AN: We made it, Bucky is back in the dating game… almost! As always, apologies for any errors, thanks for reading, feel free to leave any comments :D 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 30: Bucky does Dating
Amelia slips in at six the next morning and spots Bucky asleep on the sofa. She creeps over, looking down at him, he's fully dressed and the blankets are down around his knees. She smiles at him and then a voice scares her, 'such a sweet boy.' Amelia looks up, with a hand over her heart, 'Dana, God, you made me jump.' Dana's wearing her robe and sipping tea, 'your sister took a shift at the bar and left poor Bucky here playing Monopoly with your dad and I.' Amelia chuckles and eyes Bucky again, tempted to wipe the hair from his eyes.
'Did you have a nice night?' Dana asks knowingly. Amelia nods shyly, pulling her coat tighter, 'yes, thank you for having Rosie, it meant we could really spend some time together.' Dana smiles and steps closer, sitting on the arm of a chair. 'It seems pretty serious?' Amelia nods, 'yes, I think it is serious, I'm… I really like him,' Amelia stutters and hesitates, 'uh, there are some pictures of us at the diner, online, in magazines. Sometimes I wonder… well, I'm not sure I'm good enough for him.' Dana walks up to her and gently holds her chin up, 'you are beautiful inside and out, Amelia. There's something about you and the warmth you exude, the room lights up. You need to get out there and own it, enjoy it, these are the best days.' Amelia stares at her seriously, her words genuinely touching her, 'until you believe it though, nothing else matters.' Dana backs away and nods, 'I do hope you will all come up for New Year,' she looks down sadly, 'Bucky reminds me of my Nathan, you can see his demons on his shoulders. Such a kind boy, hopefully with he will keep making steps, I can't imagine what he's seen.' They both look at him sadly, Dana adds, 'oh, don't wake him, he was out here watching TV all night, switching the channels constantly. Poor boy. Needs a damn good haircut, mind you.' Dana kisses Amelia's cheek, 'have a shower, we've got Rosie, oh, splurge, have a long old soak in the bath!' She sips her tea and disappears into their room. Amelia stares after her, smiling and touching her chest, feeling Steve's soft cotton shirt.
Bucky unfolds and stretches, asking, 'good night?' The movement catches Amelia's attention and she turns to look at him, he looks sweet, bleary eyed and sleepy. She nods, 'yeah, really nice. We missed you. I hear you creeped off here and your date ditched you.' Bucky stands and begins to fold the blanket, 'young Rosalyn and your folks kept me company, I like Dana, she's got the measure of your sister and she seems like a good person. Kicks ass at Monopoly as well.' Amelia smiles, knowing she feels the same, 'did you see the article?' she groans. He walks around and drapes the blanket on the couch, standing opposite her, 'yes and I know what you are thinking, but you looked great.' Amelia looks up suspiciously, 'you were awake just then.'
He walks to the door and as he leaves he calls 'you can't play a player. Enjoy your long soak!'
Saturday is the day of the big date and as Andi rides the elevator, she tries to press down the fluttering butterflies in her stomach. She reminds herself that it's only Bucky, they've done this before, but without the titles.
'You know, for a first date you could come up to the door at least,' she jokes as she hops into the truck. He looks down at her, black skinny jeans, small boots and a shirt that reads, winter is coming. She follows his gaze down, 'I don't watch it, but it made me think of you.' Bucky nods with a straight face. She straps in and twists around, ready to get going. Bucky starts the engine and the radio plays softly. 'Where are we going, Bucky Blue?' She asks excitedly, he looks in the rear view mirror, trying to remain calm and focused, gripping the steering wheel, 'just wait.'
Andi puts her window down and throws an arm out, turning the music up. 'Is this Stark's?' She asks, pointing at the speaker and the dash. Bucky nods, he's nervous, he hopes he has made a good choice for their date. 'I missed you this morning, you snuck off early.' He raises an eyebrow, 'hardly, you got up late.' Andi considers this, 'touché.'
'But still, did you sleep there? On the couch?' Bucky smirks at her surprised tone, 'Dana made me.' Andi scoffs, 'she made you.' Andi looks over at him, watching him scowl in concentration. 'I was a bit sad to see them go earlier, if I'm being honest, dad and Dana, but at least I get my bed back, Amelia kicks me all night.' Bucky lifts a brow, 'why do I suspect that's not the truth?'
They ride in a comfortable silence, soft rock and a gentle breeze filtering through. Both sparing the odd look across the car at the other.
They pull up outside a paint balling ranch and Andi stares open mouthed, 'you're kidding, you recall that you are a trained sniper? I'm going to be toast! This feels unfair, Barnes, if you wanted to show off you should have just taken your shirt off.' Bucky smirks, 'we can leave.' He goes to restart the car and she grabs his arm, 'oh hell no, we are doing this.' She gets out of the truck quickly and heads for the entrance. 'Have you been catching up on some films?' Andi asks with a smirk, Bucky looks at her confused, 'don't worry, forget that,' she quickly backtracks.
As they queue to enter she asks 'is this ok? No PTSD issues or painful reminders?' He shakes his head and repeats 'it's just like work.' It sounds like he's trying to convince himself. The couple in front look back at them at the mention of PTSD and Andi grins, offering an awkward wave.
At the counter, Bucky flashes a receipt on his phone and quotes Miller party. Andi looks at him, 'how progressive, if we get married, you could be James Miller.' She laughs and Bucky shuffles at the word marriage, gently holding her elbow, 'I was trying not to make a scene, but maybe leaving you at home was the way to achieve that!' He mutters through jesting gritted teeth.
The colleague shows them through, pointing to a row of jumpsuits and alternate footwear. He looks at Andi's heeled boots and then points at the basket of shoes. She looks at the grim basket of sneakers and makes a disgruntled face. Left alone, they both choose a suit and start to get ready. Bucky is relieved to see no one else is around, as he unzips his hoody, revealing his metal arm. He looks across and watches as Andi pulls her hair into plaits at either side of her head, 'jealous? You know I can braid yours, anytime you want?' He just stares at her unamused and then ushers her to hurry up. He rolls his eyes at her slow pace, thinking he could have chatted with her in a locker room back at the tower. He wonders why she's taking so long and a voice inside ponders, maybe she just likes being with you. The giddy romantic voice is always Steve, he scoffs out loud and Andi looks at him in concern.
Andi zips her overalls up and looks down at all the pockets, 'now, I know how you feel, Barnes,' she jokes. 'So, what do you keep in those pockets?' Bucky shakes his head, smiling, 'protection.' She smirks and steps in close, finishing his zip for him and whispering quietly, 'that sounds hopeful.' He chuckles at her and reaches for two pairs of goggles, throwing one at her to catch.
Andi turns to Bucky, 'hey, have you done this before?' Bucky sighs, wiping his brow, 'no. But how hard can it be?' Andi feels a little worried, 'how did you hear about it?' Bucky groans and tugs her towards the door, 'later kid, it will really ruin the romance, trust me.'
Once on the field, Andi starts to pull her goggles down and begins talking to Bucky, 'now, you might be a professional, but I am sneaky AF and this can go one of two ways.' Andi is interrupted by a shot to the leg and when she looks around, he isn't there chatting with her and wherever the shot came from, she can't see him. 'We hadn't started,' she shouts bitterly.
Another shot hits her side and she makes a run for it, ducking behind a tunnel of tyres, 'asshole' she mutters. Looking around for him, she spots a kid also playing and lowers her gun. Suddenly a paint balloon drops on her head and she looks up in time to see Bucky stood proudly on the tunnel. She looks down reaching for her gun and when she turns again, he has gone. Andi cries out in annoyance and spins, firing shots angrily at cut-outs. A voice says 'don't shoot your load too early.' As she turns, gun poised another balloon hits her neck. She sees Bucky's retreating form through her paint stained googles, 'well, you would know all about that wouldn't you!' She wipes her eyes and creeps over behind a bale of hay. She spots Bucky sneaking around and she fires a quick shot, just getting his heel. She cheers loudly and jumps in success, Bucky hits her back with three shots and calls 'don't get cocky, kid.' Andi ducks down and hears someone coming up behind her, she pulls a balloon off her belt and lobs it towards the person, she smiles proudly. 'Crap.' A boy stares up at her with blue paint dripping down his front. 'Shit, sorry.' He stares at her and then runs away, looking upset, she calls 'I'm sorry!' And then there's two shots to her back. Andi cries out in pain and Bucky shouts 'misdirection!' She fires at him, but he jumps above one shot and the other just misses him. He only has one paint spill on him and looking down Andi thinks she looks like a Pollock painting. 'Misdirection? Are you paying him? Poor guy!' Andi calls to the open space, unsure where he is.
A voice teases her, 'shooting a kid, that's low.' Looking around she can't see him. She creeps towards a wall and leans back against it. Mumbling to herself, she sniffs and makes painful noises. 'Ugh, oh shit, it hurts,' she clenches her ribs and breathes deeply. 'Fuck.' Lightly touching herself, she calls, 'Barnes, you got me.' She senses him beside her and he says softly 'you ok?' She almost feels bad, but turns to look at him, slapping two paint balloons onto his hair. 'HA HA, sucker! Misdirection my ass!' She shouts as she runs off, a line of paint bullets trail her and she throws herself into some hay.
There's a few other people running past, but it's fairly quiet, the sun is warm and Bucky leans against the same wall, smiling to himself. He hears her shout, 'maybe we need a safe word?' He smirks, 'you know in case things get too rough.' He smiles and asks her, 'like what?' Andi sneaks up to the other side of the wall and leans against it, back to back. 'Umm, how about commando?' He laughs and loads his gun, arming himself with a paint balloon. 'Could work,' he says, 'besides, thinking of Steve will certainly kill the moment.' Andi chuckles, 'I meant paint balling, but good to see where your mind is at!' She jumps around the corner and he has vanished, a whistle catches her attention and she looks up to see him drop two balloons on her.
'You scaled a wall?!' That's obviously cheating!' he jumps down beside her and grabs her by the waist and pushes balloons into her back and front. Andi splutters and laughs uncontrollably, she lowers her gun and let's off a shot. Bucky howls in pain, as it hits his toes at close range and he jumps back from her. Andi's smug grin turning to wide eyes, as she realises she has hurt him. 'Commando?' She asks quietly. 'I've got steel fingers, not toes, kid.' He hops on one foot and with little consideration she runs off and fires a shot back at a more acceptable distance. 'Hitting a man when he is down is not good conduct' he calls. She continues to run and trips over a tyre. Bucky struggles over to her and leans in, offering her a hand, 'another round?' She stands and runs off, 'don't make me go Winter Andi on you!'
Bucky watches her run away and smirks, he fires twice and she turns back, yelling, 'you missed! Not even close.' She screams as she slips on the missed shots, falling and sliding across the ground. Bucky hobbles over to her, looking down smugly, 'I never miss.'
In the changing room, Andi raves about his dirty tactics, laughing at how they are both covered in paint. Andi pulls her suit down to mid waist and there are pink blotches marking her skin, the paint has seeped through a little and she has wet patches from sweat and paint. She puts her hands on her hips, 'you play dirty, Barnes.' He walks towards her and smears paint across her cheek. 'That's how I survived.' Andi swallows and looks at him seriously, 'maybe you are lucky.' She traces red paint onto his cheek in a heart pattern and leans in whispering 'where have you been hiding, Barnes?' He knows what she means, they haven't been this close since before the whole Ryan thing. She always says those words to him, like she's trying to coax him out. He leans in closer and mumbles 'right here, waiting.' Andi pulls back at the last minute, 'that's a song you know?' He cuts her off with his mouth and presses himself into her. He's not sure how he has the confidence to do this in pubic. Wet cold paint touches her arms and shirt and she gasps at it. Bucky's still in his suit and he can feel the tacky paint, sticking them together. He pushes against her hard, forcing past her lips, Andi moans and opens up to him. She grips his shoulders and they fall into the row of new overalls, leaving paint stains in their wake. Andi weaves her hand through Bucky's hair, leaving yellow paint in his waves. She laughs against his mouth, clocking his yellow hair from the corner of her eye. He reaches into her rolled down overalls and grabs at her waist, pulling her close, stroking her ribs and grinding against her hips, it feels primal and like they've been apart for months. 'We can't do this here,' she almost chants to herself, her eyes are forced closed, she opens them and Bucky gathers her to lift her off the ground, 'we should do this here,' she quickly changes her mind. 'This might be the best date I've been on.' Bucky stops, surprised by the admission. 'Really?' Andi looks horrified, 'don't stop!' He quickly starts tugging at her overalls, kissing her neck as she moans against his hair, 'oh shit.'
Andi pulls back just in time to see a family about to walk in, hoping to collect some overalls. She laughs coyly and gives Bucky a hurry up eye. They change efficiently and drop their dirty overalls in the bin supplied. Once at the exit they look down, Bucky is spotless, apart from strands of yellow hair and a red heart on his cheek, Andi is covered in paint, streaks on her face and all over her shirt. Bucky laughs at her and then announces lunch as if it's an itinerary, 'but we got to walk, I don't want all this crap in my truck.' Andi laughs and allows him to lead her down the street. 'Is it really your truck?' Bucky just shrugs. 'Wait, so tell me, where did the paint balling idea come from?' Bucky drops her hand and pushes both of his into his pockets, looking shy. 'I have been trying to push myself, socially and on one of the miserable days I ate in the canteen, a woman in front was talking about this place.' Andi smiles warmly, 'that's sweet, Barnes.' He continues, 'she brought her eight year old here for his birthday, party of six, they even stored the birthday cake for her,' he recites it as if he's memorised the conversation. Andi laughs aloud, 'ok, I can see that bit isn't as romantic, but still I loved it, let's come again sometime.'
As they stand queuing for lunch, Andi scans the menu. 'Is this ok?' Bucky asks cautiously. Andi grabs his arm, 'hell yes, I love a dirty dawg.' Bucky smiles and rummages in his pocket for his wallet. As they wait, she confesses, 'you know I googled you.' He looks at her, unsure what that means, 'just after we first met. Looked you up online, I dig the eyeliner, I was big on Marilyn Manson at sixteen.' He just looks at her. They step up to the trailer, Andi orders, listing toppings until she practically runs out of breath. 'What? I'm hungry,' she explains turning to a smirking Bucky. He points to a bench, Andi follows closely behind, already eating her food. She begins eating as they walk, 'God, this is good, you are much better at this dating game than you think.' Bucky looks at the ground shyly, his pride swelling in his chest.
'I hope I don't offend you. We don't talk much about the winter thing or your past.' Bucky waves her off, trying to ignore her. She thinks about questioning him further but he cuts her off.
'Maine then? New year, do you want me to come?' Andi looks at him with a mouthful of food in surprise, 'do you want to come?' she asks slowly, chewing. He laughs and wipes ketchup off her face, but looking at the paint stains, he's not sure why he bothered. He doesn't answer and she helps him out, 'yes, I think you should be there, even just to see the torture chamber I grew up in,' she winces. 'Sorry, that was insensitive and it was very nice, just not a lot going on at times. The house is beautiful, though. No torture, at all, she moved out. Shit, I'm sorry, ignore me. I will stop talking now.' He smiles at her, 'don't beat yourself up.' Andi nods and happily munches on her food, 'the house is great…' She stops and her mouth hangs open as she realises something, 'unless they turned my room into a gym, Dana obviously lives there now.' Bucky chuckles at her and a couple walk by, staring at his arm. He stops laughing and looks down sadly. 'It will always be there, the arm.' Andi looks at him sadly, snapping back to reality, 'you could always have a flesh coloured one, or I could spray paint it for you?' he smirks at her. 'Rosie is a genius with glitter.' Bucky stares at her, 'you really don't care?' She shakes her head, speaking with a mouthful of food, 'no way, you're a fox, people stare because they are jealous.' Bucky scoffs at the notion.
She takes another bite of her hotdog and watches him, slowly chewing. 'So, you going to help me out of these clothes or what?' Bucky splutters on his lunch and looks at her, she never fails to catch his attention or surprise him. She just laughs at his face and looks around, 'not right now, calm down, Barnes.'
Andi looks at him and considers if she should ask the next question, 'do you ever have attacks? You know PTSD, panics?' Andi looks causal as she says this and Bucky doesn't know how to answer. 'Rarely,' he grumbles. He wants to change the topic quickly and asks, 'your mother?' She groans. 'What is the issue there?' Andi finishes the last mouthful and then looks around, 'she left us, what else is there to add?' Bucky stares at her, 'and Dana?' Andi sighs, sloughing down, 'I like her, I really do, but I've ducked her as long as I could and now I am having to make an effort and it pains me, but I think… I think I really like her.' Bucky is sceptical, 'don't you want your dad to be happy?' Andi gulps at a can of soda, nodding and swallowing, 'I'm not a monster! Of course, I do, but it's always been just us.' She folds her arms like a child, Bucky nudges her, 'hey, I am trying to be a friend, a boy kind of friend.' Andi giggles, 'I know, I am just bitter and twisted.' He raises a brow, 'hardly, what does that make me then?' She slurps her drink again, 'reformed.'
Bucky watches her profile, wondering what she's thinking, if she's really having fun, she looks off and quickly asks, 'I mean how gross is it for you, when your best friend keeps sneaking off to mount my sister?' Bucky coughs on his food, 'uh, when you put it like that, very.' Andi looks around the park, the wind gently picking up her hair, Bucky softly reaches out and strokes it away from her eyes.
'This was nice, Barnes, I had a really good time. You are quite the charmer when you want to be.' He looks mildly embarrassed, 'would you want to do it again?' She smiles, tilting her head back, towards the sun, 'I think I could be persuaded. Roller skating next?' He looks horrified at the notion and she just laughs at him. 'So where now?' She asks excitedly, Bucky rubs his chin and looks around, thinking this was it. 'Umm..' he starts, eyes flicking around anxiously, Andi places a hand on his arm, 'Barnes, it's fine, I am joking. Although, in this modern age, I don't expect you to do all the planning and I have a little surprise up my sleeve. Come on, let's go.'
Bucky steps over the threshold, looking around. The sun is setting and it's a little brisk. He looks out across the top of the nearby buildings and Andi steps close, 'I mean, it's not Avengers HQ, but it's a decent view.' Bucky looks around at the grey, empty rooftop. He wonders if this is what people still class as romantic these days. He watches Andi stroll to a storage box, 'what you got in there?' He asks, arms folded. 'Condoms!' She shouts carelessly, Bucky freezes, 'I'm kidding,' she assures him dryly. She pulls out a blanket and nods at two ropey patio chairs. 'And…' She bends down and grabs something else. 'I even got you your own, you know, so we don't have to share air.' She throws a second blanket at him and he looks down, muttering thanks.
Andi sits down and encourages him, 'come on, sit, sit!' Bucky squeezes his well-built frame into the foldaway chair and she stifles a laugh as it rocks beneath him and creaks. 'Comfy?' She asks with a grin, 'hardly,' he mumbles. 'Here,' she passes him a beer, he looks confused, 'from my box.' He raises a brow, 'your box?' Andi nods, 'yeah, pretty much, I've never seen anyone else up here and I faked the door was stuck and Amelia freaked one time. It was hilarious, so now she refuses to come up here. I come up sometimes by myself, when I've had it up to my neck in Disney songs.' Bucky watches her wrapping the blanket around herself, 'do you often have enough?' Andi shakes her head, 'no, no, just occasionally, doesn't everyone?' she looks down at the bottle in her hand, 'shit, I forgot a bottle opener, quick use your arm.' Bucky just stares at her, 'funny, give it to me.' He pulls the bottle top off with his teeth and she nods, accepting it back, 'impressive.'
'Soooo, how about a game?' Bucky looks sceptical, first he thinks of Monopoly and then he thinks back to never have I ever, 'you like a game, don't you?' She giggles, 'how bout twenty questions?' Bucky looks concerned, 'like that radio show?' Andi shrugs, 'I have no idea, but it's fun, getting to know each other more.' Bucky sits back relaxing a little, the folded blanket still at his feet. 'Twenty? Really?' Andi pulls her blanket over her head and gulps her drink, 'fine, ten each, we will split.' Bucky nods slowly, considering this, 'seems fair, I guess. Any rules?' Andi shakes her head, 'no, no rules, unless you have any? Do you have a safe word?' She smirks and he closes his eyes, tilting his head back, 'let's just start. Shall we? Ladies first.' Andi grins, pretending to think of her first question. 'Just so you know, I'm going first because I want to, not because I am a woman.' Bucky looks exhausted already, rubbing his face with his palm.
'What is the longest time you've had a girlfriend for?' Bucky gives in and cracks his own beer open. Spitting the bottle cap to one side, 'three months, apparently, but I don't remember, Steve told me, I don't even remember her name. I think… I think she had red hair, but it's all a bit of a blur.' He shuts his mouth and Andi discerns he's done with the topic. She nods at him, pointing her beer, 'see, simple! And now it's your turn, hit me!'
Bucky looks around, sighing and shrugging, settling for 'how's the job? He wipes his eyes and winces, awaiting her reaction. 'Boring! Do better!' Bucky watches her, 'just answer, kid, please.' Andi takes pity and answers, 'it's fine, it's actually... quite good, I like it. It's fast moving, lots to do, but don't tell anyone! I have a rep to protect.'
Andi leans in quickly, desperate to ask her question, 'do you think it's weird, you and me, Steve and Mia? Do you see double dates in our future?' Bucky shakes his head, 'that was two questions and no.' Andi groans, 'Bucky, you have to give me more, or this will be over very quickly.' He sips his beer, 'I think it's a turn up for the books, but it is what it is and I am sure one day, I will be submitted to a dinner, in a public place with Steve and Amelia, you might be there as well. Happy?' Andi shrugs, not entirely satisfied. 'If there's a free dinner, I will be there. When was the last time you went out-out for dinner?' Bucky shakes his head, 'it's my turn, not yours.'
'Can I call you Andrea?' She snorts, 'no, don't you dare. My go!' She considers her next question, 'do you ever wish I asked more about your history?' Bucky sits back and looks at the bottle in his hands, 'no, I like that you don't.' She nods, thinking he is done, 'I mean it's there, if you want to ask, but I'm enjoying… starting again… with you.' Andi smiles at him warmly, 'you're up, Barnes, make it a good one.'
'Why blonde?' Andi flicks her hair proudly, 'I've been blonde for seven years, I love it. It was a decision, my decision, this is me and this is who I want to be. I'm controlling how I'm seen, I like it. Side note, my mom hates it, so that's fun.' Bucky laughs at her smug grin, 'you'd do something just to get at her?' Andi looks at him, unsure if she should answer, he is breaking the rules with the extra question. 'No, it's more like a bonus that she doesn't care for it.'
Andi looks at him seriously, 'do you feel safe with me?' Bucky looks confused, 'what?' He pauses and then adds, 'I should be asking you that, doll.' Andi giggles at the name, 'Well I am a heartbreaker, Sarge, I just want to check in on you.' He rolls his eyes, but then becomes serious, 'I trust you.' Andi looks him in the eye, maintaining his gaze. 'Good to know,' she says lowly.
There's long silence, Bucky sits looks at the setting sun, 'do you feel safe with me?' Andi looks across at him, she reaches her leg out and taps his calf with her foot, 'yes, always.'
Bucky searches her face for a lie or an exaggeration, but she stays strong and he finds himself truly believing her. 'What's the worst thing to happen while you were sleeping?' The question brings him back to reality, 'nothing I want to relive.' Andi opens her mouth to protest, 'please? Can we just not do that.' She looks a little embarrassed, sinking low in her chair, the blanket falling over her eyes. 'It's improving, that's all you need to know. Now, sit up, it's my turn.' She's shocked by his positive tone and does as she's told, sitting and waiting for his next question. 'Do you regret leaving college?' Andi taps the bottle against a ring on her finger, 'I wonder where I would be now, job wise, but no. I think I'd still be paddle-less, but the direction life took might be different, who knows. But hey, had I stayed, I might not have ever met you, Mia's grand plan was to get a nine to five, something local, she was going to give up on TV. And then we would have never had that incredibly thrilling first meeting. You, me and Rosie!' Bucky half smiles, 'I guess not.'
'Shit, I'm not keeping count, that's bad! You asked me…' Bucky cuts her off, 'five. We are at five each.' Andi grins at him, 'it's me, isn't it?' He nods, 'ummmm… what do you miss most about the forties?' Bucky exhales a laugh and shakes his head, 'feeling comfortable, like I knew what the hell was going on around me. My family as well.' Andi tilts her head, listening sadly. 'You know you will get there, you will understand this brave new world, I mean look at Steve, he's a modern guy.' Bucky laughs a little, 'no one has ever used those words to describe Steve.'
He stares at the ground and eventually Andi calls his name softly, 'you ok? Do you wanna stop?' He looks up at her quickly, 'is this good for you, you and me? Whatever this is?' Andi's taken aback by the question.
She looks panicked, unsure of how to answer, unwilling to give too much away. 'Yes, being with you is good, makes me happy and therefore it's good for me.' Bucky watches her in surprise. 'You want another?' She asks pointing at his empty beer. He looks down, he didn't even realise he had finished it. He half nods and she stands, shirking the blanket and stretching high above her head. She strolls over to the box, shouting back, 'my question. What's your favourite thing about sex?' Bucky's eyes widen and he kicks himself for being so easily shocked, wondering when he became such a prude. 'Seriously?' Andi nods, walking back and dropping a bottle into his lap. 'Do the teeth thing,' she instructs passing him her beer. He spits the cap off again and Andi reminds him, 'you haven't answered.' He sits back and looks to the sky, closing his eyes.
She thinks he's not going to answer, he's gone very still, it's taking all her energy not to make a joke or distract, because she desperately wants to know the answer. 'That moment, afterwards, when you lie there, hearts racing. It's just you and the other person, there is nothing else, no evil, no bad guys, no war. Just you and this person that you've been honest with, you've shared yourself with.' Andi stills, surprised by the answer. She feels a heat shoot through herself and suddenly the cold breeze has no effect on her. She coughs shuffling forward, 'I gotta say, I'm shocked, I had you pegged as a love 'em and leave 'em type.' Bucky shakes his head, pointing his bottle at her 'wrong.' She giggles, 'well, I didn't get much pillow chat from you?' Bucky raises a brow, 'you fell asleep, that's why.' She laughs at him, sobering and leaning across, trying to be seductive, 'better try again then.' Bucky swallows and shuffles, blushing a little.
'Is it me?' He asks in a flustered tone. 'Have you ever thought about Steve? In that way?' Andi laughs loudly, kicking her feet and slapping the handles of the chair. 'What? You've asked me enough?' Bucky defends. Andi settles down, 'ughhhh, no. Just no. He and Amelia are perfect for one another and besides I like a bad boy.' Bucky just frowns at her, looking down at himself, 'well, you've outdone yourself then.' Andi giggles, 'Steve is handsome and sweet, don't get me wrong, but the moral speeches and the grandpa shirts, it's a turn off.' Bucky can't help but laugh at her assessment. 'Don't worry, Barnes, no competition there, he is pretty though and I know you secretly agree.' Bucky ignores her, 'come on, wipe that shit eating grin and get on with it,' he leans over and bats her knee.
'Do you want kids?' Bucky pauses with the beer to his lips, he lowers the bottle considering, he starts peeling at the label. 'I did. Once upon a time.' Andi rubs her arms, feeling cold. 'And now?' Bucky just smirks, he looks tired, 'not tonight, doll.' She watches him, as he distracts and tries to move on quickly. His words having a double meaning. 'I think you'd be a good dad, just so you know. That was for free, you didn't even have to use a question. But you never know how life is going to work out, look at Steve, I'd call him daddy if he asked me to.' Bucky is surprised by her initial compliment, then his face pulls into a look of disgust thinking about her calling Steve daddy. Hekeeps his mouth shut, thinking about his next question.
'So, Andi not Andrea, what did you do with the photos you took of me?' Andi chuckles, 'cut them out and stuck them in my journal, all over my wall, inside my locker, move over Justin Timberlake.' Bucky looks at her cautiously, 'not really?' Andi doesn't answer, smiling smugly.
'Would you watch Rosie, if we asked you to? Say we couldn't get a sitter one day.' Bucky sits thinking about the answer, 'maybe? Just for the minimum time period and no sleeping, or feeding, or changing!' Andi laughs, 'Bucky, she's four, not six months.' He apologises, asking quietly, 'would you and Amelia trust me to watch her?' Andi straightens, 'is this your question?' He tilts his head, asking her to answer. 'Yes, I would and I know Mia would, at the end of the day being vigilant is your day job and now baby-sitting is your part time number.' Andi flexes, proud of her joke and leaning back and putting her arms behind her head, 'your turn, good lookin'. Keep 'em comin', I'm getting cold.'
'What do you find most attractive in a guy?' Andi closes her eyes, enjoying the breeze on her face, 'easy. Sense of humour.' Bucky scoffs, 'once again, your choices are questionable,' he says pointing at himself. 'That's crap, you have a twinkle in those blue eyes of yours, your quick, sharp, witty and too darn hard on yourself! Is this like a forties trait, Steve's just as bad.' Bucky lightly blushes and looks down, his hair falling into his face. 'I'm not going to ask you the same thing, I imagine the answer might be 'a pulse.' Bucky looks surprised, 'you wound me, kid. Once upon a time maybe, but I'm a changed man.' Andi just smirks, sipping her beer, 'sure you are…'
Turning serious, Andi asks, 'if you could go back in time, would you? Go back and stop what happened? Not be here now.' Bucky shuffles in his seat. Pulling an anxious hand through his hair and then confessing, 'yes, of course. Who wouldn't?' Andi pushes her lips together, nodding and trying not to focus on the fact that he would give up his present to change his past. She knows she can't blame him for thinking that, he's right, who wouldn't? Who wouldn't change it, but a little part of her hurts. She would never meet him, never get to know him, she cusses herself, she can hear how selfish it sounds. 'I wish you had that chance, but at least you get a second shot, not a lot of people do.' She's warm and genuine, understanding his answer. Bucky looks over at her, noticing her downcast eyes, and realising what he's implied, 'shit, Andi…' She suddenly looks alert, 'no don't, I get it, just a little pride, nothing else, don't apologise. And it's your turn Buckeroo!' In her head she's thinking I'm just some girl, I'm no one, in fact, what am I to you. She shakes herself free of these thoughts,thinking I sound like my sister.
Bucky looks like he wants to say more, but she's offering him an over the top grin, nodding and telling him to go. 'Have you ever been in love?' He asks, surprising even himself. Andi covers her face with the blanket, sighing and looking over at him. She appears to be thinking and then she says, 'yes.' Bucky waits for more, not used to the quick, short answers from the mouthy blonde. 'Ok…' he responds. He looks around, it's getting quite dark now, 'Well, this is your last one kid, make it a good one.' Andi stands up and walks over to him, reaching out a hand, 'you staying over?' Bucky accepts her hand and heaves himself out of the rickety chair, 'that's the easiest question you've asked all night.'
…..
'I can't get the key in, when you are doing that!' Andi moans, as she scratches her key chain against the front door. Bucky pulls back from passionately kissing her neck and holds both hands up, 'happy?' Andi secretly misses his warmth, but finally gets the door to the flat open, exhaling in relief that the lights are off and everyone appears to be asleep, 'shit, how long were we up there?' She hears the door shut gently and senses him close behind her, turning to face him. She quickly bends and hits a lamp on, looking at him again, 'you can carry on now.' Before she knows it, he is kissing her soundly on the lips, cupping her face in his hand, his metal one cold from the night air. Bucky tugs at her zip up, between them, kissing her jaw and her neck frantically, 'thank you for taking me out, the date, it was…' Her eyes flutter closed as he nips and licks at her collar bone and he smirks at her sudden silence, pulling back a little and catching sight of her paint stained shirt. He places a soft kiss over her heart and offers 'I had a good time.' Andi's eyes fly open at the admission, sparkling in the low light of the lounge, 'kiss me, quick!' He pulls her close, capturing her mouth once again, they begin to sway in the direction of the couch and Bucky tears her sweater away from her arms, reaching for the hem of her ruined shirt. Breaking the kiss to tug it over her head, his eyes widen and he pauses. Andi looks panicked, 'what? What's wrong?' She looks down and gasps, 'oh my God, shit, they're everywhere,' she runs her fingers across numerous flourishing pink bruises, splattering her stomach, her chest, turning quickly to try and look around at her back. 'Crap, how many are there?' She asks dramatically, turning on the spot. Bucky feels a little confused, they look painful and he feels responsible, an overwhelming guilt settles in his gut. He swallows hard and before he gets chance to think about it, he asks, 'was it worth it?' Andi looks up at him slowly, his question seems bigger than just some bruises. She shuffles on her feet and quietly admits, 'well, yeah, obviously.'
Bucky watches her for a time and gradually circles behind her, she repeats her question, 'seriously, how many are there?' She's met with silence and then she feels his warm lips at the base of her back, where her jeans end. She feels them again in the centre of her arched back and again on her left shoulder blade. Her eyes shut, realising that he is counting, one or two sting, but otherwise it's nothing but bliss. He kisses the back of her shoulder, just above her elbow and circles around to face her, bending and kissing her rib cage on one side. Andi can feel herself losing control under his tender lips and she's definitely lost count. She starts to wonder if he's just kissing her now. She feels him tugging at her jeans and she keeps her eyes shut as he releases them and drags them down her legs. Again, she feels his lips, twice more on her thighs and when she slowly opens her eyes, he is stood face to face with her. All her wise cracks die on her lips at the sight of his serious expression and heated gaze. She thinks he might say something, but he leans forward and kisses just before her ear, his warm breath cascading on her cheek.
Andi's hands find the back of his shirt and she reaches underneath, she can feel where he is scarred and uneven, but it only makes her want him more. She tugs at his shirt and groans audibly when he helps pull it off. He pulls her back against him and kisses her again, gently swiping her hair away from her face. 'You know, I have a bedroom, I feel compelled to say that.' Bucky doesn't stop, pulling her closer by the waist, enjoying their skin to skin contact. Andi can feel a nagging at the back of her head reminding her that they are in the lounge, Rosie might come out. But that thought it wiped away as Bucky starts to walk her towards the couch again. She makes quick, but awkward work of his pants, knocking the coffee table. She halts and looks around, hoping no one has woken up. Bucky seems thoroughly unbothered and helps her, stepping out of his black jeans. Andi bites her lip looking at his boxers, she quickly looks him over and gasps, 'wait! You don't have one bruise! How is that possible!?' Bucky mutters for her to shut up and gently pushes her down onto the sofa. They can barely both fit, for the sheer amount of scatter cushions. Bucky starts chucking them off and Andi giggles into his chest. He looks perplexed, 'who needs all these cushions?' Andi laughs a bit louder and he immediately puts his metal hand over her mouth. He quickly pulls away, embarrassed. 'Sorry,' he apologises, she grabs his metal hand and places it on her chest, 'don't,' she simply instructs. She thinks he's secretly enjoying the risk factor of maybe getting caught.
Andi enjoys the feel of his cool fingers against her warm bruises, arching her back and writhing on the sofa. She then throws a leg over the back to allow him more space on top of her. Andi quickly looks over his shoulder, panicking she can hear something, 'she's in Amelia's room,' he confirms between kisses over her breasts. 'What? How the hell do you know that?' Bucky sighs and pulls back, 'nightlight is glowing from under the wrong door, her sippy cup is gone from the drainer and Mr Goose is behind you in the chair, she doesn't miss him because she has her mother.' Andi is equal parts touched and freaked out, 'wow, ok, Sherlock. That's reassuring but don't think I will forget the part where you said the words sippy cup.' Andi leans up and kisses him, pulling him close, whispering in his ear, 'is Mr Goose really behind me?' Bucky nods, smirking 'yeah, he can see everything.' Andi grins wickedly, 'ok, let's give him a show then.'
…..
Andi rolls over, snuggling into Bucky under two comforters, 'we can't stay here, we need to go to my room, Rosie…' she mutters through a yawn. Bucky smiles at her nonsensical musings, he strokes her hair, nodding, 'yeah, we will move, just ten more minutes.' He looks down at her, enjoying being with her. His mind flits to next week's interview, but he quickly shakes it off, confident he can suppress thoughts of it until the morning of. Andi is gently snoring under his arm, he knows she's right and they should move, but he's comfortable and dare he say it, relaxed. He closes his eyes, listening to her breathing as it becomes quieter and quieter…
Andi opens her eyes, squinting at the bright morning light, something woke her abruptly and she wonders what on earth… then she hears it again, louder and more aggressive. 'Shit, what the hell is happening?' looking around she realises they are still on the couch and must have slept there.
Bucky's eyes snap open, his internal voice bitterly chanting, 'you fell asleep! You idiot, you fell asleep!' He looks down at his and Andi's entangled bodies, leg's sticking out the blankets and spotting clothes scattered on the floor. He freezes at a loud bang.
'Good morning!' They both look up at the chipper voice, Amelia is stood there in her pyjamas, with two pan lids, using them like cymbals. Rosie is at her side, stood on the coffee table, beaming down at them, with a toy microphone 'morninggggggg!' Amelia bangs her pans for a third time, Rosie quickly covering her ears. Andi hides under the covers and Bucky winces in shame. Amelia places the lids on the coffee table and folds her arms, looking unimpressed. 'Good morning Andi, Bucky. Interesting story, Rosie came out to watch TV and quickly returned to wake me and tell me you were both dead on the sofa.' Amelia leans forward and tugs on the blanket, exposing Andi's blushing face. 'What I found was way worse!' Andi looks at Bucky sheepishly, 'the only time you actually fall asleep!' Rosie waves at Bucky, Amelia wipes her brow, 'at least tell me you are wearing something more under there?' Andi shifts, nodding, 'yes, of course! Well, actually, maybe not quite enough. Can you maybe give us a minute?' Amelia shakes her head, 'you have a bedroom for this kind of… stuff!' Bucky shifts to sit up and realises what Andi means, stopping to keep their modesty. 'Maybe we could keep this between us?' Andi asks timidly, Bucky groans knowing she means Steve. Amelia frowns at them, 'well I took a photo as leverage and evidence, so it depends how much better you can make this and quickly! Get up, both of you.' Rosie giggles, 'yeah! Both of you!' Amelia leaves with one final warning look. Rosie grins at them both, 'I'm happy you are here Uncle Bucky!' Her mother's voice summons her and she skips away merrily. Bucky starts to stand and the little girl reappears, 'Mr Goose! I found you!' Bucky covers up quickly, offering Rosie a forced smile.
Bucky groans once she leaves again, lying on his back, covering his face, 'I cannot believe you chose now to sleep, you promised me you'd wake me!' Bucky nods, 'I know. Look, I'm going to go.' Andi agrees, 'probably best… actually no, I've thought about it and you should stay, I will hear about this all freakin' day, you too should suffer the consequences.' When she looks up Bucky is pulling on the last of his clothes, she's impressed by his speed. He dumps Andi's clothes in a pile on her lap and she looks at them sadly, 'do you think I've broken my niece?' Bucky smirks and kisses her forehead, 'no, she's perfect, so are you.' Andi sits in stunned silence, only moving when she hears the front door close.
AN: Again, this was fun to write and a little sad at times, I made a list of the questions the might ask each other and picked the most suitable. Bucky's TV interview and debut is next x