The gentle rise and fall of your head against Bucky's chest keeps you relaxed, the rhythmic exhales of his breath brushing ever so slightly against the crown of your hair. He's got one arm curled underneath you, his hand pressed to your back to keep you close. Your legs are a tangled mess beneath the sheets of his bed. His body heat engulfs you with warmth and a sense of tranquility you know you won't find anywhere else.

"Bucky?" you voice quietly, not wanting to disturb the atmosphere that's been created between you two.

"Hmm?" his hum is so low, it's almost a growl.

"Can I ask you about being an incubus?"

He can't help but smile, amused by your inability to control your curiosity. "Of course, Lumina."

"What's it like for you?"

"What's what like?"

"The sex." You run your hand over his bare chest, watching your fingers dance across his skin. "Like, is it as intense for you as it is for me?"

"It depends," he starts. "With you, yes, things are rather intense. It feels better and the energy lasts longer. The transference is stronger with humans than other creatures of myth. With only one exception. At least in my experience."

"What was the exception?"

"An ethereal."

You lift your head off his chest, looking up at him in shock. "You've slept with an ethereal?"

He releases a soft chuckle. "Just once."

"What was that like?"

"Intense," he jokes. When you send him a pouty glare, he explains further with a grin. "The energy was very potent, but it didn't last nearly as long as it does with you."

You hum thoughtfully. "Was she fire or lightning?" you ask curiously.

He laughs again. "It's kind of cute that you would assume it was a female," he grins teasingly.

Your brows shoot up in surprise. "You slept with a male ethereal?"

Keeping one arm around your waist, he lifts the other to tuck his hand behind his head, a smug grin curling at his lips. "Yes. And to answer your question, he was bonded to lightning."

"Wow," you breathe, slowly overcoming your shock. "Do you sleep with males often?" you question curiously.

Bucky shrugs a shoulder. "You have to remember that sex is different for an incubus. We use it to feed, not necessarily for the emotional connection. The gender of my partner doesn't matter nearly as much as the energy transference."

He hadn't meant to, but something about his words strikes a chord within you and you frown. You push yourself off his chest, holding the bedsheet in place as you sit up. "Is that why you're keeping me around then? Because the energy transference is so strong?" You feel a sting in your chest. You hadn't realized until this moment that there was a possibility he was just using you.

"What?" he asks, a little thrown by how fast the conversation shifted. "Lumina, no. It's not that." He sits up as well. "Do you really think I'm the kind of man that would do something like that?"

You shrug defensively, keeping your gaze downcast. "I don't know. We hardly know each other."

His hand reaches out, gently cupping your cheek and lifting your gaze. His eyes are sincere as he looks back at you. "Then ask me more questions. Get to know me."

You tug your bottom lip between your teeth. Now that your insecurities have been bared, it's difficult to hold the rest in. "Last weekend you said that demons couldn't love. Is that true?"

Bucky has to hold back a grimace. That wasn't exactly what he meant by ask him questions. "Love is a complex emotion, Lumina. And demons are simple creatures."

He can physically see you retreat a little further into your shell. "So, then it is true."

He sighs, almost wishing that it was easier to lie to you. "I've never met a demon that's admitted to falling in love," he tells you. But before you can pull away from him, he quickly adds, "But that doesn't mean we can't experience emotions or feelings of attachment. We display our affections, we feel happy when those we care about are happy, and sad when they are sad. I'm a demon, not a robot."

"Do you care for a lot of people?"

"I care for you," he admits honestly. "And it's not because of the transference. Yes, the sex we have is pretty phenomenal, but I also enjoy talking with you, making you laugh, feeling your body tucked against mine. Do you really think I share my past with just anyone? We knew each other one day and already I was willing to answer anything you asked me. Hell, after a few minutes I brought you to my home. You're the only person I've brought here. The only woman to ever share this bed with me. When I'm with you, Lumina... there's no one else. Do you understand how significant that is for an incubus to say?"

Your heart pounds in your chest as he seems to wipe away your insecurities with just a few words. You can't even help it when you lean forward to press your lips to his. You're so drawn to him it's almost as if there are outside forces at work. Call it destiny, or fate. You didn't care. Being with someone had never felt so right.

Bucky kisses you back fervently. His hand cups the back of your neck, fingers making their way into your hairline. He gently guides you back down onto the mattress, the thin sheet becoming trapped between your bodies. His mouth molds to yours, also aiding in the removal of your insecurities. He kisses you with purpose, trying to convey his earlier words through his actions.

When he pulls back, you're absolutely breathless. Your gazes meet once more, his eyes are soft and tender. "If it means that much to you, we can spend the rest of the weekend just getting to know one another. Let me prove to you that this isn't just about the sex."

You find yourself smiling up at him, your hand reaching out to brush his hair back. Just the fact that he was willing to forgo sex to work on your relationship with each other was enough for you. You release a low hum, pretending to think it over. "But you already promised that you were going to fuck me against every piece of furniture you own... Maybe we can try the whole talking thing next weekend."

He grins crookedly down at you, his gaze flickering between yours. "I think that's the first time I've heard you say fuck."

You laugh lightly. "Maybe you haven't been trying hard enough to get me to say it."

He smirks wickedly. Challenge accepted.

When Bucky takes you home Sunday night, there's a satisfied ache between your legs that you know you're going to need the week to recover from. He kept to his promise and he managed to draw out plenty of curses from your lips over the last two days.

You part with a heated kiss, leaving nips on lower lips so the sting will remain after you've separated. Unspoken promises are created for the next weekend. And at least this time, you've got his phone number. As you enter your apartment, you're on cloud nine.

"Have an eventful weekend?" Wanda asks you with a knowing grin.

You bite your bottom lip, unable to hide your grin. "Mhmmm...."

She laughs. "You look worn out."

"I tell ya, he's a god damn machine."

"Take a shower then come join me for a movie. I can smell the sex on you from over here."

You shoot her a grin, and head to your room. "I'm sorry if my sexified stench offends you."

She sticks her tongue out at you, her eyes shining with humor.

The work week once more passes like normal. That is... until Thursday night hits. Tuesdays and Thursday are your workout nights. There's a 24 hour gym just a few blocks from your apartment, and you do your best to stay on routine. Saturdays used to also be a part of the routine, but you figure you're getting enough of a workout now, that it's not exactly necessary.

Because the gym is so close, you typically walk, unless its pouring rain. But it's a clear night tonight, a little warm too. Your muscles burn slightly in satisfaction as you make your way home. You'd just completed your workout and you were more than ready for a quick shower and maybe some Netflix before bed.

One earbud is tucked into your ear, the other dangling loose as you bob your head to the catchy beat filling your head. You're not really paying attention, lost to the music and your thoughts. Which is why you don't feel the presence behind you until it's too late.

A hand clamps around your upper arm moments before you're thrown to the side. Your body impacts with the unyielding brick of the building framing the sidewalk. You gasp in surprise, looking up at your attacker.

Glowing red eyes meet your gaze, they shine with anger. "I've been looking for you, little angel."

You feel your heart drop to your stomach when you realize who this is. It's the vampire from the club. "What do you want?" you're surprised when your voice comes out braver than you feel.

"You think you can just walk into an under club without there being any consequences? Did you really think you could hide from us? Were you gonna tell your superiors what you saw there?"

You shake your head quickly. "No. I don't work for SHIELD."

He releases a threatening growl. "Why am I having a hard time believing that? Oh yeah, because you descendants are nothing but filthy liars." He grabs your shoulders in a harsh grasp.

"No! Let me go!," you struggle against his hold, but your muscles are already weak from your workout. You're no match for a vampire anyway. Even at full strength.

His eyes flash from red to a soulless black and when he opens his mouth, his incisors have elongated. "This world will be a whole lot better without your kind in it."

You never cease your struggles, even if you know you won't win. "Stop! Let me go!" You're not entirely sure what guides your movement, but you find yourself pushing your hand out. You palm slams into his chest and suddenly there's a flash of blinding white light.

You hear his hiss of pain, and just as suddenly as the flash appears, his hands are off you and you take the opportunity to run. You don't give yourself the luxury to think about what just happened, all you can focus on is getting away. Your heart bangs in your chest, pumping blood to your weary muscles. The vampire can probably smell the fear wafting out of your system in thick waves.

He's going to follow it, he's going to find you. You have to get somewhere safe.

You close your eyes, picturing the one place you know you'll be safest. But with how fast your mind is racing, you can't for the life of you figure out how to get there.

Without warning, you feel a tug deep in your gut, like the floor has just dropped from beneath you. Releasing a startled gasp, you open your eyes. You automatically assume the worst, that the vampire recovered and pounced on you.

But looking around... the vampire isn't in sight. In fact... you're on a completely different street.

"What?" you gasp out, looking around in confusion. What the hell just happened? How did you get here? Where even was here?

You realize you're standing next to a large building. Looking up, it only takes a second to realize that it's Bucky's building. You breathe a sigh of relief, because even if you couldn't for the life of you figure out how you got here, at least it meant you were safe.

You push open the large glass door and enter the lobby. After stepping through, you realize you've actually never entered the building this way, and thus you have no idea where to go.

"May I help you?" a voice pulls your attention to the front desk. The lobby is built more like a hotel's rather than an apartment complex. The concierge desk is wide and thick, separating you from the man standing on the other side.

You approach hesitantly, hyper aware of your recent altercation with beings of this man's ilk. You can tell he isn't human; that he's some type of shifter.  Glancing at his name tag, you read the name Scott.

"Um... hi. I need to see James Barnes. It's an urgent matter," it's difficult to keep the panic within you from making your voice waiver, but you seem to manage.

The man's gaze washes over you. "I'm afraid Mr. Barnes isn't accepting visitors tonight, Miss."

"Please," you choke out, the panic beginning to make your body shake. "It's important that I see him right away."

The man gives you a look of realization. "Oh, I believe I understand what's happening. I'm afraid you're going to have to find relief from your withdrawals elsewhere, ma'am."

"What?" you look at him in confusion, until it hits you. He thinks you're an incubus sex addict. And honestly, you're probably showing all the symptoms. The shaking, harsh breaths, the desperation to see an incubus. You shake your head at him, "No, it's not like that. I'm a friend of his. Please, I need to see him!"

"I cannot help you. Please don't make me call security on you."

You gape at him. You don't know what else to do. All you do know is that if you don't see Bucky soon, you're going to have a complete mental breakdown in the middle of this lobby.

Because of how frazzled your mind is, it takes a while for you to remember that you have his fucking phone number. Your hand grasps at the strap holding your phone to your arm. You realize briefly that the chord to your earbuds had been yanked out of your phone and was now missing, but it's a fleeting thought. Ripping the phone out of the case, you nearly scratch your arm with your nails. Your hands are shaking so bad, it takes effort just to get into your contacts. You scroll down the alphabetical list of contacts, glad you put him in as Bucky and not James.

The phone finally begins to dial and you place it to your ear. A tiny part of you is terrified that he's not going to answer, but he does after the second ring.

"Hey."

"Bucky!" you breathe out in relief, the puff of air just as shaky as everything else. "I need your help." It's becoming harder and harder to keep it together. A few tears slip out of your eyes.

"What's wrong?" his voice is steady and strong and you desperately try to hang onto it.

"The vampire. From the club. He came after me," a choked sob escapes you.

"What?! Tony?!" You can hear the anger in his voice, and despite knowing that it's not directed toward you, you can't help but flinch.

"I got away. I don't know how. There was this light, I think...? I- Bucky I was so scared," your voice breaks off into a pitiful whimper.

"Where are you? Are you safe?"

You sniff, attempting to wipe away some of your tears. "I'm in the lobby of your building."

"I'll be right down," he tells you quickly.

"Okay," you sniff again. Your shoulders sag in relief, the hand holding your phone falling limp to your side.

The few seconds it takes for his elevator to descend seem to tick so slowly. But then a soft ding rings throughout the room and suddenly he's there. His black slacks are slung low on his hips. The white dress shirt he wears is unbuttoned, the material hanging loose against his sides. His steps are hurried as he approaches you, bare feet barely audible against the tile.

"Lumina, are you hurt?" Concern lines his features as he reaches out to cradle your jaw in his palms.

You shake your head, a few more tears spilling, only to be caught by his thumbs. His gaze washes over you.

"Your shoulders are bruised. Did he bite you?"

You shake your head again. "I think he was going to. I stopped him somehow. I don't- I don't know..."

He releases an angry growl, the blue in his eyes flashing to black for a brief moment. "I'm gonna kill him."

"No!" you cry out, launching yourself forward. You bury your face into his chest and wrap your arms tightly around his torso. "Don't go. Please!" You can't bear the thought of being alone. Not right now.

"Hey," Bucky softens his voice, his arms coming around you in a comforting embrace. He can feel how hard you're shaking, it makes his chest ache. "It's okay. You're safe here. I'll protect you." He lowers his head, placing a kiss to the top of your hair. You only tighten your hold on him even further. "You got away from him. You're safe," he whispers to you soothingly.

You inhale sharply, slowly lifting your head from his chest to look up at him. "That's another thing," you whisper back. "Bucky, I don't even know how I got here."

He doesn't seem particularly shocked by this revelation, he merely nods and continues to hold your gaze. "Alright. Let's get you upstairs. Then we can figure this out together."

"Okay." Your voice is so small and weak, almost like a child's.

Bucky keeps your body tucked into his side. He looks over to the man at the desk, who has grown quite pale upon witnessing your interaction. "Scott, see to it that she's given full access to my pent house. She's never to be barred from entrance again."

The man nods frantically. "Yes, Mr. Barnes. My apologies."

With one arm still around you, Bucky guides you to the elevator. You realize that this must be a different elevator from the usual one, because there are actual buttons on this one. Bucky presses for the top floor. The silence between the two of you is broken only by your quiet sniffles and the occasional shuffle of clothing as you try to burrow further into him.

The elevator doors open to a small entrance room. There's a door on the other side. Bucky pulls his keys out of his pocket and unlocks the door. Some of the tension seems to leave your body when you step into his apartment. This is as safe as you're going to get.

Bucky turns to face you, pushing some of your hair back and continuing to look at you in concern. "How about I draw you a bath?"

You nod your agreement. He takes you to the bathroom in his bedroom. Keeping your hands clasped, he uses his other hand to turn the taps and start the flow of water. It doesn't take long to heat up before he plugs the drain and allows the bath to fill.

He stands and turns back to you. He gives you a tender look, his eyes flickering over your form. "Can I undress you?" He may have already done so a dozen times, but after the trauma you've just gone through, he doesn't want to startle you further.

You nod once more. His movements are slow, giving you time to anticipate his moves before he makes them. He reaches for your phone first, prying it from your fingers where you hadn't even realized you were clutching onto it like a lifeline. He then pulls off your tank top and your sports bra. Bending down, he helps you out of your running shoes and socks before pulling your yoga pants and underwear down your legs.

"Can you join me?" you ask vulnerably as he stands again.

"Of course," he agrees, shrugging out of his shirt. After tossing his pants to the side he bends back down to check the water temperature and then turns off the taps. He gets in first and then holds your hips as you follow to make sure you don't slip.

He settles back against the rim, pulling your body flush to his as you settle between the V of his legs. The heat from the water mixes with the heat coming off of him and as you lean back against his chest, you can finally feel yourself beginning to relax.

"Where were you when it happened?" Bucky asks after a long moment of silence has passed.

Honestly, you want to just forget the whole ordeal, but you know you have to talk about it. "I was walking home from the gym. It's only a few blocks away."

His hands circle your stomach, pulling you a little closer. "Can you tell me what happened?"

You release a shaky breath. "He came up behind me. Grabbed my arm and threw me against a brick wall. I think he thought I worked for SHIELD. He said this world would be a better place without descendants in it. Then his eyes turned black and he opened his mouth. I begged him to stop, to let me go. And then... then I don't even know what happened."

Bucky's head bends down as he brushes his lips against your shoulder. "Try to describe it."

"I... um. I put my hand out," mimicking your movements from before, you lift your hand out of the water and hold it up. "It was against his chest... And then there was a flash of light. I don't know where it came from. From me? Maybe? I heard him hiss, possibly in pain, or just from anger. But he let me go and so I ran."

"And then what happened?"

Your hand lowers back into the water. "I was scared he was going to come after me again. So I tried to think of the safest place I could go. All I could think about was being here. But then, next thing I know, I am here. And I don't... How... Bucky, what's happening to me?"

He can tell you're scared, and he'd give just about anything to take your fear from you. "Your powers are emerging," he tells you. "And quite rapidly, it would seem."

Your breath hitches in your throat. "My powers?"

"There's a chance that being with me has triggered them. The demonic energy from our couplings, it must have activated them in you. Normally descendants don't get their powers unless given intense training. This is something I should have foreseen, I'm sorry Lumina."

You release a soft sigh, settling your hands over his and entwining your fingers. "It's not your fault. It takes two to tango."

He places a kiss to your temple, his fingers squeezing yours gently.

"Can you help me control them? What if I accidentally use them on you? I don't want to hurt you," you frown. Using them against raging vampires was one thing, but if you were to hurt Bucky, you'd never forgive yourself.

He huffs out a quick laugh. "I'm afraid I'm not the correct person for that job. Demons harness energy quite differently from descendants. But Talia may be able to help."

"Talia?" you question. "But she hates me."

"Let me talk to her. I may be able to convince her."

You bite your bottom lip. It might not be the most appealing option, but it was looking like the only viable one. "Okay. But only if you're there too."

He chuckles quietly, "Of course."

"Do you even know what it was that I did?"

You feel Bucky nod his head. "Yeah. It sounds like you used light manipulation and translocation. Both are pretty advanced moves, which is probably why Tony didn't expect you to have either of them."

Your lips turn down slightly. "I still don't understand."

"Light manipulation allows you to create light. Judging by Tony's reaction, I think you may have created a burst sunlight. And then translocation is basically just teleportation. You wanted to get somewhere safe badly enough that you were able to transport yourself here. We have wards set up to prevent descendants from being able to translocate directly into the building, which is why you showed up out front, but it got you close."

You take a moment to process this information. It was difficult to believe that you could do either of those things, yet alone both.

"Do you think that this might be what Vision meant by trials?" you find yourself asking. The strange interaction with the seer was never too far from your mind, despite how much you'd try to distract yourself from it.

"I don't know. Maybe. We'll figure that one out together, too."

You sigh quietly, sinking a little further into the water. "I don't like being the cause of your problems."

Bucky tightens his hold on you, placing another kiss to your cheek. "You're not. If anything, this is all my fault."

You release a humorless laugh. "We just keep going in circles with the blame, don't we?"

He exhales in a laugh as well, the burst of air making your skin tingle. "Yeah, I guess we do. Wanna just share it?"

You find yourself smiling genuinely for the first time this night. You lean your head back against his shoulder and look up at him. "Sounds good to me."

He smiles back at you.

You reach your hand up to cradle the back of his head, your eyes going soft. "Thank you for coming to my rescue again."

You watch his gaze flicker down to your lips. "I didn't even do anything."

You smile, tugging him just a little closer. "You're here and that means everything to me."

His eyes turn molten with tenderness and desire. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

Your lips finally meet and you find yourself in complete agreement with him.