The music thumped from the main hall of the compound, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses echoing through the corridors. The party was in full swing, and you were doing your best to blend in—smiling, laughing, even swaying a little to the rhythm of the music in your flowing dress.

Bucky had been here earlier—you saw him talking with Sam, drink in hand. But the two of you had to be careful. No one could know about your relationship.

You turned, laughing softly to yourself at a joke someone had made when suddenly—someone grabbed your arm. The grip wasn’t rough, but it was fast and deliberate, yanking you back into the dim hallway behind the party. You gasped.

“Bucky! Oh my God—” You exhaled sharply, hand pressed to your chest. “You gave me a fright.”

He didn’t say anything at first—just that familiar smirk dancing across his lips as he leaned in and kissed you. Warm, urgent, like he’d been waiting all night for the moment he could get close to you. You melted into it. Neither of you noticed the tiny red light blinking in the corner of the ceiling—the quiet, watchful eye of a security camera.

When he pulled away, he reached for your hand with that same quiet confidence. “Come on.”

You didn’t even question it—you just followed, glancing behind you quickly to make sure no one had seen. He pulled you into an unused room at the end of the corridor. The second the door shut, you wrapped your arms around him.

“Bucky..” You whispered, your voice muffled against his chest. “What if they catch us?”

He leaned back slightly, just enough to see your face, his eyes focused entirely on you.

“We said we could keep it a secret.” You reminded him quietly, lifting your gaze to meet his. “No one can know. Steve would kill me.”

“I know we did..” He replied, his voice low, rough around the edges with emotion. “But how can I stay away from you?”

That grin made a return—mischievous —and you rolled your eyes, chuckling despite yourself. “Oh, I’m flattered.” You teased, sarcasm dripping from your tone.

He stepped closer.

Your breath caught slightly as your back met the wall behind you, his body almost brushing against yours. You could smell his cologne now—something warm.

“Was that sarcasm, doll?” He asked, voice husky, eyes locked on yours.

Your heart pounded in your chest. “No… Bucky…” You said softly, your gaze dropping, trying to collect yourself. But he didn’t pull away. His hand reached up, tilting your chin.

“I don’t want to keep it a secret anymore.” He murmured. “I need you.”

The words knocked the air from your lungs. Your lips parted slightly, but you didn’t speak—not right away. The butterflies in your stomach were in full force now. You were already his, and he knew it.

“We agreed, Bucky.” You said finally. “It’s better that everyone doesn’t know. Steve would freak.”

He didn’t look worried.

“It doesn’t matter what they all think.” He said softly, his hand now resting at the side of your neck.

His metal hand found yours, toying with the ring you wore—a small, subtle thing the two of you had chosen.

“Still wearing our ring in public then?” He asked, clearly pleased.

Your cheeks flamed with heat at the teasing in his voice. He only touched you like this when he really needed you. You glanced around nervously, trying not to let him see how affected you were. “Uh… I can’t take it off.” You muttered.

He tilted his head slightly, skeptical. “Mmh… are you lying to me?”

You didn’t answer. Instead, you leaned forward just as he did, the air thick between you. Your lips hovered inches apart, breaths mingling.

But just before your lips touched—you pulled back. Quickly. A sharp breath left you.

“Bucky… we can’t. Not here.”

He looked at you for a moment, chest rising and falling with a silent sigh, then stepped back.

But he nodded.

“Alright.” He said quietly, moving toward the door. He turned back to look at you one last time, smirk intact. “I’ll meet you in your room later."

And with that, he was gone—slipping into the shadows of the hallway.