recognise a good-looking woman. Can't you do the same with men? Don't lie to me, Barnes, I know who Steve's first kiss was.' She keeps walking, chuckling to herself and then pauses, looking back, she spots Bucky, he has stopped walking. He looks like it's just coming back to him and he looks horrified. 'Don't worry, Barnes, it's a cute story and I haven't even told Andi yet.' She giggles and grabs his arm, giving him a tug, 'Steve?' She reminds him. He nods and starts to walk on briskly, she struggles to keep up and eventually they arrive at a different elevator. It's not as nice as the lobby ones and it feels like a work entrance. 'God, this place is huge,' she mutters. Bucky agrees, he still doesn't fully know his own way around.
When the elevator stops, Amelia's mouth drops open and she's dazzled by her surroundings. There's a large flying ship, docked, it's huge and she feels insignificant. The back hatch is open and she feels like she's queueing for a ride at Disneyland. Bucky scoffs at her face and waves for her to follow him. He takes her through the back of the ship, up a ramp and she looks around slowly. It feels military like, it's grey, everything is stowed away, there's rows of seats either side of the ship and she wants to run over and pretend to strap in. She follows Bucky further in, there's weapons attached to the inside and she steps back, keeping to the opposite side. Bucky leads her through to the cabin and she gasps, she sits down before he can even offer it, stroking the dash, pretending to press buttons. 'This is incredible. It's like Star Wars.'
The hangar is closed and there is just a slither of natural light through the window of the doors. Amelia looks down, she's surprised by how high they are, the ramp didn't feel particularly steep. She closes her eyes and imagines flying. When she opens them, Bucky is leaning with both arms on the head rest of the other seat. 'It's so quiet here,' she notes, Bucky looks around, 'yeah, odd. Steve should be here, I'll have a look for him, Mia. Stay here. Don't touch anything,' he adds, half in jest. Amelia nervously shuffles in the seat, there's a KISS CD in a drawer and she thinks that must be a Stark joke. She lies back and sinks low in the seat. She imagines Steve flying the ship and Natasha at his side. She's in love with it and thinks this might be the best thing she's found in the tower, well, beside her boyfriend she reminds herself. She squeals out loud at the sea of buttons and thinking about Captain Steve flying it.
She feels like a teenager again, but soon notices that her coat has worked loose, this brings her back to reality and she shoots up, pulling it down and tight. She hears footsteps and crosses her legs, pulling her hair out of her coat and sitting back suggestively. Pouting slightly, she looks up and realises it's Bucky. She flusters to sit up straight and act normal, but Bucky looks down at her oddly and she follow's his eye line to her thigh high stockings. She pulls her trench coat across and coughs slightly. He looks up at her quickly, a little wide eyed. 'Umm, I couldn't find him, but FRIDAY said he should be back, so I suggest we just sit tight.' He wraps around the seats and sits beside her.
They spend the next ten minutes chatting and Amelia continues to stroke the chair and fiddle with the surroundings. 'So, when do your folks go home?' He asks, immediately wincing, Amelia smiles, 'it's fine, I know what you mean. Saturday lunch, just in time for your big date.' She grins at him and he leans back fully, he appears unsure, 'you ok? Need any hints?' She asks genuinely. 'I think I have a plan, but I just hope it's enough.' Amelia smiles, 'well, she is a thoughtful girl, not a display kind of girl, so make it genuine and honest and you can't go wrong. Ooh hot dogs as well.' He laughs at that, 'good advice, thank you.' Amelia laughs aloud suddenly, 'I used to think first dates were really nice, but when you meet someone you really like, it's just pressure and fear of showing yourself up! But I'm sure you will be fine.' Bucky looks unsure at her pep talk efforts, 'but you and Steve made it, he was grinning like a fool for a good week after D.C.' Amelia giggles, blushing, she sighs and acts confident, leaning back 'I gave him the good stuff.'
Bucky looks at Amelia and smiles at her, he can see she is nervous and she is clearly anxious to surprise Steve and Bucky can only imagine what she has planned. He tries to distract her and himself from what's underneath her coat. 'Tell me what he told you about this kiss?' She throws her head back with laughter.
Once she has recapped the story, he discerns, 'I don't think I would have kissed him, if anyone did the kissing...' He says with wide, implying eyes. She laughs, 'he not good enough for you, Barnesy?' For a moment, she looks like Andi and Bucky reminds himself that this isn't his date. 'What would you give him out of ten?' She asks, faking seriousness. Bucky leans in, 'let's get technical, shall we.' Counting on his metal hand he summarises 'pressure, moisture, approach.' Amelia laughs and she can see why this guy was a heart breaker back in the day and even now, if he would just let people in.
She's laughing wildly at him and neither hear another set of footsteps. Steve approaches the cockpit and can see Bucky's profile, he's laughing, which is unusual for work and he can hear a female voice. He can't see anyone, but as he gets in close he can hear its Amelia.
'No, Barnes,' she cries, 'for approach he is a ten out of ten, you are a tough critic, too much to compare to, me thinks.' Bucky laughs, 'not sure about that implication, Miss Miller.' Bucky confirms it is Amelia and watching him laugh with her, Steve suppresses a flair of jealously. 'I lost some memories, so I should take the opportunity to invent a new first and stop him from telling anyone else!' Amelia points at Bucky, 'hey you could do a lot worse, I'd say he's a ten across the board!' Bucky mumbles, 'well I forgot it, so I've clearly had better, I can't help it if he's still hung up on me! Anyway, tell me this wasn't first date chat?' Amelia suppresses a burst of laughter, confirming with a timid nod. Bucky wipes his face and sighs, 'I haven't got much to beat then, have I?'
Steve steps up to them, unsure of what they are talking about and looks down at Amelia. Her hair is curled, but messy at the back, where she has slipped up and down the chair. She's slouched in the captain's seat and she's wearing a coat over a short dress. She looks dressed up, her face lightly flushed, long lashes caressing her cheeks. One of her shoes has fallen off and Steve raises a brow at the high heels that look more like torture devices. She jumps to sit up at the sight of him and soothes her hair down, smiling sweetly. Bucky looks between them, 'there you are, punk. watch out, Amelia's in love with the jet. Birthday gift, maybe?' He gets up and waves at Amelia. He walks past Steve and slaps his back, whispering 'good luck, you will need it.'
Steve swallows deeply and watches Bucky go, wondering why he needs luck, is she calling things off? Is it too much for her? Is it his fault? When he turns back to look at her she is stood up and now leaning against the pilot's seat.
Amelia watches Steve as Bucky leaves. He's wearing a white undershirt, with his uniform pushed down around his waist, his hair is messy and she thinks he looks amazing, all hot and overworked. She thinks back to watching Top Gun as a teen and wishing Tom Cruise would sing to her in that way, realising this is much better. Then she recalls that she has been on the back of his bike and how that ended.
'Hi,' she says quietly. 'Hey,' he greets, pushing a hand through his ruffled hair. 'What are you doing here? Where's Rosie? How did you get in here?' Amelia giggles, she's normally the one to babble profusely. She pushes her hands behind her back and looks at him innocently, 'well, I came to see you, Rosie is with her grandad and your first kiss, Bucky Barnes brought me here.' Suddenly she reaches both arms out in a flying motion and strokes the back of both seats, throwing her head back between the two. Her coat rides up and Steve gets a glimpse of her stockings. He tries desperately to look her in the face. when she sighs 'he's right, I am in love. But we only have one parking space, so I don't think it's practical,' she jokes with him, straightening and standing. 'No Rosie then? You're free tonight?' Amelia nods, 'just a shame you are working,' she says in a dramatically longing voice, 'maybe I should go?'
Steve scrabbles to answer, 'I'm not! I'm done. Don't go! Free as a bird,' he frowns as he says that bit and then she asks 'could you take me out in this sometime?' She looks around the jet's interior and then she steps closer to him, he blushes and nods, 'yep, yes, yes. Yes, I could do that. Sometime, if you would like. Yeah.' Steve watches her, her eyes are scanning his chest and then down to his folded uniform.
'You look nice, new coat?' He asks awkwardly, Amelia smiles, inside, her head is screaming now, do it now, but she's not quite ready. She is however, enjoying how flustered Steve is, if she had a key card, she would surprise him like this every day. 'Yeah, Black Friday deal,' she smiles thinking back to Andi's grand idea and her begging Amelia to buy the coat. Steve bumbles and Amelia reaches out, gently stroking his chest, 'you look good. I still missed the full deal, cowl thing and everything, didn't I?' Steve almost chokes and asks desperately, 'I can put it back on?' Amelia laughs and leans in further, 'another time.' Her breath is warm against his neck and Steve almost closes his eyes.
The voice in Amelia's head has reached fever pitch and she's sure it is Andi screaming, 'do it already.' Steve looks down nervously and can see Amelia's collarbone and a lot of cleavage, she's fiddling with a belt and she looks him in the eye, asking 'would I be a good co-pilot?' Steve nods, swallowing and his mouth is twitching. 'Do you need to check me out first?' She asks seductively, Steve swallows as she undoes her buttons agonisingly slowly and responds 'actually Human Resources normally do that bit, resumés, interviews and the like.' Amelia pauses and almost laughs at him, but reminds herself to stay in the moment. She purrs lowly, 'I think I'm up to the challenge' and slowly pulls her coat open, revealing a matching set of underwear, a pair of black panties and bra, with pink lace details, as well as stockings, suspenders and the torturous heels.
Steve's eyes double as he realises Amelia is almost naked under her coat and then he remembers how she was sat here with Bucky. He looks at her from the ankles up, her milky thighs framed by the stockings. Steve once again thinks of Bucky next to a nearly naked Amelia. Steve makes a strangled noise and Amelia almost feels like shouting tah-dah, in case he's missed her. Just as she thinks she's done the wrong thing and goes to cover up, Steve pushes his mouth against hers and groans into her, hoisting her up at the knees and the coat drops off her shoulders. Steve kisses her passionately, muttering that she is amazing and incredible. He steps on her coat and pulls her tighter to him. He holds her tightly at the waist, kissing her freckled shoulders and revelling in the flush that trails down her chest. He kisses over her tattoo and she groans loudly.
Amelia laughs, 'I don't know how I had the confidence to do this, sitting here for thirty minutes and only seeing Bucky was around helped. Where is everyone?' Steve growls possessively and kisses her deeply, he doesn't want to hear his best friend's name again. Amelia's legs are wrapped around his waist and she is pushed up against the back of the captain's chair. Steve pulls back and stares down at her, he can hear her coat under his foot, but he's hypnotised by the rise and fall of her chest, her erratic breathing and the curls that dance on her shoulders. She feels so small in his arms, trusting him with her heart and herself. Her blue eyes are peering up at him with lust and he closes his, as her thighs tighten around him. 'If you are working, I can go?' Amelia offers between heated kisses, Steve groans and shakes his head with determination. 'I'm done,' he growls, he can feel the hook of her bra beneath his splayed fingers and he begins to fiddle with it. Amelia's eyebrows rise as they kiss, wondering if this is about to happen here.
'Captain Rogers, Agent Hill is approaching,' FRIDAY'S voice cuts through and Steve grunts, pauses as if contemplating carrying on, but gently places Amelia down, he wipes his mouth with his fingers and gently pulls her bra strap up. She gets the message and picks up her coat and pulls it closed, giggling. Steve strokes his face and pushes his uniform down, trying to rearrange himself. As he looks up he catches Amelia tying her coat together, he kisses her and says seriously, 'we need to finish this, no more interruptions,' she bites her lip and smirks as they hear footsteps.
'Captain, I know you are busy, but can you just sign this off?' Steve deals with Maria and Amelia stays back, impressed by how professional he is, he's a very good actor, she can hardly stand up straight. She fans herself a little and Maria peers over at her.
As soon as Maria disappears, he grabs Amelia's hand and drags her to the elevator. Once inside he kisses her again deeply and she moans, throwing her head back and spotting a camera. 'Steve!' she hisses. He looks up and frowns at it, he steps back from her, 'I'm not sharing this.' He's very serious and Amelia looks at him with wide eyes, if words could finish her off, she thinks those four would do it. She crosses her ankles and squeezes her legs together. Steve stares at the increasing floor numbers and Amelia tries to chat normally, but it's like he's angry with her and he doesn't react to anything she says.
When the elevator opens, he drags her out and she walks slightly behind him, 'oh, hey Scott.' Steve stops, looking around with fire in his eyes. 'Just kidding,' she jokes, slapping his ass. He shakes his head at her in disbelief and scoops her up, dragging her over his shoulder and walking her to his apartment. Amelia squeals, 'it was a joke! I'm Sorry!' She laughs loudly, slapping his back. No one is around and Steve's pleased Bucky has had the sense to make himself scarce.
Steve stops by the door and there's a pause as he decides how to handle this, then Amelia giggles and hands him his pass from his back pocket.
Once through, he kicks the door closed and places her down. Amelia's a little dizzy and tries to steady herself. He scoops her up again, bridal style and heads for the bedroom. She's never seen him so assertive, but she's loving it. Dropping her by the bed, he kisses her and holds her face on both sides. She laughs, 'Steve, what has gotten into you?' He looks at her seriously, 'it feels like days since I've held you.' Amelia melts a little. He reaches down and tugs her coat open, it hangs apart and Steve kisses down between her breasts, when he stands up he pushes her coat off with both hands, 'God, you are amazing.' The trench coat drops to the floor and Amelia tries her best to keep her positive stance, feeling exposed. 'When I saw you with Bucky, I wanted to throw him from the jet,' he mutters into her ear. She swallows and he traces a finger across her lips, dipping down her chin and trailing to the hem of her underwear.
'Were you jealous, Captain?' she asks with a slight laugh. 'Yes,' he admits firmly, 'I can't believe you came here like this.' Amelia feels small and she's worried she's upset him, she feels good about it, but she was sat with his best friend with no clothes on, she considers apologising. 'Why did you come here?' Amelia looks around and he gently caresses his fingers through her wavy hair. She stumbles to answer, 'umm, I missed you, I wanted to see you. I wanted to surprise you.' Steve nods slowly 'have I got you all night?' he asks darkly and in a very un-progressive way, she's really-enjoying the cave man speak. 'If you want me?' She says in a small voice, Steve smiles at her, 'there's nothing I want more.'
She reaches for his undershirt and pulls it over his head. His chest never fails to impress her and she presses herself against him, enjoying the feel of his taut body against her soft one. His hands explore her exposed skin, her hourglass waist, rounded hips and he leans back to tell her, 'you're beautiful.' Amelia blushes furiously, she never gets used to hearing him say that. She starts to push down his uniform, 'you're not commando under here, are you?' He laughs, 'no, and I looked up what that means.' She smiles, 'trusty Google, hey?' She pushes it down past his knees and he kicks his shoes off, before stepping out. He's wearing a pair of black boxers and Amelia is busy staring at him, when she's gently pushed onto her back by Steve. She gasps and in an instant, he is on top of her, his anticipation apparent. 'If my phone goes, I'm disowning my family,' Amelia mumbles. Steve pulls back from kissing her neck, 'well, my best friend is disowned, he knew exactly what you were doing here, wished me good luck and everything.' Amelia intimates her intentions and moves to switch positions and straddle him. 'You need all the luck you can get', she warns, looking down at him. 'Did you like it, the coat?' She asks cautiously. He reaches up, pulling her down towards him 'I love it, but I like this confidence on you even more.'
Later, the room is dark apart from a bedside lamp. Amelia is sat on Steve's lap, facing him, with her legs wrapped around his back, just a sheet between them. Her hair is stuck up and she has slightly smudged lipstick on her lips. Once again Steve traces her tattoo and Amelia places small kisses on his jaw. 'Did you like it? My surprise?' She feels him twitch against her and she smiles. Steve sighs and drags his fingers across her shoulder blades, 'it might be the best surprise I have ever had, you looked incredible.' Amelia laughs lightly, 'I nearly bottled it, Bucky was looking at me weirdly, he had to know.' Steve nods in agreement, 'good job we didn't do this in my kitchen last night. I like it here, a bit of privacy. Don't get me wrong, I love all of them, but their timing isn't great.' Steve smiles and she asks, 'did you have fun yesterday?' Steve nods, thinking about the feeling of family at dinner, the day before. 'Yes, I liked looking through your photos.' Amelia sighs, 'I feel bad, we have so many memories and you don't.' Steve offers her a weak grin, tucking her hair behind her ears, 'we are making new ones.' Amelia looks down and around at the littered clothes and messy bed, 'I don't think this is suitable for the mantelpiece, Steve.' He shifts her further up his lap and she squeals, he whispers 'this is a memory for me.' He pushes her hair over one shoulder, stroking her smooth skin. He places chaste kisses to her collar bone and watches as her eyes flicker closed.
Amelia looks down shyly, smiling at his arms holding her in place, 'can I ask you something, you don't need to answer.' Steve looks at her suspiciously, 'ok…?' She takes a deep breath, 'did you and Peggy?... you know.' She tilts her head repeatedly, nodding at their naked bodies. Steve knows what she means, but pauses in order to drag out her embarrassment, 'you can stop doing that, I know what you mean and… no.' Amelia doesn't know what she was expecting, but she was preparing for jealously and now she just feels sad. 'We had a date planned, we kissed, but nothing else. Not meant to be, I guess.' Amelia places her palm on Steve's cheek and leans in to kiss him softly. 'I'm sorry,' she whispers, dropping her head onto his shoulder. Steve traces down her spine, gradually pushing the sheet lower down her back.
'I really do like it here, it's peaceful,' she confesses. She gives him a gentle push backwards and then rolls beside him, snuggling under his arm, 'and this bed…' she groans, reaching out to stroke the soft sheets. 'It's so comfy,' Steve watches her closely, smiling at her, 'well you can use it anytime, you're always welcome.' She turns to face him, 'can I stay, tonight?' Steve looks surprised, 'here? Tonight?' She nods shyly, 'unless…you'd rather…? I told Andi I might not be back.' Steve leans forward and kisses her arm, 'did you now, that's very presumptuous of you.' Amelia blanches, but picks up on his smirk, she nods confidently, 'I consider it optimistic.' Steve kisses her neck, nuzzling the blanket away, tucked under her arms, 'stay, I want you to.'
She turns and reaches for her phone beneath a pillow, the sheet falling a little, revealing her lower back. Steve strokes her lightly and small bumps erupt over her skin. When she leans back, she has her phone, checking for messages. 'What is that thing that Bucky is always looking at? Pictures?' Amelia flips open an app and explains what Instagram is. 'Do you have one?' he asks, Amelia nods, telling him she will show him some time. Steve strokes down her nose, 'I'd rather look at you right now, in person. It's just Bucky seems to gaze at it for hours.'
Amelia watches him and then looks at his face seriously, 'your face looks better, you get hurt a lot.' Steve can't tell if it's a statement or a question. 'Yeah, I guess, but I recover in no time.' Amelia strokes his bruised brow, gently, 'but what if you don't, what if it wears off and you don't get better?' Steve wonders where this is coming from, 'Amelia, I'm fine, don't worry about me.' She nods slowly, 'ok, I accept one part of that sentence.' Steve smirks remembering saying that to her once. 'I never asked you what you were thankful for?' Steve asks her, as he weaves his fingers through her hair. 'Family, Rosie… you.' She looks a little embarrassed, looking down at the crumpled sheets. Steve exhales, 'Bucky will be upset, not even a mention.' Amelia lightly slaps his arm, 'come on, you know I meant him in there, what about you?' Steve thinks about it carefully, 'second chances.'
Amelia lights up and then frowns, 'Rosie hit her head this morning, jumping on her bed.' Steve looks concerned, 'is she ok?' Amelia nods, 'yeah, a few tears, downside of the bunks I guess.' Amelia rolls over, climbing on top of Steve, he is lying between her thighs, still looking worried. 'Steve, she's fine, accidents happen!' He looks up at her, grinning at her wild hair, 'do you like jumping on the bed?' He asks warmly. 'Umm, I never did it, I was always so well behaved.' Steve looks surprised and then peers around, 'well, now's your chance.' Amelia laughs, 'no, you're ok. Besides, spoiler alert, I'm naked.' Steve grins, 'oh, I know what I'm up to Miss Miller, go on.' Amelia laughs and gathers the sheets further around herself, revealing more of him, 'you're right, this was a great idea.' She grasps the sheets close to her chest, standing in the centre of the bed, holding one of Steve's shoulders and nearly toppling over. Finally stood on the bed, she looks down at him, desperately hiding her chest. He leans back on his elbows, calling, 'it's quite a view down here.' She blushes, her knees knocking together, 'shut up. Right, now what?' Steve drops his hands to the bed, 'jump.' Amelia hops a little and Steve inhales, 'that was terrible.' Amelia puts her head back and again jumps a little higher, dropping down besides Steve. 'Happy?' He smirks at her, 'it's a start.' She drops the sheets, crawling up his legs and stopping with a hand either side of his arms. Steve is enjoying her confidence and strokes down her shoulder to the curve of her back. Amelia looks down at him with dark eyes, he leans up and tells her, 'I've fallen in love with you.' She feels her stomach drop, it doesn't get old. 'You're funny, that was beyond mortifying, telling you I love you and just the sound of your breathing and a big old tumble weed rolling by.' Steve rubs his face in shame, 'I know, not my finest moment.'
Outside, Bucky walks down the hall, stopping beside Steve's door, he wonders if he should invite them to dinner, then he remembers the trench coat and Amelia's driven face. He thinks the old Bucky would be pissed if he was interrupted. He turns and walks back to the kitchen, there's no one around and checking the time, he makes a quick decision before he can change his mind. He takes the elevator down to the garage and leaves for the evening.
He knocks the familiar door and Peter answers, 'Bucky, my boy! What can we do for you?' He steps to one side and allows Bucky to enter. He opens his mouth, but looking around, he sees Dana, Rosie and Andi are all sat at the table, rifling through a box and unpacking a game. 'I just thought I'd swing by, but you're busy, so I will go.' Andi doesn't look up, but shouts over, 'don't be stupid, get your ass in here, Barnes, the more the merrier, just more people for me to slay.' Rosie cheers when she sees him and Peter quietly shuts the door, showing Bucky to the table. Greetings are made and everyone shifts up, so that Andi can sit beside Bucky. 'What are you doing here? Were they keeping you up?' Bucky looks at her, surprised she knows what was going on. 'Who do you think sent her over there?' He looks around the table, the other three seem oblivious. 'Lucky lady, hey?' Bucky ignores her smirk and looks over at Dana as she calls his name.
'So, have you ever played Monopoly?' Dana asks kindly, 'it is as old as you.' Andi laughs and Dana looks embarrassed, 'I didn't mean it like that, just that you may have come across it.' Bucky smiles politely, 'with the money and the top hat?' He asks a little unsure. Peter announces 'that's the one. Andi, count out the money, please.' Andi passes out the paper bills and adds an extra note to her pile, each time she gets to it. Bucky leans in, 'I can see you.' She smiles, 'no one likes a snitch, Barnes, I'll pay you to keep quiet,' she waves paper money around. Rosie is lining up houses and asks sweetly, 'Stevie?' Everyone goes quiet and eyes each other. 'Not tonight, Rosalyn, he's working.' Andi coughs, 'yeah, face down in paperwork, knee deep in the books, such a hard, hard worker.' Peter is oblivious but Dana laughs lightly, 'good for Amelia,' she beams and Andi is impressed. Peter reads the rules and Andi rolls her eyes, knowing they have played this for their entire lives. She kisses Bucky's cheek and he looks surprised, catching Rosie's eye as she grins wildly at them.
Twenty minutes in and Rosie is hiding houses and Andi's been caught stealing money from the bank twice. 'What are you kids doing for new year?' Andi shrugs, 'dunno.' Peter and Dana share a look, 'well, come to us, all of you. Come home for a few days.' Andi nods, considering it, 'I will mention it to Mia.' Bucky looks between them, he never thought to ask, 'where is home, Sir?' Peters smile widely, 'Maine!' Bucky nearly chokes, 'Maine? But you and Amelia are the least great outdoors kind of people I know.' Andi shrinks into her chair a little, 'there's nothing to do there, it's all lighthouses and fish restaurants,' she mumbles dryly.
'We've got plenty of room, You and Steve can join. Got some great photos of this one,' Peter chuckles, lining up his winning cards. Andi looks embarrassed and Dana asks Bucky, 'do you have many pictures from your childhood?' He looks disappointed and shakes his head slowly, 'not really, Ma'am.' Andi sits up and stands quickly, 'I have something, prepare yourself, Barnes.' She runs for her room and returns with a small book, 'it's from the exhibition, there's a few old ones in there.' Bucky takes the book slowly, a howling commando picture on the front and as he flips through, he comes to a page entitled 'James Buchanan Barnes.' There's black and white pictures of him and his mom, one of him and his siblings and Bucky and Steve just before enrolment. Bucky touches the pages, staring quietly. Andi wonders if she's done the right thing and Rosie tries to lean in and look, 'I forgot about these, I forgot my family.'
Everyone is quiet and there's a sudden sadness in the room. Bucky strokes the page with his thumb, catching sight of the metal digit and almost slamming the book shut. 'Don't forget about me Bucky,' Rosie's voice cuts the tension and he lifts his eyes to her, her bright eyes reminding him of the now. He smiles and looks back at the book, the commandos in a group shot, and a page for each of his friends. 'Some are still alive, I did some reading,' Andi admits, quietly, Bucky shrugs, he's not sure. Dana announces a short break and gets up to make coffee, she pats his shoulder on her way out. Bucky stares down at the book, feeling disconnected and sad.
Andi holds Bucky's hand, 'keep it, take it home with you.' She leans back and leaves him to flick through the guide. After five minutes, she gasps, staring at her phone, 'oh my God,' she quickly messages Amelia and calls to Bucky 'look at this', chucking her phone at him, 'what the…?' He scans the phone, 'shit.' Dana returns with tea and Andi grabs her phone back, tucking it under the table. 'So Bucky, do you want a cup of tea? You do drink tea, right? Because if not, that's a problem.' Bucky looks down at his metal arm, smiling at the jesting older woman's words. Ex assassin he may be, but his aversion to tea could be the deal breaker. 'For you, I can make an exception,' he explains reaching for a mug. 'Yuk, get a room,' Andi mutters.
Andi checks her phone again and looks up, 'ah! Sorry folks, I'm going out.' Everyone looks at her in surprise. 'Josh needs help at the bar, just a couple of hours.' Bucky looks up at her in alarm and questions if she is serious. 'Yeah, you'll be fine, Buckeroo, finish the game, I've been cheating anyway.' She unloads piles of paper from her pockets and dumps it on the table. She walks into her room and returns applying lipstick. 'You can always come?' He shakes his head quickly. Peter looks over at her, 'Andrea, don't you think maybe, well what about poor Bucky? And it's Thanksgiving?' Andi stops, sighing, 'Dad, you're not really making sense.' Bucky calls her name, 'you'll be fine, don't wait up. I need the money, so put the puppy dog eyes away, Barnes.' She blows kisses to everyone and just like that she's gone.
Rosie beams at Bucky and kicks her feet in excitement, Bucky looks around the table and smiles awkwardly. 'Right, ok. Your turn, Bucky!' Peter calls.
At the tower, Steve strokes Amelia's hair, still sat in bed. Amelia is holding her phone up and leaning against Steve's shoulder, 'I like the song, but your line reading is terrible, couldn't you memorise the script?' She laughs and Steve sighs, 'it's pinned to the back of the shield, and I can't say I was that invested, not enough to learn it anyway.' Amelia's eyes widen at the video as a sea of girls, surround him. 'Umm, I can see why you went along with it, who are these lovely ladies?' Steve shakes his head, looking down, 'very funny, can we turn it off now?' Amelia continues watching the vintage footage. He tickles her sides and begs, 'please?' Amelia gives in and shuts her phone off, shouting 'oh, I know…' She lights up with an idea, 'Howling Commandos, tell me about them.' Steve sits up straight, more favourable on that idea. Amelia searches online and finds a black and white photo of them, 'I like his hat, Dugan, right?' Steve nods, taking the phone from her and squinting, she taps it for him and it zooms in closer. 'Yeah, he is a character, never without the hat.' He thinks back to asking them to fight, 'I was sure they would say no, didn't think anyone was crazy enough to follow me into the fight. And definitely not back in. Well, except that guy there,' he points out Bucky and Amelia smiles fondly.
'Who's that?' She asks, 'uh, Jones and Falsworth.' Amelia stares at the picture, 'are they still alive?' She asks quietly, 'have you seen any of them?' Steve nods, sitting back and pulling her close, 'yeah, some. Bucky wasn't ready, but maybe one day.' Amelia looks back at the picture, 'well they look like a great bunch, very reliable and hey! When Rosie has a history project one day, we know who will be helping her.' Steve watches her profile as she stares at the picture, he warms at the idea of the future, watching Rosie grow up, starting school. Amelia drops the phone onto the bed, cuddling up close and sighing, 'she will be eighteen before I know it, bringing a date home.' Steve's smile slips from his face and he goes rigid, coughing, sternly he mutters, 'no, not for a very long time. No.'
Amelia turns to look at Steve seriously, 'can I ask you about the attacks on New York?' Steve swallows and shakes his head, 'I make it my business to never discuss it with press.' Steve smirks a little and she can tell it's in defence and she questions if she should have asked at all. Amelia blushes, 'not even me?' Steve kisses her forehead, 'fine, I'll make an exception for you, what do you want to know?' Amelia doesn't really know, she wants to know everything and nothing all at once. 'Did you get hurt? It seems like everything changed after that, you know caped crusaders everywhere, turns out aliens are real! The Avengers were born, made my job even busier.' Steve laughs at her dramatic tone and frantic waving arms. He nods, considering her point of view, 'it was the first time we were really a team, we knew each of us was part of a bigger plan, at one point I didn't think Tony was the man for the job. But don't tell him I changed my mind.' Amelia strokes Steve's back, as he sits up and leans forward, talking about it seems to bring on an imaginary weight he slumps under.
'What about Sokovia?' Steve huffs, staring at his hands, 'that was… that was the last time I thought we aren't coming back from this and we all sort of made peace with it.' Amelia hopes that doesn't mean what she thinks it does, he continues, 'everything was different after, new recruits, Tony took a step back, but he still seems to find time to turn up at your place and torment me every day.' Amelia laughs and leans against Steve, kissing his shoulder. 'Then Thor disappeared, Clint can't make his mind up on retirement and we thought we'd even lost Bruce at one point.' Steve looks pensive and a little upset, Amelia whispers 'families, right?' Steve thinks on her words and nods slowly, knowing she's right, that's what they are, he pulls her close, 'yeah.' Amelia closes her eyes, 'I was at work when Sokovia… you know, suddenly this country was just sort of flying. We were watching the footage come in, it was crazy.' Amelia looks distracted and tries to lighten to mood, 'speaking of, I'm back in the office tomorrow.' Steve watches her play with her hair, plaiting a strand, 'you go in a lot for someone who's part time,' Amelia looks at him as if to say you can talk. 'Well, as I am part time, I always feel a bit on the back foot, so I try my best to give where I can. Oh no, wait, please don't offer me a job, I don't want to work with my sister, I have enough from just living with her.' Steve grins, Amelia softly asks, 'where was Bucky during the Sokovia events?' Steve sighs loudly, 'he came back just after, like I told you, just walked in. Sam was relieved, tired of chasing ghosts and dead leads.' Steve's forehead creases, 'hey, what about New York?' Amelia looks confused, 'the attack, where were you then?' She settles next to him, toying with his fingers, 'I had just gotten my job at the network and Andi insisted on a dry run of my commute. Super unnecessary, but she made me. We got bored half-way there and had a coffee. When we came out of the deli, a police officer told us the station was closed and we just grabbed a cab and went home, saw it on the news an hour later. We were blissfully unaware of the magnitude of it all.' Steve looks surprised by her fairly average story, turns out not everyone was running for their lives. 'We had Rosie, she was asleep in the stroller, so she must have been about eight months?' Steve pales and swallows at that part, Amelia looks over at his ghostly face, his thoughts clear, 'hey, hey, everyone's fine. And that's why you do it, to keep us ordinary people safe.'
Steve watches her, she looks so convincing and he decides to try and squash the image of them so close to that kind of danger.
Steve looks at her, offering a weak smile, 'hey, you hungry?' Amelia hesitates, but Steve can feel her tummy vibrating against him, lightening the mood. 'Come on, no one's here. I'll make you some eggs,' Steve offers happily. Amelia laughs 'eggs? Is that the most romantic meal you know?' Steve kisses her forehead, 'no, but it will get your strength up for later.' Amelia looks surprised at his flirty comment but nods in agreement. Looking around, she searches for some clothes, 'shit, I've really under-thought this. I have no shirt.' Steve steps out of bed and pulls on his sweats and a t-shirt, he reaches for a drawer and passes her a white undershirt. She gratefully accepts and struggles into it, while holding the sheet against her chest. 'You know, I've seen everything, right?' Amelia blushes and as her head pops out of the neck hole, she squirms 'it's different like this, I'm not breathing in or lying flat, I don't want you to see me.' Steve leans down and kisses the top of her head, 'you are ridiculous.' He offers her his hand and she stands up, the shirt falling mid-thigh, he looks at her smooth legs and decides joggers might be a good idea. He passes her a pair and she giggles, holding them up to herself, 'how's that list of yours coming?' She asks as she hops into the pants. Steve bends to pick up her discarded bra, recalling what he wrote, 'yeah, ok, Rosie and I did some painting.' Amelia smiles to herself, 'well, how about Brooklyn? Next weekend?' Steve stills and looks over at her, a smile slowly spreading over his face, 'yeah, that sounds good.' Amelia waves a hand at him, 'and she's in the nursery three days a week, so let me know whenever you're free and I will put my feet up, you can pick her up whenever, soldier.' Steve laughs and tries not to look too keen at the idea of collecting Rosie from day care.
Once dressed, Steve leads her to the kitchen in the main area. Amelia walks around and touches every appliance. 'God this is amazing, I wish this was my kitchen.' Steve just smiles at her; she's wearing his clothes and it feels comfortable. 'You know, I've been eyeing up that mixer in your place, still in its shrink wrap?' Steve smiles, 'will I ever see you again once I give it up?' Amelia leans against the worktop, 'crap, I can't believe you've seen through my plan.'
She sits on a stool and leans over, Steve remembers Rosie doing the same thing, 'so, just plain eggs or are you treating me to a frittata?' Steve looks panicked. 'You're not going to give me a hard-boiled egg, are you? At least scrambled on toast!' She announces as she spins in her seat and catches sight of herself in the dark of the windows. Amelia feels self-conscious and sits up straight. She pictures Steve telling her to be confident and she remembers she is wearing his shirt and she nailed coming over half naked, maybe she is being hard on herself. She slowly looks back at the dark window, smiling at Steve's reflection, as he searches for a pan.
'So what's going on back at your place, what's Rosie doing?' Amelia yawns, 'monopoly I think, so dull. Sorry, I know that's an unpopular opinion. In fact, this whole evening has been a raging win for me, missed out on the 'bored' game, amazing sex and one step closer to my mixer.' Steve shakes his head, his back to her as she leans over and checks him out.
'What time is it?' She asks him dreamily. Steve leans back, checking the oven, 'ten thirty,' he confirms. Amelia nods, looking around, 'no Bucky?' Steve shrugs, she gasps, 'he's probably at my place, staring at my sister with big blue eyes.' Steve mutters 'he was doing that to you earlier.' Amelia catches it and teases 'my, my, Captain, you are so jealous!' Steve shakes his head briskly, checking cupboards for the eggs. Amelia grins, 'you don't need to be, I am in love with someone else.' Steve smiles, with his back to her, 'oh, really, what's he like? Do I know him?' he calls over his shoulder.
When he turns around Natasha is stood behind Amelia. Amelia sees his face change and looks over her shoulder, jumping a little, 'shittttttt! You scared me!' Amelia looks at Nat, she looks beautiful, still dressed in work gear and Amelia looks down, feeling insecure.
'I just collected up Barton,' at the mention of his name, Clint appears, dumping his bags down. 'Happy Black Friday folks.' Steve nods in greeting, 'good weekend?' Clint stretches, 'yeah, too short, you know?' He spots Amelia and she gives him a small wave. 'Sleepover? He asks suggestively. Steve confidently replies, 'Amelia has family staying; they are tight on space.' She's surprised, Steve is never that direct, he normally gives himself away with blushes and stumbling words, he has clearly rehearsed this. Nat and Clint share a look, but leave it be. Clint asks, 'what are you cooking, Cap?' The other three occupants say all at once 'eggs.' Amelia raises an eyebrow, 'you make all of your fancy women eggs, do you?' Clint laughs 'ah hah, I knew it! This is a sleep-over of the benefits kind.' Natasha shakes her head, leaning in 'all he can do is eggs and trust me, there have been no other fancy women.' Amelia half smiles and her phone buzzes, she checks it and laughs to herself. Steve calls across, 'I do pasta as well, thank you and I even made you a sandwich once, Nat!'
Nat looks over Amelia's shoulder, 'ah, the Winter Soldier playing Monopoly. Obviously.' Amelia giggles to herself, typing a response. Another message flashes up, it's Andi again. There's a link and her sister has sent 'shit, look at this, better brace yourself.' Amelia panics, her heart rate picks up and as the web address loads she feels tense. When it finally displays on her small screen, she inhales loudly, 'oh my God.' She forgets the two agents leaning over her shoulder, until they both laugh and whistle lowly. 'Oh shit, Cap, you have been spotted,' Clint mocks. Amelia stares at the pictures, it's an article entitled, Cap's new she-ro? Amelia stares at the text, splattered with pictures of her and him at the diner that morning, leaning against the jukebox, saying goodbye beside the car and even one of Steve holding Rosie. Clint reads out, 'Cap's mystery brunette looked happy as they selected a song at the vintage jukebox at the small roadside diner.' Clint looks up at Steve who is staring blankly at them, 'I thought you only took me there?' Amelia's mouth is hanging open in horror, once again Clint points out, 'shit, they even got the kid.'
Amelia struggles for breath slightly, 'they put a shield over my baby's face...' There's a large cartoon shield, blocking Rosie's face and in another she is blurred out. Amelia is not so lucky, all she can see is her short height, her slouched shoulders and half-closed eyes. Clint looks up at Steve, 'do you want to see it?' He asks cautiously. Steve shakes his head tersely, Amelia feels worried, what if he's embarrassed to be seen with her. Amelia looks around the group, 'why would they do this? I'm a nobody!' Clint chuckles, throwing a thumb in Steve's direction, 'yeah, but he isn't.'
Natasha continues to read 'Daddy Cap is a new level of hot that we were just not prepared for, but hearts are breaking across the world, that this Avenger might be off the market.' Natasha smirks, 'can I call you Daddy Cap?' Amelia groans and rests her head on the counter. 'No' Steve commands firmly, Natasha senses the tension and pulls at Clint's arm, 'come on you, get unpacked and back to work. Cap, don't think we aren't talking about your choice of restaurant.'
'Night dad!' Clint calls, laughing to himself as the pair leave.
Once alone, Steve just watches Amelia's dropped head. He walks around and sits beside her, 'I'm so sorry, you don't deserve this.' Amelia sits up quickly, 'what are you sorry for? I thought you were embarrassed of me!?' Steve looks surprised, 'not remotely, but I don't like them in my business. You and Rosie deserve better.' Amelia offers a weak smile and looks back at her phone screen. 'At least they called her cute,' she mumbles. Steve pulls Amelia into hug, he looks over at the un-cracked eggs, he takes the phone from her and whispers, 'come on, let's get some rest.'
AN: Ok, I feel compelled to explain, my Geography is awful and I'm not American, I even looked at a map to pick a place for Amelia and Andi to live, it needed to be somewhere they could realistically drive to and a bit rural. Maine seemed perfect and looked amazing! I know Andi moans about it, but that's just for the story and I have no negative opinions of Maine! And I'm sure there is way more than just fish restaurants!
There were so many bits in this that were fun to write, Bucky's awkwardness and the magazine article.
Next up Bucky and Andi finally give the dating life a go. x