Summary: This is the story of how it all began between the baker and you.
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x GN!Reader
Word Count: 1.1K Rating: T
Tags: fluff, baker Bucky, shy Bucky, shy reader, gender neutral reader, guest starring Steve, comfort, falling in love, love at first sight, angst only because everyone is a little anxious, soft vibes
Masterlist
This is the story of how it all began between the baker and you.
…
The second you stepped into the bakery at five A.M running on three hours of sleep you were a goner. How was anyone supposed to resist a hot man with his sleeves rolled all the way up his muscled forearms elbow deep in a mound of dough? You stood rooted to the spot, just inside the front door long after the last chime of the entry bell had faded, just staring at the most perfect man you’d ever seen. From his short dark hair to his soft parted lips he was an absolute knockout, and that was before you even got to his muscles.
Every time he kneaded the dough his forearms would flex, showing off absolutely mouthwatering muscles and tendons, not to mention the breathtaking tattoo that covered his entire left arm. With how exhausted you were you had no defense against his perfect existence and the added warm light and heavenly smell of baking bread was making the whole experience feel like a scene from a romance novel. You knew you were gawking at him as he worked the dough back and forth on the prep table but you couldn't look away. Your only saving grace was the fact that he hadn't seemed to notice your arrival, his head bowed and his thick eyebrows knit in concentration.
There was a jingle behind you and you almost jumped out of your skin as you were forcibly ripped from your heart eyed trance. Quickly you stepped aside, your blood pounding from embarrassment and surprise as you tried to kickstart your frazzled brain into functioning again. An absolute hunk of a man who was all broad shoulders and blue eyes stepped into the bakery and grinned at you.
“Hi! Sorry we’re not actually open yet but if you give me a moment I’ll be right with you.” Your brain was too confused and overwhelmed to come up with a normal answer so you just gave him a smile and a nod even as he turned away and hurried behind the front counter. You stood awkwardly by the door, your hands gripping your purse strap like it was the only thing keeping you from bolting. The new man jabbed the dark haired beauty in the ribs as he passed, making him jump and scowl at him as he removed a previously hidden earbud. And although their conversation wasn't meant for you, you could clearly hear what was said.
“I swear Bucky, one day you’re going to leave the front door unlocked and someone’s going to rob us blind.”
…
From then on every time you came in your eyes were drawn to Bucky. He always had his head bowed as his perfect hands mixed and poured and cut whatever he was making that day. His flour dusted apron was the only messy part of him as he poured over his delicious creations.
He never said anything to you, although sometimes he’d catch you watching him and he’d give you a shy smile which you always returned before the both of you looked away. You didn't mind his lack of interaction, you weren't sure you’d be able to actually say anything to him with how tongue tied he made you. Time after time you came back, always ordering whatever was freshest knowing that no matter what it was it would be perfect because he made it. And every time you met each other's eyes your heart swelled and you promised yourself that one day you’d talk to him.
This ritual of stolen glances and blushing smiles continued until one faithful day Steve was absent from the front counter. You’d stepped inside, inhaling the aroma of whatever sweet treat was currently baking before you glanced up. Instead of being in his usual place at the prep table Bucky stood behind the cash register, his flour dusted apron a little more smeared than usual and his cheeks a little redder. Maybe it was the lack of Steve or any other customers, or maybe it was the general air of hopefulness between the two of you but for the first time since you started coming there you met his eyes and held them as you stepped forwards.
“Hi.” Your voice was small as you greeted him, a little more breathy than you’d like.
But his was equally as quiet, betraying just how nervous he was to talk to you too. “Hi. What can I get for you?”
Luckily your order was always the same so even though your heart was beating at stroke level you were able to get it out without stumbling over your words.
“One of whatever’s freshest please.”
Bucky's smile widened as he turned and scooped a still hot cinnamon roll off the cooling rack and deposited it in a perfect white paper bag which he placed on the counter. When your eyes met again you couldn't help but flush even warmer and you let your gaze fall as a pretense for digging for your wallet.
There was a crinkle in front of you as Bucky pushed the paper bag closer. “Uh, It's free today.”
You paused and looked up in surprise only to find him fiddling with the corner of your bag. “What?”
He seemed to take a deep breath as if steeling himself before he met your eyes once more. “It’s your thirteenth order. Like a bakers dozen, so the thirteenth is free. Not that I’ve been counting how many things you buy, well I have but not in a weird way. Wait no, that came out wrong. What I mean is you’re a customer and you come a lot and-” As he’d rambled you’d just stared at him open-mouthed as he got redder and redder before he forced himself to stop by biting his tongue, his eyes falling to the counter in embarrassment.
All your shyness and quiet longing was replaced by a spark of confidence that made you feel like a live wire. You gripped the edge of the counter as inspiration struck you and before you could chicken out you went for it.
“What if I wanted to change my order?” You couldn’t keep the hopeful grin off your face even as you licked your lips nervously.
Bucky's eyes were downcast, his cheeks still flaming with embarrassment from his earlier outburst. “Sure, no problem.”
You let out a little huff of air and let yourself hope as you watched his face. “Can I get your number instead?”
His hands were wrapped around the bag to pull it away but he released it in surprise as he looked up. His eyes found yours and he must have seen the nervous hope there because his face broke out in an excited smile and he nodded, all of his shyness replaced by joy.
…
And that was how you snagged the love of your life, by ordering a baker's dozen.
@writer-wednesday
