Hello!

Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel. I own Addison Carter.

RATED M

ENJOY!

Home, September 2015

"You're angry." I kept punching the punching bag, ignoring James. "Seriously Addison." I punched harder and the hook grated above me. James, sick of being ignored, placed himself behind the punching bag and held it in place. "I know you're ignoring me on purpose." I exhaled, my nostrils flaring, and walked to the desk.

I drank some water, knowing fully well he was more and more frustrated with me.

"They know what they're doing." I removed the punching bag and sent it against the wall. James stared at it, stunned.

"Train with me."

"Addie..."

"I don't want to listen to you, if you want to be useful then try to beat the shit out of me." He rolled his eyes and caught my fist.

"You really want to do this right now?" I raised a daring brow.

"I wouldn't be punching you otherwise."

He threw a weak punch and I yanked on his ankles, dodging his fist. He barely remained standing but it was enough to make him serious.

Although physical blows from me were not hurting him much, I was able to avoid his blows. Eventually, after long minutes of fighting him and drenched in sweat, I touched his arm, made a platform and threw myself behind him. I immobilized his arms and kicked him behind his knee, which made him drop to the floor. I stopped holding his arms and tied him to the floor instead with black matter. I stretched out my other hand and the knife flew toward it. I sat on his back and placed the knife on his throat, panting.

"Bam, you dead," I stated coolly. "I'm not weak yet they..." I sighed and threw the knife in the wall, stopping my hold on James who relaxed. "I know, I know I'm an Avenger and that if I get too involved then they would be as well but...it's so frustrating, I'm the one who almost got killed! I can't help but think they might worry I'd turn back to my old demons if I discover humans are doing despicable things to mutants."

"You've proved you've changed," James said gently.

"Have I really?" I replied in a whisper and he craned his neck to look at me. "I...I can kill people in the blink of an eye. Sometimes, I can't help but think if I had done that in Sokovia, if I had just forgotten the Avengers rule not to kill if not necessary then..."

"The twins are your teammates now," James interrupted me. "You even saved the guy's life."

"I know, and now he's crushing on m...HAAA!" I yelled as he swapped our positions, now standing on all four on top of me.

I looked at my wrists. Pinned to the floor by James. I looked down at his legs. They were on each side of my hips.

"Point is, there's no point in dwelling on what could have happened. You told me that enough, and now you're dead."

"Not fair, I already won!" He smirked.

"You were still on me, it was still going. I already told you to never drop your guard, even if you appear as the winner."

"You sound like Steve," I pouted.

"I sure hope he doesn't pin you to the floor like I do." I chuckled.

"No, he prefers keeping me in an arm lock, that position right now is way more enjoyable." I saw a blush creeping up his neck and bit the inside of my cheek. I was blushing as well.

Were we...were we flirting? Did I just say an innuendo?

My heart missed a beat when his face inched closer to mine.

"Get a room already!" James jumped on his feet and put distance between us. I sat up straight and saw Wade in the stairs.

"I told you not to come in unannounced!"

"And you'll keep telling me. You're the one who told me to come asap if I discovered something about who controls the workshops anyway." I jumped on my feet.

I went through everything once again, every single one of Aksel's files, everything I had about the Weapon Plus Program. Aksel had been working with them and HYDRA at the same time, the fact the Weapon X and Weapon Plus Program had been created by the US and Canadian governments...I had no lead on whoever was behind the workshops. I highly doubted that Ajax dude who tortured Wade was the mastermind behind all this.

It had to be someone important and wealthy enough to recreate the Winter Soldier brainwashing method without being discovered.

"So what did you find?"

"Nothing." I was taken back. "Seriously, I went through the whole place and nothing apart from what we already know. If someone knows something, it's that son of a bitch of Francis."

"That you still have not found." Wade pointed a finger at me, searching for his words.

"I will, soon!"

"And Vanessa?" He showed me his face.

"Come on Addie, who would want someone with that face?"

"Someone in love with your weird personality," James pipped up.

"Thank you Sugarboo."

"Seriously, we're going nowhere!"

"Yeah well, complain to the author, it's her plot!" I rolled my eyes, ignoring him. "Wait for a few chapters to move forward in your case!"

"Is that all?"

"Yes. Wait no, there's something else."

"What?"

"Tell Colossus to stop harassing me with his hero bullshit!"

"Did he read you his book? I told him to make pamphlets at this point." Wade rolled his eyes.

"Stay out of troubles Addidi." On this note, he left.

"Shouldn't you tell Steve or someone that you almost got killed?"

"If I tell anyone in the Avengers, they'll want me to explain everything. I'm afraid I might not be able to hide your presence." I rubbed my head. "I have a headache, I'll go lay down for a while."

"You do that, I'll make dinner." I pursed my lips and shot him a thankful smile.

Taken by a sudden urge, I walked to him, tiptoed and kissed his cheek. He froze.

"Thank you James, and sorry for being not fun to be around at the moment." I left the basement, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

It was ringing.

Bucky was in the basement, Addison deep asleep in her room. She was under a lot of stress and the only thing he thought of to relieve her of just a little bit of that stress was to call a particular number in his phone. She had been hiding him for a year, almost a year and a half and she hated lying to Steve.

"Hello?" Steve's voice said on the line. Bucky opened his mouth, groaning internally at the lump in his throat keeping his voice from leaving his mouth. "How did you get this number? Hello?"

"Steve," he croaked weakly. He heard Steve taking in a sharp breath.

He knew who Steve was, had memories of him before and after the serum. He cared about him. Maybe not in the same brotherly way that he used to in the past as, just he had to learn to know himself now he was freed from HYDRA, he did not know this new Steve who spent decades in ice.

While he was not scared of being pressured into being his old self, there was still some worry about...not being accepted.

"Bucky?"

"Yeah," he replied with a stronger voice. "I don't have a lot of time, just go to the place I'm telling you to go to in two days at ten p.m. alone."

"Bucky, are you okay? I mean, you seem to remember me but..."

"I'm not with HYDRA, I'm fine."

He told him about the meeting point and hung up, crushing the burner phone he had bought just to call Captain America. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"James?" He looked up at the stairs. Addison was rubbing one of her eyes, clad only in a tank top and shorts.

It was more than a lovely sight to his eyes. His gaze stared a second longer at her naked, long legs before traveling up to her face.

"Nightmare?" She nodded sheepishly and walked to the couch. She snuggled in the blanket and turned on the TV.

A faint smile appeared on her lips as he sat down next to her.

"You don't have to stay up with me." He shrugged.

"I'm not tired." She chuckled and he felt his chest warming up at the melodious sound.

"Of course you're not Soldier." She leaned her head on his shoulder and was asleep only a few minutes after.

It was his job to protect her, and if telling Steve they...had been living together for months now was the way to go, then he would do it that way.

Two days later, when he walked to the meeting spot where Steve was supposed to be, he stopped in his tracks when he saw him. He was facing the Captain's back, who had a hat on, but he recognized that figure. He gulped, swallowing the lump in his throat and ignored his clammy hand in his jeans pocket.

"Steve." Steve turned around at the call of his name.

The two men stared at each other for long, long seconds until Bucky gestured him to follow him with a movement of his head. It was quiet and dread filled Bucky's stomach when he spotted his place.

Steve stopped at the sight of a familiar car in the driveway though.

"You've got to be kidding me," Bucky heard him mutter under his breath.

He stopped, a few meters from the front door, and turned around. Steve had a frown on his face and pointed at the house.

"Is she inside as well?"

"She did nothing but help me, don't be mad at her."

"I'll be mad at her if I want to!" Steve stomped past him and entered the place.

Bucky followed him and shut the door behind him, grabbing Steve's shoulder roughly. He turned him around, a cold glare on his face as well.

"I told you to not be mad at her. If someone didn't want to contact you it was me."

"I..."

"Steve!?" Coming out of the basement was a panting, sweaty Addison, who clearly had just finished working out.

Her wide, panicked eyes traveled from her 'Boss' to Bucky.

"What the fuck!?"

"I want the whole story." Steve's blue eyes were burning in anger. "Now."

If I could melt in the couch, I would have done so already. Steve was not talking or even looking at me. He was sitting in the armchair on the right of the couch, his legs crossed. His elbow was on the armrest and he was holding in chin, his fingers hiding the emotions on his face.

He was staring at the coffee table.

I didn't know what was worst. Telling him that James had been with me since Washington, or the Weapon X and the workshops in NYC.

"That friend of yours, Wade, had cancer and this Weapon X program saw potential in him. They injected a serum that turned him into a mutate through torture and all of this…is a way to create super soldiers." I nodded and he looked up at me. "Whoever is in control of this tried to have you killed." I nodded once more. "And you decided to help her because she helped you." James nodded. He was sitting next to me. "And if you stayed here it's because you have this mission of protecting Addison and it was the only thing you had at the time."

I shared a look with James as Steve laid back in the armchair.

He...I had no idea how he was feeling right now.

"You've had my number for months but never used it."

"Yeah," James replied.

"Hum..."

"You don't seem angry."

"I was," Steve said without a look in my direction. "Is there a place where we can talk in private?"

"Don't bother, I'll go upstairs," James said, almost running upstairs.

I glared at his retreating back. He was barely out of sight that Steve jumped on his feet and started pacing.

"Steve..."

"You lied to me Addison!" he accused me. I pursed my lips. "You lied to me knowing I was looking for him, you lied to Sam when he came here and saw you, you lied to all of us!"

"Look Steve, I'm sorry alright! I know I lied to you all and I've felt awful about it from the very beginning but I...I thought if keeping quiet about it and knowing where James...where the Winter Soldier was, making sure HYDRA didn't get their hands on him again, then it was better than telling you guys and making him run away!" He rolled his eyes at me and turned around. I stood up. "Look, he was lost and didn't know who he was in D.C. I took him to the Institute to Professor Xavier so that we knew what to do next because of the way his mind is and I decided to help him! I think I did a pretty good job!"

"You still should have at least told me!"

"So that I betrayed him? He didn't have anyone to trust for decades, I was not about to show him I was going to treat him as a transaction instead of a human being! He was the one needing help Steve!"

"Well maybe he wasn't the only one!" he finally snapped at me. I gaped for a few seconds "Forget it. Do you even know what could happen to you if it was known that..."

"At least I would be proud of my actions this time," I retorted. "Look, I don't know what to tell you. The only thing I regret is lying to you, but not helping him. I'm aware of the risks, but if I had to do it again I would. You're allowed to hate me."

"I don't hate you Addison," he grumbled, turning around to face me. "I'm just...disappointed." It was way worst. "And you're putting yourself in a tough situation as well."

"I'm aware." He raised a brow. "Alright fine, I didn't think this entirely through at first, but I'm aware now." He stared before looking down at the files on the coffee table.

"You probably should move to the compound for a while, it would be safer."

"I'm not..."

"He should come too."

"If he does the government will..." I didn't even want to finish my sentence.

"I'm sure...Pepper and Tony can do something about that."

"Hire a team of lawyer?" I looked down. "I'm not sure if I want shrinks to...overwhelm him but… I guess it's up to him. He called you after all."

I wasn't even aware James was planning on doing that. I thought he'd tell me but...well, he must have been ready, right?

"I need to go back, I...need to think..." I nodded and watched him leave.

I took a deep breath and ran up the stairs. James opened the door before I had the chance to knock on it.

"You..." I growled at him, fire in my eyes. "Why didn't you warn me!?"

"You said it was up to me," he answered with a shrug. I made my way in his room, pushing him to the side.

"But a little warning would have been appreciated!" My eyes read the titles of the science fictions books he accumulated before I turned around. "I thought I'd be prepared for when I'd face a pissed-off Captain America!"

"I know but..."

"But what!?" I took a step toward him. "I didn't even know you were ready, I mean I...I just thought you'd tell me."

"I didn't do it for me," he confessed in a strong voice. I furrowed my brows in confusion and he cleared his throat. "I...I didn't know what else to do about..." I widened my eyes.

"You called him because of that killing attempt?" I asked him quietly. He nodded sheepishly and I rolled my eyes. "James, that's not...do you know what could happen to you?"

"I don't care."

"Well I do! What if you're sent to jail or...or something worst!" I shrieked at him, pushing my hair back.

"If it keeps you safe I don't care!" I froze at that.

"You don't have to put yourself in that kind of situation, I can..." He grabbed my arms firmly.

"If it wasn't for Logan and Piotr you may have been killed and I can't lose you Addison, I care too much about you to risk losing you!" I was speechless. His hands were tight around my arms and his face was too close to comfort.

He leaned his forehead against mine with a sigh.

"I didn't know what else to do Addie, I know you're surprised but..."

"I get it," I said with a hoarse voice, my cheeks burning.

I bit my bottom lip, my eyes staring shyly at him. He took a deep breath, staring at my mouth before kissing my forehead, pulling me in a warm hug.

I really thought we would…

It was pointless to pretend I wasn't disappointed because I was.

I was utterly disappointed that, after he told me he cared a lot about me he didn't kiss me like his life depended on it.

I hugged him back tightly before going to bed.

Geez Carter, get a grip of yourself.

Home, November 2015

I would spend more time at the Avengers Compound. I had a...not funny phone call with Tony, who...scolded me as if I was a kid for housing a criminal and hiding it from him. We got into a little fight and he accused me of being completely reckless.

Okay, he was right on this one.

Steve was...getting the ground ready for James, Tony was helping with it. Last time I went to the compound, Natasha scolded me as well and Sam was pouting, saying that if it was not for me he would have found James long ago.

Right.

Rhodey disapproved of my actions but was not entirely surprised, Vision and Wanda didn't really care but Pietro was not happy. I knew why.

I mean, now that I was sitting on the kitchen table, in James' arms as we were making out I totally knew why he wasn't happy about it.

I didn't really know what happened. We were talking, then we were closer and closer and next thing I knew his lips were on mine and he had me on the table, in his arms while he was between my legs. I was hugging his neck, my lips moving passionately against his, his tongue against mine. I broke the kiss, needing oxygen, and blushed at his grin and bright eyes.

"That...was unexpected..." He raised a brow.

"Unexpected? Quite the contrary." He pecked my mouth, leaving a trail of kissed down my neck. I felt goose bumps all over my body. "It was a long time coming." He nibbled on my neck and a quiet moan escaped me. I immediately pressed a hand against my mouth but it was a second too late to keep James from radiating smugness.

He pushed me down against the table, gently kissing my lips once again. His hands started to fondle my thighs and I pushed him away a little.

"Wait...wait a second..."

"Did I hurt you?" he asked me with concern.

"No, quite the opposite. It's just I...I don't really have..."

"You've never had sex, I know." I widened my eyes. "You weren't the most experienced one at the fun fair you know, I figured it out. Do you want me to take it slow?"

"No, I want you, just...be gentle." He smiled at me and kissed my cheek before moving his lips next to my ear.

"I want to pleasure you Addison, not hurt you."

"Smooth talker," I muttered before welcoming his lips on mine once more.

He lifted me from the table, my legs around his waist, my arms around his neck. His hands were under my thighs while we were kissing. He almost ran up the stairs and I chuckled against his lips because I kept bouncing.

"Slow down!"

"No way I'm slowing down now!" He kicked opened my bedroom door and shut it behind him.

He almost threw me on my bed before taking his shirt off. I enjoyed the view for a few seconds before he decided he wanted to have a view as well.

He was gentle and careful of my pleasure all the time.

The next morning, I woke up thanks to a sunbeam. A lazy smile made its way on my face due to the fact I was very naked under the bed sheets and the soreness between my legs. I reached my hand next to me and frowned, my smile vanishing when I realized I was alone and the bed was cold. I opened my eyes and sat up, keeping the bed sheets around my body.

"James?" I called him, but there was no response.

I took a deep breath, nervousness slowly building inside of me. I sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed my clothes on the floor. While I was buttoning my jeans, I saw a piece of paper on the nightstand. I took it and took a deep breath once I read it, fighting the tears from coming.

'Sorry, I can't.'

That was it.

I went in his room. His backpack with essentials in it was missing, like clothes. He didn't even bother to close his wardrobe, he just…

I sat on his bed, numb.

He just left? Like that? After we had sex?

I hugged myself, biting the inside of my cheek. He didn't even tell me. He just left before I was awake, like a thief in the night.

He...he broke our promise.

He just left.

I called Steve.

"Yes?"

"He's gone," I announced him numbly. "I don't know where, he just left."

"Shit," he cursed. "Come to the Compound."

"Okay."

He was not happy when I got there. Natasha was with him and frowned when I walked through the door. I didn't bother to know why.

"Addison..." he started but I stopped him.

"I know Steve, I'm sorry, it's my fault. I ruined it, I should have known I couldn't do it alone." He seemed taken back.

"It's..." I smiled sadly at him.

"It's my fault. I know it is." Natasha stepped forward.

"Something happened between you and Barnes?" Steve shot her a stunned look, then widened his eyes when I nodded.

"We slept together last night, and this morning he was gone. I must have been an awful fuck." I looked up shyly at Steve, who pursed his lips, looking down. "I'm sorry I blew it Steve. I...I'm going to live here for a while, can I? I don't want to live there for now."

"Sure," Natasha replied with a rare soft smile. "Just...Addison, do you have feelings for him?" I shrugged.

"Doesn't really matter anymore, does it?" I grabbed my suitcase and started to walk away. "I tried to call him. I don't know what he did to his phone but I couldn't reach him."

"Are you sure he was not taken?"

"He wrote a note saying 'Sorry, I can't' Steve. It's pretty clear to me."

I unpacked my stuff and climbed into bed.

The tears rolled silently on my cheeks.

I just wanted to know why.

Thank you all for reading! Don't hesitate to leave a review! Thanks to RoseHawthorne24 for the review, you basically saw the slow burn coming to en end soon x).

Bye!