summary: Boxer Bucky is climbing his way to the top, at the annual boxer championship he invites his close friends to watch him take the championship title, his close friend sam decides to bring along a plus 1, inviting y/n to watch buckys match.
unbeknownst to you, you end up distracting the boxer landing him a harsh punch.
A couple years earlier Bucky and y/n had a new found attraction for each other, exploring that, they started a friends with benefits deal. Buckys main rule was no feelings, not sticking to that y/n fell for him. and she fell hard.
Keeping to his word he ended it and never spoke to her. Breaking her heart.
A/n- REPOST!!!! Hello!! i edited this, i didnt add much but i made it a little better it was kinda bad and really short. i hope you like it!
Buckys attention was ripped from his opponent as his eyes found sam who was screaching his name, he was about to turn and contiune the fight until he saw someone attached to sam his arm rested over her shoulder his eyes fell on a unforgettable girl. y/n settled next to his friend. The crowd roared as Rumlow hooked the winter soilders jaw, knocking him back, stumbling for his posture a loud ringing sound echoed through his head stopping him. the 3rd round had ended. Stumbling over to his corner buck slouched down as Steve ran to his side followed by banner, immediately banner began wiping the blood and sweat from him, placing
two bags stuffed with ice on his chest and back. Steve crouched beside him a hand on his back. Bucky stared out into the crowed, the words of his couch and friend fading into the background noise as his ears rang, memories of you invading his mind.
"what the hell happened out there buck."
...
"What got you so good damn distracted"
...
"Nothing" he hissed staring down his opponent
...
As the forth round begun bucky stood tall focusing his punches, pure power and force pounded into Rumlow. "What got you so distracted barnes" Rumlow spoke lowly, having noticed buckys attention drift during the earlier rounds, "was it that pretty little thing next to sam" a sly smirk appearing across his face, revealing his gum sheild a smile of black and white paint work. Adrenaline and anger rushed though bucky at the mention of you, a deep possessive feeling surged through him at the thought of rumlow thinking about you.
Feeling the impact beneath his hand knocking his opponent to the ground, forcing the ref to pull barnes off of the bleeding rumlow, sweat ran from his temples giving his skin a glossy look, stinging the gash on the high point of his cheek, but Bucky's head was filled with the lingering buzz of epinephrine to notice. "Dont fucking talk about her." He rasped out with clenched teeth. closing in on the drowsy rumlow, he only having just found the strength to stand.
His eyes skimming the crowed as his walked around with his hands above his head claiming his victory, his piercing blue eyes landed on you, ignoring his cheering friend running towards him, his eyes lingered for a little too long before being pulled away by Sam pulling him into a hug.
"Holy shit dude that was fucking insane!" Sam praised to his distracted friend. Clapping his hand against buckys back.
"Why is she here." Barnes spoke gruffly taking the towel provided to him, dragging it down his face clearing it of his sweat.
Wrapping his arm around the boxers shoulder his gaze followed buckys , sam eyed you down with a smile.
"oh cmon' dude shes one of my closets friends,i didnt think youd care if i brought her " he chirped 'yeah whatever'' bucky gruffed.
The boxer headed back to his corner greeting his coach and team, they soon swallowed him in praises and hugs.
Before he could slip away a mic was shoved in his face, sighing mentally kicking him self for agreeing to talk to the press after his fights.
One by one he answered their repetition questions ("how do you feel champ?" Good. "What are you gonna do after" Eat "do you have anybody special in your life" for the millionth time no".
His eyes gained heavier answering panel questions with mundane answers, getting frustrated as his mind drifted off into thoughts of you, replying how your eyes fell on his watching him do what he does best, why were you even here, he couldn't believe you came.
Cutting the interview short he rushed off to the showers washing the sweat and blood from his toned body, once finished he slipped on some loose shorts and a tank top. As he entered his private dressing room Thor was the first to greet him.
"You killed it out there Barnes" he hummed sat across the room from him, the blonde man stood tall a cheesy grim across his face clapping his hands together.
Thor had been apart of his team since he started, he was a good partner to train with and of course Steve his coach, he wouldn't be here without him. And then banner his med, he literally wouldn't be here without him.
Thanking them ,he scanned the room looking for you sighing when he didn't see you, bowing his head in disappointment when he noticed you weren't present. "Hey Sam where's uhh y/n" he spoke sheepishly, eyeing his friend across from him.
...
"She went to the bathroom. She should be back soon" sam's face contorted his brows furrowing, confused at bucky's sudden interest in your where abouts.
Bucky nodded crossing his arms over his well built chest as he leaned against the nearest wall. His mind wondering off to thoughts of you late nights together, wrapped up in each others limbs.
"Why...just remembered how hot she is?" Sam cooed eyeing Bucky his eyebrows bouncing
Grunting, Bucky ignored his comment, finding him self watching the door waiting for you to walk though it, his leg bouncing in anticipation as the clock ticked on the wall behind him, as soon as he turned his attention away from the door it cracked open, watching you walk though ,his eyes lingered over you. admiring your body. remembering it.
"Hey..congrats on winning the fight" you spoke quietly, slightly uncomfortable with his pressing gaze after so long, your heart clenching as his gaze lingered.
he couldn't believe it you were praising him, the girl who he pushed away after she confessed his feelings for him, the heart that he broke.
You sat down along side sam, his hand moving to rest behind you, giving you a slight squeeze before falling back onto the couch, buckys eyes watched his hand, his heart stammering and clenching and he saw the comfortable touch.
Catching you gaze he let your eyes lock together his heart skipping as a tinge of blush crept up your neck before you avoided his gaze, looking back towards sam, who was loudly talking with the rest of the group.
The room buzzed with the post-match adrenaline, but bucky felt like he was underwater, every sound muffled, every moment slow. His eyes stayed locked on you, even as sams laughter echoded beside you.
You looked different, not physically, he remembered every curve, ever freckle, ever childhood scar. But something in you posture, the way you held yourself. Like you'd built walls up, that he used to be allowed behind.
He hated that.
"Y/n", He said, low and rought, like the name hurt to say. quiet enough to not capture the attention of everyone else in the room.
You turned cautious. "Yeah?"
He hesitated. The words tangled in his throat. im sorry. i missed you. i shouldnt of let you go. But all that came out was,
"Can we talk?"
Your body stiffened, nodding slowly as you stood up, smoothing your hands over your thighs, your hands needing something to do.
Bucky gently led you out of the room just down the corridor to the next private locker room. A quieter space where the hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, trying to look composed. he wasn't.
"I didn't know youd be here" he said
"i wasnt going to come" you repled, voice soft "i came for sam., and rumlow has always put up a good fight."
He nodded, jaw tight, the realisation punching him in the ribs harder than rumlow had earlier. Nodding slowly a tinge of jealousy panging his heart.
pairing: Boxer!Bucky x Reader slight Pietro x reader
word count: 2.6K
Summary: after their night together reliving old memories and old feelings, reality of his decision comes crashing down on her in the morning.
warnings: Angst, slight smut, hurt reader, bucky is still a bit of an ass and awful at communicating, some fluff, mentions of alcohol, mentions of cheating, bucky is jealous.
characters - Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, Steve Rogers, Thor Odinson, Sarah Wilson, Pietro Maximoff, Wanda Maximoff (mentions of Vision) , original OC character for plot.
authors note: Were so back!! i literally fell of the face of the earth and disappeared but i felt like writing randomly so! here you go! (this is not proof read, sorry!)
Waking up that morning, a deep ache in your head, the events of last night flashing through your mind, slightly hazed from the alcohol, a tingle deep in your stomach recalling the events.
Beside you the weight of the mattress moved, he moved. Your head snapped towards him, eyes softening at the look of his, his hair a mess from the night, golden beams of sun brushing against his skin,
Gently bringing your hand up running your fingers along the side of his face, feeling the sharp prickle of his stubble, letting yourself bask in the quiet moment of having him all to your self, not something you think you ached for anymore having parted with the fact bucky would ever change, no matter how much that small part of you hoped that he would.
A phone began ringing from a discarded pair of jeans left on the floor, caught your attention. Along with waking up the large build beside you, his eyes parted, his usual bright blue eyes are a deep blue, his pupils blown wide. a small smile appearing on his face as he takes you in eyes skimming over your bare skin, bruised marks peppering up across you skin from left his mouth.
"your phone.." you mumbled, sleep still evident in your voice. He rubbed his eyes sitting up in the bed a groan falling out of his mouth as he stretched, his back muscles contacting as he moved off the bed towards his phone.
'shit.' he muttered under his breath ,remembering he was planning to meet the guys down in the gym to spar, quickly grabbing his trousers of the floor and shoving his legs into them, buckling his belt as he looked around for his shirt.
your brows furrowed at his change in mood, your heart beginning to sink. "everything okay?" the words came out quieter than you intended.
cleaning his throat, he slipped his shirt on after locating it stuffed at the end of the bed. "yeah fine. i need to go." he spoke avoiding meeting your gaze. He didn't know why he didn't just explain why he needed to go,
A scoff left your lips, rolling your eyes as you sat up pulling the blanket up with you to cover your chest. Your lips parting to reply back, when the words failed leaving you speechless, of course he hadn't changed, he didn't suddenly realise he has feeling for you, you were just convenient. again.
pulling your self up from the bed, making you way to your bathroom, leaving him standing in your room as the door slams behind you, not wanting to see him anymore, a tear glides down your cheek, propelling down your neck softly wetting the marks he left.
dropping down with your back against the door, you hands found you head, gliding into your hair as you let out a gentle sob.
he stared at the now closed bathroom door, brows furrowed, he contemplated walking towards the door to explain to you, until his phone vibrated in his pocket again breaking his thoughts. making him roll his eyes, however it was a different person this time.
Lola- Hey champ, cant wait to see you tonight! xx
The girl he had been sleeping with, nothing serious, to bucky of course. he groaned ignoring her message, shoving his phone back in his pocket as he made his way out of your apartment.
hearing you apartment door shut you gathered yourself, standing up deciding it would be best to have a shower and just get on with your day, you were done waiting for bucky to finally love you, last night was a mistake you both made.
The sound of skin slapping against punching bags echoed through out the gym, quiet grunts and talking scatted through out the place, bucky made his way over to the ring in the middle of the room, where he normally found himself training.
Steve and Sam stood chatting on the side absently watching Thor spar. As Sam gaze wanders he catches bucky walking in "hey man, didn't think you'd be coming...to busy with y/n and all" he smirked giving the tall man a wink, Bucky's head dropped, of course everyone noticed you and bucky had disappeared that night. "nope." he grunted becoming quickly annoyed by Sam.
"no seriously man, did you guys finally get together?" Steve spoke up
causing bucky to furrow his brows, "don't be stupid" walking past the both of them, pulling himself up into the ring, ready to spar to get some of his frustration out.
of course he wanted to be with you right now, he wanted nothing more than to still be in bed with you wrapped up with you, but some part of him didn't trust himself, not around you, he couldn't do that to you, not wanting you to give your all to him and him just leave like he has done so many times before.
unbeknownst to bucky, he already had you, and already had hurt you.
Sam's brows furrowed at his words, a part of him had always known about your feelings for bucky, and wished it worked out between you both. Slipping his phone out, deciding to check in on you.
Sam- hey sugar, how you feeling you were slamming those shots back last night like crazy
Your phone pining brings you out of your daze, stepping out of the shower wrapping a towel tight around your self, catching a look of yourself in the mirror as you walked by the hickeys littered on your skin making your stomach drop, reminding you of how stupid you could be to let him back into your bed again.
Quickly shutting a part of you off that hoped that bucky had messaged you, explaining his quick departure. A small smile spread across your face as you saw Sam's.
y/n- my heads seen better days
Sam- Youll be okay, u still meeting us later at the boat? sarah cant wait to see you sugar
sighing you had completely forgot about that, promising sarah you would go, you time together being more sparce as you both became busier.
y/n- ofc sammy, ill see you later!
quickly typing back, as the pounding in you head became stronger, making you way to the kitchen to cook up something and having a glass of water, hoping to calm down this hangover.
As the time ticked away you became acutely away of how you'd have to get ready to go to the Wilsons soon, groaning as you hall yourself out of bed, having cocooned yourself in their all day.
Searching your wardrobe, pulling out a summery dress, blue in colour with small white flowers printed across it, you loved the way it perfectly clung to your shape, highlighting the curves of your body in the best way.
doing you hair quickly after doing you make up, it made you feel better about the events of earlier, which had been replying in your head. maybe this was the last straw for you, after trusting bucky all those years ago for his to shatter your heart, and then for last night him to get back into your bed just to leave immediately in the morning.
you scoffed reliving his actions, shaking you head as your phone pinged.
Piet- Hey pretty girl, we're outside x
Smiling at your phone, you grabbed your bag and began to head downstairs to him parked outside. Pietro and his sister were always close friends of yours, they were especially there for you after bucky broke your heart back in college, pietro always willing to lend an ear whenever you needed.
Walking outside you smiled at you saw the flashy car, rolling you eyes with a bright smile on your face, already forgetting about earlier. The red head waved her hand dramatically with a large grin plastered on her face from the back seat, a contrast to her silver haired brother smirking at you as you walked closer to his car.
"hey pretty" he rough voice broke out as you sat down next to him, feeling hand shoot out from behind you grabbing your shoulders. A laugh fell from your lips and the red heads excitment.
"hey guys" you smiled settling into the seat.
over the drive to the Wilsons, Wanda filled you in on her situation with vision, causing occasional groans from her brother. When the conversation died down about Wanda's love life she quickly turned to yours demanded to be updated.
Your sudden quietness peaked the interest of them both. Sighing preparing yourself to confess, knowing they wouldn't let it go.
"nothing new really...i uh...hooked up with bucky last night...other than that nothing." you confessed quietly knowing how the pair would react.
Pietro's grip tightened on the steering wheel his knuckles turning white, a stern expression forming on his face.
"what." he practically growled "your not serious? you cant be. after how he hurt you?" the atmosphere drastically changed in the car feeing the anger radiating off of him.
"i guess, i don't know, we were drunk and it just happened" you spoke back avoiding the blondes eye.
"well?" the red head spoke up from the back "was it good? is he different?" her hands moving back to resting on your shoulders from behind your hair.
silence echoed through the car, your head dipping slightly to hide your eyes, ashamed. "it was good" you muttered. "he left. this morning. as soon as he woke up" you admitted your voice cracking.
a harsh laugh ripped through Pietro's throat "of course he left, he's a fucking ass y/n, he doesn't care about your feelings, didn't you learn that the first time, i sure as hell did." scolding you.
turning your head to look out the window, you knew Pietro was right, he always was. " I'm sorry pretty girl, i just really don't like the guy." he mutters out feeling bad for scolding you., you nodded in response placing your hand on his squeezing slightly.
The rest of the drive was quiet until you pulled up at Sam's.
Stepping out the car you were immediately greeted by Sam jogging over to you, wrapping you up in a hug.
"come on everyone if over by the bbq" he smiled cheerfully, greating both wanda and pietro before grabbing you hand and taking you over to the rest.
your gaze wandered around the crowd of familiar people, however one caught your eye. of course he was here, you had the same friends, you just didn't expect him to be her with a girl on his arm.
closing you eyes trying to forget about the sight in front of you, as you began to greet everyone. Once everyone arrived and settled down you found you self in between Sarah and Pietro, his hand rested on your lower back comfortingly.
Bucky's eyes occasionally flicked up to where you were sat talking with them both, an ache in his stomach, that you weren't next to him, when Pietro first sat down next to you, the rage that coursed through bucky was extreme, but he knew he had no right to be annoyed, you weren't his, and bucky was here with another girl after all, which he deeply regretted, the girl beside him. Lola. Had begged to be introduced to all his friends, they'd only hooked up few times and to bucky it meant nothing, but he figured it couldn't hurt.
This was before he had that night with you, and when he saw your face first drop when you saw them together he regretted nothing more than not telling Lola he changed his mind and that she couldn't come.
Sam's voice rang out telling everyone the food was ready, multiple people shooting up racing to get first in line to the freshly cooked food. Pietro of course was the first, quickly leaving you by yourself as you slowly joined the line.
A voice cleared behind you, grabbing your attention, turning your head it was met with those piercing blue eyes you knew too well. "Doll." he spoke quietly "I'm so sorry i had to leave this morning without explaining" his big eyes staring at her.
As you were about to ask him to explain a high pitched voice broke through into yours and Bucky's conversation "bucky baby who's this" she smiled turning towards you. The nickname causing a pang in your heart. "I'm y/n, its nice to meet you " you introduced your self not wanting to be rude. Before turning around back towards the rest of the group ready to get your food, you met Bucky's eyes shaking your head slightly and his wide eyes quickly looked towards the floor.
Thanking Sam for the food you sat back down, next to Pietro, as the night moved on the chatted amongst you all became louder, easier.
After having a few drinks, you felt the tension melt away, easily finding yourself swaying to the music, feeling a hand grasp yours ,you glanced behind you, Pietro's smirk plastered on his face as he pulled you to a open space to dance with him, laughs bubbled from your lips.
Drawing Bucky's attention to you, the sound of your laugh has the corner of his lips curling up, looking over to where you were they fell seeing you with Pietro, bucky knew he had a thing for you back in college, he didn't think he still did.
You made your way inside Sam's house, grabbing more drinks to bring outside for everyone, footsteps followed you in, a hand gently placed in the small of your back.
"oh piet will you help me carry some of these outside"
"guess again sweetheart" a deeper voice sounded from behind you, making you jump. spinning around to see the tall familiar frame, "barnes" you muttered.
His eyebrow quirked up at the use of his last name, "that's not what you were calling me last night, now was it doll" his hands fell beside your hips pressing you against the counter.
"get the hell of me barnes. last night was a mistake." you snapped, missing the way the look in his eyes softened at what you said. Stepping back slightly giving you space to move.
"i am sorry i just left this mornin'. I had completely forgot i told the guys id spar with them at the gym, it was stevie calling me." he spoke with a soft voice, eyes locking with yours.
you took in his words thinking back to this morning "whatever bucky, that doesn't matter, you are literally here with a girl right now, and i'm sure this isn't a new thing." your voice was harsh compared to his. "does she know that you were with me last night, in my apartment. In me." You spat, you words taking him back.
"Doll she doesn't mean anything, i promise." he was desperate for him to believe her. The idea of love and commitment scared the hell out of bucky, but seeing how upset you looked, he never wanted you to feel like that again, he was will to change for you.
"That's your problem bucky! no one means anything to you! You can't just use people to get off and then leave them. you make people feel so worthless and you don't even care" you loud voice snapped at him, sick of him feeling like he was allowed to play with peoples emotions because it suited him.
panic spread across Bucky's face, the situation dawning on him how much he screwed up. "I do care, please baby i really care. I was just scared" he spoke quickly his hands coming to wrap around yours pulling them to his chest.
"i dont trust that bucky" you spoke softly, meeting his gaze, enjoying the warmth of his hands on yours, but you pulled away knowing it was for the best, you couldn't just forget everything that bucky had done to you.
"if you really mean that, you'll have to prove it" your words coming out like a whisper.
pairings : Boxer!Bucky x reader slight Pietro x reader
Summary: After bucky's confession, you find it hard to trust him, not wanting him to break your heart again. the walls you build up around your heart slowly crumbling down as he try's to prove his love for you.
word count- 2.7k
Warnings: Angst, fluff, mentions of an ex, comfort, building trust, small alcohol mention. (not proof read..sorry!!)
Turning your back on him , you walk back outside joining the others, your mind thinking back to the conversation with bucky. how maybe if he did explain he'd be here with you now, not some other girl.
"Draga" the comforting nickname broke through to your mind, the bright blue eyes you'd found your self becoming so familiar with staring at you. Moving towards his voice you settled beside him on the bench, overlooking the lake. A beer in his hand he offered it to you. "did you speak to him?" he questioned, you knew he was refereeing to bucky.
"we spoke. he's not changed, he says he has" you scoff. "he's literally here with some random girl!, how am i meant to trust his word." your eyes falling towards the bottle in your hand.
"maybe it's finally time to just move on from him draga, he doesn't deserve you" pietro spoke quieter, his hand rubbing the small of your back comfortingly.
your rest your head against Pietro's shoulder and let the soft evening breeze carry away your anger. The sky above the lake is turning rose and lavender, a softness in the air as everyone talking and laughter dials down to a low hum to your ears, as if they know you need this quiet moment.
Pietro slides his arm around further around you, fingers tracing idle patterns on your side. "You deserve someone who shows up." he murmurs, voice low enough that only you can hear. Taking a slow sip of your drink, counting the bubbles that tickle your throat, grateful for the quiet comfort, stronger than any apology bucky's ever given.
You shift to look at him, they sky's colours reflected in his bright blue eyes. "Thank you." you whisper, it fells too small, but its all you've got, he smiles, that easy, knowing smile that makes your heart unclench. "always" he says, and you believe him.
"stay with me" he blurts out, eyes wild. You freeze, staring up at him, mouth agape a small gasp leaving your mouth. " i...i can't," you spoke.
Pietro's brow furrows. "Why not?"
You swallow, eyes cast over the water. "i need time...time to figure things out." you words taste bitter, even to you.
he nods slowly, a soft sadness in his gaze, "i'll wait. If you'll let me" he says, every syllable a promise you almost wish to keep.
You meet his eyes, full of warmth and hope you don't feel ready to accept. "i'm sorry," you whisper. Pietro exhales, his hand dropping from your waist brushing a stray lock of hair from your face "it's always going to be him, isn't it?" he asks rhetorically, already knowing the answer.
You press you lips together, the weight of his question pressing down on your chest. Your throat tightness and you can't meet his gaze. You'd give anything to take back the turmoil in his clear blue eyes, but the truth lodges in your ribs before you can swallow it back.
He waits, Unflinching, his shoulders squared, arms hanging loose at his sides, as if bracing himself for your answer. You look up, your voice is barely more than a breath. "i...i don't know what i feel right now." you admit. "i just know i need to figure it without dragging you into it"
He's been on edge since your conversation in the kitchen, every spare thought circling back to you, sitting beside lola staring off towards the doc, as she speak at him, her words going straight through him.
Your shoulders are hunched, cradling a drink like its the only lifeline youve got, pietro beside you leaning close, hand grazing your waist. of course. Bucky knew he would be, every chance he gets, pietro was always their proving him self to you. Bucky's gut twists. he wants to charge forward, grab your arm and pull you to him.
He watches as pietros hand drops from your waist, his head turning towards the floor. Bucky hates how his chest constricts when you look away from pietro a single "im sorry" falling from you lips. More words that bucky couldn't make out before pietro lets out a single nod before standing and leaving you alone on the doc watching the water.
You arms wrapping around yourself, as if to hold the pieces together. His boots echo on the floor as he approaches, each step an apology he hasn't yet found the words for.
He stops beside you, crouching down "mind if it sit?" His voice is soft, half hopeful. You glace up, surprise flickering in your eyes, then you slide over. Bucky settles beside you.
Shifting slightly beside you, uncomfortable almost, shoulders tense but determined. "you asked me to prove that i've changed. Ask me anything."
A sigh fell out of your lips "okay...remember that night in college when i told you i loved you and you shut me out and fucked half the campus the next week." bucky closed his eyes, the memory of you sad eyes flashing back to him when he turned you down. "i remember, of course i remember, i shut the door on you because i was scared. Chasing everyone but the one who mattered, that night...it was so real, i was afraid. A complete coward. A fuck boy hiding behind a reputation."
You silently listened to him, giving him time to say more. "i was a mess, back then i thought love was weakness. i was wrong" you fold your arms "so...lola? what is she to you bucky."
He sighed "she's just here so i didn't have to show up alone, in hindsight i realise me coming her alone wouldn't of been bad thing" dragging his calloused hand across his face "i dont want a 'maybe' anymore y/n."
You blink, something fragile flickering in your gaze. "i dont know how to feel about that james."
He flinches, like your voice is a blade finding old wounds. "i know. i told myself it was better to keep you at a distance than risk ruining you with who i was."
A bitter laugh spills from your lips. "And now?"
"Now?" he says, shifting to face you, eyes searching yours like he's trying to memorize every second. "Now i'd rather risk everything than never get to try. I don't care if we're messy, or if you made me work for it. Just...let me be honest this time."
The night hums around you, distant music and laughter from around the campfire. You look down at his hand, resting between yours and his thigh, like an open question.
"You don't get to erase what happened," you whisper
"I'm not trying to, i just want to write something new with you."
You hesitate, breath caught somewhere between pain and hope. Then slowly, carefully, you reach for this hand.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As the night continued, you mingled with Sarah updating her on everything, she gave you that look, half 'finally' and half 'be careful' , meanwhile bucky called a uber for Lola, gently explaining to her his mistake and how he tried to bury his feelings for you but could no longer ignore them. With a small nod and an even smaller smile "go get her Barnes." she said, climbing into the uber without another word.
By the time he returned inside, he found you by the fire, Sarah now off refilling drinks. You looked at him, really looked, and something shifted. The pain wasn't gone, but it was no longer at the forefront. There was room now, Room for a maybe.
He took a step closer. "i meant what i said. All of it."
You let the quiet hand there for a beat, then said softly, "then prove it, not just tonight, james,1everyday."
He nodded, no hesitation "Starting now." And for the first time in a long time, it felt like a beginning, that maybe he really had changed, or was willing to.
Going home that night, finding a deep comfort in the softness of your bed, the coolness of the sheets wrapping you tight, a faint smell of bucky still lingering on your pillows, you drifted to sleep, lips curled slightly, hopeful.
Bucky doesn't prove his love with grand declarations or dramatic gestures, he does it with consistency, patience and the kind of tenderness that doesn't ask to be noticed but its felt all the same.
He shows up, every time you need him, he's there. Late night phone calls where neither of you can drift to sleep, his deep voice making your eyes feel heavy, staying on call with you until he's sure you're asleep.
Your finger hovers over his contact, pressing it before you have a change to turn you phone off. It rings out once then he picks up "Hey sweetheart" a gruff voice crackles over the phone.
There's a pause, just long enough to feel the weight of it. Then "Did i wake you?" You question. "No doll, i couldn't sleep."
"Me neither" you say, voice quiet with the need to sleep. "Been thinking about you" he says, voice low and warm, like he's only a breath away.
You heart stutters. It had been a week since sam's get together, you wanted to take things slow with bucky, the only time you've spoken to him was over the phone. Unsure if you wanted to admit it but you missed his too.
The conversation dips into the easy rhythm, the kind that only happens when its late enough to be real. He tells you about this song he couldn't get out of his head, how he's felling about an upcoming fight."
You laughed, you teased, you listened. Before quietly drifting of to sleep to his voice.
Over time you began going out with him, slowly but surely trusting him more and more. However old wounds came to the surface.
Walking across your favourite nature park, you feel his grip on your hand tighten, the moment she appears. Dot. Of course. Stunning, of course, with a smirk that said she remembered everything.
She saunters over like she never stopped being relevant "Bucky," she says false surprise painting her features , with a slow, knowing smile. "Wow...small world." You hate the way her eyes land on you
The air suddenly too tight around your lungs. Dot's smile widened, sharpening with a memory you couldn't share, one you never wanted to.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and let her gaze roam deliberately over you, then back at bucky. "Company?" her tone danced between innocent surprise and calculated edge. "Interesting choice."
Bucky's hand slid to yours, fingers curling protectively. You felt the warmth of him, like he was trying to tether you before the past could pull you apart. He cleared his throat "Y/n's my partner" he said, voice steady but quiet.
Dot laughed, a soft, mocking sound. "Partner," she repeated. "Funny word, we were partners once, too." She angled her head, as if waiting for confession. Your stomach churned, was this a reunion or a showdown?
You tightened your grip on Bucky's hand, heart pounding. Every instinct screaming to bolt, to hide in his safety, but something in you flared instead. You stepped forward, meeting dots stare. "That was then," you said, voice trembling but firm. "This is now."
"Bucky doesn't play house darling, he'll get bored of you." she grits out. Bucky stiffens, but keeps his voice even. "Dot, were not playing house. i'm serious about y/n."
She sneers, cutting him off. “Right. You’re serious about her. Funny, I don’t remember you ever sticking around long enough to be serious about anyone.” She steps closer, gaze flicking to you, lips curled. Wincing at her sharp words.
Seeing her movement bucky's hand tightens on yours, protectively, fierce, he squares his shoulder stepping Infront of you slightly. "That's enough. Back off."
Deciding he was done listening to her, he turned around guiding you with him, ensuring you were just in front of him, you shoulders close together.
Caught up in you mind, of seeing bucky and dot together back in college, swarmed your mind, placing seeds of doubt. Until his warm hand wraps around your waist. "Lets do doll, i've got you"
Walking further down the path, closer to you apartment., just you, him and the hush of the late afternoon light, You're tense, anger and hurt warring for space in your chest. Bucky stops, turning to you, gently tucking a stray hair behind you ear.
"I'm so sorry." He whispers, voice steady but thick with regret. Pulling you tight to his chest, his metal arm fells cool against your back calming your nerves, you bury your face in his shoulder, and he strokes your hair, one hand threading through the strands at the nape of your neck. "She shouldn't have spoken to you like that, the things she said mean nothing, she was just trying to get to you" he mutters into your hair, pressing soft kisses after words.
Taking you hand and leading you towards the steps of out apartment, giving you time to pull out your keys, letting your self in. He stills near the door, not wanting to intrude, unsure if you would want him to come inside or not, not wanting to rush you. "I'll see you soon?" he speak quietly.
you grab his hand pulling him inside "Stay with me." you speak quietly needing him with you tonight, longing to fall asleep in his welcoming arms. "yeah?" he speaks quietly making sure this is what you want. With a nod from you, you lead him into your apartment. " if you want me here, then i'm not going anywhere." he comforts you, following you inside.
Pulling you tight against his chest, clad in your pyjamas against his bare chest, the warmth radiating of him compelling you to sleep, wrapping an arm around your waist, his metal arm resting lightly on your hips as if anchoring you. "Sleep if you can sweetheart, i'll be right here."
You drift off to the feeling of his heartbeat and the soft promise of his words. Moments before sleep pulls you under, you feel his hand begin to trace lazy patterns down your arm. He murmurs "Thank you for letting me stay." before quietly drifting of to sleep himself.
It happens over the course of a few weeks. Small moments stacking up into you realize your not just falling in love with him again, you're learning to trust him.
Day by day, he kept his word. When he said he'd call at noon, he called. If he promised to skip sparing with Steve so they could cook together, he cancelled every plan without hesitation. He traded his reputation for vulnerability, working on his communication, and letting down the walls he'd built so carefully over the years. There were moments where old habits tried to claw their way back in, him closing him self off after loosing a fight not wanting to have to speak about how he was feeling, but he caught himself, apologizing faster, listening more, speaking more.
As weeks together merged to months, their rituals had taken root, Saturday mornings were for coffee on your tiny balcony. He'd text you midday from wherever he was, not because he had to prove anything but because he genuinely missed you. And when he came over, you both spent hours wrapped up together reviewing your days or speaking about meaningless topics for hours on end until you both drifted off.
One night you found your self both listening to music, bucky was reading beside you one arm wrapped around your shoulders pulling you to his side. You let out a soft hum, taking a sip of your coffee bucky had carefully made for you. Placing his book down he turns to you taking in the sight of your face "so beautiful" he mumbles a soft smile on his face.
You feel your heart swell. "i love you" you blurt out, eyes going wide. the beating of your heart speeding up as he stares at you, a moment of silence, you start to doubt your self, maybe it was too soon.
His larger hands move up to your face cupping you cheeks as he pulls you into a desperate and deep kiss. Puling back he slowly speaks out " i love you doll." his thumb caressing your cheek, as a smile blooms across his face.
A grin spreads across your cheeks, launching yourself back into his arms, wrapping yours around his neck pulling him into a kiss, full of passion and want. Laugher falling out of both your throats. "i love you so much sweetheart, and ill spend forever proving it to you."
Summary: Boxer Bucky is climbing his way to the top, at the annual boxer championship he invites his close friends to watch him take the championship title, his close friend sam decides to bring along a plus 1, inviting y/n to watch buckys match.
unbeknownst to you, you end up distracting the boxer landing him a harsh punch.
A couple years earlier Bucky and y/n had a new found attraction for each other, exploring that, they started a friends with benefits deal. Buckys main rule was no feelings, not sticking to that y/n fell for him. and she fell hard.
Keeping to his word he ended it and never spoke to her. Breaking her heart.
Her laugh echoed though his room, her bare body covered by his satin sheets his arm draped over her side as he nuzzled his nose into her neck nibbling on her shoulder. Her head dropped down to his pillow beneath them, his eyes transfixed on her.
'god she's perfect' he thought a slight smile rested on his face, dragging his larger fingers against her cheek her eyes fluttering closed as she leant into his touch.he pressed a soft kiss against her forehead, he could stay like this forever, but he knew what he signed up for it was just a hook up nothing more. It killed him it did but he needed to be this close to her, and if a hook up was gonna get him that closeness he'll do it.
Staying just friends was harder than he thought, sure he's had a small crush on her for a bit but he didn't think a casual hook up could make that small crush grow into an actual crush for her. It scared him he couldn't lie. But he made the rule. And he wasn't about to fuck up their friendship over some dumb feelings he could get over.
"so pretty" she mumbled still in a haze from how rough she was just fucked, her dumb cum brain still lingering, she was tracing her finger along his jaw watching the sun kiss his face making his blue eyes glow under the light.
He let out a breathy laugh hearing her slow words fall out her mouth "thank you doll" he grins looking at her admiring her tired appearance.
"Bucky.." she cooed shuffling closer to him cuddling into his side. He hummed in return "I love you" she spoke softly feeling Bucky tensed under her, she pulled her head away from his side and looked up at him panic slowly spreading across her face.
leaning away from her, he moved his arm from around her sitting up. He was sure his heart was about to stop. She loved him. No she can't. This will just end badly. A thousand thoughts were skimming though his mind he couldn't focus on just one, she deserved better than him, so much better.
"Please say something..." her tone had faltered a shake in her voice, she shifted sitting up probably panic burned into her face.
Taking in a deep breath he stood up off the bed "look..we agreed that we wouldn't fall for each other.." he stood straight trying his hardest to stop his tone from faulting.His heart breaking more with the tears he saw rimming her beautiful e/c eyes.
"Oh yeah.." she let out a broken laugh, a single tear rolling down her cheek as she stood up grabbing her underwear from the floor she slipped it on followed by her outfit she wore the day before.
Whipping tears from here cheek she walked over to his door looking back at him once before she pulled it open and disappeared around the corner.
He wanted to run to her, wrap his arms around her and tell her he loved her more than she'd ever know. But he couldn't do that to her. He knew he wasn't cut out for relationship, he couldn't hurt her. Ever. he had a track record of getting with the girls he's been mooning over and drops them once he gets a taste. its an unbreakable habit of his. leaving a trail of broken hearts behind him.
He could hear the creaking of the floor boards under you foot as you paced down the hall back out of the dorms away from him.
Three weeks had gone by and he hadn't seen you at all, when ever he pasted you in campus you looked the other away and sped off, you didn't sit next to him in lectures anymore, your weekly study sessions together he now spent alone. He tried to talk to you but you simply ignored him.
You couldn't bring your self to be around him some days, your feelings for him were just too strong, whenever he was in the same room as you, you could hear his loud laugh it made tears Tim your eyes. It was over whelming.
But seeing him with other girls is what took you over the edge, you had been alright with sharing a friend group with him.. you didn't have to talk to him just had to be in the same room as him, dot her name was she was thing small blonde thing curly hair pretty green eyes a body that made heads turn when she walked in the room. And there she was with buckys arm around her shoulder and his lips pressed to her head. He had brought her to meet your shared friends, maybe he was ready for a relationship after all...just not with you. After that day dot started hanging out in the group more often attached at buckys waist, it was sickening, what could he see in her that he couldn't see in you?
You started distancing you self more and more from the group only hanging out when them when Sam requested but more often then not they didn't. You began hanging out with Sarah she was the only other familiar face from your childhood.
You still talked to Sam and the other but just from a distance, occasionally messaging them or running into Sam when you were around their house when Sarah would invite you out on their family boat.
Bucky noticed you distancing your self immediately he felt terrible he knew he shouldn't of introduced everyone to dot, but he needed to get over you so he moved on and dot was the next best thing, she may not have been at funny as you or as sweet, and she may not have gave him butterflies when she stroked his hair like you once did. But this was all his fault he broke your heart and he had to pay the consequences.
