
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/5695582.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Choose_Not_To_Use_Archive_Warnings, No_Archive_Warnings_Apply, Rape/Non-
      Con, Underage
  Category:
      F/M, Gen, Other
  Fandom:
      Marvel_Cinematic_Universe, The_Avengers_(Marvel_Movies), Captain_America_
      (Movies), Thor_(Movies), Iron_Man_(Movies)
  Relationship:
      James_"Bucky"_Barnes/Darcy_Lewis
  Character:
      James_"Bucky"_Barnes, Darcy_Lewis, Steve_Rogers, Natasha_Romanov, Tony
      Stark, Pepper_Potts, Jane_Foster_(Marvel), Thor_(Marvel), Nick_Fury,
      Maria_Hill
  Additional Tags:
      MMA_-_Avengers, underground_fighting, AU, a_little_ooc, Drug_Use,
      Stockholm_Syndrome, Explicit_Sexual_Content, Unresolved_Sexual_Tension
  Stats:
      Published: 2016-01-11 Completed: 2016-09-09 Chapters: 11/11 Words: 15948
****** The Soldier ******
by LadyAztec
Summary
     SHIELD Gym is an up and coming promotion and gym.
     Jane is dating Thor "The Asgardian" Odinson.
     Jane drags Darcy to event where she sees "The Soldier" James Barnes
     HYDRA Gym and Promotions isn't going to give up their "Asset" so
     easily.
     Darcy's learning something family isn't all that cracked up to be.
Notes
     Obviously I don't own any major characters, only the not recognizable
     ones
See the end of the work for more notes
***** Chapter 1 *****
Darcy knew what she was getting into when she signed up. She just never
considered it would come to this.
James “The Soldier” Barnes was an enigma in the underground fight circuit.
Undefeated.
Was. Darcy. Was undefeated. Because of you.
She shook her head, forcing those thoughts from her mind. It wouldn’t do any
good for them now. Not with James lying in a hospital bed, tubes coming from
his nose.
How did this happen to us?
~
“Jane, please I don’t want to go.” Darcy pleaded with her roommate who was
forcing her into the shower. Jane was begging her to be her escort to watch her
new beau compete. While she was studying for her degree she’d met and fallen in
hopeless love with Thor “The Asgardian” Odinson, an up and coming mixed martial
arts fighter who competed on New York’s underground circuit. Apparently they
paid well, Jane was wearing an entire new outfit, a sleeveless jacket with
“Asgardian Princess” on the back in blue letters that matched Thor’s signature
fight shorts. Darcy’s seen them plenty of times on the floor when she’d come
back from a late studying session at the library. Darcy and Jane were so
different but so similar, the two had hit it off the first day of orientation.
“C’mon, Thor loves when you come watch! We’re celebrating the start of the
season with the team afterward!” Jane fit in beautifully on Thor’s arm. Her
petite frame and brilliant mind compliment his muscular body and granted,
selective brain. Thor was smart, but he lacked common sense occasionally. Jane
made up for him in spades.
Truth be told, Thor was like Darcy’s big brother. She loved and hated that
fact. Love it because hello top shelf space! Hated it because now she was
hardly every approached by other guys. Her dating life had taken a nose dive.
Not that Darcy necessarily minded, especially when finals came around.
“You know I don’t really fit in with the team.” Darcy tried again even as she
striped down and got in the shower. The “team” was what was known as The
Avengers, straight out of Shield Gym under the direction and coaching of Nick
“Director” Fury. There were many fighters but some played dual roles. Tony
“Iron Man” Stark as worked as promotions and innovations. “The Captain” Steve
Rogers, was head of the fight team and team strategist. Natasha “Widow”
Romanoff was the top of the underground women’s division. Though she rarely
competed, she spent more time gathering intel on potential opponents for her
teammates, only competing when she felt like it. Thor of course was a talented
fighter and team muscle if potential opponents tried anything outside of the
ring.
“I don’t know why you think that, everyone loves you. Except Nick, but that’s
probably because of your baking skills. Ruining a fighter’s diet and all.” Jane
was styling her hair up to make sure everyone could see the writing on her
jacket. Her fitted skinny jeans were joined by simple flats and a white tank
top. Darcy envied Jane who could pull off any outfit without a crane to support
her ample chest.
“Because it’s weird. You and Thor are great, Nick can’t stand me, Steve doesn’t
pay much mind to anyone except Nat or Tony and the later only because he annoys
him, and Tony just cracks joke at my expense!” Darcy put on a big bravado but
she had pretty low self-esteem. She quickly dressed in high waist jeans, a cute
red baby doll top and some black flats. She brushed and blew her hair out to be
ready in time, her make-up was quick as well, mascara, lipstick, and just a
touch of concealer to her pretty average face.
“Fine but at least sit with me until Thor’s fight is over. Natasha doesn’t talk
to me like you do. She’s too busy scoping out the next opponent.”
~
James “Bucky” Barnes, AKA “The Soldier” let his best friend tape up his hands.
Shield Gym was negotiating his switch from Hydra Gym to Shield after Steve
found him fighting in a broken down backyard under their direction. Hydra only
cared about you if produced results and made sure their membership numbers were
up. James was good at that. At the mindless fighting because it made the hurt
go away.
Steve got separated from him after they fought together in the war. No one had
news on the other and they both assumed the other was dead. Another causality
in a cruel world. Without Steve he had no family, the Army didn’t care much for
him after he lost his arm. Though he was lucky to be the candidate for a Stark
Prosthetic, the skin cover so seamless it was like he’d never lost his arm at
all. He checked with them once in a while, when they wanted to tinker around or
give him updates.
He looked up at Steve smiling. They would fight together again, and this time,
it wouldn’t have to stop because of separation. Steve fought to break his
contract with Hydra and thanks to Tony, who James recently found out was a
Stark, he was free to sign with Shield. Tonight was the first night he’d be
fighting for them. While everyone in the underground knew his record was
undefeated this would be his first fight under a new promotion.
“Ladies and gentlemen! For the first time! Please welcome James “The Soldier”
Barnes!” Darcy’s head snapped up from her phone, she’d been absently reading
her next assignment while waiting for Thor’s fight as co-main event, when she
heard the new comer Jane elbowed her in the ribs.
The most handsome man stalked towards the stage, his head down under a silver
shirt and black and red fight shorts. He acted as if he didn’t hear the
screaming and cheering of the crowd. He looked around crowd only as a quick
glance. His eyes met hers and she lost her breath.
***** Chapter Two *****
Chapter Notes
     Sorry there's not plot line yet or a schedule but i'm doing my best
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter Two
Darcy watched in amazement as the man systematically took apart his opponent.
His movements fluid and gracefully even as they landed brutal and solid blows.
Even Jane was in shock. Darcy would have thought Jane would have been use to
the violence seeing as Thor was known for his knock out power. Natasha raised a
single eyebrow but said nothing still surveying the crowd.
“I have to go Jane. I’ll see you at home.” She knew her excuse would fall on
deaf ears but the slight tilt of Natasha’s head let her knew that she’d been
heard. She didn’t mind if Jane thought she was running from the violence. It
was better than her knowing she was running from that intense stare. Those
eyes. Darcy quickly shook her head. It was dangerous to get involved with these
fighters. Not all of them were Thor or even Steve; who wore their hearts on
their sleeves. Darcy may have been a bookworm but she’d heard everyone talk.
Some fighters were extremely dangerous.
~
James wasn’t sure why he’d fixated on the brunette currently running out of the
arena. He wanted to follow her but the team prevented him from seeing where she
was going. The fight didn’t last long and it was probably one of his better
times. The guy had been sloppy and transparent. No skill to defend the blows
James threw. Hell James didn’t even break a sweat. The announcer called him
winner and James stalked out of the cage, disregarding the crowd cheering.
“You certainly got the female vote.” A soft voice spoke behind him as he undid
the wraps and tape.
“Natasha.” He said with mild distain. Steve may vouch for her but James didn’t
put much stock in the redhead. He used to fight with her, train with her, she
only ever looked out for herself.
“Seriously, Jane’s little friend flittered away just as you were knocking that
guy out.” He pretended not to notice the drop of information. It was one of
Nat’s specialties. It’s how she gathered information for combat.
“I didn’t notice anyone. It’s called focus.” He kicked off his fight shorts and
grabbed a towel making a bee line for showers. Natasha had no filter or modesty
she didn’t care if she was invading your space for James never let her see him
sweat. As he predicted she followed.
“I asked around, Thor’s adopted her as sister apparently. He watches out for
them both on campus.” He shook his head behind the curtain where Nat couldn’t
see him or his expressions. That meant she was young, all the more reason to
stay away from her. He wasn’t even sure why he was fixated on her. He literally
had only seen her for a few minutes at a distance. It made no sense to wanting
to see her again. She was one of a million faces he saw in the cage.
“Natasha why should I care about some girl?” He got down to the point of her
little game. Because that’s what it was to Natasha, a game. He wasn’t going to
play, he’d been a pawn before and he wouldn’t do it again.
“Alright.” She replied, her footsteps echoing as she left the showers. Finally.
James cleaned up and the water trail down his body until it ran cold.
“Bucky?” Steve’s voice penetrated the silence. “You in here?” James grabbed his
towel and slung it around his waist and exited the showers.
“Yea, just getting dressed.” Steve’s face showed relief and then regret. He
shuffled his feet. James raised his eyebrow. “What’s up?”
“Oh, uh the team is going out to celebrate and I know you’re still getting
adjusted…did you wanna go?” James wasn’t in any mood to drink or party,
especially since he was still getting coming back from the control HYDRA had
over him.
“Nah, you go though, I’ll see you at home.” Steve left and James through on his
clothes had headed out to the brisk walk home.
~
Darcy found herself in a coffee shop/book store on her walk home, she’d let
time slip away and it was already late when she’d left the arena. Most people
had already gone home and the sidewalks were devoid of any human activity. She
debated on calling a cab but she was tight this month, one of her professors
had added a last minute textbook and she’d had to overnight it to get her
homework done in time. She tapped the pocket of her bag and realized her taser
was missing. Of course, she’d assumed she’d be with Jane and Thor all night,
why would she need the taser?
“Well Darcy that was stupid of you.” She gripped her sweater and began her trek
to her shared apartment.
At first she didn’t notice, the extra set of steps following her. But now they
weren’t trying to be quiet anymore. She didn’t even realize she’d taken the
wrong alleyway to cut through. She picked up her pace. It was two sets now. She
recalled all the training Thor insisted on, basic self-defense he said. She
remembered watching Sandra Bullock in Mrs. Congeniality and how to SING. But as
she broke into a run, her mind was focused on her breathing and not exhausting
all her energy.
The catcalls started and Darcy felt the tears well up her eyes. She wasn’t
stupid, she wasn’t some static but yet her she was.
“Where you running to baby?”
“Just a little fun.”
Just as Darcy was rounding a corner she felt the tug on her sweater, she let
out a blood curding scream before a hand slammed down over her mouth.
~
James heard the scream just as he’d rounded the corner. Sometimes he liked to
get lost in New York it was like coming home and seeing things that never
changed. His heart raced and he sprinted down the alley where he’d seen the
silhouettes go. He could still the struggle. The men were cursing, the woman
they grabbed was putting up a hell of fight. One man screamed and the other
cried and James could have sworn he heard the tell-tale sound of bones
breaking. He raced around the corner and nearly missed one man as he speared
into him, yanking him away from the lady and a quick throw of his fist knocked
him out. He turned back to see the lady slam down her the heel of her foot on
the other man’s toes, making him jerk away from her. James quickly grabbed her
shoving her behind him while he faced the man.
“We’re walking out here, you wanna stop us? You’ll end up like your buddy over
there.” The man was about to advance but suddenly backed away, yanking his
friend up and stumbling down the alley. James furrowed his brows, until he saw
the skin cover was peeling back from his dive exposing the metal underneath. He
quickly shoved down his sleeves but it was too late. She’d seen it.
Darcy was shaking, leaning against the old brick wall of the building while her
savior dispatched her assailant. She saw the gleam reflection off the
moonlight, she also saw him yank down his sleeve when he realized. She didn’t
care if he had warts under his hoodie the man just saved her life. She wasn’t
about to be a bitch about it.
She couldn’t really make out his face, he stood in the shadows and she was
bathed in moonlight. Tentatively she took a step forward. Her hand outstretched
for his. He hesitated but Darcy was not one to back down, despite just being
attacked she recovered quickly. It wasn’t easy growing up in Texas, especially
with boys who couldn’t take no for an answer.
“Can you come into the light? I’d like to thank you…you know for saving my
life.” He took a step than another until his body was just a foot or two from
hers. His face still under his hoodie. She slowly reached up, pushing the sides
back, her eye catching his slight twitch.
When she realized who was under than hoodie she gasped. What were the odds of
the man who had systematically destroyed someone in the cage, be her rescuer?
Someone from SHIELD, someone who would tell Thor… She jumped back as if she’d
been burned.
“You…You’re from SHIELD.” Her eyes never left his.
“I’m new. Didn’t think I’d be saving damsels in distress though. Are you
alright?” James refused to let her know he’d recognized her. Refused to let her
know she’d had an effect on him. Her surprise at him was nothing compared to
his at who he was rescuing. Could it be fate? First at the arena then here? Was
it all a coincidence or destiny? Steve said things happened for a reason.
“I’ll walk you back, either to the police station or your apartment, don’t care
witch.” He picked up his back that he’d thrown half way down the alley followed
by her discarded purse. She squeaked and caught up with him.
“I didn’t get a good look at their faces, did you?” He shook his head. He
wished he had, but he was focused on getting Darcy away from them to catch any
details.
“Unfortunately no. Your apartment then?” She nodded.
“Yeah, without a good look police can’t really do anything, probably gang
bangers. I just lost track of where I was going. How stupid.” He nudged her
with his arm.
“Not stupid, it has happened to locals too. All these street look alike once
night hits.” Darcy stuck a little closer to James. Unaware of the pull that
made her slip her arm through his. She just felt safe. It was just the effects
of being attacked and the saved. She directed James to her apartment address.
They wandered the streets in silence until they stood outside her building. The
lights were off a sure sign Jane was staying at Thor’s place for the night,
enjoying a victory he surely must have gotten. Jane was usually home sulking if
Thor lost. She’d spent more than one evening eating ice cream and watching
girly movies until Thor had finished berating himself and swept Jane off to
“reinvigorate him”. Thor loved to tell Jane she was his source of power, that
she made him a better man and fighter. It was definitely a smooth line. It had
Jane hook line and sinker. Darcy didn’t mind though, Thor was confident in his
feelings, Thor made no secret that he thought Jane hung the stars. Darcy could
only wish for a love like that.
“This is me.” She said, detaching herself from James’s arm. He handed her, her
purse and she couldn’t be sure but his fingers lingered on her strap.
“Stay safe.” He said gruffly. He waited like a sentry until she was up the
steps to the door. Don’t ask her what made her ask, she wasn’t even sure it was
her until she heard her own voice asking but she couldn’t take the words back
once they were out.
“Would you stay? Just for a little while?” He heart pounded in her chest, what
was she doing?
He stared at her for a minute, his mind furiously rejecting the idea but his
mouth refusing to listen.
“Sure for a bit.”
Chapter End Notes
     So I hope this is starting to make sense...if not. It will soon, I
     hope.
***** Chapter Three *****
Chapter Summary
     Darcy and James have a heart to heart. Sort of.
Chapter Notes
     So sorry it's taken me almost two months! I've had some writer's
     block and i'm also trying to write Nanny Potts. Which is a lot harder
     than it sounds!
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter Three
Once her door shut and James’s presence filled their small apartment she forgot
how to act. She stumbled around his larger body and awkwardly made her way to
the kitchen.
“Do you want something to drink? I think after that; I need a good cup of tea.”
He caught her eye and nodded shortly. She waved at the living room.
“Make yourself at home, door on the left is the bathroom, directly across is my
room and Jane and her private bathroom are down the hall. I do not need see
Thor bright and early in the morning.” Darcy busied herself as she broke out
her grandmother’s antique silver tea set. (That she kept in pristine
condition.) She rarely had an opportunity to use it and why not now? Darcy
loved the eras gone by. The 40’s were her favorite as far as fashion went.
While it wasn’t practical for school or work on the rare occasion she had a
date she dressed to impress. Though it rarely went past a first date.
She set the tea tray down on the coffee table and picked up the remote and her
tea cup. Kicking off her shoes she sat opposite of James. He was taking
inventory of the place, she watched as his eyes scanned everything and then as
he took his cup.
“You’re so young.” He remarked. Darcy stilled, tilting her head at him. He
brushed his fingers over the photo of her, Jane and Thor when they’d first met.

“Not really.” She remarked. She’d seen many things in her short life, horrible
things that she kept locked away. His gaze landed on her.
She looked tiny in the oversized seat, all pillows and blankets, it was
obviously her seat of choice she’d made it hers and it looked like she spent
more than one night asleep on the chair. The little emotion that had leaked out
of her voice displayed wounds that hadn’t healed.
“I was in the army before…” He started, he sat down picking up the delicate
cup. “Steve was my best growing up we did everything together, but when we
enlisted, it was different. He didn’t need me anymore.” He stopped himself. He
wasn’t a talker and certainly not about his time in the army, and not about
Steve. The wounds were still raw and he was like a dangerous animal when he was
wounded. Darcy was just a sip of a girl, with too old eyes. James had heard
bits and pieces of information about Darcy mostly from the team.
The silence fell over them.
“I was a freshman.” Her voice broken the stillness, “My mom and me were hardly
ever on the same page but it went all downhill my freshman year of high
school.” Darcy’s eyes landed on the petite cup in James’s hands, looking so
small and breakable yet Darcy saw the hidden strength the way he could break
it, but chose not to.
“We got separated, we both thought the other was dead.” The warm liquid relaxed
him, Darcy, by all his talk should be the last person he was opening up to. Not
even Steve had heard the whole story, James was sure Steve had pieced it
together by now though. It seemed like his life was public property. Darcy
didn’t know him from Adam, she still had the air of innocence about her.
“She had a boyfriend…he got drunk.”
“Was taken by the enemy, lost my arm.”
“She didn’t believe me. She’s still with him.”
“Lost my memory for a while, Steve found me under Hydra.”
“I buried the memories so I wouldn’t have to face them.”
“I beat the memories out so I wouldn’t have to face them.”
They each seemed to forget the other was there while their stories fell from
the lips, like a truth serum the tea released the anxiety that built up inside
them.
Darcy broke out some homemade cookies she’d planned on eating during her study
session, instead cranking up Netflix and passed a fresh cup of milk to James.
“Let’s just enjoy the night before we go back to reality tomorrow.” The words
they spoken still hung in the air but James didn’t mind the girl’s closeness or
even the funny children’s movie she selected. He’d missed some of the recent
Disney movies and he was glad he’d met someone who shared his enjoyment.
“It’s a Stark Prosthetic, the skin cover is almost seamless. Tony beams
whenever he sees me in gym because it’s something he pushed for against his
father’s wishes. It’s highly technically in the way it was designed, they told
me it’ll get stronger as I work it out. So it’s not a super arm or an unfair
advantage in the ring. I’ve been tested and put through the ringer with the
mixed martial arts committee. SHIELD keeps copies of all the reports when we
travel because each state has their own commission. Though the big one is the
Nevada Commission so when I passed theirs it was a relief.”
It was probably the most he’d said in a long time but Darcy made the words come
easy and it didn’t feel like he was being judged or psychoanalyzed. She just
sat there sipping her tea, her jeans clad legs tucked underneath her,
listening. He didn’t know the first thing about Darcy Lewis but in that moment
it didn’t matter. They were just two people who found a safe place in each
other, consequences be damned.
Darcy shuffled out of her seat and planted herself next to him. So close the
scent of her sunshine shampoo assaulted his senses. Her teacup set down she ran
her fingers over his left arm, eyes wide at the way it was almost flawless. He
registered her touch but kept his body still, no one touched the are except
techs and of course training but the team knew he was against touching. As
quickly as her touch appeared it was gone, Darcy grabbed the remote and flipped
through the movies on Netflix before deciding on an 80’s fantasy movie.
“I’ve always loved this movie, the antagonist appears to be a bad guy, and yeah
he’s got a really twisted way of woo his lady love but I think his heart is the
right place. I’ve spent many a night writing up a way they could do a sequel.”
James laughed a little and when she laid her head against his shoulder, sleep
finally taking over, he maneuvered to the large nest of a chair tucking her
under a throw blanket. He did actually finish the movie and if anyone asked
whether or not he like David Bowie as an actor he’d deny it. But as he shuffled
into his boots and set the tea set back in the kitchen, he knew he’d discovered
a new love of cheesy movies with would be heroes in them.
~
Darcy woke up with a sore neck from her night in her chair. She briefly
wondered if James had stayed after she fell asleep but the tidy way her couch
and kitchen looked and obvious lack of male presence she knew he hadn’t. No
matter. Darcy was glad for the company and if she made a new friend so be it.
James “The Solider” Barnes didn’t seem like he had many in the way of close
friends and after Darcy made it passed his guff exterior he wasn’t as
terrifying as he seemed.
Jane wasn’t home yet and if the sun was anything to go by it wasn’t too late in
the morning so Jane and Thor were probably still in the throes of victories
love making. Darcy made her way to her bedroom opting for a quick shower then
head off to the library to waste her day studying like a normal college
student. Her mind wandered to her night with James, he’s been different that
much she knew. Thor hadn’t given her the run down yet and he probably would as
he did when she first became the team’s unofficial supplier of baked goods.
Probably best not to mention the alley way attack or James staying most of the
night.
The warm water washed all the worry and stress from her body and as she was
washing her hair she heard the tell-tale sign of the front door opening.
Jane must be home. But she didn’t hear her call out for her. Maybe she was just
tired from her night out. Darcy quickly finished up her shower and took a
tentative peak out of bathroom door. It wasn’t Jane because the soon to be
scientist couldn’t be quiet to save her life. She quickly ducked back into her
room and dressed, dashing out to meet the threat head on. What she found
shocked her.
James was placing a bag and a hot coffee cup on the counter. He hadn’t seen her
yet but she saw him scribble out a note and leave it next to the breakfast
goodies. He stood and made his way back to the door, this time locking the
bottom lock as he walked out the door with a soft click. Darcy dashed to the
kitchen, scrambling up the note.
Darcy,
Thanks for the evening and movie. I have a new secret that I can never tell
anyone. Here’s breakfast.
See ya around,
James Barnes
She peaked into the bag and there were two fresh croissants sandwiches that
smelled amazing and Darcy knew they had to be from the organic bakery around
the corner. The two girls there who ran it knew Darcy by name. Max and Caroline
were super sweet and always had treats for her when she mentioned she was going
to delivery goodies to the team. Darcy was sure Caroline was star struck while
Max played indifferent when Thor and Jane would accompany her.
“Darcy! I’m home!” Jane’s voice echo from the door and Darcy quickly tucked the
note into her jeans.
“Hey I’m in here!” She pulled out the croissants and handed one to Jane who had
a fresh sex glow walking on cloud nine.
“Yum! I’m starved!” Jane poured herself a glass of milk and hoped up on a bar
stool. Darcy munched on hers while telling Jane she was heading for the library
for the day.
“Don’t study too hard! I’ll meet you there later. I’m going to help Natasha get
ready for a celebratory cook out for James. They’re celebrating his first win
with Shield. It’s tomorrow you wanna come?” Darcy shrugged by nodded.
“Sure sounds fun. Now boss lady, tell Thor I said hi and the team that I’ll
bring the goodies! I have studying to do.”
Darcy scratched her head and she re-read the note as she packed her backpack.
Deciding she’d just take it one day at a time. She still didn’t know much at
James and they could be friends.
Right?
Chapter End Notes
     Comments are lovely reminders you care!
     So I know it was a little out there for James to bring back breakfast
     but I wanted to establish their budding relationship.
     James use to take care of Steve that includes making sure he was fed.
     He considers Darcy his new friend thus she gets cared for.
***** Chapter Four *****
Chapter Summary
     A little bit of fast forwarding.
Chapter Notes
     So I really hated the flow of this chapter. I couldn't pin down a
     timeframe/ my mind was scattered.
     There's a couple of time jumps but I think it works out.
     Also! I'm sorry it was really late when I posted chapter 3 and I
     didn't update the warning or note the possible trigger.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter Four
It had started out simple. Darcy didn’t even know when everything changed. It’d
been months since she first met James “The Solider” Barnes, the newest
undefeated MMA fighter of SHIELD Gym. They’re friendship budded since the night
James saved her in the alleyway and subsequently developed a love for the David
Bowie’s Labyrinth. She joined Jane and Thor at James’s victory party and while
she did have a final to study for Darcy let herself have fun and enjoy the
festivities.
Tony, as per usual, had outdone himself with the party designs, Pepper Potts,
in Darcy’s humble opinion, was saint for doing the job for Tony. Pepper was the
woman behind the man, flawlessly executing anything Tony’s crazy mind could
come up with. When Howard and Tony butted heads, Pepper and Maria swooped into
smooth things over. Pepper looked so laid back from the usually pants suits
Darcy was used to seeing her in. A red and gold T-shirt and cut off shorts with
some strappy sandals happily hanging on Tony’s arm as they conversed with
Steve.
Steve’s new beau, Sam was hanging out with Clint by the drinks. Clint was a
former fighter for SHIELD, he’d recruited Natasha who in turn recruited
everyone else. He made enough money from putting SHIELD on the map that he
retired young, married his sweetheart and had a few kids. They were running
around while Laura was chatting with Helen, the athletic trainer on staff.
The party was very much underway when Darcy finally ran into James again, he
was relaxing not really partying or mingling but there and somewhat engaged.
“You look lonesome,” Darcy handed James a glass of lemonade, sitting down next
to him.
“Didn’t know you’d be here.” He didn’t let the smile show but he was happy to
see her. He didn’t think it’d be this soon but nonetheless.
“Yea, tagged along with Jane and Thor. So…I got your note. Thanks for
breakfast.” She had a faint color on her cheeks but James ignored it. He still
wasn’t sure he should be involved with anyone. But friends. He could do
friends.
~
When he got back this morning Steve had wondered out of his bedroom wearing
just boxers, hair tousled, with a distinct discoloration on his collarbone.
“Fun night?” Steve stumbled and hit his shin on the coffee table on his way to
the kitchen.
“Shit, sorry…oh Bucky. You just getting in?” James nodded but deflected the
soon to be interrogation.
“Yea, wondered around a bit. Nothing to worry about. Breakfast?” James tossed
the paper bags on the counter and went to start the coffee pot. Steve still
took it black like he did when they were stationed together.
“Sam’s just getting up, we’re gonna hit the gym get it ready for the party
today.” Ah yes, the party they were throwing to celebrate his first win under
SHIELD. It’d thrown James for a loop when Steve introduced him to Sam. He
remembered Steve falling over himself for one of the visiting officers, Peggy
Carter. Steve informed while he and Peggy were friends and yes he had been
quite infatuated it was also Peggy who let him discover who he really was. Thus
enter Sam. It was nice to hear that the time James had been missing Peggy took
care of Steve in his stead.
“Yea, I’ll ride along.”
~
The party was a raging success and it was the start of Darcy’s and James’s
friendship. Darcy didn’t need Jane to tag along to gym, she’d show up with
goodies. (All healthy, no sugar, she’s run the recipes by Fury and Helen
first.) or actually took up training herself. It was actually a group effort
and it was usually who ever wasn’t busy. If she wasn’t here she was out. James
would pick her up to go see the latest cheesy movie or the new arcade game. In
fact, Darcy’s grades even picked up, shockingly enough. The balance between
school life and personal took on a whole definition for her. What else changed
was Darcy’s presence on the fight scene. She was a new figure at the fights,
and it definitely was noticed.
Three months after their first introduction, Darcy was in her usually seat with
Jane. Natasha was actually competing tonight so her seat was empty. James had
given Darcy her own jacket to wear, though it wasn’t personalized like Jane’s.
The simple “TEAM SHIELD” on the back let everyone know who she was cheering
for.
Happy, one of Tony’s friends/bodyguard/driver was sitting with them. He was
eagerly chatting about some rumor that New York was going host the Contest of
Champions this year, the Super Bowl of the MMA world. Darcy smiled and nodded
not really concerned about it until a late night strategy meeting when it was
made announced that Hydra wanted James back.
This particular fight night, James was competing against a former teammate, a
member of Hydra named Brock “Crossbones” Rumlow. Darcy was biting her lip as
the match took place. They traded blow for blow, James expertly weaving in and
away as Rumlow threw shot after shot. The first two rounds had been decided one
each, the final third round would decide the victor.
“Relax Darcy, it’ll be okay, Thor and Steve trained him for this don’t-” Jane’s
voice was cut off as Crossbones landed a destructive body shot sending James to
the mat. Steve, Fury and Tony all were screaming, hanging on to the steel cage
wire, as if that along would will James up. He spit the blood out of his mouth
but got back to his feet, his eyes catching Darcy’s.
“You knock his ass OUT JAMES Barnes!” Darcy yelled, never breaking eye contact
even after James refaced on Crossbones.
“Got a pretty little lady huh,” Crossbones hoped on the balls of his feet, his
eyes focused on James’s. “Bet she’d like a piece of the action huh?” James
lunged, his left hook swinging and bringing its destructive force as Crossbones
fell to the mat with loud thud.
James was sent back to his corner while the referee checked on Rumlow. Once it
was clear he wasn’t getting up anytime soon, James was declared the winner.
That night though, when James arrived at Darcy’s apartment he wasn’t the same
man she’d made friends with.
“James?” He shook his head and head straight for the shower. Darcy busied
herself by making their customary tea and cheesy Netflix movie. Before that
fight James hadn’t had contact with his old gym, didn’t spar or fight anyone
from Hydra but since the rumor of tournament Hydra’s been pushing their
fighters into the upper levels of the fight community.
“Hey Doll,” James sat down in his spot on the couch, Darcy handing him a cup
and snuggling into his side.
“You alright tall, dark and brooding.” She’d taken up the fun nicknames when
James started calling her 1940’s endearments after she’d dress up like a pin up
when he took her swing dancing.
“Yes. No.” How could he explain that Rumlow had noticed her without also
relaying that their easy friendship had definitely grown to something more.
Darcy was the first person to see him without knowing his background or history
or directly involved in his life. “’S complicated. Hydra rearing their head
again.”
He said nothing else that night and Darcy was happy to share the silence with
him.
SHIELD and HYRDA began a new feud and the general public was split. The
promoters of course, loved it. While Shield and Hydra weren’t the only two gyms
in the country they definitely had the best fighters. The day the tournament
was announced Darcy was lounging at home since classes were out for the summer
and it was one of the rare days she wasn’t at the gym or out with Jane.
“Breaking news, the Contest of Champions has been confirmed!” Darcy looked up
from her book, and turned up the TV. “It’s also been confirmed that both major
gyms in New York, SHIELD and HYDRA will have fighters competing in the
competition!”
Darcy’s phone started ringing and despite the loud ringtone Darcy just stared
at the TV.
Chapter End Notes
     If it's unclear which probably is. James and Darcy aren't dating yet.
     But they both know it's going there and fast.
     I stole Contest of Champions from the Ulitmate Spiderman TV show the
     finale of season three.
***** Chapter 5 *****
Chapter Summary
     More time jumping. Still not happy with how it came out.
     Trigger warning! There is a brief talk of what happened to Darcy it's
     not detailed or explicit I feel like I glazed over it but just in
     case .
Chapter Notes
     Darcy and James have a long needed talk
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter Five
“James? Oh, hey Steve. Yea, I can talk. Wait what? Is he okay? No, no I’ll be
right there.” Darcy flew to her bedroom and through on the closest clean thing
she could find. Steve calling her wasn’t new, but he sounded up and said she
need to come over straight away. James wasn’t in a good headspace and nothing
Sam or Steve could do would break him out it. He just mumbled about Hydra
wouldn’t let him go a second time.
Darcy wasn’t sure how she didn’t get arrested breaking every traffic law known
to man but she made it to the huge house in just a few minutes. Steve had
designed and built it with his GI bill and Sam contributed whenever Steve felt
like adding or redoing it in some way. The door flew open and Steve was
standing there. Not like she needed the directions to James’s studio apartment.
When Steve first caught wind of him, he’d gone extreme home makeover turning a
tiny tool shed into a spacious studio apartment. Giving James his own space but
still keeping him close because while James had settled into his life and
recovery. Steve still wasn’t okay with himself. Sam helped a lot in that
regard. For Steve to be calling her in….
“James?” Darcy pushed open the front door and found him sitting on the couch
staring at a photo of the whole team in front of the gym.
“Yea Darce?” She tossed her stuff on the counter and slowly made her way to his
side. Sinking down to sit by his feet, laying her head on his knee.
“You know no one would let Hydra take you back.” She said it with such
certainty and conviction. James brushed a hand over her hair.
“I’m not afraid of Hydra Darcy.” She froze, while he ran his fingers through
her hair. “I wasn’t…Steve didn’t hear all of what was bothering me.” Darcy
shook her hair out it’s messy ponytail. Weather she’d admit or not, her hair
was a weak point, and when James played with it she just literally wanted to
curl up in his lap and purr.
“I never talk about my time in Hydra. But…they didn’t allow relationships, the
only wanted results. Relations got in the way. I’m sure Natasha could tell you
more. She wasn’t apart of Hydra but one their associate gyms. Red Room Gym.
That’s her story to tell, we crossed path a couple of times. “love is for
children, love is weakness.” Darcy…I didn’t tell the others but if it’s obvious
to a guy like Rumlow a low level guy then I’m surprised the team hasn’t call us
out either.” Darcy pulled away her hair sliding out James’s fingers. No…no she
shook her head.
“Darcy I’m in love with you.”
She felt James pull her up on the couch but she didn’t quite register what was
going on. James was in love with her? HER? Simple, mousey Darcy?
“You’re in love with me?” She questioned, physically distancing herself him by
dashing to the little kitchen grabbing a class of water. James came up behind
her, his hands on her waist. He’d been doing that more, Darcy wasn’t sure when
the change had happened, when they’d cross the line of personal space and
boundaries. “ME?”
James cocked his head to the side, staring at her while she faced the window.
She really didn’t see him.
“Yea Darcy, I am. That’s why I’m nervous for this tournament. Hydra exploits
weakness. You, Doll, are my strength.”
~
“How do you think it’s going in there?” Sam leaned against the door frame that
overlooked the backyard. Steve at the stove, cooking lunch. It was something
Steve picked up after the army, cooking. After all, as a fighter he had to have
the right amount of energy sources go into his body. His preferred protein was
salmon. Sam was use to going to the store a couple of days a week to get the
freshest ingredients.
“If anyone can get to Bucky it’s Darcy. Those two are thick as thieves since
Bucky’s been back. It’s really good he’s got friends besides us.” Sam cocked
his eyebrow, it was a little sad that his training as a counselor, that he
could so easily pick up on the team dynamics and changes.
“Seriously Steve. “friends”.” Sam shook his head and poured himself a glass of
milk. Apparently Sam was the only one who could see it. Well maybe Natasha
knew, she was ridiculously good at finding out information. She was probably
gathering all the intel she could on this tournament that was just announced.
“What? Am I missing something?” Laughing, Sam wrapped his arms around Steve
laying his head on his back. While he loved Steve, he was clueless. It had
taken Sam months of flirting to finally get to Steve to notice him after they
were introduced when Steve brought Bucky to the VA.
“No love, nothing at all.”
~
“So…we’re gonna do this yea?” Darcy sat across from James at his small dining
table. They ate sandwiches, silly childish yet amazing grilled cheese. James
smirked at her as he bit into the gooey-ness.
“Yea Baby doll, we’re doing this. You make me stronger. Even if this tournament
hadn’t come up, I’ve been trying get you to see me, to see us for a while now.”
Darcy flicked her spoon at him but giggled at the same. She was in a
relationship with James Barnes. The Solider, the fighter that had both
terrified and saved her the night they met. With that came a new set of
challenges.
~
Fighter training camps are intense. Ridiculously intense. Darcy saw the outside
of it every day at the gym, especially when the whole team was in camp, as they
were now. Natasha was using ballet moves to tone and condition her body. Really
the amount of time Natasha could hold one pose was incredible. Clint was in
charge of running drills that day with Nat while Tony, Steve and Bucky sparred.
Thor had been on a private lesson with Fury while Jane was tucked into a
corner/office that had been designed specifically for her while she was in
school. Currently she was using it to create a recipe book. Thank god they
lived together otherwise Darcy would never find out the ropes of dating a
fighter. Jane even managed to find an article about the territory that came
with dating someone in the martial arts world.
“Hey doll, how’s it going?” James wiped a hand towel over his face as he
planted a kiss on her cheek. While James could take out his frustrations and
moods on a bag Darcy didn’t have that luxury. She was currently staring at an
email on her laptop.
“You know, it’s going.” She rubbed her forehead and instantly felt her shoulder
muscles being worked, she would deny it but she moaned blissfully, melting into
his touch. She didn’t realize he was reading her email.
“What is that Darce?” She snapped up and watched as he leaned forward, eyes
scanning the screen.
“Oh…well.” Well shit really. Her mother had contacted her to let her know her
little sister wanted to visit and that her brother would be bringing her up to
New York when he came to see his girlfriend at NYU. Serena Lewis was her half-
sister from her bio-dad. It was actually staggering the amount of half and step
siblings she had but she only claimed a few of them. Her father while absent,
loved her and she always wondered how different life would be like had she
taken his offer to move in when she was a freshman.
“My brother is visiting his girlfriend soon and my younger sister, Serena wants
to visit the colleges up here. They want to catch up while in town.” Serena had
just celebrated her 16th birthday in November. While Darcy loved her sister,
she’d been falling in with the wrong crowd and her father was concerned about
drug abuse. It made for a touchy subject when Serena landed in her mother’s
office at the local drug and alcohol abuse center.
“It’s complicated. My family is really complicated. I still go home for the
holidays I still celebrate with them. I even stopped my mother from leaving him
because he makes her so happy. I know it’s stupid but now that we’re gone she
doesn’t have anyone, and really it was just that one time…so I dealt with it.”
There. It was out. James would see how pathetic she was. It was more
complicated than what she explained. She moved out her senior year and in with
her aunt to finish school. Darcy crossed the country to get away from Texas and
her family. She still loved them though, and while she wouldn’t every forget
what happened. She forgave him and her mother. It was tough, for a while they
didn’t speak but slowly Darcy worked her way through her emotions.
Her stepfather would go through a 24 pack to relieve the stress of his job, and
really it was better he was at home instead of a bar. At least that’s what her
mother said. Normally it wasn’t an issue, Darcy never worried about her safety
not until she woke up cold. She used to sleep in big oversized t-shirts to bed
so she didn’t see the need for shorts or pants. She’d kick off her PJ bottoms
climb into bed and sleep. She was roused from her sleep because her legs were
cold, out of the darkness she made out the figure of her stepfather, standing
her open doorway, the hallway light hiding his face. When he saw her awake he
scrambled away. Darcy only knew for certain that she’d gone to bed with her
door closed and her blankets pulled close.
Darcy shook her head and fought the memories away.
“Anyways, it looks like they’ll arrive close to the mid-tournament.” James
surveyed the way Darcy broached the subject but made it seem like nothing.
Granted it wasn’t as bad as he feared but that was only because it’s all he
knew was what Darcy said. She didn’t speak much about her family in their time
together, her siblings occasionally and one aunt she was really fond of but
nothing else.
“Whatever you want Doll, my break’s over but we’ve only got a couple of rounds
to go. My place or yours for dinner?” Jane had already informed Darcy that Thor
was coming over for a weekend stay so she opted to not be home for that. While
it was widely rumored that athletes should abstain from sex to keep up their
testosterone levels Thor and gym disregarded that myth. If anything when they
got laid they performed at an even higher level. Darcy would know, she helped
Clint and Helen chart it. Even James’s level of performance had increase
despite their lax of a sex life. It wasn’t for lack of trying, and James was a
perfect gentleman when they have overnighters. Darcy absolutely loved that she
fit perfectly in the crook of his arm when the snuggled. It was mutually
decided they would wait until they were both certain of their status and
relationship.
“Let’s go to yours. This is our last weekend before the tournament starts.”
~
The Contest of Champions line up was announced the following Monday morning. It
was a contest of gym verses gym by points until a final match was decided.
Darcy turned up the volume on the TV, it was one of the rare days she was at
home alone.
“From Shield, Thor “The Asgardian” Odinson will battle Hydra’s Carl “Crusher”
Creel, Steve “The Captain” Rogers will face Johann “Red Skull” Schmidt, Natasha
“Widow” Romanoff will face Ophelia “Viper” Sarkissian, Tony “Iron Man” Stark
coming out of retirement will face Justin Hammer and finally James “The
Soldier” Barnes will face Brock “Crossbones” Rumlow. All matches will be scored
by points, the fighter will the most points from each gym will face out in the
final match.”
Chapter End Notes
     I hope I find the flow soon. I'm excited for the upcoming events to
     get underway. This isn't how tournaments actually go in the MMA
     world. They would complete in rounds, whoever wins advances to the
     next round. That would mean that Shield would end up fighting each
     other and that wasn't gonna work.
***** Chapter 6 *****
Chapter Summary
     The first round of the tournament and Darcy's and James's alone is
     cut short.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Chapter Six
The tournament took place over two weekends. 3 bouts the first weekend, 2 bouts
and the championship the last weekend. Darcy was so caught up in helping the
team and James prepare she didn’t notice that her sister and brother never
checked in on the agreed date.
“It’s not like her to just not call. Dad said she’d check in with him since she
arrived.” James rubbed her shoulders, unsure of the protocol to proceed. His
siblings were long gone, off on their own adventures, it was just him and
Stevie now.
“They’ll turn up; she’s obviously still checking in with your dad. She’s not
missing.” Darcy snuggled closer nodding her head. They only had a few hours
before the second weekend of the tournament started. James would be opening up
the night against Brock Rumlow, the same fighter who’d almost got the upper
hand the last time.
“Darce, before I forget, here.” James pulled a white and red flat box from
under his bed. “I got you something,” She sat up, carefully undoing the red
ribbon, opening up the box she found, nestled under white tissue paper a new
jacket, similar to Jane’s, it was gun metal grey with ruby lettering.
“Soldier’s Girl” stood out against the silvery soft material.
“Now everyone will know you’re my girl.”
~
Shield was in the lead by 1 round, Tony, Steve and Thor had all competed.
Steve’s match with the Red Skull had been called a draw by a hair in favor of
Shield. James told her it was because the Red Skull had been a big Hydra agent
that Fury and Steve had to deal with when they negotiated the release of his
Hydra contract. The three round bout had Steve winning round one and Red Skull
winning round two, the final round ended a split decision, ergo, a draw. That
left Steve in the tally by 25 points. Darcy would never forget the way Steve
threw a fake in the first round catching Red Skull behind the ear and rocking
him. She had to stifle her giggle because the blood that had spilled ended up
on the white star of Steve’s shorts and it just didn’t sit right. She made sure
to tell the laundry lady to handle them carefully.
Thor had had an easier time. While it was difficult and Darcy would never get
the sound of Jane’s screaming out her ears, Thor had finally over taken the
win. Darcy was in their sections with James and Natasha, Thor wanted Jane to
walk in with him, and made a big spectacle of carrying her on his shoulder and
getting a good luck kiss. Carl Creel was just as big as Thor and it seemed like
for a good while he was just absorbing the punches Thor threw. Blocking
defending, waring Thor out. But thank god. The Asgardian was far more
intelligent than he looked, when Carl finally opened up to begin his assault,
Thor moved with the speed of lightening and threw a right handed hammer
straight to the Crusher’s chin, knocking him clean out. Both her and Jane
jumped up and down screaming along with the crowd, James watching them in
amusement. That put Thor ahead of Steve by 2 points, his total to 27.
Darcy would say Tony’s match was by far, the most interesting that night. Tony
grappled, using his strategic mind to use Justin’s weight and leverage against
him. Of course Tony being Tony, tried to one up Thor, but since Pepper was just
a hair taller than him, he opted to not carry her out. She did however wear the
most beautiful dressed in his colors of red and gold. It fit like a second skin
and she made sure to give Tony a kiss for luck. While the match started
standing up, Hammer bum rushed Tony that he expertly sidestepped and use the
momentum to Judo toss him to the ground. Hammer scrambled to buck Tony off him,
to get some sort of foothold to get off his back but Tony was too quick,
jumping from side control to full mount. When Hammer shrimped away, turning his
back towards Tony that’s when Tony, ever the opportunist, slinked his right arm
around Hammer’s neck and locked up a rear naked choke. Justin, she’d give him
credit, attempted to buck out but Tony’s hold was just too strong. He tapped
before he could black out, and Darcy was no expert but it was obviously he was
only a few seconds from sleepy town. That match ended in a submission. Tony’s
rear naked choke gained him 28 points.
“Team party anyone?” Clint was smiling as the team clamored back in the locker
rooms. While the boys showered and dressed for the evening Clint and Fury was
busy telling everyone the logistics of where the party would take place.
“I think we’ll pass Clint; we’ll catch up tomorrow to go over strategy.” James
slung is arm around Darcy’s shoulder. She smiled up at him, happy to see him
genuinely happy and the smile on his face wasn’t forced.
“We’ll have our own celebrate yea?” Darcy was glad the locker room wasn’t that
well-lit so James didn’t see the blush that colored her cheeks. she shimmered,
excited by what she was wearing underneath her outfit. She had of course worn
her new jacket, paired with a crimson tank top with high waist jeans that
flattered her shapely curves. While she didn’t plan, per se, to be showing off
her body, she did wear her sexiest lingerie, silky soft lace. You know on the
off chance they celebrated (or lost) with each other.
“I’m on board soldier boy let’s go.”
The drive back to James’s apartment was full of tension, James’s right hand
rubbed little shapes on her knee and thigh. The radio played just enough to
provide noise while the city lights glowed outside the pickup truck. Darcy
remembered when James showed up with the brand new Chevy Reaper, the irony was
not lost on her.
The ring of a cell phone breaks the silence as they pull into the driveway.
“Go on in, I’ll be there in a minute,” James smiled and she hopped down and
disappeared into the house.
“Barnes.” Fury’s voice lacked the celebratory sound that he’d heard before they
left.
“Fury, is something wrong?” He had just locked up the truck and was leaning
against the door.
“Something’s come up. I need you to come back to the gym. The team is on their
way now. Whatever you do, don’t bring Darcy.” The click alerted him that Fury
had hung up, and James banged his on the window. He finally got some alone time
with Darcy, finally in a good place and this happens.
He sent her a text as he jumped back in the truck.
Fury called an emergency meeting. I’ll be back asap. Don’t worry.
He sped out of the driveway, a frown on his face. He was sure it had something
to do with Hydra, they wouldn’t be happy that their top 3 guys had been taken
out so easily. Despite the fact that they put up good fights and their scoring
wasn’t bad. He threw the truck in park outside the gym and stormed inside.
Steve and Tony were talking by the office, Natasha was on her phone, Thor and
Fury were looking at some paper. Clint and Helen were off by the trainer’s
room.
“What’s the situation.” Every head turned to him and Fury nodded his head at a
table that had been set up.
“Do you know who this is?” Fury slide a photo of a dark haired girl, a little
darker skinned than Darcy but the relation was obvious. Her jet dark hair was
tied back in a braid but she was smiling up a man, a man he knew. Crossbones.
“I don’t know her but I think that’s Darcy’s little sister. She’s 16. What is
she doing with Rumlow?” Where was their brother? Shit. This was going to wreck
Darcy if she found out. She hated Hydra for what they did to him.
“They sent us this letter, apparently she traveled here to meet up Rumlow,
they’ve been communicating. Also got a recording, she told her brother she was
going to stay on campus to get the full experience, there is a program she’s
enrolled in, but never showed. She’s been with Hydra and Rumlow. Hydra hasn’t
made any demands or threats just this…notice of where she is.” Fury handed him
the letter and the audio track. Darcy said her sister was involved in drugs
before, that she was good kid just didn’t have the best outlets.
“What do we do?” Steve put a hand on his shoulder and really that said it all.
There wasn’t a damn thing they could do. Serena had left of her own accord and
this was just Hydra’s way of taunting them.
“Nothing we can do. She has to leave with her brother when he goes back right?
She’s checking in with her pops. We’ll play by ear. No one tells Darcy about
this.”
Chapter End Notes
     I didn't go into as much detail as I thought I would. Is this worse
     or better than what people thought would happened?
***** Chapter 7 *****
Chapter Summary
     James and Darcy finally get their alone time together.
     *A good majority of this chapter is sexy times* I'll mark it so you
     can skip if you like.
Chapter Notes
     James's fight, a shocking development and all hell breaks loose
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter Seven
“Are you sure she’s alright? Okay, yea, I’m sure she’s having fun at the
university. Bye dad.” James walked into the apartment with the weight of the
world on his shoulders. Literally, Darcy had swiftly become his whole world and
now that world was in danger, or at least threaten.
“Heya James. Sorry, I was checking on Serena. Dad said she been checking in
daily and that she’s having a blast. Oh well, what was the emergency?” James
hadn’t lied to Darcy before. He shrugged off his jacket and kicked his boots
off by the door. Darcy looked tiny sitting on the couch in knee high socks and
one of his big oversized hoodies. Her hair was in a messy bun and she just
looked so beautiful.
“Nothing, Fury over reacting. You look fucking gorgeous.” He buried his hands
in her hair invading her space quickly. His mouth found the sweet spot of her
neck and he was quick to pull her on to his lap.
“Jam…James…” Darcy’s hands worked their way under his shirt, shoving up his
chest. Honestly she really wanted to inquire why Fury would call an emergency
meeting only for James to say he was over reacting. Though…that wasn’t uncommon
for Fury, the man had a backup plan for everything.
“Darcy Doll,” James picked her up in one fast movement, standing up and
wrapping her legs around his waist. “I think we’re both overdressed.” He nipped
at her ear as he maneuvered them to his bedroom. Over time Darcy claimed part
of the closet and half his drawers, just as he’d claimed the same in her and
Jane’s apartment.
Darcy was glad she hadn’t changed out her silky surprise. She gently unwrapped
herself from James’s arms and motioned for him to sit on the bed. She gave him
a sly smile and slowly shimmered out of the hoodie and tugged off the socks.
While she loved the cold, and both she and James slept in 70-degree AC, her
feet were not a fan, thus the socks.
She pulled the hair tie out her hair and shook it loose, reveling in the look
James was giving her. She hadn’t always been so body positive, but she’d grown
in her time with the team and Jane. Her body while nothing like Natasha or even
Jane, was her own and she loved her curves. James said she had a pin up body,
beautiful hourglass figure but with a fuller figure. Soft and pliant, Darcy
blushed under his gaze but as soon as she crawled on the bed, shedding her
socks as she did, she forgot all about being shy.
“Darcy, Doll, you’re fucking beautiful. A pin-up dream.” James’s hand found her
hips and he pulled her on top of him, straddling his waist. He sat up against
the headboard his mouth kissing and nipping at the exposed skin of her neck and
collarbone. She leaned her head back to the side and rocked her hips, her nails
grazing over his shoulders and neckline.
“James, you’re teasing.” She bucked against him to further her point.
“Nah, not teasing doll, warming up.” He shifted, grabbing her leg and forcing
her to her back, undoing her bra as he did. He kissed his way down her body,
nipping at each exposed nipple and taking an extremely long time to reach her
center and the tiny bud that was desperate for his touch.
“Ja…James.” Her fingers were in his hair now, tugging and raking her nails over
his skin. He smiled against her thigh, hiking both her legs over his shoulders,
he was basking in the way her body was on fire for him. He took one slow long
lick against her center, up to her clit. Darcy nearly bucked off the bed, he
held her down as he continued his pleasurable torture.
Her body was quivering and James took two of his fingers teasing her center and
slowly working them inside in time with his mouth.
“Please…please…” Darcy’s moans filled his ears and it took all he had to hold
himself back from burying himself deep inside her warmth. He wanted, no needed,
her to reach her peak first, he wanted her thoroughly complete before he built
her right back up to go over the cliff with him again. He focused on her clit,
his tongue flicking her to insanity while his fingers curled over that mythic
spot that had her crying out his name.
“James, James…I’m gonna…please…yes, Yes, Oh god!” He felt it. The moment her
body sung for him, the exact moment she was lost in the sensation, she
screamed-moaned his name and her nails dug into the flesh of his shoulders.
Using the back of his hand to get rid of the excess he kissed his way back up
to her neck before assaulting her mouth with his own, one hand bracing himself
as the other teased a perky nipple. He lined himself up before she was even
finished coming down for her high.
“You sure you want this Doll?” She could say, he’d have blue balls for a week
but James was never going let Darcy feel powerless again. He’d stop, she only
had to say the word.
“Yes, yes, please James, please.” She bucked her hips, her slick heat pushing
against his cock. With her happy consent James thrust forward, her welcoming
warmth stretching and gripping him like a vice. She wrapped her legs around his
waist, ankles pushing and urging him to move.
“Just a minute doll, god you feel like heaven.” He brushed a soft kiss against
her open mouth and she gave him a small mewl in response.
“I need you to move, I feel like I’m burning up, my body’s on fire” He nails
were drawing little patterns on his back, the goosebumps sensations ran up his
spine as he began to move, loving the sounds of their combined bodies.
He wasn’t sure when it happened, but one moment he was on verge of falling over
the edge and the next he was on his back. Darcy eagerly riding him, giving him
quite the show as her ample cleavage bounced and one hand on the headboard
steadying her while the other rub along her clit, eliciting the most sinful
sounds. He wrapped his arms under her knees bringing them forward and they both
moaned at the new deeper position.
It wasn’t long before they were both moaning each other’s name and tumbling
over the edge of pleasure together. Darcy lay panting and sweating on top of
James, her head on his shoulder and her body curled up on his lap.
“So amazing Darcy, you’re so amazing.” James whispered as he stole little
kisses along her cheek and lips. Darcy only nodded in response so ridiculously
stress free and relaxed.
“Stay her love, I’m gonna get a towel, clean us up and run a bath for you,
okay?” She nodded, missing his warmth but the sounds of a bath to work out her
deliciously sore muscles. She hoped she could talk James into joining her.
~
*
The week had passed relatively normal. Training, strategizing, crazy amazing
sex and eating was somewhere in there. Darcy’s and James’s relationship was
only strengthening and her father’s texts of “yes, your sister’s fine. She sent
me this picture,” or “No, sis, I’m not bothering Serena while Melody is showing
me around.” From her brother. So she didn’t let it bother her as she was
getting ready on Friday night for the next and final weekend of the tournament.
This time it would only be Jane, Darcy and Happy sitting in the reserved
section. Natasha was fighting tonight and so was James. The points so far had
Tony going to the final round against Carl Creel. Well at least until Nat and
James fought, then the system would get a relook and see who would compete
against who in the final.
“I’m so nervous,” Darcy was zipping up her black knee high boots, her high
waist skinny jeans fitting neatly into them. She wore a simple black tank top
that read “Barnes” across the back before she flipped her hair over her
shoulder to slide on her jacket.
“Don’t be. Just breathe normally and think of the amazing time we’ll
afterwards. The team has gone over every strategy you know how Steve’s mind
works. Nothing is going to happen.
Famous. Last. Words.
James won his match against Brock Rumlow, he’d already beaten the man once and
it was obviously Crossbones hadn’t learned anything from it. It took less than
5 minutes for James to pick apart his openings and knock the man clean out.
Giving him a score of 30. Darcy of course was yelling and cheering as they
raised his hand in victory. With the biggest grin on her face she made her way
over the sidelines where he would pass by before heading back to the locker
room. Just before he stepped out of the cage though, Crossbones picked up the
mic.
“Hey, uh, Barnes? I think I have something that belongs to you. Or at least
your lady.” Darcy swung her head around trying to see what exactly was
happening but James’s body was in the way. Jane and Happy suddenly flaked her.
When she finally got on top of chair to see into ring, she saw her baby sister.
Serena hanging on the arm of the man who’d just lost. She looked terrible, her
eyes sunken in, her once petite body was sickly thin and her beautiful raven
hair was pulled back tightly in a high ponytail. But she was smiling, happily
laying her head on Brock’s chest with his arm around her shoulder.
“SERENA!” Darcy cried and James whipped his head around, barking out orders to
Fury and Steve who were cornering him for the fight.
“Get her out of here now!” Jane and Happy were pulling on her, trying to get
her off the chair as tears filled her eyes.
“Serena! Serena please!” The crowd was silent as Steve finally grabbed ahold of
Darcy and flung her over his shoulder as she pounded on his back. She had to
get to her sister, had to make her understand this was wrong. She had lied to
everyone, their father, their brother, to her. Serena had never lied to her.
“Steve put me down! Steve I have to talk to her! Steve stop it!” Finally,
behind the safety of the SHIELD appointed locker room did Steve comply with her
request, setting her down in front of James’s locker. Jane and Happy on either
side of him, Thor, Tony and Nat all clamoring in behind them.
She tried to move passed Steve, but his overly big stupid body was her way.
“Move Steve!” She was done playing games and she needed to get to her sister
and sort this mess out.
“I can’t Darcy, please just wait until Bucky gets here. I’m sure he’s sorting
it out now.” Steve tried to placate her but she was too hysterical to see
reason.
Just then the locker door swung open and James stormed in a scowl on his face.
Chapter End Notes
     Does anyone want to read Nat's fight? I don't really know the chapter
     Viper other than she becomes Madam Hydra, and that's not really
     relevant to the story. I just need a female villain for Nat to fight
     but if noone wants to read it I can skip over it.
     Let me know in the comments.
     Also so sorry for the cliff hanger. I'm already deep into chapter 8
     and obviously I don't stick to any sort of schedule so if I finish it
     tonight you'll probably have it by tomorrow.
***** Chapter 8 *****
Chapter Summary
     Well...there's more than one way to break a heart
Chapter Notes
     If ya'll re-read the beginning of chapter one...you may have figured
     out how this was going to go.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter Eight
Darcy sat nervously in her seat next to the entire team, minus Fury, Steve,
James and Natasha. They were prepping Nat for her fight. James was going
through some sparring motions while Fury and Steve strategized and planned for
the opponent. It had been quite a while since Nat had fought almost a year and
a half.
James hadn’t spoken to her much, other than telling her he’s secured Serena’s
safe return. He gave her his phone and when she placed it at her ear, a nice
sounding lady was explaining that her sister was enrolled for a drug rehab
program back in Texas and they already had a flight waiting for her once the
tournament was over.
She assumed Tony had something to do with making it all happen so fast but at
least her sister would be taken care of. Her father had already blown up her
phone, not angry at her, but at himself for missing the signs, he’d received a
phone call and was had rearranged his schedule to be able to be there for his
wayward daughter. She didn’t have it in her to really talk but agreed without
really thinking about it. She was too wounded up with what happened in the last
30 minutes to really think of WHY Hydra would be so willing to hand her over.
Thankfully she didn’t have to think much once Natasha gracefully entered the
arena. The crowd went wild, chanting her name and making the woman who called
herself “Viper” scowl and shake out her arms in preparation. Darcy definitely
understood why they called her Viper. The woman was just as tall as Nat was, a
little and really she meant just a tiny bit heavier set than Natasha, which
meant really she as size 6 and not a 4. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail
braided down her back.
Natasha had her short hair French braided, to dissuade any hair pulling. Not
that Natasha would stoop to cheating by demeaning means.
The match began and it was intricate dance between two well trained women.
Viper strike first, throwing a series of punches to Nat’s face. She easily
dodges them parlaying them rather than block them completely. She brought up
her knee catching Viper in the solar plexus and using her other leg to kick her
body up and over, back flipping as she caught Viper’s chin. Viper, not to be
out done, caught Nat’s ankle as she was about to land and yanked down, causing
Nat to swing her body in the air and cover her head as she made contact with
mat.
“Not today, bitch.” Viper jumped on top of Nat, attempting to work her way into
mount. But Nat was fast, shrimping out to her side and like a spider scrambled
to get her body wrapped around Viper’s. She maneuvered and ended up on her back
with her knees across Viper’s chest, the woman’s arm caught in an arm bar as
Natasha bridged her hips up and towards her chest, straining as Viper fought
off her attempt to submit her.
Unlikely, Viper turned on her side, facing Nat, using her fist that was caught
to picked her up while Nat was still wrapped around her arm, slamming her to
mat. The crowd gasped and cheered. It was all anyone could do, Steve and Fury
were barking orders, escapes but if anything Natasha braced herself for another
trip to the mat.
Natasha refused to let go, while Viper went to pick her up again, she re
arranged her legs, swinging one over Viper’s shoulder and the other around her
neck, when Viper came down again, Natasha tightened her hold and very quickly,
Viper’s struggles vanished and the referee was pulling them apart.
Natasha was announced the winner with a KO by submission by way of triangle
choke. She was tied with James’s score but since Viper was defeated by
submission, the final about was announced as James “The Soldier” Barnes against
Brock “Crossbones” Rumlow.
Darcy knew Hydra’s somehow fixed the scoring so Crossbones could face James but
at this point she didn’t care. She knew James would beat that man to bits,
would destroy him just as he had in the first two bouts. It didn’t make her
feel any better though.
“It’s almost over Darcy, then your sister will safety on her way home and
getting the help she needs.” Jane patted her shoulder and passed a cup of water
into her hands.
“I am sorry we failed you Darcy, we didn’t know.” She took comfort in Thor’s
large hand on her back. And if she didn’t see the team’s uneasy sideways looks,
the who really knew?
James stalked out of the locker room, Steve and Fury right behind him.
They went through the checks, of gloves of mouthpieces and cups. He entered the
ring.
Crossbones stood across from him an evil smile on his face, the crossbones and
skull visible on his mouth guard.
As the bell rang, James stalked forward. Rumlow raised his arm back as he
launched his right handed punch said:
“I’m going to enjoy this Barnes.”
After that James didn’t remember much.
He didn’t hear Darcy screaming his name as he let Rumlow beat the living tar
out of him.
He didn’t hear Steve and Fury screaming to open the cage and call the match.
He didn’t hear anything.
He felt everything.
Every punch, every kick, every cry of Darcy’s voice. That hurt the worse, so
much worse than anything Rumlow could do.
He managed to look in her direction as his head slouched to the side. The team
was holding her back, trying to get her into her seat as she trashed around to
get away from them. She kept screaming at him to fight.
But he was. He was doing all this for her.
As his body hit the mat, he closed his eyes knowing Serena was on her way home
safe and sound. His heart hoping Darcy would forgive him.
Chapter End Notes
     I'm so sorry. This was necessary. Leave reviews! Chapter 9 should be
     up soon
***** Chapter 9 *****
Chapter Summary
     Darcy takes some time to pull herself together and James has to live
     with the consequences
Chapter Notes
     I saw Civil War Thursday night! Holy crap! I loved it!
     I had to take some time to get back on schedule. I was at the theatre
     for 15 hours. It was a marathon. Cap 1, Avengers 1, Cap 2, Avengers
     2, then Civil War!
     Anyways, I hope ya'll are ready for the clean up
     ALSO!
     Shadow_of_Shemai: Serena is 16, I did mention it a few chapters back.
     It's suppose to be Underground, and since Hydra did return her they
     can't really go to the police to have them brought up on charges. She
     went on her own and was returned on her own. (yes drugged up, but she
     chose that as well) it's an ugly system but they would have looked at
     her history. For the sake of the story I'm glossing over these
     issues, I hope that doesn't upset you.
     Also, Hydra didn't fix the fight, only the scoring system that made
     sure Crossbones was the one to face James.
     While they knew they had a deal in place, they wanted it to be
     Crossbones to "finish" James. Since it's underground, the referee
     can't do anything unless James taps or gets knocked out, or his
     corner throws in the towel. Which Steve and Fury never got the chance
     too. (we'll say shock, I glossed over this too.)
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter Nine
Darcy’s heart shattered as she watched James’s body hit the mat with a
sickening thud. She collapsed with him; her chair the only thing holding her
up. Jane’s eyes wide in horror as she gripped Darcy’s arm, not really knowing
what just occurred in front of her face.
Thor shook Jane and her disbelief, motioning for Darcy and then to the arriving
EMTs racing from the locker room.
“Darcy, Darcy the EMTs have arrived. Come on, we’ll take you.” Like coming out
of a frog Darcy bolted from her friends’ grasp and managed to slip by all of
SHIELD. She rushed to James’s side as they entered the ring. Steve intercepted
her again.
“Please move Steve.” Her voice lost all its fight, she almost went limp in his
arms. But Steve held true. His hands over her shoulders tightened and shook his
head. He wouldn’t let her get close to see the damage up close. It was too
much. He hadn’t known what Bucky was planning to do. They’d all raced back
after Crossbones had called James out and revealed Serena. Steve had stupidly
assumed Bucky was right behind him because his priority would be Darcy.
“Let them fix him up, okay, we’ll take you the hospital.” He gently tugged her
away, her hand outstretched to reach James, she saw his left hand move slightly
towards her and it took everything out of her. Darcy’s strangled, heart-broken
cry; the last thing Steve heard before he felt the fight leave her body and he
lead her away.
~
It was hours before they let her into James’s room. Splinting fractures and
patching up cuts and scrapes, prevented her from laying into him like she
wanted. She wanted to scream and shout, pound his chest for his stupid decision
and for letting that rotten, despicable man touch him at all. That that’s what
it was. James let Rumlow beat him to a pulp, he allowed it. Darcy didn’t know
if she could forgive him for that.
Steve filled her in after he and Fury were finally able to talk to James. While
the team took care of Darcy, James was bargaining his win and freedom for her
sister. Tony already said it was impossible for James to break his contract
with Shield, that even if he wanted to, Hydra had no chance of taking him back.
But the winning streak he’d been on, and how he had lost would be a blow Shield
would have to work through.
Long story short? James let Crossbones win, allowing him to beat the shit out
of him, while making Darcy and his team watch his downfall. James had known he
wasn’t going back to Hydra but he let them think that. Steve and team looked
sick as Fury recanted the tale to her. It was then that Fury told her Hydra had
sent a notice to them.
The singular fact that Steve had been one to decide to keep it from Darcy is
what saved James in the end. Darcy was about ready to pack up and leave. Head
back to Texas to regathered her thoughts, but she knew she couldn’t do that to
James. He’d done the best he could with the options he had. But that didn’t
mean she wasn’t angry. She was just…so hurt.
She wished he’d confided in her, let her help him make those decisions, but she
didn’t know of any better options. She’d had time to process but it hadn’t
quite helped.
Darcy knew what she was getting into when she signed on to be a fighter’s lady.
She just never considered the fact that it could come to this, this moment
where she would face with the aftermath of a fight gone wrong. So terribly
wrong.
James “The Soldier” Barnes was a force of undefeated power in the underground
fight circuit.
Was. Darcy. Was undefeated. Because of you.
She shook her head, forcing those thoughts from her mind as she prepared
herself to enter his room. They wouldn’t do any good for them now. She slowly
pushed the door open and immediately covered her mouth with her hand, silencing
her gasp.
No, those thoughts defiantly wouldn’t do them any good, not with James lying in
a hospital bed, tubes coming from his nose.
How did this happen to us?
She crossed the floor quickly sinking down into the chair provided for her
while taking his right hand in her own, bring it to her cheek, not caring if he
could feel the tears running down her face.
“You’re so stupid James Buchanan Barnes,” she cursed as her body began to
tremble. “I can’t believe you let him…” she had to take another, trying to get
her thoughts in order. “I’m so mad at you.” She whispered, leaning down, laying
her head on the edge of the bed. The only sounds in the room, his breathing and
the machines he was hooked up to.
~
It was weeks before James was semi back to normal. He still had a brace on his
right hand and his ribs were still tender and sore, thank god his CAT scan had
come back normal. No brain damage though it was painfully apparent that Rumlow
tried his best to scrambled them.
Serena got clean, back to the spunky girl Darcy loved so much. She cried and
begged Darcy’s forgiveness, apologizing over and over again. Darcy wasn’t ready
to talk to her though, she did send an email explaining when she was ready
she’d call her. Her family didn’t appreciate that much. Of course they wanted
Darcy to immediately forgive and forget, allowing Serena to be the baby of the
family again without consequence but this time, no this time, Darcy refused to
play the game.
She loved her father, she’d do anything for her sister, but this time she was
putting her happiness first.
She didn’t visit James after that first time, she needed to heal the hurt and
betrayal in her hurt. Plus, she hadn’t been well, her stomach was always just
on the edge of upset. Enough for certain foods to make her nauseous but never
sick. She’d been eating like a bird sticking to fruits and veggies. She told
herself she didn’t want him to catch what she had, there for extending the time
before she had to see him.
She did see him the day he was released. She had to, Jane and Thor were taking
him back to his apartment. Steve was helping the team with damage control. She
entered first, she did try to make herself look presentable but between the
smells of the hospital and the memory of the first night she was there she
looked more green than she’d care to admit.
“Darcy…” She shook her head trying to fight back the tears, because he still
had bandages on his chest and new scars over his eye and cheek. “Please look
me,” He crossed the threshold of the room and reached for her.
She was trying to be strong, damnit! She furiously wiped her eyes and looked up
at him.
“I didn’t get a chance to yell at you when I wanted.” She stated. He gave her a
sad smile.
“I know. I heard you the first time though,” She half laughed, leaning her head
against his chest.
“She wasmy responsibility. You didn’t need to do that.” He guided her back the
bed, sitting her down while he pulled on his shirt and boots. Steve, she knew,
had been there daily with fresh clothes and an update, on both SHIELD and her.
“Your mine Darcy. I take care of what’s mine. I’m not sorry for what I did. I’m
sorry for what I put you through. It haunts me, thinking you had to watch that.
Making the team watch that. But I wasn’t gonna leave your sister in Hydra’s
hands. I know what they would do Darce, and I can’t let that happen. Not to a
kid.”
He slid his hand under her chin, making her gaze meet his.
“I’m so sorry Darcy.” His lips brushed hers and while she was upset she
wouldn’t deny him. Wrapping her arms around him she deepened his kiss with
vigor.
“I love you, you idiot.”
Chapter End Notes
     I hope ya'll forgive Darcy it was a pretty traumatic experience, yes
     it worse for James but that's the man she loves, you don't exactly
     think straight.
     I'm not sure how i'll ended this, maybe in the next chapter. You just
     have to wait and see. :D
***** Chapter 10 *****
Chapter Summary
     New beginnings, sorta.
Chapter Notes
     Beginning to tie up loose ends. I loved everyone's responses and
     chatting with y'all about what's going on
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter Ten
Three months after the fight the team had a number of fights lined up. A
strategy to get them back in the game and hopefully on their way to more
“official” AKA sanctioned bouts.
Darcy is in her normal spot with Jane, checking various emails, promoting on
the team’s Facebook and monitoring the social media. Fury gave her the job just
after school began again. Thankfully it was Darcy’s last semester, she had a
light load. It was bullshit job. Darcy knew that, an excuse to keep Darcy happy
because her last job wanted to transfer to California and have her finish
school there.
She was considering it. And when she started to consider it, James started
talking about retiring. Fury couldn’t have that. He offered the position of
Social Media Consultant which really meant Darcy was in charge of their public
image, Tony showed her the ropes and that was that. She focused on her school
and her job with the team. James kept rehabbing and began easing back into
training and sparring.
Darcy still felt ill, but not nearly as much. Only happened sometimes.
She and James were on much more stable ground.
“Oh god yes!” Okay so at that moment it was the literal ground. They’d just
moved into a new loft, same area but closer to the university and the gym. They
didn’t have furniture yet but James was more than happy to christen it with her
before it arrived.
“So beautiful doll,” James kissed her as he pulled her on to his lap. “I love
it here. I love you.” He kissed her neck and grabbed a towel from a box, wiping
her down and then himself. He tossed her one of his shirts.
“Mm-hmm. I can’t believe we did this, but I’m so glad we did.” Darcy worked the
shirt on and watched as James pulled on his boxer-briefs.
“Here sweetheart, eat something.” James handed her a peach and suddenly all
Darcy could think was how terrible it smelled. Her stomach churned and she
quickly scampered off the floor, making it to the bathroom just in time before
she emptied her stomach.
“Darcy this has gone on long enough. I’m taking you in.” She looked up as James
released her hair. She just smiled and nodded in agreement.
~
“I don’t know why you had to call everyone.” Darcy was sitting on a gurney,
patiently waiting, while James was pacing and the team, minus Fury were in the
waiting room, waiting. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Probably some an anxiety thing.
Ever since we started dating my anxiety has been through the roof.” She tried
to joke to ease James’s worrying in.
“Darce it’s not funny-” The curtain was pulled back and a tall man in a
doctor’s coat came through, carrying a chart.
“Miss Lewis, I can safety tell you, you do not have any sort of illness.” She
smiled and flashed a snarky grin at James, who merely raised an eyebrow and
looked at the doctor. “But you do have a condition.” Her face fell.
“What do you mean a condition?” James asked quietly, his eyes never leaving
hers.
“Anxiety, is the biggest concern, but given your state it makes sense.” Darcy
furrowed her eyebrows and shook her head.
“Uh, what ‘state’.”
“Your pregnant state ma’am.” Darcy promptly fainted after that.
~
The news was unexpected. Definitely unexpected. But, despite that, James
couldn’t contain the feelings welling up inside him. He never thought he’d be a
father. His own father disappeared when he was a kid and then he had Steve and
his sisters. How was he supposed to be a dad? He was a million ways of messed
up. Darcy was breathing softly, still sleeping from the shock. Doctors weren’t
worried but they wanted to make sure she woke up before sending her home.
They admitted her and James sent the team home without giving them an
explanation. He knew all about women’s rights and if Darcy didn’t want the
baby…there wasn’t much he could do to stop her. They hadn’t talked about kids,
barely talked about marriage. He almost fought Natasha to get her leave, Steve
right behind her. Jane though, she was the worse, it took Thor physically
dragging her out with James promising she’d be the first one he called.
He groaned.
His momma and Mrs. Rogers would turn over in their graves if he didn’t marry
Darcy now. Of course he wanted to marry Darcy, but he wanted her to want him
just as badly. Not because she’d think he offered out of obligation. His mind
wandered to the team as he visited the gift shop. He couldn’t tell them she was
pregnant if she chose not to. He’d just have to use the anxiety as her illness,
but Steve and Natasha would know he was lying.
The whimsical sound of a lullaby played over the hospital speakers.
“Ah, I never get tired of hearing that sound.” An elderly lady behind the gift
shop desk grinned as she wrapped a get well basket. James gave her a half smile
and the pink and blue section of the store caught his eye. As he made his way
over his mouth asked the question his heart already knew the answer to.
“What’s it for?”
She smiled again and set aside her project, a knowing look on her face as he
picked up a tiny onesie. “Oh they play it every single time a baby is born.
It’s really lovely, especially for the elderly patients here, the circle of
life if you will.” James nodded but didn’t say anything. Now presented with the
possibility, he desperately wanted to keep it. He wanted the baby, he wanted
Darcy and all the white picket fence dreams that came with it. He hoped it’d
have Darcy’s beautiful eyes and her smile. It’d have the whole team wrapped
around it’s finger, James especially. He’s turn the world upside down for his
kid, he’d do anything for his kid.
He only hoped Darcy would give him the chance to do it.
Chapter End Notes
     kudos to those that guess pregnancy!
     I wanted to focus on James. Not sure if I did a good job or not
     though :/
***** Chapter 11 *****
Chapter Summary
     It's all wrapped up!
Chapter Notes
     Thank you guys for being so patient with me! I ended writing this on
     a borrowed laptop so it's not my original idea, but I think it works
     just as well. Tying up loose ends and I'm a sucker for HEA!
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Chapter 11
She heard the beeping first. The annoying little tick that monitor heart rates
and let her know she was still in the hospital. That the past few hours hadn’t
been a dream. The doctor’s words replayed in her head.
Pregnant.
She opened her eyes to find she was alone, James nowhere in sight. That awarded
her a little time to make peace with the reality of their situation.
She was pregnant with James’s baby. She caught herself smiling for no reason
and she giggled just as a nurse walked in.
“So glad you woke up dear, gave your man and friends a scare.” She checked a
few things off her chart and then turned her focus to Darcy. “How are you
feeling?” It was then Darcy was acutely aware the team and even Jane had left.
Did James tell them? She bit her bottom lip as she processed the nurse’s words.
Darcy wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She was excited, terrified, nervous,
giddy and scared. She and James hadn’t talked about kids or marriage or their
future…shit marriage? James was old fashioned, and it was something she loved
about him. Would he insist on them marrying just for the baby? Would he want
the baby?
She gasped a little, would he want her to…abort it?
She shook her head and the beeping alerted the nurse to her frazzled nerves.
“I’m sorry, this is so much to take in…I’m fine.” The nurse didn’t seem
convinced. She placed her charts on the side table and patted Darcy leg through
the wool blanket.
“Hon, you know you have options right?” Darcy looked up into the older women’s
eyes, unsure she wanted to hear them. For her there wasn’t any other option.
~
James was walking back towards Darcy’s room when he heard her voice. Specially
speaking about him and the baby.
“I don’t know. I mean it’s hardly the right time. We’re just getting back on
stable footing.” His first thoughts went to the fight. How she felt betrayed he
hadn’t kept her in the loop. He knew she was still sore about that and while
they were working through the gap that had placed on their relationship he
thought they were in a good place.
He clenched his fist, betrayal piercing his heart. She didn’t want it; he’d
have to support that decision. He didn’t want to though. He wanted to be a
better father, prove the cycle didn’t have to repeat itself. He let out a
breath and turned to stalk down the hall when he heard the hiccup in her voice.
The tiny note that he strained to hear.
“But I want it. I want it so badly it hurts.” His heart softened and he knocked
on the door, poking his head in.
“Hey Doll,” He gave her that crooked smile and she blushed. Ducking her head
away from the nurse.
“I’ll let the doctor know dear. He’ll get you all set up.” The older woman
smiled and patted James’s arm as she left the room.
“Did you hear the lullaby early?” He asked. Darcy briefly remember the familiar
tune when she was waking up.
“I thought I did.” She responded as James sat at the foot of her bed. His hands
grasping hers as he sat cross legged in front of her.
“The hospital plays it every time a baby is born.” He smiled and her heart did
flips in her chest. “I want the baby Darce, I want it all with you. I wanna
marry you and have this baby with you, and have as many as you want. I want all
of it. Forever.” He leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips.
“Do you want it too?”
“I do.”
~
Don’t ask Darcy to tell you the color of the table clothes or what kind of food
she ate, or whether or not the glasses matched the silverware. She could tell
you how handsome James had looked when their eyes met across the hall. Tony had
opened up one of his many homes and graciously paid for their self-imposed
shotgun wedding.
Darcy didn’t really care that her family refused to come, or acknowledge they
had a grandchild on the way. Her real family was already there and more than
happy to lend a helping hand. Pepper had taken care of all the details while
Tony supplied the monetary funds.
Steve had done some wonderful drawings and had taken over address writing and
anything that needed to be written out since he had the eye for design. Sam was
happy to help with the catering and organizing. Natasha and Jane took their
duties as maid of honor and bridesmaid very seriously, so serious that Darcy
really didn’t have to do much except pick the dress she loved and wait for the
day.
James had taken to nightly talks to her growing bump. He had dog-eared,
highlighted and bookmarked the “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” book, and
kept the latest version on his Starkpad, along with the website starred on the
home browser.
“This is your dad here. I can’t wait to meet you I hope you have your momma’s
beautiful eyes. You’ve got a whole big family just waiting for you.”
Darcy ran her fingers through his dark locks while she did her own studying. It
was just a few days before her last final and graduation day. Then it was the
wedding.
It took a lot of bumps and scrapes to get here. In this beautiful loft, with
James laying in her lap talking to their baby. Steve had painted a mural in the
newly redecorated nursery and Darcy could see the edges of the finished design
for her spot in their bed. She glanced at the while garment bag hanging in the
closet and just smiled.
She’d gone from having just Jane and Thor to an entire family, even without the
blood relation. She figured they’d come around eventually and had no problem
waiting them out. If they didn’t. It was on them.
“I love you James Barnes.” She whispered, catching his eye.
“I love you Darcy Lewis.” He kissed her bump and crawled up taking possession
of her mouth.
“Forever and day.”
Chapter End Notes
     That's a wrap! I'm hoping to finish Nanny Potts before I start
     another one, but I've got lots of ideas floating around in my head.
     If you have a suggestion or just want to converse I'm on tumblr!
     LadyAztec-Syren
     Thank you guys! All are so wonderful and when I think of giving up
     and I read all your comments and it means the world to me!
End Notes
     I love reviews, they make me what to write faster and get it out to
     you lovely people.
     Please review, I love conversing with other readers/writers!
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