Disclaimer: Everything belongs to The Marvel Universe except for my character Julie – she is my own creations and is not meant to resemble anyone else's OCs in any way.

A/N: Thank you SO very much for those of you who have shown me support with the sweetest reviews! (BigMamaKat, AliceB, Alpinelover, .2023, ThatGirlNextDoor, an unsigned guest, and a special shoutout to Thorunnironside - who is an ever-present name in my inbox!) Your kind words and messages mean the world to me! Most of these have come from FF. net, where are all my AO3 peeps at?!

There will be a club scene where I have listed several songs throughout. I kind of imagined Julie just letting loose and enjoying them as she danced so feel free to tune in too. There will be a few others scattered after that for individual scenes as well.

Please enjoy and don't forget to REVIEW :)

Chapter 13: Dance With Me

Bucky stretched his neck as he gunned his motorcycle down the freeway just for the hell of it. He was bored. He yearned to feel the weight of a gun in his hands again. To hear the satisfying click of his sniper rifle. To feel the adrenaline rush of hand to hand combat. But he couldn't. Dr. Raynor still wouldn't clear him.

Not yet. She said.

Soon. She told him.

So he did what he could. He rode his bike and he went to the gym. He boxed, he hit the bags, he did the free weights, he sparred Sam when he was around. But it wasn't enough. He wasn't used to sitting around with nothing to do. He pulled the bike up into a wheelie, reveling in the exhilaration it brought him. Setting the front wheel down he slowed to a reasonable speed and took the next exist. Guiding the bike through the mid morning Sunday traffic he finally parked it in front of the gym. His gaze drifted over to Julie's favorite cafe across the street and he let out a noise of frustrated.

He'd gone by the place yesterday afternoon and accidentally spotted Julie and David sitting at one of the tables near the window. A sense of defeat filled his insides at the memory. He was surprised to say the least, given what had transpired just a week ago. But he could never pretend to understand how a woman's brain worked, especially Julie's.

Shaking himself out of the memory he walked inside the gym and greeted Jackson, their newest member. He was a former Marine but seemed to have an overall gentle soul, at least outside of the ring. Bucky loved sparring with him and in the month since he'd joined they'd made it a near daily ritual.

"Hey man, let me grab my wraps. I left them in the locker room."

Bucky nodded, dumped his bag on a bench and walked over to one of the bags, starting to warm up. Sam emerged from the locker room, stretching his arms out briefly before approaching Bucky.

"What's up Buck?"

He clapped his friend on the back and seated himself at the bench press near by. Bucky acknowledged him with another nod but continued to concentrate on the bag.

…

Sarah and Julie walked side by side, their yoga mats slung over their shoulders.

"I'm excited to try this new class!"

"Me too."

"But I thought you said it started at 11:00? It's only 10:30 and it takes like less than 10 minutes to walk there."

"Oh, um…I wanted to stop by the boxing gym and talk to Sam real quick."

"Okaaayyyy. And you couldn't do that at home because…?"

Sarah flushed slightly and stopped in her tracks. She faced Julie with a nervous expression.

"Ok, ok. There's a new guy at the gym. And he is…"

She fanned herself, eyes widening slightly. Julie laughed.

"Why Sarah, I never thought I'd see the day! Tell me about him!"

"So his name is Jackson. I've only talked to him a few times. But oh my God, he is fine. And I was hoping I could maybe see him? If he's even there."

Julie laughed again, "Sarah! Are you stalking the guy?!"

"No!"

Julie continued laughing as they resumed walking. A few minutes later they entered the gym and Sarah immediately began looking around while they slowly approached Sam.

"He's not here," she muttered, her voice laced in disappointment.

"Hey!" Sam stood and walked over to them.

"What are you two doing here?"

"Uhhh…I just wanted to see if you could maybe watch the boys for a few hours on Friday night? I need to have a little time to myself."

Sam looked at her confused.

"Yeah, sure. But you could have just called me. You didn't have to come all the way out here."

"I know…I just…we were walking by and…"

She trailed off as Jackson emerged from the locker room, finishing his hand wraps. He was about as tall as Bucky, with closely cropped hair and a well manicured beard. His ebony skin looked flawless and his muscles were on full display in the cut off shirt he wore. He spotted Sarah and smiled widely at her. Julie wandered off, taking a seat against the wall on one of the benches, trying to give them some space. She watched as Sam said something to him and his sister before walking back into the locker room.

"Hey."

She jumped slightly at the voice that suddenly appeared from her left. Bucky sat down beside her, never having made a sound during his approach. Julie wondered how he was able to do that. Between his sheer size and the metal arm, how in the world could he be so quiet?

"So how long do you think it'll take him to ask her out?"

Bucky let out a low chuckle.

"I bet he's doing it right now. Every time Sarah sets foot in here he can't take his eyes off of her."

Julie smiled, then turned her attention to Bucky. Her expression sobered and her eyes became serious. He understood without her having to say a word.

"He seems to be a good man."

She nodded and looked back over at the pair. Bucky watched her as she watched them. A sorrowful look of longing crossed her features and he fought the urge to lean over and kiss her, if only to make her smile.

"You still have time, you know."

"Hmm?"

Julie was confused. It was like Bucky was continuing a conversation he had been having entirely in his head.

"You said the other night that you thought you'd be married and having kids by now. You still have time."

She smiled sadly at him, "Not like you do. It's different for me."

"Maybe. But that doesn't mean you should rush into something that isn't right."

"I know. You're right."

She was silent for a moment.

"I broke up with David."

He looked at her in surprise, "You did? When?"

"Yesterday."

Sam walked up to them before Bucky could respond.

"Come on man, I know you're itching to spar and who knows how long they're going to be…"

He raised his eyebrows meaningfully, a happy smile on his face as he watched his sister. Bucky took a sip from the water bottle that rested between his feet before standing. He yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it down on the bench, then trailed Sam into the ring. Julie swallowed, her eyes following after Bucky. No matter how many times she'd seen him shirtless it never seemed to disappoint. The obvious power behind his muscles made her stomach twist in a way she didn't want to analyze. The two friends stepped into the ring and Julie noted that Sam had his hands wrapped whereas Bucky was bare knuckling it. They began to spar, both of them moving quickly and fluidly as they danced around the ring. It was clear though who had the upper hand and she briefly wondered if Bucky was holding back.

She glanced down at her watch and jumped to her feet upon seeing the time. Walking swiftly to Sarah she grabbed her arm while sending a warm smile Jackson's way.

"We have to go. Our class is starting."

"Oh, well, ok. Jackson, this is Julie. Julie, Jackson."

"Hey! It's nice to meet you," he said with a dazzling smile.

"You too. So sorry I've got to pull her away from you!"

"No worries, no worries. I'll um…call you later, maybe?"

"Yeah, definitely."

She gave Jackson her number and the two women left the gym arm in arm, grinning wildly.

…

Nearly two weeks later, Julie lounged on her couch watching TV when her phone pinged with an incoming text.

Sarah: Soooo I know that we are supposed to go dancing tomorrow night, but any chance we can do a raincheck?

Julie: What happened? Is everything ok?

Sarah: More than ok. Jackson finally asked me out! And I am so excited!

Julie: Woohoo! Definitely not a problem. You'll have to fill me in later.

Sarah: Sure thing.

Julie: What are you guys going to be doing?

Sarah: No idea! I guess I'll see when he gets here. How about you? What are you going to do now?

Julie: I think I'll still go dancing :)

Sarah: Attagirl.

…

Bucky sat at the U shaped bar and sipped on his scotch, watching the crowd of gyrating sweaty bodies. This wasn't exactly the type of dancing he was used to, but he could appreciate the atmosphere. The way the bass thrummed through his veins, the perfect rhythm that everyone seemed to move in, the sultry glow the dim lights cast on each body. He laughed lightly to himself as the song Roses began to pound through the speakers, thinking about how Sarah would put it on repeat when it first came out. His eyes drifted through the crowd and then stalled at the door.

(Roses - Imanbek Remix)

He watched as Julie walked in solo. She had a small smile on her dark red lips as she surveyed the crowd, seeming to instantly absorb energy from the new environment. Dropping her coat and purse at an empty table, she immediately took to the floor. Dark, smoky eyes closed and long hair swayed with untamed waves. Bucky stared, mesmerized by the siren as she fluidly moved her hips in time with the music. She was completely lost in the moment, her body dancing without any hesitation or reservation. She turned and Bucky's breath caught in his throat. Her black dress had a modestly draped neckline, but dipped dangerously low in the back, exposing miles of smooth skin. The fabric hugged every curve and he watched as it inched up her thighs slightly with each movement.

His fingers itched with a desire to run down her back, but he dared not move. He took another sip of his drink but quickly set it down, hand clenching on the glass when he saw some guy approach her. His inky black hair was smoothed back as if he'd run grease through it. He sidled up to Julie and positioned himself behind her. He began to dance, their bodies briefly moving in tandem as he not so subtly ground himself against her rear. Bucky began to rise from his stool but quickly sat back down when Julie spun around. Her face flickered with something that looked like recognition. A few words were spoken and the guy drifted off, not looking entirely pleased. She closed her eyes again, tossing her head in abandon before the song changed.

(You Know You Like It - DJ Snake )

She danced for only a moment longer, then suddenly looked in his direction. His eyes followed her over to the bar, seating herself a few stools down to his right. There was a woman between them ordering drinks but she drifted off quickly. Bucky swiveled to face the bar, knocked back his scotch and signaled for another when the bartender approached.

"Gin and Tonic." He heard Julie's breathless request.

"I've got the lady's drink," Bucky announced to the man.

Julie whipped her head over in his direction in surprise. Her eyes widened, shocked at seeing Bucky in the club.

"Well, well. What do we have here?!"

She slid off her stool and came to sit beside him, back resting against the bar and body turned to the dance floor. She gazed at him with a small smile on her face. He thanked the bartender when their drinks were set down and handed Julie hers.

"Thank you."

He gave her a curt nod. Julie laughed, making him glance over at her.

"I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I'd see you at a dance club!"

"And why is that?"

She blinked at him briefly, "Just doesn't seem like your scene."

He shrugged, "It's not exactly like the dancing clubs I used to go to, but it's not so bad actually. And anyway, I came at Sam's insistence as his wingman."

"Sam's here?!"

Bucky nodded to the far side of the club. Julie laughed again as she spotted him, tucked away in the booth with a pretty brunette in his lap. His hands freely roamed her back and it didn't seem like they were going to come up for air any time soon.

"It doesn't look like he needs a wingman!"

"No, it doesn't," Bucky replied with a smirk.

"Sooo…you dance?"

He gave her a suspicious look.

"No."

"Why not?"

She started moving her body in rhythm with the song playing while never leaving her seat. Bucky was amazed at how fluidly she could do that. He gave her another shrug, then took a hefty sip of his drink. She slipped off her stool and continued her dancing. He spun around to watch as her lids lowered into a sultry gaze and a smirk appeared on her lips. It was as if she were dancing only for him. He felt a primal urge creep up his spine and his lips parted slightly.

"Come dance with me."

Her voice was low and seductive. She curled her fingers slowly, beckoning him towards her. He smirked back at her.

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

He swirled his drink in the glass, hooded eyes never leaving her face. She closed her eyes and ran the backs of her hands up the side of her body, up her neck, through her hair, then held them above her head as she swayed. Suddenly the song changed, shifting the mood. Julie's eyes snapped open and a wide smile spread over her face.

(Move - DNCE)

"I love this song!"

She reached over and grabbed his unoccupied left hand, tugging on it forcefully.

"Dance with me!" She laughed.

Bucky smiled back but shook his head no, enjoying watching her instead. She dropped his hand, turning her head slightly and looked at him through the corner of her eyes. She was dancing in place, then began to move backwards, mouthing the words and still swaying her hips to the song. She melded with the edge of the crowd and continued to beckon him over. Bucky shook his head once more but his resolve was breaking. Her joy was infectious and despite the persistent negative shake of his head, he threw back his drink and prowled after her onto the dance floor.

Julie beamed when Bucky approached. He grabbed her hand without preamble and began to lead her through a dance that was something between swing and the modern dancing everyone else was partaking in. She threw her head back and let loose a burst of laughter in pure delight as he swung her around, spinning this way and that before bringing her back into him and quickly moving their bodies together in time to the music. He repeated the movements with little variations. Julie's breath stuttered when she looked at his face. The smile that graced it was so earnest it made her heart flutter. It took years off Bucky's countenance and he suddenly looked like a young man with no cares in the world, just the bliss of the moment.

His heart pounded furiously and he knew he couldn't wipe the grin off his face even if he wanted to. He couldn't remember the last time he'd danced. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so happy. For the precious few minutes of the song, he was transported back to the 1940s - before the war, before the Winter Soldier, before everything. He was back on the dance floor with a beautiful dame and nothing to worry about except making sure he didn't let her stumble. He held Julie tight as their bodies swirled together. The radiance and utter pleasure on her face completely consumed him. And then the song changed and a new spell was cast.

(Dance the Pain Away - Benny Benassi, Eelke Kleijin Remix)

He pulled Julie close, his left arm slipping around her back while his right hand rested on her hip. They locked eyes, their bodies swaying together in a tempo slightly slower than the song called for. But it didn't matter, they were in their own bubble. She slowly threw one arm over his shoulder and pressed her other palm against him. She was so close to him that she could feel his heart beating against her own chest.

Despite her heels she still had to tilt her head back a fair bit to look him in the face. The intensity of his gaze made her stomach explode with butterflies. Bucky kept his left arm firmly around her while allowing his right knuckles to drift up her side, trailing over her neck and jaw. His fingers splayed out, palm cupping her cheek briefly before moving up to run through her hair. His breathing sped up as she closed her eyes and tipped her head back even further into his hand. He watched the quick rise and fall of her chest. The milky skin of her exposed neck beckoned to his lips. He was fighting an internal battle and he could feel his will losing. His head slowly dipped down, her soft perfume filled his nose and he felt her shiver against the heat of his breath. His lips ghosted so tauntingly close to her skin.

Then his phone began to buzz in his pants. He managed to keep his nose from getting broken by sheer instinct, pulling himself upright as Julie snapped her head up and looked at him with questioning eyes. He didn't bother to see who was calling. Reaching into his pocket he sent them to voicemail. But not a moment later, it began to buzz again.

"I think maybe you should answer that," Julie whispered.

He shook his head in the negative, eyes never leaving hers, and sent them to voicemail again. Once more, the phone buzzed, but with a text this time. Bucky let out a frustrated breath and shoved his hand into his pocket, retrieving the phone. He looked at the text and let loose a curse. Stepping away from Julie, his eyes scanned the room until he spotted Sam, still in the same booth.

"I'm so sorry. I have to go. We're needed ASAP."

Confused brows scrunched together as Julie looked up at him.

"You're back to doing missions?"

A small half smile graced Bucky's face as he looked back at her.

"Dr. Raynor finally cleared me to return to duty last week. And not a moment too soon. I've gotta go extricate Sam."

Julie giggled at the face Bucky pulled. Then he looked back at her apologetically.

"Are you going to stay? Or do you want me to take you home first?"

"I think I'll stay a bit longer."

"Are you sure?"

Her eyes briefly scanned the dance floor. She spotted Slick sitting at a table on the other side of the room. He gave her a little nod of acknowledgement, causing Julie's stomach to churn uncomfortably.

"On second thought, I think I'm ready to go home. Are you sure you have time to drop me off?"

"Yeah, it's no problem. Let me grab Sam and I'll meet you at the door."

They parted ways and Julie weaved through the crowd and over to her abandoned belongings. She picked up her purse and slipped her coat on, then waited until Sam and Bucky appeared before her.

"Hey you! I didn't know you were here!"

Sam gave her a hug, a large and slightly drunk smile plastered on his face.

"Yes, well, you were a bit busy."

She turned to Bucky, "Are you sure he's going to be ok to go on a mission?"

Mirth filled his eyes as he looked over at his friend, "It'll be a minute before we actually leave."

Then turning back to Sam, he addressed him, "Let's get you an Uber home. Grab your gear and meet me at the place. I'm going to drop off Julie before heading over."

"Sounds like a plan."

…

They waited until Sam was safely in the back of a car before walking the short distance to Bucky's motorcycle. Julie stood on the curb and stared at it for a moment.

"How am I supposed to get on that in my dress? Don't you ever take your car?!"

He chuckled and handed her the helmet, "I prefer the bike. You can either sit sideways or just pull your dress up."

She balked at him. A flush crept up her neck at the mischievous look in his eyes. He sat down on the bike and waited for her. There was no way Julie was going to risk slipping off that thing sitting sideways. So she hiked her dress up to an almost indecent level and climbed up behind Bucky. Near naked legs planted on either side of his, then her arms came around his waist and grabbed onto him firmly. He kicked the bike on and pulled away from the curb. She missed the satisfied smile he wore on his lips.

…

They pulled up to her apartment and Bucky idled while Julie slipped off the bike. He watched with amusement as she attempted to shimmy the dress back down. Finally pulling off his helmet, she handed it back to him. He shoved it over his own head and looked back at her.

"Thanks for dancing with me. I had a nice time."

"Me too doll," he said softly.

A heavy and uncomfortable feeling suddenly filled Julie's chest.

"Hey Bucky?"

"Hmm?"

"Be careful, ok?"

He gave her a gentle smile, "Always am."

She cocked her head slightly, "I somehow doubt that."

The smile turned into naughty smirk, but he did not reply. With a flick of his fingers the visor came down. He revved the engine and pulled away from Julie. A moment later he was gone.

…

Bucky zipped up his tactical jacket and quickly attached all his weapons straps and buckles. He checked over his knives and guns, making sure everything was secure and easy to access. Bending down, he grabbed a long duffle bag off the floor before swiftly exiting the house. He made his way to his bike, swinging the duffle over his head and across his chest as he walked. His body was thrumming with anticipation. He'd been waiting for this moment for months now.

That greasy son of a bitch is going to get what he deserves tonight.

Ever since the warehouse he'd been itching to find the gang leader. After everything he saw, everything that had happened to him, Bucky was ready to finish this. A dangerous smile tugged at his lips as he kicked his bike to life.

…

Sam and Bucky stood around a table in a small room, a dim light hanging over their heads.

"Ok, they found the hideout. It's a moderate sized compound located here," Sam pointed to the map spread out before them on the table.

"Alright. So what's the plan? How many men are we taking?"

"None," he responded. "Just us man. Same as last time. From what I've been told, we'll be dropped off right here. Then we'll go by foot until here," he pointed to the map again. "I think I'll be able to get us a pretty good idea of how many people are on the property from there. Then we can play it by ear. This spot here will be our rendezvous point if we split up."

"Are there expected to be any innocents?"

"Not as far as I know."

"Good. When are we leaving?"

"Right now."

…

(Exhale - Zhu)

They sat hidden in the tree line, watching the guards rotate around the perimeter of the compound. They could clearly make out four men, all holding semi automatic rifles.

"I'm picking up 20 thermal signatures total," Sam whispered.

Bucky gave a curt nod. They took a moment to discuss the best way to proceed, then they split. Sam took to the air and Bucky approached on foot. Within moments the perimeter guards were disposed of soundlessly. Bucky's earpiece crackled as Sam's voice sounded in his ear.

*Damn man. That was pretty smooth.*

Bucky rolled his eyes but didn't reply. He scaled the fence with ease, sticking to the shadows as he made his way over to the guard tower. He took down two more before climbing his way to the roof of the tall building.

*Three more.* Sam's voice whispered in Bucky's ear again.

*Just got two, since we're keeping count.*

Sam heard the distinct noise of a scuffle before Bucky came through the comms again.

*Make that five.*

He chuckled and glided up into the air, scanning the compound again. Several thermal signatures could be seen on the bottom floor, a few on the west wing of the top floor, and a single one in the top east wing.

*I think I've got him. Top floor, east wing, in the corner room.*

Bucky had already assembled his sniper rifle. He was laying on the rooftop on his belly, gazing through the sights. He swung the rifle over to his right, focusing on the window of the room Sam had indicated. And there he was. There was no mistaking the boss from the warehouse. His large body was clad in a too small t-shirt and dumpy boxers as he stood beside the window. He was on the phone with someone, looking all too pleased with himself. Bucky's voice came over the comms.

*I've got eyes on him.*

*Yeah, me too.*

There was a moment's pause where Sam got an uneasy feeling. Bucky's earpiece crackled again before he heard Sam's voice, quiet but wary and forceful.

*Bucky…they want him taken alive.*

Bucky let out an annoyed growl.

*I'm just going to make sure he can't run while you get over there…*

Sam rolled his eyes and sighed.

*You get one leg Buck.*

Bucky grunted in reply. He took aim, holding his breath, finger resting on the trigger. Then he exhaled. Two shots rang out in quick succession. Glass shattered. The man screamed, a bullet shattering each kneecap.

Sam quickly moved in as loud shouting could be heard throughout the compound. Bucky rolled onto his back and began to swiftly disassemble the sniper rifle, tossing everything back into his duffle. Sam's voice came through once more.

*I said one leg.*

Bucky's lips pulled into a small smirk as he policed his brass.

*I wanted to make sure I didn't miss.*

He could practically hear the eye roll Sam gave him.

*You are literally the world's best sniper. I somehow doubt that was a real concern.*

Bucky's smirk turned into a full blown smug grin. He could hear more shouting and the sounds of a fight. Zipping the duffle bag, he peered over the rooftop. Sam had taken down several more thugs and was cuffing the boss who was still crying.

*Alright. I've got him. I'll meet you at the extraction point.*

*See you in ten.*

…

The debriefing took longer than it should have. No one was especially pleased about the shots, but in the end, Bucky left with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. The two friends walked out of the building and into the dark, cold night.

"Man, was that really necessary?" Sam whined.

Bucky shoved his hands into his pockets. He turned his head and looked at Sam, the smirk was back on his lips.

"Maybe not. But it sure was satisfying, wasn't it?"

Sam couldn't help the smile that escaped. They stopped at his car and he turned to Bucky.

"Yeah, I guess it was." He gave his partner a bro hug. "Alright, I'll see you at dinner."

Bucky nodded before walking off towards his bike. He was pumped and felt a sudden urge to call Julie. Pulling his phone out of his pocket he glanced at the time. It was 3:43am.

"Damn," he muttered.

He shoved the phone back into his jacket and got on his bike, eager to just get home and get some sleep.

A/N: Well, what do you all think? Could the tension be any thicker between the two of them?! Tune in to find out…and in the mean time, leave me some love!

So I don't usually do this, but I just got done reading two stories by Aria2302: Who is Alice Shaw? And the sequel Reaching in the Dark. If you have not read them, you need to! But fair warning, have a box of tissues (or a few boxes). These works are SO. Freaking. Good.

Thorunnironside: I know I said 15 chapters buuuttttt….I have my outline all done and it's taking me longer than expected to get through each part haha! These chapters are LONG and I'm always surprised to see how much I've written to really get into the details of each scene. So I'm now thinking it's looking like 20ish chapters!