Denmark Lemon - Night of a King

I'm so sorry this took so long! 

But here it is finally!

Read, comment, and Enjoy!

.x.Hidden.x.Winter.x.

                “Let the King take care of you.” It was a low murmur, but it was all it took.

***

                The day had started like any other, Mathias had been leaving for work in a flurry of jackets and coffee, late like usual. However, he never seemed late enough to miss a goodbye kiss and his daily attempt to cop a feel of her behind.

                “Mathias!” She had scolded, tapping at his arm with the wooden spoon in her hand. She was making muffins like she usually did in the mornings. Her house frequently hosted visiting friends who dropped in randomly on their way past, and she always liked having some kind of baked good around to give them. Not to mention that Mathias ate half a batch by himself. Said man only chuckled at her evasion, dipping his index finger into the bowl of batter and lifting it to his lips. His tongue quickly wrapped around it, tasting the chocolate and staring playfully at her. She could only stand captivated by his boldness, a light blush coating her cheeks as he wiggled his eyebrows at her. He dipped down, catching her off guard again and pressing his lips against hers, parting them with a breath. He stepped closer, catching her bottom lip between his teeth. Their bodies were almost flush with one another, and Tatiana almost lost her thoughts when she was sharply reminded by a gradually stiffening feel against her lower body. She broke the kiss with a gasp and placed her hands against his chest, backing up against the counter. Mathias shot her a cheeky grin before running out the door, probably going to be terribly late for work.

                Tatiana had turned back to her muffins, a heaviness in her heart that hadn’t been there moments ago. She’d been with Mathias for a long while and couldn’t imagine her life without him. He stayed over so much that he practically lived at her house, sleeping in her bed but never pushing her, never going further than she was ready for. Her heart had almost burst the first time, when he’d told her he would wait for her, she’d never imagined he’d be so serious or committed. She loved him, and wished she could show him, but like a second ago she always pulled away.

                She just wanted to show him.

                And damn it all, she would.

***

                He was late. He usually arrived home at                six, it was now six fifteen. She knew she was being paranoid, but she couldn’t help it, nervousness was eating at her, spreading out from the red lace hanging low on her hips and tight around her chest. She’d put loose shorts and one of his shirts on overtop to make herself feel better, and subconsciously she knew it was she so could back out if she needed to. She heard keys jingling and rushed to the front door, pulling it open in such a flurry that Mathias just looked at her for a moment, his hands stunned and not moving from his keys. Then he relaxed, kissing her cheek as he huddled them into her house. “Miss me, gorgeous?”

                “Mmm.” She agreed, lacing her fingers with his and pulling him further into the house. She stopped and allowed him to step into her, stretching her hands up to play with the short blond hair at the nape of his neck.

                “If you’re going to be like this then I’ll come home late every day.” He murmured against her smiling lips. His hands attached themselves to her hips, instinctively pulling her against him. That was when she stiffened, feeling it against her.

“Sorry Tat,” he said with a sheepish grin, “guess I can’t help myself today.” He kissed her lightly and moved his hips from hers. His lips dashed to her neck, kissing along her collar bone, her shoulders, not helping slow the whirling of Tatiana’s mind. She had to say something, she couldn’t let this opportunity go by! But her mind couldn’t be pried from the soft lips kissing her skin until a sharp sting echoed on her shoulder. She looked at him, and he stood tall forcing her eyes to follow him upwards. He tugged the big shirt over her shoulder, showing more of the red strap. He pulled on it again and let it snap back lightly against her skin. “What’s this?”

She looked away but he caught her jaw between his thumb and forefinger. “Tat?”

“It’s….It’s for you…”

His eyes widened, and she could see them slowly darkening as his pupils grew. “You mean-”

He was cut off as she stepped towards him, putting her body flush against his. His hands gripped her hips holding there, but his words contradicted, “Are you sure, I mean-”

“It’s a matching set.” She blurt out, not having the courage to say anything more, but that seemed to be enough. A hand wrapped around to the small of her back and forced her closer against him, groaning at the contact he’d been denied for so long.

“Relax gorgeous," he whispered as he pressed her back up against a wall, “I know you’re nervous.” She nodded against his lips but was still tense, still so unsure, so inexperienced. He felt all of this and more, felt all of her hesitation and breathed once more in her ear.

“Let the King take care of you.”

His voice was so low, so erotic, Tatiana had never experienced anything like it. A shiver ran down her spine, buckling her knees until she was clutching at him to stay standing. He didn’t mind, he was clutching at her too, but for a different reason. He needed her, he’d needed her for a long time but he’d behaved because she’d needed him too, tonight he didn’t have to. But he’d restrain himself for now, he’d let her start slow before he claimed her fully.

His hands crept up her shirt and she shivered at the heat against her cold skin. His thumb traced the skin just beneath the underwire and felt her arc just a bit, just enough to show him she wanted more. Looking into her wide eyes that were tainted with excitement, he lifted her shirt (technically his shirt) and admired the new flesh revealed to him.    

                “God” He buried his face in her neck as his hot hands wandered over her skin, up her back and over her stomach leaving burning trails. His talented fingers pressing and squeezing at places that left her gasping. He nibbled his way between her breasts, pulling at the white bow in the middle of her bra. She hummed at the growl left his throat, knowing that he’d realised the connection between her bra and the colours of his flag. “You know just what gets me off.” He muttered, fingers fumbling with the clasp. As it dropped to the floor, Mathias pressed his chest to hers, groaning again at the flushed heat of her skin against his. He pressed his lips furiously back to hers, noting the lack of nervousness as his hand drifted down to a breast. They were stiffened to peaks already, begging for his attention which he did not deny. His thumb brushed over the nub, circling and tightening it between his fingers. Her mouth broke from him, falling back against the wall with a gasp.

                “Mathias”

                She felt his grin against her collarbone, as he slowly moved south. With every move, she felt her nervousness bubble up, her throat closing and mind clouding. So really, it was only her subconscious (that was tired of Tatiana constantly pushing away the man in front of her) that reacted by reaching out and fitting her hand on the hard length between them.

                Everything stopped, Mathias looked at her with wide eyes, his hot breath fanning over her cheeks. But she wanted to do this for him, and couldn’t deny that a heat pooled between her thighs at the thought of him getting hard for her. Experimenting, she stroked her hand along the length, watching his eyes flutter.

                “gud ja , bare sådan” (1).

                She felt his heavy breath on her neck, and the heat of his hand as he covered hers, pushing it harder onto him, squeezing her fingers around him.

                She could feel his muscles taut and hard against her, viciously fighting against himself to hold back. He’s held back enough, she decided, as she slid her hand from under his and slipped it beneath his waistband.

                It was hot, having him at her mercy like this, which surprised her because she’d never thought she’d enjoy this this much. Him, towering over her, broad shoulders hunched and slim hips thrusting into her hand like he couldn’t stop himself.

                “stoppe…stoppe” (2). He muttered, grinning at her breathlessly. “Can’t finish before I’ve had my wicked way with you.”

                God he loved that blush.

                He stripped himself of his clothes, noticing her eyes wandering over his chest. He chuckled, stepping closer and pressing himself against her. He didn’t break eye contact as his burning hands wandered to cup her thighs, lifting her. She wrapped her legs around his waist in surprise, feeling his erection tight against her covered core.

                She leaned up, eagerly pressing her lips to his as they stumbled through the living room and into her bedroom. His eyes lit up in mischief as he tossed her onto the bed, following her down before she had a chance to collect herself and they both groaned as he rolled his hips into her, mouth ducking down to capture a breast.

                Her fingers tousled in his hair, mind wandering in fog. Why on earth had she ever been nervous about this?

                “ahhh Mathias-” His fingers had slipped under the shorts and tightened around her clit, rolling it between the calloused pads of his fingertips.

                “Mmm, say that again.” He was so hard, and it was only getting worse with every breathy call of his name. He slipped lower, rubbing against her outer lips. He mumbled against the side of a breast before recapturing her lips, “you’re so wet.”

                “Because of you.” She whispered back.

                She heard a string of fast Danish fall from his lips, then, “are you ok?” Because he’d gone through too many cold showers alone, had finished in a silent rush too many times, and now his beautiful girlfriend was beneath him naked and his cock was hard in that painful way from not being buried in her.

                He’d shrugged off the rest of her clothes a minute ago, and they now lay somewhere in the room, neither of them cared where. His words were timed with a deep roll against her, and the heat and pleasure of skin and skin brought moans out of both of them.

                “Mathias, please-” She couldn’t think, she was too warm and yet cold without him, she needed him in a way she’d never felt before.

                He didn’t wait, needing her as much as she needed him, and sheathed himself fully inside her, collapsing against her as he waited.

                “oh.” She breathed as she felt the unfamiliar sensation of being so full. Her walls squeezed as she thought about the fact that it was him who was filling her.

                He was trying to distract himself, nipping at the skin on her neck, pinching her nipples, anything to keep himself from moving before she was ready. And then she was rolling her hips, moving him against her and he couldn’t really help himself. His hips slowly pulled out and slammed back in, movements becoming smoother, faster. She was clutching at his back and calling his name, voice cracking as it went higher and higher as she felt the coil in her tightening. The man above her was glistening, a sheen of sweat coating his body as he slammed both of their bodies to the finish.

                “Mathias – I’m – ”

                “Me too-” he grunted back, hips pistoning and then her back was arching and her breasts were pushing into the air and her lips were parting in a moan of his name. God, it was enough to spur his own end as he sputtered to an end inside her.

                He didn’t move yet, forearms bracing him above her, foreheads touching, chests heaving, and stupid content smiles on their lips.

                “Wasn’t so bad was it?” Mathias said, chuckling.

                She laughed back, jostling as he fell onto the bed beside her, wrapping himself around her small frame. “No, not at all.” She yawned.

                She felt soft lips on her temple, “go to sleep.” His voice was low as if he too was falling asleep, and she was content to do just that, with a small smile on her lips as just before she closed her eyes, she saw her Denmark themed panties hanging from the curtain rod.      

                

Translations:

(1) God yes, just like that

(2) Stop…stop

                                        

Makoto Tachibana one shot - Coffee?

                The individual races were finished, only the relay was left, this was it. The wait was almost over to see who would be making it to nationals. Iwatobi’s swim team were gathering, now only waiting on one very tall, green eyed swimmer.

                “Who’s that?” Nagisa asked suddenly, pointing over near the stands.

                Makoto was stood there, swim trunks still dripping and towel draped around his neck. However, Nagisa was more curious about the person he was talking to. He was looking down at someone, a girl who none of the boys from Iwatobi had seen before. Nagisa, Rei, and even Haru watched on in interest as the girl looked up at Makoto.

                “You er… Swam really well out there.” She said nervously.

                “Thanks,” he replied, “it’s because someone was cheering really loud for me.”

                A fan of red coated the very tips of her cheeks, but she smiled.

                “Sounds like you’ve got quite the fan base.”

                They chuckled.

                By this time Rin had walked up to join Haru, and was also watching the conversation with keen interest.

                “But I have to go really soon,” she said, “Coach Sasabe couldn’t spare me for long, I just couldn’t miss your race. See you around Makoto.” She turned and took a step, then stopped, looked back at him. She half turned, and then took another step away from him.

                “Are you alright Ava?” Makoto asked, smiling.

                “Do you want to go for coffee sometime?” She blurt out. “Or tea, or … protein juice?”

                “Protein juice?” he asked laughing.

                “Well I don’t know what swimmers are supposed to drink!”

                “That sounds great.”

                She smiled, going to walk away again.

                “Ava.” He called, “Could I get your number?

                “… right.” She reminded herself, and handed over her phone so he could put his number in it.

                “Sorry, I’d take your number but my phone is in the locker room…”

                She laughed again, “It’s cool.” She put her phone back in her pocket, “But I really am going to miss my train…”

                “Go, go!” He shooed her away and laughed as she ran off, apologising as she almost knocked a couple of swimmers over as the turned the corner.

                There was a brief moment of silence as Makoto realised what had just happened, and a slow smile began to spread across his face. Then, an arm was slung over his shoulders.

                “Who was she?” Rin wiggled his eyebrows as the other boys gathered around.

                Makoto rubbed the back of his neck and felt the tips of his ears turn red.

                “She’s a swim teacher at IWSC Returns. We haven’t really spoke much but she’s really nice and she’s great with the kids. They all love her.”

                “Do you llliiiiike her?” Nagisa purred, leaning in eagerly.

                Makoto avoided the stares of his friends, “Well… I… er, yeah, I do.”

                Nagisa cheered, dancing around with Rei while Rin ruffled Makoto’s hair, yelling excitedly. Haru was just watching his friends face, and the small smile that lingered there.

***

                Matako lay on his bed, arms folded behind his head and his feet dangling over the edge. He could hear Ran and Ren laughing and running throughout the rest of the house. He chuckled at the thought of his rambunctious siblings, and then his calm was shattered by a small vibrate from the phone on his nightstand.

                There was a crash as he rolled off the bed in his scramble to get to the phone, and when he finally flicked it open he smiled at the unknown number.

                Hey J

                At the other end of the line, Ava was sat on the edge of her bed, glancing nervously at her phone. She knew it, the smiley face was a bad idea, she should have just asked him what’s up –

                Hi J J

                She breathed a sigh of relief.

                How were the rest of the races?

                Well we made it to nationals with our relay!

                That’s incredible! Wow I’m so proud of you!

                There was a second, and Ava started being nervous again. Why on earth would she say she was proud of him? That’s something a girlfriend would say! Then her phone buzzed;

                Thanks! So… you still up for coffee?

                Ava squealed and clutched the phone to her chest. Technically she’d already asked him out and he’d said yes, so this was not really a surprise, but it still felt so unreal!

                Makoto was laying back on his bed, “Makoto, dinner’s ready.” His mother called as she passed his door.

                “Coming!” He replied, looking at his phone as it buzzed again.

                Absolutely

                He grinned at his phone, see you after your shift tomorrow?

                Her reply was almost instant.

Can’t wait.

***

                Her hair was still damp from the lesson and she’d done the best she could with it, but it still hung in a messy braid over her shoulder.

                “See you next week Coach Sasabe.” She waved but he only smirked back at her.

                “Going on a date are you?”

                She looked at him with wide eyes, “Er-”

                “Nice choice with him, he’s a good guy.” He winked and then turned to talk to some parents, while Ava’s mind was whirling, how did he know-

                “Ava.” She spun around and saw Makoto walking in the doors.

                “Makoto.” She said breathily, “How long have you been waiting.”

                He grinned, knowing he’d been caught. “Not long.”       

                He gestured to the door, offering his arm like a gentleman but with a cheerful laughing spark in his eye. “Shall we?”

                The walk to the coffee shop was calm, exchanges of stories and laughter, but in each of them a current of electricity ran underneath. They’d both been waiting for this for too long, and neither could really believe that it was finally happening.

                “Oh.” She said as they rounded the corner. The shop was full, not a single seat to spare. But Makoto didn’t miss a beat, looking down at her with those smiling green eyes.

                “Coffee to go?”

***

                The coffee cups had long since been disposed of, and Makoto’s arm had dropped enough that Ava were to reach up a hair’s breath, she would be able to finally clasp his hand in hers. But she didn’t, all of her bravery had been used up when she first approached him at the competition. And he seemed to realise that, having no problem with leading the conversation until her bravery came back.

                “Makoto, are those clouds…?” 

                As if her words were a trigger, Makoto didn’t even get a chance to look up before the rain started plastering down onto them. Ava let out a small squeal at the coldness of it dribbling down her neck. She seemingly forgot her nervousness and grabbed Makoto’s hand, pulling him as she ran for cover.

                The coffee shop was now deserted, but it’s awning was still out, and that is all Ava looked for. She pulled him under and laughed at their dishevelled state. They were soaked, clothes sticking to their bodies and hair plastered to their foreheads.

                She shivered as another fat droplet of water made its way down her spine.

                “I don’t even have a jacket or anything to give you.” Makoto groaned, “I should have checked the weather.” Then he grinned at her, “first the shop being full, now the rain. I seriously think someone’s against us getting coffee.”

                She chuckled, “maybe protein juice was the better option after all.”

                She could probably spend the rest of her days watching him laugh. The way his head fell back and his eyes looked so carefree. He seemed to realise that she was watching him, and his laughter died into something calmer, but powerful.

                He took a step closer, they were almost touching, “Ava.”

                Her name sounded so perfect coming from his lips, lips that were moist from the droplets running from his hair.

                “Makoto.” Her whisper seemed enough, and he began to lean down towards her, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek and brush away a few of those stray droplets. She felt his hand slide to the centre of her back, a warmth spreading from it that had nothing to do with temperature. Bracing herself on her tiptoes, Ava leant up, a clear invitation to banish Makoto’s final doubts.   

                His lips pressed against hers, that unfamiliar warmth spreading faster now, to her toes and to her fingers that were tousled in his hair.

                Then lightning flashed around them, and thunder rumbled the ground beneath their feet.

                “This probably isn’t the safest place to be.” He said with a crooked smile, lacing his fingers with hers and turning to face the rain.

                “Ready?” She challenged, lining up next to him.

                “I’ve been ready for a while.” He admitted, and they both knew that neither of them were talking about the rain, or the storm.

                “And I’m ready for forever.”

Bucky Barnes one shot - Old Autumn Raindrops

                Layla was humming to herself, she always loved the sound of rain pattering on the windows, it always calmed her. The sun had long since set, and the streetlamps outside were casting a warm glow that was only faintly washed out by the rain. She was about to shut her curtains when she saw a man stood under a streetlight. Curious, she watched, and still he did nothing. She could see his face, and her heart broke just a little, he looked so… lost. So it was without really thinking that she swapped her slippers for rain boots and grabbed her umbrella, jogging outside.

                “Hey, you ok?” She called. The man whipped around, eyes like a cornered animal. “Are you lost?” She asked, even though it was obvious he was.

                But still he said nothing, simply stared at her.

                “Do you have a place to go?” She asked, because he didn’t look homeless, so surely he had somewhere he was supposed to spend the night.

                This time his eyes looked to the ground, “I don’t know.”

                How could he not know? He didn’t look drunk, maybe he just lost the address, or the group of friends he was with. Whatever the case, there was only one logical next step.

                “Do you want to come inside?” His dark eyes flew to hers. His long hair was soaked by the rain that was only getting harder.

                “No. Go away.”

                She sighed, “Look, you’ve obviously got nowhere to go, and I’m not leaving you in the rain.”

                “Leave me alone.”

                “No. I’m not going inside until you come with me.” She was firm, but her steps were gentle as she walked over to him, boots sloshing in the puddles. She didn’t get too close, but as soon as she was close enough she stretched out her arm, moving the umbrella from herself to cover him, feeling the rain soak through her shirt.

                Now Bucky, for that’s who it was, was confused. Who was this woman? And why was she insisting on helping him? But she didn’t seem like she was leaving any time soon, and so it was with slow steps that he walked over to her, following her as she walked back towards a house. He had no idea why he was doing it, he could easily outrun her, she was no match for him. But something about her, her honesty, it confused him. His world felt slower, heavier, his mind running through honey and he tried to form his thoughts, but all he could do was follow her words.  

                Layla locked the door behind them as she took off her boots, “just take off your shoes and stay there for a second, I’ll find you some dry clothes.” She left and rummaged through her closet, finding a shirt and pj bottoms that would probably fit him, and then grabbed a towel for good measure. He was exactly where she had left him, stood like a statue in the doorway, his shoes lined up neatly next to hers. “Here you go.” She said cheerfully, putting the pile in his arms. “The bathroom’s that door right there, just change and dry off and I’ll set up a bed for you. What’s your name anyway?”

                He took a moment to respond, “James.”

                “James…? James what?”

                He thought for a moment, “James Rogers.” It was the first thing that came out of his mouth, because he couldn’t give her his real name, who knows what could happen.

                “Well it’s nice to meet you James Rogers, I’m Layla Nightingale.” She smiled at him and then walked away to a cupboard, fetching sheets and pillowcases for his bed. Again, he was slow to move, still confused about the whole situation. He walked to the bathroom she had pointed out, and changed into the soft dry clothes, towelling his hair. The towel smelled nice, like some kind of flower.

                “There, you look better already.” She said as he walked into the living room. She was finishing making up the pull out couch. “Now don’t expect this to be a nightly thing, I don’t just take in strays.” She said, but there was a grin on her face and a laugh in her words, Bucky was more confused than ever. She finished the bed, “I’ll be upstairs if you need anything, and help yourself to the kitchen if you get hungry or anything.” She waved as she left the room, “Goodnight James.”

***

                The first thing Layla noticed as she woke up was that it was still raining. She yawned, and then remembered the man sleeping in her living room. The situation seemed a whole lot different in morning light, and she silently crept out of bed. He was sat on the edge of the couch, the sheets folded up neatly next to him.

                “Morning.” She said cautiously, not faltering as he looked around at her. And then she felt normal, because this man looked so lost and confused, he couldn’t possibly hurt her. “Breakfast?”

                “So James?” She asked over her skilfully made bowls of cereal, “Where you from?” She was leaned over her bowl, relaxed. He looked more at ease than yesterday, but still sat ramrod straight.

                “Indiana.”

                “I’ve never been there, is it nice?”

                “I liked it.” He lifted up the spoon and ate a bit of the cereal. Layla smiled, he wasn’t so bad at all.

***

                “James! Have you seen my tea?” It had been a week since that night in the rain, and Bucky had found himself comfortable in Layla’s house. She never asked prying questions, never questioned about his arm. She allowed him his privacy while still learning about him, his likes, his hobbies. He was content to stay there, reading her books, talking to her. He was more at peace than he ever remembered being.

                He lifted the cup of tea from the top shelf of her living room bookcase and walked it to the kitchen where she was looking for it. Her eyes lit up when she saw him, “you found it! Thanks James.”

                “Bucky.” He said, the word blurting out of his mouth before he could do anything about it.

                Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, and he continued. “My friends call me Bucky.”

                She smiled again, “Bucky,” she tested the name on her tongue, “I like it.” Then her tea was being thrust back into his hands as she picked up her ringing phone, “Nick, how’s it going?” Bucky watched her, her carefree smile turning into a guilty grin, he heard the voice from the phone,

“What time are we all meeting tonight?”

“I’d actually completely forgotten.”  She responded, absent-mindedly twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

“Seriously? We’ve been planning this for months!”

“I know, but I’ve been with James.”

“James? You mean that homeless guy you took in? He’s still there? Layla what’s wrong with you? He could be an axe murderer for all you know!”

She laughed, looked at Bucky with teasing eyes. She knew he could hear, “He’s not an axe murderer! Anyway, I’ll call you back in a minute.” She hung up the phone, ignoring the protests from the other end.

“Boyfriend?” Bucky asked, having learned that she didn’t mind answering personal questions in the slightest.

“Nick? Oh god no. No he’s just a friend. Speaking of friends, I was supposed to go to an art gala tonight, my friend has a big opening night.”

Bucky didn’t know what to say, was she asking his permission to go…?

She chuckled, “I was supposed to go with this other guy, but that ended a while ago and I completely forgot about getting another date, and you can’t really go to these sorts of functions without a date.”

He was confused again, confused by her flying words and bright expression.

She continued, “Bucky Rogers, will you be my date for the ball?”

Moments later she was back on the phone with Nick, “Can I borrow a suit?”

“What for?” He grumbled through the phone, then seeming to realise, “no, no you are not-”

“It’s for Bucky. He’s my date.”  

“Bucky? Who’s Bucky?!”

“Oh it’s James, nicknames and all that you know. So about the suit?”

“No. I am not giving one of my nice clean suits to a homeless guy you pulled off the street-”

Layla held up a hand because it was clear that Bucky was about to say something, probably how this was a stupid idea and that she should just go alone, but she wasn’t about to have that. “Nick I need a suit. I’m not coming otherwise.”

There was silence, and then Nick groaned. “Bring him over here, then we’ll see.”

***

                “Now Nick’s really nice, he’s just protective and he’s never met you so he’ll just be a bit sceptical at first, but he’ll warm up to you in no time!” Layla took a last look at Bucky before knocking on Nick’s front door. She’d made him presentable, combing his hair and giving him a razor to shave. He scrubbed up quite nicely, but Layla was trying to push that thought from her mind.

                Nick answered the door quickly, and immediately his eyes were sizing up Bucky, who was doing the same. Nick was about his height, blond, with fierce eyes and a strong jaw.

                Bucky stretched out his hand, “Bucky.” He said, introducing himself. It was a moment before Nick shook it, turning around gruffly and heading inside. Layla gave Bucky a thumbs up before following him inside.

                “The suit’s there.” Nick pointed to a suit laid on a couch, “you can try it on in the bathroom and we’ll see how it fits.”

                Nick waited until Bucky was out of the room before rounding on Layla.

                “What do you think you’re doing?”

                “Look at him Nick, he’s not homeless, he’s not insane, he’s a nice guy!”

                “You barely know him!”

                “I know him enough Nick.” She said firmly, and Nick knew her well enough to know that spark in her eye.

                “You can’t be serious.” He said flatly.

                “What?”

                Nick glanced towards the bathroom, seeing the door still closed. He lowered his voice, “you like him!”

                She looked away, but the faint pink blush on her cheeks told him enough.

                He groaned, “You have the worst taste in men, I swear.”

                The bathroom door clicked open and they both turned to look, but even Nick didn’t have a biting comment. Bucky looked at them, “so?”

                “It fits perfectly!” Layla said, clapping her hands. “But I actually have to go, I promised Olivia I’d get ready with her. She turned to Nick, “do you mind if Bucky tags a ride with you? You wouldn’t mind would you Bucky?”

***

                The gala was busy. Crowds of people dressed up to the nines, suits and dresses and expensive jewellery. On the ride there Nick had bombarded Bucky with questions before lapsing into silence, and then proceeding with another round of questions. Bucky answered them the best he could, this man, as rude as he was, was Layla’s friend.

                “Hey stranger!” Bucky looked down from the artwork to the person standing in front of him, almost completely unrecognizable. He’d grown so used to seeing her in her comfortable clothes and fuzzy slippers, but this was something else. Her hair was sleek and pulled to the side, glittering pins in her hair. Her dress clung to her body before flowing at her waist. It was a simple look, compared to the rest of the people here, but she looked beautiful.

                She chuckled, slipping her arm through his and guiding him to walk around the gallery. “What do you think?” She asked, meaning the artwork but Bucky didn’t quite catch that.

                “You look nice.” He said, honestly but awkwardly, he hadn’t said these types of words in a very long time.

                She smiled, not expecting the compliment, but appreciating it.

                They turned as their attention was called, speeches being made and finally her friend taking centre stage, looking nervous.

                Bucky was trying to pay attention, he really was. But he was trying to think of things to say to her afterwards. She seemed like such a natural, her arm effortlessly looped in his, her head tilting to rest lightly on his shoulder. She clapped with everyone else at the end, hearing music strike up and seeing couples beginning to dance.

                “Do you know how to dance?” She asked him, because if she was honest with herself, he didn’t look like the type to know how to dance to this type of music. But he didn’t say anything, just slipped his hand in hers and led her to the twirling couples. He spun her to face him, placing his other hand on her waist, raising an eyebrow at her.

                She was delighted, because if there was one thing she loved, it was dancing. She had barely placed her hand on his shoulder before he was whisking her away, dancing like an expert, guiding her.

                “You’ve done this before.” She accused him, still teasing.

                He raised an eyebrow.

                “Dancing!” She laughed.

                A faint smile flickered on his lips. “I like dancing.”

***

                Nick, who was dancing with his own date, kept his eyes on Layla. But even he had to admit that he hadn’t seen her this happy in a long time. And the way Bucky looked at her, all fierce and protective, it was obvious he adored the smiling girl in his arms.       

***

                “Ladies and Gentlemen, this draws our evening to a close, thank you for your support and we hope to see you here next time.”

                Bucky looked to Layla with sad eyes, he didn’t want to leave. This, the music, the dancing, it was like he was back home. He ignored the little voice in his mind telling him that it was just because he didn’t want to let go of Layla. She was bright and wonderful and lovely, she was a part of this glittering world of lights. She didn’t belong with someone like him. But he still couldn’t force himself to let her go. They began to walk back to the car and he tried to force himself to run, to leave her behind. He cursed his weakness, but then she smiled at him and her leg was pressed against his because three of them were squished in the back seat, and his heart melted all over again. Something about her was old, timeless. She seemed to move slower than the rest of her friends. It was like she saw the fast-paced business of her world and chose to reject it, living in a world of a simpler time, Bucky’s time.

                “Bucky?”

                He jolted out of his thoughts. The car had pulled up to her house and she was looking at him with concerned eyes. He looked away, stepping out of the car and loathing himself with every step he took towards her house.

                He barely heard anything, the blood was rushing through his ears. She was fumbling with the keys like she always did, usually he would step forward and help her, she would cast him a grateful glance. But he didn’t this time, and it took her a while to get the door open.

                “Well I can’t say I’m not glad to be home.” She said, flicking on the light in the entrance hall, bathing Bucky in a warm light. “My feet are killing me.” She chuckled, tossing her heels onto the mat next to her fuzzy slippers. Then she noticed, Bucky had not come in the house with her. He was stood outside it, staring at the floor with an intensity she had never seen.

                “Bucky?”

                His dark eyes shot to hers, and she automatically went to him, hands fluttering around to his shoulders, his jaw, his hands.

                He jerked away from her, and she couldn’t deny the pang of hurt that fluttered through her.

                “Bucky?” She asked again, her voice quieter this time. “Bucky what’s wrong?”

                “Why am I here?” He asked, still facing away from her. His voice was hard and cold like iron.

                “Because I thought you liked it here.”

                “I’m leaving.”

                Her heart broke a little more, and she felt the burn of tears build up in her eyes threatening to fall. “Why?”

                “You have a life to live.”

                “But you’re a part of my life now.”

                He heard her voice crack, and couldn’t look away any longer. He turned, and cursed softly under his breath. He had made her cry. This beautiful, caring woman was crying because of him. He was despicable.

                “I shouldn’t be.” He said quietly, moving closer. Why couldn’t she understand? She belonged with someone who wasn’t damaged, wasn’t broken. Someone who knew their way around the world, someone who could spoil her and treasure her in a way that he never could. “I’ve lied, about so many things. My surname isn’t even Rogers.”

                “Like that matters.” A breath on her lips.

                “I’m not a good man.” He whispered, “You don’t know what I’ve done.”

                She gripped his hands and held them to her chest like a child holding a stuffed animal. “You’ve found my tea. You carried my groceries. You helped me put on my coat every time I went outside. You-”

                “I’ve done bad things-”

                “But you’ve done good ones too.” He was silenced, why did she have so much faith in him? “You’re a good man Bucky, and I-” Her voice faltered and she looked to the ground. She looked so small, so fragile, like a cracked china doll one breath away from shattering. And he couldn’t help it, the words just tumbled from his lips in a hushed murmur.

                “I love you.”

                Her eyes jolted back up, wide and unbelieving. He didn’t say anything else, he wanted to leave but she still held his hands firmly in hers. He wanted to stay, but how could he?

                “I love you too.” It took him moments to register that she’d said it. The words he’d never expected to hear.

                “How?”

                “I just do.” She said, and he felt better. This was as confusing for her as it was for him. In this moment, she was a lost as he was.

Carefully, slowly, he stepped closer. The only space between them now was their hands, clasped together, but she was no longer holding him there, they were holding each other.

He saw her jaw angle up as he leaned down closer, hardly believing that she still felt the same for him as he did for her. And it seemed to take an eternity before his lips landed on hers. It was a soft and gentle kiss, one that promised that it was only the beginning.