An unconventional trio

Is this what you want?

Bucky's POV:

"You can leave now," I say firmly, my gaze still on Loki. The room is tense, the air thick with unspoken words and raw emotion. I can see Loki's reaction, a subtle shift in his demeanor as he licks his lips, a grin beginning to tug at them.

"Do I need to show you out?" I ask curtly, not breaking eye contact.

Loki's grin widens, an unsettling amusement dancing in his eyes. "No, Barnes. I can find my way out. But thank you...for the show," he replies, his eyes flicking to look at Nova one last time before he makes his way out of the room and through the door to the hallway.

My breath is still shaky, my pulse echoing in my ears. The rage that had been boiling inside me is now beginning to settle. I close my eyes, swallowing hard, trying to steady myself.

I hear the faintest little sound come from my bed, a soft rustle. Opening my eyes, I look over to see Nova, cuddling up in the blanket, a sleepy smile on her face. Her presence, so peaceful and innocent, brings a sudden calm over me. The storm inside me begins to quiet, replaced by a deep sense of relief and protection.

I head to the bathroom, immediately beginning to fill the bathtub. The sound of the water rushing into the tub is soothing, a brief escape from the tension that still lingers. I pull out two towels, a few washcloths, and the bag of Epsom salt, placing everything neatly on the counter. I add the salt to the bath, watching as it dissolves and swirls into the water. Placing the bag back under the sink, I finish filling the tub, testing the water with my hand before shutting off the faucet.

Satisfied, I make my way back to the bed. Nova's sleepy little face looks so content, her soft breaths steady and calming. I can't help but smile as I gently lay down beside her, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

"I ran us a bath," I whisper, my voice low and tender. A grin tugs at her lips, her eyes fluttering open as she starts to snuggle into me, pulling me closer. I wrap my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her face nuzzling into my neck.

"C'mon, beautiful. Bath and then we can go to sleep, okay?" I whisper, glancing down at her. She holds my gaze, her eyes filled with so much....affection. Slowly, she leans in and places her lips to mine. Her kiss is gentle, soft, but filled with so much emotion that it makes my heart swell.

When she breaks the kiss, I scoop her up in my arms and carry her to the bathroom, gently setting her down to stand. I completely undress, the cool air a brief contrast to the warmth we shared, and step into the tub. The hot water engulfs me, a welcome relief. Reaching out my hand to her, I watch as she removes the blanket wrapped around her, then takes my hand and steps in with me.

We both sit, her back settling against my chest, fitting perfectly as if she belongs there. I wrap my arms around her, the warmth of the water and the closeness of her body creating a cocoon of safety and peace. For a moment, the world outside fades away, leaving just the two of us, together in this shared, quiet intimacy.

We sit in the warmth, the water lapping gently around us. I press my lips to her neck, trailing kisses over her shoulder. My hand finds hers, and I bring it to my lips, kissing each of her fingers tenderly. She adjusts slightly, trying to get comfortable, but lets out the faintest hiss of discomfort.

"What's wrong?" I ask immediately, concern lacing my voice.

"Just...sore," she says with a little giggle.

The guilt crashes down around me like a tidal wave. *Oh no... what did I... what did I do?* I think, panic rising in my chest. "Why did I do that?," I whisper, more to myself than to her.

"Hmm?" she hums, turning her head slightly to look at me.

"Nova... I'm... I'm so sorry," I begin to panic, my words tumbling out in a rushed, jumbled mess. She turns fully to face me, her brow furrowed in confusion.