Stars spin behind her eyelids when she closes them.
Wanda laughs and lets Pietro twirl her in circles around the loft. This is a bad idea, she thinks distantly, but the warning quickly fizzles away. It's too late and she's too drunk on vodka and wine to care that they aren't really dancing. It's more like they're playing a game; spinning around in circles over and over again, trying to see who can spin the fastest and win, and who will fall over and lose the game. She always gets dizzy, always falls first.
Tonight feels different, feels like she might be winning.
She smiles and looks up at Pietro again, and oh, the stars are still there. Tiny spots of yellow glowing in the dark. Pietro laughs and twirls them around. Faster, she thinks, or might even say. He just laughs and spins them around, and Wanda doesn't realise just how dangerous it is to be spinning this fast until they fall over. It happens very quickly—one moment they're dancing and giggling in the dark, and then suddenly they're tangled up on the floor and it's all his fault.
Pietro topples back before he hits the ground, knocking over the person dancing behind them. She's too dizzy to notice at first, then she realises that Steve is there with them. He's all tangled up and laughing, his eyes bright and head spinning. It takes her a minute to realise that she's laughing too. Someone helps them stand a few minutes later. She thinks it might be Sam, but the loft is still spinning and she's too dizzy to be sure.
Wanda takes a moment then looks around the room, quickly planning her escape before Pietro can talk her into more dancing. And more shots, more vodka, and probably more cake. Her feet are aching now, and she could use some fresh air to clear her foggy head. So she plants a kiss on her brother's cheek and slips through the crowd before the dancing can start again. If Pietro calls out after her, she doesn't hear it.
She's half-way to the door before he notices she's gone. Then she's out in the hallway, fidgeting with her rings as she walks to the elevator. She's torn between going up to the roof for air, or going back inside to find a cigarette to bring with her. She settles on just the fresh air for now and yawns as she hits the elevator button. It's dark in the corridor and it suddenly feels so quiet, but the party still lingers and her mind buzzes with vodka and noise.
She sighs and waits for the lift to arrive. It takes a minute.
The doors open and then Bucky is there.
She smiles slowly, realising this is where he's been. All by himself, drinking whiskey and smoking cigarettes on the roof. Wanda doesn't remember when exactly he left the party, just that she noticed he'd been gone shortly after he lost that third game of Twister. She remembers being surprised he'd lost. Bucky had been so flexible, so bendy, she hadn't realised he could twist and bend like that. She smiles and quickly lets the thought drift away.
Bucky smiles and waves her inside the elevator.
He's reclined against the side-wall in the lift, his arms crossed tight over his chest. A big, warm smile on his face when she joins him inside. He leans forward to press the button to the roof and she catches a hint of whiskey on his breath. He smells faintly of cigarettes, too. So she was right, she realises. She really does know him that well already. It's a surprising thought, one that lingers at the corners of her mind as the lift moves up.
And up, and up, and up.
Her thoughts circle around Bucky, but she quickly brings herself back. Wanda sighs and leans against the wall by Bucky's side and finally looks up at him again. It's quiet still but it feels nice, feels easy. She's also still distantly aware of that dizzy feeling she felt earlier tonight, when she was spinning around in dangerous circles with Pietro.
This is a different kind of dizzy feeling, a good kind that she's only ever felt with Bucky. She lets it linger for a moment.
"Party still going?"
Wanda nods and he smiles. "Still going."
"Told you. It's kinda our thing." Bucky shrugs, his hands tucked into his pockets. "We party hard and we really don't know how to stop. And there are so many bad influences."
She hums softly, amused at where this is going.
"Oh, really? Who?"
"Well, first of all there's Stevie. He gave me like six shots of vodka." Bucky grins. "And all that tequila. You didn't see that?"
Wanda smiles, remembering things a little differently. She nudges her elbow into Bucky's side and he laughs and pulls away. Ticklish? she wonders, and makes a note of it for later. It might be useful one day. The lift comes to a stop suddenly and she hops out, surprised by how quiet it is up here. The city is dark and feels faraway. Wanda starts to follow the small path through the little gardens, hoping to find her way back to the swing-seat and pretty yellow flowers.
"Hey, red." Bucky trails behind her. "What's so funny?"
"I was there. I saw you give Steve the vodka shots." she calls back over her shoulder. "You and Sam gave Steve all the vodka. So if we are talking of bad influences.."
Bucky's laugh echoes across the rooftop. He catches up to Wanda and follows her through rows of tiny green succulents and little yellow flowers. Wanda realises that she still feels dizzy up here and wonders if it is the dancing, the vodka and wine, or if it is Bucky and his pretty smile and his unfinished what if. She says nothing for now and soon reaches the swing, climbing up on it.
Bucky joins her and the swing-seat sways forward in the quiet.
"Okay, so maybe you're right. Maybe Sam's the bad influence, not Steve." Bucky says, minutes later. "You've given me a lot to think about. Thanks, red."
"Always happy to help, James."
Bucky laughs and bumps his shoulder into hers. And somehow she knows that this isn't it. She knows that there's more coming, and she's right. Bucky digs his elbow into her side, right into that ticklish spot that he somehow knows about. It's like he knew what she thought about in the elevator, that ticklish spot of his that she noticed and made a note of for later. Wanda squeals and jolts away but Bucky's too fast, he moves at lightning speed and he's so strong.
Suddenly he's got her in his arms, and he's tickling her, and she can only laugh and try to tickle him back. He lets go eventually, when her sides ache from laughter and he's made his point. She gives up on trying to tickle him for now and sinks back into the swing, distantly aware of the sound of Bucky's laughter and the weight of his arm still slung over her shoulder. Bucky waits a moment then pulls his arm away, and she tries to pretend that she doesn't miss the feeling.
"You're the worst." she pouts, hiding a smile.
"Thanks, I know." Bucky grins, eyes bright. "So. Whatcha doing up here? You're the life of the party."
"I could ask you the same thing."
"Yeah, you could. But I asked you first. So?"
Wanda quickly looks away, up to the stars and distant city lights. She lets herself consider it before she looks back at Bucky. He looks tired, she thinks, and wonders why but then realises she already knows. It's last night and the hours that they spent at her place; drinking, and laughing, and playing games, and talking for hours. She wants to tell him that she's tired too, but she still wouldn't change a thing about last night.
She gets the feeling he wouldn't either.
"Felt dizzy. Needed air. You?"
He hums, only half-believing her. "Yeah, me too."
Wanda smiles because she doesn't believe him either.
"Really? You were gone for a long time."
The swing rocks forward and then Bucky's up on his feet. She watches him walk over to a box of flowers nearby and kneel in front of the tiny buds sprouting up from the dirt. Bucky slips his fingers around a taller yellow flower, plucks it from the soil, and spins it around between his fingertips. He's distracted at first and stands slowly, the little flower still dangling from his hand. Then he lifts his head as if only now remembering that she's here with him and he smiles slowly.
"Yeah, I know. I was just busy thinking 'bout this girl."
Oh. She feels dizzy again, can't decide if it's the good kind.
"A girl?"
"Yeah. She's funny, and sweet, and beautiful." he nods, and turns back to the flowers. "Can't stop thinking about her, if I'm honest. Ever since I met her.."
The swing-seat sways forward again, slower this time. Wanda digs her heels into the ground and it comes to a halt. She wants to say more, wants to ask him what's really on his mind. She isn't sure he'd tell her even if she asked, so she lets herself imagine what is on his mind right now. Pretty flowers, a girl he met, that unfinished what if. Bucky stills says nothing, just tilts his head back and watches her quietly.
"What else were you thinking?" Wanda asks.
Bucky considers it, he really does. Then he half-shrugs and turns away, leaning against the nearby ledge. Still twirling that yellow flower around in his hand. Wanda waits a moment then hops off the swing, joining him by the ledge overlooking the busy city. Bucky suddenly seems nervous and digs a hand into his jacket, pulling out a cigarette and a light. He pops it into his mouth and lets it dangle loosely from his lips as he lights it.
There's a spark, then smoke fills the air.
She wants to quit, she's trying so hard, but now she's nervous and she needs something to take the edge off. Bucky hands her the cigarette and she takes it, breathing in slowly and somehow feeling calm and guilty at the same time. Wanda exhales smoke and inhales again, and Bucky makes no move to take the cigarette back just yet. She notices that he's stopped spinning the flower around between his fingers and it's just sitting there on the ledge now.
She smiles, thinking it would look pretty in his hair.
Bucky interrupts those thoughts.
"Just things I'd say or do." he says, a minute later. "If we were alone, if we didn't care."
She's surprised, to say the least. "What things?"
He says nothing, just smiles back at her, so Wanda bumps their shoulders together to shake him out of his thoughts and he just laughs.
"What things, James?"
"I don't know, Wanda. Just...Stupid things."
Wanda smiles and lets herself inhale a breath of fresh air. She leaves the cigarette between her fingers, until Bucky slips his hand over hers to gently take it back. He inhales once then stubs the cigarette out on the ledge, right next to the small yellow flower. She doesn't mind, didn't really want it anymore, so she's glad he stubbed it out. Bucky seems more focused now that he's stopped fidgeting with flowers and smoking cigarettes he doesn't really want.
"What things?" she asks, softer this time. "I'm sure they aren't stupid. You can tell me these things, James. You could tell me anything."
"Oh, trust me. I say stupid things all the time. Just ask Sam." he laughs, much more relaxed now. "Sam knows pretty much every stupid thing I've ever done. It's a long list."
Then there's a pause. A big flash of fear and regret followed by a smile as the memories of all the stupid things he's done roll in.
"Actually, maybe don't do that. Don't ask Sam about the stupid things. Please don't ask Sam. I'm begging you not to ask Sam."
"Oh, I'm definitely going to ask Sam. Later." she smiles, teasing. "But first, tell me. What are these other things? Tell me and I won't ask Sam tonight."
Bucky sighs and holds his hands up in defeat.
"Alright, alright. You win."
"So?"
"So, firstly I'd tell her that she owes me a rematch."
Wanda smiles at the memory; the night at the dive-bar, that old jukebox in the corner playing unfamiliar songs, Bucky losing at rounds of darts and pool. Bucky speaking Sokovian, his hand warm on her back, his sweet smile as they danced in the dark. Good morning, good night, sky is blue. Bucky and his gentle hands on her waist, his lips crushed against hers, nothing between them but air.
She shakes the memory away and nudges his side.
"What else?"
"Well, I'm still taking her on that date I promised."
"And the bike ride." Wanda chimes in.
"Yeah, yeah. And the bike ride. I'm gonna get us matching helmets and jackets. I'll be real cute."
There's a pause. He considers his next words, then turns to face her.
"I'd say she looked amazing tonight. Always does. That I wanted to spend all night with her. She's the life of the party."
Wanda hums softly and turns to look at him. She's quiet but her mind is noisy, bouncing with thoughts. His words, his unfinished what if. What if, what if, what if. Bucky smiles and takes a half-step closer and she knows that he is waiting now. He has already said so much and now he's waiting for her to speak. She wishes it were that easy. She wills herself to focus, to not drift away with old memories and thoughts of the city.
"She wanted that, too."
"Really? Seemed like she was into this other guy." Bucky teases. "He's all golden and perfect. The ladies love him."
"Oh, stop it." Wanda laughs. "She is not into this Thor."
"What? Thor?" Bucky frowns, but there's a smile hidden behind it. "I was talking about Lucky. Wow. You really keep bringing up Thor at any opportunity. Don't you?"
"You're so dramatic, James."
He smiles and there's a spark back in his eyes again. She knows why, knows him well enough to see where this is going.
Bucky's hands fly out to tickle her, but this time she's too quick. She laughs and grabs his hands, blocking him from tickling her. He's surprised at first and bursts out laughing, letting her hold him there for just one small moment. Bucky quickly breaks free, tugs her forward, and wraps his big arms around her so she can't tickle him. She doesn't even try. Wanda laughs and leans right into Bucky, dizzy from the warmth of his arms.
Or maybe it's his blue eyes, or his sweet smile, or the way he looks at her, or the feeling of him laughing against her.
(no, she thinks, it's definitely his arms)
"Yeah? Well, you're trouble." Bucky laughs, still holding her tight. "You're cute but you're trouble, red."
"And you are so dramatic, but this girl still likes you." Wanda smiles, and tilts her head back. "She loves Lucky, but she does like you."
"Wow. Just wow. You know how to make a guy feel pretty special." he grins, and gives her a squeeze. "You know, you're not perfect either. You're not exactly..the best dancer."
"What, really?" she half-laughs, half-frowns. "Did you not see Clint dancing? Or Bruce? Or Scott?"
"Oh, yeah. I did. Unfortunately, I did see that. It's in my brain now." Bucky pauses, then smiles wider. "But I said what I said. You might need a teacher, kid."
Bucky's smile cracks seconds later and he starts to laugh even louder than before. Wanda laughs too, distantly aware that they're slowly starting to move. Bucky tugs them away from the ledge, leaving all the pretty little flowers behind. He leads her over to an open space between the swing-seat and the rows of succulents and tiny green plants. There's space to move around here, space to spin around in circles as Bucky gently takes her by the hand and puts the other hand on her waist.
Slowly they start to dance in the dark.
"So this is you teaching me?" she lifts an eyebrow.
"I'll do my best. It won't be easy, but I'll try." Bucky smiles, then softens. "I'm really glad you came tonight."
"Me too."
There's a pause, then a thought pops into her head.
"Sam knows. We talked tonight. He knows about.."
This. Us. Whatever this is, Sam knows, and she's worried that it might change things for them. That it will be too much for Bucky, but somehow it isn't. He just nods and watches her, his eyes dark and concerned but not for himself. He's worried for her, that it will change things for her. Wanda frowns slowly, a little confused by how well Bucky is taking this and how calm he is and then suddenly she realises why.
"How long have you known?" she asks.
Bucky's jaw tenses and slowly they stop swaying.
"Not long. You remember that night at the club?"
Wanda remembers that night well and smiles at the memory. It was 1AM, she was tired and a little drunk, and then Bucky was there with her outside of the NEON club. She bumped into him and nearly fell, somehow he was there to catch her, to stop her from falling again. She remembers Nat and Steve had been there too, they'd both been so kind to her and so warm, but she can't remember seeing Sam that night.
"I remember. You called me red."
"Yeah, well. Nat kept teasing me about it. Because your hair is clearly not red." Bucky explains. "She thought I was drunk. She was teasing me and Sam heard. I'd already told him 'bout this girl I liked. That I called her red. So he put it together after that. He hasn't known long. But I'm sorry, I should have told you."
She shakes her head. "It's okay. I understand."
"I really wanted to tell you, Wanda. I did." he sighs, holding her gaze. "I just didn't want you to worry. I'm sorry."
"I know, and it's okay." she softens. "Darcy knows, too. She said that we make a cute couple."
He smiles and tugs Wanda close again. Much closer, right up against him, and puts a hand around her waist. She smiles and lets him spin them around as they start to sway again. Bucky looks down at Wanda and she notices a spark of warmth back in his eyes. It makes her smile to see it there again, to know that he is relieved and that he doesn't care that this isn't really just between them anymore. It's out there now and somehow that makes it all feel more real.
"Darcy's right, by the way. You're very cute. We make a very cute couple." he laughs. "We might be the cutest couple in our group. Oh. By the way, we never finished that talk.
"Mmm. Really? What talk?"
"C'mon, you know what I mean. The talk we were having before the coffee fiasco of 2015." Bucky says, and then pauses, suddenly serious. "Speaking of coffee, I have no idea what those idiots did to that coffee machine but that was not coffee. That was disgusting, burnt, yucky sludge. It was so, so bad."
She laughs with him (it was terrible coffee) and then she remembers. Oh, that talk. The what if talk that's been on her mind all night.
Wanda slows, uncertain of what to say. She's suddenly not sure if she wants to do this tonight. Not now, not if it will ruin this. Bucky seems to understand and they slowly stop dancing. He lets out a breath and meets her gaze. She wonders what is on his mind, and wishes he would tell her everything, and at the same time her own mind is a mess and she doesn't know what to say or where to start.
So he does.
"You remember that night I came to your apartment? It was late and we went up to the rooftop. You gave me a chance to talk." Bucky sighs, and reaches for her hands, giving them a squeeze. "That night, you said that this was just fun. That it didn't have to be something. Just two people getting to know each other and having a lot of fun."
Wanda half-smiles. "I remember."
"Well, I don't want that anymore. I mean, I do. Of course I want that. But I want more than that. I want this. I want.."
He stops suddenly and she doesn't know where to start.
There are butterflies again, fluttering sharply against her chest. He always said that he didn't want more than this. That he was afraid, and he wanted it to be easy, wanted it to be just for the two of them. Bucky wasn't ready for anything else because he didn't think he deserved more. And now? He suddenly wants this, he wants something more, and she had always told herself that she didn't but deep down she always did.
She still does.
"What are you saying, James?"
"I like you, Wanda. I really like you and I don't wanna spend time with anyone else." he says, and pauses to let out a breath. "I just—I want more, but I don't know how to say it. I don't know how to do this, it's been a long time for me. And one day soon, I want everyone else to know. But right now, I just wanna try and get this right. I wanna try, if that's what you want."
Wanda smiles and stretches up to kiss him.
Softly, just once.
"I like you, too. And it's okay. We can start with something small."
"Yeah?" he smiles. "That sounds great, doll."
Then Bucky kisses her again and it's softer, and slower, and she's so dizzy and warm and happy all at once. She winds her arms around his waist, and slowly he pulls her closer to him, and afterwards when he pulls away she realises that she's never seen him look like that before. That smile looks new, too. She wonders if he feels the same, if she looks different too, and then she stretches up on her toes to kiss him again.
"Oh, I got it. I know where we can start." Bucky smiles, excited. "Get ready. It's gonna blow your mind. You ready? You're gonna love it."
Wanda nods, amused. "Oh, I'm ready. Go. Where do we start?"
"Alright, here it is. I'm Bucky. 31. I like nature, hiking, and rock-climbing." he laughs, between kisses. "I'm a go get itkinda guy. We're a perfect match, don't you think?"
She laughs between kisses. "Truth is, I have not done this rock climbing."
"What, really?" Bucky smiles. "You seem like you'd be an expert."
"I am not sure what Clint was saying." she smiles. "I am more of a badminton girl, I think."
Bucky laughs and kisses her slowly, his body warm against hers. Then he tilts his head back and smiles at her, and it's such a perfectly quiet moment that nothing else needs to be said. But then Bucky gets that bright spark in his eyes and she realises that she's smiling before he's even said a word. Somehow he just does that, just brings that out in her, makes her so happy that she's smiling without realising it.
"Well, isn't that great. I've never met a badminton girl before." he grins. "I bet you can teach me a thing or two. I like trying new things, red. Get the feeling that you do too."
It's late by the time they eventually make their way back to the party. Wanda steps into the lift first and Bucky stumbles in behind her. He touches a button on the wall and the doors slide shut. Wanda's head spins a little, she's still tipsy on vodka and all those shots she probably shouldn't have done. Bucky leans against the wall next to her, the elevator slowly making its way down to Clint's loft.
Bucky tips his head to look at her. She turns to face him slowly. The lift is quiet now, so dark and cold. There's a shadow over Bucky's face and a smile tugging on the corners of his mouth. She smiles and leans closer, her gaze soft and curious. He's still a little tipsy too, his hair all messy and lovely. He looks happy, too. She feels the same and smiles, her mind foggy with thoughts for a moment and then it fades.
And then she kisses him. Softly, just a quick kiss. She moves to his side and tilts her head up to look at him. Wanda takes his hand, slides her fingers between his, and it's only small but it feels right. It feels like they should have been doing this forever. Wanda lets the thought go and looks up at Bucky again. He's still smiling at her but he looks different. He tilts his head to the side curiously and gives her hand a soft squeeze.
"So. What next, badminton girl?"
She shrugs. "Bed?"
Bucky smiles. "Maybe take me to dinner first. I've got rules, you know. Standards and stuff. I've got stuff."
She laughs and stretches up to kiss him again. He's surprised, still laughing when she kisses him. But then suddenly Bucky is kissing her back. Softly, and urgently, as if he's been waiting all night to kiss her just like this. She kisses him back, a little harder now, their hands still tangled together in the dark lift. Bucky tugs her closer suddenly, sliding a hand around her waist until her body is pressed hard against his and there's no space between them anymore.
Bucky kisses her harder. His hand falls from her waist to her hip, metal fingers digging into the fabric of her dress. Wanda sighs and pulls Bucky forward; she tugs him out of the corner of the lift and suddenly they're moving, still kissing as they stumble around the lift. Her back hits a wall and Bucky is there, pressed hard against her and kissing her gently. His hand falls to her waist, and she tugs him closer, just as the elevator comes to a stop.
It's a slow stop but feels sudden. The doors open and Bucky sighs.
"Looks like this is us, red."
"Mm, I can see that." she smiles. "So, I am curious. Tell me, Mr. Perfect Match. What are your rules?"
Bucky's eyes crinkle when he laughs at her. She nudges his side and steps out of the lift. He's still laughing when he joins her in the hallway. Bucky jogs to catch up to Wanda's side and quickly reaches for her hand, sliding his fingers between hers again. She smiles and lets herself enjoy it; the soft feeling of Bucky's hand in hers, the warmth of his smile, and the sweet sound of his laugh as he bumps their shoulders together.
Then it clicks. He remembers her question.
"Oh, right. The stuff. My rules. Hang on.."
Wanda smiles and pulls Bucky inside the loft. The space is empty now, so dark and quiet. It's almost impossible to see at first, but somehow she guides them down the hallway to her bedroom. She remembers it was the third room on the right. Or was it the second? She decides that she's probably right and leads she way. It's late now and they're both so tired, it's for the best if they both crash in her room without waking anyone else up.
But Bucky isn't exactly quiet. He's tipsy, and wobbly, and so loud. Now that he's thought of his rules, he suddenly doesn't know how to talk quietly, or better yet how to stop talking.
"No snoring, no biting. No kicking or tickling." he pauses, then goes on. "No being mean to me. No talking about Thor or Lucky. Oh, and no sex. Obviously."
Wanda spins around. "Shhh. Someone will hear."
"Don't worry. I don't snore loud."
She smiles and gently shoves Bucky back into her room. The door is open, so he gets inside easily. It's dark in the room too, the space lit up in soft moonlight. Wanda flicks on a lamp by the bed and leaves Bucky to wander around by himself while she steps into the bathroom. She has a migraine now, probably from all the drinks and sleepless nights she's had this week. Wanda wets her face with cold water, lets her hair out, and takes an aspirin. She feels a little better already and returns to Bucky.
He's over by the window now, his eyes sweeping over everything in the room like it's all brand new and he's never been here before. She knows him better, knows that he's been here before and he's just trying to make her laugh. She starts to smile before he can even get a word out, which just makes him smile even more when he finally looks at her. He still goes ahead with his joke.
"You got a room? All I got was a pillow and a spot on the couch. Doesn't seem fair." Bucky points, and crosses his arms. "I've known Client way longer. Also, I'm a much better friend."
She laughs and walks over to him. "Really?"
"Yeah, and I'm much older. So technically, I should get the bed." he grins. "For my old back. But whatever. I'm not mad, I just think it's funny...You've been here, what? Five minutes. And you get the bed. I've been here for years and I get a couch. Doesn't seem right to me. But what would I know?"
Then Bucky looks at Wanda, really looks, and he softens and smiles. He's uncertain for a moment, then makes his move anyway. Bucky tugs Wanda closer, placing his hand on her waist again and letting out a quiet sigh. She feels herself relax too and gently places her hand against his jaw. She reaches up to brush a curly strand of brown hair back off his face, then softly rests her hand against his cheek.
He smiles a little and says nothing.
"You can stay if you want." Wanda says. "If your old back is not so comfortable on the couch, then you can stay."
Bucky hums, flexing his fingers gently against her waist. He lets himself get used to the feeling of touching her there. She does the same, gives herself a moment to get familiar with being this close with him. She really isn't used to this; it's been so long, and they've never been intimate like this but she likes it. She feels like she could get used to it. His soft hands, that sweet smile, and the feeling of his body so close to hers.
"That's sweet. But I've heard things about you." Bucky grins, playful again. "Things like you snore and kick. And bite."
He pauses, then smiles wider.
"I don't really mind that last one, if I'm honest. Could be fun?"
Wanda giggles and swats Bucky's shoulder. He catches her hand, squeezes it once and then lets go. Bucky sighs quietly and lets his gaze flick over her. She smiles back and feels her cheeks flush with warmth again. If Bucky notices, he says nothing. He does seem curious though, because he does that thing where he tilts his head just slightly when there's something new on his mind or he has a question. She's certain that he must notice because it's not that dark, but he still says nothing and just smiles back at her.
"You are...An idiot." Wanda sighs.
He smiles. "I know. And you..Smell nice?"
"You smell like beer and cigarettes."
"But it's nice, isn't it?" Bucky smiles. "Beer, cigarettes, and burnt coffee. What a combo. What girl wouldn't love that? You're a pretty lucky lady, Maximoff."
Wanda laughs and scrunches up her nose. It's not the best, but it's definitely not the worst. And she certainly can't remember tasting burnt coffee when they kissed, only whiskey and a hint of smoke. She untangles herself from Bucky and places her hand back on his jaw. She wants to keep touching him, wants to become more familiar with him, with this. She runs her fingers gently over the side of his face and watches him tilt his head back.
Bucky's jaw is clenched tight as she traces her fingers lightly across his cheek.
"You know what the say..." he trails off, then half-smiles. "Always tastes better than you think. Wanna try?"
"Are you—Was that you trying to pick me up?"
Bucky's expression is suddenly serious. She wonders if he really is, then spots that playful look in his eyes. She reminds herself that she knows him, that she is now familiar with this side of himself that he doesn't always show. He can be soft, and playful, and silly with her. He isn't always this way, especially when there are other people around them. But when it's just the two of them, he lets her in.
"Oh. You want that? Want me to pick you up?"
She grins. "You can try."
Bucky smiles and accepts the challenge.
"Okay. If that's what you really want."
Then he picks her up. It's not in a fun or flirty way like she'd expected; Bucky literally sweeps her off her feet, scoops her up into his arms, and then hangs her over his shoulder. She shrieks at how quickly things are moving and starts to laugh, an eruption of giggles spilling from her mouth. Bucky laughs and spins Wanda around the room, and at first she can only cling to him, giggling as he spins them around.
And around, and around, and around.
Until everything is too dizzy, and too fast, and she hits his shoulder to slow him down. He spins her around again and then finally stops. She's still giggling when they fall on the bed minutes later. Bucky falls with her and they end up all tangled on the bed, laughing for what feels like hours. Wanda slowly wiggles closer to Bucky, once the room has stopped spinning and she can think clearly again.
She bumps her fist into his shoulder and he pretends to wince and fall down like he's wounded. Bucky sinks back into the bed and clutches his shoulder like he's hurt. Wanda just rolls her eyes and looks up at the ceiling. It's only a minute later that she realises that she's never heard him laugh that much before. She smiles at the thought and lets herself remember the sound, then she moves closer to Bucky.
He's quiet, but there's a big smile on his face.
"That wasn't exactly what I meant."
"Yeah, yeah. I know." Bucky chuckles softly. "You're much heavier than you look, by the way."
Wanda knows he's only joking. But she still grabs the pillow and hurls it right at his face. The pillow hits him and he falls back dramatically against the bed. Wanda laughs and watches Bucky throw the pillow off the bed and to the floor. Probably so she won't hit him with it again. She smiles and turns to face him as he wiggles closer, stretching out next to her on the soft bed. It gets quiet for a moment and then he softens.
"Hey, I was joking. Yeah? You're as light as a feather."
She smiles. "I know. And you are..."
Wanda stops, losing the words as Bucky kisses her.
He moves so he's closer to her, props himself up on his elbows and kisses her slowly. It's so nice, and warm, and familiar and new all at once. She kisses him back, certain that she could stay here all night and be happy. Slowly he pulls away and collapses back on the bed by her side. She tilts her head to look up at him and smiles. There's a shadow over his face, and his hair is still so lovely and messy. She wants to run her fingers through it, wants to kiss him over and over again.
She reminds herself that there will be time for that.
"You are..."
"Charming? Irresistible? A jerk?"
Wanda nods and laughs a little. He smiles and reaches for her hand again, linking their fingers together. She lingers on the feeling, curious again. Bucky has never been this way with her, so soft and intimate, so familiar. She wonders if it's because of the whiskey, or if it's the talk they had up on the roof. Something small. She can't be sure but she gets the feeling that it's not the whiskey at all.
"Mmm. You are lucky I like you so much."
He grins. "Trust me, I know."
"Oh, you do?"
"What, are you kidding? Of course I do." Bucky smiles. "Bunking in here with you, when I could be out on the couch? I'm the luckiest guy in New York."
She softens and reaches out for Bucky again. Wanda places her hand on his cheek and leans in, as if they've done this so many times before now. He kisses her back softly, slips his tongue into her mouth and curls his hand around her waist. She sighs a little and pulls him closer against her, and soon they're all tangled up and warm and it's lovely. He lifts his head back a few minutes later and smiles.
"I'm glad you're here." she says quietly.
Bucky smiles and gently touches her cheek. Then he stops, his gaze curiously moving across her face as if he's just noticed something. Something new. Wanda stays quiet, wondering if there is something on her face. Then Bucky reaches out and softly runs his fingers through her hair. It was tied up before but now her curls hang out, all messy around her face. Bucky reaches out and runs his fingers gently through the strands.
"I'm glad you're here, too." he says, softer. "You changed your hair. It's different, right?"
She nods. "I had a migraine, so I untied it."
Bucky seems concerned, for a moment anyway. Then he leans over her and gently runs his fingers through her hair again. She smiles and lets herself enjoy it, his touch so soft and familiar. The faint look of concern quickly fades from his face, soon replaced with something else entirely. Wanda doesn't recognise it at first, not until Bucky leans in and kisses the side of her face, right where her migraine aches.
He doesn't stop there. Bucky kisses her cheek, then her jaw, and then slowly he tilts his head back and looks at her quietly. Her mind starts to spin again, with so many unspoken thoughts and feelings. She doesn't know where to start or what to say, so she says nothing and watches as Bucky presses one more kiss to her jaw and then pulls back to look at her again.
"How's the migraine now?"
She smiles. "Better."
"Good."
Bucky hums and smiles back, pleased it's feeling a little better. Then he starts to kiss her again. Her eyes fall shut as Bucky begins to gently kiss up and along her jaw. He kisses her cheeks, and her lips, and then gently trails kisses along her jaw and further down. To her throat, and very quickly across her chest, only there for a moment before he moves away again. Her head is still spinning when he finally speaks.
"Now?"
"Much better."
There are more kisses, soft and quick. Bucky plants one more kiss to her cheek, then drops down to the bed to lay by her side. She smiles and rolls over to face him. She can't find the words at first, but she wants him to know that she's had so much fun tonight. With him, with everyone. She wants to tell him what it means, but it's so late and she's still a little tipsy. She can't seem to find the words, but tonight he has no problem finding them.
"You know, you never did tell me. What'd you say to me. I mean, this guy." Bucky smiles. "That really handsome, super cool, funny guy that you're into. What would you say?"
"He isn't that funny." she teases, and looks away. "And I don't know, what I would say..'
"It's alright." he encourages her. "You can tell me."
"I think I would say that he looked nice. And I was happy to see him."
"Yeah? I was happy to see you, too." Bucky smiles, and there's a pause. "And I'm happy to be here now.."
She can feel it coming. I'm happy to be here, but.. There's a pause that she knows will lead to something else. Bucky quickly moves and props himself up on his elbows. It's like he wants to reassure her that it's not what she's thinking. He's still okay, he still wants to be here, but there's something he wants her to know. Bucky runs his fingers lightly over her cheek and smiles. She finds herself missing the warm feeling when he pulls away a minute later.
"You look sleepy, red. I don't wanna keep you up."
Stay, she wants to ask, but she doesn't. It's all still new for him and she understands that. She smiles, gives him a quick kiss, then wiggles down to the end of the bed. Still dizzy but not wobbly anymore. So that's something. Bucky follows her, moving to sit by her side at the end of the bed. He's watching her now, his eyes bright as if his head is suddenly clear again. He looks curious too, like he wants to know what's on her mind.
She smiles and nudges his side. He laughs and bumps her shoulder back. Wanda knocks his hand away and starts to shrug off her jacket. She's still a little tipsy, and it's late, and she doesn't get it off easily. And then Bucky is there, fingers curling around her jacket to help her out of it. She tilts her head to look back at him and he just smiles.
"You helped me, remember?" he says, and stands. "Also, it's the least I can do. After my bad joke back there..."
Wanda stands slowly and follows Bucky to the end of the bed. He pulls the jacket off gently, dropping it on the armchair by the bed. She plops back down on the bed and starts to unlace her shoes so she can climb into bed and maybe get a few hours of sleep before the sun rises. And then Bucky is there, again. He kneels on the ground and reaches for her boot, starting to untie the laces like she did for him the night.
It's the same, but also different.
Bucky finds it easy tonight. She smiles at the memory of him struggling with her boots, almost falling to the ground. He's quicker now, wiggling off her boot and moving on to the next with a surprising quickness. His fingers brush softly against her skin as he unties the laces, and she's not sure if he means to touch her there but it sends a sharp jolt of warmth up through her body anyway. If he notices then he says nothing, he just unties her shoes and places them on the floor by the fluffy blue armchair.
She watches Bucky quietly, as he stays kneeling on the ground in front of her. She wonders why, then realises that he's distracted by the old scars and bruises on her legs. She wants to tell him that it's nothing, just old scars and injuries from her childhood, or the city, or that afternoon they crashed into each other at the park. It's nothing but Bucky still looks at her like it is, his gaze lingering on the scars as he wonders who, and how, and why. She lets him stay there on the floor, kneeling at her feet for a minute, or maybe it's longer than that. She's not really aware of how much time slips by before he moves again.
Bucky moves a hand to her knee, running his fingers over a thick scar there. It comes back suddenly; a flash of silver, blood on concrete, torn stockings and shaky feet. She tenses and almost pulls back, and Bucky notices. He rubs his thumb over her skin to comfort her, but says nothing. She's almost glad that he doesn't, she doesn't want to talk about it tonight. Wanda pushes the memory away and looks down at Bucky again.
He lingers for a moment, then his hand falls away. Wanda doesn't want him to go, but she doesn't know how to say it or what exactly she wants. So she grabs his hand before he stands and he doesn't move again. He stays right there kneeling on the floor, his face half-covered by shadows and his smile warm. She lets her gaze flick over him, across his soft brown hair and kind blue eyes.
"What's up, sweetheart? You ok?"
She nods, still holding his hand. "What would you do? If we were alone..."
If we wanted more, if we didn't care, if we did care.
Bucky watches her, smile still there it's just a little different now. Nervous? She can't be sure, but she wonders if she has made a mistake and starts to move. Bucky doesn't let go. His touch is soft and curious, it doesn't stop her from moving but tells her that he'd like her to stay. So she stays. Wanda watches Bucky lean back on his heels, an uncertain but warm look spread across his face.
"What would I do if we were alone?" he asks, quieter now. "That's a long list. I'm not sure we have the time tonight.."
"But we do have time. Don't we?"
He nod and pushes himself up off the floor, still kneeling but stretched up to meet her lips for a kiss. He stays there for a moment, slowly moving his hands to either side of her waist. Wanda likes his hands there, could definitely get used to the feeling. She smiles back at Bucky and places her hand against to his jaw. He seems to relax at her touch and closes his eyes for a minute.
It feels nice, feels calm again.
"Yeah, we do. Of course we do, red."
Wanda smiles and kisses Bucky again. His grip on her waist tightens, his touch soft and familiar. He kisses her back and it's so warm and so lovely that she wants to stay here kissing him all night. She forgets that she's tired, and it's late, and that he's tired too and she kisses him back. He smiles into the kiss and she kisses him slowly, winding her arms around his neck for a moment.
"And you know what else?" he says, between kisses. "You're amazing, you know. You're so smart, and—"
"Stop it. You're just saying that because you called me heavy."
Bucky laughs and throws his head back. His laughter is warm and infectious. She smiles and realises just how happy she is tonight. Just how happy he is. She kisses him once more and then pulls back. He watches her for a moment and then leans back on his heels again, still kneeling on the floor. He could get up and join her on the bed, they could go to sleep or they could lay awake and talk for hours again, but she gets the feeling that he likes it there, that there's something else on his mind now.
"You're right. I feel really bad about that stupid joke." he sighs. "I was trying to be funny, but I was a jerk. Let me make it up to you?"
Then Bucky moves forward again, places a hand on her thigh and leaves it there. He rubs his thumb gently over her warm skin, waits a moment, and then slides his hand further down her leg. There's a warm feeling that follows his fingertips; it goes wherever he touches her and she feels dizzy, head spinning from his touch. She breathes in slowly, surprised by how easy it feels to be this close with him.
Bucky leans up to kiss her a minute later. She smiles against his lips and kisses him back.
"If you want, I could try to make it up to you." Bucky suggests, between slow kisses. "But if I only I could find a way.."
He pulls back and smiles, moving a hand up her thigh. Wanda's eyes fall shut for a moment as his fingers run across her skin. She feels so warm, so happy here with him. She bites down on her lip and opens her eyes to watch Bucky trace patterns over her skin. His touch sends little jolts up her thigh, so soft and warm. Then he leans in and kisses her knee, his hand still running circles over her skin.
Bucky is so soft, so familiar, and she wants this.
Wants more kisses, more warmth, more.
Wanda leans back a little, her nails digging into the edge of the mattress as Bucky kisses up her thigh. Up to the exposed skin below her dress then higher up. He curls a hand around the back of her leg, leaving a trail of kisses there before he keeps moving. Wanda feels herself jolt forward at the touch, and it's just enough that he notices, that he feels her body moving towards him and he smiles to himself as he kisses up her leg.
It's a sweet smile, like he's happy to be here and just wants her to feel good. She does. Her cheeks flush with warmth and she watches him quietly. His gaze flicks up to meet hers as he settles a hand on her thigh, brushing his fingers over the skin there and then just underneath the end of her dress. She knows what she wants, knows what he's asking. She smiles and says yes, and then Bucky smiles and stretches up to kiss her again.
She enjoys the taste of his lips. Whiskey, and cigarettes, and something sweeter that she can't quite name. When Bucky leans back a minute later, his cheeks are flushed. She smiles and watches him move through the dark. He kisses up her thigh, his lips warm and fingers soft as he touches her. She says nothing as Bucky flexes his fingers against her skin, letting himself grow familiar with the feeling of touching her there.
Wanda smiles softly to encourage him and moves her dress out of the way. Bucky gives her leg a squeeze and runs his fingers over soft skin and old scars. He seems to hesitate for a moment, then gently runs his fingers over the graze on her thigh. It's still healing, almost healed, but he can still feel it. He touches it gently and then moves away, dragging his fingers to the inside of her thigh where he soon presses a soft kiss to the skin there.
One kiss, then two more.
She shuts her eyes, as tiny sparks of warmth move through her. Bucky's hand is warm as it moves across her skin and he kisses a spot on the inside of her thigh where he's never kissed before. Wanda arches forward and opens her eyes, soon reaching for him and tugging him closer. Bucky smiles and begins to kiss up her thigh, more confident now. He's all bright eyes, and sweet smiles, and soft hands. He knows what he's doing, knows how to make her feel good.
Bucky runs his hands further up her thigh and she feels it again. That warmth inside of her. He's slower now, like he wants to take his time, wants to remember. Wanda doesn't mind, she's enjoying every moment of his hands touching her and lips kissing her where he's never kissed her before. Bucky holds her gaze as he pushes her dress out of the way. She helps, steady fingers pushing the fabric to the side so it's out of the way and there's almost nothing between them.
She realises soon that she likes the way that Bucky is looking at her. His gaze flicks curiously up her thighs and higher, to the shape of her hips and the exposed skin below her underwear. He smiles again and she feels surprised, not by his smile but how happy he is. Happy to sit here, to kiss her, to make her feel good. Wanda doesn't dwell on it and just lets herself enjoy this. She feels dizzy again when Bucky stretches up to kiss her lips.
Suddenly, they move back to the bed. She's not sure who moves first, but she thinks it might be her. Wanda pulls Bucky up from his knees and she plops back on the bed. He follows and props himself up on his elbows above her. He kisses her for a moment; across her jaw, and cheeks, and down her throat. Then he pushes her dress out of the way, kisses along her hips and down to the inside of her thighs.
She likes it when he kisses her there. She gets the feeling he'd do this all night if she wanted. That he'd spend hours just kissing her and making her feel good. Wanda wants that, she wants that and so much more. She wants Bucky's hands on her, fingers digging into her hips as he kisses her, makes her feel good, like she hasn't felt in so long. She pulls him closer and he moves quicker, fingers trailing up her thigh. Bucky hooks his fingers around her underwear, kissing her as he tugs them off and throws them away into the dark.
Bucky leans up for one more kiss. Slow, and soft, and lovely. Then he's kissing up her thigh again, and it's different but it's warm and she likes it. Wanda smiles to herself, eyes half-shut and head spinning as Bucky settles above her and kisses across the exposed skin of her hips. She tangles a hand in his hair, digging her fingers in just a little when he kisses across her stomach and then lower. Wanda smiles and closes her eyes as a dizzy warmth washes over her in waves.
Notes: Hi everyone! I'm (finally) back with a new update after seventy years! (pls let's all promise to ignore how long it really took me to update and in return I promise I will never ever take so long to update a chapter. Deal?) also last year/this year has been a lot for everyone so I hope you're all doing okay (and if you're not, that's ok too! also I'm always here to chat) ❤
for many many reasons, I basically did 0 writing last year but I'm back and I'm really excited for you guys to read this new chapter and I'm already editing the next chapter so hopefully I'll be back to updating more regularly. I'm also bouncing around a few other ideas for winterwitch fics (would anyone be interested?) but we'll see! For now I'm just really happy to be back writing again and to share this chapter with you guys. also please share all/any feedback, as I'm feeling a bit rusty after not updating in so long. anyway I'm also kinda nervous because it's been so long but ENJOY xx