AN: I know it has been a while, but I'm still working on stories. Here ya go :) I am also re-writing Maybe One Day but I won't be posting it until I have a few chapters going.

Bucky held the door open for Bella as she walked into Figurati, flipping on the lights. She smiled at the flowers on the table and a dessert from Fernando. "He's a doll," She smiles, picking up the card, reading his handwriting. Bucky smiled at her, leaning down to place a kiss on her lips. She fisted her hand in his blazer, smiling against his lips as he pulled away. "I'll see you this evening sweetheart," Like always, Bella turned a light shade of red, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Okay," She murmurs, shooing him out, his deep laugh following him outside.

She watches him leave with a small smile, turning to look at her shop. Fernando and Tony left everything just the way she had it and even prepped some of her usual recipes for her for the following week. Since she learned of Charlie's illness, she hadn't the strength yet to part from him up until now. She spent the last two weeks in between Bucky's place and the hospital. Bucky had been, and still is the supporting boyfriend, being there if he was needed, but he also didn't hover. She had to admit that she liked his place, and she set up her new room to her liking, not ready yet to just push all of her things in his room. Outside of sleeping, and the hospital, they spent a lot of time around one another, sharing space, and opening up to one another.

On days where they were both free, they'd plan lunch and would either go out or stay in. Bucky was ever the romantic, always leaving her flowers to find or planned surprised dinner dates. It was sweet and thoughtful. One time, Bella had walked in when he was in one of his meetings that were taking place over the phone, and if the meeting weren't so serious, Bucky would have laughed at the look on her face.

He just waved her in, and he guided her down to sit on his lap, continuing with his conversation. He also started to teach her Italian to keep her mind off things when she had the time, and Bella could be honest and say she butchered up half of the words he was teaching her, but Bucky was patient.

Something Bella was getting good at.

She was never usually in a rush when cooking, and despite everything going on, the act of it soothed her fragile nerves. She started on a pot of coffee, changing her sign from closed to open after she started preparing her muffins. In honor of the holidays that were coming up, she started on her pumpkin, blueberry, and Oreo batches. She also decided to start pulling out the Christmas decorations, the feeling bringing about a cheery mood. It was probably her favorite time of year if she were being honest. It always seemed to brighten her day.

The bell over the door rang as Bella was just starting on hanging up white garland. She was on one of her stools, and she looked over, smiling as she saw Tony and a red-headed woman wrapped around his arm. "Tony!" She smiled, stepping down carefully, going to greet them. Tony smiled at her, taking her hand before kissing both of her cheeks in greeting. Tony had come by Bucky's a lot since being her stand-in usually to just visit with Fernando or give Bella an update about Figurati. He also made a mean Spaghetti. "You're looking better. This is Pepper, my fiancé, Pep, this is the woman I was telling you about. Isabella," Bella shakes Pepper's hand, smiling. "Bella is just fine. It's nice to meet you," Pepper gave Bella a blinding smile. "Likewise. Tony wasn't kidding, it smells great in here. Is that pumpkin I smell? This is the best time of the year," Bella eagerly nods, going to retrieve the muffins that were just about done, Pepper waiting at the counter eagerly. Tony sits next to Pepper, looking around the empty shop before turning his attention to Pepper. "It's nice in here right?" He asks, and she nods, glancing over at him. "It's great," Bella places a plate down for each of them, placing the steamy hot muffin on her plate. "On the house. Tony, would you like one?" Tony picks an Oreo one, both of them humming in delight at the moist goodness. "You weren't kidding Tony," Pepper murmurs behind a swallow, thanking Bella as she handed them a glass of milk.

"This is amazing. Do you think around Christmas time you can make me a batch of these? I'd like to take them to my mother, she'd die happily," Bella nods, chatting with the two of them for a while before leaving them to eat in silence as she put on a bit of music and went back to her decorations. Seattle was just receiving its first day of snow for the year, just three weeks away from Thanksgiving. It was cold as hell outside, and the warmth inside her shop felt welcoming to the patrons who walked in, shaking off at the door. As Bella was decorating, Tony decided to step in for her, taking orders, and getting the items Bella had on hand.

Bella was halfway around the store with garland when a voice interrupted her. She looks down from her stool, narrowing her eyes at the woman before her. She stepped down carefully, waving her arm toward an empty table. She sits first, staring into light brown eyes. "You have a lot of nerve showing your face to me," Bella murmurs, leaning back. "I know, and I know I am the last person you want to see but…" Bella holds up a hand. "What do you want Renee?" Renee looked disheveled, her hair looked like it hadn't been brushed in days, bags lingered under her eyes, and her clothes were severely wrinkled.

"I need your help. Considering your involvement with these gangs, I figured you'd know who this is," Renee slides over a picture, and Bella just stares at her before sighing and looking at the picture. She just raised a brow. "I know him, yes," She slides the picture back, meeting Renee's frantic eyes. "What have you done to warrant the Cullen's attention?" Renee shushes Bella to keep her voice down. Bella rolls her eyes. "I dated his son. Obviously you've done something. I can't help you here," Bella moves to get up, and Renee yanks her back down harshly. Bella glares at her. "Why the hell not?" Bella scoffs. "Oh, let's see, you just up and left us for this baseball player, and 17 years later you waltz back into our lives, don't even recognize me, steal from us while almost getting all three of us killed, and if those people are caught anywhere near me, I'm afraid it would be their last time breathing. Is that enough justification?" Renee lets Bella go, staring up at her. "So, you don't care?" Renee asks, sounding upset, her lips marred in a frown.

Bella walks away, and Renee looks out of the window for a moment, turning around surprised as Bella places a hot muffin in a to-go box and $100 in her hand. "No offense when I say this, but this isn't because I care about you. I just want you to go. Charlie is on his death bed, literally, so believe me when I say you are the least of my worries. I'd get the hell out of town if I were you," Bella turns around for good, leaving Renee to sit silently by the window with her head down.

"Is everything okay boss?" Tony murmurs to her as she passes by. Bella nods, giving him a tense smile. Bella was feeling sort of conflicted. On one hand, she meant everything she said, and on another, she felt bad leaving her to the wolves. The unexpected visit from her mother was slightly stressing her out. She didn't have the time to deal with her, and with the emotional turmoil she had been having concerning Charlie, it was a lot. Sneaking glances throughout the day at Renee's table showed that she hadn't moved from that spot. Pepper sat off to the side out of the way, sneaking curious glances at Tony. Tony just shook his head minutely. It was nearing lunch time, and Bella usually closed for the hour. Tony helped usher the lunch rush out and nodded to Bella before leaving with Pepper. Bella wiped down the already clean counters a few times then sighed.

"What do you want?" Bella asked again, clearly wondering what Renee expected her to do. Renee turned towards her with hopeful eyes. "To start over. I…I've missed so much on your life and I've seen what a beautiful young woman you have become. I don't have anyone, no family, friends, and I…I'm sorry. I know I did you horribly wrong and there is nothing I can do to rectify that, please I'm just asking for your forgiveness and a chance to be in your life," She whispers, wiping away a lone tear. The words tugged at Bella's heart strings, and she struggles to quell the bubbling sympathy from her throat. "How do I know I can trust you?" Bella asks, narrowing her eyes. She used to want this. So bad. She searched for it in Esme, and never got that feeling she craved. "You don't. I wish to prove it to you. Please Bella. All I'm asking for is a chance," Bella stared at Renee long and hard. "Two conditions. Apologize to Charlie, truly mean it. You broke that man's heart. Two, whatever it is that you are doing or have done concerning Carlisle Cullen, you need to let it go. If you don't….I think you know what may happen to you,"

Renee eagerly nods, and in a sudden move, stands and embraces Bella. Bella stiffens, rearing her head back, eyeing Renee. Renee pulled back sheepishly. "Too soon, sorry," Renee twiddles her fingers for a moment before looking up at her daughter that was eerily the spitting image of her, with just a few differences. "I also would like to apologize to you, about everything, including….I hit on your man friend last time. I didn't mean anything by it…" Bella raises a brow. "I remember and his name is Bucky Barnes. He's my boyfriend," She smiles fondly at the thought of him.

Bella went through the rest of the day until the evening cleaning and decorating. Renee opted to help, and Bella thought why not, it would give the woman something to do. She had since closed and Bella looked towards her mother as she ate the muffin she had given her. "Do you have a place to stay?" She asks, and Renee shakes her head. "Everything in Florida is gone. Phil….is gone," Bella thinks to herself, before stepping to the side and pulling out her phone. She dials Bucky who picks up after a few rings.

"Hey," She answers softly, smiling as he greeted her like usual. "I have a favor to ask you," One of Bucky's weaknesses was that he could never tell Bella no, and he knew that when she asked for a favor it was like a last minute thing that she hadn't thought much about.

Sure.

"Renee is here…and before you ask, I'm alright. I don't know, she wants to start over, and I'm willing to try…"

Bucky however didn't like this. He didn't trust Renee the moment he saw her, and considering the holidays, he definitely didn't trust her now. He listens though as she explains their meeting and what Renee wanted. That wasn't his concern though.

What is it you want concerning her?

Bella sighs, thinking about what she wanted. She wasn't sure. "I don't know. I just know I can't just let her to rot out here. She seems genuine, I've never been a good judge of character. I don't know what I want from her. I was just wondering if she could stay the night, just tonight, and I'll think of something tomorrow,"

Bucky was quiet for a moment, and Bella worried her bottom lip.

You know, you'll bust your lip like that

Bella reared back at the phone, wondering how he knew that.

I'm outside doll

Bella looked up at the sound of his laughter, rolling her eyes, and hanging up the phone. "Of course," She grumbles. She grabs her coat as Bucky makes his way inside. She greets him from across the counter with a kiss, brushing the snow off of his jacket. "Sneak," She murmurs, watching as he glances over at Renee before returning his eyes to her. "Are you sure about this?" He wonders, watching her walk around the counter before coming to a stand beside him. Renee's attention was focused on a car outside. "Just for the night, she won't be in your hair, I promise," Bucky shakes his head, smoothing a hand down her hair. "Not that. I can accommodate. No offense but I don't trust her, and I don't want to see you hurt, especially by your own mother. She's betrayed you once already," Bucky had a good point, and Bella knew that.

"I know. I think that she can come around and maybe I'll get the chance to you know…get to know my mother," She whispers hopefully. Bucky just places a kiss to her forehead. He then goes to Renee who stands upon seeing him through the glass reflection. "Mr. Barnes," Renee greets, shaking his hand. Bucky nods and Bella knew he was serious when he didn't correct her to call him by his first name. "Ms. Higginbotham," Both women's eyes widen at the use of her maiden name. Bucky had indeed done his research.

"Your daughter has requested you stay for the night. Is that alright with you?" Renee slides her eyes to Bella before nodding. "If it's alright with the two of you, I don't want to impose," Bucky gives her a charming smile, but she was well enough aware of the guarded look in his eyes. "Nonsense. Though I don't know where you'd sleep," Bella clears her throat, causing both of them to look over at her. "She can sleep in my room, and I'll…bunk with you," The words were said in such a rush that Bucky couldn't help but chuckle. "Fine by me. Shall we ladies? It's cold out," As ever the gentleman despite his dislike for the woman, he hands Renee his coat as her thin sweater would freeze her within seconds. The car had to park a little ways down because of the ice forming on the roads. He goes to Bella, taking her coat from her and slips it on for her, kissing her temple.

He goes to open the door for them, and Renee steps out first, Bella right behind her. He flicks off the lights and locks it up. "Is he always like this? Charming? A gentleman?" Bella could tell Renee was awed and it made Bella proud to have a boyfriend such as Bucky. She truly was lucky. "Yes," Bella replies, smiling up at him as he takes her hand, leading them both to the car. Renee slides across the leather seats to the end, and Bella sits on the other side, Bucky sliding in next to her. Once his door was closed, the car was moving slowly. Bella watched the snow fall, leaning against Bucky.

Bucky wrapped an arm around her shoulders, gazing upon Renee with curiosity. Renee adverted her eyes from his hard stare, and Bucky shifted his attention back to Bella. "Is Seattle always like this?" Renee asks, hoping to break the tense silence. "It can be. This time of the year though, it is always cold. Last year the lake become a temporary skating rink," Bucky responds. "Oh, I used to love ice skating. When Bella was three, I took her with me to the ice rink down in Forks, they had these cute little children's shoes…" Renee gushed.

Bella raised her brows in surprise, not having any recollection of that memory. "Oh! There was this one time that Bella…." Renee pauses as Bella gives her a look. "Renee…" She murmurs, shaking her head. It would hurt her feelings if Renee started to bring upon memories of memories. It would hit her even harder to know that with these good memories, Renee left without a second thought or a goodbye. "Sorry," Renee whispers, causing Bella to sigh softly. Bucky brushed a thumb under her jaw, a gentle reminder that he was here beside her.

When arriving home, the house was a bit hard to see, but she could tell it was massive. She was escorted inside where she surprisingly kept her wonder to herself even though she mouthed the words what the fuck to herself. She was shown Bella's room, and after giving her a quick tour, Bella and Bucky decided to settle in for the night. It wasn't as awkward Bella thought it would be considering that they have slept in the same bed before on two separate occasions. Although she was somewhat distracted by the beauty of Bucky's naked chest. She was proud to know that she wasn't the only one struggling to contain herself. "Alright there?" Bella wonders with a knowing smile on her face.

It was the fourth time Bucky had shifted under the covers. "Peachy," He responds, although it comes out slightly strained. After a few minutes of trying to ignore the attraction and distract themselves, Bella decides to hell with it, and rolls over, lessening the space between them. Bucky's hands frame her face as she kisses him slowly, their mouths trying desperately to taste the other. The lights in his room were dimmed, casting them in a soft glow, the covers crinkling around their bodies as they moved and shifted.

Bella's fingers were tangled in his hair, while his fingers were digging almost painfully into her hips. Neither of them were sure where this sudden sexual urge had come from. Neither would deny that it felt amazing. Bella smelled like her flowery bodywash, and it was filling his nose. She had made her way on his lap, soft moans leaving her mouth as he grinded up against her with his hips. She could feel his hardening erection beneath her, and the feeling of him grinding against her felt heavenly.

He latched onto her neck with his lips, sucking on her delicate skin, leaving a bruise in his wake, meeting her lips again as she bent her head down. "You feel so good," He murmurs against her lips, swallowing the little noises she was making, her arms now locked around his neck. She whispers his name like a prayer, biting down on is bottom lip gently, sucking it into her mouth. One of his hands drift down to her exposed thigh, and he runs his hand along it, silently asking for her permission to touch more of her. Bella rocks her hips forward as an okay, shuddering slightly as he slowly inched his way up her leg.

"Wait…" She murmurs against his lips, and he immediately stops his hand from moving, looking up at her with hooded eyes. As much as he wanted to continue, he wanted her to be comfortable. She looks down at him, leaning back a bit. She turns a dark shade of red, her face flushed. "I've never…." She whispers, looking him in the eyes. Bucky's brows raise, and he retracts his hand slowly. "At all? Nothing?" He clarifies, mentally groaning as the problem below only seemed to grow more excited at the shake of her head. "Nothing. You're the farthest I've gone," She admits sheepishly.

"But I don't want you to stop touching me…" She whispers, grabbing his hand and placing it where he had it. He just hums before he goes to kiss her again. "Well, there's plenty of things I'd like to teach you if you'll let me," He whispers against her lips, rolling them over, his hand now slowly traveling to where he had been headed moments prior, but with this new knowledge, he wanted to show her that she could still feel good without having sex. As he pulled back to look in her eyes, he saw not only lust, but wonder. Even though she was relaxed, he could also feel her tense in some places. "We go as far as you want to," He assured her softly, leaning back down to capture her plump lips, groaning slightly. He'd never get enough of her.

Bella experimentally runs her hands along his warm chest, taking in every inch of him. She used to wish Edward would touch her like this when they were together, when he was still the sweet boy she had fallen in love with, but he used to shut it down very quickly, especially when she tried to get sexy and entice him to at least make out with her. Sometimes she'd succeed, but the pleasure wouldn't last long, and he'd push her away like she was some disease. It only seemed to work when he'd have her be still, and she found that if she didn't do anything or touch him that he'd go a little further, before pushing her away like a two-cent whore. At first Bella thought she may have smelled or did something wrong, causing quite the insecurity within her. Edward had never explained why he reacted the way he did and after a while, Bella stopped asking, especially when he changed. Everything with Bucky felt new, and for once she felt desirable excluding the non-sexual times Bucky had made her feel this way. This desire was different.

Yet, she also wasn't sure what to do. He seemed to like her touching him and moving around, but she was scared she'd turn him off. They had never been this far, just deep and languid kisses that went no farther than the neck. Now he was touching her in places that felt entirely too good, and she didn't want the feeling to stop. Her brow crinkles as she gazes at her hands that are now splayed on his bare chest. As his hand massages his way up her thigh, it was like her brain was reminding her to be still and the pleasure she wanted may just come to her. Bucky of course had felt her change in demeanor, pulling away a bit to look her in the face again.

"We can stop," He assures her softly, his blue eyes staring her down into her soul. She almost felt bare to him. She frantically shakes her head, and it's Bucky's turn to look confused. "It's not that…I just don't want to do too much and…make you stop," She whispers, looking away from him then, her face flaming up. Bucky turns her head back towards him, tilting his head a bit. "If you freeze up like this, it makes me think something is wrong. Enlighten me here a bit," Once she explains the sexual frustration she had in the past, he becomes a bit more understanding, although still confused on why anyone would prefer their partner to be still while they did anything sexual. He leans up a bit more, straddling her now, and he takes her hands, gently pulling her up into a sitting position. He places her hands back on his chest, staring her in the eyes. "Be responsive. I want you to, and I know you want to. I want you to feel just as pleasured as I do," He takes ones of her hands, and guides it down to his shorts so that she could feel exactly how she made him feel. Her eyes shoot down to the imprint in his shorts, squeezing softly, pulling her hand away as he lets out this breathy groan. "It felt good," He whispers to her, nodding encouragingly as she brought her hand back to him.

She experimentally squeezes and tugs, eliciting a string of groans from his mouth. His stare made her feel hot all over, and the relaxed look on his face made Bella loosen up a bit. He grinds into her hand, and moves the silk sheet that lay between them so that she could see better. "Just like that baby," He sighs out, his eyes closing as Bella started to get more comfortable. She tightens her grip, watching his face closely, her other hand still on his chest. She bites her lip hesitating if she should dip her hands in his shorts. By the look on his face, she knew he was enjoying what she was doing. She stops for a moment, and he opens his eyes to look down at her as she shifts from underneath him, and gets on her knees. She tugs on his neck, and he complies, bending down to kiss her heatedly. Bella tentatively runs her right hand down his chest until she reaches his shorts, slipping her hand between the material and his skin, grasping his hardened cock in her hand, moving her hand to continue the ministrations she was doing before.

"Fuck," Bucky hisses, and Bella smiles against his lips. He holds his head back for a moment, and she can see his Adam's apple bob a few times as he swallows heavily. He slips the straps of her gown off her shoulders, laying sloppy kisses on her skin, hearing her breath hitch. Her hand is moving a bit faster now, and Bucky is in literal heaven. "You're so good," He whispers hotly against her skin. He slowly slides the material down her arms to expose her breasts, humming in delight. He takes a hand and squeezes her right breast gently, her sharp and quiet moan causing him to jerk his hips, and Bella matches the pace with her hand.

She instinctively pushes out her chest as he runs a finger along her hardening nipple. He takes his other hand to her left breast, squeezing both gently, feeling her nipples hardening under his touch. She bites her bottom lip to contain her excitement, and Bucky captures her lips, sucking her lip from her mouth. "I want to hear you," He whispers, kissing his way down her neck, letting out a deep breath as Bella was twisting her hand over the head of his cock, his pre-cum coating her hand, creating a warm and slick feel. As she runs her finger across the head, Bucky groans, and Bella decides to repeat the action, feeling his movements quicken. "Proprio come quel bambina," (Just like that baby) Hearing him speak in Italian like that made heat pool between her legs, and she let out a small whimper.

Bella quickens her pace even more, "Ti piace quando ti parlo così?" (You like it when I talk to you like this?) She can't contain the loud moan as he speaks to her again in Italian. Bucky grins against her neck, repeating "Proprio come quel bambina" into her in her ear, and with her combined moans and frantic movements, he came undone in her hand and shorts, groaning into her neck as she slowly continued to jerk him off, milking him for all he had. She pulls her hand away, and Bucky watches her as she raises a finger to her lips, tasting him. They hold eyes, and he licks his lips, the same idea in mind. She suddenly finds herself on her back, Bucky hovering over her. "My turn," He whispers dipping his head. Bella for sure thought she had died and gone to heaven as Bucky's warm lips wrapped around her nipple, his other hand stimulating her other breast.

She gasps out, her hand going to his hair as she involuntarily lifted her hips. She moans softly as he lavishes each breast with his tongue and mouth, sucking the skin over each breast, leaving his mark. She shudders as he even nips as her nipples white his teeth. As he makes his way down her body, pulling her gown as he went, Bella was slightly shaking in anticipation. "Sei così bella," (You are so beautiful) He didn't even mean to speak Italian this time, but by her throaty moan, he knew she loved it. He pulls her gown off and to the side, and she's left in a black pair of lace underwear. He starts to kiss her thighs, licking and sucking at the skin. Bella lets out a shaky breath as he does so, squirming slightly as he moved closer to her covered mound.

"Bucky…" She whispers out, and he looks up from in between her legs, meeting her hooded brown eyes. She was playing with her breasts as she watched him, and his blue eyes just stared at her, hungrily taking her in. She looked like she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. "I'm going to make you feel good," He promises, taking his fingers and dipping them into the waistband of her panties, and pulling them off. She was already soaking wet, and he rubbed a finger down her slit, opening up her lips for his eyes. Bella jerked at the sensation, and he places a kiss against her thigh. "I've got you," He whispers before running his index finger in her juices, softly touching the soft skin, using it to coat her glistening clit even more.

Her surprised cry of pleasure had him smiling to himself. He lifted a finger to his mouth, moaning softly at the taste. He knew all of this was new to her, and he wanted to take his time. Stars floated behind Bella's eyes as his tongue touched her for the first time. He ran his tongued along her clit, Bella's soft whimpers reaching his ears. He pulls back for a moment, looking up at her face, seeing the pleasure written all over it before going back to tasting her exquisite heaven. He maneuvers her legs over his shoulders, eagerly lapping up what she was giving him. He sucked her clit into his mouth, feeling her rock her hips into his face. He runs a finger along her opening, teasing it before slowly sliding a finger into her tight pussy. The feeling made his eyes roll into the back of his head for a moment. She was so tight and warm.

Tonight he'd stick with one finger. He slowly inches his way in, running his tongue over her slowly. "Oh my god," She gasps, throwing her head back, a slew of moans leaving her mouth. Bucky loved the way she sounded. He could feel Bella's legs shaking as she slowly rocked her hips. "Please…please…" She begs, unsure of what she wanted, but Bucky read her body perfectly. He slides his finger in and out, adding a bit of pressure at the tip as he did so, lapping at her clit more eagerly, sucking it into his mouth. Bella's hands flailed about for a moment before her fingers found Bucky's hair. Her walls started to flutter around his finger, and he removed his mouth, replacing his tongue with his thumb, rubbing in tight and fast circles over her clit. She cries out again, a constant hum leaving her throat as Bucky worked his fingers.

"I…" She gasps, unable to find the words as he adds pressure. "Go on," He croons softly, watching her shake and whither before him. "Oh god," She cries, her toes curling as she was so close. "Dio non è qui," (God isn't here) he whispers, leaning his head back down to replace his thumb with his tongue, gently scraping his teeth over the sensitive appendage. Bella sobs out as she releases, flooding his hand, face, and the sheet that laid under her. Bucky croons to her softly as he gently helps her ride out her high, murmuring 'good girl' to her. Bella whimpers out as the fabric of his shorts rub against her for a brief second as he makes his way back up her body, kissing her lips as he did so. She still shuddered off and on, and Bucky gets out of bed to wet a rag with warm water, cleaning himself off and then going back to her, gently wiping between her legs, being mindful of her sensitivity. He crawls back up next to her, holding her as she drifted off to sleep.

He kisses her temple, shutting off the lights.

Bucky rolls over the next morning, reaching for Bella, feeling her warm body. He hummed, kissing her temple as she rolled over in his embrace. "Morning," Bella whispers, nuzzling her nose against his cheek. "Mmm, morning," He murmurs into her hair. The room was mostly dark aside from the morning light shining through the slit in the curtains. Bucky runs his fingers through her hair, and Bella hums in delight. They laid for a few minutes, basking in the silence. Their noses both wrinkle however at a burning smell. "Do you smell that?" Bella asks, slowly sitting up.

Bucky sits up with her, grabbing his discarded shirt from the night before, and he hands Bella her robe off the back of the bathroom door, and Bella quickly puts it on, tying the straps around her waist. She follows behind him as they leave his room, out of the little living room, and into the kitchen. They round the corner, and Bella's eyes widen as a young bodyguard held a fire extinguisher over the burning toaster that Renee had just stepped away from, and then turned to put out the small grease fire on the stove. The bodyguard have her a look of exasperation, letting out a relieved sigh. "Sorry Mr. Barnes," Renee says sheepishly.

Bucky looks from the toaster to the stove, wondering what it was she was attempting to make but just shakes his head, smiling at her to ease her panicked nerves. Bella mentally groans. When she vouched that Renee would not be in his hair, she certainly didn't think she'd be breaking things. "All taken care of Mr. Barnes," Bucky nods at the bodyguard. "Thank you Peter," Peter nods before calling up a maid to clean up the mess, passing them on the way out. Bella watched the young boy curiously before turning back to Renee. "How about I cook? Sounds good?" She offers. Renee nods, mouthing 'sorry'. Bucky and Bella retreat back to his room, and he lets her have the bathroom first while he goes into his closet. "I'm so sorry," Bella apologizes, before brushing her teeth. "It's fine doll. Just some kitchenware," He calls back. Bella spits into the sink. "Still, she's only been here for a night and almost burned your kitchen to the ground," She finishes up with her morning routine, stepping out of the bathroom, brush in hand.

She dressed for the morning in a pair of leggings and a long-sleeved shirt, and kept her hair down. "Let's just be lucky she didn't," He smirks at her before heading into the bathroom. Bella strips the bed, the previous night making her blush as she gave them to the maid to wash, who exchanged the sheets for clean ones. Bella had managed to make the bed and tidy up the room by the time Bucky stepped out. They were both home today, having no plans in particular. Bella might stop by to check on Charlie but that was it. She would be there every day if she could, but Charlie didn't want her to. It hurt at first but he knew she'd just hurt more in the end when the time came. Bucky decided that he was going to put on sweats and one of his lounge around polos. At first when Bella saw how comfortable he dressed she thought it was odd, but she had to separate movies from reality. Bucky could do whatever he pleased, dress however he wanted, and no single person would have anything to say otherwise.

"You look mighty comfy," She notes, smiling at his shrug. "It's Saturday," He explains, and he looks around the room, chuckling. "I do have people that do this," It's Bella's turn to shrug. "I like doing it," Bella cranes her head up to look at him as he approaches, a deep hum slipping from the back of her throat as he kisses her deeply, his tongue slipping past her lips and into her warm mouth. As they part to breathe, Bucky bends down to whisper in her ear, pure maliciousness in his voice. "I can still taste you," He licks his lips, laughing softly as her face immediately flamed red. Bella composed herself, reaching with her hand to cup him through his sweats. "I can tease too you know?" She smirks, leaning up to place a kiss on his cheek before leaving the room. "You're killing

me here," He calls out, smiling at the sound of her laughter.

Twenty minutes later, Bella had breakfast on the table, and the trio ate silently for a moment before Bella broke it. "So, what happened to the money you took?" Bella was curious, and wished to know so that she knew how to help Renee get back on her feet. Renee have her an incredulous look. "You want to talk about that now?" Bella nods. Bucky had been wondering about that since last night. "I lost it," She replies. Bella raises a brow, wishing for her to continue. "Phil took me to court and it was quite expensive," Bella raked her eyes over Renee's face, not really feeling sorry for her, as what you do circles back tenfold. It sounded like Karma was doing its job. "I'm sorry to hear that," She says, turning back to her plate. Renee sighs, seeing as how this was going to be harder than expected. Renee sets down her fork and holds her hand out. Bella pauses, staring at Renee's hand.

"If I wish to start over, I think I really need to start over. So here goes. My name is Renee Higginbotham. I hope that we can get past our differences, and that I can prove to you that I can be your mother and maybe even your friend. If you'd allow me the opportunity," Bella stared at Renee, feeling conflicted. "Excuse me for a moment," She pushes away from the table, quietly leaving the kitchen, wiping at her eyes as she went. Renee frowns. Bucky wasn't one to get in between things like this, but he had an idea of where Bella was coming from. "I think she just needs time. You must understand the damage you have done to her and not only as a child. You stole from your own flesh and blood, put them in danger, and you come back around as if nothing happened. How would you feel?" Renee looks down ashamed. "I don't know how to fix it. I want to know my daughter,"

Bella steps back into the room, and sits back down. She clears her throat and looks over at her mother. "I want what you want, but I do need time. I can't just forget what you did, and I'm trying very hard to forgive, but we must start somewhere," Bella holds out her hand, and Renee takes it, shaking Bella's hand. "It's nice to meet you. I hope that one day we just may have a relationship,"

Renee smiles thankfully.

The next week was spent between home, Figurati's, and the hospital with Charlie. Renee thought it was too soon to see him, but she stopped by once with Bucky, formally apologizing to Charlie about what she had done. Charlie was a bit more sure in how he felt concerning Renee. He didn't want anything to do with her while he lived out his last few weeks, but held her accountable when it came to their daughter. Charlie had said some harsh things, and admitted that he didn't trust a hair on her head, making her burst into tears as his words washed over her. She had gone to the restroom to gather herself while Bucky sat with him. "Kid, I don't care what that woman does, don't trust her for a minute. I don't even care if it's what Bella wants. Something smells fishy," Charlie wasn't just saying this based on what Renee had done to him, and he too was fooled by his first love, ignoring his cop instincts. However, he wasn't about to ignore them now.

Bucky was trying to be supportive for Bella's sake, but he was in agreement with Charlie, choosing to watch Renee closely while she was saying with him. Something was bugging him, and he didn't know what it was. She hasn't done anything to make him distrust her or be wary of her. It seemed like she was really trying to connect with Bella and make up for lost time, but Bucky always followed his instincts. If he felt that she couldn't be trusted, he'd keep an eye out on her. It wasn't his place to tell Bella to drop her mother, but he was going to do his best to watch out for her well-being. If you had never met Renee and didn't know what she was capable of, you'd think she was a fun, bubbly, and flighty person. She wasn't a bad houseguest, and she didn't ask for much, but there was something Bucky couldn't put his finger on and for once, it had nothing to do with the Cullen's.

Bucky wasn't pleased at first knowing that Renee was approached by them prior to meeting Bella at her shop, but he deemed them to be unnecessary. They were trying to reach out to her to let her stay with them, hoping it would get Bella on their good graces. They of course had no idea the hole Renee had dug herself in weeks prior.

"I'm just trying to make your daughter happy," He responds, and Charlie sighs. "Which I know we are all thankful for, but keep your eyes open. I know telling Bella the harsh truth can be hard because you see that look of hurt in her eyes, and there's nothing more you'd like to do than fix it, but Bella's heart is sometimes her biggest enemy. I don't want Renee to disappoint her," That was the last thing either of them wanted. "I know. Bella is holding her at arms length for now. She knows I'm a bit on the fence about Renee, but your daughter does what she wishes," He chuckles out. Charlie nodded, laughing hoarsely. "Yeah strong and opinionated one that one is," They both chuckle softly about the only woman in their lives that seemed to make everything just a little bit better.

As Renee emerged from the restroom, Bucky stands, telling Charlie to hang tight and that Bella would probably be by to see him in a few days. Bucky then dropped Renee off at Figurati for her shift. Bella had given Renee a job at the shop as waitress. It was to help Renee gather some responsibility and hope that by working together it would give them time to bond. Bucky and Bella were trying to help Renee find a place, but knew it would take time, so Bucky wasn't opposed to letting her stay in the guest room. It gave Bella a reason to stay with him, which he wasn't afraid to admit that he enjoyed it immensely. Renee wasn't the type of mother that hovered around, and every night when they'd come home, he was elated at just seeing the smile on Bella's face as she'd talk with Renee.

In bed, she'd talk about how well she and Renee were getting along.

For another week or so, Bucky's tune was changing when it came to Renee. For a moment, he truly believed that Renee wasn't as bad as he initially thought.

For a moment.

AN: Not much going on in terms of content. Bella and Bucky are progressing in their relationship, and Renee is rearing her head. I know some might be confused as to why Bella has allowed her back into her life after everything that happened, but Bella's heart is one of her biggest weaknesses. Like I said, not a lot going on, but this is all leading up to something major.

Here is a sneak peek of Chapter 9 just because I know it has been a while.

It wasn't until a series of accidents that Bucky knew something was wrong. The first accident he thought nothing of it really until one of his men bought it to his attention.

He was currently with Sam and Steve in his office, the three having a meeting. Bucky was concerned about a mole in a business operation he was currently working on. Steve and Sam were helping him compile a list and get surveillance on anyone that was suspicious. "I think Tommy Valdez…." Steve's sentence was cut short by a loud thump and Renee's screech of 'oh my god'. The three of them looked at one another before Bucky moved away from his table, following them out of his office and into the hall. Rounding the corner, Renee and Peter were crouched down beside Bella as she held her ankle. "What happened?" Peter helps Bella to her feet, and she sucks in a sharp breath. "She tripped coming around the corner," Renee answers, a frown on her face. "Thank you Peter," Bucky takes Bella's hand, bending down to take a look at her ankle as she held it up. "Can you walk?" He asks, and Bella nods, gingerly placing her foot down, and attempted to walk across the wooden floor.

She immediately retracted her foot, hissing out in pain. Bucky wraps an arm around her waist, holding most of her weight, helping her into his living room. He helps her sit on the chair, and sits across from her, gently lifting her leg. He squeezes softly around the already swelling ankle, and Bella winces. He glances up at her face. "Looks like you might've sprained it. Does this hurt?" He adds pressure with his finger and Bella shakes her head. "No, just when you squeeze it or if I step on it," He frowns, nodding to himself. "Alright, I'll get you some medicine if it starts to hurt. In the meantime, you're to stay in bed, and I'll get you some ice," Bella looked bummed out at the fact that she'd be resigned to bed. Bucky chuckles, nudging her chin with his finger. "We can finally watch that movie I was talking about. I'll get Tony to cover for you," She beams a bit at that, and Bucky helps her to the bedroom, getting her situated before leaving her alone. Renee is standing by the kitchen when he comes out, worry etched across her features. "Is she alright? Does she need to go to the hospital?" Bucky shakes his head, flashing her an easygoing smile. "She's fine. I think she sprained it is all. I'll keep an eye out on it," Renee sighs out in relief. "Good, I see her clumsiness hasn't changed,"

Bucky shrugs. "She's not as clumsy as you think," Renee shrugs as well, humming to herself before cleaning up the mess she and Bella had made prior. Bucky bends down to help, but she waves him off. He chuckles and starts to make his way downstairs to grab a few things Bella would need, looking behind him as Peter was making his way towards him. Peter Parker was a young kid, just turned 19 last month. He's been with Bucky since he was 16, rather young, something Bucky was very much against when the kid had run up to him in the street one afternoon. But Peter was adamant. A regular job wasn't enough pay, and he had to take care of his aunt and uncle. So Bucky just put him on guard detail and Peter's folks never questioned where he got the money, though deep down they knew their nephew was in too deep to stop.