Bucky watched with glee as I danced around the kitchen, making lunch. Steve will be here any minute. I got to make all of the decisions for the meal.
I decided on a picnic in the yard. Bucky even bought a large, red plaid clanket for us to sit on and a wicker basket. It's going to look just like a scene from a movie.
Well, if they movies of girls who were kidnapped and stuck in a weird love triangle with their captors.
Bucky wrapped his arms around my waist as I began loading up the basket.
"Bucky!" I forced out a laugh, pulling myself from his grip. "I need to get this ready. He'll be here any moment!"
"I'm sure we have the time," he whispered, nipping at my neck. I squirmed, once again pulling away.
"Bucky, please," I whined. "I want this to go well."
He sighed but released his grip on me. Instead of letting me continue my work, he turned me to face him, backing me up against the counter.
"Everything is going to go great, love. I promise." He kissed me on the forehead and finally stepped back, allowing me to finish getting the food together.
His phone dinged. My stomach dropped. Is he here? Did I miss his car driving up the road.
Bucky didn't say anything but stepped outside for a moment. I tried to look out the window as I closed the basket, but I couldn't see anything. I only heard muffled voices.
Just as I was about to bite the bullet and open the door, it was opened for me. Standing in front of me was Steve Rogers.
The man who took me from my life. Who made me into his obsession. Who made me love him despite everything.
I squealed, throwing myself into his arms before he could take two steps into the house. His arms wrapped around me immediately, and he took a deep inhale of my hair.
"Angel," he whispered.
I know that I always favored Bucky after he was introduced to my life, but after being separated from Steve, I missed all the little things. I missed the way he worshiped me. I missed the safety that came with being locked in that studio.
After being here for a month and a half, I started to forget those old feelings. I was so overestimated I could barely think of life before here.
It felt like whiplash, seeing him again. Being in his arms. I need to keep my emotions in check. I need to remember the end goal. Freedom.
"I made us a picnic," I giggled as he placed me back on the ground. He smiled in response, and I sent a cautious gaze to Bucky. Surprisingly, he didn't look stressed. He also shared a smile.
"Go get the basket, love," he encouraged.
I ran to the counter, holding the basket on my elbow. I grabbed both of their hands, tugging them out the door and towards the yard. The two men chatted about something that I completely ignored.
Once reaching a spot that I deemed acceptable they stretch the blanket out and laid it on the ground. I quickly sat down, patting the spots next to me.
"So, I've made sandwiches, we've got a side of strawberries and grapes, and then for dessert, I made cookies!" I flipped the lid open. "And not go mention, Bucky picked up a bottle of champagne!"
I pulled out the bottle, showing it to the men. They both laughed before Bucky stood.
"Let me go grab the glasses, love," he said, walking toward the house.
I didn't think the opportunity would arise so quickly. I didn't think Bucky would leave us alone so quickly. I thought it would at least be a couple of days.
"He's treating you well, Angel?" Steve asked, reaching out to stroke my cheek.
It's now or never.
"I missed you so much, Stevie," I whimpered, leaning into his touch. "It was so scary. Leaving you."
"I knew it. I knew you didn't want to leave me," he whispered, clenching his jaw.
"I care for Bucky, I truly do, but he's got this shocker on me," I gestured to the black anklet. "It goes off if I wander too far in the yard. And just the other day he bruised my wrist. I know he didn't mean to, but those things never happened when I was with you."
Steve's face turned red, and he quickly looked over his shoulder, watching for Bucky.
"I'll get you out of here, Angel. I promise. We have to be careful, though. I'm sure he's just waiting for me to do something. To act out." His voice was hushed and his eyes seemed to dart around the yard. Looking for what? I'm not sure. "Can you be patient for me, Angel?"
"I can be patient," I agreed, nodding. He sighed in relief, his shoulders relaxing.
I felt giddy as we fell into a comfortable silence. Steve leaned over and grabbed a strawberry, leading it to my lips. Intook a large bite of it, the fruit bursting in my mouth. That's when Bucky appeared.
"Now that's what I like to see!" He cheered, holding three glasses in his hands. I sat on my knees, clapping at his arrival. I poured the champagne as Bucky passed the glasses between us.
The picnic lunch went well. Steve and Bucky both bantered with each other while doting on me. One fed me grapes while the other fed me strawberries. Of I didn't know any better, I would say I felt like a princess rather than a prisoner.
In reality, it was a battle of egos. Steve 'knows' he's my favorite and is trying to undermine Bucky. Meanwhile Bucky is trying to maintain his control over the situation.
After we ate, we threw our trash in the basket and made our way back to the house. As we settled in front of the TV Bucky threw an arm over my shoulder as Steve excused himself to the bathroom.
"Hey," Bucky whispered, "has he been behaving himself?"
I gave him a soft smile.
"Most definitely," I giggled, "Just Stevie being Stevie, y'know."
His lips formed a tight line at this.
"Okay." He kissed my forehead.
His unease made my stomach churn. I need him more trusting for this to work. Trust in both me and Steve.
"Would you stop calling him that?" My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Stevie?" I asked, he nodded. "I've always called him that."
"I know, but just for now, can you stop?" He's insecure. That's what this is.
"For you, anything," I whispered and kissed his cheek.
It turns out I have him right where I want him.
