Hi everyone! Sorry for being gone so long again, I feel really terrible. My life kind of exploded then fell apart in the last few months(A very long and sad story) and I'm left to pick up the pieces. But no matter how much life sucks right now, I couldn't abandon this story.

Tony's vacation house did not disappoint. It was located in a quiet neighborhood full of big, fancy houses just like it. Hopefully, that would ensure their privacy on this vacation, something they'd never get at an all-inclusive resort, especially since Ana's face was still plastered to every TV screen in America. Tony's house was far away from any cameras, but that didn't stop Ana from looking over her shoulder every four minutes.

"Relax, kid," Tony reminded her, "We're far away from any media. Just try to enjoy this. It's a vacation." He told everyone to meet on the beach that night

Ana trudged up to her guest bedroom, throwing her suitcase on the bed. She then threw open the window and glanced across the sparkling waves. The water was beautiful, and the warm air kissed her skin, the breeze carrying the sweet scent of hibiscus and salty sea mist. The sun was just starting to set, painting the sky in an array of pink and orange tints. Ana changed from her cargo pants and t-shirt into a lightweight top and leggings. She grabbed her book and wandered downstairs to the patio that overlooked the ocean. The view was breathtaking. As the sun set farther, more avengers trickled downstairs. Everyone was starving after the long flight from New York so naturally, there was an entire feast set out. Naturally Tony decided to go with the theme and there was pineapple everything. Ana didn't mind at all: she loved pineapple. Clint, however, was outraged by the pineapple pizza. "What were you thinking, Tony?! A perfectly good pizza ruined!"

"It's a theme, Barton!" Tony exclaimed in defense. He was wearing one of those awful Hawaiian shirts, as though the ocean, palm trees, and abundance of pineapple weren't enough clues to their location.

Ana giggled to herself softly. Sometimes, she couldn't believe these were her friends. Sometimes she didn't feel like she belonged with them, like it was all some kind of dream she'd wake up from one day.

Bucky distracted her from her thoughts with an all too excited greeting. Ana looked up and had to bite her lip very hard to stop herself from laughing

"What are you wearing?" she asked.

Bucky was dressed in khaki shorts, and a similar, if not louder, shirt than Tony's. It was a very bright shade of orange, with obnoxious blue and yellow flowers. Ana couldn't contain herself at the sight of her normally more grunge-style boyfriend wearing such a thing. She let out a silly giggle.

"Sam said it would be cool." he defended.

"I think Sam lied to you."

Bucky pouted. "I actually kind of like it." he said, "it's comfortable."

"And we won't have to worry about you getting lost." Ana teased.

As the sun continued to set, Ana and Bucky strolled to a nearby cove and explored the rocks, caves and tide pools under the moonlight. Ana was sitting on the edge of a rock, looking out over the waves when Bucky came up and dropped a purple starfish in her hand.

Ana looked down at it curiously, it's arms tried to curl around her hand.

"Look! It likes you!" Bucky beamed.

"Starfish don't have brains."

"Well if they did they'd like you as much as I do."

Bucky took the starfish back and gently placed it back into the tide pool.

He sat next to Ana, listening to the sounds of the breeze through the palm trees and the waves bubbling back into the crevices between the rocks as the tide came in.

Ana sat with her cheek resting on her hand, and her hair blowing in the breeze while Bucky stared in admiration.

"Doll?"

"Yeah?"

"When are we going to tell the team? About us?"

Ana bit down on her fingernail.

"I don't know."

"I don't get it." Bucky frowned, "Why is this such a huge deal?"

"I-I'm just not ready."

"Why don't you want them to know?"

"I don't know that either… I just, want to know where we stand first.

"I thought we were a couple now." Bucky said.

"Yes, we are." Ana sputtered out, "This is just… an adjustment, for both of us, and I was hoping we could get through all the stupid slip ups before the team finds out and there's all the pressure. And who knows what they're gonna think? I mean, what if they think this is unprofessional?"

"They won't think that."

Ana wrapped her arms around her torso, "I'm sorry. I don't really know why this is so hard for me." Ana lied. She knew it was only because for some stupid reason, she worried the team would hate the two of them, or that somehow telling people would bring the relationship to an end.

"It's okay, I don't want to pressure you before you're ready for anything, especially not after I promised I wouldn't tell, but be honest with yourself, doll, how long can we keep this a secret?"

"Not much longer, realistically." Ana sighed, "Wanda knows."

Bucky smirked, "And how did she react?"

"She's happy for us." Ana admitted.

"See? And the rest of the team will be too. Whenever they find out."

The next day Ana went downstairs in her pajamas to get breakfast. As it was early in the morning, and everyone was a bit jet-lagged, Scott, Wanda, and Bucky had yet to make an appearance. Ana had wanted to sit inside and read her book. But Pepper insisted she go out for some fresh air.

So she changed into her swimwear, a rashguard and shorts, and went to sit on the beach with Pepper. While her friends soaked up the sunshine, she stayed huddled under an umbrella with her book.

As the day went on, reading turned to just thinking, and thinking turned to worrying.

"Pepper?" Ana asked quietly.

"Hmm?" Pepper responded, not looking up from her own book.

"How do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"How do you handle the spotlight? I know running Stark Industries is hard enough without paparazzi and galas and appearances, so how do you manage to show up everywhere and look perfect all the time without going completely crazy? I mean, I had to delete my twitter after my phone nearly exploded from all the follows."

Pepper slowly put her book down. She looked slightly flabbergasted by the question, but still compassionate.

"Well… " she said, "As far as running companies goes, it just comes down to years of experience and practice in public eye. The best thing you can do is ignore it, and not let it stop you from

living your life. But as far as looking perfect all the time, I don't, and that's okay. It's nothing you need to worry about. Just because a camera is on doesn't mean you need to alter yourself, besides, you're beautiful just the way you are."

"Please." Ana scoffed, "I know you don't think that. You saw my scars."

Pepper's expression softened; she took Ana's hands in her own.

"Listen to me, Ana." She said firmly and gently, "You are not any less beautiful because of those scars. They are a part of your past now, and everyday you take a step forward you only push them further away. They are healing, just like you. I won't tell you not to cover them up. You can reveal as much as you're comfortable with. But know this: I'll never judge you and neither would anyone else who loves you. Right here and now, you're in a safe place where you don't need to worry."

"But there's so much more to it than that." Ana argued.

"I know." Pepper sighed, "I hope I'm not overstepping any boundaries here, but I think maybe you've let your past get you down too much. Maybe it's time to live a little fearlessly again." she said with a smile.

Ana's felt a strange sense of amazement at Pepper's words. She hadn't thought anybody would see her the same way after knowing about her self-harm, and just the simple words from her friend provided her with a peace of mind she hadn't realized she needed so badly.

Bucky jogged over to them with a grin on his face, "Hey Ana, you want to join us?"

Pepper grinned and gave her a look telling her to go on. Ana left her book on the towel and followed him to the water.

Despite her initial anxieties, Ana had a lot of fun soaking up sun with her friends. Snorkeling, body surfing, and just splashing around in the waves took her mind off of everything that had happened over the past week. When Bucky invited her to go paddleboarding with him up the beach, she eagerly accepted, and off they went.

They paddled off around the cove they'd discovered the day before, and Ana took the chance to lay on her board and enjoy the sunset over the ocean. Bucky floated beside her in silence, enjoying the warm air and the calm serenity.

"Tell me something, doll." Bucky said.

"Like what?"

"Like a secret." Bucky smirked, "something you've never told anyone. It stays between us."

"You first." Ana snarked.

"Okay," Bucky agreed, sitting up on his board, "I've never told anyone this, not that anyone has ever asked, they normally just assume but I'm… uh, not a virgin."

Ana nodded. "I'm not that surprised. I mean, look at you."

Bucky sighed, "It was during the war, the night before I left for England… I didn't think I was ever coming back so I got curious, an' did it with a girl I'd met that night. I felt really terrible afterwards. She thought it was love, that I'd be back… and if anyone found out, it would've ruined her… it was such a different time. There were times after that too… but that was with Hydra, and it was nothing close to love."

"Oh, Bucky, I'm so sorry. You're first time's not supposed to be like that."

Bucky shrugged, "Can't change the past, I guess. So… your turn?"

"I don't know if this is as scandalous, but… I have a tattoo."

Bucky's eyes went wide. "Really?"

"Yeah. Got it after I graduated boot camp. My friends all dared me, since I was the only one in the group without one already."

"What is it?" Bucky asked eagerly.

Ana laughed nervously, she'd never showed anyone outside her friends from the Marines.

'Small steps.' Ana told herself, over and over again in her head, like a mantra, as she grabbed the hem of her rashguard and pulled it over her head. Her heart was beating out of her chest. For the first time in years, she felt the sun on her bare back. She turned so Bucky could read the tattoo over her left ribcage.

Veni. Vidi. Vici. written in a typewriter font, small and discreet.

Bucky read it aloud.

"I came. I saw. I conquered." Ana translated, "I thought it was an appropriate quote for after surviving bootcamp."

Bucky smiled, "I like it."

"So you really had sex… multiple times?"

Bucky looked a little offended, like he was trying to keep his cool, "Yeah, is that a problem?"

"No, no, of course not. I had just always assumed-which isn't very polite of me, I know-and it's just funny to think that you, being so old-fashioned about some things, have actually had sex before when I haven't."

Bucky raised his eyebrows, "You're a virgin?" he gawked.

"Yeah, I know. It's lame."

"No, not at all." he said, clearing his throat, "It's just, you're honestly really pretty and everything. I mean that. And you're one of those mostly fearless types, so I'd just assumed as well. I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Ana shrugged, "It's not like I was trying very hard in high school, and I was in sports so it wasn't allowed( not that most of the other girls cared), and then in the Marines, we were all about the job. There wasn't really any time for fooling around; most of our energy was spent on survival and strategy. Then after all that, well, there was the scars, and I knew no guy would ever want to see that."

"Well, I still think you're beautiful." Bucky said, kissing her nose.

Ana winced. She'd only been out in the sun a few hours, but her cheeks and shoulders were already dusted with a bright pink hue.

"Haven't you heard of sunscreen?" Bucky asked. Ana splashed him and he in in response turned her board over, dumping her in the water. She dumped him next, and they both swam to shore, and went back to the beach house for some dinner, and for Ana, a cold shower and tons of aloe vera.

As the week went by Ana was able to relax more and more. She'd spent every waking minute in the water or hiking through the jungle, and before she knew it, the week was gone. Maybe it was the sun getting to her or something in the water but she just didn't want to go home. On there last night she stood out on the balcony, too wired to sleep. It was past midnight and everyone else was resting for their early flight tomorrow. Ana thought she was alone, until she heard Bucky's footsteps.

"What are you still doing up, doll?" He asked.

"I could ask you the same thing." Ana said, not turning around.

Bucky closed the gap between them, and stood looking down at the beach with her.

"I don't want to leave." she whispered softly.

"Really? Don't you want to get back to New York?"

"I guess." Ana shrugged, fidgeting with the necklace she was wearing, "But it so nice being here, where I can go out and do whatever I want. I don't want to go back to hiding in the tower."

"I know, but you don't have to hide."

There was a few minutes of silence. Ana couldn't think of what to say. She really didn't need to hide in the tower, but it was easier than facing the crowds, the press, and her family.

"Since we're leaving tomorrow, I want to do something." Ana suggested.

"Like what?" Bucky asked.

"Something wild and adventurous. Something I might regret." Ana said.

"That's very specific." Bucky teased.

"I'm serious. I'm tired of secrets, and I'm tired of being scared of everything."

"What do you mean? You're one of the most fearless people I know."

"Maybe in one sense of the word, but really, I'm scared a lot, and maybe, if I can do something just crazy enough the other stuff will all seem less scary."

"Okay… " Bucky said, not really sure where his girlfriend was going. "What were you thinking of?"

"I want to have sex." Ana blurted out in a rush. She held her breath while she waited for a response.

Bucky's expression was unreadable.

"You want to?"

"Yes."

"Okay." Bucky grinned, kissing her lips, "Do you wanna go to the bedroom or just stay here?"

Ana thought for a minute.

"What the hell? Let's just do it here."

Bucky smiled at her, sweeping in for another kiss. He trapped her bottom lip between his teeth, tugging as pulled away. He continued to make out with her while he grabbed her ass. Ana felt shy at first but quickly fell into pace with him. Soon she was reaching under his shirt and scratching at his gloriously hard abs. Bucky had gently guided her onto the couch and pushed her back, and pinned her arms above her head. This felt like such a different side of Bucky, and a different side of herself. She let out a deep moan as Bucky kissed behind her ear. She was so caught up in the moment, she had almost forgotten to ask.

"Do you have protection?"

Bucky pulled back, "Oh... uh… no… do you, uh, have anything?"

Ana shook her head. She hadn't really been planning on losing her virginity this trip and she wasn't on the pill.

"But it'll be okay right? We can make it work."

Bucky sat up right again, pulling his shirt back on.

"No." he said firmly, "I love you, Ana, and that's exactly why I'm not going to take a risk like this. This requires a lot of trust and I would be abusing it if I didn't ensure your safety."

Ana looked flushed, whether it was embarrassment or the heat from a few minutes before Bucky couldn't tell.

"We'll be home tomorrow. Then if you still want me we'll do it, twenty-four hours is no big deal. For now, get some sleep, okay?"

"Okay." Ana mumbled as Bucky pecked her cheek. She felt a little disappointed in herself, even though Bucky had assured her it wasn't her fault. She'd worked up all this courage and she wasn't sure if it would still be there the next day. Reluctantly, however, she dragged herself to bed for a few hours of sleep.

The next morning the sexual tension between Bucky and Ana was so thick you could cut it with a knife. They avoided each other at breakfast, and Ana sat with the other girls on the plane. Although she didn't stop looking over her shoulder at Bucky. He'd smile at her and she'd blush like a schoolgirl and look away quickly, trying to keep her thoughts off of the night before. When the plane finally landed and they were all back at the tower it was already dark out. Everyone was tired and wanted to unpack. Everyone that is, except Ana and Bucky. Once everyone had vanished, Bucky and Ana all but raced to his bedroom. Ana's heart was fluttering as they embraced. "Have you got-"

"Yep," He breathed out, "He retrieved a condom from his bedside drawer, which was nearly overflowing. Ana stared at them curiously. Why did he have so many?

"They were a gag gift from Tony." he mumbled, "Part of a welcome-to-the-future package."

Ana giggled. That made sense.

Bucky kissed her passionately, grabbing her hips and pulling her closer to him. She had her arms around his neck as his lips travelled down her jawline. She felt him tug the hem of her shirt, and raised her arms to help him ease it over her head. She felt a shiver run up her spine, and suddenly she was shaking. She instinctively wrapped her arms around her torso to cover herself. Bucky paused. He closed the gap between them, resting his forehead against hers and rubbing her shoulders.

"Do you still want this?"

"Yes," Ana breathed out, "I do."

"You don't seem sure."

Ana bit her lip and looked shamefully down at her arms. and as if reading her mind, Bucky replied, "Hey, I told you already that I love you no matter what, and that you are absolutely beautiful."

"But there's more." Ana argued.

"That's fine. As long as it's a part of you it's something I will love, understand?" Ana nodded. They kissed deeply, as Ana's courage built and she tugged the hem of his shirt up until he pulled it off. He pushed her onto the bed softly. His pupils were blown wide as he loomed over her. She squirmed underneath him as he peppered kisses along her collarbone. Soon enough, Ana's pants were gone and so were Bucky's. Ana threw her head back as she felt him rub against her. This was real. It was happening, and it was amazing. Bucky kissed down her side over her tattoo. His touch was electric, making her arch her back in response as he rubbed small circles on her hip with his flesh hand, and trail the cool metal down her face and neck. She was so caught up in the moment she didn't care as much as she thought she would when he took her underwear off. Bucky caressed her body carefully, fondling every part of her lustfully, but being gentle so his metal hand wouldn't hurt her. When they had both had enough of foreplay, he grabbed her hand.

"Do you still want to do this?"

Ana nodded.

He lined up with her entrance, still holding onto her hand. He thrust into her as slowly as he could, and Ana winced visibly.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah… I mean, they say it hurts, but I still didn't think it would hurt… this much." she said through gritted teeth.

"I'm so sorry, doll." he whispered, caressing her face, "I'll never hurt you like this again I promise."

Bucky started to move, constantly checking to make sure Ana was okay. Eventually they got into a rhythm, and the awkwardness and shyness faded away as they both reach euphoria. It was wonderful and amazing and they both enjoyed every minute of it. It built a kind of trust that Ana had never felt before. They learned a side of each other they'd never seen before. Ana had really not expected Bucky to be so vocal, for one thing. He was also very dominate. Not in the dirty way, but he definitely wasn't afraid to be the one initiating and taking charge of the action. He was, however, very self-conscious of his metal arm, keeping his touches light and soft to avoid hurting her.

Ana was not exactly shy, but she was trying to keep as quiet as she could for fear of someone hearing. What Bucky hadn't expected, is that she was very sensitive in certain spots. She practically melted when he nipped at the curve just between her neck and her shoulder, and he went wild when Ana tangled her hands in his hair and scratched at his scalp.

They both came down from the high of their climaxes, and laid there together, tangled in the sheets. Ana had her head on Bucky's chest, while he absent-mindedly traced his fingers up and down her spine. He trailed down to her leg and she flinched.

She looked away from him, pulling the sheet tighter around her. Bucky didn't have to ask to know what she was thinking.

"I love all of you." Bucky said.

Ana shyly smiled back, tracing her fingers along the grooves of his metal arm.

"I love all of you too."

So... that was my first time writing a sex scene. Ever. I wouldn't exactly call it smut, definitely not good smut anyways. I was trying to be descriptive without being overly graphic or disturbing, since the purpose of the scene was only to progress Bucky and Ana's relationship. I tried my best... I'm so sorry if it made you cringe.

Also, sorry it's a filler chapter. I'm having a a bit of an existential crisis right now and having a hard time focusing on stories and such :/

Anyways, thank you for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day! :)