A/N: Hey everybody! Thanks again for reading this; it really does mean the world to me :) I want to hug all of you and bake you cookies lol. Anyhoo, things get a tad bit… interesting in this chapter (and as always, reviews are always welcomed; don't be shy!)

Chapter Five

Rae was acutely aware of something cold wrapped around her waist. What in the…? She popped an eyelid open cautiously and saw James' face inches away from hers. His face was peaceful and innocent as he snored softly. It took every ounce of self control that Raelynn had to refrain from reaching out and grazing a finger against his stubble or touching his lips.

There was a commotion outside of the door and then the quiet clamor of voices.

"Tony, be quiet. You know that they're still sleeping." She was pretty sure that voice belonged to Sam.

"Still? That's amazing, what did they do last night?" That was definitely Tony Stark. She rolled her eyes as she disentangled herself from James and tossed on his discarded shirt. She tiptoed to the door and slipping it open slightly.

"What are you two doing outside of Bucky's room?" Steve said softly, placing his hands on his hips.

"I wanted to wake up the lovebirds, but Big Bird here stopped me," Tony said, slightly annoyed.

"Oh, Raelynn's still here?" Steve asked.

"Yeah, she's still here," Raelynn opened the door fully and stepped into the hall. She shot an unabashed wink at Sam and Steve, who took a sudden interest in the ceiling. Tony gave her an approving half smile and an exaggerated bow as she passed him.

"Happy New Year, by the way," she tossed over her shoulder as she ventured to the kitchen.

Natasha was seated at the table furiously tapping away on a tablet. She spoke without looking up. "Well, good morning. I guess you started the year off with a bang, huh?" Rae blushed heavily as she stood in the kitchen awkwardly. Natasha laughed gently. "I'm joking. Coffee?"

"Coffee would be splendid," Raelynn joined her at the table while she poured a cup and handed it to her. She watched her tap away at her tablet.

"So, I'm guessing that Bucky finally told you about his… arm situation, didn't he?"

"Yes, he did."

"And?"

"And, I think it's actually kind of cool. And he's useful; he can open things for me if I can't." Natasha snorted as she finally laid the tablet onto the table. "But, seriously, it doesn't overwhelm me all that much. It's a little intimidating, yes, but I accept it."

"He told you about the Winter Soldier as well?"

"Mhm. While that bit is a little bit more difficult to process, I've seen the guilt and shame that he weighs himself down with over his past. He was captured, brainwashed and held against his will, he's a victim of circumstance. I just want to help him realize that it's possible for him to forgive himself." Raelynn stared down at the cup as she poured sugar into the coffee.

"You love him, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. You're very observant."

Natasha laughed quietly. "It's my job to be. Oh, speak of the devil…" Her eyes drifted to the doorway and Raelynn followed her gaze. James stood in the doorway, a pair of sweatpants hanging low on his hips, his chest bare. Oh sweet Jesus, no…

He placed a kiss on Raelynn's temple before shuffling over to the coffeepot.

"I was just telling Raelynn here about the fun times we've had together in the past. You remember when you threw me into that van. Fun!"

"You electrocuted me."

"Yes, but after you threw me into the van."

"You almost shot me in the eye and then tried to rip my head off." Natasha pulled her shirt down her shoulder and revealed a quarter sized scar. "You actually did shoot me." She pulled up her shirt, exposing another scar on her abdomen.

"So, we're even then?"

"Yeah, we're even, Barnes." She punched his shoulder gently before she gathered her tablet and cup from the table. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go find Rogers. Try to keep it PG, you guys, alright?" She winked at Raelynn and she immediately blushed and looked down at her coffee. James smirked at her expression as he sat down across from her.

"I have one word for you: Netflix."

"…Okay. What about it?"

"I propose that we sit on the couch and watch Netflix all day. Have you heard of this thing? It's magical, Steve and I once got lost in it for hours. The 21st century really is incredible." He slid his hands across the surface of the table, wiggling his fingers until Raelynn linked her hands through his.

"Sounds like a plan, sailor," she answered and James' face erupted in delight. "Oh, wait! Boots! I need to feed Boots!" She jumped up from her chair, dropping his hands. She gazed down at his shirt that she was adorned with. I also can't walk around wearing this all day, can I? "Also, I should change clothes."

"I don't mind you wearing that. You look good wearing my shirt." He looked her up and down slowly, biting his lip gently and she immediately flushed. Jesus Christ, I wish he'd stop doing that.

"I think it's a tad bit obscene for me to walk around in nothing but your shirt, James." She tried to keep her voice even while his eyes continued to look her up and down.

He threw his hands up in defeat. "Okay, okay, fine. Your apartment first, and then unnecessary, mind numbing hours of television."

x x x

As soon as Bucky and Raelynn stepped into her apartment, they were greeted by a shrill wail.

"I know Boots, I am so sorry," Raelynn promptly entered the kitchen and set about to dishing out the kitten's food.

Boots padded her way over to Bucky, demanding to be picked up. The tiny feline immediately climbed onto his shoulder (the left one, to be exact) and made herself quite comfortable. Bucky entered the kitchen with her perched on his shoulder, purring contentedly.

"That's precious," Raelynn cooed as she watched Bucky pet Boots.

He gazed at the cat. "You know, Steve suggested that I get a pet, but I wasn't sure that I could take care of anything. I could barely take care of myself, after we got rid of Hydra." He smiled serenely as Boots continued to make herself comfortable on his shoulder.

Raelynn plucked the kitten from his shoulder—amid howls of protest from, and placed her in front of her bowl. She squeezed Bucky's left hand tightly. "You never know until you try, James."

He sighed contentedly as he tucked his face into her neck. "I know. I'm trying, I really am." He placed a kiss to Raelynn's palm. "I have another proposal."

"And that would be?"

"You should stay over again tonight."

"Why James Barnes, are you trying to make a move on me?" She feigned astonishment.

He leaned against the fridge and slipped his thumbs into his pockets. "Well, yeah, of course I am." He watched her as she laughed energetically. "Seriously though, it's nice to have you there to wake up next to in the morning." He grabbed a lock of her hair that had slipped free and she smiled at him.

"Okay. I'll be right back." She pecked his cheek before she departed from the kitchen. Bucky made himself comfortable on the couch, Boots happily making herself at home on his lap.

"Alright, I'm ready," Raelynn said as she returned from her room.

"You look amazing."

She snorted, staring at him dubiously. "You dork, I'm wearing an oversized sweater and yoga pants."

"And you look amazing."

"Thanks Buchanan." She giggled, pulling him off the couch and towards the door. Bucky groaned loudly. "Seriously, that's not fair; you teasing me about my middle name and I don't even know yours."

"It's Mihaela."

He groaned again. "I can't make fun of that, it's not as dorky as mine."

She giggled again as she looped her arm through his. "You'll find something to tease me about, I'm sure of it."

x x x

"Wow. I had no idea that you were such a Star Trek nerd." She had forced Bucky to watch the entire first season of Star Trek with her, mouthing along with the dialogue.

"Shut up!" Raelynn swatted his arm. "No, I think it's cute. My adorable little nerd." He ducked as she tossed a pillow at his head. "Don't make me hurt you, Barnes."

He chuckled. "I'd like to see you try."

She grabbed another pillow from the couch and whacked the side of his head.

"Ow!" He shot her a phony wounded look and she shrugged. "I told you."

"You're gonna regret that." He wrapped his arm around her waist and flattened her against the couch as she squealed in protest. "I surrender!"

He shook his head. "Uh-uh, you're not getting out of this." He raised both of her arms above her head, pinning them against the couch. She stared up at him, still giggling quietly.

Bucky captured her mouth teasingly at first, nipping at her bottom lip and then passionately as she responded to him. She tugged at his shirt impatiently and he laughed as he helped her tug off the offending item, pulling off her shirt in response. He dragged her onto his lap, sighing quietly as she pressed her lips across his chest. He tangled his hands in her hair and pulled her back up to his lips. "You're mine," she murmured to her in a low voice, and he smirked as she shivered slightly in response.

There was an abrupt noise and when both Bucky and Raelynn looked up, the spotted Natasha and Steve standing in the living room. Raelynn let out a squeak and covered herself, blushing furiously.

"Well, this is compromising." Natasha quipped as Steve looked fiddled with a button on his shirt awkwardly.

"Well, hey," Bucky said coolly as he pulled on his shirt. "Welcome back." He heard Raelynn giggle beside him, which she quickly stifled with her hand.

"Look at you two, making out on the couch like horny teenagers." Natasha plopped onto the couch next to Raelynn, handing Raelynn her shirt. "Thanks," she mumbled quietly, still laughing. Bucky caught a pointed look that Natasha shot at Steve and Steve subsequently cleared his throat.

"Hey, Buck, I need to talk to you about something." He nodded and followed Steve into his room.

"I know, I know, no girls in the house when the adults are away. I'm sorry," he said, chuckling lightly, and Steve's expression remained serious, making Bucky's stomach turn. Oh, shit… Steve let out a breath and tugged his hand through his hair, all while avoiding Bucky's eyes. He was beginning to get impatient. "What? What is it? Tell me, Steve!"

"Hydra's back."