Broken Beds and Healed Hearts
Summary: Bucky has a best friend that charms the Avengers with smiles and cookies. What happens when Natasha becomes a bit too enchanted with her?
Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader, Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader (Very Platonic but cute imo)
A/N: Probably one of the first fic ideas I ever had... and only wrote it now. If you must know I loooove Bucky so this is all for me lol.
I’ve been away for too long! Love you all. Hope you like it :)
As soon as you set foot in the Compound, you’re reminded why you’ve always avoided the place. The high tech, the setting, the people in the halls are foreign to you.
Unsurprisingly, the guard doesn’t buy your story of bringing cookies to the Winter Soldier.
“What did you say your name was?” he presses and you sigh. You should have definitely stayed home.
“She’s with me” a harsh voice says behind the man and he recoils when a metal arm lands on his shoulder.
“Sargeant Barnes” the guard stutters.
“Give Miss Y/N L/N her own card”
“Mister Stark requests a full background check…” a look from Bucky and he stops talking. “Right away”
“Be nice, Buck” you ask when the man walks away. “He was just doing his job”
“Yeah, but what did he think? That you could hurt me?” he laughs and you elbow him.
“I totally could”
“Yeah, yeah”
“So… I brought some cookies… and wanted to ask how was your date with April”
The man hangs his head in defeat. You were right; you could be scary in other ways.
“It was fine. She’s great… I’m just not ready to date yet”
“Right” his answer is not a surprise at all. “Well, she had a great time. And I just want you to be happy. You know that, right?”
“Your cookies make me happy” he says, taking the container and holding it close to his chest.
“Well, just remember you can’t date them” you grumble, watching him stuff the biggest one in his mouth. You’re about to scold him, when your eyes meet green ones.
You’ve heard of her before. Seen her on television and papers. Hell, Bucky mentions her once in a while.
But nothing can prepare you for those striking eyes and her fiery hair.
“I should… go. Your friends are waiting for you” it’s hard to form words when you feel those eyes on you, so you shift your focus to Bucky and squeeze his cheek. “Be good, Grumps”
“Wait, you still need your pass” he shouts after you.
“You’re coming with me to the movies tomorrow. Bring it with ya”
“Fine”
-
“I’m sure it’s fine” Natasha says, but still follows after Sam.
“Uh, someone was asking for Barnes at the front desk. Barnes. Who does he hang out with other than us?”
“You just want to gossip”
“Hell yeah, I do. And, I was right” he nudges her side, head tilting towards Bucky’s back. He’s talking to a woman, a smile on her face as she rolls her eyes, handing over a container.
She’s placing a strand of hair behind her ear when her eyes drift away from Bucky, meeting Natasha’s across the room.
The redhead can’t look away, not even when she notices the woman is clearly flustered by her presence.
Sam has the decency to wait until she’s gone to approach Barnes.
“Is this why you bring cookies all the time?” he sing songs, wiggling his eyebrows.
“It’s not like that. Y/N is just a friend”
“A friend who brings you cookies to your place” Sam insists, making Natasha even more upset. “Damn, awesome cookies on top of that. Romanoff, try one”
“Pass” the redhead mumbles, staying in place. Even if you’re dating Barnes, she’s eager to learn more about you.
“It’s not like that. First of all, I don’t want to date. Second, she’s my friend. Plus, she likes broads”
“No one says broad anymore, man. And anyway, maybe she has a sister…” Sam looks up, scheming. Natasha snatches the cookie he’s holding. “You mind?”
She chuckles and walks away.
Damn, those are good cokies.
-
There is laughter coming from the kitchen.
Natasha hears Yelena and Clint, immediately assuming they are up to no good.
“You better not have eaten my… chips” she barges into the room, and it’s too late when she notices you’re there with them, while Bucky sits at the dining table.
“Your chips are safe, sestra” Yelena rolls her eyes. You chuckle and Natasha looks your way, trying to figure out if you’re annoyed at her sudden presence.
All you do is smile reassuringly, awkwardly waiting for her to say hello. Technically, you two haven’t been formally introduced.
“Want to join us? Y/N here is teaching me some basic baking to surprise Laura and the kids”
“I wouldn’t want to impose”
“You should join us”
Again, an awkward pause settles when you both speak at the same time.
“Alright” she nods and approaches the island, full of ingredients. You’ve barely started and you can already tell the Avengers are gonna be messy bakers.
“Lucky you, I have an extra apron” you offer, placing it over her head. Natasha fumbles with the strings and you smile, touching her lower back to keep her steady, securing it around her waist. “Here. Is that good?”
“Perfect” Natasha’s voice falters a little, but everyone knows better than to bring it up.
For the next hour, you take over the kitchen, giving what you’re hoping are clear instructions, supervising Clint while Yelena and Natasha team up to make some cookies.
“Don’t be gross” Natasha reprimands her sister as she licks the wooden spoon with the cookie mix.
“What? It’s delicious, here!” Yelena pushes the spoon all over Natasha’s face, practically forcing her to taste it.
“How’s everything going here?” you appear all of the sudden and at least Yelena stops annoying her sister.
“I was telling Natasha that my mix tastes delicious” the blonde argues. Before Nat can protest, you dip a finger in the mix and lick it clean.
You let out a low moan, nodding in approval.
“Nat, come on, you have to try it” you insist, bringing up the spoon close to her mouth. Her eyes never leave your face as she tastes the mix.
“Yeah, that’s… uh… delicious”
“Nice job, Widow team” and before you leave to check Clint isn’t burning the kitchen, you run your fingers across Natasha’s cheeks, flour spread across. You smile once you’re done. “All better”
You fail to notice the redhead blushing at the contact.
“Shut up!” Natasha grumbles at Yelena when the blonde cackles.
“I thought you were a spy! I can read you like an open book”
“No idea what you’re talking about, sis”
“Right”
Luckily for her, Clint is having trouble with his cupcakes, so you spend the next half hour supervising everything he does.
After putting everything in the oven and cleaning up, you all settle in the dining room next to Bucky. Natasha sits in front of you, hoping she can learn more about you.
Clint talks about his family and you listen intently. Just as Yelena is showing you pictures of Fanny, your phone pings and your hand flies to Bucky’s arm.
“Our movie!”
“Oh, damn” he checks his watch, offering his arm. “We better get going”
“I trust you can turn the oven off without blowing it all up” you ask, standing up and smiling at the group.
“We’ll manage” Yelena promises.
“You” you point at Bucky, smiling as he pouts. “bring the coat I left in your room, please”
“No popcorn if we’re late” he warns you and you roll your eyes.
“Enjoy the movie! And thanks for teaching me” Clint says.
“Anytime” you smile at him. You look at Natasha and you’re hesitant to say something, since she seems to be avoiding your eyes.
“Last one to the car buys the tickets” Bucky rushes past you.
“Not fair!” you squeal, leaving in a rush. “You’re cheating, Buck!!”
Natasha wishes she’d say something more.
The worst part is she has no idea when she’ll see you again.
—
Movie night was something Natasha usually avoided. For her, it was far more enjoyable to watch any film alone and say the lines along the characters.
Still, when Bucky mentioned he might bring a guest, she was suddenly interested in spending some time with the team.
“Hey, everyone” you greet, walking behind Bucky. “I brought some cookies and pie”
Sam cheers, but he sighs defeated when Bucky keeps staring at him.
“What, Barnes?”
“Move”
“No”
“Y/N and I can sit together. Move to that chair”
“Y/N can sit with me and you can sit on that chair” Sam shoots back.
“Guys, I really don’t mind…” you begin to say, looking over Bucky’s shoulder.
“She can sit with me” Natasha offers. Everyone turns, alarmed. Not only did she actively avoid most movie nights, Natasha also sat way in the back of the room to sneak out before it was over.
“Yeah, that works” you nod, hoping no one notices how nervous you suddenly are.
“Well, maybe we should let our guest pick the movie” Clint proposes.
“Not unless you want to watch Mean Girls” Bucky mumbles and you throw popcorn to the back of his head.
“Hey, that’s a good movie” Yelena chimes in and you nod.
“Yeah, but she only likes to watch it because she has a crush on that redhead girl”
“Oh” Clint perks up and you look down at your hands.
“That’s not the only reason…” you mumble but Bucky can’t keep his damn mouth shut.
“Yeah, you definitely have a thing for redheads. Remember that movie we watched with the spy? She was a redhead too”
“James, if you don’t stop talking” you threaten, pinching the bridge of your nose and clearly blushing.
Of course he’d say that right as you sit next to a redhead spy who happens to be literally perfect.
“Now I wanna watch that movie” Clint says, turning to the screen and searching for the title. You nod in confirmation when they find the movie and try to control your breathing.
As the film keeps going, you finally settle in your seat, leaning against Natasha.
“Sorry” you say but she just smiles, placing a cushion next to you. “Thank you”
“No problem”
“They all make it really hard to enjoy the movie” you laugh, watching the boys argue over what they would have done in the character’s situation.
“I know. This is why I prefer to skip movie night”
“But you stayed today” you turn around, looking at her for the first time.
“I don’t know” she shrugs, toying with her hands. “I guess I enjoy the company more than the movie”
“Well, you’re not asleep or asking too many questions so you’re already better than Buck” you both laugh at that.
“There’s this movie…”
“I was thinking…”
Again, you speak at the same time, but Natasha looks more mortified than you.
“What are we watching? Who are you?” Tony Stark appears out of nowhere, talking a mile per second. Before you can answer anything, he’s already tasting a cookie and speaking again. “You made these? Can you make like 300 of these for my kid’s birthday party?”
“Uh.. yeah. I can”
“Happy will send the details. Really great cookies” he says before disappearing.
“Sorry, he runs on caffeine and God complex” Natasha mumbles.
“What just happened?”
“I think Tony hired you for Morgan’s party” Natasha whispers, leaning against you.
“That’s what I thought. Wow” you look back to Bucky and lean forward, whispering in his ear. Natasha feels a surge of jealousy as he takes your hand and squezzes reassuringly.
“If you’re sure it’s alright” you confirm, going back to your seat.
“Yes, doll” he winks and you smile.
You’re no longer paying attention to the movie, focused on all the ingredients and work you’ll need to bake 300 freakin cookies in a week.
“What’s your type?” you blurt out all of the sudden.
“Excuse me?” Natasha blinks a couple of times.
“Chocolate, red velvet, chocolate chips, vanilla” you mention all the flavors as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“I’d go with chips. But red velvet is good too”
“Yeah, I like reds too. I mean velvet. But also… yeah. Redheads” you stumble with your words, hoping the blush on your cheeks is not so visible.
Natasha chuckles and whispers in your ear.
“You’ve got good taste, if I do say so myself”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah” she nods and you smile.
You’d definitely forgotten how long the movie is because once the credits are rolling, you’re fast asleep, head resting on Natasha’s shoulder.
“Come here. You can stay in my room” Bucky offers and you barely notice his movements.
“She can take my bed” Natasha says a little too quickly. Yelena has better sense to keep quiet about it.
“It’s fine. I usually sleep on the floor” he says, and you walk behind him, eyes barely open.
“Night, Tasha” you wave before going inside the room.
How she wished it was hers and not Bucky’s.
-
Next week goes by in a blur as you get ready to prepare 300 cookies and a birthday cake for the Starks.
Apparently, Morgan is in her fairy stage so everything requires sparkles and rainbows.
“Come on, fellas, chop, chop!” you walk in front of Bucky, Steve and Sam, all of them carring trays. You give them instructions to place everything.
The party is taking place in an open space, with bounce houses in the shape of castles and a playground.
Yelena is jumping around with Morgan in her arms, while Clint chases after his kids.
“This ok?” Sam says, his hands hovering over the trays he set down. You look over his shoulder and smile approvingly, squeezing his arm.
“Perfect, soldier”
He chuckles nervously and waits until you’re gone to speak to Steve.
“Yeah, ok, I see why Barnes lets her boss him around”
“I got a feeling someone else would like to be bossed around too” Steve looks over at Natasha, following your every move as you help Bucky carry the cake.
“Oh, damn. She’s gonna turn greener than Banner” Sam says as you stand on the tip of your toes to clean some of the glitter that got to Bucky’s cheek.
“Ew” he protests when you lick your thumb and then clean his face.
“Suck it up, Barnes” you say but he’s already laughing.
Tony meets you at the table, looking over at all the cookies and the cake.
“This is perfect! Pepper asked me to take care of one thing and that was the cake. So I’m certainly out of danger” he picks one of the cookies and bites, humming appreciatevly. “You’re staying, right?”
“Well…” you turn to Bucky and he offers his arm. “Alright”
You end up sitting next to Natasha.
“Hi” she says, trying to think of something to ask you.
“Doll, try this” Bucky calls over, handing you a tray of food and you moan as you taste it.
“Holy crap, this is delicious”
“If only Stark had more than one kid to throw a party to” Sam sighs. “By the way, I fully expect it to be named after me if you have another one. I saved your ass on that last mission”
“Not fair, I’m always saving his ass” Natasha protests.
“Well, we already named Nathaniel after you” Clint points out.
“That’s after you? That is so cute” you comment and Natasha blushes.
“Why are you all arguing? There is no child to name” Tony argues.
“We always gotta argue over something” Steve points out.
“Here” Tony sets a tray with some cookies and eadible decoration. “Whoever does the best cookie will name my hypothetical child. Y/N will pick a winner”
“Fine. But I’m leaving to get a drink. Surprise me when I get back” you get up, but lean forward to whisper in Natasha’s ear. “Good luck”
You wander around for a little, stopping to talk to Yelena and greet Morgan. Once they go back to playing, you walk over to get a drink.
“We’re gonna need five more minutes” Sam shouts at you, while the rest of them argues over what they’re doing.
“Take all the time you need” you say raising your drink, looking amused.
“So, which one is yours?” a brunette with long, wavy hair approaches you.
“The one with the metal arm and permanent frown”
“Oh, that’s neat. I didn’t know Bucky was dating someone”
“What? No. No, we’re just friends” you look back again, this time focusing on Natasha. “Plus, I think an Avenger is way out of my league”
“Well I think it’s the opposite. They could use someone who is normal, to bring them back to Earth. I know Clint does”
“So, you’re Laura!” you finally connect the dots and smile at her. “I’ve heard so much about you”
“All good things, I hope”
“The best, I promise” you’re tempted to ask how close she is to Natasha, considering one of their children is named after her, but just as you’re about to speak, Tony calls you back to the table. “Gotta make sure they’re playing nice”
“Good luck” Laura nods.
“Alright, kids. What have you got for me?” you look to the center of the table.
“There can only be one winner” Tony warns you and you nod.
One of them is decorated with the Falcon’s symbol, so it is not a mystery who did it. Most of them just have simple shapes done with frosting and sprinkles added on top.
But there’s one that stands out.
“This one” you immediately pick it up, admiring the work. Chocolate chips are forming a circle, simulating the seeds of a sunflower, while the petals are done with yellow frosting.
“That’s mine” Natasha says, smiling at you.
“It’s really beautiful, Nat”
“Not fair, I demand a trial by combat” Sam complains, but the redhead levels him with a glare.
“Can I sit now and enjoy my drink?” you plead, taking your place next to Natasha. Admiring the cookie, you put it aside. “Really nice job, Miss Romanoff”
“Thank you” she smiles again. “It reminded me of you. I mean, you were wearing a sunflower dress the first time I saw you” Natasha stutters, playing with the ends of her hair.
“That time I went to see Bucky at the Compound? I remember”
“I was a little jealous”
“What for?” you say, amused at the idea.
“That you were there to see him. I just thought how lucky he was”
“Well, whenever you want me to be there to see you, just ask”
Natasha keeps smiling, even hours later when she realises you uploaded a picture of the cookie next to a heart.
Yelena won’t shut up about it for the next week.
-
The Avenger’s gym is the last place Natasha would expect to see you and yet, there you are, chatting and joking with Sam and Bucky.
Clint’s the only one to notice Natasha stares a second too long, but keeps quiet about it.
You do some cardio and warm up, complaining the whole time. When Bucky starts doing push ups, you climb to his back and sit, asking him all the time if he’s tired.
He pretends he can’t hear you.
“We could be at the movies right now” you mumble and of course Bucky hears that.
“Exercise is good for you”
“Then why do I feel like I’m having a heart attack?” you shoo him away, sitting on the floor and sighing. Natasha is behind you, throwing some punches and sneaking glances at you.
“Should have invited your girlfriend” Clint sits next to you.
“Huh? I don’t have a girlfriend, Clint”
“Oh, the girl that drove you here” he says casually, knowing full well Natasha can, and is in fact, hearing everything.
“No, that’s April. My friend, who is VERY interested in Bucky” you try to get your friend’s attention but he ignores you. “Ass”
“I take it you’re not a fan of working out either”
“Is that so hard to tell? There’s just this really weird guy around my building and he’s not dangerous at all, but Bucky insists that I need to learn self defense. Or at least be able to run without keeling over”
“Well, we could teach you, right Natasha?” Clint perks up and you look behind you, blushing at the idea of being so close to her. On those very form fitting workout clothes, you might add.
And of course, you’re sure you’ll make a total fool of yourself in front of her.
“Yeah” she mumbles and then clears her throat, making sure her voice is more firm. “Yes, we can”
The three of you stand in the sparring mats, and Clint starts by asking you to throw a punch. He catches your wrist and shows you your own hand.
“Congrats, you broke your thumb”
“Huh?”
“Thumb goes curled below your tucked fingers” Natasha jumps in, being more gentle with her movements. She takes your hands, and shows you the correct way to make a fist.
You only nod to show you understand, sure that your voice will break otherwise.
After that, they teach you a couple of moves and it turns into something actually fun. Natasha thinks it’s adorable how you celebrate everytime you get something right.
“I think Natasha should fight you to practise some moves” Clint says after a while, trying to hide his smirk.
“What?” you both say, looking at each other.
“She’ll go easy on you, right, Nat?”
“Yeah. We’ll go easy. Don’t worry” she squeezes your shoulder and you blush again.
“Alright, do we have a set of rules?”
“What do you mean?”
“Like Cobra Kai, strike first, no mercy? No? Nothing?” you insist as they look at each other. “Well, at least now I know what we’re all watching for next movie night”
Natasha begins to walk towards you, while Clint reminds you the basics of the training. She throws a very slow, gentle punch and you manage to get out of the way.
“Fuck yeah” but a second later, she comes behind you and locks you in a tight position.
“Don’t lose your focus” she whispers in your ear and you’re sure your brain stops working completely.
As she lets go of you, you start all over again. Natasha goes slowly at first, but increases speed when you gain confidence, making sure you’ll be able to anticipate her moves.
At some point, however, her muscle memory gets the best of her. After throwing a punch of your own, she completely defies gravity, her legs going around you and throwing you to the ground.
There’s a moment of silence when you both land on the floor, Natasha on top of you. She stares wide eyed for a second, until you erupt in laughter.
“Holy shit! That was so fucking cool!! Can we do it again?”
“Are you ok?” she says, not leaving her place on top of you.
The proximity and how hot it was to see her do that make you a bit bolder, so you wrap your legs around her waist and squeeze.
“Oh, I’d say this is more than ok, Romanoff”
Her eyes grow darker at your words.
“Alright, I wanted her to work out, not kill her” Bucky jumps in and Natasha stands up. You miss the weight of her body.
“I’m fine, Grumps” you take Bucky’s hand and stand up, a bit disheveled.
“Fine, I give up, let’s go to the movies”
“You’re no fun” you complain, laughing at how annoyed he is.
You wink at Natasha, leaving after your best friend.
“So when are you asking her out?” Clint grumbles.
He isn’t prepared for the leg sweep Natasha throws his way.
“Damn it, Tasha, I’m trying to help”
—
Clint was right, but he’d never hear Natasha admit it. She should ask you out.
But there’s one thing she needs to do first.
Just as every morning, Bucky is going at war with one of the punching bags. She knows better than to speak to him, which is why alarm bells immediately ring for the soldier when Natasha approaches.
“Hey, Barnes”
“Romanoff” he groans in acknowledgement, hoping that the exchange stays at that.
It doesn’t.
“I wanted to ask you something” Natasha waits a second, hoping he will engage but he keeps punching and grunting. “It’s about Y/N”. At the mention of your name, he punches just a little harder, and faster.
Natasha realises it won’t go well, but she’s too far gone to take it back.
“Can I ask her out?” the redhead blurts out, a bit too rushed.
“I don’t know, can you?” Bucky grumbles and she rolls her eyes.
“You know what I mean”
“You’re both adults, nobody needs my permission and it’s certainly none of my business” he finally stops throwing punches, but refuses to meet Natasha’s eyes, going to fetch his water bottle.
“But you don’t approve”
“It doesn’t matter”
“It matters to me” Natasha insists and he finally turns around, annoyed.
“I don’t want her to get hurt”
“And you think I will hurt her”
“I just don’t know if any of us has a shot at a normal life with the way we live”
“Clint has a family, they make it work alright”
“Sorry, is this just about a date or are you asking for her hand in marriage?” he snaps.
“I… I don’t know. I’ve never thought about my life in that way”
There it is.
“When you date someone, there are expectations. I’m just saying you need to make sure you’re ready to meet them”
“Fine, forget I even asked”
Bucky calls after her but she’s gone in the blink of an eye.
—
It’s very clear to everyone that Natasha is in a mood.
Yelena is the only that actively engages with her sister, though her efforts to cheer her up are in vain. It all clicks into place when it’s movie night and you’re there, but she isn’t.
“No Nat tonight?” you seem disappointed and the blonde perks up.
“She’s on a mission”
“Nothing dangerous, I hope” you try to hide how anxious you actually sound.
“She’ll be back in a day or two” Steve eases your nerves and you nod.
The whole time, Bucky is frowning, barely paying attention to the movie.
“I’m getting more popcorn” you announce to no one in particular, leaving the seat next to your best friend empty. Yelena leans forward, whispering in Russian.
“What the hell happened?”
“It’s nothing”
“Liar, liar, pants on fire” Yelena pulls him by the ear, just as you go back into the room.
“That only works in English” he bites back, rubbing his ear.
“What does?” you chime in, taking your seat again and they both pretend to be focused on the film.
Yelena doesn’t let it go, however. Just like her sister, she decides to interrupt James’ workout time.
The blonde is a little less sublte, unplugging the treadmill and making him fall to the ground.
“Stay down” she commands, her accent thicker than usual. “Barnes, whatever it is you said or did, you better fix it”
“Or what?”
“Or I will annoy you every day for the rest of our lives until one of us is dead. My first thought was attaching magnets to your arm. Nothing dangerous, something silly like those that are shaped like letters. I thought about spelling “STUPID” with them” she lets out a chuckle at that. “Yeah, that would be actually very funny. I also thought about calling Papa and telling him you want to train with him. And you know how annoying he gets around other super soldiers.”
“Fine. I’ll fix it”
Bucky can’t take another one of Alexei’s visits.
“Good. That’s what I wanted to hear” she smiles, as if she wasn’t ready to kill him.
-
Natasha is at the kitchen island, eating some cereal and thinking about the movie night she missed. And how she missed you.
It’s probably for the best, seeing as Bucky doesn’t agree with the idea of you dating.
Her thoughts are interrupted by a constant buzzing. The redhead looks around, puzzled by the sound until she spots Bucky’s phone.
She gulps when she sees your name on the screen. You call two more times and by the third one, she decides to pick up.
What if it’s an emergency?
“Did you have a senior moment and forget you were supposed to help me with my apartment?” you say, amused.
“Uh… hi.”
“Nat? Is Buck ok?” you say, anxious.
“Yeah, he’s fine. He left for a mission. Won’t be back for a couple of days. Guess he forgot his phone”
“Oh” you sigh with relief. “That’s weird, I thought he was leaving tomorrow. Thanks for letting me know”
“Do you need any help?” Natasha asks, in spite of everything. She can’t stop herself if there’s a chance she could see you.
“I do, but don’t feel like you have to help me. I’m sure you’re tired from your mission”
“It’s ok, just a short recon and some doors to knock down” she smiles, playing with the food on her plate. You laugh at her casual tone.
“Did you do the thing with your legs? I’m so jealous of those bad guys right now”
She’s glad you can’t see her, because Natasha’s cheeks are as red as her hair.
“Anyway, if your offer stands, give me your number and I’ll text you the address”
“You got it”
—
Natasha is alarmed at the speed of your steps after her first knock. Her hand is still in the air, ready to hit the door again when you open it and look at both sides of the hall.
“Quick, come in” you pull her by the belt loop of her jeans, surprising Natasha with your strenght.
“What’s…”
“Y/N, is that you?” a voice says and you curse under your breath. Pulling Natasha back, you peak past the door and smile. She tries to control her breathing at how close you are, especially with those shorts and tank top.
“Hi, Mrs. Patmore” you say to the woman, hoping the conversation is quick.
“Is James there?” she asks, fixing her gray hair and pushing up her big glasses.
“No, no, Mrs. Patmore, it’s just my friend Nat”
“Oh, well” the woman looks disappointed and you try to stiffle a laugh. “Let me know when he comes over and I’ll make him some sandwiches”
“Yes, Mrs. Patmore” you begin to close the door, relieved when your neighbour goes back to her own apartment. “Sorry about that. My 70 year old neighbour is a bit in love with Buck”
“Oh, is she?” Natasha says in a tone that lets you know she’ll use this information for her own benefit.
“It’s sweet except when we’re late for something and she keeps talking to him”
“Well, she’s still too young for him”
You snort at that.
“Never thought about it that way”
Natasha feels a surge of pride for making you laugh. It’s quickly forgotten when you take her hand and lead her around the house, giving her a quick tour.
“Buck was supposed to help me paint the bedroom and assemble the bed. Got a new one because my back was killing me”
“Alright, let’s get to work”
“Not in those clothes. Bet that jacket costs more than my couch”
“Oh, it’s fine”
“No worries, I got you” you ease the other woman, handing over a lose t-shirt and another pair of shorts.
She looks way too good wearing something so simple.
Time passes by and as you paint the room, soft music plays in the background.
“Can I ask you something?” her voice interrupts the comfortable silence and you hum. “How did you meet Bucky?”
You chuckle at the memory.
“Went in to my store crying about a surprise party and how the cake was his responsibility but he had no idea what to bring. So I helped him. Came back to thank me a few days later. I thought he was a mess. But a nice one” you smile.
“That was for my birthday” she informs you. “And he was right, that was the best cake I’ve ever had”
“Thank you” you blush a little. “I kinda figured it was for you since he said it was for a pain in his ass with very red hair and a hate for birthdays”
“What an ass” Natasha mutters and you laugh. “I really thought you were dating… I mean I guess it’s easy for people to assume since you’re so close”
“He’s not my type because I’m… well, gay. But he is my best friend. I want him to be happy, even if he thinks he doesn’t deserve it. And he’s kind and has a big heart. As much as he tries to hide it. He’s my Grumps” you say affectionately.
Natasha regrets bringing it up. Now she knows for sure she could never ask you out. She’ll screw up and then things will be awkward for everyone.
You finish painting and then wait a little while for the walls to dry. It doesn’t escape you that Natasha seems lost in her thoughts but you let her be, bringing out the assembly manual for the new bedframe.
The first fifteen minutes are spent reading it over and over again.
“Everything alright?” Natasha says, clearly amused and your frown deepens.
“It’s like it’s written in Russian”
“Well, lucky for you…” she smiles and you roll your eyes.
“Fine, if you think you’re so good at it” you hand over the manual and smile, bringing your face closet to her, eyes darting to her mouth. “I’m gonna make us a snack”
“Y-yeah. Ok”
You smile, glad to have corrected some of her smugness and go back to your kitchen to get something to eat. The redhead is stubborn, and won’t eat until she’s done with the bed.
“Is this how all spies act? I swear I’m arguing with Grumps” you mumble but she doesn’t even listen, shooing you out of your own room with a flick of her hand.
Giving up, you scroll on your phone, answering messages about new orders for the bakery.
“Done!” Natasha claps her hands together and you leave your seat at the bar stool to inspect the work.
“I’m impressed”
“It was nothing” Natasha says, shrugging her shoulders.
“Except there are some nails and pieces left there” you point with a smirk to the floor.
“Those are spare parts” she sounds less convinced this time and you approach the bed.
“So if I were to, you know, jump here, it wouldn’t just fall to the floor?”
“I stand by my work”
“Huh” you sit down, feeling the sturdiness of the frame. “Well, that’s only me, but if we…” you think out loud with a smirk, and before Natasha knows it you pull her down with you.
She lands on top of you, and she can feel you shaking with laughter beneath her.
“Gotcha” you say, looking up and Natasha smiles. She doesn’t have time to pull away when you kiss her, slowly but passionately.
“Can I take you out as a thank you for helping me today?”
“I’d love that…” she smiles, but a second later remembers why she shouldn’t, so she stands up.
“But…” you sit up too, watching her expectantly.
“I don’t want to make things awkward”
“Whatever it is Bucky told you, please ignore it. I’m sure he means well but I’m a grown woman and I can make my own decisions. I really like you, Nat”
“I like you too” she smiles, wondering if it’s selfish of her to give up so easily.
“Leave Grumps to me” you promise, pulling her back down to the bed. “And meet me back here at 7. We’re having dinner to celebrate”
“Ok” she nods and you kiss her again, smiling against her lips.
-
It’s nice to be home, Bucky realises once the Quinjet lands and he sets foot in the Compound.
He’s in a hurry to check his phone and call you. He spent this week planning how to fix his mistake with Natasha.
“Hey, Grumps. Who you calling?” a familiar voice says behind him, and he turns around to see you entering the kitchen.
“Ah. You”
“Well, I’m right here”
“How did you know I was coming home today?”
“I didn’t. I’m here to see Natasha. For our third date” you shrug your shoulders and smile. You’ve practically spent every moment together after fixing your apartment.
“But when… how…?”
“I’m the one who asked her out, if you must know. And I don’t know what happened before but it doesn’t matter” you reach out for his hand and smile. “You are my best friend and nothing changes that. I’m still going to go with you to all those silly horror movies”
“I just want you to be happy”
“I am. And I love you, even if you act weird when I say it out loud”
“Agh, too much emotion for me” he pretends to run away, but you hug him and he gives up, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.
“Hey… everything good?” Natasha walks in, looking between you two. Bucky stops smiling and walks up, dangerously close.
“Uh, Buck?” you say, holding your breath.
“She’s my best friend. Don’t hurt her”
“I won’t. I promise.” Natasha gives in and you come between them.
“Jeez, sooo much drama. I’m just a baker, you guys. Chill out. Come on, before we miss our movie, unless Bucky wants to join us and watch the most recent rom com?”
“Pass” he says, picking up his bag and sprinting down the hall. You both laugh at the way we practically slams his door.
“Alright, what time is our movie?” Natasha says and you put your hands around her neck, pecking her lips.
“Actually, I was thinking we could…” you play with the lapel of her leather jacket, and smile. “Test how strong the bed actually is… you know what I mean?”
“Yeah” she nods and you smile against her lips.
-
“I told you” you laugh against Natasha’s neck and she chuckles. The bed gave in after 15 minutes of some very intense make out session.
Not that it stopped either one of you.
“Well, in my defense the manual was most definitely not written in Russian”
“I’ll tell Grumps to fix it”
“Make sure he knows why we broke it”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” you smile, your hand going up and down her toned abs.
“Kidding me? I get to brag about being with you and make him uncomfortable. Double prize”
“Evil” you both laugh.
“What you thinking about?” Natasha says after a moment of silence.
“What’s your favorite thing I do? Cookies or cupcakes?”
“That’s what you’re thinking about?”
“Yeah” you sound hesitant, feeling a bit silly now that it’s out there.
“Let… me… think” Natasha kisses every inch of your face between words. “My favorite thing… are your kisses”
“Sap” you say, melting at her intense gaze. “In that case...”
You lean forward, your lips moving against hers slowly.
There’s no rush, with Natasha next to you in a broken bed.
You’re the happiest you’ve ever been.
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