#bassist privilege is making me actually draw the bass

[dklem]

I want to shout out that I love it, this world that I choose to live in!

17. Purpose

[hearts-hunger]

I’m Happy at Home || part four

Look on my masterlist for parts 1-3!

Part Summary: You take a trip down memory lane to spring 1971, when you first got to know your mates’ adorable new bass player.

Pairings: John Deacon x Wife!Reader; dad!deaky

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 2k (short again ik sorry)

Warnings: None!

A/N: Ok loves!! Here’s the memory I promised in the last chapter, and I think it’s pretty cute. It just jumps right into the memory and ends still in it, so we’ve left Montreal Deaky for the moment, but he’ll be back in all his glory in the next part. Besides, who can resist ‘71 Deaky with that cute smile and that lovely hair? Not me, that’s who. I hope you like it, and let me know what you think!

You had been Brian’s roommate at the time, both of you attending Imperial College London at various stages of your academic career. As considerate a flatmate as the aspiring astrophysicist was, he’d forgotten to mention to you that he’d invited Queen’s new bassist over first thing in the morning. 

You’d stumbled out of bed when you heard the kettle being filled, the sound of Brian’s early morning tea-making a surer alarm than your own bedside clock since the day you’d moved in. You’d made it down the hall and to the bathroom when you realized that the shower was running already and that the soft humming coming from the kitchen wasn’t in Brian’s familiar voice. Stopped at the bathroom door and peeking around the corner into the kitchen, you bit your lip to keep an obscenity from tumbling out as you leaned back from the corner. 

Nope, that wasn’t Brian at all. You wouldn’t have minded walking out in your “Ringo for President” t-shirt and messy hair if it had just been your roommate - you’d been best friends for so long that he was practically your brother, and you’d long since stopped caring about looking presentable for him. But the new bass player - John Richard Deacon, you didn’t think you’d ever forget that introduction - was heart-stoppingly cute, and you’d wanted to make a good impression on him the next time you saw him. You were just about to make your retreat to your room to actually get dressed when the bathroom door opened; you took one step backwards and bumped into Brian, all dripping hair and lanky limbs and nothing but a towel around his waist.

“Hey,” he’d protested, pushing you forward a bit so you weren’t standing on his foot.

“Oh, sorry,” you said, unblushing at the slightly compromising situation you found yourself in, you with no bra and him with no clothes at all. There was nothing romantic or sexual between the two of you; though you’d nursed a latent crush on him in the early days of your friendship, living with him had made that a thing of the past. Not that you didn’t think Brian was good-looking or sweet or good fun to be around; you just knew that he’d make some other girl quite happy, and his friendship meant the world to you.

“Mind telling me why you’re just standing right at the doorway?” he asked, amused. Then, with a flicker of worry, “Did you need in? Sorry if I was taking too long.”

“No, you’re ok,” you said. “I just... ah, didn’t know we were having company.”

“Oh, yeah, sorry,” he said, realizing. “I meant to tell you last night. We’re going over a few things before the show. I asked him to put on some tea and I told him you had a stash of Jammie Dodgers up in the cabinet.”

You frowned. “You’re not even supposed to know about those.”

Brian smirked. “You want me to go tell John that he can’t have any?”

“No,” you said quickly. “But next time, I’m telling him about your million-year-old brandy hidden behind that vase from your mother that you never use.”

He gave a melodramatic gasp. “That’s not even on the same level as Jammie Dodgers.”

“It’s the principle of the matter, Brimi.”

“Fine, point taken.” He gave you a crooked smile. “You could go say hi, you know, instead of hiding out and arguing with me. He doesn’t bite. Unless you wanted him to, maybe.”

“Brian,” you scolded, feeling your cheeks flush. He only laughed. 

“Besides, I can’t go out there looking like this,” you insisted, your voice a little quieter for fear of John overhearing.

“No?” Brian teased, matching your tone. “Maybe he’s into the all-natural kind of thing.”

“Brian Harold May,” you said, smacking his arm and earning another laugh from him. “You’re horrible, you know that?”

“Maybe,” he said with a grin. “But you should still go say hi.”

He crossed to his bedroom and shut the door behind him; you followed suit, putting a bra on and checking that your hair wasn’t a complete mess. You didn’t want this John Richard Deacon fellow to think that you were avoiding him, but you also didn’t want to be an absolute mess the first time you really talked to him. Satisfied, marginally, with your appearance, you went back out to the hallway and rounded the corner, making your way into the kitchen.

“Hi,” you ventured, giving a shy little wave even though he had his back to you. He turned to face you with the expression of a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar, his smile endearingly nervous. 

“Hi,” he said. “Sorry about - I mean - I couldn’t help but overhear, I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I - ”

“Oh, that’s ok,” you assured him, feeling a little embarrassed. Which parts had he heard? “Brian and I aren’t masters of arguing quietly.”

“All the same, I’m sorry if it was a bit of a shock to see me in your kitchen so early,” he said, bashful. “I asked Brian if you were ok with it, and he said you would be. And that he’d let you know.”

“Well, no harm done,” you said, giving him a smile and hoping to ease his guilt. “If there’s one thing to know about Brian, it’s that he’s an absolute genius who would lose his head if it weren’t attached to him. He tends to be very scatterbrained.”

He smiled. “Well, I guess I’ll remember that for next time and ask you myself if it’s ok to come over.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a deep blush rose to his cheeks. “Not that I’m - I mean - sorry, that was - ” He gave a nervous laugh. “Awfully presumptuous of me.”

“No, you’re fine,” you said, endeared to him. “You don’t have to ask to come over here - Roger and Freddie are over here all hours, and now that you’re in the band, our home is your home too.”

“Oh,” he said softly, surprised. “That’s very kind. Thank you.” He looked down at his shoes, a well-loved pair of trainers. “I wouldn’t go giving me any special band privileges yet, though, I’ve only just auditioned.”

Trying to make him feel more at ease, you hopped up on the bar stool at the island, trying to give the impression that this was just a casual conversation and not the Spanish Inquisition. You leaned your elbows on the counter and propped your chin in your hand.

“Oh, I think you’re here to stay,” you said sincerely. “I’m no musical genius like you guys, but it sounded great to me at your audition. And the boys have said they think you’re really good.”

He looked up at you, his brown eyes alight and hopeful. “They have?”

You smiled. He really did have the loveliest features, all brightened and softened by this newfound excitement. You found yourself wondering what it would be like to have him look that way because of you, maybe because you decided to reach up on tiptoes and kiss him...

You blushed, shaking your head to clear it. Geez, you couldn’t remember the last time you’d been absolutely doe-eyed over somebody like this, much less after only meeting him one time and then stumbling upon him in your kitchen at seven in the morning. You couldn’t help hiding behind your hands a bit, trying to conceal your deep blush.

“Yeah,” you said, remembering the question. “They really like your style. Roger was impressed that you got ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ right off the bat. That’s one of the ones he auditioned with, and it took him a few run-throughs to get it.”

John’s soft laugh was a little surprised. “Roger was impressed?”

You smiled. “Yeah, he was, and don’t let him get to you. He’s a jackass, but he’s really a sweetheart underneath all that.”

“Well... I’m looking forward to getting to know that side of him,” John said diplomatically, drawing a laugh from you. You couldn’t help but notice the way he smiled when you laughed, and you felt you’d like to make him smile like that all the time.

The kettle began its familiar whistle and John turned to take it off the stove, filling two mugs with hot water before replacing it on the eye.

“Tea’s up in the cabinet to your left,” you said. “Though Brian probably told you that. Help yourself to whatever kind you like - we have kind of an eclectic collection.”

“I’m really plain when it comes to tea,” he admitted. “I usually go for Lady Grey or something equally unexciting.”

“Lady Grey's my favorite, actually,” you said with a smile. “That should be up on top.”

He took two teabags out of the box and fixed your mugs, spooning some sugar into yours at your request and adding milk to both. He handed your mug to you and you cradled it with both hands, letting the warmth seep into your fingers. 

“Thank you for making tea,” you said. “I wouldn’t have made you make tea - I mean, you’re the guest, after all - but my skill for being a hostess has never quite rubbed off on Brian. So I apologize on his behalf.”

“Oh, you don’t need to,” John said, a little embarrassed. “I don’t mind. Did I make yours alright?”

You took a sip. “Perfect,” you told him.

You sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both of you sipping at your tea, the sunlight growing brighter as it filled your tiny flat. You had the feeling that you would be content to spend every morning like this, sharing tea with John Richard Deacon.

“So, John,” you said. “Can I ask you something?”

He looked up at you and gave you a gentle smile. “Of course.”

You bit your lip. “What do you do in real life?”

You could tell from the sound of his laugh that you’d caught him off guard. “What do you mean?”

“You know, like, not in the band.”

“Oh,” he said, his smile still lingering. “Um, I study electrical engineering at university. Not that exciting.”

“I don’t know,” you said. “You must know lots of fun things. Do you like studying it?”

“Very much, actually,” he said. “It’s always been a hobby of mine since I was a kid, and it’ll suit me just fine for my living. Actually, I’ve been hoping to get a closer look at Brian’s guitar and ask him about how he wired it.”

“Oh, he’ll talk with you about Red Special to your heart’s content,” you said. “And probably past that. Seriously, don’t be afraid to ask him about it. He’ll talk your ear off.”

“Who’ll talk whose ear off?”

Both you and John looked over to the doorway, seeing Brian come in.

“You’re going to talk John’s ear off about the Red Special,” you clarified. “He’s interested in how it’s wired.”

“Are you really?” Brian asked excitedly.

John smiled. “Yeah, I’d love to know how you built it. It’s fantastic, and that sound is so unique.”

“Oh, well, thank you,” Brian said, his cheeks pinking a little. He busied himself making himself some tea, John politely moving out of the way of Brian’s gangly limbs. 

“Y/N’s right,” Brian said. “I’ll babble on ‘til you’re begging me to stop. But you’re more than welcome to take a look at her.”

John’s gaze flickered to you. “H-her?”

You blushed and Brian chuckled. “Oh, sorry, I meant Red Special. My one and only. I don’t have any say in who takes a look at Y/N.”

Your flush deepened. “Bri,” you warned. You looked over to John. “Sorry about him, he’s - ”

“Just teasing,” Brian supplied with a grin. “As she knows.” He tugged on a curl that had come loose from your bun. “But enough about you two, you’ve got me started on my guitar, and I’m not going to stop anytime soon. Come on, John, give me your professional electrical engineer opinion.”

John gave you a sweet smile as he made to follow Brian to the living room. “It was lovely having tea with you,” he said.

You returned his smile. “You too, John Richard Deacon.”

He chuckled at the reminder of how he’d introduced himself. “Maybe we could have tea again, before our next show.”

You grinned. “I’d like nothing better.”

Read part 5!

series taglist: @mirkwoodshewolf @caborhapch @in-theyearof39 @someone-get-a-medic @deaky-dandelion @simply-sams-things @jazzman-19 @ixchel-9275 

forever taglist: @tv-saved-the-teenage-girl @hazah @dashlilymark @punkgeekchic @harrisunn @stephydearestxo @luckytrashgooprebel

let me know if you’d like to be added to either! also, let me know if i’ve put you on the wrong one, or if i’ve forgotten to add you!

[blissfullylostinarabbithole]

Split Heart Pt. 2

Pairing: AU Bucky x Reader, Reader x Wanda x Natasha x Clint (friendship)

Word Count: 3.7k

Summary: Bucky immediately catches Reader’s eye and becomes infatuated. 

Warnings: Abusive home situation (nothing too detailed), some swearing, underage Reader (no smut, but still), underage drinking.

A/N: Here’s me starting another mini series... Oops.

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“Valet?” Is this guy serious?” Clint asked, wide eyed at the people in vests taking everyone’s keys.

You all got out and Clint reluctantly let the guy take his car. The party was already in full swing, though for how long, you didn’t know. From what you could tell, no one was wasted yet, but some were getting close.

“Wow! You guys look amazing!” An already drunk Sharon barely recognized Wanda, and did a double take at the rest of you. “Ok you,” she slurred, pointing at all of you. “Rule number o-one: if you have too much to drink, don’t drive home. Tony’s paid for a bunch of cabs for the night, so take one. Don’t worry about money, he already paid them for the night,” she repeated. “Rule number two;” she held up two fingers. “you see the guy onstage?” She pointed to the band playing, and your jaw dropped at the gorgeous specimen on the mic. “That’s Peggy’s boyfriend. So no flirting!”

“Which one?” you asked before you could stop yourself.

“The blond one on bass.”

You let out a sigh of relief as you tore your eyes away from the guitarist and eyed the bassist. You were about to ask who the other guy was, but Sharon had already gone. It was just as well; even if you managed to meet him, it’s not like you could date him. For starters, you’d never be able to go anywhere with him, and then there was the fact that you were still in high school. But still, tonight you were Esmeralda, and Esmeralda could be whatever she wanted. So you shrugged the guy off for now and headed to the bar area with your friends to get a drink.

Wanda asked for an apple juice in a solo cup, and the bartender shook his head in amusement. You wondered briefly if you’d be carded, but when Nat and Clint asked for a beer without issue, you decided to ask for a cocktail. Shortly after, you and Wanda started to mingle and play around with your new identities while the other two hit the dance floor.

You both made your rounds around the room, and even chatted with some people outside. No one suspected your true age, and you were having a blast with it. A few people threw some appreciative glances your way, but nothing out of order. At the bar to get your second drink, you ran into the Peggy Carter and the blond man from the stage that Sharon pointed out.

“Hello,” she greeted kindly. “I’m Peggy, and this is Steve.”

“Hi,” you smiled at them both.

“This is Esmeralda, and I’m Marya,” Wanda offered. You all shook hands and made small talk about the party, when none other than Tony Stark joined you.

“Well well, what have we here? Two lovely ladies I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting. I’m Tony.” He took your hand and kissed the back of it, repeating the same with Wanda. “I trust you’re enjoying my little soiree?”

“Yes, thank you,” you replied, grimacing a little at the way his eyes slowly raked over your bodies.

“Tony!” Peggy smacked his arm. “You’ll have to forgive him, girls. Despite being born into privilege, he never seemed to have learned any manners.”

He clutched his chest in mock hurt, rolling his eyes at the disappointed look Steve gave him. “My sincerest apologies ladies. Perhaps I can make it up to you with a dance later?” he waggled his eyebrows at you, making you both laugh despite his rudeness just before. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see to my other guests.”

One of Peggy’s friends called her and she excused herself, while Steve said it was nice to meet you, but was needed back on stage. You and Wanda decided to hit the dance floor, really liking the sound of Steve’s band. After a few songs, some of which were covers, you both needed something to drink. Nat and Clint were at the bar as well, and they pulled you to the corner before you could get anything.

“Oh my god,” Natasha gushed. “You know that totally hunky singer?”

“Hey!” Clint frowned, but smiled again when she kissed him.

“Kinda hard to miss,” you swooned, not noticing the music stopped.

“Well he was totally checking you out,” she smirked.

“Shut up.”

“Nope. It’s true,” Clint said. “And his eyes didn’t leave you for the last three songs.”

Wanda bumped your shoulder, cheeks tinted pink at the thought.

“Come on, the place is crowded. He could have been looking at anyone,” you reasoned.

“Well, what do you say we run a little test?” Natasha raised a brow at you. “He’s at the bar right now, and has already looked over here twice. We could leave, and if he comes over to talk to you, then you’ll now I’m telling the truth.”

Before you could answer, Wanda squealed and pulled the other two away, leaving you alone at the end of the bar. Not knowing what to do, you reached inside your boot and checked the time. It was already past midnight.

“Hey there,” a silky voice caught your attention. You looked up, right into the eyes of none other than the singer of Steve’s band.

“Hello,” you replied shyly.

“I noticed your cup was empty, and I ordered you another drink,” he flashed a charming smile.

You swallowed hard, having learned from a young age to never accept a drink you didn’t watch get mixed. You desperately hoped he hadn’t done what people warned you about.

“Thank you, but I was actually drinking water from now on.”

“Alright,” his smile never faltered, and he turned back to the bar. “A water for the lady, please.” He took a drink from the cup he offered you, sending a wave of relief crashing over you. The bartender handed him a bottle of water, and he handed it over to you. “You don’t go here,” he stated.

You paused as you were opening the bottle. “How would you know?” you asked as nonchalantly as you could.

“I’d remember you if you did,” he licked his bottom lip, drawing your eyes right to it. “The school’s not that big.”

“Well, you caught me,” you shrugged, taking a drink.

“So where do you go? What year are you in?” he leaned against the bar, making it clear he intended to stay for a while.

“I’m a sophomore,” you said, ignoring his first question.

“Where?”

You smiled coyly, shaking your head. “I may not be six years old, but I still know the dangers of talking to strangers,” you joked, making him chuckle.

“My name’s Bucky,” he offered his hand, smiling when you accepted it. “What’s yours?” He moaned softly when you bit your lip suppressing a smile. “You’re killin’ me here, Babydoll.”

Heat rushed up your neck and settled on your cheeks at the pet name. Before you could reply, another woman came and yanked him away from you. “Bucky! What are you doing?”

“Woah, relax, come on let go of me.” Bucky tried to pull away, sending her an unfriendly look.

“I knew all I had to do to find you was find the trashiest skank in the place,” she shot you a dirty look, and you raised your brows at her.

“Stop it, Dot! What are you even doing here?”

“I came to see you perform! You know, like any good girlfriend would?”

Your jaw dropped. “Oh my god… I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize…” you began to back away from them, and Bucky looked at you wide eyed.

“No! That’s not-”

“BARNES!” another man came into the bar and grabbed him by the arm to lead him away. “You said a short break and it’s been too damned long already.”

“Babydoll!” he called back to you. “Don’t leave!”

He was led to the stage, where Steve waited patiently. Seeing the angry look Bucky was sending Sam, he rolled his eyes and prepared to do some damage control.

“What’s going on?” he asked humorlessly.

“This birdbrain pulled me away just as Dot ruined my conversation with a girl,” he shot a glance her way, knowing she was following close behind.

He followed Bucky’s gaze, clenching his jaw when he saw the girl that chased them all way from Brooklyn. “What girl?”

“Oh man, Stevie, you shoulda seen her,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Absolutely beautiful and Dot just came in and…” His eyes lit up as he got an idea. “You guys know ‘Thorn in my Side’?”

Sam rolled his eyes, situating himself behind the drums. “Yeah.” Steve nodded, getting what he wanted to do.

“Great!” he grabbed his guitar and approached the mic.

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

To say you were disappointed would be an understatement. As soon as your friends saw him leave the bar area, they ran back inside to ask what had happened.

“I should have known he had a girlfriend,” you shook your head sadly. “He’s too beautiful not to.”

“I wouldn’t jump to conclusions,” Clint advised. “Sounds like it’s not quite what it seems if he tried to explain.”

“I don’t know about that…”

“Do you want to go home?” Nat asked, biting her lip, hoping you’d say no.

You snorted and shook your head. “Nah, let’s go dance some more.”

They cheered and pulled you out to the dance floor, your eyes immediately going to the stage. Your heart fluttered when you saw Bucky’s eyes were focused on you as he stepped up to the mic.

“Hey, so this next song is a cover, and I dedicate it to the crazy broad who won’t accept it’s over,” he side eyed Dot, who huffed, but refused to move. He looked back to you and smirked, oozing a confidence he didn’t feel. “It’s been over a looong time.”

“See?” Wanda whispered, taking your hands in hers. The music started and you began to dance, Clint and Nat were beside you, giving you knowing looks.

‘Thorn in my side

You know that's all you ever were

A bundle of lies

You know that's all that it was worth

I should have known better

But I trusted you at first

I should have known better

But I got what I deserved’

You looked down at the floor, knowing you were no better than the person the song was about. You knew you never stood a chance with a guy like Bucky, yet you decided to flirt with him anyway. Esmeralda is who caught his attention, but you were only Y/N; a high school sophomore with so much makeup even your own mother wouldn’t recognize you. Seeing the change in your demeanor, Wanda pulled you close and asked what was wrong.

You led her outside, where the other two followed.

“I feel bad lying to him,” you whispered.

“Hey,” Natasha lifted your chin. “Tell him the truth if you want, but we all know tonight is all you have either way. He may never see Esmeralda again, and Y/N probably won’t be on his radar. At least not for a few years.”

“So I can either enjoy it for the night, or end it now…” you trailed off. “I’m gonna stay out here for a bit and think. You guys go ahead and go back in.”

“Are you sure?” Clint asked. “We can stay with you, it’s not a problem.”

“I’m sure. I just need to decide how I’m gonna handle it if he comes to speak to me again.” You watched them head back inside the house, not knowing the decision was about to be made for you. You didn’t know how long you were lost in your head, at the predicament you were in, when someone called out to you.

“Heeeey beautiful,” a guy you didn’t know approached. “There you are! Been hiding from me?”

“I think you have me confused with someone else,” you calmly stated.

“Nope,” he popped the ‘p’, obviously drunk out of his mind. “It’s you I been thinking about, in that tiny little skirt. Been dying to take a peek at what’s under it,” he winked.

You scoffed at how ridiculous he sounded and stood, deciding to head back inside after all. “Excuse me, I need to find my friends.”

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

Bucky deflated as he watched you leave, but finished the song as best he could.

“Did she hear it?” Steve asked.

“She heard it, but she went outside.” They played several more songs while he thought about what to do next. He needed to know you understood Dot was a thing of the past, and always would be. “We should take a break,” he said, concerned that you hadn’t come back inside.

“Man,” Sam stood and blocked Bucky’s path. “You need another break? Tony’s not paying us to take breaks.”

Steve stepped in, pulling Sam back. “He’s probably already in bed with a couple of the guests. Why don’t you go get a drink and mingle for a bit?” He clapped him on the shoulder and saw him off before returning his attention to Bucky. “So who’s the girl?”

“Dunno. I didn’t catch her name. She doesn’t go here, though, that’s for sure.”

“How do you know?”

“No way I wouldn’t have noticed her if she did,” he grinned. “Come on, I’ll show you.” They walked to the door that led into the back yard and stopped, seeing you speaking to another guest. “There she is,” Bucky sighed.

“Oh, you mean Esmeralda?”

Bucky’s eyes snapped toward him. “You know her?”

“No. I mean, Peg and I met her earlier, that’s all.”

“Is she a local?”

“I don’t think so,” Steve shook his head. “Tony’s lived here all his life and he didn’t meet her before tonight, either.”

“That doesn’t mean she’s not. It’s not exactly a small town,” Bucky commented hopefully. “Maybe we should start exploring our new home…”

He saw Steve’s jaw set and followed his line of sight toward you. You were walking away from the man you’d been speaking to, neither of them liking the way he was looking at you as he followed.

“Come on, sweet cheeks! You wouldn’t be dressed like a tease unless you wanted some action,” the drunk man called. “It’s only fair you see it through.”

You swung around and faced him. “Excuse me?” You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. “I don’t owe you a damned thing!” you shouted, taking a threatening step toward him.

The guy looked behind you as the two large men stalked toward you, and pulled you into an embrace. “Fuck off! I called dibs on this one!”

“Get your hands off her!” Bucky shouted, not slowing down in the slightest.

You stomped on his foot and headbutted his face when he bent from the pain, effectively making him release you. You tried to check if he was bleeding, but someone pulled you away before you could.

“Are you alright?” Bucky gave you a quick once over for injuries.

“Yeah, fine, just… wow, what a creep,” you stammered. Your heart hammered in your chest, though if it was over almost being groped or the close proximity to Bucky, you didn’t know.

“Don’t worry about it, Esmeralda, he won’t be bothering you again.” Steve reassured, making your heart stop momentarily. “I’ll be escorting him out. See ya later.” He walked away, practically dragging the guy behind him.

You swallowed hard and tentatively met Bucky’s gaze. You thought you would see a smirk on his face from learning your fake name, but you found only concern.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” he asked softly, as if you might be frightened of loud noises.

“Yeah. Thank you.” You tried to smile, but it came out more like a grimace.

“Do you need a ride home or something?”

“No, I came with friends,” you said. “I could use some water, though.”

“Ok,” he smiled that charming smile again, and you felt your knees grow weak. “Let’s head inside.”

He ordered you another bottle, and sat silently watching you while you drank it and calmed your nerves. He’d wanted to find you to explain about Dot, but it seemed so unimportant in light of what just happened. Still, he was glad she had stormed out when the song was over, hopefully for the last time.

“Not that I don’t enjoy the company,” your voice pulled him from his thoughts. “but shouldn’t you be playing?”

He shrugged, leaning back against the bar, trying to look cool. “Knowing Tony, he’s already out cold. He won’t know, as long as you don’t tell,” he winked.

You chuckled, looking away bashfully. “I won’t tell him,” you assured. “So, where are you from?” You knew you had no right to ask, as you avoided his question earlier, but you were intrigued. “You have a hint of an accent.”

“Brooklyn,” he answered without issue. “Me and Steve both. Sam, our drummer, is from Harlem.”

“Did you guys meet here or in New York?”

“Steve and I have been friends since we were kids,” he grinned, thinking about the past. “He went to a different school, though, and that’s how he met Sam.”

“When did you form the band?” you asked, not being able to get enough of his voice.

“You’re a curious one,” he teased. “Should I be flattered you wanna know more about me?” He wagged his eyebrows, making your face heat up again.

“I’m sorry,” you smiled sheepishly. “I know I shouldn’t ask when I wasn’t willing to answer the same.”

“So tell me something, then,” he laughed softly, the sound making you swoon. “Nothing identifying if you don’t want, but… what’s your favorite song?”

“Oh man, I have too many.”

Bucky placed his arm on the bar, resting his chin on his hand. “I’m listening.”

You named a few songs, and some were favorites of his, too. He asked you what it was you liked about them, and sat back to listen, absorbing every word. He was instantly interested in the songs he hadn’t heard of, and pulled out his phone, insisting he needed to hear them. He pulled some ear buds out of his pocket, and offered you one. It was hard for him to pay attention to the song. He marveled at how stunning you looked, eyes closed and faintly smiling as you hummed softly and swayed to the music. He barely noticed the song finished when you opened your eyes and looked deep into his.

“What did you think?” you whispered, afraid to ruin the moment.

“Beautiful…”

You closed your eyes, sighing when you felt the vibrations on your leg. For a moment, you felt panic thinking it was one of your parents, having found out you weren’t in bed. But you were relieved, and a little annoyed, to see it was a text from Clint.

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

Clint: Time to head home, Cinderella.

Y/N: Alright, just give me a minute to say goodbye.

Clint: We’ll be waiting out front.

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

“I have to go.” You couldn’t look at him. You were afraid you would break down if you did. It was ridiculous, you knew, to feel so strongly for someone you just met; for someone you would likely never see again.

He cleared his throat, and offered you a strained smile you didn’t see. “I’ll walk you out.”

You took a few steps and faltered when you noticed he wasn’t beside you. Thinking he changed his mind, you proceeded toward the front door. Feeling a hand gently wrap around your arm, you turned back to find him smiling confidently.

“What?” you couldn’t help but smile back, even though you felt the cracks deepening in your heart.

“Call me. Please.” He pressed a napkin into your hand, and slowly leaned in, gently landing his lips on yours for a chaste kiss. “Goodnight, Babydoll.”

“Night,” you replied breathlessly. He gave your cheek a gentle stroke before returning to the bar area. You stepped out, and found your friends gaping at you, Wanda with her phone facing you. “Did you just take a picture?”

She silently nodded, starting to grin wider than you’d ever seen before. The valet retrieved Clint’s car and you climbed inside, where Wanda finally let loose the excitement she was about to burst with.

“He kissed you! Oh my god it looked so sweet! Were his lips soft? What happened before that?”

You told them everything: Steve calling you by your fake name, your chat with Bucky at the bar, and the drunk guy who’d gotten ahold of you. Natasha wanted to know if you’d recognize him if you saw him again, and huffed in annoyance when you didn’t give her the answer she wanted. Clint only laughed when when you told him about the headbutt, and Wanda gushed over Steve and Bucky helping you out.

By the time they pulled up to your block, it was nearly 4:30. More than enough time to sneak back in before your father returned from work.

“Guys, thanks so much for talking me into this. It was amazing, even if…” you trailed off sadly, the butterflies in your tummy slowly dying.

“I know,” Nat offered you a sympathetic smile. “But hey, at least you got to kiss him!”

You scrunched your face in embarrassment, bringing a hand up to cover your eyes for a bit. “I did! I gotta go, I’ll see you later, alright?”

“We’ll stay here until you text us you’re in,” Clint whisper shouted.

Giving them one last wave, you turned and walked as quietly as you could toward your house. You made it to the back yard and back in through your window without issue. After texting your friends you were safely in your room, you replaced the screen on your window, cleaned up, and changed for bed, knowing you wouldn’t sleep a wink for the rest of the night. You kept replaying your interactions with Bucky, over and over, often tracing your lips with your fingers. Reaching over to your bedside table, you eyed the napkin he gave you with his number. Getting up, you found another old book near your money one, and gingerly placed the napkin inside; a memento of your first college party.

~ ~ TAG LISTS ~ ~

Permanent -  @melconnor2007 @ria132love @psychicwitchphilosopher @sireennotsiren  @silence–in–the–library @thefridgeismybestie @hymnofthevalkyrie

Avengers - @majd943

Bucky - @cassandras-musings