Shadows of Trust || A Bucky Barnes Love Story

Chapter 14 - Paws and Claws

A week later, Diana settled into the cozy atmosphere of their new beach house, the salty air flowing in through the open windows. She pulled up her sister Serena's contact on her phone for a video call, excitement bubbling within her. Just a few feet away, Bucky was working out on the porch, his shirt clinging to his muscular frame, the sunlight catching the contours of his body. Diana couldn't resist turning the camera to show him off.

"Look who's working hard," she said with a playful grin, switching to the back camera.

Serena's eyes widened as she whistled, her voice teasing through the speaker. "Damn, Diana, you really hit the jackpot! Look at him!"

Diana laughed, her heart swelling with joy at the playful exchange. Just as she turned the camera back to herself, a loud crash echoed from the compound. Serena squinted her eyes, her expression turning serious. "What was that?"

"Steve?" she yelled out, and Diana could hear a faint laugh in the background.

Serena quickly shifted the camera back, revealing a scene of delightful chaos. Steve was chasing after a small, fluffy kitten, which was darting around the living room, creating a delightful mess. Sam was sprawled out on the floor, drumming his fingers as he attempted to calm the tiny creature, while Tony, of all people, was diligently mopping up the water that the kitten had knocked over.

Diana burst out laughing at the sight. "Is that Tony Stark with a mop? What is the world coming to?"

Bucky, intrigued by the commotion, wandered over to Diana on the swing sofa, leaning in to see the screen. "What's happening over there?"

"Just typical Avengers business," Diana chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Serena's new kitten is wreaking havoc."

"Is that a welcome gift?" Bucky asked, his lips curving into a playful smirk as he wrapped an arm around Diana's shoulders.

"Yep! Just look at Steve," Serena said, shifting the camera to show him desperately trying to catch the kitten before it clawed its way up his arm. "I think he's got his hands full!"

As if on cue, Bucky reached over to the side, and a soft bark filled the air. He picked up a small puppy, cradling it in his arms as he joined Diana on the swing. "And we've got a little one of our own here," he said, grinning as he held the pup up to the camera.

Serena squealed, her eyes lighting up. "Oh my gosh, that's adorable! Where did you get it?"

"We decided to practice being parents a little early," Bucky explained, glancing over at Diana with a teasing smile. "You know, since Diana's pregnant and all."

Diana's cheeks flushed at the mention of her pregnancy, and she shot Bucky a playful glare. "You're not helping me with my cravings, you know."

"Cravings? Are you sure it's just one baby?" Serena asked, raising an eyebrow as she exchanged glances with Steve, who was half-laughing while wrangling the kitten. "What if you have twins?"

Diana thought for a moment, recalling her family's history of twins and her own unusual behavior lately. "Well, it's definitely possible. The Valentine bloodline has a tendency for surprises," she admitted, a thoughtful look crossing her face.

"See? Twins are in the cards!" Bucky exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over as he leaned closer to Diana. He coaxed her, and with a gentle pull, she shifted to half-lay on him, their lips meeting in a flurry of sweet kisses.

While Serena glanced at Steve, who was still trying to wrangle the kitten, she felt a sudden surge of boldness. "You know what?" she said, smirking. "I think this is the perfect time to end this call." Without another word, she leaned in and pressed her lips against Steve's, surprising him completely.

As the screen faded to black, Bucky's eyes lit up with mischief. "Now, that's a move I can get behind."

With a playful grin, he scooped Diana up in his arms, cradling her against him as he peppered her cheeks with kisses. "I think I'm in need of some attention from my girl," he said, the puppy following closely behind them with curious eyes, as if it sensed the energy in the room.

"James!" Diana giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her back inside the house. "What are you up to?"

Bucky laid her down gently on the bed, his eyes darkening with affection. "Just making sure I get enough of you," he murmured, lowering himself beside her. He continued to shower her with kisses, his lips moving from her cheeks to her forehead and back to her lips, each kiss igniting a spark between them.

Diana melted into his embrace, hugging his waist tightly as she kissed him back, feeling his warmth radiate against her. She could lose herself in these moments forever, the world outside fading away as they found their own little paradise within each other.

"I could get used to this," she whispered between kisses, feeling completely at home in Bucky's arms.

"Same here, doll," he murmured against her lips, completely content to savor this blissful moment, the puppy happily wagging its tail beside them, as if it understood just how special this time was for its new family.