Magnets

by carterbarnes

Summary:

After few years since the last time they met, Sharon is finally reuniting with Bucky. They talk, and Sharon realizes something unusual in the deepest of her heart.

(chapter 2 & 3 are updated!)

Notes:

This fic took time two months after Thunderbolts ending and a year before the post-credit. This is my first fic and I decided to write it because I miss Sharon Carter so bad.

English is not my first language and I'm so sorry if there are errors in grammar. Hope you like it!

Chapter 1

Can't you feel the steady thrum
When you and I are side by side?
It's electric when our fingers brush
Quit acting like we're not two magnets.

- Magnets by NIKI

---

It's been quite a while since the last time Sharon went back to the States. After getting pardoned from the country and no longer becoming a fugitive a few years ago, she is finally free. 

Oh, and also, she got an offer to her old job as CIA agent. But after long thinking and consideration... she turned it down. Sharon also heard that Fury rebuilt S.H.I.E.L.D again. She also got a love call from him to work again with them, following her aunt's steps. But again... she turned it down. 

Some people might think she made dumb decisions. But little did everyone know, it's never been easy for Sharon. It feels so hard to leave Madripoor, after all her hard work to manage those country as the Powerbroker.

Sometimes, Sharon wanted to go home and bring her old life back. To work as an agent, to live back with her family, to be a good person. But at the same time, she felt like she couldn't. After those abandonments she got a few years ago... she was sure the glory life she used to have would never be back. It's  too late. 

She only returned back to the States to visit her parents, or met someone for 'business' purposes. Like this time, she decided to visit her parents in Virginia for a few days, then stay in New York to stroll around the city before going back to Madripoor. 

Sharon doesn't have many friends... well maybe none for now. She lost all of them since she was on the run. She is not even sure if her friends in S.H.I.E.L.D or CIA are still alive right now. 

Yeah... at least Sharon knows her other friends... Sam and Bucky are still alive. Are they become best friends after working together a few years ago? Well... not really. 

Sam still keeps in touch with her till today. Sometimes Sam asked her condition and  tried to persuade her to leave Madripoor and work back as an agent. It kinda annoyed her every time Sam gave a lecture to convince her, but Sharon was also grateful that Sam still cared about her.

And Bucky? Nah... he doesn't even bother. He only texted her to say 'Merry Christmas' on Christmas day each year. He was never curious about her condition. He seems don't care. 

But Bucky never fails to surprise her. Last year, she heard the news that he became a Congressman. She chuckled while reading that news because... how can? What is he going to do for this country?

And two months ago, she was extremely surprised when she saw Bucky and his new team called 'The New Avengers' or what-so-ever being introduced on the news. She laughed harder. It's not going to be good, she thought. Sam is going to hate him for that.

It's 10 pm in New York. Sharon decided to go to the bar nearest from hotel to have a drink. The bar is pretty crowded with people who go to drink after work... or with people who drink alone. Like Sharon. 

Sharon admits that she feels lonely sitting in this bar alone. She needs a company, so she contacts Sam to come over. It's a wild decision, but she thinks he wouldn't mind to come if he is not busy.

"Oh you are around here? Why didn't you tell me earlier?!" Sam is a bit surprised on the phone.

"Yeah, just wanna visit my parents at Virginia and miss New York. I'm going back to Madripoor next morning," replies Sharon.

Sharon could hear Sam clucking. "Why don't you permanently stay here? You can-" 

"No, Sam. Save your lecture later and come here if you are not busy." She shushes him immediately.

Sam chuckles. "I would love to, Shar. But kind of busy right now. Wait- you are fine, right?" 

"Why wouldn't I be?" Sharon laughs sarcastically. "That's okay, Cap. I know you are busy." 

"Let me know if you are in New York next time." 

Sharon draws a little smile on her face. "Sure. Bye, Sam. Take care." she says before they end the call. 

Sharon heaves a sigh, then puts her phone down on the bar table. She becomes lonely again. Maybe she needs to drink a few more and leave. 

Thinking about Sam made Sharon think about someone... and why is it Bucky? And why does Sharon have crazy thoughts to ask Bucky to come over? Technically... is not a crazy thought, right? But, Oh, Really? Bucky Barnes? Damn, you are crazy, Sharon.

"Sharon?" 

After hearing Bucky's soft voice from the call, Sharon widens her eyes. "Hi, Bucky." And yep, Sharon followed her intrusive thought to call Bucky. 

"Yeah. What's up?" 

"Uh... nothing. Are you busy right now?" She asks. Suddenly, she forgets that Bucky is a member of The New Avengers. He might be in the middle of nowhere due to missions right now. "I mean... where are you right now?" 

There is a silence for a few seconds before Bucky opens his mouth. "At the Watchtower. Just went back from a mission." 

As she expected, "Oh, then you are busy. Okay." 

"I didn't say I'm busy?" Bucky replies in confusion. Sharon can sense that Bucky is frowning his brows right now. "What is it? Are you having a problem?" 

"No," Sharon answers, she bites her lower lip before continue. "I'm in New York right now. Just want to ask, if you want to hang out for a bit. But never mind. I'm sorry for bothering you." 

There is a long pause between them. Sharon is thinking about stopping their conversation, until she finally hears Bucky's response. "Are you alone? Or are you with Sam?" 

"Just me. Sam is busy." Sharon left a grin in her mouth. He is probably going to reject her invitation because Sam is not there. Sharon could predict that. 

"Send me the location." 

"What?"

Sharon thought Bucky was joking about coming to the bar. But after seeing his presence, she blinks her eyes to make sure if she is hallucinating... or too drunk. Damn, she is not. 

"Hi," Bucky greets her and sits next to her. 

Bucky looks different since the last time she met him. His hair is longer, as she saw on the news two months ago. But not as long as his hair when he was the Winter Soldier.

Sharon doesn't know why... but she kind of hoping Bucky has a short hair like he used to have when they accidentally met in Madripoor... or like his hair in 40s as she saw on Aunt Peggy's photo album when she was younger. It suited him really well. But his long hair still made him look... hot? 

Bucky frowns his brows. "Why are you looking at me like that?" 

Sharon blinks and shakes her head. "No. Just can't believe that I'm having a drink with one of The New Avengers,"

"Ha-ha." he laughs sarcastically. "Something never changes about you, still kind of awful." he says before sipping his drink. 

"But seriously, you are full of surprises. Last year, you became a Congressman. And now, you become an Avengers. I wouldn't be surprised if you run for president next year,"  she jokes.

Bucky just gives her a grin, seems unbothered by her jokes.

"How can you teamed up with them? And how does it feel working under Miss... Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine?" Sharon is not mocking him this time. She really is curious.

"Long story," replies Bucky and he takes another sip from his drink. "And it's horrible. She is the worst."

Sharon notices he has a wound on his left cheek. Maybe a wound from his mission today. "Yeah. You look unhappy every time you appear on the news with them." 

"Really? Did I ever look happy this whole time?" asks Bucky while looking at Sharon right into her eyes. 

Suddenly, Sharon shivers because of the look. "No. But you never look like that when you are with Sam." 

"I don't want to talk about Sam." he replies then looks away from her. 

Sharon raises her eyebrows and sips her drink. "Yeah. He must be pissed so bad."

"He told you something about me?" Bucky asks her. Sharon was right, he and Sam are not in good terms. He tried to approach him many times, and Sam ignored him. As simple as they never had each other's back before. 

"No. He didn't. I never asked." Sharon shakes her head. "I mean, it's obvious. You are working under the government. Valentina took the 'Avengers' name. And worse, you teamed up with John Walker. Oh god." 

Bucky looks at her. "Wow, never thought of that. Thank you for elaborating." 

Sharon laughs at his sarcastic response. "Why don't you just leave the group and make up with Sam? You don't even want to be there and you hate Valentina. Why are you staying?" 

"Not that easy."

"Why?" 

"I don't know." Bucky answers. "I hate Val. I don't like Walker, sure. I don't care about Alexei. But I can't leave the others in the middle of this mess." 

Sharon is familiar with 'the others' who Bucky referred. Yelena Belova, ex-Red Room's assassin or Natasha Romanoff's sister. Ava Starr or Ghost, used to be S.H.I.E.L.D's weapon and experiment. And also... "Including the mysterious navy sweater guy who stood next to all of you on the press?" Sharon says while proping her chin up. She kinds of interested in talking about them. "He is one of you... right?"

Bucky looks at Sharon and frowns his brow again immediately. Sharon knew something about Bob. Shit, he thought. Sharon knew too much. 

"Then what about you? Why did you reject the offer and go back to that skull island? Getting comfortable there?" he asks, trying to change the subject. 

"No. But accepting CIA's offer means i agree to become Valentina's bitch. I don't want to end up like you and your new team." says Sharon. "Why? You want to give me a long ass lecture? Like Sam did?"

Bucky turns at her with confusion look, "...I didn't said anything."

Sharon sighs, "Good, then."

"You are your own person. I have no right to lecture you. So... just do what you want to do," Bucky replies.

"Even though I ended up doing bad things?" Sharon doesn't know why she said that. But that question haunted her every night. 

Bucky only looks at her for a few moment, before he finally says, "Everybody did bad things," He says. "I did." 

"It's the Winter Soldier, Not you." replies Sharon.

"What i meant is, everybody deserves a second chance." said Bucky. 

"You have no idea-"

Bucky cuts her words and turns away from her. "Sure, I don't know what you have done. I don't know what you are doing out there. I don't care," he says. "But there is no too late to change. You don't have to suffer alone." 

"I suffered alone since a long time ago, Bucky."  Sharon insists.

"Yes. And you don't have to do that anymore. I understand it's hard to open up with your family. I know you don't have many friends left. But you can share it with Sam. Both of you are pretty close, right?" Bucky sounded very serious. "If Sam is busy, you can share it with me." 

Sharon peeks at Bucky, he looks deadly serious at his words. Somehow, it makes Sharon flattered. Sharon might think Bucky is a little bit silly for saying that, he clearly had no idea to make him said such things. But at the same time... Sharon thinks that would be nice if she has someone on her side. And why does Sharon hope that person would be Bucky...

There is a long silence between them. Sharon is blankly looking at anything in front of her, then Bucky is just secretly peeking at her. She looks extremely the same as he remembered. 

She is very hard and stubborn. Just as stubborn as she was when she insisted on not going to the hospital after getting shot by Karli in her stomach a few years ago. She was scared because she was still a fugitive that time. They bickered a lot and Sharon ended up slowly losing her consciousness and almost fainting. Thankfully, Bucky responded quickly to caught her and without thinking took her to the hospital. No matter how hard she refused.

But that night, Bucky learned new things about Sharon. He knew that she was strong, brave, and tough person, but he didn't know that she was very miserable. When the doctor tried to pull out the bullet and stitched the wound, Bucky noticed that her body had so many wounds. He realized that she had been through a lot in Madripoor. 

After her wound was treated, Bucky offered her to crash in his place, at least until the next morning before she went back to Madripoor. He knew that she wanted to refuse, but she seemed like she was too tired for bickering and finally agreed to stay at his place. 

It was very awkward, at least for Bucky. They slept next to each other, and it had been a very long time since Bucky had a company in his bed... and it was with a woman. Bucky could feel that Sharon slept first, and her face was facing him. He didn't know why, but he couldn't stop looking at her. 

At the next morning, Bucky woke up first. But he pretended to be asleep. He could feel that Sharon woke up a few minutes later, and he sensed a touch on his left cheek from her fingers. "Thanks, Bucky." She murmured while rubbing his cheek, before she finally left his place. He froze on his bed. He wanted to stop her, but he was a  coward. He couldn't.

Bucky feels surprised that he remembers that night very well. Sometimes, Sharon crossed his mind. Sometimes, he hoped that he could cross paths with her again in the future. Sometimes, he wanted to text her to ask about her condition, but he couldn't. He ended up just sending her a 'Merry Christmas' message each year, just to make sure she is there and alive.

"Well, after all the surprises you made these past years, I'm glad that you have a life. Maybe it's not what you'd wanted and expected... but at least you continue your life. That's great," She says. Bravely, she looks directly into his blue eyes and smiles. It's a sincere smile.

"That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Thanks, I guess." Bucky replies, then he sips the last liquid in the glass. "By the way, I adopted a cat."

"Really?!" Sharon smile widely. That's the most random thing Bucky ever said to her. "What is it look like?" 

"A white cat. Stray cat. I found her near the Watchtower," Bucky shows Sharon a picture of his cat from his phone. "Her name is Alpine." 

"She is cute," responded Sharon earnestly. "I used to have cats in Virginia. My dad is a cat lover." 

"Tell me if you visit New York again. I'll bring her." said Bucky. 

Sharon smiles at him. "Promise?" 

"Sure." 

It's almost midnight, Sharon needs to go back to her hotel because she needs to catch a flight the next morning. Sharon wanted to pay for the drink because she was the one who invited Bucky. But Bucky rejects and insists to pay for it. 

"Thanks," Sharon says as they walk out of the bar. 

"So, where are you heading?" He asks. 

"Hotel. I stay near here, I can walk alone." Sharon answers.

"No. I can walk you home," 

Sharon looks at him for a while. She bites her lower lip then raises her brows, Agreeing his offer. It's just a simple thing and maybe Bucky just being a gentleman. But Sharon doesn't know why she suddenly feels like she is 15 again, feeling flustered because of standing next to a boy she has a crush on. 

Fuck. She can't be in love with Bucky, right? 

Shit, Sharon curses herself. She must be too drunk right now. 

"So, you are leaving tomorrow?" asked Bucky, erases the silence between them while they are walking side by side. 

"Yup." 

Sharon stops in front of a pharmacy. Bucky also stops and looks at her. "Wait. I want to buy something." 

Bucky waits for Sharon in front of the pharmacy, until she finally returns a few minutes later. She opens a small box and pulls the oinment inside it. She pushes the tube to release the small amount of ointment on her index finger, and she spreads it on Bucky's wounded left cheek. 

Bucky freezes for a moment. 

"You didn't even treat your wound after going back from your mission. Are you that excited to meet me?" asks Sharon, half joking.

Bucky doesn't reply it. Because it is true. 

"Thank you, Buck." Sharon says as they continue their walk. 

"For paying for your drinks?" 

"No. For hanging out with me," She answers. Their eyes meet for a few seconds. "It's been a long time since the last time I talked to someone that long. We are not even friends, but I am happy that you are here." 

And again, Bucky learns new things about Sharon. She indirectly admitted that... she felt lonely all this time. 

"I don't know why you decided to come. Maybe you kinda hope that Sam is there... or you are just pitying me. Whatever the reason is, I'm glad." She says.

"That's not true," Bucky tries to debunk her thoughts. "I wanted to come. I don't care if Sam is there or not. Nobody deserves to be alone, Shar." 

Bucky's answer succesfully made Sharon's heart pounding. No, this can't be happened. Sharon can not fall in love with him this easy. That is silly! They didn't even in touch since the last time they met each other. And it's almost 4 years.

"Well, I guess this is the end for today," Sharon said as they arrive at the hotel building.  

They are only looking at each other for a few minutes. Bucky doesn't want this moment to pass this fast. Sharon doesn't know why she freezes in front of Bucky. Suddenly, her feet feel numb and doesn't want to move.

"Can I ask you something?" Sharon finally open her mouth. 

"Yeah," 

"Why did you always send me a christmas message each year?" Sharon asked the question that intrigued her this whole time. 

Bucky raises both of his shoulders. "I don't know. Just want to be polite. Maybe." Lies. Bucky is lying.

Sharon sighs and nods her head. "Yes, of course. Not like you cared about me, right?" 

"Listen," Bucky immediately opens his mouth. "I am not sure about what you did on that island this whole time. I don't know. I can't prove that. I might be old, but I am not stupid, Sharon. I can sense."

Sharon tries to look calm, even though her heart is pounding so hard right now. Does Bucky know that she is the PowerBroker this whole time? After everything he said at the bar and now... fuck! sure he does. He is just playing stupid right now. 

"Sense what? What did I do?" Sharon asks him as she crosses her arms in front of her chest.

"Yeah, what did you do?" Bucky asks her back. "I never asked about you or did a little chit-chat with you not because I don't care about you. I just don't want to know." 

"What?"

"I don't want to know whatever you've done there, because I don't want my allegations to turn out to be true." His blue eyes really look into her soul this time. And it feels like an arrow that stabs her heart. 

Sharon sighs. "I don't understand what you said and I don't want to fight you. Maybe we never meet again after this," She says before she continue. "Goodbye, Bucky."

"I care about you. But at the same time, I don't want to be disappointed. I sent those stupid message because I want to make sure that you are still alive." adds Bucky. "I'm sorry if I sound stupid for sending you those messages. I should have make it clear." 

Fuck it. 

Bucky pulls Sharon closer. Without thinking, he cups her jaw and crashes his lips on hers. Sharon shocks, definitely. But screw it. She doesn't care. She wants it, just as much as he wants. She kisses him back, very slowly but surely. He is very soft and gentle with the move, Sharon doesn't want this to end very soon. If only she could do this everyday. 

When they finally distance their lips from each other, Bucky brushes Sharon's cheeks with his thumbs. "Whatever you did there, nobody deserves to feel alone. Call me if you need someone to talk." 

"You are not busy?"

"I am, but I will never let you feel alone again." Bucky says. 

Sharon smiles. "Let me know if go to Madripoor. Well, I don't know for what. Maybe you and your team want to kidnap and exile Valentina there," 

"Yeah, I wish I could do that," Bucky chuckled. "But if I really go there, the only reason is to see you." 

Sharon leans forward, and kisses his jaw. "Take care, Buck." She whispers on his ear.

"You too, Shar." Bucky's flesh arm moves to rub her blonde hair gently.

Sharon walks into the building, but suddenly she stops and turns back to him. "Well, I suggest you to cut your hair,"

"Why? You hate my current hair?" 

Sharon grins and shakes her head. "No. Maybe you just need to style your hair if you don't want to cut it. You will look good on it," 

"How?" 

She thinks for a while. "I don't know, maybe try to use Dyson Airwrap?"

"What is that?" He looks confused. 

She giggles. "Ask Belova or Starr, you old man." 

Noted, he is going to ask Yelena and Ava about this Dyson hairstyle thing. 

 

---

And I've kept you at an arm's length
But now my shoulder's sore
It's out of my hands to wanna feel yours

- Magnets by NIKI

Chapter 2

Summary:

Bucky expresses his biggest concern. Sharon takes a big step. At least, they have each other for now.

Sharon opens her condo door. As she expected, Bucky shows up there. He looks messy and tired. Sharon can see a fresh scars on his forehead. Sure, he just went back from a mission. 

"Just you? No Alpine?" jokes Sharon.

"Shut up," Bucky replies. He leans forward and crash his lips on Sharon's immediately. 

It might be impulsive, but Sharon welcome the kiss like she already prepared for it. She pulls Bucky to her condo and kick the door close as their kiss getting more intimate. Slowly Bucky's flesh hand wandering on her hair, to her side chest, and landing on her waist.

"Someone is impatient," says Sharon. 

Bucky shows her a smirk, can't denied that. 

Sharon is standing on her tiptoes to see a scratch on Bucky's forehead. "Are you really that impatient to see me? You haven't treat your scars again." 

"Just a small scratch." replies Bucky. 

Sharon forces Bucky to sit on the couch, "I'll treat your wound," she says. She grabs a med kit from the cupboard in her bedroom and back to the living room.

Bucky pulls Sharon, make her sitting on his lap while treating the wound on his forehead. Sharon notices that Bucky is a little whiny and touchy this time. He never been like this before.

"Are you okay?" Sharon asks, a bit in worried. 

"Yes," answers Bucky. His metal arm is rubbing Sharon's waist gently, then he is showing her a smile.

"How did you get here? Does your team knew?" asks Sharon. She is swiping the scratch with povidone iodine. 

"I snuck out from our safe house," says Bucky. "But I told Yelena. Just to make her sure I'm not going anywhere." 

Both Bucky and Sharon are in Berlin right now. Sharon had a business meeting in Berlin this morning. Bucky didn't reply to her message since last night, and it made her... worry? She tried to track Bucky's current location. Voila! He is also in Berlin. 

Sharon

Berlin is nice, huh? 

Bucky

Jesus, Sharon. You stalked me?

Bucky

You can just ask! 

Sharon

I was an agent. I always know where you're at. 

Sharon

Wanna meet after work? 

Bucky

Yeah

Bucky

Send me your loc

 

And that was the reason why Bucky showed up in front of her condo. 

It's not the first time they randomly met before. They met once in Busan, it was a short catch up because Bucky needed to go back to New York immediately. They also met once in Milan and... had sex. Definitely worth it for Bucky after having a 12 hours mission. 

They are in touch almost everyday since they talked at the bar in New York that night. Sharon is the one who always started the conversation, and Bucky always replied back even though it was late because he was busy from missions. But Sharon never mad, she clearly understand. Sometimes they sent a random silly pics to each other. Sometimes it's... dirty pics.

"Are you sure that you are okay?" Sharon asks Bucky again while she is stroking his hair with her fingers.

Bucky nods his head. "Yeah," 

Sharon rubs Bucky cheeks. She smiles, then she kisses his pouty lips. "Go clean up, I'll order pizza. You must be really hungry." 

"Thanks,"

The pizza arrives 30 minutes later, at the same time as Bucky finishes cleaning up. He sits in the couch, right beside Sharon. 

"I used your soap and shampoo. Is that okay?" Bucky asked. 

Sharon nods and smiles. "Sure. You smell really nice." 

They eat their pizza while talking about their routines lately. Bucky shows her pictures and videos of Alpine and Yelena's guinea pig, Mr. Cucumber. Sharon laughs at the video where the both of them are snuggling inside Walker's taco shield. 

"I want to meet Alpine so bad," said Sharon.

Yeah, Bucky also wants that. "She must be like you a lot."

Sharon smiles. Deep inside, she is very grateful to have Bucky. Bucky kept his promise to stay on her side. Bucky always picked up her call at night, listened to her stories, and waited for her to fall asleep. He is always there most of the time. 

"Thank you, Bucky." 

Bucky frowns, "for what?" 

"For taking your time to see me." replies Sharon. "You must be very busy and tired after going to missions, but you still spare your time to see me. I'm sorry for bothering you." 

"Hey," Bucky cups Sharon cheeks and rubs it gently. "I'm the one who willingly to come to see you. I'm here because I wanted to see you." 

Sharon gives a small smile. Wondering about an alternate life where Bucky and her spend the rest of their life together. Living a normal life in peaceful neighborhood. With Alpine, or maybe children. How beautiful is that? 

"I talked to Sam." Bucky is opening the conversation. 

"Really?! How was it going?" asks Sharon.

Bucky shakes his head. "Not going well. He is mad at me. Still." He sighs. "Ross asked him to reform the Avengers, Sam told me that. I gave him a support. Then what? Suddenly I became that Avengers wannabe. Of course he is mad." 

"Yeah, copyright issue is a bit complicated." replies Sharon. 

"I don't think he is mad because of the copyright. I think it's because... I sided with the government." says Bucky. "Did he ever mentioned me to you?" 

Sharon shakes her head. "Never." 

"Not only that. I'm working for Valentina. Now the Wakandans are turning back at me. It's kind of... sad. Really. I'm sad that people who used to be the closest one to me are leaving me one by one." explains Bucky. 

Sharon says nothing. She only pulls Bucky closer to hug him and rests his head on her chest. Her fingers are stroking his hair to calm him down. 

"I'm sorry it happened to you." says Sharon. 

Bucky tightens their hug. He feels comfortable in her embrace. "It might be not as worse as you've experienced in Madripoor." 

Sharon shook her head. "No," she replies. "It's worse, but it only happened to me once. But it happened to you many times, Bucky. I'm sorry." 

Bucky sighs. "Thank you for making me feel better." 

Sharon nods her head. "You must be tired from the mission. You should take a rest. Want to sleep?" 

"Cuddle would be perfect." 

It's midnight, both of Sharon and Bucky haven't sleep yet. They are only lying on the bed and cuddle. Both of them are busy with their own thoughts. 

"Bucky," called Sharon. 

Bucky as the big spoon kisses her hair "Hm?" 

"I've decided something," says Sharon. Sharon is letting out a sigh before continue. "I'm going back to US. I will leave Madripoor soon."

"Hey," Bucky is surprised, his eyes suddenly  wide awake. "Suddenly? Why? Something bothering you all this time? You want to work again at CIA?"

"No. It's not a sudden decision." answers Sharon. "I haven't decided yet to work again in CIA. Most likely no. I want to retire. Maybe I just need to stay in Virginia with my parents for a while."

Bucky couldn't hide the smile from his face. He is so happy. Really. "That's great," he says. He kisses Sharon's temple and cheek. "That's really great." 

"Maybe you can visit me in Virginia. Or I'm visiting you in New York." said Sharon. 

Bucky lets out a sigh. "Sure." replies him.

Bucky is tightening their hugs. He kisses her neck and hide his head on her shoulder. His flesh hand sneaks into her satin tank top and caressing her soft belly. He groans due to the comfort. 

"Bucky," Sharon calls him again in a whisper. "Are you sure you are okay? You can tell me anything." 

"I love you." He whispers.

Finally, Bucky let those words out from his mouth after all this months spending time with Sharon. During the slumber party he had with Yelena and Ava, they told him to express his feelings to Sharon. But Bucky always holding back. He is scared. What if she doesn't like it? What if she feels uncomfortable? Too many 'What if' scenarios in his mind. 

Sharon freezes. She doesn't know how to react. 

"I don't mind if you don't love me that way. I am fine if you are going to reject me and leave me," Bucky whispers on her ears. "But I am scared, Sharon." 

"Bucky-" 

"I can't promise you anything. I can't give you a normal and peaceful life. I can't even promise you a tomorrow," says Bucky. "I'm getting older everyday. I could die anytime."

"What do you mean, Bucky?!" Sharon gasps at him. His words successfully make her turns around at him. Sharon looks at Bucky's face. He looks scared and worried. 

"There are bigger threats out there. Maybe bigger than Thanos. We don't know it yet. And I don't know if we could overcome it or not. We could fail, right?" explains Bucky. "I could die anytime, Sharon. Even at the small stupid mission. I'm scared that I can't stay on your side anymore." 

Sharon hugs Bucky very tight. She lost her words, she really can't say anything to him. Bucky can't help but cry on her shoulder. This thoughts have been spinning on his head for a long time. That's his current biggest scared. 

"I love you too, Bucky." Sharon whispers on his ear. 

He turns at her face and see her smiling widely. She looks warm and sweet in his eyes. "You don't have to worry about tomorrow. What ever happened, I believe you can always be by my side." says Sharon. 

"You deserves a better life, Sharon. You can not waste your time to stay with me. I'm full of uncertainty." replies Bucky. 

"And what? Since the beginning, since we started all of this, I realize that I can't have a normal life. Since I started my career as an agent, I already knew that. I could never have that life. That's not my thing." said Sharon. "I don't need that, Bucky." 

Bucky rubs Sharon's cheek and wipes tears on her eyes. He looks at those beautiful brown eyes. Very beautiful and comforting. 

"Don't say that things ever again. You and I are going to be fine." said Sharon.

Bucky nods her head and kisses her lips, softly and slowly. And then he moves to her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, and back to her lips. He showered her with the kisses. It's not enough for Sharon, so she kisses his lips again. Very rough compared to Bucky's style.

Bucky rolls and moves upward Sharon's body. He kisses her roughly like there is no tomorrow. Sometimes he moves his lips to her neck and her open shoulder to kiss and bite them, leaving a mark. Bucky's mark. 

He shoves up Sharon's satin tank top, the kiss move forward to her chest and even her belly. Sharon feels the tickle when Bucky lick her belly. Bucky kisses both of her breasts. He looks at Sharon, asking for approval. 

In Sharon's eyes, Bucky is looking like a sad puppy who beg for a snack. Cute. "Somebody is losing sleep tonight," teases Sharon. 

"Like there is no tomorrow, Babe." 

--

The sun is peeking from the curtain. Bucky is the one who awake first, he can't take his eyes off Sharon. She hundred times looks more beautiful when she is asleep. 

Bucky smiles looking at her sleeping so tight and almost purring like a cat. She reminds him of Alpine somehow. He wants to stay like this forever. How lucky is he if he could watch her sleeping every night. 

Bucky leans forward and give a kiss on her eyes and lips. It makes her awake, she rubs her heavy eyes and smiles. 

"Morning, Shar." says Bucky. He kisses her shoulder and arm. 

"What time is it, Buck? I thought you are leaving." asks Sharon.

"7 am," answers Bucky. "I waited for you to awake. I love watching you sleeping." 

Sharon gives her a sweet smiles. God, she's so beautiful in the morning. "I wish I can watch you wake up like this every morning." said Bucky. 

He gives her another kiss on her lips. Then he showers her another kisses on her forehead, cheek, jaw, neck, chest- 

"Bucky..." Sharon groans.

"I'm sorry, Babe. I can't hold it. You're so beautiful in the morning..." says Bucky. 

Suddenly Bucky's phone is ringing. Bucky chuckles and reaches for his phone. He widens his eyes looking at his missed calls. 

3 missed calls from Walker.

4 missed calls from Ava. 

2 missed calls from Mel.

15 missed calls from Yelena. 

"Shit!" he curses. 

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU BUCKY?!!!!" Yelena is screaming on the phone. Bucky distances his phone from his ear immediately.

"I am asleep! Sorry!" replies Bucky. He wears his shirt and pants in hurry that makes him stumbled so many times. Sharon laughs at him. 

"Yeah, Bucky. You must be had a very very very great sleep last night." replies Walker.

"Hi Bucky! Got something on your metal arm last night?" teases Ava.

"Shut up! I'm leaving right now." says Bucky unhappily. 

"Alright, make sure to wear your pants." says Yelena before ending the call. 

"Your teams are weird," says Sharon as she covers her naked body with blanket. 

"Indeed." replies Bucky. He wears his leather jacket and get his backpack. 

Sharon stands in front of Bucky. "So, you are leaving?" asks Sharon. 

Bucky nods his head. He shows her a tired smile. He doesn't want to leave, but he has no other choice. 

Sharon bites her lower lips and nods back at him. It makes her sad, honestly. But she understand. Bucky is busy. The world needs him. She is also worried about his safety, but she remains silent. She doesn't want him to be worry again like last night.

"Hey," Bucky hugs her and strokes her hair. "We are going to meet soon, Okay?" 

Sharon nods and looks at Bucky right into his eyes. She gives him a kiss on his cheek. "Take care, Buck." 

"You too," replies Bucky. 

Sharon opens her condo's door to let Bucky out. "Call me when you arrive." said Sharon. 

Bucky nods. He gives her a long kiss on her forehead. 

"I love you."

Notes:

If you remember, during TFATWS, Sharon was the one who tracked John Walker's position and informed it to Sam and Bucky. She is not an agent anymore but she can track anyone's position that easy. I also have a head canon that Sharon was the one who informed Bucky about Walker's divorce in Thunderbolts* lmao.

Chapter 3

Summary:

Sharon is home.

Bucky is about to sleep. As always, he just went back from mission a few minutes ago. He cleaned up and decided to sleep right away. His body feel sore from the mission they had today. But at least... he wasn't injured this time.

Suddenly his phone is ringing, Bucky wakes up immediately as he sees Sharon's name on the screen. 

"Sharon?" Bucky greets her. 

"Hi. Uhm, I think you haven't read my messages. But that's okay. I want to inform you I've arrived in New York right now." She says. 

Bucky frowns his brows and opens his chat room with Sharon. Shit.

"I'm sorry, Shar. I just went back from mission." Bucky says in guilty. "You just arrived? Where are you right now?" 

"That's okay, Buck. Yeah, my flight was delayed so many times. So I arrived very late than I expected," she answers. "I planned to go to Virginia directly after arriving at New York. But my plan kind of screwed right now hahaha." 

Bucky is wearing his jeans then grabbing his jacket. "Do you have a place to stay for tonight? Where are you? I'll pick you up." 

Sharon sighs on the call. "Tried to book hotel around here for tonight, but they all full booked. Maybe I should stay at JFK until the next morning." 

"Nonsense. I'll pick you up, you can crash at my place." says Bucky. 

"At the Avengers Watchtower, you mean?" Sharon asks. "No, Bucky. Valentina and your team gonna kill me for sure." Sharon is half joking, but anything could happen, right? And to think about staying in the same place with the other New Avengers... nah... that would be awkward. 

"She is rarely here," Bucky assures her. "The rest of them are already asleep. I can sneak you in, and we can leave early in the morning before they wake up." 

There is a long pause from Sharon. She is thinking about Bucky's crazy idea, but she has no choice. "Okay, Buck." 

"Great. I'm on my way," Bucky says before they end the call. 

Bucky picks up Sharon at the airport with a car they usually use for missions. Sure, the car is forbidden to be used for personal purposes. Bucky hopes that Mel is not going to find out about this. 

As he is arriving at the arrival terminal and seeing Sharon, he hops out from the car and hugs Sharon immediately. 

"Buck, we met a month ago." Sharon says. 

Bucky lets out a sigh as he releases Sharon from his embrace. "So what? I can't miss you anymore?" 

Bucky carries Sharon suitcase to the car baggage and opens the front door to Sharon. 

"Wow, you can afford a car now?" Sharon asks.

"Not mine, it's Val's. We used it for mission." Bucky corrects her. 

Sharon's head is leaning to the window. "Yeah, Val is going to kill us for sure." 

There is no talk between them on their way to the Watchtower. Bucky is peeking at Sharon and looking at her slightly sleeping... or maybe just closing her eyes. He is not sure, but don't want to bother her either. 

When they met in Berlin last month, Sharon told Bucky about her plan to leave Madripoor, back to the States and stay at Virginia for a while. It was a very great news, and Bucky very relieved to hear that. At least... he is not going to worry about her anymore.

They arrive at the Watchtower a few minutes later. After parking the car back at the garrage, Bucky is holding Sharon's hand to grab her inside the Watchtower. They definitely can't take the front elevator so Bucky took her to the back elevator that rarely used by anyone. The employees there said that elevator is haunted, but who the fuck care in this situation. 

It's the first time Sharon visits the Avengers Tower. The Watchtower is extremely huge as she expected before. 

The elevator door is open at the dormitory, the place where The New Avengers are staying. Bucky enters the fingerprint to the security lock quietly and peeks his head inside of the dorm. It's dark and empty. Good then. 

"Come in," Bucky commands her.

They walk in small steps to make sure nobody is awake. Sharon tries so hard to drag her suitcase as quite as possible. Not until someone is coming closer to them and flying a frying pan towards them.

"Jesus, Bob! It's me!" Bucky is swearing in whisper. His heart nearly drop because of Bob's presence. 

Bob is as shock as Bucky. He holds his chest. "Oh god, Bucky. I'm so sorry. I thought you are a thief." 

Bucky nods his head and pats his shoulder. "That's fine," 

Bob glances at Sharon as he realizes Bucky with a woman. Sharon shows him an awkward smile. "Oh, Hi, Ma'am. I'm sorry for startling you." 

"That's okay," Sharon replies in whispers. "You must be Bob. Nice to see you, Bob. I'm Sharon."

"Oh, you know me?" Bob asks in surprise. 

"Yeah. Bucky told me you're his favorite among everyone. You are their PR, right?" Sharon answers. 

Bucky frowns at her. He never told her about Bob especially claimed him as their PR. Sharon is just acting friendly this time. He is sure that she knows more about Bob secretly.

Bob smiles awkwardly. "Yeah, sort of. Nice to meet you too, Sharon." 

"Okay, enough talking." Bucky shuts them. "Bob, don't tell anyone about this. Especially Yelena." Thinking about Yelena finds out about this makes Bucky dizzy immediately.

"Sure. I won't tell anyone," Bob replies and gives him an assuring smile.

"Thanks, Bob." Bucky says while grabbing Sharon's hand.

Sharon waves her hand to Bob as a farewell and Bob replies her wave. Sharon follows Bucky to his room. His room is not very big, but the interior make it looks spacious and neat. There are few books on the table beside his bed. 

Alpine is awake from Bucky's bed, she approaches the both of them and curls at Sharon's leg. 

"You must be Alpine. Hello!" Sharon greets Alpine. She can hear a meow as the reply. Sharon is caressing her fur and she leans more on Sharon.

"She likes you," Bucky says. It's such a beautiful view for him, watching his two favorite girls get along. 

Sharon is carrying Alpine on her arm and smiling. "Can I steal your cat?" 

"Now your limit," Bucky replies as he unbottons his jacket and put it on hanger. "Do you want to shower? You can use hot water." 

Sharon nods her head. "Thanks, Buck."

Bucky grabs a black shirt from his wardrobe and gives it to Sharon. "You can wear my shirt. You must be tired to open your suitcase." 

"You know me so well." Sharon replies. 

"I'll bring you the clean towel from the laundry room later. You can go first." Bucky says. 

While Sharon is cleaning herself, Bucky is bringing her a clean towel and making her a hot chocolate. Bucky is pretty good at making hot chocolate, even Bob and Ava are big fan of it.

"Bucky, do you have a hair dryer?" Sharon asks him as she finished showering. Her hand is busy drying her wet hair with the towel. 

Sharon is wearing his black shirt with no pants and it looks oversized on her body. Bucky finds her kind of... sexy in his shirt.

"Yes," Bucky answers while grabbing a hair dryer from a drawer below his bed. "Let me dry your hair." 

Sharon looks at him in confusion. "I can do it my self, Bucky." 

Bucky says nothing. He takes a cup of hot chocolate from his working table and hands it to Sharon. He pulls Sharon to have a set on his bed. "I want to take a good care of you." 

Sharon sips the hot chocolate and smiles. "It's good." 

"You love it?" Bucky asks while he is drying Sharon's hair with hair dryer. 

Sharon nods her head. "Thank you, Bucky." 

Sharon was raised in a wealthy family. Aside from being Peggy Carter's nephew, Sharon's parents is also was born rich. She literally had everything, but guess what, she never got any princess treatment from them. They never spoiled her and literally trained her to be independent and brave since young. To be treated like this from Bucky made Sharon feels strange. She is flattered... and also blushed. 

"I'm sorry for bothering you tonight, you must be tired from missions." Sharon says as Bucky finished drying her hair. 

"I'm a super soldier. Are you forget?" Bucky replies.

Bucky is combing her hair and it makes her feel comfortable. Sharon heaves a sigh. "Bucky," 

"Hm?" 

"I want to tell you something." Sharon says as she turns into Bucky to face him.

"I'm listening," Bucky replies. He tucks her blonde hair behind her ears. 

Sharon bites her lips. Sharon doesn't know where to start. She can't keep this any longer because Bucky has to know, and she thinks right now is the right time. She is scared that Bucky could be angry with her... and finally leave her. 

"Sharon," Bucky is filling a silence between them. "Please don't tell me... Sharon... you're not pregnant, right?" 

"Seriously, Bucky?" Sharon gives him a lazy respond. 

"Oh, so you're not?" He sighs. "You went silent too long. I'm freaking out for real if you are pregnant..." 

Sharon shakes her head. "I'm not pregnant, Bucky. I got my period this month and we are playing safe all this time. You don't have to worry about that."

"Great."

"I'll continue... but please don't cut my words." Sharon says. 

Bucky raises his brows. "Got it." 

"I was the Powerbroker all this time," Sharon finally confesses it to Bucky. Sharon bows her head, she is scared to face Bucky. "I'm sorry, Bucky. I never meant to betray or exploit you and Sam, but it was never easy for me, Bucky." 

Bucky says nothing. He is looking at Sharon, waiting for her to continue her confession. Is he surprised? No. Is he disappointed? Can't lie, but yes. Is he mad at her? He doesn't know. He feels numb. 

"I was running away from city to city, country to country after giving Steve that shield, until I arrived at Madripoor. I stayed at abandoned building, suffered from hunger, I couldn't even afford a clean water because their tap water is not edible." Sharon continues. "I waited for Steve everyday, or at least any of the Avengers to see me. And worse, my family ignored me. I lived like that for many years, Bucky." 

Sharon can't hold her tears anymore. Telling all those stories made her realize that she would never heal from that. "I worked for the  previous Powerbroker as his agent... or his back up. Until he finally retired and old enough and finally dead due to heart attack. He inherited that position to me. I was wrong for accepting that, I know. I did bad things."

Bucky touches her chin to make her looking at him. Bucky shakes his head to make her stop continuing the story. He pulls her to his warm embrace. She cries harder. 

"I also did bad things, Sharon. Worser than you." Bucky replies. 

"You didn't have a choice, Bucky. You were unaware. I willingly did it and aware about that." Sharon says. 

Bucky rubs her back, to calm her and make her comfortable. "No, you didn't. You suffered alone. It's either bite or bitten." 

Sharon is letting go the hug and looking into his eyes. He looks sad, maybe because of dissapointment. "Please be mad at me, Bucky." 

Bucky shakes his head. "I can't," he replies. "I knew it, Sharon. That's why I pretend to not knowing anything, I don't want my guessing turn out to be true." 

"I might be disappointed in you, but still... I was also wrong to leave you behind. If only I noticed you earlier... or any of us cared enough for you, this wouldn't happened." Bucky murmurs. He rubs Sharon's cheek to wipe her tears. "You saved me many times, Sharon. I could've been dead since a long time ago as Winter Soldier, but you saved me. I could never hate you." 

Sharon looks into Bucky's blue eyes. He shows her sincerety. 

"Now you're really free Sharon. You decided to go back to your family and leave all those behind. That's a big step." Bucky says. He strokes her hair, as a sign that he is proud of  her. 

Bucky leans on her and kisses her forehead, her temple, her cheeks, her eyes, her nose, and finally on her lips. He showers her with those kisses and leaves a long press on the lips while his flesh hand wandering around her hair and neck. 

"Thank you for being honest, Sharon." Bucky says to her.

Sharon smiles widely. She can't hold it anymore. She presses her lips on Bucky's and crushes it deeply, devouring her love to him there. 

"You must be tired. We should sleep, we need to wake up very early before anyone else." says Bucky while stroking her hair. 

Sharon nods. Bucky as the bigger spoon is the one who lying down first at his bed, then Sharon is following him to lie next to him. His metal arm is linking on her waist and caressing her belly. 

"Alpine," Sharon whispers to call Alpine and taps a space beside her. The cat is aware of her call and lying beside her. 

Bucky kisses Sharon's neck and shoulder. Sharon knows that Bucky loves to kiss her body, so she let him. Bucky never feel this comfortable before, sleeping with Sharon and Alpine. They are like a happy family. 

"Bucky," 

"Hm?" 

"Why are you so scared if I'm getting pregnant? You don't want to have a child?" Sharon asks. 

Bucky scoffs. "No, It's not because I don't want it." He replies. "You are currently not in easy position, and so do I. We need to figure out many things about our own stuffs. I don't think right now is the right time, that's why I'm worried." 

Sharon smiles and nods head. "Yeah, you're right." 

"It's just the timing, Shar. If the situation is clear, sure I want to have a child." He continues. 

Sharon turns into Bucky, and she looks into his eyes. "Once we overcome everything, let's have a child, Bucky." She is deadly serious about it. 

Bucky grins. "I should have married you first."

--

Sharon wakes up in the middle of the dream. It was not a scary nightmare, it was a beautiful dream. She dreamed about her and Bucky was sitting on a bench near the lake. She layed and rested her head on Bucky's lap, while Bucky was telling her a fairytail from the book he read. His flesh arm is caressing Sharon's pregnant belly softly.

To see that man is sleeping next to her tightly, she only smiles. If only that dream comes true one day, she would be the luckiest person in earth. 

"Bucky," she calls him softly to wake him up. 

Bucky opens his eyes and smiles. "Morning,"

"Morning," she replies to him. "It's 6 am. We need to go now." 

Bucky nods his head. They wake up and brush their teeth together. Sharon is also changing her clothes into the shirt and jacket she wore last night. 

Bucky kisses her naked neck and shoulder, before she is wearing her shirt. "I'm going to miss you again." 

"Me too," Sharon replies.

They are ready to go. Sharon is hugging Alpine and giving a kiss on top of her head. "Till next time, princess." says Sharon to Alpine. 

Bucky smiles at her. He strokes Alpine's fur. "Mom is going to miss you." he says to Alpine, referring to Sharon. Sharon gives Bucky a huge smile. It's her little family.

Before leaving the room, Bucky is peeking at the living room to make sure nobody is awake. No one is there, so Bucky commands Sharon to follow him.  When they are walking in front of Yelena's room, they hear the door is cracking open. Sharon is in panic, she is running to the couch and hiding behind it. Shit! She forgot the suitcase. 

"What are you doing?" Yelena asks Bucky. 

"Nothing," Bucky answers, and he shows her an awkward smile.

Yelena notices a suitcase standing beside Bucky. "Whose suitcase is it?" Yelena asks.

"Mine." Bucky answers, he is trying to fool Yelena. 

Yelena still give him the suspicious look. "Yeah, you have a pink suitcase. Very believable." She scoffs and grins at him. "You are a good soldier, but you are a bad liar." 

Bucky moves forward to Yelena, to prevent her checking on the couch. It can't stop her, so she shoves Bucky aside and peeks at the couch. When she finds Sharon there, Yelena only shows her a thin smile. 

"Nice try, Agent Carter. I think you forgot how to act like a secret agent." Yelena comments at Sharon. 

Yelena turns at Bucky and sighs. "You crazy." 

"She crashed only for a night!" Bucky defends. 

"Yeah, but I don't think Val is gonna happy to hear an ex-CIA agent is staying here." Yelena replies and looks at Sharon. "No offense," she says to Sharon.

Sharon is smiling at her. "None is taken." 

"She wasn't working for Val. She was working for her ex husband." Bucky corrects her, he is referring to Everett Ross.

"That's not the point, Bucky! Oh, god." Yelena curses at him. "Mel is gonna arrive in few minutes to inspect us this morning, the other employees are also arriving at Watchtower, how are you going to sneak her out?!"

"We took the elevator on the back of building last night. Probably the same way." Bucky answers. 

"Are you nuts?!"

"It's a haunted elevator! Nobody is going to check there!" argues Bucky.

"I don't believe in ghost. The only ghost I believe is Ava. So cut your shit, Bucky." 

"Calm down, both of you." Sharon tries to calm them down. 

Yelena looks at her and sighs. "Why are you dating this stupid old man?" She says to Sharon. "Take the emergency stairs, both of you. I don't care." 

"We are in 15th floor, Yelena!" Bucky disagrees. 

"I don't care," Yelena replies. Yelena turns again at Sharon. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be harshed at you. But it's the safest way." 

Sharon nods her hair. "That's fine," 

"By the way, nice to meet you, Agent Carter. It's a shame we met this way." Yelena greets Sharon. 

"Nice to meet you too, Belova." replies Sharon. 

Both Bucky and Sharon are taking the stairs as Yelena told them. Bucky is the one who carrying Sharon's suitcase. 

"Sometimes Yelena is such an ass. I'm sorry." Bucky comments.

Sharon laughs. "It's fine. Both of you have a funny dynamic, though."

Bucky rolls his eyes. "You haven't meet Ava. Both of them always teasing me in every chances they had. I can't stand their combination." 

"Seems fun," replies Sharon. "You lost a sister, but you got two now." 

Both Bucky and Sharon are arriving at the ground floor. Because Bucky is going to have an inspection this morning, Sharon decided to take a cab to the station. 

"I'm so sorry for not taking you to the station," Bucky apologizes. 

Sharon shakes her head and smiles. "You took a good care for me last night. It's enough."

"Tell me when you are arrived, Okay?" Bucky replies. 

Sharon nods her head. She kisses Bucky's cheeks before getting into the cab. "I love you. And see you soon." 

Notes:

I really love Sharon and Bucky friendship in The Winter Soldier (2018) comic. In that comic, Sharon is the one who take care of Alpine when Bucky is on mission. That's why I made Sharon as Alpine's mom here.

And I also want to see Sharon and Yelena interaction so bad! They need to meet for sure.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of tales of the BOLTS