A/N: And on with the next chapter. Some steamy tidbits ahead. Please review! I love hearing y'alls' feedback.

It had been a week since she had come back to the Avenger's facility and honestly, it had not been easy. The more time we spent with each other, the more memories surfaced and not all of those memories were great. I could also tell that she felt overwhelmed by everyone else. She refused to initiate any kind of touch with others. She said she didn't want to know what others were feeling when she wasn't even sure what she was feeling. Everyone was always checking in on her, apologizing, hovering. Including me, but it was hard for me to distance myself from August, even when she was yelling at me. Especially when she was yelling at me to be honest. Like right now. She was so fucking adorable.

"Are you even listening? I swear to God Almighty that if you don't get that damn smirk off of your face, I am gonna scream. If one more person gives me a sad pathetic look or sends pity my way, there will be hell to pay!" Her voice was getting shriller and her curls were bouncing as she stomped her feet like a little girl. I could not help my full blown smile and as promised she let out an angry, frustrated scream. I reached for her elbow, but she yanked her arm away.

"The last thing we need is you getting angry too. Plus, you are part of the problem." She glared.

Her room door opened and Steve rushed in quickly looking around the room.

"Everything okay?" he questioned. August spun towards him, her blue sun dress swooshing around her legs.

"No Captain, everything is not okay. I am sick and tired of people treating me like I am glass. Yes, I was shot, yes I was kidnapped when I was sixteen, yes all of you are a bunch of liars, and yes, I AM OKAY!" The room felt tense and anger seeped into the atmosphere. I felt mild annoyance bubble up in my gut. August needed to calm down.

Steve put his hands up in surrender and said, "I am sorry-"

"UGH. I cannot. I need some space." She shoved past Steve who gave me a helpless look. I patted him on the shoulder as I followed her out of her room.

August went straight to the kitchen. I swerved and headed towards the couch. I laid down, hands behind my head, stretched out. I could still see her in the kitchen, but she seemed to pay me no attention as she slammed the flour container on the counter. I knew she needed time to think things out; I could relate to that.

"FRIDAY, play "Gus's Baking Mix."

"I Want You Back" started to play loudly. August had shared this play list with me before the graduation incident. It featured her favorite oldies that her dad used to play when she was younger. That was one of the few times she had mentioned her father. I grabbed the hidden gun under the couch and began breaking it down while she slammed the sugar container on the counter.

"Better not slam those eggs, Gus." I reminded her. She continued to ignore my presence.

Steve strolled in rubbing his neck like he always does when he feels nervous or uncomfortable. He pushed my legs off the end of the couch and parked it next to me. I gave him a look, but he seemed undeterred.

"So Gus is angry baking, I gather?" he asked looking over his shoulder at Gus who was putting her hair into a huge bun on the top of her head and putting on an apron that Tony had gotten her that says Will Bake for Wine. I nodded at my friend, now cleaning the gun.

"Well whatever works, I guess. I wish Bruce was here. He could probably at least relate with the anger thing."

"He is still missing?" I questioned. We exchanged looks. The kitchen aid mixer began to whirl. Suddenly a weight settled on my lap. I tensed, but immediately relaxed, seeing August's cat. I rubber behind his ear and he purred. The black and white cat started to "make biscuits" as August affectionately calls it. I wonder briefly if this is what it feels like to be normal. Hanging out with the people you love, cooking, listening to music while snuggling with a pet. And a gun. And a metal arm. My thoughts were interrupted-

"So who pissed off short and feisty now?" came Tony's voice.

"How do you know she is angry?" Steve inquired.

"Well my darling bald eagle, Ms. McKay is throwing things around the kitchen, listening to oldies, but not signing, off tune I might add, and has not thrown any sultry looks at the tuna can man at all- so obvi she is totes mad."

I did not know about totes, but he was right. She normally sings when listening to her music. And August McKay may be good at a lot of things, but singing was definitely not one of those things. But she did not seem to care. And sometimes she would start dancing if she was in an especially good mood. I sighed. I wish there was more I could do to help her with her anger.

Tony, bravely waltzed into the kitchen area. Since we had returned from the motel, Tony had been the only one not to truly face August's wrath. In fact, she had sought him out, choosing to talk to him. He opened up to her about the truth concerning his parents and how he came to terms with me in his life. Things were still dicey between the two of us, but we managed.

Tony lifted himself up to sit on the counter near her. Jealousy spiked through me. The cat nuzzled into my chest and I begrudgingly pet him.

"Whatcha making Martha Stewart?"

She looked at him and mumbled. He shook his finger and tsked.

"Nope. Use your words."

"Um okay. Fuck. You. Better? "

"Language," Steve rang out. I smiled bigger than I should have.

Tony laughed and patted August on the top of her head.

"You'd like that wouldn't you my dear? Anyways, it's going to take more than that to get rid of me." He grinned down at her.

"So I have an idea, an idea that I think will cheer you up." She continued to chop fruit.

"What if we have … drum roll please….. a pool party!" She suddenly stopped chopping.

"A pool party? Who would we invite? All the people who are treating me like a porcelain doll or all the people who keep apologizing to me?" She rolled her eyes and chopped louder. Tony swiftly pulled the knife from her hand and turned her by her shoulders.

"Okay, listen, all these people care about you. That's why they are hovering like helicopter parents. If you want them to get back to the way things were, we need to do something fun that takes your mind and their minds off of all that sad and bad stuff. That's were the pool party comes in: booze, grilling out, shenanigans equals diversion. Got it? What do you think?"

Cap and I looked anxiously. Her shoulders slumped and she hugged Stark around the middle abruptly. She said something that was muffled by Stark's chest and Stark beamed.

"Pool Party it is!"

"Okay, so this swimsuit or the first one?" I asked turning left and right in front of the mirror. Natasha was sitting cross legged on my bed flipping through one of my trashy magazines. She looked up at me and made a noise. I turned to face her.

"Why are you literally showing me the most grandma swim suits that you own?"

"Okay first of all these are my tasteful camp counselor swim suits from back in the day. Second of all what's wrong with a one piece?"

"Oh nothing is wrong with a one piece. In fact, there are some super sexy one pieces out there, but what I am trying to get at is why you are choosing these bathing suits."

"Quit psychoanalyzing me. That's my job."

"I'm right though."

"okay, yes, I am worried that I'm being too immodest for Bucky and Steve. They are from a different era you know. I just don't want to start waves-"

Nat got up and threw the magazine on bed.

"Look if you're truly uncomfortable then yeah wear the first one. But, I think you should wear the red one that you are clearly hiding in the back of the closet. I promise you, no one is going to think you're slutty or whatever it is you are scared about. You have a great body and you should be proud of it."

"A great body? I am pudgy and short." Nat shoved me in the shoulder and went into the closet to grab the swim suit.

"Don't make me kick your ass. You are curvy. And short. Which makes you the perfect combination of sexy and cute. Now, try this one on."

I couldn't help but fiddle with the ruffle on my swim suit. I had opted for the red one- Nat could be super persuading. It was a two piece- the top crisscrossed in the back, and there was a cute ruffle going around the top dipping down at my cleavage; the bottom was a high waisted rouched number that made my ass look great according to Natasha.

"For you my dear," Sam handed me a mojito. I smiled thankful for the liquid courage. Bucky had not arrived yet, but I couldn't help but be antsy.

"Drink up, Gus! Cheers to friendship." I clinked my glass to his.

"Sam, do you know what Tony and Cap are cooking up?"

"I think burgers. I heard you made potato salad," he elbowed me with a smile.

"Oh yeah, gotta bring something. I'm all about being a polite guest," I winked back at him. He looked extremely handsome, rocking some patriotic board shorts. The sun gleamed on his skin and his smile was charming. In another life I thought to myself.

Suddenly I heard a yelled, "Kowabunga!" and water splashed my legs. I jumped back surprised and bumped into a hard chest.

Hands grabbed my hips steadying me. I looked back and was met with intense blue eyes. Intense blue eyes that scanned down my shoulder and over the front of my body. I felt my cheeks turn red as Bucky's breath hit the back of my neck.

"You put any sunscreen on?" He asked taking a small sip from my straw. I gulped transfixed with his lips. I shook my head no. Ugh- how could he affect me so much?

"Ms. McKay! Sorry I got you wet! You look-wow! I mean- yeah, how are you?" Peter was wading in the pool, clearly having been the one who cannonballed into the pool. Thankful for the distraction, I replied.

"Hey Peter! I didn't know you were coming. I'm good. All healed up, just some PT, " Bucky was moving behind me tugging me away from Peter.

"Uh-gotta go be right back Pete!"

"Buck, no need to be rude!" I reprimanded. He pulled me over to the edge of the party and sat me down on a lounge chair. I still hadn't gotten a good look at him. He kept my back to him and I heard him open something. Seeing the lotion in his human hand, I shivered in anticipation and took a large gulp of my drink.

"You're going to burn, your cheeks are already rosy," I jerked as the cold lotion touched my hot skin, choosing to keep the truth about my blush to myself. Goosebumps broke out on my skin as he massaged my neck and shoulders. He was trying to kill me. I could feel his desire and a sense of confidence through my powerful skin. This fucker knew exactly what he was doing. Well two could play at this game.

I thought some pretty lustful thoughts, images flasing in my mind's eye and allowed that emotion to head his way. Then I wrapped one of my arms around myself, making my cleavage more prominent. I heard him make a low hum in the back of his throat. I took another sip as he finished rubbing me down. Feeling brave, I turned around and stood facing him. His eyes burned holes in my body.

I took the bottle of lotion out of his hands and pushed down on his shoulders.

"Your turn."

He did not have a shirt on. His abs rippled as he sat down.

"Yes ma'am."

I gulped suddenly, a little overwhelmed. I could see the scar tissue around his metal arm. I could feel his heavy eyes watching my every move. I took one more big gulp of my drink finishing it off, put it down with a clang, and rubbed the lotion into his shoulders. I bravely leaned down and put a chaste kiss where the metal met his skin. He shivered and I suddenly felt powerful. I leaned so my chest was closer to his face and made sure I did not leave any white streaks on his skin. I could feel his hot breath on my body. I pulled away suddenly wanting to see his eyes. Man, I wanted him.

We made eye contact and a rush of emotions flowed over our physical connection.

"You're happy, content," I whispered in awe. He leaned forward, his lip brushing my ear. His hair brushing over my shoulder.

"That's not all I am feeling," a gasp left my mouth and my desire became almost palpable. He reached up and tucked a curl behind my ear.

"You look delicious," he rasped out. His hands moved to my waist, but before anything else could happen, someone cleared their throat behind us. My face lit up like Rudolph's nose and I peeked over my shoulder.

Captain America stood there blushing almost as much as I was. He had a beer and a mojito in hand. I gave him a sheepish look, but Bucky refused to take his hands off of me.

"Brought you guys this- thought you may need to cool down," He grinned surprising me with a bold grin.

I stood and so did Bucky. I gladly took the drink, sipping it down.

"Give us a break Stevie. Just taking care of my gal," Bucky stated. My heart skipped a beat. My gal? Since when? Steve didn't seem surprised or phased. Panic and joy erupted in my gut. I opened my mouth and all that came out was a squeak. Both men looked at me with bemused looks.

"Well look at that Buck, she's speechless."

"Maybe she just needs to cool down like you said? Too damn hot out here," He fixed me with an intense and a down right wicked smile. He started approaching me like a predator hunts its prey. I felt Steve reach over and pluck my glass out of my hand and I immediately realized their plan. I backed up and shrieked. People looked over our way as scrambled around Steve and darted towards Sam. I barely made it behind him.

"Oh no baby girl, I can't save you," Sam laughed as Bucky reached behind him and easily picked me up into his arms.

"Put me down ya brute! I swear to God-"My yelling was cut off when Bucky jumped with me in his arms into the pool. I disentangled myself from his grasp and swam to the surface sputtering.

"How's the water peaches?" Tony called from the grill.

"It's fu-" I stopped myself and swam over to Peter placing my hands over his ears.

"It's fucking cold Tony Stark!"

"I can still hear you-"

"Oh shut it Peter!" I splashed water at the kid. He splashed water back at me and so the water fight ensued.

"Buckyyyyy help! I am being attacked!" I shouted over my shoulder. He didn't respond but loud splashes met my ears as Steve, Clint, and Sam all jumped in. A small tidal wave splashed both Peter and I in the face.

I laughed with glee as it turned into an all out water splashing brawl, my pain and confusion forgotten.

My whole life had culminated to this moment- my moment to take down Steve Rogers and the Black Widow herself in a game of chicken. With Bucky underneath me, and the fact that Nat admitted she was tipsy, there was no way I could fail. My super solider against hers.

My hands were holding hers, pushing and twisting, hoping to gain the upper hand, trying to inconspicuously use my power.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it seems that the Black Widow may in fact be tipsy! Lightning McKay seems to be holding her own- Oh and she strikes with the tickling move! Low Blow!" Tony commentated loudly as Peter cackled and Clint and Sam coached from the side.

Bucky and Steve seemed to be, wisely, holding back. Nat was trying to dislodge my tickling fingers and I sent excitement at her.

"No cheating! You can't use your powers!" She exclaimed. I laughed ever harder.

Bucky's hands gripped my thighs and was having a casual conversation with Steve. I squeezed my thighs around his neck and said, "Hey! Take this seriously! Loser has to take two tequila shots!"

"Mr. Stark, do you think I could try tequila?" Peter inquired innocently.

"Kid. No."

"I am positive Mr. Stark that you had alcohol under age! Come on! Aunt May doesn't even have to know."

Tony shoved Peter's back knocking him into the water. Bucky did not react to Peter and Tony's ridiculousness, but instead commented, "You do know that, you are drunk and you have not be effective at all, right?"

I paused. Nat paused. The boys paused. And then, as if on cue Nat and I burst out into giggles. I started laughing so hard that I tipped backwards.

"what the hell?" Bucky muttered using his momentum and body to jerk me back up right.

Clint was yelling at Nat to get her head in the game and Nat turned her sights on me. She grabbed my wrists and used my body weight to balance herself, choosing to move to a standing position. For someone allegedly tipsy, this girl had poise! I started laughing harder and pulling down hoping to knock her off. She remained steadfast and gave me a wicked grin.

"Um Bucky-" before I could point out that I thought Natasha was about to do something super evil and badass, she did something super evil and badass.

Nat, with the grace of a swan dove hands and head first over the back of Bucky and I, flipping around. She did not let go of my wrists and used her momentum to pull me backwards with her. In the blink of an eye, we both hit the water- Nat with a grin and me with a yelp falling backwards on my back like a whale. Bucky knew better than to hold on.

"Foul on the play! Foul on the play! Technically your girl hit the water first, so by default we win!" Sam declared standing up ready to argue.

Bucky collected me into his arms subtlety checking over me to make sure I was okay as I spit water into his face. With a glare, he dunked me back under the water as punishment.

"To make it fair, Nat you take one shot and Gus you take one shots" He handed both a shot to Bucky and me; I grabbed a juicy looking lime slice. Tony passed out a shot to everyone except Peter who pouted adorably.

"So remember, you old grandpas, first lick the salt, then take the shot, and then suck the lime," Clint reminded Buck and Steve.

Tony holding his own shot glass stated, "To friends, good laughs, and girl fights!"

I clinked my glass with Bucky's but he did not make eye contact.

"Hey! We have to make eye contact or we will be cursed with bad sex! That's a thing!" I declared drunkenly. He smirked and pulled me close.

"We would not want that would we?" he clinked my glass again and made eye contact that burned into my soul. We both then licked the salt and took the shot. We only had one lime between us, which I was holding, so I bit into it and then held it out to the man who was holding me.

Without breaking eye contact he sucked on the lime his lips and teeth brushing against my fingertips. A shiver rolled up my back. I wanted him so badly.

Pretty soon after our chicken fight, people started to disperse. Tony had to get Peter home, Nat and Clint wanted to go and practice fighting while inebriated, Sam said he had plans, and Steve had randomly (and conveniently ) disappeared.

Bucky and I were the only two who remained in the pool. He had his arms around me and I had my legs around his waist. The water was making me feel weightless and the alcohol was making me feel brave. I was twisting Bucky's hair into little braids, giggling at the tough assassin who was rocking his new hair style.

The whole time he patiently stayed still and quiet, just watching me with those stormy blue eyes.

"You have more freckles," he commented as I braided a small section.

"That happens when I get sun," I replied quietly.

"I always remembered your freckles."

"Really? I used to hate them."

"I love them. Sometimes… my thoughts get so confusing and I forget where I am and what I am doing… and I just think about your face or look at your freckles and… it- it helps."

I cocked my head at him thoughtfully.

"Buck, I want to apologize." My hands stopped moving. He stared confused by my transition.

"I realize that I said some hurtful things when I found out the truth and I realize that I have been a complete moody bitch the past week, and I am sorry. You aren't a monster. You are anything but a monster and just like my freckles bring you back, your eyes, your presence bring me back."

Bucky paused, taking in all that I had said. Ever so gently, without breaking eye contact, he leaned forward and claimed my lips. I sighed into the kiss, moving my arms around his neck.

It was such a sweet kiss and I could feel his emotions flowing through my skin. Tears pricked my eyes from the exchange.

Suddenly, Bucky deepened the kiss threading his hand through my hair. I could feel him walking through the water, heading towards the water fall feature of the pool.

He walked us right under the water fall, soaking us. As I gasped, he took advantage of my open mouth and kissed me deeply. His tongue dominated mine and I could feel a sense of urgency pulse between us. His hands moved to cup my ass, his fingertips running over the top of my bathing suit bottoms.

He pulled his lips from mine and I groaned missing his presence already. He kissed my freckles and then lifted my ( prune-y) fingertips to his mouth. He kissed and nipped each one, causing lust to pool in my lower half. I wanted more. I always wanted more with him.

I pulled on his hair bringing his lips back to mine, being a little rough. He growled and refused to be controlled. Instead of kissing my lips, he began to kiss and suck at my neck. I moaned, overwhelmed completely. His body pressed more tightly against me and suddenly our lower halves were aligned. I could feel him against my core, hard and heavy. He ground into me, making me gasp. His hands left my ass and moved to my chest.

He looked at me, making sure I was okay with where his hands were headed. I nodded and moaned again as he cupped each breast. Due to the water, the thinness of my swim suit, and Bucky, my nipples were rock hard. He lowered his head and put his mouth on the fabric. I squealed, bucking up, rubbing myself against him.

"Doll, I love these sounds you are making, but we are going to get caught," he stated his voice deeper and huskier than before. I scratched my nails down his chest and looked at him lustfully.

"Who cares? I want you so bad."

He nipped at my clothed nipple again and then pulled back, hands stroking my neck and scalp.

"I don't want my first time with you to be in a pool where anyone can see us. I want to take my time with you, explore you, taste you. I don't share," he said in a heavy whisper.

My insides clenched and I kissed him passionately pushing my chest against his. He pushed me back and grinned broadly,

"That's not going to work on me little girl," I pouted in reply and kissed his nose.

"I guess you right- we have time. We don't need to rush," I came down from my lust filled, boozy high and realized I was not quite ready to be fucked under a water fall in public. Gotta save that one for later I thought.

He pulled me off the wall, making my body rub against his- he groaned again and then laughed.

"Come on, let's get dried off, calm down, and get you to bed."

He moved out of the pool lifting me in his arms as if I weighed nothing. I sighed. I could get used to this.

A/N: Well, what do you think? I had fun writing this chapter. I will say some of this was based off of personal experiences and preferences, so I really loved developing this chapter and the tension between the characters.