9. {You're Mine}

You find yourself standing in front of the mirror in your room, your reflection staring back at you with a mix of uncertainty and determination. You're in the midst of getting ready for the date your ex-boyfriend had invited you to, an invitation you accepted more out of spite towards Bucky than genuine interest.

As you adjust the collar of your dress, Natasha's voice interrupts your thoughts from the doorway. "So, spill it. What the hell happened at the grocery store?" she demands, crossing her arms and leaning against the doorframe with a look of curiosity.

You pause, setting down the mascara wand and turning to face her. The memory of the encounter in the grocery store aisle resurfaces, igniting a spark of frustration within you.

"It was ridiculous," you mutter, running a hand through your hair. "Bucky was being his usual infuriating self, but this time, he took it to a whole new level."

Natasha raises an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Oh? Do tell."

With a sigh, you recount the events of the grocery store, from the tense exchange with Bucky to your ex-boyfriend's unexpected appearance. Natasha listens intently, her expression shifting from amusement to concern as you speak.

"So, let me get this straight," she says, stepping inside and focusing her attention on you. "Bucky tried to stop you from going on a date with your ex?"

You nod, feeling a mix of annoyance and defiance bubbling up inside you. "Yeah, he practically begged me not to go," you reply, your voice tinged with bitterness. "But why should I let him dictate what I can and can't do? If he's not willing to man up and address whatever's going on between us, then I'm not going to sit around waiting for him to make yet another move, to then back out days later."

Natasha studies you for a moment, her gaze piercing yet understanding. "I get it," she says finally, her tone sympathetic. "But are you sure going on this date is the right move? If you want my opinion, you and Barnes need your heads smashed together."

"Then it's a good job, I wasn't asking for your opinion, Nat." You retort sharply, feeling a surge of irritation at her words. Your frown deepens as she takes a seat on your bed, her presence adding to the weight of the conversation.

Natasha raises an eyebrow at your sharp retort, unfazed by your irritation. Instead, she offers you a knowing look, her expression conveying both understanding and a hint of amusement. "Fair enough," she concedes, her tone unapologetic. "But you know I'm right, Y/N. You and Bucky have been fucking around with each other for far too long. It's time to address whatever's going on between you two."

You release a frustrated sigh, running a hand through your hair in exasperation. "I've already tried. Remember my birthday?" 

Natasha chuckles slightly at this, shaking her head in amusement. "No. You riled him up, causing a scene just so you two could then sneak off and fuck in Tony's car," she corrects bluntly, her arms folding across her chest. Despite her straightforwardness, she wears an amused smile.

You can't help but let out a half-hearted chuckle at Natasha's blunt recap of your birthday antics with Bucky. "Okay, maybe not the most conventional way of addressing things," you concede, a wry smile playing at the corners of your lips. "But you have to admit, it got his attention."

Natasha arches an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, it definitely got his attention," she agrees with a smirk. "But maybe it's time for a more... direct approach. No more games, no more pranks. Just you and Bucky, hashing things out like adults."

You consider Natasha's words, the weight of her advice sinking in. Maybe she's right. Maybe it's time to put aside the playful banter and confront the underlying tension between you and Bucky once and for all.

"Yeah, you're right," you concede, a determined expression settling on your features. "I need to talk to Bucky. Clear the air and figure out where we stand."

Natasha nods in approval, her smile turning supportive. "That's the attitude," she says encouragingly and you roll your eyes, turning to face her, signaling that you're finished getting ready.

"I'm still going on this date tonight though," you add, heading over to your closet to find a pair of heels.

"I'd expect nothing less from you, Y/N," Natasha laughs lightly, her gaze following you as you move around the room. "Free drink, free food... Who is this ex anyway?" she decides to change the topic.

"Just some guy from college, dated a few times, nothing too serious," you shrug, downplaying the significance of your ex at the moment.

As you slip on your heels and give yourself one final glance in the mirror, you can't shake off the feeling of uncertainty nagging at the back of your mind. Despite your bravado, the prospect of confronting Bucky about your complicated relationship leaves you feeling uneasy.

Natasha watches you with a knowing look, sensing your apprehension beneath the confident facade. "You know, if you want, I can be your backup plan," she offers, a hint of mischief in her voice.

You chuckle, appreciating her support. "Thanks, Nat, but I think I can handle it," you reply, mustering up some confidence.

Natasha nods understandingly, but before she can respond, your phone buzzes with a text message. You glance down to see a message from your ex, confirming the details of your date tonight.

With a deep breath, you tuck your phone into your purse and turn to Natasha. "Wish me luck," you say with a forced smile, ready to face whatever the evening may bring.

"Good luck, Y/N," Natasha replies, her tone sincere as she gives you a reassuring smile. "And remember, no matter what happens, I've got your back."

Feeling a surge of gratitude for your friend's support, you nod appreciatively before heading out the door, determined to confront Bucky at some point and finally get some clarity about your relationship.

As you walk down the expansive corridor of the bedroom quarters, your mind still preoccupied with thoughts of your impending date and the conversation you need to have with Barnes, you suddenly spot him heading your way. Bucky's presence commands attention as he walks confidently down the corridor, his figure exuding strength and determination. It's clear he's just returned from working out, the sheen of sweat on his skin only adding to his rugged appeal.

Despite your best efforts to keep your focus and maintain your composure, you can't help but feel that flutter of attraction at the sight of him. You're drawn to him, always have been, as much as you'd hate to admit it. His dishevelled appearance, combined with his undeniable charm, makes it difficult to tear your gaze away.

However, you quickly remind yourself of the purpose of your encounter and the unresolved tension between you. Now isn't the time for distractions or indulging in fleeting desires. With a determined resolve, you keep your head high and continue walking, determined to stick to your plan and confront Bucky when the time is right.

As you pass each other in the corridor, you catch Bucky's eye, and for a moment, there's a flicker of something in his expression. But before you can decipher it, he huffs a derisive laugh, his demeanor still tinged with bitterness. His reaction forces you to stop in your tracks and you turn to face him. You square your shoulders and meet his gaze head-on, unwilling to let him get the better of you. "Is there something you want to say, Barnes?" you ask, your tone firm and unwavering, daring him to speak his mind.

"Nothing polite enough for you to hear at the moment, sweetheart," he remarks, his tone still tinged with bitterness as he slows his movements, pivoting to meet your gaze.

Bucky's words sting, but you refuse to let them show. Instead, you maintain your composure, meeting his gaze with a steely resolve. "Then perhaps it's best you keep it to yourself," you reply coolly, your voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. Turning away, you stride off, prompting Bucky to roll his eyes and follow suit.

"I feel sorry for the poor guy!" Bucky calls out after a brief pause, causing your high-heeled steps to halt once more at his words. As you turn, you find his gaze already locked onto you. "I mean, let's be real, Y/N... He's only going to get a lousy fuck out of you tonight while you're secretly wishing the whole time that he's me..."

Bucky's words hit you like a slap in the face, the sting of his harsh remark reverberating through you. For a moment, you're speechless, caught off guard by the venom in his tone and the rawness of his implication.

You feel a surge of anger rising within you, fueled by a mixture of hurt and indignation. Clenching your fists at your sides, you turn to face him, your expression a mix of disbelief and fury and you storm over unable to help yourself. 

"How fucking dare, you," you hiss, your voice firm. "You have no fucking right to speak to me like that, Bucky. None."

Bucky meets your gaze head-on, his expression unapologetic. "No? But it's okay for me to speak to you like that while my cock is filling you whole," he replies, his tone cold and cutting. "I'm just stating the truth, doll. You're only going to disappoint yourself."

Abruptly, your hand flies out, delivering a sharp slap across Bucky's face. He remains steadfast, showing no physical reaction, but the echo of the slap resounds through the corridor. As you retract your hand, you notice the flush of red blooming on his cheek. His resolve remains unbroken.

"Fuck you," Your words are barely above a whisper and with your own trembling resolve, you pivot on your heel, intent on leaving the charged confrontation behind.

As you storm off, your heart pounds with a mixture of fury and hurt, the weight of Bucky's cruel words bearing down on you like a heavy burden. The echo of your slap lingers in the air, a tangible reminder of the raw emotion that had surged through you in that moment.

But even as you retreat from the confrontation, a part of you can't help but feel a pang of regret for your actions. Slapping Bucky may have provided a fleeting sense of satisfaction, but deep down, you know it hasn't resolved anything between you. If anything, it's only added fuel to the fire, intensifying the unresolved tension that simmers beneath the surface.

Natasha, having heard the commotion, quickly makes her way over to the scene. Her footsteps echo against the corridor floor as she approaches, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"What the fuck just happened?" Natasha demands, her eyes scanning the corridor until they settle on Bucky, who stands alone, his expression inscrutable.

Bucky's jaw clenches visibly, his gaze fixed on the spot where you had stood moments before. He doesn't respond immediately, his silence adding to the tension in the air. 

"Bucky?" Natasha prompts, her tone firm yet probing. "What happened?"

Bucky's shoulders tense slightly at the sound of Natasha's voice, but he still doesn't look away from the spot where you had delivered the slap. Finally, he shakes his head, a bitter laugh escaping him. "Nothing, just another day in paradise," he mutters, his tone heavy with resignation.

Natasha's jaw clenches tightly, her frustration palpable as she addresses Bucky. " You need to fucking sort this out, Barnes. Once and for all," she demands, her gaze piercing as she locks eyes with him. His expression shifts, acknowledging the seriousness of her words.

"Swallow that damn fear you're holding onto and tell her how you fucking feel, before I take matters into my own hands!" Natasha's declaration is firm and unwavering, leaving no room for negotiation. Without waiting for a response, she strides down the corridor, following the same path you took moments earlier, her determination evident in every step.

As Natasha's footsteps fade into the distance, Bucky is left alone in the corridor, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. Despite his outward facade of stoicism, he can feel the turmoil churning within him, a potent mix of regret, anger, and longing.

For too long, he's allowed his fear and insecurity to dictate his actions, pushing you away when all he truly wants is to pull you closer. The memory of your slap still stings a physical reminder of the rift between you that seems to grow wider with each passing day.

With a heavy sigh, Bucky runs a hand through his hair, his mind consumed by thoughts of you. He knows Natasha is right—he can't continue to bury his feelings and expect things to magically resolve themselves. If he wants any chance at happiness, he'll need to confront his fears head-on and finally admit the truth to himself and to you.

***

As you make your way down the dimly lit corridor, the events of the evening weigh heavily on your mind. Despite your best efforts to enjoy the date, thoughts of Bucky had persistently intruded, overshadowing any chance of genuine connection with your ex. The evening had been nothing more than a reminder of the unresolved tension between you and Bucky, leaving you feeling restless and discontent.

With each step, you feel the weight of exhaustion settling into your bones, the late hour taking its toll. All you want now is to retreat to the comfort of your quarters and escape into the solace of sleep.

Fumbling in your purse for your key fob, you slow your pace as you approach your door. The corridor is deserted, the only sound the soft echo of your footsteps against the polished floor. As you glance up, your heart skips a beat at the sight before you.

There, sitting in front of your door, is Bucky, his head leaning against the solid surface as if he's on the verge of drifting off to sleep. His presence takes you by surprise, stirring a jumble of emotions within you—confusion, frustration, and a hint of unexpected warmth.

For a moment, you hesitate, unsure of how to proceed. Part of you wants to confront him, demand an explanation for his unexpected presence outside your door. But another part—a softer, more vulnerable part—yearns for the comfort of his presence, the reassurance of knowing he's there.

As his eyes flutter open, detecting your presence, he pushes himself up to his feet. The sting of his earlier insults floods back into your mind, prompting a disapproving shake of your head. You maneuver around him, heading towards your door with purpose, fingers deftly unlocking it.

"No," you interject sharply, halting any potential continuation of his previous remarks. "If you've come here to rehash how I supposedly longed for you all night instead and how utterly disappointed I must be, spare me. I'm well aware," you assert, not even afraid to admit how you felt all night, your words laced with frustration as you grasp the door handle with determination.

His expression is a mixture. A mixture of guilt, confusion and an underlying hint of pride, hearing you admit that you wished you was him for the evening instead. He reaches for your handle at the same time, urging you to stop, "Y/N," 

"I'm done playing this game of ours, Bucky," you continue, your voice firm and unwavering. "I'm tired of the back and forth, the mixed signals. If you have something to say, then fucking say it. But if all you're going to do is hurl insults and make assumptions, then I suggest you find somewhere else to do it."

He hesitates, releasing a held breath before continuing, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on you. "I shouldn't have said what I said, okay?" he admits, his tone tinged with remorse.

You deadpan a glare in response, unimpressed by his attempt at an apology. Shoving past him to open the door once more, you find him easily intercepting, maintaining his grip on the door.

"Well, you still said it!" You snap, your frustration palpable as you realize there's no escape, resigning yourself to hear him out.

"I was angry," he admits, his tone tinged with regret, though it elicits an incredulous laugh from you.

"Not as angry as I am with you right now, Barnes," you seethe, attempting once more to push past him. "Now move! I told you, I'm done." Holding his gaze firmly, you await his response. Eventually, with a defeated sigh, he steps aside, allowing you to open the door. You step inside and slam it shut behind you without a second glance.

Leaning against the door, you find yourself breathing a little heavier than expected, your anger slowly dissipating as a whirlwind of emotions churn inside you. You let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation settling on your shoulders.

Meanwhile, Bucky remains rooted in his spot, still standing in front of the door. Leaning his forehead against it, he's not yet finished with the discussion. "I wasn't lying when I said what I said on your birthday, Y/N!" he calls out from between the door, causing you to startle and step away. However, you choose to listen.

"I shouldn't have let any of this go this far... But I can't deny how much I want you," he confesses, his voice laced with vulnerability.

There's a brief silence as you take in his words, choosing to remain silent. Bucky sighs heavily. "I can't deny that every fucking minute of my day, you're the only thing on my mind..." His voice wavers slightly, betraying the depth of his emotions. It's a raw admission, baring his soul to you in a way he never has before.

"I'm not used to this, Y/N... Do you realize how damn difficult it was tonight not to follow you out of this compound and drag you the fuck away from that prick?" Bucky's voice carries a raw intensity, revealing the depth of his struggle with his emotions. 

"I know I've fucked up, Y/N... More times than I can count," he admits, his voice heavy with regret. "But I can't keep pretending that I don't feel anything for you. Because the truth is, you're mine, doll... And I'm yours. Always have been, always will be."

His words hang in the air, a silent declaration of his feelings for you. Despite the pain and uncertainty, there's an undeniable truth in his words—a truth that resonates deep within your soul. Unknowingly, you are already reaching for the door, pulling down the handle to open it, forcing him to step back, not expecting this. 

You stand there, your eyes locked with his in a charged silence before you speak. "You're a fucking idiot, Barnes," you declare, your voice laced with a mixture of frustration and affection. Bucky looks at you with a hint of confusion, but before he can react, you reach out and grab the collar of his shirt, pulling him closer to you. With a surge of emotion, you close the distance between you, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.

As your lips meet his in a fervent embrace, the world around you fades into oblivion, leaving only the intensity of the moment. Bucky responds with equal fervor, his arms wrapping around you instinctively, pulling you closer as if afraid to let go.

The kiss is a whirlwind of emotions—a culmination of years of pent-up longing, frustration, and desire. In that fleeting moment, everything else fades away, leaving only the two of you entwined in each other's embrace.

For Bucky, it's a revelation—a confirmation of the feelings he's buried deep within his heart for far too long. And for you, it's a release—a surrender to the undeniable pull of your connection with him, despite the obstacles that have stood in your way.

With urgency fueling your movements, you hoist yourself up, wrapping your legs around his waist as he responds in kind, lifting you effortlessly. Together, you stumble backward, the door slamming shut behind you both as you allow yourselves to be consumed by the moment. Bucky leads the way, his steps purposeful as he guides you both to your bed, where the intensity of your connection can truly unfold.

Your hands move with urgency, swiftly working to discard his clothes, while the firm pressure of the mattress presses against your back. Meanwhile, Bucky's hands mirror your movements, reaching to unzip your dress as both of you are driven by the desire to undress each other hastily.

Bucky's fingers trace the curve of your spine as he leans in to capture your lips in another searing kiss, the heat of his touch sending shivers down your spine. You respond eagerly, your body arching against his as the passion between you ignites like wildfire.

"I mean it, you're mine," he murmurs against your lips, his voice husky with longing, as he helps you remove his shirt, revealing the chiseled contours of his chest.

You respond with a breathless laugh, your fingers trailing down his torso, sending a shiver through him. "So are you," you whisper, your voice dripping with desire as you meet his gaze with equal fervor. Bucky growls approvingly, his hunger evident as he lowers himself back down to your lips, his eyes ablaze with passion.

With each garment cast aside, the barrier between you dwindles, leaving only bare skin and heated anticipation in its wake. The cool air of the room contrasts with the fiery passion that courses through your veins, heightening every sensation as you give in to the irresistible pull of desire.

As Bucky's lips trail down your neck, leaving a trail of hot kisses in their wake, you find yourself gasping for air, overwhelmed by the intensity of your connection. His touch is like a wildfire, igniting every nerve ending and leaving you breathless with longing.

"I need you," you whisper, your voice a desperate plea as you tangle your fingers in his hair, pulling him closer. Bucky's response is a low growl of desire, his own need mirroring yours as he presses his body against yours, aching for more of the intoxicating closeness you share.

Your fingers dig into the muscles of his back, urging him closer as you seek to merge every inch of your being with his. Wrapping your legs back around his hips, you convey the depth of your desire and the truth in your words. You need him, now more than ever, and your actions speak volumes as you pull him closer, craving the closeness and intimacy only he can provide.

"I want you," he murmurs against your skin, his voice husky with desire as he seeks out every hidden crevice of your body. "I need you, Y/N, more than anything." 

Unable to wait any longer, Bucky aligns his hips with yours, the urgency of his desire evident as the pressure of his length presses against your entrance. A little gasp escapes your lips as you feel the anticipation building between you, your bodies yearning to merge in the ultimate act of intimacy.

With a shared understanding born from years of unspoken desire, Bucky slowly guides himself into you, the sensation sending a jolt of electricity through your body. A gasp escapes your lips, a mixture of pleasure and relief as you welcome him into the depths of your being.

As Bucky fills you, a wave of bliss washes over you, engulfing you in a sea of ecstasy. Every inch of his length sliding into you ignites a symphony of sensations, overwhelming your senses with pleasure. You arch your back, meeting his movements.

As his hand finds its way to your breast, his touch ignites a new wave of sensation, heightening the pleasure coursing through your veins. You respond eagerly, arching into his touch, craving more of the delicious friction between your bodies. His metal hand is placed firmly on your stomach, pinning you between him and the mattress, adding a thrilling sense of dominance to the passionate encounter.

"Oh, Bucky," you whimper, your voice laced with need as his movements send waves of pleasure coursing through you. 

He responds with a guttural groan, his voice husky with desire. "Y/N," he murmurs, his breath hot against your skin. "You feel so good, doll. Tell me what you want."

Desire floods your senses, igniting a fire within you that only he can quench. "I want you," you moan, your voice filled with longing. "I want you to take me, Bucky. Take me harder."

His movements grow more urgent, fueled by your words and the raw passion between you. "Anything for you, sweetheart," he growls, his voice thick with desire as he increases the pace, driving you both closer to the edge.

The sensation of him pounding into you, each thrust pushing you higher and higher towards ecstasy, is overwhelming. You cling to him desperately, lost in the intensity of your shared pleasure as you chase release together.

His movements become are harder, fueled by your words and the primal need that courses through both of you. "God, Y/N," he growls, his voice strained with desire. "You're driving me crazy. I need to feel you. You're mine."

His words only fuel the fire burning within you, igniting a fierce craving for more of him. "Yes, Bucky," you moan, your voice filled with unbridled passion. "I'm yours. Take me. Make me yours completely."

With that unmistakeable growl, Bucky responds to your plea, his movements becoming more forceful as he takes you with unrestrained fervor. Each thrust sends shockwaves of pleasure coursing through you, building the tension to an unbearable peak.

The room is filled with the sounds of your ragged breaths and the slap of skin against skin, the intensity of your lovemaking reaching a fever pitch. In this moment, there is nothing else but the two of you, lost in the throes of passion as you surrender to the overwhelming desire that binds you together.

"Harder," you plead, your nails digging into his back as you urge him to increase the pace, craving more of the electrifying pleasure only he can provide.

Bucky's movements grow more fervent, his thrusts becoming deeper and more insistent as he loses himself in the intoxicating heat of your embrace. "Like this?" he grunts, his voice strained with the effort of holding back his own climax.

You respond with a fervent nod, unable to form words as pleasure washes over you in relentless waves. Each movement brings you closer to the edge, the tension coiling tighter and tighter until you're both on the brink of release.

Your pleas for more fuel his passion, spurring him on to give you everything you desire and more. The sound of your combined moans fills the room, a symphony of ecstasy that echoes through the air as you surrender to the intoxicating pleasure of each other's embrace.

In a haze of sensation, you feel yourself hurtling towards climax, the tension building to an almost unbearable level. And then, with a shared cry of ecstasy, you both tumble over the edge together, consumed by the blissful release that washes over you like a tidal wave.

For a moment, time stands still as you bask in the afterglow of your passion, your bodies entwined in a tangle of limbs as you catch your breath. And as you lay there, spent and sated in each other's arms, you know that this moment will be etched in your memory forever—a testament to the depth of the connection you share with Bucky, and the unbridled passion that binds you together.

As your breathing gradually slows and the haze of pleasure begins to fade, you find yourself still lost in the warmth of each other's embrace. Bucky's fingers gently stroke your skin, tracing invisible patterns across your back as he holds you close, his touch a comforting anchor in the aftermath of your shared passion.

With a contented sigh, you nuzzle closer to him, reveling in the feeling of safety and belonging that envelops you in this moment. Despite the intense journey that brought you here, there's a sense of peace that settles over you now, a quiet certainty that you've finally found where you belong—in Bucky's arms.

"I love you," Bucky whispers, his voice soft and sincere as he presses a tender kiss to your forehead. The words hang in the air, imbued with a depth of feeling that leaves you breathless, a reminder of the unspoken bond that binds your hearts together.

"I love you too," you murmur in response, your voice barely above a whisper as you hold him close, never wanting to let go. In this moment, there are no more doubts or uncertainties, no more walls standing between you. There's only the undeniable truth of your love for each other, shining brightly in the quiet intimacy of the room.

As you lay there together, wrapped in each other's arms, you know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, you'll face them together, united in the strength of your love. And as you drift off to sleep, cocooned in the warmth of Bucky's embrace, you're filled with a profound sense of gratitude—for this moment, for this love, and for the future that awaits you both, hand in hand.