"Hey, there you are." Stella glanced up from where she sat curled up in an armchair. She was in the library of the compound and had one of her textbooks open in her lap.

"Bucky, hey." She smiled.

"How're you feeling?" He took a seat beside her.

"Same as yesterday. I feel fine." Bucky checked in on her almost every day, despite having trained with her multiple times since the accident at the lake. Naturally, she had been sticking to indoor training while she got back on her feet.

"That's great." He spared her one of his rare smiles. "Glad you're doing better." It had been two weeks since she fell through the ice. Stella felt back to normal, but members of the team were still treating her like she was made of porcelain. It was frustrating being the only "human" in the compound.

Well, human wasn't the right word. She struggled to come up with a better one, but couldn't think of anything more accurate than "non-avenger".

She didn't enjoy feeling weak. She had looked after herself her entire life. Hell, she was a New Yorker, born and bred. She had been through things early in her life that some people went whole lifetimes never experiencing. Things that had changed her forever.

But at the end of the day, she was just Stella. And that had always been enough…until now.

While she was still working through coming to terms with this, she couldn't pretend she didn't enjoy the attention. Especially from Bucky. He took her mind off things and his presence almost always cheered her up. In the short time since the accident, he had become her friend. And he wasn't the only one.

She had started spending more time with the team; cooking with Wanda, yoga with Natasha, even archery lessons with Clint. Ultimately, saving Stella was the catalyst that created a bond between her and the team. She felt closer to them now, more connected.

With the exception of Steve, of course.

"Listen, I wanted to ask you something." Bucky's voice shook Stella from her musing. She snapped shut her textbook.

"What is it?" Bucky took a deep breath, as if preparing himself.

"I was wondering…if you would be interested in having dinner some time?" Stella's brows furrowed. "With me, I mean," He clarified after a moment.

"Like a date?"

"Yeah." Bucky suddenly turned sheepish, ruffling his long hair. "If you want. No pressure." Stella considered his proposition.

She was still hurting after what Steve had done to her, especially after she had decided to forgive him and he had rejected her.

Stella knew she shouldn't be dating anyone right now…Her life was a mess. She was still reeling after her world was turned upside down, being forced to move into the compound, finding out her dad wasn't dead and was none other than Tony Stark, having her heart broken by Steve…

Steve. Bucky was his best friend and yet Stella was sure he had no idea what had gone down between her and Steve. If he had, would he still have asked her out?

Probably not.

Yet Stella couldn't deny her attraction to Bucky. He was a pretty reserved guy, diligent and thorough when they trained together, but always kind to her and even sweet on occasions. Not to mention smoking hot with a killer body, amazing smile and smoldering eyes. Plus, he had saved her life.

Was that her type now? Guys who saved her life? It seemed on theme.

She knew she was attracted to Bucky on some level (it was hard not to be), but her feelings for Steve had done a pretty good job at masking that attraction. A twinge of pain rippled through her at the thought of Steve. She couldn't believe she had let him in again, just for him to reject her. What a tool.

She hadn't felt like herself since they spoke after she had fallen through the ice. Her confidence had taken a big hit that night and she was still recovering. She was vulnerable and embarrassed. This she knew.

She wondered what Steve would think about her going out with Bucky. Would he be mad? Would he be jealous?

The idea intrigued her.

"…Okay," She agreed.

"Yeah?" He asked. She nodded. Bucky grinned. His smile really was dazzling. Stella couldn't help but return it.

"Although…" She thought out loud suddenly. "Technically I'm not supposed to leave the compound."

"Don't worry I know about your dad's rules."

"Tony's rules," She corrected.

"Right. Don't worry about it, I'll plan everything."

"Okay." For some reason, Stella felt shy but not in a bad way. Almost like she was a teenager again. When was the last time a guy had asked her out like this? Maybe never. At her job she got hit on all the time but it was usually some drunk asshole, never someone she liked or was actually interested in. And Bucky had actually sought her out for this reason. It was all so old fashioned.

Like Steve.

A flicker of guilt tore through her. Bucky was a nice guy. He deserved better than to be reduced to a rebound or used as a pawn to make Steve jealous. He was an actual human with feelings and he liked her. The least she could do was give him a chance. Besides, she owed it to herself to at least try and move on, right?

"Saturday work for you?" He continued. She nodded. Bucky gave her a crooked smile then surprised her by leaning over and pecking her on the cheek.

"See you then, doll." Then he stood and strolled off. Stella rubbed her cheek and smiled to herself.

The Next Day

Stella stood in the training facility with Wanda, Sam, Clint, Bucky, and Vision waiting for the training session to begin. Natasha had encouraged her to give training with the team another shot and while Stella was still reeling from the incident at the lake (she hadn't been able to step outside since), she wanted to continue to get to know the other residents of the compound. And she was eager to prove herself after the last training debacle.

"What do you think they have in mind for us?" Stella asked Wanda.

"Hard to tell…Natasha and Steve like to mix it up."

"They claim it 'keeps us on our toes'." Sam offered, using air quotes.

It wasn't long before the two remaining Avengers appeared and approached the group.

"We're going to do a relay race exercise," Natasha instructed. The team groaned.

"A relay?" Stella questioned.

"We'll split everyone into two groups. The purpose of the exercise is to practice working together to achieve a common goal. It'll test your ability to work as a team and also your individual physical capabilities. You'll be competing against the other team to see who completes the course fastest."

"Steve's team always wins," Wanda complained, rolling her eyes.

"Who knows. Maybe today will be your day," Steve offered. Wanda shot Stella a look that said, not likely.

"The blue team will be Steve, Vision, Clint and myself. The red team will be Wanda, Sam, Bucky, and Stella," Natasha told the group.

"…Do these teams seem a little skewed to you?" Stella whispered to Bucky who was standing behind her.

"Welcome to training," He commented dryly.

"Your objective will be to raise your team's flag before the other team can raise theirs. There are four different obstacles your team will have to complete in order to get to the flag pole. You can only have one team member per event so choose wisely and remember to play to your strengths," Steve started.

"For the first challenge, you'll have to get your flag into the basket at the end opposite end of the field. Once your flag is in the basket the next team member can grab it. After that is the stacking challenge; you'll have to stack these mats to create a staircase that reaches the top of the wall." The group turned to look at the thirty-foot wall that had been erected in the middle of the gym.

"A different person from your team will then climb the steps their team member made and lower themselves down the rope on the other side of the wall. Then, that teammate will hand off their team's flag to the last remaining team member who will race against the other team to attach their flag to the pole and raise it. If you're neck and neck in the last leg, you're welcome to engage your opponent. Anything you have to do to win. First team to raise their flag wins," Natasha finished.

"What do we win?" Sam asked.

"Bragging rights." The red team collectively rolled their eyes.

"Don't get your hopes up. Steve's team always wins," Wanda reminded him.

"It's supposed to be challenging," Steve responded pragmatically.

"Yeah, but not impossible," Sam replied wryly.

"Alright, discuss amongst your group who will fare best at what part of the course. Remember, this is all about working as a team." Stella huddled up with Sam, Bucky and Wanda.

"I'll do the first leg," Sam volunteered. "Odds are they'll pick Clint and my wings are the best option versus his arrows. Wanda, your power is our best option to stack the mats." Wanda nodded dutifully.

"Do you want to climb the wall or raise the flag?" Bucky asked Stella.

"I don't have any combat training so I think you're the best choice for the last leg," She replied. "-in case it gets down to the wire and you need to battle the blue team. I'll climb."

"Works for me."

"Let's kick their ass. Today's the day we beat Team Rogers." Sam encouraged. Stella's resolve hardened. Steve needed to be brought down a peg. She was determined to do her part and do it well. She just hoped she didn't screw up.

Before everyone took their designated spots on the course, Bucky snagged Stella by the wrist. She looked up at him.

"You okay?" He asked her, his brow furrowing.

"I just don't want to lose it for the team," Stella admitted. Bucky squeezed her wrist before releasing it.

"Just get me the flag and I'll take care of the rest." Stella nodded. She took her spot by the bottom of the wall.

A buzzer sounded and off they went. Sam was right in guessing that they would choose Clint for the first leg. The archer quickly attached his team's blue flag to an arrow and sent it soaring towards the basket. It of course sailed right into the center. Vision grabbed the flag, then began picking up mats and stacking them to form their steps. It took Sam a bit longer to fly their flag across the field, but once he did he handed it off to Wanda who used her abilities to stack mats as quickly as possible. The red team was already at a disadvantage as Vision had gotten a head start but Vision was no match for Wanda who expertly stacked their mats in record time.

Once she was done she handed off the flag to Stella who pocketed it and began clambering up the mats. They were unsteady and not as neatly organized as Vision's meticulous pile which put Stella at a disadvantage. She glanced back at Natasha who was patiently but readily waiting for Vision to finish. Stella tripped and almost fell over the side of her stack. She needed to focus on herself.

She noticed something in her periphery and saw that Nat was beginning to climb her team's side, much more easily as Vision's mat steps were sturdier. One of the mats slipped from under Stella's foot, plummeting towards the ground. Her tower started to sway. Stella made a split second decision. It was a five foot gap between her and the wall, but if she didn't try her team would lose.

She leapt. Her fingers found the edge of the wall and gripped it, but she was still hanging over the edge. The staircase of mats had crumbled and lay in a disorganized mess thirty feet below. Stella tried bracing her feet against the wall, but she couldn't get a grip.

"Come on Stella!" She heard Wanda cheer somewhere below.

She made a quick decision and kicked off her shoes, hoping her bare feet would give her an advantage. It helped and she was able to lift herself up and over the wall. Nat was already lowering herself down her rope, Vision's steady construction had held firm. Stella threw herself over the edge, grasping the rope. She began lowering herself down as quickly as she could, rushing as she knew she was behind. Her rushing cost her when she lost her grip on the rope and fell the remaining distance to the ground. She braced herself for impact, but it was unnecessary as strong arms caught her before she could hit the ground.

"You okay doll?" She looked up into Bucky's eyes as he lowered her to her feet. She nodded, holding out the flag. He took it and grinned.

"Thanks." Then he took off towards the flagpole. Steve ran after him, his team's flag clutched in his hand. He aimed his shield and vaulted it in Bucky's direction. It settled right below Bucky's left foot as it landed, tripping the man. Steve overtook him. Bucky quickly followed and leapt on the man's back. They tumbled to the ground. The men faced off against one another after they got to their feet.

Bucky pulled out his prop dagger and aimed a few moves at Steve who expertly dodged before kicking the weapon from his hand. Steve threw a punch and then tried to sweep his legs under Bucky who was too quick for him.

"Come on Bucky!" Stella cheered. Wanda and Sam were standing beside her now, watching the fight go down.

Bucky aimed a few more moves at Steve. A spin kick, then an uppercut, then a stomp kick. Steve dodged him limberly but he wasn't prepared when Bucky's fist flew through the air as he recovered. Steve reacted a split second too late. Bucky's metal arm caught him in the jaw, nailing him and sending the super soldier sailing back onto the mat. Bucky used the opportunity to take off towards the pole, securing the red flag at the bottom and raising it.

"Yes!" His team cheered. Wanda hugged Stella.

"We've never beaten them before!"

"Hell yeah!" Sam yelled, punching the air. Bucky flashed them a grin as he walked over to them. Stella hugged the man before beaming up at him.

"You did it."

"I told you I just needed you to get me the flag. Luckily when you fell it made up for the time we were behind." Stella grinned and shrugged.

"All according to plan."

Steve POV

Steve's team watched the other team cheer. He approached them, still rubbing his jaw where Bucky had socked him.

"Nice work guys. We'll get them next time."

"Can't win 'em all," Clint replied. Steve walked over to the bench where his water bottle was and took a swig.

"How's the jaw?" Natasha questioned.

"I've had worse."

"I'm surprised Barnes got the best of you." Steve shrugged.

"It was super soldier versus super soldier. Could've gone either way." Natasha watched him for a moment, eyebrows raised and arms crossed.

"You could've dodged that punch."

"Excuse me?"

"Don't act coy with me Rogers. I've seen you dodge worse blows than that." Natasha eyed him thoughtfully. "…You let them win."

"That doesn't sound like me," Steve said noncommittally. Natasha smirked and looked back at the red team who were still celebrating.

"Doesn't have anything to do with the addition of Stella does it?" Steve merely smiled to himself.

"They needed the win."

XXX

Bucky had everything set. On Saturday the chefs would be preparing a private meal for Stella and himself on the South patio. He had arranged for the heat lamps to be brought from one of the roof decks so they could enjoy a meal outside despite the frigid temperatures. He knew Stella was going stir crazy since she couldn't leave the compound and figured she would appreciate the small change from being trapped indoors since the cold weather had started.

They would have dinner and dessert on the lawn, then watch a movie in the screening room. He had arranged for It Happened One Night to play, one of his favorite movies from back in the day.

It was as close to dinner and a movie that he could get without leaving the compound. He just hoped Stella would have a good time. He wasn't sure what food she liked, but the chef had told Bucky he was planning on preparing filet mignon and roasted potatoes. Now Bucky just needed to find the right wine. Of course, Stark had tons of wine at the compound but Bucky hadn't been on a date in seventy-five years. He wanted to do it right and give the date a personal touch.

He strolled the aisles of the store, browsing their selection. He had been better at this in the forties, mostly because there were less choices back then when it came to wine. He picked up a bottle of red and read the label. The wine boasted being full-bodied and having a sweet flavor. He threw it in his basket before paying.

As he walked back to his motorcycle Bucky considered once again what he should wear on the date. It wasn't like he had a ton of nice clothes to choose from. Most of what he owned was for utility, training, or combat. Definitely not suitable for a date with a dame like Stella. He would have to ask Steve to let him borrow something from his closet.

Once he reached his bike, Bucky put the wine in his backpack and slung it on. Then he mounted the cycle, pulled on his helmet and set off towards home.

As he rode through the tree lined streets back towards the compound his thoughts returned to Stella. Her long wild hair and her big, bright, brown eyes, that wide smile…She was gorgeous sure, but it was just gravy compared to how kind she was.

She always offered to help the maintenance crew clean up and talked with them like they were her lifelong friends. She helped Wanda paint her room after the European claimed she needed a change, then helped her paint it again when said woman hated the new color. She had even cooked for the team one night after a particularly grueling training session and made them pasteles, a type of Latin American tamale that Stella referred to as "comfort food". Bucky knew she was trying her best to fit in with them, but also wished she knew she didn't need to try so hard because the team already considered her one of them. At least he knew he did.

The irony wasn't lost on Bucky that Stella's kindness was one of his favorite things about her despite the fact the first time they met they had gotten into it.

The altercation was on Bucky for making assumptions. He heard the name Stark and assumed Stella had grown up living the life of luxury. He had felt like a real jerk once she told him off.

That was another thing he liked about her. Her spunk. He smirked to himself. She certainly had an attitude on her, not that he minded one bit.

The compound had felt empty to him before Stella; every day like the one before. He woke up, ate, trained for most of the day, showered, slept. Repeat.

Bucky knew he should have been grateful to have a home and he was, but life had changed for him after he became the Winter Soldier. He wasn't the man he used to be. Truth be told, he was still figuring out who he was post Hydra. Still coming to terms with the things he had done.

He wasn't like the rest of the team. If they knew half the things he'd done they would throw him out on his ass. So he'd kept his distance from them. He preferred solitude, and there was no one to pass judgement on him that way.

Steve did his best to get Bucky to attend meal times and team training but Bucky only showed up sporadically for the man's benefit. Despite Steve's efforts, Bucky knew he wasn't one of the Avengers and that he never would be. He had accepted this.

Then Stella had come to the compound.

At first Bucky had been nice to her to make up for being an asshole the first time they met. He definitely hadn't expected to like being around her so much and found himself training in the gym during the same hours as her more and more often. She seemed to enjoy the company so he kept it up, giving her pointers on her kickboxing from time to time or even working out together on occasion.

They talked too; mostly about her, though she did try to get him to open up about himself often. When he did talk he usually stuck to his time in the war and before then. He was sure she was curious about the years after, but she didn't pry. As the weeks wore on, he found himself warming up to her more and more.

He felt normal around Stella, not like some basket case with a jaded past and too much blood on his hands.

It was easy to see Stella was a beautiful girl, but Bucky knew he was attracted to her when he started to notice how flushed her skin became and the way sweat rolled down her body during their workouts. It had taken him by surprise to say the least. How long had it been since he'd been interested in a woman? His desire had only gotten worse since. Now Bucky had started to notice the exposed caramel skin of her midriff and the way her chest heaved after an intense workout. He felt like an asshole for sexualizing her, but it was hard to ignore the way she made him feel.

Bucky was riding down one of the more remote roads when he noticed a car pulled over to the side of the road. He didn't think much of it until he saw the woman beside it waving to him. She was trying to flag him down. Bucky veered his bike to the side of the road and pulled his helmet off.

The woman rushed over to him. She was a little older than him- well, his assumed age. Her eyes were wide and frantic.

"Sir please, can you help me? My son and I were hiking in the woods and he twisted his ankle. I can't carry him on my own." Bucky got off his bike. He knew there were dozens of trails lining these woods, leading down treacherous paths which could have only gotten worse in the winter. He wondered why the woman choose to go hiking despite the icy conditions, but didn't comment.

"Which way is he?" He turned and stared into the woods, searching for the entrance to the trail. Bucky felt pressure and then a small pinch on the side of his neck, like a wasp sting.

Ow.

Dizziness overtook him. He scratched at the source of the pain and yanked. A small needle lay in his palm, the plunger empty. He turned to look at the woman who was smirking, her frightened eyes now calm. Bucky opened his mouth to say something but before the words could come his vision went black.

XXX

Bucky woke not sure how much time had passed. His neck was sore, but so were his wrists and ankles. He tried to move them, still groggy from sleep but metal chains stopped him. He blinked, taking in his surroundings.

He was in a small room, chained to a chair with a bright light hanging above him. Once his eyes adjusted, they settled on the three other people in the room who were talking quietly. One of them was the woman from earlier, a man he didn't recognize, and…Loki? Bucky had never met the god, but he had seen him in pictures and on tv. It was unmistakably the God of Mischief.

Bucky tried to free his metal arm. The chains jingled under the strain, but it was no use. He was pinned and at their mercy.

"The infamous Winter Soldier," Loki said with a smirk when he saw Bucky was awake. He approached. "How I looked forward to this day." Bucky tried to free himself again, struggling against the chains but they didn't budge.

"What do you want from me?" He demanded.

"Oh, it's not what I want with you…It's what you're going to do for me." Loki grinned. Bucky was ready to retort but the words died on his tongue when he noticed the book the other man had clutched in his hand. It was red with a black star on the cover. The man flipped it open.

God, no.

"Longing," The man read from the book in a language that Bucky was far too familiar with.

"No," He whispered to himself.

"Rusted. Seventeen. Daybreak."

"Stop," He begged. He knew what was coming but was powerless to stop it. He could already feel the pull at the back of his mind.

"Furnace. Nine. Benign."

"Don't!" It was too late and he knew it. He could already feel the influence of the Winter Soldier taking over, the ruthless assassin who had lived in his head since Hydra had captured him in 1944.

"Homecoming. One. Freight car." Bucky lost his train of thought. He lost all semblance of himself.

"Ready to comply," The Winter Soldier replied.