For the next few days, Desi laid low until Weasel gave her his cash card. Desi was their cook and cleaning lady, which she didn't mind since she lived with them for free, and walked towards the nearest bodega near her.

This was when she had the most kind of fun. She would explore the city, taking long walks but still, she enjoyed her freedom. She heard heavy steps behind her, which she thought nothing of until more heavy steps came from behind on the sidewalk.

She turned around the corner and kept walking carefully, taking in her surroundings when three men cut her off.

"We finally got you, Archangel."

Desi chuckled, grateful she had her dagger and staff in her bomber jacket but she was in a public setting. After turning around, she realized she had six men behind her; nine men surrounding her.

"Oh, hey guys! You've looked better….how's your eyes?" Desi asked but no one respond as they got closer to her.

"Listen, how about this? You do you, I'll do me, and we don't do each other- ever." Desi jested but she knew it was pointless when one of them took out a knife.

"You won't be so smug when I take your tongue."

Desi was about to take out her staff, when a metallic hand gripped onto the man's arm, screaming out in pain when the hand squeezed tightly.

"Leave her alone." A voice said in a soft yet chilling way.

The men sprung into action, Desi wielding her staff as she and her defender, deflected their attack before the men scrambled away.

Desi smiled gratefully when she saw her savior.

"Bucky."

He stared at her for a moment, feeling conflicted but he flashed her a small smirk.

"What are you doing alone?"

"I'm getting groceries. What are you doing out here, way out away from the city?" Desi asked.

"Checking on you." Bucky told her simply, and she rolled her eyes with her amused smile.

"Well, I appreciate you helping me." Desi said, unsure how to approach this.

She wasn't mad at him, but she didn't know why he was really there.

Bucky wouldn't lie and admit he was nervous. He normally took a daily walk to clear his mind, something he did since he came back from Wakanda, but his mind had wandered to Desi. Somehow, he found his way here, learning of her location from Tony during their meeting recently.

Bucky felt relieved to catch her when he did, but he wasn't ready to leave her yet, and he couldn't understand why. At first, he thought maybe it was because she had snapped him out of being the Winter Soldier, but he knew it was more than that.

He wasn't ready to leave her.

Desi bit her lower lip, considering what to do but she decided to throw caution to the wind.

"I'm…going to go now but…do you maybe want to come over later tonight for some hamburgers? As a thank you." Desi asked him.

Bucky couldn't stop the smile appear on his face, making Desi blush with a smile of her own.

"Yeah, sure, of course. Did…you need help with anything?" Bucky asked.

"No, it's fine, I just need you."

Bucky flashed a smug look on his face and she was immediately horrified by what she just said.

"Wait, I mean, I'd like to have you. Wait- uh, I don't need anything but thank you." Desi corrected herself, the blush only deepening.

"Sure, I'll be there." Bucky said softly.

"Great, is 7:30 pm fine?" Desi asked of him, receiving a nod.

"Awesome, I'll see you tonight…" Desi said, slowly backing away, "Oh, and, I have roommates, just a warning."

"Okay, I'll see you." Bucky said, watching her before she turned to walk away, looking back at him with a smile on her face.

He was glad he took a walk that day.

….

"You invited him here?! Are you out of your damn mind?" Weasel yelled at her but she paid him no mind when she slid on her blue jeans, dancing in her lace bra before she put on a midnight blue buttoned-up sleeveless shirt.

"We saved me from an ambush waiting for me. And besides, he's a good person who was put in an uncontrollable position. I can't be mad at him." Desi explained.

"I got you, I got you," Wade said nonchalantly, loading up his shotgun.

"Wait, what are you doing?" Desi questioned.

"I'm just going to talk to him, that's all." Wade told her, loading it up and making her jolt.

"Just take it easy on him, he can't heal as fast as us." Desi reminded him.

"Sweet cheeks, I promise nothing."

…..

Bucky had changed into a plain black shirt in his leather jacket, turning his phone off as he snuck out of the compound. He had stopped by to purchase flowers, unsure how to perceive this as.

It wasn't a date, or was it? The way she blushed, their interaction seemed flirty, if not purely accidental. But when Desi walked away, she looked back at him with a big smile on her face.

When he arrived at the bar, he went upstairs and knocked on the door. Immediately the door swung open, and he pulled out his pistol with his eyes narrowed, ready to fight when he saw Deadpool with a shotgun in hand, Weasel standing there with a pistol aimed at him.

"Well, well, look who we have here!" Wade chimed, but Bucky wasn't amused.

"PUT THE GUNS DOWN OR NO ONE EATS!" Desi shouted from the kitchen.

Weasel and Deadpool looked at each other before putting the guns away, leaning forward to Bucky as he also put his gun away.

"We've got rules in this house. One-No hook-ups, Two- Share any drugs you got on you, and Three- Don't destroy our sanctuary. But for you, a new rule; don't hurt her or you'll have us to deal with. Are we clear, Inspector Gadget?" Wade told him.

"Clear." Bucky said, his eyes remaining narrow.

"Good, now get your ass in here before she really throws the food away." Weasel said, ushering him in.

Bucky walked into the apartment and immediately saw Desi in the kitchen, placing multiple plates of food on the island counter for them.

"Bucky, welcome in," Desi said with a bright smile as she approached him, "I'm sorry about them."

"It's fine. These are for you." Bucky held up his bouquet of sunflowers and her face lit up in excitement.

"Oh my god, these are my favorite flowers; thanks Buck." Desi said, taking the flowers from him graciously.

He followed her into the question, throwing glares over to Wade and Weasel who were both watching him closely, but he wasn't threatened in the least by their presence.

"I didn't know what you liked, so please, help yourself first." Desi insisted, smiling as she handed Bucky a plate.

Desi watched and waited as the others plated themselves before she made her own plate.

"Well, we are going to let you two have some alone time but remember the rules, sunny Jim." Wade teased, pulling Weasel with him out of the apartment.

Desi let out a sigh of relief, glad to see that they were gone, but Buck stared at her with an annoyed look.

"Are you okay living here?" Bucky asked her, making her chuckle at his annoyance.

"I had brothers before; I've adjusted to them…and they're pretty nice. Don't tell them I said that, though." Desi said, shrugging as she took a bite of her burger.

Desi nodded for him to follow her to the sofa, and they sat beside one another as they ate together.

"So how have things been for you since I disappeared?" Desi asked him.

"It's been…bearable. I went to Wakanda, and got Hydra's control removed from me. The team welcomes me back but it's not exactly with open arms…" Bucky told her.

"What do you mean?" Desi asked, putting her plate down on the table.

"They're still cautious…I don't blame them but, I can only go on missions with Steve." Bucky told her and quickly noticed her pout.

"That's not fair, you have no control over any of this. Why punish you? That's horse crap." Desi said, looking down at her hands as she tried to process what he endured.

"Sound similar, doesn't it?"

Desi gave him a sharp look, but his hard stare was even more deadly.

"I know you don't want to hear it, but you're punishing them." Bucky said, and Desi took a deep breath.

"Bucky…"

"The moment you went through that hole, Tony and Nat searched for you like madmen. Even when I came back from Wakanda, the whole team looked for you non-stop; even me," Bucky explained,

"They looked for you by tracking the bracelet Tony gave you, going through camera feeds. Even Steve went to Texas to meet your family, he stayed in Texas for two weeks looking everywhere for you." He stated.

Desi's eyes widened, but Bucky wasn't done.

"The other day…Tony found your letter, and it is eating at him. I'm not asking for you to forgive them right now, but no one had control over what happened to you. Just…give them a second chance." Bucky told her.

Desi ran a hand through her hair, sighing as she contemplated his words. They really looked everywhere for her? Steve went to Texas for her? She almost didn't want to believe him but he had no reason to lie to her.

"I'll…need time but maybe I can start small; meet Clint and Bruce first?" Desi suggested.

Bucky smirked, abandoning his plate on the coffee table along with Desi's as he gave her his full attention.

"Sure, whenever you're ready." Bucky said, standing up when he went towards the record player along the wall.

"This yours?" Bucky asked, going through the records.

"No, but some of the records are. I'm a huge Frank Sinatra fan." Desi answered, standing close to him.

Bucky smirked, playing a record and Desi couldn't help but chuckle as he pulled her against him. Twirling her into his arms as he danced with her, hearing "I'll Be Seeing You by Frank Sinatra" play loudly, he couldn't help but notice the blush on her cheeks.

"Your neighbor may file a complaint." Bucky teased and Desi giggled.

"Jokes on you, we have no neighbors."

Bucky's smile brightened and Desi couldn't help but be slightly smitten.

"Have you been, okay?" Bucky asked her softly, her heart fluttering at his voice but also the dread hit her.

"I don't know half the time, to be honest." Desi answered, "I sometimes wonder where I belong. Is it here? Or elsewhere? Am I wanted here, or anywhere?"

"Hey…"

"I'll be okay, I always am. I just…busy myself so I don't have to think about it." Desi confessed.

"I want you here." Bucky told her in seriousness, and she stared into his blue eyes.

"Bucky…"

The song changed to a fast pace and Bucky used the moment to distract her, making Desi laugh as she kept up with him. For hours they spoke of their adventures: his time in Wakanda, her crazy missions, and some of his but it was getting late.

He was tempted to stay but he knew that he had to get back for Steve's sake; such a worrywart the captain was about everyone.

"Thanks for stopping by, Bucky, and the flowers. That was sweet of you."

"Thanks for the invite," Bucky told her, handing her a piece of paper, "it's my number. Call me or uh, text."

Desi smiled and nodded, licking her lips in hesitation as she looked at her feet for a moment. She decided to throw caution to the wind and tiptoed, Bucky leaning forward a bit for her as she kissed his jaw.

"Goodnight." She whispered, blushing when he smirked at her, kissing her forehead in response.

"Goodnight, doll." Bucky whispered before leaving, looking back at her one last time before disappearing around the corner.

"Oh yeah, I'm touching myself tonight."

Desi groaned loudly when she heard Wade behind her, the moment completely ruined as he and Weasel made their way back into the apartment.

"So, how did it go with you and your boyfriend?" Wade teased as he ate her leftover burger, sitting at the counter.

"He's not my boyfriend, you guys." Desi proclaimed.

"Oh please, that guy has clearly thought about boning you. The flowers, the kiss…" Weasel said as he walked into the living room.

"Wait a minute," Desi gulped heavily when Weasel went to the record player that was left open accidentally, "Holy shit, there's some Frank Sinatra on here!"

"Kid…he wanted to bone you; hard."

Desi rolled her eyes when Wade wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"I hate to tell you this but now that you're popular, you gotta fight these motherfuckers off! I trained you for this moment, don't get with a man who can't protect you…or who looks to you for that. Deal?" Wade asked.

"Oh yeah, deal. I ain't dating no bitch!"

….

Bucky since that night had been returning to the bar night after night. Being given no missions was not a huge loss, it allowed him to check on Desi, and periodically give free drinks but this also allowed him to get to know Wade and Weasel a bit more.

They were heavily reserved, not sharing anything about their business, but they welcomed with him one open arm, with their free hand aiming a gun at Bucky each time he came around.

Steve wasn't ignorant, he was noticing the late-night field trips Bucky was taking at nighttime but allowed him to do so to let him let out his frustrations. Bucky always came back genuinely calm, almost serene, and it made him worry about what he was doing late at night.

Steve waited in his truck as everyone slept, patiently waiting as he saw Bucky leaving the compound once more on his motorcycle. Following closely behind him, Steve parked in a nearby parking lot when he saw Bucky walk into the bar: Hell House. He exited the car after placing his baseball cap on, entering the bar after him.

Walking in, he immediately notices the lively bar with a mini set-up stage, where he saw Desi sitting at the bar with Bucky, giggling as he whispered something. Steve noticed how free she was, and the way his friend almost looked like his old self.

Desi noticed Steve in the corner of her eye and froze for a split second before she waved at him with an awkward smile. Bucky looked over his shoulder and his jaw immediately clenched, his face growing serious as he stood up.

"What are you doing here without reporting where you're going?" Steve asked.

"Why are you here?" Bucky asked, ignoring his question.

"Why are you here?" Steve repeated the question.

"I'm sorry, he's here with me to grab some drinks," Desi told Steve, catching his attention, "You're…welcome to join us if you want?"

Everything told him to say no, to take his position seriously, but he had wanted a chance to make things right with her. Steve let out a sigh but placed a small smile of gratitude toward her.

"Are you sure you want to share a drink with me?" Steve asked her.

Desi looked over to Bucky for a moment before smiling back at Steve, "Please?"

"I'll get us some drinks, I'll give you both a minute." Bucky whispered before he stepped away.

"Come, this way." Desi said, tracing a hand over his arm to encourage him to follow.

She led him to a circular booth in the corner of the bar, allowing them a small amount of privacy. Steve was tense around them, but Desi smiled at this.

"Don't worry, these mercenaries don't take contracts on Avengers; I made sure of that." Desi assured him, but he was still alert.

"You look good, Captain. How have you been?" Desi asked him, attempting to make small talk.

"Busy, bad guys never seem to take a break." Steve answered.

"Oh, I know, believe me." Desi agreed, motioning at the mercenaries around them.

He looked around the room before he looked back at her, "You've grown…bolder. Are you doing alright here?"

Desi sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned back, contemplating her words. Steve could see her hesitation and waited patiently for her to process whatever was going through her mind.

"Being disowned by your family, losing everything you once had; I've been better. But these people here though, they've been good to me, like a second family. I'm really grateful for them." Desi answered, smiling gratefully.

"I'm glad to hear that, really. I know we weren't on good terms when you disappeared and that was my fault, but I want you to know that I'm glad your okay now. I apologize for my behavior." Steve said.

"I want to apologize too," Desi said, "I was so bitter and angry with everyone. I still am, in a sense, but I realize that it was beyond your control; over everyone's. I took it out on all of you, and I shouldn't have. I'm sorry."

Steve felt her grip his wrist, squeezing him gently before she released him, but he caught her hand. Desi watched him, feeling his emotions of concern but more so his relief, and acceptance.

"Also…thank you for looking for me back home. I can't imagine it was easy for you." Desi spoke.

Steve looked down, remembering the day very well. Her mother had slammed the door on him, with Lemi and Cole coming out to introduce themselves to him but said Desi had disappeared. They provided the phone number she called from but it was a burner phone, disconnected the same day.

"It was honestly not a problem, though I didn't realize you were so…"

"Hated? Feared? Despised?"

"Alone."

Desi's eyes widened at his words, but she quickly flashed a goofy smile.

"I'm used to it, which is why I'm so at home here. I'll be okay here." Desi assured him, but he wasn't fooled by her fake smile.

"Why don't you come to the compound and see everyone? They've been dying to see you." Steve offered but Desi could only shake her head.

"I'd love to but I'll be busy this next month." Desi told him, smiling when she saw Bucky coming over with two beers and a frozen strawberry margarita.

"What about next month?" Bucky asked, taking a sip of his beer.

"Desi will not be available next month for us." Steve repeated, making Bucky flash her a deadly glare.

"We have a mission to do in Tokyo: radio silence so they don't see us coming. We…don't know how long it'll be." Desi told him.

"When were you going to tell me?" Bucky asked.

"First of all, why would I tell you? Second, Deadpool told me not to say anything until he got the tickets. I just didn't want you guys making plans for me, sorry." Desi explained, taking a sip of her drink.

Bucky continued to give her the death glare, making Desi scoot closer to Steve.

"He's doing the stare again." Desi whined, making Steve chuckle at her playful behavior.

"Buck."

"…I'm okay." Bucky whispered, taking another whisk but both of his friends knew he really wasn't.

Bucky knew what he had to do-

He would have a talk with Wade…and the team.