A/N: I quit my toxic af job today. Bout to wine and dine myself while reading y'alls comments lol
The next day I woke up earlier than usual. The muscles in my body even more sore than yesterday making it near impossible to move. In my attempts to silently slip out of bed as to not wake up Bucky, my pained groans roused him. Still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he helped me to stand
"You sure you can make it on your own?" He asks as I shuffle over to our bag to change out of my pajamas
Coming back up from a squat with some spare clothes and a discomforted hiss, I nod. "Yeah. Just gotta keep moving. I'll loosen up sooner or later."
Waving away Buckys attempts to aid me in getting dressed, I slowly but surely make me way down the hall, to the elevators, and down to Bruces' lab. Not totally surprised that he was there already, scanning over some data sheets. The door clicking shut behind me grabs his attention
The testing wasn't exactly what I thought it'd be. Unlike with Shuri, Bruce only asked for a few blood samples. And while he was filling the small vials, we had our talk. Leaving me feeling better than I did before
After that, he explained the results from whatever was in the bullet that weakened me. Well, weakened me more than an average bullet would
You know what I'm trying to say, shush
In layman terms, it was a nullifying agent in the substance. Decreases energy, weakens the victim, yada yada. But since I had more power than they thought, it didn't take full affect. So that's one more thing the Avengers get to look out for
Last thing they need is for Steve to get hit and basically revert back to the pre-serum version of himself in the middle of a fight
Bruce walked with me down the hall to the medical unit since that's where all the scanners were once done dumbing down the whole bullet goo thing for me. Dr. Cho greeting us both and accompanied us to operate the machines. I just had to lay back and relax for all of them
MRI scan to look at my organs and structures inside my body. That one took the longest and I started getting a headache from the loud humming inside the tube. CT scan to check my bones, blood vessels and soft tissues, making sure nothing was fractured or clogged. Fun stuff
"Are you on any form of birth control?" Dr. Cho asks as she took my vitals
I glance over at Bruce, mildly uncomfortable with talking about that with him in the room. He also looked slightly uneasy with the topic and promptly stepped out of the room
"Uh- yeah, I've an IUD, why?" I try to glance at her as she checked my ears
"You're body went through a lot of trauma and stress, which can affect your implant depending on the brand." She states coolly, raising a tiny light in front of my eyes for me to follow
I furrow my brows at her implication. "So.. what? Does it not work now or something?" I follow the small dot of light as she instructs
"It does, but if you haven't been getting your period regularly then you can more than likely expect to after all this." She puts away the small tool and slips on her stethoscope. "One of the side effects of an IUD is that it produces a certain amount of hormones based on the persons weight, the more you gain after implantation, the less effective it'll be." She pauses to listen to my lungs
Is she saying I gained weight or something? I mean, I guess I've been snacking a bit too much on fries at work..
"The same goes for with stress. More you put on your body, less it'll work. And you just went through a lot." She finishes, taking a step back to write something on her clipboard
Oh. Yeah that makes sense. Think I remember my OB saying something like that when I got it. Hormonal imbalance or whatever
I slowly nod as she advises me to refrain from any bedroom activities for a while. To let my body realign itself and whatnot
Dr. Cho was testing my reflexes in my knee when Tony walked in. Asking how things were going, how I'm feeling, and handed me his bowl of sliced fruits. Apple wedges, watermelon and pineapple cubes, handfuls of blueberries and raspberries all mixed in the deep bowl. I thank him profusely since I hadn't eaten anything yet and was starving
"Just about done here. Just gotta observe her powers." Bruce states while Tony flips through a few papers
Dread washed over me at the thought of having to use my force field. It requires energy and I don't have that at the moment. But, against my bodies wishes, I follow Bruce back to the lab once Dr. Cho finished her assessment. Thanking her for her time and waving farewell as we left
Again, it was much simpler than I thought it to be. Bruce sat me on a stool, hooking a few straps to monitor me around my wrists and ribcage. Starting small by conjuring disks to my hands and slowly expanding the size of them. Then switching over to me making multiple different walls, stretching them as long and wide as I could given the space I was in
Bruce told me I was free to go do something while he looks over all my results and data for a bit. Thinking over my options on activities to kill some time, I decide on a nap since I was still extremely tired. Plus this way I'm relaxing my aching muscles
Ooooo I could take a hot bubble bath AND nap
Yup, I'm doing that
Making a quick pit stop in the kitchen for a bottle of water, I continue my journey back up to the room. Passing by the gym, a few grunts followed by the slam of something heavy fills the air. Curious as to who or what just got their ass kicked, I peak my head inside the doors
Doing a double take as I spot Nat and Bucky in the training ring. Bucky laying flat on his back with Natasha standing not even three feet from him, posed and ready to strike. Both their chests heaving as they panted and shirts wet from sweating, obviously having been going at it for a while
I silently stand in the doorway and watch the two. Admiring them. Unfortunately it doesn't last long since my presence is noticed when Bucky rolls over and crawls to a stand, catching me in the corner of his eye
"Hey, you done with everything?" He asks, lowering his raised fists and steps to the ropes lining the ring
I nod, taking a sip of my water and letting out a crisp refreshed 'ah' as the cold water chills me. "Yeah Bruce is just going over everything. I was heading back to our room for a nap." I respond
Bucky nods, saying he'll finish up with Nat in a bit. I wave them away as I stride down the hall. Making it back to our room, drawing the bubble bath, and slipping in slowly. A sighed moan brushing past my lips as the hot water soothes my tight muscles. The aroma from the essential oils in the soap easing my mind rendering me fully and blissfully relaxed. My bones feeling like putty the longer I laid back in the tub
Thirty five minutes later Bucky comes in, somehow even more drenched in sweat. Briefly teasing me about how the bathtub isn't a good place to sleep. I flick some water at him in rebuttal, both of us chuckling. Pulling the plug to drain the bath for Bucky to shower, I stand and wrap a towel around me
Bucky catches my hip as I go to walk past him to the bedroom. Wrapping his arms around my waist and holding me to him. His body hot to the touch, clothes cold and wet from all the perspiration. I bite my tongue, choosing not to make a smartass comment
Looking up at Bucky, my bones once again feel like gelatin under his gaze. For a second, I think my heart actually skipped a beat. Even after all this time together, he still has this effect on me. Making me feel as fragile as a porcelain doll yet strong as a queen, protected and safe from even the smallest of things
"I love you.." Bucky half whispers down at me, his voice smooth and delicate as he flicked over every inch of my face
I smile up at him, resting a hand on his torso and feeling every taut muscle beneath his shirt. "I love you too."
Buckys piercing blue eyes drift down to my lips, out of habit parting his own. We meet halfway, him leaning down and me pushing up on my tiptoes, closing the small space between us. Electricity buzzes down my body as sparks ignite upon contact
I sigh into him, leaning my body flush against his. Melting in his embrace. Opening my mouth when he swipes his tongue along my bottom lip and deepening the tender passionate kiss
And that's as far as we take it. Both of us knowing it's definitely not the right time nor place for more. But completely satisfied with nothing more than this sweet and loving embrace. Baring our hearts to the other
Pulling away for a breath a minute later and looking up at him with love-drunk eyes and swollen lips. Bucky rubs his thumb against my back. I hum in response, leaning up to give him a few more pecks before patting his chest
"Go shower, you stink." I state with a giggle. Bucky let's a short laugh out, shaking his head
"Yes ma'am." Giving me one last peck with a smile before stepping away and stripping
~
Instead of taking a quinjet home later that day, Tony insisted on Bucky and I using one of his private jets. Not accepting no as an answer. And I have to admit, it was much nicer, for obvious reasons. Smaller cabin space, again obviously, but at least we had cushioned seats and a lovely stewardess who made us a drink and offered some kind of fancy food I couldn't pronounce
Declining the food, Bucky and I sat next to one another watching the clouds seem to leisurely float by beneath us. Sipping on my chilled white wine while Bucky enjoyed a scotch on the rocks. Hugging his warm arm to me as I leaned against him
We had gotten a thumbs up on leaving earlier than planned. Bruce stating there was a lot of data and charts to read over but from what he had went through already with Dr. Cho, everything was fine. So, we started the long process of saying goodbye for now to the team. Taking an hour just to exit the compound
We did end up setting a schedule with them. Once a month we'd alternate between visits for a weekend. And of course spending major holidays together along with birthdays if nothing happened and the world needed the Avengers. Promising to call or video chat at least once a week
I shoot the group chat a message once Bucky and I land, letting them all know we made it safe and sound. Stepping off the private jet and onto the tarmac to find a sleek black car waiting for us, the chauffeur holding the back door open. Grabbing Buckys hand as we make our way to the vehicle
The driver greets us with a friendly smile, taking our duffel bag from Bucky and plopping it in the trunk as we climbed in the backseat. I give him the address while typing out a thank you text to Tony
And just like that, Bucky and I start our lives together once more. The looming dread that hung in the back of my mind because of the Stone now long gone. Along with everything else that came with being an Avenger. Basically retiring the whole hero gig like Clint did. But the two of us will come back to assist the team if there's a threat to all mankind situation
Taking it easy the first week back home with Bucky trying to coddle me. Attempting to keep me from lifting a finger failed horribly on his end. I was restless and needed to do something besides lay around with my thoughts. Ending up mostly deep cleaning the house to keep myself busy until I went back to work. Hell, I even ventured down to the basement and started cleaning. Had to bring a space heater with me since apparently the main vent is rusted shut
Scrubbing and wiping down every nook and cranny throughout the house, dusting the tops of cabinets and making a list of things I'd like to either refurbish or replace. Along with a list of furniture to fill more of the empty home. Video chatting with a majority of the team and telling them all about my ideas and plans, getting opinions
The second week I started the process of painting rooms. Wanda actually helped me to pick the colors. Bucky helping me to tape up the edges and laying out an old bedsheet so paint doesn't splatter and ruin the floor in one of the rooms. While I grabbed the gallons of paint at the store, Bucky gathered all the materials we'd need. Brushes both big and small, rollers and the tray to pour the paint into, and a step ladder for me to use while doing the top edges
Since the rooms were already near completely empty, we didn't worry about having to remove anything. Tossing my hair into a bun so it's out of my face and slipping into a junk t-shirt and old sleep shorts, I begin the process. Pouring the sage green paint into the tray. Bucky and I both grabbing a brush and start to outline the trim. Morning sunlight filling the room with a golden hue from the curtain-less window
Letting my mind drift away with each brush stroke, I start thinking of the future. For once it looks blindingly bright and promising. With there being no more secrets or lies to cover up, no more worries of missions or assignments. Bucky and I falling back into the rhythm of an everyday life together. Starting a little family all our own
God I can just imagine it now
Turning this room into a nursery, swapping the crib out for a child's bed when they're old enough. Restless nights and dirty diapers. Bucky walking at a turtles pace with their tiny hands clamped around one of his fingers on each hand as they start walking. Toys scattering the floor, ignored when told to be cleaned up. Squeals of laughter as we'd celebrate their birthday with all their friends from preschool running around. Bucky putting together a swing set and slide in the backyard while they hand him random tools just trying to speed up the process because they're impatient
He'd look over at me and say they get that from me
Is this what nesting is? Am I nesting? Oh god I think I am
*" что происходит в твоей голове " Buckys husky voice is next to my ear, startling me out of my daydream
(*what is going on inside that head of yours)
I hadn't even noticed I stopped painting, so consumed by the scenes running through my mind. "Hm? Oh, uh—" I glance around the room to think, not wanting to admit the truth yet since we're just getting into normalcy, "— just thinking about your birthday. It's coming up soon and I don't have a gift yet." I glance up at him as I start painting again
Though a positive pregnancy test would be a pretty great present—
No, no no. Stop it
It wasn't a total lie. I was thinking of a birthday. Just, ya know, not his
But I do actually need a gift. It's coming up in less than two weeks and I've done nothing in preparation for it. Been a bit preoccupied
Bucky shakes his head, putting an arm around me and resting his hand on my hip. More so my butt than hip. "I have everything I need right here doll." He presses a kiss to the side of my head
Rolling my eyes, I huff. "Come on I'm serious. A new tool set to replace those used rusting ones you have? A nice watch? Something?" I dip my brush for more paint, finishing the edge of the window I'd been working on
Again he shrugs, "I'm turning 106, not exactly something to celebrate." I half heartedly shoot him a glare, resting the brush on top of the shallow Tupperware container I was using to hold the paint
"So some Bengay and adult diapers, got it." I tease, a smirk curling my lips. Bucky now rolled his eyes
"Ha ha very funny."
"I thought so too." I quip with a snicker
"Ya know what," Bucky chuckles, dipping a finger in the small container of paint in my hand and smearing it across my cheek before I could react
With a gasp mixed with laughter, I lurch my body away from his. Wiping my cheek of the dripping goop with my own free hand, I swipe it back at him. Getting it on the corner of his eyebrow and down his cheek before Bucky grabs my wrist with a chuckle
"Okay, okay." I state in surrender, biting down on my lip to stifle more chuckles as Bucky dipped his other hand in the paint as a playful warning. Droplets slowly running down the two fingers
He raises a brow down at me, skeptical but accepting my defeat. Releasing my wrist and allowing me to take a step back and put my paint dish down
"Arthritis pills and a walker it is." I barely get the words out before I'm darting out the door to the room in a fit of laughter. Bucky chasing after me
We both end up with random trails and smears of sage green paint on both our skin and splotches on our clothes. Coming to a truce sealed with a kiss before going back to finish painting the room
The week after that was uneventful to say the least. Though Bucky did finally come by one morning while I was at work and I got to introduce him to Maria and Elliot. Seeming timid at first but slowly started to relax around the elderly couple the more they talked to him. Elliot boasting about how he used to be that big and muscular while Maria laughed with a shake of her head at the wild stories that, according to her, never happened
"So, any children in the near future?" Maria asked when I stopped by to refill their coffee mugs
Bucky and I glance at the other as if to simultaneously say 'I'm not answering that, you do it'. I fail to conceal a smirk as I top off her cup
"I'd like to get married first."
Buckys eyes light up at my words. We haven't talked about having kids since that moment in Wakanda, and even then I never really gave him an answer. But now I did. Clearly hearing the silent 'I want to have your babies' hidden within
Who wouldn't want to kids with him honestly
Elliot wraps his boney fingers around the handle of his mug, pointing it towards Bucky. "Well get on with it then, we aren't gettin' much younger here and the mrs sure loves those ceremonies." He jests
"Oh hush you. He'll do it when they're good n' ready." Maria swats his hand
I step away with a sheepish smile, leaving them shortly to deal with a few other tables. Every time I glance over at them, Bucky is already looking back at me. A ghost of a smirk on his velvety lips and that familiar gleam of hope in his cerulean blues
After another hour of topping off their coffees and bringing the couple a blueberry muffin to split, free of charge, they bid both Bucky and I farewell. Saying how lovely it was to finally meet my mystery man. Bucky leaves shortly after, kissing my cheek with a 'see you at home' following it
Dealing with the lunch rush was almost a breeze. Orders simple and coming in at a steady flow. I say almost a breeze because part way through the rush, I began to feel cramps. Those all too familiar dastardly cramps that made me want to keel over. Sweating through placing an order, I hand it back to the kitchen and quickly make my way to the restroom
Sure enough, a few crimson droplets stained the lining of my underwear
Ugh, seriously? You couldn't have chosen a worse time to show up?
Cleaning myself up as best I could while making a toilet paper pad, I wash my hands and head to my managers office. Shyly asking her if she had any tampons with the excuse that I forgot to restock the ones in my bag. Looking up from the computer screen, she rummages through a drawer in her desk and hands me a small pouch
"There's also some Midol in there if you need some sweetie." She states kindly, understanding the situation all too well. As most women do
After dealing with that in the bathroom and taking two Midol, I make my way back to the floor. Serving out plates, refills, and gathering my tips the remainder of my shift. Other than the unwelcomed visitor ripping away at my uterus, it was a good day
Stopping at a convenient store on my way home, I pick up a box of tampons, pain relief medication and some snacks. Also browsing the car part and tools corner for Bucky. Not finding anything I think he'd like or need, I purchase my things and make my way home. The sun above not allowing much warmth past the early March air
As I'm scurrying up our driveway, I find Bucky with the garage door open and walking the motorcycle out
"Did you get it to start finally?" I ask as I approach him
Bucky flips the kickstand down, a proud grin on his face. "I did. Just gotta test drive it." He puts his hands on his hips before looking over at me. "Care to join?"
I chew on the inside of my lip, debating the offer. My plan was to slip into lazy day clothes and relax. But the undeniable thrill that rushed down my spine at the thought of riding on the back of Buckys bike, holding onto him as he took off down the road, the roar of the engine. Oh baby it was doin' somethin' to me
"I suppose someones gotta be there to save your ass if it breaks." I tease, earning an eye roll from him. "Let me change then I'll be out." I reach up on my toes and give him a quick kiss before going inside
Tossing the bag onto our dresser, I strip of my work uniform and layer up. Fleece leggings under some sweatpants, long sleeve shirt with a pullover sweater and winter coat, wool socks stuffed into sneakers. And of course a pair of mittens
Coming back down to the garage, Bucky is strapping on his own gloves before zipping up his jacket. Two plain black helmets rest on the seat of the still rumbling motorcycle for us. I practically skip over to him after closing the garage door behind us, adrenaline and excitement pumping through me
I've never been on a motorcycle before so this is a first for me. But I've always wanted to. Imagining the wind blowing past me, the smooth vibrations from the roaring beast, dodging and weaving between cars. And to have my arms wrapped around Bucky as it all happens? Ugh it's almost too perfect
Bucky hands me a helmet, letting me slide it onto my head comfortably. Lifting the visor and adjusting the small air vents along the rim before he tilts my head up to fasten the strap under my chin. I giggle as my head practically bobbles back from the weight of the bulbous helmet. Once mine is secure, he slips on his own and buckles the strap
I internally scream as I watch him mount the bike. Cursing my cruel body for picking today of all days to start menstruating. The way his leg swung over the seat and straddled the machine between his thick denim clad thighs. How the material stretched bulged over his flexing muscles, oh sweet lord— have mercy
I must've made some kind of noise, a gasp or hum, something, because Bucky looks over at me. A smug smirk curling his lips as he sees my expression. He reaches a hand out to me a moment later, motioning for me to hop on
"Just gonna stand there and gawk or what?" His voice slightly muffled from the helmet but the teasing tone rang clear
I bite down on my tongue, a tinge of heat creeping up my neck at being caught openly ogling him for simply sitting on a motorcycle. Grabbing his outstretched hand, I climb onto the back seat, swinging my leg over and perching my feet on the small pegs. My knees on either side of Buckys hips
"Gonna take it slow for a bit then hit the freeway if all goes well." Bucky calls over his shoulder
I nod in response, lowering my visor and wrapping my arms around his torso. Feeling the heat of his body radiating off him even through the layers
He revs the engine, pipes roaring beneath us. "Hold on tight doll." Bucky again calls back to me before releasing the brake and rolling us down the driveway
I grip tighter, pressing my body against his as he leaned over the tank of the bike. Resting my head against his shoulder-blade and watching as the neighboring houses passed by in a blur. The rumble and vibrations from the bike soothing, almost like sitting in a massage chair
Bucky drove us through town, starting slow like he had stated. I'm sure we looked crazy to everyone. Riding around on a motorcycle the first week of March. Snow piled on the side of the roads and coating peoples yards. Any residual snow and ice long gone leaving the pavement clear since our last snowfall was two weeks ago
Leaning with Bucky and the motorcycle with every turn and swerve. Wind howling past us as we picked up a bit more speed. My heart pounding rapidly as Bucky takes the exit on the outskirt of town and straight for the freeway. Revving the cycle to gain even more speed to match the speed limit, we merge onto the near empty road. Mostly semi-trucks hauling shipments and SUVs full of bustling families or a lone college student occupy the road. Good amount of distance between everyone
And then there was us. Flying by in a roar of thunder. Zipping past everyone, weaving around vehicles, wind deafening in my ears. The bike holding together besides a slightly loose exhaust pipe that rattled but nothing more
I lift my head from Buckys shoulder just enough to look over it and watch the road. Half expecting Bucky to switch lanes as we started to near a beat up old truck that's seen much better days. Rusted out wheel wells and back hatch, paint chipping away all over and license plate missing. Probably in the bed of the truck
What surprised me the most was when the passenger side door opened. A single leg keeping it from closing and suddenly a cardboard box is thrown out. Heavily duct taped and tumbling into the ditch, snow flying up around it. The persons leg retreats allowing the door to slam shut from the force of the wind and they speed up
Something in my gut wrenches as we pass the discarded box. It just didn't sit right with me. Why was the box so heavily sealed shut? Why'd they dispose of it like that? Throwing it out a moving vehicle into a ditch, barbaric if you ask me. With the small voice in my head urging me to investigate, I pat Buckys stomach to get his attention
"Somethings not right! Go back!" I yell so he can hear me through our helmets and over the howling wind
"What's wrong?" He glances back at me briefly, slowing his speed
I turn to look over my shoulder and find the box, growing smaller and smaller as we created distance. "Just a bad feeling. Please turn around."
Without another word, Bucky glances around him before swerving towards the center strip and doing an illegal turn headed back to the box. Again crossing where we shouldn't have and pulling over onto the shoulder. I practically jump off the bike before Bucky could come to a complete stop
He eyes the box skeptically as I trudge through the snow towards it. A small squeak pierces my ears as I get closer and my heart plummets, noticing the box shift slightly
No..
Another small squeak, frantic as if crying out for me. There's an animal still alive in this box. But I fear for not much longer. Quick with my movements, I collapse to my knees next to the wiggling cardboard
As a safety measure, I wrap myself in a force field. I don't know what's in here after all. But I know it's scared, probably in fight or flight mode
"A pine Christmas tree?" I think aloud as I try to read the extremely faded letters on the side of the small box
"What is it?" Bucky shouts over to me, kicking the stand down and dismounting the motorcycle
I grab ahold of the cold box, examining it. No air holes and all ends covered tightly in layers of tape. "I don't know but it's still alive. I need a knife." I holler back to him
Bucky hesitates, looking down the road at the oncoming traffic, before pulling a Swiss Army knife from his pocket. Tossing it to me easily, I catch the device and flip out one of the blades
I begin to cut away at the seams of the box, hands shaking from anger towards the asshole who dumped a live animal and sorrow for the poor little creature. Doing my best not to push the sharp blade too far in and accidentally hurt them. Their cries for help growing louder as I rip away the tape, allowing fresh air to them
"I'm comin' little guy, hold on." I spoke to the box as if the thing inside could understand me
Carefully slashing at the layers of tape, there had to be at least six wrapped around the entire thing. I'm finally able to open one flap of the small box. Sitting back on my heels and waiting for whatever it was inside to scurry out with a sigh of relief
When nothing happens, I slowly peer forward and down to the contents inside. A shaky gasp ripping from my lungs at the small fur ball looking back up at me with wide blue eyes, another squeak of a cry coming from them
My vision lines with tears at the precious little thing left to die. Alone and cold with no food, water, or air
If I ever see that truck again I swear to god—
"Hey there sweet baby," I slowly bring my hand closer to the trembling creature. They eagerly nudge their head against my fingers, rubbing their body against my hand
"Doll, what is it?" Bucky asks, his voice drawing near with the crunch of snow under his boots
"Mrow?"
.
Not completely sure it's comic accurate on how they meet but I'm so excited to include the baby bean omg
<3