find me where the wild things are.

Ellie Queen



Steven Grant Rogers

---

Taylor Jacobs



James Buchanan Barnes

Steve Rogers had so many little habits that he had, none of which really mattered more than the next on the list packed into the corner of his mind. But one had always trumped the others. If a friend called for help, Steve would drop everything he was currently working on and go running. It had been in his nature from a young age and his military service had just amplified his desire to help those in need. Even if it was something as minor as needing to open a jar of pickles, Steve was who you called upon.

When Sam gave him a call, saying that a situation had popped up where Steve may be needed, he did just that. He tied up any loose ends because he'd been told that it wasn't an absolutely dire one, just that his presence may be useful. Soon as he was showered and dressed, Steve left his apartment and headed toward Sam's home.

---

Taylor was just finishing up a shift at the local bar that she worked at. She had been here since she turned 21. It was an easy enough job that meant she got good tips when she worked, making it easy to go to school full time while still caring for herself. She was used to dealing with strange guys most days but most of them were innocent enough. She would bat her eyelashes at them and smile for the night until her shift was over and she would head home.

She stepped outside, pulling her jacket closer to her body, the chill in the air bringing goosebumps down her arms. Taylor sighed as she turned to begin walking down the street.

"Hey, girlie, c'mere," a man's voice came from behind. Taylor stopped dead, glancing behind her, her shoulders tense. "I said, come here," he growled, reaching a hand out for her. Taylor's eyes widened as she moved to dodge his hand. "Leave me alone!"

Ellie Queen had always been a good girl always following the rules and doing homework. Then she met Tyler and fell in love or at least she thought so. He had her wrapped around his finger she would do anything for him and more. Sam had watched her get hurt every time she was in a relationship and he always had to pick up the pieces. He would always be there for her, best friends since childhood and nothing was going to change that. Ellie was in tears as she tossed the pregnancy test and sat on the sofa, "I can't believe he just left me.." Sam wanted to tell her that he wasn't surprised but he didn't want to upset her more. So instead he caled Steve, he was good at making people smile especially women.

"I called someone who might cheer you up," he sat down and rubbed the back of Ellie's hand. He hadidn't gone looking for Tyler and gave him a piece of his mind. Ellie breathed softly, "Sam why did you do that? This person is going great to take a look at me and think I'm a loser and a slut," Sam looked at her shaking his head, "trust me he won't he's not a judgemental person." Ellie wiped her tears, "I guess I could use another perspective that isn't my friend who may be biased..."

---

Bucky Barnes was on the run from the law something he never thought would have a problem with. After everything that Hydra had done to him and he just wanted to hide. At the moment he was sitting at a bar drinking his problems away, not really. He couldn't get drunk so he was just looking at the scenery. He noticed the cute bartender finish up her shift and leave and while she was leaving Bucky noticed a couple of men follow her. Now he couldn't stand by and let a woman get harassed by a couple of creeps. He paid his tab and pulled his hat and followed after.

Bucky looked around and found them he slowly made his way over and could hear the man slur angrily. As he was watched the man pull the blonde's arm and that's when he stepped in. Pulling him off her, "leave her alone" he mumbled. The annoyed man turned to James and frowned "stay out of this product I'll kick your ass!" James didn't budge, "I'm not going to let you harm her" the other men were trying to pull bucky back but had q trouble. After a few punches from his left metal arm they all left with bruises. He sighed and looked at the woman, "are you okay."

It only took twenty minutes before Steve walked up to Sam's front door. He knocked before stepping back, waiting to be let in. When Sam opened the door, he smiled before stepping inside. He glanced around as they made their way into the living room. Glancing toward Ellie, Steve's brows rose just a bit. He wondered if she had something to do with what Sam had needed help with. But he would find out soon enough.

Steve turned to his friend before raising an eyebrow. "Sam, what is it that you needed help with?"

---

Taylor's eyes widened as she watched Bucky appear. She stepped back away from the group that had been harassing her, rubbing her wrist gently. It wasn't until the guys ran off that she started to relax, chewing on her bottom lip nervously as she glanced toward Bucky. She smiled the slightest bit, nodding her head. "Yes..thank you. I can't hope to repay you," she murmured, glancing up to him.

"The bad customers aren't usually quite that rough," Taylor spoke quietly. She didn't want to jsut turn and leave because she knew that would be rude and he had just helped her after all. "Thank you for stopping them."

Ellie looked up when Steve arrived and her face grew red with embarrassment, "Sam a heads up would have been nice?" She looked down ashamed and placed her hands against her face. "Steve this is my childhood friend Ellie. Ellie this is Steve, oh come on, don't be like that he won't judge you" he told her. "I'm still embarrassed I'm usually so responsible and now I'm alone and I need to go outside for a minute excuse me" she sighed and walked out for a minute.

Sam looked at Steve and sighed, "she's been through a lot lately and she's been so sad lately I just.. Thought you could cheer her up. You're a nice guy like a real genuine nice guy none of that fake stuff. She could use that.. I just I don't know how to comfort her.."

---

Bucky looked at the young blonde woman and nodded, "I don't like men doing that to women it's not right and they're disgusting. I grew up with three sisters and a mom so I know about that.. "He walked closer to her,"men like that gives us a bad name and I'm not going to stand by and watch a woman or person get assaulted or harassed" he explained.

Bucky smiled softly at her and nodded, "I'd do it for anyone, my name is James" he told her sticking his right hand and nodded. "If there's anything you need help with let me know I come to this bar quite frequently " he chuckled.

Steve looked between Ellie and Sam, his confusion evident. But then Sam introduced them and he was smiling, always ready to play the gentleman part. He went to hold out a hand to her, only to drop it back to his side when she rushed from the room. He glanced back to Sam, eyebrows raising. "Of all the things that I was expecting, this sure as heck wasn't it," Steve commented. He nodded after a moment, "I'll see what I can do."

Steve followed after Ellie, a gentle smile on his lips. "I'm not that scary am I?" He asked as he leaned against the wall of the house, looking at her with a gentle grin. He wanted to make her feel better, obviously it was important to Sam. She seemed like she could really use it and he wanted to do whatever he could to help her.

---

"I wouldn't have pegged you as one of them. You've been polite all evening," Taylor murmured, hugging her jacket close to her body. Shaking his hand, she couldn't help the light blush that came to her features. "Well, it's certainly nice to meet you, James. I'm Taylor," she spoke, giving a very slight curtsy. Giggling as she pulled away, Taylor glanced down the street. Her apartment was only two blocks away but after what had just happened, she was a bit on edge.

"Uhm... Would you by chance walk me home? It's only two blocks away but..." She trailed off, glancing down to her feet. She didn't really want to admit the reasoning. Taylor kicked at the concrete for a moment before looking back up to him. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. It's only a short trip anyway. See you around maybe?"

Sam sighed, "i knkw, I'm sorry man, I just I can usually get through her but this is a bignore thing and she's just scared. Besides I'm sure she'll enjoy your company. " Ellie was in the kitchen tissues in hand as she wiped her tears, she jumped when she heard Steve she turned around. Tear stained cheeks and rosy cheeks and lips trembling. "No.. I'm just in an emotional state. I'm sorry you have to see me like this,, I'm usually more peppy and happy.. I'm just a mess right now.,," She smiled weakly, she knew who he was and he looked so much better in person, pictures and videos didn't do him justice.

She bit her lip, "I know that I'm crazy for even crying over someone who clearly didn't want me but I feel abandoned and I'm terrified.." She looked at her hands, "I'm not sure how I'm going to fo this..,"a

---

Bucky smiled softly, "let's just say I grew up in a different decade from these other men" he nodded, "well its a pleasure to meet you Taylor," he stood there for a momental as he watched her. He noticed how anxious she suddenly got and frowned just slightly.

Bucky nodded, "it's no trouble at all, I don't blame you, there's too many weirdos out here and well,you deserve to feel safe. " He walked alongside of Taylor, "I insist I want you to get home safe, now lead the eay, please. I hope to see you more too"

@ varkatzas.

Steve frowned as he looked over Ellie. She looked so distraught that all he really wanted to do was scoop her up into his arms and comfort her. But he barely even knew her name, that wouldn't be appropriate. Instead he settled on closing the space between them, reaching to set a hand on her shoulder. He gave a gentle squeeze, a small smile on his lips. "Hey now, it's fine. We've all had rough patches, this is just one of yours. You don't have to apologize for being upset, sweetheart."

When she looked down, Steve let out a quiet, inaudible sigh. He stepped forward and brought her into a hug, knowing she was just about ready to cry. "Why are you scared, sweetheart? I'm sure Sam and I can help you through this.."

---

"You don't look that much older than them," Taylor commented quietly, a gentle smile on her lips. When Bucky agreed to walk her home, her eyes widened a bit. She hadn't been expecting him to agree so when he did, she couldn't help but feel a bit relieved. Leading the way back toward her apartment, she shoved her hands into her pockets.

"When did you move here? I don't usually work much at the bar with schooling and everything but I guess it was just fate that I happened to work tonight," she spoke quietly, glad that it was night out. That way he wouldn't see the blush that had crept onto her cheeks.

Ellie could hardly breathe as she was letting her emotions spill out to a person she hardly knew. He seemed sweet and genuine so she did but she began to cry and she felt his protective arms wrap around her and she looked up with her red rimmed eyes and pink cheeks. This man was just so sweet and she felt safe in his arms.

Ellie could feel her mouth go dry and her throat close up as she tried to speak. ClearlI guess her throat and blinking her eyes trying to rid of her tears she finally spoke. "Well, I was in a relationship that I thought was serious but he didn't seem to think so and well, I manage tour get myself pregnant. I told him and he left. The usual cowardly thing that most men these days do and I'm ashamed and embarrassed and terrified but I don't want an abortion and I don't want to give this unborn child up. It's not their fault it's mine. "[LINE

Bucky chuckled, "are you trying to say something about my age? " He joked. How could he not walk her home it was dark out and who knew if those guys would still be out there, he felt the needed to protect this young woman. He wanted to tell her that he was hiding out but that would cause her to question him more. So he shrugged it off. "I'm not really sure just needed somethng different I guess."

@ varkatzas.

Steve's heart broke for the young woman - it wasn't right that she had been hurt this way. But he knew there was nothing that he could do to turn things around and make everything not happen. He let out a small sigh and gave her a light squeeze.

"You can't blame yourself for that. You thought it was a serious relationship and treated it as such, the fact that things didn't work out are on his shoulders. But Sam and I are here, we can help you," Steve spoke softly, moving so he could help her to one of the bar stools by the peninsula in the kitchen. "Here. Sit down, I'll get you a glass of water, alright?"

---

Her eyes widened as she looked up to him, shaking her head wildly. "No! That's not what I meant! If anything, you don't even look as old as them is all I meant. I'm sorry," she spoke hurriedly, once again thankful that it wasn't light out. She was horrified enough that she had offended him, or at least thought she had. If he could have seen her cheeks flushed several shades darker, it would have only made it worse.

"I can offer you a glass of water or something once we get to my place. I don't have much to give but I should thank you for walking me home," she said quietly, glancing to him with a small smile.

Ellie listened as Steve spoke and she managed to wipe some tearsenal away as she took a seat and nodded. "Thank you for being so kind with me, " She took the glass of water when he came back he was inches from her face. She smiled weakly, he was handsome and so kind. Taking a long drink of water ellie had finally calmed down. She looked at Steve and smiled weakly, "thank you for listening and offering to help me.."

Bucky looked at the young blonde's and chuckled, "you didn't offend me don't worry about i, I was just teasing." He shook his head, "it's no problem, I don't mind at all, only If you want me to come in" Bucky didn't want to meet a bother he simply wanted to make sure the young woman made it home safely. Things had changed from the forties that's for sure and he wasn't sure he liked it.

"Hey, you don't have to thank me, it's what a decent man would do," Steve responded as he handed the water to her. He smiled as he leaned against the table, crossing his arms. "Of course. I'll give you my number and if you need anything, you can always call me. No matter how small or big the problem is... what time of day doesn't matter," he spoke softly, offering her a gentle smile. "Does that sound good for you?"

---

Taylor nodded, shoving her hands into her pockets. She slowed as they neared her home. She honestly didn't see anything wrong with Bucky coming inside, he seemed like a genuine good guy. Heading inside, she left the door open for him. leading him into the kitchen, she began to pour him a glass of water. "I really can't explain how much I appreciate you walking me home. It's not very often someone will offer to."

Ellie smiled softly, "you're too kind," Ellie took a good look at Steve and a blush crept up on her face. He was so handsomexcited and his smile, it made her heart flutter. She looked down breathing softly, "are,.you sure? I don't want to be a bother or anything..." She the nodded, "yes, it sounds good, thank you"

---

Bucky smiled softly as he followed Taylor inside, and looked around she had a nice place. "You have a nice home, really it's no problem any time you need help getting rid of creeps just let me know and I'll kick their ass" he chuckled.

"Listen, I wouldn't offer if I wasn't okay with it," Steve explained, moving over to the fridge to grab a notepad that was magneted to the fridge. He quickly jotted down his number before ripping that piece of paper from the pad. "Here," he murmured, handing her hte small piece of paper.

---

Taylor took a seat at the small dining room table, offering him a small smile. "Are you trying to say you're going to give me your number?" She teased, raising an eyebrow.

Ellie nodded as she took the number and entering in her phone, "thanks, I suppose I should give you mineverything as well..." She writer her number know the back of the piece of paper. She handed Steve hee number looking up when Sam walk into the kitchen. "You all right?" Ellie nodded, "I think so.. I mean I am"

Bucky laughed and sat across Taylor and thought for a moment, "I guess I am, unless you don't want it" he took a drink of water. "So how light have you worked at that bar? I don't remember seeing you before"

Ellie nodded as she took the number and entering in her phone, "thanks, I suppose I should give you mineverything as well..." She writer her number know the back of the piece of paper. She handed Steve hee number looking up when Sam walk into the kitchen. "You all right?" Ellie nodded, "I think so.. I mean I am"

Bucky laughed and sat across Taylor and thought for a moment, "I guess I am, unless you don't want it" he took a drink of water. "So how long have you worked at that bar? I don't remember seeing you before" Bucky went regularly to that bar and not once remembered a blonde bartender. He would have remember someone that attractive.

Steve smiled, taking her number and slipping it into his pocket. He glanced to Sam as his friend walked into the room. "I think I did a pretty good job of cheering her up," he said with a small laugh. Steve glanced to Ellie and offered another smile. "Gave her my number so she can call me if she ever needs something. Any time of day."

---

Taylor couldn't help the smile that was displayed on her face as she pulled her phone out of her pocket and stepped forward to offer it to him once she brought up the new contact page. "Here," she murmured, glancing to her lap for a moment. She looked back up to him and shrugged her shoulders, "I've been working there for awhile but I normally work early on in the day because of schoo and stuff. Do you just come during the evening?"

Sam looked over at Steve and then Ellie, "you know what would really cheer her up? If you took her out for some ice cream and got to know her better" he grinned. Ellie blushed, "or I could go home and sleep this off imy tired," she turned to Steve and smiled, "all right but if I end up calling at 3 am I hope you don't get mad. " She laughed.

---

Bucky took the phone and entered his number and handed it back to herm "that explains a lot, yeah I usually just sit there at night think things over,.. why were you here late if you usually work early?"

@ varkatzas.

@ varkatzas.
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