Stella POV
"Hands up Rivera."
Sweat dripped down her face. It ran into her eyes, stinging them. She blinked away the pain, her gaze focused on the assassin in front of her.
She threw a punch his way. He stepped out of the way. She stumbled but caught herself and turned quickly toward him, keeping their gaze locked.
Maintain eye contact with an enemy always, Bucky had drilled this into her head day after day when they'd trained together.
The man smirked as if reading her mind.
Stella dropped her fists a bit. Bucky swept towards her, wrapping himself around her back and locking his arms around her shoulders, though the hold was gentle.
"How many times do I need to remind you?" He murmured in her ear. "Hands up."
Steve, who was standing at the edge of the sparring area, had dropped his gaze to his phone. While the other man was distracted, Bucky lightly slapped her on the ass.
Stella yelped, though she wasn't displeased. She twirled away from him, fighting the blush that spread across her now smiling face.
"Yes Sir." She mocked. Bucky's lips twitched. He made to grab her again but Stella limberly dodged and launched herself onto the man's back, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. She couldn't help the giggle that escaped her.
"Looks like you let your guard down, Sergeant."
Stella knew the effect words like Sir and Sergeant had on Bucky. She'd seen the way desire would flash through his eyes when she'd used them on him in the past. As a result she'd started peppering them into her daily conversations to get a rise out of him. It was only fair. The man held all the cards when it came to moving onto the next phase of intimacy, something Stella was unaccustomed to. The two still hadn't fully consummated their relationship, mostly due to Bucky's hang-ups about sex which Stella respected…but that didn't mean she couldn't mess with the man here and there.
"Tease," Bucky grunted only loud enough for her to hear. He halfheartedly tried to dislodge her. Stella merely held on tighter. She shot a glance at Steve who was still on the phone.
Things had been good between her and Steve lately. She supposed they had to be; they were spending more time together than ever as Stella was still sharing Steve's room. Hers was still under renovation after the "nightmare" incident the other night. As far as she knew the arrangements were permanent until she gained a better grasp on her power and knew she wouldn't start another fire in her sleep.
A cot had been erected temporarily so Steve didn't have to sleep on the floor. Stella had offered to take the cot but always the gentleman, Steve had insisted she take his bed.
It was odd sleeping in another man's bed while she was dating Bucky, let alone her ex. The sheets smelled like Steve and late at night when she couldn't sleep Stella couldn't help but listen to the man's slow breathing as he slumbered a mere few feet away. Sometimes he would mumble if he was dreaming. Stella had thought he'd murmured her name one night but then the super soldier rolled over and kept on sleeping.
She wasn't sure how it'd happened but at some point, she'd started trusting the man again.
He'd even become a close confidante. She shared things with him that she hadn't even divulged to Bucky. He was her trainer after all, so Stella felt honesty was the best policy since it seemed her powers were linked to her emotions. And since apparently Steve could read her eerily well. She guessed it was due in part to his super soldier senses. Though as far as she knew, Stella was the only person Steve had this connection with.
He'd talked her through her hesitation to get close to Tony and she'd even admitted to him that her "nightmare" wasn't in fact a nightmare, but rather a sex dream. She'd kept the participants of the dream to herself as Steve was one of them and as far as she was concerned, it was none of his business. Thankfully, Steve hadn't judged her when he learned the truth.
Steve had even started inviting other members of the team to train with them. Stella guessed Steve knew she was getting a little bored and was looking for ways to mix up their training. And that she'd started to feel isolated from them as of late. Bucky was the most frequent addition to their sessions, something Stella was grateful for since her training schedule kept her pretty busy. Steve had even eased up on his intensity during their lessons, started listening to her more and been less bossy overall. Stella had even started laughing and joking with the man again.
There was a tiny part of her that wished Steve had managed to make these changes a few months ago. If he had she wondered if she'd be with him now instead of Bucky.
Of course as soon as she thought this, Stella was wracked with guilt. She adored Bucky and he made her insanely happy, happier than she knew she was capable of being. She was lucky to have him.
Even her relationship with Tony was on the mend. They were on semi friendly terms and had been emailing on a regular basis. Stella figured since her mom wanted them to at least try, it was the least she could do in honor of her memory. Tony had needed to return to Malibu on urgent business after the "nightmare" incident, but he assured her he was coordinating hard with Bruce to think of a solution until Stella could be trained to control her powers while she slept. If that were even possible.
Steve POV
Steve's phone rang. He glanced at it. Tony's name was displayed on the screen. He turned away from where Bucky and Stella were sparring. It was toward the end of the lesson so the sparring had turned playful. Stella leapt onto the man's back and put him in a headlock, a grin spread across her face. The man was laughing as he tried to dislodge her.
While the two of them certainly hadn't been rubbing their feelings for one another in Steve's face, it was still difficult to witness.
Some days were easier than others. The other day the team had been congregating in the rec room, enjoying a rare night off from training. Wanda, Sam, Stella, and Bucky had been engaged in a game of Mario Kart while Steve, Natasha, Clint and Vision played a game of pool. Steve and Vision had lost poorly.
Afterwards they'd joined their friends to watch the remainder of the match go down. Bucky was trying to sabotage Stella by blocking her vision with his hand. The girl was struggling to keep the grin off her face, nudging Bucky's controller in retaliation.
A dull pang of hurt had slithered through Steve at the display. A hand rubbed his shoulder consolingly. Natasha was the only one who really knew the extent of Steve's feelings for Stella.
"He's really come out of his shell, hasn't he?" Natasha asked.
"Yeah, he really has." Despite himself, a small smile grew on Steve's face.
Before Stella, Bucky never hung out with the team outside of training (if he even came to training). He'd spent most of his time at the compound in solitude. Steve had tried to get the man to join them on more than one occasion, but Bucky had always refused. The smiles, which had been gracing his friend's face more often than not lately, had been even a rarer sight. Steve hadn't seen that genuine smile in years, maybe since the 40's.
Steve had missed his shot with Stella; that was clear. But it seemed he had gotten his best friend back. How upset could he really be?
He just had to lose his soul mate in the process.
…He had to admit, they made a handsome couple.
Steve's phone rang again, bringing him back to the present.
"Tony?"
"Rogers…glad I caught you. Listen, I need a favor."
Steve sighed.
"What is it this time, Tony?"
"It's Pepper. She's on her way to the compound."
"And?"
"And she doesn't know about Stella."
"What do you mean? What doesn't she know?" Steve asked.
Tony didn't respond. Steve let the man's words sink in.
"Tony, Stella's been here for months. You still haven't told Pepper you have a daughter?"
"I don't need a lecture Rogers." Tony was silent for a moment. "…It was never the right time."
"I find it hard to believe you couldn't find one time in six months to tell Pepper about Stella, Tony."
"Rogers." Tony's tone bordered on pleading.
"What do you even want me to do?" Steve snapped.
"Just run interference. Keep Stella away from her."
"No. No way. I'm done protecting you Tony."
"Rogers…If Stella sees Pepper and Pepper has no idea who she is, it'll break her heart. Things have been good between us lately. I don't want to hurt her."
Steve closed his eyes, pinching the area between his brows.
"More like you don't want to deal with the fallout."
"Steve..."
"Fine. But I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this for Stella. She'd be devastated. And this is the last favor Tony." Steve hung up before Tony could respond.
"Stella. Bucky." The two were now face to face, though they looked up when he called. Bucky hooked a leg under her and swept her off her feet. Stella fell on her ass.
"You just couldn't resist, could you?"
"Never let your guard down," Bucky teased before helping her up.
"Let's do a lap around the lake," Steve proposed.
Better to put as much distance between us and Pepper as possible.
Stella groaned.
"Do we have to? We've been training all day."
"Strength of body equals-"
"Strength of mind. Yeah yeah," She sighed.
"You in Buck?" Steve offered.
Bucky shrugged. Things had been good between Bucky and Steve lately. Steve still pined for Stella of course, but he couldn't be angry with Bucky for his own mistakes.
"Alright, let's go."
"Wait, I need to get my sneakers," Stella said.
"Uhhh…you really need those?" Steve questioned.
Stella quirked a brow at him. She lifted her leg and wiggled her bare toes at him.
"Yeah, I think so Steve." Stella headed towards the doors to the hall.
"Wait! Maybe we can just do a round in the weight room?" Steve suggested.
Stella looked back at him.
"I need shoes for that too. Last thing I want to do is drop a weight on my toes."
"You know what, forget that. Let's just call it. You guys up for a movie in the home theater?"
Stella leaned her head to the side, analyzing the man.
"Why are you being weird?" She asked.
"I'm not being weird," Steve lied.
"You're being a little weird," Bucky added, crossing his arms.
"A run sounds good. Just let me grab my shoes," Stella said. She turned and disappeared into the hall before Steve could stop her. Steve sighed and trekked after her. Bucky clapped him on the back.
"What's up with you?"
"Nothing," Steve muttered. They followed the girl into the hall.
"She's come a long way huh?" Bucky questioned, eyes on Stella who was ahead of them. She was humming and dragging her fingers along the wall, seemingly at ease within the compound. It had been a long time coming.
"She sure has." Steve agreed. Stella threw a smirk over her shoulder at them.
"Can't keep up boys?"
Bucky grinned at her.
Fuck, Steve thought. The doors at the end of the hall had slid open. Pepper walked through, speaking with another woman who was taking down notes as she walked. Stella came to an abrupt halt, her eyes trained on the other woman. Bucky and Steve came to a stop right behind her.
"Stella, your shoes," Steve reminded. But Stella's eyes were glued on Pepper who was walking right toward them. "Stella," Steve said again. He knew it was too late. Pepper had spotted them. The redhead smiled and walked over to the trio.
"Steve, Bucky," She greeted. Her eyes slid to Stella.
"Hi," Pepper greeted kindly. Stella smiled.
"Hi." A moment passed. "I'm Stella. I've heard so much about you."
Pepper smiled back.
"Nice to meet you, Stella. You must be a friend of Steve and Bucky's."
Stella cocked her head to the side in confusion. Her eyes widened, her mouth dropping open slightly as realization set in. Steve saw pain briefly flash across her face.
"Uh yeah…I am," Stella lied after a moment.
"I hope you're enjoying the training facility. Tony and I designed it together. Have you two met?"
Stella's mouth pulled back in a half smile that more resembled a grimace.
"Once or twice."
Pepper was staring at Stella more closely now, her eyebrows knit together.
"Have we met somewhere before?" The CEO asked. "You look very familiar."
"Ms. Potts. We're on a tight schedule," Her assistant pointed out.
"I guess I just have one of those faces," Stella replied, addressing Pepper's comment. Pepper stared at her for another moment before coming to her senses.
"Right. Well, it was very nice meeting you Stella. I'm just passing through to pick up a few items for a benefit we're having in the city. It's next Saturday. You'll be there, won't you Steve?" Pepper asked.
"…Yep," Steve answered weakly.
"What about you Bucky?"
"Maybe next time, Pepper." Bucky replied.
"You should come, Stella."
Stella gave her a stiff smile. "Sure."
"Well, I've got to take off. Good seeing you both," Pepper said, addressing Steve and Bucky. "Lovely meeting you Stella." Pepper walked away, disappearing down the hall.
For a moment, Stella didn't speak.
"Stella…" Steve began warily.
"Don't."
Steve was dismayed at her cold tone. She whipped her head towards him. "Do you ever get tired of being Stark's lapdog Rogers?" She demanded. Steve didn't know what to say. She shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. "Guess once you start lying it's hard to stop, isn't it?"
"Stella please-"
"You said you were on my side." Her voice broke.
"Stella-" With that, she took off down the hall. Bucky and Steve watched her go.
"…You just can't help yourself, can you?" Bucky said, his voice filled with disappointment.
"I don't need to hear it, Buck."
"Why would you do that?"
"I thought I was protecting her."
"That seems to be your excuse for a lot of the shitty things you've done lately."
"Buck-"
Bucky walked away, taking off in the direction of Stella. Steve watched him go for a moment before turning and punching the wall.
XXX
"Hey Man," Sam greeted. He found Steve in the training facility a few hours later. The super soldier was going in on one of the punching bags, sweat dripping down his face. "…You okay?" Sam continued when Steve didn't respond.
"I'm fine," Steve grunted out, not halting his punches.
"You don't look fine," Sam said bluntly. Steve shot him a look. "You're still training? Thought you and Stella were training earlier." Sam looked around as if to see if the girl was still hanging around.
"We were." Steve let loose a few more particularly aggressive blows.
"Okay man. I can tell something's bothering you. Why don't you give the punching bag a break and let's talk about it?"
Sam's smooth, calm voice was like a magnet to Steve's chaotic turmoil. He sighed and followed the man to a nearby bench.
"What's going on?" Sam asked.
Steve let his head hang.
"She hates me."
"Who does?"
"Stella."
"Steve, anyone with eyes can see that's not true. Stella adores you. Well, most of the time," Sam disclaimed.
"Not after this afternoon. I really fucked up Sam."
"What happened?"
Steve disclosed what Tony had asked of Steve and then the events following.
"She's never going to forgive me. Not this time."
"That's not true, Steve."
"This is just one mistake of a thousand Sam. I've fucked up so much."
"Why do I have a feeling you're talking about more than training?" Sam had a gentle smile on his face. "Does this have anything to do with what Stella said happened between you two after she was hurt by Rumlow?"
Steve knew Sam was too much of a gentleman to say what he meant, which was "Does this have anything to do with that time Stella mentioned you two fucked?"
"Yes," Steve admitted.
"Listen, you two have a connection. You both try to hide it, but it's obvious."
"She hates me." Steve knew he was whining but he was in a mood and he knew Sam wouldn't judge him.
"Big Sean once said 'girls only say I hate you to the guys that they love'."
"Is that a friend of yours?" Steve asked weakly.
Sam gave an abrupt laugh.
"Maybe you are hopeless man."
Steve groaned, burying his head in his hands.
Sam clapped him on the back.
"You love her, don't you?"
"Of course I do." Steve didn't even hesitate this time. "…Does everyone know?"
"I think they suspect. It's hard not to the way you two are always making googly eyes at each other."
Steve forced out a laugh. "…She's with Bucky."
"She loves you Steve. We all know it."
"I can't take her from him," Steve admitted to Sam because he couldn't pretend the thought hadn't crossed through his mind. "Bucky deserves good things in his life and so does she. I would never do that to them."
"No one's telling you to, Steve. But Stella needs to make a decision. It's clear she hasn't fully given up on you yet, even though she and Bucky are an item. And the best thing you can do is respect whatever decision she makes."
"I didn't mean to hurt her. That's the last thing I wanted, the last thing I ever wanted. I've just wanted to protect her from the moment I met her."
But I keep fucking it up.
"Steve, maybe she doesn't want someone to protect her. Maybe she just needs a friend."
Why was that so hard for him to do? He'd made so much progress…relinquishing the control that was so dear to him. Stella had finally begun opening up to him again…
And now all that progress was gone because of one stupid decision.
"…I need to apologize. But how will I get her to talk to me?"
Sam smirked. "You two share a room, don't you?"
Bucky POV
Bucky looked up from his book at the knock at his door. He stood and opened it.
"Stella, I was looking for you earlier. Are you okay?"
"Bucky. Can I come in?"
He nodded and stood to the side to let her pass. She wrapped her arms around herself as she entered the room. Bucky noticed her hair was wet from the shower and she had changed out of her workout clothes into a simple black cotton dress that hung loosely around her.
"Is everything okay? I'm sorry about earlier."
"I don't want to talk about it." Stella turned to look at him, her arms still encircling her body. "Do you care about me Bucky?"
Bucky eyed her, trying to gauge her mood. Her face was solemn, her body language implying she was worried about what he was going to say. She looked frail, nothing like the normally vibrant and strong girl.
"Of course I do Stella," He replied honestly.
She stepped closer so they were only an inch apart and she was staring up at him.
"Do you promise?" She whispered. He nodded. She put her hands on his chest then lifted herself onto her toes. She leaned forward, pressing her lips to his softly. Her lips were soft and warm, like always. Before Bucky could properly react, she pulled away. "Do you promise never to lie to me?" She murmured.
Bucky looked down at her and could see the desperation in her eyes. He knew what she needed to hear.
"I promise." The second kiss caught Bucky off guard but he returned it, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close to him. He hoped the action would provide the vulnerable girl some comfort she so dearly needed. Their lips moved against one another's in tandem.
Though they'd been dating for a few weeks now, it felt odd to finally be kissing her, though not in a bad way. They'd been platonic for so long, though he'd held a torch for her for quite a while. He'd merely accepted that she'd never be able to have feelings for the guy who had almost killed her.
He still couldn't believe she'd fallen for him too.
Stella kissed him hungrily, desperately. She sucked on Bucky's bottom lip so he opened his mouth, letting their tongues touch and twine together. Stella wriggled in his arms, so he slackened his tight grip on her. Her hands traveled up his chest until they rested on his pecs. Her fingers pressed down and she pushed him lightly, catching him off guard. Bucky fell back onto the bed.
"Stella?" He was surprised by her forwardness but not displeased. Stella held his gaze as she reached for the hem of her dress and lifted it clean over her head, leaving her standing before him in her underwear. She wore a black lace bra and panty set. Her full breasts pressed against the barely there fabric of the bra. Bucky's gaze dipped down, following her delicious curves until they settled on the black lace of her panties.
Bucky swallowed, unable to resist drinking in the sight of her. He hardened instantly. While he'd imagined the beautiful girl naked dozens of times, somehow his imagination had been severely lacking compared to the real thing.
Stella lowered herself onto the edge of the bed and crawled up to him. Bucky laid back as she did, letting her hover over him. She dropped her hips onto his upper thighs. Keeping her gaze locked with his, she slowly grinded their hips together. Bucky bit his lip as pleasure coursed through him.
Stella leaned down to capture his lips, still grinding their hot bodies together.
"Do you want me Bucky?" She broke the kiss to whisper huskily in his ear.
"Of course I do." He half groaned.
Stella reached between them to undo the drawstring on Bucky's shorts.
"Stella, wait. Slow down." Bucky said, steadying her by reaching out and grabbing her wrists.
"Why?" Her brown eyes met his blue.
"You had a rough day."
"And?"
"And you're upset. You're not thinking straight."
"I'm fine Bucky," She said dismissively, trying to extricate her hands from his. He could feel her start to close back in on herself, feel her start to pull away.
"Hey," He said gently. He released one of her hands, sitting up and forcing her to sit back on his lap. He cupped her cheek. "I don't want our first time to be like this."
Stella stared at him, her eyes wide. "I thought you said you wanted me?" She whispered.
"I do." Bucky said, surprised she could doubt him at this point.
"Then why?" Tears welled in her eyes. She blinked them away, frustrated with herself.
"Stella-"
"You know what I'm thinking about? That through all of this you're the only one who's never lied to me. You've always been there when I needed you. You've never run off or lied about my existence..."
"Stella, I don't want to take advantage of you," Bucky said and it was the truth. He wanted her, he did. He thought about her, about them finally being together all the time. But he didn't want it to happen because she thought he was the only one who cared about her or when she looked like she was at risk of bursting into tears at any moment.
"Bucky, please. You're not taking advantage. I just need to stop my brain from thinking for one goddamn second." The desperation in her voice pained him. He laid back and tried to hold her but she wouldn't let him, squirming from his grasp.
She stared at him for a moment before looking away.
"This was a mistake. I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."
Bucky sat there for a moment, torn between the indecision of hurting her further by rejecting her when she needed him or finally giving in to what he'd wanted to do to her from the moment he'd first laid eyes on her.
Stella moved to slide off the bed. Bucky snagged her wrist.
"Wait."
She looked back at him. His heart broke at the look on her face. She looked anguished and heartbroken, utterly alone.
Oh baby…
"I don't want you to do anything you don't want to, Bucky."
"…I want to, Stella." He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.
"Are you sure?" She stared up at him with those gorgeous big brown eyes of hers.
"Yes. Now hush and let me kiss you."
Their lips met, the first brush gentle and soft. They continued for long minutes, Bucky wanting to give Stella plenty of time to back out if she wanted to. She didn't.
He trailed his lips along the side of her jaw, then down her neck before nibbling along her collarbone.
Stella moaned softly. The sound was like honey, soft and breathy, egging on his need. He laid between her legs, rocking his hips into hers. She dug her fingers into his bicep, squeezing hard.
"Does that feel good doll?" He murmured.
"Yes." She rolled them so she was on top. Her hands drifted down his chest, sliding under the fabric then back up, lightly trailing her fingernails over his skin and sending goosebumps racing over his flesh. He groaned.
She lifted and his shirt came off, drifting to the floor. She bent down to his neck, licking and nipping along his clavicle. Her kisses trailed down his chest. When she reached his waist, she nipped his hip.
Her fingers once again found his drawstring. This time, Bucky let her undo it. Then he lifted his hips so she could pull down his gym shorts.
Before she could reach for him again, Bucky stilled her, forcing her to look at him. He needed to be sure.
"Are you sure you want this Stella?"
"Yes. I want you Bucky. I've wanted you from the moment I met you."
She pressed their mouths together again. As she kissed him she reached down and gripped his member, pumping him softly. Bucky resisted a moan. She kissed him again before hovering over him and slinking down his body, sliding down his boxers as she went. Bucky stared down at her. Stella stroked his cock lightly with her fingers. Bucky bit his lip.
Stella bent and trailed her tongue along the side of his staff. His fingers fisted the sheets. She swept her tongue briefly over the flushed head before descending back down, keeping her unhurried pace. Bucky was biting his lip so hard he was sure he was going to draw blood.
"How long has it been soldier?" She murmured, as if reading his mind.
How long had it been? Years. Many, many, many long and lonely years.
"Stella," He groaned as she took the head into her mouth and slowly lowered her lips down to the base. He felt close already, a testament to how long they'd put off this moment. Bucky didn't masturbate often and it had been awhile since he allowed himself that indulgence.
Stella pulled up just as slowly, hollowing her cheeks before swirling her tongue over the head. She dipped again, now pumping with both her hand and mouth, falling into a rhythm. Bucky was awash in pleasure, the feelings threatening to overwhelm him.
"Fuck. Stella, I'm gonna come." Bucky wasn't normally a two pump Chump but it had been over seventy years since a woman had touched him, let alone a beautiful one. Stella quickened her pace, pumping him faster.
"Fuck!" Pleasure rolled through Bucky. He gripped the sheets so hard with his Vibranium arm that they shredded. Feeling the need to touch her, his other hand tangled in Stella's hair, though much more gently as he rode out the last moments of his orgasm.
As he came down from his high, Stella let him slip from her mouth. She sat up, though kept her head bowed.
"Doll?" Bucky questioned tentatively. Her bangs were in her eyes so he was unable to see her face. Her shoulders trembled. Bucky sat up, brushing her hair back from her face. Tears were making their way down her cheeks. She let out a small sob.
No, no, no…
Bucky took her in her arms, holding her close. This time she let him. He held her, murmuring what he hoped were consoling words.
"I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." He begged.
They shouldn't have done it. Bucky had known she wasn't in the right state of mind but he'd wanted to make her happy. And he couldn't pretend he hadn't wanted her to touch him after so long.
"Don't cry doll," He implored.
"…Why am I never good enough for him?" She whispered finally.
"For who?" Bucky asked softly, momentarily bewildered.
"Tony." Bucky didn't have an answer for this. Her tears pooled on his chest.
"Shh. I'm here." It was all he could offer her.
"…Promise me you'll never leave me?" She looked up at him tearfully. "Even if we break up. That you'll always be my friend. Please." He knew her words, her pleas, were coming from a place of desperation, of buried need and fear of abandonment.
First her mother had died. Then her grandmother. The only family she'd ever known.
She'd believed her entire life that her father was dead and that she was better off for it. Then Tony had come back into her life, finally won her over, then completely shattered that trust in one fell swoop.
Despite his words, it seemed the man wanted nothing to do with her. The thought enraged Bucky. That someone like Stella, who so desperately craved a family, had been denied one.
His family was all gone now, they had died many years ago. But at least he still had the good memories to hold onto. And he still had Steve.
Stella had no one.
His answer came automatically and without hesitation.
"I promise."
A/N: Hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. Once again if you're liking this story, please take a moment to drop a review! They encourage me to keep working, even when I have writer's block. Big shoutout to Tjy49 and gbabyv for reviewing last chapter. Thanks for reading!