Chapter Text
“Tony. Look at me, really look at me,” you said quietly. “Are you focusing?”
“Yes.”
“I need you to understand that I’m serious when I tell you that if you’re calling to cancel this vacation, I will rip out your spine and hang it in my lab.” You pointed menacingly at your phone, his image flickering on your screen as you walked off the place.
“Jesus, I don’t know if I should be proud or afraid that you know how to be so genuinely terrifying.”
“Afraid,” Wanda said from behind him. She sat out of frame in the far-left corner of his office. “I think you should be afraid.”
Tony nodded calmly, as if discussing the weather. “I agree, good call Red.”
Wanda grinned from her seat.
“Antonio,” you said loudly.
“Alright, don’t get your underwear in a wad-”
“I thought we agreed you’d stop using that expression?” You frowned.
“-I was calling,” he said loudly, ignoring your protest, “to tell you that I’m adding a few days to our vacation. Pepper’s going to be in our last stop giving a conference. I thought we could all chill out together for a few days after the fifteenth.”
You laughed. “Please don’t say chill out again.”
Tony rolled his eyes.
“Sadly, I’m going to have to leave you two alone for those days. I’m booked in England after with Bruce. I promised him I’d help out with a project he has. After that I’m visiting a few old college friends in Ireland.”
“What project?” Tony straightened. “He hasn’t told me about any project.”
You fought the smile threatening to overtake your face. As the Director of Stark labs, Tony was used to be informed about all of your work. So, when you were doing something out of the lab, he was a major, unapologetic, snoop. He hated being left out of the loop.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss that.” You smiled at his indignant huff. “Like I told you at the start of this call, I’m literally a three-minute walk away. I thought you were coming to pick me up?”
Whenever you landed home after a business trip, Tony had made sure he was always the one to pick you up at baggage claim. He’d hold up a sign that said something different every time. You’d almost slapped him when he had showed up with a big pink sign that said: Welcome home from prison! Regardless, it was something of a tradition at this point but judging by the sight of his office behind him – he wasn’t coming.
Tony’s face twisted and Wanda laughed again. “Tin Man beat me to it.”
“Tony! It was supposed to be a surprise,” Wanda chastised. “He’s just mad that he lost.”
“Lost what?”
“Rock, paper, scissors,” Tony said.
You laughed and shook your head. “Yeah, whatever.”
“Hey, I forgot to tell you,” Tony shifted the camera view and pointed it towards the front wall of his office. “The frame finally came in, what do you think?”
The painting you’d given him as wedding present hung there, its new frame complimenting the colors well. Your late mother had painted a few canvases and you’d found one in storage that she’d saved for Tony.
“Aw, Tony, it looks great! I told you the green was the better choice.” You squinted and noted that one of the small frames next to it was a photo of your mom, Tony, and you. It was on your sixteenth birthday, when Tony had given you your first car.
Wanda appeared in frame, looking up at it with a faint smile.
“Doesn’t it? I told Pepper we could keep it somewhere we could both see it but, she insisted.” Tony’s face turned pensive and serious. “I talk to it sometimes, let her know how you’re doing. She’d be so proud of you kiddo.”
You smiled; Tony had always had a soft spot for your mom. You’d met Tony at a science fair when you were ten. You started working in his lab shortly after, even though you barely reached anyone’s shoulders.
Your mom was a single mother, serious and hard working. Somehow, Tony managed to worm his way into your lives – quickly and permanently. Your mother had loved doting on him and Pepper. They’d all been close friends up until her death a few years later.
Tony swooped in as your legal guardian, a fact he tried to keep under wraps for everyone’s safety, and the rest was history. However, this did make him a little overprotective at times – it made everyone overprotective.
Tony squawked suddenly and Rhodey popped into frame.
“Kiddo!”
“Rhodey!” You grinned. “I didn’t know you were in town.”
“Someone asked me if I could keep an eye on things around here for the few weeks you two are off on a beach somewhere.”
“What do you mean?”
He snorted. “Pepper doesn’t trust things to go smoothly with all of you leaving.”
“All of us? Only Tony and I are going to be-”
Tony coughed and Rhodey glanced at him weirdly. Suddenly the phone shuffled and Tony’s arc reactor took up all of the screen.
“He hasn’t told her yet – neither of them.”
“Who hasn’t told me what?” You said loudly into the mic piece on your headphones. “Tony!”
Tony tilted the phone up and he grinned. You narrowed your eyes, recognizing his keep-moving-nothing’s-wrong smile.
“Tony.”
“Uh, you’re losing signal.”
“I’m on JFK’s Wi-Fi.” You shot him a look.
Tony frowned exaggeratedly. “Then it must be me – you know how bad the signal is up here.”
“Tony, the tunnels underneath the tower have signal strong enough to withstand an apocalypse.”
He gasped. “Is that the time? I’m late for a meeting! I’ll see you in an hour when you get here.”
“Tony-”
“-bye!”
The screen went black and brought you back to your home screen. You frowned down at your phone and stepped on the escalator that you knew would bring you to baggage claim.
Before you could bombard Tony with texts, you caught sight of a pair of familiar steel blue eyes.
Grinning, you weaved through the crowd and jogged towards him. You dropped your duffel and threw your arms around him.
His arms held you steadily, one around your waist and the other cradling your head.
“Iubire,” he said into your hair. “Welcome home.”
You smiled and couldn’t help but dig your nose into his neck and inhale deeply. You missed him – his scent, his quiet presence – all of it. He chuckled, your breath probably tickling him, but he let you cling.
“I missed you,” you said, tightening your hold before dropping down.
“I missed you too.”
Bucky pressed a quick kiss to your temple and hauled the duffel over his shoulder. “You ready?”
“Please tell me you brought the bike,” you grinned, interlocking your hand with his.
He brought your hand up to his lips and smiled. “Maybe.”
“Yes.”
Bucky laughed and you beamed. It’d been years now and his laughter still made your heart skip. You watched him as he led you into the parking lot and towards his bike.
You’d been away, making sure the newest offices for Stark Industries in L.A. were left in good standing. Bucky had managed to fly to the west coast for a short visit, but his last trip had been almost three weeks ago now.
It’d been a long time since you saw anyone from the team, all of you being scattered across the globe. You and Tony had been working so hard on the new offices that you’d missed more than your fair share of missions– The Avengers had taken a back seat.
Which was the reason that Tony had arranged a vacation for the both of you. You couldn’t remember the last time you’d had a day off. Was it Tony and Pepper’s wedding? Either way, you were excited to have a few days to yourselves before climbing back into the chaos.
“What?” Bucky said as he tied your bag to the small compartment at the back. “What’re you looking at?”
You grinned. “I can’t look at my boyfriend?”
Bucky scrunched his nose and you rolled your eyes.
“I told you, if you hate the word so much, tell me what you want me to call you.”
“It makes us sound like we’re children,” Bucky handed you the spare helmet. “You’re more than…than my girlfriend.”
You raised your eyebrows. “Gee, my heart is all aflutter.”
Bucky smirked and you laughed.
“Hey.” You caught his hand before he pulled his own helmet on. “I know I’ve been bouncing around a lot lately but – after I’m done with Tony I told Bruce I’d help him on something in London. You want to meet me there? We could have our own mini-vacation. I promised Ross I’d be back on active duty in a few months but we could take a breather for a bit.”
Bucky’s expression faltered and you frowned.
“What? What’s wrong?”
Loud laughter had you glancing over your shoulder. A family of six stopped at a car close by and started packing up their suitcases.
You turned back to Bucky but his expression had already neutralized. “I’ll explain when we’re back home.”
“Buck-”
“It’s nothing bad, I promise. Just – not a conversation to have here.”
You glanced at the number of people who were starting to come through the entrance and nodded. “Alright.”
Bucky nodded and pulled on his helmet. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
You climbed on behind him and wrapped your arms around his waist. “Do me a favor?”
“Anything,” he answered sincerely.
You smiled. “Go fast.”
Bucky’s laughter echoed as he revved the engine and tore out of the lot.
“Maco!”
You turned, looking for Wanda, recognizing her well-used term of endearment for you.
“Wanda!” You grinned when you saw her.
She launched herself into your arms and you squeezed her. “I’ve missed you!”
Wanda smiled and shook her head. “Next time you want to be gone for weeks, take me with you. These two are unbearable when you’re away for too long.”
Bucky rolled his eyes.
“I heard that!” A loud voice followed. “Giggles, you should be defending my honor.”
You perked up at the sound of Tony’s nickname for you, one you’d finally grown to accept over the years, and smiled when he climbed down the stairs with a dramatic sweep.
“Always gotta make the grand entrance,” you said, grinning.
“What? That? Please, if you want a grand entrance I can show you a-”
“Shut up and come hug me.”
Tony laughed and pulled you to his chest. You smiled and wrapped your arms around his torso.
“How was the flight?” He asked.
“Fine, I’m due for a nap sometime soon. I hate red eyes.”
Tony winced. “Yeah, been there.”
“I’m surprised you’re all awake actually,” you said. “Well, not Bucky.”
Bucky snorted.
“But definitely you,” you pointed to Tony.
“Hey, I resent that.”
You huffed and checked your watch. “It’s eight already? Ugh, I need a shower, comfortable clothes, and a nap. In that order.”
Tony smiled and kissed the top of your head. “Go take a nap, I’ll have someone send up brunch in a few hours. I’ll be in my lab if you need me.”
“Thanks,” you squeezed his hand, “wait, did you see that e-mail Ross sent us? I got in mid-flight, but I haven’t been able to open it yet.”
While Ross wasn’t technically all your bosses anymore, Tony and Steve still preferred to keep everyone on friendly-ish terms. You’d let him know you were off active duty before you had left for California but, that never really stopped him from bugging you.
Tony rolled his eyes. “Yeah. I told him we were going to be unavailable for missions, but you know how he is.”
You laughed. “Let me guess, you put him on hold?”
“He stopped calling,” Tony shrugged innocently. “I have no idea why.”
“Is it something he needs us for?”
Tony’s expression stilled for a brief second and to anyone else it would’ve been undetectable, but you knew.
“What?” You sighed, already anticipating a problem.
“Nothing,” he said. “We can talk about it after you take a nap. I’m sure you’ll have some choice words.” Confused, you frowned but Tony was already moving on.
Deciding to let it go, you shrugged and padded towards the elevator.
You reached for Bucky when you realized he wasn’t behind you. You turned around and saw him standing close to Tony. Raising a brow, you caught Tony’s gaze. Tony nodded sharply and moved towards his office, out of your line of sight.
“What was that?” You asked Bucky as you descended to your apartment.
“What was what?”
“Whatever that was with Tony.”
“Oh,” Bucky frowned. “Nothing, he just wanted to remind me of something.”
You furrowed your brows. “Yeah, because that’s totally normal. You two love being in each other’s company.”
Bucky’s face blanked and you sighed.
Trying to pick your battles, you ignored it for now, opened your front door and went directly for the couch. Plopping down, you groaned - happy to be off your feet.
Bucky chuckled and you felt him remove your shoes.
“Thanks,” you said, voice muffled by the pillows.
“Come on, you wanted to change before sleeping – remember?”
You groaned. “Don’t make me get up.”
Two arms went around your body and you were suddenly in the air. You instinctively wrapped an arm around his neck and steadied yourself with the other.
He lowered you onto the bed and you smiled.
“Have I mentioned how you’re the best?”
“Once or twice,” Bucky smiled, tossing you a tank top and pair of shorts to change into.
“So, you gonna tell me about what that was back in the parking lot?” You asked, wiggling out of your clothes without standing.
Bucky froze, his shoulders tense. “Iubire…”
“Don’t iubire me.” You held up a hand. “Did you really think I wasn’t going to ask? You two are acting like you don’t know me.”
Bucky sighed and sat down on the bed next to you. You waited for him to sort through his thoughts and crawled to the edge of the bed.
“We’ve been called onto a mission,” Bucky said finally.
“Okay?” You said, walking to your dresser and removing your jewelry. “I’m not on active duty. Why would that make you all tiptoe around me?”
“It’s a Cat One,” he said quietly.
You gaped. “What?”
“Steve’s leading it and he needs back up, I can’t not go.”
“Of course not,” you stumbled over to the bed, “b-but if it’s a Cat One why weren’t Tony and I notified?”
Bucky grimaced and you already knew the answer.
“He was notified and kept me in the dark.” You crossed your arms. “Did we not learn anything from the past few years? Why do people keep making decisions for me?”
You felt hurt and more than little angry.
“It wasn’t like that,” Bucky stood, reaching out for you. You took a few steps back, staying a healthy distance away from him.
“Then what was it like?” You asked, trying to stay calm. “If you’re going, if all of you are going, I should too.”
“Tony’s not,” Bucky said and you frowned. “I mean, not everyone’s going.”
“Who?” You asked, puzzled. You’d only been around for a handful of Category Ones and every Avenger was present and at the front line then. The last one you’d missed was Ultron and that was because you were still in grad school.
Bucky shrugged. “Bruce said no.”
“So Wilson’s going instead?” You guessed.
He nodded. “Tony said no for both of you.”
Your frowned deepened.
“So Steve stepped up.”
“Wanda said no and Vision agreed to go.”
You shook your head and bit at your fingernail.
“Rhodey’s staying behind to keep an eye on things here, Pepper’s back next week for a few days and Wanda’s going to Clint’s. She misses Nathan and…there’s more to life than missions. Tony and Rhodey have a few promising agents from the compound coming.”
“You should take your own advice.”
Bucky shot you a look and you sighed. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be mad at him. We all agreed that this shouldn’t interrupt your plans, not just Tony.”
“I could be an asset, we both could be,” you argued. “You’re all going without proper back up. Who’s coming from the compound upstate? I-I’m not comfortable with not going-”
“Hey, look at me,” he interrupted gently. You frowned but looked up at him. “We didn’t want to tell you because this is your first break in years. You can’t continue down the same path that you’ve been on. You’ll burn out – trust me, I know.”
“I took days off a few years ago!” You exclaimed, feeling cornered.
Bucky frowned and shot you a confused look. You got up, not offering an explanation, and walked to the bathroom. You started washing your face and avoided Bucky’s glare.
“Are you talking about-” he sighed. “You were in a coma.”
“-that I used my days off for!”
Bucky huffed. “You two taking a vacation for more than a few hours is unheard of and that’s not healthy. You taught me that.”
“I’m going to be worried about all of you!” You dried off your face roughly, ignoring his last quip. “Bucky-”
“He’s really excited about this trip, iubire. He’s been talking about it to every one - even to me and you know that means something.” Bucky said quietly. “You need to take time off.”
“I am relaxed!” Your grip on your cleanser tightened and it creaked.
Bucky raised his brows. You exhaled harshly and dropped it onto the counter.
“Okay, okay… you may have a point.” You sat onto the small ottoman by your vanity. “It’s just – we’ve never – you’ve never gone on a Cat One without me.”
Bucky sighed. You knew he understood your reservations. While Wanda was usually your partner on missions, you both always felt more at ease when you were on the same assignment. Especially if it was one of this magnitude with all available hands on deck.
He crouched down to your height and tapped your chin when you wouldn’t meet his eyes. “I’ve been told that I’m a good fighter, you don’t need to worry about me.”
You snorted. “It’s not about me not believing that you can’t do it. You’re all capable. I’m just - it’s a Cat One. We’ve never gone that deep undercover for that long without each other. It’s hard to be sidelined. I don’t like being left behind.”
“If you really want to go, I won’t stop you. No one will.” Bucky tapped a pattern onto your thigh. “Ross will be incredibly happy to have you on.”
You smiled halfheartedly and contemplated it. After a moment, your shoulders slumped. “You’re right,” you said quietly.
Bucky squeezed your knee and kissed your forehead. “It’s been known to happen on occasion.”
You laughed lightly. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I’m really, really, tired and it was a bit of a surprise.”
“I should’ve told you earlier but, there never seemed to be the right time. I didn’t want to do it over the phone.”
“What? There’s no right time to tell your girlfriend that you’ll be going on a mission with zero external communication for a few months, if not most of the year? That’s definitely a FaceTime conversation,” you joked.
Bucky frowned and you sighed.
“I told you, pick a pet name if you don’t like it that much!” You stood and pulled your pajama pants off.
He quirked an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”
You smiled and peeled your shirt off, tossing it in his direction. You opened the shower door and turned the water on. You stifled a laugh when you saw your shirt hanging off his shoulder, you grinned. “I’m taking a shower, what does it look like?”
Climbing in, you almost groaned at the hot water hitting your bad shoulder. After a few beats of silence, you opened the door and shot him a look.
“You coming in or what?”
Bucky grinned.
“So, I leave in three days for the Mediterranean and you leave in four for…”
Bucky snorted. “Nice try.”
You smiled into his bare shoulder and shrugged. “I have other methods for making you tell me.”
“Do you?” He asked sleepily.
Nodding, you pressed kisses towards his neck and smiled when he hummed contentedly. You ran a hand through his messy hair. It had gotten long again and you knew he’d need to cut it shorter for the mission. Bucky leaned into your touch and you watched him drift back to sleep.
The sun came through your open windows, your curtains billowing in the breeze, and light streaked across Bucky’s back. You continued to scratch his scalp lightly, your heart expanding as he smiled drowsily.
Sometimes you thought about how unfair his beauty was, how lovely this version of him – the one only you got to see – was.
A thought struck you then, making you frown.
You won’t see him for a long, long time. You just got back and now he’s leaving. You wouldn’t know what was going on, there wouldn’t be any mission updates, only you worrying about everyone.
“Penny for your thoughts?” He asked, eyes still closed.
You huffed. “How do you do that?”
He smiled, turned onto his side, and pulled you towards him. You squeaked and laughed when his hand settled onto your ribs. Bucky watched you quietly, with a pensive expression settling onto his face. You’d learned over the years that it was best to let him think through his internal argument before asking.
While he worked through his thoughts, you traced nonsensical patterns across his collarbone and up his neck.
After a moment, the clouds in his eyes cleared and you smiled. “Penny for your thoughts?”
He smiled faintly and you traced his lips. “You first,” he said, nipping at your fingertip.
“I was thinking, we have a few days together, and I don’t know when we’ll be seeing each other again,” you said quietly. “Why not make the best of them?”
Bucky grinned. “I think that’s a good idea.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes. Starting right now.” He flipped you so that he hovered above you. His lips went to your neck and you arched instinctively into him.
“I meant doing something – ah – outside of these four walls,” you said, your hold on his bicep tightening.
“We could go to my apartment but,” Bucky mouthed the other side of your neck and you felt his please smile when you whimpered, “Steve will probably hear us. You’re not exactly quiet.” He nipped at your skin playfully.
“I meant, outside this tower!”
“That’s adventurous,” Bucky joked dryly.
You laughed, surprised at his joke, and shoved at his shoulder. “What about dinner? We haven’t been to see Fatima lately. I’m just – you’re going to be gone for a long time Buck.”
Bucky watched you, eyes solemn, and nodded.
“I’ll follow you wherever you go,” Bucky said, tone serious and you frowned.
You turned towards him and smiled softly. “You okay?” You asked.
He reached down for a kiss and nodded. “Just thinking.”
“Want to share?”
Bucky shook his head. “Eventually.”
You nodded and kissed his jaw. “I’m going to shower and go downstairs to talk to Tony, want to join?”
“You go ahead, I’ll catch up in a few minutes.”
“Alright,” you kissed him one last time before heading towards the bathroom.
“I think that covers our vacation,” you said chewing on a mouthful of honeydew. “Remember, you promised me two museums, no complaining.”
“Yes, yes, I promised.” Tony said, weirdly antsy. “So, enough about our itinerary, any news?”
“Since I last saw you three hours ago?” You asked, grabbing a croissant and more fruit from the middle of the table. “Are you asking or telling me?”
Tony frowned. His eyes darted, for the tenth time, towards your hands and you dropped your fork onto your plate. “Okay, what’s going on? Is this about the Cat One? Do you want me to chew you out for that? Because Bucky already convinced me not to choke you.”
Bucky walked in, Steve, Wanda, and Vision close behind. Bucky placed a hand on your back before sitting down next to you.
“What’s wrong?” He asked, his glance darting between you and Tony.
You huffed. “Tony’s being weird.”
Steve straightened, his shoulders stiff and you frowned. Steve had come to see you this morning, you’d caught him on his way up from his morning run. He seemed okay then but, you’d recognize his deer-in-the-headlights look anywhere. It was never a good sign when Steve was nervous.
“What?” You crossed your arms.
Vision and Wanda looked as lost as you did. When no one said anything you narrowed your eyes.
“Wanda could you please-”
“I – um – have to go,” Steve almost knocked his chair back with how quickly he darted out of the room.
Bucky and Tony both glared at Wanda who raised her hands. “I won’t! I promise, I just wanted some food.” She frowned at you. “Sorry.”
You huffed and shook your head. “I’m going to let this, whatever this is, go – just because we’re going on vacation and I’m not letting you two ruin it.” You shot Bucky a look but he studiously ignored you.
“I didn’t say anything,” Tony argued.
“Whatever!”
An hour later, you were sprawled on the sofa in the common room. Your feet were tucked behind Bucky, who was half asleep at the other end of the loveseat.
You’d been busy trying to take advantage of the little time you had with Bucky. He’d patiently waited as you mapped out a list on your phone, his hands tracing patterns into your calves.
“Okay, I think I have it down,” you finally said. “I need to pass by the hospital before I leave, Mia’s parents e-mailed me last week letting me know she’s ringing the bell today. I promised I’d pass by if I could. We could have lunch before or dinner after?”
Bucky smiled. “Let’s have dinner after, we can go through the building and see what PR has to donate.”
“I like how you think,” you said, texting the head nurse to let her know you’d be arriving sometime this afternoon.
You and Bucky periodically volunteered at the pediatrics wing at a hospital where you mom had worked. Thanks to Tony, they were able to update all of their systems and machines a few years ago. All the nurses knew you through your mom and, at this point, felt like extended family.
The kids, however, loved Bucky and he loved them just as much. Lauren, the head nurse, always managed to send you a picture when he passed by without you.
“Lauren says she’s excited to see us,” you told Bucky. “Let’s see what we can find in the PR closet.”
“Hey, Steve said he’d seen you two sneaking around on twentieth floor,” Wanda said and trailed off as spotted you.
Bucky froze but you just grinned and kept packing promotional shirts into the largest duffel you could find.
“Did you empty out their entire stock?” Wanda asked, and you muffled your laughter at Bucky’s guilty expression.
“No,” you said disbelievingly. “They’ll be fine! This is for the kids!”
“At the hospital?” Wanda perked up. “Could Vision and I join you two? He’s always been interested in going.”
“Of course,” you beamed at her. “We’re having dinner after if you want to join in on that too.”
She grinned and hurried off to find Vision.
“The kids are going to love Vision,” you said to Bucky while you tried to zipper the overstuffed bag. “Hey – some help would be nice.”
You turned to find Bucky frowning.
“What?”
“Nothing.” He zipped up the bag effortlessly and you huffed.
“Is it because of Vis? They already love you Bucky,” you grunted, pushing the duffel towards the elevator. “Trust me, Dot’s going to be beside herself that you’re there.”
At that, Bucky smiled. Dot was his favorite patient – she’d lost her arm during a nasty infection and she thought Bucky just about hung the moon. Thankfully, she was scheduled to be discharged at the end of next month.
A tense expression flittered across his face but was gone by the time you could take a good look at him.
“If you don’t feel well, you don’t need to go,” you assured him. “I’ll bring you some food back.”
“No, it’s okay,” Bucky sighed. “I just need to pass by my apartment for a moment. I’ll meet you downstairs?”
“Sure,” you said, confused by his sudden change.
He kissed your temple and disappeared around the corner.
Weird.
Drinking up the last of your coffee, you watched Bucky warily.
Yesterday had gone well. As usual, he had children hanging off his arms within moments and you’d visited as many as you could. You’d managed to stay way passed your allotted time, like always, and you’d ended up inviting all the nurses on break out to dinner.
Bucky seemed to have enjoyed himself, but his shoulders were tense and he’d been more awkward than usual.
This morning, on your way to breakfast, you’d tried to study him as best as you could but – Bucky was a blank slate. You put your mug down into the sink and sighed. Hopefully today’s plans would go more according to plan.
Bucky had planned for you to spend your afternoon on the great lawn in Central Park. He’d promised to get you lunch at one of your favorite spots nearby. You’d happily agreed, knowing that Bucky loved laying out on the lawn – especially when the spring sun wasn’t as cumbersome as the summer humidity.
“You ready?” You ran a hand through his hair, kissing his eyebrow.
He leaned into your shoulder and nodded, his fingers still tapping a nervous pattern onto the kitchen island.
“Alright, let’s go then.” You plucked your tote from the chair and pulled him up.
On your way out, you heard a loud voice call your name. You whirled around, looking for the source and grinned when you saw Sam.
“Sammy!” You teased, hugging him tightly. “It’s been too long.”
“Way too long,” Sam agreed, tossing an arm around your shoulders. “I haven’t seen you since our last mission in Moscow.”
You shivered at the memory. “No one should ever be on a Russian mountain in January.”
Sam grinned and nodded towards Bucky. “Barnes.”
“Wilson,” Bucky rolled his eyes and smacked his shoulder. “How’s D.C.?”
“Same ol’ same ol’,” Sam winked at you. “Thanks for keeping an eye on my girl for me.”
Bucky’s eye twitched.
You couldn’t help but laugh, Sam loved that he was one of the few people who could successfully poke at Bucky’s small jealousy streak.
Before they could start an argument, you held out your hands. “Alright, alright, don’t make me dump cold water on your heads.”
Bucky pulled you to his side and Sam laughed good naturedly. “Where you two off to?”
“Central Park.”
“Shoot – do you mind if I come along? I wanted to ask you a few questions about the alterations you made the wings. I’m taking the newer sets on the Cat One.”
You nodded. “Sure, we’ll be downstairs.”
Sam grinned and jogged off towards his room. You pulled Bucky into the elevators and double checked your bag to make sure you had sunblock and Bucky’s sleeve.
“Thank you Friday,” you called out as you walked off the elevators.
“You’re welcome.”
“Hey Joe!” You beamed at the security guard on shift. “How’s your wife? Did she have the baby?”
The tall guard grinned when he saw you and nodded. “She did, nine pounds, two ounces.”
“Ouch, poor mama, how’s she doing?”
“They’re both good, it’s a girl, just like you said.”
You pumped your fist. “I knew it!”
Joe laughed.
“What’s her name?”
“Leah Anne, after her grandmothers.”
“That’s beautiful, do me a favor? Leave me your address with Pepper’s assistant, I would love to send her something-”
“-ah, Miss, you don’t have to-”
“Don’t make me pull rank Joseph.”
The guard flushed and smiled wide. “Alright, alright, you got me.”
“Congratulations!” You hugged him. “I’m so happy for you!”
You waved as you made your way towards the revolving doors and finally noticed Bucky’s dark expression.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” You asked. “I’m sorry if that bothered you, his wife is the sweetest woman. She’s in accounting.”
“No, nothing.”
“Bucky.”
“Nothing-”
Your glare silenced him and he shrugged. “We haven’t had a moment for ourselves. You leave the day after tomorrow and then-” he huffed, frustrated. “Yesterday we were supposed to have dinner, today the park…”
Softening, you frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even think about that when Sam asked.”
Bucky shrugged again.
“I’m just worried about all of you going without me or Tony. I want to make sure you all have your ducks in a row.” You perked up. “Which, I need to make a few tweaks to the last round of firearms and shields tonight. I want to update something on your arm…”
He sighed and pulled you into his chest. “I know, I’m not mad.”
You looked up at him and bit your lip. “I’m sure he won’t stay for long, besides, it’s just Sam-” you broke off when you saw Sam, Wanda, Vision, and Rhodey come out the revolving doors.
You winced and looked back up at Bucky. He saw your guilty expression and laughed lightly.
“I can’t keep you all to myself,” he squeezed your hands, assuring you he wasn’t mad and you waved your group over.
“I promise, we’ll find a moment to ourselves.”
You shivered, goosebumps rising, as you toweled off after your shower. You hoped that you’d managed to get most of the grass out of your hair.
Sam had found water balloons and you’d all ended up in a mini-water fight. One that ended with everyone drenched and grass stuck everywhere.
You carefully dropped your dirty clothes into the hamper and put on your clean pajamas. You stepped out into the bedroom and sighed when Bucky wasn’t in the bed. You eyed it longingly. You were exhausted from the day but glad that you’d all had a chance to have an afternoon together.
Ignoring your inviting bed, you padded down the hallway and into the kitchen. You stopped, halfway there, catching sight of Bucky in the living room.
You quietly walked into the room and saw that he was leaning over an opened bag that he’d tossed half-heartedly upon your return. His broad shoulders blocked out what he was holding in his hands.
Attempting to sneak up on him, you rose to the balls of your feet and took a few steps closer. Before you could get remotely close, his head snapped up.
He shoved whatever was in his hands into his bag and turned to look at you. “It’s not nice to sneak up on people,” he said, smile growing. “At least that’s what you always say, isn’t it?
You grinned sheepishly. “What’s that?” You motion to his bag. “Seems awfully important.”
Bucky smiled and shook his head. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“I would, that’s why I’m asking,” you grinned and tried to dash passed him but he picked you up easily.
“Nope.” He carried you towards the bedroom.
You laughed, smacked his shoulders. “Let me down! I’ll figure it out anyway!”
Bucky dropped you onto the bed and you bounced. Sitting up, he sat down by the foot of the bed.
“Come on, I can keep a secret.” You poked his chest.
“It’s a present,” he said quietly, his eyes lighting up as he thought it over, “for someone very important.”
You grinned. “It’s not anywhere near my birthday, our anniversary, or Christmas.”
“Do I need an occasion to give you a gift?”
“No, definitely not, but shouldn’t I be allowed to see it?” You smiled at his exasperated expression.
“It’s not ready yet.”
“Oh,” you hummed, trying to think of ways to pry more clues out of him.
Before you could ask your next question, Bucky pulled his shirt and sweatpants off in a flash. Your question died in your throat and you eyed him.
He climbed the bed and straddled you. Bucky settled his weight onto your thighs and you couldn’t help but become a little starry eyed. Trying not to be deterred, you squirmed away but Bucky grabbed your wrists. His stubble scratched against your collarbone and you shivered.
Eyes narrowed, you shot him a look. “Are you trying to distract me with sex?”
Bucky huffed a laugh, his breath hitting your neck and making your hair stand on edge. You watched his eyes squint with his smile and your heart tripped over itself.
“Is it working?” He asked, voice low.
You pretended to think it over for a moment before grinning.
“Yeah, it’s working.”
The next morning, you’d barely opened your eyes when your lab assistant had called for you – her appendix had ruptured and she wouldn’t be able to come to work in your absence.
Panicked, you assured her everything would be okay and then spent the whole morning coaching your team through anything you could think of. Locking yourself into your office, you tried to write down anything your team would need to know over the next few weeks.
You were almost through your last page of notes when a knock at your door pulled you from the chaos.
Bucky leaned against the doorframe, his hair tied up in a bun and you winced.
“I’m sorry, Emma’s out sick and I had to prepare Delia and Ryan to take over for the week,” you scrambled to explain.
Bucky smiled and shook his head. “You don’t need to explain, I know. Tony’s been walking around like a chicken with its head cut off.”
“I think it’s worse because Pepper isn’t here,” you said.
“You think you’ll be done for dinner?” He asked hopefully.
“I will absolutely be done before dinner.” You squared your shoulders and shut your binder. “In fact, if you give me five minutes I’ll drop this off at Delia’s station and we can go on a lunch date.”
This time, Bucky winced.
“What?” You asked.
“I have the debriefing in a few minutes, Ross called us all in. He wanted to catch Tony before he left.”
“Of course.” You wilted.
Bucky smiled sadly. “Dinner?”
You nodded. “Dinner.”
Nothing is going to take away from this night - your last night with Bucky - you will not let anything take your attention away. You promised, pointing at yourself in the mirror.
“This is your last chance until God knows when,” you said quietly. “Get it together.”
“Iubire?” Bucky called out.
“I’m ready!”
You walked out, pulling an earring through your ear, and smiled when you saw him waiting for you by the door.
“Maybe we should stay in,” Bucky’s eyes trailed down your body.
Before you could follow up, there was a loud knock on the door. You both froze. After a beat, there was another knock.
Bucky sighed, frustrated expression on his face. “I can’t catch a break.”
You shot him a look. “What do we do?”
“Well we can’t ignore it,” Bucky said. “That’s our only way out.”
“Technically-”
“Our only rational way out.” He said, exasperation bleeding into his tone.
“Whatever you say,” you shrugged. “Whoever that is, we’ll just politely tell them we’re busy and to come back tomorrow.”
“You're leaving at eight in the morning.”
“If it’s so important they can come back really, really, early.”
Bucky snorted and you jumped when the knocking increased in volume.
“Oh, just open it,” you sighed.
Before either of you could reach for the door, it swung open. The second your eyes landed on the red hair you knew the night had hit a serious speed bump.
“Zaika!” She grinned, her nickname for you echoing through the apartment.
“Natasha!” You ran to her, crashing into her arms. “What are you doing here?”
“I had to say good-bye didn’t I?”
“Good-bye?” You frowned, leaning back. “For wha – Jesus, not you too.”
Natasha quirked a brow. “Not me too what?”
“You’re going on the Cat One assignment?”
She nodded. “Stark asked me if I would help settle everyone in and Rogers said he’d feel better if I assisted with the locals. I’m the best choice for mingling with the-”
Bucky cleared his throat and Natasha rolled her eyes.
“She’ll find out eventually.”
He shot her another look and she frowned.
“Alright, fine,” she squeezed your hand and smiled brightly. “I missed you zaika. Where are you two going?”
You winced and looked to Bucky who sighed. Remembering your earlier promise you straightened. “We’re on our way to dinner, Fatima’s saving us our favorite table.”
Natasha beamed. “Bring me back something, I’ve been craving her linguine.”
“Noted,” you laughed. “Have you been by to see Wanda? She’s going by Clint’s this weekend.”
“I came straight here,” she said. “She’s next on my welcome parade.”
You smiled and reached out for Bucky’s hand. He took yours and you pulled him towards the door.
“I’ll have her back by eleven,” Bucky said and shot you a smile. “You three can catch up then.”
Natasha laughed and punched Bucky’s shoulder. “You never were good at sharing.”
Bucky scowled and you waved as you made your way to the elevator.
“Hey,” you tugged on his hand. “You don’t need to do that for her. I promised you a night, just us, and I don’t want to waste it.”
Bucky looked down at you and his eyes softened.
“Natasha will be gone with me for just as long, I know how much you’ve missed her. I don’t mind, I promise.” He looked resigned but you didn’t understand why.
“If I’m joining them, then you have to promise to still be awake when I get back. You might not mind sharing, but I do.” You smiled mischievously and pressed close to him. “Maybe take a nap, save your strength. I might have you up all night.”
Bucky laughed. “Deal.”
“Captain Rogers is requesting entrance into your apartment,” Friday announced.
“Let him in,” you said.
He called out a few moments later. “Hello?”
“In the bedroom!” You yelled.
“Hey stranger.”
You turned around from your suitcase and found Steve leaning against your door frame.
“Hey,” you smiled warmly. “Haven’t seen you around much.”
Steve smiled and shrugged. “I was trying to give you two some time together but…”
“Clearly everyone else didn’t get the message?” You laughed and shook your head. “I feel a little bad.”
Steve laughed. “It’s not your fault everyone flocks to our youngest.”
You rolled your eyes. “I hate you.”
“Love you too.”
“Have you been keeping up with your movies?” You asked, turning back to survey your carry on.
When Steve had first come to live in New York City, you’d taken it upon yourself to familiarize him with pop culture. He’d taken quickly to the classics but had trouble adjusting to anything sci-fi or fantasy.
“Bucky and I caught the Harry Potter movies with Wanda last month.”
“Yes! Wanda said you guys really liked it. Good choice,” you said.
“Well, I’m saying my goodbyes now because some agents are being sent over from the compound and they’ll need to be briefed for the mission. I won’t be able to join you guys on roof. I just – I wanted to say that I’m really happy you’re not coming.”
You shot him a look and he waved his hands. “Wait, not like that. I meant, I’m glad you stuck to your plan about going on vacation.”
“I still don’t know how I feel about it,” you said.
Steve shook his head. “I sat out the last one and Tony filled in for me, that’s the point of a team kiddo. You know you can lean on each other when needed. Besides, if we really need any backup, I promise that I’ll ask Ross to pull you two in.”
You stuck out your pinky and Steve huffed a laugh. You wiggled your finger and he took it with his own.
“Promise,” he repeated.
“Please be careful Steve,” you reached around his neck to give him a tight hug. “Watch out for them, will you?”
“Of course,” he said, hugging you back with just as much fervor.
“Alright, go on, before I start bawling,” you joked, trying to keep your tears at bay.
Steve rubbed a hand across your hair and you huffed. “See you around.”
You turned back to your bed, avoiding his eyes and listened to him walk towards your front door.
“Oh, hey, yeah she’s in there. I’ll see you later.”
“Maco?” Wanda’s light voice filtered through your open door.
You zipped your suitcase closed and popped your head out. “What’s up?”
“Tony asked me to come get you, he said the jet will be arriving soon.”
“Alright,” you nodded, taking one last look around at your bedroom. “I guess I’m ready.”
“I hope you have fun, and both of you don’t fight too much,” Wanda said, helping you with your bags.
“Us, fight? Psh,” you waved your hand dismissively. “When has that ever happened?”
Wanda laughed. “This morning, over waffles.”
“Waffles are better than pancakes! Everyone knows that!” You huffed.
She shook her head and linked her arm around yours. “I’ll see you when you get back?”
“Of course,” you smiled. “I’m excited you decided to join me in London afterwards!”
“I’m excited as well!” Wanda grinned. “Thank you for inviting me, Pietro always wanted to see the palace.”
You smiled softly and squeezed her arm. “Then we’ll be sure to take many pictures and tell him about it when we’re back.”
She smiled back at you and asked Friday to take you to the landing pad.
“I forgot to ask,” Wanda frowned. “Where’s Bucky?”
You sighed. “When I woke up he had left me a note saying he had to take care of something.”
“He did not say goodbye?”
“I thought he’d be back by now,” you shrugged. “I’m sure it’s important if he does miss it.”
A blast of wind caught you both as the doors opened, the jet’s engines blowing warm air at you.
“’Bout time!” Tony shouted, shades on already. “We gotta hit the road!”
You laughed and waved, indicating that you’d heard him.
“I’ll see you soon,” you hugged Wanda and she kissed your cheek.
“Have fun!”
Natasha dropped out of nowhere, scaring the life out of you, and you huffed. “That’s getting old.”
She laughed and hugged you tightly. “I won’t be staying on location the whole time, I’m one of the few going in and out. I think I’ll be able to catch you three in London.”
“Oh,” you teased. “Excited to see your boyfriend?”
Natasha rolled her eyes and flicked your nose. “Excited to spend time with all of you. Keep up with your training out there, I don’t want you getting soft on me.”
“Yes ma’am,” you saluted.
She laughed and waved you off.
You went through your goodbyes to everyone else while Tony hauled the last of your luggage up the ramp.
“Did you pack your entire wardrobe?” He huffed, dragging your carry on behind him.
Before you could answer, a pair of arms wrapped around your waist and you smiled. “I thought you weren’t going to make it,” you said happily, turning to face him. “Where’ve you been?”
Bucky shook his head. “I had to do something important, mission related, before I left for upstate tonight. I’m sorry it took so long.” His eyes were wide and his hands reached out, nervously, for yours.
“It’s okay.” You placed a hand on his jaw. You weren’t sure why he seemed so nervous but you tried to put him at ease. “We had our time last night.”
You wiggled your brows, ignoring Tony’s disgusted groan, but succeeded in making Bucky smile.
Bucky pulled you into a warm hug, his chin resting on your shoulder. “I love you. I’ll reach out the second I can,” he said quietly.
“Please do.” You peppered kisses onto his face. “Please don’t be a martyr and throw your life down for something stupid.”
He snorted. “Look who’s talking.”
“Hey, I’m serious.” You cupped his face. “Don’t do anything stupid. Come back to me.”
Bucky smiled. “I always do.”
You kissed him quickly and hugged him. “I love you.”
Without looking back, you grabbed your backpack and ran up the ramp into the small jet.
Settling down into the co-pilot seat, you started going through your checklist. You listened to Tony say his goodbyes.
“You know, we could’ve paid someone to fly us out,” he said, strapping himself into the pilot’s seat.
You grinned. “Yeah, but where’s the fun in that?”
Tony laughed, his smile wide and eyes lighting up. You reached out to place a hand over his. He took your hand into his own and squeezed. While you did feel a bit guilty taking a few weeks off, you were excited to spend time with Tony – just the two of you.
It’d been a long time coming and you knew you’d both earned it. You glanced back at him and noticed a weird expression as he tapped your fingers.
“You okay?”
The smile quickly returned and he nodded. “I’m more than okay, Giggles. I’m finally going to lay down on a beach and not have to worry if the world is ending.”
“Cheers to that,” you said. You pulled your seat belt on and clicked everything into place.
Tony radioed into the nearest tower and cleared you. “Ready?”
You smiled. “Let’s go.”