Fated Marks

A Week Later-

“I understand that there is protocol and you are not allowed to freely share information…” I started in Chinese before I was interrupted by more yelling. “I feel like we may be able to help each other if you would just please forward my information to the principle investi…”

“Hardass.” I cursed as they hung up.

“Another dead end?” Steve said leaning against the doorway.

“More like a lot of red tape. Need something?” I asked.

“Uh no I went to drop off some paperwork at accounting and they asked if I could run this up to you.” Steve said dropping a huge binder on my desk.

“Thanks, I thought I told them to only send me digital files.” I said pulling the four inch binder closer.

“Friday, is there a digital version of this?” I asked.

“It has not been scanned yet ma’am.” Friday said.

“Well that’s ten minutes I could have used for facetime in comms and accounting.” I said.

“Wow ten minutes more than the seconds it normally takes you.” Steve teased.

“Every second counts.” I said opening the binder and starting to speed through the binder. “Left more mission reports on your desk. Need you to wrangle the agents you went on missions with and have them correct their reports.”

“Uh I actually was going to go on a mission exercise with the team.” Steve said.

“Nat’s taking charge.” I said. “You’re still grounded remember?”

“I thought that was from missions only?” Steve said.

“It was until I saw your team’s mission reports. You know the rules, Team leader is responsible for making sure all of their subordinate’s mission reports that are turned in are actually completed not randomly filled in.” I said.

“That’s normally how they’re done.” Steve said.

“Steve one of your agents wrote and I’m quoting word for word here, we shot the guy and Cap kicked ass.” I said. “I didn’t work for the old Shield but I know that’s not how you write a report.”

Steve sighed. “I’ll get right on it.” He said turning around just as Bucky walked in holding a cup of coffee. “Hey Buck.”

“Steve.” Bucky said freezing and looking down at the cup of coffee he had in his hand.

“Hey Bucky.” I greeted not looking up as I kept speeding through what I was reading while one hand was up in the air pressing numbers on the projected calculator Friday had up for me.

“Uh…” Steve said looking down at the coffee in his hand and noticing the awkward silence.

“I should probably go find everyone.” Steve said going around Bucky. He muttered something in the hallways that sounded something like, ‘he never brings me coffee.’

“Oh crap did I zone out and miss the farmer’s market?” I said suddenly.

“No, I just… made coffee.” Bucky said carefully putting the cup down on my desk.

“Oh thanks, I was actually about to go get one before Steve dropped this off. Health insurance policies.” I said.

“Good time then.” He said.

“Perfect.” I said picking up the mug and moaning as I tasted the coffee. Bucky just stared at me with an unreadable look. “This is just what I needed, thank you.”

“No problem.” Bucky said with a smile. “I uh…”

I looked up at him listening.

“Uh… see you later.” He said all but running out.

“Thanks again.” I called out. That was so sweet of him. Aww and he even brought it in my favorite mug.

Third Person’s POV-

Bucky ran back to his room and locked the door behind him. He had been in stressful situations before, he had been to war but for some reason trying to ask out Hayley was more nerve racking than that. And Steve was there.

“Uh.” He groaned. And she always had to look so damn beautiful.

It was supposed to be easy. He was going to bring her coffee around the same time she always came to the common room to get her mid morning dose. He spent most of the morning staring at the clock waiting to time it right. He even made sure the coffee had a tiny bit of cinnamon in the grounds the way Hayley liked it, in her favorite mug that she always served herself in. Made the whole pot so it would be just the right temperature when it got to her and she wouldn’t burn her tongue.

He was going to ask her but seeing Steve kind of threw him off and Hayley just seemed really busy.

“Uh.” He groaned again.

Hayley’s POV-

“Boss it’s 12:30.” Friday said snapping me out of the cost analysis charts I was making for the email I was going to send out for everyone to ignore but at least I could say they were told.

“Thank you Friday. Have all any calls forwarded to my phone please.” I said.

“Yes ma’am.” Friday said before I headed out to find Bucky. Everyone was out on their survival exercise, which was probably going to be Nat making them run through the obstacle course while she and Clint shot paintballs at them. So when I walked into the common room Steve was stilling in the kitchen alone eating a sandwich.

“Hey.” Steve said.

“Hey,” I said rinsing my coffee cup in the sink before putting it into the dishwasher. “Have you seen Bucky?”

“Uh I think he was in the gym.” Steve said.

“Okay. We’re going to the farmer’s market.” I said. “You know if you wanted to come with us…”

“I think…” he started just as Sharon walked in.

“There you are.” Sharon said walking on before she saw me and tensed. “Oh sorry I didn’t know you were busy…”

“I’ll leave you to it then.” I said. “Agent Carter remember to turn in your expense report by the end of the day.”

“Of course.” Sharon said nodding and smiling politely.

With that I went to the gym to go find Bucky. He was punching a sandbag as fast as he could before finally giving it a hard uppercut with his metal hand and sending to crashing against the wall.

“What’d that bag ever do to you?” I asked and Bucky jumped. “Sorry, thought you heard me walk in.”

“I was a bit distracted.” He said.

“Oh just ready to go whenever you are.” I said.

“Uh, I’m… I should clean up.” Bucky said.

“No problem, I’ll just be in the common room.” I said before bending down to pick up a towel that was supposed to be used to wipe down the machine but was on the floor. When I did I swear I heard Bucky groan for some reason. “I need another coffee. Insurance policies are so boring. Meet you there?”

“Yeah.” Bucky said before all but running out of the gym. He’s been doing that a lot lately.

I walked back to the common room where Sharon and Steve were laughing about something. I went straight for the coffee maker.

“Find Buck?” Steve asked.

“Yeah he’s just cleaning up.” I said pouring myself a coffee. ”Mhmm there’s nothing like the smell of fresh pot of coffee.”

“I should go.” Sharon said. “Have to finish those expense reports.”

“Yeah I have my own pile of paperwork to do.” Steve said.

“I’ll see you later.” Sharon said scurrying off. Being the boss definitely had some perks.

“So are you and Bucky going away to the farmer’s market.” He asked.

“Just in town.” I said fixing my necklaces. I had layered my arrow necklace with thin gold chain necklaces. I was wearing a white wrap v-neck three quarter sleeved shirt with a high waisted diamond medallion print pencil skirt and black heels.

“Okay, just wanted to know in case Natasha or Clint ask.” Steve said.

“I let them know already. Groupchat.” I said.

“Right.” Steve said. “I’m going to get back to work.”

“Okay.” I said drinking my coffee. Bucky was taking a while. I walked around the common room looking at the books before my phone buzzed. I was leaning against the back of the couch. My legs bent as I held on with one hand and responded to Clint’s text of Sam being caught in a climbing net, dangling upside down. I laughed, the expression on Sam’s face was priceless. I heard footsteps and when I looked up I saw Bucky standing a few feet away from me.

“Hey, you should see this.” I said waving him over. He said before walking over keeping his distance until I moved closer and showed him the picture of Sam.

That made him chuckle.

“You ready?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He said as I stood up but slipped.

“Woah!” I said falling before Bucky caught me his hands on my waist and instinctively I looped my arms around his neck. “Oh, floor’s slippery.”

Bucky didn’t say anything just stared at me. His hold didn’t waiver and he lifted me up slowly. His forehead resting on mine for a second. He looked down, I could have sworn it was at my lips because he moved closer until.

“Everyone alri…” Steve said running in and freezing when he saw us. Bucky loosened his grip and I felt myself start to fall but he quickly caught me and lifted me back onto my feet.

“Heels don’t get a lot of traction on this floor.” I said. “You have good reflexes. Thanks for catching me.”

“Anytime.” Bucky said his voice cracking and blushing probably as much as I was right now. “Should we…”

“Yeah.” I said. “Later.”

 With that we all but ran out of there leaving Steve frozen where he stood.

The drive to the farmer’s market was quiet. Neither of us said anything. Bucky just stared out the door window while I kept my eyes on the road. I didn’t even bother to turn on the radio because I just kept replaying what happened in the common room over and over again in my head. The way he looked at me, the way he had been looking at me the past couple of weeks… I mean if Steve hadn’t walked in when he did I think we may have… Nah there’s no way Bucky feels that way. Then again he had been acting weird lately and the looks… wait was he checking me out?

I glanced out of the corner of my eye to look at him. He was still looking out the window and not saying a word.

Okay definitely just in my head, or maybe I overstepped. Maybe I was subconsciously making a move…

‘Fuck Hayley keep it in your pants’ I thought to myself.

I parked and we sat there for a minute. I should say something. Maybe apologize. I totally overstepped. I may have felt up his muscles… did I feel up his muscles? I don’t know what I did but I had to apologize for something.

“I…” I started.

“They have watermelons.” Bucky said suddenly. I looked over at him as saw that they did have watermelons.

“They do.” I said. “Probably the last of the season. Should buy one.”

“Hm.” Bucky said before he unbuckled his seatbelt. Guess we weren’t going to talk about it. We got out of the car and went to do our shopping. We stayed close talking to some of the vendors we knew before going to the ice cream shop. To this point we still hadn’t said a word to each other. I couldn’t even look at Bucky out of shame but I could feel him staring at me.

I don’t know what gave it away but even the lady that owned the ice cream shop saw something was wrong. As I was paying she whispered.

“Honey, whatever he did, you should forgive him. He’s obviously sorry and he’s a good one.” She said.

“Uh… It’s not… thanks.” I said leaving a tip and grabbing my ice cream before we went to the park, sat down in our usual bench and ate.

Normally it would be a comfortable silence. Today it was us taking turns staring at each other when the other wasn’t looking. Man I had really screwed up.

Third Person’s POV-Compound

Steve stood in the common room staring at the spot where Bucky and Hayley almost… well he wasn’t sure what they were doing. It kind of looked like they were going to kiss for a second. Steve shook his head. No, they couldn’t be…

“Hey man, you okay?” Sam said as he walked in with the rest of the team for lunch.

“Yeah.” Steve said.

“You’re pinching your eyebrows together.” Wanda said.

“Signature Captain is upset face.” Rhodey agreed.

“Your body language also indicates you’re quiet tense maybe even upset.” Vision said.

“I’m not upset.” Steve snapped.

“Want to try that again?” Natasha asked before Clint walked in.

“Woah, someone’s in a mood.” Clint said.

“I’m not in a mood.” Steve snapped again. Everyone just exchanged looks and stared at him eventually he gave in. “Uh… I’m pretty sure I was imagining things but I think I walked in on Hayley and Bucky having a moment.”

“What do you mean a moment?” Natasha asked.

“I walked in and they were…” Steve said struggling to find the right words to describe what he saw.

“Were they…” Clint asked thinking he knew what had happened.

“No, not that. They were standing and Bucky kind of… dipped her and was holding her. And her arms were around him. But their faces were close like… almost kissing.” Steve said. “But it didn’t happen. They’re not like that right? They’re just friends.”

Everyone stayed quiet.

“They are but… she is the only one he talks to.”  Natasha said.

“He talks to me.” Steve said.

“He does.” Sam said. “But he really talks to Hayley.”

“She is the only person that gets him out of here.” Rhodey said.

“He really likes her.” Wanda said and everyone stared at her. “Sometimes I get distracted and I hear things. Sorry. And you should really stop worrying and just do it already.” She said directing that last part at Clint.

“Uh…” Clint said.

“He has been a bit off lately.” Natasha said.

“What do you mean off?” Steve said concerned. “He looked okay. He was just doing what he normally does.”

“Yeah but he’s looked a little less broody and slightly more… happy?” Rhodey said.

“He looks at her like a lost puppy.” Natasha said in agreement.

“You know now that I think about it, I did catch him staring at Hayley a couple of times. Maybe even checking her out.” Sam said.

“He’s not ready for that. He’d say something if he did.” Steve said.

“Sure. Because he’s really chatty.” Clint said and Natasha kicked his foot signaling him to shut up. “Ow.”

“No he would talk to me about something like this.” Steve said. “I know he would.”

Third Person’s POV- The Park

What was normally the best day of Bucky’s week, the day he looked forward to every week the way a grade school kid waited for it to be Friday, was turning out to be the worst.

His dreams had become an every night thing meaning he had been waking up multiple times in the middle of the night due to some very intense dreams of him and Hayley. He had been taking so many cold showers… it was a good thing Tony was rich because the water bill was going to be through the roof.

And it wasn’t just when he was asleep in the middle of the day it was little things she did, things he didn’t used to notice. Like when she was deep in thought she had a tendency to bite her lip. Or the way her eyebrows slightly pinched together when she was being sarcastic. How her eyes twinkled a bit when she was joking around or when she smiled. How she twirled her hair with her fingers when she was deep in thought. And she just looked so beautiful and sexy in her work clothes. Not that she didn’t normally but it was just harder to ignore. She was smart and funny and kind. She was beautiful inside and out.

He had it bad.

And then there was Steve.

Oh Steve.

Steve was important to him, Bucky loved him he just didn’t know how to talk to him and just hated disappointing him. Which he had done a lot. His old memories didn’t mean as much to him as they obviously still did to Steve. He was an assassin for over seventy years for the guys he crashed a plane in the Atlantic to save the world from.

And he almost helped them do it again and in the process almost killed their soulmate.

“Uh.” He groaned his metal hand squeezing the armrest of the bench they were sitting on so hard he left finger indentations.

‘No wonder she doesn’t want me…’ Bucky thought.

Hayley looked over at him arching an eyebrow but quickly turned away at the same time he turned to look at her.

He looked over at Hayley who was picking at her ice cream biting her pillowy lips a lot harder normal signaling she was tense.

He should say something. He overstepped. He didn’t plan it though and if he had it wouldn’t have happened almost exactly the way it had in his dream. His arms around her waist holding her close. Her arms around him. Their noses touching. For a second he could have sworn she was just as caught in the moment as he was but right now…

He should have said something sooner. He might have just ruined things with his best friend. The only one that didn’t treat him like he was going to breakdown if he heard the wrong thing.

He needed to say something. He was going to say something.

Hayley’s POV-

“I…” Bucky started. I turned to him. “I…”

“Um… “ I said staring at him. Please say something. Anything. Tell me we’re okay. Please be okay.

“I want…” Bucky started before my phone started ringing. Fuck.

“Uh sorry…” I said quickly sending it to voicemail. “About the phone…. ”

“…” Bucky opened his mouth like he was going to say something but closed his mouth and started again and closed.

“Are we… okay?” I finally got out.

“I’m sorry.” Bucky said.

“What?” I said surprised.

“I shouldn’t have…” He said not being able to get the words out.

“You don’t have to… I was the one that…” I started. What exactly was I apologizing for? Overstepping? Slightly feeling up his muscles? Briefly imagining what it would be like to kiss him?

“You…” Bucky looked confused and so did I. “I… in the common room…”

“You caught me.” I said because that’s what he did.

“I did.” He said “But I thought about doing….more.”

“Oh.” I said before realizing what I said and how that could be interpreted. Sure enough Bucky was curled in on himself and staring at the ground. “No not that oh! Oh as in I’m surprised which now that I think of it actually sounds worse but that isn’t it but it kind of is because I thought I had done something wrong because you weren’t saying anything or looking at me and I was really worried I overstepped…”

“You didn’t.” Bucky said digging his fingers into the palm of his hands hard. “I did… or I thought about it.”

“Before Steve walked in… you were…” I said just making sure I was understanding things correctly.

“I thought about it.” He said in a low voice.

“Do you want to… talk about… us?” I asked.

“Yes.” Bucky said. “I’ve been… I feel something.”

“Feel like feelings for friends or more than friends?” I asked.

“When I caught you I wanted to… kiss you.” Bucky said blushing slightly.

“More than friends, gotcha.” I said.

“I don’t know when it started but it’s been a lot… more lately.” He said.

“Okay so I wasn’t just imagining things.” I said.

“No. Was I… imagining things?” Bucky asked.

“I may have… considered it a bit.” I said afraid of his response. “We never really talked about us as soulmates.”

“I wasn’t ready.” Bucky said.

“And I’m totally okay with that.” I said. “I wasn’t expecting anything. I just wanted to be there for you… as a friend or whatever you needed me to be.”

“I know.” Bucky said. “And it means a lot that you were there for me and still are.”

“So you weren’t ready before but are you ready for it now?” I asked.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for being soulmates but I know I want more, or at least try for more…” Bucky said “I’ve been trying to ask you out on a date… the last couple of days. I just didn’t know if I should. If you were okay with that because of everyone else.”

“You mean Steve?” I asked.

“I meant everyone but… Steve too.” He said.

“What happened with me and Steve is separate from what’s going on with you and me.” I said. “As for everyone else… I’d have to talk to them… you know if there was something else going on.”

“Right.” Bucky said. “I’d have to talk to Steve about it.”

“Probably. Have you two… started anything?” I asked.

“I’m working on talking to him.” He said. “I might need help with that.”

“Talking to Steve is not my strong point.” I said.

“I know but I know someone who can.” He said. “You know if… we…”

“Right.” I said.

We were quiet for a minute.

“Does… Can I… ask you out?” Bucky asked. “I know I’m not ready to jump in but going slow…”

“I can do slow.” I said with a smile.

“Will you go out with me?” Bucky asked.

“Yes.” I said. “Just say when.”

“Friday?” Bucky asked.

“Friday night it is.” I said.

“And uh… will you be there when I talk to him?” He asked.

“Yeah, though he probably knows something’s going on considering he walked in when we…almost…” I said.

“Yeah…” Bucky said. “Tomorrow?”

“For the talk?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He said.

“Specific time?” I asked.

“10am, in the medical wing.” Bucky said.

“Wait medical wing… you mean… your therapist?” I asked.

“Yeah… is that bad?” Bucky said starting to panic.

“No.” I said. “Just never thought I’d be seeing a therapist with Steve again. But I’m okay. I can totally do this. Though you’re going to have to get Steve there on your own. If he knows I’m going to be there he’ll try to get out of it.”

“I can do that.” Bucky said. “Not like he’s going on a mission right?”

“He better not.” I said before my phone buzzed. “We should probably head back… they keep calling and that’s never a good sign.”

“Yeah. So Friday?” He asked.

“Friday.” I said before he hesitantly offered his hand. I put my hand in his before we got up and walked back to the car.

We were back to comfortable silence. He even commented on some of the music that was playing on the radio. I think I even saw him humming along at one point.

Once we were at the compound I was immediately greeted by an accountant and Hill’s secretary who were both urgently in need of approval while the other had argued against it… and now I had to mediate between departments. I shot Bucky an apologetic look and he waved me off.

A While Later…

After reviewing the progress of our open investigations in comms and clearing up a slight logistics error with payroll I was back in my office following a paper trail of yet another shell corporation Dragon Lady was working under. I called it a day and was going to head out.

“Hey.” Natasha said popping her head in.

“Hey.” I said smiling.

“Are you heading out?” She asked.

“Yeah, you want to come with? Sleep over?” I asked. I needed to talk to them all but I knew Tony was going to be harder to tell. It wasn’t a secret he wasn’t Bucky’s biggest fan. So I’d talk to Nat and Clint first before going to see Tony.

“I don’t have anything to do tomorrow… if you want me to…” Natasha said.

“Yes please.” I said.

“Okay, Friday let everyone know I’ll be back tomorrow.” She said.

“Alright, let’s go.” I said before we went to the car. Less than ten minutes we were walking into the kitchen.

“Honey I’m home.” I said.

“That never gets old.” Clint said coming out from the kitchen to kiss me before he noticed Natasha. “Hey Nat.”

“I’m staying over.” She said giving him a look before they started one of their silent conversations.

“I’m going to go change while you two finish talking about whatever you’re talking about.” I said before slipping upstairs. I quickly kicked off my heels and changed out of my skirt and blouse and into a pair of shorts and a cami.  When I went back downstairs Natasha was setting the table while Clint pulled the rolls out of the oven.

Once we were all sitting down I dug in while Clint and Natasha just stared at me, waiting.

“This roast chicken is really good.” I said but they wouldn’t budge. “What?”

Still quiet.

“Okay,” I said putting my fork down. “Don’t know why I even bother trying to find the right moment or make small talk anymore so I’ll just come out and say it. I asked Nat to come because I wanted to talk to you guys about a thing that happened today.”

“What thing?” Clint and Natasha said at the same thing.

“Before I say it, just know this doesn’t change…” I started.

“Hayley.” They both said again.

“Bucky asked me out. On a date.” I said. They stared at me for a second before Clint sighed.

“Damn it.” Clint said reaching behind him.

“Clint…” I said expecting him to freak out not take out his wallet and give Natasha twenty dollars. “Wait, were you to betting on me?”

“I bet on you being the one to realize you had feelings for Bucky first and make a move.” Clint said. “Nat bet he would first.”

“Really guys?” I said.

“It was going to happen at some point.” Natasha said. “He follows you around like a lost puppy.”

“And he talks to you more than anyone else.” Clint said.

“Plus he’s been checking you out.” Natasha said.

“He has not.” I said.

“Hales no amount of brainwashing could make anyone not think you look hot in a pencil skirt.” Clint said. “I’m pretty sure everyone noticed something was going on, well except you.”

“We were just friends.” I said before Will stormed in.

“Oh my gosh I can’t believe Buckley is a thing now!” Will said hugging me.

“Buckley?” I said patting Will’s back as he squeezed me tight.

“Wait she doesn’t know?” Will said. “I thought you said it was official?”

“How did you tell Will already, I just told you?” I asked Natasha.

“I know everything.” Will said.

“So you heard someone.” I said.

“Yeah, apparently there was a moment.” He said.

“There was no moment, we were just friends.” I said.

“Hales, sweetie, I love you but you’re the most emotionally oblivious person I know.” Will said.

“That is not true…” I started.

“It took you months to even realize you had feelings for your soulmates,” Will said.

“You didn’t even realize we were your soulmates.” Natasha seconded.

“Okay yeah that’s true.” I admitted.

“Well, I expect details tomorrow.” He said hugging me again. “You, me, lunch. Sibling time.”

“Sibling time.” I said before he walked out. “Can’t believe he came by just to for that. Actually, yeah it’s Will. So we talked. Bucky said he’s been having feelings for a while…”

“Obviously.” Clint said.

“And said he’s ready for more.” I said ignoring the comment. “Not completely jumping into the soulmate thing, more like going slow. Going on dates. There’s still a lot to figure out and Bucky is still working through a lot. I know it’s a tricky situation with all of us and our history so… thoughts?”

“Do you want to go out with him?” Clint asked.

“We’ve been spending some time together and some feelings may have come up I want to explore.” I said.

“And you’re okay with your history together? With him…” Natasha asked.

“He was brainwashed.” I said. “I’m okay with that and he’s come a long way. I mean he asked me out and we talked about how we were feeling and worked through them. I know fully grown non brainwashed supersoldiers that can’t do that.”

“Speaking of, Did you talk about Steve?” Clint asked.

“We did, we’re actually going to talk to him tomorrow.” I said. “He saw us have a moment.”

“We know.” They said.

“Man, nothing’s a secret in that compound.” I said as an afterthought. “We’re talking to him tomorrow.”

“You sure you’re up for that?” Natasha asked.

“Yeah, and it won’t just be me so it’ll all be okay.” I said. “I just wanted to make sure you guys we okay.”

“Hales we’re okay. If you want this then we’re with you.” Clint said.

“But if he hurts you we’ll cut his balls off.” Natasha said.

“Aww, I think he knows that already.” I said. “I love you guys.”

“Love you.” Clint said kissing me while Natasha just squeezed my hand.

“You know I was kind of nervous about telling you guys but even more to tell Tony…”

“Oh…” Clint said. “That’s going to be tough.”

“There’s going to be a tantrum.” Natasha said.

“Guys it’s Tony.” I said.

“Hales you weren’t there the year you were in a coma, so you don’t know bad things were. Including Tony kind of kicking Cap and Bucky out of the tower…. Or trying to.” Clint said.

“He did what?” I asked.

“We were all kind of a mess.” Clint said.

“We talked him down.” Natasha said. “Well Pepper and Rhodey did.”

“Just… be prepared.” He said.

“Okay.” I said. “But we’re okay right?”

“Yes.” They said.

“You’d tell me if you weren’t right?” I asked.

“Yes.” Natasha said.

“Now let’s eat. Food’s getting cold.” Clint said.

The Following Morning…

I got up early and jumped in the shower leaving Clint and Natasha in bed. Nat jumped into the shower with me enjoying a bit of one on one time before it was time to face reality. I jumped out of the shower and quickly did my hair. Choosing to put it up in a ponytail after I curled it, leaving a few strands to frame my face. Then I picked out an olive green sleeveless wrap dress and tan leather heeled sandals with. Matching purse. I wasn’t going to be in the office so I was going a bit more casual today.

“Morning.” I said kissing Clint when I walked into the kitchen.

“Morning.” He said sliding my coffee towards me.

“Mhm… coffee.” I said.

“Busy day today?” Clint asked me.

“Just answering emails, paperwork, Try tracking down that detective in Hong Kong, then I have to talk to Steve with Bucky, head into the city to tell Tony and that’s probably going to be an all day thing.” I said. “Plus traffic. What about you two?”

“Training.” Clint and Natasha said.

“You know you two have been doing that a lot.” I said.

“Doing what?” Clint and Natasha said again.

“That.” I said.

“Guess we do.” Natasha said sitting down next to me.

“You guys want me to bring back anything?” I asked.

“Pizza.” Clint said.

“Meat lovers, extra bacon.” I said.

“I love you.” Clint said kissing me.

“So how are you feeling… about the talk?” Natasha asked.

“Well I’m pretty sure Tony is not going to take it well. He’s going to try and talk me out of it. But we’ll work through it. Talk it out.” I said.

“I meant with Steve.” She said.

“Oh that… Yeah I’m not to worried. I’m mostly going to be there for emotional support. And I mean if for whatever reason it does go bad what’s the worst thing that can happen? We broke up already. If Bucky changes his mind and decides he doesn’t want to date then it just wasn’t meant to be and that’s that. Either way everything will be okay.” I said.

“You’re a ray of sunshine this morning.” Natasha said.

“Ask me again in a few hours.” I said.

Meanwhile- Third Person’s POV

Bucky had spent the past day on cloud nine well he was, until he ran into Steve. Who he still hadn’t told or talk to. It actually seemed to him that Steve was avoiding him. Because normally he was everywhere or at least he seemed to be. Maybe Hayley had given him more paperwork…

He tried talking to him at dinner but it probably wasn’t the right place to ask him… in front of everyone.

So he had to ambush him. He woke up at the crack of dawn when he knew Steve got up for his morning run and waited for him to walk into the kitchen for his coffee.

He had the coffee just the way he took it ready on the counter.

Steve walked into the kitchen after an extra long run trying to get his mind off of things froze when he saw Bucky in the kitchen.

“Morning.” Bucky said.

“Morning Buck.” Steve said smiling a bit.

“There’s coffee.” He said looking down at the mug on the counter.

“Oh… this is for me?” Steve said surprised.

“Yeah.” Bucky said. Neither of them moved for a minute. Bucky stared at him willing him to move to pick up the damn mug. Of course all Steve saw was bucky glaring at him. For a second he thought maybe he was having an episode… though it had been months since the last one. Steve slowly went to sit down. He carefully picked up the mug and took a sip.

Bucky let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Steve was sitting down they were alone. He just had to find a way to get him to go to therapy with him… without mentioning Hayley was going to be there. Because she was right, if Steve knew she was going to be there, he wouldn’t go.

“Are you… busy?” Bucky asked.

“What?” Steve asked surprised.

“Are you busy today?” bucky asked.

“Uh well I’m just working out and paperwork, but I can take some time off.” Steve said. “If you want.”

“I uh… I… my therapist said it would help if you could come with me to a session.” Bucky said. It wasn’t a complete lie just slightly stretching the truth.

“Bucky I’m not too sure…” Steve said.

“To help me with some memories.” Bucky said quickly. Again not a complete lie, just slightly stretching the truth.

“Oh really, Is there anything specific…” Steve started.

“He’ll tell you more.” Bucky said.

“Alright, what time?” Steve said.

“10am.” Bucky said.

“I’ll be there. And maybe we can do something after.” Steve said.

“Maybe.” Bucky said. Who knows how things were going to go?

Later that Day- Hayley’s POV

After breakfast we all headed to the compound. I answered emails and left a few messages at the police station in Hong Kong hoping they’d get back to me.

“Uh hi...” Someone said as I was working on some spreadsheets. I glanced up and saw Sharon

“Morning.” I said as I kept working.

“I uh finished my paperwork and there’s this mission I hoped I could be included on this mission.” Sharon said coming to put the mission briefing on my desk. “I was on the recon team and wanted to follow through.”

“Did you ask Hill and Fury?” I asked as I kept working. “They’re the ones in charge of assigning missions.”

“I did and they said the mission roster was set…” She said.

“Then it’s set.” I said.

“I understand that but I think I could be a real asset.” She said as Friday brough up the mission file on one of the screens as well as the file of every agent assigned to the mission.

“You were undercover on the recon mission because that is what you’re good at this mission doesn’t require your skill set.” I said. “The roster is set, and according to the schedule you’re actually about to be sent out on another mission. One you were actually assigned to.”

“But I can do more.” She insisted.

“That’s not my call. Hill and Fury make the recommendations for mission rosters and I approve them. They didn’t recommend you so there’s nothing to approve.” I said. “If you have an issue with that I suggest you take it up with them.”

“But you’re…” She started.

“Busy dealing with more important things so if that’s everything…” I started. “I believe you have a mission you should be preparing for Agent Carter.”

“Y-yes ma’am.” She said obviously mad she didn’t get her way before walking away.

I kept typing away before…

“Boss it’s time for your appointment.” Friday said.

“Right.” I said. “Hold my calls until I get back please.”

“Of course.” Friday answered. I walked across the compound and to medical their offices and walked into the waiting room Where Bucky was already sitting down with Steve.

“Morning.” I said.

“Hey.” Bucky said giving me a small smile.

“Hayley.” Steve said. “I know I’m not working but I’ll have…”

“At ease soldier. You’re good.” I said sitting down.

“Oh…” he said relieved before he looked at me confused.

We sat there in silence. Bucky was tapping his foot impatiently and anxious. Steve just kept looking back and forth between us. Guessing Bucky still hadn’t told him and didn’t tell him I was going to be here either.

It was a few minutes later that Bucky’s therapist came out and called us in.

Bucky stood up at the same time Steve did and when he saw that I Did too Steve froze.

“Uh Hayley this is our…” He started.

“It’s ok.” Bucky said taking my hand. “I asked her to.”

“oh…” Steve said.

We walked in and sat down on the couch. Steve was on the left side, I was on the right and Bucky was in the middle. His therapist sat on a chair across from us.

“Welcome.” Doctor Ellman said. “And thank you for coming. I’m sure it means a lot to Bucky that you were both able to come today.”

No one said anything.

“The reason you’re here today is that Bucky felt that it was time he talked to you both and I’m just here to help you all work through any feelings that may come up.” Doctor Ellman said. “Bucky would you like to start?”

“Uh… Steve, I know that you and Hayley broke up but I’ve have feelings for her and yesterday I asked her out on a date. She said yes.” Bucky said.

“You’re dating?” Steve said surprised.

“Yes.” I said.

“So what I walked in on yesterday… that was…” He started.

“Nothing happened.” I said. “Bucky really did catch me when I fell but it could have been more.”

“Steve, is there anything you want to say?” Doctor Ellman asked.

“is that really a good idea?” Steve blurted out. Kind of saw that one coming. “Bucky’s in recovery and is this really what he needs?”

“Actually this is a break through.” Doctor Ellman. “And it’s something that Bucky and I have discussed.”

“It’s what I want.” Bucky said.

“We know this isn’t going to be easy and we’re not jumping into anything. We’re taking it slow.” I said.

“I understand that you all have a very complicated history and your situation is rather… unique.” Doctor Ellman said. “But this is why you’re all here so you can talk things out and figure out how to move forward.”

“What’s there to figure out?” Steve said.

“Well Bucky, there was something else you wanted to say?” Doctor Ellman said.

Bucky was quiet his hand shaking slightly. I gently put my hand on his and gave him a small reassuring smile. He squeezed my hand gently before taking a breath.

“I-I care about you Steve but… it’s really hard for me to talk to you.” Bucky said.

“Buck I don’t understand. I’m here for you, I’m always here for you.” Steve said.

“I know but…” Bucky said. “When we talk you talk about the way things used to be.”

“Because I’m trying to help you remember…” Steve said.

“But it’s not just that, you talk about those memories and expect me to feel the same way you do, to be the guy I used to be and I can’t.” Bucky said. “That guy is gone and when we talk there’s this… expectation that I’m never going to be able to live up to and I feel guilty that I can’t be that guy for you. That I disappoint you…”

“Bucky you can never disappoint me… you just need more time and…” He continued.

“It’s not a matter of time.” Bucky said. “I have the same memories you do I just don’t feel the same about them as you do.”

“I… I don’t know what… how…” Steve said still confused before his eyes fell on me. “You told him to do this.”

“Woah, don’t bring me into this. What happened between us is completely separate from what Bucky’s telling you.” I said.

“Really? So the expectations that suffocated you aren’t the same that Bucky’s pointing out, they aren’t the reason he keeps pushing me away?” Steve said.

“Would you two care to elaborate?” Doctor Ellman asked.

“I think we’re getting off topic.” I said.

“Well the obviously unresolved feelings that Steve is experiencing towards you in response to Bucky’s confession is related and could hinder the progress of both of your relationships.” He elaborated.

“Hayley and I went to therapy to try and work through our problems.” Steve said.

“Correction, I tried. Steve kept blaming everything on me.” I said.

“Blaming what on you?” Doctor Ellman asked.

“Is this really necessary?” I asked. Bucky just squeezed my hand sort of signaling me that it was okay.

“There’s obviously a lot of tension between you three that can only be resolved if you open up.” Doctor Ellman said.

“We went to therapy because we couldn’t stop fighting. Hayley ignored me constantly because she was always busy with someone else.” Steve started.

“My problem with Steve was that he never wanted to spend time with me, that he hated me because I decided to move forward with my life…” I started.

“That’s not true.” Steve said.

“Well not hate but resented me for it. When I tried to talk to him about it to work through our issues he blamed everything on me. In therapy he never tried and then as it turned out he lied to me the entire time we were together and he was actually in love with a woman he had a month long fling in the forties that he told me was just a good friend, constantly compared me to her making me feel well… like crap. So I ended it.” I said. “It’s not up to me to fix Steve.”

“She gave up on us.” Steve said.

“He made me feel like crap.” I said. “I stand by my decision. It was very obvious to me that he was stuck in the past and had a lot of unresolved feelings he needed to work through on his own.”

“I see a commonality here.” Doctor Ellman said. “Steve, have your feelings changed?”

“I apologized…” he said.

“You said what I thought I wanted to hear. You never actually listened to me.” I said.

“I went to therapy.” He said.

“You showed up but never actually put in any effort. Just kept blaming other people.” I said.

“And you ignored me.” Steve said.

“No that’s what you did, you just refused to talk to me and took any excuse to not talk to me. You wanted me to be her and that was never going to happen.” I said.

“I was never going to be Clint.” Steve said.

“I never asked you to be. I never compared you to anyone. I just wanted you.” I said wiping a tear that had slipped out. “But you never wanted me. You’d rather go on missions and get shot at than have dinner with me.”

“It’s my job.” Steve said.

“What about Sharon?” Bucky said.

“What?” Steve said turning to Bucky. Woah did not see that coming.

“Sharon? She’s always with you. You flirt with her.” Bucky said.

“I don’t flirt with her.” Steve said.

“You do.” I said. “Constantly.”

“She’s just a friend.” Steve said.

“Who’s Sharon?” Doctor Ellman Asked.

“She’s a friend and an agent that works here.” Steve said.

“She’s also Peggy’s niece.” I added.

“That’s interesting.” Doctor Ellman said taking notes.

“It’s really not.” Steve said.

“She also spied on him when he was living in DC.” I said.

“She did?” Bucky said giving him a look.

“Fury made her. It was her job.” Steve said.

“Sure…” Bucky said.

“I never had a problem with someone being around you constantly.” Steve said to me.

“You mean my soulmates, who you were aware of from the very beginning were going to be a part of my life?” I said. “You complained about it constantly.”

“Yes because you were never fair.” He said.

“And you were?” I retorted.

“I’m a child of divorce.” Bucky said.

“Look what’s done is done. If you’re still in denial that’s on you because like I said you’re the problem and it’s not up to me to fix you.” I said. “Right now I want to focus on what’s in front of me. My relationships with the people who love me for me, starting a relationship with Bucky, work and taking out the dragon lady.”

“Those are good priorities which brings me to the next point we should address. Hayley how do you feel about starting a relationship with Bucky?” Doctor Ellman said.

“I feel good. We’re going to take it slow, no pressure and… yeah.” I said.

“That’s good but I meant with your complicated history. I know Bucky has addressed some fears that may come up moving forward.” he said.

“I hurt you and I know you said you’re okay but… I have dreams…” He said.

“You were shot, thrown over a cliff, drowned and ended up in a coma for over a year.” Doctor Ellman said. “How are you coping with that?”

“Well, I don’t regret the decisions that led me to that point. Let’s get that cleared out right now. I saved Natasha and Bucky, I was okay with dying if it meant they would be okay. I am sorry for what I put everyone through. As for the trauma… I grew up with a homicidal brother that spent most of my life trying to kill me and a mother that once sold me to the Chinese mob, used me as a human guinea pig and as I’ve recently learned sent said homicidal brother after me. The coma was the cherry on top of the trauma sundae that was the majority of my life. Though I am grateful for the trauma and the coma.” I said.

“How so?” Doctor Ellman said.

“It taught me to value the things that really matter and that my past does not have to define me. I can learn and grow from it.” I said.

“That’s an interesting way of looking at it.” He said.

“Took years of therapy to get to this point.” I said.

“Are you still in therapy?” He asked.

“No.” Steve started.

“Yes.” I said and Steve and Bucky looked at me surprised.. “I have a one hour skype session with my therapist every week. I don’t really think I need it for the trauma of the coma, that was it’s own sort of therapy, but I want to be the best possible version of me for the people I love. It’s not up to them to fix me and I know that my brother and mother have a tendency to bring out the worst in me and I don’t want to fall back into some of my more self destructive tendencies.” I said and he just stared at me. “I’m a work in progress.”

“Aren’t we all.” Doctor Ellman said. “And what does your therapist think about your relationship with Bucky?”

“Well he doesn’t know. My sessions are on Mondays and I got asked out yesterday so I haven’t had a chance to let him know.” I said. “Though he is aware Bucky and I spend time together. He encouraged open communication and to proceed with caution.”

“Good advice.”

“And how does everyone else feel about you dating Bucky?” Steve asked.

“Clint and Natasha were okay, though you might get some shovel talk later… just a heads up.” I told Bucky, nodding his head in understanding.

“And Tony?” Steve said with a knowing look and Bucky tensed.

“I’m actually heading out right after this session to go see him and tell him the news in person.” I said.

“Alright. Steve how do you feel about Bucky and Hayley dating?” He asked.

“I’m fine.” Steve said.

“Fine isn’t a feeling.” Doctor Ellman said.

“I feel fine.” Steve said.

“If you say so.” He said taking down more notes. “Is there anything else you all would like to address while you’re here?”

None of us said anything.

“Okay then. Bucky I’ll see you at our next session. Hayley, Steve nice meeting you both.” He said. “And if either of you would like some additional resources please feel free to stop by.”

“Thank you.” I said standing up with Bucky. None of us wanted to be there longer than we had to be. “You okay?” I asked Bucky.

“I’m fine why wouldn’t I be?” Steve answered. Bucky and I just stared at him before he said to himself. “That wasn’t for me…”

“I’m okay.” Bucky said. “Thanks for… this.”

“No need.” I said. “I told you I’m here whenever you need me. Though I do have to ask you something about tomorrow.”

“You can’t make it?” Bucky asked with a slight frown.

“No, I am all yours tomorrow night just wanted to ask what we were going to do so I knew what to wear.” I said.

“Oh….” Bucky said before he looked like a deer in the headlights. “Uh… can I get back to you?”

“Sure…” I said not knowing what to think of that. Then again he hadn’t been on a date since 1945 so he was probably trying to figure out what we were supposed to do. “Just send me a text or tell Friday to let me know.”

“Okay.” Bucky said.

“I’m gonna go grab my things before traffic gets too bad.” I said. “See you tomorrow.”

“Looking forward to it.” He said before I went back to my office.

I checked my email and answered a few of them quickly before I started grabbing my things.

“Hey can we talk?” Steve asked.

“I’m actually on my way out.” I said.

“I didn’t appreciate the way you ambushed me.” Steve said.

“Ambushed you? Bucky asked you to go to therapy with him, it was a given you were going to talk.” I said.

“You couldn’t have given me a heads up that there was something going on between you two?” Steve asked.

“It wasn’t something we planned it just happened.” I said. “And I don’t have to fill you in on what’s going on in my personal life anymore.”

“You do when it affects mine Hayley.” Steve said. “You’re taking him away from me.”

“He’s a grown man not a toy, stop acting like a five year old and actually listen to what he said to you.” I said.

“Did you put him up to that?” he said.

“Put him up to what? Being honest with you?” I asked.

“We were doing fine before…” Steve started before he froze realizing what he was about to say.

“Wow, that’s a new low even for you.” I said grabbing my things. “For the record he’s been trying to talk to you for a while now but he was scared about disappointing you and how you’d react. Nice job Cap.”

With that I walked out of there.

“Hayley.” Steve started but I flipped him off as I walked away.

I drove to the tower blasting music and singing at the top of my lungs… well maybe not singing. I screamed. Like at the top of my lungs. I was a bit mad. Think I was entitled to feel like that. I was feeling a bit calmer when I pulled up to my parking spot.

Sure I didn’t expect Tony to take it great but at least I knew he wouldn’t wish I had stayed in a coma. So I went up to the lab where Tony was blasting music as he worked on a suit. I turned down his music as I walked in.

“Friday what’s going on with my music?” Tony said.

“That’s on me.” I said walking in.

“Honey!” Tony said coming over to hug me. “I didn’t know you were coming… oh shit did we have a date I forgot about?”

“No nothing like that.” I said. “I just came by for a visit, see my favorite engineer…”

“Then why are you making that face?” Tony said.

“What face?” I asked.

“Your forehead is doing that thing and you’re tense… and you were angry earlier, mark was burning. And I can bet you whatever you want if we go down to you’re car you’ll either be listening to heavy metal or rap.” Tony said.

Man he knew me well.

“May have gotten into it with Spangles in therapy.” I said.

“Therapy? You guys are in therapy again?” he asked.

“Oh we’re not. Bucky asked if Steve and I could go with him to his session today to talk some things over and we got a bit into it.” I said.

“What did you guys have to talk about?” Tony said.

“That’s kind of why I’m here. Tony, Bucky asked me out on a date and I said yes.” I said.

“I’m sorry what?” Tony said. “Because I could have sworn you just said you’re going out with the guy that out you in a coma.”

“He was brainwashed and I am going out with him.” I said.

“Are you insane?” Tony said.

“Tony.” I said. “Take a breath.”

“No Hales do you have any idea what it was like for us watching you waste away in that bed for over a year, think we might actually have to be the ones to pull the plug on you and you’re going to start dating the guy who shot you, threw you over a cliff, and left you to drown?!” Tony said.

“That wasn’t him, he was brainwashed.” I said. “You’ve seen the videos.”

“Yes why do you think I’m saying this. He’s not in control.” Tony said.

“He’s doing a lot better.” I said. “He’s going to therapy, doing the work. He’s a good guy he just got dealt a shit hand.”

“Yeah doesn’t change the fact that he’s a killer Hales. He’s not good for you.” He said.

“I get that you don’t trust him and you have reasons to but you can trust me.” I said.

“Hales I love you but you’re making a huge mistake.” Tony said.

“Then it’s my mistake to make.” I said. “I forgave you and everyone else when you lied to me for months something you all were completely in control of…”

“It’s not the same…” Tony argued.

“Yeah because again, you made a choice, I made a choice when I went off on my own to deal with Hadrian. I put him in the position where he didn’t have a choice but to shoot me. He couldn’t have made a different call.” I said. “And he feels guilty everyday and he’s apologized to me so many times I’ve actually lost track. He deserves a chance Tony.”

“I let him live in my compound, got him the best help there was, had him exonerated of all potential charges and didn’t blast him when I had the chance.” Tony said.

“You shouldn’t be blasting anyone unless they’re shooting at you.” I said.

“Or they shoot at you which he did.” Tony said

“Honey.” I said looping my arms around his neck. “It’s in the past. I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Do you have feelings for him?” Tony said.

“I care about him and Yeah I’ve started to feel more towards him. Kind of the way it was with you guys when we first met.” I said.

“You mean when you were in denial?” He teased.

“I was confused.” I corrected.

“Denial.” Tony said and I playfully slapped his arm hugging him. “I still don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Tony…” I said.

“But you’re going to go out with him no matter what I say. Just know if he ever hurts you I’m blasting him.” He said.

“I think you’ll have to get in line.” I said.

“And I’m going to keep trying to convince you to not go out with him.” Tony said.

“I figured.” I said. “but we’re okay right?”

“It’s us. We’re always okay. I do like the fact that you came to tell me in person. More us time.” He said.

“Yeah, though I actually have lunch plans with Will. So we’re going to have to continue us time after lunch.” I said.

“Hales…” Tony whined.

“I’ll be back promise.” I said kissing him.

“Be careful.” He said.

“We’re having food delivered here so don’t worry.” I said kissing him.

Meanwhile- Third Person’s POV

Bucky was totally and completely screwed. He thought the hard part of a date would be asking Hayley out but he had forgotten a pretty big part of a date. Planning what he was supposed to do on the date.

If he remembered correctly whenever he had gone on dates with Steve or other girls to cover for the fact he was on a date with Steve it had been to go dancing, maybe a movie or Coney island.

It was a bit too far to go to Coney Island… Not to mention he didn’t know if Hayley had a weak stomach like Steve did… That would ruin the night.

They could go dancing… He looked up places and then saw a video of what dancing was like now and cringed. Definitely not ready for that in private much less in public.

This was bad… He had less than a day to come up with something. He looked around the common room. Clint and Natasha were talking about a mission they went on…

He could ask them. They knew Hayley better than anyone. Though it could be awkward. He didn’t know if they were okay with him and Hayley even going out. And he did try to kill Natasha… Hell he tried to kill Hayley. Asking them was not an option.

There was Vision and Wanda… Except Vision was an android and Wanda was a kid.

Steve… was not the person to ask for obvious reasons.

Rhodey was Tony’s best friend and Tony hated him.

That only left one other person who could help him.

Bucky walked to the gym where Sam was doing some pull ups.

Bucky stood to the side and just waited for Sam to notice him. Sam was so focused on what he was doing he didn’t even see Bucky and when he did he almost fell.

“Woah…” Sam said. “What’s up man?”

“Uh…. Can I ask you something?” Bucky said.

“You just did.” Sam said with a smirk before he jumped off from the bar.

“Can I ask you something else?” He asked.

“You just did again.” Sam said Bucky just glared at him making Sam laugh. “Just ask.”

“I have a date… with Hayley.” Bucky said.

“Oh shoot, you finally made a move.” Sam said. “Rhodey owes me some money.”

“The date’s tomorrow.” Bucky said.

“Friday night, prime weekend time. That’s a good move.” Sam said. “Where you guys going?”

“I don’t know.” Bucky said.

“Oh is Hayley planning everything?” Sam asked.

“No, that’s the problem.” He said. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Okay, is there something she’s talked about, something she’s been wanting to do or a restaurant she wants to try?” Sam asked.

“Uh, she’s told me about some places in the city.” Bucky asked.

“Anything closer?” Sam asked.

“No. But she likes the ice cream shop.” Bucky said.

“Yeah Hayley has a really big sweet tooth.” Sam said just as Natasha and Clint walked in. “Hey Natasha, Clint what did you guys do on your first date with Hayley?”

“Trying to figure out what to do on your date?” Natasha asked.

“Yeah…” Bucky said.

“Well I didn’t really have a first date. Back when she was still hiding her past from us I followed her when she went out with her brother and sister. Rebekah saw me, made me join them for dinner and drinks. Woke up the next morning in bed with her. She made me breakfast.” Natasha said with a smile.

“I took her out on an actual date. We had been watching the walking dead and one of the characters uses a crossbow so we went to a range and I got her a crossbow to use. From there I took her to a bar with a bunch of arcade games that had ten different types of fries and wings. She loved it.” Clint said.

“So nothing over the top?” Sam said.

“Well, Tony did rent out Disney World for their first date…” Natasha said.

“I thought Hales said they went for a walk on the beach?” Clint said.

“Yeah after she told him she didn’t want anything over the top.” Natasha said. “Thor did take her to Asgard though…”

“Bruce didn’t really go on a date with her… he just got locked in the lab for a weekend with her.” Clint said.

“Steve… I think they saw a movie.” Natasha said.

“You should never watch a movie on the first date. Doesn’t really give you a chance to talk.” Sam said.

“So what do I do?” Bucky asked.

“Dinner obviously.” Clint said.

“That bistro in town is good.” Natasha said. “Something else too. Play pool or darts at a bar…”

“Isn’t that more of a hangout thing?” Sam said.

“Also she’s driving, no drinking.” Clint said.

“Isn’t there a mini golf place?” Natasha asked.

“Mini golf’s good.” Clint said.

“That could be fun.” Sam said.

“Okay.” Bucky said.

“What are you wearing?” Natasha asked.

“Uh…” Bucky said looking down at his navy blue long sleeved Henley and worn jeans. Natasha just arched an eyebrow.

“We need to fix that.” Natasha said ushering him out of the gym.

Hours Later…

“Oh another reason you shouldn’t go out with the terminator, his arm is always cold no way that’ll be comfortable for you when you cuddle. If you cuddle.” Tony said.

“We’re taking things slow and it’ll probably be a while before anything like that happens, if it happens. Plus I’m sure there are ways to warm up his arm.” I said.

“Uh Hales…” Tony groaned.

“I meant body heat. You know holding hands, eventually it’ll warm up.” I said before I saw the time. “Uh I should head back. I have an early morning meeting with Hill and Fury about reprioritizing some of our field ops.”

“Fun.” Tony said.

“I wish.” I said kissing him.

“You ready for next week?” Tony asked.

“Anniversary trip to Paris? I’m looking forward to it.” I said. “Hopefully my phone doesn’t keep going off while I’m away.”

“You’re ahead on all of your work and the foundation has stopped nagging, I’m sure Hill and Fury can handle the day to day.” Tony said.

“True.” I said. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you.” He said kissing me. “Text me when you get home.”

“Will do.” I said.

The drive back was pretty uneventful though I was glad to be home.

“Just in time.” Clint said.

“You didn’t have to wait for me to have dinner.” I said kissing him as I picked a cherry tomato from the cutting board.

“I actually got back late from the Compound.” He said.

“You over doing in training? Your back is going to kill you tomorrow.” I said.

“No I was making sure Nat didn’t traumatize Bucky.” Clint said.

“What type of twisted shovel talk did you give him?” I asked.

“No Nat took him shopping.” Clint said.

“Ouch that is intense.” I said speaking from experience. Natasha was as dangerous with an unlimited budget at a mall as she was with a pair of guns. Though I did have to admit she was never wrong and she had picked out most of my closet. Well her and Will.

“If he was willing to go through that torture he must really want to go out with you.” Clint said.

“Aww.” I said. “Any clue as to what I’m in for tomorrow?”

“Nat said to go casual.” Clint said.

“I can do casual.” I said.

Following Morning…

“We’ve been getting a lot of complaints from our agents…” Hill said.

“I’ve noticed.” I said. “But our missions have been getting done on time, incidents of collateral damage are down to under ten percent…”

“You’ve also reduced the number of open investigations.” Fury said.

“Because we don’t have money to fund those investigations.” I said. “We have to keep as much of the budget open as we can to keep the search for bigger fish like Rumlow going. Speaking of, any word from our guys on the ground?”

“We’ve got nothing. The guy’s a ghost.” Hill said.

“Not much of a surprise. He’ll pop up when we least expect him to.” I said. “Keep me updated.”

“Will do boss.” Hill said.

“So how long are you going to leave Rogers in the dog house for?” Fury asked.

“He’s not needed for any crucial missions and the world isn’t ending anytime soon unless there’s something you forgot to mention?” I said.

“No just thought I’d bring it up. Don’t want any tension affecting the team or my agents.” Fury said.

“They’re my agents too and I know how to compartmentalize.” I said before I walked out. Of course Steve just had to be waiting in my office. “Unless it’s work related we have nothing to talk about.”

“Hayley I just wanted to say I’m sorry about yesterday…” Steve started.

“I don’t need you to apologize because your apologies don’t mean anything to me anymore. Because if you actually were sorry you’d stop making excuses and actually try to fix things, like putting in the work to figure out your mess.” I said. “So unless you have a work related question I’m going to ask you to get out of my office, I have more important things to do.”

“I just…” He started.

“Out.” I said pointing to the door not even bothering to look at him. I heard him sigh before he walked out. I was all caught up on work and had nothing else to do so I decided to go all in on what really mattered to me. Which meant tracking down a detective in Hong Kong wherever the hell he might be hiding.

So I got to it. Hacking a lot of secure servers, international government servers that could land me in a lot of trouble if I got caught but I wouldn’t. To track down one Detective Leung.

Took me a while to pinpoint his location. He was out a stakeout. Going after the Triad. Doubt he was going to get anywhere with that.

After a few hours I managed to track him down using his phone number. Used cell towers to triangulate his position and then I got him on a street camera. How did people not notice his.

I picked up my phone that had a scrambler integrated into it and dialed his phone.

“Leung.” He said.

“Detective Leung?” I said.

“Yeah?” He said.

“I’ve been trying to get ahold of you for a few days now.” I said. “I’m Cal Adler and I’m interested in one of your unresolved cases.”

“I’m sorry Miss Adler but now is not really a good time.” He started.

“Because you’re staking out a Triad hideout?” I asked.

“How did you…” he started.

“You’re wasting your time. The place is empty. Chow and his men slipped out the back about have an hour ago. Caught them on one of the street cams in the back alley. Really should have checked for that.” I said. “So your schedule just cleared up.”

“Who the hell are you?” He started.

“Like I said before I’m interested in one of your cases does the phrase, ‘ad astra per aspera’ sound familiar to you?” I asked.

“It might? What’s it to you?” he asked.

“We might be after the same person.” I said. “I got a grainy image off a security camera here in New York. A kidnapper I’m still trying to ID. All I got was a tattoo on his lower back of a bird with that phrase. I’ve checked every database I could think of but your case was the only one that was still open.”

“It’s still open because I’d never seen anything like it. I don’t think anyone in my department ever has.” He said.

“What do you mean?” I asked

“It was about a two years ago we got a report from some workers at the port about a shipping container that was leaking red goo.” He said.

“Blood I’m guessing.” I said.

“Yeah and lot’s of it. We opened up the container and the blood was literally pouring out.” He said. “The bodies inside the container were cut open. At first I thought it might be organ traffickers stashing bodies before they dumped them but organ traffickers don’t heads open to take brain samples.”

“Samples?” I said surprised. “They only took a part of the brain?”

“Yes but that wasn’t the cause of death. According to the autopsy the death was by a severe neurological disease. Signs of scar tissue caused by seizures, severely degraded brain cells, some of them were blind, there were signs of internal hemmorages…” he said.

“Like their bodies gave out on them after severe strain?” I asked.

“Exactly.” He said. “And all of them had a tattoo of a bird and ad astra per aspera on them like a brand.”

“Are you thinking it’s a new crime syndicate?” I asked.

“I don’t know what to think. I’ve looked into it but all I found were dead ends, it’s like I was chasing a ghost.” He said.

“I know the feeling.” I said as I hacked into his phone to get his username and passwords. “Any chance I can get a copy of the case file, the autopsy and anything else you’ve got?”

“I wish I could but my government does not like to share information with foreigners, especially Americans…” He said.

“I understand but either way thank you. You’ve been very helpful.” I said hanging up and getting into the file with Detective Leung’s log in information.

I had everything copied and bounced the files around the world, on the rare chance the Chinese government figured out they got hacked, so they never figured out where it ended up.

Then I downloaded them all and started looking through it. Detective Leung wasn’t kidding when he said he hadn’t seen anything like it. I don’t think his description fully prepared me for what I was seeing. I had a different image on every screen recreating the shipping container the best I could and it was… gruesome.

“Hales time for… whoa.” Clint said looking around the room.

“Uhuh.” I said frozen and I glanced around not knowing where to start or what to focus on.

“What is… this?” Clint asked.

“Hong Kong. Started digging into Mister Tramp Stamp, see if that tattoo popped up anywhere else and it did.” I said. “Two years ago, in a shipping container. All showing signed of scar tissue caused by severe seizures, degraded brain cells, loss of sight and internal hemorrhages. Sound familiar?”

“The serum dragon lady used on you.” Clint said.

“Yeah. She’s been working on it for a while.” I said. “This is a lot bigger than I thought.”

“Looks that way.” He said walking closer to me and putting an arm around me. “Call it a day, Let’s go get some lunch.”

“Yeah.” I said shutting everything down before leaving.

I didn’t really have much of an appetite after what I saw but I took a few bites of my sandwich so Clint wouldn’t worry. When we got home I took a nap, remembering to set an alarm so I’d have enough time to get ready for my date.

“What are you thinking?” Clint asked.

“How many other shipping containers there could be.” I answered.

“Hales.” He started.

“I mean it’s sloppy. She’s a lot of things but sloppy isn’t one of them. The detective said that he thought they were just storing them there until they could be dumped.” I said.

“Makes sense.” Clint said.

“But why make such a mess?” I said. “The blood was leaking out of the container.”

“Maybe it was a rush job. Had to leave town.” Clint said.

“Maybe.” I said.

“Time to shut off your work brain.” Clint said. “Relax.”

“I know just… can’t stop thinking about it.” I said.

“Guess I’ll have to distract you.” Clint said before he started tickling.

“Clint!” I yelped before I started laughing.

I did manage to take a nap before my date. Which did help get my mind off of things. If only for a little while. Then I had to get ready for my date. I went through most of my closet before settling on a pair of dark skinny jeans, a black satin with lace trim spaghetti strap top with black suede pointed toe heels. I left my hair town in its natural waves. I also picked out a tan coat for when it got cold later.

“Okay what about this one?” I asked Clint.

“You look great.” Clint said.

“You said that about the last three outfits and you haven’t even looked at me.” I said.

“Because you look great in everything.” Clint said.

“Clint…” I whined.

“It’s true.” He said.

“What am I going to do with you?” I said putting my arms around him and kissing him. “What are you doing tonight?”

“Oh just having dinner and movie night at the compound.” He said.

“I can drop you off.” I asked.

“Uh, don’t think you can.” Clint said with a knowing smile on his face.

“You know something.” I said.

“You’ll find out.” He said just as I heard something like a motorcycle get closer to the house.

“Is that…” I said.

“Boss, Sergeant Barnes is arriving.” Friday said just as the engine cut off and not ten seconds later there was a knock at the door.

I looked to Clint who smirked at me.

“Are you gonna…” He asked.

“Would you mind…” I said.

“Really?” Clint said.

“Hey the girl is supposed to make the guy wait a bit.” I said.

“That is not a thing.” Clint said and I just gave him a look before he thought about it. “Huh…”

“It’ll give you a few minutes to mess with him.” I said.

“Should have started with that.” Clint said kissing me.

“Don’t over do it.” I whispered loudly as he went to open the door while I double checked to make sure I looked okay.

Bucky was just standing by the door while Clint stared at him with his arms crossed. Bucky looked awkward shifting his weight from one foot to another while looking at the flowers he was holding. Aww he brought me flowers.

But that wasn’t what really shocked me. Bucky looked… hot. Like really hot. He was wearing dark skinny jeans, a navy button up and a leather jacket. The one I had brought him back from Italy. And his hair was styled, maybe even lightly trimmed.

Natasha deserved a fucking medal.

“Hi.” I said as I appeared in view.

“H-hi.” Bucky said staring at me for a minute before Clint cleared his throat and looked at the flowers before nodding in my direction. Bucky looked confused before he realized what he meant. “I-uh I I brought these for you.”

“Aw that’s sweet of you.” I said taking the flowers. “I’ll go put these in water.”

“I got it.” Clint said. “Go have fun.”

“Thanks Honey.” I said kissing him. “So, shall we?”

“Yeah.” Bucky said.

“Don’t stay out too late.” Clint said teased. “Remember your curfew and I don’t want any calls from the sheriff telling me that he caught you two messing around…”

“He’s kidding.” I told Bucky before I turned around to signal Clint to cut it out making him laugh.

“Okay.” Bucky said as we walked to the bike he got on and I quickly put on my coat before putting on the helmet Bucky gave me. “have you ridden on a bike before?”

“A few times.” I said getting on behind him and wrapping my arms around his middle and leaning against him. “This okay?”

“Yeah.” He said with a small smile. He started up the bike and we were off. I forgot how exhilarating it was to be on a motorcycle, to feel the wind pass us by.

We made it into town and parked in front of the bistro. A cozy little place with good food, familiar and a good place to talk. Good choice.

We walked in and sat down at a booth in the back looking through the menu.

“Everything looks really good.” I said.

“Yeah.” Bucky said in agreement. “I think I’ll get the chicken pot pie.”

“The pasta for me.” I said.

It was quiet for a minute. Before Bucky finally said something.

“You look beautiful.” Bucky said making me blush slightly.

“Thanks. You look really good to. How long did Natasha torture you for?” I asked.

“A while.” He answered. “Made me try on everything I had and then she took me to the mall. Just kept throwing stuff at me to try on.”

“She does that. But she does know what she’s doing. Navy really brings out your eyes.” I said and he smiled slowly reaching for my hand on the table. I gently linked my fingers with his trying to play it off as casual.

A Few Minutes Later…

We started sharing war stories… for Bucky it was from the forties where missions going wrong wouldn’t end with him getting punished. For me it was telling him about some of my misadventures.

“You know from the beginning the whole trip had gone wrong and I thought once we were done in Morocco we were done then when we were just about done the freaking Bratva walked in and all hell breaks loose. I spot them first and quietly try to slip out but they see me so Kol grabs a smoke bomb from I have no idea where and sets it off. We locked ourselves in the restroom, climbed out thorough the window. Took us days to find a way out of the country, and we’re talking a night riding a camel, getting smuggled through the border to Spain and then somehow make it to Italy only for the emergency to be Tony needing a date for a wedding.” I said.

“All of that happened in a week?” Bucky said.

“Week and a half but yeah… Then Kol crashed a mob wedding and that’s another mess I had to talk him out of.” I said.

“And I thought Steve had a problem staying out of trouble.” Bucky said.

“No Kol is in a league of his own.” I said.

“Steve must’ve gotten beat up in every alley in Brooklyn.” Bucky said. “And that was before the serum. This one time he was defending this girl, couldn’t have been older than ten that was bigger than he was as a grown man… The girl ended up swinging her bookbag to knock out the guys while Steve tried to catch his breath.”

“Those school books aren’t a joke.” I said. “Mhm this chicken is so good. Here..”

I grabbed a piece with my fork and offered it to him. Bucky gently took the piece with his fingers and popped it into his mouth.

“Mhmm, garlic and cheese.” He said. “It’s juicy.”

“I know.” I said. “You know what we should try if we’re ever in the city. There’s this noodle stir fry place, it’s a hole in the wall but by far the best noodles I’ve ever had. They make them from scratch every day. You’d really like it.”

“Yeah… maybe we can make a day out of it?” Bucky asked.

“Already asking for a second date?” I teased.

“Uh no well yeah… I mean if that’s okay with you?” He said.

“Yeah.” I said. “Though that doesn’t mean you get to cut this date short. I expect the full Bucky Barnes treatment complete with a ride home on your bike.”

“You liked that huh?” He said with a smirk.

“It was fun.” I said. “The rush. Plus you saved yourself from some very off key singing.”

“You don’t sing off key.” Bucky said and I gave him a look. “That much…”

“Ah! I’m hurt.” I said making it obvious I’m kidding.

“Pulling my leg already Doll?” He said with a smile.

“What can I say Sarge, you had to see that coming.” I said. Bucky chuckled and I saw my first full blown Bucky Barnes smile. The one I was sure he used to give the ladies and Steve back in the day and I swear I felt my heart skip a beat.

Once we finished eating Bucky paid for dinner and we headed down the road. There was this family recreation center with an arcade, go karts, batting cages and mini golf as well as paddle boats.

“Ooohh… are we racing?” I asked Bucky. “Going for a few rounds of dance dance revolution? Because let me warn you right now I have two left feet and will totally end up falling.”

“I was thinking something a little slower.” Bucky said showing me the two golf clubs and balls.

“Mini golf.” I said. “I like the way you think Bucky Barnes.”

We walked onto the course and got started. I was good at many things… mini golf was not one of them.

On my first swing I ended up shooting the ball out of bounds. Supposedly that wasn’t even a thing in mini golf. The second time I took a swing I lost my grip and sent my golf club flying into the lake. To his credit Bucky didn’t laugh. I’m sure he wanted to and had to bite the inside of his cheeks to stop himself but still didn’t let a peep out. Thought that didn’t stop him from making a hole in one on the first try. Apparently sniper skills translated really well to mini golf.

“So… mind giving me a few pointers?” I asked. Bucky smiled and nodded.

“Hold your club. Don’t overlap your hands.” He said correcting my grip. “Separate them like that.”

“Okay.” I said taking a swing but missing the ball.

“Don’t swing yet.” He said. “Keep your feet together, loosen your shoulders and don’t swing so hard. You don’t need to hit the ball so hard. Try it.”

I did but the ball hit the tiki statue and ended up right back where it started.

“Wow.” I said.

“Let’s do it together.” Bucky said stepping behind me. He cautiously put his hands on mine. We swing back and forth a few times so I could get the motions down before finally we took the swing and made it in.

“It’s in!” I cheered. Jumping as I hugged Bucky taking him by surprise. It too him a sec before he hugged me back gently and chuckled before he let go and we kept playing.

Before we knew it we were on hole 18. The giant ice cream sundae. We were totally getting ice cream after this.

“Okay Most embarrassing moment.” I asked Bucky.

“Sister Mary Constance, taught us in grade school. I had hand me down pants and they fit me a little big. During recess I was running and the fell making me trip and tear my pants. I had to sit in nothing but my underwear in front of all the girls in my grade while she sewed my pants.” Bucky said.

“Aww you poor baby.” I said. “I had an incident like that once. You know once you hit that age and your body starts changing? Well mine started a bit earlier than the rest of the girls in my class and it was laundry day. So I was in a training bra that didn’t fit so great. I had to present something in history class and we had a projector screen that was our spotlight. So I go up to present and the light put the spot light on everything. I was up there for two minutes and when my classmates had questions this kid asked me if I could spell the word attic for him.”

“Attic?” Bucky asked confused.

“Spell it out in your head.” I said.

“Oh….” Bucky said.

“Yeah.” I said. “I ended up having to move like three days later so it worked out in the end.”

“You win.” Bucky said before he took his last swing.

“And you won.” I said. “Is it crazy I’m craving ice cream now?”

“I am too.” He said. “Shop?”

“Shop.” I said talking his hand as we walked back to return the clubs before heading back to town. We made one quick stop at our favorite ice cream shop before they closed for the night.

We walked down the street to the park like we always did.

“Okay would you rather… lose your sense of taste or your sense of smell?” I asked Bucky.

“Mhmmm Smell.” Bucky said. “Imagine never being able to taste ice cream again.”

“True though part of your sense of taste comes from smell so your sense of taste wouldn’t be as strong as before.” I said.

“Still better than having no sense of taste.” Bucky said as he took a bite of his ice cream. “Would you rather…live without music or television.”

“That’s a tough one.” I said. “On one hand music is good for every occasion and every mood but TV is great entertainment and a good escape.”

“TV.” He said.

“Well that’s easy for you to say you lived before TVs were even invented.” I said.

“We had radio.” Bucky said. “And we could go to the movies.”

“Not the same though,” I said. “But then again if I don’t get my daily sing slash scream session after a long day at work, I’m really tense when I get home.”

“You seem to have everything under control.” Bucky said.

“I do, but I never realized how much complaining I’d have to listen to. Spies man. They complain when you give them too many missions, they complain when you don’t give them enough missions or the wrong mission or the boring missions… it’s never ending.” I said.

“I can imagine.” He said.

“But that’s enough work talk…” I said. “Guess I’d quit TV before music. I could always just read a book instead. Music isn’t that easy to replace.”

It was a great night. We didn’t stay out much longer. Bucky took me back home and walked me to my door.

“Thanks for tonight. This was fun.” I said smiled.

“Glad to hear it Doll. Maybe we could do this again next week?” Bucky said. “I know we said should go into the city but I didn’t want to make you feel like you had to…”

“I don’t.” I said. “Feel forced I mean. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it.”

Bucky just smiled at me. “I guess this is it.” He said.

“Looks like.” I said smiling at him.

“Uh…I should probably get going…” Bucky said staring intently at me. I felt like he was trying to bend down a bit a few times before backing out.

“It is getting late.” I said. “I’ll see you.”

“Goodnight Doll.” Bucky said. I put a hand on his shoulder as I took a step closer, stood up on my tip toes and kissed his cheek.  I felt his cheek heat up as he started blushing.

“Night Sarge.” I said before I walked into the house with a huge smile on my face.

Third Person’s POV-

Bucky walked into the compound with a huge smile on his face. It was late so everyone was in their rooms except for Steve who stayed up waiting for him in the common room.

Bucky walked in still smiling.

“Hey Bucky.” Steve said perking up.

“Hey.” Bucky said as he walked to grab some water.

“How was your night?” Steve asked.

“Great.” Bucky said with a huge smile. Steve couldn’t believe how much he was smiling. He hadn’t seen that smile since the forties. “I have a date next week.”

“Another one?” Steve said surprised.

“Yeah.” Bucky said looking very happy. “Might go into the city.”

“Oh that’s kind of far.” Steve said.

“We’re making a day out of it.” He said.

“We could go?” Steve offered.

“Yeah that’d be good.” Bucky said.

“We could visit the old neighborhood and…” Steve started.

“I was thinking more for dinner and the sites.” Bucky said.

“We could do that too.” Steve said his smile faltering a bit.

“Okay. Night.” Bucky said walking away still smiling.

“Night.” Steve said starting to feel unsure of himself.