Fighting for You 🔞

Five

Barnes stood in the apartment, looking around. It wasn't bare, but it wasn't full. He didn't mind, as he didn't know how long he would be staying for. Taking a look through the rooms, he checked all windows, planning an escape route, should he need it. Standing in the bedroom, he looked over the bed. It looked too soft for him.

Dropping the backpack on the bed, he went to the bathroom, seeing that it had a shower. Sighing to himself, he stripped off and climbed in. He just stood there, letting the water run over him.

He closed his eyes, bracing himself for the memories of Hydra, but instead, all he saw was the blonde haired, green eyed beauty from the bar. It was as if she was soothing him. His body began to relax, the heat of the water, washing away the tension he held.

He didn't know how long he stood there for, but it had been a while. Shutting the water off, he stepped out, grabbed a towel off the rail, wrapping it around him.

Walking back into the bedroom, he pulled some clothes from the bag, and got dressed. He still couldn't bring himself to sleep in a bed, so he grabbed the quilt and a pillow, heading to the living room.

Making a spot on the floor by the couch, he laid down, staring up at the ceiling. He remained there a while, as green eyes flashed in his mind, and sleep embraced him.

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Lexi stood in the kitchen, dressed in another pair of shorts and a t-shirt. It was her preferred choice of clothing. She had twisted her hair up off her face, as she couldn't be bothered to brush it. Making 2 cups of coffee, she took one in her hand, and made her way out of the apartment, to the door opposite.

She knocked the door and waited. She had heard him arrive last night. It surprised her, how quiet he was, as though he didn't want to get caught. When there was no answer, she knocked again.

'Uh, hi. Its Lexi... from the bar. You helped me last night? I Uh, I didn't know if you had any food or coffee in yet, but I made you a cup'... She called through the door. She hated how she sounded, having to play the 'nice' girl. She actually felt nauseous.

She heard some light shuffling inside, and a minute later, the door opened to the smallest crack... 'Hi. I heard that you would be getting this place..'.. She gestures to the door... 'And I didn't get your name last night, I'm very sorry. Here..'.. Lexi holds the cup of coffee towards the door, giving a smile.

'I figured you might like a cup. If not coffee, I do have tea. Not sure how you would like either one. But I do have cream and sugar... and milk, for tea'... She could barely see his eyes through the gap, as she held the cup out.

He didn't move to take it, and the silence was thick... 'Uh, ok.  I'll just leave it here by the door for you. I'm sorry to have bothered you. If you need anything, you can knock my door'... She gestures to the one behind her.

'Thank you again, for last night. I'll... see you around?'... She turned, going back into her apartment, and closed the door without looking over at his. Lexi turned, her back leaning against her door.

*So, he wants to play the brooding man? Fine. I'll get you talking Barnes, Mark my words*....  She raged internally. Playing nice probably wasn't going to get her very far, but it was the persona she had adapted. She couldn't change it now.

Pushing herself off the door, she grabbed her cup, and drank down her coffee, ignoring the heat burn in her throat. Reaching for her bag, she slung it on her shoulder, and left her place, noticing the empty cup by his door. She smirked, knowing that she had made a all step into gaining his trust. Heading out to her truck, she was due at the store in 10, and didn't want to be late. She'd try to think of other ways to get close to him.

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He had instantly gone into defensive mode, when he heard someone knock the door. He was very surprised, when he saw it was her.

He just stared at her, through the small gap he had, while she rambled on. He knew she was pretending to be nice. It didn't fit her at all. She seemed to be more of a wild, sarcastic woman, that the sweet innocent girl she was trying to fake.

He quirked a smile, seeing it in her eyes, how much it was irritating her, having to play nice. When she had offered him the cup of coffee, his stomach had rumbled from the smell alone. His mouth watered at the though of drinking it.

But he hadn't taken it from her, he just stood there. He watched as she placed it on the floor by his door, before turning and going back into her place. He had waited a moment, before opening the door a little wider, and snatching the cup.

He quietly closed the door, and held it to him. It smelled like pure heaven. He took a sip. He closed his eyes and suppressed a groan. It was the most amazing cup off coffee he ever had. He was sure that he had never tasted something as good before.

Quickly drinking down the rest, he listened to the noises in the building. When he was sure it was clear, he opened his door just enough, to place the cup back on the floor. He heard footsteps across the way, knowing she was moving towards her door. He shut his as quickly and quietly as he could, pressing his head to the door.

He couldn't understand as to why his heart was racing in his chest. He stayed where he was, his eyes closed as he listened to her. He could swear he heard her smile, before walking down the hallway and out.

Moving silently towards the window, he stayed out of sight, as he looked out, seeing her climb into her truck. He didn't realise, that he was smiling as he watched her drive away.

😘