Content warning: vague reference to past sexual assault, homophobia, fist fight, and sex.
Saturday morning was much slower, softer.
Avery woke up just the same, tangled between Bucky and Steve. She was curled up on Bucky's right side, head nestled into his shoulder and leg tucked up over his thighs. Behind her, Steve pressed closely, arm wrapped around her waist.
Bucky couldn't feel his arm when he woke up but he wasn't going to disturb the two slumbering beside him. Instead, he just tilted his head and smiled as he watched them both breathing. God, he could hardly believe this was happening still. The uncomfortable tension with Steve from weeks ago felt so fresh yet here they were. He wanted it to work out so badly.
And that scared the shit out of him.
Steve was the most constant factor in his life, even after all this time. Ever patient and understanding. Defensive and argumentative at times, but equally playful and understanding. Even when he didn't realize it, he always had Steve. The one person who believed in him, who fought for him, who loved him.
And Avery.
Sweet, sweet Avery. Her scrappy attitude and overwhelming kindness set up camp in his heart and soul, as if discovering a new land to explore. It was uncharted territory, still. It wasn't always going to be easy. But, she was his girl.
Their girl.
Bucky daydreamed about date nights. Cooking dinner together. Piling up on the couch. Holding hands with them both at the Bijou. Letting them both in, letting them both help and heal.
As an added bonus, if last night in the lake was any indication, they were all going to support each other. Take care of everyone's needs, share, touch, feel. Together. Bucky thought he might feel selfish and envious, picturing someone else indulging in an intimate moment with Avery. But if it was Steve, he couldn't contain his excitement. He felt generous and giving instead of selfish. He wanted Steve to feel good, Avery to feel even better.
God, if he could ensure both the people lying in bed beside him were always happy and safe and satisfied, that's all he needed.
The bed shuffled slightly and he looked over to see Steve stirring awake. His eyes drew open slowly, adjusting to the morning light streaming in. He raised his head slightly to look over at Bucky, marching his smile.
"Happy birthday, Stevie," Bucky said quietly, reaching his left hand over to brush against Steve's cheek. "How you feelin?"
"Happy as a clam," Steve replied, matching his tone. He leaned in and laid a small kiss on Avery's shoulder between them. A quiet him escaped her lips, content. She locked her arm around Bucky's chest but stretched out back into Steve behind her.
"Very happy, apparently," Avery murmured into Bucky's shoulder with a delicate laugh. Steve's morning arousal was not easy to conceal. He tried to shift away from her but she was quick to lock her hand around his wrist, keeping him hooked onto her waist. "It's okay, Steve."
Bucky moved his head to look at Avery, noticing a spark in her eyes. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips, nipping as he pulled away. "I'm gonna go for a run with Sam. He needs it after those s'mores."
Steve tried to pull himself up as Bucky slipped off the bed. "I'll come too."
"You can take a day off, birthday boy," Bucky insisted, shoving him back down. "Avery isn't volunteering to join so you should keep her company."
"Running is the worst," Avery added in, stretching her arms out onto Bucky's absent space.
After Bucky changed and left, banging on the door down the hall to wake up Sam (and everyone else, probably) Steve shifted, propping himself up on his left hand to look down at Avery. "Running is good for you, you know. Cardio is important for your health."
Avery turned her head and stared up at him, a small smile growing on her lips as she slid to her back. "Do you consciously slip into your Captain America voice or does it happen unintentionally?"
A laugh overflowed from Steve as he took in her question. He pursed his lips together as he looked at her, a heat pulsing through him. He felt so lucky - here he was on his 106th birthday, rolling his eyes at the most beautiful girl. Beautiful in mind, spirit, body. She was saucy and kind, playful and impulsive. She was going to be trouble for him and Bucky - that was clear already. Her eyes were gentle as she looked up at him, her smile soft. He could spend the whole day looking at her.
"I don't do it on purpose," Steve finally answered with a shrug. "It's sort of just part of me."
"Honestly, I kind of like it. It's.." Avery paused, scrunching up her face as she contemplated what to say. "It's bold. Kind of sexy."
"Only kind of? Wow," he replied, an exaggerated hurt look on his face. "It's my birthday and I only get kind of sexy?"
Avery let out a short laugh and quickly sat up on her knees, planting her hands on Steve's chest and pushing him flat down on the bed. She leaned down and pressed a kiss to his lips, moaning ever so gently as Steve's hands found her waist, shifting her to straddle him. His thumbs brushed against her hips, against the soft texture of her t-shirt (actually, it was Bucky's shirt). She nibbled on his lip before pulling away, propping herself up on one elbow on his chest, chin resting on her hand.
"Stevie, I think you're incredibly sexy. You have this..commanding, unyielding presence but at the same time, your heart is so big. You care so much - about your team, about doing good, about Bucky. And that's just.. much more sexy than how your back muscles ripple. Although that's also very appealing."
"You. You're on that list, too. I care about you, Avery."
Her smile was warm but didn't quite reach her eyes. "I didn't want to assume that."
Steve released his right hand from her hip and brought it up to brush against her cheek instead. "Of course I care about you. It's funny - I don't even remember those before days, before I felt..this for you. It happened without even realizing it, even. It was actually that day we went to the zoo -
Avery laughed, raising an eyebrow at him. "When you made fun of me for spouting off facts about the penguins?"
Steve pursed his lips into a smile. "Yes. That very day. We were walking through one of the exhibits and you made an excited comment about that famous polar bear -
"Gus!"
Steve nodded. "And the coveted photo you got outside his little spot when you were a kid. It was that day I figured out why Bucky liked you and I knew I was screwed if I didn't get a hold of my own feelings."
Avery wasn't sure how to reply. She closed her eyes and leaned into Steve's hand, content to feel his skin against her own. She collapsed down and rested her head directly on his chest, his warmth radiating into her.
Steve was warm. This was..warm.
His arms locked around her back, holding her still as she relaxed on top of his chest. He kissed the top of her head.
Avery was feeling like she might fall asleep. "Can you tell me about one of your best birthdays?"
"I was 13, I think. Bucky had made these big Independence Day plans for us. Jump in someone's truck, go down to the river or something. My mom was at work but I was feeling just worse for wear. Heavy humid summers did a number on my lungs." Steve paused, moving his hands gently along her back. Avery hummed quietly.
Content.
"So Bucky came home early, basically dragged me out of bed, and we sort of snuck into a series of neighbourhood barbecues, sneaking food and soda and I'm sure Buck nabbed a beer. We eventually climbed a fire escape and sat up on a rooftop and watched the fireworks. He'd make up dumb stories about the constellations and we would dream about our summer adventures."
Avery wasn't sure what she liked more - the way Steve's chest rumbled as he talked or the genuine joy in his tone as he recalled his memories with Bucky. She felt honoured that he would tell her something personal and close to his heart.
His heart was thumping steady and loud.
Maybe it was the soothing touch of his hands or his radiant warmth, but all Avery could feel was sleep returning to her. She grumbled quietly.
"Should probably go help with breakfast," she said to him, turning her head to meet his eyes.
"Why? Do they need someone to burn the eggs this morning?" Steve squeezed her side.
"Okay, that was mean," Avery replied, pouting her lips.
"Is that your angry face? Because it's not working, sweetheart." Steve grabbed her waist and suddenly flipped them over, looming atop her as he supported himself with his arms caged around her head. She continued to pout and scrunch up her face, trying to turn away from him as he kissed along her jaw.
She brought her hands up to his forearms. "I think I have a very good angry face, thank you very much."
"Sure, yeah. Of course. Hope I never have to really see it." He leaned down closer and pressed a kiss against her forehead. "How's your shoulder feeling?"
Avery shrugged, wiggling her left shoulder around. "Less sore this morning."
"Well, if you want a back massage to help, say the word." He collapsed down beside her on the bed, pulling her close to his torso under his arm. "Or I guess we should get up and face the day."
"Just..five more minutes of this, okay?" She closed her eyes, nuzzling her head into his neck.
"Like I can argue with that."
Steve didn't like to make a big deal out of his birthday. Of course the hands of fate had let him burst into the world on July 4th - an ironic twist of his life. People always thought it was a gimmick, a marketing ploy that Captain America shared his birthday with the great nation he served and protected. It overshadowed Steve Rogers.
Even when they were kids, Bucky tried to ensure Steve still got to be Steve on his birthday. Even if there was a neighborhood cookout, Bucky would insist on a birthday song for Steve. He'd make sure there wasn't a god awful ugly patriotic themed birthday cake. To him, Steve deserved the attention and love that day. It wasn't about the independence of their country, it was about his best friend having a day to himself.
Waking up with Avery and Bucky was the perfect start to his day.
Now, they had another warm day ahead. No boat ride, but there was talk of a touch football game, water sports, whatever a Sea-do was.
Steve headed back up towards the house after Lou had given them plenty of instructions about how they could spend their afternoon. He went on and on about the big barbecue feast he was preparing for dinner later, too. The man clearly loved Independence Day and Steve couldn't fault him for that.
At the top of the deck, Steve paused and resisted greeting Avery with a kiss when she smiled at him from her seat beside her cousin. "I don't want to jinx it, but Bucky said he was changing into his swim trunks. Wants to zip around on one of those machines." He crossed his arms, unintentionally flexing his arms against his white t-shirt.
Avery's face lit up as she listened to him. "Really? Yesssss. Even if he keeps his shirt on in the water, I will accept that." She jumped up from her seat and headed to the staircase, stopping herself from brushing against Steve. "You're coming too?"
He nodded with a smile. "Just gonna grab some water."
Avery smiled back, motioning for Kasey to head down to the cabin with her. Steve watched them go, giggling together as Avery shushed her cousin about some comment she made at the bottom of the stairs.
Steve just sighed to himself. This might turn into his favourite birthday in recent years. He headed into the house, making his way towards the fridge to grab a bottle of water. He grabbed a few, actually, figuring Avery and Bucky could use some hydration while out in the sun.
He paused before closing the fridge, hearing a few voices climbing up the stairs from the lower level. The basement of the house had a laundry room and one additional bedroom Avery's brother had been sleeping in. That was one of the voices Steve heard.
He didn't mean to eavesdrop - he blamed his sensitive hearing - but when he realized the second voice belonged to Charlie, he stilled.
"All I'm saying is, I wouldn't trust my sister with that guy."
"Charlie, you say that like I have a choice in who she dates."
"Nash, dude. He's an assassin. I know they tried to scrub his history off the Internet but it's still out there. He needs to be locked up. He's a weapon, a murderer."
Steve's grip on the handle of the fridge tightened. He had to pull away when he felt the metal collapsing under his palm.
He didn't hear Nash reply for a few seconds.
"What am I supposed to do about it?"
"First of all, get Lou's head out of Captain America's ass. Your dad has this flaw where he sees the best in people and if that murderer is best friends with Captain America, Lou is going to just see the gloss over it. There's no way he actually trusts him around her."
"Yeah, I see what you mean."
Their voices were getting clearer as they reached the main level of the house. Steve slowly shut the fridge door, leaving the water bottles on the counter.
"And what the fuck is up with his arm? Aren't you worried he might snap and go crazy? He could murder your sister in less than ten seconds. He's a monster."
As they turned the corner into the kitchen area, Steve let out a small cough. Charlie's eyes went wide for a second then narrowed, crossing his arms over his chest.
Nash just sighed. "Hey Steve, sorry if you heard all that. It's just -
Steve took one step forward towards them, hands at his side. "You might think you know and understand some things because you've read some old news articles. But I'm not going to sit here and ignore the ignorant things you just spouted off." Steve took a deep breath, narrowing his eyes at Charlie. "Bucky was a prisoner of war. His past is in the past and it's not something that he can undo."
"Listen, I get that you're his best friend, Cap." Charlie rolled his eyes. "Doesn't change the fact he killed a bunch of innocent people."
Steve cocked his head to the side. "I'm sure you have too, soldier. And most people, Bucky especially, are remorseful."
Nash took a step forward and raised his hand. "Steve, c'mon. Charlie is just mouthing off. You can back down. I trust my sister to know who she's dating and I'm not worried about it." Steve met his eyes. He didn't believe a word of what he said but Steve couldn't bear to push.
He was already riled up enough.
Steve took a step back, shaking his head. He grabbed the water bottles and let a smile grow across his face. "Let me just set one fact straight: Bucky could easily kill someone in less than ten seconds. But he would never - never - cause Avery harm."
Charlie opened his mouth to spit back at Steve but Nash threw his arm over to hit him in the chest. "Leave it alone, dude." Nash shook his head and stood tall, facing Steve before he left the room. "I realize he's your friend Steve, but you can understand my reservations."
Steve let out a short laugh, raising an eyebrow. "Your reservations?" His eyes darted between Nash and Charlie. "Maybe you should worry less about the people your sister spends time with and reflect on your own relationships, instead."
Avery sent the boys off to play around on the lake and decided on laying out in the sun instead. She wasn't certain she'd have the time to just relax like that for a while after this weekend, between work, finishing up the plans for Lora's bachelorette party and then the wedding. So, she parked herself on a blanket near the small sandy beach area beside the dock and let the rays of the sun warm her skin.
Kasey had somehow convinced Sam to go out in the canoe with her, much to his dismay. He seemed a bit captivated by the redhead and it didn't take much of an arm twist to get him in the small boat. But boy, was he going to complain.
Luke joined Bucky and Steve on the lake on the convoy of Sea-dos and surprisingly, Sienna asked Avery if she could lay out with her. She was happy to have the company, though Avery had been hoping to read a book quietly instead of talking to the blonde.
But, Avery had been too quick to judge the girl. She found out Sienna was actually getting a political science degree with the intention of getting into family law in the future. She had found out about the surplus of misplaced families and children when the blip happened and wanted to try and make a difference. Avery didn't mind the conversation - in fact, it was like they were becoming friends.
Their moment in the sun was interrupted soon enough by Nash and Charlie heading towards the dock, beers in hand.
Charlie paused beside the girls as Nash climbed onto the pontoon boat.
"Nice view, ladies," Charlie said as he scanned his eyes over both Avery and Sienna.
"Fuck off," Avery replied quickly, sitting up and crossing her arms over her chest. She tilted her head to look past him. "Nash, driving a boat intoxicated is still considered illegal."
"First beer of the day," Nash called out, flipping off his sister with a playful smile as he started up the boat. "You guys wanna come for a float?"
"With him? Hard pass," Sienna muttered out, rolling her eyes at Charlie.
Charlie looked at Avery again. "Nice suit, Avery. Did you pick that out for your boyfriend's boyfriend?"
"Porter, let's fucking go. Leave them alone." Nash called out again. Charlie turned with a final smirk and jogged towards the boat. Avery let out a frustrated groan as they left.
"Your bikini is cute," Sienna jumped in, pulling up her sunglasses to smile at Avery.
Avery laughed quietly to herself. She tried to talk Bucky out of the whole thing but he was insistent she put on the patriotic swimsuit he purchased for her. Admittedly, if it wasn't teetering on tacky, the cut of the suit was cute. The high waisted bottoms were flattering and reminiscent of a vintage look. And the top was a bit racy, with Captain America's shield and a pattern of stars a la the United States flag decorating the triangle cuts of fabric that covered her chest. She had been wearing a t-shirt still when Steve left on the water but she was eager for him to come back and see her.
"Thanks," Avery finally replied, laying back on the blanket again.
"Forgive my forwardness but you agree Charlie is awful, right?" Sienna continued. "Especially after what he did to you yesterday."
A hard laugh escaped Avery. "Yes. The worst human I've ever met, if we're being honest."
"He full on grabbed my ass under my skirt the first night we met. I couldn't even bear to tell Luke about it. He's such a sleaze."
Avery pursed her lips together, anger bubbling as she took in what Sienna said. Of course it didn't surprise her that Charlie was such a pig and harassed other women, too. But it made Avery feel so terrible for not standing up for herself or telling anyone what happened years ago. If she had been honest, would she have been able to stop Charlie from doing what he did to other people, like Sienna?
"Augh, I'm sorry Sienna. You don't deserve to be harassed like that," Avery said quietly.
Sienna shrugged. "Not the first time I've been touched without permission sadly but I hate pretending to like him for Luke's sake."
"I get that," Avery replied. They fell into a silence again, leaning back on the blankets. The warmth of the sun felt different now.
Thankfully, the far off sound of motors and laughter distracted Avery enough to shake her thoughts of Charlie fucking Porter. She quickly stood and looked towards the lake to see Steve, Bucky and Luke circling back. She adjusted her top and bounded down the dock, pushing her hair over to the side and waving at them to come in.
Bucky stopped in the water near the beach and Avery could already see he was doubled over laughing. Luke followed shortly after, doing the same.
"Oh god. What happened?" Avery placed a hand on her hip and narrowed her eyes at the two of them.
"Let's just say, I hope Sam didn't bring his phone during that canoe ride," Bucky replied to her with a smirk, running a hand through his wet hair.
Luke laughed along. "I trust Kasey knows how to get back in a capsized canoe."
Before Avery could reply, Bucky continued. "You look great, doll."
Steve rounded out their trio and he pulled up at the dock, cutting his engine and pulling off his sunglasses. When Avery turned to him with a coy smile, she watched as his head turned in slow motion. His eyes scanned over her, blinking a few times.
Steve brought a hand up to scrub against his jaw, which by now was covered in stubble from the last few days. "You've gotta be kidding me."
Avery took a few steps towards him, leaning her hand on the front handle of the water sport machine, eyebrow cocked. "What? Do I look that bad?" She chewed on her bottom lip for a few seconds. "It was Bucky's idea."
Steve's grip tightened on the handle and he shifted slightly on the seat. "Of course it was. No, I, uh. I love it." He leaned closer towards her. "If it was possible, I would throw you over my shoulder and take you inside and show you how much I love it." He swallowed hard. "Maybe two or three times."
"Steven Grant Rogers," Avery scolded him quietly, cheeks blushing red. "Don't get me all worked up now."
Steve took a deep breath and finally moved his hands down. "Wanna go for a ride?"
"Steve, there are people watching -
"I meant on this," Steve laughed, rolling his eyes and patting the empty space on the seat ahead of him.
Avery just smiled, grabbing a discarded life jacket off the dock and strapping it on. "I get to drive though."
Eventually, everyone seemed to make it back to the house. Sam and Kasey returned from their canoe adventure, mostly dried off and with smiles on their face. Although Sam did go on and on about how the other boys set him up to fail in front of the pretty girl. Afterwards, Avery gathered everyone available for a soccer game before dinner, much to the dismay of her brother.
"I just don't think all the testosterone here can handle touch football," Avery said to Nash as she tied her hair up in a ponytail. Her hands landed on her hips as he stared her down, trying to argue with her statement.
"Fine. We'll play soccer. But Steve and Bucky can't be on the same team.. Advanced speed and all."
Avery rolled her eyes but was happy her brother had conceded, at least. The lawn below the lower deck wasn't vast but it was enough space to set up a small game with their group. One 'net' was set up between an old chair and the firepit while a few stacks of discarded shoes made up the posts at the other end of the greenspace.
Lou was at the top of the deck, keeping an eye on the group from below while preparing his feast for the barbeque. Suzanne was up above them as well, glass of wine in hand as she took in the scene.
"Why don't we do teams of.. Vanished vs I don't know, not vanished?" Nash suggested, pausing to turn his baseball cap backwards, eyeing around the group.
Avery pursed her lips for a moment, somehow acting like the other team captain opposite her brother. "Okay. Let's see. That would be me, Sam, Bucky and.. Sienna. Which leaves you with Luke, Charlie, Steve, Kasey, Allie and Lora. So we'd be uneven."
"Oh, I am not playing. You guys are ruthless. I'm just here to cheer on whatever side Allie plays for," Lora said quickly, leaning into her fiancee for a moment before taking a seat near the firepit to watch.
"I'm also out. I did not sign up for cardio this weekend," Kasey said with a nod, joining her cousin in the spectator's area.
"Still uneven," Avery said to herself, glancing around.
"I'll play," Suzanne called from the deck, heading down the stairs. "Team Vanished."
Avery shot her a small smile, before turning back to her brother. "It's on, Felix."
"Yeah, yeah. You're going down, Felix," Nash called back to her, rolling his eyes with a laugh.
Avery waved for her team to gather in a dramatic little huddle, as if she had some sort of strategy.
"So, are we shirts or skins?" Sam joked, earning a stiff stare from Suzanne. "Shirts it is, ma'am."
The entire game, even just for fun and to blow off some energy before they all sat down for dinner, was surprisingly fun. Avery managed to dart her way through all of the blockades on the opposing team and even scored twice on Steve, who she was certain only took up the role as goalkeeper because he had the widest shoulders of the bunch.
"And you said you didn't care about running," Steve said to her with a laugh as he retrieved the soccer ball.
"I will do cardio if it is for a good cause," Avery replied to him, biting at her lip.
Steve just laughed back at her, muttering under his breath as they all continued the game.
There was a single moment where Avery's bottled up feelings - the unrelenting regret, the bitter anger, the euphoric rage - bubbled up over her warm heart. It took a single phrase uttered from Charlie, quiet enough that not everyone would hear him but just loud enough that someone nearby him would, that tipped her over the edge.
After Steve failed to stop an attempted goal from Bucky, he smiled wide at Bucky's celebratory cheer. Steve took a few steps forward and captured Bucky under his arms, in a headlock kind of thing, laughing loudly. Bucky wrestled his way out, matching his grin and ran his hand along Steve's back for a few moments.
It was a kind, gentle, easy moment of affection.
Then, Avery heard Charlie. They were both standing down near the other end of the 'field' but he must have known she was within earshot.
"What the fuck? Fags.."
It was as if time slowed down in that moment. Avery turned her head to the right, to see Charlie rolling his eyes and shaking his head, continuing to mutter to himself as he headed towards the picnic table. Before he could reach out and grab his beer, Avery was sprinting towards him.
She had gotten used to suppressing her bad memories with Charlie. It was difficult but she conceded he was a useless piece of shit and didn't deserve her wasting brainpower on him. It wasn't the right thing to do - letting him get away with harassing and assaulting women was the last thing Avery wanted, but at the time of each incident, she was at a loss. But she wouldn't tolerate his backwards attitude about the people she cared about. If Charlie was bold enough to utter out some underhanded homophobic comment about Steve and Bucky merely showing affection to each other, what other deep seated issues was he harbouring? Considering he was on the guest list for Lora and Allie's wedding, Avery couldn't bear the thought of him making archaic, inappropriate comments then either.
She didn't want to deal with Charlie Porter at all anymore.
Charlie fucking Porter didn't deserve the kindness of her family and Avery wasn't going to pretend his presence was necessary.
As she sprinted towards him, she shook her head, angry memories bubbling to the top of her mind.
"C'mon, Avery. I paid for dinner. The least you can do is blow me."
"Aw, don't cry now. You did fine, honey."
"I promise we can both get off this time."
"I'll scream." "Maybe that's what I want."
"I'm out of here. You've gotten fat since high school, by the way."
"It's mixed signals."
"Did you pick that out for your boyfriend's boyfriend?"
"He full on grabbed my ass under my skirt the first night we met. I couldn't even bear to tell Luke about it. He's such a sleaze."
"What the fuck? Fags.."
Before Avery could really formulate a plan for her rage and attack, she was leaping on Charlie's back. "You piece of shit!"
Charlie took a few steps back when he realized what was happening, doing his best to propel his momentum to shake her off. "What the fu-
"Avery Ray, have a little grace!"
"Ave!"
"Avery!"
She wasn't sure who was yelling out her name but someone was rushing over. She frankly didn't care. Charlie collapsed to his knees and threw his weight to the side, trying to get her off of his back.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?"
Avery just let out a loud scream, feeling a jolt of pain in her shoulder as he tried to fling her off, and released her arms from around his neck, turning to shove him against the chest, pushing him down onto the ground. He tumbled backwards, putting up his hands in front of his face to block her. She was about to throw herself on top of him when she felt arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her up and away from Charlie. She was quick to try and break free of the embrace, hands latching to the arms carrying her - one metal, one flesh.
Bucky tried to put her feet on the ground but she kept trying to lunge towards Charlie. "Ave, you've gotta calm down. What happened?"
It was Nash who rushed over and helped Charlie up off the ground, as everyone else from the soccer game made their way over to the scene.
"Avery, what the fuck?" Nash put himself between Charlie and his sister, who was kicking her legs out as Bucky held onto her.
"Your sister is a psycho," Charlie spat out, shaking his head and rubbing a hand against the back of his neck.
"I can't take it anymore," Avery shook her head, letting out a long exhale as she tapped on Bucky's arms to put her down. He did just that, but kept his hands on her shoulders. "Your best friend Charlie is a misogynistic, homophobic sexual predator and I can't look at his face any longer."
"What are you talking about?" Nash narrowed his eyes at Avery then turned to look at Charlie over his shoulder. "What did you do?"
"I didn't do shit. She's crazy, dude," Charlie replied, crossing his arms.
"I am not crazy!" Avery replied, trying to pull away from Bucky's hands with no luck. She closed her eyes, face scrunched in discomfort.
Steve and Sam had taken a few steps closer to the group, filling in the space between Charlie and Nash in case something escalated again. Everyone else fell back, quietly watching as the rest of the events unfolded.
Lora hurried inside to find the first aid kit, just in case.
Steve turned and looked over at Bucky and Avery, reaching over and grabbing a hold of her hand.
"Avery Ray," Nash took a step towards his sister, bringing his hand up and gently taking a hold of her chin. "Talk to me."
"Nash, dude, she-
"Shut the fuck up, Porter," Nash growled out, not bothering to turn around and acknowledge him directly.
When Avery opened her eyes, locking her gaze with Nash, she could feel her tears spilling over. "He sexually assaulted me..twice. I just can't hide that away anymore. Not when he just continues to get away with being such a terrible person."
Nash stilled, face stoic. "What do you mean assaulted you?"
Avery shrugged hard to shake off Bucky's hands and pulled away from Steve's grip too. She layered her arms tightly across her body, looking down as her brother's hand fell away. "Exactly what it sounds like. Why do you think I didn't tell you about our date all those years ago? And did he ever explain how he got that goose egg on his head after that night at the bar?" Her voice was low.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Nash's voice was growing louder as he took in what Avery was explaining to him.
She shrugged, just slightly, head shaking back and forth again and again. "He's your best friend, Nash. I just couldn't.." She trailed off, swallowing her sobs. "I wasn't sure you'd even believe me. Then, you were gone so often and so was he so I tried not to think about it.."
Avery looked up at her brother again, apprehensive about his reaction. When she met his eyes, they were soft but despondent. "Hey, I'm always on your team, Avery." Nash was wrapping her in a hug next, hand cradling behind her head and arm tightly around the small of her back. "God, I wish you had told me before." She relaxed her head against his chest for a few seconds, grateful.
He pulled away a few moments later, leaving his hand on her shoulder. Before either sibling could say anything else, Charlie's hand was on Nash's shoulder, turning him back towards his friend.
"Nash, dude, please let me explain -
Avery winced as he spoke, breath picking up at a surprising rate. Just as Bucky's hands returned to her shoulders, bringing her backwards towards his chest, Nash turned on a dime and his fist flew to crack against Charlie's face.
Charlie stumbled backward, grabbing a hold of his jaw. "Are you fucking serious, Nash? You really believe this dumb shit she's saying."
Avery's eyes grew wide as he tried to defend himself and she pulled on Bucky's embrace again, but she barely shifted under his grip.
"Avery, stop." Bucky's tone was firm. "Your shoulder is already hurt enough." He wouldn't admit it out loud, but he would have been more than happy to see Avery continue unleashing her anger on Charlie. But, Charlie had a lot of brute strength on her and the thought of letting her get hurt even more was not something Bucky could deal with.
And concentrating on Avery was the only thing keeping him from exploding.
When Charlie continued to defend himself, it was Steve who raced forward instead of Avery.
"You're a fucking tease, Avery! It's not like I ra-
Nash raised his hand again but Steve jumped in before him. Everyone watched in slow motion as Charlie's eyes grew wide with fear, the fist of Captain America flying through the air and colliding with the left side of his face. As time sped back up, Charlie was laid out on the ground, groaning in pain.
"Sorry, man. You pulled your first punch." Steve said from the side of his mouth, looking over towards Nash.
Nash opened his mouth to argue, then nodded slightly, agreeing. He shucked his foot forward and delivered a blow to the side of Charlie's ribs, then crouched down at his side. "I'm calling a you a cab and you are getting the fuck away from my family, Charlie. I don't want to hear another fucking word out of your mouth, got it?"
From the deck above, Lou called down towards them. "Give him a kick for me, too, son."
Everything felt uncomfortable following the soccer game, until Nash threw his friend into the back of an Uber. Everyone else seemed to keep their distance as the events unfolded.
Bucky had taken Avery inside the house where she had an incredibly awkward conversation with her father about everything. Lou seemed overwhelmed by the whole thing and a little out of his element, finally pulling Avery into a hug when she started to apologize for making such a scene on his birthday weekend.
"Avery Ray, stop that. Right now." He carried on to explain that he and Nash should be the ones apologizing - for subjecting her to such an uncomfortable situation, being around Charlie again and again for so long. It was clear that even Lou himself was dealing with a lot of guilt and as Bucky and Avery left the kitchen, she was certain her father was near tears himself.
Then, she and Bucky stowed away back to the cabin for a break, passing by Steve who had been looking for Lou.
A break. Something that could really just be categorized as Avery sobbing into his chest.
Bucky was sitting at the top of the bed against the wall, running a hand up and down Avery's back as she curled up against him. This entire time - from Avery's initial leap onto Charlie's back to this moment laying in bed, Bucky had been quiet and reserved. It had been taking everything in him to not seek out Charlie and get in on the action like everyone else had.
Bucky was mad - so mad - that someone had hurt Avery. Even if one of the incidents had happened years ago and there was really nothing he could do about it now. He kept thinking about that night in the parking lot - before he even really knew Avery, how she had been so resilient and honest, always fighting back even when she was in a compromised position. But that night - what if he had just gotten there quicker, saved her from slamming her head into Charlie's and taken care of the situation himself?
And even today, when she attacked him - would it have been the right thing for Bucky to do if he had proceeded to intervene? Would he feel better now if he had just pummeled the guy in the face instead?
No. No. He had to remember that wasn't what this was about.
This was about Avery and making sure she was safe. Plus, Steve got a punch in and that had been incredibly satisfying to see.
To Bucky, safe didn't just mean free from physical harm. That was important, of course. But it also meant safe in her mind. Was not intervening as she jumped on Charlie's back keeping her safe overall? Maybe not. But allowing her to get that out of her system and start to deal with the heavy feelings would help long term. Or so Bucky could only hope.
Even if this was a turning point, maybe a cathartic thing for her to unleash, he was fighting with himself if there was more he could do now.
Slowly but surely, Avery's sobs became less and less intense. She reached her hand up and gripped Bucky's shirt, nuzzling her head into the crook of his shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"
Bucky leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Nothing important, doll. How you feelin'?"
Avery sighed. "Tired. Embarrassed. Feels like I just ruined this whole weekend."
"You didn't," Bucky soothed.
"I'm sure my dad loved that I started a fist fight."
"I will admit that your method of attack was really questionable. Does your next self defense lesson need to be about how you shouldn't instigate the fight?"
Avery laughed, turning her head to look up at him. "I had plenty of backup. Like you or Steve or even Sam would have let him even try and fight me back." She paused. "Steve punching him was super hot, though."
Bucky smirked, slinking down the bed and pulling her up to lay on top, straddling his waist. "It was, wasn't it?" She continued to laugh and it was like music to his ears.
She was okay. Well, okay enough.
To him, her smile was enough to tell him she was going to at least survive the rest of the weekend without breaking down again.
"Steve is a protector by nature," Bucky continued, slowly trailing his hands up her thighs and holding onto her hips. "We're gonna keep you safe, Ave."
Avery pressed her hands against his chest and leaned forward to find Bucky's lips, answering him with a happy moan from her mouth. She wasn't sure why this sense of safety and protection was turning her on but knowing both Bucky and Steve had her best interests in mind, always, was super charging her emotions. She chewed at his lip, a groan escaping her throat as Bucky moved her hips against his.
"Nothin' happened with you and Stevie this morning?" Bucky asked quickly before moving his lips down towards her neck.
"N-no," she replied, breath hitching as he sucked on her skin.
Bucky pulled away. "Wow, you can lead a horse to water.."
"Stop it," Avery laughed, moving to sit up as his head fell back on the pillow. "Don't get me wrong..I wanted to, I think he did too but..we just cuddled and talked. I don't know. That was still nice though."
"That does sound nice."
Avery bit her lip. "Isn't this all sort of weird though? You really wouldn't mind if I had sex with Steve?"
"It's funny - if it was anyone else in the world but Stevie... It's not like you're cheatin' on me, you know?"
"I still think we all need to talk about this. The three of us." Avery trailed her fingers along Bucky's chest.
"I know. But until then, I'd say you two have gotta do whatever makes you feel good."
There was a faint knock at the door. "Just me."
Steve.
"Speak of the devil," Bucky muttered out, squeezing Avery's hips. They both turned and looked at Steve as he walked in, matching smirks on their faces.
Steve shut the door behind him and took a step towards the bed. "Sorry for interrupting."
"I'm not sure how this works but I think you of all people are allowed to interrupt," Avery said to him with a reassuring smile.
A faint blush crossed Steve's cheeks. He shook his head then motioned to Bucky. "Uh, Nash was looking for you."
Bucky nodded, gripping onto Avery and shifting his weight so she'd lay back on the bed. "I'll go find him. You should tap in for me here, punk. Avery was just telling me how hot it was that you punched someone for her."
"Hey," Avery swatted at Bucky as he ducked down to kiss her. He winked as he stood back up, heading towards the door.
"I've seen you punch so many bad guys I've become a bit desensitized," Bucky paused and brought his hand up to Steve's face, leaning in to give him a quick kiss. "Still hot though."
"Get out of here," Steve laughed, rolling his eyes and pushing Bucky towards the door.
Avery sat up on the bed and reached for Steve's hand. "Is there any way the back massage offer from this morning is still on the table?"
"Of course," Steve replied softly, holding onto her hand and letting her pull him onto the bed. He pressed a kiss against her lips then encouraged her to lay on her stomach.
Steve kneeled beside her for a moment, slowly dragging his fingers across her body. From her shoulders, down her spine, towards the small of her back, to the top of her ass. He grabbed the bottom hem of her t-shirt and moved it upwards. She understood his request, leaning up on her arms for a moment to pull her t-shirt up and over her head. She laid down again, now in just her bikini top and denim shorts.
"Can I untie this?" Steve asked quietly, fingers toying with the knot of her swimsuit.
"Yes," Avery replied, flipping her head on the pillow to look over at him. "Did you like it?"
Steve's eyes scanned along her bare back now as she pulled away the top after he pulled the strings. She tossed it to the side and he ran his hand over her bare back. Her skin was cool, smooth.
"The swimsuit?" Steve asked, continuing trailing his hands over her. "I don't wanna give Bucky the satisfaction but yes, I did. You looked adorable."
"Adorable?"
Steve laughed to himself. "And..so sexy." His voice was low. He shuffled to straddle her, careful not to press all his weight onto her back right away. "Is this okay?"
Avery assured him it was fine. Before she could even get any full words out, Steve's hands were pressing into her back. His touch was gentle but especially firm, finding knots and spots of tension she didn't even realize she was holding.
"Avery," Steve's words came out slowly, as if he was pacing himself along with his hands. "I just want to say..sorry. What Charlie did to you and..how you just packed it away after all this time, that wasn't fair."
"You had nothing to do with it, Steve."
"I know but.. I think you need to hear it. It wasn't your fault. The lack of decency for a man to treat a woman like that.. you shouldn't feel guilty for whatever consequences come out of this for him."
He felt her body still for a moment. Her voice was barely audible. "Thank you. For saying that."
He was calm, telling her to just relax as he continued on. His knuckles flexed against her shoulder blades, though he was careful not to put too much pressure on her left. When he grabbed the back of her neck, rolling his thumb deep into the tissue, a moan escaped her.
"I like that," she said into the pillow, relaxing further into the mattress.
"I do this for Bucky quite often. Especially if he's feeling anxious. Something about the pressure and release and physical contact really helps.."
"I can see how," Avery replied, reaching her arms out to the side and clutching the blanket. "Feels really good, Steve." She felt him still for just a moment, adjusting his position slightly. She could certainly feel him.
Pressure.. release.. physical contact..
"You know." Avery was feeling bold. After such a tumultuous afternoon, she wanted to feel something good. Considering most of the group was up at the house helping with dinner or just staying clear of the cabin to give Avery space, she thought this would be the perfect opportunity for her and Steve both to feel good. "This is nearly the exact position Bucky and I were in the first time we kissed. Well, we were on the floor of his training room and I was on top, but you get the idea."
There was a heavy pause before Steve moved his hands again. He let his body slide down on top of hers as his hands pressed along her spine. "Tell me what happened next." His lips grazed the back of her neck, kissing along her shoulder blades.
She let out a quiet whimper again as she felt his mouth against her skin. "Well, don't let him tell you otherwise but I made the first move.." Her body started to move as her breath picked up, revelling in his touch. "You know, hands, lips..all over. He eventually picked me up and took me to his bedroom.."
Steve's mouth continued to trail along her back, slowly moving down her spine as he shuffled his body, straddling the back of her legs instead of her lower back. He squeezed her hips then hooked his thumbs into the waistband of her shorts, starting to tug them down.
Avery lifted her hips, reaching beneath to undo the button on her waist. Steve shuffled back even further, entirely off the bed and pulled her shorts away. She was left in just a pair of black underwear and when she flipped over, propping herself up onto her elbows, eyes sparkling as she looked at him, Steve nearly collapsed.
Sure, it had been a long time since Steve had done anything physical with a woman. His last attempt at dating Sharon came to mind, somewhere deep in the five year mess. Their sex life had been inconsistent - much like their relationship and Sharon's overall presence in his life at the time.
But the way he was feeling now, anticipating this exact moment with Avery, was unlike anything he had dealt with before. This was..special, electric. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, hating even the half second he was shielded when he tore off his own shirt. He crawled up the bed, collapsing on top of her.
Avery's hands found his hair, running her fingers through his tresses and pulling gently as his lips wrestled with hers. Steve was soft, soft, soft. His body on top of hers was heavy, like a protective shield. Skin on skin, every touch between them felt so so good.
As Steve's mouth disappeared from her lips, a loud gasp sounded from Avery while he licked along her chest. His hands explored, pulling, and twisting here, kissing and biting there.
"You've gotta be quiet, sweetheart," Steve mumbled out against her neck. "Can you do that for me?"
Avery nearly died at his tone. Demanding yet gentle.
She could do anything for him.
"Mmhmm," she said, chewing her bottom lip, nodding as Steve's mouth continued whatever it was doing. She stretched out her arms, clutching onto the bed sheets as Steve's hand moved down towards her waistband.
"Yesterday you said everything from the waist up," he said with a smirk, slipping his finger under the elastic.
Avery propped herself up for a moment to meet his lips. "I would say waist down is fair game, now, too."
She was barely done her sentence when Steve's fingers dipped towards her center, running up and down the arousal she could not hide.
"Damn," he murmured out, slowly circling his index finger around her. "Is this because of me?"
Avery moaned out a yes between her closed lips.
She writhed under his touch, moving to shove down her underwear. Steve took over and pulled them down her legs, tossing them off the bed. "Need you, Stevie. Please."
"Not yet. Just...I need to," Steve fumbled through his words, looking up towards Avery on the bed. "Taste."
He paused, raising an eyebrow briefly. "Can I -
"Yes, please."
She sighed as his tongue lapped against her. Her quiet breathing escalated quickly into moaning as he worked, and he reached to squeeze her hip as a reminder to be quiet. Without moving his head, Steve reached to shake off his own shorts, desperate for his own escape.
"Please," Avery whined out again. She wasn't entirely sure what she was asking for - maybe for him to keep going, to make her legs shake with his tongue and fingers, or for him to just.. fuck her.
That was.. definitely what she wanted.
She needed it.
She couldn't get another word out before Steve picked up the pace - he could feel her clenching around his fingers, breath becoming more and more erratic. She pleaded his name quietly, bucking her hips upwards. He encouraged her to just let go and his jaw dropped open in awe as the feeling rushed through her body, toes curled at his side, legs quivering.
"You okay?" Steve was half kidding when he asked but her closed eyes and panting breath was a bit concerning.
She nodded, reaching out for him. "Yes, very okay." He crawled up the bed and pressed his lips to hers. It occurred to her suddenly that she was tasting herself on him and while she thought she would feel embarrassed, she instead felt even more turned on somehow. "Need you.."
"I'm realizing now I don't have a condom. Unless Bucky thought to…" Steve said suddenly, propping himself up above her.
"That's okay. Bucky and I don't.. he's the only person I.." Avery trailed off. "I want you, Steve. And I trust you." He met her gaze. "I've been on birth control for years… but we can wait if you don't want -
That was enough permission for him. He pressed another kiss, hard, to her lips. With his hips aligned in between her legs, Steve was slow and steady, patient and willing to go at whatever speed needed for her to adjust.
"Holy shit." She gasped as he started to move and a content smile grew on her face.
Again, were these boys blessed because of the super serum? Because, oh, she was a touch uncomfortable until she got used to Steve's size.
"Good?" Steve smiled down at her, occasionally letting an equally quiet grunt leave his own mouth.
"So..so good," she replied, closing her eyes and pressing her head into the pillow. Steve's pace increased just a bit, hooking his left hand underneath her waist and reaching his right hand up to grab her left. He reached their hands up above her head, tangling his fingers with hers as he found her mouth.
Somehow, it felt quick and slow all at once. Everytime Avery felt like screaming out, Steve managed to quiet her with his lips, whispering his thoughts into her ear.
He didn't let go of her hand the whole time, as if they were tethered at the palm.
"Harder," she whispered, reaching her free hand up to cradle Steve's face.
"I don't know if you or the bed can take it, sweetheart," Steve replied with a chuckle, leaning in to nip at her lips.
"Try me," she replied, narrowing her eyebrows into a defensive look. "I'll tell you if it's too much."
Steve thought for a second then nodded, giving in to her request. Using his left hand, he pushed up her right leg, bending it slightly to change his angle and increase his leverage. His pace increased, just as she asked. He controlled himself as best as possible, but he thrusted with an incredible passion, with a steady, thorough rhythm. He gripped her leg tighter, fingers pressing deep into the soft skin of her thigh.
"Ohhh fuck," Avery cried out, biting down on her lip to try and contain her volume. "Yes, yes, oh my god Steve."
"Shhh," Steve bit his own lip as he watched her come undone, calling out her climax under her breath. She clamped tightly around him, sending Steve over the edge just the same. His lips locked with hers as they both came down, breath heavy. Steve fell over onto his back beside her.
Before either of them could formulate a sentence, there was a knock at the door. "You two about done?"
Bucky fucking Barnes walked in with a smug smirk on his face, laughing to himself as Avery tried to hide under the sheets and Steve rolled his eyes.
Bucky had a warm washcloth in his hand and he tossed it towards Steve.
"Really Buck," Steve murmured out, catching the damp cloth in his hand. He turned to Avery. "You okay?"
She pulled down the sheet, sending a glare in Bucky's direction. God, she could just kill him.
"I'm great, Stevie," she replied, maintaining her eye contact with Bucky across the room. "Can you do me a quick favour and punch one more person in the face on my behalf?"
The ultimate wrap up to the 4th of July weekend was Lou Felix's barbecue feast. He always went above and beyond, working at the grill and ensuring each and every side dish was exactly right for the family's guests. Lora stepped in and did most of the prep work, Allie acting as sous chef, and by the time everyone sat down at the large table on the deck, there was quite the feast to be enjoyed.
Avery finally felt relaxed - really relaxed - as she sat and enjoyed her dinner. She didn't realize the boundary she had put up in her mind that seemed to have disappeared now. Whether it was relieving herself of the years of guilt and bad feelings surrounding Charlie or the physical activity with Steve that finally mellowed her out, she wasn't sure. But as she picked away at her dinner, watching down the table as everyone talked and laughed, she had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.
Maybe it was just her imagination but everyone seemed more relaxed with one less person joining their meal. Nash, especially, seemed more comfortable.
Avery made a conscious effort to sit beside Suzanne and get to know her better. She was still apprehensive and admittedly a bit uncomfortable about the idea of her dad spending time with a woman who wasn't her mom, but seeing them get along and interact all weekend helped a bit. And the more she got to know Suzanne, or Suzie as Lou liked to use, the more she realized they had a lot in common.
Suzanne has vanished during the snap, returning seconds later to her husband having remarried and abandoned their home. She told Avery how she spiraled and lost hope, only regaining some semblance of normalcy when she developed a new routine and better attitude. That led her to taking a class at a community center in her new neighbourhood where she met a retired army general who was volunteering at a veterans event.
"You should ask your father about the ballroom dancing class we took," Suzanne said with a coy smile, taking a long sip of her red wine.
Avery laughed, gasping dramatically. "I have never in my life seen Lou even try to dance. He blames his lack of proper feet for misleading him always."
Across the table, Bucky had been watching Avery throughout dinner. She seemed to be glowing now, a carefree cadence to her laugh as she talked with her father's partner. It put him at ease, seeing her anxiety and stress free finally. Even though she had been enjoying her weekend, he could tell that something had shifted in her now. He could see it in her smile - he loved her smile - and how it always reached her eyes.
Earlier, after he left her with Steve and all their sexual tension, he had found her brother down near the fire pit.
"Steve said you were looking for me?"
Nash was sitting and staring into the dry, leftover ashes in the circular fire pit. He nodded, just barely, motioning for Bucky to take a seat.
They both sat there in silence for a few minutes.
"Listen, Bucky. I don't know where to start. I understand what happened in your past was not something you agreed to. It still happened and maybe that's not always going to be front of mind for me." Nash paused, finally looking up towards him. "But today, I saw your restraint. I did. When everything happened with Porter, you held back."
Bucky pursed his lips together. "I wanted to crush his windpipe, trust me."
"But you didn't. Instead, your priority was my sister. That didn't go unnoticed. In fact, you've gained a ton of my respect because of it."
"I appreciate that." Bucky shuffled forward in his seat and shifted to look at Nash. "I did it for her sake. Not to prove myself respectable to you or your dad or anyone else. Avery is important to me."
Nash just nodded. More silence followed. Eventually, a small smile grew on his face. "Honestly, if you're willing to put up with Avery, especially after that episode today, you have my blessing. Even though I know you don't need it nor did you ask for it. I just.. get a bit nervous, I worry about.."
Bucky swallowed the lump in his throat. "You're worried you're gonna lose her again."
Nash glanced back to the empty fire pit. "Yeah."
"I get it." Bucky reached his hand out and clamped it on his shoulder. "Between me and Steve, she'll be safe. I promise you that."
Nash nodded again. "Not that she needs your protection or mine. God, she's always been a fighter. You know she was actually asked to leave a karate class when she was a kid?"
Bucky knew he and Nash were likely never going to be friends but at least there was an understanding. That was all he could ask for as their weekend came to a close.
Bucky caught Avery's gaze for a brief moment as she reached across the table to grab something, her smile soft, cheeks suntouched red. She just looked so.. Was beautiful the word he wanted to use?
Her sun kissed shoulders were covered in a sky of freckles now. She was dressed in a simple little floral sundress - after discovering a hand shaped bruise forming on the back of her right thigh from Steve, they all thought covering up her legs as much as possible was the right choice - and under the fading pink sky, she was just glowing with a warm, content feeling. When she smiled at him, Bucky felt that hit him deep in his heart.
He had to resist touching his own chest in case it was actually glowing.
Allie came over as dinner ended, whispering in Avery's ear then leading her inside. They cleared some dishes then returned with two large pans of dessert, with flickering candles on top. A terribly offkey rendition of Happy Birthday started, led by Sam. In front of Lou went a peach cobbler while Steve was presented with a chocolate cake, both desserts having been prepared by Kasey, Allie and Sam the day before.
There was an apple pie for America's birthday, too.
After dinner was cleaned up and the night sky was rolling in, littering the sky with stars, Lou gathered everyone in the kitchen. Their whole group stood surrounding the kitchen island and all that sat in front of them was a bottle of whiskey and a stack of shot glasses. Avery stood in front of Bucky, who was leaning back against the kitchen counter. His left arm was tucked around her waist as she leaned into him. Steve stood at their side.
"For all you newcomers," Lou started, motioning his hand around the space. "This is Felix tradition." Nash stepped up beside him and lined up the shot glasses as Lou popped open the bottle of amber coloured liquor.
"We do this together to celebrate exactly that, being together. But, this is also for those who aren't with us here anymore." Lou filled the glasses with a steady hand, as if this was something he was used to doing over the years. "I'm not asking all of you to unpack your trauma and loss, but we like to toast to those we've lost over the years. Out loud, if you want. To yourself. That's okay."
Once everyone had the small glass - following Steve's quickly shut down argument about how Lou shouldn't waste top shelf liquor on him and Bucky - Lou raised his hand.
"This is for my Marie and our Jeremy."
Avery glanced towards her brother and sister across the circle.
"To mom and Jer-bear."
"For Jeremy -
"For Leanna -
"To my abuela -
"For Riley -
"For Nat and Tony -
"To my mom and dad -
"For Auntie Marie -
"For the Commandos -
"To Chester -
Lou raised his hand high as they all drank together, a series of reactions sounding out afterwards as the whiskey was felt on everyone's throats.
When they were finished, Nash clapped his hands together and raised an eyebrow. "Now, I don't think I will ever have this opportunity again but please tell me I get to play beer pong with Captain America now."
While Lou and Suzanne headed out to start a fire, somehow the great room of the lake house was transformed into some sort of frat party. Even though Steve reminded Nash and Luke again and again that going head to head at beer pong with him and Bucky was not going to work in their favour, the boys continued on.
Bucky had never played beer pong before, but the premise of getting a tiny white ball into the cup across the table was easy enough. Between him and Steve and their tactical aim, they didn't miss one shot. Avery watched them from across the room, where the girls and Sam were all sprawled out across the couches playing some card game they had turned into a drinking game.
Between the sun, sex, alcohol, and watching Steve and Bucky smile from across the room, Avery was feeling some sort of inebriated. It probably didn't help that her cousin was keeping Avery's plastic cup full all evening.
"Okay, okay, fine. Aside from the ones in the room, who is your favourite Avenger then?" Sam was on beer number four or five, and while his question was clearly being directed in a flirty way at Kasey as they snuggled against each other on one end of the couch, it seemed to prompt enough discussion to engage their whole group. The boys' game of beer pong had ceased and they were just standing around chatting.
Avery turned her head to look towards Steve and Bucky in the kitchen as Sienna started rambling on about Thor and Allie defended her arguments for the Hulk.
As if it was planned, Bucky and Steve both turned their heads and met her gaze at the same time, laughing at the dopey smile on her face. She couldn't believe they were hers. Not that this was a possessive relationship but .. those two centenarians, hot bodies balanced with kind hearts, were hers.
She still couldn't believe it.
"What about Ant-Man?" Luke jumped in from across the room. "He's an Avenger, right?"
Sam laughed. "I mean, technically."
"What?" Avery's head turned around quickly, pausing to take a big gulp of her drink. "Ant-Man definitely isn't real."
"Yes, he is, doll." Bucky jumped in, laughing in awe at her commentary. "In fact, we have video footage of him kicking Sam's ass."
"I would love to see that," Kasey said with a smirk.
"I thought we agreed to scrub that security footage, Cap," Sam complained, leaning back into the couch. "Trust me Avery, he's real."
"No. No way. That's some sort of Stark technology illusion." Avery shook her head, arms crossed over her chest. "That video of him in that lake in California? As big as Godzilla? Fake."
"That was the ocean, Ave," Steve added in, tilting his head slightly. "Maybe we should cut you off."
"Hey," Avery turned back towards them, an angry pout on her face. "Just because I'm airing my honest opinions about the fake Avenger Ant-Man does not mean I'm drunk."
"No, I think it's the fourth shot that pushed you over the edge, actually," Lora jumped in, tossing the cards down on the coffee table before her. "Speaking of. I say we do one more before the fireworks?"
Lou reluctantly let the group of drunk adults get onto his pontoon boat. The family patriarch soon realized his grown up children made their own choices and if that meant getting drunk, they had their own actions to deal with. But despite that, he would still honour the tradition of watching the fireworks out on the lake.
Avery didn't realize how lightheaded she was until she stood up off the couch. Which is why she took her preferred mode of transportation down towards the boat - Steve's back.
Bucky trailed behind the whole group, alongside Allie. He had Avery's discarded sweater in his hands.
"The Felix family crest has a saying, you know," Allie started, nudging Bucky with her elbow as they trailed down the stairs onto the lawn. "Non tractamus spirituum."
"Really?" Bucky turned his head to look towards her, catching her amused smile.
"Yeah. It means 'cannot handle spirits' - I've never seen Lora without a hangover yet.." Allie trailed off, pointing out the loud laughter of her fiancee down on the dock. "She doesn't hold back."
"Drunk Avery threw up in front of me twice. Before we were even dating," Bucky replied to her, laughing at the recalled memories as they walked across the lawn. "Hungover Avery is funny, though."
Bucky paused to watch as Steve helped Avery off his back, putting his hand on her shoulder as they walked onto the boat. He smiled to himself.
That warm feeling in his chest resurfaced again.
"You know," Allie's voice was quiet and slow. "Love comes to us in really unexpected ways sometimes." She reached her hand out and grabbed Bucky's left hand for a moment. "Just remember that it doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. If you and Steve and Avery are happy together, that is what's important."
Bucky's mouth dropped open slowly, turning to look at Allie directly. Even in the dull moonlight, her coy smile was shining bright. "Huh."
"Oh, come on. My emotions are a blessing and a curse. All three of you are oozing love this weekend, it's honestly a bit exhausting," Allie released his hand and gave him a soft push towards the boat. "Go, be with your lovers."
Before Lou started the motor, he paused to find Bucky, Sam and Steve on the boat. "Now, these fireworks happen off the far side of the lake. We won't get too close, but it can still be loud. I know you all said you were fine with it, but.. If you need earplugs, I've got em."
Avery couldn't stop smiling. Her cheeks were flushed and warm, leaning into Bucky on one of the couch seats at the front of the pontoon boat. Her face was flat against his left arm and she was particularly enjoying how the metal felt against her skin. One of her legs was draped up on the seat, hooked over Steve's legs beside her. His hand was on her knee, drawing small circles on her skin with his thumb.
It was subtle, how the three of them found a way to be touching, even in the darkness. But Avery felt it. Not only against her skin, but deep down in her chest.
She couldn't stop smiling.
Under the bright stars in the sky, in the middle of the lake, the boat motor was shut off and the anchor dropped. A few other boats from nearby houses joined them, at a distance. When the fireworks started, lighting up the sky across the way, the conversation stopped. For however long the show above them lasted, life seemed to exist on another level.
Just for those long, extended moments, Avery felt like she was in another life. A life where each and every step she had taken had led her to this very moment. Where she was destined for this moment - to be paused in time with two men she loved, enjoying their company and their gentle touch.
Love.
Avery closed her eyes for a moment.
Bucky's right hand found her cheek next, fingers grazing her skin. "If you're going to throw up, maybe direct it off the boat."
She laughed, leaning into his hand. "I'm not going to throw up."
Steve squeezed her knee. "Are you okay?"
Avery just nodded, reaching out to grab Steve's hand. She tangled her fingers with his and held it close, up against her chest.
Love, love, love.
After the fireworks, Nash wanted to carry things on at the fire and most of the group headed that way as they unloaded from the boat. Avery, caught between awake and asleep after the lights show, knew her bed was calling.
She walked towards the cabin under Bucky's arm, with Steve following closely behind. "Did you guys see Sam and Kasey holding hands -
"Yes, you already whispered very loudly about that, doll," Bucky replied to her quietly, sending a side glance to Steve who was just shaking his head with a laugh. "You need to drink some water."
Avery did a small twirl when they got to the bedroom, dropping down onto the bed and grabbing Bucky's hand. "No. You need to come over here and make out with me."
Bucky raised an eyebrow as he looked at her. Steve came into the room a few moments later, bottle of water in his hand.
"No one is makin' out when you're drunk, Ave," Bucky replied, leaning back against the old dresser on the wall across from the bed.
Avery pouted and turned to look at Steve. "Bucky is being unreasonable. Will you make out with me?"
Steve took a step forward and leaned in towards her, stopping when their faces were side by side. His breath was hot against her. "No." He shot back up and handed her the bottle of water. "Nice try, though."
"Not fair," Avery grumbled, opening the water bottle and taking a few sips. "What's the point in having two boyfriends.. Haven't been kissed in hours…"
"You'll survive," Bucky said, rolling his eyes. "You sleepin' in that dress?"
Avery took a few more sips and closed the water bottle, falling flat onto her back. She brought her right forearm up and laid it across her eyes.
Steve took a seat on the bed beside her. "You okay?"
"Yes I'm fine but I just want to pause time. Can we do that? This weekend has been so nice mostly but I don't wanna go back to real life yet because what happens next.."
Bucky sighed and took a seat on the other side of her. He reached to pull her hand down from her eyes. "Avery."
"I'm scared, okay?"
"Scared of what, sweetheart?"
"This. You two and me. Us. What happens now?"
"Well, you're gonna have to get used to Steve's obsessive need for cleanliness. Forget about leaving a mug on my coffee table ever again.."
"Buck," Steve shot him an annoyed glance across the bed.
"What? Just tellin' the truth. Don't get me started on this one and her plants, Stevie." bucky teased "Every single day it's like a news report on how Frank turned a new leaf or -
"Who's Frank?"
"My fiddlefig..fiddle leaf…" Avery sighed and pointed towards Steve. "My biggest, greenest son." She paused, eyes growing wide. "Oh my god. What if Bea gave him too much water this weekend? Oh my god Frank." She took a deep breath, choking back a sob.
"Avery baby, hey," Bucky shifted and leaned over her, running a hand across her forehead to brush her hair back. "I'm sure Frank is fine. Don't work yourself up over that now. You probably need to sleep."
She leaned into his hand, swallowing a yawn as her eyes closed. "Not tired."
"Right." Steve stood up and grabbed whatever clothes she had been sleeping in.
"C'mon, doll," Bucky was quiet and gentle as he encouraged her to stand up, peeling off her dress and helping her into her pajamas. Before she fell back onto the bed, Steve urged her to finish off the bottle of water.
"Are you going out to the fire? Please stay until I fall asleep, at least," Avery was barely audible as she mumbled. Bucky and Steve got into the bed beside her, flanked at either side. She curled up onto Bucky's shoulder, reaching behind to make sure Steve was cuddled up against her back, too.
Bucky just smiled and kissed the top of her head. Steve did the same, holding onto her waist. If every day could start and end like this some day, they'd all be grateful.
"We're not going anywhere, Avery."
Notes: Oh my goodness, what a weekend. I have so many thoughts and feelings and wow. See ya never, Charlie. And yes, there is still some awkwardness and uncertainty around this triad of a relationship. It can't all be easy but at least they got some nice moments together this weekend. Fun fact: in my original draft, Avery and Steve had 'first thing in the morning' sex followed by the implication that she got horizontal with Bucky too but..it was.. not right. There is a real delicate balance to how this plays out!
Thank youuuu thank you thank you immensely to all of you reading this tale. God, I never dreamed it would evolve how it did but I just ironed out the rest of the plot until the end. What an adventure and thank you for being along for the ride.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed recently, too! Thank you: EddaValkyrie, Everqueen, TheWriterWhoWaited, Guest x2, and Flynnigan Rider!
If you're an MCU and OC fan, I'm here yet again to recommend my friend EirlysLavellan's fic As The Sky May Fall! Join me in the Alice/Bucky fan club, please.
Next: back to the city, back to real life. Things at work are about to get..complicated. And what is that creeping unsettling feeling? Doubt?