#Kaits5KAUchallenge

[writing-mermaid]

On a Wednesday in a café, I watched it begin again, part 1

Prompt : “I haven’t seen you since we were kids ! How did you even recognize me ?”

Words : 4 793

Author’s note : This series was written for the writing challenge celebrating @bionic-buckyb‘s 5K. 

Warnings :  Mentions of death, sadness, funerals.

Song of the title : Begin Again - Taylor Swift

Masterlist - Series masterlist

Part 2 - Part 3

1997

I rush to the backyard of the Barnes family without paying attention to my dad calling my name. Even before he reaches the door, I’m already starting to climb the ladder to Bucky’s tree house, tears in my eyes making the world blurry around me. I perfectly know the way up there, so I can almost do it with eyes closed. I hear the front door opening, the light thud of the bag my dad is carrying hitting the ground and the door closing. Mrs Barnes might know by now, but Bucky doesn’t.

Bucky, or rather James Buchanan Barnes and I, it’s a long story. We were born the same year, in the same hospital, Bucky two days before me. Our mothers were in the same bedroom and became friends that way. Bucky’s mom, Winifred, was supposed to be out two days after my birth, but as she has been sick, she and Bucky stayed and went out same day as my mom and I. At this moment, the hospital where our respective mothers gave birth to each other had some furniture’s problems and Bucky and I had to share a crib during our staying there. As Brian my elderly brother said us once : “You were already holding hand when you were barely born”. We were kinda known as the lovebirds babies in the hospital. And that was naturally that our families continued to see each other and stayed friends.

When I finally reach the entrance of the tree house, the first thing I spot through my watering eyes, is my best friend, lying on the wooden floor, absentmindedly fixing the roof. The last step of the ladder squeaks under my feet, making his head turn to me. “Hey doll, what’s up ?” Usually, that nickname makes me smile. He started to call me that after a party we went when we were five. Our parents took us there, our respective grandpas were there for a veterans' reunion of WWII soldiers. When James heard an old man call a waitress doll, he started to call me doll too and it stayed. “I’m not in the mood, Bucky.” Bucky, another nickname that comes from our youngest years. Before we went to preschool, our moms wanted us to know our complete names. If it was easy for me and that I managed to pronounce Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N correctly from the first time, James was awful at it. Saying James Buchanan Barnes seemed to be hard for him, he was always stumbling on ‘Buchanan’. “Come on, James, that’s not hard”, Winifred said. “James Buchanan Barnes. Come on, say it again.” “James Buckynan Barnes.” “Buckynan”, I burst out laughing. “Buckynan”, I had tears in my eyes. “Stop it !”, he pouted, while I was still giggling. “Bucky”, I suddenly said. And it stayed, Bucky. I crawl in the tree house and sit cross-legged on the floor, my gaze lost in the distance, on the verge of tears. Bucky sits up and slides next to me before putting an arm around my shoulders. “Y/N, tell me, what’s going on ?”, he asks, lifting my chin to stare into my eyes. “My mom and brother had a car accident”, I finally sigh after a few minutes. “My dad is with your mother right now, mom and Brian are at the hospital. I don’t know what’s gonna happen Bucky”, I say, crying for good. He wraps his other arm around me and pulls me on his lap, holding me against him. “Hey, hey, shush, I’m here, I’m with you, you know that”, I nod against his shoulder. “I still have the gummy bears we hide last week, do you want some ?”, I nod again and Bucky rises on his feet before helping me to rise on mine. He grabs the candies, and we sit on the edge of the tree house on a sort of balcony that George, Bucky’s father, built, our legs hanging in the air, the candy box between us, Bucky’s left-hand holding my right one. I don’t know how long we stay like that, but our silent tranquility is disturbed by a voice shouting our names downstairs. We look down and see Rebecca, Bucky’s little sister. “What do ya want Becca ?”, Bucky shouts back to her. “Mister Y/L/N is leaving, he wants to talk to Y/N before he leaves.” We both sigh before rising on our feet. Bucky takes me the corner the tree house balcony where there was a sort of goods lifts for us to go down. He grabs the bucket and the rope, motioning to me to climb in it with me. “No Buck, last time we wanted to do that, Steve broke his arm”, I remind him. “That’s because Steve was too light for it. Come on doll, do you trust me ?”, he responds. “Of course I do.” “So come on.” He grabs my hand and pulls me to him, flush to his body. I cling on him, eyes tightly shut. Bucky makes the rope slide slowly in its roller, and we land on the dry land. “You’re doing like in Robin Hood”, Rebecca chuckles. “You’re like Marian and Robin.” I open my eyes and look up at Bucky. We’re still in the bucket, his arms are still around me and I’m still flushed to his body. I feel my cheek heat up and when Bucky’s gaze crosses mine, he blushes. We pull away from each other when I hear my father calling for me. “I’m going to the hospital to see what’s going on with your mother and brother, I know they were going to operate them, and I want you to stay here with the Barnes. I’ll call you later tonight”, he states, kissing my forehead before leaving. I had no news from my dad until the end of the next day, when he called Mrs Barnes to tell her my brother and mother were going to surgery. Then, in the middle of the night, he called again, this time, Mr Barnes answered, the phone ring woke me and I sneaked out from the mattress they put in Rebecca’s room to hear something. All I heard was whispers and then some gasps when Mr Barnes got back to his bedroom and repeated to his wife what my dad said. Realizing that I wouldn’t know what was going on, I got back to bed and fall asleep in seconds, still shook by the day’s events. When I get up this morning, the Barnes’ home atmosphere is heavy, no one dares to talk. I take a seat next to Bucky who grabs my hand in his, squeezing it lightly. Still silent, Mrs Barnes puts down a hot cocoa bowl in front of me, with slice of bread and jars of jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread and butter in the middle of the table. “Eat kids”, are the only words going out of her mouth. A part of the morning passes in silence, Rebecca silently plays with her toys in the living room while Bucky and I are sitting on the couch, his hand barely left mine since breakfast. TV is playing but none of us is paying attention, I don’t really realize when it happened but my head eventually lies on Bucky’s shoulder, his arm around mine when the bell rings. Mrs Barnes walks to the door and from the distance I hear her talking to my father, I recognize his voice from the front door to the living room, even if I can’t here what he’s saying. Footsteps are coming to us and my dad appears in the door frame, eyes red and signs of a sleepless night on his face. “Hi Mr Y/L/N”, Bucky says looking up at him, his arm still around my shoulders and hand holding mine. “Hello James”, my dad answers. “May I talk to my daughter alone please”, he asks quietly. Bucky gets up from the couch letting my body go, after he helps me to rise on my feet, whispering into my ear a little 'are you gonna be okay ?’ that I just answer by a nod. He kisses my forehead and gives my hand a last squeeze before leaving the room, Rebecca on his heels. I run into my father’s arms, instinctively wrapping my arms around his waist in a tight hug. He pushes me back, and crouches on the floor to look deeply into my eyes, the same hazelnut as my mom and brother, none of us has his eyes. “Y/N, baby, I’ll need you to be very brave. What I have to tell you is really hard”, he states, looking away from me. He takes a big breath before adding, “My darling, your mother and brother had surgery last night, your mom died during the operation.” Tears start to burn the edges of my eyes while I’m trying to process what he’s telling me. “What… What… What a..about Brian ?”, I ask him, hoping that my brother is safe and sound. “Brian”, he responds, swallowing his saliva, “Brian, the operation went well last night, and he was well and awake this morning, he suddenly complained about a huge pain in his chest. It was his heart, they opened again but, they couldn’t do anything. There's just the two of us now baby.” “No, it can’t be, mom and Brian are okay, they are okay, they’re going to come back in a few days”, I say, walking backwards until my back bumps in the wall, tears rolling down for good this time. My legs are not carrying me anymore and I slide against the wall and sit on the wooden floor of the Barnes’ living room, my knees to my chest, screaming, eyes shut, covering my ears like a little kid. The next thing I feel is a pair of arms around me cradling my body back and forth, soft hair caressing the side of my head, a nose rubbing my cheek, lips murmuring soft words on my skin. I know to whom the body I’m pressed to belong, it’s Bucky’s, it’s always him, the boy who leaves and who’s ready to anything and everything for me, Bucky who’s always been there for me, no matter what. “Breath, breath, I’m here, I promise you it’s gonna be okay”, I feel his mouth and hot breath on my cheekbones. So I do what he says, I take a few deep breath and try to calm down. I open my eyes and turn my head to his, our foreheads leaning into each other, eyes staring at each other. “We’re alone”, he tells me after a few minutes. “My mom took your father outside, said I was the only one who could calm you now.” I don’t say a word, leaning more into Bucky’s touch, nuzzling my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his sweet peppermint scent. After a few minutes, I lift my head again and my full of tears gaze find his stunning stormy blue one once again. And that’s when I realize what I want right now, is to kiss him, it’s not the moment, nor the place, but, that’s what I want and I don’t know how I can want that at that moment. And when I think I’m gonna make a move, it’s actually Bucky who makes it, his lips press to mine in a chaste and innocent kiss.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have”, he hastily says. “We should see what your dad has planned for now.” He gets up and helps me to get on my feet. We enter the kitchen when my father is telling Winifred that he has some papers to sign and things to organize and that I’ll have to stay here for a few days. During the next few days, Bucky and I don’t talk about that kiss and I try to focus on something else than my loss. Everyone started to treat me different at school, the only one who treats me as usual is Bucky. The day of the funeral comes too quickly for me, my dad and I are sitting in the first row, with the Barnes family by our sides, my mom’s family from Europe, on the bench at the other side of the aisle. My hands are shaking and so does my left leg, it only stops when a familiar hand grips mine. I don’t even need to look up to know who it is, Bucky laces his fingers with mine and my hands stop trembling. We have a special bond, and no one can understand what’s between us, unless they are living it. A few months pass, I finish the school year and on the last day, my dad announces me that we’re leaving New York and Brooklyn for Seattle. He has a promotion and wants to take a fresh new start far from the place that saw his wife and son die. I knew for a few days now, but didn’t tell anything to Bucky, I didn’t want him to be frustrated by the fact that I am going to leave him. Dad made me pack my things, only keeping what I needed for the end of school, sold the biggest part of my mom’s and brother’s stuff and the house, we were allowed to stay until today, when the new owners would come to have the keys. He already found us a place to live in Seattle and found me a new school. I cried when he told me that I’m going to make new friends very soon, telling him that I don’t want new friends, that those I have here been enough, that Bucky and Steve are the best friends someone can have in the world. We’re in front of the Barnes’ place now, to say our goodbyes before we take the road. I know that my dad told George and Winifred that we are leaving, but he told them to not tell Bucky. I can hear them, they’re in the backyard. I can here Rebecca’s giggle, Mrs Barnes telling her children to wash their hands before lunch, Mr Barnes saying that food is almost ready, I can smell the barbecue’s scent, the only one I don’t hear is Bucky, my sweet loving Bucky. I realized something when my dad told me that we were moving at the other side of the country, I love him, but not like I love my father, not like I loved my brother and mother, I love him, with the capital L, the complete I’m in love with him, thing. It hit me the night after the funerals, the way Bucky held my hand on that day, the fact that he stayed by my side all day long, the fact that he took me away from my home to make me think about anything but the death and sadness. I knew few days after that my dad agreed with that, he even gave Bucky a few bucks to distract me with ice cream and video games. That night when he left, I thought about him, about the sensation of his fingers intertwined with mine, the heat of his palm against mine, his sweet touch, the way he wiped that ice cream from the corner of my lips with his thumb. I’m in love with Bucky, my Bucky. My father puts his hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my daydreaming. “We have to hurry, we’re taking the road after saying our goodbyes”, he says and I just nod to answer, following him towards the happy noises. Bucky lifts his head at the moment we step into their field of view. He runs towards me and wraps his arms around me before putting his chin on the crown of my head. Nothing else count right now, just him and me. I hear in the distance my father speaking with the Barnes, telling them that we are here to say goodbye before taking the road. Bucky’s chin leaves my head, and he looks down to me. “Saying goodbye ?”, he asks, shocked. “Bucky, I swear I wanted to tell you but, I didn’t want you to be sad or to hate me”, I answer. “I would have rather you tell me you were leaving than learning it right now”, he shouts, letting me go and running to the house. “Bucky”, I call feeling tears falling down my face. Mr and Mrs Barnes ask us to stay eat something before we take the road and my father accepts. We eat in silence, the only noise is the one of our cutlery on our plates. I look at the empty stop besides me, Bucky is still in the house, probably in his bedroom and it makes my heart ache so much, I should have told him before, I should have told him that I’d rather stay here, but I don’t have the choice, I must follow my father. Just when we finish eating, Bucky appears again, his eyes are red, and he’s playing with the sleeves of his sweater. “Y/N, can I talk to you for a minute please ?” I nod, and he grabs my hand to take me near to the oak where the tree house is. At the same moment, I hear Mrs Barnes saying that they should clean the garden table to bring desert and have some coffee. All the adults, followed by Rebecca, pulled inside the house by her father, disappear in the kitchen. Bucky links his hands with mine, both of our hands are palm to palm, he’s ready say something, when he turns his head towards the house. He mutters something under his breath and when I turn my head, I spot the adults looking at us through the kitchen window, maintaining the curtains open. Bucky sighs and pulls me behind him to hide behind the big oak trunk. Once there, I lean against the huge tree, and he takes my hands in his again. “I’m sorry, I’ve been stupid, I shouldn’t have to have that reaction, I know this is not your fault.” “I wish I could have told you before, but I couldn't”, I answer sadly. “This just drives me crazy to imagine you leaving me, going away, living at the other side of the country. You’re my best friend and maybe that will sound selfish but I want to keep you with me. I don’t want to share you with anyone else, because I love you. And that’s not the love like the one I have for my parents or Rebecca or even Steve, it’s something else, something that maybe we are too young to understand but I love you like in I’m in love with you, like that thing we should find disgusting because we’re ten years-old and…” I cut him by putting my lips on his. “You talk too much Barnes. And for the record, I love you too.” “For real ?”, he asks, his eyes sparkling. “For real”, I answer. “Can I kiss you then ? Not an innocent baby kiss but like trying a real one like people who love each other do ?” I nod and everything is going slow, he leans his forehead on mine and our noses bump against each other. His lips are on mine in a blink of an eye, and we kiss. It’s wet and sort of disgusting, but we’re only ten years-old and that’s our first real kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck, as I saw older girls doing in movies. Bucky pulls away after a few seconds. We catch our breath, foreheads still leaning against each other, I would love to stay like this for eternity, but in the distance, I hear my father calling for me and saying that we are leaving in five minutes. “I’ve got something for you”, Bucky says, pulling a little bag from his pocket. “Promise me that you’re going to keep it, even in Seattle.” I open the bag and take out a necklace with a little red star on it. “Bucky, this is beautiful, thank you”, I peck his cheek before lifting my hair for him to put the jewel around my neck. “I want you to promise me something”, I suddenly state, looking straight into his blue orbs. “Anything you want.” “Don’t forget me, James. Promise me that you will not forget me, that you will still love me and that you and me are forever, no matter when we are going to find each other again, no matter if it’s in ten or twenty year, promise me.” “I promise you”, he responds holding me tight to him. “You and I are forever, no matter what.” I hear my father calling me once more. “I have to go.” “I know.” We kiss again, and hand in hand, reach the car in front of the house. I hug Mr and Mrs Barnes and Rebecca, before going back to Bucky. After another hug and peck on the lips, I take place on the passenger seat, my father turns the engine on and starts to drive. I see the Barnes waving goodbye, so I wave back, and suddenly, Bucky starts to run behind the car. I open the window and lean through it. “Don’t forget me”, he shouts. “Promise me that you’ll never forget me.” “I promise”, I shout back, and he stops running. That’s the last image I have from my best friend, first love and kiss before my father tuns the corner of the street.

2017

Bucky’s POV

That’s how I saw my best friend, first love and kiss going out of my life and as I promised her, I never forget for the past twenty years. No matter how many girls I dated, I’m still thinking about her, even if I don’t know where she is. I kinda lost her trace a few months after she moved to Seattle. The only thing I knew was that her father died barely two years after and that she was sent to her mother’s family in Europe, the only family she had left. Thinking about her and just her, makes it hard for commitment, even with redhead beauty that wakes up next to me almost every morning for two years now. Natasha is amazing, but she’s not the one, she could have been if I hadn’t promised my eternal love to someone else twenty years ago. Natasha is beautiful, smart and funny. She’s supposed to make me happy according to my family and friends, and according to them, we would have a beautiful bunch of babies. My parents told it to me, so does Steve and Becca, whom were dating and are now engaged and I can’t believe that my best friend is going to marry my little sister. It would be the truth if I wasn’t thinking of Y/N all the time knowing that someday she would probably come back to me. So almost twenty years passed since I made that promise, I’m now a History teacher in a high-school, still working and living in Brooklyn, Steve still by my side, teaching PE in the same school as me. That punk became PE teacher, if you had told me that twenty years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it, with his skinny self, that tiny bag of bone guy, suffering from asthma, whom got beaten up so many times by older guys than us would have become a muscle mountain leaving his little sick clumsy self behind, and seduce my sister. I met Natasha during a school trip, I was taking my class to the Smithsonian museum in DC, she was one of the person in charge of the exhibition. One of my students almost broke a piece of an ancient weapon from World War II and as I punished him and forced him to apologize to the young ginger woman in front of him, we kinda clicked. She told me she was in Washington only for her work, that she was in fact from New York and was here since four years, and even if she liked her job here, she would rather go back to the Big Apple to be closer of her family. We started by exchanging texts, phone calls, Skype conversation, and then had our first date when she came to New York for some vacations, I took her to a fancy restaurant, and we had our first night together. Five months later, she was back in NY for good, she had a new post at the American Museum of History and an apartment in Manhattan. From the beginning, I didn’t hide from her the fact that I made a promise to my former best friend, that I would wait for her and go back to her if she comes back. With time and without seeing any trace of the said best friend and our relationship continuing, I think that she finished thinking that Y/N would never come back and that she would have me only to herself. School year ended barely a month ago and the New York summer is already hotter than I expected. I’m strolling on the streets, enjoying the warm and the sun, thinking about what the school headmaster told the teaching staff that we were going to welcome a new literature teacher from Europe to replace Mrs Jenkins who was, finally, retiring. The only things we knew that day were that it was a woman, she was coming from Europe and had released a book, not a very famous one, but a good one according to the headmaster. I just wonder how she is, if she’s nice and what she looks like. I digress but that’s what holidays are for, aren’t they ? I pass by that little coffee shop that is here since as long as I can remember, the Chocolate Memories. I spent so long here with Steve and Rebecca when we were teens, close to home, cheap but delicious, the best place in Brooklyn for students and for a good time. I follow the first glass wall, inhaling the amazing smell of hot drinks and pastries coming from the inside of the café. Before I reach the door, I take a look inside through the window. There are only a few costumers inside, a group of teens, a couple with a little boy and a baby girl drinking her bottle and next to the other bay window a Y/H/C hair young woman, tipping on a computer, her back to the glass I’m looking through. I enter the shop and notice more about that girl who’s sitting on her side. She has a book to her right and a glass of fresh drink to her left, along with a plate with a cinnamon roll. She puts a lock of her hair behind her ear, she has black polish on her nails, and does it so softly that it’s like she’s afraid of ripping her hair of her head. She then puts her chin in the same hand, elbow on the table, tilting her head, before straighten back and grabs the glass with her left hand, taking a sip of her drink, eyes never leaving her screen. Whatever she’s tipping, it must be really important. I don’t know how long I’m staying here but at some point, someone is clearing their throat in front of me. “Sir”, the girl behind the counter says, “do you need something ?” “Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts, I’m just gonna sit and order something thanks.” She just nods as an answer and I move towards and empty booth, facing the table where the girl is sitting. I know that I have a girlfriend, and the love of my life is probably waiting for me somewhere, but I can’t help but being attracted by that mystery young woman focused on that screen of her, tipping almost as if her life depends on it. She looks so passionate of what she’s doing that she doesn’t seem to notice me. The young girl behind the counter comes to take my order and assure me that she’s going to be back in a few seconds with my cold coffee and a piece of plum pie. At some point, she closes her laptop and leans on the seat back, sighing softly and removing her glasses, reveling a pair of Y/E/C eyes that I know too well.

[sunriserose1023]

Just Roommates

Here’s my entry for @bionic-buckyb‘s AU Writing Challenge! (Sorry it’s so late. I’m the worst.)

RATING: PG PROMPT: Roommates WORD COUNT: 4593 CHARACTERS: Female reader, Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers, Wanda Maximoff, Bucky’s parents (mentioned), Sam Wilson (mentioned), Peggy Carter (mentioned) WARNINGS: THIS IS AN AU, GUYS; language

TAGS: This is my first time writing Marvel, so I don’t know who to tag! @mamapeterson, I know you like some Marvel stuff. 

You stood at the side of the bed, a bowl of Frosted Flakes in one hand, a spoon in the other. You were slowly taking bites, taking your time chewing, savoring the crunch of the cereal. You tilted your head to one side, then rolled your eyes, loudly clearing your throat.

The blonde in the bed blinked open mascara-smeared eyes, pulling the covers up around her naked body, but not before you got a shot of her clearly surgically-enhanced chest.

Naturally, you thought.

She closed one eye, squinting the other, then lifted the hand not currently holding the blanket to rub at that eye. She shook her head, then spoke, voice raspy and hoarse.

“Who are you?”

You smiled around the bite you had in your mouth, chewing and swallowing before you spoke.

 “Bucky’s wife. Who are you?”

Her eyes widened, shock evident in her features. She sat bolt upright in the bed, clutching the blanket in both hands. She started shaking her head, eyes still wide and scared, and you couldn’t hold back anymore. You snorted, letting the spoon fall back into the bowl. After laughing to yourself, you shook your head, meeting her eyes.

“I’m just kidding. But you should totally see your face right now.”

She blinked, sinking back to the bed, and you laughed again.

“I’m Bucky’s roommate.” “Y/N?”

You blinked but nodded, and she let out a breath, pushing a hand through her hair.

“He told me about you last night.”

You pursed your lips, slowly nodding. She shook her head, motioning to the bed behind her.

“Not here. Before.” “Well, thank God.”

You both laughed, and you took another bite of your cereal. You chewed and swallowed, then nodded to her.

“Look, I hate to do this, but you’ve got to go. Bucky had class early this morning, and we’re supposed to do some stuff with his family later, so I’ve got to get to cleaning this place.”

“Cesspool” was the word you wanted to use, especially in the room you were currently standing in, but you held back. She nodded, and you took a step backwards, stirring your cereal.

“I’ll let you get your … clothes.”

She nodded again, and you left the room, closing the door behind you and rolling your eyes. You walked to the kitchen and finished your cereal, placing the bowl and the spoon in the dishwasher when she stepped out of Bucky’s room. You realized you hadn’t even asked her name, but it’s not like you’d ever see her again. She held her shoes in her hands as she walked closer to you, and you pushed a smile on your face. She smiled back, nodding her head. 

“It was nice meeting you.” “Oh, you too! I called you a cab. It’s waiting right outside the front door.”

She gave you a grateful smile, then turned and walked out. As soon as the door shut, you let the smile slide from your face. You walked to your bedroom and knocked on the door, leaning against the wall.

“Coast is clear.”

Your bedroom door opened to reveal the lanky frame of Bucky Barnes, a pair of sweatpants slung low on his hips. He glanced around, then crossed his arms over his bare chest, giving you a smile. You shook your head.

“You’re pathetic, Barnes.” 

You walked back to the kitchen with a whining Bucky at your heels.

“I know. I’m a worthless human being. The lowest of the low.” “Well, I wouldn’t go that far.” “Really?” “I take it back. How hard is it to put a damn plate in the dishwasher, Buck?” 

He gave a sheepish smile, and you shook your head as you loaded his dishes into the dishwasher. Bucky sat on one of the barstools and picked an apple out of the bowl of fruit at the edge of the bar. He took a bite, talking with his mouth full.

“So what’d you tell her?” “Can you swallow before you speak? Don’t!”

You pointed at him, and he closed his mouth, sitting back on the stool. You shook your head, turning your back to him, squirting some dish soap onto a sponge and attacking a pan.

“I told her you’d gone to class and I had to clean for the thing we have with your parents tonight.” “Nice.” “It wasn’t completely a lie. You do have dinner with your parents tonight.”

Bucky groaned, and you smiled as you continued to scrub. You glanced over your shoulder to see one muscular arm stretched out, his head resting on it. You laughed, shaking your head.

“Drama queen.” “Dinner just … takes so much out of me.” “So, what? You sit for an hour, get a free meal, and nine times out of ten, you bring the waitress back here and do unmentionable things that make me bring out my headphones and pray for a thunderstorm.”

Bucky laughed, lifting himself back to a sitting position.

“It doesn’t really bother you, does it?” “Why do you think I ask for headphones every time a gift-giving occasion comes around?”

Bucky made a face.

“Sorry.” “You lie.” “No, really. I don’t mean to bother you. Or make you …” “Want to bleach my brain?”

He made another face, and you shook your head, smiling as you reached into the sink, pulling the stopper out of the drain.

“I’ve dealt with it this long, Barnes. I’m a big girl, and I can handle it. Hey, maybe I’ll start bringing guys back and we can have contests to see who can rattle the walls the most.”

You winked at him and left the room, walking into your bedroom and shutting the door behind you.

Bucky, on the other hand, stared at your closed door, wondering why your last statement made him uneasy.

You were stretched out on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, a glass of wine on the table in front of you and the latest episode of your favorite show on Netflix. You’d just started a new episode when you heard a key in the front door. You looked over, then grabbed the remote and paused your show.

Bucky walked in, shutting the door behind him and leaning against it. You wrinkled your nose, speaking when he looked over to you. 

“That bad?”

He groaned, walking over and flopping onto the couch beside you. You’d pulled your legs up to give him room, and he reached over, taking hold of your shins and pulling your legs onto his lap. He rested back against the couch, closing his eyes, and you bit your lip.

“Well, you’re not drunk, so that’s a good sign?”

Bucky snorted.

“Yeah, I guess.” “Want some wine?”

He shook his head, not opening his eyes.

“Want to tell me about it?”

He sighed, then blinked his blue eyes open.

“Same old shit, honestly. Ma and Pop are ready for me to ‘unleash my full potential.’ ‘It’s time for you to settle down, James.’” “Ooh, they broke out the ‘James?’”

Bucky nodded.

“Pop started talking about the company, and how I’m supposed to head it up, and Ma’s talking about weddings and I’m like … just sitting there.”

He rolled his head to the side, where he could meet your eyes.  

“Am I a huge fuck-up?”

You tilted your head to the side.

“Where is this coming from?”

He sighed, moving back to look up at the ceiling.

“I don’t know. I guess I’m … having a midlife crisis or something.”

You let out a laugh.

“Buck, you’re not even thirty yet. Little early for a midlife crisis.” “Existential crisis, then.”

You shook your head.

“You’re the best man I know, Barnes.” “You’re just saying that.” “False.”

He met your eyes again, and you smiled.

“You’re the one thing I’ve always been able to count on, Buck. From elementary school to now. So it took us a few years to get to college. We’re there now.” “Yeah, but I mean … Look at Steve.”

You rolled your eyes.

“No offense, but you’re not exactly the wholesome and pure, all-American type that Steve Rogers is.” “Gee, thanks. This is making me feel better already.”

You giggled, shaking your head.

“Steve … he lucked up and got a modeling gig that turned into …” “A world-wide phenomenon?”

You shrugged your shoulders.

“Sure.”

Bucky let out a laugh, and you spoke again.

“Steve was always different than us, Buck. And not necessarily in a bad way. Just … different. And that’s cool. But you can’t expect us all to turn out the same way. Steve’s saving the world, and we’re … not. Not yet, anyway.”

He sighed, reaching down and beginning to massage your feet through the blanket you were wrapped up in.

“I just … I don’t know.” “Tell me.” “I don’t know if I’m cut out for a nine-to-five office job. I mean, I watched Pop do it every day my whole life, and I’ve always thought … I don’t know. That there’s something better out there. That can’t be all there is to life, you know?”

You nodded, smiling.

“You got a serious case of wanderlust, Barnes. I can say that, because I’ve got it, too.” “Really?”

You nodded.

“I just don’t have the means of making it happen. Therefore, I am here, getting an education that will allow me to get a job that will allow me time off for vacations that will allow me to abate the wanderlust a little at a time.”

Bucky laughed.

“You’ve got it all figured out, don’t you, babe?”

You cheeks flushed at the nickname.

“I do my best.”

You gave a quiet groan when Bucky dug his fingers into the arch of your foot, and he raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry, am I hurting you?” “God, no. It feels amazing.”

You both laughed, and Bucky smiled at you as he continued his ministrations.

“I’m glad you’re here, Y/N. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” “You’ll never have to find out, Barnes. I’m not going anywhere.”

With the aroma of fresh coffee filling the apartment, you walked to Bucky’s bedroom door and knocked twice.

“Breakfast is ready. And by ‘breakfast,’ I mean coffee, because we both know I don’t do shit in the morning but pour cereal into bowls.”

You pulled your mug out of the cabinet and poured coffee into it, taking in a deep breath and closing your eyes, letting the fragrance fill your senses, your brain already perking up. You took a sip and made a face, heading for the refrigerator and doctoring your coffee the way you liked it. You let out a happy sigh once you took another sip, then glanced over as Bucky’s door opened.

He was shirtless, like he usually was when he first woke up, but today he was wearing a pair of blue plaid pajama bottoms. The last time you’d woken him up … scratch that. He’d woken you up by holding a magazine in front of his crotch, begging you to get the latest bimbo out of his bed.

You pursed your lips as you watched him meander around the kitchen, grabbing a mug and scratching at his chest while he filled the mug with coffee.

“Morning, handsome.”

He grunted at you, and you giggled, taking another sip of your coffee, wincing as he lifted his mug and drained half the liquid. He let out a breath, then topped off his mug, glancing to you and holding out the coffeepot. You shook your head and he put the pot back in its place, turning to lean against the counter as he drank. You held your mug between both hands, never moving it far from your mouth.

“Sleep okay?”

Bucky lifted a shoulder and let it fall.

“Had better, had worse. You?” “Same.”

He nodded, taking another swig. You bit your lip, then spoke again.

“What time did you get home last night?”

Bucky yawned, pushing a hand through his hair.

“About one. Sam had training or something this morning.”

You nodded, taking another sip from your mug.

“No new friends around?”

Bucky smiled.

“Nah. I, uh … I don’t know. Guess it’s part of the ‘growing up’ my dad was talking about. One night stands are only good for … well, one thing.”

You snorted, and it trailed into full-fledged laughter that Bucky joined in on. You shook your head and looked into your mug, taking another sip.

“You’re pretty when you laugh.”

Your head shot up, and Bucky drained his mug. He walked over, putting it in the sink, lifting his hands over his head. He walked back to his room, shutting the door behind him, leaving you staring at his door until your coffee had gone cold.

“What is up with you?”

You glanced across the table, seeing the foreign exchange student, one of your closest friends on campus, smiling back at you. You shook your head, and Wanda smiled, speaking again in her softly accented English.

“What are you thinking about? You seem … far away today.”

You smiled and nodded, letting out a sigh.

“Just … stuff.” “I like stuff. Enlighten me on your stuff.”

You laughed, putting the cap on your pen and pushing your notebook aside. Wanda shut the book she’d been studying and leaned closer to you. You looked down at your hands as you spoke.

“I think something’s going on between me and Bucky.” “Ooh, really? Tell me more.”

You laughed, then shrugged your shoulders.

“I don’t know. It’s just … things seem … different, lately.” “How so?” “Well, he hasn’t brought a girl home in a while. The only times he goes out is to meet his dad, or his guy friends. Other than that, he’s with me.” “This is good, no?”

You nodded.

“It is good, it’s just … I don’t know.” “No, you do know. Keep talking.”

You smiled, looking back down. After a moment of silence, Wanda spoke.

“Do you not want something to happen with Bucky?”

You shrugged your shoulders.

“I wouldn’t be terribly opposed, but … we’re friends, you know? And we’ve been friends for a really long time. I don’t want to mess that up.” “You and Bucky are very close. That is visible to anyone who sees you. Trust me when I say, he feels the same.”

You laughed.

“Wanda, thank you for being so sweet, but I promise you, he doesn’t.” “Have you asked him?” “No!” “Then how would you know?”

You shook your head.

“He’s not interested in me. I’m just his roommate.”

Wanda laughed this time. She shook her head, gathering her books and loading them into her bag, putting the bag on her shoulder as she spoke to you.

“If you two are ‘just roommates,’ I’d hate to see him with someone he really loves.”

She walked away, leaving you by yourself, caught up in your thoughts.

You walked to Bucky’s door, rapping on it with your knuckles.

“Buck, phone.”

He opened his door and poked his head out. He had his gaming headset on, a controller in one hand.

“What?”

You smiled.

“There’s a Melissa on the phone for you. Sounds blonde.”

You held your hands in front of your chest, mouthing the words “big boobs,” making Bucky roll his eyes. You laughed and turned away, going to the door as the doorbell rang. You paid for the Chinese food and shut the door behind you, just as Bucky shut his bedroom door and met you in the kitchen. He grabbed a container, opening it and making a face, then pushing it towards you. You giggled and tore open a pair of chopsticks, picking up an egg roll and dropping it in your container. 

“So what time you leaving?”

Bucky raised an eyebrow, mouth full of fried wonton. You shook your head, a soft smile on your face.

“To meet Melissa.”

Bucky rolled his eyes, swallowing his mouthful. 

“I’m not.” “What?”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t even remember what she looks like. Plus, her voice? Annoying as fuck.”

You laughed, and he smiled.

“Plus, we’ve got that movie on Amazon to watch, right?”

You blinked.

“You’d rather stay here with me, eat Chinese food, and watch a movie, than go out and meet a guaranteed lay?”

Bucky shrugged his shoulders again.

“I like your company more.”

You blinked, and he grabbed both his container and yours.

“Come on. Movie’s about to start.”

You watched him leave the kitchen, moving a hand to your stomach. You shook your head, reaching over the counter.

“And do not eat my egg roll!”

“So … what brought this on?”

Bucky grunted as he slammed his fists into the punching bag over and over again. He was soaked with sweat, muscles screaming as he worked them. Steve stood behind the bag, holding it steady, not even breaking a sweat. Bucky punched the bag a few more times, then lifted his head.

“What?”

Steve smiled, showing straight white teeth that Bucky honestly wanted to knock out of his mouth. After a few more punches, Steve poked his head around the bag again.

“Not that I’m complaining, but you never work out with me. And you’ve never taken your frustrations out on this poor, defenseless punching bag. So again I say, what’s up with you?”

Bucky sighed, walking to the bench in the corner of the room. He lifted a bottle of water to his lips, draining half of it. He stood there for a moment, chest still heaving with the exertion of his work out, then he drank the rest of the water. He tossed the bottle into the trash can and sat on the bench, hanging his head.

Steve watched him for a minute, then walked over and sat beside him.

“Hey.”

Bucky glanced over, and Steve nodded to him.

“Talk to me, Buck. What’s going on?”

Bucky sighed, lifting his head, tossing his hair out of his face.

“I met my parents for dinner a few weeks ago, and they gave me the same old spiel. I need to get my shit together, blah blah blah.”

Steve nodded, but didn’t say anything, so Bucky went on.

“I don’t know, I guess it struck a chord this time. Pop was talking about how he’s wanting to loosen the reins on the company, so I’m going to need to step in. And Ma’s wanting grandchildren and other shit, and I just …”

He shook his head.

“They’re right. I’ve been acting like a stupid kid for … hell, my whole life. I should get my shit together.” “You should.”

Bucky glanced over, and Steve let out a laugh. He held up his hands, smiling as he spoke.

“Don’t treat me like the bag, man. I’m just saying.”

Bucky rolled his eyes, but couldn’t stop the smile that came over his face. Steve leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“It’s not easy. Being an adult. Trust me, I know. But it’s … rewarding. You’re supposed to be a stupid kid, but not for your entire life. You gotta grow up, and as scary as that is? It’s still worth it.”

Bucky nodded, and Steve cleared his throat. He glanced over at his friend, and Steve was staring at his hands.

“What?”

Steve didn’t look up, but a nervous smile came over his face.

“I, uh … I met someone.”

Bucky’s eyebrows raised, and Steve let out a quiet laugh.

“Her name’s Peggy. I met her in London a few months ago.” “A few months?” “Shut up.”

Bucky laughed, and Steve finally lifted his head to look at him.

“She’s funny and sweet and drop-dead gorgeous. She’s … I don’t know, Buck. She might be the real deal.” “Whoa.”

Steve nodded.

“I know. Talk about growing up, huh?”

Steve gave that nervous laugh again, and Bucky glanced over at the punching bag. His voice was quiet when he spoke again.

“How do you know?”

Steve looked over to him, but Bucky kept his eyes on the bag.

“Know what, Buck?” “That she might be the one.”

Steve smiled, lifting a shoulder.

“I can’t tell you just why. All I know is I like being around her. She makes me laugh. When I get all in my head, she calms me down. I miss her when I’m not with her. Just hearing her voice can turn my entire day around. She’s what’s on my mind when I go to bed at night, and when I wake up, I wonder what she’s doing, if she’s awake, too. We have fun when we’re together, no matter what we do. Whether it’s an art show or a movie premiere, or hell, even a walk in the park. Just sitting on her couch and watching TV is incredible.”

Steve shook his head.

“Being with her is different than any other girl I’ve ever even talked to. The first time I kissed her, I knew I wanted to keep kissing her every chance I got. For the rest of my life, even. Buck, she … she makes my life better just by being.”

Steve went quiet, then let out a soft “huh.”

“Guess she is the one.”

Bucky stood up, gathering his things, throwing his gym bag over his shoulder. Steve stood as well, one eyebrow raising.

“What are you doing?” “I … I gotta go.”

Bucky jogged out of the gym, leaving Steve standing there. He smiled, then put his hands in his pockets, sauntering deeper into the gym, whistling as he walked.

You lifted a spoon to your mouth, blowing on it before slipping it between your lips. You hummed at the taste, shaking your hips and grabbing a pinch of salt, sprinkling it into the pot before stirring. You heard the front door open and an involuntary smile came over your face.

“Buck? You home?”

He walked into the kitchen, dropping his gym bag on the floor. You turned around and wrinkled your nose at the sight of him.

“Ew, you’re all sweaty. Go shower. Dinner’s almost ready.”

He didn’t make a move, just stared at you, giving you that uncomfortable feeling at the back of your neck until you turned back to face him.

“Buck? Everything okay?”

He slowly walked to you, stopping right in front of you, where you had to look up to meet his eyes. They were serious, blue even more intense than usual, and you shook your head.

“Bucky, what are you doing?”

He moved even closer, and your eyes widened. You shook your head and his eyes seemed to bore into yours, asking permission without words. You felt your breathing intensify, and you nodded.

His hands came up to cup your face, thumbs rolling over your cheekbones before he leaned over, eyes staying locked on yours until his lips met yours. You blinked, a second before your eyes closed and your arms wrapped around him. You sighed, and Bucky’s hands slid from your face to wrap around you, pulling you closer, tilting his head and deepening the kiss.

You finally pulled away from him, turning out of his arms and going to the stove, moving the sauce off the burner before it burned. You lifted a shaky hand to your lips, holding onto the edge of the stove. Bucky stepped up behind you, putting his hands on your hips, making you gasp.

“What are … what are you doing?” “Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

You let out a laugh, pushing him aside, stepping towards the refrigerator, out of his reach.

“You’re kidding, right? Am I being Punk’d?” “No, I … I wouldn’t do that to you.”

You shook your head.

“What … what the hell, Barnes?”

Bucky pushed a hand through his hair, shaking his head.

“I don’t …”

He huffed out a breath, stepping away, then turning back to you.

“Things have changed. You’ve seen it, haven’t you?”

You didn’t answer, but he didn’t seem to need you to.

“I don’t … you make me happy.”

He lifted his head, meeting your eyes.

“I feel better when I’m around you. You calm me down when I get too into my shit. You take care of me, and I … I want to take care of you.” “Bucky—“ “No, I …”

He walked over, taking hold of your elbows and sliding his hands down to link with yours.

“I think I love you.”

You yanked your hands back from him, letting out a laugh.

“You think?” “I don’t know, I’ve never loved anyone before!”

You went still, and Bucky shook his head, looking out the window before meeting your eyes again.

“I want to be around you. You make me laugh. You’re fun. I’m a piece of shit, I know, but you’ve never treated me like it.” “You’re not a piece of shit.” “I am. I have brought countless girls back to this apartment and you never said a word. You helped me get rid of them, for God’s sake! And none of them—not a single one—ever made me feel the way I do when I look at you.”

Your heart was pounding in your chest. You shook your head, speaking softly.

“I’m your roommate, Buck.” “You’re a hell of a lot more than my roommate, and you know it.”

You swallowed, shaking your head again as tears filled your eyes.

“I don’t want to mess this up.”

Bucky stepped closer, taking your face in his hands again. You shook your head as you spoke, one tear slipping down your cheek.

“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. You’re the only one I can count on. I don’t want … I can’t lose that, Bucky. I can’t lose you.” “You won’t.”

You gave a watery laugh, and he shook his head.

“I mean it. I’m not … can’t you see that I can’t lose you, either?”

You closed your eyes, and Bucky pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you, holding you tightly.

“I’m fucking terrified to do this. I don’t want to mess us up, either. But … what if this only makes us better?” “It’s not going to be easy.”

Bucky laughed, your voice muffled by you putting your face in his chest.

“I know. But I want to put in the work.”

He leaned back, moving his hands back to your face.

“You want to give it a shot?”

You took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. After a moment, you nodded, and a bright grin came over Bucky’s face.

“Yeah?”

You nodded again, and he let out a laugh, bringing your face to his and kissing you again. After a moment, you pulled back, laughing and laying your hands against his chest.

“I need to finish cooking.” “We can eat it cold.” “It doesn’t taste good cold.” “Then we can order something.”

You laughed, and Bucky kissed you again before he wrapped you in his arms. You rested your head against his, letting out a long exhale.

“I think I love you, too.” “Really?”

You laughed at the hopefulness in his voice.

“Yeah, Barnes. Really.”

He turned to kiss your cheek and you made a face. 

“But seriously, though? Please go shower. You stink.”

[sugardaddytonystark]

s(t)imulation || part 1/2

This is my contribution to @bionic-buckyb​ ‘s 5K follower AU writing challenge! #57 - movie star / celebrity

author: sugardaddytonystark (formerly buckysbackpackbuckle) pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader word count: 1179 warnings: AU, smut

“Come on,” Bucky moans. “Come for me, sweetheart.”

It’s in the script, printed there in black and white, but it’s still a shock to you anyway. His voice is pitched low and rough. His blue eyes are bright and sparkling as he looks down at you. His dick is rubbing against your clit, and even through two layers of fabric, you can feel him hot and hard and thick against you. So when he tells you to come, you do it, and you hope that everyone else thinks your acting is just that good.

As you descend from your high, shame flooding your body, you mentally curse yourself for taking this job. It sounded good at the time, an independent B-movie homage to the 70’s porno chic era. It was pitched to you as intentionally cheesy in an artistic sort of way; fun, raunchy, and the perfect project to get your name out there. 

But once Bucky Barnes signed on, you should’ve known that the whole thing was a bad idea. Bucky has a large fan following in specific circles, known and loved for his bad boy behavior, risqué role choices, and reputation for fucking co-stars.

And as much as you wanted to be one of those lucky leading ladies, you were a professional, no matter the content of the movie. And even though you two have been doing this tense sort of dance around each other for the last week, there’s no way that you’re going to be just another name on his roster.

So, when the director calls cut, you practically throw Bucky off of you. Your studio-assigned assistant brings your robe and you quickly put it on with a quiet ‘thank you.’ And thank goodness that was the last scene of the day, because you can’t even look at Bucky in the eye anymore, scared that he’d see right through your ruse.

You spend the rest of the day in your hotel room. You order some room service, watch TV, take a nap, a shower. You’re lounging on the bed in the same robe that you were given today on set when there’s a knock on the door.

You consider not answering it. You put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door earlier so you can get some peace and privacy but the long-lasting quiet was too good to be true. No one has called you, so you know there’s no impromptu reason you need to be on set. And you have neither friends nor family out here in California. So, curious, you walk to the door and open it, not thinking to find out who it is first.

Your breath catches when you open the door to reveal Bucky waiting in the hallway. His hand is in his jean pockets, a small smile on his face. He looks good, like always. Too damn good. And you know you should turn him away, tell him you were just about to go to sleep, but that thought doesn’t make it past your mouth.

“Hey, Bucky,” you say to him instead. “What’s up?

“Nothing much,” he replies, shrugging. “Just bored, I guess. I came to see if you were getting into anything tonight.” He cocks a brow as he eyes your bath robe. “Are you turning in already?”

You pull the neck of your robe tighter across your chest, suddenly aware that you’re naked underneath. And playboy Bucky Barnes is at your door, with those baby blue eyes and cocky smirk, forcing you to act like he didn’t just make you accidentally come earlier that day.

You start to silently question the direction your life is going in.

“I’m just hanging out,” you say. “Relaxing.”

“You can relax when you’re dead,” he says, brushing past you as he invites himself into your room. “Let’s do something fun. Let me show you around the town.”

You close the door and follow him into the room. You veer into the small, open kitchen and lean your back against the counter, arms folded across your chest. 

“That sounds nice, but can I take a raincheck?” you ask. “I’m kind of tired tonight.”

You really shouldn’t go anywhere with this man. No telling how it would end. Your heart already beats double time when he’s in your general vicinity, triple when he’s actually talking to you. And after today you can’t even imagine how difficult it would be to keep your professional integrity intact.

“Yeah,” Bucky replies, scrubbing his palm along his jaw, scratching at the light dusting of evening stubble. “Today was pretty intense, huh?”

“It was my first sex scene in a faux porn film,” you tell him. “It was pretty intense.”

Bucky laughs and starts to slowly saunter toward you. “Yeah, well,” he says, “what I mean is that I’ve done a fair share of sex scenes in my day, but I’ve never had anyone actually come during them.”

You stand up a little straighter, drawing your arms tighter against yourself. “Wha-what do you mean?” you ask, and goddamnit, you’re an actress, you should be more convincing than that.

“Sweetheart, I was between your legs when they were trembling,” he says, voice pitched deep. He closes in on you, walking the half-dozen steps to where you’re standing, and places his hand on the counter on beside your body. He’s not touching you, yet, but you can feel the warmth of his body in the intimate space.

“I felt your nails digging into my skin,” he continues, his cheek to yours as he whispers into your ear. “I heard that hitch in your breathing… those sweet little sounds as you tried to hold it back. You can’t fake that.”

Bucky pulls back and stares down at you, arm still around your body with his hand on the counter behind you. He cocks his head, bottom lip trapped between his teeth, the corner of his mouth turned up in his trademark smirk.

You feel like prey beneath his gaze. Like he’s the cat and you’re the canary.

“I – I didn’t mean to,” you say, your voice barely even a whisper, because there’s no use in denying it now.

“That’s ok,” he says, his hand leaving the counter to find your hips. “That makes it even better.”

“Bucky…” sigh and you don’t even know what for.

Your palms are on his chest, but whether to push him away or draw him near, you don’t know. But you can feel his heart racing in his chest, and you’re relieved that this is affecting him even so much as a fraction as it is you.

Bucky cups your jaw in his hand, his thumb softly caressing your cheeks. He has a real smile on his face instead of just a smirk, and that’s how you know you’re in trouble.

“We’re gonna have some fun tonight,” he says, softly. “And there won’t be any need to pretend this time.”

@bionic-buckyb @sergeantjamesbarnes107th @coveredamity @radmerrmaid @callingmrsbarnes @bovaria @actuallyasgardian @fvckingavengers @avengersandlovers @sebbytrash @princess-basket-case @connieisland @bucky2-0 @whatsbetterthanfantasy

[bionic-buckyb]

Master List

» Below the cut are all the absolutely spectacular fics I received for my AU Writing Challenge. I want to thank everyone who submitted their fics SO MUCH, and for celebrating my 5k milestone with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you. Please take the time to read each fic from new, and experienced writers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! ♥ Kait

Bucky

✪ Drive by @musichowler - “You’re being chased by the police, and you just jumped in my car. What the fuck, man?” �� Wrong Tax - Part 1 by @bovaria - “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know this cab was already occupied.” ✪ I Knew It by @buckysmetallicstump - “It’s 1 am, I’m drunk, and I need ketchup for my fries. I know you’re awake, so OPEN THE GODDAMN DOOR!” ✪ His Winter Comrade by @zimniysoldat-fiction  - “I’m sorry my dog started chasing your dog. He has no manners…” ✪ Searching by @a-home-for-stray-stories  - “I can’t believe you found my dog! Please, take this reward.” ✪ Stuck by @@melonshino - “Our boat crashed, and now I have to be stuck on this island with you?!” ✪ On a Wednesday in a café, I watched it begin again by @justareader - “I haven’t seen you since we were kids! How did you even recognize me?” ✪ Intertwined by @moreinfinite - “Just because I don’t physically show you that you hurt me, doesn’t mean you didn’t.” ✪ Sweet Creature by @astralbarnes - “I’m such an idiot. I made the mistake of falling in love with my best friend.” ✪ Second Chances by @marvelous-heroimagines  - “Breaking up was the right thing to do… right?” ✪ Massage Therapy Part 1 & Part 2 by @4theluvofall - “Do not try and twist this around to be my fault when it’s clearly yours.” ✪ Already Gone by @buckys-fossil - “I don’t love you. I never have.” ✪ A Throne of Lies by @asseret-sarim  - “You can’t keep hurting me, and think everything is going to be okay. I’m done.” ✪ A Bit of a Gamble by @sebastianstandoffish - “What am I supposed to do if you walk away?” ✪ Someone Will Love You by @hellomissmabel - “No one else knows that I’m leaving. I felt like you deserved to know.” ( Sequel: I Can’t Fall In Love With You ) ✪ Whispers by @i-cant-believe-its-not-a-writer - “All you need to do is show me that you feel the same, and I’ll stay.” ✪ Broken by @lokid-by-winters-child - “Letting go was never an option, until you made it one.” ✪ Glory and Gore by @theassetseyeliner  - “All I need is your lips against mine. Right now.” ✪ Sacred Vows by @buckyappreciationsociety - “There’s no one else I’d rather have in my life than you.” ✪ The Friendly Wager by @not-withovt-yov  (parts 1-6 are linked on part 7) - “Can you please come over so I don’t feel so alone?” ✪ Me gusto más cuando estoy contigo by @minervaem2  - “It makes me smile that your voice was the first thing I heard today.” ✪ Fire and Ice by @beccaanne814-blog - “God, why do you always make me blush so damn much?” ✪ First Date? by @greeneyedgirls4  - “It’s very rude of you to make me fall in love with you. Inconsiderate, honestly.” ✪ Steadier Footing by @serzhantjamesbuchananbarnes  - “I want to make you this happy for the rest of your life.” ✪ Jame’s Sonet by @tori-medusa-belongs-to-bucky  - “I want to be able to kiss you and hold your hand anytime I want.” ✪ Lost Home by @sgtbxckybxrnes - “I don’t care if you hate me, I don’t care if you dislike me. But why would you cheat on me?” ✪ College AU: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by @saulof-tarsus  - College AU ✪ Just Roomates by @sunriserose1023 - Roomate AU ✪ Daydreaming by @eyecandybarnes - Model/Photographer AU ✪ Panic at the Coffee Shop by @t0kistar  - Coffee Shop AU ✪ It’s (Not) Rocket Science by @another-writer  - Blind Date AU ✪ Leave This Town by @avengerofyourheart - Mechanic AU ✪ s(t)imulation by @sugardaddytonystark  - Movie Star/Celebrity AU ✪ Wish Upon A Star: Part 1 and Part 2 by @maha-pambata-is-my-patronus  - Roadtrip AU ✪ What Happens In Vegas: Part 1 by @imma-fcking--nerd  - Vegas AU ✪ Inked by @mindingmyownbusiness  - Tattoo Shop AU ✪ Where We Left Off by @bucks-metal-fate  - Military AU

Steve

✪ Sweater Weather by @werewolfbuckybarnes - “Listen, I know nothing about camping and all my so-called friends left me at the site. Please, help me. I think I just heard a bear…” ✪ The Good Neighbor: Part 1 and Part 2 by @belledamsceno  - “Why do you keep trying to mow the lawn while I’m sleeping? Fuck you!”   ✪ You Were The One by @cate-lynne  - “I’ve made so many mistakes in my life, but you’re not one of them.” ✪ The Game Is On by @roobierubyroobieruby (parts 1-5 are listed on part 6) - “I’ve been trying to get ready for like, a half hour, because I know you’re going to look damn good and I don’t want to look like a potato.” ✪ Breakfast by @buckys-shield ✪ Truth of a Curse by @avengedwritings  -  “If you steal the blankets, I am going to put my cold feet on you.” ✪ Forelsket by @howlingbarnes - Soulmate AU ✪ Since When? by @wndas-romanoff  - Camping AU ✪ Boy Next Door: Part 1 and Part 2 by @swtltlmrvlgrl  - Neighbor AU ✪ Pancake Sunday by @buckys-chubby-plum - Teacher/Student AU

Tony

✪ Hello Neighbour by @girl-next-door-writes  - “You’re my new neighbor, but I know you’re stealing my wifi to watch porn. Can you not?” ✪ Business Partners by @knittingknerdy - Fake Dating/Married AU

Sam

✪ The Break In by @kjs-s - “You broke into my apartment, drunk as hell, thinking it was yours. I should call the cops, but my cat likes you so…” ✪ Deny It by @wandarific  - “It’s not like I like you or anything! Okay, well… maybe I do.”

Natasha 

✪ Burn by @muzik-is-lifex23  - Bartender AU

Pietro

✪ S.M.I.L.E. by @land-of-parchment-and-ink  - “Stop smiling at me. I can’t stop messing up my words when you look at me like that.”

Go read all these awesome fics and give the writers some feedback! ♥

[avengerofyourheart]

Leave This Town Pt 3 (Mechanic!Bucky AU)

Characters: reader, Bucky, Natasha (mentioned)

Summary: Your dreams of kissing your small town life goodbye are about to come true when an unexpected detour leaves you stranded. Meeting the handsome local mechanic has you rethinking your plans. Perhaps happiness is less about where you’re headed and more about the people you meet along the way.

Song Inspiration: Sleep on the Floor by The Lumineers

Warnings: Mentions of drinking. The mildest of swearing I guess?

Word Count: 2.8k

Tags are at bottom (TAG LIST IS CLOSED I’M SORRY)

**This fic is for @bionic-buckyb ‘s 5K AU Writing Challenge**

A/N: You guys. This fic has taken on a life of its own and I’m oddly okay with it. Once upon a time I planned 3 parts, then 4, and now it’s 7. :D Oops. That’s what I think, anyway. Who knows? Not me, apparently. ha! I really hope you’re loving Mechanic!Bucky as much as I am!! Any feedback and comments are appreciated. Love you guys!!

<<Part Two   Part Three   Part Four >>>

Leave This Town Series Masterlist

Full Masterlist 

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A/N: This gif applies, I promise. ;) 

______

Previously:

Reaching your room, you flicked on the tv mostly for background noise and took a hard look at the detailed budget you had written up for your trip. Paying for 3 days in a motel and adding the car repairs, your wallet was taking a hit, but Bucky’s willingness to lower the bill would definitely help. You were grateful to this kind stranger and the thought of spending the whole day with him tomorrow was strangely exciting. Surprised to feel a few butterflies flutter in your stomach, you shook your head to clear away the feeling and got ready for bed.

I’ll be gone in a few days, you told yourself as you drifted off to sleep.

_______________________

Morning came and luckily your body woke you around 7am because you’d neglected to set an alarm. You hopped in the shower and then rummaged through your duffel for something comfortable to wear that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. Slipping on a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and sneakers instead of your trusty sandals, you pulled your hair up away from your face and headed out the door with an apple in hand.

Arriving outside the auto shop, the garage doors were closed but a light was on in the office. You let yourself in and wandered behind the counter toward the light, finding Bucky seated at a desk piled high with papers. His hair was down, brushing the collar of his light blue work shirt which was unbuttoned to reveal a white tank top underneath. Watching him fill out a form of some sort in a hurried scrawl, you observed him unnoticed a moment before announcing yourself.

“Good morning,” you finally spoke, bringing his head up.

His handsome smile instantly brightened the artificially-lit room, causing those butterflies to make an appearance once again. “Morning, Y/N.”

You returned his smile, leaning against the door’s entryway. “Well, it looks like this office could use a little help.”

He chuckled. “You’re not wrong, but quite the undertaking. I’m pretty sure some of these receipts are older than me. My uncle owns the shop, but he’s basically retired now so I run the place. Organization was never his strong suit. How about some coffee and a little tour?”

You nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”

Bucky kept a small coffee pot in the waiting area in front of the counter and he poured you both a cup, offering cream and sugar. You followed him around as he explained where things were and why they were kept there, although sometimes the answer was “because that’s where my uncle put them”, defying all logic. There was a corded phone on the wall behind the counter, but it rarely rang. According to Bucky, your call was the only one he’d had all week. Most locals just dropped by and he’d squeeze them in whenever he could.

The computer was ancient, which seemed to be a trend in this town, but most files were still on paper anyway. Bucky gave you a rundown of where tools were generally kept along with stories about the cars he was currently working on and their owners. Your favorite was Mr. Coulson’s 1962 Cherry Red Chevy Corvette, which he had named Lola. For years he would hover around the car while Bucky changed the oil or any other regular servicing, but he seemed to trust the seasoned mechanic now. Bucky still advised you not to touch Lola, just to be safe.

“So? Which project would you like to tackle?” he asked you as he pulled his hair back into a bun to start his day.

You were momentarily distracted by the act once again, but made it seem like you were considering your options. “Where’s the tow truck?” you finally asked.

His brow furrowed in confusion. “Uh…you want to tow something?”

“No, I mean the lift mechanism that nearly shattered my eardrums. It’s bad enough when your car has to be towed, being subjected to that unholy noise is just insult to injury.”

He barked out a laugh at that before gesturing to its location around the corner of the building. “You’ve got a point. If you want to back it into that empty stall, I’ll show you how to grease it up.”

Bucky tossed you the keys and you did just that. You managed to lubricate the hydraulic lift of the tow truck very carefully as to avoid pinched fingers. When it raised and lowered with no squeal, you jumped up and down, clapping your blackened hands in excitement. Bucky poked his head out from under a car’s hood and grinned at you, causing that flutter in your stomach to grow.

After the tow truck, you managed to organize the tools which were now all hanging from a pegboard on the wall for easy access. Next, you washed all the dingy windows, finally letting actual sunlight in. Around mid-morning, Bucky asked for your help aiming a flashlight at a particularly tricky part of an engine. You pointed the light at the area in question from above while Bucky worked from underneath the car.

“So where are you headed specifically?” he asked, breaching the subject of your trip.

“L.A.” you said simply.

“Oh? Off to Hollywood to become a big movie star, huh?” he teased lightly as you heard the clanging of a tool against the engine.

“Nope,” you contradicted him. “I’m no actress. I’m actually a writer. Screenwriter, to be exact,” you explained proudly.

“Really?” he asked, an impressed tone in his voice. “That’s amazing. Do you write one specific genre or a variety?”

You smiled at his question, grateful that he took your confession in stride without any doubt at your ability. “Action and suspense, mostly. I did write a romantic comedy while I was in school, but it was so damn sappy I couldn’t even stand to read it afterwards.”

He chuckled, making you wish you could see his smiling face from where you stood beside the car. “I’m sure it wasn’t that bad. We’re always our own worst critic.”

You let out a sigh. “Maybe. My fellow classmates said it was pretty good. I just don’t feel like it’s my forte.”

At that last word, you heard the rolling wheels from underneath, then revealing Bucky. He sat up, catching your eye with a shrug. “Well, sometimes what we struggle with the most is how we grow as a person. Or an artist. ”

You considered his words of wisdom as he stood from his crouched position, wiping his hands on a rag. Bucky had a smudge of grease on his neck and you had the strongest urge to take that rag from his hands and brush your fingers against his skin while cleaning the spot yourself. A few strands from his bun had come loose, framing his face as a light sheen of sweat clung to his skin. In this dingy, hot garage, you thought he was the most beautiful sight you’d ever seen.

Realizing you hadn’t shared a response, you cleared your throat and broke eye contact, blurting out the first thought in your head. “Hey, what’s that thing called? The rolling board thing?”

“Hm? Oh, it’s a creeper,” Bucky answered, nudging the contraption he had been lying on moments before with his booted foot.

You snorted involuntarily. “A what? A creeper? That’s the best thing I’ve ever heard.”

Bucky joined you in your laughter. “Yeah, it’s a pretty unusual name.”

As the laughter died down, you held his gaze for a moment longer than intended, snatched by the captivating, stormy-grey eyes meeting yours. He broke contact this time, reaching a hand out toward you and you realize he was asking for the flashlight in your grasp.

“Well, thanks for your help. I think I’ll be okay going solo for the oil change next,” he said with a grin, accepting the flashlight from you.

“Yeah, um…it’s no problem. I’ll, uh…I’ll get back to it then,” you replied with a nod, telling yourself the flush on your skin was from the heat of the day.

You spent the next few hours cleaning the garage’s cement floor which was covered in oil splotches. Once finished, you stood back to survey your work, wiping the back of your hand against your sweaty brow.

“Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the floor back to it’s original color. When you bought that can of Coke from the vending machine I thought you were just going to drink it,” Bucky said, impressed as he stood beside you.

“Drink it? Ick. No. After seeing what that stuff does to a greasy oil stain, what do you think it does to your insides?” you asked in reply, wrinkling your nose in distaste.

“Clears out all the grease?” he asked in a teasing tone.

You made a disgusted noise, nudging his side with your elbow as he burst out in laughter.

“Speaking of grease, do you wanna pick up some lunch from the diner? My treat. Nattie knows my usual and you can get whatever you want,” he offered, plucking a few bills from his wallet before handing them to you. “I’ll finish with this car and get cleaned up.”

“Sure,” you replied, accepting the cash and stashing it in your pocket. You ventured into the bathroom (which was a whole other cleaning project you had yet to tackle) and washed your hands before trekking the few blocks toward the diner.

You returned half an hour later with a bag in each hand. You hollered at Bucky that food was here and as he rounded the corner, you were gifted with a lovely surprise to see the handsome mechanic in only a tank top, having shed his work shirt in the summer heat. He reached up and released his bun, brunet hair cascading down with a shake of his head. You had noticed something on the underside of his left arm, but it was only a split second so you convinced yourself it may have been a trick of the light.

Both of you settled in the empty waiting room where it was slightly cooler with a struggling air conditioner sputtering in the corner. You ate out of the to-go containers with intermittent conversation. At first bite, you suddenly realized how hungry you actually were. The apple from that morning wasn’t very filling, you decided.  

“So,” you said with a mouth full of food, then swallowing before you went on, “Did you always want to be a mechanic?”

“No,” Bucky replied with a small snort. “I’m not sure anyone truly has aspirations to become a grease monkey. Believe it or not, I thought I was gonna become a huge rockstar and make it big. I was in a band in high school and we stayed together a few years after we graduated. We actually weren’t too terrible and I got pretty decent at the guitar, but when my dad left, my uncle was shorthanded so I started helping out here at the shop. Turns out I’m pretty good at fixing cars and I don’t know. I just stuck with it. Plus we needed the money,” he stated as fact, then shoving a forkful in his mouth.

Setting down your own fork, you took a good look at him. Even knowing him such a short time, you could tell Bucky had untapped potential. He was a young, attractive, charismatic guy. He probably could have done any number of things with his life and succeeded. The fact that he just resigned himself to this life made you a little sad. “I’m sorry,” you spoke quietly. “About your dad, I mean.”

Bucky shrugged. “It was rough at first, but in the end, probably for the best.” He scraped the last of his food onto his fork and finished it off, then gathering up his trash. “Are you finished?” he asked you, gesturing toward the last few bites of your lunch.

You nodded and joined him in cleaning up. Following Bucky back into the garage, you both tossed your empty containers in the large trashcan. It was then that he noticed something sitting on on his workbench.

“What’s this?” he asked, holding up the cash that had been left there.

“Your change,” you answered simply.

He was silent a moment, probably calculating what his own meal normally cost. “This is too much. Did you pay for your own lunch?”

You nodded with a shrug, “I still owe you.”

He let out an exasperated sigh as he pulled his hair into a bun again. You weren’t mistaken, there was definitely a unique pattern of white lines and curves on his skin under his left arm near his bicep. “I said it was my treat, you didn’t have to do that. You’re paying me back already.”

Offering a smile, you just shrugged again. “I think I’ll tackle the office,” you said bluntly, biting back curiosity as you walked through the doorway and immersed yourself in the messy back room stacked with papers.

____________

Several hours and a trip to the office supply store later with having done so much filing you felt like your fingers were more paper cuts than skin, the small back room was finally organized. You’d run it all past Bucky later and make sure he could keep up with it for his own benefit, you thought as you stretched your sore muscles. 6 o’clock had rolled around and once again you were starving. You weren’t sure how late Bucky stayed open so you peeled yourself out of the vinyl chair and headed for the garage.

You didn’t see Bucky at first glance one again, so you peeked around cars, walking toward the far end of the garage where you hadn’t been yet. There was a small alcove just around the corner that wasn’t visible unless you knew it was there. Turning the corner, you were surprised to see Bucky sitting in the back of a car with a bottle of beer in his hand. Oddly enough, the car had no roof. Or doors. Basically it was a bench seat wrapped in black leather inside a bare car frame. Bucky took a sip and then noticed you standing there.

“Hey,” he greeted you with a smile. “All done?”

You nodded, stepping forward. “You?”

“Yep,” he confirmed, then letting the moment fall into comfortable silence.

Feeling courageous, you climbed into the car and took a seat on the bench beside him. “How long ago did you finish?” you asked him, rubbing at a grease spot on your arm you’d just noticed.

“About 20 minutes ago. I peeked in and saw you were about done so I didn’t want to interrupt. You were muttering to yourself about the necessity of last names on customer receipts, then you sang a few seconds of the Alphabet song to find the proper file. It was cute,” he said with a chuckle, then offering the beer bottle to you. “I would have brought another but I wasn’t sure if you were a drinker or not.”

Your eyes flickered between the beer and him, cheeks enflamed from realizing he had been watching and listening earlier. You accepted the cold beer from him, hyper aware of the fact that his lips had been on it a second ago. Holding his gaze, you took a swig and then handed the bottle back to him. His eyes dropped to your lips as you licked them, then back up to meet your eyes.

“So,” you finally spoke, glancing at your surroundings. “Is this a project of yours? This car?”

Clearing his throat, he nodded. “I”m hoping to restore it completely eventually, but it’s a slow process. Parts on classic cars are expensive and I don’t have a lot of time these days. But eventually, it’s going to be a ’67 Chevy Impala. Such a great car.”

You nodded, trying to picture what it would be like one day. For some reason that specific make and model sounded familiar to you with an image of a shiny black car roaring down the highway flashing in your mind, maybe from a movie or tv show.

Bucky was playing with the label on his beer bottle when he spoke again. “So, I was thinking of going out to dinner at this great Italian place in town tonight. Would you like to join me?”

“Really?” you asked in shock.

“Okay, so it’s the ONLY Italian place around here, but it’s still pretty good,” he admitted with a grin, still awaiting your response.

“Um…sure. That sounds great. Good as the diner is, I’m not sure I could handle a fourth meal in two days,” you said, pulling a face.

He laughed, “Understandable. I’ve done it, but wouldn’t recommend it.”

You echoed his laughter for a moment. “I should probably get cleaned up though…” you trailed off, looking down at your sweaty, grease-covered clothes.

“Oh, yeah, me too,” he agreed. “I can drop you off and then pick you up around 7:30?”

“That sounds perfect,” you grinned, climbing out of the car with Bucky following you.

As you waved goodbye to Bucky and shut the door to your motel room, your mind went into panic mode. Was this a date? Did you pack anything date-worthy? How much scrubbing would it take to get the grease out of your skin and fingernails? Taking a deep breath, you let go of those worries as excitement for tonight crept in.

You had a date with Bucky Barnes. Maybe.

_______________

Part Four>>>

____________________________________________________________

Aaaahhh!!!! I’m so excited you guys!!! I’m having SO much fun with this fic. :D How’d you like those Easter Egg car references. ;) Gotta use what limited car knowledge I have! haha. Are you ready for this maybe-date with Bucky??? Get excited, cause I am! I love you guys! Any feedback and comments are appreciated! <3

Permanent Tag List and LTT tag list are CLOSED. I’M SORRY. 

Permanent Tags:

@ek823 @you-didnt-see-that-cuming  @yellowtheremarvelfan  @mirkwood—princess  @stovehairington  @msshadowboxer  @reniescarlett  @wellfuckbuck  @coffeeismylife28  @lilasiannerd  @bunchofandoms   @sarahpanda65 @ria132love @canumoveyourseatup-no  @whatshernamemaria  @crazyliraz  @filthylolita  @tempestinatea-cup  @pixierox101   @jcb2k16 @jaderz-mega-yikes   @gatorgal94 @prettylatxna @abovethesmokestacks @missmotherhen  @snakesgoethe  @feelmyroarrrr  @buckysmetallicstump @dontstopwiththelyin @mytasterpeculiar  @writingruna @imaginingbucky @bovaria  @thisisthelilith @buckyywiththegoodhair @rogersxbarnesx @hellomissmabel  @bionic-buckyb @buckysberrie @marvel-lucy @marvelingatthewonder @you-and-bucky @sebseyesandbuckysthighs @just-call-me-mrs-captain @hymnofthevalkyries @kinqshley @beccaanne814-blog  @avengersandchill @marvel-ash @sebbytrash @serzhantkris  @officialcaptain-marvel  @themcuhasruinedme @mizzzpink @vaisabu  @winterboobaer  @idontknow-canyou  @mylittlefandomfanfictions  @bemystucky @lenavonschweetz @hotmessofafangirl  @niallandsebastianaremylife  @avengermama  @melanie451 @mrs–healy  @black-eyed-bucky  @supersoldier-wifey  @gold-liess  @thebabewiththepwr  @indominusregina  @lostinspace33  @lillian-paige  @brittanymcsharry  @dustycelt @tragicalchemist  @palaiasaurus64  @mycapt-ohcapt  @chrisevans-imagines @ryverpenrad  @timeladylaurel @with-a-hint-of-pesto-aioli @maybe-mikala  @bellenuit45    @ilovebeingjoyful  @soulful-ofevans @finhabastos  @queen-merc @theawesomeclairfury  @4theluvofall  @seeyainanotherlifebrotha  @jaybird6232 @johnmurphys-sass  @anxuanpham  @anitavalija  @katbird787  @tori-medusa-belongs-to-bucky  @readingtoescape  @lbouvet  @cojootromuelle  @smginger1131 @maririn @justreadingfics @srgtjamesbarnes107

Leave This Town Tags: 

@mermaidinplaid  @emilyinbuffalo  @hollycornish  @tatortot2701  @the-doctor-called-loki  @paranoid-borderline-insane  @capcevans81  @illusionassasin @vivianbabz  @marvel-fanfiction  @charlesgrey1875 @bibitch-alicia  @flowercrownsandmetallicarms  @hopelessgarbage  @sshort3078  @risinghero @crazinessgraveyardsandcartoons

[justsomebucky]

The Friendly Wager (Part 7)

Summary: AU. Reader and Bucky Barnes are neighbors and best friends. After yet another bad date, reader comes home to find Bucky with his typical weekend target. They decide to make a wager about dating, but is there more on the line than reader cares to admit?

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Word Count: 3,855

Warnings: language, fluff, angst, confrontation, drinking, cheesy romance, kissing, implied sexytimes, somewhat nsfw but not really, a potentially wasted beautiful meal

A/N: This is my last submission for the lovely Kait’s ( @bionic-buckyb) 5k AU Challenge. I did it! My prompt was “Can you please come over so I don’t feel so alone?”

This was the sixth rewrite! LOL….The End! :)

Part 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

“Something smells amazing in here!”

Bucky gave you a small smile, nodding at the kitchen. “I was making dinner. I figured since you haven’t eaten either, and I made more than enough, we could have dinner together.”

This wasn’t exactly an uncommon occurrence.

There were loads of times when Bucky would ask you to come over and help him choose a new menu item to propose at the restaurant.

Sometimes he’d just hold a spoon up to your lips and casually ask if the food was to your taste or not. Other times, he’d sit you down for a three-course meal and ask you how you felt about both the food and its presentation.

Normally, you’d be so freaking excited to see something like this at Bucky’s place.

It obviously meant free food for you this time, too, but you just couldn’t feel good about it.

This time, he was probably creating a menu for when he finally cooks for the mystery woman Nat told you about, the one he’d spent the whole night texting, or whatever.

Whatever.

“Have a seat,” he instructed, quietly shutting the door behind him and making his way to the kitchen. “I hope you’re hungry.”

Hungry? Not really.

“Sure,” you fibbed, sitting down at the candlelit table. Everything looked so nice, you almost didn’t want to use any of it. There was even a big fresh salad and some garlic bread. “So, why’d you have a rough day?”

Bucky walked over with a pan of the most delicious-looking lasagna you’d ever laid eyes on in your life. There was way more than one kind of cheese in it, and it was nearly bubbling over the pan.

Your traitorous stomach growled.

“I just…it was just a shitty day.” He pulled the oven mitts off his hands and pointed at the lasagna, pride apparent on his face. “This is one of my grandma’s best recipes, so I hope you like it.”

You now faced an ultimate internal struggle: eat the pity food and have a happy belly, or leave now with some self-respect and starve to death (you were pretty sure you didn’t have any food in your fridge).

Bucky really meant business with his mystery woman if he was digging out recipes like this.

You stared at him blankly as he sat down across from you, unfolding his fancy napkin to place on his lap.

Was he already making plans for a future with her?

He’d probably move out of Brooklyn, and get a house with her in the suburbs. Maybe you’d be able to visit him. You’d probably not be welcomed to the house, but maybe you could meet someplace for coffee. Definitely not around the holidays, though, because Bucky would probably have a family with her, and want to spend time with them instead.

No more gift exchanges on birthdays, either, even though the two of you had a long-standing tradition of going to a new show on Broadway to celebrate.

No more Saturday mornings watching ‘I Love Lucy,’ and no more late night couch cuddles under oversized blankets when it was cold outside.

No more impromptu trips to museums and playing hooky in the park.

No more Bucky.  

Oh well.

Your friendship had a good run. Nothing that great could ever be meant to last. Had you been paying attention, you would have seen the writing on the wall months ago.

He eyed you carefully from across the table. “Everything okay with you?”

You blinked a few times, forcing a smile to your face even though he’d just caught you staring. “Yep. Do you want to talk about your shitty day?”

Bucky appeared to mull it over. “Not yet.”

“All right.”

An ever-so-slightly awkward silence settled in the room, and you watched with mild interest as he opted to fill his salad bowl first.

Normally, the two of you didn’t need to fill the silence with any chatter. It was always comfortable, and conversations were never forced.

There was a first time for everything, you figured.

Besides, he didn’t need to hear what your brain wanted you to say. You weren’t gonna bring them up…not Natasha, not Rosie, not even the mystery girl.

You weren’t.

You weren’t, you weren’t, you weren’t.

…You so were.

Step one: ask about the perfect match.

“Hey, guess who I saw right before I got home?”

Shit. Well, now it was out there in the universe.

Bucky looked intrigued. “Who?”

“Natasha, can you believe it?” You reached for the glass of water in front of you and took a big gulp. “I sure couldn’t!”

As soon as her name came out of your mouth, Bucky shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He focused on getting his own piece of lasagna from the tray.

“Oh?”

“Yep. It was so early, and I got really confused, like maybe I had the day wrong or something, because your dates never end that early.”

“Yeah, what can I say? It happens.” He shrugged a shoulder then stood to put a piece of lasagna on your plate, too. “There’s some garlic bread if you want any.”

“Got it. So anyways, Natasha told me that your date only lasted thirty minutes?”

“Yep.” Bucky set the spatula down and moved quickly back in the kitchen, reaching for the fridge door. “Want a beer?”

“Beer? With lasagna? That’s not like you.” You quirked an eyebrow at him. “No thanks.”

“Well I’m having one,” he muttered, opening a bottle and chugging it on his way back to the table. He flopped back in his seat, setting the bottle on the table.

The way Bucky was still shifting in his seat told you there was more to the story, so you decided to dig a little deeper.

“You’ve had headaches last longer than that date, Buck. What happened?”

“This is really good,” he said, gesturing to the food with his fork. “You should try it.”

Ah, the classic avoidance method.

“I promise I won’t make fun of you if you just tell me.”

You jumped a little as his fork hit his plate with a loud clatter and his eyes flickered up to yours. He was irritated now, and while you couldn’t blame him, you needed answers.

Maybe you were a masochist or something, but you wanted to hear everything right from the source.

He gave you a questioning look. “Why does what happened matter? It’s over and done.”

Really?

“For months and months, you basically harassed me for her number, Bucky, you can’t act like you didn’t! She was your dream girl, the one you’d been lusting over, and suddenly you blow off your date like she’s nobody?” You leaned back in your seat, shaking your head a little. “I don’t get it.”

Bucky shrugged again, looking back down at his plate. “She just wasn’t who I thought she was. We didn’t click.”

Step two: ask about his wager date.

You told Wanda that your feelings for him wouldn’t change if he really did sleep with Rosie, and you definitely meant it, but you still wanted to know.

“What about Rosie?”

“Can we please just eat?” He picked his fork up again, digging into the lasagna and avoiding eye contact.

“Fine.” You picked up your fork, too, and grabbed a big bite of lasagna. The second you tasted the food, you wanted to keel over and die, that’s how amazing it was, and you knew it showed on your face.

You didn’t even care, and decided then and there that lasagna was better than friendship.

Italian food would never hurt you the way people could.

Bucky couldn’t resist looking back up at you for your reaction, so you stared right back at him.

“Well?”

You sighed, setting your fork down again. “It’s amazing as always, Bucky.”

“And you aren’t just saying that?”

“I would never lie about food,” you promised. “Especially Grandma’s recipe.”

“Good.” He gave a satisfied nod.

The peace and quiet of enjoying your dinner together lasted for an entire minute. It wasn’t as awkward this time, but you still felt some discomfort. In the end, your sheer nosiness won out.

“Who were you texting the whole time? Who’s the mystery girl? It’s not like you to keep things like that from me.” You feigned hurt feelings, making a face at him. “Was it Rosie?”

Bucky scoffed, his eyes focusing on the flickering candle to his right. “No.”

“Someone new? Maybe from work?”

“No.”

You sighed loudly. “Fine. I’ll find out eventually, you know. Steve and Sam can barely keep their mouths shut, and they both absolutely adore me. It wouldn’t be that difficult to-“

“I wasn’t texting anyone,” he said quickly, cutting off your thinly-veiled threat. “Well, not really. I never found the courage to press send on anything I typed. I was checking to see if I’d gotten any texts, too. Natasha didn’t like that very much, and she had every right to be pissed. I was rude.”

So there was someone after all.

Your stomach did that familiar knotting thing it does when you get upset, the thing that wasn’t helpful at all when eating delicious food.

“Did you tell Rosie about your mystery woman? Does she know about Rosie?”

“Rosie and I didn’t even make it through salads and breadsticks, Y/N,” he admitted, his blue eyes locking on yours.

Confusion filled your brain.

Did he really just say that?

He needed to repeat it, just so you know you weren’t hallucinating. 

“But, y-you mean…what? But, you said I won, you said…I thought you said…you didn’t sleep with her?”

“I didn’t sleep with her,” he confirmed. “I hailed a cab and paid for her to get home safely, and that was the end of it. That’s why I said you won so early…I forfeited.”

You couldn’t help but feel a little relieved that he didn’t take either one of your coworkers to bed, but that meant…it meant that there was someone he actually cared about. To you, that would be a thousand times worse.

That meant his heart already belonged to someone.

Step three: uncover the identity of the mystery woman who was stealing your best friend.

“Who is she, then?”

Bucky ran a hand over his face, his eyes showing the weariness from the rough day he’d mentioned. “Honestly, Y/N, I would have thought it was obvious by now. I guess I’m not as good at this as I thought.”

You stared at him, waiting for a better explanation than that.

“I really, really don’t want to fuck this up,” he continued, his voice softer. “I’m afraid I’m reading into things too much, and I’m about to ruin everything.”

“You, afraid?” You scoffed at the idea. “I’ve never witnessed it.”

“I’m completely terrified.”

You started chewing your lip nervously, feeling even more uncomfortable than before. “She must be special.”

“She is,” he agreed, a small smile forming on his mouth. “This person…she lights up every room she’s in, putting sunlight to shame. She’s beautiful and kind, with a big brain and an even bigger heart. And I think she loves me too, based on recent events and conversation, though I think she’s just as afraid as I am.”

His actual perfect match loved him back? No wonder he turned Natasha down.

Something along the lines of mild panic filled your entire body, and you felt like the walls were closing in on you.

You had to get out of there.

“Well thanks, Bucky, but I have to go, I’m so sorry. Thank you for the lovely meal, and –” You stood, pushing your chair back to move as quickly as possible to the front door.

“Y/N, wait!”

The sound of another chair scraping against the hardwood floor told you Bucky was following you. You grasped at the door knob, and even managed to get the door open a few inches before it shut in your face.

Bucky stood directly behind you, one arm over your head while he rested his hand on the door. “Why are you trying to escape?”

“I have to go, Bucky, let me out!” You pulled on the door again, but he maintained his weight against it.

By now, you knew your struggle was in vain. Your body deflated against the door as you gave up.

You had to tell him before this broke your heart any further.

Bucky gently spun you around toward him, and you watched his face fall when he realized there were tears pooling in your eyes. “Talk to me,” he pleaded.

Oh, he was about to get an earful.

“I can’t…I can’t listen to you drone on and on about your new woman over dinner. It’s totally my fault, I know I asked, but I take it back. I can’t watch your eyes light up over the thought of someone else, I just…I can’t freaking do it.”

The smell of his cologne wafted to your nose as he leaned over you, his lips near your ear. “Ask me who she is again, Y/N.”

Bucky pulled back, but the damage was done. Your heart was racing so fast, its energy could probably power Stark Tower for a week.

“No,” you refused, eyes wide. “I don’t wanna hear her name.”

“Just ask.”

“No!” This time, your temper flared. He should respect your change of mind if he really cared about you, and let you leave with what little dignity you had left.

Bucky planted both feet firmly in front of him, crossing his arms. “Fine. Let me do the talking, then. Let’s talk about how I don’t want to hear you go on about how perfect Natasha and I are for each other, ever again.”

“Fine!”

“Fine. Not done yet! I don’t want to hear Rosie’s name ever again. I don’t want to hear any more about your singles apps, or your bad dates with the Alex McDouchenozzles of the world, and I definitely never want to hear the name Peter Quill from your mouth ever again!”

This conversation wasn’t quite taking the turn you were expecting. The sudden shift of attention to you and your suitors raised a bunch of new warning flags in your brain.

You knew Bucky better than anyone, and everything about him right now was screaming something you had previously thought to be impossible.

Anything you said now could either make or break your changing relationship.

Before you could open your mouth to ask again, he motioned for you to go back to the table. “Dinner now, talk later.”

What?

WHAT!?

“No,” you said, straightening to your full height, your hands on your hips. “Talk now, dinner later! You have to explain yourself!”

He stood there, silently waiting for you to go on, the slightest hint of amusement in his eyes. Anyone who didn’t know Bucky as well as you would never have caught that gleam.

Time to test your new theory, for your sanity and for his.

Start with a joke.

“What about Starlord? Do you wanna hear about him?” You couldn’t stop the small smile from appearing on your face.

Bucky lifted his chin indignantly, and you were pretty sure he flexed his arms a little. “Especially not Starlord.”

Get him to talk.

“What do you want to hear about then?” you breathed out, eyes searching his. You knew what you wanted him to say, but would he go for it? Or were you completely misreading him right now in a bout of wishful thinking?

You did love to daydream, after all.

Oh, and that pain in your stomach? That stupid, sharp ‘am I gonna die soon’ feeling that had been churning all night?

Yeah, it shifted to more of a ‘this moment is potentially filled with everything you hoped for and you still might die soon’ chest pain. The anticipation was killing you, and you watched him carefully, trying to gauge whether you were right or not.

The weariness that had been in his eyes moments ago was completely gone, replaced by a new look: pure, unmistakable adoration.

“I want to hear about your day,” Bucky answered, his arms dropping to his sides. “I want to hear about your lab sessions, and what you had for lunch. I want to hear about your favorite things that happened to you this week. I want to hear you laugh when Lucy does something crazy, and groan when Ricky catches her in the act. I want to hear your scratchy voice in the morning, and your loud yawns at night.”

He was so utterly charming.

Reciprocate.

After all, two could play at this game.

“I want to hear about your promotion,” you told him, your smile widening.

The look in his eyes gave you the courage to keep talking.

“I want to hear the pride in your voice when you talk about your creations. I want to hear about how much you hate the laundry machines downstairs, and how much you love those blueberry scones from the bakery two blocks over. I want to hear the laughter in your voice when you’re agitating me on purpose.”

You stepped right up in front of him, your eyes never leaving his. “I want to be the last person you talk to before you go to sleep.”

“I want that, too,” Bucky murmured, reaching out for your hands and holding onto them gently. “It took me having this stupid wager to realize it, but…”  

His forehead rested on yours, and you felt like your breathing might never return to normal.

“The second I saw you in your dress, getting ready for a date with that douchebag…” Bucky leaned away to look at you, shaking his head. “I couldn’t stand it.”

“He was…different.”

“He wasn’t right for you.”

“You’re probably right.”

“I’m always right,” he agreed, dropping your hands unceremoniously. “Anyways, glad we settled that. Let’s finish eating, shall we?”

You blinked incredulously. “That’s…settled? We have settled nothing, sir.”

He laughed, his bright smile a welcome sight. “No, I guess you’re right this time.”

“Of course I’m right! I’ve been so stressed about ever-“

Bucky cut you off by cupping your chin and gently pressing his lips to yours for the first time.

You immediately took action, wrapping your arms around his neck and pressing your body even closer. There was no way you were going to let him get away with a chaste little kiss like that.

You lips parted slightly, and he took advantage, his tongue finding yours as he deepened the kiss. The feeling shot all the way down to your toes, curling them instantly. You were vaguely aware of his other hand moving down your figure, his fingers pressing into your hip almost possessively.

It was almost too much, but you felt like if you pulled away now, he’d disappear and this would all be a really fucking awesome dream or something.

It was better than a dream.

Bucky ended up breaking the kiss after a moment, resting his forehead on yours again. “We could have been kissing like that this whole time,” he pointed out, a small smile playing on his lips.

You pulled back to give him a look. “Please. With your line of trampezoids here all hours of the night, every week night and weekend? I don’t think so.”

“I wouldn’t have been seeing them if we would have just realized the obvious.”

“Hindsight,” you said, clucking your tongue at him. “It’s a bitch, isn’t it?”

“We can always make up for lost time,” Bucky suggested, his eyes gleaming wickedly.

“What about the lasagna? You went through all this trouble, and neither of us really ate that much…”

“It’ll still be there when we’re done.” He shrugged, glancing between his bedroom door and you. “I’ve got a microwave.”

“Oh no, no no no. No way, Bucky. I don’t know the last time you changed your sheets,” you protested, making a face at him.

“What? I clean my sheets!” he retorted, making a face at you.

The mere thought completely disgusted you. “I remember bombshell Becky, and all the others before her. We go to my apartment if this is happening.”

“Well, it’s not not happening, so, let’s get a move on.” Bucky grabbed your shoulders and tried to shove you out the door.

“This also means you have to buy a new bed,” you added jokingly, hauling ass across the hall and into your own apartment with Bucky in tow.  

It was uncanny, how quick the two of you ended up in your room, with him crawling over you as you landed on your mattress.

“Natasha insinuated that it’s wrong to put out on the first date,” you informed him cheekily.

“This doesn’t feel like our first date, though,” he reasoned, pulling your arms over your head and holding them in place with a predatory look in his eyes. “It feels like we’ve been seeing each other for a while now.”

The feel of his weight on you, the smell of him, even the touch of his calloused fingers was driving you insane. You couldn’t believe how many nights you’d spent next to him without experiencing this.

And god, that look in his eyes gave you shivers.

You stared up at him, eyes tracing his face so that you’d never forget this moment. “Yeah, I would agree with that.”

“Let’s make another wager,” he suggested, nuzzling your neck before planting hot, open-mouth kisses there.

“What kind?” you breathed out, trying to resist the urge to order him to take off his pants and get to it already. You knew this wasn’t something you wanted to rush.

No, you were going to savor every second of his hands, his hard muscles, and that extraordinary mouth of his having their way with you.

“I wager that I can make you forget all about that lasagna next door.”

You pretended to think about it. “I don’t know, that lasagna was really good. I didn’t even get to try the garlic bread, I bet it’s delicious.”

Bucky lifted his head to grin wickedly at you. “I was just about to say the same thing about you.”

You made a face. “So you’re saying I’m on the menu, too? That’s such a corny chef joke!”

“I think you mean corny head chef joke. I’m allowed to make those now. You’re tonight’s special,” he quipped. “And tomorrow, and the next day, and…”

“I love you,” you told him, just because you could. You freed one arm from his grasp to reach a hand out and stroke his stubble-covered jawline. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.” He grinned at you. “Say it again.”

You rolled your eyes and laughed. “I love you.”

Bucky’s blue eyes sparkled. “I could never get tired of hearing you say that.”

“Good, because I probably won’t ever get tired of saying it.”

He cleared his throat. “So, um, now that we’ve established an ‘us’, you’re gonna delete your dating apps, right?”

Well, duh.

Who the hell needed dating apps when Bucky Barnes was in love with you?

“Stop talking,” you muttered, leaning up to kiss him again. “Dinner’s getting cold.”

---

The end :)

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[hellomissmabel]

“Someone will love you”

MASTERLIST

Pairing: Bucky x reader

Warnings: Angst

Word count: 1.684

Summary: the prompt is “No one else knows that I’m leaving. I felt like you deserved to know.” Bucky and Y/N broke up several months ago, but the heartbreak remains too fresh for Y/N. She sees he’s obviously moved on and happily dating Nat, feeling out of place and unable to move on herself. She can’t leave but she can’t stay either, so what is there left for her to do?

A/N: Written for @bionic-buckyb and inspired by Halsey’s song “Sorry”. OC’s are: Caroline aka @mrshopkirk, Sammie aka @themcuhasruinedme, Sina aka @winterboobaer, Justine aka @justareader, KJ aka @nenyakj and Silja aka @writing-soldiers! Give these girls some tumblr hugs because they’re amazing. A big thank you also goes out to @heartmade-writingbucky for helping me find my mojo back for the ending and proofreading it for me. I love you girl.

I've missed your calls for months it seems Don't realize how mean I can be 'Cause I can sometimes treat the people That I love like jewellery

The truth is, it’s not only in physical pain you risk being swallowed by the darkness. If there’s a more potent pain than physical pain, it must be heartbreak because even though it’s not physical, it feels stronger than anything. You swallow the happy times that resurface like a pill, hoping they will cure the bad days ahead, hoping that everything will somehow be a big, bad nightmare and you’re about to wake up. But the only thing you’re actually waking up from, is self-pity.

And it’s then that you realise your true potential, the road you didn’t pave for yourself. But it’s a road that has been laid out for you from the start, and only in heartbreak you will find it. For physical pain is just that, physical. Sometimes it can be cured and sometimes it cannot. It can last a lifetime and so can heartbreak, unless you choose to step from the shadows that encase you like a coffin.

Unless you choose to show your emotions and at least try to put yourself out there again, then you will be ready. Ready to face the world again, ready to go on that great adventure you’ve been longing to go on since you were a kid. So go on that great adventure, take a risk and take your chances. For heartbreak will turn into heartache will turn into a distant memory. Eventually.

'Cause I can change my mind each day I didn't mean to try you on But I still know your birthday And your mother's favourite song

You didn’t make this decision for yourself. You made this decision to keep the peace. In your heart, in your mind, in your life and that of everybody else. You had changed, inevitably so. And this while all the people around you stayed the exact same. It’s sickening knowing that your critical, sceptic mind is what keeps the peace in your own life. Scrutinising every single element, every broken piece trying to decide if true love actually exists. Or maybe it’s just all a ruse imposed by modern-day society, filled with young souls longing to find their way through all the misery and the black days. With a little help from the romanticised ideas fed to us by the media.

“I’m in love with you, Y/N.”

How you long to hear those words again, falling from Bucky’s lips like a broken record. But he’s moved on now. He was the solid ground underneath your feet when you felt like the pieces of your heart were crumbling apart, his eyes were the storm raging over the deep blue sea and his voice the lullaby fallen angels sing to their friends above, a drop of sin on his tongue. You needed him as much as he needed you.

So I'm sorry to my unknown lover Sorry that I can't believe that anybody ever really Starts to fall in love with me

A soft knock on Bucky’s door tears his attention away from the computer screen. With a soft sigh and a frown knitting his eyebrows together, he puts his laptop aside and shuffles towards the front door. The wood creaks when he opens the door and slowly reveals Y/N’s disheartened face, her dishevelled clothing and the old, brown leather suitcase in her hand.

Due to the aftermath of the initial shock, he barely registers your moving lips. “No one else knows that I’m leaving. I felt like you deserved to know.”

The monotone sound of her voice paired with the emotionless expression curling her lips downwards, sends chills running over Bucky’s spine. “What?,” is the first thought he exclaims. “Why-Why are you leaving?”

Y/N pinches the bridge of her nose, exhaling in both frustration with herself as well as in disappointment with what’s following. “Of all the things that could go wrong, of all the things that could go south in my life, fate chose to ruin us. Not my career, not my family, but our relationship. The best thing that has ever happened to me. And now it’s someone else’s turn to love you.”

Bucky locks eyes with her and shakes his head, unable to wrap his mind around this. “Y/N, why are you telling me this? Why are you leaving?”

“Because I don’t belong here anymore, Bucky,” is her sole reply.

Sorry to my unknown lover Sorry I could be so blind Didn't mean to leave you And all of the things that we had behind

“What? No, no Y/N, that’s not true at all. I need you, you can’t leave.”

“Bucky,” you sigh, “You and Nat are obviously very happy. You don’t need me. Besides, just last week, she made me swear I’d be her bridesmaid for when you finally pop the question. Because it’s going to happen one day soon, we both know that. I see the way she looks at you.”

“But Y/N,” Bucky tries to interject.

“Everybody we know has settled down by now. Scott just proposed to Sammie, Tony’s smitten with Caroline and Steve is very happy with Sina. Clint met Justine over the summer and Sam seems to be hitting it off with KJ. Thor’s gone back to his home country to introduce Silja to his parents. I should’ve married Pietro when I got the chance, then I wouldn’t be so alone and miserable. I wouldn’t be a full 100% happy, but I would’ve had a good life by now. Not one filled with insecurities and, well, emptiness. Because I feel empty without you.”

Tears have started to mix with the raindrops as she speaks in tongues. Bucky has lost all ability to understand what’s swirling inside that pretty little mind of hers. Her features don’t look tired, they look worn out. She’s exhausted, both physically and mentally. “Why didn’t I see this before?,” Bucky asks himself. “Why did I ever let her leave?”

“You know what I regret the most?,” Y/N continues in a feeble tone. “Lying to your face. Lying to your face and telling you I’m fine. You were so eager to believe that I was doing okay, to soothe your conscience after our break-up, that I just gave in. I loved you so much, I love you so much still. I couldn’t do that to you, I couldn’t see your heart break behind those beautiful baby blues. Because I know it would’ve hurt your heart more to hear that I was a mess than it would’ve hurt my pride.”

I run away when things are good And never really understood The way you laid your eyes on me In ways that no one ever could

“Y/N. Please stop talking,” Bucky interrupts your tornado of words. You’re afraid he’s going to start a word vomit of his own, but he just stares back at you with the most blank expression you’ve ever encountered. Drawing a deep breath, he cards his fingers through his hair and tears his gaze away from you. “Don’t you see the way I look at you?”

“You keep talking about how happy Nat and I look. Well, that’s exactly the problem. We look happy but we haven’t been happy for a long time.” Bucky exhales languidly, looking her straight in the eye as he punctuates every word, creating a reeling emphasis. “I. Am. In. love. With. You. Y/N. I’m in love with you. I never stopped loving you.”

And so it seems I broke your heart My ignorance has struck again I failed to see it from the start And tore you open 'til the end

“You don’t realise how much pain we’ve caused everybody. How much pain we’re still causing. I can’t go a single day without looking into the mirror and seeing your reflection staring back at me. I’m Nat’s confidante, she comes to me whenever she’s in need of some relationship advice. You know why that is? She says it’s because I know you best. She doesn’t know, she can’t know. She can’t know I’m still hurting and so are you.”

Silently, you had decided to leave it at this but Bucky didn’t want to give up to easily. His hands grip your shoulders forcefully, as if he means to shake some sense into you, but instead his fingers just dig into the soft fabric of your jacket. His eyes lock with yours and behind them there’s a wildness, a wilderness of emotions that you’ll never see again if you step away now.

“Don’t do this to us. Don’t you get it? We could be together! We love each other!”

“Keep your voice down, Bucky,” you hiss through gritted teeth, afraid the mild disturbance will wake up Nat.

He releases you and hangs his head down in defeat. “Bucky, look at me,” you tell him and he complies. He looks at you with all those raging emotions chaining him to that heavy heart you recognise all too well. “I love you. But I can’t be with you. You deserve someone that will love you better and that someone is upstairs, sleeping in your bed.”

You turn to go, tightly grasping the handle of the old suitcase. “Just because you think I deserve some better love, doesn’t mean you get to break my heart again,” Bucky whispers and it almost goes unnoticed in the dead of night. “You think I haven’t been trying? Surviving? Because I can’t live unless it’s with you. I’d just be existing, I’m just existing. Without you… I’m empty, too.”

“Love sometimes just isn’t enough, Bucky,” you reply, looking back one last time into those cerulean eyes on the brink of tears. “Our love isn’t enough to make me stay. I’m sorry, I truly am.”

“I love you,” Bucky tries one last time, hoping it’ll be enough to make you change your mind, hoping it can evoke even one spark of hesitation. But your mind is firmly set.

“Someone will love you. But that someone isn’t me.”

Sequel: “I can’t fall in love without you”

@beccaanne814-blog @avengerofyourheart @a-little-hell-to-raise @marvelingatthewonder @mrshopkirk @hardcorehippos @knittingknerdy @winterboobaer @italwaysendsinafightt @viollettes @hymnofthevalkyries @feelmyroarrrr @justareader @austinamelio @volklana @4theluvofall @bovaria @themcuhasruinedme @theoneandonlysaucymo @caplanbuckybarnes @hymnofthevalkyries @nenyakj @amrita31199 @emilyevanston @minervaem @howlingbarnes @buchananbarnestrash @austinamelio @youandb @you-and-bucky @fvckingsteverogers @thatawkwardtinyperson @that-sokovian-bastard @abovethesmokestacks @justareader @marvelrevival @marvel-fanfiction @justanotherbuckydevotee @barnes-heaven @heartmade-writingbucky @buckyywiththegoodhair @captnbarnesrogers @mellifluous-melodramas @its-not-a-phase-hux @melconnor2007 @ivvitm1109 @toofuckinfabulous @ailynalonso15

[mindingmyownbusiness]

Inked

Pairing - Tattoo!Bucky x Reader Modern AU

Prompt - Tattoo Shop

Summary - You’re dying to get your first tattoo but your anxiety has other plans. Could your new neighbor be the answer to all your problems?

Warnings - n/a, just adorable fluff, y’all should be used to that by now!

Word Count - 3483

Notes - Created for @bionic-buckyb AU writing challenge! Congrats on 5K Kait! I’ve got lots of thank yous to hand out:  To @angryschnauzer for creating this amazing tattoo!Bucky moodboard for me, to @the-witching-hours12-3 for all of her help with my tattoo questions because I am clueless, to @dianelogan for always encouraging me and reading my stuff, to @bucky-plums-barnes for creating punk edits of Seb (links to originals HERE and HERE) that I stumbled upon and happily used for inspiration, and to the slo-mo tattoo video from Smarter Every Day for helping me visualize some very important details.

My Masterlist

“I don’t think I can do this…” No way were you gonna be able to hide the nervousness in your voice, especially not from your best friend.

“Come on, (Y/N). You’ve been talking about getting a tattoo for ages, now is the time! I promised you a birthday surprise and this is it. I’m paying for the tattoo AND I’m here for moral support, you can totally do this.” Nat was practically dragging you down the street as you began to feel more and more anxious about what was about to happen.

Before you had time to protest again she had yanked you inside a small tattoo shop. The first thing you noticed was how bright it was. You heard classic rock pumping out of some speakers off to the side but it did little to distract you from the constant buzzing sound that in your head seemed to be getting louder and louder with each passing second. Glancing around you saw several people with varying degrees of ink on display, both giving and receiving tattoos and having multiple conversations. The buzzing sound was getting louder and you felt your chest tightening, it was getting harder and harder to catch your breath. Just before you turned and  shot out the door you had the vague sense of someone asking Nat if you were okay.

You slumped down just out of sight around the corner of the building in a dim alleyway, eyes shut tight, attempting to regulate your breathing. You focused on the feel of the bricks digging into your back, the sound of traffic passing by, the smell of the bakery next door. “(Y/N)?” You felt Nat squat down next to you and place a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

Tears began to prick behind your eyelids. “I’m so sorry…” you groaned in frustration. “I’m such an idiot. I can’t believe I embarrassed myself and you in front of all those people.”

“Oh sweetie, it’s fine. I’m sure most of them didn’t even notice and the guy I was talking to said this sort of thing happens all the time.” She leans in to hug you. “I’m the one who should be sorry for pushing you when you clearly weren’t ready. Just promise me that you won’t give up on the idea? I know when you’re ready you’re going to be so glad you did it.”

You opened your eyes and pulled back to give her a watery smile. “Alright, I won’t totally abandon the idea.”

“Good,” Nat smiled back. “Now, how about we take that tattoo money and spend it on margaritas and pedicures?”

You attempted to blow a stray lock of hair out of your eyes as you struggled through the lobby door of your new apartment building. Most of the move had happened over your birthday weekend but a few boxes still lingered at your old place. Thankfully, you were currently holding the last box, the one that made it official.

You looked up to see the elevator doors beginning to close. “Noooo! No, no, no, no, no,” you chanted to yourself as you shuffled quickly towards the elevator. At the last possible second a hand stuck out to grab the door, pulling it back open and you hurried inside.

“Oh my gosh thank you so much,” you blurted in a rush, adjusting your hold on the box.

“Sure thing,” a gorgeous male voice drawled out next to you. “Need any help with that?”

“Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that…”

“Really, it’s no trouble,” said your elevator savior as he lifted the box right out of your hands.

“Thank you,” you blushed slightly glancing his way hoping he didn’t see but his face was mostly hidden by the contents of the box. You went to press the button for your floor only to find it already lit up. “Oh, we must live on the same floor!”

“Well, that’ll make delivering this box even more convenient,” your mystery man said. “I’m in 4b. You?”

“4a. I just moved in last weekend.”

“That explains why I didn’t see you. I worked a couple extra shifts last weekend.”

The elevator dinged and you led the way as the doors opened, quickly unlocking your door and kicking some empty boxes out of the way. “You can set it right here, um… hey, I don’t even know your name yet!”

“It’s James. But my friends and neighbors call me Bucky.”

He turns and you finally get a good look at him. Dark hair, kind eyes, well built… Your eyes are drawn to his left arm which is completely covered in beautiful and intricate tattoos from his wrist to past where his sleeve covered his arm. You suddenly realized you were reaching toward them when you caught yourself, blushing. “Um, sorry, I’m (Y/N). Thank you so much for carrying that in for me.”

“Like I said, (Y/N), it was no trouble,” he said with a lopsided smile. “Sorry, this is totally gonna sound like a cheesy line but you look really familiar… are you sure we’ve never met?”

“Um, I don’t think so. Maybe you’ve just seen me around the neighborhood?”

“Maybe… but I’m pretty good with faces, it’ll come to me eventually... Well, it was good to meet you neighbor. Guess I’ll see you around?”

“Y-yeah, for sure,” you stuttered as Bucky turned to walk away. In a moment of uncharacteristic boldness you called out, “Hey, do you want to grab a coffee or something sometime? I really do owe you one…”

Bucky flashed you another gorgeous smile. “I’d like that. Tomorrow morning okay? I always stop at that coffee place on the corner on my way to work.”

“Works for me.” You couldn’t help the grin that spread across your face.

“It’s a date. I’ll come by around 8:00. See you then.” With wink and a smile he was gone.

Bucky held open the door to the coffee shop as you slipped through and fell into step beside him. From the moment you saw his face that morning you felt at ease, all your nervousness gone by the time you had ordered your drinks. He was funny, kind, easy on the eyes, and it didn’t hurt that he let you do most of the talking, asking you questions about your life, your job, and your friends. You probably wouldn’t admit to dragging your feet but you really didn’t want your time together to come to an end.

“Well, this is me,” Bucky came to a stop in front of a vaguely familiar storefront.

“Y-you work here?” Looking up you came to the chilling realization that this was the very same tattoo shop that you had run from the previous weekend.

“Actually, I… whoa, hey are you okay?” Bucky’s eyebrows furrowed as he turned toward you and saw the terrified look on your face. You turned your gaze toward him just in time to see his concerned look transform into one of recognition. “It’s you! I knew I’d seen you before. You’re the girl that ran out of my shop last weekend!”

You covered your face with your hands, attempting to hide the flame of embarrassment creeping into your cheeks. The only thing that stopped you from bolting was the feeling of Bucky gently taking you by the arm.

“(Y/N)?” He pulled you towards him carefully. “That was you, wasn’t it? Please, don’t be embarrassed. Like I told your friend, things like that happen all the time.”

You blinked back the tears that were threatening to spill from your eyes. “I can’t imagine what you think of me. I completely freaked out, just from walking in the door! I mean, who does that?”

“Believe it or not, lots of people react in different ways to getting a tattoo. Once, I was all set to give a tattoo to this huge dude, a linebacker or something. He was all about it until the second the needle touched him. Passed out cold. RIght there in the chair.”

You peeked through your fingers, slowly lowering your hands. “Really?”

“Really,” he said, giving you a reassuring smile. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Promise,” he said as he pulled you into a hug.

You were pleasantly surprised to find yourself calming down almost instantly as you inhaled his scent and felt the warmth of his arms around you. A sigh escaped your lips, one you hoped Bucky didn’t hear.

You felt him chuckle before you heard it and knew you’d been caught. He pulled back from you slightly. “Better?” he asked with one of those smiles he was quickly becoming famous for.

“Better,” you replied with a shy smile of your own, secretly enjoying the fact that Bucky had yet to let go of you.

Your mind suddenly clicked with something Bucky had said. “Wait, did I hear you right? Did you say ‘my shop’ as in this place belongs to you? You’re the owner?”

“Yup,” he said matter-of-factly, looking up at the sign, “she’s my pride and joy, in case you couldn’t tell by all the ink I’m sporting.”

“Wow, that’s awesome. Aaaaand now I suddenly feel even worse for running out of there.” You looked around nervously at everything but his face.

“Hey now, don’t worry about it, really,” he gave you an extra comforting squeeze. “Listen (Y/N), I had a really nice time this morning. Maybe we could hang out again? Soon?”

You looked up, finally meeting his eyes and seeing the sincerity and hope there. “I’d really like that, neighbor,” you said with a grin.

Over the next few weeks you and Bucky were inseparable. You were constantly hanging out at each other’s apartments, sometimes going out but mostly just preferring to stay in and spend time together. You were really enjoying getting to know Bucky and building your friendship but neither one of you had really defined whatever this was between you. He’d never tried to kiss you even though you could have sworn he was about to a couple times. You just chalked that up to wishful thinking. Some of your favorite times were when it was late and you found yourselves cuddled up together on the couch watching a movie.

It was on one of those nights that Bucky brought up the subject of tattoos again. “(Y/N)?”

“Mmm-hmm?” you murmured sleepily.

“Ah, I was… well I was wondering if you’d like to come by the shop tomorrow?”

You sat up and gave him a questioning look. “And why would you want me to do that?”

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, “I-I’ve just been thinking a lot about what you told me. About how you really want a tattoo but your anxiety is holding you back and well… I think I might be able help with that.”

“Bucky… you know what happened last time. I have no plans to make a fool out of myself all over again.

“I know! I would never ever want you to feel like that again,” he said hurriedly, “I was just thinking about maybe taking things slow, exposing you to different things in the shop one at a time so that you aren’t bombarded with everything all at once.”

You were quiet, considering his words for a moment. You had to admit, this plan might work. And if anyone could succeed in helping you stay calm it was Bucky. Plus, your desire to get a tattoo hadn’t faded so you were definitely motivated. “Alright, I trust you Bucky. Let’s do this,” you said with a brave smile.

“Great,” he pulled you in for a hug and kissed your forehead. You were grateful for the dim lighting to hide your blush as you settled into his side and finished the movie.

As promised, Bucky was waiting for you outside the shop the next day just after closing.

“So,” you said, wringing your hands nervously, “what’s the plan?”

Immediately noticing your discomfort, Bucky took your hands in his. “Why don’t we just walk in first, then we can play it by ear, okay?”

You took a deep breath and nodded. Bucky led the way, still holding one of your hands in his.

Entering the shop you were greeted by a much different atmosphere than before. It was quiet, no music and of course no people. Bucky had turned out all the lights except for a couple of lamps around the edges of the shop. He gave your hand a squeeze, silently checking in with you and grounding you in the moment. “I’m.... good. Yeah, good...” you smiled up at him. “How about a tour?”

Beaming at you Bucky slowly led you around the perimeter of the shop, drawing your attention to the photography on the wall and away from the tattoo equipment. All of the photos were very artistic, featuring some phenomenal tattoo work but not in a blatant or basic way. Bucky pointed out a couple that he had done and named the artists who worked for him that had done the others. You continued to walk slowly around the shop hand in hand and before you knew it you were back up at the front.

“So far so good?” Bucky asked carefully. You nodded with a smile. “Ready for phase two or do you want to call it a night?”

Looking into Bucky’s eyes you felt a familiar sense of calm wash over you, just like the calm you felt that first night when he hugged you. You took a deep breath before answering, “I’m think I’m alright... what’s next?”

“Before we do anything else I need to know a little bit more about the tattoo you want to get,” Bucky said. “Basically where on your body that you want it.”

“Well, I know I want it somewhere where I can see it anytime I want so... no spots covered by clothing or any that I’d need a mirror for. Um, I was kinda thinking the inside of my wrist?”

“Sounds perfect,” Bucky responded, pulling you slowly toward the center of the shop. “I’m gonna have you sit down how you would if I was about to give you a tattoo, okay? Remember, we can stop anytime, just say the word.”

Bucky guided you over to a chair taking a seat beside you, still facing you, still holding your hand. He rubbed the back of your hand with his thumb for reassurance. He took his time, explaining how the first thing he would do is talk about a design with you. He would sketch it out and when you were happy he would transfer that sketch onto your wrist before starting the tattoo.

“Wanna see how the machine works?” Bucky asked.

You looked at the small table where the equipment was all laid out and swallowed nervously. “It looks so, clinical. Not quite what I expected…”

“Picturing more of a medieval torture device?” He chuckled and picked up the gloves. “I take the health and safety part of my job very seriously, doll,” he said with a wink as he put on the gloves and picked up a small packet. “Everything that comes in contact with you is clean and sterile. I promise, you’re in good hands.” He assembled all the parts and explained the basics of how the machine worked. “I’m gonna turn it on now, okay? Just so you can get used to the noise.”

You nodded and mentally braced yourself. The machine came to life with the same buzzing sound you remembered from that first day. Instantly you were transported back in time and your body began to react. You tensed up in the chair as your breathing became more rapid and shallow.

“Hey, hey look at me,” Bucky urged, turning off the machine and setting it down to rub his hands up and down your arms. You looked at him, noting the concern and caring etched onto his face and struggled to take a deep breath. He scooted closer to you, pulling you in until your foreheads touched. “Breathe with me, (Y/N). I’ve got you.” You focused on Bucky, slowly syncing your breathing, feeling your body relax again. “Maybe we should stop,” he said. “I-I’ve pushed you too hard, we should-”

“No!” you interrupted him, pulling back to look him in the eyes, “No, I’ve come this far. I don’t wanna give up now. It’s just, I don’t know, the anticipation of it, you know? It’s always worse than what actually ends up happening. I know that in the logical part of my brain but my subconscious and my body have other ideas…”

Bucky thought for a moment. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course,” you replied, without hesitation.

“If anticipation of the thing is what is holding you back then maybe you should jump that hurdle as quickly as possible. I can let you feel what getting a tattoo is like without actually giving you a tattoo.”

“Really?” you said nervously.

“It’ll be just like getting a tattoo, but I won’t use any ink. The feeling will be exactly the same.”

You took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Okay, let’s do it. Quick, before I think too hard about it.”

He smiled and repositioned your arm, scooting even closer. “I’m gonna try it here, on your upper arm. It’s less sensitive than your wrist and it’ll be much easier for you to see what I’m doing. Ready?”

“Now or never,” you said and braced yourself again. Bucky started up the machine, it was buzzing like before but this time you were more prepared. He held your arm with one hand and positioned the machine with the other. You held your breath as he pressed it into your arm. You felt pressure and pain, but not anything too overwhelming, almost like someone was scratching you hard with the lead of a mechanical pencil. It only lasted a few seconds before Bucky shut it off and set the machine down.

“Are you okay?” Bucky asked.

“I-I did it! I really did it! And I didn’t pass out or anything! Take that, linebacker!” Your excitement gave you such a rush and the enormous smile on your face was quickly mirrored by the one on Bucky’s. “Thank you so much!” you exclaimed, leaning forward and kissing him suddenly, without thinking.

You pulled back, shocked at your reaction and blushing with embarrassment, looking away so you didn’t have to see Bucky’s face. “I can’t believe I just did that! I’m so sorry, I was just caught up in the moment and, and…” your ramblings were interrupted by Bucky placing his hand on your cheek, turning your face to look at him.

“Don’t be sorry, doll. We shoulda done that a long time ago.” And he pulled you in for another kiss, one that you happily reciprocated.

You blinked sleepily as the sunlight filtered in through your curtains, bathing your bedroom in the soft morning light. Smiling you admired your new tattoo. It was finally done healing, small and beautiful, some might even say a bit cliche but that tiny purple butterfly just inside your left wrist meant a lot to you. It was a symbol of a fresh start that was a long time coming for you. New job, new apartment, new chapter of your life, this tattoo represented all of that for you and it never failed to bring a smile to your face when you saw it.

The mattress shifted as Bucky rolled over to place small kisses along your shoulder up to your neck. “Morning, beautiful,” he murmured against your skin. “Admiring my work again?”

“I can’t help it,” you said, rolling over to face him. “You are just so good with your hands.” Grinning you tilted your face up for a kiss, reaching up to thread your fingers through his hair. “In fact, I was just thinking about where my next tattoo should be.”

“Next tattoo? You hooked already, doll?” he asked, teasingly. “What did you have in mind?”

“Hmm… still working on the what, it’s the where I need your help with. Got any ideas?”

“Well, you could get one here…” He dipped down to kiss and suck lightly next to your collarbone. “Or here…” He brought your forearm to his lips, trailing kisses from your wrist to the crook of your elbow. “Or maybe here…” He moved slowly down to nip at your hipbone then slid down and lifted your leg to plant kisses just above your ankle. “Possibly here… any of these feel right to you?” he said cheekily.

“Maybe,” you smiled. “I just can’t decide...”

“Well then,” he said, grinning as he eased his way back up your body, “I’ll just have to keep exploring until we find just the right spot.”

TAG LIST: (I know y’all didn’t ask for it but I’m a sharing kinda gal!) @avengerofyourheart @buckyywiththegoodhair @beccaanne814-blog @imaginingbucky @cate-lynne @therealjamesbarnes @supersoldier-buckybarnes @ilovebeingjoyful @musichowler

[serzhantkris]

Steadier Footing

Summary: Pretending to be drunk isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Written for @bionic-buckyb writing challenge; Prompt: “I want to make you this happy for the rest of your life.”

Bucky x Reader

He blamed the alcohol. It made his world lag, like he could see the physical seconds between when an action actually occurred and the moment of perception. He could see the faint film of fog over glassy eyes, the dull buzz of a shot of vodka or a glass of whiskey and Coke creating a screen between the person drinking it and the world around them. The room was full of people, but they were all in their own heads.

That was the thing about drunk people; they always pretend to be more sober than they are. They realize when something they’ve said sounds drunk, so they overcorrect in order to sound sober. Or something they’ve done, they do it again so it looks like they’ve been doing it on purpose all along. Everyone around them would laugh and the subject would change in another flicker of an action-to-perception beat. The room would spin as fast as those changing dialogues.

Bucky stood still while the world kept turning in circles. His head ached and his hands were cold, clutching to bottle after bottle of chilled beer. He participated in those spinning conversations, throwing back his head, laughing when everyone else laughed, listening to their stories. The room would spin and he’d land somewhere different, with different faces, but the stories were the same. The laughs were the same. Bucky kept throwing back his head and his drink. Sometimes he said something stupid and overcorrected. Sometimes he did something stupid and then kept on doing it. The world kept spinning.

That was the thing about Bucky Barnes; he always pretended to be more drunk than he was.

The spinning slowed down, gradually, until people were stumbling towards their cars. Their paths from the door to the vehicles lining his street crossed, but none of them knew it. He stood on the porch, leaning against the doorframe as headlights filled the street one by one, looking like stars against the black tarmac. A Pontiac pulled away from the curb, a shooting star as it sped toward the other end of the street, and Bucky made a wish.

“Killer party.”

Bucky jumped, tearing his gaze away from the Little Dipper as it drove away. You were in the dark, barely visible, sitting at the other end of the porch with your feet dangling between the rails. Bucky sniffed, pinching at an invisible itch at the end of his nose.

“Scared the shit outta me,” he mumbled, letting the screen door close as he moved out of the doorway. The last illuminated car drove past, and Bucky’s headlight wish came true as you smiled at him through the darkness. “Didn’t see you there.”

“Do you always do that?”

Bucky’s brows furrowed as he lowered himself to sit by you, feet pushed against white-painted metal bars, elbows on his knees and a beer dangling from his fingertips between. “Do what?”

“Fake being drunk,” you snorted. Bucky reached into the pocket of his flannel with two fingers, fishing out a cigarette packet. “Is that how you pick up chicks?”

“Does it look like I picked up any chicks?”

“Not yet,” you said. Bucky’s lips twitched. He flipped the lid of the cigarettes and dug out a cigarette and lighter.

“Want one?”

“No, but thanks. I quit last winter.” You leaned back on your hands to get a better look at Bucky, and he eyed you curiously.

“You look familiar,” he said, sticking the end of his cigarette between his teeth. “You come here with somebody?”

“Yeah, but he left with a blonde who’s name I think is ‘Fuck me now.’ I called a cab, though.”

Bucky snorted back a laugh, flicking the lighter. The cigarette smoldered brightly in the dark. “Was it Jerry? Guy would fuck anything that moves.”

“That’s why I stand still,” you mumbled. Bucky turned a bit on the spot, putting the beer down on the other side of him.

“I tried to quit,” Bucky said. “Smoking, I mean. Tried twice but, like most things, it didn’t stick.”

There’s silence as Bucky smokes his cigarette, the two of you sitting side by side. It’s the quietest the world has been in hours, the sounds of night engulfing the porch. A car drives by and the headlights illuminate your features. Bucky makes another wish.

“Do you think,” you mumble, clearing your throat. “I could, maybe, have one of those?”

Bucky flips the lid of the cigarette pack and thinks about holding the whole thing out, letting you pick a smoke and light it, but his fingers are already digging out a cigarette and passing it your way. Your fingers brush his and you both lean in as he lights it for you.

“If it’s not for the chicks, why do you do it?”

Bucky shrugs, smashing his dying cigarette butt into the concrete under him and reaching for a second. “Makes it easier to deal with, I guess.”

“To deal with all the drunk people?”

“To deal with the world spinning.”

You hum and Bucky wishes he could taste the smoke coming out of your mouth. “Is the world spinning now?”

Bucky looks up, away from the snub of ash, and you make eye contact. “No,” he says.

“If the world stopped spinning,” you sigh. “It’d be a hell of a lot earlier to jump off it.”

He chuckles at that, gripping the second cigarette a little too tightly between his fingers. “I think you might have something there.” He takes a long drag, the smoke flowing out of his nose, forehead wrinkled in thought. “Would you wanna jump off, if you could?”

“Only if someone else jumps with me. I’d be too scared to do it alone.”

Bucky stares at the embers floating from the end of your cigarette as they skirt across the porch. “Me too.”

“It wasn’t Jerry,” you said, the tension snapping like a rubber band. Bucky glances up with his brows raised. “Sam Wilson.”

“Oh, shit,” Bucky laughs, the sound dry against the nicotine. “Yeah, I know Sam. Baseball player, right? He’s friends with my pal, Steve.”

“Steve Rogers?”

“The very same. Known him since we were kids,” Bucky said.

“Steve’s the art kid, right? The one who fought Brock Rumlow in an alley that one time?”

Images blur behind Bucky’s eyelids as he nods in confirmation. All those friends, people he had seen only an hour ago, all of them laughing, plastered. Their faces blur together and the world’s started to spin again. “Asshole broke my nose,” he mumbles, taking a drink from the stale bottle.

“You’re the guy who made Rumlow throw up on his shoes?”

Bucky laughed, tossing back what was left of the beer. The bottle rolled across the porch, forgotten. “Yeah, all because he was tryin’ to get with this girl and Steve felt the need to defend her honor. Only time I ever saw Steve get into a fight over a girl, I swear to God.”

“I was that girl!” You laughed, and a loud, genuine cackle pulled from Bucky’s lips.

The two of you continue talking for what feels like hours, about all the people you’d known, people that neither you or Bucky knew anymore. He barely remembered some of their faces, still blurred somewhere in the back of his mind.

“I like your laugh,” you said, sucking your lower lip between your teeth. “You almost sound happy.”

“I am happy,” he says, not entirely lying.

“Well, if that’s the case... I want to make you this happy for the rest of your life.”

“Why?” Another car rounds the street, moving slowly. The cab light shines like the moon as it nears and Bucky holds his breath, coughing when the smoke tumbles in his lungs for too long. You sigh, flicking the cigarette away. Bucky stands as you grab the iron bars and pull yourself up, adjusting the sleeves of your jacket.

“Because you deserve it,” you answer.

A breeze sends a chill up Bucky’s neck.

“Do you wanna-” Bucky cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, if you want, we could-”

“Jump off the world?”

He grins, noticing the way your nose wrinkles when you smile too. You glance over your shoulder, biting your lip and looking at the cab waiting for you. Hope swells in Bucky’s gut as you rock back and forth on your toes, deciding. “One condition,” you say.

“Name it.”

“You can’t pretend to be drunk anymore.”

Bucky nods, standing up a bit straighter. The sad look in your eyes has faded, the half-drunk swirl of your eyes focusing. You looked at him and Bucky could feel his heart beating, fast, and the tilt of your head almost made him as drunk as he had wanted to be.

“Okay,” he says.

Bucky doesn’t know how long he’ll stop faking it. He doesn’t know how long it’ll last, pretending that sitting on the porch with a stranger could go beyond the handrails. There’s a moment, as the wind ruffles his hair and carries the ashes of cigarettes across the painted porch, that Bucky thinks maybe he can pretend that this will last. Maybe you will make him this happy for the rest of his life. Maybe tomorrow he’ll be a drunk bystander, the world spinning, or maybe he’ll jump off the world. It doesn’t matter, not really, not now- because when he walks, fingers frozen and laced with yours, through the front door, he does it with steadier footing.

[imma-fcking--nerd]

What Happens In Vegas... (Part 1)

Summary: After a nasty breakup, you head to Vegas to try and have some fun, only to find yourself completely overwhelmed and alone. However, your bartender comes to the rescue, making you an offer you don’t want to refuse. Thanks to him, your week long vacation certainly turns out differently than you could have ever expected.

Author’s Note: This is my first ever Bucky story and I am so excited! It was written for @bionic-buckyb‘s AU Writing Challenge in celebration of 5k followers. My prompt was ‘vegas’, so I really hope I did it justice! I’m planning on turning this into a mini-series, so please, let me know what you think!!! 

Warnings: Language; mentions of cheating; pure, teeth rotting fluff; heavy make-out session

Word Count: Roughly 5,000 (yikes)

*******************************************************************************************

Sliding onto the stool with a sigh, you propped your chin on your hand and stared at the colorful bottles of various alcohols in front of you. This was so not how you wanted to spend this night, but it was better than locking yourself in your room like a hermit. If you were being honest, just thinking about the next few days made anxious nerves twist in your stomach. This trip was mistake, I should’ve just left well enough alone-

“What can I get you, sweetheart?” The deep voice broke your trance, bringing your attention to the bartender.

“I’ll have a shot of Patrón,” you mumbled, straightening up and pointing at the bottle. “Silver, please.” You watched as he poured the liquid into the glass, picking it up and slamming it back as soon as it was full. Shoving it back toward him with a grimace, you cleared your throat before speaking again, trying to talk around the burn. “Hit me.”

Not taking your eyes off the glass, you watched as he poured you another, once again slamming it back and repeating the request. After the third, you needed a break.

“Been playing Black Jack tonight? You sure have the terminology down,” the bartender chuckled, turning to put the bottle back in place before collecting your shot glass. Shaking your head, you finally took the time to look up at him. And what you saw took your breath away.

The man was tall and broad, hell, thick. With a chest that big, he looked like he could easily pick up and toss a car. His arms were just as large, bulging against the long sleeves of his Henley. Your eyes trailed up only to find a perfectly stubbled chin, chiseled jaw hidden under the dark scruff. A few strands of brown hair framed his cheeks, seemingly fallen loose from the small bun at the back of his head. His lips, which looked tantalizingly soft, were twitched up in a grin, one eyebrow arched curiously as he waited for a response. You finally settled on the most gorgeous pair of blue eyes you’d ever seen, quickly falling into them and getting lost.

He was positively unreal.

“Uh- um…” Words had left your brain, your mouth stuttering to come up with anything coherent. “N- no. Nope. No Black Jack for me.” Wow. Nice one.

“Well, you should think about playing sometime. Seem like you’d be good at it,” he replied, that sweet smile never leaving his face. You wanted to respond, to come up with something that would keep him talking to you. You just weren’t ready for this beautiful man to leave your sight yet. However, before you could pull a sentence together, he was called over by another customer, tossing you a wink before he walked away to do his job.

Sighing yet again, you dropped your head to look down at the bar top, tracing patterns on the glass with a finger while getting lost in your head again.

“Whaddya drinkin’?” someone asked from beside you, words slurred together. You glanced up to find a man, probably ten or so years your senior, grinning lustfully down at you.

“Nothing, I’m alright,” you told him politely, hoping he’d just leave.

“Lemme buy you a drink, baby,” he insisted, inching closer. You could smell the alcohol radiating off of him and tried not to grimace.

“No, thank you.”

“C’mon, don’ be like that.” Your eyes went wide when you felt one of his hands wrap around your arm, jumping at the contact as panic began to well inside you.

“The lady said no.” Thank God. The hot bartender was back, only this time, the look on his face was practically deadly and it was directed right at the creep next to you. “Get your hand off of her and get the hell out of here.”

“But-“

“Now.” Fear in his eyes, the guy threw some cash down on the bar and quickly turned, heading for the exit. You let out a shuddering breath, closing your eyes for a moment to collect yourself. “Are you alright?” The bartender’s voice was much softer now, concern evident in his tone.

“I’m fine. Thank you,” you told him, offering a grateful smile.

“Of course. I deal with pricks like him more than I should have to. You sure you’re okay?” You simply nodded, asking for some water, which he gladly got for you. “I’m James. But my friends call me Bucky.” The grin he gave you was practically blinding.

“Y/N. Nice to meet you…Bucky,” you said, reaching a hand over the bar to shake his, making him chuckle. “How’d you get that nickname?”

“It’s a riff off my middle name,” he explained. “So, what brings you to Vegas, Y/N?” Your eyes followed the movement of his hands, wiping down glasses as he talked with you between helping customers. Your mind took note of his prosthetic hand, metal moving and touching and gripping seemingly no different than flesh. Fascinating.

“Well,” the word was a sigh passing through your lips. “To put it simply, I suppose, this is a sort of ‘revenge/get over my ex/let loose and forget about his stupid ass’ trip.” Bucky chuckled again, the sound deep and warm.

“Sure doesn’t sound simple.”

“Originally, I was supposed to come with my boyfriend. His idea, by the way,” you pointed out. “He had it all planned, bought the tickets, booked the room. Then just a few days before we were supposed to go, I come home from work early to find him fucking the dogwalker from three floors down. We don’t even own a dog!”

“What an asshole,” Bucky responded, his eyes conveying all kinds of sympathy. “I’m sorry.”

“Honestly, I thought that he was taking me on this trip to propose,” you admitted quietly, fingers playing with the now empty water glass in front of you. A snort left your mouth as you grinned a bit, a new thought crossing your mind. “Clearly, I dodged a bullet!” Bucky grinned back.

“Clearly.”

“Anyway, I took my ticket, ripping up the other and throwing it in his face, pissed and insisting that I was taking this trip on his dime. Told him it was the least he could do for being a cheating bastard. I think he was a little scared because he just kept his mouth shut and nodded along.” A smug smirk danced on your lips at the memory. Then you remembered your predicament and your face fell. “But now I’m on this stupid trip by myself for five days and don’t know what the hell to do.”

“What do you mean?” Bucky asked, dark brows drawing together as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall. Holy hell, I didn’t think his biceps could get any bigger.

“It’s just…Am I supposed to go explore the city alone?” You sighed, shaking my head. “For one thing, that could get dangerous. A woman walking around by herself, in a place she’s clearly not familiar with. That doesn’t scream ‘I’m an easy target!’ or anything. Plus, I really don’t know anything about Vegas. I guess I could look things up but again, I’d just be by myself and…I dunno. The trip just doesn’t have the same appeal anymore, I guess.”

Several seconds of silence fell between you as you stared down into your glass, tracing the edge with the tip of your finger as everything raced through your mind. Bucky’s deep voice, hesitant, made your head snap up to meet his icy blue eyes.

“You know,” he started slowly, clearing his throat before continuing. “I could show you around, take you to see the sights, whatever. If you want.” You blinked dumbly up at him a few times before straightening up.

“Really?” There was disbelief in your voice.

“I know we just met and I would completely understand if you said no. But yeah, I have the next few days off and I can take a couple personal days. I’d be more than happy to give you the Vegas experience.” He offered a lopsided grin, the look sweet and honest on him. Your mouth was gaping like a fish, words failing you yet again, until finally you just nodded profusely.

“That- that’d be great, wow, thank you so much,” you rambled, probably sounding ridiculous, but Bucky only smiled and assured you that he was glad to do it.

You spent a bit more time at the bar that evening, talking with Bucky when you could and thinking over the next few days, a much more positive attitude in your head. Before you headed upstairs to get to bed, you exchanged numbers and made plans to meet up the next morning. As you left the bar, waving a final goodbye to the man that had somehow just become you tour guide, you couldn’t help but smile to yourself, oddly excited for what was to come.

You wouldn’t have been able to miss Bucky’s blinding smile from across the lobby if you had tried. The second your eyes met, his face was lighting up and he was making his way toward you. Nerves twisted in your gut at seeing him again, the prospect that you were actually going to let this man show you around the city finally sinking in. But that was pushed to the back of your mind as soon as he was in front of you, happiness radiating off of him.

“Mornin’,” he greeted, stuffing one hand in his pocket and pointing toward the door with the other. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah, let’s do this,” you breathed, offering a grin of your own as you nodded.

“You didn’t eat yet, did you?”

“Uh, nope. Why?”

“Great,” Bucky replied, leading the way toward the door, you following at his heels. Once you were out in the bright Nevada sun, he shot you a look over his shoulder. “I know a place that serves awesome waffles. Assuming, of course…”

“I love waffles,” you filled in for him, earning another gorgeous grin.

“Perfect!”

After breakfast, which Bucky had insisted on paying for despite your protests, he took you to see some of the famous sights and building around Vegas that were within reasonable walking distance. You were feeling much more comfortable with him after talking and getting to know him more, a very relaxed air settling between the two of you.

You had learned that he was originally from New York, your home city as well, and that his best friend, Steve, still lived there with his fiancé. He was a war vet, hence the metal arm, and had struggled after returning home and trying to adjust back to regular life. After getting into a pretty dark place and just barely being pulled out by Steve, Bucky had decided that he needed a change, something drastically different, so he had spontaneously moved to Las Vegas and become a bartender. He had added that working out usually helped him to clear his head and stay out of trouble, No wonder he’s so damn buff, and that he enjoyed bartending because in a way, it gave him an opportunity to help others sort out their problems, but could also be fun and he also made pretty good money because hello, this was Vegas!

After a late lunch of sandwiches and milkshakes that were to die for, you and Bucky made your way slowly back to the hotel, stopping to look at things here and there and take pictures to document your trip.

“So, what do you say we hit the town tonight, experience the Vegas night life?” Bucky offered, a devilish smirk gracing his lips. “We can drink, gamble, hit up a club or two if you want.”

“Clubs aren’t really my thing, but I’m definitely in for the drinking and gambling,” you said, smiling brightly. “I can finally learn how to play Black Jack.” Bucky laughed heartily at that, your chest filling with warmth at the sound.

“Pick you up at 7?”

“Sounds good!”

“Oh, my God!” Bucky laughed, cheering along with the crowd that had gathered around the table to watch you. “This is crazy, I’ve never seen a streak like this before! Doll, you’ve gotta keep goin’!” His large hands landed on your shoulders, squeezing lightly before settling back on the edge of the table.

You giggled at his encouragement, the buzz you had from the shots he had bought for you earlier making your mind just a tad hazy. The people around echoed their agreement, clapping and urging you on.

“Alright, alright,” you conceded, picking up the dice once again and giving them a good shake before letting them roll, yet again landing on a hard eight. Jumping up and down and yelling in delight, you practically pounced on Bucky in a hug as more noise erupted around the table. Bucky was laughing and smiling like the sun, returning your celebratory embrace happily.

“Holy shit, Y/N,” he said. “How are you so good at this?”

“I dunno,” you replied, shooting him a smile and a shrug. “Luck, I guess.”

The night continued on like that, laughter and happiness engulfing you in a bubble as you drank and gambled and had an all-around amazing time. You bashed your ex openly and loudly, Bucky encouraging and supporting you with every complaint and criticism, throwing in drunken compliments and remarks about how you deserve better. You toasted and drank to moving forward and finding better things, each of you drunkenly pledging to get more out of life and experience as much as you possibly could.

Finally, with most of the patrons heading out, you and Bucky went on your way and hailed a cab, sobering up just slightly on the ride back to your hotel. He promised to call you in the morning and walked you to the door of the building while the cab waited, making sure you got inside safely before heading off for home. Once you collapsed into bed that night, you let out a content sigh, much of the weight that had been resting on your chest over this trip and your ex and everything that happened now lessened. As you curled into the sheets and closed your eyes, images of Bucky’s contagious smile flashed in your mind.

Dull pounding against your skull woke you the next morning. Groaning, you rolled over onto your stomach and buried your face into the pillows, blinding reaching for your phone to check the time. When you cracked an open to look at the screen, you found a few texts from Bucky, received just a few moments before you woke up.

From Bucky Barnes: Holy hell. Don’t know about you doll but my head is killing me. Aging and alcohol don’t mix well apparently

From Bucky Barnes: let me know when you’re up

Smiling in spite of your terrible hangover, you decided to give him a call instead of texting him back and anxiously waiting for a response. After just a couple of rings, Bucky’s deep voice, scratchy from sleep and the alcohol, was greeting you.

“I’m feeling just about as terrible as you sound,” you told him, earning a slight chuckle.

“Yeah, I think I’ll hold back on the shots for awhile,” he responded. “Just thinking about it kind of makes me want to throw up.” You laughed in agreement before a slightly awkward pause settled between you, the question neither one of you wanted to address hanging heavily in the air. “So, we both feel like shit. Do you want to go out today? Because if you’re up for it, then-“

“Honestly, not really,” you sighed, cutting him off as an idea formed into your head. You weren’t sure he’d go for it, but it was worth a shot. Gnawing on your lip, you took the chance and asked before you lost the courage. “I was thinking room service, movies, and bed sounded good today.”

“Oh, yeah. Okay that’s-“

“And you could join me, if you wanted to,” you blurted, hoping he couldn’t hear the frantic beating of your heart. Another pause. Squeezing your eyes shut, you once again shoved your face into the pillow, wanting nothing more than to disappear into it.

“I’d love that,” Bucky finally answered, the smile clear in his voice. You couldn’t help but break out in a huge grin, silently squealing. “Let me shower and grab some things and I’ll let you know when I leave, okay?”

“Okay. Bye, Buck.” Laying there, you stared at the ceiling, grinning like a fool as excitement coursed through your veins. Bucky was coming over to spend the day with you.

Wait…Bucky was coming over.

As realization hit, you jumped up and practically ran for the shower.

“Did you know that Patrick Swayze is actually the one performing this song?” you asked, referring to She’s Like the Wind in the Dirty Dancing scene when Johnny has to say goodbye to Baby while you snacked on some chocolate-covered strawberries. Bucky made a surprised noise around the food in his mouth, brows raising in interest.

“Really? Interesting.” You were lounged on the large bed in my hotel room watching your favorite movies, comfy sweats on and a plethora of delicious dessert items from the food service menu laid between you. You had gone through and picked out everything that sounded remotely good, more than happy to run up the bill that your ex would later be paying. It had been an utterly unproductive but very fun afternoon.

As the sky outside grew darker, you and Bucky just stayed in our own little world, laughing and joking as if you’d known each other for years. And if you were being honest, it had felt that way since you first spoke, an odd level of comfort ever present around him. There was just something about his open and generally positive personality that brought the same characteristics out in you, something you wouldn’t expect after what just happened with your ex.

“Shit, I didn’t realize it was so late,” Bucky said, checking his phone. It was already close to midnight, both of you having lost track of time. You tried your best to hide the disappointed frown that wanted to settle onto your features at the thought of Bucky leaving, even if you were going to see him tomorrow. He was quiet for a moment, eyebrows drawn together in thought before he turned to you with a bright grin on his face. “Wanna get Taco Bell?” You blinked in surprise a few times before letting out the laugh that was bubbling up your throat.

“Hell. Yes.” Jumping up, both of you grabbed your things and headed out the door, chatting on your way down to his car. The drive there was spent singing along obnoxiously to the music blasting from the speakers, you taking snapchat videos of Bucky as he overdramatically danced and shouted the lyrics to the songs while you laughed loudly, tears forming in the corners of your eyes with the force of it. Honestly, you couldn’t ever remember having this much fun with any of your exes.

After getting your food, you returned to the hotel room, putting on another movie while you ate. Bucky was lounged on the couch while you were sprawled across your bed, both of you trained on the movie, tiredness beginning to settle into your bones. Your eyes had started to get heavier, resulting in you ‘resting’ them every once in awhile.

It wasn’t until the next morning that you realized you had fallen asleep, blinking harshly against the sunlight streaming in. Confused, you looked around to find your phone only to see Bucky fast asleep on the couch, one arm tucked under his head, the other laying on his chest that was rising and falling gently with each steady breath. You took a moment to admire him, the way his hair was falling haphazardly over the arm of the couch, his pink lips parted slightly, expression calm as he snored softly.

Not wanting to wake him, you moved as quietly as you could to the bathroom, washing your face and brushing your teeth. When you walked out, Bucky was stretching and letting out a yawn, smiling at you once you plopped back on the bed.

“Good morning, sunshine,” you joked, earning a snort.

“Mornin’.” Oh, God. Bucky’s voice was scratchy with sleep, somehow deeper and sexier than it was already, sending a shiver that you tried to hide down your spine. “Didn’t realize we fell asleep last night.”

“Me either. You didn’t hurt your neck on that couch, did you?”

“Nah, I’m fine, doll,” he assured with a chuckle, standing up and stretching once again. As he lifted his arms, the strip of skin between his sweats and shirt was exposed, practically making your eyes bug out of your head. Get it together, woman! “Well, I’m gonna head home and clean up. Want to go for a late lunch and some more sight-seeing?”

“Yeah, that sounds like fun,” you told him, walking him to the door and waving goodbye as he left. After a deep breath to compose yourself, you jumped in the shower and began to get ready for the day.

“Okay, but did you see the guy-“ Your sentence and Bucky’s laughter was interrupted by the sound of a phone vibrating continuously as you walked through the lobby of the hotel later that night. You both trailed off, his brows drawing together as he pulled his phone out, a frown settling over his face as he looked at the caller ID.

“Sorry, doll, gotta take this. It should just be a second,” he apologized. You assured him it was fine and waited patiently as he took the call, catching bits and pieces of the conversation. Bucky hung up with a sigh, running a hand through his hair and offering an apologetic smile as he approached. “That was my buddy at the bar. They need someone to come in for a few hours and close up, the other guy scheduled called off sick and he just got an emergency call; his wife went into labor. I’m sorry, Y/N-“

“Bucky, you don’t need to be, it’s fine!” You said, shaking your head. “They need you. And you’re already here, so…” He chuckled at that, looking at the floor and nodding before meeting your eyes with a small grin. “Besides, you’ve already taken so many days off to hang out with me, you’re probably broke.”

“An empty wallet is worth it if it means spending more time with you, doll,” he joked, throwing you a wink that made a blush rise to your cheeks and a nervous giggle bubble up from your throat.

“I should get some sleep anyway. You promised a day of shopping tomorrow, which means I need to be well-rested.”

“Am I gonna regret that suggestion?” he asked playfully, walking backwards toward the area of the hotel bar.

“Probably, yes,” you answered, nodding vigorously and laughing. Bucky gave a small wave before bidding you goodnight and heading to work, leaving you in the lobby of the hotel. Making your way to the elevator, you walked slowly, not in a rush to get anywhere anytime soon.

Once you had completed your evening routine and crawled into bed, sleep seemed to want to avoid you at all costs. You tossed and turned, threw covers off and pulled them back on, arranged and rearranged the pillows, tried switching sides of the bed, even laid with your head at the opposite end for a bit, but you were still wide-freaking-awake. With an annoyed huff, you flopped onto your stomach and grabbed your phone, tucking a pillow under your chin as you roamed some social media, played a game or two, until finally an idea hit you.

To Bucky Barnes: How’s the bar? Anymore damsels in distress that needed saving tonight?

From Bucky Barnes: Haha not tonight, it was actually slow for a Saturday. Thought you were going to bed?

To Bucky Barnes: Can’t sleep :p

From Bucky Barnes: Come down. You can talk to me while I clean up

Deciding it was better than staring at the ceiling all night, you slipped on some flip flops and made your way downstairs. The building was quiet, only a few people here and there passing you on your way. As you walked into the room of the bar, most of the lights were off, Bucky the only one in the area. He must’ve heard you come in because his large framed turned to face you, smile plastered on his face as he cleaned a glass.

“Hey there, insomniac,” he greeted, watching you climb onto a barstool and grin goofily at him.

“Hi. Got an extra rag? I’ll help,” you offered, but Bucky shook his head, insisting that he’d take care of it. So instead you just sat and talked, conversation flowing easily as it always seemed to with him. It was mostly Bucky telling crazy stories of his time working there, but you were more than happy to sit and listen.

Finishing wiping down the glasses, Bucky headed to the back with the dirty ones that needed washed, leaving alone for a few moments. As you looked around, you noticed the piano in the corner, wondering how you had never taken note of it before. Sliding off the stool, you made your way over, running your fingers along the shiny black exterior and admiring it. You took a seat on the small cushioned bench, lifting the lid over the keys and gently laying your hands over them. Tentatively, you pressed a few keys, the sounds seeming to echo in the quiet room.

“You play?” Bucky’s deep voice asked, making you jump. You hadn’t realized he had come back. Shaking your head with a sigh, you turned your attention back to the instrument.

“No, but I wish I did. I love Piano music. It just has such an…enchanting sound.” Making his way over, Bucky sat on the bench next to you, placing his fingers, both flesh and metal, on the keys and shooting you a wink before starting to play.

Your jaw nearly dropped.

Because why wouldn’t he play the piano? He’s just the freaking perfect male specimen!

Once he was finished, he ran a hand over the back of his neck, a light blush coloring his cheeks under that dark scruff.

“I don’t know too much, just a couple songs,” he said sheepishly, probably the most timid and quiet you’d seen Bucky since you met him a couple days ago.

“No, that was fantastic,” you gushed. “Can you teach me anything? Even just a few notes?” Smiling at your excitement, Bucky nodded, beginning to position your hands correctly and teaching you what notes were associated with what keys. You learned a very simple beginner piece, some kids song you recalled from your childhood, practically squealing when you finally played it all the way through.

“That was great, doll!” Bucky told you, just as excited. He nudged your shoulder with his, turning his head to look you in the eye. “See, it’s not too hard.”

“I guess not.” Your words caught in your throat as you looked back at him, blue eyes suddenly intense as they gazed at you. His face was so close to yours, so close, and you could smell the mint from the gum he had been chewing earlier. Letting out a shaky breath, your heart seemed to nearly beat out of your chest as the air between you shifted.

Bucky leaned in slowly, making sure to give you enough warning that you could stop him if you wanted to, pausing just before he reached your lips. A barely audible whimper escaped your throat, sending Bucky’s lips crashing to yours as his metal hand came up to tangle in the hair at the back of your head. His mouth moved against yours experimentally, tongue darting out to lick at your bottom lip until you opened for him. A quiet moan rumbled through Bucky’s chest at the taste of you, sending a spark of heat down your spine. Your hands made their way to his face, fingers grazing the sharp line of his jaw, holding him to you.

Suddenly, Bucky was hauling you into his lap, arms going around you and fingers splaying across your back as you straddled his thighs. Your kiss was turning more passionate, bordering on sloppy as you clung to each other, friction igniting between your bodies.

Bucky’s lips suddenly parted from yours, allowing you to gulp in air as he moved down to your neck, your arms curling around him. His hands slid down to your hips, slipping under the fabric of your shirt to grip at bare skin. The scruff on his face scraped in the most tantalizing way against you as he pressed heated kisses down the column of your throat, nipping at your collarbone.

“James,” you gasped, eyes closed in bliss as you just felt him touch you. He broke away at the sound of his name, forehead resting against yours as you both panted. You were still pressed together, electricity charging all around the two of you, the only sound that of your heavy breathing.

“Let me take you out to dinner tomorrow,” Bucky finally said, voice quiet and rough. Opening your eyes, you looked down at him, still flushed and out of breath, and waited for him to meet your eyes. When he did, you nodded, biting your lip to try and contain a smile. Bucky grinned back, leaning up to press another kiss to your lips.

[belledamsceno]

The Good Neighbor (Part 5)

Prompt: A series of unfortunate events lead to you being in a journey with a total stranger. Inspired by the prompt #11 on Kait’s 5k milestone AU writing challenge. “Why do you keep trying to mow the lawn while I’m sleeping? Fuck you!”

Pairing: Steve x Reader

Warnings: None that I can think of *If you do feel triggered by anything else, let me know so I can add here and warn other readers!

Word Count: 750

Author’s Note: Sorry for taking sooooo long. But I think I have finally organized myself to be able to write again! As always, if you see any words that could/should be replaced or sentences that could be better put together please feel free to point it out! English is not my first language and this will help me improve ;)

Part 1 — Part 4 Part 5 FINAL   

He was quiet after that, just smiling or sometimes literally laughing every time you asked what in the world was this 'amazing idea'

"Be a little patient... you'll see soon"

You huffed and crossed your arms laying against the car seat. He finally left the highway and you cursed yourself for not reading the sign and figuring out where the hell you were going, but then some streets and houses started to look familiar, like a déjà vu or a long lost memory, until it hit you

"Long Branch? Seriously?"

You knew you were right when he smiled "What? To slow paced for you?"

You rolled your eyes and he laughed "It's been long since I wanted to come back here, so I thought 'why not seize the opportunity?'..." He parked near the sand and you saw in the near distance the house your parents would rent for the summer

"It's been a while since I've come here either..." he probably didn't listen, you said it more to yourself than stated it

He opened his trunk and took some towels from his bags, probably to lay them on the sand, but as he started to walk towards the sea you called him "You know, I'm not really dressed for the beach..."

He looked back at you and your hands motioned to your shirt, pants and loafers, the same outfit you would were for a casual 'girls night'

"You weren't really dressed for the train station either..."

You dropped your arms and gave him a serious face, he looked so fricking proud of his joke as he walked back towards you "We can buy you something to wear, don't worry"

There weren't many things open on this off-season Sunday, but it didn't took you long to find a thrift shop that could probably solve your problems

Jokingly trying the weirdest hats and coats alongside Steve you actually managed to find somethings to wear, you just needed to try them on

Pretending you were on a runaway increased the fun you were both having. This wasn't even Steve's main idea but it was working, you didn't think of Derek once since you entered this shop

In between laughs you saw a bikini that clearly  wouldn't cover much and took it in your hands showing it to Steve "I think I need to try this one"

The exact effect you wanted happened in a second, he blushed redder than you thought possible and you laughed instantly "I'm joking Stevie... You're still a stranger after all"

He shook his head slightly embarrassed he didn't realize right away that you were just messing with him, but then stopped, smiling at you "Am I really?"

"Okay... maybe we have reached a 'good friends' stage"

You couldn't deny to yourself that the way his face lit up once you said that made you heart warm, and you realized that sentence wasn't a lie at all, in this short amount of time you truly started to care for this guy

You realized you were staring at each other when Steve suddenly clapped his hands "Okay... I say it's beach time!"

"Oh my god, don't you ever say that again..."

He smugly smiled "What? 'It's beach time'?"

"Exactly..."

He laughed and put his arm around your shoulder leading you to the cashier

Sadly, the time flew by as you were laying on the sand, after lots of laughter and Steve actually managing to get you to go in the water, you saw the sky change color as you and Steve chatted about your childhood memories on that same beach, you learned all about his best friend Bucky and he heard all about your parents and your little mischief's as a preteen

You had never open up so easily and so quickly with anyone before, but something about him made you feel so comfortable...

You started to gather all your stuff and walk back to that little blue bug; Looking back at the ocean under that pink sky, a sadness overtook you, you wanted that afternoon to last forever and above all, you didn't want to come back to reality

Steve nudged your arm "Hey, everything is going to be okay..."

Somehow he knew exactly what you were thinking, and that warmed your heart again. Maybe he was wrong, and things wouldn't be exactly ‘ok’, but one thing was for sure, at least for now your reality wasn't the same anymore, at least for now you had Steve in it

Part 1 — Part 4 Part 5 FINAL   

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[lepetitmondedeju]

On a Wednesday in a café, I watched it begin again, part 1

Prompt : “I haven’t seen you since we were kids ! How did you even recognize me ?”

Words : 4,763

Author’s note : This is finally my story for @bionic-buckyb‘s challenge ! Once again Kait, congrats on your 5K. This is only the first part because as you see it’s already long. No one beta read it so I hope that it’s gonna be okay. Feedback is appreciated as always !

Warnings : Mentions of death, sadness, funerals, I guess that’s all.

Song of the title : Begin Again, Taylor Swift

Masterlist 

On a Wednesday in a café, I watched it begin again masterlist

1997

I rush to the backyard of the Barnes family without paying attention to my dad calling my name. Even before he reaches the door, I'm already starting to climb the ladder to Bucky's tree house, tears in my eyes making the world blurry around me. I perfectly know the way up there, so I can almost do it with eyes closed. I hear the front door opening, the light thud of the bag my dad is carrying hitting the ground and the door closing. Mrs Barnes might know by now, but Bucky doesn't.

Bucky, or rather James Buchanan Barnes and I, it's a long story. We were born the same year, in the same hospital, Bucky two days before me. Our mothers were in the same bedroom and became friends that way. Bucky's mom, Winifred, was supposed to be out two days after my birth, but as she has been sick, she and Bucky stayed and went out same day as my mom and I. At this moment, the hospital where our respective mothers gave birth to each other had some furniture's problems and Bucky and I had to share a crib during our staying there. As Brian my elderly brother said us once : “You were already holding hand when you were barely born”. We were kinda known as the lovebirds babies in the hospital. And that was naturally that our families continued to see each other and stayed friends.

When I finally reach the entrance of the tree house, the first thing I spot through my watering eyes, is my best friend, lying on the wooden floor, absentmindedly fixing the roof. The last step of the ladder squeaks under my feet, making his head turn to me.

“Hey doll, what's up ?”

Usually, that nickname makes me smile. He started to call me that after a party we went when we were five. Our parents took us there, our respective grandpas were there for a veterans reunion of soldier of WWII. When James heard an old man call a waitress doll, he started to call me doll too and it stayed.

“I'm not in the mood, Bucky.”

Bucky, another nickname that comes from our youngest years. Before we went to preschool, our moms wanted us to know our complete names. If it was easy for me and that I managed to pronounce Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N correctly from the first time, James was really bad at it. Saying James Buchanan Barnes seemed to be hard for him, he was always stumbling on 'Buchanan'.

“Come on, James, that's not hard”, Winifred said. “James Buchanan Barnes. Come one, say it again.”

“James Buckynan Barnes.”

“Buckynan”, I burst out laughing. “Buckynan”, I had tears in my eyes.

“Stop it !”, he pouted, while I was still giggling.

“Bucky”, I suddenly said.

And it stayed, Bucky.

I crawl in the tree house and sit cross-legged on the floor, my gaze lost in the distance, on the verge of tears. Bucky sits up and slides next to me before putting an arm around my shoulders.

“Y/N, tell me, what's going on ?”, he asks, lifting my chin to stare into my eyes.

“My mom and brother had a car accident”, I finally sigh after a few minutes. “My dad is with your mother right now, mom and Brian are at the hospital. I don't know what's gonna happen Bucky”, I say, crying for good.

He wraps his other arm around me and pulls me on his lap, holding me against him.

“Hey, hey, shush, I'm here, I'm with you, you know that”, I nod against his shoulder. “I still have the gummy bears we hide last week, do you want some ?”, I nod again and Bucky rises on his feet before helping me to rise on mine.

He grabs the candies and we sit on the edge of the tree house on a sort of balcony that George, Bucky's father, built, our legs hanging in the air, the candy box between us, Bucky's left hand holding my right one.

I don't know how long we stay like that, but our silent tranquility is disturb by a voice shouting our names downstairs. We look down and see Rebecca, Bucky's little sister.

“What do ya want Becca ?”, Bucky shouts back to her.

“Mister Y/L/N is leaving, he wants to talk to Y/N before he leaves.”

We both sigh before rising on our feet. Bucky takes me the corner the tree house balcony where there was a sort of  goods lift for us to go down. He grabs the bucket and the rope, motioning to me to climb in it with me.

“No Buck, last time we wanted to do that, Steve broke his arm”, I remind him.

“That's because Steve was too light for it. Come on doll, do you trust me ?”, he responds.

“Of course I do.”

“So come on.”

He grabs my hand and pulls me to him, flush to his body. I cling on him, eyes tightly shut. Bucky makes the rope slide slowly in its roller and we land on the dry land.

“You're doing like in Robin Hood”, Rebecca chuckles. “You're like Marian and Robin.”

I open my eyes and look up at Bucky. We're still in the bucket, his arms are still around me and I'm still flushed to his body. I feel my cheek heat up and when Bucky's gaze crosses mine, he blushes. We pull away from each other when I hear my father calling for me.

“I'm going to the hospital to see what's going on with your mother and brother, I know they were going to operate them, and I want you to stay here with the Barnes. I'll call you later tonight”, he states, kissing my forehead before leaving.

I had no news from my dad until the end of the next day, when he called Mrs Barnes to tell her my brother and mother were going to surgery. Then, in the middle of the night, he called again, this time, Mr Barnes answered, the phone ring woke me and I sneaked out from the mattress they put in Rebecca's room to hear something. All I heard was whispers and then some gasps when Mr Barnes got back to his bedroom and repeated to his wife what my dad said. Realizing that I wouldn't know what was going on, I got back to bed and fall asleep in seconds, still shook by the day's events. When I get up this morning, the Barnes' home atmosphere is heavy, no one dares to talk. I take a seat next to Bucky who grabs my hand in his, squeezing it lightly. Still silent, Mrs Barnes puts down a hot cocoa bowl in front of me, with slice of bread and jars of jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread and butter in the middle of the table.

“Eat kids”, are the only words going out of her mouth.

A part of the morning passes in silence, Rebecca silently plays with her toys in the living room while Bucky and I are sitting on the couch, his hand barely left mine since breakfast. TV is playing but none of us is paying attention, I don't really realize when it happened but my head eventually lays on Bucky's shoulder, his arm around mine when the bell rings. Mrs Barnes walks to the door and from the distance I hear her talking to my father, I recognize his voice from the front door to the living room, even if I can't here what he's saying. Footsteps are coming to us and my dad appears in the door frame, eyes red and signs of a sleepless night on his face.

“Hi Mr Y/L/N”, Bucky says looking up at him, his arm still around my shoulders and hand holding mine.

“Hello James”, my dad answers. “May I talk to my daughter alone please”, he asks quietly.

Bucky gets up from the couch letting my body go, after he helps me to rise on my feet, whispering into my ear a little 'are you gonna be okay ?' that I just answer by a nod. He kisses my forehead and gives my hand a last squeeze before leaving the room, Rebecca on his heels. I run into my father's arms, instinctively wrapping my arms around his waist in a tight hug. He pushes me back, and crouches on the floor to look deeply into my eyes, the same hazelnut as my mom and brother, none of us has his eyes.

“Y/N, baby, I'll need you to be very brave. What I have to tell you is really hard”, he states, looking away from me. He takes a big breath before adding, “My darling, your mother and brother had surgery last night, your mom died during the operation.”

Tears start to burn the edges of my eyes while I'm trying to process what he's telling me.

“What... What... What a about Brian ?”, I ask him, hoping that my brother is safe and sound.

“Brian”, he responds, swallowing his saliva, “Brian, the operation went well last night, and he was well and awake this morning, he suddenly complained about a huge pain in his chest. It was his heart, they opened again but, they couldn't do anything. Their's just the two of us now baby.”

“No, it can't be, mom and Brian are okay, they are okay, they're going to come back in a few days”, I say, walking backwards until my back bumps in the wall, tears rolling down for good this time.

My legs are not carrying me anymore and I slide against the wall and sit on the wooden floor of the Barnes' living room, my knees to my chest, screaming, eyes shut, covering my ears like a little kid. The next thing I feel is a pair of arms around me cradling my body back and forth, soft hair caressing the side of my head, a nose rubbing my cheek, lips murmuring soft words on my skin. I know to whom the body I'm pressed to belongs, it's Bucky's, it's always him, the boy who leaves and who's ready to anything and everything for me, Bucky who's always been there for me, no matter what.

“Breath, breath, I'm here, I promise you it's gonna be okay”, I feel his mouth and hot breath on my cheekbones.

So I do what he says, I take a few deep breath and try to calm down. I open my eyes and turn my head to his, our foreheads leaning into each other, eyes starring at each other.

“We're alone”, he tells me after a few minutes. “My mom took your father outside, said I was the only one who could calm you now.”

I don't say a word, leaning more into Bucky's touch, nuzzling my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his sweet peppermint scent. After a few minutes, I lift my head again and my full of tears gaze find his stunning stormy blue one once again. And that's when I realize what I want right now, is to kiss him, it's not the moment, nor the place, but, that's what I want and I don't know how I can want that at that moment. And when I think I'm gonna make a move, it's actually Bucky who makes it, his lips press to mine in a chaste and innocent kiss.

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have”, he hastily says. “We should see what your dad has plan for now.”

He gets up and helps me to get on my feet. We enter in the kitchen when my father is telling Winifred that he has some papers to sign and things to organize and that I'll have to stay here for a few days.

During the next few days, Bucky and I don't talk about that kiss and I try to focus on something else than my loss. Everyone started to treat me different at school, the only one who treats me as usual is Bucky.

The day of the funerals comes too quickly for me, my dad and I are sitting in the first row, with the Barnes family by our sides, my mom's family from Europe, on the bench at the other side of the aisle. My hands are shaking and so does my left leg, it only stops when a familiar hand grips mine. I don't even need to look up to know who it is, Bucky laces his fingers with mine and my hands stop trembling. We have a special bond, and no one can understand what's between us, unless they are  living it.

A few months pass, I finish the school year and on the last day, my dad announces me that we're leaving New York and Brooklyn for Seattle. He has a promotion and wants to take a fresh new start far from the place that saw his wife and son die. I knew for a few days now, but didn't told anything to Bucky, I didn't wanted him to be frustrated by the fact that I am going to leave him. Dad made me pack my things, only keeping what I needed for the end of school, sold the biggest part of my mom's and brother's stuff and the house, we were allowed to stay until today, when the new owners would come to have the keys. He already found us a place to live in Seattle and found me a new school. I cried when he told me that I'm going to make new friends very soon, telling him that I don't want new friends, that those I have here are enough, that Bucky and Steve are the best friends someone can have in the world.

We're in front of the Barnes' place now, to say our goodbyes before we take the road. I know that my dad told George and Winifred that we are leaving but he told them to not tell Bucky. I can hear them, they're in the backyard. I can here Rebecca's giggle, Mrs Barnes telling her children to wash their hands before lunch, Mr Barnes saying that food is almost ready, I can smell the barbecue's scent, the only one I don't hear is Bucky, my sweet loving Bucky. I realized something when my dad told me that we were moving at the other side of the country, I love him, but not like I love my father, not like I loved my brother and mother, I love him, with the capital L, the complete I'm in love with him thing. It hit me the night after the funerals, the way Bucky held my hand on that day, the fact that he stayed by my side all day long, the fact that he took me away from my home to make me think about anything but the death and sadness. I knew few days after that my dad agreed with that, he even gave Bucky a few bucks to distract me with ice cream and video games. That night when he left, I thought about him, about the sensation of his fingers intertwined with mine, the heat of his palm against mine, his sweet touch, the way he wiped that ice cream from the corner of my lips with his thumb. I'm in love with Bucky, my Bucky. My father puts his hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my daydreaming.

“We have to hurry, we're taking the road after saying our goodbyes”, he says and I just nod to answer, following him towards the happy noises.

Bucky lifts his head at the moment we step into their field of view. He runs towards me and wraps his arms around me before putting his chin on the crown of my head. Nothing else count right now, just him and me. I hear in the distance my father speaking with the Barnes, telling them that we are here to say goodbye before taking the road. Bucky's chin leaves my head and he looks down to me.

“Saying goodbye ?”, he asks, shocked.

“Bucky, I swear I wanted to tell you but, I didn't wanted you to be sad or to hate me”, I answer.

“I would have rather you telling me you were leaving than learning it right now”, he shouts, letting me go and running to the house.

“Bucky”, I call feeling tears falling down my face.

Mr and Mrs Barnes ask us to stay eat something before we take the road and my father accepts. We eat in silence, the only noise is the one of our cutlery on our plates. I look at the empty stop besides me, Bucky is still in the house, probably in his bedroom and it makes my heart ache so much, I should have told him before, I should have told him that I'd rather stay here, but I don't have the choice, I must follow my father. Just when we finish to eat, Bucky appears again, his eyes are red and he's playing with the sleeves of his sweater.

“Y/N, can I talk to your for a minute please ?”

I nod and he grabs my hand to take me near to the oak where the tree house is. At the same moment, I hear Mrs Barnes saying that they should clean the garden table to bring desert and have some coffee. All the adults, followed by Rebecca, pulled inside the house by her father, disappear in the kitchen. Bucky links his hands with mine, both of our hands are palm to palm, he's ready say something, when he turns his head towards the house. He mutters something under his breath and when I turn my head, I spot the adults looking at us through the kitchen window, maintaining the curtains open. Bucky sighs and pulls me behind him to hide behind the big oak trunk. Once there, I lean against the huge tree and he takes my hands in his again.

“I'm sorry, I've been stupid, I shouldn't have to have that reaction, I know this is not your fault.”

“I wish I could have told you before, but I couldn't”, I answer sadly.

“This just drives me crazy to imagine you leaving me, going away, living at the other side of the country. You're my best friend and maybe that will sound selfish but I want to keep you with me. I don't want to share you with anyone else, because I love you. And that's not the love like the one I have for my parents or Rebecca or even Steve, it's something else, something that maybe we are too young to understand but I love you like in I'm in love with you, like that thing we should find disgusting because we're ten years-old and...”

I cut him by putting my lips on his.

“You talk too much Barnes. And for the record, I love you too.”

“For real ?”, he asks, his eyes sparkling.

“For real”, I answer.

“Can I kiss you then ? Not an innocent baby kiss but like trying a real one like people who love each other do ?”

I nod and everything is going slow, he leans his forehead on mine and our noses bump against each other. His lips are on mine in a blink of an eye and we kiss. It's wet and sort of disgusting but we're only ten years-old and that's our first real kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck, as I saw older girls doing in movies. Bucky pulls away after a few seconds. We catch our breath, foreheads still leaning against each other, I would love to stay like this for eternity, but in the distance, I hear my father calling for me and saying that we are leaving in five minutes.

“I've got something for you”, Bucky says, pulling a little bag from his pocket. “Promise me that you're going to keep it, even in Seattle.”

I open the bag and take out a necklace with a little red star on it.

“Bucky, this is beautiful, thank you”, I peck his cheek before lifting my hair for him to put the jewel around my neck. “I want you to promise me something”, I suddenly state, looking straight into his blue orbs.

“Anything you want.”

“Don't forget me, James. Promise me that you will not forget me, that you will still love me and that you and me are forever, no matter when we are going to find each other again, no matter if it's in ten or twenty year, promise me.”

“I promise you”, he responds holding me tight to him. “You and I are forever, no matter what.”

I hear my father calling me once more.

“I have to go.”

“I know.”

We kiss again, and hand in hand, reach the car in front of the house. I hug Mr and Mrs Barnes and Rebecca, before going back to Bucky. After another hug and peck on the lips, I take place on the passenger seat, my father turns the engine on and starts to drive. I see the Barnes waving goodbye so I wave back, and suddenly, Bucky starts to run behind the car. I open the window and lean through it.

“Don't forget me”, he shouts. “Promise me that you'll never forget me.”

“I promise”, I shout back and he stops running.

That's the last image I have from my best friend, first love and kiss before my father tuns the corner of the street.

2017

Bucky's POV

That's how I saw my best friend, first love and kiss going out of my life and as I promised her, I never forget for the past twenty years. No matter how many girls I dated, I'm still thinking about her, even if I don't know where she is. I kinda lost her trace a few months after she moved to Seattle. The only thing I knew was that her father died barely two years after and that she was sent to her mother's family in Europe, the only family she had left.

Thinking about her and just her, makes it hard for commitment, even with redhead beauty that wakes up next to me almost every morning for two years now. Natasha is amazing, but she's not the one, she could have been if I hadn't promised my eternal love to someone else twenty years ago. Natasha is beautiful, smart and funny. She's supposed to make me happy according to my family and friends, and according to them, we would have a beautiful bunch of babies. My parents told it to me, so does Steve and Becca, whom were dating and are now engaged and I can't believe that my best friend is going to marry my little sister. It would be the truth if I wasn't thinking of Y/N all the time knowing that someday she would probably come back to me.

So almost twenty years passed since I made that promise, I'm now a History teacher in a high-school, still working and living in Brooklyn, Steve still by my side, teaching PE in the same school as me. That punk became PE teacher, if you would have told me that twenty years ago, I wouldn't have believe it, with his skinny self, that tiny bag of bone guy, suffering of asthma, whom got beaten up so many times by older guys than us would have become a muscle mountain leaving his little sick clumsy self behind, and seduce my sister.

I met Natasha during a school trip, I was taking my class to the Smithsonian museum in DC, she was one of the person in charge of the exhibition. One of my students almost broke a piece of an ancient weapon from World War II and as I punished him and forced him to apologize to the young ginger woman in front of him, we kinda clicked. She told me she was in Washington only for her work, that she was in fact from New York and was here since four years, and even if she liked her job here, she would rather go back to the Big Apple to be closer of her family. We started by exchanging texts, phone calls, Skype conversation, and then had our first date when she came to New York for some vacations, I took her to a fancy restaurant and we had our first night together. Five months later, she was back in NY for good, she had a new post at the American Museum of History and an apartment in Manhattan. From the beginning, I didn't hide from her the fact that I made a promise to my former best friend, that I would wait for her and go back to her if she comes back. With time and without seeing any trace of the said best friend and our relationship continuing, I think that she finished to think that Y/N would never come back and that she would have me only to herself.

School year ended barely a month ago and the New York summer is already hotter than I expected. I'm strolling on the streets, enjoying the warm and the sun, thinking about what the school headmaster told the teaching staff that we were going to welcome a new literature teacher from Europe to replace Mrs Jenkins who was, finally, retiring. The only things we knew that day were that it was a woman, she was coming from Europe and had released a book, not a very famous one, but a good one according to the headmaster. I just wonder how she is, if she's nice and what she looks like.

I digress but that's what holidays are for, aren't they ? I pass by that little coffee shop that is here since as long as I can remember, the Chocolate Memories. I spent so long here with Steve and Rebecca when we were teens, close to home, cheap but delicious, the best place in Brooklyn for students and for a good time. I follow the first glass wall, inhaling the amazing smell of hot drinks and pastries coming from the inside of the café. Before I reach the door, I take a look inside through the window. There are only a few costumers inside, a group of teens, a couple with a little boy and a baby girl drinking her bottle and next to the other bay window a red hair young woman, tipping on a computer, her back to the glass I'm looking through. I enter the shop and notice more about that girl who's sitting on her side. She has a book to her right and a glass of fresh drink to her left, along with a plate with a cinnamon roll. She puts a lock of her hair behind her ear, she has black polish on her nails, and does it so softly that it's like she's afraid of ripping her hair of her head. She then puts her chin in the same hand, elbow on the table, tilting her head, before straighten back and grabs the glass with her left hand, taking a sip of her drink, eyes never leaving her screen. Whatever she's tipping, it must be really important. I don't know how long I'm staying here but at some point, someone is clearing their throat in front of me.

“Sir”, the girl behind the counter says, “do you need something ?”

“Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts, I'm just gonna sit and order something thanks.”

She just nods as an answer and I move towards and empty booth, facing the table where the girl is sitting. I know that I have a girlfriend, and the love of my life is probably waiting for me somewhere, but I can't help but being attracted by that mystery young woman focused on that screen of her, tipping almost as if her life was depending of it. She looks so passionate of what she's doing that she doesn't seem to notice me. The young girl behind the counter comes to take my order and assure me that she's going to be back in a few seconds with my cold coffee and a piece of plum pie.

At some point, she closes her laptop and leans on the seat back, sighing softly and removing her glasses, reveling a pair of Y/E/C eyes that I know too well.

Part 2

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[another-writer]

It’s (Not) Rocket Science

So I haven’t uploaded anything in a while; I’ve been in a bit of a creative slump so I’m not sure how this has turned out but I took the opportunity to write in honour of @bionic-buckyb‘s 5k celebration. Congratulations love xx

Hope you guys enjoy and, hey, feedback’s always welcome xx

Word count: 3.1k (it’s a long’un, my friends)

Prompt/category: Blind date

Having given your two weeks’ resignation, you already felt a sense of detachment from your surroundings. There wasn’t much to miss: the coworkers you had gotten close with weren’t working the same shift so in times when your energy was running low, you couldn’t even look across at the bar in hopes that Natasha was there to pull a face that would make you laugh. Sam had quit almost two months ago for some job in New York; his Instagram posts made his life look like a dream outside of this stuffy restaurant. 

Still, you were almost at the finish line. You had a couple more hours and then you were done. And what better way to finish your job than a Saturday night rush.

You hadn’t worked a Saturday night in a long time but the familiarity hit you like a train. It meant you couldn’t sneak glances at your book behind the bar counter because you were busy constantly waiting tables. It meant cleaning glasses behind the bar while the bartenders were overworked with orders from the growing crowd. It also meant people-watching - families, couples, the regular diners who could somehow afford this place, and, perhaps your favourite: first dates. Even better - blind dates.

You were a skeptical person with a sardonic sense of humour who could barely handle second-hand embarrassment. So, yeah, blind dates were painful to watch but sometimes incredibly hilarious or satisfying. You had seen a lot in your short time here.

So, as tiring as Saturday night shifts were, you were hoping for some entertainment.

While you stood by the kitchen waiting for an order to come by, your eyes gazing over the pages of the book you had hidden with the chefs’ help behind the window, you found yourself catching a man’s eye in the reflective window frame who stood by the service desk, your heart stopping for a millisecond.

Christ.

Your palms started to sweat, your face heating up instantly as your stomach dropped to the ground and six feet under. 

‘Hey,’ you prompted sharply, catching your coworker by the arm as he reached over to collect an order. 

‘What?’ he half-whispered back.

‘Go help him,’ you muttered. 

‘I’ve got a -’

‘I’ll do it,’ you pleaded. ‘Just - would you - come on?’

He groaned and then subsided. ‘Fine,’ he muttered. ‘Table twelve,’ he added.

You strictly kept your back to the front of the restaurant as you balanced a large tray of appetizers on your arm and maneuvered around the room to your target table, snaking through the most inconvenient route to avoid eye contact because it just had to be your luck that James Barnes - the guy you stood up - was being shown his table at the restaurant you worked at.

He was shy and seemed nervous; smartly dressed in a black suit but without a tie and hair neatly combed, beard trimmed. All the symptoms of a blind date. That, or he was going to propose. But you were pretty sure it was the former. In your experience, people tended to sweat more when they were proposing.

He was as handsome as you remember from six months ago and despite your animosity towards the memory, it was endearing to see him so nervous. By the way he was dressed and kept himself, you could tell that nerves probably weren’t a usual occurrence for him. Not to mention his cerulean blue eyes kept drifting like a calm ocean into steely grey in the most mesmerising way which completely contrasted the sharp angles of his jawline. You barely knew the man and you already envied the woman currently sitting opposite him.

In the infrequent lull of busing tables and serving patrons, you were beckoned over to the bar to help wash and dry glasses. Your heart thudded heavily in your chest as you stood by Matt, the bartender, in almost clear view from his date’s seat. Luckily, Bucky’s - James’ (you didn’t think you were able to call him Bucky anymore) - back was to you. The conversation between himself and his date seemed a little awkward - like all that of a blind date - but not desperately so.

From the corner of your eye, you could see Matt smirking as he poured a bottle of whiskey into several tumblers. 

‘That’s the guy you ran out on, huh?’ he murmured without looking at you. ‘You’re certainly picky.’

You scoffed and rolled your eyes. Sam, who knew practically everything there was to know about you, must have told him. ‘It’s not like I wanted to.’

‘You’d be insane to want to,’ Matt replied, practically eyeing James up. ‘What happened again?’

You pushed aside several freshly dried glasses and reached for another. 

‘It was way back when I was a volunteer paramedic,’ you replied. ‘There was an emergency and I was already running late and when I got here I was a total mess and … I saw him through the window and …’ You dried your hands almost angrily. ‘Imagine turning up still smelling like blood and sterilizer to a guy who looks like … that.’

‘You could have called.’

‘I was embarrassed.’

‘Was he really that terrible?’

You smirked sardonically. Regrettably. ‘No,’ you admitted. ‘He was far from it. His friends were trying to get him to hit on practically every girl at the bar and the poor thing was ready to bury himself by the time I ran into him.’

‘And how was he?’

‘A mess,’ you laughed. ‘Could barely hear him over the music. But he was sweet.’

Matt dropped an empty beer bottle sloppily into the crate below the counter. ‘And you left the stumbling, sweet businessman because you were embarrassed.’

 You squared your shoulders. ‘Well ... I didn’t think I’d ever see him again.’

‘Imagine if it was you wh-’ Matt quickly cut himself off when the tall brunette - James’ date - appeared at the bar. You blinked harshly. In the brief reminiscence of the time you became the biggest jackass, you hadn’t realised she had moved.

She ignored Matt and instead looked at you. Your mind raced. Had James seen you? Had he recognised you, and told her who you were? It was ridiculous, why would she care? Why would he care?

‘I’m sorry to disturb,’ she began, her polite tone completely throwing you off, ‘but could you call a cab for me?’

Your brow furrowed slightly. James was still seated at his table. Their meals were barely half-eaten. And he wasn’t even looking in this direction.

Son of a bitch, she was ditching him. She had been here just shy of an hour and a half.

‘Oh,’ you blinked. ‘I … sure, sure.’ You reached for the landline behind a row of empty beer bottles. ‘Are … I don’t mean to pry, but is everything okay?’ You held the phone to your ear.

Maybe James was an ass and you got lucky all those months ago, you thought as you spoke to the operator. 

She shrugged so subtly that the movement almost escaped you and smiled awkwardly. ‘Just … Things don’t seem to be working out. He’s already gotten four phone calls. Seems like a busy guy.’

Your grip tightened around the phone, irritation swelling in your gut. You were so close to going off on her, about how James hadn’t even answered those calls (you should know, you had been watching them the entire time), how he had clearly tried to clear some time for her if he was so busy. how she should at least have the decency to finish the date altogether instead of running out. 

As if able to sense your swelling anger, Matt took the phone from you and said, ‘How about you wait outside, the car’ll be here soon.’

She smiled thankfully and … and just left. 

Your eyes burned through the restaurant doors, your fingers tapping furiously on the counter top. And James was just sitting there, waiting for her to come back. Robotically, you continued helping Matt in silence until -

‘The poor bastard’s working,’ Matt hissed, grabbing your attention.

You looked up and saw that James was furiously typing away on a small Macbook, eyes scanning a million words a second, sometimes pausing to jot something down in a black notebook.

You knew this ploy, you did it all the time where you pretended to look busy to avoid looking lost - you weren’t sure if answering emails and actually doing work was better or worse.

‘You should go talk to him,’ Matt said.

‘I think that would make his evening worse,’ you mumbled deprecatingly.

Still, you hated to see him alone. You didn’t want to wait until he would start scanning the restaurant looking for his date, seeming even more lost. You could at least tell him and allow him to leave without looking too dejected. Maybe. 

You set the drying rag down and Matt nudged you gently in some kind of solidarity move, before you slowly approached James’ table wringing your hands. 

He didn’t notice you at first. 

‘Hey,’ you said gently. Your voice was almost hoarse. 

James looked up for a second, quickly doing a double take. Yep, he certainly recognised you.

You both looked at each other silently, trying to gather your thoughts. Matt was either trying to stifle his laughter, was failing to do so, or was cringing so hard his neck was close to breaking.

God, why couldn’t your shift have ended an hour ago?

You almost jumped when James spoke.

‘I did not expect to see you in a place like this.’

The bastard was smirking.

‘Oh, hilarious,’ you grumbled, your confidence surprising you.

He didn’t really sound malicious when he spoke but having done something objectively wrong, you still felt an overwhelming sense of shame.

‘Can I help you?’ he asked. ‘I’m on a date - if, y’know, you know what that is.’

‘James, look, I’m not here to pick a fight with you,’ you huffed. ‘I’m actually doing you a favour.’

‘A favour?’ He raised a brow, almost humoured.

‘Your date’s gone, James!’ you snapped and then paused when you realised how loud you had said it. Luckily, other customers were perfectly engaged in their own evenings. 

He paused in his reverie, blue eyes searching yours for any hint of a lie. You were someone capable of standing him up, so for all he knew, this could have been something else just as harsh.

‘She asked me to call a cab,’ you continued a little softer.

He pursed his lips and looked down, shoulders slumping ever so slightly. It was a sign of defeat but it looked as though he had anticipated it. Like he had expected it. How low was his self-esteem to allow himself to think that?

‘You … You don’t seem surprised,’ you mumbled, unsure if you would be overstepping your boundaries by venturing into the issue. 

‘I was getting a few calls,’ he mumbled offhandedly, trying to sound nonchalant. ‘No one would appreciate it, but I didn’t think it was that bad.’

‘Work?’ 

‘Yeah, work.’

You sat down in her vacant seat, slow enough in case you were told to leave. ‘She mentioned you seemed like a busy guy. Crappy reasoning, to be honest.’

‘And what was yours?’ 

The question threw you off. Despite his slight taunting, you had hoped you could avoid the topic. Or at least wait a lot longer before you got to it.

‘Do you still think about that?’

‘Seeing the girl who stood me up suddenly just revoked one of my only memories of her.’

You looked at him, only momentarily, not being able to maintain eye contact. His eyes were so low but heavily guarded. You wondered whether he had been able to get over you as quickly as you thought (or hoped) he did.

You sighed. ‘You met me back when I was a paramedic. My schedule was so hectic,’ you mumbled ashamedly. ‘I was called to a fire in Bladensburg, they needed more people than they had, and by the time I was done …’ Your fingers were fiddling with the cuff of your sleeve as you spoke. You didn’t want to sound like you were making excuses for your behaviour. ‘I was so late and I was driving past the restaurant covered in soot and I smelled like sterilizer and it was one of the worst things I had ever seen …’

‘You were late because of work, how could I be so rational as to understand that?’ he said sardonically.

It was quiet for too long, neither of you able to say a word. There were too many cases where guys hadn’t believed your reasons for turning up late or missing dates at all that by the time James had come into your life, you had just given up trying to explain. It wasn’t just the hours of work, it was the aftermath - the images of people hurt or dying, or burned. You two weren’t close, had only met in a bar when he asked you out. Your crossed your arms over your stomach, eyes boring into the lapel of James’ blazer. 

‘Why didn’t you ever call?’ he asked quietly, voice almost drowned out by your surroundings.

You looked up into his eyes hesitantly.

‘Was embarrassed,’ you murmured, cheeks heating up. ‘I’ve had plenty of guys dismiss what I do … I didn’t think you would care if you never saw me again.’

James scoffed softly and shook his head. ‘I really liked you, you know that?’

Your cheeks stayed warm. ‘I liked you too. It wasn’t easy just to leave … I think about it a lot; it was a terrible move.’ You bit the inside of your cheek. ‘I’m really sorry.’ 

He shrugged. ‘It was a while ago,’ he said. ‘I didn’t really hold a grudge but it - it hurt.’

‘I’m sorry for your two shitty dates,’ you replied. 

‘This one wasn’t your fault.’

‘Well you’re still owed an apology.’

There was another bout of silence, weighted with unspoken words ready to be said, rather than nothing at all. Then James spoke again. You were surprised and a little honoured he was still talking to you. Yet, it was parallel to the night you both had met, when neither of you could stop talking, speaking as though you had known each other for months rather than minutes. The proximity was scary at first but made you feel warm. And it had seemed like you had lost it by your own fault.

‘There wasn’t anyone to really get attached to,’ Bucky - James - explained. ‘It was a blind date my friends set up,’ he said. ‘Work keeps me busy, I don’t have much time.’

‘You’re still at Stark Industries?’

‘I like it there,’ he shrugged. ‘Got promoted so … busier than ever.’   

‘Still get to travel?’ 

‘Not anymore. Two years in Bucharest was enough, though.’

‘Oh, you think? you joked, the tension easing from your shoulders when you realised James didn’t hold any animosity towards you. 

Bucky - James, goddammit - chuckled and drained the rest of his drink. ‘Okay, so I have to ask ... What are you doing working here?’ 

You smirked. ‘I was a volunteer paramedic and I got a job here while looking for something else, save some more money up for a new place.’

‘You’re moving?’ he asked, sounding almost … you couldn’t put your finger on the tone of his voice. 

‘Not out of the city, James.’

Your use of his first name seemed to throw him a little, having broken the ice by now, but he didn’t question it. ‘So where - … what do you start?’

‘NASA, actually, I’ll be monitoring astronaut health, all that stuff.’

James stared at you wide-eyed, both skeptical and slightly humoured. As if to say, Well that came out of nowhere.

‘I’m serious,’ you promised, smirking at his expression.

He scoffed, almost laughing in shock. ‘Okay but you gotta tell me more than just that,’ he cried. ‘What - NASA? Seriously?’

You grinned, eyes crinkling. ‘The job’s new, I only started a week ago and it’s … intellectually challenging.’

‘It’s ... rocket science,’ he replied.

‘It’s sort of rocket science. Or as close as I can get.’ You breathed out a short laugh and nodded graciously.  ‘As for here, I’m finishing off my final two weeks; tonight’s my last shift.’

Bucky regarded you with a welcoming kind of warmth in his eyes. ‘Y’know, this weekend was the only one I’ve had free for the past two months.’

‘I usually don’t work Saturdays; ‘m covering a for a friend.’

‘So if I came here tomorrow -’

‘You would have missed me,’ you murmured as though hypnotised.

Bucky’s eyes searched yours. ‘Funny how that works.’

As you sensed the mood shift, your phone buzzed in your apron pocket; the only alarm you had ever set was for your final day at this job. You reached into your pocket, silencing the alarm without even looking.

‘My shift’s over.’

You hadn’t planned to stay until the restaurant closed; technically you had had your last shift yesterday and had had your goodbyes. Now, you felt inclined to stay.

‘If it’s any consolation, your date missed out,’ you offered, feeling slightly nervous to say so. 

He smiled almost bashfully in response. ‘You think so?’ For some reason, his question made you blush.

By now, you would have been untying your apron and going to your locker to collect your things and go home.

You nodded. ‘And … I know I did too.’ Your voice was nonchalant, but shy, and you still felt brave for saying it out loud. Keeping this man’s attention, even for a short amount of time, felt like something to be proud of.

James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes ended up walking you to your car, side by side, his hands in his pockets.

‘This place sucks anyway,’ you chuckled. ‘The portions are obnoxiously small.’

Bucky laughed at your comment. ‘Well, maybe you can show me some place better?’

You smirked; there was a slight tone of humour in his final comment which almost washed over the question he was actually asking. It took a moment for you to realise what he was saying because there couldn’t be any possibility that someone who looked like that and whom you stood up wanted to spend time with you without being forced to. But after talking to him, albeit not for long, part of you felt like it was genuine want, not obligation by which he was asking you.

‘Wait, really?’ 

Bucky hunched his shoulders; the wind rifled through the ends of his hair almost hypnotically. ‘I mean I really wanna hear more about,’ he shook his head a little and smiled, ‘about not-rocket science. And if you promise to call me if anything should happen …

You scuffed your foot against the gravel, smiled at him and nodded. ‘Sounds good to me.’

‘I-I’ll call you then.’

‘Clear a Saturday next month for me, will you, James?’ Bucky?

He chuckled at your joke. ‘Hopefully much sooner, [Y/N].’

[avengerofyourheart]

Leave This Town Pt 2 (Mechanic!Bucky AU)

Characters: reader, Bucky, Natasha, Wanda

Summary: Your dreams of kissing your small town life goodbye are about to come true when an unexpected detour leaves you stranded. Meeting the handsome local mechanic has you rethinking your plans. Perhaps happiness is less about where you’re headed and more about the people you meet along the way.

Song Inspiration: Sleep on the Floor by The Lumineers

Warnings: none! The mildest of swearing I guess? 

Word Count: 2.3k

Tags are at bottom (TAG LIST IS CLOSED I’M SORRY)

A/N: Holy bananas, you guys. Once I started writing this part, I got carried away  and I’m probably extending this fic by a few parts. heh. I’m so in love with this story, and that’s probably why! I really hope you are too. Any thoughts and feedback are appreciated! I love you all!! :)

***This fic is for @bionic-buckyb ‘s 5k AU Writing Challenge**

<<<Part One  Part Two   Part Three>>> 

Leave This Town Series Masterlist

Full Masterlist

_________________________________________________

Previously: 

“Try the Boysenberry Pie while you’re there. Even for breakfast, it really hits the spot.”

Taking a few steps backward, you gave him a smile, “I’ll do that,” then turning to walk away.“Oh, Y/N!” you heard him call after you and you whirled in place, surprised. 

“Keys. I need your keys.”

You laughed, shaking your head, “Right. Sorry.” Digging into your purse followed by a toss of the keys, he caught them out of the air before you headed in the direction of the diner once again.

________________

A bell above the door jangled lightly as you entered the diner, the smell of hot grease hitting your nose. Straight ahead there was a counter with barstools, a view of the kitchen behind it. To both your left and right along the wall lined with windows, there were built-in booths with splitting vinyl cushions and spotted formica-covered tables.

The waitress behind the counter spoke, drawing your attention. “Hey, sweetie. Take a seat wherever you like, I’ll be with you in a jiffy.”

“Okay,” you responded with a tight smile.

Choosing a booth, you dropped your bag and sat down. You looked around, seeing only 2 other customers currently sitting at the counter with coffee mugs in their hands. Moments later, a pretty redhead approached, wearing a sleeveless button-up flowered shirt and jeans under the apron around her waist. Bright red lipstick painted her lips as she talked to what looked like a regular customer. Probably a local.

“Sorry about the wait, hun. You just roll into town?” she asked you while handing you a menu, then pulling a small notebook and a pen out of her apron pocket.

“Yeah. Just passing through. I hope,” you replied, a nag of doubt in your voice.

“You hope?” she questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s my car. I don’t know how long it’ll take to fix it,” you huffed out in a sigh.

“I see,” she nodded. “Well, don’t fret, Bucky’ll take care of you, no problem.”

Your own eyebrow raised at the mention of his name, but you should have known that everyone knew everyone here. The blessing and curse of small towns.

“I”m Nattie. Can I get ya something to drink to start? Coffee?”

You jumped at the offering. “Yes! Coffee, please,” then offering your own name.

“Nice to meet you, Y/N. Welcome. Coffee, you got it. I’ll give you a minute with the menu,” she said with a smile before walking around the counter for the coffee pot.

After ordering breakfast and a slice of the recommended Boysenberry pie, you sipped your coffee and pulled out your planning materials and laid them on the table. You had hoped to be 8 hours further into your journey, even having planned out where you would stop and either sleep in your car if it seemed safe or a cheap motel if needed. This pit stop wasn’t ideal, but you could adjust.

A few hours later, you waved goodbye to Nattie and left the diner. Breakfast was delicious and the pie was every bit as amazing as Bucky had promised. It was mid-afternoon as you strolled down the main road past the elementary school grounds full of screaming children out for recess, the small public library, a barber shop, and the post office.

Approaching the auto body shop, you could hear classic rock blasting from the radio, then following the sound into the open garage. You didn’t see anyone at first glance, but after looking in between cars, you finally spotted a pair of long legs poking out from underneath a jacked-up car.

“Hello?” you announced yourself.

“Just a minute,” came the muffled response.

A few seconds later he rolled out from underneath the car and got to his feet, wiping his hands on a rag.

“Hey,” he greeted you with a smile. “How was the diner?”

“Really good. The pie was okay,” you shrugged, then sneaking in a smile.

He crossed muscular arms over his chest. “Is that so? Well, there’s something wrong with your tastebuds then,” he grinned a you.

You let the moment linger, a crackle of electricity in your veins as you held his gaze. He then cleared his throat and walked over to your car, hood already raised.

“So,” he began, “I was right. It’s the radiator. Looks like there’s a crack that was sloppily patched so it was only temporary. How long have you had the car?”

You shook your head in disbelief. “About a week. That sneaky weasel! I can’t believe Brock sold it to me like that!” you exclaimed, gesturing to your broken vehicle.

“Guy sounds like a piece of work. Should’ve had it looked over by a mechanic before buying.”

“I did!” you explained. “Except…”

Bucky waited for you to finish.

“…he’s also the mechanic.”

The brunet burst out in laughter. “Well, that’s one way to keep business going. There’s a reason why doctors can’t be pharmacists, too,” he winked at you.

You let out a slow groan. “So what does that mean? You can fix it, right?”

“Oh, yeah. It’s an easy fix. Only problem is, I don’t have the part.”

“What?” you nearly shouted.

“I called and ordered it, luckily caught the guy before the truck left, but it won’t get here until Monday,” he said with an apologetic shrug.

You deflated, shoulders hunching as the news hit you. “Monday? That’s three days from now! Dammit,” you cursed as you slumped onto a stool next to Bucky’s work table.

“I know. I’m sorry, but I can only order if the truck is already passing by. They don’t make special trips to this small town. As far as cost goes, a new radiator runs about $250, plus labor it’s close to $500.”

Your mouth gaped open. “$500?” you exclaimed, then groaning as your head fell to your hands.

“It sucks, I know. These unexpected but necessary repairs aren’t cheap, but…”

“It’s fine,” you cut him off, taking a deep breath. “I can handle it. I budgeted for car repairs, but didn’t expect it to be this much so soon. And I’m not willing to dip into my emergency fund quite yet. There’s too much to take care of once I get there. I’ll just…I’ll sleep in my car more and avoid getting a hotel a few more nights. I’ll figure it out.”

Bucky pursed his lips, stuffing both hands in his jeans pockets. “You know…the labor charge isn’t a big deal, I could probably shave a few hundred dollars off. I don’t have a lot going on right now, so—“

You shook your head vigorously, resisting. “No. I can’t ask you to do that. You can’t just work for free on my behalf, that’s not fair to you. Mama didn’t raise no freeloader.”

He chuckled at that. “You didn’t ask. I’m offering. Really, I don’t mind. Doesn’t feel right to have you sleeping on the side of the road in exchange for a few dollars. Please, just let me,” he spoke, sincerity shining out of his bright blue eyes.

Chewing on your lip in consideration, you paused a moment until a lightbulb went off above your head. “What if….” you began, shifting from one foot to another. “What if I traded you labor?”

His brow furrowed in confusion. “What?”

“I mean, I could trade services with you somehow.”

Bucky’s eyes shot open at that.

“No! I mean….not…” you felt heat rising in your face, then clearing your throat. “What I meant was, I could…I don’t know, cut your hair for free or something. Even your whole family, I have my kit with me and I’m actually pretty good—“

The man straightened up at that, a hand flying up to his scalp. “Uh uh, no one touches my hair. You got a thing against long hair?” he accused you with a small smile, almost teasing.

“Wha—no, I mean, it doesn’t look good on some people, but it works for you, I kinda like the bun and with your face shape I just…I didn’t mean to criticize, I was thinking of what I could do…”

He grinned at your flustered demeanor, leaning against your car casually.

Clearing your throat, you looked around the garage. “Okay, well…do you need help around here?”

He eyed you carefully. “Can you do an oil change?”

You crossed your arms over your chest, slightly defensive. “No, but I can check my car’s oil and change a tire. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. I could also organize tools or do filing, answer the phone, help customers…whatever you need. I’ll be here til Monday regardless, so,” you shrugged, leaving the choice up to him.

Rubbing a hand over his scruff-covered jaw, he considered your proposal. “Okay. You can help with any projects you can find. It’s basically just me, so I could use another pair of hands sometimes. Tomorrow, though. You could probably use a few winks after sleeping in your car last night, right?”

You sighed, then nodding in resignation.

“There’s a motel about 3 blocks West that’s cheap and pretty clean. I can drive you there if you need to unload from your car,” he offered as he opened your rear driver’s side door.

“No, that’s okay,” you answered, only grabbing a medium-sized duffle bag from the back seat and slinging it over your shoulder. “I’ve packed pretty light. The rest can stay in the car, if that’s okay with you?”

“Sure. I lock up at night. So just head down this street then hang a left, it’ll be on your right. Maximoff Palace Motel,” he had pointed out each turn as he had spoken them, then punctuating his last statement with a firm nod.

“Got it,” you replied with a nod of your own. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then? 9am?”

“Sounds good. Have a good night, Y/N.”

“You, too, James,” you teased, earning an eye roll and a smile from him.

You found the motel easily enough. Stepping through the glass door into the front office you were met with a girl a few years younger than you with long brown hair that fell in waves down to her waist and wide-set hazel eyes, giving her a doe-like appearance.

“Hi! Welcome to the Maximoff Palace. I’m Wanda. Room for one?” she chirped cheerfully with a smile.

“Yeah. Um..three nights I think?” you said, figuring you’d be leaving town Monday afternoon.

“Of course!” she replied, her fingers flying over the keyboard of an out-of-date computer. “What brings you into town?”

“Car trouble,” you explained with a sigh.

Wanda paused in her typing, then taking a good look at you. “Oh. So…you’ve met Bucky?”

“Yeah. I’m actually helping him out for the next few days. Just until my car is fixed,” you explained, no longer surprised when his name popped up.

“I see,” she said quietly, her cheerful demeanor losing its warmth somewhat. “Name, contact information, and credit card number?”

“Um…sure. Can I just pay cash, though?” you asked, fishing your wallet out of your bag.

“You can pay in cash when you check out but we need a credit card on file in case of damages or some other incident,” she said matter-of-factly. Probably in case you ran out on the bill, you assumed.

“Okay,” you agreed, giving her all the necessary information which she copied, then sliding a key across the counter to you.

“Room 17. Enjoy your stay,” Wanda offered with a tight smile.

“Thanks…” you responded hesitantly as you took the key. You wondered why the sudden chill in her mannerisms while exiting the office, but shrugged it off.

Finding your room up a flight of outdoor stairs, you lugged your bags through the doorway and dropped them on the floor beside the queen-sized bed. You slipped off your sandals and crawled under the covers, springs squeaking under your weight. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable, but exhaustion quickly took over and within minutes you were fast asleep.

_________________

You awoke in the early evening, squinting blearily at the bedside digital clock. Your mouth tasted like something died in it, so you sluggishly rolled over to the side of the bed and rummaged through a bag for your toothbrush, but then noticed you had forgotten to pack toothpaste. Figures. You shuffled to the bathroom and made do with just water and brushing your tongue, popping in a mint you found in your purse. Stomach growling, you decided it was time to venture out for dinner anyway.

You headed toward the center of town and ducked into the corner store for toothpaste, some snacks, and a few other items before heading back to the diner. Nattie greeted you with a wave as you entered and selected a booth. The diner was busier than that morning with a few couples and a family or two adding to the chaotic noise.

“Hey, sweetie. It’s good to see you again. Another minute with the menu?” the redheaded waitress asked when she reached your table.

Plucking a menu that was stashed behind the napkin dispenser, you perused it quickly before selecting a random entree. You weren’t feeling picky and the faster you ordered, the less waiting time on a busy night like tonight. You’d brought a book this time, one of your favorite often-read paperbacks with folded pages and a broken spine.

You took your time with dinner, eating while you read and occasionally people-watched unobtrusively. After paying your bill, you waved goodbye to Nattie and strolled down Main Street toward your motel. The day had finally cooled off and you found yourself enjoying the walk, peering into store windows and smiling at people you passed on the sidewalk.

Reaching your room, you flicked on the tv mostly for background noise and took a hard look at the detailed budget you had written up for your trip. Paying for 3 days in a motel and adding the car repairs, your wallet was taking a hit, but Bucky’s willingness to lower the bill would definitely help. You were grateful to this kind stranger and the thought of spending the whole day with him tomorrow was strangely exciting. Surprised to feel a few butterflies flutter in your stomach, you shook your head to clear away the feeling and got ready for bed.

I’ll be gone in a few days, you told yourself as you drifted off to sleep.

____________

Part Three>>> 

__________________________________________________________

Oh snap. This should be interesting! Well, I’m excited. :D Send me all your thoughts, I’d love to hear them! Love you guys!! 

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[knittingknerdy]

Business Partners- Part 1

Prompt/Summary: Your business partner invites himself to your sister’s wedding

Pairing/Characters: Tony Stark x Reader, Natasha, Clint, Coulson, Sam, Steve, Bucky, Scott.  Everybody

Warnings: cursing, drinking, reader is going to be a bit of an idiot later on.  You should work on your communication skills.  ;)

Word Count: 2085

Author’s Note:  I am cutting this down to the wire. But this is my submission for @bionic-buckyb 5000 follower celebration!!!!  I claimed the fake dating AU.  As of posting this, the end isn’t finished.  So I plan on eating pizza at home and try to get it done by the deadline.  (I’m going to come back and tag people)

You sigh before pushing open the door to your office.  If you could call it an office.  You were the assistant to Steve Rogers, one half of the Stark Rogers technology corporation.  Tony Stark oversaw the research and development, while Steve Rogers took those creations and implemented their use.  They were a great team up until a few months ago.

 Steve was on an extended leave of absence.  Steve’s friend, James Barnes, was sick.  Very sick.  And they were both in Wakanda while James was being treated.  You smiled remembering Steve’s face during your last video conference.  He had said that Bucky (an adorable nickname for Barnes) seemed to finally be responding to the treatment.  The look on Steve’s face was the happiest you’d seen him in months.  Even before they left.  

 So Steve’s office sat empty unless you needed something out of it, but you still continued to work from your desk outside of his office.  It felt a bit strange, like holding vigil, but you had stayed even when they offered you a different office.  Before you could sit at the desk, your phone rang.  The caller being the main reason for choosing not to leave.  

 “Thank you for calling Stark Rogers Technology, Mr. Roger’s office.  How may I help you?”  The greeting was automatic at this point, coming out in a rush.  

 “You know it’s me calling and yet every morning you answer like that.”  

 “I like to remind you I actually work here.  I’m not just here to listen to you babble about your latest horrific dating story.”  

 “Ok, but you laughed so hard you cried at the last one.  You can’t enjoy the stories and then insist you don’t want to hear them.”  He paused.  “Why are you answering the phone anyway?  Where is your assistant?”

 “I am the assistant, I don’t need an assistant.  I’m perfectly capable of answering the phone.  And, well, she isn’t here yet.”  

 “Hmmm, that’s odd.  Barton recommended her and Coulson agreed.  Maybe I’ll have to talk with them.”  

 His musing was interrupted by Natasha bursting through the door.  “I’m so sorry I’m late.  Mr. Stark texted me to deliver his coffee and the line was awful and then my card wouldn’t work on the door.  It won’t happen again.”  

 You smiled at her before answering Tony.  “Mr. Stark, you can’t complain that my assistant is late when she was in your office with your coffee.  Which I know you don’t need because I rode up on the elevator with your assistant who had your order.  And quit messing with her passcard access.  Some of us have bosses who expect us to get work done.”  You hung up the phone when all you could hear was his laughing on the other end.  “I’m sorry about that Natasha.  I can’t promise he’ll stop, but it’s honestly good natured.  I can have someone from HR stop by if you’d like to talk to them.”  

 She looked genuinely shocked. “Um, no, thank you.  I’ve honestly had to put up with a lot worse in this line of work.  And they weren’t joking.”  She smiled finally.  “But thank you.”  

 “Great, because as much as it was a genuine offer, it was not something I wanted to deal with today.”  You groaned and ran your hand through your hair.  It was barely 8 am and it was already becoming unruly.  “Speaking of which, do you have those patent files for me?  I need to send the specs and my recommendations to Mr. Rogers.”  You looked at your watch. “In an hour.  This time difference is the worst.”  

 “Yes, right here.  Oh!  And I brought you coffee too.  It’s just black.  I didn’t know what you would want yet.  But I can grab you something else.”  

 You paused halfway around the desk after grabbing the files.  It felt strange to have someone bring you coffee.  You had never really had to do that for Steve, he made his own special blend of tea since he was a bit of a health nut.  To suddenly be in that position made everything feel a bit overwhelming.  

 “Is everything ok?” Natasha asked cautiously.  

 “Yes, sorry.  It’s all a bit surreal.  Black is fine.  I normally take it with two sugars, which I have in my desk.  And don’t feel like you need to get me coffee unless you are getting some for yourself.  And turn in the receipts.  It would be a work expense.”

 Natasha smiled and flashed a small black card. “Coulson gave me one of these.  Told me it was for expenses like that.”  

 “Of course he did.  And make sure to buy yours with that too.  Hopefully it will make up for dealing with Mr. Stark.”  

 Natasha smiled before settling at her desk.  

 __

 You worked straight through the next hour.  Pushing send on your email to Steve before your calendar notified you of your next meeting.  You gathered up a pile of folders and headed to Tony’s office.  

 You offered a small smile to Clint Barton as you opened the door and walked inside Tony’s office.  You paused for a moment before opening the door and looking back out at Clint.  “Where is Mr. Stark?”

 “He isn’t in.”  

 “Like he has a meeting or he’s gone off somewhere?” you asked, already knowing the answer.

 “The second one,” Clint answered.  

 “I’ll wait.”

 “I have no idea how long he’ll be.”  

 You hold up your files.  “I brought reading material.  I can wait.”  

 You make yourself comfortable, but you don’t make it very far in your files before your phone rings.  You look at the screen, hoping it’s Tony, but it’s actually your sister.  

 “Hey, what’s up?” you answer.  

 “Are you sitting down?”  

 “I am.  Did you finally decide to elope?”

 “Um, no.  Scott finally decided on a best man.”

 You feel your heart sink.  “Oh?”

 “It turns out Sam is going to be able to make it after all.”  The line goes quiet for a few seconds.  “Are you ok?”  

 You take a deep breath.  “Of course!”  You try to fake the cheer in your voice.  “It’s been years.”  

 You hear your sister breathe a sigh of relief.  “Oh thank goodness.  I was so worried.  I promise I’ll make this up to you.  You are the best.”  

 You force yourself to smile through her platitudes and the promise of a great time at her wedding.  When you hang up, you groan and lay your head down on Tony’s desk.  

 You didn’t notice the door opening.  “Meeting with me isn’t that bad.”  

 You sit up suddenly.  “Oh, Mr. Stark.  I didn’t hear you come in.”

 “Everything ok?”

 “My sister is getting married.”  

 “Now, I’m an only child, but I was lead to believe this sort of thing was a happy occasion.”  Tony casually leans on the front of his desk.  

 “It is.”

 “Is the guy awful?  I’m rich enough.  I’m sure I could have him killed.”

 “What? No! Scott is amazing.  It’s his best man.”  

 “Did he break your heart?”

 You looked surprised.  “Actually, yes.”  

 It was Tony’s turn to look surprised.  “Really?  You don’t seem like the type.  Your escapades are almost as legendary as mine.”  

 You scowl at Tony.  “A. That’s not true.  B.  He’s the reason why.”  You sigh.  “I will have to spend the whole wedding weekend trying to convince everyone I’m happy with my life.  Which I am.  And that I’m over Sam.  Which I also am.”

 The two of you fall silent as you finish your rant.  You shuffle the files on your lap and pull out the one you need to discuss.

 “Anyway,” you start.

 “Take me with you.”  Tony interrupts.

 “What?”

 “To the wedding.  They’ll be so distracted by me, they won’t notice you.”  

 “Well, first we need to do something about that ego of yours.  And no, that isn’t happening.  I can’t just show up to my sister’s wedding with my boss in tow.”  

 “I’m not technically your boss.”  

 “Of course you aren’t.  Which is why I call you Mr. Stark,” you snap back.

 He leans down closer to you. “No, you call me Mr. Stark because I like hearing you call me Mr. Stark.”  He bites his lower lip before smirking at you.  “It makes me all tingly.”  

 You glare at him in return.  “I will call HR.”  

 “Fine!“ Tony throws up his arms and moves around his desk to sit.  “What did you need to talk to me about?”

 “I have the files you sent.  I’m returning them with the notes Mr. Rogers and I made.”

 “So this was a meeting that could have been an email.”  

 “Also,” you draw the word out,  “We have a video conference with Mr. Rogers on Thursday.  He has made it very clear you need to be there.  No excuses.  No running off.  Please.”  

 “Of course.  I wouldn’t dream of missing it.”  Tony smiles suspiciously.  “Now, out!  Don’t you have work to do.”  

 You roll your eyes as he shoos you out of his office.  

 --

 The conference call was set for 9 pm on Thursday.  Clint was supposed to call you if Tony tried to leave the building.  And you felt bad about keeping him so late to baby sit his boss.  So far it had been silent, but you didn’t put it past Tony to sneak out.  Not that he made it a point to miss these meetings.  But it was rare Steve asked for the two of you to be there.  And Tony tends to be focused on his research and gets a bit distracted.  Lots of things distract him.  

 Which is why you were floored when he was in the conference room before you.

 “You’re here,” you say with surprise.  “Not just here, you’re early.”

 “You said this was important.”  

 “This is literally the first time you have listened to me when I’ve told you that.”

 “First time for everything.”  Tony smirks at you as the conference line begins to ring.  

 You press the button to connect and smile when you see Steve on the screen.  “Hello, Mr. Rogers.”  

 “Hi.  Thank you both for taking this call.  I have a few things to cover, so I thought we would get straight to it.”  Steve starts.  

 You nod and look at Tony.  He is sitting there smiling at you like he just got away with something.  You squint at him suspiciously but turn back to Steve.  

 “So, Bucky is doing great.  The doctors are thrilled with his progress.  But they can’t guarantee that he won’t need more treatment in the future.  Also, we love Wakanda.  We’ve made a home here.  So we’ve decided to stay.  Permanently.”  

 You try to school your face into something neutral.  While you’ve managed the past few months, it has been difficult.  Just getting an approval required nearly a full day of waiting.  

 Steve continues with a soft smile.  “Which is why I’ve decided to retire and promote you to COO, Y/N.”  

 There was no chance to keep your face neutral with that announcement.  

 “What?”  

 “It’s too difficult to keep this up.  You’ve pretty much been running my division for months now.”

 “But you make the final approvals,” you interject.

 “Completely following your recommendations.  I’ve agreed with all of your decisions.  I know I can trust you with this.”  

 You finally turn to Tony, thinking to see your shock mirrored on his face.  What you see is just an even bigger smile than the one he sported earlier.  He knew.  He knew what this meeting was about.  The bastard.  

 It finally sinks in that the both of them are waiting for an answer from  you.  “Can I have time to decide?”

 “Of course.  It’s a big decision to make on the spot.  I’d be a little disappointed if you said yes immediately.”  Steve said.

 “I wouldn’t.”

 “Tony,” Steve chastised.  “I’ll let the two of you get home.  Thank you for meeting with me.”  

 When the video call ended, you sat there trying to process what had just happened.  Steve was right.  He had agreed with all of your recommendations and suggestions.  It had started with just a few reports, but after a while, he wanted your input on everything before you sent it to him.  

 Tony spoke quietly, shaking you from your stupor.  “Why don’t you take tomorrow off?  Think about your decision.”  You nodded.  “If it helps any, I fully support this idea.”

 You’re still a bit bewildered as the two of you leave the conference room. 

[justsomebucky]

The Friendly Wager (Part 6)

Summary: AU. Reader and Bucky Barnes are neighbors and best friends. After yet another bad date, reader comes home to find Bucky with his typical weekend target. They decide to make a wager about dating, but is there more on the line than reader cares to admit?

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Word Count: 4,608 (went really overboard)

Warnings: language, lots of bad language, fluff, sarcasm, drinking, implied drunkenness, angst, regret, hangover, confrontation, stupid feelings are stupid yeah?

A/N: This is my submission for the lovely Kait’s ( @bionic-buckyb) 5k AU Challenge. Congrats on the followers, friend! My prompt was “Can you please come over so I don’t feel so alone?”

Second to last part! Tags are closed. I loved all your messages so much!

Part 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

The next morning, you awoke with a ridiculous pounding headache. Your mouth tasted funny and dry, and you knew you were still in your outfit from the night before. That also meant that last night’s makeup was probably smeared across your face and pillow.

Thank goodness it was Saturday. At least that would give you time to get over the hangover from hell. You groaned at the memory of what caused you to get so inebriated in the first place.

You win.

After seeing Bucky’s text, you didn’t reply to him. Instead, you conned Peter into taking you for some drinks.

His bar of choice? Red Room, another exclusive spot downtown.

Expensive alcohol (paid for by Peter) flowed for the rest of the night, as did Peter’s mundane chatter. The only reprieve you had was when you passed out in the taxi home.

You sat up gingerly, squinting at the clock on your bedside table as you wiped some drool off the corner of your mouth. Your phone was halfway across the room on the floor, as if you’d thrown it in a fit of rage.

Wait a minute…

Yeah, you definitely had thrown it in a fit of rage from the looks of it. Or, a fit of some emotion…the details were sort of cloudy at the moment.

You stepped out of bed, moving slowly over to the discarded device, but as soon as you picked it up (and it wasn’t broken, thank you OtterBox!) you saw the battery must have died.

The charger was back over near your bed, so you plugged it in and waited for the screen to light up.

When it finally came back to life, you cringed again. The number of missed calls and unread texts was higher than you’d ever seen in your life. Fourteen missed calls, all from last night. You clicked those first.

Three calls were from Peter (that made you chuckle, since you probably wandered away from him for some peace and quiet).

Eight were from Wanda. Why the hell had Wanda tried to call you that many times?

One missed call from…Natasha?

Oh god!

Your eyes widened as you remembered something else from last night. Natasha had been there with a couple of her friends.

You’d drunkenly gone up to her and offered her Bucky’s number in person, telling her nearly every sinful thing he’d ever said about her and how much he wanted to date her. Why had she called though? Maybe to make sure you had her number?

You smacked your forehead at the hazy memory, wincing as it added on to your hangover headache pain.

What the hell was the matter with you?

With another low groan, you looked at the last two missed calls of the night.

Both were from Bucky.

Oh geez. He probably called to confirm that he slept with Rosie, or to thank you for giving Natasha his number. Fuck fuck fuckity fuck…

You moved on to the dozens of unread text messages.

Most of them were from Peter, asking where you were, asking if you were ready to go home. The last couple from him were interesting.

Bucky texted me to say if I didn’t get you home soon he was gonna kick my ass.

Can you please meet me near the door so we can head out? I have a cab waiting.

There were texts from Natasha that you found just a little disturbing.

Thank you again! Sorry I missed your call. I tried to call back but no answer!

I’m going to ask him out tomorrow! Can’t wait! - Nat

Wanda seemed to have gotten the bulk of the text messages, replying to what started as you complaining about your date, to you sending her strings of gibberish with a lot of sad emojis.

I can’t understand what you’re writing, Y/N. I think you should get home.

Should I text Bucky to come get you?

Do you need me and Vis to come pick you up?

Finally, the last few were from the man himself.

Y/N, please get in the cab with Peter.

You’re not making any sense.

I’m getting worried. Just come home!

Ugh, you really mucked things up this time, didn’t you? A quick scan of your messages told you by the time you started texting Bucky, you were too far gone to type properly. At least you didn’t confess anything, like how you’d kept Nat from him for that long.

How humiliating…

You never ever drank this much, knowing that it always led you to make poor decisions.

At least Peter Quill wasn’t in your bed. That was a plus-one for your night, for sure. Thankfully, you were always good about going to bed alone. Stranger danger (or in this case nearly-a-stranger danger) was a real thing, and you weren’t having it.

With another groan, you found Wanda’s name in your contact list and pressed call, putting her on speaker.

After a few rings, she finally picked up. “Y/N? You’re alive then?”

“I’m sorry,” you said softly, eyes filling with tears involuntarily. “I’m so sorry, Wan. I made a fool of myself last night.”

“You were just hurting, friend. It’s fine. You didn’t really like Peter anyway, from what you were saying when you could still type properly.”

“I know, but it’s not even just that. I’ll probably have to apologize to him later, but Wanda, I saw Natasha when I was out last night.”

“Oh, shit!” she exclaimed. “What did you say to her? Please don’t tell me you said anything about Bucky!“

“I told her Bucky lusted after her, then gave her his number,” you admitted, closing your eyes to try to stave off the stinging tears. “She texted me last night and said she was going to ask him out today.”

“Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry.”

Sorry? Huh?

“Don’t be. He’s wanted her for a while now, I just didn’t have the guts to lose my best friend to her.”

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.

“Are you still there, Wan?”

“I’m still here, but I’m wondering why you’re a total moron.”

You opened your eyes, glaring at the nearest object, which just so happened to be your lamp. “Excuse me?”

“All you did last night, Y/N, was text about Bucky. Did he sleep with Rosie? Do you think he slept with Rosie? Do you think he’s in love with Rosie? What about Natasha? Did he still want Nat? Doesn’t he care about me at all?”

The only thing you could do was groan again, feeling utterly stupid.

“Don’t you see, you absolute moron? You’re in love with Bucky. I had my suspicions all along, but now this kind of solidifies it, don’t you think? That’s why you didn’t want to give Nat his number, and that’s why you don’t want to lose him.”

“Have you picked up the drinking where I left off, Wan? You’re so far off from the truth, it’s not even funny.”

“Am I? Then explain these texts: Wanda he doesn’t care about me. Bucky hates me. He’ll forget all about me. I can’t lose him, Wan! Not one message said anything like that about Peter. Not one, Y/N. You really love Bucky, and you’re scared because you finally realized it.”

That was like a kick in the gut. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I? I think you need to take some time and think about what…or who…you really want, Y/N. Before it’s too late, preferably.”

“Can you please come over so I don’t feel so alone?” you whispered into the phone, feeling like your heart was cracking. “I need someone to be with me today. I know if I’m alone, I’ll sit and mope all day.”

“I won’t let you be alone,” she promised.

---

We’re going out tonight! Just wanted to say thank you again! –Nat

You stared at the screen, wondering if your brain was still so muddled from your hangover that you were no longer capable of reading correctly. Surely, this newly received text didn’t say that they were already going on a date, one day after the whole debacle of the wager went down?

Boy, he didn’t waste any time, did he?

There was still no word from your supposed best friend after last night. There was no way you were gonna text him first, not after remembering what went down, and everything you may have said.

He was probably a little bit mad about the Natasha thing, but couldn’t he get over it? He told practically everyone how he felt about her. Steve and Sam knew…even Vis and Wanda knew!

He was finally seeing her tonight, and all would be well with them. Why did he have to hold it against you? What a baby.

Anyways.

You got out of bed, and the first thing you did with what little energy you could muster was grab a blanket and move to lay on the couch.

Wanda promised she wouldn’t let you spend the day alone thinking about your humiliation, but she still hadn’t arrived yet. You hoped against hope she was stopping for coffee and bagels or something. You could really use some strong caffeine right about now.

You pulled the blanket over you with a sigh, and flipped through the channels until you came across a movie that looked familiar. ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ Just what you didn’t need to see.

“Oh, screw you. Guys and girls can be just friends,” you yelled at the TV, throwing your tissue box at the screen. You clicked through some more channels.

It was like the world was laughing at you.

My Best Friend’s Wedding was on, too.

Another farce.

The best friend is about to marry this beautiful woman that you can’t help but like, while Julia Roberts tries desperately to sabotage the wedding because she realizes (or maybe just thinks) she’s in love with him. That was so stupid. Who lets it get that far? If she loved the guy, she should probably just go ahead and tell him.

When Bucky and Natasha eventually got married, you weren’t going to run up and make out with him to try to stop him. You wanted him to be happy, even if-

Your eyes widened, no longer seeing the movie on the screen, but picturing Bucky standing at the altar with Natasha, looking happier than ever.

You’d been about to say ‘even if it wasn’t with you.’

What.

The actual.

Fuck?????

Your hands got all clammy again as you thought it through. What the hell kind of thought was that? You pushed the blanket off your legs and stood up, pacing back and forth anxiously.

Was Wanda right?

Were Harry and that stupid Sally right, too?

Were you…in love…with Bucky?

Your heart started racing as you heard a knock on the door. When you swung it open, Wanda stood there, coffee and bagels in hand as you’d hoped for.

“Y/N, it’s been so long,” she answered dryly. “I promised I would be here, so here I am.”

“Wanda, get in here!”

You shoved your friend inside the apartment while she tried to balance the coffee without spilling.

“What the hell, Y/N? Careful!”

The door slammed shut behind you, and you turned to her with anxious eyes.

“Am I really in love with Bucky?” you asked breathlessly, trying to keep your voice down just in case he was across the hall.

Not that someone could hear you when they weren’t home, but in bed with another woman…ugh…

“Wanda?” you repeated, feeling like you might be sick. “Am I?”

“What?” She laughed, moving inside and heading for the kitchen counter. “Why are you asking me? I already told you how I felt about it, how I think you feel. Shouldn’t you be asking yourself if you’re in love with Bucky or not?”

“I don’t know! I’m so confused right now, and I just don’t know,” you rambled, following behind her, your hands wringing together. “He’s my best friend. People can be just friends, Wanda!”

“Calm down, Y/N. Let’s think this through, okay?”

“Okay,” you nodded, reaching for a coffee and taking a sip. “Okay, yes, coffee is good, thinking is good. Thinking is my best skill.”

“Over-thinking, maybe.”

“That’s not helping!”

“All right, all right!” Wanda held her hands up in surrender. “When you picture yourself with someone, settling down with them forever, who is it? Who do you see beside you?”

“I can’t ever picture it,” you admitted, setting the drink down. “I’m not that kind of person. I mean, I try, but I just…fairy tales are for children, you know?”

Wanda leaned against the counter, nodding. “Okay, we’ll come back to that. When you picture Bucky settling down with someone forever, who is it?”

You frowned at your friend. “Honestly, my first thought is Natasha.”

Her eyes widened a little. “And how does that make you feel?”

“You sound like a TV therapist right now.”

“Do you want my help or not?” she huffed, rolling her eyes and sipping from her own coffee.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. Okay, how does it make me feel…?” You closed your eyes, trying to picture Bucky and Natasha at the altar again. “It makes me feel a little bit crazy.”

“You’ll need to be a little more precise than that. Explain.”

You took a deep breath, letting it out slowly to try to calm your overactive, extremely loud heartbeat. You met her gaze again, and you knew you could be honest with her. “Well, for one, it makes me want to kick Natasha in the shin.”

Wanda laughed. “And what about Bucky?”

Shit. You knew what you were picturing. “I want to grab his face, and plead with him not to leave me.”

She smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. “Is that all you want to do?”

You closed your eyes again, trying to imagine it. There was definitely more to the story, parts you would never let yourself picture before.

“No,” you admitted weakly. “That’s not all.”

“Could you picture yourself up on that altar beside him instead of Nat?”

There was no hesitation this time.

“Yes.” Your response was a mere whisper, but you couldn’t have managed a louder voice if you tried.

“I think you have your answer then, don’t you? I mean, you did try to keep Natasha away from him so you could keep him a little longer. Plus, I think, and this is just me observing from afar here, but…I think you purposefully sought out douchebags to date so you didn’t have to commit to anyone else.”

“I…really? You think?” Your brows scrunched in disbelief. “I thought I just had a type?”

“Yeah, you have a type all right. Tall, dark, blue eyes, and lives across the hall from you.”

“But he’s going out with Natasha tonight,” you groaned, moving back over to the door to peer out of the peephole.  There were still no signs of anyone across the hall. “He probably isn’t even back from Rosie’s, since he slept with her and all.”

“You don’t know that he slept with her.”

You made a face at her over your shoulder. “I do too! He told me I won! That means he didn’t make it through the whole date without putting the moves on Rosie.”

“Well, I’m not convinced. He could have forfeited the whole thing. And if he did sleep with Rosie, does that change how you feel?”

“No.”

Boy, she was just getting you to admit everything. If she kept this up she’d probably squeeze your bank card information out, too. You were just too willing to spill right now. Stupid emotions!

You chewed your lower lip, a new thought coming to your mind. “How do I know I’m not manufacturing these feelings because I’m about to lose him?”

“Do you feel like these feelings are out of the blue? I mean, really admitting to yourself, Y/N. Are they new?”

She had you there. Your heart told you the answer, and you shook your head no.

“So try to find him before his date tonight then! What are you doing talking to me when you could be out landing your Mr. Right for once in your freaking life?”

“Ahhhh!” you yelled, hands flying up in the air. “I am so nervous!”

What would you even say? Hey, Bucky, good luck on your date tonight, but oh by the way, don’t go on it because I love you?

Feh!

You looked at Wanda with terror in your eyes, silently imploring for answers.

She offered you a bright, confident smile in return. “Don’t be nervous. If anyone on this planet knows just what to say to Bucky, it’s you.”

---

Alone again, you got properly dressed, did your hair and makeup (but not overdoing it, you didn’t want to seem too weird), and were now pacing in front of your door, waiting for signs of life across the hall.

Wanda had disappeared right after her last pep talk, making you promise to not only stay away from alcohol tonight, but to not let Bucky out of your sight without telling him how you feel.

She told you one way or another, your relationship with Bucky was going to change, so why not make it the way you want? She had a point.

Your feet were getting tired from standing up with no breaks, but you didn’t want to miss him. Not knowing where he was or what he was up to was super weird. He hadn’t texted you yet today, either. You didn’t really go this long without talking, so something was definitely up.

Just as you were about to give up and go rummage for food, you spotted him at his door, finally, carrying a few grocery bags. Before he could disappear inside, you opened your door and stepped out, avoiding eye contact.

You had to make it seem like a coincidence.

“Y/N, hey,” Bucky spoke up from his doorway. “How are you feeling today?”

“Oh, hey Bucky! Didn’t see you there,” you fibbed. Ugh, could you sound anymore rehearsed? “I’m fine, how are you?”

“Fine.” He set the bags down just inside the door and then walked over to you, his blue eyes unreadable. “Y/N -”

“Listen, I’m sorry about last night,” you offered, interrupting him. You needed to talk first, or you’d lose the courage to speak at all. “I didn’t mean to get that drunk, and…well…“

“Why did you, though?” Bucky asked, his eyes staring into yours intently. “That’s not like you, Y/N.”

“I don’t know,” you confessed with a shrug. “Just thought it would be a salve for my personality, I guess, to help me make it through the terrible date.”

He shook his head. “This stupid wager wasn’t worth it, Y/N. Not if you put yourself at risk like that. You know I’d cook for you anyways, right?”

Your heart did that fluttery thing again. Maybe you needed to have that looked at. Between that and your stomach issues, you were a total mess.

“It’s okay, Bucky. I guess…I guess it doesn’t really matter now. You’re a winner, too, right? By the way, Nat’s excited about your date tonight. She texted me about it and thanked me again.”

Bucky frowned a little. “You know about tonight?”

“Well, like I said, she’s been mentioning you for a while now, so…” You forced a smile to your face, knowing you were chickening out. “So, she thought she’d share the news…”

“Yeah, I just…she texted and I- I guess I didn’t see a reason not to go…” Bucky’s voice trailed off, glancing down at his feet before looking up at you again.  

Was he waiting for you to joke about it? You had always sort of mocked his thing for Natasha.

In the end, you didn’t have the heart to make things worse for him. If he needed you as a friend, and wanted Nat as a girlfriend, then that’s what would happen and you’d be supportive.

“I think you’ll have a great time.” You gave a firm nod, and your heart clenched a little. “Anyways, good luck tonight. See ya!”

“Yeah,” he replied, his tone a little lower. “Thanks. See you.”

In a quick retreat, you turned and headed down the stairs as fast as your legs would take you, needing to get away from Bucky, away from this entire situation.

You didn’t wanna see him bring her home later, and shut the door on your hopes for good.

---

Saturday afternoon came and went, and by evening, you still didn’t want to go home. After all, Bucky’s date with Natasha probably wasn’t over.

You shook your head, trying to get rid of the thought and mental picture.

Longing was the worst.

Or was it pining?

No, those meant the same thing, you were pretty sure.

Either way, you hated both words.

These awful feelings ended up making you forget how to be anything but a wishful thinker. They robbed you of your ability to make good decisions, leaving behind only misery in the shell of who you used to be.

For fuck’s sake, when did you become so melodramatic? There was no way you were going to sit around all night pining for Bucky.

Instead, you spent the bulk of your day in Brooklyn, visiting the botanical gardens, then walking aimlessly to people-watch for a while.

You killed some more time by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan, then sat in a Starbucks near the office for about an hour. When you were finally out of things to do to distract yourself on short notice, you decided the coast was probably clear to return home.

By now, his choice would have been made, and you’d be safe to sneak in your apartment unnoticed.

With your mind made up, you threw away your empty coffee cup and headed for the door. You’d barely taken a step outside when you almost ran smack into a familiar person.

An all-too-familiar person, one of the last people you would expect to see anywhere but Bucky’s apartment right now, to be exact.

“Natasha?”

“Hey,” she said, a smile forming on her pretty features. “Y/N! Fancy seeing you here.”

“Yeah, you too. I assumed you’d still be with Bucky?” It was still pretty early in the evening. Dates that go well usually…end well?

Nat raised an eyebrow at you, shifting her bag closer to her body. “Why would you assume that?”

“Well, you had your date tonight, didn’t you? It’s so early…I figured…”

“You figured that I would fall into bed with him on the first date? Well, that’s sort of offensive.” She gave you a smile to show she wasn’t serious.

That miserable, crushing guilt returned anyway. “I’m sorry, Nat, I didn’t mean it like that, really. I just…in all the romance stories, movies, whatever, once the protagonist finds their true love, they usually just…get right to it.”

“And what on earth makes you think I found my true love?” Nat shook her head. “You watch too much TV or something, Y/N. Bucky’s hot, sure, and he’s really sweet. We went to a little restaurant in Brooklyn around six-thirty, but I was out of there by seven. Didn’t even eat. Bucky didn’t stop looking at his phone the whole time, and honestly, if I had to hear one more story about something you and he did together, I was going to scream.”

“Wait, what?” You blinked in confusion, moving to the side when more people started trying to get past you and Natasha on the sidewalk.

“He was totally distracted. Didn’t seem interested in me at all. I thought you said he was into me?”

“He- he was, Natasha, I don’t understand, I -” You were stuttering now, stumbling over words, because you couldn’t believe what she was saying.

“I kind of get it now, why you were trying to withhold information from me. I sort of caught the drift a while ago.” She leaned closer, eyes searching yours. “When did you realize you were in love with him?”

“I- I don’t,” you sputtered, still unable to make a complete sentence. “I’m not.”

“Recently, then? Oh, Y/N,” Natasha shook her head at you almost sympathetically. “Go home. Go talk to him. I don’t think New York City can handle much more of you two if you don’t. I’ll see you Monday.”

“See you,” you mumbled, still trying to process what she said as she flounced away down the sidewalk.

How come everyone knew you loved him before you knew?

Did Bucky know?

Your face grew hot at the thought of Bucky knowing you were pining for him while he was off sleeping with Rosie.

The walk back to Brooklyn was making you more and more nervous with each step. Natasha had said he was distracted; what if he had a different date altogether, like Rosie, and didn’t want Natasha because you’d handed her to him?

Was it a pride or ego thing? Was he trying to prove a point? Maybe he wanted to teach you a lesson?

Maybe you didn’t understand Bucky as well as everyone thought, after all.

As you got to your apartment, trudged up the steps, and went to unlock your door, there was a loud a click behind you. Bucky’s door opened; you knew the sound by now.

You shifted your bag on your shoulder and turned to look.

Bucky was standing in his doorway, eyes wide. “Y/N. Hey…where have you been all day? I’ve been looking for you.”

“I, uh…I was playing tourist. My phone’s been off. I went to the botanical gardens, and then-”

“That sounds nice,” he interrupted, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked super uncomfortable and you couldn’t blame him.

You’d made a complete mess of your friendship in just a couple of days.

“Have you eaten dinner?”

“Nope.” Where was he going with this?

“C-can you…uh…Can you come over? I’m feeling pretty shitty and I don’t want to be alone.”

Ah. That sounded awfully familiar. Those were some of the same words you’d said to Wanda this morning, after realizing that Bucky was the cause of and solution to all your personal problems.

He was probably going to have The Talk with you, about how he was just not into you, and how wrong you’d been about Natasha, and then he’d drop the bomb and tell you all about his love for this mystery girl he’d been texting during his date.

It was probably Rosie.

Your stomach twisted in knots again. He had fallen for Rosie, hadn’t he?

He’d warned you - he’d suggested that maybe Rosie would be the one to make him change his ways.

What had you done?

“It’s been a rough day,” he added dejectedly, letting his hand fall to his side. “Saturdays are supposed to be better than this, right?”

Rough day? Was it realizing Nat wasn’t all he wanted? Or did something happen with Rosie?

The pain in your stomach got worse, and this time it was coupled with anxiety. That happened a lot around him anymore. “I don’t know, Bucky, I’m kind of tired, so I-“

“Please? Just for a bit. I really want to talk to my best friend.”

His pleading expression made all your protests disappear. Friends..that’s what you were, and that’s what you’d stay. As long as you didn’t lose him…

“Okay,” you agreed softly. “Just for a little bit.”

He nodded, then opened the door wider, silently inviting you inside.

You took a deep breath, then a few hesitant steps forward.

---

Part  7

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