For the next two days, Bucky stayed at the apartment with her and the dogs, which Desi happily enjoyed. After reporting in to a worried Captain, Bucky and her would have game nights of Battleship, Game of Life, and even tried Operations, but Desi learned he was a sore loser.

"Oh, come on! I didn't touch the edge!" Bucky shouted in annoyance, making Desi laugh as she hugged onto the pillow. They had set themselves up on the floor with desserts she had made, with a large variety of drinks as Chewy sat in her lap.

With Chip laying beside Bucky, He enjoyed these small moments of relaxation, knowing full well that Weasel would be sending a mission her way soon.

"I don't know doctor, the pencil is still in there. It's okay if you're losing your touch, old man." Desi teased, giggling when she saw his annoyed glare aimed at her.

"Why don't you try then?" Bucky challenged her.

"Okay, fine! Hand me the scalpel, doctor." Desi said sarcastically.

Handing her the scalpel, she stuck her tongue out to him before she aimed for the same pencil he dropped. Bucky's face dropped when she grabbed the pencil toy, her victorious smirk frustrated him.

He panicked and hit his foot against the Operation frame, making Desi drop the pencil and the edge vibrate.

"You cheat! Lose with pride!" Desi pointed out.

"It was an accident." Bucky swore, but she didn't believe that for a moment.

"So was Battleship when you put Chewy on the table? And he knocked everything over before I took your last ship?" Desi reminded him.

"Accidental." Bucky swore, before both chuckled.

"So….not that I'm happy you're here, but when are you heading back? I assume Steve and Tony have been reaching out to you already?" Desi asked.

"Yeah, only Steve though. I told them I'm helping you with a mission, so I have time." Bucky admitted but Desi scoffed in surprise.

"James Bucky Barnes, I can't believe you." Desi said before giggling to him as Chewy climbed off her lap.

He stood up and offered his hand, which she took. He searched her eyes as he pulled her up, before he finally spoke, "Let me stay with you for a while, doll."

"Are you sure? It's pretty boring and annoying at the same time."

"Wgat are you talking about? I'm having fun here. Besides, I want to." Bucky assured her. She let out a sigh and nodded to him.

"Okay, fine. You're welcome to say as long as you like." Desi said, and he smiled victoriously.

"As long as I like?" Bucky teased and Desi's eyes widened.

"No, wait-! "

"Nope." Bucky said with a huge smirk on his face before he walked over to the kitchen.

…..?...

For the first days, Bucky slept in the living room for a little bit before he finally made his way into one of the bedrooms but he realized he never slept better in his life then here. Adjusting to Desi's behavior, he didn't mean to be observant but he quickly noticed her routine.

Every morning, she'd have a glass of milk before she walked with her dogs every morning. When she'd get back, she'd either make breakfast for them or serve cereal before she began her shenanigans. He'd catch her singing to herself as she played with her dogs before she began her sparring.

At night, she'd make them food and would spar once more, her dog Chip joining in; lunging and attacking the dummy with her. Bucky began to join in on the training after watching the first night, helping her some key movements to help benefit her.

He'd catch her in the kitchen baking something before planting herself on the floor with her pups, watching re-runs of Judge Judy and Snapped before she'd fall asleep on the floor.

This night, he planted himself beside her as he took one of her cupcakes, watching the show with her in silence until a commercial finally came on.

"I never asked…" Desi spoke, "but how are you adjusting? Are you…still getting nightmares?"

"I'm fine, Des. You don't have to worry about me." He said softly.

"But I do…" Desi said, smiling lamely. He noticed the bags under her eyes, and searched her eyes. She was deflecting, and it finally helped him.

"I never told you about the nightmares…" Bucky whispered and she looked down, avoiding his gaze.

"You were screaming the other night, I stayed with you that night…and every other night." Desi confessed, and his eyes widened in surprise.

Bucky wrapped an arm around her shoulder, his hand over her head as he pushed her onto his shoulder, letting her snuggle against him.

With Bucky brushing his hand over her gloved hand in repeated motion, the two watched the show in silence until she finally fell asleep.

Picking up her as gentle as possible, Bucky took her to her bedroom to lay her down but slid into the bed with her. Tucking her into bed, Desi rolled over and caught his metal arm.

Bucky curled her hair back, taking in her sleeping face before he pulled her against him. He smirked when she wrapped an arm around his waist, seeing her smile in her sleep.

He heard the dogs growl and noticed them sitting on edge of the bed watching them.

"It's alright you guys, I've got her."

Chip huffed before he spun around, laying down on the bed with Chewy beside him, and Bucky couldn't help the chuckle that came out of him again.

He felt like he belonged here. A home.

…..?¿?...

For the next two weeks, Desi and Bucky had enjoyed their time together with their sparring matches, but Chip was showing signs of being an attack dog.

Desi was concerned and requested info hem that having him with her in fights might help her.

Bucky enjoyed being her taste tester, watching her as she sing but he didn't mind when he noticed her dancing from time to time.

Desi had come back from the grocery store, she was surprised when she saw Bucky setting something up in the living room.

"What in the world….?"

Bucky turned on the item and looked over to Desi as music played through out the room, immediately noticing the record player with Frank Sinatra playing; "This Love of Mine".

"Buck…" Desi giggled out loud as Buck pulled her into a dance, his metal hand on her lower back as his other hand clasped hers.

"Dance with me, doll?"

"I can't say no to that, Buck."

Bucky stared into her eyes as they slowly swayed, her smile never leaving her face. The song had ended but neither separated when the song ended, the next one continuing.

Bark.

"Let me get that." Desi said, blushing as Bucky reluctantly released her.

Making her way to the door, she opened the door to reveal Steve standing there.

"Rogers! Hey, what a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Buck turned off his phone. I tracked your phone and sure enough, here he is." Steve said, looking over to Bucky.

Bucky clenched his jaw as he stopped the music, the dogs growling as they approached Steve.

"Chip, Chewy – he's a friend," Desi assured them, "please come in."

"Thanks, Destiny." Steve said, flashing her a grateful smile.

He walked into the apartment, approaching Bucky with a serious yet stern face. Bucky looked at him just as serious but slightly annoyed that Steve came looking for him.

Desi's phone rang and she sighed heavily when she saw Weasel's name.

"Excuse me…" Desi whispered, whistling her dogs to follow her as she went outside to the balcony.

"Weasel?" she answered as her dogs did their business.

"Deadpool is back in town, he needs you to go to a nightclub-"

"Another one?"

"Yes, Vanessa is in town, but he needs a location. He needs you to find the information from them, club called Malibu Nightclub."

Desi sighed and nodded, "Understood. Send me the address."

"Done. And, Rapunzel?"

"Yeah?"

"Be patient with him."

The call dropped, and Desi took a deep breath. Walking back in with her dogs, she went into her room and quickly slid into her bodysuit, walking out with her combat boots in her hands when the super soldiers glanced over at her.

"A mission?" Steve asked, noticing his concerned expression as she sat down on the sofa.

"Yeah, a club called Malibu Nightclub," Desi answered, putting on her boots, "I need to feed my dogs and go; I trust you'll lock the door behind you?"

"Can you get someone else, Rogers?" Buck asked suddenly, but Steve was just as conflicted.

"No, you need to go Buck." Desi said as she stood, grabbing her staff from the wall, hooking her dagger to her thigh before she clipped on her pistol.

"You'll have no back up." Bucky told her and she shrugged.

"I've survived two months without backup; Deadpool is not always reliable, you know." Desi reminded him, putting dog food into the trays.

"Besides, I'm a mercenary- not an Avenger. I don't need people catching you or Captain America alongside me." Desi continued, looking over to Steve for support on this.

"She's right; we an image and an obligation to uphold." Steve said, but Bucky wasn't happy with it.

"I'm coming right back when it's done." Buck assured her, but she snickered.

"You know you're welcome here; both of you. But if you have to go back to the compound, it's okay," Desi assured him, "I'll be okay on my own; always have."

"We'll come back…as long as there's an apple pie." Steve compromised. Desi giggled, Bucky narrowing his eyes at Steve's motion.

"Deal."

…?...

Walking into the club, Desi was quick to find her targets in dancer rooms and was able to see their memories quickly; in and out as she had hoped. What was hard was getting out.

She managed to escape the bullets, even knocking some of them out. She managed to get to Hell House and report her findings; but the bar was closed and she was concerned when Weasel or Deadpool were answering the phone.

It was never good when they answered.

Assuming the worst happen, she had to pack her bags and move- they were probably coming to look for her. Making her way back to apartment, she noticed Steve's truck and made her way into the apartment hurredily.

Desi saw her door open and slammed the door open with her pistol out when she saw Bucky aiming his SMG at someone, Steve in an offensive stance with his shield.

"Uh, guys?" Desi chimed when she walked into the living room when she saw their target.

"Oh my god, Pool?!" Desi chimed as she came towards him, Weasel injured beside him but still standing with a handgun aimed at Bucky.

"Looks like someone made themselves nice and cozy," Deadpool teased, but Desi rolled her eyes, "smells like a fuckin' bakery in here. And two good looking men; did you and Inspector Gadget finally bone? Or did you switch up with America there?"

"I didn't bone anyone, now stay still for me, will you Weasel?" Desi answered in annoyance, her fingertips glowing white over his cheek.

"No, but you're clearly playing house; just replace the kids with dogs, right?" Deadpool said once more.

Desi realized that and panicked, looking around the room for her dogs, "Chip? Chewy?"

She heard the snarl coming from Deadpool and saw him lift his left arm, pulling back the sheets to reveal himself.

"Okay, that's it! Weapons down; everyone!" Desi yelled in frustration, everyone slowly put there weapons down.

"This is Deadpool without the mask?" Steve asked Bucky in a whisper.

"…I guess so." Bucky said, finally having a face for him.

"You lost your legs again…." Desi said noticing the baby legs, "…And is that MY ONLY sleeping shirt?"

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind if I borrow this, do you?"

"You know what? Keep it." Desi told him before she focused on her dogs next.

"Chip! Chewy! Let him go!"

Neither let Deadpool go.

"Let go! Stop! Uh, Loosen! Release!"

Chip immediately let go, growling at Deadpool before he came to stand in front of Desi. Chewy mimicked Chip and Desi smiled; looks like Chewy had a role model.

"You have an attack dog?" Deadpool questioned, not realizing until just now.

"Actually, I got the report on him for Destiny," Weasel explained, "He was training to be a police dog but his owner died on duty, and his wife put him for adoption immediately afterwards."

"Can he detect drugs?" Deadpool asked, and Desi narrowed her eyes protectivitely.

"You can't borrow him, Pool." Desi warned him, Chip growling in response. Bucky patted Chip's head to put him at ease, kneeling but his growl was evident he wasn't lowering his guard.

"You took a while this time, what did you find?" Wade asked.

"Why don't we discuss this in private? We don't need the Avengers knowing what's up." Weasel suggested, eyeballing the two super soldiers.

"I can't afford to wait! Can you at least show me what you found?" Wade asked of her.

Desi came over to him and placed her fingertips on his hand, not wasting any time showing him what she found.

Vanessa was alive but was in an induced coma by Ajax as bait. Ajax had heard of Deadpool's survival and wanted Pool to come to him. She was in a sealed pod, sleeping soundly, and the man Desi captured was the transporter. He left a warehouse and could see in the far-off distance a wide pier with various boats docked in.

"Son of a bitch!" Deadpool shouted, accidentally pushing Desi back, following onto the floor.

Bucky and Steve helped her up, but neither removed their hand from her shoulders when she whispered a soft 'thank you' under her breath.

"I know where it is! Des, I need you to stay behind for me okay- "

"Like hell I will," Desi told him, "You need me!"

"Listen Rapunzel, I know you want to help me- "

"What of Vanessa?" Desi countered, "You need me to help if she gets hurt."

"She's right, you know." Weasel admitted. At the end of the day, only Deadpool was the only one who could calm him, and Vanessa was a boost.

"Fine, we'll go once my legs are back." Deadpool said.

"Thanks, I'll change my loadout." Desi said, Weasel taking her arm as he pulled her away from the two Avengers.

"Let me help you pick the right one, it'll give us time to figure out the layout and a game plan." Weasel said, but Desi looked back at the Buck and Steve.

"Rain check on that apple pie?" Desi offered.

"Of course…" Steve smiled, but he was just as worried as Buck.

"You and Inspector Gadget can leave, thanks for stopping by. Hey, don't come back, okay!" Wade spoke, waving at them.

The two looked down the hallway where they could hear Desi and Weasel talking but both this wasn't not an easy mission; why else would Deadpool try to keep her back? Once the duo made their way to the truck, Bucky couldn't hold back.

"Rogers-"

"I know."

…..?...

Deadpool had managed to break in, Desi taking the roof as she sniped the enemies one by one. She wasn't ready to kill a person but she knew tonight was the night she may have to kill someone.

Continuing her assault, she jumped in alarm when they began to fire at her. Deadpool took this as a chance for him to get Vanessa's pod open, but struggled when mercenaries began to attack him.

Desi panicked when she got to the edge, and grabbed her staff, noticing a line from roof to the other. She attempted to slide over with her staff, but the line was shot and she felt herself falling down.

Desi's eyes glowed white, feeling herself slowing down, her hands unknowingly glowing as well. She gasped as she felt herself coming still, and looked down to notice herself floating for a second but then she heard him.

"Des!"

She gasped, falling back down, and was caught by Bucky.

"Thank you, thank you." Desi whispered, placing a kiss on his cheek gratefully as he helped her into her feet.

"Are you alright?"

Desi looked up to see Steve as she watched him ran up to them.

"I'm okay, thanks. What are you two doing here though?" Desi asked.

"We're here for a rescue mission; one way to put it." Steve answered.

Before they could continue, shots were fired above them and Steve pulled her against him as he covered them; Bucky against the wall to avoid them.

"Rapunzel! I'm here at the warehouse overwhelmed! Could really use you as a distraction!" Wade called through the comms.

"Copy, on my way." Desi responded before she removed herself from Steve.

"Go, we'll cover you." Steve told her.

"Whats the plan?" he asked, knowing she was on a mission.

"Cover for Pool." She said, taking out her pistol before she grabbed for her staff.

"Here." He whispered, placing the staff in her harness before she took the lead.

Making her way through the alleyway, Desi made her way through to Deadpool where she saw the chaotic fighting.

"Well, shit." She muttered before she fired at the mercenaries.

Steve and Bucky helped, and Deadpool took the time to finally release Vanessa from the pod.

She groaned but he wasted no time carrying her into the abandoned van near her when he was pulled back by an unknown person.

Wade slid back when he finally saw Ajax, the guy responsible for all of this, "Finally!"

The enemies continued relentlessly of their assault and Desi finally heard Wade's voice through the radio.

"I got Vanessa and Ajax, get yourself out of there Rapunzel!" Wade said, "Or fuck shit up, whatever makes you hap- "

A crash was heard through the comms and she didn't hesitate to run towards his location; leaving her friends behind. Desi saw a woman on the floor, groaning as she struggled to stand before she looked up and saw men approaching her. Desi took a deep breath when she saw enemies heading towards the woman…and ran to her.

"Cover on Des!" Bucky's voice could be heard taking out her staff as she slid across with a cast of her shield around her.

"I've got you." Desi said, healing her before helping her up.

"Who are you? Where is he?" Vanessa asked.

I don't know where Wade is but we need to go, now! Are you ready?" Desi asked, handing her a pistol.

"Hell yeah." Vanessa said softly before they took off running.

Desi ran behind her, the shield holding together as they approached the bridge when the bridge crumbled beneath their feet. Desi panicked and used her shield to throw her across, but knew she had no way to get herself across.

"Get her to safety!" Desi ordered before she took out her dagger as well; there was no escaping this.

"im here!"

Bucky and Steve turned to see on approach and knew what they had to do.

"Go, I'll be fine!" Vanessa encouraged them, and both nodded.

Bucky and Steve took a few steps back before running for full momentum, jumping across the fallen bridge. Desi fought off the men one by one, hit and slashing but she barely dodged the bullets.

Bucky shot his SMG at incoming enemies, Steve helping Desi fight the ones off of her but super soldiers couldn't help but wonder: what would've happened if they weren't here to help her?

Desi saw them fall one by one until everything was in the all clear and looked over to the super soldiers with a victorious smile on her face.

"Thanks guys…I got to admit, I was worried for a moment there." Desi confessed but Bucky gave her a head pat.

"No more missions like this." Bucky said and she shrugged.

"Mercenaries never plan ahead of time. I kind of go moment by moment." Desi teased.

"She's just as bad as you, Rogers." Bucky spoke.

"We're just glad you're okay. Are you ready to go?" Steve asked and she nodded.

"Yes, please. I believe I promised you an apple pie."

…..?...

Wade had whisked away with Vanessa without a goodbye, but Desi understood; he fought hard all this time to get her back and finally her to himself again. Bucky and Steve had dropped her off, leaving her alone to take care of herself but she wasn't sure what she expected.

The Avengers knew she was a mercenary but the close call she had today must've scared them, maybe she was overthinking it, but the concerned look on their faces…she didn't blame them if they didn't come back.

She had just fed her dog when there was a knock on her door, and quickly opened it to see Natasha standing there with a grin on her face with bags of food and drinks in her hands.

"Nat! Come in!" Desi exclaimed happily, which Nat came in, looking around her apartment curiously.

"Nice apartment, I can see why you didn't move into the compound." Nat teased.

"Apartment was after, but thanks!" Desi spoke, "I guess the guys told you where I was?"

"That's right, mainly Barnes. He's a bit of a worrywart about you, you know." Nat confessed as she put the bags on the counter.

"Oh, yeah, he is, isn't he? I find it endearing mostly." Desi said with a blush, and Nat was quick to notice.

"It is is kind of adorable, Steve had to force him to stay at the compound," Nat said, "but enough about the boys for now, let's a girls day shall we? I needed to get out of there with all the guys."

"Of course, please! I need this too, it's been a hectic day!"

Nat had unbagged the goods, both drinking and eating as they exchanged stories of their past experiences. They eventually found their way to the living room, Chewy in Nat's lap as Chip rested his head on Desi's lap. Watching Judge with Desi, Nat finally found the right time to ask her questions.

"So, did something happen between you and Rogers?"

Desi looked at her curiously, but shook her head, "No, not at all, why?"

"He's been asking about you, you know. Your training, your likes and dislikes; what calms and scares you."

"Well, we didn't exactly start on good terms, but it's definitely better now." Desi confessed.

"I hope that dance the first time we saw you didn't confuse him."

Desi blushed, remembering the way she danced on him, shaking her head feverishly, "Not my finest moment, but we did have an open heart to heart about his past. I guess he's trusting me more."

"He's talked to you about it?" Nat asked surprised, "He won't with anyone…that's good to hear, actually."

Nat saw the way Steve looked at her the last time she was at the compound. She didn't want to get her hopes up, but did Steve have a crush on her? Would he even allow himself to with Bucky crushing hard on Desi?

"I appreciate him just as much as I appreciate everyone else…I'm glad I'm still on good terms with everyone. How's the team, by the way?" Desi asked.

"Everyone's good but we lost contact with Tony for a while now. We have our men looking out for him and Pepper."

"They've gone missing?"

"Yeah, but Tony usually does, I'm sure it's nothing." Nat assured.

"If you're sure…"

"Actually, I should probably head back, see anything has come in," Nat said as she stood up, putting Chewy down on the sofa, "but I had a fun night. Thanks for letting me stay."

"Thanks for visiting, we should do this again."

"You bet, Tiny. Take care."

….?...

Bucky made his way to Desi's apartment, knocked on the door, and patiently waited for her to answer the door. After a moment of no answer, he knocked again, but still no response. He grew concerned and called her phone, but quickly heard her phone coming from inside. He continued to let it ring when he heard a loud bang come from inside and his mind went into overdrive.

Bucky kicked the door down, pulling out his pistol as he entered Desi's apartment, quickly scoping out the room before he made his way to her bedroom. He pushed the door down to her bedroom when he heard a loud gasp. His eyes widened when he saw her standing there with a towel wrapped around her body, her body still wet with water drops rolling down from her shoulders. He swallowed hard when he saw her cleavage-

"Turn around right now!" Desi yelled, throwing a pillow at him.

He quickly spun around, oblivious to her accidentally dropping her towel to the ground and Desi immediately panicked. She squealed, grabbing the closest clothing item around her; his black hoodie. She quickly zipped up the hoodie before she cleared her throat.

"There, I'm decent! Now, why on earth did you just come barging in when-"

Desi's eyes widened when Bucky turned around, noticing the cuts and bruises on his face and neck, and walked over towards him.

Bucky noticed her luscious thighs, swallowing hard as he watched Desi approach, noticing she was wearing his jacket. The way it came to her upper mid-thigh, he had an imprint on his mind of her at this exact moment. He felt her hands on his cheeks, her dark chocolate brown eyes now worrisome.

"Are you okay? What happened?" Desi asked, her hands glowing as she healed him.

Desi immediately tensed when Bucky pressed her up against the wall and let out a soft gasp when he put his knee between her legs, pinning her body against the wall. He curled her wet hair behind her ears, scanning her face before his eyes glued to her lips.

She instinctively licked her lips, and his blue eyes locked with her chocolate brown eyes. He placed one hand on the side of her waist as the other cupped her cheek, bringing her body into his as he brushed his thumb over her lower lip agonizingly.

She hesitated, unsure what to do. She wanted to push him away, but she also wanted this moment with him. He leaned towards her, his nose brushing against hers before she brushed her lips against his-

RINGGGG

RINNNGGG

Both shut their eyes, fighting their own sighs of frustration as Bucky reluctantly pulled away. Desi was alarmed by the number of pings going off her phone on the bed and smiled sadly when Bucky answered his phone.

Bucky closed the phone sharply, causing her to look at him.

"Stark needs your help, something's happened."

"Is he okay?" Desi had to ask.

Bucky looked at her eyes for a moment but nodded, "He's fine for now, but he needs you."

"Let's go, then." She spoke.

"You might want to put some clothes on."

"Oh, yeah, right."