Wildfire (Steve Rogers AU)

7

"So...she was able to tame Aspen and not you" Bucky roared with laughter as he and Steve drank in Dugan's saloon that evening. Sarah had kicked her son out, telling her that Johnny could check everything was in order for the night as punishment for coming home late yet again. 

Steve took a swig of beer. "Tiny woman against a massive horse? I was expecting him to kick her outta the damn corral - but she had a way with him, I'll give her that. We're gonna see whether we can do the same". 

"And if not?" 

"Then I'm gonna have to ask her what her secret is" Steve mumbled. "Aspen's been an asshole since day one".

Bucky shrugged as Sam now joined them with his beer. "What we talking about?" 

"Mary's niece, Miss Hadley - she was able to tame Aspen". 

"No waaaaay" Sam drawled with a laugh, "You've been trying for ages - likes a woman's touch". 

"Like our pal here". Bucky joked as he and Sam continued laughing. 

Steve rolled his eyes. "Well I'm glad you find it amusing". 

Sam sat back and stretched his aching limbs. "Seriously though, what's going on with you and the Carter girl?" 

"Nothing? Why the hell would you assume there is?" 

"I saw her batting her eyelashes at ya". Sam's mouth changed into a wide grin. "Wedding bells soon?" 

Steve snorted at this. "Hell no, she's not the kinda girl who'd be the kind for ranch life. Probably too afraid to break a nail".
Miss Margaret Carter tried, she really did, to capture his attention. Steve was always polite but as she was well bred and came from money. Being the mayor's daughter, she was out of his league anyway, however Steve didn't know why Peggy even bothered with him. They couldn't be anymore different. "Need someone who's not afraid to get their pretty little hands dirty". 

"Yeah but her daddy also owns the mines, you'd be in with the money". Bucky pointed out. 

"It's not about the money" Steve replied through gritted teeth. "The ranch does perfectly fine on its own". 

Bucky threw his hands up in defeat. "Alright then", then produced the pack of cards from his pocket. "Guess I'll be dealing us in". 

**

Aside from Flynn waking a couple of times during the night, Hadley had slept pleasantly. The most she'd had since William had died. 

Mary was already behind the shop counter talking to some customers when Hadley came downstairs with her son.  "I've just gotta nip out and see May Parker- you alright holding the fort?" The elder woman asked once the last customer had gone. 

"Of course". She nodded and sat Flynn on the floor, putting some toys down for him to entertain himself. 

"Be back soon". Mary called, grabbing her basket with what she needed and heading out. Hadley put on her apron, hearing the shop bell sound soon after. 

A man walked in, dressed mainly in black with a hat to match. "Can I help you sir?" Hadley asked as he came to a stop at the counter. 

His eyes moved over her and then he nodded. "Just a box of bullets please". He tipped his hat to her and watched as she turned to retrieve a box from under the counter. "I've not seen you around, you new to town?" He now asked as he pushed some coins across to her, taking the box. 

"I am, Mary's my aunt - My name's Hadley, down here is my son Flynn". She smiled lightly and gestured to where Flynn was playing. 

The man nodded. "Brock Rumlow, pleasure to meet you". 

"You too". 

"I've got a ranch just outside of town. You need anything then stop by". 

Hadley smiled. "Thank you. It's actually nice to have a conversation with someone rather than hear people whisper about me". 

"Why would they whisper?" He frowned. 

"Coz they know about why I'm here, kind of shameful if you wanna look at it, but people haven't stopped talking, taking pity. I don't need it. I just need to try and move on, but I'm not used to this way of living". 

Brock chuckled. "A rich girl..." He then nodded as he looked her up and down once more. "You carry yourself like one". 

She stared at him. "Should I take that as a compliment or an insult" 

"The first obviously. Look everyone talks around here, they talk about me all the damn time". 

"In a good way or bad" 

He smirked. "What do you think", another customer now came through the door and Brock glanced back briefly before turning back to Hadley. "Was nice meeting you Miss Hadley. Seems I've got even more of a reason to visit". He leant over the counter and waved to Flynn who returned it with a toothy grin and then bowed his head. "Till next time".