"That's it. I'm moving back to New York." Sam declared, pushing back from the table. "I'm about to stab myself in the ears."
"Oh come on, it's not…horrible." Steve looked at him apologetically as the sound of a headboard against a wall interrupted him mid-sentence.
A collective groan rang out around the table, Natasha dropping her hand onto her hands and Peter sliding his plate away slowly. It had been just over a week since Gianna and Bucky had officially consummated their relationship and the whole compound knew about it. Those unfortunate enough to share a floor with them had it the worst, hearing the evidence of their passion up to three times every day. Bucky hadn't helped with training in several days, at Steve's insistence. When two recruits came in early to get warmed up for their training session and found Gianna pressed up against a wall, legs wrapped around the Winter Soldier himself - they decided the extra sparring wasn't worth it. It was an unspoken rule to avoid the dock altogether. What was the setting for their first real kiss had since become a favorite lovemaking spot, especially at sunset.
As much as everyone preferred not to hear the chorus of moans during breakfast, not one person was unhappy about their relationship.
If anyone had experienced more than a lifetime's worth of pain, it was James Buchanan Barnes.
If anyone had brought color back to his life, a smile back to his face…it was Gianna Cruz. She'd charmed everyone she'd come into contact with on the compound, everything about her oozing genuine sweetness.
They deserved this. They deserved each other.
Everyone else, however, couldn't help but wonder what the hell they did to deserve this front row ticket to a downright pornographic soundtrack.
"Mornin.'"
The team looked up from their discarded plates, snapping out of whatever daydream they were using to escape reality. Bucky strode towards them, tugging a shirt down over his stomach. His gray sweatpants didn't leave much to the imagination, especially with the recent excitement not fully out of his system.
"Sleep well, princess?" Sam called from his position leaning against the counter. Bucky narrowed his eyes, regarding him as though deciding if he wanted to growl something back. He settled on something more peaceful.
"Fine."
"Funny, because I could have sworn I heard you up around 2am." Nat smirked.
"Now that you mention it," Wanda pretended to scratch her head in confusion. "I think I heard that too. Or was it 5am?"
"You guys can joke all you want, but I have the room right below them. I might actually need therapy." Peter deadpanned.
Uncharacteristically quiet amidst the team's teasing, Bucky poured himself a mug of black coffee and leaned against the counter across from Sam. He sipped the hot drink, looking mildly amused.
"Isn't this the part where you tell us to shut the hell up or you'll chokeslam someone out a window?" Sam cocked his head.
"Something tells me he did enough choking last night." Nat's smirk only grew.
A half smile played across his face, stubble growing longer than usual from his lack of shaving over the past few days. He said nothing, sipping his coffee again.
"Well? Anything to say for yourself there, Barnes?"
"You guys sound bitter." He grinned. "You all need to get laid."
Gianna's POV
"Hurry back!" I called from the tangled mess of comforter and sheets, admiring the view of Bucky's lower back as he disappeared through the door, still pulling his shirt down. My stomach growled. I'd been utterly ravenous lately. Something about sleeping with a super soldier, you're gonna burn a lot of calories. Thank God my bedroom was close to the kitchen.
Our routine for the past week had been pretty simple. Eat, sleep…fuck.
Well, it wasn't always fucking. Sometimes it was sweet, gentle, soft. Something that could only be considered making love. Other times…
"Bucky…" I giggled as his hand slid up my shirt in the dark, empty training room.
"It's okay, we're so early. Sessions don't start for another hour." He grinned, gripping my waist and lifting me up. I couldn't help the little squeal that escaped me. His hair was still slightly sweaty from his morning run, the smell of him almost intoxicating.
"If you say so, Sarge." We walked backwards as he kissed me, holding me up as if I was weightless. I wrapped my legs around him, wanting to be as close as possible every single second of every single day. When my back gently hit the wall, I felt cold metal fingers slide underneath my skirt, searching for panties to pull to the side.
I wasn't wearing any.
Bucky groaned into my open mouth, fumbling with his own waistband instead. In a flurry of sweaty kisses and desperate grips, he was inside me. Right there, up against the padded training room wall. I cried out, biting my lip to keep quiet as our sounds echoed through the empty room.
My fingers tangled in his damp hair, my head falling back as he kissed my neck, my collarbone. I was putty in his hands. He was so strong. So steady. He held me up with one hand, the other cupping my face as I moaned. He never broke his steady, desperate pace of thrusts into me.
It sounded like somewhere far away where a door opened and someone sucked in a sharp breath. I was somewhere between utter bliss and intense pleasure and quite honestly didn't give a shit who saw. When the door slammed behind whoever it was as they fled, I laughed into our kiss until my laughter was drowned by the peak of pleasure he always made sure to give me.
"Miss me?" Bucky breezed back through the door, two steaming mugs in his hands. He handed one to me as he slid back into bed with me.
"Always," I sipped the coffee, not caring that it was bitter and black. I just needed something to stop the growling in my stomach. "Were they mad?"
He grinned. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Come on, Buck," I elbowed him. "It's been over a week since we've been at breakfast, or any meal…I feel bad."
"Want me to make you feel good instead?"
"Bucky Barnes!" I gasped in mock offense, ignoring the unironic flutters in my stomach.
"Don't worry about them." He stroked a strand of my undoubtedly messy hair behind my ear. "Besides, they won't have to worry about it for a few days."
"Hmm, and why is that?"
"I thought we could go up to the Tower for a few days. Just us. It's not like they're going to miss me in training anyways, clearly they can get on just fine." Bucky sipped his coffee. "It's been a while since we've been in the city, and we haven't really ever been…alone. The tower will be empty for a few days. I figured, I mean if everyone wanted, I thought they could fly out for Thanksgiving later this week. There's a great view of the parade from the balcony and I thought -"
"Yes." I couldn't help cutting him off. He over-explained when he was nervous and as adorable as it was, I couldn't wait a second longer to tell him how much I loved his idea. "James Buchanan Barnes, that sounds completely and utterly perfect."
He smiled, shoulders relaxing slightly. "I was hoping you'd say that. We leave in an hour."
The Quintet sailed through the night sky, its sleek form navigating the clouds effortlessly. Seated in the co-pilot's chair, Gianna watched the blur of terrain below, marveling at the view as Bucky guided the aircraft towards New York.
"You know, you're pretty hot as a pilot." she remarked with a grin.
He grinned, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "This is one of the more difficult flights I've had."
"Really? Why?" Her brows furrowed.
"Because I need to keep my eyes on the sky, but all I want to do is look at the girl in the seat next to me."
Gianna's fingers traced the edge of the console as she blushed. Her gaze rose to the miles of red and orange forest that stretched out before them, soaking in the beauty that was fall in the Northeast.
"So, smooth talker, what's the plan for our little New York adventure?" she inquired.
"I figured we'd keep it simple. A stroll through Central Park, see the leaves before they fall. Maybe get dressed up in honor of our first dinner outside the bedroom in eight days. And, of course, a visit to that coffee shop you like so much."
Eyes crinkled in adoration, she responded, "You remembered."
"There's nothing about you I want to forget." He removed his hand briefly from the control panel to squeeze her knee.
"You're smooth, Barnes." She grinned, hugging her knees to her chest in the bucket seat. "But I never said I was ready to stop eating all of our meals in the bedroom."
Bucky cocked an eyebrow at her, grinning. "As you wish."
As they talked, the Quintet flew past the blur of colored below, emerging towards the industrial hues of the city. Bucky guided them through the familiar skyline towards the impossible to miss Avengers' Tower. Gianna watched the buildings fly by beneath them, fully at ease whenever she was with him. As they descended onto the landing platform that was nearly in the clouds itself, she couldn't help but feel like the city had never been this colorful in all the years she'd lived here alone.
The soft glow of the city's night seeped through the curtains, casting a muted radiance in the room. Almost the entire day had been a blur, with their bags dropped on the ground within seconds of the elevator doors closing behind them. They'd collapsed to the ground in a mess of kisses and hands and laughter.
Lovemaking.
After dozing off on the criminally soft carpet, they'd settled into Bucky's room. Somehow, after offering to pour them some wine, Gianna found herself bent over the bar where she had drunkenly kissed him a few months prior.
Fucking.
After a long, steamy shower, they'd decided it was best for them to go out. Get out of the house, if only to preserve their bodies from the ravenous desires that didn't seem to be slowing down.
Finally, Gianna emerged from the bedroom, fastening her second earring. She was adorned in a dress that flowed around her, a dark green that pulled a sparkle from her eyes. Standing up from the barstool where he waited for her, Bucky let out a low whistle.
"Wow," he remarked, offering a half-smile. "You look…wow."
Gianna grinned, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks. "Has it been that long since I brushed my hair?"
He extended his arm. "Shall we?"
She chuckled, slipping her arm through his. "Lead the way, kind sir."
The stepped into the elevator and Gianna didn't hide her gaze as it raked over him. A simple black dress shirt with black slacks, hugging him in all the right places. As much as she loved him with bedhead, he looked so damn handsome with his hair tucked behind his ears. As they reached the bottom, she noticed something different – one of Tony's vintage convertible sports cars gleaming in the front circle drive.
"Is this...?" she began, eyes wide.
Bucky nodded, a mischievous glint in his eye. "A classy ride for a classy lady."
Gianna laughed, genuine surprise lighting up her features. "I…wow. I didn't expect this."
"I'm full of surprises," he replied, a smirk playing on his lips as he opened the passenger door for her.
As they settled into the plush leather seats of the car, Bucky turned the key, and the engine purred to life. They glided through the city streets, the wind tousling Gianna's hair. It was warm for November in New York, but the breeze gave her a chill nonetheless.
"So why the car tonight?" she asked, watching the city lights streak by.
Bucky glanced at her, a playful grin forming. "I thought it would be good to remind ourselves that we can have a normal night out. No security, no fanfare. Just two people enjoying each other's company."
Gianna smiled, the simplicity of the sentiment resonating with her. "Normal sounds nice."
"Besides," he added, a hint of mischief in his eyes, "I don't think you need security considering the company you're in."
She laughed, leaning back against the seat. "True, although I'm more concerned about fangirls coming after you than me these days."
Bucky steered them into the valet circle in front of one of Gianna's favorite restaurants, an Italian place on the edge of town. A soft Frank Sinatra song greeted them as they parked, and he offered Gianna his arm once more as he helped her from the vehicle.
"Ready for a calm, normal night out?" he asked, his gaze steady.
"As long as the night in afterwards is anything but," she replied, her sultry smile a direct contrast to the sweetness of her face. She could have sworn she heard a low growl escape his lips as he held the door open for her.
The soft hum of conversation and the clink of cutlery against fine china surrounded them as they enjoyed the cozy ambiance of the intimate Italian restaurant. Candlelight flickered, casting warm shadows on the walls as they savored the last bites of their meal.
As the server cleared their plates, Bucky took a sip of his wine, eyes never leaving Gianna. "You know, you're even more enchanting under this light."
Gianna grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Barnes."
He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I don't need flattery. Maybe just a bit more wine."
She lifted her wine glass in a mock toast before downing the rest of her glass, never breaking eye contact.
Their playful banter melted into a comfortable silence as they browsed the dessert menu. The restaurant's atmosphere, the classic love songs softly playing over the speakers, the warmth in Gianna's stomach from the wine…all of it yielded to a moment that seemed to suspend in time.
Bucky broke the quiet, his tone soft but sincere. "I…I never thought I'd find someone who could pull me out of the shadows. Gianna…you saved me in ways I didn't know I needed saving."
Gianna reached across the table, her fingers finding his. "And you, Bucky Barnes, have saved me so many times I lost count. You saved me from people, from circumstances. But even more than that…you saved me from feeling alone in this world. I've traveled to so many places, performed in front of countless crowds, but it always felt like I was on the outside looking in. Until you." She squeezed his hand.
Their gazes held, a silent acknowledgment of the confessions they'd both laid bare. The restaurant's soundtrack of old-school ballads seemed to underscore the emotions in the air.
Bucky stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. "I thought I could feel this way. After everything. I didn't think I could feel so...alive." He shook his head, looking down. "I'm sorry, I'm not as good with words as you."
Gianna's eyes softened, and she smiled. "Funny, I was thinking the exact opposite. You make me feel alive, too."
He raised his glass with the hand not holding hers. "To feeling alive." Their glasses clinked, the last of their wine not holding a candle to the intoxication from the buzz between them.
The car purred to a stop in front of the Avengers' Tower, its vintage frame a testament to another time. It was perfect for her forties' man, with all his charm, Gianna thought as she leaned comfortably against Bucky's shoulder in the seat. The afterglow of their dinner date still lingered as they pulled to the front circle drive. The familiar sight of a small crowd greeted them. Fans, recognizably holding posters and notebooks, mingled with the ever-present paparazzi, their cameras flashing like strobe lights. Gianna shared a glance with Bucky, her expressive eyes conveying a mix of humor and a hint of apprehension.
Bucky extended his arm to Gianna as they stepped out of the car, a subtle nod of solidarity exchanged between them. To their astonishment, the clamor for autographs and attention was almost evenly divided between the pop star and the previously polarizing Winter Soldier.
A group of young girls, their eyes wide with admiration, eagerly held out notebooks and printed photos for Bucky to sign. Gianna, ever the good sport, grinned at the irony of the situation. Just as she predicted, with his rugged charm and a hint of vulnerability, Bucky was attracting just as much attention from the fans as she was. He paused, looking at her apprehensively. Gianna nodded in encouragement, releasing his arm so he could sign the various things being thrust out to him.
The paparazzi, relentless in their pursuit of a scoop, bombarded them with questions. Gianna, accustomed to the circus of public life, fielded inquiries with her signature grace and media training. "Oh, you know, just enjoying a night out in the city." She flashed her dazzling smile, patiently waiting for Bucky to finish.
Bucky, a stoic figure in the midst of the whirlwind, focused on signing autographs. The paparazzi, sensing an opportunity for a more intimate story, decided to push their luck.
"Sergeant Barnes, any truth to the rumors that you and Gianna Cruz are more than just coworkers?"
Bucky, without missing a beat, shot a look at Gianna, his blue eyes carrying a hint of playfulness. "Did this look like a business meeting to you?"
A ripple of laughter ran through the crowd, the tension momentarily diffused. Gianna winked at him. "He's the best bodyguard I've ever had. Very committed to his job."
The crowd chuckled, appreciating the banter between the unlikely duo. The paparazzi, determined to get a headline, persisted. "But seriously, all those nights on the road, living at the compound…it must make for blurred lines!"
This time, Bucky hesitated for a split second, narrowing his eyes at the personal question. He ignored it and went back to signing for the giddy teenage girls.
"Gianna, over here! How was the date?"
"Is it true you two are a couple?"
"Mr. Barnes, are you falling for the pop star?"
The questions came rapid-fire, but Gianna, well-versed in the art of dodging personal queries, maintained her poise. "Can't go wrong with a meal at Avanzare's, I highly recommend the lasagna."
Bucky, however, wasn't as accommodating. As fans clamored for autographs, Bucky's only half of his attention was on them, keeping a close watch on Gianna the entire time. No one dared step closer to her with the intense look in Bucky's eye challenging them. Gianna, fully at ease, smiled and engaged with the fans.
Then came the question that altered the script. "Bucky Barnes, the Quarterback for the New York Jets recently went on record saying he was, and I quote 'absolutely in love with Gianna Cruz. Do you have any comments for that?"
Gianna rolled her eyes. Another celebrity she'd never met, name dropping her on a late night show in hopes of going viral. An old, tired PR trick. Bucky, distracted from the question by his split focus on the fans and Gianna's safety, spoke candidly.
"Yeah, he can join the club."
The revelation hung in the air, a collective gasp from the crowd. Bucky, realizing what he had admitted, turned to Gianna. She stood there, a mixture of surprise and giddiness on her face, mirrored by the expressions of the onlookers.
"I..." Bucky spoke slowly. "I am so…unbelievably, uncontrollably, stupidly, insanely in love with her."
His words were hanging in the night air as he blindly tossed the sharpie he was holding back to a fan and stepped to Gianna. She was beaming so widely her cheeks hurt.
"It's about time you said so." She spoke softly. "Here I've been, hopelessly in love since the first week of tour." He looked down at her, running his fingers down the back of her arms. Goosebumps erupted in their wake.
"I'm sorry. I love you. I'm in love with you. I don't care if the whole goddamn world knows it."
In a flash, he scooped Gianna up, spun her around and kissed her. Without setting her down or breaking the kiss, Bucky walked into the front doors of Stark Tower, the facial recognition somehow allowing them in despite their faces being pressed together.
The paparazzi seized the moment, their cameras clicking furiously. The fans, witnessing a real-life drama unfold, erupted into applause. The reporter who'd asked the question blinked, still processing what had happened.
"Well, that's a headline I didn't see coming."