AN: Hello, hope all is well with anyone reading this :D No update last week, but this one is a bit longer to make up for that!
Usual disclaimer applies. I don't own anything.
Chapter 24: Put Your Arms Around Me
'Hey, how's things?' Steve sits down at the tower breakfast bar across from Bucky. 'Yeah, all good,' Bucky grins, 'and you?' Steve nods, looking lighter than he has for weeks, 'we went for the checkup yesterday, everything is fine. She's ok.' Bucky leans back, exhaling steadily 'that is great news, truly. You look like a different guy, a weight lifted.' Steve agrees, nodding keenly 'yeah, you're telling me.'
Steve asks what he's up to, 'ah, just working on my side of the guest list, then I'm moving onto… actually, I can't remember, it was such a long list and Andi speaks so fast.' Steve smiles slyly, 'still? Can I see?' Bucky slides the pad across and watches as Steve stares at it. 'Buck, this is just me and Amelia.' Bucky looks up at him innocently, 'well, I didn't put Rosie, because she's maid of whatever.' Steve laughs, 'no, I mean, surely you have some other people you want to invite?' Bucky shrugs, 'Andi will put this lot on her list, so no, not really.' Steve finds his reaction amusing but also sad, 'ok, well give it some more thought before you consult with Andi. I assume you still don't want to look up any family, or relatives?' Bucky almost shivers, barking 'no.' Steve accepts that, having learnt not to push him on it, he checks his phone idly, surprised that it's blank.
'Problem?' Steve looks to his friend, 'oh, no, just messaged Amelia about lunch plans and haven't heard anything.' Bucky explains, 'her and Nat are probably doing their boxing again, Wanda was down there as well last time. Question, shall I put Wilson on my list? But no plus ones, surely? Andi's just handing them out left right and centre, but I don't want…' Steve pauses, frowning and confused, 'wait, boxing thing? What?' Bucky chuckles, not looking up 'Nat is teaching her to fight or something, I wanted to watch but they said I'm not invited, bet she's got some rage though, your girl. No one is that polite all the time, right? Maybe your Ma…' Steve stands up quickly, 'she's working out? Fighting?' Bucky looks up at his friend, realising what he's done, 'oh, No. I never said that.' Steve just stares at him, 'Buck…' His friend sighs, 'look don't go storming down there…' Steve's brows shoot up, 'down there? She's here?' Bucky can't believe this is happening to him again. He watches Steve storm towards the elevator, muttering 'you really need to keep your mouth shut. Nothing good comes from speaking.'
…
'I thought this might be like a movie, you might kit me out in a sexy gym costume as I get better.' Natasha just looks at her, 'no, what you are wearing is sufficient. Practical.' Amelia tightens her ponytail, swaying it and bouncing on the spot, 'I feel lighter, more nimble. Is that possible?' Natasha shrugs, 'sure, even if it's in your head, it's a positive.' Amelia stops and rubs her back, quickly hiding it from Natasha. Wanda peers up from her book, lying on a bench alongside the ring 'it's fun to watch someone else get whipped into shape, this lot off my back for a while.' Amelia shakes her head, 'oh, no, I'm not training or anything, just getting fit and let's be truthful, letting out some hostile anger.'
Natasha and Wanda look to one another and then laugh at the notion of Amelia joining their team. Amelia is confused, 'what's funny?' Natasha shakes her head, 'nothing, keep going, punch. Remember punch through it, you want to smash through my hand, not just knock it over, obliterate it.'
Amelia bites her lip, 'I'm not that hostile.' Wanda laughs, 'uhh, yes, you are.' Natasha looks over at Amelia, smirking, pointing to Wanda 'she's horny as well, it's not all rage.' Amelia's eyes widen, embarrassed by the topic. Natasha smiles, 'it's a good thing, gives you a fire in your belly.' Amelia looks down at her stomach, 'trust me, ain't no room for a fire in there as well. It's like there's always something raging in there.'
Wanda drops her book, looking over, 'can I see your bump?' Amelia shrugs, 'sure.' Lifting her loose t-shirt and stroking her belly under her ribbed tank top. Wanda whispers 'wow' in awe, Amelia nods 'yeah should be around the size of a basketball in a couple weeks, hence I've thrown two punches in an hour. You two are very kind putting up with me, it's just nice to be out doing something, without people watching me like I'm breakable or asking me if I over did it and hurt my baby from too much work!' Wanda hums in thought, 'how about Mila, for your name list?' Amelia isn't sure, 'bit close to Amelia, Mia? I don't know.' Natasha shakes her head firmly, 'no, I knew a Mila. Just no.' Amelia doesn't like the way she says knew.
'So, when's this dress fitting?' Natasha asks and Amelia fidgets awkwardly, 'well, she's left it late for me, otherwise she would need to buy two dresses, I just keep getting bigger.' Natasha shakes her head, 'you are ridiculous, so harsh on yourself. Look at what your body is doing.' Wanda chips in, 'it is pretty incredible.' Amelia peers down, 'you're the hero here,' Wanda smirks. Amelia's heard that a lot but from this crowd and she can admit it feels pretty good.
Wanda suddenly sits back up, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. She looks concerned and Natasha glances her way, 'uh oh.'
Wanda straightens and stands, 'I'm just going to… yeah.' She heads for the door and Amelia watches her leave, turning back to Nat, 'well that was weird.' Natasha just shrugs, shaking her palm, 'come on, quit stalling, you have three punches in you for the day.' Amelia grabs her water bottle, huffing 'you know, I don't think I do.' Amelia bounces and then looks down, 'shit, I think I peed myself a little.'
'What's this?' A voice demands, loud and firm and the women look over to the figure stood just inside the swinging gym doors. Amelia looks across and spies Steve, wiping her brow with her forearm, 'oh, hey, umm, darling…' Natasha splutters a laugh and the pair look like school kids caught out. Steve marches over to them, 'Amelia, what the hell is this?' What are you thinking?' He stares up to the ring from the ground and Amelia blushes, 'don't be like that, you're not my dad. It's umm, we are, we've been…' Natasha jumps in, 'relax, Rogers, it's not like that, we aren't sleeping together, it's just some pent-up frustration, it's not even a workout.' Steve flushes at that thought and Amelia frowns somewhat disappointed 'really?' Natasha pulls her pads off, throwing them down, 'Amelia, you're very pregnant, we are just fooling around, but we will pick it up when you're done, you've got some anger. I like it.' The brunette is disappointed, blowing her hair from her forehead, Steve watching on with folded arms, trying to ignore the hurt on his partner's face. Turning back to his friend, 'what the hell, Nat?' She ignores him, slipping under the ropes and strolling for the exit, stopping beside him, 'talk to her, you moron.' Steve looks over at a red-faced Amelia, she puffs her hair away and sighs loudly, growling at the ceiling, 'what do you want, Steve? How did you even find me? Don't blow your lid, it's obviously nothing. Can't even do this.'
Steve strokes his brow, trying to contain his emotions, 'what are you thinking? This isn't safe! I've never seen you so worked up as when you thought… with the… why would you put yourself at risk like this?' Steve demands and Amelia just looks frazzled, explaining loudly, 'there is no risk, you heard her, it's just a fucking party game at this point, I might as well be hitting a fucking piñata! Nobody takes me seriously. I can do this. I can have this baby and be me and throw a semi crap punch. Bad guys look out!'
Steve softens, her disappointment apparent. He walks over as she sits down with a thump, sliding her legs out the ring and looking out at him, her chin sat on a rope. Steve stops opposite her, he smiles a little at her red face, her baby bump poking out. 'I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, that baby and I can continue as normal. They said there's nothing to worry about, exercise if I normally do, and just sitting at home feels wrong.'
Steve watches her, feeling guilty, 'you should be taking it easy, easier than this at least.'
She leans back, gasping 'God, I'm on fire, so hot.' Fanning herself, she reaches for her shirt, pulling it off, dabbing her face free of sweat and then slinging it away.
In her skintight top, Steve can see her bump protruding more. He's suddenly surprised and wonders when she got so big, it seems to have popped in the last week. Amelia drops her head, 'ugh, don't, I know, I'm vast, spreading by the day and I have weeks left, months even!'
Steve looks like he might reach out but hesitates, keeping his hands at his sides. He sighs, 'this might be unfair of me, but I think you should stop this, just take it easier. You're still working and rushing around. This could be one thing too many. Rosie is full on, you do too much. Please, don't put yourself at risk.' Amelia's mouth opens and he stops her, 'not because I'm worried, or old fashioned but because it's meant to be me working hard and looking after you.' Amelia is a little offended, 'that is old fashioned! I can take care of myself; I was enjoying it. Nat says I'm not bad, which I consider high praise from her.'
Steve strokes her hair behind her ear, thinking on something 'hey, how's this? When she's here, I will show you how to punch, you have my word.' Amelia grins a little, 'really?' Steve nods, 'yes, if Natasha says you have something, she wouldn't lie. But not now, deal?' Amelia smiles, sucking on her lip, 'ok. Fine.'
He looks down again at her bump, Amelia enjoys the wonder in his eyes, offering softly 'you can touch it, she's been busy in there today, dancing around.' Steve looks unsure and Amelia huffs, growling 'Steve, why won't you touch me?' She doesn't know where that came from, it's a bit blunt for her usual style, must be the hormones.
'I, I uh… what?' Amelia waves her hands, slapping the mat either side of her, 'you don't touch me, we don't… you know… not for a few weeks…' Steve's eyes widen, checking for staff over his shoulders. 'Why don't we, you know, anymore?' He feels terrible, watching her sad pout. He fumbles for a response, she groans 'I'm so turned on all the time.' His eyes double in size, wondering if the baby can hear her and where her filter has gone. 'And hungry, it's confusing' she continues, 'don't you want me anymore? I know it's not all as it was, but it will go back, I think, I hope, I pray! I think I'll be me again. I'm still me. Is it because I let you down?'
He softens, leaning against the ropes, 'Amelia, you have never let me down. And I want you, I always want you, first thing in the morning, paint on your face, flushed beet red, right now… all the time.' Amelia eyes him, his tone lighting something inside of her. 'But the baby, she's in there, between us. They say she can hear music, what if she hears… that!' Amelia's face creases in horror, 'that's why you won't sleep with me?' She seems kind of mad and Steve goes over what he said, 'I thought you were repulsed by me, of course she can't hear that, you idiot! Quick, we need to go home right now.' She begins to stand, and Steve stops her, 'you think I'm repulsed by you?' She nods slowly, 'kind of.'
'Well then you're a fool, because I have never loved you more. Come on, I'm taking you home. You want to shower before we go?' Amelia shakes her head quickly and Steve wonders why the strong reaction. 'Let's swing by upstairs, I need my things from my room.'
…
Bucky strolls into the canteen, spotting her immediately. He queues quietly, observing her chatting with that bright haired Lillian girl. He almost bumps into someone and Bucky apologises, refocusing on Victoria, laughing with her friends. She seems unaffected. Looking at her reminds him of her almost stepping on his toes, entering his space and stealing a kiss from him. He sighs and turns back, spotting Gina dishing out roasted vegetables.
'You've really been converted, haven't you, Bucky?' He smirks despite himself, 'you're a great cook, what can I say.' She laughs at him, 'if you think I cooked this, you ain't half as smart as you look, now, what you having?' Bucky looks down at the mass-produced catering, not really feeling either options. 'I'll take the pork, can I return the plate later?' She raises a brow, 'only if you're eating over work, not on that grotty basement floor again, I thought we'd broken that habit.' He winces, called out by the older woman. 'You want peas?' She asks and Bucky nods, 'load me up.' He looks over again and Victoria has gone. He frowns and then sighs, he doesn't know what he wants from her, to check she's ok, maybe? But then he reminds himself, that she kissed him. He feels bad, wondering if he led her on in anyway. He keeps replaying the events, trying to decipher how he dealt with it.
Sighing and looking back to Gina, she smirks at him 'you're holding up my line, sunshine. Bring the plate back, please!' He smiles and bids her goodbye, shuffling to the cutlery stand. He looks up in time to see Victoria grabbing ketchup sachets.
'Hey,' he starts slowly and she appears embarrassed, tucking hair behind her ears hastily. Bucky can't help it and spills, 'what happened? You quit on me.' Victoria looks down shyly, 'just to make things easier.' Bucky shrugs, confused 'on who? We were fine, we were getting there, I think? I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with.' Victoria stares at him, uttering 'it's not that, what I did…' Bucky suddenly realises that's what bothers him, she screwed up and now he's suffering, now submitted to FRIDAY's mechanical rambling in his ear all day. 'I don't care about that, we talked and it's under the bridge. I need you back.' She looks touched until he continues, 'FRIDAY is… well, I hate her.' Victoria stares at him, disappointed by his efforts to woo her.
'I'm working with Mr Wilson now, he's nice, chatty, friendly, I like him,' she explains childishly, Bucky scoffs, 'desperate more like.' Victoria hears him and her face scrunches, 'excuse you, Sargent Barnes!' Bucky pulls back, 'don't get assy with me, you tried to kiss me! Remember?' He leans in close and she shakes her head, 'can't imagine why, you're a nut job with an anger issue.'
Bucky looks furious and now he isn't sure who's at fault anymore, but he prefers painfully polite FRIDAY to this. 'Fuck this shit, I tried to be nice to you, let you down gently, tell you that I'm not interested. You took advantage of me.' Victoria looks smug, 'oh really, that's why you came and found me, is it?' Bucky groans, 'for the work! We were a team, you don't abandon your team!' She looks down at his tray bitterly, 'your lunch is getting cold. Oh, and took advantage? Man up, it was just a kiss.' Something inside of Bucky clenches at the words man up.
He watches her, shaking his head firmly 'we are done, I tried to be polite, I'm sorry you are embarrassed, but I have bigger crap to deal with. Enjoy Wilson, he will get on your nerves soon, more than I ever did.'
She begins to walk away, but stops and turns to him, 'please, just don't tell anyone, will you?' She looks so sad again and he's beyond confused, 'no, why the hell would I,' he laments as he walks off, passing the dish of food back to Gina, 'your plate.'
…
Amelia wanders around Steve's room, he's sifting through mail and she finds his bed. Quickly looking back and perching on the edge. Slowly lying down and closing her eyes. Steve calls to her, 'you ok in there?' Amelia hums, 'yes, just resting… my eyes.'
When she reopens them, Steve is hovering over her. He looks down at her gym wear, her face still flushed pink. 'Sure you don't want that shower?' Amelia sighs, rolling onto her side, 'no, nah, I'm good.'
Steve folds his arms, 'I know what's going on.' Amelia groans, 'no you don't.' She grabs a pillow and covers her face. 'You don't.' Steve walks away, she can hear his stomping feet, then she can sense him looking down at her again. 'You aren't showering.'
Amelia moans, 'don't say it like that, I am keeping clean, I just don't go in our shower, since…' Steve looks down at her, pregnant bump, white pillow for a face and two legs hanging off the bed.
She throws it away and sits up looking at him, 'I'm scared, alright? Scared to get in there, in case it happens again. I know it's ludicrous, I know the shower isn't to blame but I'm terrified. I'm terrified to sit on the toilet, to take a God damn pee. I pray when I wipe, so there you go! Is that sufficient for you? That's the bare ass truth. Now you know we are in a relationship, can't get any more real than that. Now do you want to have sex? Who could resist this?' Steve stares down at her sadly.
He doesn't' know what to say. What can he do to make it better? He can appreciate where she is, once again he feels bad that she was alone that night.
Quickly making a decision, he toes his shoes off. Amelia catches the movement and wonders if they are staying now, she's confused. She looks up at the sound of his belt buckle and she questions if he has seriously misjudged this. 'What's happening?' He doesn't answer, unzipping his jeans and tugging his shirt over his head, discarding it on the floor. Amelia looks down at the messy pile of clothes, it's most unlike him. She turns back to him, his perfect physique on full display and it only serves to remind her that she's a bloated pregnant women, who never liked her thighs anyway and now her boyfriend thinks she doesn't wash.
Amelia tries not to look at his sculpted body, announcing 'I wash, you know. I had a shower at the gym here, more than once!' Steve just ignores her, 'Amelia, shut up.' He pulls his jeans down and she's suddenly confused, upset and turned on all at once. 'What are you doing?' She asks him suspiciously, tears cracking her voice. 'Taking a shower. With you.' She whitens, her eyes trail him and suddenly it feels hot in there, she breathes out, fanning her face. Her hair blows up and Steve tries not to laugh at the way she can't look at him.
He folds his arms, challenging her to join in and she resolves that she will not partake, believing he won't go the whole way. He stares at her, arms folded, waiting. Quickly he bends down, removing his boxers and now he's naked in front of her. Covering her face and peeking through her fingers, 'Steve, FRIDAY might see!'
His hand appears in her eyeline and he offers her a pull up, shaking it for her to accept. 'Let me show you it's ok, that's all I can do. Do you trust me?' Staring at his open palm, she decides to take it, nodding, 'of course I do. More than anyone.' She stands opposite him, she feels like a sweaty mess next to a Greek God. Like a tourist that hiked to see a statue.
She watches his soft features, a small smile on his face, his blue eyes staring back at her. This is what she wanted, Steve naked, offering himself. But now it's here, she's shy and unsure.
He watches her thinking. Her mouth opening and closing repeatedly. Her cheeks are flushed, her hair curling against her damp forehead. He can see her internal battle and he wonders if this was the best course of action. He also considered sitting beside her on the bed and talking, but actions not words, that is what he settled for. It suddenly runs through his mind that she may say no and he will be left standing naked in front of her. He hopes he locked the door, but before he can think any more she reaches down and pulls her skin tight leggings down. She loses her balance a little and sits on the bed, finishing the job. They bunch with her sneakers and she shuffles free awkwardly. Kicking it all to one side, she cusses when she looks down and can only just see her feet. She tugs her long t-shirt down over her underwear, crossing her legs and hoping he might just look away for the last part.
Steve takes her hand, forcing it away from the hem of her shirt and gently pulling her to the bathroom. He walks backwards, leading her in, offering her no respite. His eyes focused on her, checking she's alright. 'You ok?' She nods, 'it's not like that, I'm not scared to shower, it's just all I can think of is…' She looks away, her tears blurring her vision. 'This is not sexy,' she offers a watery smile as an apology and Steve steps closer, tilting her head up, 'everything about you is sexy.'
Amelia stumbles a bit, gawping at him, she never gets over how he sees her. He reaches a hand into the shower, turning the tap and she takes the opportunity to catch her breath, still feeling warm all over. He looks back to her and she nods, lifting her arms high and allowing him to peel her t-shirt off. He smirks down at her ratty shirt she wears to bed sometimes, 'I can tell you were taking the gym seriously.' She lightly whacks his arm, 'hey, I went out and bought some of this,' she looks down at the stretchy active wear top. Muttering 'fuck it,' she pulls it off, it's a little damp and stuck to her and she gets an arm wedged in it. She could cry when she remembers she's wearing a monstrosity of a maternity bra. She quickly tugs that off as well, never being less aroused at the prospect of being naked with him.
She's stood there in her white cotton underwear, at least she hopes they are white, a quick peek down her hip, confirms they are.
'Maybe we can make a new memory,' he offers sweetly. But Amelia has many sweet shower memories, it's the one nightmare she can't forget. She nods, however unsure, she meant it, she trusts him. He nods down at her underwear and she eventually tugs them down, shimmying out at the ankles and kicking them away. Steve keeps his eyes on her face and she could kiss him for it.
When she looks back, he is in the shower, it's like a shaving advert and she feels like she was miscast. She questions if she could sneak off now, but he shakes the water from his eyes, looking for her and she knows this is it. He doesn't say anything, no forceful words, no pep talks, just offers her a hand.
Amelia nods a little and before she knows it, she is stood under the hot spray. She looks down at the water by her feet, clear water flowing through her toes. This time there are two sets of feet and no blood. She can feel him behind her, reaching around and caressing her bump and kissing her shoulder. She notices the same shampoo she uses at home on the shelf and frowns, her heart beats fast that he has another woman. 'I got that at the store for you,' Amelia melts, touched by the sentiment and quickly burying her last thought.
'Thank you, I'm an idiot' she says calmly. Steve kisses her temple, 'it's my pleasure. You know at the compound, I might even have a tub.' Amelia turns to him sharply, 'oh, we should definitely move then.' Steve strokes her wet hair away from her eyes and he shakes his head, 'no, I don't want that.' Amelia caresses his arms, enjoying the way the spray skims his shiny skin. Now she's in there, it all feels a little embarrassing and petty. But one quick flash of her red shampoo bottle, reminds her of the terror she felt that night.
Shaking herself, she watches Steve lathering his hair and she panics a bit, before admitting 'I need to talk to you.' He shakes his head, allowing the spray onto his face. He looks concerned and she panics, originally intending to tell him about Bucky, but settling for 'it's about work…'
…
Bucky enters R&D, no staff in sight, no Andi, no Bruce and no Tony. 'What's the point in making an appointment, if nobody is here.' He looks about, spotting the arm and hovering close. He can admit it, it looks good, black and gold. 'No star…' he mutters lowly, reaching out and stroking it. Looking between his new and old arm.
He looks around again, knowing Andi has made herself scarce intentionally and he refused Steve access. He takes a seat, staring at the arm, almost backing out and leaving. But then he thinks back to his current limb, repeatedly locking this week and decides he must stay. He can do this.
The door swings open to the lab and in strolls Tony Stark, smart shirt, waistcoat. 'Hey, you managed not to wreck the joint!' Bucky is ready to leave already, he must begin to stand, as Tony waves 'sit down, don't fret.'
'So,' he claps, 'let's have a look, shall we?' Bucky doesn't move and Tony encourages him, 'jacket off, shirt as well. Sorry, Ducky, need to see the damage.' Bucky stands and slowly unzips his jacket, tugging at the navy combat wear and then placing it on the back of a stool. He watches Tony press the intercom, 'ah, Doctor McCoy, could you come in here for a minute?'
Bucky pauses, breathing out when Bruce enters. He resumes undressing, tugging his shirt overhead. Tony returns, eyeing him, 'all good? You're not going to tear my head off, are you?' Bucky doesn't answer, nodding to his arm.
'So, what do you think of the new piece? Nice, hey? The wife picked the colour, said you didn't care.' Bucky looks across, Bruce joining them 'I don't.'
'Mind if we take a look, Barnes?' The doctor is far less abrasive and Bucky agrees. Bruce's brow jumps a little at the raw scaring and the crass attachment, he nods to himself, 'I think we can do better than this.' Tony is eating something, muttering 'easily. In our sleep.' Bucky looks to him, 'what we talking, surgery?' Tony shakes his head, 'seems extreme, looking at this botched job, I think we can do it with you awake, so you can keep watch.' His tone is playful, but Bucky suspects he's being kind. Tony seems puzzled, 'I've looked at this arm before, don't remember it being this bad.' Bruce gently touches a dent and Bucky admits, 'hammer, it got stuck… you get it.' The two scientists look at each other, unsure.
'Well, we will get you booked in, I believe you've met my PA?' Tony jokes and Bucky grins, quickly hiding it. 'Yeah, I'll catch her sometime.'
Bruce adjusts his glasses, 'I'm sure you are nervous, but this will be better, James. Worth doing, trust us.' Tony rolls his eyes at the serious doctor, but Bucky genuinely appreciates the reassurance. 'No more hammers and screwdrivers, yeah?' Bucky sighs, 'fine.'
'You will need to come back for some x-rays,' Bruce explains, and Tony interjects 'and maybe a look under the hood. That ok?' Bucky shrugs, 'yeah, whatever it takes, in for a penny.'
Bucky looks about, he has nowhere to be and asks 'can't we just do that now?' Tony checks his watch, 'uh, sure, I've got time, sounds fun.'
Bruce and Tony stare at the arm, considering how to go about this, muttering between themselves. There's a lot of chin holding and head tilting, murmurs rallying between them. Bucky doubts if they are really the professionals here. Tony reaches out and prods his arm and Bucky wonders if this is a big joke. 'You got a screw driver?' Bucky asks and Tony shrugs, 'sure.' He looks around and passes one over. Bucky unscrews four bolts and Bruce tries to interject, 'uh, maybe we should do that.' Bucky finishes, tossing the tool onto a bench and pulls at serval cables, before tugging the arm off. The two men look on in confusion, 'well that's worrying,' Tony admits, 'great party trick though, why have you never done this before?' Bucky places the arm down, it's battered and he looks away quickly. His bound, scared shoulder now exposed.
No matter how vulnerable Bucky has been, he's always had his armour to protect him, but not in this moment.
'Right, let's have a look, you can go if you want, I'll give you a call when your service is done.' Bucky can't tell if Tony's serious, 'no, I'll wait.'
…
Later that night, Bucky finds himself sat alone on his couch, considering the week's events. Thinking about his new arm and dare he say it a spark of excitement at the prospect. He thinks about Tony and Bruce, and as much, as it pains him, the billionaire wasn't half as bad as he expected.
Bucky knows that waiting is now the hard part, waiting for a time when Stark is free to attach the arm. He looks down again at his old, silver limb and wonders how it will feel to see it go.
There's a tap at his door and he looks up and around, wondering who it could be. Andi is working, Steve and Amelia are at home and who the hell else would want to see him. He's turned Wilson down for that drink so many times, that he should have got the message by now.
Bucky doesn't move, hoping they might go away. But the door knocks again, a small timid knock and he pulls himself up begrudgingly. Not bothering to look through the peep hole, he swings the door open, 'what?'
His eyes refocus and land on Andi across from him, tight pencil skirt, white shirt, glasses and patent black heels. Her hair twisted atop her head, held by a pencil. She has a clipboard to her chest and a pen pressed to her lips. Bucky looks her up and down, wondering why she's dressed like this and at eight in the evening.
'Oh, hi Sargent Barnes, I'm Miss Miller, Mr Stark's personal skivvy, he asked my to book you in for an arm replacement. Is now a good time to discuss?' She sticks her hand out for him to shake and suddenly he thinks he understands. Still unsure, he shakes her hand slowly, watching her cynically, 'uh, hi, you want to come in? Are we having dinner?'
Andi blushes on cue, 'oh, no dinner, I'm on company time…' Bucky smirks a little, words she's never muttered before. 'But I'd love to come inside and get you booked in.' He holds the door open and she saunters past, offering him a wink. His eyes trail to the split at the back of her skirt and she coughs, redirecting his eyes to her face. He rubs his chin, suddenly feeling a little nervous and unsure of how to be, 'you wanna sit?' Andi gasps, 'what a lovely couch, who chose that?' He ignores her self-flattery. 'Why thank you. But I'll stand. You should sit, by all means.' Bucky looks at her as if she's lost a grasp of reality and he nods, sagging back onto the couch.
Andi peruses her notes, humming to herself. Bucky looks up, 'you hungry?' Andi rolls her eyes, whispering harshly 'Bucky, can you play along, please?' He sits back, his stomach rumbling and he drops his hands onto the sofa with a slap against the leather.
'Ah!' She lights up, her pen scanning the notes in front of her, 'I think I have a slot for you.' Bucky chokes a little, between her words and the way she is looking at him, it's very clear now what she is up to. She has the pen all but in her mouth, her clipboard pressed against her chest tightly.
She walks around the back of the couch, dragging a hand across his shoulders. Stopping at his side and placing her diary on the coffee table, in front of him. She bends over him, her legs long and straight, her behind covered by her tight-fitting skirt. Bucky double takes but tries to remain in check. She licks the end of her pen, pointing, 'if you just check this date works for you?' Bucky watches her, blonde hair tumbling into her face and a black bra strap apparent under her white shirt. But looking at her, she's more serious now then she is about her real job.
'Is something wrong, Sargent Barnes?' She asks him innocently and Bucky shuffles uncomfortably under her, as she leans further across him. Bucky smirks, realising two can play her game and he may not be dressed up, but he can wind her up just as bad. 'Yeah, all looks good,' he barely checks the date and honestly, he could have just said yes to his own wedding date, he wouldn't know right now. He throws his arm off the couch, stroking the back of her calf and she straightens. She gives him a wide eyed look, whispering 'you're ruining it.' He can see a flush spread across her chest and goose bumps erupt over her skin and he knows he's doing the exact opposite. He drops his hand away, holding them up to her in defeat.
She slowly straightens, tugging her shirt and looking down at him, over her glasses. Bucky can't help it and wonders if they are real, then he realises they are her Halloween costume prop. He laughs a little and she gives him a dirty look, he shuts up and plays along. 'We done here?' Andi agrees, 'almost.' She throws her leg onto the table, her heel hitting the wood hard. Bucky stares at the stiletto, dragging his eyes up her leg and stopping where her skirt meets the top of her stockings and he wonders how he missed them. She rolls her skirt back slowly and pulls out a business card from the strap of her suspenders. Passing it over to him, Bucky accepts and grins down at it, flipping it over repeatedly, 'I didn't know you had these?' He laughs a little and she bangs her shoe down again, 'focus!' She demands, back in character. She flirts, 'I put my number on the back, in case you have any questions, or need moral support at this tough time.' Bucky looks up at her slowly, her suspender strap just in view. Her skirt taut to her again and her white shirt hanging open a little. He leans forward, 'yes, moral support, I could do with some, how about now? You free?'
Andi drops her leg and he's disappointed. But then she sits on the coffee table across from him, pulling her skirt up and putting a leg either side of his. She leans back checking her wrist, 'well, I am off the clock now,' Bucky nearly laughs out loud, because she isn't wearing a watch.
She places both hands behind her, tightening her shirt and creating holes between buttons. Bucky's eyes trail to her black lace underwear again and he suddenly feels hot.
He growls a little when he hears her phone and she apologises, rummaging in her shirt and pulling the device out. 'Excuse me a minute.'
'Hello? … Mmmm hmmm… yeah sure, ok… I'll be there soon.'
Bucky's head snaps from her thighs to her face, as she hangs up. 'I have to go.' He groans and sits forward quickly, pulling her close by her legs and she squeals a little, breaking character for a second. Bucky leans into her, smelling her perfume and looking down at her chest, 'was that Stark?' Andi breathes, 'yes, he needs me… he wants me…' Bucky growls again, 'not like I do.' He looks up into her eyes, they are dark and laden with lust and Bucky knows he has her. She's not going anywhere.
She shocks him back, by standing, as if she might actually leave. Bucky circles her legs, looking up at her with pleading eyes, he simply says 'stay?' Andi smirks, but hides it quickly, her innocent act coming back in full force, 'I really can't, but thank you, Sargent. You've been most hospitable.'
Bucky runs a hand up her leg and under her skirt, 'can I persuade you?'
Andi's head rolls back of its own accord and she splutters, 'no. No, I have to go.' Bucky removes his hands and leans back, 'fine, I get it, thank you for coming.' Andi panics, knowing she doesn't actually have anywhere to be, that was just an alarm she set.
Looking down at him, legs apart, tight jeans and tension apparent, she bites her lip. Kneeling on the couch, she whispers, 'maybe I have five minutes.' She puts a knee either side of his and finds herself in his lap, straddling him. He's not making it easy and she thinks her skirt might tear down the side. Bucky spreads his legs further apart and she hears the rip of cotton, dropping her head, she looks down, 'crap.' She can feel Bucky laughing underneath her, 'stop it, it's Mia's, what do I say?' Bucky looks down at it, spread tightly across her thighs and he assures, 'I don't think she's going to be wearing it any time soon.' Andi slaps his arm, 'stop thinking about my pregnant sister.'
He looks at her with wide eyes, 'I should report you to your boss for that.' Andi resumes her act, 'oh please don't, he might spank me.' Bucky turns serious, that's a joke to far. 'I'm kidding, calm the hell down, it's part of my act.' Bucky still looks concerned, she leans back, 'Tony has never, nor would I want him to spank me, gross. Now, can we continue?' Bucky nods, satisfied. She looks down at her skirt, 'oh good, you haven't ripped it.'
'Oh, hang on,' she remembers, reaching into her bra again and pulling out another business card, 'just in case.' Bucky raises a brow, 'what else have you got in there?' She grins, 'wouldn't you like to know? My, it's hot in here, quick cool me down.' She grabs his metal hand and places it on her chest, at the opening of her shirt, tugging it down lower and knocking her top button undone, 'oops, I'm sorry, I'm normally more professional than this.' He scoffs, 'no, this is about what I expect.' Bucky leans in and kisses her neck, 'what did you think of the arm?' She whispers, eyes closed. He pulls back, 'moment ruined.' Andi begs him, 'no, keep going, I just want to know.'
Bucky slides her closer, bumping chests, 'it's good, it's the right decision.' Andi smiles at him warmly, 'thank God.'
Dropping her head to his shoulder, she sniffs a little and he looks confused, 'hey, hey, what's wrong?' She pulls back with wet eyes, 'I just thought you might hate it, that's all, and then hate me.' Bucky kisses her neck again, 'I don't hate you,' he tugs at the pencil in her hair and it tumbles down, he watches mesmerised. She admits, 'that took ages. And now it's over.'
Bucky doesn't admit he wasn't really paying attention to begin with. She sniffs and he drops back, 'well, this isn't much fun when you are crying.' Andi nods, 'I know, I'm sorry, I just was so scared that you would hate it.' Bucky strokes her hair across to one side, slowly beginning to unbutton her shirt, 'well, I don't hate it.'
'Hey?' She looks up at his soft voice, 'you missed me with only one arm, where were you?' Andi sighs, 'in the archives, hiding, I didn't think you'd want me there.' Bucky pauses, looking down at her half open shirt. 'I'd like you there when the new one is fitted, if you're ok with that?'
Andi slowly looks at him, completely floored, 'uh, yeah, of course. Anything.'
'Now, how do I go about making another appointment with you?' Andi laughs, quickly drying her eyes. His fingers resume undoing her shirt, pulling it from her skirt and dragging it over her shoulders. 'I'm fully booked, sorry.' Bucky raises a brow, 'you booked other appointments in this manner, did you?' She grins, 'yeah, Wilson is my next stop.' She plays with her glasses raising them up and down cheekily. He pulls them off her face, dropping them on the couch beside them. 'Love you,' she whispers softly and he nods, 'mmm, thank you.'
Suddenly she yelps, as he lifts her up and walks for the bedroom, 'you have time in your busy schedule for this?' He asks and she jests, 'well, I only need five minutes, seeing as it's you.' Bucky races to his room, 'I'll make you pay for that comment.' She laughs loudly, tumbling onto his bed. He pulls back and looks down at her, yanking his t-shirt over his head. She marvels at his chest reaching out to touch him. He watches her, her white shirt still tangled around her elbows, her chest rising and falling quickly, encased in her lace underwear. 'Move in with me.' Andi looks at him, as if she didn't hear him right, 'what?'
'Officially. Move in with me, here, then possibly the compound. Or in a one bed dive, just anywhere. Live with me.' Andi looks around, she does think of it as home, they just always kept it casual so she she had her room and place back with Amelia and Rosie.
Andi raises a brow, 'tell me about this one bed, where you thinking? Brooklyn?' He sighs, 'no, I don't know, but I don't want to carry you over the threshold at your sister's joint.' Andi smiles at him, 'carry me? Really?' Bucky nods, 'people still do that, don't they?' Andi nuzzles in closer to him, 'I'd love to, my number is on my card, call me.' She tries to roll away after her joke and he pins her to the bed, 'uh, we aren't done.' Andi laughs raucously, 'I don't get paid for overtime!'
AN: Thanks for reading, let me know what you think, stay safe x
