As soon as they stepped inside the sliding glass doors from the deck Sam started talking. "You know what you're saying, right?" he asked. "You basically are moving here, an hour from the nearest airport, to stay with Julia but keep on being an Avenger. You think Rhodes is going to accept that?"
"Hope and Scott get to live in California, why can't I?" asked Bucky. "Rhodes lived in California when he was first an Avenger, so did Tony Stark. I don't know why it should be a big deal for me to be here."
"Because they weren't on conditional pardon," said Sam. "Are you even allowed to live elsewhere?"
"No one complained when I moved from Brooklyn to New Orleans," stated Bucky, getting a little frustrated. "Why are you against this?"
"Because you really don't know Julia that well," said Sam. "Look, I like her. She's lovely. But what if she spirals, like her Dad says? How are you going to handle that? It's not like you're known for your patience."
"You think I'll lose it with her?" asked Bucky, getting a little angry. "Is that it? You think I would hurt her? That's not who I am and I'm insulted you would even think that."
"No, I don't think you would hurt her," said Sam, pulling back. "In fact, I think you would bend over backwards for her. It's just … this decision seems so impulsive, I'm concerned you're moving too fast."
"Yeah," admitted Bucky, his anger dissipating. "It came out of nowhere, I'll admit that. But I feel peaceful when I'm with her, Sam. I feel the same as the six months in Wakanda when I was a farmer. Normal, and that's a big deal for me."
"I can accept that," said Sam, after considering Bucky's words for several moments. "Maybe normal is what you need more than anything. Just don't be so impulsive about it. If you're right for each other then slowing it down won't hurt."
He offered his hand to Bucky and they clasped their hands together then patted each other on the shoulder. Returning outside they started back on the shingles on the side of the house and worked on them throughout the morning. Storm clouds began building up early in the afternoon and when the rain drops started spattering on them they decided to pack it up. By the time they put the ladder in the garage it was coming down and they got inside the house just in time. Sam checked the forecast and saw that rain was expected for a couple of more hours.
"Was there any inside work on the list?" he asked Bucky, who had tacked it onto the fridge.
They both stood there reading it. Painting was last on the list, but only if they had time. They both looked at each other.
"Now I feel like I'm being taken advantage of," said Bucky.
A knock on the deck door caught their attention. Janey was there with an umbrella. They slid the door open and she stepped in while shaking the umbrella off outside.
"Come on over," she said. "A major board game is about to begin and we need more players."
"We're supposed to be painting," deadpanned Sam, to which Janey laughed.
"You know he's taking advantage of your good nature, right?" she said. "If the Johnsons couldn't get anyone to fix it for free they just let it get worse. That's why they have so much to fix. Mr. Johnson was like that and so is Bob. Don't get me wrong. They were good neighbours and we had no problem with them. They were just a bit lazy and definitely cheap. At the going labour rates I would say you two have already paid for your stay here."
The two men looked at each other then back at Janey. "We'll be right over," said Sam. "What's the board game?"
"We'll choose when you get over there," answered Janey.
When they arrived the choices were Monopoly, Clue, Risk and Trivial Pursuit. The three women said no to Risk right away. Bucky had never heard of it and when told what it involved said no as well. Clue was skipped over as being too juvenile. The women wanted Trivial Pursuit while Sam and Bill wanted Monopoly. Julia explained what Trivial Pursuit was and Bucky said he would go with that if they had teams since his knowledge of modern things was patchy. Sam agreed and the Monopoly was put aside for a three team Trivial Pursuit game. Julia picked Bucky, Bill and Lydia wanted to be a team leaving Sam paired with Janey. For the next two hours they played the game and Bucky proved to be better than he expected as he knew the answers to many questions about the 1920s and 1930s. With Julia's encyclopedic knowledge of modern trivia they dominated as they filled their game piece up before the others even got three pieces of pie into their game piece.
"Hey the rain has stopped," said Lydia, looking outside. "We should do some steaks on the barbecue."
Julia asked Bucky to make up some of his special marinade. While he did that the others prepared the potatoes and vegetables for roasting. Lydia watched what he did carefully so he promised to write it down if she liked the results. While they waited Bucky and Julia sat at the end of the dock, dangling their feet into the water.
"What did you think of the game?" asked Julia. "It's one of my favourites because it's based on knowledge and not on strategy."
"I liked it," replied Bucky. "We made a good team." They sat quietly for some time then Bucky cleared his throat. "Can I ask you something?"
She turned to look at him. "Sure," she replied.
"How do you feel about me?" he asked hesitantly. "Are we more than friends? Do you see what we have going anywhere?"
Julia searched his face for a moment, trying to glean a clue that would help her answer. "We slept together so I would say that makes us more than friends," she said carefully. "I know you have to go back in a week so I've been trying to keep that in mind. I expect that I will really miss you after you leave."
"What if I stayed?" he asked, looking out over the lake before looking back at her face. "With you, in your house, in your bed, and we became a couple. Would that be too much, too soon?"
Her face lit up. "You would do that?" she asked. "Do you like me that much?"
"I feel good around you," he replied, looking out over the lake again. "Normal, like I used to feel before the war. I would have to clear it with my boss but there are others who live elsewhere in the country. I don't see why I can't."
Julia touched his foot with hers and held his hand. "I would like that," she finally said. "I feel good around you as well. But it makes me somewhat nervous to do this so quickly. I'm not working so I'd be dependent on you which also concerns me."
He nodded in understanding then decided to change the subject slightly. "What did you do before you were a consultant?" he asked.
"Records management," she replied. "I'm very detail oriented so anything in that field or in libraries is something I can do. I have to sell my condo as well, seeing as how I don't have an income to pay the mortgage. I'm using my savings right now but a lot went to pay for the divorce."
"Doesn't Mason get half the condo?" asked Bucky.
"No, because he had his own condo and they were valued as being equal," she said. "So I kept mine and he kept his. He rented his out while we were married." She was quiet for a moment then looked down at her hands. "In many ways I'm still getting over the divorce so considering another relationship isn't easy for me."
"We don't have to talk about this," said Bucky quickly. "Not if it bothers you. Having never been married I don't really have a clue how divorce works except in my time adultery was usually the reason behind it."
"Did you never meet the right woman?" asked Julia, curious.
"I was too much of a ladies man," he admitted. "I liked my freedom and I liked having sex without having the commitment. Once the war started I began to think of settling down but once HYDRA got their hooks in me that never happened."
"And now?" she asked, looking at her hands as she rubbed her palm.
"Now, the thought of being with someone who I care about, and cares about me in return is very appealing," he said, then he put his hand on her arm. "It's why I asked if I could stay."
"What if you can't stay?" she asked, looking down at her hands again.
"Then I would ask you to come back home with me," he answered steadily. "I know change is hard for you, but New Orleans is a pretty laid back city with good music, more job opportunities for you than here." He took a deep breath. "I really don't want to lose you, Julia."
"I don't want to lose you either, Bucky," she spoke softly. "Can we just see how it goes? There's so much I have to think about and get used to."
"Okay," he replied, not wanting to upset her. "I won't push it."
They were called for dinner where everyone commented about Bucky's marinade so he wrote it down for Lydia and Janey. After dinner Julia said she was feeling a little tired with a slight headache so Bucky and Sam returned to Bob's place. Sam listened to music with his headphones on and Bucky read for several hours then both men turned in early. Like always Bucky was up early, just before sunrise. He came down to the kitchen and started the coffee then pulled open the curtains to let the light in and was surprised to see Julia sitting on the chaise lounge wrapped in a blanket. He pulled open the sliding glass door and she smiled at him as he came outside into the chill air.
"What's wrong?" he asked, sitting on the chair after she moved her feet over for him. "Why are you out here?"
"I didn't sleep very well," she replied. "Thinking about our conversation kept waking me up."
"I'm sorry." Taking her hand, he was struck by how chilled she was. "You're freezing. Come inside, please."
Without waiting for an answer he picked her up and brought her in, putting her on the couch and pouring her a coffee to help warm her. There was a throw blanket on the couch and he covered her with it as he sat across from her. After a few sips of coffee she wrapped her hands about the mug then studied his face.
"You are really handsome," she mused. "Trish and Rhiannon went on about you on the drive to Reno about how lucky I was to have such a handsome man interested in me. They wanted to know details about you. You know … about if we had slept together yet and how you looked naked. I was really reluctant to say anything because it was just after we had sex and I didn't want them to know that I had such an incredible night with you. I wanted to keep it for myself. But the way they talked made me begin to wonder what you saw in me. Then when you came looking for us and were at the hospital it didn't matter what you saw in me because it was obvious you cared because you were there for me." She stopped and took a bit of a ragged breath as if she was ready to cry but she steadied herself, took another drink of coffee and kept talking. "Then you asked if you could stay and live with me and at first I was okay but then I began to overthink it, you know? That's how Mason and I started, living together before we got married. He talked me into both because even though I thought I loved him, there was always something that bothered me about him. Why was he interested in me? I wasn't pretty. I was odd and would get into these train of thought self talks where I would talk myself into and out of things. You're not him but once I got into that state of mind it was the only thing I could think about. Anyways, that's what kept waking me up last night."
She took another drink of her coffee and sat there, looking expectantly at him. Bucky took a deep breath and scratched his head. Julia had said a mouthful and while none of it was in the form of a question directed at him he knew that she was looking for answers.
"First of all," he began, sitting beside her so he could look directly at her. "You aren't just pretty. You're beautiful, inside and out. It's one of several things I like about you. Thank you for keeping our first time together private, although you did tell your parents which was strange when your Dad brought it up. I am a private person and I don't talk about my sex life, except in the most general terms." He shook his head as if clearing his thoughts. "Are you odd? Yes, you do have your odd moments but so do I. There are so many weird nicknames for me that they would fill a few pages. Even Sam calls me the Bionic Staring Machine when he wants to irritate me. I do stare because it's a PTSD thing as well as an occupational habit. Usually it's because I'm assessing a threat." He touched her hair, then her cheek. "When I stare at you I'm watching a beautiful woman who makes me feel good, especially when you're dancing. Your face just lights up when you dance. It attracted me to you and it's incredibly sexy. As for living together, I don't want you to feel pressured to say yes. I just don't want to leave you. I'm not Mason and to be honest, if I ever met the guy, I would find it hard not to hurt him for what he did to you."
Julia pulled the couch throw blanket off of her, then put the coffee mug down on the table. She stood up in front of Bucky then sat facing him on his lap, covering them both with the first blanket she wore around her shoulders. His hands automatically went to her waist pulling her closer to his hips and she looked intently at him before leaning close and kissing him, putting her arms around his neck. He responded to her, drawing her in even closer, sensuously kissing her in a way that could lead to more. Breaking the kiss Julia laid her head on his shoulder and they sat there for some time clasped closely together, neither speaking. Eventually she sat up and looked intently at Bucky again.
"Talk to your boss and find out if he's okay with you living here," she said finally. "If he is then move in at the end of the week. If he's not okay with it then I'll have to think on it some more."
Smiling fondly at her Bucky stroked her hair pleased by her decision. Living with her was definitely going to be interesting. Just as they started kissing again Sam came down the stairs and saw them on the couch.
"I could go back upstairs again if you need some privacy," he said, as he poured a coffee for himself.
Julia smiled at him. "We were just discussing some important things," she said. "I better get back to the house. They'll be wondering why the deck door is unlocked."
Pulling herself off of Bucky she noticed his lap and smiled, then pulled the couch throw blanket over him. She kissed him again and went out the deck door back to her place. Sam noticed the gesture with the blanket and smirked at Bucky as he stayed on the couch.
"Don't say it," warned Bucky. "She was sitting on the deck when I opened the blinds. Apparently she was awake most of the night thinking about us and she needed to tell me all about it. I'm moving in at the end of the week, provided Rhodes is okay with it. If he isn't I'm guessing she'll come back over and we'll repeat the process."
"Well, I'm happy for you then," said Sam. "What about your apartment in New Orleans? And your stuff?"
"I'll give my notice," said Bucky. "I'll have to fly back to get my things. It's not like I have a lot."
"Your motorcycle?" asked Sam. "We could store it for you."
Bucky sighed. He'd forgotten about his motorcycle and his books, as well. He might have to rent a van to bring everything here but he wouldn't worry about it until he talked to Rhodes. Standing up he finally poured himself a cup of coffee and looked outside at the lake, as if making a decision.
"I guess I better make that call," he said out loud, then headed to his room.
He returned ten minutes later.
"Well?" asked Sam. "What did he say?"
"He's happy for me," replied Bucky. "He's going to make transport arrangements for me so I'll always have a flight ready either through Reno Airport or Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento. If there is any flak with the conditional pardon he'll handle it. He'll take care of my apartment and my possessions also. I just have to give my notice."
"Write it out and I'll hand it in for you," said Sam. "Give me your keys as well. I'll make sure everything is packed properly."
"You'd do that for me?" asked Bucky, slightly surprised at the offer.
"Well…," drawled Sam, "I'm a little jealous, to be honest. A week here and you've found yourself a pretty wonderful woman who loves you. Maybe if I build up some positive karma I might meet the woman of my dreams."
Both men chuckled but Bucky was touched at the gesture. He began making breakfast for both of them. While they were eating Sam received a text from Bob Johnson asking how much they had been able to get done. He showed the text to Bucky who rolled his eyes. Sam answered that the deck, deck stairs, roof shakes, and side shingles were done. Bucky told him that Bob owed him $50 for the 4x4s, 2x2s, 2x6s and the bolts for the handrail repair as he had to buy the supplies.
"Tell him I bought the wood from the lumber place the locals use," said Bucky.
Sam texted it and for some time there was no answer. Both men looked at each other then Bucky received a text on his phone with a link for a $50 payment. Then Sam received another text from Bob and showed it to Bucky.
If you fix the front door trim and replace the front door light and deck lights can we call it even? Can Bucky take a picture of the receipt for the wood and send it to me, for taxes?
With a grin, Sam agreed. Both men weren't surprised Bob didn't ask about the painting as that was a big job. Bucky checked his wallet for the receipt, Sam took the picture and texted it to Bob. If they could finish the remainder today that would leave them several days of fishing or whatever else they wanted to do. While Sam washed the dishes Bucky went out to the garage and found the deck lights, bringing them into the kitchen. He went to the front door, checked the trim, and saw it was more loose than anything although one strip would have to be replaced. He turned on the outdoor light at the door, then went to the electrical panel and turned that section off. Sam did the same for the deck lights. An hour later Bucky had finished the trim and the light, turning the power on to make sure it worked. Then he came to the deck to see if Sam needed help. It was already warm and Sam had removed his shirt, bringing some attention from Julia's friends in their boats as they went by.
"Maybe we should ask if we can borrow a boat for fishing," said Sam, nodding his head towards the boaters.
"Power boat?" replied Bucky. "I don't think so, not for right before the sunrise. We can just fish off the dock or take the kayaks."
"Did I hear kayaks?" asked Julia as she came up the steps to the deck. "I just came to tell you my parents are ready to leave and wanted to say goodbye to you both first."
"Once we finish up these lights we're done with the repairs," said Sam, stretching. "I thought we could borrow one of your friend's boats to fish but Nature Boy here wants a more pristine experience in the sunrise."
Bucky scowled at Sam's nickname for him but Julia hugged him. "I agree with Bucky," she said. "Their boats are meant for show not for successful fishing, unless you're in the middle of the lake. Let me ask a friend if you can borrow his fishing boat. He might even come and pick you up, if you want. We'll see him tonight at the bar."
The two men looked at each other, not expecting that but Julia just smiled mysteriously and walked away, telling them to get over to the house right away. Sam tugged his T-shirt on and both men went over to the Devin's house where Julia's parents were waiting. They both hugged Sam and Bucky thanking them again for saving Julia. Bucky took their bags out to Julia's car, with Bill following him closely behind.
"Bucky, Julia told me about agreeing to you moving in," he said. "I have to admit I'm feeling a little easier knowing you'll be looking after her."
"I care about her," said Bucky, looking away, slightly embarrassed. "I promise to be good to her. She makes me feel normal and that's a big thing for me."
Bill patted Bucky's shoulder as the others came out of the house. Sam was holding two purses which Bucky smirked at.
"We're holding on to them in case Trish and Rhiannon's family come to pick them up while they drive to the airport," explained Sam, scowling back at Bucky.
The Devins all got into the car and pulled out leaving Bucky and Sam standing in their driveway. With a grumpy sound Sam strode back to Bob's house with the purses. Bucky said nothing but he smirked behind Sam's back feeling justified after the Nature Boy remark. Once back in the house they both got back to business and finished the rest of the deck lights before lunch. Bucky brought out a couple of beers and both men sat out on the deck shirtless enjoying the cold drink in the warm sun. They were still there when Julia and Janey returned. Just as the women arrived on the deck the door bell rang announcing the arrival of Trish and Rhiannon's relatives. Bucky let them in and ushered them out to the deck. After hugs for both Sam and Bucky the shield was brought out, selfies were taken, and responsibility for the purses, and the purchased goods were finally passed on to others. Bucky brought out two more beers for Julia and Janey, who both took their shoes off. There was no talking for several minutes as all four just enjoyed the beer and the sun.
"So, we're going to the bar tonight?" asked Bucky, then looked at Julia sternly. "Should you really be partying considering you're still recuperating?" Until he smiled she didn't know if he was serious or not and for a moment a look of panic set in on her face. Bucky noticed and right away took her hand. "I was joking. As long as you take it easy we can go to the bar."
He pulled her into his lap and kissed her on the lips to make sure she understood. Then she looked back at Janey. "I played that well, right?" she said with a smile.
Janey gave her a thumbs up and Sam started to laugh. Bucky stood up, slung her over his shoulder and ran to the end of the dock. He pretended to throw her in the water as she screamed with laughter. Then he put her down on the dock looking at her with affection. Standing on her tiptoes she put her arms around his neck and pulled his face down to hers, kissing him sweetly.
"You're staying over tonight, aren't you?" she whispered, looking him in the eye.
"If you want me to," he replied. "What about Janey?"
"She's staying at a friend's place tonight," Julia whispered again, as if it were a big secret. "They're also flying back to San Francisco in the morning and will give her a ride to the airport."
"What about fishing in the morning?" he asked, looking intently at her. "I was planning to get up early."
"You can still do that," she claimed. "I'll even see you and Sam off. Greg wants to go fishing as well. He'll have his fishing boat at the dock at 6 am. When you come back you can make me breakfast."
"When did you plan all this?" asked Bucky as he put his arm around her and began walking back to the deck.
"We began planning yesterday," she said. "Some of it was on the ride back from the airport today. Are you okay with it?"
He squeezed her shoulder and smiled at her, which made her face light up. There was a growing suspicion that there was more she wasn't saying but he actually didn't mind because he was seeing another aspect of her that he liked. As they approached the deck it was apparent Janey had said something to Sam about the plans as well as he seemed intrigued by the coming evening. Whatever it was Bucky was staying with Julia after so he made some plans himself.