He’d be lying to anyone and everyone and himself if he said he wasn’t, at heart, a fan of science fiction and science in general (his idea of a double date with Steve back in the forties had been a s c i e n c e e x p o, for god’s sake. If that isn’t self-explanatory, he doesn’t know what is).
Because of this, Bucky’s always taken to reading as much science fiction as he’s been able to get his hands on, especially in the 21st century after being freed from Hydra’s clutches and his brainwashing as the Winter Soldier — and, for the most part, he’s always enjoyed whatever it is he’s read. Verne, Asimov, even Arthur C. Clarke, you name it.
Which is why he’s been drawn to frequent trips to the Cambria’s library — and he’ll admit, it’s an impressive one at that — as often as possible; Bucky’s discovered they, too, have a science fiction section (which is actually surprising, considering the setting in which the library itself exists) and it’s honestly a means of setting his heart at ease, a means of relaxing and letting his mind wander in a safer and more secure setting. Something he enjoys, has always enjoyed, and can indulge in privately, so to speak.
… Well. Privately being a theoretical term, at least; it seems he’s been found out. He raises an eyebrow and freezes, his right hand hovering over a particular title, as the librarian approaches him and speaks up — looking excited at the idea of maybe getting to show Bucky something else. And sure enough, when Bucky follows him to the front desk there’s a small selection, one he guesses the guy’s picked out just for him, of books he surprisingly hasn’t actually read yet but judging by their covers appear to be sci-fi titles, and in that moment Bucky honestly can’t help the small — albeit grateful — smile that appears.
“That’s… impressive, actually,” he muses, tearing his eyes away from the books in front of them and up to the other’s face. “I gotta ask, though, pal — do you do this for all of your patrons? Or just me?” He asks, still smiling.
"Do I keep an eye on every tall, bright-eyed, handsome stranger who visits the science fiction section? No, just you. And I've decided your tastes are exceptional and worth my time." He said then gave a playful wink in turn. Dorian will admit it, loves fascinating people and things, and Bucky has become fascinating. Maybe it’s a little off, you’re not just supposed to stare at someone who comes into where you work and watch them a little longer than most. Maybe he shouldn’t have been so focused on the titles Bucky read but, well, Dorian could never control him impulses. Why start now?
At least he hasn’t been found creepy, Dorian wouldn’t be able to handle that if he was seen that way, he already felt a little bad for being nosy, he couldn’t possibly handle the shame if this wasn’t received well.
“Dorian Pavus, consider me your new library advisor, especially when we get something new for your favorite haunt. Please, I love my job, but I need tasks more fun to do then restocking and checking in books. Giving book suggestions? Something I can do. I put all these in the system you know, busy work is not very mentally stimulating.” Presumptuous as it may sound, to declare such a role it added more fun to his job as it did to meet up with Bucky again. Dorian needed more stimulation, and a challenge if he’s being honest. Five books he’d picked out and he was glad they all fit the tastes of the man before him.
“So all of them or should I save a few for when you return?” he doesn’t know why he’s nervous, is it a fear of rejection? Odd. He’s just doing something nice for someone who frequents and you should be nice to repeat costumers yes? Yes. That’s it, that’s exactly it, nothing else, Perfectly normal, no matter how much he’s rambling.
