Chapter 3
Steve ran his fingers over full lips and sharp cheekbones, cradling a tapered jaw. He's never felt like this, so consumed by want.
Everything about the other man was captivating: his chestnut locks, his pale-golden skin, those piercing eyes he could spend days studying, drawing, painting.
Because Bucky was a work of art.
It was overwhelming, he hadn't felt an attraction this intense in decades, and it didn't help that Bucky was by far the most gorgeous person he'd ever seen.
"God, your beautiful", he panted.
Bucky let out a breathy laugh, "You can talk, Mr Bulging Bicep-oh fuck."
Steve let his fingers slip under his shirt, and he wasn't surprised when he felt lean abs greet his touch. He wanted-needed- more, the rush of hormones and lust felt alien but good, so, so good.
He let his fingers graze every inch of skin he could; he brought is gaze back to the brunette.
Bucky looked, to put it simply, wrecked.
Ruffled tufts of hair stuck up in the oddest angles, his white dress shirt was unbuttoned and rumpled, revealing his taut muscles and v-line. The pink lips Steve tasted, got so easily addicted to, were kiss-swollen; glistening with spit. Judging from the smug glint in Bucky's eyes, Steve must've looked far worse.
Just from that one look, Steve needed him again. He grabbed Bucky's waist and pulled him close, lips searching to meet his-
"Hey, Steve? Hello? Earth to Rogers?"
He snapped his head up at the sound, and gave Sam a sheepish grin. "Sorry, got my head wrapped up".
"Your head has been ""wrapped up"" for a week now, what's up?"
"Sam I told you, I'm fi-"
"Steve", Sam said firmly, "I'll ask you again, what's. up."
Sighing, he put his head in his hands, there was no getting out of this.
"I-I kinda, well, I met someone".
Now Sam looked intrigued, and an excited smile quickly made it's way across his face. Which would almost be endearing if it weren't for the horrible feeling he would never see Bucky again.
"Well? Tell me about him Rogers". Sam's grin was infectious, so Steve couldn't stop the small smile that tugged at the corners.
Wilson and he went way back, friends for almost 4 years, and he was one of the best.
Sam was part of the small group of people that didn't see him as a national treasure, or ancient relic, or decorated war hero but as a person, someone with emotions and feelings just like everyone else. Saying he helped him would be an understatement, Sam befriended him, taught him how to adapt, taught him how to live again; for that Steve was eternally grateful.
Despite the fact that he came out as bisexual, Sam knew better. Girls were great, but he'd only liked them because he didn't realise men were an option, and if most men were like Bucky, well, Steve might just come out as fully gay.
"I don't know where to start", he huffed a laugh. "One minute we were calling each other assholes, and the next minute we were making out against a wall".
Sam's face was a strange mixture of pure shock and utter respect.
"He called you an asshole?"
Steve nodded, vividly remembering the angered expression on the brunette's face.
"Damn, man's got balls of steel", he smirked. "You can be a dick at times, scratch that, most times".
"Hey, it wasn't my fault", Steve scoffed out. "Nat set me up on another one of those stupid dates again".
Sam gave him a sympathetic smile.
Nat, despite her stony exterior, was extremely caring; it didn't help that she was the best known spy in the world, who also had an annoying knack of accurately reading people. She understood better than anyone else how traumatised Steve really was, but what she didn't understand was why Steve was hell-bent on not dating at all.
Anyone else would've laughed.
"Captain America single? No way"
"Everyone loves you!"
"C'mon, guy like you? You need a steady gal to keep you going"
The truth was...the truth was Steve had doubts. Nobody knew the real Captain America, because he knew they wouldn't find the hero they all idolised, they wouldn't find the epitome of righteousness and patriotism. Instead they would find Steve Rogers, a broken shell of a man.
For the first time in years, he felt happy, exhilarated even. He loved that kiss, and made sure to describe it in it's entirety. Steve endlessly rambled on about this stunning man he met, his eyes, his hair, the little divot on his chin. Suddenly he was out of breath, quickly gasping in air to talk even more.
Sam whistled, "Wow Steve, you must really like him"
His eyes widened, he did like Bucky, probably more than he should.
Steve glanced at the clock. "Shit, Sam don't you have a session?"
The shorter man raised his brows. "Yeah I do, man, when you get talking there just ain't no end is there?"
"Well it didn't look like you were gonna stop me anytime soon", he turned, giving Sam a cheeky grin.
"Of course I didn't, you idiot, incase you hadn't noticed I'm a good friend. Now if you don't take your ass out the door, I will"
A burst of laughter escaped his mouth. Even though Steve was enhanced, he had no doubt Sam could kick his ass if he wanted to. All those years in Pararescue made Sam pretty terrifying.
"Yeah yeah, I'll get out of your hair", he gave Sam an earnest grin. "Thanks, for everything"
His friend smiled back in return. "Anytime Rogers"
***
Okay, Nat was officially concerned.
Whilst Steve's smiles did look a little strained, he was glowing. A happy, elated burst of light showering his body.
Bruce just laughed. "Glowing? Nat you can't be serious-"
"She's not wrong", Tony quickly interrupted.
Clint snorted, "I feel like I need sunglasses to look at him, anyone else?".
Thor stroked his beard in thought. "It seems our Captain is rather rhapsodic".
"English point break, english".
"What he means is, Steve looks....better".
"Define ""better"" Brucie".
"He looks happier, birdbrain!"
"Oh, you did not just call me birdbrain!"
"Did too!"
Why and how these people became Earth's mightiest heroes, Natasha would never know.
"Ok, I'm going in", she whispered. "Just please don't look suspicious".
They all muttered in agreement.
So that's how she found herself walking towards Steve, who was (thank god) too preoccupied sparring to notice the horrendous job of eavesdropping.
"Hey fellas", she greeted Sam and Steve.
Wilson wasn't an Avenger per se, but he was a close friend and ally; there weren't many civilians that gained Natasha's trust and respect, but she was glad that Sam did.
"I'm beat", he wiped his brow. "I have a session in about 15 minutes, so I gotta run".
She nodded, "Sure Sam, take care".
He smiled, and waved both of them goodbye.
"So Rogers", she asked slowly. "Who's the lucky guy or girl making you this happy?"
A scarlet blush painted Steve's cheeks, and her small smile grew. Here was Captain America, a hero of the highest ranking, blushing like a schoolgirl. It was far too charming.
"Oh", he choked slightly. "Um, his name is Bucky", then he lowered his gaze to the floor, failing to hide the grin that bloomed. As he turned, Natasha quickly mouthed the name to Tony, who wrote it down on a piece of paper. Then she watched in total disbelief as Clint and he fought over the pen. Utter idiots.
"You guys friends?"
Steve looked wistful, and sad, almost. "Yeah, you could say that".
***
"I'm sorry but, Bucky? He sounds like a stripper".
Bruce sighed, "Tony, almost everyone sounds like a stripper to you"
Clint hummed in agreement.
"You did think Nat was an escort the first time you saw her"
Tony huffed in annoyance.
"Well ok, but it wasn't my fault, she wore this dress that screamed ""sex worker"" "
Thor's eyebrows furrowed. "How does a piece of clothing scream, may I ask?"
"Tony, I would suggest you shut up before I ram that metal suit of yours down your throat", she forced a smile. "Now get a grip guys, we have a new mission", everyone huddled in a circle. "I want all of you to find this "Bucky", and get as much intel as you possibly can"
Clint cleared his throat, "Um, Nat? No offence, but if this guy is making Cap happy, shouldn't we, I don't know, not stalk him? It seems like Steve trusts the guy"
She smirked, her eyes held a predatory glint that made the rest of the Avengers shiver.
"We'll see about that"