She screamed out in pain, feeling the knife enter her as she struggled in the assailant's grasp. She fell to the floor, crying out as she felt her back soaked in her blood. She cried for help, but no one ever came. The world around her began to fade of Asgard and into darkness, feeling herself being swallowed by the void as she struggled to heal herself.

"Ms. Montoya, I need you to wake up please."

"Jarvis?" she questioned as she stood up.

"Tony would like for you to check on Sergeant Barnes, I will unlock his door for you." Jarvis told her.

"Thanks Jarvis." She said as she exited her bedroom.

Desi quickly knocked on his door before she came in, her mind on full alert when her eyes landed on him. Bucky was drenched in sweat, shirtless in bed, but would see him thrash his head from one side to the other.

Desi slid into Bucky's bed and crept closer to him as he let out another scream as she placed a hand on his chest. He snapped awake and pinned her down from her shoulders, but quickly realized it Desi, smiling at him as she let her hand glow. He sighed, resting his head against her shoulder as he felt himself being overwhelmed with peace; grateful he didn't hurt her.

"I…didn't mean to wake you." Bucky told her.

"I wasn't going to let you suffer alone, you know that." She told him, letting her glow stop once she felt he was all alright.

He realized the position he was in and rolled off the bed, allowing Desi to pull herself up in a sitting position in his bed. He grabbed his abandoned shirt on the floor and wiped the sweat off himself.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Desi asked. He looked at her and shook his head, not wanting to worry but she smiled sadly.

"You know, I dreamed I was stabbed again…only I was bleeding out. No one was there to save me…like I was being sucked into the void where no one could ever find me. I kept crying out, but no one came. Nightmares am I right?" she said, smiling lightly.

He closed his eyes, making a disgruntled face but she opened her arms to him.

"Buck?"

He looked at her and saw her hands flexing him almost in a squeezing manner.

"Come here."

Buck's stare was one of discomfort or maybe even annoyance, but she continued.

"Come on, you can spoon me. I'll just lay here." She teased.

"You're still injured." Bucky told her.

"Please?" she asked.

He contemplated for a moment, but Desi sighed, dropping her hands.

"Okay, well, I'm not going to force you. Have a good night." Desi said with a smile as she rolled off the bed. Bucky didn't watch her as she left the room, and he was suddenly filled with regret when she closed the door. Desi was facing her own nightmares, but she still put him first.

Desi closed and locked her door behind her, sliding off her joggers and taking off her shirt before she put on a sports bra. She didn't like waking up in a sweat, and she wasn't going to risk it again if she had another nightmare.

Desi couldn't help but worry about Buck, but she wasn't going to force him to be vulnerable with her; he was still healing. For some reason, Tony gave her a family bed, but she let it go, glad to have the room to herself; embracing the cold sheets once more as she lulled herself to sleep.

She screamed out in pain, feeling the knife enter her as she struggled in the assailant's grasp. She fell to the floor, crying out as she felt her back soaked in her blood. She cried for help, but no one ever came. The world around her began to fade from Asgard and into darkness, and she felt herself being swallowed by the void as she struggled to heal herself. She then heard voices around her, but they couldn't find her, and she no longer had the energy to call out.

After an hour of trying to sleep again, Bucky could not take it anymore with the tossing and turning on the floor, with his thoughts only of her, and quickly left for Desi's room. He approached her door, frowning when he realized that her door was locked.

"Jarvis…how is she?" Bucky asked softly.

"Her vitals are heightened in her sleep. It is suggested she is experiencing another nightmare." Jarvis told him.

"Open the door." Bucky said, biting his inner cheek in frustration, regretting his decision earlier.

"Mr. Stark says I'm not permitted to open the door." Jarvis told him.

"If you don't, I swear to God I will bust the fucking door down!" Buck yelled, warning him.

There was a moment of silence before he heard the door unlocked and he charged in.

Bucky's heart dropped when he saw Desi whimpering in her sleep, with sweat and tears evident in her as she thrashed in her bed. He slid into the bed and pulled her against his chest, burying her head in his neck as their legs intertwined with one another.

"I'm here." Bucky whispered to her, and she slowly began to stop whimpering, snuggling into him.

"James…" Desi said softly, subconsciously placing a hand on his chest. Bucky smirked, loving that she found peace with him within seconds; one of the reasons he loved her was that she wasn't afraid of him. He closed his eyes, resting his head above hers as he fell asleep once more.

Desi woke up, moaning as she stretched but quickly froze when she felt someone behind her in her bed. She felt a familiar metallic arm around her waist, with a warm breath against her neck, and something prickly against her shoulder.

It sent shivers down her body when there was movement, and she was not sure what to do. She subtly attempted to lift his arm but nearly squealed when she felt him tighten his hold on her.

"Good morning, doll." Bucky whispered, feeling another shiver go through her.

"G-Good morning." Desi whispered, biting her lower lip. Bucky felt Desi's goosebumps, followed by the shivers, and knew she was responsive to his touch, making him suddenly feel bold.

Bucky placed a kiss on Desi's neck, feeling another shiver run through her body, her breath hitched when she rubbed her legs together from the sudden ache building between her legs.

He trailed his nose up to her ear, hearing a small whimper escape her lips as he rubbed his stubble chin against her neck again, receiving the same reaction: he found a weakness of hers. He nibbled on her earlobe, and she moaned a little louder, caught off guard as he rolled her onto her back.

Her body was hypersensitive, his predatory eyes locked onto her as he leaned on his metal arm, cupping her cheek, his eyes landed on her lips. His eyes searched hers for a moment before he leaned forward, brushing his lips against hers.

Desi could tell Bucky was hesitant and she slowly brought a hand up to his cheek. Feeling her gentle touch, he crashed his lips against hers as she moaned against his lips, sliding her hand into his long hair, wanting more.

Bucky couldn't get enough of Desi's lips and nipped her lower lip, making her gasp in response, and he went in to taste her. Burying his hand into her hair, pulling the back of her head as he assaulted her mouth. He kissed her more feverishly, feeling her hands rest against his chest before they slid to his hips, melting her body against his.

Bucky slid his tongue into Bucky's mouth, rubbing roughly against hers dominantly as she moaned once more, succumbing to him as she hooked her leg over his hip. She felt his erection against her aching center and rubbed herself against him involuntarily, causing him to moan softly.

A hiss escaped her lips and he immediately froze, cursing himself for forgetting her injury, "Tony said you could heal yourself today. Are you ready for that?"

"I should be…" Desi brought her hand to her injury, sighing in relief as she allowed herself to heal, the pain all gone. Bucky pulled himself off of her, wanting to make sure she was more rested before continuing.

"Why don't you and I take a bath and have that diner date I promised you?" he offered, lifting her onto her feet.

"I'd love to, I meet you at the kitchen in a bit?" she asked. He smirked.

"Kicking me out already, like I'm a piece of meat huh?" Buck joked, making her giggle.

"I'd love to have you stay in here and take that shower with you, but I'd rather not have Tony come in here and cause a scene." She said in defense.

"I'll allow it this once." He said, giving her a chaste kiss before he got up.

Desi covered herself as Bucky slipped on his pants, throwing her a wink.

"I'll see you in a bit, doll." He said before leaving the room.

Desi reluctantly got out of bed and took a thorough shower before she made her way to her closet. She slipped on her blue jeans and looked through her blouses until she found a dark blue sleeveless lace top. It had a low V-neck cut, showing off her cleavage, and on the back was a low V-cut that ended right before the connection of her bra. She placed on some ankle socks before she slipped on some black ankle boots with short heels. She braided her hair over her shoulder she put on light makeup and perfume before she grabbed her phone, taking a deep breath before she walked out.

Walking into the kitchen Desi was surprised to see Pepper sitting down, drinking from a mug as Tony spoke with Buck. Pepper's eyes gleamed when she saw Desi's ensemble with a bright smile on her face.

"Oh sweetie, you look beautiful! Where are you headed to?" Pepper asked.

"Oh, Buck and I are having a date this morning." Desi answered with a smile.

"Oh, that's good to hear. Remember, I'm here if you need any advice, and don't be afraid to take your time." Pepper told her.

"I will, thanks Pepper." Desi responded when she noticed Bucky walking towards her.

He wore black jeans with a white buttoned-up shirt, with his black leather jacket.

"Hey, doll." He said as he approached her with a smile on his face. Desi blushed, unable to contain her affectionate smile when he placed a kiss on her cheek.

Pepper covered her mouth as she watched them, and she knew something changed overnight between the two; Buck was never one to show such acts of affection.

"Hey, handsome." Desi said, blushing even more when he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. She covered her mouth as she fought the blush on her face, but he leaned down and whispered in her ear.

"Glad to know I make you react in such a way."

"Alright, keep it Rated-G here please, for my sake please." Tony spoke.

"You too have fun, okay? And please, keep your phones nearby in case we need you." Pepper said, reassuring Tony as she rubbed his back.

"Will do, bye Aunt P, Uncle T!" Desi said, waving at the two as Buck escorted her, his hand resting on her lower back.

A thought suddenly struck Pepper, and she turned sharply to Tony.

"Why don't you ask me out on dates anymore?" Pepper asked.

"I did, last week. You said you had meetings to attend to." He told her.

"And I still do, who's fault do you think that is?" Pepper asked as she leaned towards Tony. He smiled down at her as he curled her hair strand behind her ear, his hand gently touching down her arm.

"Well, we have the place to ourselves. Why don't I make you a mean stack of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage; I know you love that combination." He suggested.

"As long as you don't burn down the kitchen, I'd love that." Pepper accepted before pulling into a deep kiss.

Desi rolled her eyes when she walked outside to see a motorcycle outside and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Of course, you'd have a bike; it's very Buck." Desi spoke aloud as he mounted the bike, offering a black helmet to her.

"I'm glad you approve." Bucky said. She scrunched up her nose, putting the helmet on before she took his hand.

"Jury's still out on that." Desi told him, wrapping hers around him tightly before he sped off.

Arriving at the diner, Buck held the door open for her before following her inside. The diner was empty but thought nothing of it as they guided the couple to a booth near the window. Desi slipped into the left side of the booth but looked at Buck curiously as he slid in beside her.

"Do you come to this diner often?" Desi asked.

"There's less of a crowd here during the day, so I come when I can. I came every day when you were gone with Deadpool and his missions." Bucky told her with a smirk. She frowned, taking his hand in hers.

"I still feel horrible for that, but I'm glad you found this place. Have you brought the team, or Steve to this place too? Or do you normally come alone?" Desi asked him.

"Steve's been busy since I've known him. As for the team, they've been observing me; I don't expect them to accept me." Buck told her, looking down at their intertwined hands.

"Well, you have me now. I'm here." Desi told him with a smile before she attempted to release his hands.

Bucky pulled Desi back, taking her face into his hands before he placed a gentle kiss on her lips, nibbling on her lower lip before he locked lips with her. She moaned against his mouth before he pulled away, taking her hand into his metal one.

"Hey cuties, can I get you something to drink?" the older waitress asked as she approached, catching the couple's attention.

"Coke for me, and a chocolate shake for her." Bucky told the waitress.

"Okay, and did you need more time on the menu, have any questions...?"

"Ooh! A burger with lettuce and bacon with seasoned fries, please. Cooked medium rare." Desi said with a big smile on her face.

Buck flashed Desi a small smirk, "Make that two." he responded, his eyes never leaving her.

"Sure, I'll be right back." The waitress said before she left the couple alone.

"I spoke with Stark this morning..." Buck told her.

"Oh?" she responded.

"I told him that I was going to be sleeping in your room from now on." Bucky told her.

Her eyes bulged in horror.

"Why in the world-!" she stopped and recollected herself before retracting her words. "I mean, interesting. I imagine he was not okay with it?"

"He was okay with it, it as long as I still use my room during the day." Buck told her, noticing her smile.

"I doubt it was that easy, but are you sure you want to? Don't feel like you have to." Desi told him, wanting to assure him.

"You're stuck with me, doll." Bucky told Desi, taking her other hand into his once more. She looked at him questionably, feeling his hesitation.

"You can speak with me, don't be afraid, to be honest." Desi assured Buck. He saw the drinks being placed on the table and Desi flashed her a quick smile with a thank you as the waitress hurriedly left.

"I feel like I don't deserve you." Bucky told her.

"What do you mean?" Desi asked.

"I'm the Winter Soldier, I killed people. I still have nightmares of them, but it doesn't change the fact that I did what I did. And you, you don't…you're too good for me." Bucky told her. Desi frowned; she had no idea that was how he still felt; she'd change that.

"If I remember correctly, you're my boyfriend," Desi told him, "and I accepted you with all your flaws as you have accepted mine. I'm with you till the end of the line, okay?"

"So, if you introduced me to your brothers…what would I be?" Bucky asked.

"I would introduce you as my boyfriend." Desi answered without hesitation.

"You mean, fiancé." Bucky said as he lifted her left hand.

Bucky noticed Loki's ring was still there and took it off, moving it over to her right hand.

Desi giggled at his possessiveness, "Boyfriend."

"Fiancé."

"Boyfriend."

"Do you see this ring?" Buck said, making her smirk smugly.

"I think so, yes."

"See the finger it's on?"

"Vaguely."

He ignored her. "This is where it belongs."

"Here you go, you guys!"

Bucky looked over to the waitress as she placed the plates in front of them.

"Excuse me, ma'am, question. When you see this ring, does that make me her boyfriend or her fiancé?" Bucky asked her, pulling Desi's left hand towards the waitress.

"A ring on that finger? It's a promised engagement, so fiancé of course." The waitress smiled as she explained.

Bucky looked at Desi with a smug look on his face, and she rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"How about I introduce you as my boyfriend and... I'll accept fiancé with others?" she reluctantly offered.

Buck chuckled, but shook his head, quickly telling her 'No'.

She rolled her eyes and was ready to speak when he brought the shake to her mouth.

"Eat up, doll." Bucky said with a wink.

They ate in comfortable silence, Bucky periodically feeding her a french fry as she offered him sips of her shake.

"Did you want to head back after this, or can I take you around town?" Bucky asked her.

"It's a date, isn't it? Whatever you'd like to do." Desi told him.

Buck threw a $100 dollar bill on the table and took her hand, pulling her out of the booth.

"Come." He told her.

Bucky dropped his hold on Desi, holding the door open for her as they exited the restaurant. He remained close to her but never reached for her, which was fine for her. She didn't want to rush him into anything, especially his own comfort with her. Buck saw an ice cream shop nearby and guided her towards it, placing a hand on her lower back.

A passerby was leaving the shop, leaving the door open for them to enter.

"Thanks." Desi whispered as she walked in first, waiting for Bucky before she approached the ice cream display.

"Oh my god, they all look so good." She said as she leaned down, glancing at the variety of flavors.

"Safe to say you want chocolate?" Bucky asked, knowing her fascination with chocolate shakes.

"Ah, ha! Close; thou desire the finest cone of the Rocky Road." Desi said playfully.

"Okay, I'll be right back." He told her before leaving her alone.

Desi sat at an empty table, pulling out her phone when she heard the seat behind her bump into her.

"Sorry." Desi said instinctively, bowing her head apologetically when she saw legs come from her lower peripheral vision.

"Hello there, my name is Markus. I couldn't help but notice that you were sitting alone. I'd love to get you ice cream and help melt this tension between us." He spoke.

Desi glanced his way before looking hesitantly over to Buck. She saw Buck's jaw clenched, eyeing the man dangerously who was speaking to her as he pocketed his change.

"You seem nice, but I'm not interested. I'm here with someone, they're buying me a cone right now." Desi told him as friendly as possible, pointing towards Buck.

"Oh really? Is that someone a friend of yours?" Markus asked, glaring up and down at her body.

"Fiancé, actually." She said, showing her ring to him.

"But not husband, why don't I take you out and show you a good time?" he said, flashing her another smile as he placed a hand on her thigh.

Desi slapped his hand away as she stood up.

"Don't touch me, you pinche pendejo!" she yelled.

"Oh, a Latina. That's spicy, mami. Why don't you come here to your papi?" he said as he stood up.

Markus squealed as he was abruptly lifted in the air, Bucky piercing his blue eyes into the man's horrified brown eyes.

"Keep your hands off of her." Bucky warned him.

Markus looked Desi with pleading eyes.

"Markus, this is my fiancé, but you can call him Papi." Desi said as she wrapped an arm around Buck, her hand on his lower stomach. He calmed himself a little but didn't release him as he brought the man close to him.

"You so much as look at her again, and I'll kill you. Understand?" he said in a low tone before he pushed him away. Markus immediately landed on his butt and ran out of the ice cream shop in a hurry, Buck not moving an inch until the man disappeared from his sight.

"Come on, let's just go." Desi said, but Buck looked back to the register for his order.

"Here you go, they're ready for you." The kid said as he held up the cones for them.

Bucky took her hand as he walked over to the kid, handing her the rocky road before he took his order.

"Let's go, doll." He said as he guided her out of the place, allowing her to push open the door for them. The moment they were outside, he wrapped his arm around her, resting his hand under her breast, over her ribcage as they walked in a slow pace.

Desi stayed in silence as he walked to her an open seating area with food trucks nearby and guided her to a stoned loveseat.

"Fiancé, huh?" Buck said with a victory smirk on his face, and she rolled her eyes.

"I panicked; I'd never been approached like that before. And once he touched my thigh…" Desi told him, biting her rocky road aggressively.

Bucky placed a hand on Desi's thigh, squeezing her gently as he glanced over at her again.

"You handled him well for me though, thank you, Sergeant." She said, giving him a chaste kiss.

"I like that coming from that mouth of yours, but what about…"

She narrowed her eyes at him playfully when he gazed over her lips.

"Are you trying to make me say…the p-word?" she said, breaking out into a grin.

He gave her a heated gaze before he began to eat his own rocky road cone.

"So, tell me, was there anything you ever did rebellious?" Buck asked her.

"Mm, I didn't get to really because of my brothers. But…"

"You miss them." He spoke.

She nodded, "My brothers were my rock before coming here."

"And now?"

She looked at him with a smile, "You guys, of course. My second family."

"What about you? Do you still remember your family?" Desi asked.

He sighed but nodded as he finished his cone.

"My father served, and he died when I was very young, but I never met him. And my mother, bless her, raised my sister and me as best she could, but she passed while we were still kids. My sister Becca and I lived with relatives, but it was more out of obligation," Bucky told her,

"So, I tended to scavenge for us, hunt periodically. Once I was 18, I enlisted like my father did. My sister has since moved on and moved out of New York but…she didn't have any surviving children. I guess I'm the last one remaining." He continued.

Desi frowned and pulled Bucky into a hug, feeling him place a hand on her back in response.

"I'm sorry, and I know it's not much of a consolation, but I'm here." Desi whispered.

"Thank you." He told her as she pulled away, resting his hand on her thigh again.

"You know…you do have great thighs." Bucky told Desi, realizing for the first time her thighs were nicely thick.

She blushed, and swung her leg over his, making his eyes widen in surprise.

"Are you at a loss for words, Sergeant?" Desi tried.

Bucky flashed a heated gaze at Desi, and she smirked, leaning toward him. Sliding a hand up her thigh, he leaned down and pulled her into a sensual kiss.

"You dangerous woman." Bucky spoke and Desi giggled, biting her lower lip in response.

"Really? I thought you would've liked it…papi?" Desi whispered in Bucky's ear, and he hissed softly, fighting his sudden excitement. His phone had suddenly chimed, and he groaned, but she kissed his neck, snuggling into him as he answered it.

"Yeah, Stark?"

A pause, "We'll be right there."

"What's wrong?" Desi asked.

"Deadpool and Weasel are at the compound. They want to see you."