I Don't Need New Friends

28. Try Harder

They laid together for a little while, silent but smiling at each other like lovesick teenagers, until Zoe pried herself away to use the bathroom. While she was away, Bucky couldn't wipe the shit-eating grin off his face as he stretched out in bed until his phone rang. "Hey Sam, what's up?"

"Someone sounds awfully relaxed considering they're in hiding." Sam joked. "How'd she take it?"

"Better than expected..." Bucky had to stifle a snicker at the unintended double meaning of that question. "She freaked out, we had a fight, we made up. Any updates?"

"There's a viable lead in Buenos Aires, the local team is checking it out." Sam reported. "If it turns out to be something, you want in, or do you think it's better to sit this one out?"

"Unless it's something monumental, I'm good sitting tight until it's neutralized. You?" Bucky asked, hoping his partner didn't want them to go just yet. "If the local unit can handle it, we should probably let them."

"Fair point. Although I'm so bored sitting around this damn office!" Sam complained. "What are you guys up to today?"

"Not much..." Bucky smirked as Zoe walked back into the bedroom wearing nothing but a smile. "Maybe watch a movie? Eat some junk food? Watch Zoe struggle opening things?"

"Sounds like you're not making much progress in the love department, huh?" Sam chuckled. "Have you even tried, dude? You're not getting anywhere if you just sit around and wait, try harder."

"Right. Not much progress." Bucky choked out. Zoe was kissing his neck and watching him get flustered while trying to talk to Sam. "You're right. I should try harder. Talk to you later!" He hung up and groaned when she walked away.

"How's Sam?" She chirped, walking over to the closet and grabbing a black silk robe. "Any updates?"

"Yes, but I don't give a fuck about anything other than getting you back in this bed right now." He growled. "Thanks for almost giving us away there..."

"Whatever, you're not exactly hiding your enthusiasm." She smirked, walking back into the bathroom and turning the shower on. Walking back to the bedroom door, she sighed dramatically as he watched her like a hawk. "Do you need an engraved invitation, sir?" She dropped the robe and giggled.

"Nope!" He jumped out of bed and followed her into the shower.

Once under the water, he quickly soaped up while she laughed. "What? Don't you people have a drought in this part of the world?"

"We do, but that's what the low-flow is for..." she reached behind him and turned the dial. "...but since you're clean..." she ran her hands all over his body, kissing and nibbling where she could. As she touched his chest, she placed a kiss on every scar she could find. She felt his body tense as she kissed along the thick layers of scars where his prosthetic met flesh. "...you are the most gorgeous fucking thing I've ever seen inside and out, and every mark on you is a story that I can't wait to hear..." she felt him tremble as she spoke into his skin. "...I just hope that you can get past all my shit to tell me someday." She looked up into his eyes. He was biting his lip, trying not to crumble at her words.

"I think you're the most incredible person I've ever met..." he shakily breathed. "...I only hope I don't disappoint you too much." He held her face and kissed her deeply. He was having a difficult time expressing himself, but he wanted her to know exactly how much she meant to him already. "I'm still trying to figure out why you're so nice to me..."

"You're good in bed." She deadpanned, then laughed at his reaction. "What? You asked!"

"I was trying to say something serious!" He pouted. "Am I just here for your enjoyment now?"

"Excellent point." She said as she got on her knees. "I do believe we have some serious matters to discuss..." she looked up at him with a devilish grin and began stroking his length and ghosting her lips over his tip. "...is this a good time to air our grievances?" she winked and took him in her mouth.

He moaned loudly and leaned on the wall for support.

"I'll take that as a no..." she laughed between tongue strokes.

After their shower, they headed downstairs to get something to eat. It was almost lunchtime, so Zoe made some sandwiches and hit up his movie list. "What do you feel like watching? Should we continue our Harrison Ford streak and try 'Blade Runner'? You've already toured one of the places it was filmed."

"I did?" He looked at her quizzically. "Was that the Bradbury? I forgot it was in some movies. Is it good? Maybe on the lighter side?"

"It's a fucking classic, which is why it made your list. But light? Definitely not." She chuckled. "What else is on there?"

"Hmm, what decade?" He pulled his phone out. "You seem to favor the 70s and the 80s...how's this one called 'Ghostbusters'? I heard it was funny."

"You're fucking adorable, you know that?" She laughed. "Yes, it's funny. I'll set it up."

"You've already seen it?" He made a face. "We don't have to watch things you've seen over again."

"I've probably seen most things on your list, James." She smiled. "You're the one catching up, remember? It's actually fun seeing how you react to things I grew up with...wait until I start schooling you on music!"

"I'm looking forward to it." He smiled brightly. "If I haven't mentioned it, I'm having the best time this week, security threats aside..."

"Oh, I almost forgot, what was the update from Sam?" Zoe asked as she curled up in his arms on the couch. "Everything okay?"

"Hopefully. There's a lead in Buenos Aires." He reported. "If it's credible, we're thinking that the local team can handle it, and we get to stay put." He gently kissed her forehead. "If you don't mind me sticking around..."