Title: Gold Rush
Pairing: CaptainAmerica-WinterSoldier-FemaleOC (poly)
First language isn't English, so please point out spelling or grammer mistakes. Be specific when pointing them out so I can correct them.
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Chapter 9 part 3
Sunlight streamed threw a crack in the curtains and woke me before my alarm went off. I tried to get back to sleep, but ended up tossing and turning while my mind started bombarding me with questions about what the hell I was actually doing. Flirting with two men? This isn't high school anymore. You already did a relationship like that and it was difficult enough. Now you want to throw in super soldiers? There is no way I can keep up with their lifestyle, let alone the baggage they probably carry with them. I mean the Sergeant is the Winter Soldier, one of the most lethal assassins in the world and you are making googly eyes at him? This isn't some romcom where love magically conquers all. And they are army men, who go on missions doing God knows what. Do you really want to be some army wife, waiting by the phone for a sign they are alright? Life with Kai and his family had been hectic, chaotic and dangerous at some times, do you really want to seek a relationship that's ten times worst?
Kai's grandfather was a Russian diplomat, who couldn't stand the sight of me. I was the American cockroach who was seducing his grandson for his money. He technically never did anything to signal he was involved with illegal activity, but I knew he was up to no good. He had so many secrets and for some reason he liked goading me into asking questions he would never answer. The main house of the family had a huge basement, but it was off limits. No one was allowed in but my grandfather-in-law. One night I couldn't sleep and started wandering around the house. I ended up at the stairs that lead to the basement and curiosity got the best of me. As I walked closer the hair in my neck stood up straight and my heart started beating faster. I didn't get far because I discovered the door to the basement was locked with some kind of high-tech system, for which you needed a finger scan to get in. My fingers itched to try and open the door, but I knew it was futile. The house always gave me the creeps for some reason, but after that night I started talking to Kai about getting our own place. I would be starting my second year at university soon and his health had been improving. And frankly a little bit of privacy was welcomed duo to our relationship.
And then there is the idea of the Captain and Sergeant being in a polygamist relationship that just didn't seem plausible to me. The Sergeant made it clear neither man minded that both of them were flirting with me, so that calmed the storm of questions in my head about creating a rift between them. I knew I could just talk about it with them, but my experience is that talking makes things serious and I wasn't in that phase just yet. I liked this casual flirting with both men.
I sighed loudly. Frustrated by my own thoughts I got up. I quietly pulled on a simple blue button up dress with a belt around my waist. I snuck into the bathroom, trying to be as quite as possible. The house creaks every now and then, but it sounded like everyone was still asleep. I applied a little bit of eyeliner around my eyes and combed my hair with my fingers. I was still getting used to my short hair. My locks used to come down my shoulder blades, but I got it cut after a night out with my friends that turned ugly. A stranger grabbed me by my hair when I turned down his advances for the fourth time that night. I didn't have time to panic or get scared, because luckily Brooklyn was nearby and saved me before anything could happen. He nearly beat the man to a bloody pulp. We had to make a run for it. When we reached my place, exhausted from running and the adrenaline rush of what had just happened, I texted our friends we went home together. They would assume we left to have sex, something we have done before and they wouldn't ask questions about it. Brooklyn grabbed the bourbon from my kitchen cabinet and we both took a big gulp from it to calm ourselves down. I impulsively took a pair of scissors and wanted to cut my hair short, but he stopped me in time, knowing I wasn't thinking straight and would regret it in the morning. I always kept my hair long because Kai and Yuri liked it. After a few more drinks, taking care of Brooklyn's injured knuckles and some comforting words, we ended up in bed anyway for some pity/comfort sex. The next day we both went to get new haircuts. It felt like turning a page as I saw my long locks fall to the ground. After what happened with Kai and Yuri and everyone I moved back to New York. I stayed with my adoptive parents for a few months, but found a decent apartment with the help of Tessa. By the time I turned twenty-four, I had a new apartment with used furniture from my parents and friends and I was looking for a new job. Everything was new, expect for my hair. I never liked it long because it was too much work, but I couldn't bring myself to change it. It felt like a last relic of my previous life. Our friends were baffled by it but chalked it up to a drunken stupidity. We didn't tell them what really happened. Brooklyn looked a lot better without his Justin Bieber hairdo, so it was a stepping up for him if you ask me.
I walked on my tip toes down the stairs with my sunglasses and a book in my hands, when I noticed a pair of combat boots standing next to the couch and a pair of feet dangling above them. Who is…is that the Sergeant? I snuck closer and saw the man deep asleep, his blanket laying on the floor. I involuntary sighed as I let my eyes wonder over his face. Damn he's so handsome. He had many lines in his face, signaling a though life. It amazes me that even though with everything he's been through, he seems so relaxed when he turns his charms on. I snuck around the couch on my tip toes. The man didn't move as I laid the blanket over his relaxed body. I expected him to be a light sleeper with everything he's been thru. Maybe it's this place that offers him some form of piece and quite for his mind.
I made my way out to the porch and sat down in one of the lounge chairs. It was still early and chilly, so I was pleased I had grabbed a hoodie to keep myself warm. It was going to be a beautiful day with no clouds in the sky. Sam's sister had quite a beautiful home and piece of land. Granted it needed some love, but this place could really be something. I enjoyed the sunlight touching my bare legs as I started reading my book.
After about half an hour I heard the stairs creaking from inside the house. I lowered my book and placed my sunglasses on top of my head and waited for whoever was up to come outside. It didn't take long before the backdoor opened and out walked the Captain. He was dressed in running gear, his shoelaces not yet tied. He noticed me immediately and gave me a smile that warmed my whole body and made me forget about my previous thoughts: "Good morning, ma'am."
"Good morning, Captain," I greeted him with a smile as he walked closer and sat down at my feet: "What are you reading this early in the day?"
"A fictive novel about Alexander the Great and his legacy," I explained and watched the man lean down to tie his shoelaces. His arms tensed up significantly as he moved and I bit my lip to stay focused on what he was saying: "I'm a little surprised you are up so early."
"Sleep seemed to evade me unfortunately," I admitted and he looked up surprised. I could see he was curious as to why I couldn't sleep, but he didn't ask for clarification. Last night he seemed so confident, even laying his arm around me in front of his friends. I wonder if that confidence is still there or if it was the moment. I scratched my throat before asking: "I thought we were meeting each other for breakfast in forty-five minutes?"
"We are," the Captain said and leaned closer to me, making me hold my breath involuntary: "But I couldn't sleep either."
I could feel my cheeks heat up and adverted my eyes. It warmed my insides knowing he was also a bit nervous. He is very different from the Sergeant, who's flirting attitude and sometimes bold words make me relax quickly and fall into a playful and flirtatious banter with him. But the Captain wasn't like that. He was more careful, more reserved. More like butterflies in your stomach that make you feel giddy, nervous and shy at the same time.
"Besides, what's a better way to start the day," the Captain said, a grin hanging on his lips, as I tried to hide my red cheeks. I shook my head and decided to get back at him for making me blush and my lips turned into a playful smirk: "Oh I could probably think of a few better activities to start my day."
His cheeks turned slightly red as he looked at me nervously. I couldn't help but grin at the man, feeling very pleased. I pulled my legs against me slowly, with pointed toes. His eyes followed my movement as he licked his lips. I liked being able to have this affect on him. He noticed my smug smile and chuckled, but again didn't mention it. My heart started beating faster as he leaned closer and one hand touched my cheek. His touch felt warm and I had to restrain myself from not sighing as to how comfortable his touch felt. He lowered his voice when he spoke: "Any activities we could do tomorrow morning?"
I went stark red and chuckled at his bold invitation, completely lost for words. He looked utterly smug as I tried to find my voice. I liked seeing him look smug and confident: "You are spending way too much time with the Sergeant, my dear Captain."
"I know, I should find someone else to spent my time with every now and then," he spoke, his voice barely louder then a whisper: "So are you up for it?"
"I wouldn't want to steal the Sergeants boyfriend away, he'll never forgive me," I shot back at the man, who looked far to smug. He adverted his eyes for a second as I referred to the Sergeant as his boyfriend, but he surprised me when our eyes met again, full of confidence: "Maybe we'll just have to let him tag along then?"
He noticed my eyes widen at his comment and my curious gaze. Did I just hear him correctly? I took a deep breath and wanted to continue our conversation but the Captain suddenly looked to the door and pulled back. I turned my head and saw Wanda walk out on the porch. She looked like a zombie, yawning and clutching a large coffee mug in her hands. A poncho hung over her shoulders and her voice sounded coarse when she greeted us.
"Maybe we overdid it a little last night," I greeted her back and the Captain eyed us curiously. He wanted to ask what we had been up to but Wanda winked at him: "That's our secret Steve. Shouldn't you get lost by the way?"
"A good morning to you too Wanda," the Captain said and he turned back to me. They playful flirtation was all gone but there was still a small smirk hanging on his lips that Wanda didn't notice: "I'll see you later."
He wasn't even out of sight when Wanda bombarded me with questions, but I simply rolled my eyes at her and picked up my book again.
"Fine ignore me, I can always make him talk later," Wanda said and coughed a few times to get ride of her raspy morning voice. She waved her hand and moved one of the other lounge chairs next to mine. The red glow surrounding the object baffled me and I secretly pinched myself to make sure this was all real. How can a woman like Wanda exist? The witch pulled her poncho closer around her frame as she sat down and sipped her coffee, while I continued to read. We enjoyed the quite morning together. Wanda wasn't a morning person apparently and needed time to wake up. I didn't mind because it offered me some time to think about the Captains words and what he was implying.
"Nat found a paintball place not too far from here that might be fun to visit," Wanda said after twenty minutes as she placed her empty coffee mug on the wooden porch. I looked up at her with 'are-you-being-serious' look, but she just grinned at me. I closed my book and sighed: "Seems hardly fair, don't you think."
We heard movement coming from inside the house and we both looked up to see who it was. How early do these people wake up? I was pleased to see the Sergeant walk past the windows as he made his way to the kitchen. He hadn't noticed us yet. Wanda noticed the Sergeant too and turned to me with merriment in her eyes: "We could team up and invite the others and take them on. That would be funny."
"Still sounds rather unfair for me," I said and couldn't see how I would be able to survive a game of paintball with these people. The only way I would be useful would be by being bait and I know out of experience that the bait is the one who ends up with the most bruises. Thank you, Brooklyn and Michael, for teaching me that very painful lesson.
"Oh, come on, don't tell me you aren't intrigued by the prospect of shooting your boyfriend. Whoopsie, I mean friend," the witch said smugly and I shoved her playfully, making her almost fall from her chair. Her voice sounded cheery as she giggled: "If you don't tell me shit, I'll be forced to let one slip every now and then."
"I think I'm looking more forward to shooting you actually," I said with a smirk and the witch rolled her eyes at me. She picked up her mug and waved it in front of the kitchen window, signaling the Sergeant to bring her a new mug. She looked at me with a cheeky look in her eye: "Nat is already looking forward to hunting you down, so you might want to be nice to me or I won't be your teammate."
"I should have known that's the reason she would bring this up," I joked and the slide door opened, revealing a very tired looking Sergeant, holding two coffee mugs and the coffee pot. He yawned as he walked up to us. He handed Wanda the pot and sat down at my feet. He offered me the extra mug he was carrying. I accepted it and smiled my thanks.
"Why are you people all up so early?" the Sergeant asked as we both drank from our coffee. Wanda rolled her eyes at him and pointed out he was always up this early.
"A good morning to you too Wanda," the Sergeant said and I noticed how his body was slouching. I felt sorry for him. He must have gotten even less sleep than I did last night. Poor man.
"Whatever Barnes, but it's settled then Alex. I'll go grab my phone to make us a reservation for today," Wanda said cheery and left us. I rolled my eyes at her retreating body. I saw her use her phone earlier, so I knew she was just leaving to give us privacy. The Sergeant eyed me and I chuckled: "Wanda wants to play a game of pretend war later. She's really looking forward to shooting you guys."
The Sergeant just blinked at me a couple of times and shook his head, muttering something about it being to early for Wanda's nonsense. I chuckled again and sipped my coffee: "When did you get in last night? We stayed up late but didn't hear you come in."
"Three hours ago," he said and yawned: "But I have been up for thirty-three hours now."
"Wow, that's impressive," I said and he stretched his good arm behind his back and rolled his other shoulder. I could hear the mechanism clicking as he moved it. He took another sip from his coffee: "But I doubt I'll be getting anymore sleep with everyone walking up so early. Sam is getting the boy's ready to go fishing."
"He mentioned something about that last night," I said and moved in my seat to allow the Sergeant to sit next to me. it would be a tight squeeze but frankly I didn't mind that. Without any hesitation or anything he moved and his arm found it's way around my shoulder, pulling me into his side. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes while I was rather baffled he had pulled me close just like that.
"You look like you could use a good sturdy breakfast Sergeant," I said and laid my head against his shoulder. I could hear Sam's nephews coming downstairs and their voices were talking excitedly about something.
"Are you offering to cook for me ma'am?" the tired Sergeant asked me and looked at me with one eye open. A slight stubble was covering his cheeks: "No, but the Captain's buying me breakfast, so I'm sure we could let you tag along."
"Hmm I'm thinking the punk might want to take you out alone, don't you?" the man yawned again and closed his eyes again. I slide my arm around his waist and noticed he held his breath for a second: "I'm thinking he wouldn't mind you tagging along."
"Or is it that you just want both of us taking you out?" the man asked me with his usually cheery and flirtatious voice. I looked up at him and sent him a smirk: "What if I do?"
"Greedy woman," the Sergeant told me and ruffled my hair. I didn't put up much of a fight to make him stop for the simple reason I didn't want to pull out of his arm: "You make it sound like it's a bad thing Sergeant. Besides someone has to keep an eye on the punk. He was insinuating very inappropriate things to me earlier. I think you are rubbing of on him to much Sergeant."
"You make it sound like it's a bad thin ma'am," the man grinned at me and his fingers started running through my hair gently: "But maybe you are right. I couldn't let the punk run of with such a damsel in distress."
"Don't push it Sergeant," I said and leaned back, but he stopped me quickly. His grin only grew as I sent him a glare for calling me a damsel in distress. His hand touched my chin as he spoke: "It's Bucky and it sounds to me like are a damsel…"
"Maybe you should stay here Sergeant. A man your age needs his sleep," I teased him back for making me sound like some pathetic woman. His metal arm was quick to stop me from trying to break free from his hold and he sent me a playful glare: "I think you need to be thought to respect your elders' kid."
"Kid? What the hell happened to ma'am?" I asked and kept on trying to break lose, not that I would ever win. He quickly slides his arms around my waist and pulled me flush against his chest. I gasped at the sudden closeness and trembled significantly as he kept on grinning at me: "You were being disrespectful, calling me old. Sounds to me like you need to be taught a lesson kid."
I shivered involuntary at his choice of words and he noticed. I adverted my eyes but his hand touched my chin and made me look back up again: "Am I making you uncomfortable kid?"
The way he said the word kids should be illegal.
"Uncomfortable is not the word I would use, but sure let's go with that," I said and he chuckled. Before I could say anything else, he stood up, his arms easily picking my up in the process. I was immediately reminded of that night at my boss his party where he carried me after I injured my foot. A very subtle hint of cologne hit my nose as he threw me over his shoulder: "Well I'm sure this will help you with that kid."
"What are you talking…?" I asked confused but noticed he was walking towards the pier and picking up speed. I tried to struggle lose, making the man laugh at my attempts in vain. Hadn't I been distracted by the ocean the man wanted to throw me in or throw us both in, I would have noticed how genuine his laugh sounded and it warmed me to hear it: ""James Barnes, don't you dare throw me in the water!"
"Time to hold your breath kid," the man said with a huge smile on his face as he started to run. I noticed immediately that he was going much faster than the normal human being would run. I clung to his body as he jumped of the pier and closed my eyes, while screaming at the top of my lungs before going under. The water was so cold it slightly hurt. I automatically started trashing in the water, but the Sergeant held me close against him and swam us back to the surface. I gasped for air, mostly because of the cold temperature of the water and glared at the far to looking smug Sergeant: "You are so dead Sergeant Barnes."
"I think it's worth it," the man said smugly, his metal arm keeping me pushed against his body. My arms automatically slide around his neck to keep myself up and he used that opportunity to lean his head against mine. I had to catch my breath as his piercing blue eyes looked into mine: "You are a scoundrel Sergeant Barnes."
"Maybe you should keep the Captain around to keep an eye on me," the Sergeant whispered and I looked up surprised. Both men had made insinuations this morning about letting the other tag along. Is this a coincidence: "And do what Sergeant?"
"I'm sure he'll hold your hand while I make you blush," he whispered and I went stark red. I adverted my eyes and this time he let me. I shivered as his lisp touched my ear gently and whispered: "Or is it the other way you prefer it?"
"You are a scoundrel Sergeant Barnes," I gasped and his free arm cupped my cheek: "Yeah, but you like scoundrels' ma'am."
I had no cheeky comeback to that: "I think you might be right Sergeant."
"It's Bucky ma'am," he said, a seriousness in his tone that I couldn't ignore as he looked deep into my eyes.
"Bucky," I sighed and his grin turned into a genuine smile that made my heart swell. This man is just so… His metal arm tightened its grip around my waist, while the other caressed my cheek. I leaned my head against his, his eyes meeting mine. He was so close, so tempting to lean in and… but I got distracted as I noticed the Captain running up the pier. Bucky noticed it too and whispered in my ear if I wanted to know a secret: "It should be illegal to wear a shirt that tight."
"Really I hadn't noticed. Tell me something Sergeant, do you have any shirts that look criminal on you?" I shot back at the man and he looked confused at me: "Why do you ask ma'am? Want to see me in them?"
"I'm sure I'd prefer you without a shirt, but I guess it'll have to do for now," I grinned and was very pleased to get back at him. This time he adverted his eyes as he chuckled, but when he looked back up there was very playful glint in them: "You shouldn't wear a dress like that when you head out."
"And why's that?" I ask, knowing very well what kind of answer he'll give me, but I didn't mind his insinuations one bit. He was right, I like a scoundrel and he was just perfect. His hand slides into my hair and roughly turns my head so he can whisper in my ear in a very seductive tone: "Makes my mind wonder to dangerous territory."
"Good." I whispered back and his lips caressed my earlobe, making me shiver again. He noticed and called me out on it: "Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"You're making me feel a lot of things but uncomfortable is not the word I would use," I chuckle and he kissed my earlobe before whispering: "Tell me."
"You are being very inappropriate Sergeant, I'm going to have to call the Captain to save me if you keep this up," I joke and want to wave to the Captain to save me, but the Sergeant stops me. His hot breath was becoming too much to bear as he whispered again in my ear: "Or we ask him to join us. Think you can keep up with us?"
My heart skipped a beat as his eyes lowered themselves to my lips and he licked his lips. I was amazed I could answer him with a steady voice: "Can you?"
God, I am loving this game.
"Isn't it a bit early to go for a swim?"
We both look up to see a very out of breath and sweaty Captain standing above us on the pier. The Sergeant grinned with glee at his friend and I saw an opportunity to push him under. Surprisingly he went under and I managed to break free from his grasp. The Captain kneeled down and offered me his hand and pulled me out of the water. Soaked out of the water, I shivered noticeably.
"I thought we were meeting for breakfast?" the Captain asked me teasingly, eyeing the state I was in. I pretended to pose and jokingly asked: "Don't like my new look? Drowned cat, it's all the rage among youngsters."
"I'm afraid I'm not all that down with what's hip these day," the Captain said as he offered his hand to his friend and pulled him out as well. Dear God, how strong are these people? I chuckled as I explained that we didn't use the word hip anymore: "We use cool these day's Captain. Besides your smelly attire isn't all that great either as a look."
"What? I thought women liked a sweaty man?" the Sergeant asked and pulled his shirt over his head. He looked very smugly at me and I bit my lip to keep myself from blushing. He noticed though.
"No, no, no…no no no, there was probably, once upon a time, one woman who said that to trick a guy into bed and for some insane reason men generalized that to all women thinking that a sweaty man is attractive," I explained, trying my best to ignore the half-naked man standing way to close to me: "There is nothing attractive about a sweaty man."
"How about we get changed and then head out?" the Captain suggested and I was very glad to get away from the Sergeant at the moment, because I wasn't sure how long I would be able to resist him standing while he showing of like a peacock.
"She said I could come too," the Sergeant tried, but I pushed him back into the water before he could stop me: "You lost that invite when you made me go swimming. Have a good day Sergeant."
"It's Bucky," the Sergeant called after us.
