Wanted

Anna smiled over at Tony, who was casually piloting the jet they were in like he was going for just another Sunday drive... She stifled a grin, amused at the concept that this probably was Tony Stark's version of a casual Sunday trip into town. Quinjets and Iron-Man suits were things she was going to have to get used to in this brand new life of hers...

"You still with me over there?" came the voice to her left, Anna realizing that she'd zoned out, apparently lost in thought.
"Sorry, yeah I must have been daydreaming - late night" she admitted apologetically with a little shrug.
"Yeah? What'd you get upto?"

Oh, I spent most of the night making out with your worst enemy, and then I agreed to be his girlfriend, and then he walked me back to my apartment where we made out some more...

"Uh, nothing exciting, just engrossed in some sappy romance and next minute it was three in the morning..." she only half-lied, Tony chuckling at her.
"You girls are all the same" he teased, shaking his head.
"Uh - okay, who's the one who sends Pepper flowers every week, and gifts when she's away then, huh?" Anna sassed, Tony shrugging, looking straight ahead.
"Don't know what you're talking about?"
"The black Gucci dress? The Tiffany's bracelet?" Anna hinted, "What about the Manolo's"
"-OKAY... Okay" he stopped her, both of them laughing again, "fine, I like to dote, so sue me... Actually please don't"

"When did you and Pep get so chummy?" he asked, sidetracked
"We talk all the time!"
"You do, huh?"
"Yep!"
"Does that mean I'm outnumbered now?" he asked, feigning worry...
"Absolutely"



They landed on the roof of the building, Tony leaving the stealth mode on and waiting until the news copter overhead had cleared off before they got out and made their way to the door.
A short elevator ride led them into a corridor, Anna a little surprised how empty the building was as they made their way past a set of closed doors... Tony explained that it was practically considered a 'safe house' due to the intense security ramp up, the internal structural rebuild, and the fact that it has been publicly sold and turned into offices... Well, only the middle 15 floors of it, anyway.
As far as the world was aware, Avengers tower - originally Stark tower, had taken an absolute beating in the battle of New York back in 2012. Tony Stark had repaired it and sold it, and the new propiteer - a huge Avengers fan - had created a museum full of memorabilia from that day. There were bits of alien armor, photos, videos streamed on the wall, realistic life sized figurines of the Avengers team, and a huge memorial to those who lost their lives.

"It worked out well" Tony explained as a holographic screen dropped down in front of them. He put his hands up, palms forward beside his face, the screen emitting what looked like a wide, flat, laser beam which scanned his face, eyes, and fingerprints.

"Welcome, Mr Stark" came a voice, Anna's eyes widening as the wall beside them lifted, revealing a secret elevator door.
"Basement one, please" he said aloud, gesturing for Anna to step in before he followed and continued on with the conversation, as thought this wasn't something right out of a sci-fi flick...

"I still confidentially own it in full" he started, "which is great because I have the rights to everything here - and the top few floors are a home away from home, too." He said as the elevator descended, Anna nodding and listening.
"The 'fake owner' of the building has a signed lease, and sublets the office space - so he makes money, and all he has to do is keep his trap shut"
"And the museum side of it explains why you come and go occasionally?" Anna asked
"Exactly" he nodded, "Also there's not many places in the city to secretly land a quinjet, so that's a huge convenience for me, and free parking, too, as I kept all four levels of basement to myself."
"Genius!" she exclaimed, impressed.
"That's what they say" Tony said with a cocky grin.

The doors opened, revealing the biggest, most high tech looking garage she'd ever seen... Anna's jaw dropped as she stepped in, the place lighting up as it sensed their presence, music coming on over the system, and the voice welcoming them again...
There were Iron Man suits mounted on the wall with down-lights pointed at them as if they were art exhibits, cars lined up against the opposite wall, and machinery and robots dotted around the place at various workstations.
She turned, taking it all in, Tony laughing at her 'wide eyed wonder'...

"Like my man cave?" he joked, Anna nodding, speechless.
"This place is amazing..." she said, looking over at him, absolutely blown away, Tony giving her a grin.

"Come on" he said, picking a set of keys up from the hook in the cabinet, "I'm dying for a coffee"



The staff at the Starbucks were beyond excited when Tony and Anna walked in, a few of them asking for selfies and autographs, which were happily given.
"Do you guys mind keeping this quiet?" Tony had asked, "Give us like, a thirty minute head start before you go posting those?"
"We haven't had a 'quiet day out' yet" Anna explained, "ever, actually..." She added, everyone in the shop completely sympathetic.

True to their word, nobody posted anything, and as a result, they weren't mobbed or followed as they left - much to both Tony and Anna's relief.

Anna enjoyed letting herself take a breath and enjoy the stroll, talking to her Dad while sipping on her latte.
"So - how are you enjoying your first Starbucks experience?" he asked, Anna nodding with an impressed look on her face.
"Yeah not bad at all!" she said enthusiastically - and I feel so trendy just holding the cup, too!

Both of them laughed, still relieved that they hadn't drawn any attention - perhaps because the city was so busy on a weekday morning they had a little crowd cover? Either way, it'd been a completely pleasant little stroll from the coffee shop, despite the cold weather and drizzle.
They chatted as they walked, enjoying the normalcy that they'd never really had the chance to experience together, before deciding it was time to go indoors when the rain started coming down a little heavier.

Anna followed Tony toward the cover, suddenly stopping in her tracks as she caught sight of something in the distance.

Tony looked up, now worried that something sinister had caught her eye.
"What is it?" he asked, ready to suit up at a moment's notice.
"Hang on a sec..." she said, putting up a finger as she headed out in the rain towards whatever it was she was looking at...

"Anna!" Tony called, rolling his eyes for a second before he relented and jogged after her, "what on Earth are you- ...Oh..." he started, interrupting himself as he came to a stop.

She crouched down in front of a young woman sitting on the cold concrete, looking like she'd been there a while. There was just enough shelter against the side of the building that the rain wasn't coming down directly on her, but she was still getting wet from the mist...

"Hey, are you okay?" Anna asked, her voice full of worry and compassion.

The young woman looked up at her, sneering at her designer boots, coat and Starbucks cup, muttering a 'what do you care' as she looked away.
"Well I was in your shoes just recently, and if someone had offered to help me, I'm sure I..." she started, frowning as she thought about it, "Well actually, I suppose I would have told them to piss off and mind their business..." she whispered with a shrug, the woman softening a little as the fleeting flash of amusement crossed her features.
"Have you got somewhere to go? Can I give you a lift?" Anna offered, the woman raising her brows.
"Do I look like I have somewhere to go?"
"There's a women's shelter on West-"
"-They're full" the woman replied flatly, Anna suddenly angry for her.
"Jesus Christ the system sucks... It was just as bad in D.C..." Anna fumed, the woman raising her brows again, "Let's go down there right now. I'll get you a bed if I have to fucking buy you one myself" she said, standing up and putting her hand out.

"Appreciate the charity, but sister - I don't know you" the woman said, Anna knowing exactly how she felt.
"Do you know him?" Anna asked, pointing over her shoulder at Tony, the woman's jaw dropping.
"You're his girlfriend?"
"His daughter - but that's just between us, okay?" Anna said, "I don't want to attract any attention... I just wanna help you out, because I know what it's like, and I wish someone had done the same for me..."
"S'pose I got nothin' to lose..." the woman sighed, taking Anna's hand.
"Holy shit, you're freezing - here, take my coat..." she said, shrugging off the thick designer jacket she was wearing, the woman gawking at her.
"That's a Prada jac-"
"It's just a warm, dry coat to someone who could use one" Anna said sternly, "Tony, we need a cab!"

The three of them got into the next car that stopped, the driver clearly recognizing them but choosing to stay quiet and professional as he was given the address of the girls dorm.
"You never told me your name..." the woman said, Anna turning to face her with tear-glazed eyes.
"I'm Anna" she whispered, putting her finger to her mouth in a gesture to keep it quiet.
"Jennifer... Jen"
"I'm glad we met today, Jen"
"Me too"

They arrived at the shelter within minutes, Tony paying the fair and tipping the driver generously on the proviso that he kept their location quiet, which he agreed to do. The rain was coming down harder now, Anna shielding Jen as the three of them hurried into the building, and waited at the front desk of the foyer to be seen.
A couple of minutes passed before a cheerful, plump looking woman came around the corner, her face lighting up when she locked eyes with Tony and Anna. She went to call out to her peers, Tony putting his hands up to stop her, Anna quickly asking for her silence and understanding for a few minutes.

"Hi, I'm Anna" she smiled, putting her hand out to shake, the woman behind the desk completely star-struck as she shook her hand.
"I've seen you on T.V, you're just as gorgeous in person!"
"Thank you" Anna said shyly with a blush, "maybe when I'm not dripping wet!"
"I can get you a towel-"
"-Oh no, that's fine, really" she said, stopping her from wandering off again, "what's your name?"
"Gloria"
"Gloria, I actually need your help" Anna said, giving the woman behind the desk a sense of importance.
"Of course, what can I do for you?"

Anna exchanged glances with Jen, before looking back at Gloria, watching as her expression dropped, knowing what they were about to ask.
"You're gonna ask for a bed aren't you?" she asked before Anna opened her mouth.
"Yeah" she nodded, "it's absolutely freezing out there, and pouring rain"
"I wish we had room - I really do..." Gloria said, looking genuinely upset as she turned the computer screen around in front of them to show that the beds were all full, "we get this happening a lot unfortunately..."

"I'm sure you've got a couch, even in the staff lounge? A recliner? A 'person-sized' square of floor?" Anna asked, "space to fit a new bed if I run out right now and buy one?"
"Oh I don't know, I can ask?" Gloria offered, looking a little worried that she'd let them down.
"I'll personally donate a very generous cash grant if you can make it happen" Anna said with a kind smile, sweetening the deal.

"And whatever she offers, I'll match it, dollar for dollar" Tony added, watching Gloria excitedly hurry off.

Anna smiled at Tony, thanking him again, both of them taking a moment to look at Jen who was wiping tears from her eyes in disbelief.
"...I can't believe this is happening..." She said, putting her arms out to Anna who pulled her in for a hug.
"Well believe it - and even if they can't squeeze you in, you won't be sleeping outside tonight, I promise.



The negotiation was a quick one, Tony speaking to the woman in charge of the whole operation, and pulling the strings to get some more beds in. Jen was given a hot meal, access to a hot shower, fresh clothes, and somewhere to sleep for the next few nights. That allowed Tony plenty time to get onto a furniture company, and have several new beds, sheets, pillows, and blankets delivered.
Anna promised to come and volunteer serving meals on her next available free day, and Tony made a further promise to look into their facilities and see if he could work out a way to fit more women in, even if it meant extending the building itself - including a major security upgrade.

"You're amazing" Anna had said, hugging Tony again before they stepped into their cab, Anna wiping tears from her face as she pulled the door shut.
"You're amazing - I've never known a girl to give away a designer jacket..." he chuckled, Anna smiling as she shook her head.
"They're just things... Things don't matter, lives do" she said, looking back over at Tony who's heart was fit to burst with pride, "I want to help those women, or anyone else who needs it... I've been given a stage, and if I'm gonna step up, then I'd better make damned good use of it" she decided aloud with a nod, still hugging herself for warmth where she sat.

Back at the tower, Tony showed Anna upstairs, and had fresh, dry clothes ordered and delivered well within the hour. She had a long hot shower and was grateful to get changed - and also grateful the personal shopper had picked her up makeup and toiletries.
She tied her wet hair up in a high bun, pulling a knit sweater on over skinny jeans as she made her way out into the living room where Tony was waiting, finishing off a coffee.

He shot a beaming smile at her, Anna suddenly feeling a little self conscious...

"I'm so damned proud of you" he said after a pause, almost as though he was trying to choose his words, "I know so many kids that come into money, and they just put their feet up, and their whole life's a holiday" he said as he walked over to her.
"You? You've had it tough. You've lived on the streets, you've been out there on your own, done the hard yards, been through more than most people go through in their whole lives... And if you put your feet up and just enjoyed it - I wouldn't judge you for a second... But you're the first in the lab on your work days, and on your first 'day out' you've put someone before yourself, donated most of your bank account to charity, and signed up to volunteer for a day." he said, putting his arms out to pull her into a hug.

"For all you know - you saved that woman's life today... Who would have thought you'd become a hero so fast?"
"Stop it, any decent human being would do what they could to help someone in trouble... I know what it's like to be cold and hungry - there's no way I could let that happen to someone else if I could help it" she said, Tony giving her a squeeze.
"You're incredible" he said again, still shaking his head in awe...




Bucky walked into the rec-room, his eyes scanning for the person he'd been thinking of all day... His eyes locked onto Anna when he saw her across the room, saying something to Steve and Sam which had them both laughing their asses off. He smiled to himself, looking around the room before his eyes were drawn back to her, biting his lip as he admired her in her tight off the shoulder top, tucked into skinny jeans...

He let out a breath, chuckling to himself as he realized his eyes weren't the only ones on her as usual. Shaking his head, he made his way over to her, Sam and Steve looking up and Anna turning around to shoot him a smile.

Jesus Christ...

The two men greeted him, Bucky reaching over to pull Anna in for a hug, giving her an extra squeeze before he let her go.
"You look really nice" he smiled, trying to stay subtle in front of the others...
"Thanks - you too" she said, flashing her smile right back "And you shaved! I don't think I've ever seen you without a little scruff"
"Pow, pow!" Sam interjected, Bucky laughing and putting up his hand.
"Oh my god, don't start THAT again" Bucky grinned, rolling his eyes.
"What did I miss?" Anna asked, amused

"He's killing all the ladies-"
"-Sam!" Bucky stopped him again in between laughs.

"You DO look cute..." Anna added, enjoying embarrassing him
"Jesus, not you, too!" Bucky said, slapping a hand over his eyes, his cheeks reddening.
"Pow, pow!" Sam added, shit-stirring him.

The four of them laughed, Anna shaking her head before peering around the room.
"I think could get a few girlfriends tonight..." Anna teased, "there's a few looking, want me to go invite them over?"
"I dunno... Can you even walk in those shoes?" He teased right back, uncovering his face.
"Oh I can backflip in these shoes, don't you worry about THAT" she sassed, snapping her fingers for emphasis.
"Is that so?" he asked, squaring up to her, a huge smile on his face.
"Absolutely!" she said enthusiastically, "...If I wanted to, that is"

Bucky shook his head, chuckling and completely endeared by her, Anna giving him a gentle smile back.
"Okay fine... I can barely walk in these, but around you giants, what other choice do I have!?" she admitted, "so if you see me hanging off someone's arm - don't judge me, it's out of necessity. Ditto for if you feel me hanging off your arms - just humor me and I'll consider it a favor" she joked, the three of them laughing.

"On that note, I'm off to get a drink and go annoy Tony" She said, flashing another smile before she turned to make her way to the bar.

"Hey Pierce!" Sam called out a few moments later, Anna stopping to face him, "You walk just fiiine in those shoes, honey!"

Bucky shot him a dirty look, almost at the same time Tony yelled something at him from the bar, Anna bursting into laughter as she continued on her way.




Bucky reached around Anna and unlocked her door, both of them weary from a long night - drinks and pizza becoming a full on party as it often did.
"Well, thanks for walking me to my door, Barnes" She smiling coyly as she stepped in front of him, turning her back to the door as she gripped the handle.
"You better open that door, Missy" he threatened, cocking his head and closing the gap between them, Anna letting out a giggle.

She did as she was told, opening it and backing through, Bucky following her and closing it behind him with a grin on his face.
"Should I be worried?" she asked, a mixture of nerves and excitement coursing through her veins, Bucky laughing at her.
"Not at all" he promised quickly moving in to kiss her, surprisingly keeping it slow and gentle...

"I've been dying to do that all night" he chuckled when they pulled apart, Anna giving him a big smile.
"Maybe you should do it again, then?" she suggested, Bucky grinning with a nod, and kindly obliging her... "I may have been tempted once or twice to kiss you, too..." she admitted casually with a shrug.
"Is that why you drove me crazy all night?" he asked accusingly,
"I don't know what you're talking about..." Anna said innocently, looking up at him doe-eyed, Bucky letting out a breath and shaking his head.

She reached up to grab his bicep with one hand to balance herself as she pulled her shoes off one by one, stepping down onto the floor. He chuckled at the difference in height, Anna smiling at him before heading into her bedroom to put them away in the wardrobe.

She pulled open a draw, pulling out a pair of cotton shorts and a cropped tank top to sleep in, laying them out on her bedspread before carefully lifting the long necklace she was wearing off. She found the jewellery hook on the inside wall of the wardrobe and hung it there with the others, smiling as she ran her fingers over the shiny chains appreciatively. She removed her bracelet, putting it back in its place, hearing Bucky pour himself a glass of water in the kitchen, calling out to offer her one which she politely declined.

She got changed, throwing her jeans and bodysuit in the hamper as she walked into the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face. She flicked the lights out, and touched the bedroom lamp on, the room lit by a dim glow.

"Jesus Christ..." Bucky muttered from the doorway, Anna jumping when she realized she was being watched.
"PJ me is a bit different to heels and makeup me, huh" she giggled self consciously, Bucky shaking his head as he made his way over to her.
"What if I said I like this you better?" he asked, cocking his head as he closed in, tucking a loose strand behind her ear before his lips found hers for a gentle kiss...
"Then I'd say you were very sweet" she smiled, Bucky backing her towards the bed, his hand on her bare waist, "...That, or you were trying to butter me up?" she added with a giggle, making him laugh.

Bucky lifted her onto the bed, Anna looking up at him from the flat of her back as he pulled his sweater off over his head and crawled towards her, holding the eye contact.  Anna's heart took off at a million miles per hour as he got closer, stopping when he was hovering over her. He gave her a smile before lowering himself down so their bodies were just touching, pausing before he kissed her again, Anna closing her eyes and commanding herself to relax into it.

"You alright?" he asked, pulling back, a little worry on his face.
"Definitely" she smiled, pulling him back down to her for another kiss, Bucky obliging her briefly before pulling back again, unconvinced.
"Yeah, not buying it..." he chuckled, raising a brow.
"Seriously don't worry - it's just my usual 'Bucky Barnes is near me' heart attack..." she said, making him laugh, "Only worse, because 'Bucky Barnes is on top of me' now..."

They both laughed again, Bucky shaking his head.
"Okay, so long as it isn't a 'Bucky Barnes is on top of me and I'm not cool with it' heart attack?"
"Oh I'm cool with it, I promise..."
"Still, I'd rather you not have a heart attack..."

Anna let out a breath, offering a soft smile as she lifted her knee, pressing her thigh against him. She ran her hand from his waist up his back, pulling his body against hers again... One corner of Bucky's mouth curved into a smile as he took the hint, watching her expression as he got closer.
His hand found hers beside her face, Bucky's fingers interlocking with hers as their lips connected, slowly at first. Anna's lips parted, Bucky taking the invitation to deepen the kiss, Anna arching her back and pressing herself against him. Bucky's grip on her hand tightened as the kiss built in intensity, Anna feeling more of his weight on top of her as they lost themselves in the moment. His free hand, the metal one, found her thigh, running up past her hip and stopping to grip her bare waist, the cold making her gasp and pull back.
Bucky wasted no time letting his lips find her neck and jaw, Anna throwing her head back and taking the moment to catch her breath. He smiled against her skin, his lips dusting kisses along her collarbone, finding their way down her chest, Anna's breath picking up pace as he stopped between her breasts, Bucky suddenly pulling back and sitting up.

She looked up at him, amused to see he looked as flustered as she felt, both of them letting out somewhat of an awkward laugh when they made eye contact.
He flopped back down beside her, Anna rolling onto her side and propping herself up with her elbow so that they were face to face, Bucky's hand finding the curve of her waist as he let out a breath...

"We've got to get this date sorted asap..." he said, shaking his head, muttering something under his breath that sounded like 'insane body', making Anna giggle.
"What are you talking about?" Anna asked, inching closer to him.
"If you get any closer, I can't be held responsible for my actions..." he warned, jokingly, "I said it last night, remember?"

"I want to take you on a proper date before we, uh..." he reminded her, cocking his head as he chose his words, "before things go any...  Further..."
"You meant that?" she asked, suddenly endeared.
"Of course I did" he said, his voice low as he leaned over to kiss her, despite himself, "I wanna do this right" he added with a shrug, making her smile.
"You're so cute" she said, "you know that?"
"Not really..."
"Yes really..." she said, inching closer again.
"Last warning..." he said again, both of them letting out a chuckle before she kissed him briefly again before pulling away,

"Thank you!" he said in mock-exasperation, "You were about to make me go back on my word, and I hate that!" he added dramatically, "Makes me look like an asshole, y'know?"
"Well Barnes, we can't have THAT!" she laughed, Bucky shaking his head as he forced his eyes from her body to her face.
"No, we can't" he agreed, "but you're not making it easy"
"Sorry about that" she said, mock-sheepish.

Bucky cleared his throat, his expression serious for a moment as though he was lost in thought...
"...Actually, there's something I wanted to check in with you about..." he said, choosing his words.
"Okay..." Anna said before sucking in a breath as though bracing herself.

He watched her carefully, ready to gauge her for a reaction as he reached for the hem of his black T-shirt, and lifted it over his head, leaving him bare from the waist up.
Just as he suspected, her eyes darted to his metal shoulder for a second, then back to his face, Anna clearly nervous and not sure how to react... She smiled at him, playing it cool, but at the same time completely confused why he'd suddenly whipped his shirt off.

He closed the gap between them and put his metal hand out to her, Anna looking at it before her eyes met his again.
"Changed your mind about the date?" she asked shyly,
"Definitely not" he smiled, laying back down on his side, propping himself up his flesh elbow.

"I've, uh, noticed your eyes dart over to my arm a few times-" he started, Anna suddenly mortified.
"-Oh my god Bucky, I'm so sorr-"
"-Safe place" he assured her with a smile, raising his metal hand palm up.
"I didn't mean to gawk or be disrespectful..."
"You weren't at all" he assured her, "buuut, I figured that you'd probably -hopefully- be around me a lot, and I'm sure that will involve some, uh, physical contact..." he continued, Anna doing her best not to blush and giggle at the thought...

"I know it's something you wouldn't have seen before, and may even be a little unsure of, or intimidated by..." he went on, choosing his words carefully, "so I thought that this might be a good opportunity for you to take a guilt-free closer look, and ask any questions if you had any..."

"You're absolutely freaking gorgeous... You know that?" she said, shaking her head, her heart melting a little at the smile that crossed his face.
"No I'm not, any decent guy with a cybernetic arm and super abilities would do the same..." he said, frowning at his sentence, "that sounds terrible" he added, making them both laugh, Bucky shaking his head.

"I just..." he started, pausing again, being careful to pick his words wisely, "I don't know if you've spent much time around someone like me... Someone who's, uh, 'different'" he said, Anna listening carefully, "-not that it's any of my business if you have, of course..."
"I haven't..." she said honestly, Bucky's cheeks dusting pink as he nodded, glancing down at Anna's hand, now holding his metal one...

"Sorry, I don't mean to be awkward" he chuckled, "...I just wanted to bring it up with you, because like I said, I don't want you to feel intimidated around me, in any way" he admitted, Anna putting his metal hand on her hip so she could inch closer to him, amused when she heard his breath hitch.

She lifted her hand, tracing her fingers along his jaw line before closing in on him, her lips briefly meeting his.
"Do I look intimidated?" she asked, Bucky giving her a grin.
"Not currently..."
"I know you wouldn't hurt me if you could help it, Buck" she whispered,
"Never" he confirmed, his voice low.
"Or purposely scare me" she added, "Actually the only time I'm not scared to death is when I'm around you" she joked, Bucky giving an amused smirk to mask feeling a little bad for her...

"I do get nervous around you sometimes" she admitted "but it's only because relationships can be scary..."

"You're jumping into the unknown with someone, trusting them in every sense of the word... I've only had one other boyfriend, and we both know how that went down" she chuckled grimly, looking down as she shook her head, "But you're different, I don't think for a second you'd ever do the wrong thing by me by choice..."
"But?" he prompted nervously, feeling like she wasn't finished...

"But... I suppose there's that niggling thought of... Well, I've seen you tip a car over with one hand" she said, looking down at her fingers, playing with his metal ones, "...One slip, y'know?"

He sucked in a breath, Anna looking up at him, worried she'd hurt his feelings...

"I shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry-"
"-No, I want you to speak up" he said, ducking his head to make eye contact, giving her a smile.

"I've been like this for over seventy years..." he started, "and in that time I've done a lot of things that required precision, slow, light movement, and yeah, there have been girls, too." he said, keeping an eye on her expression "-a lot less than you think, I promise!" he sheepishly chuckled, Anna joining in as the mood lightened.

"I've had a lot of practice being enhanced, I don't actually remember what it was like being 'normal' now that I think about it..." he smiled, "But I can promise you truthfully that I've never, EVER hurt someone that I didn't mean to hurt... I've never forgotten my own strength, and I've never EVER gotten carried away, and been too rough with a girl - even when I wasn't completely 'me' yet after all the Hydra stuff"

Anna nodded, letting out a breath, both of them exchanging a smile.
"Sorry" she said again, "that was really awkward of me"
"Not at all - I'm the one telling my girlfriend about 'past girls' here" he laughed, Anna putting up a hand
"No judgement" she smiled, "If I was your age, I'm sure my number'd be higher, too"
"My age?" he asked, feigning offense while Anna tried not to laugh, "what do you mean my age!?"
"Yeah, what are you, like, a hundred?"
"HA - jokes on you, dating an old guy" he laughed
"Aw, age difference couple! We should get you a pair of beige slacks, suspenders, and a polo shirt for our next public outing... I'll wear my best clear heels, metallic thong and a sheer dress, it'll be great!" she enthused, sitting up, "Maybe some bleached hair and body glitter?"
"If you dare go out in a see-through dress and a thong, I swear to God..." he threatened, Anna laughing.
"Uh oh, you're one of those boyfriends..." she said, a cringe on her face.

Bucky pushed her onto her back again, hovering over her for a moment before lowering himself down for a kiss.
"Damn straight I am" he said, trying his best to keep a straight face.
"Fine, I'll save those for you then" she laughed
"Can't wait" he grinned, breaking character.

He stood up, reaching for his shirt and pulled it back on over his head before sitting back on the edge of the bed.
"So are you going to sleep, or are we putting a movie on in here?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Uh, whatever you wanna do, you don't have to stay" she smiled, Bucky reaching for the remote and turning the flat-screen on.
"I'll stay till you fall asleep, as promised" he said, giving her a smile back, "go on, get under those covers"

Anna slid under the quilt, pulling it up over herself as Bucky turned the bedroom light off, making his way back over, the room dark with the exception of the blue glow from the TV.
He glanced down at his pants, suddenly regretting wearing thick combat-style jeans. He paused for a few moments, thinking about what to do before shrugging and unbuckling his belt, realising he was being watched.
"No funny business - I just don't want the zippers to scratch you" he said, rolling his eyes at her amused expression.
"Sure, sure..." she sassed, letting out a chuckle as he confidently dropped his pants and stepped out of them.

He pulled the sheets back and got in beside her, laying on his back, Anna biting her lip as she was hit with a sudden rush of bravery. She sat herself up, keeping her eyes on the bedside lamp on his side of the bed as she crawled towards it, Bucky watching her like a hawk. She stepped over him with one hand and one knee, straddling him as she 'tried' unsuccessfully to reach the lamp to turn on, Bucky getting smart to what she was doing.
He grabbed her hips in his hands, giving her a scolding look, Anna returning an innocent shrug before they both let out a chuckle. She closed her knees against his sides as she lowered her face towards his, holding what little eye contact they could in the dark.

Bucky's breath hitched before her lips found his, Anna taking charge and deepening the kiss, Bucky's heart racing as his grip on her hips tightened.
"Christ, Anna..." he muttered when she pulled away, Anna letting out a giggle before stretching out and turning the lamp on.
"What?" she asked innocently, Bucky smirking at her.
"Oh I think you know what..." he scolded, "you're making this very har- ...Uh, Difficult"

"I'm organizing this date, what are you doing on Monday?" he asked, lifting her off him, Anna rolling onto her side to face him, "day after tomorrow..."

"Oh crap!" she said, suddenly remembering something important,
"What?" He asked, looking over at her
"I was supposed to talk to Tony tonight - you know how I told you about the shelter?"
"Yeah?"
"I wanted to go down and help them out. They're low on volunteers to run the kitchen, and I was hoping to go into the city and lend a hand" she started, "but he didn't want me going back in 'alone'...Alone being without someone trusted and preferably enhanced... He said to remind him tonight and he'd ask around, but of course I forgot to"
"And you didn't think to ask me?" Bucky interjected,
"I thought you had to be somewhere with Steve tomorrow?"
"Yeah, but it's only a 'day' thing, we'll be back in the evening" he said, Anna raising her brows as she nodded.

"So you'd be happy to come along?" she asked with a little uncertainty in her voice.
"Of course I would - don't be worried about what Tony wants, I wouldn't let you go into the city 'alone' either..." he said, his expression serious, "I'd be mad at you if you did, too... Furious"

Anna's lips curved into a smile, finding his concern adorable.
"Look at you being all protective..." she teased him, Bucky rolling his eyes and shaking his head.
"I've always been protective of you, just now I get more of a say in it."
"Do you just?"
"Yeah, and don't you forget it" he threatened, narrowing his eyes, Anna laughing.

"Make the call tomorrow, tell Tony that I'll be taking you" he started, "We'll take the Jag, drive into the city in the morning, we'll both help out for the lunch shift, and then we'll have dinner together."
"That sounds great..." she grinned, "Uh, what about the dinner, though? How do we go anywhere without being hounded by paps, and keeping things, uh... Discrete?" she asked, genuinely concerned, "just because I haven't told Tony yet, and I don't-"

"-Relax" Bucky stopped her, "leave it with me"
"Are you sure?" she asked, still worried.
"Anna - when a guy asks you on a date, all you have to do is show up, dress nice, and have fun..." he explained, Anna arching a brow thoughtfully.
"You know, I've actually never been on a real date" she mused aloud, Bucky looking somewhat shocked.
"Really? Never?"
"Nope..."
"Oh god, so no pressure then, right?" he joked, pausing to think for a moment...

 "Okay... Leave it with me, I think I know what I wanna do" he said with a nod, regrouping a little.
"You just tell me what I need to bring or wear, won't you?"
"Definitely" he smiled, pulling out his arm, inviting her to lay with him while he flicked through and found a movie to put on.


"It may not be 5 star dining... But I'll make sure we have a good night" he smiled, kissing her temple.
"Hey Buck?..." she asked quietly, Bucky looking down at her, "thanks for the chat before"
"The awkward one?"
"Yeah, the awkward one" she smiled, curling up against him, "most guys wouldn't bother, but I thought it was really sweet of you to bring all that stuff up, and make sure we were cool..."

"Oh..." he smiled, a little taken aback, "It's nothing, I was just lookin' out for ya" he added with a shrug, smiling at Anna who was looking up at him admiringly.

"You're so gorgeous... Seriously" she said, making him chuckle again.
"Just don't let that get out, will you?" he joked, reaching down to kiss her briefly, "you'll ruin my 'tough guy' reputation..."
"We can't have that..." she said, in the middle of a yawn that had snuck out.

"I told you you were tired... Now do as you're told, and shut those pretty eyes. Okay?"
"Okay"
"Sweet dreams, beautiful" he whispered, kissing her forehead, "I'll see you in the morning before we leave"
"Looking forward to it" she smiled, snuggling into his chest.

"Night Buck, sweet dreams..."