*Updated with Bucky's POV

He'd watched the Captor's Granddaughter for three weeks now, and all he'd been able to gather was that she liked children, and she hated him. She didn't seem like a Pierce at all. The Captor was all business all the time. Always ready to steamroll over anyone and everyone in his path and ready to use the Winter Soldier to do it. But this girl made way for everyone, eager to make herself smaller. She let people go in line in front of her. She smiled at everyone, apologizing for every tiny perceived slight. She even hunched her graceful shoulders in order to make others who weren't worthy feel… more than her. Except around him. With him she was cold as ice, and made herself as tall as she could.

It was a front.

Or she was hiding.

He took his job seriously. He'd protect her, but that didn't mean he'd have to like it or that he'd stop trying to find some kind of dirt on her. He watched her now as she sat on the steps of the Transian capital building surrounded by kids while the reporters packed in their gear. She was telling them a story, and they stared at her with rapt attention. He listened in with quiet concentration. It was the Hans Christian Anderson story of the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Paper Ballerina. The Captor's granddaughter moved her arms up over her head like a dancer. She was graceful he had to admit. That came from ballet class no doubt. Trust fund princess. And fight training. Martial arts, some Brazilian Ju Jitsu. He could spot it anywhere. Her breasts lifted as she stood and mimed the ballerina fighting off the Goblin, waiting for her tin soldier to return. He turned his head away, as warmth crept into his cheeks. He hated himself for noticing the round, generous slope of them.

But he couldn't look away either. When he turned back to watch, she stabbed at the air with a pretend sword, her leg lifted behind her to mime the missing leg of the tin soldier. The kids screamed. She thrust and parried, and then stabbed the invisible goblin in the gut as the children jumped up and down in triumph. Now came the tragedy. She feigned the paper ballerina being blown by a gust of air into the furnace, and the tin soldier jumping in after to save her but melting in the heat instead.

One little girl started to cry. Bucky pursed his lips. Not exactly the most uplifting story to tell a bunch of kids. He watched as Jennifer pulled out a trinket from her pocket. It was a little tin heart with pink rose melted into the metal just like how the maid found the two toy lovers in the furnace the next day. Jennifer handed it to the little girl, and gave her head a pat. The girl clutched the heart close and took Jennifer's hand as the kids begged her for another story.

"You guys wore me out," she said. Even though they didn't speak the same language, they seemed to understand her. She waved to them, gave the little girl a hug and let her keep the tin heart.

Bucky's heart beat louder in his chest and he didn't know why. It was the same when he sensed danger, but all his instincts told him there wasn't any in the moment. Yet.

He let her pass as she ignored him like she had been for the last two weeks. Her perfume wafted from her into his nostrils. He bit his lip and followed her back to the town car where Juan and Russel were already waiting for them. The red headed prick, as usual was nowhere to be found until dinner. Wasn't he supposed to be photographing the events all the time?

Bucky checked his phone as he waited until Jennifer entered the car. Sam had finally texted him back.

Should I feel right about checking up on a girl you have the hots for?

Bucky rolled his eyes and started texting furiously back.

I do not have the hots for her.

He sent it then closed the door behind Jennifer and walked to the front of the car sliding into the passenger's seat. The driver pulled out and headed back to the hotel. Bucky stared out the window then took his phone out again.

If you knew who she was then you wouldn't say that to me, he typed. Besides, I've run out of options.

He waited while the text bubble showed Sam typing for much longer than was necessary.

Whatever you say man. I'm on it.

Then he sent him a winky face emoji.

Bucky growled in the back of his throat and shoved the phone in his pocket for good and glanced in the side mirror. Jennifer was staring back at him, her light brown eyes catching the glint from the setting sun. He pinched his lips tightly together as she turned her glare out the window. She must know he was onto her.

They had a week and a half left here, and then it they'd be in Estonia. This assignment was dragging on too long.

...

As hotels went, this was absolutely beautiful. The GRC and the countries leaders were sparing no expense for the group. She would have been happy in a hostel, but safety was the priority. Especially with so many people still angry about displacement and reunification. After two countries already, she was exhausted.

She gazed around the room, looking at the light blue curtains, the lush comforter. But all she could think about was climbing into the jet tub in her room, and then sleep. But first was the welcome dinner at the Estonian State Capital. She only had a moment to run a comb through her hair, do her five minute makeup routine and change quickly into evening wear. The schedule was tighter than she imagined it would be. Luckily, she was used to performing quick changes into formal attire in her previous life. She wound her hair into a low chignon, slapped some lipstick on, and looked at herself in the mirror. She'd kept a few dresses from her former life, and this one was a favorite. Dusty blue floor length, with silver sparkly beads handsewn all over. She loved the way it caught the light from everywhere.

She stuck her room key and lipstick in her clutch and ran out the door. Outside waiting for her was him.

"Oh," she said.

The Winter Soldier's eyes seemed to strain upward, to keep their attention on her face. He was in all leather, his usual uniform.

"I'm here to escort you to the banquet," he said, in a monotone.

She just stared at him. This had to happen sooner or later, her being alone with him. She'd avoided it as much as she could for a whole month and a half so far.

He sighed when she didn't say anything. "It's my job. That's why they hired me. Protection."

She stared at the super soldier. Icy blue eyes, jaw set like guard dog. If he wasn't an evil jerk she could see why someone might want him to protect them. He wouldn't stop until the person who needed protection was completely safe.

"That won't be necessary," said a voice behind them. She turned to see Max heading toward them in a tux, and a wave of relief washed over her. "I've got it," he said.

The Winter Soldier rolled his eyes. "Regardless of who's arm she's on, I'm coming with. That's the way it's going to be."

Max offered his arm to Jenny, and she took it gladly.

All the way down the hall, and through the elevator ride she could feel the Winter Soldier's presence, tense and coiled like a snake ready to strike. She focused on Max, who had cleaned up good. His tux was tailored just right. He smelled like expensive aftershave; too expensive to be bought on his type of salary. Maybe he had money and he'd chosen to work for the GRC for pennies because he believed in the cause. If he was truly altruistic, then maybe, just maybe she'd let herself be interested.

They got in the car and they were off toward the capital.

In the seat next to her was Max, the Winter Soldier on the opposite side, riding backward, his metal arm holding the hand grip, staring intently out the window.

"Nervous?" asked Max.

She smiled at him. "A little."

"Don't worry, you'll be great. I feel like it's in your blood." Max also looked out the window. He didn't know how right he was. Everyone in her family were speech makers. She turned to the front of the car to find the Winter Soldier looking at her curiously. She avoided his gaze, and they sat in silence the rest of the car ride.

When they got to the State dinner, Max helped her out of the car. It was a warm night, and the sun hadn't quite gone down. He walked her up the steps, toward the President surrounded by security. The Winter Soldier was right behind her. She could feel him. She always knew when he was close by.

"Madam President," she said curtsying. She'd barely had time to practice her protocol, so she hoped she was doing everything correctly.

The countries new president smiled a big, surprisingly grateful smile and took her hand. "Thank you for coming to help us," she said. She led her up the steps and through the doors into a huge hall.

Jenny's breath whooshed out at the sight of the warmly lit ballroom. "You'll sit by me tonight. We have much to discuss," said the president. Jenny didn't know too much about her. She was newly elected and campaigned fiercely under the weight of the trouble they were having because of the Blip. Her name was Juula Tarkov and she was a lovely woman around 60. Jenny liked her already.

"Jennifer is it?" President Tarkov pronounced her name like 'Yennifer', but she didn't mind.

"Yes, you're correct," said Jenny.

"Shall we sit?"

President Tarkov led her to the head of a long table and sat her on her right. Jenny barely had time to take in the grandness of the room, the cream plaster walls, the gold trimmings. It was absolutely gorgeous.

"So, Yennifer. How do you find Estonia so far?

Jenny snapped her attention back the inquiring woman. "From what I've seen, it's breathtaking."

She smiled. "Good. Tomorrow I'll take you to town."

"But the press conference…"

"To see our people. To see what the repatriation act has done."

"I see. Madam President, I'm only here to act as a liaison. I have no decision making powers. But I can tell you the GRC would like to help."

President Tarkov looked at her closely. "I think you have more power than you think you do. With your help, we can change their minds."

Jenny, taken aback, sipped her water.

"I only mean that you have determination in your eyes. An independent spirit. I suppose that's the American in you. But maybe you are trying to forget your power?"

Jenny set her water down. "You're very insightful Madam President."

"Forgive me, You're around my daughter's age. I forget myself."

"No, I… It's nice to have someone care. Especially the leader of a country."

President Tarkov patted her hand and lifted her wine glass as a waiter came around to fill it.

The first course couldn't come soon enough, she was starving. A bowl that that smelled divine was set before her. Wild mushroom soup with fresh herbs. Jenny had to slow herself, it tasted so good. She wanted to tip the bowl back and drink it down.

She had her hands full with questions about the GRC from President Tarkov. When they'd been given their third course, she glanced around the table. There was Max, a few seats down and across. He caught her eye and gave her a smile that lit his eyes. She smiled back. The attention was nice, but she couldn't allow any distractions.

She cleared her throat and continued her inspection down the rows. Women and men were dressed beautifully, and she sighed at the romance of the atmosphere. Suddenly her eyes landed on the Winter Soldier. He was halfway down the table, standing with his back to the wall, holding his hands in front of him. From that vantage point, he could see the whole room. She swiveled away as he noticed her staring.

As they were brought dessert, a jazz band started to play. President Tarkov's husband who was sitting on her left stood and held out his hand. She let out a little giggle and took it. He led her to the floor, and she gazed at him like he was the only person in the room.

Jennifer took a bite of the small chocolate torte in front of her. She didn't often miss Daniel, but in this moment, he was all she could think about.

After her family had been cleared of all charges, she'd hoped that her life would get back to normal. She started teaching second grade again. She found an apartment, started dating Daniel. Daniel, so sweet and nurturing. Old fashioned in his courtship and in his values. Something that she'd longed for after all the burns from the old money set and politicians she was forced to hang around. Daniel didn't care about the accusations and the drama surrounding her family. Finally she could find some semblance of peace. The best thing about him was… He was normal. Not some rich, frat boy, heir apparent. Just a normal teacher like her, living a simple life.

As they laid in bed at night, he would tell her about their future. Three children, a Summer Lake house. Getting away from her parents, who'd sunk all their money into clearing her grandfather's name. He would hold her close in the gathering dark and stroke her hair.

"There will never be another, Jenny. You're the only one for me." She would breathe in his scent, warm and clean like fresh laundry, and nuzzle into his neck.

Then the blip happened. The sensation of turning to ash was pain and peace. Her molecules both burning and releasing. It was like taking a breath, and then she was back. Returning from the dust she found herself with no home, no job. And Daniel, the love of her life, married to another woman with two child and another on the way. One moment, the happiest she'd been in years, only to awake seconds later to the deepest pain she'd felt yet.

The creases around Daniel's eyes were deeper after five years, as his brows knit together. "I can't leave her Jenny, I love you, but I can't. You don't know how this tears me up inside, you don't."

She'd walked away, gasping for air, her heart bleeding.

She wished those goddamn Avengers had left her gone.

Jenny returned from the horrible memory and wiped a tear from her eye. It wasn't just Daniel. It was missing the comfort of having family, her sisters. They'd all but disowned her. She didn't want to admit it to anyone, but despite the full life she'd managed to piece together for herself, she was terribly lonely.

She took a deep breath and centered herself. This was not the place for these kind of memories.

"May I?" asked a voice next to her. She looked up, and Max was holding out his hand.

"No, that's ok."

"I didn't ask out of pity," he said with a smile.

She sighed and accepted and he led her out to the floor. Several dignitaries were dancing now, and they all seemed to be staring at them. The amount of attention made her nervous.

"So, Jennifer," said Max. "Tell me about yourself. All I know is that you work for the GRC, and you had a cute dog."

She looked up into his sparkly green eyes as he guided her expertly around the floor.

"There's not much to tell. I'm pretty boring," trying desperately to deflect.

"Anyone who reads as much as you has a lot to say."

He'd looked through her Kindle on the plane and been impressed with the amount of books in her library.

"Maybe I just don't get out much," she teased.

He spun her out and brought her back. "So our gloomy friend is making an impression," he said.

Her eyes landed on the Winter Soldier for the second time that night. He was surrounded by girls giggling and touching his metal arm.

His jaw was set, and his mouth was a tight line. She recognized that look. Like he wanted to kill. And he was staring straight at them. She glanced quickly away, her heart hammering in her chest, just like their first encounter so many years ago.

"He's such a mystery," said Max. "Do you think he was really cured in Wakanda?"

"No. People like that don't change."

"That was a quick opinion."

"I've been… I've known men like him."

Max bit his lip and moved them to a quieter part of the ballroom. "What happened? If you don't mind me asking."

She took a deep breath. She had to be careful if she was going to keep her secret. "I've loved two men in my life. My grandfather and my fiancé. In the end, neither of them loved me enough." The pain of their betrayals poked at her heart like a fingernail against a deflated balloon.

He nodded slowly. "I can't know exactly how that feels, but I was engaged once too. When it ended, I didn't think I'd ever get up off the floor."

Jenny raised her eyes to his. "How did you?"

"I realized that there was life to live and worlds to conquer. I got inspiration from my great grandfather. He was a visionary. He gave himself over to a cause. I decided to do the same. When you find your purpose, you can push forward. Make new goals. Take risks." He looked down at her, a fierceness in his eyes. Excited and determined.

"What's your purpose?" she asked. He was spinning them in circles now, but she wasn't dizzy.

"Right now, dancing with a girl."

"Max…"

"I like the way you say my name," he said.

A blush bloomed on her cheeks and she looked away at the floor as he smiled down at her. He pulled her a little closer.

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. Gun shots and a scream. Everything happened so fast. The dignitaries and congress persons on the floor began pushing toward the back of the room. She was jostled back and forth, and Max was pulled away from her. She saw panic on faces, and the secret service whisking President Tarkov away.

Next to her a woman fainted. Jenny dropped to the floor to help her, but she was pulled up into strong arms and guided to the exit.

She looked up to see the Winter Soldier's cheeks set in a tight clench. She tried to struggle out of his grip, but he didn't let go. "I need to get you out of here," he said without looking at her.

"Let go," she cried. "That woman needs help. Let go!"

He loosened his grip but didn't release her arms. He was whispering something into the watch on his wrist. "I was hired to keep you safe," he said, turning his attention away from his communication device. There was so much pushing and shoving from the people around them, but somehow they made it out of the building to the back. The car they'd come in pulled up. He opened the door and practically pushed her inside.

"Asshole!" she cried, as a piece of her dress ripped at the bottom. He shook his head as she gazed up at him angrily.

"Take her back to the hotel," he ordered the driver. Juan ran up beside him. "Make sure she gets in safely," said Bucky. Juan nodded and climbed in the car and the Winter Soldier closed the door. She turned to look out the back window. She watched his face stare after them as the car sped over the street.