bucky waits up until you get home just to make sure you get home safe, when you walk through the door he can finally breath again. he wraps you in his arms whispering sweet words into your ear, "I've missed you baby." "my sweet girl, my beautiful love."
every morning he's already awake smiling down at you when you open your eyes, he caresses your cheek, those big blue eyes shining down at you. "morning angel." he says as he kisses you softly like you had all the time in the world, maybe you did.
he knows you better than you know yourself, how to take your drink, your favorite snack so whenever you get your period he's already making sure you have everything in stock, pads, food, whatever it is you need then he makes sure he's always ready to hold you (only if that's what you want)
whenever you start a new show he pretends he isn't interested when secretly he's actually taking it all in! the plot, the character whose been killed, whose his favorite and you don't realize how much he likes it until he gets home and is physically offended that you've been watching it without him. "I cant believe you've done this to me?" he says as he backs away from your touch making you giggle, "its just a show baby." you say as you wrap your arms around his neck trying to kiss him, he dodges,"its our show doll and you've betrayed me." he spends the next hour pouting until he can't anymore.
let me know if y'all want more! I enjoy making these a lot :)
Notes/Warnings: Bucky x f!reader. Bucky is DBF (Dad's best friend, low key my new favorite troupe) . Posted this on Ao3 already, thought maybe tumblr would like it too. Just posting it in 2 halves here. First half here
chapters 12-22 word count 16k
MDNI 18+ only please.
12 Dress:
Over the last few days, you and Bucky sneak around stealing private moments whenever possible. From quick make outs before he leaves for the office, to your late night walks that have gotten longer and always end with you both breathless in his empty house.
You've decided if this is the only way you can have him, you’ll take it. As much as you want to be out in the open, going on dates and just out of the shadows, you know Pops would never be on board with it.
And at this point, if Pops ever found out, it would crush him. This is the only secret you’ve ever kept from him. You have to avoid thinking about it to avoid the guilt eating at you.
But what you don’t know, Bucky has been brainstorming how to break the news to Rob in the least catastrophic way. Because hiding you isn’t enough for him, and he knows long term, it won’t be enough for you either.
“You all ready for tomorrow Buck?”
Bucky quickly puts his phone down on his desk before responding to your selfie.
“Absolutely, just a little last minute packing tonight.”
“Me too… Don’t forget the day after we land is the Gala so have your suit, and date ready.”
Bucky softly laughs, Rob can’t tell but it’s a nervous and fake laugh.
“Looks like she’s not going to be able to make it.”
“No!?! Dang it, I was really looking forward to meeting her.”
“Yeah… she’s pretty bummed about it.”
“But you’re not?”
Bucky hesitates a moment, wanting to tell him the truth but knows he can’t do that without not only your approval, but you with him. “Maybe a little bit, but life goes on.”
“You two still together?” Rob asks worried.
Bucky smiles widely “We’re still seeing each other as much as possible, I was just about to call her before you came in…”
“OH!! Well then let me get out of our hair, see you for dinner tonight?”
“Of course… thanks man.”
Once Rob leaves his office and closes the door behind him he can finally see the selfie you sent. A mirror selfie of you in a pretty sun dress. Posing for the leg slit to reveal not nearly enough. His jaw clenches tightly anyway. He doesn’t even respond, he just calls you.
“Well hello there handsome.”
“Are you trying to kill me?”
“Who? Me?! No way…” You tease playfully.
“You just seem to have… impeccable timing.”
You softly giggle, “I don’t mean to… maybe you should start locking your office door.”
“Apparently… to what do I owe the pleaser?”
“You mean the picture? Just felt petty… that’s all.”
“That’s all? Hmmmm.”
“Do you like the dress?”
“Let me put it this way..” He clears his throat before continuing in a soft whisper. “You tell me you’re in that dress, and you need me…. I’d crawl to you.”
Your jaw hits the floor and your eyes roll back as you visualize what he’s implying.
“So…. I should keep it on for dinner tonight?”
“I’ll beg if I have to…”
“Well then I guess I better get something started… any requests?”
“Just you…”
“Bucky… I meant for dinner…”
“I stand by my request….”
You let out a soft little gasp thinking he didn’t hear it but he absolutely did. The sound caused him to crush the pencil he’s been gripping in his hand.
“But…. if you need a real idea, Chinese sounds good….But I’ll love whatever you make.”
Your mind hung on the way he said love, surprisingly giving you butterflies.
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“I should be there in an hour.”
“Perfect, I’ll have it ready by then.”
“We still on for a walk later?”
“I hope so… why wouldn’t we be?”
He takes a deep breath before responding, “Just making sure… I’ll miss our time together while I’m gone.”
You wanna squeal so bad but you hold it in. “Me too… but you can always call me…”
“Every night?”
“I’ll beg if I have to..” You softly admit, you can’t hear it but you can tell he’s frozen.
“I better let you go if I’m going to have food ready for when you’re back.”
“Alright baby… see you soon.”
“Can’t wait.”
You immediately squeal and do a happy dance when you hang up, before getting started on making sesame chicken.
In what felt like a quick moment, both Pops and Bucky made it back. Just as you were finishing up tossing the chicken in the homemade sauce.
”Great timing Boys!” You say excitedly as they come in.
“Something smells good.” Pops says as he walks by the kitchen heads to his room.
Bucky quickly enters the kitchen and wraps an arm around your hips and whispers “And looks good too.” Before kissing the side of your head.
“Bucky!! You’re being so risky!!” You whisper, looking out trying to see if Pops is coming back out.
He just winks at you before heading to his room too.
Pops comes back out, changed into comfy clothes grabbing glasses of water for the three of you. “Sesame chicken?! Is that a first?”
You just shrug, it absolutely is a first for you. “Just wanted to try something different before you guys leave. If you hate it I’ll order the real stuff.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, that’s impossible.”
“What’s impossible?” Bucky asks as he joins us at the table. He changed into grey sweatpants and his red Henley. So insanely handsome it takes your breath away a moment, and he knows it too. Unfair.
“Not enjoying her cooking.”
”Hmmm true.” He nods in agreement.
They talk shop and prep for their trip as we all start to eat. You don't mind because you reach your foot out and slowly drag it up his leg, and then rest it in his lap. Then rub it against his thighs.
You watch his jaw tighten, run his fingers through his hair repeatedly and finish his water pretty quickly.
He holds his conversation with Pops like a pro though, impressive really, somehow making this even hotter.
“Goodness, we’re over here just blabbing away… What are you gonna get up to this week sweetheart?” Pops turns the conversation to you.
Right when you’re about to answer him, you feel Bucky’s vibranium hand tickling up and down your foot. You clear your throat and put down your fork to grab the chair under you.
“I… um… I’ll be working on photos…. For the cook book… Meghan’s gonna help me.” You say as cool and calm as possible but you know it came off nervously.
“Nice!! That should be fun for you two. Have you decided on the cover yet?” Pops not showing if he noticed your nervousness or not.
“That’s what I got this dress for..” You admit, holding your arms up to show it off while seated. Bucky’s hand freezes on your foot, gently grips then starts to massage you. The cold vibranium plates add to the release of pain and tension in your souls. You quickly glance at him as he intently watches you. Waiting for even just a sliver of a reaction.
“Oh it’s perfect sweetheart. A cute shot of you in the kitchen with the dress and an apron on? I love it. Can’t wait to see it!”
You turn to Pops, feeling warm and fuzzy as his pride for you just smiling at him in response.
You pull your foot off of Bucky’s lap and get up to refill your water. You can feel him watching you.
“Let me know when and where I can purchase a copy.” Bucky insists, you look at him puzzled as you return to the table.
“Purchase? I’ll be gifting you a copy.”
He shakes his head no as he finishes his last bite of chicken. “No no, I insist. I want to purchase my copy, I’ll even pay extra for a signed copy.”
You tilt your head at him, giving him a ‘really?!’ Kind of look.
“That’s really sweet Buck.” Pops reminding you that he’s still at the table.
”It is.” You agree quietly.
“Well, I have an embarrassing amount of packing to do, so I will be calling it a night a little early. See you bright and early Rob.” Bucky nods to Pops as he gets up and looks over to you. “Good night….” He whispers your name like it’s a secret he wants to keep. Your heart flutters as you try to control your facial expression.
“Good Night Bucky. Have a great trip.”
He just nods in return before heading to his room.
You stay at the table with Pops, asking him more about this Gala since you have to be ready for it very quickly when they get back. In the middle of your discussion Bucky texts you. You quickly read it. ‘Meet me in here when you can.’
The demand sends heat all over your body, the room feeling 5 degrees hotter.
“It should be a really fun night Pops, I’m excited.” You lie to him. You are not excited at all. A black tie event with all of his asshole co-workers. Bucky there, probably in a tux, and You can’t rip it off with your teeth… well maybe not right away….
“I’m excited too sweetheart, I’m glad you’ll be there. But since our flight is so early, I’m gonna head to bed. Probably won’t see you in the morning.”
You stand up with him to give him a hug. “Have a safe and successful trip.”
“Thanks sweetheart. I’ll call when I can.”
“Goodnight.”
He just nods at you as he heads to his room, closing the door behind him. You clear out the dishes and take them to the sink.
As you start to take care of the dishes your phone buzzes, another text from Bucky, ‘please…’
You respond, ‘is that you begging?’ Then continue to load the dishwasher.
Suddenly you hear a bedroom open and close quietly, you look over to Bucky, standing on the other side of the table.
He looks so defeated, almost like he’s having trouble breathing.
“What’s a guy gotta do to get your attention?” He whispers.
You smile at him, licking your lips as you dry your hands and turn to face him.
“You want my attention?”
He nods like a sad lost puppy as he steps closer to you.
“Meet me at your place.”
He finally gets about 5 feet from you, stopping and looking at you confused.
“You knew what that Henley would do to me….” You step closer and lean up to him. “And silence is not something…” Your hands slowly glide from his hips and up his chest. Before continuing, “I’m willing to promise.”
He tilts his head back at your touch before looking back down to you. “Let’s go.” He grabs your hands and rushes you out the door.
You quickly lock the door, and he swoops you up in his arms and briskly walks down the street. Your hand massages the back of his head.
He places you down on his porch as he unlocks the door, as you try to step inside he picks you up again, carrying you over his shoulder causing you to giggle as he playfully smacks your butt.
He sets you on the edge of the kitchen island.
“Dress stays on.” He demands as he reaches his hands up your legs under your dress.
“Fine. Henley stays on.” You demand back as your hands tug at the waist band of his sweatpants.
“Deal.”
13 Kitchen:
You wake up to your phone ringing, cursing past you for not texting Meghan to push back her coming over till later. But being up late with Bucky brings lots of distractions and the last thing on your mind was Meghan coming over to help finish up your cook book.
“Hmmm?”
“Are you still asleep? Let me in, I brought coffee… and there’s something out here for you”
You grumble as you hang up and stumble out of bed to let her in. You open the door to see a very enthusiastic Meghan with two iced coffees and a bag from your favorite bagel shop standing next to a bouquet of probably a dozen burgundy roses with a note left to you.
“I’m guessing you guys finally fucked..?” She asks as she comes inside putting the coffees on the table and watches you bring the bouquet inside and open the note.
‘These should keep you company while I’m gone. Also, if you want to use my kitchen for photos you’re welcome to. The kitchen area is done and I let the contractors know you might be in and out for that. There’s just no electricity or water yet so keep that in mind. My key is on my night stand.
-James’
You hold the note to your chest for a moment.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Meghan says, sipping her coffee, and putting cream cheese on her bagel.
You glare at her and roll your eyes. “And what if we did?”
She squeals and sits at the table gesturing for you to join her. “Then you better tell me every juicy and slutty little detail.”
That gets a little laugh out of you before you take a sip of coffee and join her. “It was last night… in his kitchen.”
Her eyes widen as she slaps her hands on the table. “Aaaand!!?!”
“On the beautiful kitchen island.. In the dark…”
“ON THE KITCHEN ISLAND?!”
“Yeah where else would we have done it? The dirty floors?”
She shrugs, “Okay fair… okay get to the juicy details bitch.”
You look back at the note reliving the night in your head biting your lip. “It.. was just… perfect…”
“Perfect? Truly?”
You nod yes, putting the note back down and grabbing a bagel. “Yes girl. Literally perfect, he didn't skip forplay, made sure I was first.. Didn’t have to second guess what worked and what didn't…. Like he knew my body…without having to ask.”
“Okay… I’m officially jealous…. You sure you didn’t pay an etsy witch to make this happen?”
“I promise… but maybe we should do that for you and Sam.” You tease, taking a bite of your bagel.
Before she can argue about Bucky needing to give Sam her number you hear your phone go off in your room. Thinking it’s a text from Bucky you run to grab your phone from your night stand.
“Is that him already?!”
You open your phone to a text from Pops, it's a picture of him and Bucky on the plane. Pops is laughing, pointing at Bucky who passed out with his mouth wide open.
You laugh and show her the picture sitting back down with her.
“Girl you wore him out last night.”
“It’s very mutual.”
“Ugh!!! Stop bragging!!”
You just blush and sheepishly say sorry as you continue to eat. Then reply to Pops. ‘Haha this is great blackmail for you.’ Then put your phone down as the guilt creeps up again. Meghan notices instantly.
“He still doesn’t know?”
You sigh, “No… and he can’t know.”
“He will have to know eventually. You're just gonna sneak around with Bucky at night forever? Never go on a date in the daylight? Never tell Pops you’re happy and have someone? Never give yourself the chance for the life you’ve always wanted?!”
You put down your bagel, suddenly not hungry anymore. Because she’s bringing up all the things you’ve been avoiding in your mind.
“Exactly. I’m not saying it will be easy… but things worth having are never easy.”
You look at her tilting your head, surprised by that. “That was bizarrely wise.”
“I’m a bizarrely wise woman.”
That gets you to laugh before sipping your coffee.
“But it’s true! Besides, I’m sure Bucky wants all those things too. Have you guys talked about telling Pops?”
You shake your head no. “I’ve been wanting to, every time I plan to… we end up… distracted.”
She rolls her eyes and takes an aggressive bite of her bagel, then with a mouth full “Right right..”
That gets a big laugh out of you as she finishes her mouth full.
“You should bring it up while he’s out there… have him test the waters.”
“Test the waters?”
“Yes! Have him bring up you to Pops… and see how he might react…”
“React to Bucky and I… together? Without telling him we actually are? Even though…. We are?”
“Yes!! Or.. have him find a way to make Pops think he thought of it. Like he pitch himself as the perfect guy for you and have Pops go … ‘oh!! You know you’d be perfect for my little girl!’ And then BAM!! You guys can be together.”
You just glare at her a moment.
“What?”
“Pops would NEVER do that because he knows I’d NEVER go for that..”
“But.. you would… for Bucky…”
“I know that…. And you know that…. But he doesn’t.”
She slaps her hands on the table. “Well, I tried. Can’t say I never wanted to help you.”
“I’ll talk to Bucky tonight and give him your ideas, see what he thinks.”
“Good, now we have a lot of work to do this week, so let’s figure this out.”
“Yes, but first, you should read this.” You pass Bucky’s note from the flowers to her, she looks at you confused as she opens it then reads it.
“Is that what you want to do?”
You just nod yes, “So we’ll have to make food here and then take it over there for photos.”
She tilts her head back and lets out an obnoxious sigh. “This better be the most beautiful kitchen to ever exist… Can we go see it before we start?”
You press your lips together excited by that request. “Yeah let me grab the key.”
“Feels like I get to visit a crime scene.”
“You’re so dramatic”
You lead her down the street to his house and turn into his driveway.
“Oh my god!! He bought the cute one!!?? The one you had your eye on??!!!”
“I…..actually forgot about that.”
“How could you forget, you were obsessed with this house when we were kids.”
Butterflies erupt in your stomach as you enter the house. The sounds of contractors down the hall working in Bucky’s bedroom.
Then you turn the corner to see the finished kitchen. New appliances installed, the wall completely down, opening up and brightening the whole place, and the cabinets painted the perfect shade of emerald green.
“Holy Shit.”
Your breath is caught in your lungs at the realization that your dream kitchen was brought to life, in the house you loved as a kid, by your dream man.
“Okay you were right, it really is so beautiful, I’d wanna fuck in here too.”
You playfully shove her, “Too bad.” You quickly snap a picture of the kitchen and send it to Bucky, ‘When were you going to tell me you went with the green?’
14 Taking care of Business:
After a day of cooking and shooting multiple meals with Meghan, and Bucky networking from the moment they landed till 10pm, there’s only one thing you both need right now, each other.
‘Can I call in 10 minutes?’ He texts as he starts to get a shower ready.
You’re already cozy in bed, using the care bear blanket that you can tell Bucky’s been using because it smells like him. ‘Please do.’
He takes one of the quickest showers of his life and gives you a call as he dries off.
“There he is!! How’s the city?”
He scuffs, “Not sure how the city is, we’ve been cooped up inside all day pretending to like all these scum bags.”
“Scum bags?”
“Well, I’m sure they’re okay guys… they just don’t have any women working in this branch.. that just doesn’t sit right with me.”
“Nothing you have to be sorry for, tell me about your day.” He smiles as he lays in bed, picturing you beside him and not 2,820 miles away.
“Meghan and I got about 5 recipes photographed, we’re gonna do about 5 a day this week. Saving my faves for the last day to use in the cover as well.”
He bites his lip remembering the dress you got for the cover. “I can’t wait to see them.”
You take a deep breath in, preparing to bring up the topic you’ve been avoiding. But Meghan’s points on it have been lingering in your head all day.
“Bucky?”
He says your name like a fact. Loud and proud, as if he wasn’t afraid of someone hearing him claim it.
“What are we gonna do?”
He sits up concerned, hearing the fear in your voice. “About what baby?”
You don’t want to say it. “….you know.”
“Rob?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a few days… trying to figure out an outcome where everyone wins.”
“I hate to say it… but I don't think that’s possible. He’s gonna be hurt no matter what.”
He looks down defeated, knowing you’re right. “…Yeah., that’s probably why I haven’t come up with anything.”
“Me either. Do you want him to know?”
“Yes. I can’t keep you a secret much longer.”
That melts your heart. “Maybe it should be a Sunday dinner…”
“The day after the gala?”
“Yeah..”
“And tell him what?”
“The truth…”
“All of it?!” You can hear the fear in his tone.
“Well obviously not all of it… he doesn’t need to know about last night… or every night last week for that matter..”
He lets out a sigh, a little defeated. “…Yeah…”
“Do you… regret it..”
“Regret it!? Regret you?! You need to go to bed.. you’re out of your head.”
“Bucky…”
“No… I’m serious. These past 2 weeks have been the most fun I’ve had…..” He pauses and softens his tone before continuing. “My whole life. No regrets.”
“….Really?”
“No, I'm totally kidding. It’s been terrible. I regret it all….. Yes really!! Don’t be coy like that.”
His sarcasm makes you burst out in laughter.
“There’s my girl…” He says in that soft raspy tone you’re addicted to.
“Hmmm don’t talk like that..”
“Like what baby?” He keeps the tone playing innocent even though we both know he’s anything but.
“Don’t start things you don’t plan to finish Barnes.”
“How dare you! I’ll always make sure you finish. You should know that by now…. Especially after last night….”
“You still thinking about it too?”
“All damn day. Causing an… issue… that I’ll be taking care of after our call.”
“What kind of issue?”
He softly groans, “You know what kind…”
“Well… why wait till after our call?”
“Oh?”
“Yeah…. What if we both take care of our issues… right now…?”
“You had phone sex with Bucky fucking Barnes!!?” Meghan shouts at you as you prep your recipes for the day and she gets her camera settings set.
You just bite your lip, very proud of yourself.
“And let me guess…. ‘You got distracted’ so you didn’t talk about coming clean to Pops?”
“Hey, I resent that… we did talk about that. We’re telling him the Sunday after the Gala.”
“The Gala? What Gala?”
“…..Did I not tell you about the gala?!”
“No you’ve been too distracted with Bucky’s Di-“
“Okay!! Don’t be jealous! I get it… They’re throwing a Gala to celebrate the merger. You’re coming with me. It’s black tie so we’ll need to get dresses.”
She squeals with excitement. “You know I love an excuse to dress up. Bucky going too?
“Mhmm and Pops keeps pressuring him to bring a date…”
“…Why doesn’t he just take you?”
“Right and have all their colleagues see Pop's best friend and business partner with his only daughter… That’s one way to break the news..”
She nods realizing that was a dumb idea. “Right right… bad idea. Well I’m glad you guys have a plan. How are you gonna approach it?”
“We didn’t get that far…”
She rolls her eyes “Oh right…. You were… distracted.” She says mocking you.
”Look at him… can you blame me?!”
“No.. not at all. That man would never know peace if it were me.”
That makes you both laugh as your phone goes off. A call from Pops.
“Hey Pops! How’s it going?!”
“Hey sweetheart!! Am I interrupting you and Meghan?”
“Not at all. What’s going on?”
“Bucky and I snuck away for lunch… these guys are… something…”
“Oh man… what happened?”
“Nothing specifically.. we just have nothing in common with these tools.”
“Dang that sucks… Too bad you guys can’t just leave early.”
“Bucky has already suggested that, wish we could honestly.”
You smile realizing you and Bucky had the same thought. “Where'd you guys end up for lunch?”
“We’re in Brooklynn, for pizza.”
“Let me guess.. Bucky’s idea?”
Pops pauses a moment, giving you time to process what you just said. “…Yeah… how’d you know?”
You look at Meghan panicked, she gestures with her hands for you to say something. “Oh… the other night when I ordered pizza… he mentioned how Brooklynn pizza is better.” You mute your phone quickly to let out a sigh.
“Oh! Gotcha. Speaking of Bucky… he told me he left his key for you to use his kitchen for photos if you wanted. Did you take him up on that?”
You smile at the thought of Bucky talking about you. “Yeah I did. It’s basically a blank canvas that allows more focus on me and the food. Hope that’s okay..?”
“Don’t be silly! I’m glad you have a space to bring your vision to life. It was nice of him to offer that.”
Your smile gets wider “Yeah it was.. tell him I said hi!”
You hear him turn his head and tell Bucky you say hi, his response faint in the background but you hear it. “He says hi back…. Well, I’ll let you get back to it. Send pictures when you can!”
“Will do! Love you Pops.”
“Love you too sweetheart.”
“Tell Bucky I said hi!” Meghan playfully mocks you.
You throw a hand towel at her, “Shut up!!”
“What?! It’s cute!! You’re falling in love.”
You smile, knowing she’s right. Just not ready to admit it out loud yet.
15 Reunited:
The rest of the week went that way. You and Bucky made a habit of texting throughout the day, and then he’d call you at 7 on the dot. Sometimes you would just talk together, sometimes you’d take it farther. It always felt perfect regardless. Just like your late night walks together.
Him and Pops will finally be back today. Meghan just finished working on your cover so you sent it to him. You weren’t expecting a response right away. ‘You look so happy, I love it. Perfect cover.’
You just reply ‘I am happy.’
She’s on her way over to pick you up to finally go dress shopping for the Gala. As much as you’re not looking forward to it, you are excited to dress up again. And having her alongside you will guarantee at least a little fun.
Just as you hear her pull into the driveway you get another text from Bucky ‘Good. We’re about to board our flight. Rob is insistent I bring a date tomorrow night. I have someone I can fly out last minute. Do you trust me?’
Your heart drops. He wouldn’t be telling you if he wasn’t worried about your feelings. But this means you'll have to watch him fake a date with another woman the entire night. What could possibly be Pop's reason for this? Especially since he’s so against bringing a date himself. It’s not sitting right with you.
But you do trust Bucky so you respond, ‘I trust you. Are we still going to tell him Sunday?’
You walk out to Meghan’s car and hop in.
“What happened to you? You look like someone kicked your puppy.”
“Someone might as well have. Bucky’s bringing a date tomorrow.”
“Who the fuck-”
“He just says he has someone he can fly out last minute. And Pops is insistent.”
“Who could it be!? And what the fuck is wrong with Pops?!”
“… I don’t know.”
“I mean, at least Bucky told you… so you wouldn’t be blind sided..”
You just nod even though she’s not looking at you. “He asked me to trust him.”
“Good!! You should!! He wouldn’t have asked that if he didn’t care about you.”
“I know. Doesn’t make it any easier though. Especially since Sunday we’re telling Pops.”
“Oh shit!! That… complicates things.”
“No kidding.. Pops thinks he’s finally meeting this mystery girl Bucky’s dating… just to find out the next day it’s just another lie…”
You both let out a big sigh.
“Okay but for real! Who do we think he’s flying out!? It’s gonna be someone he already knows right? Who’s left in the Avengers world.”
You scoff at her “You’re ridiculous.”
“No think about it!!! What’s her name? The hot blonde one?”
“..Yelena?”
“YES! You think it could be her? Oh or you think he knows that new Hulk lawyer?! She’s hot too!”
“You really need it to be someone hot? Can’t just be someone average?”
“Bucky Barnes deserves more than average, even for a fake date.”
As annoying as she is, she’s got a point.
“Besides.. since it’s a fake date, I’d have a chance.”
You roll your eyes, she’s always got ulterior motives and you low key love that about her.
“Okay… fuck marry kill, Yelena, She Hulk, Sam Wilson.”
“Oh fuck you!!! That’s mean!! That's a bisexual hate crime! And during pride month?!”
You burst out laughing, “Come on, let’s hear it.”
She parks the car outside the dress shop and sits in the question for a moment. You feel your phone go off, probably a text from Bucky but you ignore it for now.
“This pains me… but fuck Sam. Marry Yelena. Kill She Hulk.”
“Woah!! I was not expecting that”
“It was a tough choice… but Sam and Yelena have a little more of my heart.”
You both get out of the car and head inside, you check your phone real quick to read Bucky’s text. ‘Of course, he knows my date is fake, and it’s just a friend I’m bringing for appearances. About to take off, I’ll text when we land.’
“Well, that makes things a little easier, still don’t know what the fuck is up with Pops. He’s being such a red flag about this.”
“What happened?”
“Bucky said he told Pops it’s a fake date..”
“Oh!! Smart! That’s one less lie to come clean about!”
Bucky turns his phone off and puts it in his pocket.
“You ever going to give me this mystery girl's name?”
Bucky shifts in his seat, uncomfortable with not only the lack of leg room but the thought of this 6 and half hour flight being just him lying to Rob more.
“When the time is right.”
“Fair enough.” Rob replies, annoyed in his tone. Bucky tries to brush it off. This work trip has been socially exhausting, for both of them. And then to turn around and be social again tomorrow is going to be brutal.
The only thing keeping Bucky going right now is being in your presence again.
Rob keeps talking to him about something but Bucky is tuning him out. Drifting off to sleep to thoughts of you. Your warm smile, contagious laugh and that sweet look you give waiting for someone to try your cooking. He is just about asleep until Rob says your name, causing Bucky to perk up
“.…Did she talk to you about that?”
“Uh.. no.. She didn’t.”
“Oh no? I was sure she did when you showed us the house. She walked in like she owned the place herself. Thought maybe she suggested it to you. She was always obsessed with it when she was younger.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah she loved the brick, and the porch. Would always say it’s the perfect house to share with a husband."
Bucky softly laughs at that, trying to cover his smile with his hands. Realizing he bought your dream house makes it even more special to him.
“Damn I feel a little bad now…I really just loved the neighborhood, and that house had the most personality.” He absolutely does not feel bad, he’s just more excited to ask you to move in with him now.
“I wouldn’t sweat it, she’ll just be there cooking in your kitchen all the time.”
“I hope so, she offered to teach me to cook and I hope she was serious about that.”
“She did!? She didn't tell me about that!” Rob is clearly taken back by that.
“She briefly mentioned it one time, so she might not have remembered it.”
“But.. you did…”
Bucky pauses, hesitating a moment. Realizing he needs to be careful how he responds. “Yeah… I need to learn to cook, and she’s great at it.”
Rob just nods slowly, “…Right..” then takes out his book and starts to read.
Bucky sits back and tries to get some sleep, but something feels uneasy. He can’t shake the fear that he’s said too much.
Luckily Bucky was able to get some much needed sleep. He sneaks a text to you while they wait to deplane. ‘Just landed.’
You immediately read it and reply. ‘Can’t wait to see you.’
“Okay we have 45 minutes till they’re here.”
“It’s crazy that you know that…” Meghan says as she finishes up steaming your dresses.
“Why? Last time they landed it took them 45 minutes to get here. I just remember.”
“Try not to jump him when they get here.”
“Oh yeah, that’s one way to tell Pops”
That gets her to laugh.
You spend that time putting your dresses away, deciding how you both plan to do your hair tomorrow and that she should just spend the night tonight so you can get ready and go to the party together.
The 45 minutes fly by and you hear them start to come in. Bucky looks like he hasn’t had a good night's rest while he was gone, and Pops looked pissed. Your heart sinks into your stomach fearing the worst.
“Hey guys! Welcome home. I have plenty of leftovers I can heat up for you.”
Bucky walks past you, politely nods and says, “I’m okay, thank you though” and heads into his room.
Meghan watches that whole thing and looks at you with sympathy.
“Come here sweetheart.” Pops walks up to you reaching for a hug, you hug him back. “I’ll take some ziti if you have it.”
“Coming right up.”
“Welcome back Pops, is it okay if I stay over tonight and ride with you both to the Gala tomorrow?”
“Actually change of plans, I will be staying at the hotel tonight and tomorrow. But yes you’re always welcome to stay here. I ordered a car for you two for tomorrow. But you’re always welcome to stay here. You know that”
That was the final straw. Your intuition is alarming like crazy. Just can’t pinpoint what’s happening yet.
“Oh dang, then why did you come home?” That came off a little colder than you meant it to.
“Wow, I can't even get a warm welcome after a week away…”
“No!! Gosh not what I meant Pops!! It just feels like it’s inconvenient for you is all.” You try to recover, not sure if you did.
He gets his baked ziti out of the microwave and says “This was why.”
You smile at him warmly, he winks back.
“I’m happy to see you. Is everything all set for tomorrow?”
He nods as he finishes his bite, “Yup we’re all good to go. You two just have to show up and have fun, look pretty if you feel like it.”
“We can do that!” Meghan adds excitedly.
“I do have a few things to take care of at the hotel before tomorrow, so I’m taking this to go. I will see you both there.”
“Oh!.... Okay.” You go over and give him a hug. “We will see you there then.”
You help him take his suite and overnight bag out to his car and watch him leave from the driveway. When you head back inside you see Bucky standing with Meghan, he’s mid sentence until he hears the door.
He whispers your name as he darts over to you, grabbing your face with both hands and kisses you passionately. “Fuck I missed you.” He whispers with his lips still on you.
Meghan clears her throat obnoxiously. “I’m still here you know?!”
With both your arms wrapped around Bucky’s body, you still manage to give her the finger, not breaking the kiss.
“Okay rude. I’m just going to go get some makeup for tomorrow… should I give you two an hour?”
That finally pulls you and Bucky apart, he doesn’t take his eyes off you. “Maybe 2 hours?” You ask him half joking. He bites his lips and nods.
“Yeah Meghan make it two.” He adds before kissing you again.
She groans and rolls her eyes as she walks out the door.
16 getting gala ready:
Bucky left in the late hours of the night to also go stay at the hotel.
Pops was very concerned about him and Bucky being there for everything. He has it in his head that their image will affect how the public will talk about this party and in turn their company. Hence why he wanted Bucky to have a date, so the tabloids wouldn’t worry about him being single.
I call bullshit, there’s something else going on that you’re hoping to find out tonight.
You and Meghan ended up sleeping in and relaxed most of the day before starting to get ready. You’re grateful you two have the house to yourself so you can freely talk about what’s going on and set a plan in place for tonight.
“He agrees though, right?”
“Oh of course, Bucky said the whole last day of their trip Pops was being super weird. But that’s all we talked about…”
“He didn’t elaborate on that at all?!”
“No… We didn’t want to keep talking about my dad while in my bed together…. And I think that’s fair!”
Meghan says nothing and stops curling your hair a moment.
“Oh come on!! Would you?!”
She continues to curl your hair…. “No… I wouldn’t either… But damn it you guys get so distracted so easily. You’re coming clean to the man tomorrow night and you still don’t have a game plan…”
You sigh, she’s absolutely right and you’re trying not to be too anxious about it. “I know…” You kinda whine in response.
“Was it nice to finally be in a bed together though?”
“OH GOD…. so fucking nice dude….. I can’t wait for his bed to get delivered…” You smirk at her through the mirror and she winks.
“I’m simultaneously very happy for you while also extremely jealous, you know that right?”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“Still no clue who he’s bringing tonight?”
“No, I asked if he flew Sam out… He laughed and said no but that would have been hilarious.”
“Oh my god what a dream come true that would be for me… Think he’ll ever actually give him my number?”
“Fuck that, I will. He wants to take me on a trip out there for me to meet everyone.”
“Take me with you!?”
“Honestly, I’d LOVE that.”
Before she could agree, your phone went off.
“Perfect timing your hair is done, whatcha think?”
“It’s perfect.” You look it over while she hands you your phone.
You gasp, it’s a selfie from Bucky.
“What!?” You just show her the selfie, of him mid getting dressed. “Hot.”
You bite your lip looking at it, “Should I send one back?”
“For sure… and ask him who his date is!”
You quickly take a similar mirror pick and send it. “We will find that out soon enough.”
“You nervous?”
“To watch him spend time with another woman all night? Nervous isn’t the right word.”
“Threatened? I thought you said you trust him…”
“I do trust him…. Doesn’t mean I want to watch that all night…. When it should be me.”
She starts singing the Justin Bieber song, you roll your eyes. “Oh god, don't get that in my head.”
“Okay, for real though, what is our plan for tonight? We have dinner and then it turns into like a prom for old people right?”
“That’s typically how these go, yes. So we just have to get through dinner at the same table as them and then we can hang at the bar or dance floor and avoid all the men.”
“Open bar?”
“Probably. But we shouldn’t get drunk.”
“Oh no of course not, we will just need a little something to take the edge off. You especially.”
“Rude.”
“But I’m not wrong.”
You sigh, she’s right because you need that now but know you shouldn’t start drinking this early.
Your phone dings again a response from Bucky. ‘Gorgeous.’ Making you smile and blush.
You respond, ‘Likewise Barnes. Think we could successfully sneak away at some point tonight? Even just to talk?’
“What are you planning?”
You catch Meghan staring at you through the mirror as you sit behind her to do her hair now. “Just trying to get time to talk to Bucky tonight. So we can discuss tomorrow.”
“Riiiight.”
“You don’t believe me?”
“I think that’s what you want, but once you’re together in person that all goes down the drain. You guys are like magnets. Forced to touch whenever you’re in close proximity. And once you start, you can’t stop”
You just shrug tilting your head pressing your lips together. She’s not wrong.
“I have to at least try.”
“I’ll be there to chaperone.”
“No offense, but that didn’t stop us last night…”
“Oh I know! You are loud for no reason…”
“...It’s not for no reason…”
She rolls her eyes at you and then your phone dings again. Your hands are full, styling her hair so she grabs your phone and reads it to you.
“I already had a plan… baby.” She reads it dramatically.
You just smile at that. She pauses a moment watching you from the mirror.
“Seriously, how did you do it?”
“What?”
“Land your dream man, who bought your dream house, and built your dream kitchen… while you just basically existed in his proximity. Doesn’t make any sense to me.”
You just shrug, “Fate I suppose.”
“You didn’t even suggest that house!! He picked it!! And he picked the green cabinets for the kitchen with an already huge kitchen island!! How did he know?!”
“I’m just lucky I suppose…. we wanted the same things….. have the same taste?”
“Good. For. You.”
“Don’t be bitter. Things will fall into place for you when you find your person.”
“Yeah and they better be either Yelena or Sam Wilson…. Or equally as hot..”
“Right, because that’s what matters.”
“Says the woman in love with Bucky fucking Barnes…”
That makes you laugh.
“I still have this fear that at any moment I’m going to wake up and this will all have been an elaborate dream. And I wake up in that shitty apartment, next to Chad….”
She shudders at the thought of that, “I can assure you this is real life.”
“Thank god.”
Bucky texts you again, Meghan reads it. “I’m about to get busy so my responses will be slow. When can I expect to see you?”
“Tell him we’re getting there just in time for dinner.”
She responds and puts your phone down “God it's so annoying how perfect he is, he’s ruined all men for me now.”
“Good thing you’re bisexual.”
“No kidding…”
17 Gala Dinner:
You kept your promise to Bucky, making it just moments before dinner starts. Meghan rushes over to the bar to get us liquid courage.
Pops greets you at the door, “Sweetheart there you are. You look beautiful.” He gives you a side hug and kisses the side of your head.
“Thanks Pops.”
Meghan quickly joins us again and hands you a martini, you immediately take a few sips and under your breath whisper, “here we go.”
Pop leads you and Meghan to the table of honor, center of the room, center stage. Everyone is looking at you two. You link your arm with Meghan’s to not feel so alone.
“You got this” She whispers as we get to the table.
A little table for 5, two seats left across from Bucky and his beautiful date. She has a bright smile, long braids and a gorgeous blue dress that compliments Bucky’s eyes beautifully. You just remind yourself it’s a friend of his. Pops knows it’s a fake date, she probably does too.
Still doesn’t make it any easier.
You go to sit across from her to not have to look at Bucky the entire meal.
“No no! Meghan, switch with her, I wanna sit next to my daughter.”
Meghan looks at you sympathetically while you switch seats.
You straighten in your seat and look up to Bucky already looking at you. He has so much he wants to say but the words are trapped, for now..
Pops taps both you and Bucky’s shoulders and says, “This is gonna be a great night. And I have the two most important people in my life right by my side. I’m a lucky man.”
You pick up your martini and finish it then reach for Meghan's and finish hers.
“Oh, alright… slow down killer.” Meghan whispers to you.
“I like her” his date whispers to Bucky.
“I’m Meghan.” She introduces herself to Bucky’s date.
“Sarah” They shake hands from across the table.
The waiter pops up behind you taking drink orders, you order another martini.
Meghan leans into you "Slow down on that one okay? Everything is fine.”
You just nod to her. Silently hoping we can all get through this meal without small talk.
“So Sarah! Tell us a little more about yourself! How long have you known Bucky?”
So much for that…
She puts down her drink, “Oh um, a few years I think it’s been.”
“That’s wonderful! Been together the whole time?” Pops quickly glances at you after he asks that. You don’t see it because you are trying to ignore everything by staring at a spot on the table cloth. But Meghan and Bucky see it. And share a quick look as if to say ‘did you see that?’
“Oh um… “ Before Sarah could finish her thought the event started. The MC comes on and starts to talk about the things you’ve toned out for months now. The waiter brings your drink, you thank him and say ‘Please keep these coming.’ Sarah smiles at you and then to the waiter ‘I’m keeping up with her please.’
Luckily throughout the meal they scheduled lots of speakers to talk about each team's successes and shout out “stand out” colleagues.
Normally you’d be dying of boredom but you’re just grateful you don’t have to make small talk at the most awkward table you’ve ever sat at in your life.
Pops nudges your arm, “Doing alright sweetheart?”
You look over to him with a mouth full of food and nod your head yes. “Next time let me pick the caterer, this chicken is dry as fuck.”
That gets Bucky and Sarah to laugh. Pops looks at you annoyed.
“She’s not wrong.” Bucky leans in talking to Sarah.
“You’re the one writing the cookbook?” Sarah excitedly asks, smiling at you warmly. His poor woman is trying so hard to make this easier for you.
You just nod to her as they call up Pops to give a speech.
The whole table perks up and the woman at the table finally pay attention to the speaker for the first time.
For a moment you focus on your dad and his pride in all his hard work. And how beloved he truly is. Despite his out of character behaviors the past few days you really are so proud of him. He then starts to get personal in his speech.
“And for my right hand man Bucky, thank you for everything. We’re grateful to have you permanently in Sacramento now. Even have you right down the street from home, giving me a reason to actually car pool. No more excuses…” That gets a laugh from the crowd before he continues. “And thank you for caring for my daughter the way you do.”
Your heart drops into your stomach, Meghan grips your thigh.
“The friendship you two share is my second favorite thing to come out of all of this. Watching you two argue like siblings fulfills my life long dream of having a son. I’ll have the official adoption papers on your desk Monday.”
Are you fucking kidding me right now? The whole room erupts with laughter. Bucky laughs but you know that laugh. It’s the ‘I’m nervous and I hate this’ fake laugh.
You suddenly feel a spotlight on you and Bucky. You freeze for a moment, Bucky picks up his glass and holds it up to you to cheer with him. You follow his lead and he smiles warmly and nods at you. Then the spotlight cuts back off.
Pops finishes his speech but you don’t really hear any of it, just join in the applause with the crowd when appropriate.
You lean into Meghan, “I need some air asap.” She nods and whispers back, “Me too. I think dinner is just about done.”
Pops returns to the table smiling ear to ear proud of himself. “So what’d you guys think?”
The table is awkwardly silent and avoiding looking at him. Bucky clears his throat and taps Pop's shoulder, “It was great Rob.”
“Thanks Buck.” He turns to you, “And what about you?”
You finish your Martini and Meghan picks hers up. “I need some air” You respond as you and Meghan get up from the table and head out as the MC announces the party is beginning.
“Okay what the fuck is happening?” Meghan asks as we step out onto a large balcony.
You just stand at the railing looking out at the view. “I don’t know.” You say defeated. She comes up and joins you, putting an arm around you.
“I know it's hard.”
“Just wish I didn't have to be here. It almost feels like..”
“Like what?” She rubs your arm.
“Like… Pops is rubbing it in my face.”
“Rubbing what in your face?”
“That I can’t have Bucky…”
“Well, that’s too bad for Pops… because you already do.” She squeezes you into a side hug. “Come on, let’s go find the dessert table.”
18 Dance Floor Realizations:
You and Meghan found the dessert table and took some cake to the side of the bar to the lounge area.
You are just watching the dance floor. Trying to convince yourself it’s not because Bucky is twirling Sarah across the floor effortlessly. So much so it’s drawing a crowd.
Meghan finally sits next to you. “Okay so watching Bucky dance is what we need to avoid. Oh my gosh girl, you’ve barely touched your cake!”
Without looking away from the crowd giving Bucky and Sarah all the attention as the song ends, “I’m not hungry”
Meghan shakes her head at you, “I don’t care. You just had…what 4 martinis? You’re eating cake.”
You take it reluctantly and take small bites.
“Look, I love you. But you have to get over it. He told you and Pops it’s fake. He asked you to trust him. Do you actually trust him like you said you do?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then why are you acting like he left you for her.”
“Because I’ve realized that even when we tell Pops, we still have to hide from everyone else in this room.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because Pops wouldn’t let anything come between him and the success of the business…. Including my happiness.”
“Now… I don’t think that’s true.”
“It is.”
“Okay, let’s say it is true. Is that so bad? As long as Pops knows you can still be together.”
“Yeah, but not like this.”
Meghan takes a deep breath. “I am gonna go to the restroom real quick. Don’t move, I’ll be right back.”
You nod continuing to take small bites of your cake and watch Bucky and Sarah head to the bar.
Sarah leans on the bar waiting to get the bartenders attention while Bucky stands nearby, scanning the room. Looking for you.
“Are you happy Bucky?”
He finds you on the other side of the bar on one of the couches and then looks to Sarah, “Of course, what kind of question is that?”
She finally gets the bartender's attention “One martini, gin and one whiskey on the rocks.” Then she turns to face Bucky. “I mean in this setting.Using your time in the corporate world.”
Bucky presses his lips together and slightly nods. It’s actually annoying how well Sarah is able to read him.
“I used to be. Extremely happy at the start. It kept me busy. Gave me a purpose. Made me feel like I was making a difference, in a productive way.”
The bartender places their drinks in front of Sarah, she hands him the whiskey. He takes a sip.
“But…”
He looks over to you, ignoring the guys trying to interrupt you and that slice of cake. “But… I don’t know…. It’s gotten old.” He pauses as you scare off the guys with a dirty look making him softly laugh. “Or my priorities have shifted.”
“I’m guessing it’s a little of both.”
Bucky nods looking back at Sarah.
“Probably right, as usual.”
“Can you tell that to my brother?”
Meghan comes back, puts your plate on a nearby table and leads you to the dance floor.
“What are you doing?”
“Turning this night around, just trust me.”
As you get to the center of the crowded floor, Justin Bieber’s ‘That should be me’ starts to play.
Lots of girls squeal and rush to the floor and start singing along.
“Are you trying to kill me?”
“No! Sing it out, how we used to as teenagers?”
The chorus starts and you watch Meghan scream it out with the woman around us.
You’re not sure if it was the fomo or the martinis kicking in but you join her. And you hate to admit it but it really did help. It was really cathartic. A beautiful moment in womanhood. The few dozen of you on the dance floor sharing an experience at one point or another. But getting it out unapologetically, together.
You grab Meghan’s hand and start turning and dancing with her. Both singing your hearts out. For a brief moment you forgot about everything and you were just teenagers again.
She spins you as the final chorus builds and when you stop your eyes meet Bucky’s. Like magnets stuck to each other. You just stare at each other as the lyrics consume you.
‘That should be me holding your hand. That should be me making you laugh.’ You were fighting off the tears until Sarah put her arm on his shoulder and leaned into him.
‘That should be me. This is so sad.’ You quickly run off the dance floor trying to not let anyone see you cry. Luckily the dance floor was crowded so the only ones to notice were Sarah, Bucky and Meghan. They all chase after you.
You make it to a bathroom that’s luckily empty. You lean your hand on the counter and start to cry.
Meghan makes it to the bathroom and is about to follow you in, “Wait, Meghan.” Sarah calls to her with Bucky behind Sarah.
Meghan looks back at them, “Look no offense, I’m sure you’re wonderful. And you’ve been so kind all night, but she needs me.”
“Meghan, please let Sarah talk to her.” Bucky pleads. Meghan suddenly understands why you can’t ever say no to him.
She just steps to the side, “I’ll be out here.” Allowing Sarah to go in after you.
You see Sarah come in and quickly try to compose yourself and hide the evidence.
She smiles at you kindly. “You don’t have to pretend for me. I get it.” Then stands next to you.
“It’s not you.”
“Oh girl, I know. I get it. This situation sucks. Bucky’s told me.. Everything.”
“Everything?”
She smirks at you, “well, not everything. But enough to understand that this is a very valid reaction.”
That gets a laugh out of you.
“And you should know, you’re all he’s talked to me about. And all night he just wanted to keep eyes on you, in case you needed him.”
“Talking about another girl while on a date with you, sounds terrible.”
You both laugh at that.
“It’s okay, I’m happy to help a friend.”
You just nod reminded of the situation.
“I’m sorry, I never formally introduced myself. My name’s Sarah. Sarah Wilson.”
You freeze like a deer in headlights looking back up at her.
“As in?”
“Yes, Sam Wilson is my brother.”
“Oh god I feel awful, I’m so sorry. This is the worst first impression.”
She shakes her head no. “Bucky already gave you a rave review, that’s all the first impression I need.”
You blush at that.
“Oh speaking of, he wanted me to give you this. He lost his phone somewhere, otherwise he would have texted you.”
She hands you a note from her purse.
‘You look stunning tonight. Can you meet me in the garden in 20 minutes?
-James’
You hold the note to your chest and smile. “Thank you.”
She lightly touches your arm “You’re welcome. Also, if it makes you feel better, I can even tell and notice that your dad is being so weird! We’ve been avoiding him all night.”
“That does make me feel better. Thanks.”
19 Self Sabotage:
You freshen up before leaving the bathroom, looking for Meghan to tell her the tea you’re sitting with but more importantly to find this garden Bucky’s talking about. You go down a few halls and finally find a waiter.
“Excusee me, Can you point me towards the garden?”
“Of course, follow this hall down, take the second left then just straight ahead out the doors.”
“Thank you!” You turn down and try not to run but god you can’t get to Bucky fast enough.
You take the second left and run right into some guys back.
“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry, I wasn't paying attention.” You stop, catching your breath. The man turns around, it’s Pops.
“Woah hey sweetheart!! This is a surprise, you okay?”
You nod as you catch your breath. “Yeah, got separated from Meghan… just trying to find her.”
“You guys okay?”
“Yeah of course.”
“You guys having fun?”
“Mhmm. A great time.”
“How many martinis have you had?”
“Maybe 5?”
“5?! Thatta girl! Did you get any cake?”
“Yup, it was really good.”
“It is, picked that one myself.”
“Good choice” You’re not sure why he’s suddenly in the mood to play rapid fire questions, you brush it off to him being tipsy.
“Have you talked to Sarah? She’s great”
“Yeah, she’s really nice, I like her.”
“It’s nice to finally meet his mystery girl now huh?”
“Sure.. I suppose.”
“What’d you really think of my speech?! I meant what I said about you two, you’re both like my kids to me.”
“I am your kid Pops.”
“And how long have you been in love with Bucky?”
“Probably his second day here, why?”
He tilts his head at you. Your head finally comprehends what he just asked and what you just said. Your skin feels like it’s on fire, the room that was previously spinning coming to a screeching halt.
“Fuck no, not what I meant. I just.”
He just shakes his head at you, you can’t tell if it’s disappointment or anger seeping from him. Probably a good mix of both.
“Pops.. I… I can explain.”
“You can explain? Explain that this crush is worth lying to me about? Or that it’s worth destroying everything I’ve worked for?”
“No… I mean Yes.. No Pops please. Can we go outside and talk?”
“I don’t need to hear anymore. You need to let this crush go.”
“It’s not just a crush.”
He lets out a little laugh in disbelief. “I don’t care what you think it is. There are billions of men out there, it can’t be him. Find someone else.”
The look on his face was evil. You have never seen this side of him before. It’s mean and stern. Nothing like the dad that would get mad at you for misbehaving as a kid. You’ve been yelled at and grounded plenty of times. But looking back, even though he was mad, you knew he still cared. You can’t find a single trace of him that actually cares about you or your feelings at this moment.
You can’t help it but tears start to form in your eyes, “Pops please… Can we go somewhere… and talk about this?”
He doesn’t say anything, he steps around you and walks past you.
You lean your hand on the wall trying not to sob. People walk awkwardly around you, not offering any help. All while you’re just trying to breathe. You didn’t want him to find out like this. But you never could have predicted him reacting that way.
You quickly get your phone out of your purse, you send a frantic text to Bucky ‘he knows.’ then call Meghan.
“Where did you go?!”
“Meghan, he knows.”
“WHAT?!”
“Pops knows.”
“Everything? When? Where are you?”
“I don’t know I’m down some hall. I’m supposed to be meeting Bucky right now but he doesn’t have his…. FUCK… he doens’t have his phone.”
“Breathe. Don’t move, I'm following your location, tell me what happened?”
“I literally ran into Pops… he started asking me a bunch of random questions.” You start to cry again as you relive the memory. “And then he just bluntly asked ‘how long have you been in love with Bucky?’ and I don’t know if it’s the martinis or stupidity but I told him.”
“Oh honey, you are not stupid.”
“No I really am…. You should have seen him Meghan. He was beyond mad.”
“He’s been drinking too, tomorrow you’ll be able to straighten everything out.”
“No it can’t be tomorrow. It has to be tonight. I can’t leave it that way.”
Next thing you know you see her walking towards you. You both hang up and she wraps you up in a hug.
“Okay do we need to find Bucky and then Pops?”
“No, I need to talk to him alone first.”
“Well I just went across the main room and I didn’t see Pops, Sarah or Bucky for that matter.”
“Bucky’s waiting for me in a garden..”
“Here’s the plan, I will help you find Pops. While you talk to him I go find Bucky and bring him to you.”
You just nod yes. “Okay sounds good.”
She grabs your hand and starts to move but you don’t move from your stance. “You okay?”
You shake your head no. “I never wanted it to go like this.”
“I know….. Things worth having never come easy, right?”
You squeeze her hand and follow behind her. Looking for anyone you might be able to ask if they know where Pops went. Weaving in and out of loud and crowded rooms getting nowhere.
You pull her back so she can hear you in the crowd, “Let’s go to the front desk, I have an idea.”
She leads you to the front desk and you get in the line to talk to them.
“If you’re not on the reservation they’re not going to give you the room number.” She whispers. You just smirk at her as you’re called to the desk.
“Hi I was wondering if you could tell me what room my father is in?”
“Good evening, are you on the reservation?”
“No I’m not, but unfortunately, my father forgot to pack a medication he needs and I haven’t been able to get a hold of him.”
“You sneaky little genius.” Meghan whispers under her breath. You kick her to shut her up.
“Oh that is a different story! ID please?”
You hand them your driver license, they verify the last name. “Perfect.” He hands it back to you and pulls up a map directing you to where his room is.
“You are a life saver, thank you so much!” You take the map and run off to the elevators.
You wait for the elevator to get to your floor.
“Okay, you okay from here?” Meghan asks kinda frantically. You owe her big time after today.
“No but yes. Please go find Bucky.”
She snaps a quick picture of the map and rushes back to the ball room, you faintly hear her ask a waiter where the garden is.
You finally step into the elevator and hit the top floor. Your heart is pounding so hard you can feel it everywhere. You rack your brain trying to figure out a game plan but you just keep picturing Pop's face.
He looked more like a movie villain than himself. He may be your father but he has no right to talk down to you like that anymore. The more you think about it the angrier you get.
You finally make it to his floor, follow the signs to his room number. The do not disturb sign over the doorknob, meaning you found him. You take a deep breath pounding on the door several times.
He opens the door, sees it’s you and rolls his eyes. “Go home…” He says your name like he used to when you were younger. When you pushed your limits and made him mad. He rarely used your first name so it turns something in your stomach.
“No. I’m not going home till you listen to me.”
He gets his phone out of his pocket and holds the door open, showing you the phone screen. You recognize that lock screen instantly, it’s the lake the Wilsons live off of. Then you see the pending unopened text notification. ‘He knows.’ from the contact name ‘Baby’ with a red heart.
Tears swell in your eyes as you realize all you’ve done all evening is make everything worse for yourself.
“That you?”
You nod yes as the tears fall, “Please…. let me explain.”
“Oh no need to explain. I understand. I understand perfectly. You both snuck around behind my back, despite knowing the consequences for everyone around you. ‘Who cares who it affects as long as it’s not me’ right?! You’ve always been like that.”
“Hey! That’s not true! It was never like that!!” He goes to stop you but you don’t let him this time.
“We became friends.” You swallow the sobs trying to make their way out. “We talked every day. That’s all it was at first, just talks….. But then the topics got heavier. More vulnerable…. We became a safe space for each other and it just kept growing.”
In your loud yelling you don’t see or hear Bucky, Meghan and Sarah enter the hallway from the elevator. They hear you and start to walk towards you but they stop and stand back. Seeing you need to face this on your own but stay nearby to jump in if needed.
“He makes me feel alive. He shows me how strong and independent I am but also fragile and precious too….. He makes me feel like I have so much to learn but also so much to teach…. He thinks I’m funny… He’s sarcastic with me but also the most genuine…”
Pops snaps interrupting you, “Enough. Plenty of men out there could make you feel all those things.”
You shake your head no as you lose the battle to your sobbing, “No… No they can’t”
He leans more towards you bringing back that evil look “This would ruin his reputation. Have you ever considered that?… News gets out he’s dating his business partners daughter they will drag him through the mud, you too. ‘Sleeping his way to the top.’ And then how does that reflect onto me?…. It can’t be him. Let. Him. Go.”
Tears streaming down your face you take a deep breath in and retort back through tears. “But daddy I love him.”
20 Home:
Pop looks at you, nothing but disappointment and frustration behind his eyes. You don’t look away, tears never ending, trickling down your chin, to your collar bone and down your dress.
“I’ve rebuilt my reputation before, from far worse. Don’t think I can’t do it again.”
You look over and Bucky is walking towards you. Suddenly you can stand stronger and breathe easier. You can’t help but smile, relieved that he’s here to face this with you now.
“Oh fuck no I should kill you!” Pops threatens Bucky, he doesn’t flinch, just stands beside you so your arms are touching.
“Before you do… Please just let me explain.”
Pops says nothing, just breathing heavily. Bucky takes that as his chance.
“I knew I shouldn’t have let this happen. Every time I lied to you, or kept it from you it killed me inside. It truly did. But I’ve never had a say in how I feel for her.”
That steals the breath from your lungs, he hears that and reaches for your hand, holding it gently. Never looking away from Pops.
“Her presence brings a comfort I never knew existed before. She makes me feel like enough and yet still has me reaching into outer space to impress her. She keeps the nightmares away. She-”
Pops rudely interrupts him, “I don’t need to hear all that. What about the company’s reputation? My reputation? Yours?… This will destroy you, bringing everything and everyone down with you. Including her! All that hard work, for nothing. Is this really, truly, worth all that?”
With zero hesitation Bucky says “She is.”
”Bucky no” You whisper through a sob, squeezing his hand, he squeezes back but doesn’t look at you.
“I’ll give it all up. Gladly. Sign my half of the company over to you. You can tell the whole industry. You can make it so I never work another day in my life. Drag me through hell and back.”
“Bucky…” You softly plead one last time, he rubs his thumb on your hand.
“If that’s what it takes for you to forgive her. It’s worth it…. I don’t expect you to forgive me, and I’ll never hold that against you. But I know she needs it, and that’s all that matters to me.”
Pops looks truly shocked, still mad, but stunned. “Buck, be rational for a second.”
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.” He lifts the hand that’s holding yours and places your hands to his chest. “This is it for me. I’m sorry we hurt you. That was never what either of us wanted. What started out small grew very quickly. One day we just realized we were past the point of no return of telling you and avoiding conflict.”
“That was never an option.” Pops retorts rudely.
“Fair. Just know I’m sorry for the hurt this caused, and what it all might cost you. Maybe you’ll forgive me for that someday. But….. I’m not sorry it’s her.”
“I’ve heard enough.” Pops throws Bucky his phone, he catches it confused. “Grabbed it off the table at dinner by mistake.” He explains closing the door in front of us without another word.
Bucky looks at it and sees your text. You can watch his thoughts connect all the dots.
“I’m sorry, I messed everything up.”
He pulls you into his chest holding you tight. “Shhhhh. You did no such thing.” He kisses the top of your head. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
He leads you down the hall, past the elevator. You look at him confused as he opens a hotel room door. “Just grabbing my bag.”
He picks up his already packed overnight bag, turns off the light then takes your hand. “Let’s go home baby.”
“Home?”
“Mhmmm” He leads you to the elevator.
“You’re oddly… calm…”
“Oddly?” He hits the button for the elevator smiling at you.
“Yeah… I messed the whole night up, for everyone. Ruined our plans. And you’re just standing there as happy as can be…”
He stands in front of you, cupping your face with both hands, wiping the smeared mascara off your cheeks gently, as best he can. The elevator dings and he leads you in.
He backs up against the wall, leading you to trap him against the wall and hits the lobby button before cupping your face again. “You ruined nothing. The night was already terrible because I couldn’t share it with you.”
He runs his fingers through your hair before continuing. “And because of your bravery tonight, We’re about to sneak our way out of this party and go home, together.”
“Okaaayyy.. I’m still a little lost here Barnes.”
He leans his face closer and whispers, “It will be the last time I let you go unseen with me. Forgive me for being excited about that” And then he presses his lips to yours delicately. As if too much pressure might shatter you. You fight so hard not to get carried away as you kiss him back. Grabbing the fabric of his jacket..
Luckily the elevator dings causing you both to break the kiss. He takes your hand again and leads you down a hall for employees only and through an emergency exit to where his car is parked.
You stop as he opens the passenger door for you.
“You planned this?”
He shrugs, “Sort of, I was gonna ask you to leave with me in the garden.”
You walk up to him smiling at you. “Come on, we got one little stop and then home.” You sit in the car and he quickly joins you, driving off.
“What’s the one stop?”
He hands you his phone, “Can you GPS us to Walmart..? Is that what it’s called?”
“...The store?”
“Yes baby, we’re going home but there’s nothing there. We need snacks, breakfast, an air mattress, and stuff to at least get us through the night. I was going to get all that tomorrow before Sunday dinner… But after tonight, I need to be home… with my girl. I can’t wait another second.”
You look over at him trying to solve him like a puzzle. “You mean your place?”
He shakes his head no, keeping his eyes on the road, placing his right hand on your thigh. “No. Our home.”
You put his phone down after getting the GPS set up and place your hand on his, rubbing the top of his hand with your finger tips. He squeezes your high affectionately.
“What’s on your mind baby?”
You look over at him already looking at you. The glow from the red light tracing all his handsome features.
“When did it become our home?”
He licks his lips quickly, “What I bought was just a house, you make it a home.”
You softly gasp and whisper “Bucky..”
The light turns green, he gives you a wink before looking back at the road and following the GPS.
“You mean it?”
He makes a confused face towards the road but directed at your question. As if it offended him. “Because I notoriously say things I don’t mean….”
You smile and roll your eyes at that. “I’m serious Bucky.”
“So am I. Did you mean everything you said?”
“When?”
“To Rob.”
You pause a moment remembering everything you said, specifically that 4 letter word that holds so much weight.
“Every word.”
He squeezes your thigh again, and then rubs his thumb across the fabric of your dress. He didn’t need to say anything else. You knew what he heard.
You also didn’t need him to say it back, whether he planned to or not, he’s already shown you he feels it too.
He finally parks the car at Walmart turning the car off.
“Are we really about to shop at Walmart in full black tie?”
He shrugs at you, then takes his bow tie off, unbuttons two buttons and rolls up his shirt sleeves.
“That better?”
You bite your lip seeing his chest peak through his now more open shirt. “No, not at all.”
“Easy tiger, come on.” He gets out of the car and opens your door for you. Walking beside you, hand on the small of your back as you both walk inside.
“Alright. Here’s the thing, I am dying to get out of this dress and terrible shoes so let’s divide and conquer. I’ll get food and kitchen stuff. Just basics. You get bathroom and bedroom stuff and Pjs”
He hands you a cart and then takes one. “PJs…? We won’t be needing them..” Then smirks at you.
“Easy tiger” You tease back with a wink as you split up. Since it’s empty you’re both able to move really quickly. You get more groceries than you probably need for now but you won’t let it go to waste. After about 20 minutes you see him waiting for you at the front.
You glance through his cart just out of curiosity. All the bathroom necessities are there as well as an air mattress, pillows and sheet set. But one red Henley and a pack of boxer briefs, nothing for you.
“Forget anything Barnes?”
“Not at all, I have something special for you already..”
“Alright then… Let’s go home James.”
After a quiet drive, we pulled into the driveway. Finally feeling relaxed for the first time in 24 hours. The feeling of home was overwhelmingly calming.
He only let you carry in his overnight bag and told you your surprise was in there. As he brought everything else in you looked through it in the bedroom. All you could find was his toiletries, boxer briefs and his red henley.
This is far better than anything he could have bought you. You put them on a little too excitedly. He must have slept in the henley the night before because it smells like him.
You finally walk out to the kitchen where he’s still putting groceries and kitchen supplies you got away. He sees you and drops the bag of frozen hash browns in his hands on the floor.
“..Wow.” he whispers, watching you walk towards him.
You bashfully avoid his looks as you pick up the hash browns and put them in the freezer.
“It’s not polite to stare, Bucky.” You tease him as you put more groceries away.
He closes the fridge and pushes you against it, kissing you firmly. Holding the top of the fridge with his vibranium arm, and gripping your hip with his flesh hand.
You follow his lead and kiss him back. Letting all of the restraint you’ve had to carry all night go. Grabbing his face and arching into him needing to feel him as close as possible
He breaks the kiss but keeps his face close enough you still feel his breath on your skin as he whispers, “It’s also not polite to look that good.”
You softly kiss the tip of his nose and tease back “If that's true, you’re being extremely rude right now.”
He smiles as he kisses you again, this time just a few pecks. Three to be exact. “I’m gonna go change. Set up your kitchen to your liking.” He whispers before letting you go and heads to the bedroom.
With a pep in your step you get out all the kitchen supplies you got and start to put them away. Moving things around several times till it feels right.
“Finally figure it out?” Bucky playfully teases, leaning on the wall watching you.
“Shut up. Everything has to be perfect.” You defend yourself before you look up at him. He’s in black sweat pants and the new red henley he bought. You just smile at him completely surprised.
“Surprise..?” He questions, hoping you like it as you practically sprint over to him wrapping your arms around him.
“I thought matching Pjs best fit for tonight, but Walmart had terrible options.” He confesses, you can hear how nervous he is to admit that.
You tilt your head up still holding onto him.
“Where have you been all my life?” You ask rhetorically.
“Waiting for you.”
21 Rainy Morning:
You wake up to the sound of thunder and instantly feel warm. Then realize it’s Bucky holding you close that's keeping you warm.
He feels you shift around a little and lets out a grumpy groan, “Go back to sleep baby.”
“What time is it?”
“Who cares?” He whispers as he pulls you in even closer, making you his little spoon, fitting perfectly against him.
“Fair.” You snuggle your body against his.
He starts to slowly tickle his finger tips up your side as you lay together listening to the rain.
“Can I live in this moment forever?” You softly ask.
He just softly hums in response, still tickling his finger tips up your side.
After a few minutes of just listening to the rain your mind starts to wander. Remembering how you let Pops find out. How angry he was.
Bucky can tell you’re no longer relaxed, “what is it?”
“Just remembering we’re not out of the woods yet.”
He sighs, a little defeated. “No, we’re not… But not much we can do about it right now.”
You roll over to face him, “No, but that doesn't mean I’m not allowed to stress about it.”
He gives you a disapproving look and cups your face. “What are you stressed about? Rob being upset?”
You just nod yes.
“Well we both knew that was unavoidable.”
“And I’m worried about you.”
That clearly caught him off guard. “Me? You don’t have to worry about me.”
“You really going to leave the company?”
He tilts his head back and sighs pulling you in close. Till your head is pressed on his chest. You can’t help but smell him, taking in his warmth and sexy scent. You can’t quite place it, but you love it just the same.
“Leaving has been on my mind for a bit. Probably since leaving Canada.”
“Oh?” You muffle into his chest.
”Mhmmm. It’s gotten repetitive, boring and not as important to me as it used to be.”
You pop your head back up, “Because of me?”
He smiles that sweet innocent smile you’ve always loved. “Yeah baby. It’s aaaaalll your fault.” He admits dramatically as he starts to tickle you starting at your belly, then hips and ups your sides.
You burst into uncontrollable laughter, trying to fight him off but failing miserably. Once he can see you struggling to catch your breath he stops, leaning over you. Making sure you recover.
“If you want to take some of the blame as to why other things became more important to me than this silly little job, then by all means go for it….. Just know I see it as you saved me.”
“Saved you?”
He nods his head yes, “If it weren’t for you, I’d have a fate like Robs. So wrapped up in the company that nothing else matters. Not even his daughter's happiness.”
“Buck it’s not that simple for him.”
“Sure it is. He may never forgive me, but I’ll never forgive him for how he spoke to you. He made it clear the company and his reputation were the only things he cared about. I knew he’d be upset…. Just not that low…”
You also weren’t expecting him to stoop that low either but Bucky feeling the same takes some of the weight of you off somehow.
“Maybe he just needs time.”
He nods agreeing. “Maybe. You know what I need?”
You roll over on top of him, straddling over his hips. “Tell me.”
He licks his lips watching you, hands rubbing up your thighs. “I was going to say breakfast but it looks like there’s been a change on the menu.”
You look at him confused as he pulls your face down to his to kiss him. You kiss him back firmly, not worried about your morning breath and he’s clearly not either. You slowly push him so he’s laying back down while still straddling on top of him.
He starts kissing across your jaw and down your neck. Finding all your most sensitive spots when you moan. Making him smile against your skin.
You run your fingers through his hair and take a firm grip making him groan in your ear. “Oh now you’ve done it.”
He grabs you by the hips and turns you beside him and then climbs over you, gently pressing his weight into you. As his hands start to wander your phone starts to ring. Specifically Pop’s ringtone.
You try to sit up, “Bucky I need to get that, It’s Pops.”
“Mmmm let him leave a voicemail.” He whines into your neck.
You push him till he finally listens. “No, we need to get this.”
You lean over the bed grabbing your phone and answer it.
“Hello”
“Oh, Hi sweetheart. Didn’t expect you to pick up.”
You lay down on the bed, Bucky sitting up beside you looking at you. Caressing your hip with his flesh hand. His touch on your skin is calming.
“Guess I’m full of surprises lately.” You can’t help but be cold towards him. As much as you want to patch things up, Bucky helped you realize his reaction was a little over the top. Showing no care for your feelings or needs at all.
“Yeah, I’ll say… Well I’m calling to talk to you about dinner tonight.”
“It’s Sunday.” Right as you say that, Bucky’s hand starts to wander up your body under your shirt. Agonizingly slow. You just try to focus and control your breathing.
“That it is. Was hoping you’d still have dinner with me? You don’t have to cook, I’ll take care of everything.”
“What time?” At this point you just want to end this call. Bucky’s hands find your breast and with the most gentle touch starts to rub them one by one.
“Anytime that works for you. But I just ask you come alone.”
That instantly pisses you off. Sitting up, knocking Bucky’s hand off you. He sits back concerned.
You put the phone on speaker before continuing.
“Why?”
Pops takes a deep breath in, “I have nothing to say to him.”
Bucky clenches his jaw and just glares at the phone.
“I’m not going alone Pops you get the two of us or none of us.”
Bucky mouths ‘are you sure?’ To you silently, you just nod. The silence from Pops is louder than he realizes.
You finally hear Pops sigh, “Alright sweetheart. What time can I expect you both?”
“6.”
“See you then.”
You don’t say anything else before disconnecting the call.
“He asked you to go alone?”
You just nod, disappointed as you toss your phone aside. You thought a night to sleep on things would help Pops be more level headed and make this easier for you.
Bucky gets out of bed and reaches for your hand. He helps you out of bed and pulls you into him for a firm hug. He rubs your back as you squeeze him as hard as you can.
“What if he never forgives me?”
He shakes his head no and kisses the top of your head. “What about you? He needs your forgiveness too. He’s putting you in a difficult spot. Acting like the future of his business rides on who you date or don’t date. Sure he’s allowed to be mad. But he’s not allowed to put that on you.”
You tilt your head up looking at him, not easing your grip on him at all.Overcome with how much he cares for you. How he wants what’s best for you no matter what. You can’t hold your feelings back anymore.
“I love you.”
You can feel his body melt a little before he looks down to meet your eyes.
“I love you too.”
22 Home:
The day flew by and it was already time to head over to Pops’ place for dinner.
Bucky buttons up his shirt with a slight grin and pep in his step.
“You’re oddly chipper.”
He winks at you, “You ready?”
You take a deep breath in, “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
He takes your hand and leads you out the house and down the side walk. His pace is quick like he’s genuinely excited.
“What’s gotten into you Bucky?”
He looks over at you, “Tonight, I’m gonna have myself… a real good time.”
He’s way too excited about this and now quoting song lyrics? Something’s up. You stop dead in your tracks, still holding his hand yanking him to a stop.
“What baby?”
You glare at him before answering, “What are you planning?”
“I have no plans….” His smirk when he looks away says otherwise.
“Says the man who has several stories of how annoying it is when Sam doesn’t share plans with you…”
He licks his lips and avoids your eyes, you both know you got him.
“Okay… fine… I have a plan… But can you just trust me?”
He softly pleads with you, pulling you closer. Damn it he’s good and he’s learned your weakness. That soft tone, those playfully innocent eyes.
Two can play that game. You pout out your lip a moment and look softly back into his eyes before you whisper.
“You can’t let me in on the plan?”
He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes for a moment. To gain composure and stay strong but he’s just as weak as you are. You lick your lips proud of yourself.
He steps even closer and cups your face with his vibranium hand. Tilting your head to look up at him.
“It’s more an idea than a plan…. And you won’t like it…. What if we make a deal?”
“A deal?”
“Mhmmm. You let me go though with my idea…. And I’ll make it up to you.”
“How?”
He smiles at your stern look, “How ever you want. I’ll get you anything you want, take you anywhere… Anything.”
“How about a yes day?”
He looks at you puzzled but intrigued, “A yes day?”
You nod with your face still held by his hand. “Yeah, a full day of anything I ask you have to say yes to.”
He kisses your forehead, then lets go of your face. “Deal. Now can we go?”
You just nod yes as he leads you back down the street.
After a moment your curiosity got the better of you, “When did you get into Queen?”
He laughs at your delayed reaction, “Sarah recommended them a long time ago.”
You squeeze his hand and think about what you’ll be able to introduce him to like that.
You finally make it to Pops driveway and are stunned by what you see.
“Whose car is that?”
Meghan’s. It’s Meghans’s car. You didn’t tell her tonight was still happening. She briefly texted earlier asking how your night went and you asked if she got to talk to Sarah. But that was it.
“Meghan’s.” You finally answer Bucky as you internally spiral, trying not to think of worse case scenarios.
“Oh! Okay that’s not so bad!” He says, pretty unfazed by it and tries to lead you inside. But your feet are glued to where you stand. “What is it?”
Your heart is pounding, thinking the worst.
“You don’t think…. Her… and Pops…”
He looks at you confused, “What are you trying to say?”
“They’re dating…”
“WHAT!?”
“Why else would she be here Buck?! She doesn’t need to be here. And I didn’t invite her!! Meaning he did…”
His look goes from chipper to pissed in a blink. “She wouldn’t do that to you.”
“She wouldn’t want to…. But sometimes fate doesn’t let you make those choices…..”
You look at each other a moment knowing there’s no reason either of you can be upset with them if your assumption is true.
“Only one way to find out.”
He takes your hand again leading you to the door.
You hesitate at the door, it feels weird to knock but also feels weird to let yourself in. Bucky sees you internally struggling and opens the door for you.
“Pops?” You nervously call for him when you walk in.
Even just one night away, you already feel like a guest in your family home. It has a foreign feel to it. Maybe it’s just not being on good terms with Pops. Or maybe it’s that home was never a place, but a feeling. A feeling that these walls no longer provide.
“There you both are, Meghan they’re here!!” Pops shouts from the kitchen.
You and Bucky share a glance, both clearly uneasy at what might come next. You have no right to be upset with Pops about it, it still doesn’t mean you can’t be upset with Meghan.
“Hey love birds, why the long faces?” She asks as she comes out from your room.
Before you can question her Bucky strikes up his plan. “Hey Rob, can we step outside a moment?”
“Why?” He questions with attitude, never turning to face Bucky.
“Can we talk? Man to man about this?”
That gets Pops to put his utensil down and finally turn to face Bucky.
“Fine.”
Bucky turns to go to the back yard, Pops behind him.
You and Meghan turn to watch this conversation through the sliding glass door, but keeping your distance.
“Are you dating him?”
Meghan practically chokes on her water she was sipping and starts coughing. “I’m sorry!?!?”
You finally look at her, “Are you here to tell us you’re dating him?”
She looks at you appalled, “Who?! POPS!?!”
You don’t say another word, just staring at her waiting for an actual answer.
She starts busting out laughing. “I Love you, you dumb bitch..”
She teases making you laugh and then playfully shove her.
“Well… I didn’t know why you were here.”
“He told me not to tell you this, but I don’t keep secrets from you…. He asked me to come over, not just for the dinner but before you guys got here… Because he wanted my advice.”
“On what?”
“If he was being too hard on you.”
“Oh…”
Before you could elaborate more on that, you hear Pops starting to shout loudly at Bucky. Shifting your focus to the back yard.
The glass is too thick to hear what he’s saying word for word but with a little lip reading you can piece a few things together.
“…You lied to me… that might be the worst part of all…”
“And what would you have had me said instead, huh? You ever think about that Rob?”
“Did you know Bucky was going to do this?”
“No, I didn’t. But I fear there’s more to it than this.”
“…that's my little girl… I outta kill you.”
“Do it then!! Hit me!” Bucky steps closer to Rob holding his arm out, giving Rob an easy target.
“Called it..” You know that Pops could never actually cause Bucky any physical pain or harm. Still doesn’t make his little plan any less annoying.
“Should we stop them?”
You want to so badly, but deep down you know this is what Pops needs to stop being angry and can start accepting. You let out a big sigh before answering Meghan.
“No… Pops needs this.” You walk away from her and head to the kitchen. “Wine?”
“You’re not going to watch?”
You start pouring wine for the two of you, “It’s gonna take him a minute to get there.” As you walk back over you see Bucky continue to encourage Pops to hit him. “You know Pops, the least violent person on the planet..”
That gets Meghan to laugh. “True… poor guy.”
You scuff at that as you both watch Pops bring his fists up, Bucky continuing to give him a clear shot and hype him up.
Then he finally swings at him, punching him right in the gut.
Bucky lunges forward grabbing his abs, hamming it up a bit but Pops can’t tell.
They’re talking quietly now, you know you should give them some privacy but before you turn around you read Bucky’s lips one last time.
“Fate doesn’t always give you a choice….”
“Come on, let’s give them some privacy.” You both sit at the table and quietly go over how today went with Bucky, and that you both said I love you, for the first time.
She’s about to freak out when Bucky and Pops come back inside, actually laughing together.
“You two punch it out?” You ask, slightly sarcastically. Bucky catches your eyes and smiles wider at you.
“Well one of us did. You guys hungry? I made your favorite.”
“Swiddish meatballs?!” You jump up to help him get dinner out.
“Consider it my apology for being so harsh.”
You reach out and hug him, “I’m sorry too Pops.”
He lets go of the hug, “I know, I forgive you… but it'll take some time for me to get used to it.”
“Totally fair.” You both bring everything to the table with Meghan and Bucky.
“Oh everyone, not this weekend but the following, keep your schedules open. I’m having a house warming party and would love for you all to be there.”
“Who else is going?!”
You immediately glare at Meghan and roll your eyes at her.
“The whole Wilson family is flying out for it too, so it’ll be a good time.”
“Cass and AJ too?”
He nods as he finishes his mouth full. “Yeah, can’t wait for you to meet them. They’re going to love you.”
Your heart skips at that.
“Well I personally can’t wait. I’ll give Sam my number myself”
Meghan glares at you.
“Girl I told you I was going to handle it!!”
“And now you don't have to.”
“Wait, Sam as in…” Pops finally catching up to what you two are talking about.
“The one and only Captain America.” Meghan explains proudly.
“Who would have thought, my girls would grow up dating super heros.”
You blush and nudge Bucky’s side, “I could have guessed it…” You admit shyly.
Deep down you knew, there was no one else for you.
Synopsis: Your dad is your best friend. He’s always been there for you as both a father and best friend. From the moment your mom walked out on you both he took on more than he ever planned to with no complaints. From teaching you how to change oil in the car to learning the best way to take care of and style your hair type, you never wanted for anything.
And even though you’ve been out of college and living on your own for years, not much has changed with you two. You refuse to move too far away from him. Unwilling to give up your Saturdays of watching football together, or your Sunday night dinners in the off season. This Sunday dinner is going to be a lot different. And you could never predict how it changes your life.
Notes/Warnings: Bucky x f!reader. Bucky is DBF (Dad's best friend, low key my new favorite troupe) Reader is well out of college no specific age mentioned. Posted this on Ao3 already, thought maybe tumblr would like it too. Just posting it in 2 halves here.
chapters 1-11 word count 20k
MDNI 18+ only please.
1 Life Changing Bake ziti
Your dad lands from his big business trip any minute now. And you’re confident it went well. With your dad’s knowledge and charisma, he’s unstoppable. But you’re not sure if you’re in the mood to celebrate. Normally Chad would be joining you two and you’d happily take the spot as the third wheel. You love how much your dad and boyfriend got along, oh well, Ex boyfriend. He broke up with you two weeks ago. After two years together and discussions of marriage. He doesn’t want to stay here anymore. He wants to move out to San Diego. And 7 hours away from your dad is just too far away for your liking. So he split. Dad’s been in Vancouver for almost a month working on this big merger for his company. He calls every other night of course to update you on everything and check on you. But you just haven't had the heart to tell him the news. You wouldn’t want him to worry, or worse drop everything and come home. This merger was too important to him, you’d never forgive yourself.
You’re going to try to hide the news for at least one day. You pop the ziti in the oven so it’s ready just in time for him to get home. You work on the dishes you’ve dirtied as you brainstorm excuses to why Chad isn’t here. You land on him not feeling well even though you’re not confident it will go over well. You’re a very bad liar. Suddenly your phone rings.
“Hey Pops!! You just land?”
“Hey sweetheart! Yeah just got in the uber should be home in 45 mins or so. We still on for dinner?”
“What a stupid question of course we are, it’s Sunday! I just popped the ziti in the oven!”
“You’re making ziti? You spoil me! Can’t wait to see you! You and Chad at the house already?”
“Uhh, it’s actually just me tonight…. Chad's feeling under the weather. Didn’t want to get you sick.”
“Oh man. I’ll text him hope he gets to feeling better.”
“NO!!…. That’s okay dad, he was uuuh… sleeping when I left…. Let’s not wake him up”
“…Okay sweetheart….. well I hope you made enough, a friend of mine will be joining us tonight. Is that okay?”
“Oh that’s great!! Can’t wait to meet her.”
“Him actually. I was gonna wait to tell you but screw it. It’s my new business partner!! The merger went through flawlessly!”
“That’s amazing Pops!!! I’m so proud of you.”
“Aww shucks don’t be. I’m the one proud of you. Well I’ll let you go. We’ll be there soon”
Great.
Now on top of hiding your broken heart from your best friend, you have to play happy and get to know this guy. Sounds like he’s going to be around more. Which is honestly great for your dad. He needs more friends than just you. Maybe this guy will encourage him to finally start dating again…
Your phone starts ringing again, you’ve never been this popular on a Sunday evening. This time it’s Meghan.
“Hey girl what’s up!!”
“Hey am I interrupting dinner?”
“No he’s not even home yet, why? Everything okay?”
“Oh good, everything is wonderful. I’m texting you an article right now. Please open it.”
I place her on speaker and open our text thread. The headline reads “Bucky Barnes lands in Sacramento California.” posted 30 minutes ago.
“NO FUCKING WAY!”
Your best friend menacingly laughing on the other end. “You’re welcome!”
You have had a major crush on Bucky Barnes since you had to do a history report on him senior year of high school. Everything about him makes your knees weak and heart stumble. The ice shade of blue in his eyes, his strength to overcome the hell he’s been through, that vibranium arm leaving you with filthy questions and his dark hair that you’ve dreamt about running your fingers through countless times. The thought of him in the same city as you has you clenching your thighs together.
“You know what this means?!”
“That he’s in the same city as you at the same time you’re newly single?”
…. That wasn’t your first thought but holy fuck she’s got a point. “Well…. Yes but no. My dad was at the airport at the same time as him! His flight also just landed less than an hour ago.”
“So? Does your dad know you’re in love with him?”
“Oh God no. He’d tease me relentlessly about it.”
“No kidding. Well, I don’t know why he’s here or why it’s even news worthy really but…. The timing seems like a gift from the universe.”
“…. Yeah maybe…. Look at him in the suit…holy fuck.”
“I know girl. I know…. You wanna maybe hit the town tomorrow? Play tourist. See if we happen to run into anyone?”
“That sounds crazy….”
“When has that ever stopped me?”
“Fuck it. Let’s do it. Pick me up at 8 we’ll start at the coffee shops”
“Sounds good. Love your crazy bitch”
“Love you enabler.”
You finish up the dishes with a little more pep in your step. That silly news is what’s going to get you through this dinner. How are you still so giddy about this crush 7 years later? Look at him, who could blame you? As long as you don’t dive back into your fic writing era, you’ll be fine. But you will definitely be reading some tonight before bed. As you dry off the last mixing bowl and put it away you hear the front door swing open.
“Sweetheart I’m back!!”
You come running around the corner giving your dad a big hug “hey Pops!!! Missed you”
“Missed you too kid.” He lets go of your embrace and steps to the side. Starting to introduce his friend beside him but his words fall silent on your ears. His friend needs no introduction.
James Buchanan Barnes is standing beside your father. Making intentional, kind eye contact with you. Smiling wide.You take a breath in and forget how to exhale. Those steal blue eyes brighter in person than you could have ever imagined. He reaches his right hand out to you. Your name escaping his lips as if it was only ever meant for him to speak. Your body finally remembers how to breathe. Hoping he doesn’t notice your quickening breath. “….. it’s nice to finally meet you. Your dad has told me so much about you, I feel like I already know you.”
You blink twice and pinch your thigh to make sure you’re not sleeping. Nothing changes but you’re still not convinced. You take his hand. The warmth of his skin is electrifying and arousing. You smile back at him praying he can’t tell how tightly you’re squeezing your thighs together and your cheeks blush. “Oh gosh, hopefully nothing embarrassing. Nice to meet you Bucky.”
Holy crap is this really happening?!
They step inside bringing in their bags. You figure you have two ways to play this. Unphased or trapped by your long time crush. If you are going to be unphased you need some wine. Meghan’s voice in your head telling you to go for it gives you the confidence boost you need. “Leave your bags there boys, the ziti is ready. Pinot Noir good for everyone?”
Your dad eagerly heads to the kitchen grabbing the wine glasses. As Bucky shyly follows.
“Is that baked ziti I’m smelling? It smells incredible. Pinot Noir sounds perfect. Thank you…”
Your name slips through his lips again. You relish how naturally it falls off his tongue.
They sit down as I pour the glasses. Both politely thanked me. Bucky’s eyes linger on yours a heartbeat longer than expected.
“Oh let me get the ziti out for you.” Pops tries to get up and pretend to be helpful. When you both know you never allow that during our Sunday dinners. After all he’s done for you all your life, it’s the least you can do.
“Sit your ass down. You know these dinners are always mine to run. Don’t try showing off to your friend like you’re helpful.”
They both laugh, Bucky’s laugh wrapping around you like a warm hug. You go to grab the ziti out of the oven and Bucky whispers to your dad “you didn’t mention she was sassy.” Making them both laugh again. Oh you have no idea James… You let the ziti cool a moment and quickly text Meghan. ‘GIRL I AM SO FUCKED. I know why he’s in town…..’ Suddenly Bucky is walking up to you in the kitchen so you quickly hit send and put your phone away.
“Could you point me in the right direction for a glass for water? I’m just parched from that flight and don’t mind getting it myself.”
Internally fighting the urge to drop on your knees right there when your phone buzzes about 6 times in a row in your pocket. Reminding you of Meghan. She’d want you to play this cool. Even a little coy.
“Cabinet right above your head, filtered water on the fridge door. Cubed ice only, crushed ice doesn’t work.” You quickly and kindly inform him. He touches your arm as he walks past with a glass to the fridge. His touch lingering on your skin. You look away and start to plate the ziti.
He walks up to one plate as you finish plating one for each of you “May I?” You nod as you grab two plates and head to the table and he takes his own. He winks at you before following behind you.
Your phone continues to buzz in your pocket. Poor Meghan, you left her on the cliff hanger of the century but she will have to wait. She’ll understand once you tell her James Buchanan fucking Barnes is eating your home made baked ziti right now and MOANING INTO HIS FORK.
“Wow… this is delicious…” he finally says. You can’t help but blush and shyly smile as you sip your wine. His moans will be ringing in the back of your mind, probably for the rest of your life.
“I’m glad you like it. So tell me more about Vancouver!! Did either of you get to do any sight seeing or was it strictly boring business?”
“It was all boring business” Bucky quickly replies with annoyance in his tone.
“Hey, that's not fair. We saw whales out the window one day!!”
“You mean you saw whales. I was in a different meeting with Greg.”
“Oh that’s right… fucking Greg..” they both roll their eyes and take what ever annoyances they have against this Greg onto their next bite of ziti.
“I’m guessing we don’t like Greg?” You ask, trying to keep the conversation in a direction you can still participate in.
Bucky sips his wine nodding. You can’t help but watch his neck flex as he swallows the wine. “He’s the worst.” He says before taking another bite of ziti. Before he fully finishes his bite he brings the conversation back to the ziti. “This is truly incredible. Honestly. Thank you so much.”
Butterflies erupt in your gut. James Bucky Barnes is enjoying your original recipe in your childhood home. There’s no way this isn’t a dream. “You’re very welcome. There will be plenty of leftovers. Feel free to take as much as you’d like before you go.”
“Oh sweetheart I forgot to tell you. He’s gonna be staying here for a while. I told him there's no sense in getting a hotel when I have more than enough room here.”
Like father, like daughter. You had already basically moved back home two weeks ago. Staying in the apartment with Chad was just not an option. It was too painful.
“Oh…. Okay, I need to call Meghan after dinner then.”
Your dad puts his fork down. He knows you better than you realize. Immediately clocking something’s wrong.
“What did he do?”
Bucky looks at your dad confused. You’re playing with a ziti noodle on your plate when you hear Meghan in your ear again ‘meaning you’re in the same city at the same time you’re newly single.’ She’s so right. Thank you universe.
“Chad broke up with me.”
“What?! When?! Why?! Why didn’t you say anything?!”
Your dad trailing off a million questions, masking his anger because we have company.
“He’s set on moving to San Diego. And I won’t go with him.”
Before pops replies Bucky finishes his glass of wine and places it down quickly. “He’s a fool”
He’s a fool…?
“What a fucking loser… I’m sorry sweetheart. But I still don’t know why you need to call Meghan, does she not know yet?”
“No no… I told her the moment it happened. It was two weeks ago. I actually moved back here. I couldn’t stay in the apartment anymore….” You take a deep breath in, swallowing the pain that’s swelling up before you shed a tear. “But it’s okay. Bucky can have the spare room and I’ll go stay at Meghan’s.”
Bucky tries to chime in but Pops cuts him off.
“No no you can stay here. I still have that futon in the den. We can fix that room up nicely for you.”
“You sure?” The last thing you want to be is a burden but you’d be secretly thrilled to be sleeping across the hall from Bucky. God senior year you would be screaming right now.
“I’ll take the futon.” Bucky demands firmly.
“No way am I letting you sleep on a futon after everything you’ve done and sacrificed for this country. And all the.. things you’ve had to face. The cards you've been dealt. The last thing I’ll allow is you sleeping on a futon.”
You finally take a breath realizing what you’ve just done. Your cheeks blushing bright red you can feel it creep up your neck and to your ears. You finally look up at him and he’s already looking at you. Admiring you. Almost playfully like he knows something you don’t.
Before you let him rebuttal you explain yourself “Sorry. I just…. I know a lot about what you’ve gone through. I had a history report in high school. And you were the name I pulled…. Knowing everything you’ve gone through, I couldn’t let you have the shitty futon.”
Your dad smiling wide almost laughing “oh my goodness I forgot about that history project. I think we still have the ribbon you won from that! What a small world!”
No… dad… why did you even say anything…. Internally praying the earth just randomly swallows you whole right now.
“Like I said.. I will take the futon.” Bucky says firmly but attempting to hold onto his polite demeanor. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But I couldn’t sleep on a comfortable bed knowing there’s a very kind woman going through a breakup across the hall… sleeping…on a futon.”
I am so fucked.
“Well that settles it then.” My dad ends the conversation.
Bucky catches me staring at him. I give him a little smile before gathering the plates. “Who wants desert? I made strawberry short cake and got champagne too.”
“Champagne? What for?” Pops asks a little sarcastically.
“To celebrate duh!” You humor him.
“I think it’s a little late to celebrate that ribbon from your history project.” Bucky quietly pokes fun at you.
Oh he’s funny. Before I could shout back at him I heard my dad tell him “I knew you’d fit right in with her sass.”
You bring out the champagne and glasses while they complain about Greg some more. You place the bottle in front of Bucky. “Would our guest mind doing the honors?” You ask, grabbing the empty wine glasses from the table. Before you let him answer you walk back to the kitchen to get the strawberry shortcake. You can feel him watch you walk away for a moment too long.
Your phone is still buzzing in your pocket. Almost forgot about Meghan. 13 missed calls, 22 texts. Good lord. You quickly text her back. ‘Sorry. Long story short. Bucky Barnes is my dads new business partner. He’s staying with my dad. He MOANED eating my ziti.’ You see Bucky approaching again so you hit send and place your phone on the counter and give him your attention.
“I know you won’t let your dad help, but can I?” You could never deny him of anything he wants. You nod yes, “If you insist. These will be self-serve so just help me get everything out to the table?” Without a word he’s grabbing the dish of strawberries and angel food cake taking them to the table. You grab the plates with spoons and a can of whip cream following behind him.
He starts pouring the champagne as Pops and I get our dessert plated. Then I place everything for Bucky to plate his. Once he’s done he raises his glass, “We should toast.”
”We absolutely should, to new beginnings.” Pops starts.
”To new friends.” You add
”To baked ziti.” Bucky finishes causing me to giggle as we clink our glasses together.
We dig into the strawberry short cake. Bucky once again groaning in enjoyment. He’s so devastatingly hot. Your core pulsing as you realize you’ve made him moan and groan without even touching him.
“Now, how did you know this is my all time favorite desert?” Bucky asks as he wipes some whip cream on his finger and licks it off playfully.
Before I could finish my mouth full of strawberries, Pops chimed in. “Was probably in that history project.”
Bucky softly laughs and smiles. You roll your eyes at them both and continue eating. Pops was joking, but it was absolutely a fact you included… and shamelessly it became your favorite. Hence why you made it tonight, never could have guessed you’d be sharing it with the man himself.
We finish up the bottle of champagne. A nice buzz relaxing you for the first time since they walked through the door. They shared more stories and dived deeper into their hate for Greg. Their friendship is sweet. You can’t help but be so happy for them both.
“Well you two, I’m calling it a night. Will you help Bucky get set up in the room sweetheart?”
“Of course Pops.” He kisses the top of your head, “You’re gonna be okay. Glad to have you back home.” He whispers before heading to his room. You stand up gathering the plates and glasses.
”I just need to get some of my things out of that room and get sheets for the futon and it’s all yours.”
Bucky just nods, taking the dishes from you. “Let me do the dishes in the meantime, it’s the least I can do.”
Once again you can’t say no to him. You just nod and head to the spare room. Gather all your clothes and things you brought from your apartment that you had stored in this closet, since your closet is so small. You end up just tossing them into your room creating a mess that you’ll worry about later.
In the closet in the hall there’s extra sheets and blankets, pink and grey are your options. You chose pink, and your old care bear fluffy blanket in case he gets cold. You lick your lips and smile menacingly to yourself as you place the sheets and blankets on the futon. The thought of him wrapped up in pink care bear blankets is both adorable and hilarious to you. Then you realize there’s no pillow, you know your dad keeps extra in his room but you can already hear him snoring.
You go to your room and grab your second pillow, you’re suddenly stopped right outside your room to Bucky in the hall.
”Take one of my pillows for now, my dad has more in his room you can get from him tomorrow.” You hand him the pillow and he hands you your phone. His fingers linger on yours before pulling away.
“You liked that your cooking made me moan? I’ll remember that.” He whispers before stepping into the spare room closing the door behind him. Leaving you standing there turned on like never before.
2 Breakfast
You wake feeling well rested for the first time in months. Maybe it's the fact that you didn’t cry over your break up at all yesterday. Maybe it’s the fact that you had dinner with Bucky Barnes. Maybe it was the fact that he was sleeping in the room across the hall from you. Maybe it was his moans and whispers replaying in your head while you gave yourself the best orgasm you’ve ever had.
Whatever it was, you’re so happy to be alive this morning. You hear your dad and Bucky laughing in the kitchen, and thank goodness for that warning, because you can’t go out looking like this with him out there.
You put on some plaid cotton shorts, a pink bralette and a baggy white t-shirt. Comfy enough to just wake up in, but cute enough to feel confident in front of Bucky freakin Barnes. You quickly brush through your hair and put it back up in a messy but calculated bun.
Before you head out of your room your phone buzzes with a text from Meghan ‘How was your night?! I’m dying over here for updates.’ You roll your eyes, she’s so dramatic. But you can’t blame her. You quickly reply. ‘My last update to you… I’m almost positive Bucky saw it on my phone. Let’s just do lunch today? I’ll meet you downtown at 1:30?’ You don’t even wait for her reply. You leave your phone on your dresser and finally leave your room. Pops and Bucky are already talking shop, like they haven’t had enough of that for the last month. Setting up meetings and the next trip.
“Good morning sweetheart!” Pops finally notices you sneaking into the kitchen for coffee.
“Good morning boys. Don’t mind me, just need coffee.”
Bucky just staring at you, a curious smile sneaking up his lips. Clearly deep in thought. Wonder how his night went?
“You have any plans today? I was going to take Buck around, show him all the hot spots. Might even tour some houses. Would love for you to tag along”
“I’m having lunch with Meghan later. Are you thinking of moving to Sacramento?” You turn your attention to Bucky enjoying your first sip of coffee with a side of your first real look at him this morning. He’s in dark jeans, a teal Henley, sleeves rolled up to just before his elbows. Hair is perfectly messy, dare you say calculated. It’s genuinely unfair how good he looks.
“Was thinking about it. It’d be easier to travel from here for work. It’s pretty central to all our branches.” He pauses sipping his coffee before continuing… “And I like what it has to offer so far.”
What it has to offer. Does he mean me?!
“Well you tell Meghan I said hi okay? She should come over for dinner sometime soon. It’s been too long since I’ve seen her.” Pops interrupts as he flips through the newspaper.
“Sure thing pops. You boys hungry? Was gonna make an omelette if you wanted one.”
Pops shakes his head no, but Bucky perks up. “I might be interested, whatcha got for toppings?” He pokes his head up from his paper, quickly looking to Pops to see if he’s paying attention, but he’s already deep into an article. Causing Bucky’s glance back at you with a smirk as he sets his paper down.
Oh, it’s on old man.
“Let’s see…” You turn to open the fridge. Bending down just slightly looking through the toppings and starting to name them off. As insolently as possible. “I’ve got cheddar, bacon, spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, provo-“ The word caught in your throat as Bucky suddenly stands behind you, his hand slowly sliding up your back with you still slightly bent over in front of him. You take a deep breath and finish your thought “Lone… provolone.” As you slowly stand and turn to face him, the cheese in your hand.
His eyes locked to yours, vibranium hand leaning on the cabinet behind you, causing him to tower over you. Trapping you between him and the fridge door.
”So what’ll it be?” You whisper, completely ignoring the fact that your father is 20 feet away sitting at the kitchen table.
He leans in even closer whispering in your ear, “whatever you think will make me moan again.” His warm breath tickles your neck and ear. He smells like coffee and musky cologne.
You stumble back into the open fridge. Damn your weak knees. He doesn’t even flinch, turning back and sitting back down at the table.
You clear your throat and grab ingredients for yours and Bucky's omelettes.
“How many eggs Bucky?” You ask, pretending to be completely un-phased by his advances as you start to crack eggs. You know he sees right through it.
“4 Please.” He answers without looking away from his paper. Totally casual. Sitting next to pops as if he wasn’t just flirting, teasing, patronizing his business partner’s daughter seconds ago.
You turn all your focus to his omelette. Determined to make it the greatest omelette of his life. Needing it to be exactly as he requested. Moan worthy.
After a few minutes you bring two omelettes to the table sitting across from Bucky. He puts his paper down to focus on the omelette. Pops finally done with his paper, watching you both.
“Damn those smell good.” Pops breaks the silence. You’re unphased. Trying to secretly watch Bucky take his first bite. Waiting for that moan you’re so desperately craving.
He cuts off an end and picks it up with his fork, you’re already a few bites in because you were starving. But you slow down to watch him. You watch the moment the secret ingredient hits his tongue. His nostrils flair, he chews slower causing his jaw to slightly tick. Eyes ever so slightly rolling back before closing. Then he groans with a mouth full ‘oh my god’.
Your breath quickens while pops laughs. “That good, huh?” He asks. Bucky nods his head dramatically as he finishes his bite.
”Holy fuck….” The way he moaned your name. Sitting right next to your father!!
Oh he’s bold.
You bite your lip before continuing to enjoy your omelette. Taking mental pictures and sound bites to save for when you’re alone later.
”It’s not that good” You tease him, partially being modest, partially setting him up to get a reaction. And a reaction you got.
He darts his eyes at you, staring a moment as he takes another bite. Another moan roars from in him, this time his eyes never leave yours. It’s the hottest thing you’ve ever seen. You’re so turned on you need a cold shower.
But you know he wants that. You know he wants you to be all flustered and riled up. But that would be too easy.
You turn your focus back to your omelette. Pretending to be completely unphased by his theatrics.
“I’m glad you liked it.” You finally break the silence as you finish yours and take your dishes to the sink.
”It was the best omelette I’ve ever had.” He confesses, genuinely.
Oh I know it was Buck.
“What was in it?… I got mushrooms and spinach but what was the 3rd thing?” He asks, truly curious. You smirk with pride with your back to him. Proud of yourself for stumping him, with an omelette.
”Sun dried tomatoes.” You confess as you head towards your room, to get ready for the day. Leaving him ashamed of his theatrics. Craving your reaction. Aching for more of your attention.
Exactly where you want him.
3 Bestie Debrief
“Girl… this is crazy!! He really said that??” Meghan pauses a moment to process what she’s about to say. “Whatever you think….” She pauses again and hushes her tone, “Will make me moan again…!!?!”
You laugh at her disbelief. “Girl I would not make this up. And I’ve been pinching myself for 12 hours trying to wake myself up but nothing happens.”
”You need to teach me your manifestations. Or exactly how you prayed for this. Or was it shooting stars?!” She places her elbows on the table and face in her palms mumbling ‘it’s not faaaaiiirrrrr’. Causing you to laugh even harder.
“I wouldn’t get so worked up, I think he’s just having fun messing with me.” You keep telling yourself that to keep your feelings in check. But you know yourself well enough to know, it’s not gonna work. You’ve had feelings for him long before he ever walked through the door. You’re already too far gone.
“Girl.. shut the fuck up….he clearly wants you….do us all a favor and give it to him.” She snaps back taking another bite of her sandwich, rolling her eyes in annoyance at me.
“I dunno girl. I’ve wanted him so bad for so long, but it just never seemed plausible.” You pause before you continue. Shocked, you're actually going to admit this. But Meghan is the only person you can trust with this. “What if I can’t handle it… emotionally.”
She finishes her bite, wipes her mouth, and then holds your hands with both of hers. “Listen to me. This morning…. You knew he wanted your reaction…. You knew he wanted to see you crumble…. But you held your ground….. you… didn’t give your biggest crush the satisfaction he wanted….. you left him wanting more!!!!” She grips your hands before continuing. “If anyone can handle this…. It’s you.”
You smile at her and she smiles back. She has a point. You don’t know where that confidence came from this morning but you’ve been on cloud nine with just pride in yourself. “And sounds like he’s moving here…. It could be more than just sexual tension… What did he say? He likes what Sacramento has to offer?… what does it have to offer that he’s seen so far?…. You!!”
Her reminder gives you butterflies but you have to keep these things in check “no I think he meant how neutral it is to all their branches.” She tisks at you shaking her head, “whatever you say…. But I think he likes you.” she starts eating her fries when suddenly she looks behind you, eyes wide, fries in her hands dropped and forgotten. “Oh my god they’re walking this way…”
“Is that my Meghan Bear?” Pops says as he approaches behind you, she stands and gives him a big hug. “Hi Mr. C!! It’s been too long” they let go of their hug “How many times do I have to remind you, it’s pops to you.” They laugh a beat and then, the moment she’s been waiting over 12 hours for.
“Meghan, this is my new business partner, Bucky Barnes. Bucky this is Meghan.” The stars in her eyes couldn’t be brighter.
He reaches his hand out to her and they shake hands. “So nice to meet you, congratulations on the merger.” She says keeping her tone under control.
“The pleasure is all mine, Meghan. And thank you.” He replies with softness in his tone. Your mind focused on the way he said ‘pleasure’.
Your dad breaking you out of the loop in your head “Hey there sweetheart! How’s that sandwich?” The reminder of your dads presence turns something in your stomach.
You shrug, between your looming heart break and the butterflies from Bucky, you don’t have much of an appetite. “It’s okay.”
Meghan watches Bucky, you don’t look up from your plate. But Bucky watches you intentionally. Studying your shift in mood from this morning. Concern traces his face before Pops shakes him out of it. “Well I’m dropping Bucky off at an open house and then I have a meeting. Will we see you both back at the house later?”
Before Meghan could eagerly say yes you say “maybe. We’ll see where the day takes us.”
Pops nods “Of course. Have fun girls.” He starts to walk away. With Bucky following behind.
“Meghan…..” he says your name, lingering in the last few letters. Like he was savoring how it tastes on his lips.
We sit in silence till they’re out of ear shot. Meghan bouncing and giggling in her seat. “I’m never washing this hand!” She says excitedly holding up the hand she used to shake Bucky’s hand.
You can’t help but laugh at her. “His hand is so soft right?” You feed into her excitement, realizing you haven’t given yourself a moment to fan girl about this.
“Yes!! And his grip. God he’s perfect….. and that metal arm…. Why did just a little peek at it make me so horny?!” You burst out laughing, almost spitting water all over her.
“You are such a freak.” Meghan shrugs at me, not disagreeing as the waitress comes by leaving the check. “Your bill has been paid, and someone left this note for you.”
You and Meghan look puzzled at each other. “If this is from Bucky I’m gonna scream” she says as I open the note.
‘Sorry your sandwich wasn’t as good as my omelette this morning.
-James (718)-xxx-xxxx’
I take out the note and admire his handwriting for a moment. Pressing my lips together trying to contain my emotions.
“It was him wasn’t it?” Without another word you carefully hand her the note. She quickly reads it and squeals. Causing the entire street to look at us..
She hands the note back to you and you keep it safe in your purse.
“Can you admit now that he’s not just messing with you?”
You want more than anything to say yes, but you force logic to the forefront of your mind.
“Here’s the facts. He’s my dads business partner and best friend. He’s clearly going to be around more. He just wants to get along, makes things easier.”
She nods as she gets up tucking her chair under the table as you do the same.
“Bitch he gave you his number… I know you’ve been out of the game for a bit, but in the dating world. That means something.”
You know she’s right. You get it. But seeing them together like that just now, shifted something in your mind. You start to walk down the street with her and link your arm in hers.
“Meghan. Once again, he’s my dad’s business partner and best friend. Let that sink in. It’d be like you dating Pops….Imagine how I would feel, because thats how Pops would feel.
She takes a breath and really thinks it over for a moment. “Honestly, I think the shock would wear off and he’d be happy for you. He just wants you to be cared for and loved.”
I stop pulling my arm from her, “Who said anything about love?! See it’s already gotten messy. Don’t put that shit in my head.” I start to walk away from her. She chases after me.
“Hey no wait!!” She gets beside me and stops. “You’re right, I’m sorry. I just saw the way he looked at you just now. He was genuinely concerned. I just don’t want your fear of hurting Pops to keep you from something amazing.”
I finally look up at her before she continues. “Pops will always forgive you. Just keep that in mind.”
“I will. But the facts are, if we do something and we don’t work out, what happens then? Is it worth the risk?”
We stop at a cross walk. She's clearly deep in thought at my question. “I think it’s too soon to worry about that. All things considered, my genuine advice, just take it one step at a time.”
We cross the street, she’s leading us to her favorite frozen yogurt spot. Where we always end up to eat our feelings.
“I say you text him. If he really is just trying to get along with you to ‘make things easier’ like you said… Get to know him, the real him, not just all the facts you have memorized. Be his friend too.”
I playfully shove her as we get to the froyo stand. “Fine. I’ll text him.”
She giggles and squeals as we walk in. “Can I come over for dinner tonight?”
You give her a side eye as you get your froyo, “Fine. But if you start anything. Or say anything out of line. Or egg things on so help me god…”
“I’ll behave. I promise” She places her hand under her chin as if to frame her face while looking up at her imaginary halo.
“You better. Now help me figure out what to text him.” She pays for your froyo and you sit at the table together.
“Oh that’s easy, just thank him for lunch.” She says it so casually and matter of fact. It’s such an obvious text to send. Man, you really have been out of the game for a long time.
You get out your phone, enter his number and text him. ‘Thanks for lunch, that was really kind of you.’ and hit send then throw your phone on the table like it’s a bomb.
Meghan smiles menacingly, enjoying her froyo. “Can we take a moment and appreciate… that you just texted…. Your long time crush.”
“Shut up, I'm trying to be cool.” You really were trying. Trying being the key word.
4 Wing Women:
You and Meghan get to the house to get dinner started. With the house to yourselves you get to gossip and strategize before the boys get back.
“Okay, since he hasn’t texted back he’s probably just busy, or distracted. Maybe shoot him another text to see if he’s eating here again? Just to ‘plan ahead’” Meghan suggests as she sits on the counter while you prep ingredients for her favorite, ‘marry me chicken’.
“I will not be double texting him, that’s insane."
Meghan lets out a dramatic sigh, gets up from where she sat and pours each of you a glass of wine,
“He better be coming, it's the only reason I’m here.”
“Rude!!” Before you could yell at her more, your phone dings. She grabs it before you can and reads the text squealing.
“Oh my god, if you don’t fuck this man, I will.”
“Shut up!! Give me that” You snatch the phone out of her hands to read the text from Bucky.
‘Anytime. Will you be gracing me with your presence and cooking this evening?’
You lick your lips smiling, thinking of what to say back. Without a second thought you reply.
‘You’d like that, wouldn’t you?’
Then hand the phone to show Meghan. “Giiiirrrrll That was brilliant!! Oh my god he’s typing.”
You both stare at the phone, not even blinking waiting for his response.
‘Very much.’
You both scream like you’re back in high school freaking out over the cute popular guy flipping his hair.
“Okay okay, we need to calm down. We need to chill.” You regain composure for the both of you. “I’m gonna say..”
‘Well I guess you’ll have to wait and see.’
“Dude where is this confidence coming from?”
“Meghan, I truly do not know! Something about him I just… I’m just feeding off him.”
She lets out a puff of a laugh, “Ha, and he…. Is feeeeeeding… off you.” She busts out laughing before continuing. “At this point your cook book should be ‘recipes to land you a 108 year old super soldier.’ ”
“Oh my god, you’re ridiculous."
Before she could snap back you both heard a key giggle in the front door, causing you both to freeze. The door opens and it’s silent. So it’s not Pops…? For safety purposes you call out.
“Heyyyy.”
Bucky then enters the kitchen with a wide smile, taking the breath from your lungs.
“Hi.” He replies calmly. Almost like he’s dropped a mask he’s been wearing for weeks. A soft admiring gleam in his eyes as he sees you in your element.
“I need to grab something from my car, be right back.” Meghans dashes past us, neither of us even acknowledge her.
“What’s on the menu tonight?”
You pause a moment, not wanting to tell him the actual name of this dish, the last thing you want is to give him any wrong ideas.
“It’s Meghan's favorite, it’s a chicken dish.”
He just nods, accepting that, “You enjoy cooking? Today downtown was the first time I saw you outside of this kitchen, and you didn’t seem happy about it.”
You softly laugh, he’s not wrong.
“I do, yeah. It’s a safe space, gets me out of my head. A creative outlet. That I’ve very much needed lately.”
“You’re very good at it, your passion seeps through every bite.”
Holy shit, breathe.
“Wow… thank you, that means a lot to me.”
He just nods and smiles sweetly. “Of course”
You put the chicken in the oven as Meghan comes back inside. “Oh just in time, broccoli or asparagus?” You ask Meghan but Bucky quickly gives his answer.
“Broccoli.”
Meghan winks at you with her back to Bucky. “Well that answers that.”
“Sorry..” Bucky sheepishly apologizes before continuing “Just sounded good.”
You wink at him, “A man that knows what he wants…. Refreshing.”
Meghan coughs and Bucky looks away smiling, you’re almost positive he’s hiding that he’s blushing.
“My friend, Sam, says I’m a foodie.. Whatever that means... I was just deprived of good food for… a really long time. So I love having good meals now.”
You nod, listening while you set the broccoli up to steam.
“You mean, Sam Wilson?”
“Meghan!!”
Bucky laughs, “Yeah Sam Wilson. You know him?” He shifts his focus to Meghan. You notice he looks at her differently than at you. Not bad, just more proper, polite, neutral. You can’t pinpoint it exactly. You take a mental note to ask her if she noticed later.
“God I wish!! He’s so fucking hot!”
“Meghan!!!”
Bucky laughs, “I’ll tell him you said that..” He playfully threatens.
“Please do, invite him over. Give him my number. Whatever you want. Is he single?”
“Oh my god Meghan!” You yell at her as you pour a glass of wine and hand it to Bucky. He takes it from you without a word. Just a lingered touch of your hands.
“Uhh last I knew, yes, but we typically don’t talk about that stuff.”
Meghan nods her head as you stand beside her and across the counter from Bucky.
“Why not? Isn’t he one of your best friends?” You ask innocently, just genuinely curious. Maybe subconsciously activating your inner wing man.
You and Meghan dating Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson? What a flipping dream.
Bucky laughs before he takes another sip of his wine. “Yes, we are. But he’s really…. Invasive… Some would say a little, obnoxious about it.”
“Ha sounds familiar.” You huff bumping Meghan at the hip. She flashes that ‘I’m innocent smile.’
“Sounds like we’d be perfect together.” She winks at me before leaving the kitchen and sitting in the living room. With Bucky’s back to her she looks at me mouthing ‘Oh my god’ Really obnoxiously. You look away from her before you start laughing.
“Is there anything I can help with?” Bucky enters further into the kitchen standing closer to you now.
“Do you know how to cook?”
He hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck with his vibranium hand, “Uhh not really.” He lets out a little laugh.
“Would you want to learn?” You ask, more like an offer than a question.
“I would.” He says softly stepping closer, he goes to reach for you when the front door swings open.
“Looks like we have a full horse tonight!” Pops yells as he enters causing both you and Bucky to take big steps back.
“She offered to make me ‘marry me chicken’ so I couldn’t resist.” Meghan says to Pops you quickly look at Bucky to see if he heard that. His smile says he did.
“Marry me chicken?” He asks as he takes another sip of his wine.
“Don’t look at me, that’s what the internet named it.” You shrug him off as you check on the chicken. “About ten more minutes.” You put the chicken back and turn to Bucky.
“Would you set the table for me? Maybe another time we can have a cooking lesson?”
He finishes his wine. Licking the last drop off his maroon stained lips. Then winks at you and nods. “I’d like that.” Then gets plates and silverware out, without even being asked where everything is.
Dinner was a little more uneventful. Pops updated Bucky on everything he missed from the meeting. Bucky stealing quick glances of you every moment he could. You didn’t even see or notice them all. But Meghan did.
Meghan gets up and gathers the dishes as everyone finishes.
“Dessert anyone, I didn’t make anything fresh but there’s still plenty of strawberry shortcake left.” You announce, not meaning to but just focusing on Bucky.
“He looks at his watch and finishes his last sip of wine and gets up from the table. “I actually have somewhere to be. Thank you for yet another amazing meal. I’ll see you at the office in the morning, Rob.” He explains as he’s quickly out the door.
Pops nods, “You know I’ll never turn down dessert.”
You smile at him and go to the kitchen to plate that for everyone. You stand next to Meghan at the sink.
“Where the hell is he going at this hour?” She whispers to you.
“It’s only 8:30, it’s not that late.”
“It’s late for anything business or professional… Could it be a date?”
Your heart sinks into your stomach. She’s right. There’s no way it’s anything other than a date. Thoughts of him opening talking with a girl. Laughing with her. Not backing away from her when someone enters the room. The ache in your stomach gets bigger and bigger at the thought.
“I’m suddenly not feeling good, I’m going to bed.” You say rushing out of the kitchen, not waiting for either of their responses.
Meghan leaves dessert on the table for Pops. “I’ll check on her. I’ll be back.”
She enters your room while you’re pacing in what little space you have.
“Alright, out with it. What is it?”
“It’s a date isn’t it?”
She hesitates… “No, not necessarily. And even if it was, what's so wrong with that?”
You stop in your tracks. What's wrong with that? You quickly rack your brain trying to figure out what exactly is wrong with that.
“Because it’s not with you?” She questions, innocently.
You just nod, defeated. Embarrassed.
“Even if that’s what it is, and we don’t have any confirmation of that. I still wouldn’t sweat iit.”
“Why not?” You ask because you are absolutely ‘sweating it’ right now.
“Because he looks at you like you hang the moon and stars personally nightly.”
“Okay, I don’t think it’s like that..”
She tilts her head at you with her arms crossed over her chest. “Really? So you didn’t notice how professional he looked at me vs how he looked at you?”
You hesitate, giving her all the confirmation she needs.
“Yeah exactly. I love you but you’re being a little dramatic.”
“Did you notice, before Pops came in…?” You ask as you replay the moment in your head.
“No, what happened?”
“Well, technically nothing I suppose. But he stepped closer and was about to reach for me. But then we heard Pops voice and he stepped back.”
“Did you step back too?”
“Yeah…”
“Did you want to?”
“No. But I had to.”
“Come here.” She takes my hand and leads me to the side of my bed and sits us down. “Do you remember our conversation yesterday?”
“What about it?”
How you wanted to keep putting me in check? Well I’m doing that with you now. You don’t have dibs on the man. He can go on other dates. And I believe this with all my heart and soul. He wants more time with you. I can tell.”
You shift slightly, still visualizing him with another woman. He makes her laugh and she touches his arm. She literally shakes you out of the thought with a shove.
“Hey!! It’s going one of 2 ways. He’s either on a date and it’s the love of his life and you’re better off without him…. OR he comes back tonight looking forward to more time with you. And I think it’s the latter.”
“I guess only time will tell.”
“Exactlly. You want dessert in the meantime?”
“No, I'm genuinely so tired.”
“Okay well I’m gonna have dessert with Pops and head out. Text me in the morning.”
5 Late Night Walk:
You finally give up and try to get some sleep. But ended up just tossing and turning in bed for about an hour after Meghan left. Suddenly your phone goes off, with a text from Meghan. ‘Just wanted you to see this, but I still don’t think it’s something you need to worry about’ With a screenshot of a profile on Hinge, Bucky’s to be exact.
‘It could be a catfisher… at least that's what I'm telling myself.’ You respond before putting your phone away for the night.
The last thing your mind needed. This practically confirms it for you. And you know you don’t have a right to be jealous. But god you cant help it, because you know even if he wanted to ask you out, he can’t. Complicating his business and friendship with Pops, isn’t worth it.
You know this.
But damn it you’re still going to sulk about it.
Suddenly there’s a soft knock on your door. Worried something is wrong with Pops you bounce up out of bed to open the door.
To your surprise and slight resentment it’s Bucky. You check the time, it’s 10pm.
“It’s late, what do you need?” You ask in a snarky tone. Not even trying to be, it just escaped out of you without a say.
He straightens his posture and whispers, “Would you like to go on a walk?”
What?
“With you?”
He smiles at that, “Ideally, yes.”
“Right now?” You’re so confused right now, and the exhaustion is finally hitting you.
He licks his lips, “Please?”
And here we are, still can’t say no to him.
You grab a sweatshirt and put it on. Suddenly reminded you’re in pjs, and not the cute ones. And you can’t even think of what your hair looks like right now or you’d really want to disappear forever.
For a few minutes, you walk in silence. He’s walking on the side closest to the road, despite the quiet and absence of cars in the neighborhood at this hour. Still, the chivalrous act gives you butterflies that you want to fight off. But can’t.
“You alright?” He finally asks, genuinely curious. Maybe even a little concern in his tone.
“Yup, how was your evening?”
You can feel him turn to look at you but you don’t look at him. Just focus on the side walk ahead of you.
“Eventful. How was dessert?”
“I didn’t have any tonight.”
He hums at that, like he understands. But something tells me he doesn’t.
“Why’s that?”
I finally look at him and he’s impossible to read right now. He’s either enjoying this walk and this very, so far, cold conversation. Or he’s playing along with my mood.
“Wasn’t in the mood.”
He just nods, “I see.”
We keep walking in silence some more. The crisp cool air of the night is exactly what you needed. And looking over at him, street lights shining on his perfectly chiseled jaw line. For a moment you forget about your jealousy and resentment.
Finally curiosity gets the best of you and you snap. “How was your date?”
He stops. Freezing. A genuinely puzzled look on his face.
You stop a few steps ahead of him. “What? We can’t talk about that stuff?” You ask, very confused by his reaction.
“I wasn’t on a date.” He says very matter of fact, not moving from his stance.
“Don’t lie. You can tell me, we’re friends right?”
“We are friends. And I don’t lie to my friends.” He finally catches up to you and you both continue your walk.
“Then where did you go at 8:30 at night?”
He hesitates, you look up at him and he slightly smiles as he shakes his head.
“You’re jealous.”
“No! What? That's crazy. Just curious is all.”
He shakes his head, “You are. It’s okay, you don’t have to lie….. We’re friends.”
How is every response of his hot, even making fun of you?
“I’m not jealous.”
“Right… now that you know it wasn’t a date… nothing to be jealous of.”
You let out a little huff, “Then why won’t you tell me where you were?”
“If you must know… I had a meeting with my realtor.”
“That late?”
“8:30 is not late…”
“A little for a meeting with a realtor.”
“He’s a busy guy, and this was important to me.”
“Why’s that?”
“I requested a tour of a specific house.”
“Oh yeah? Find a good one?”
“I think so. It will need some renovations but the location is perfect.”
“Nice! Where is it?”
He stops, waits for you to stop too only two steps ahead of him. You look back at him and he points to the house you’re standing in front of.
You look at him confused. “...This one?”
“Mhmmm”
The butterflies erupt in your stomach. He’s potentially going to be a ten minute walk down the street. You admire the house. It has great character with red brick trimmings, great covered front patio and classic window shutters.
“It’s nice, I like it.”
“I think so too… we could be neighbors.”
You look down at your feet blushing, not even caring if he noticed or not.
“Yeah? Is that why you picked it?”
He hesitates a moment but then looks you in the eyes. “Partially.. it’s also well built, has good character and a great kitchen.”
That last bit surprises you. “A great kitchen huh? What does a handsome bachelor who can’t cook need a nice kitchen for?”
He softly laughs at that. “Well, I won’t be the ‘guy who can’t cook’ for long…. Thought you could teach me in my own kitchen.”
Is this man really about to buy a house to have cooking lessons alone with me?!
“Oh… true.”
He steps closer pulling out his phone, “do you want to see pictures?”
You step close and nod yes. He holds his phone up for you to see. You place your hand on his arm as he scrolls through the pictures. Not even realizing how naturally you fit together with such a small subtle touch.
The pictures he shows of what’s inside the house you’re in front of can only be described one way.
Your dream kitchen.
“Only thing is, this little wall here…” He points to the photo before continuing. “I’d have that torn down for a more open concept. That way anyone not in the kitchen can still interact with those cooking.”
This might be the sweetest and cutest thing you’ve ever heard and seen. Bucky fucking Barnes excited about owning a home, and planning to host company. Maybe even not living there alone. You’re overwhelmed with happiness for him.
“You think you’ll put in an offer when you tour it?”
He nods with no hesitation, “I was ready to place an offer tonight but my realtor wants to start with a tour.” He places his phone in his pocket. Staying close to you. So close you can smell his minty breath.
You both stare into each other's eyes for a moment. Neither of you want to step away. Enjoying the close proximity. No looming fear of someone seeing you this close.
He lifts his right hand and tucks loose strands of your hair off your face. His skin softly glides against yours. Taking your breath away momentarily.
“It’s getting late.” He whispers, his hand, now holding the side of your head. The comfort and warmth it provides is something you’re not willing to give up.
You just nod agreeing. In simple, a matter of fact that truthfully doesn’t matter to you.
His hand slides down from your face and slowly down your arm till he reaches your hand. Turning to stand beside you, tangling his fingers in yours.
“We should head back.” He says as he starts to lead you home.
You just follow his lead, squeezing his hand and following his steps.
The walk back to the house is silent in words, but the affections and glances say more than words ever could.
The spark between you two wasn’t made up in your head. You can feel it by just holding his hand. The sparkle in his eyes is so bright you can still see it in the dark moonlight.
You reach home and he stops in the driveway, not letting your hand go.
“Thank you for joining me, I know it’s late and spontaneous.”
“I needed it, thank you.”
He politely nods. “We should do this again sometime.”
“I’d love that.”
The moment you both step into the door you let go of each other's hands. Almost as if you have to leave the affection outside. But he still walks you to your bedroom door and wishes you a good night.
6 Growing Closer:
For the next week you and Bucky made a nightly routine to take walks together. After Pops goes to bed you both would leave one by one and walk the neighborhood together.
He tells stories about his time in Louisiana with Sam and his family. You tell stories of your childhood with Pops. He opened up about recovering from Hydra’s control and that every now and then he’s haunted by it. You were vulnerable about your break up with Chad, and how you never saw the red flags until you were out. And now trying not to regret not leaving him sooner.
He’d let you trace the gold lines of his vibranium arm, and he’d relish in how fearless you were with him. You’d ask him to do the arm flip reset, and he obliged happily. Especially since he noticed how you’d bite your lip every time.
He’d ask about your cookbook and admitted that your dad told him about it. He let you spend a whole hour going through the process so far and how excited you are for it to be finished and share it with the world.
One night you both spent the whole time comparing Sam and Meghan and realized they might actually be perfect for each other. But you begged him not to tell her yet.
The only consistency with every walk you shared, you held hands, he always walked on the road side and you always went to bed feeling better than you did when you woke up.
Conversations flowed easily. Laughs and compassion were well reciprocated. You looked forward to them every day. Some days even dragged on waiting for your alone time with Bucky.
But even during the day you kept in touch with each other. He’d text you and vent about Greg, you send him pictures of recipes gone wrong. You let him know you left leftovers for him in the fridge and he’d tell you how great it was. You’d tease that dinners are quieter without him there to…enjoy them. He admitted he couldn’t wait to hear you…enjoy… a meal he makes.
You were growing closer and closer by the day.
Now you’re going over things with Meghan, well not everything but most of it, at her house as you help her bake some sweets for her work bake sale.
“You know, you guys are basically dating now, right?”
You scuff at Meghan’s audacity.
”We absolutely are not. We are just going on walks and talking. Getting to know each other. Being friends. Just like you said I should do.” You pause, taking in a breath before continuing.
“Will you stop rushing it? I like where we are. I like what we have.”
She gives you a side eye, “But you want more.”
”Of course I do. But that doesn't mean I can’t enjoy where we are and our pace to potentially get there. Let’s not forget the elephant in the room…”
She stirs more cake batter in silence. You smile to yourself knowing you actually got her to shut up for once.
”I’m glad you guys make time for each other. You seem happier, got a little more pep in your step.”
”I’ve really enjoyed it. OH! Almost forgot to tell you…. He talked to me about Sam and his family.”
She drops what she’s doing on her counter and turns to face you, fully focused.
You laugh at her and then continue. “He sounds like a really good guy. Big family man. He cares about Bucky a lot. They’re really good friends.”
She shakes her hand, gesturing for me to continue. “Okay and when will he be texting me?’’
You scuff at her “I haven’t given him your number to give him yet… Is that all you care about?”
She turns back to the cake she was working on, “No… of course not.”
Before you could call her out your phone rings, you wipe your hands and see it’s Bucky. This is a first.
”Hey there!”
”Hi, do you have a second?” His soft raspy voice sends goosebumps down your spine.
“Of course what’s up?” You leave the kitchen before Meghan freaks out and gets in your business.
“I just wanted to tell you I won’t make it back to the house in time for dinner like I originally wanted, but I’ll be back around 9. Would you still want to go for a walk that late?”
Could he be any cuter?
“Of course, I really enjoy our walks, you know that.” You hear him let out a little laugh.
“I just wanted to make sure that it wouldn't be too late for you.”
You could squeal he’s being so sweet. Before you could respond he continued.
”I just have exciting news to share, but wanted to wait till our walk.”
”Oh!! That's exciting, now I’m counting the minutes.”
“Me too Bab- uhh um Yes. We'll circle back around to that. Of course.”
”….Did my Pops just walk in?”
“Yes, absolutely.”
“Bucky we’re you about to call me baby?”
He laughs in a fake corporate laugh “You got it.”
You bite your lip, this is fun.
“And now you have to pretend it’s a work related call and not his daughter on the other end?”
”Nailed it. Well listen, have to get going but get back to me with that whenever you can, yeah?”
”I’ll text you?”
”Yes, text would be great. Talk to you soon.”
“Bye baby…”
Meghan walked in right as you said that and hung up.
”BABY!?! WAS THAT HIM?” She’s screaming and jumping up and down around you causing you to burst out laughing with the widest smile on your face.
”You guys have pet names now!? Oh my god!!! You are saying ‘baby’ with James Bucky Barnes!!!!” She screams loud enough for her whole apartment building to hear. You can’t even stop her, overcome with laughter. Pure joy from it all.
You finally can breathe and explain yourself. “He almost let it slip but Pops walked into his office, interrupting him.”
Meghan’s jaw is on the floor. “The teeeeaaaaa. So you were messing with him?”
You just nod yes pressing your lips together.
”But also unironically calling him baby?”
You continue to nod with your lips pressed together fighting back a smile.
“Did he just call you to call you baby?”
”No, just making sure we were still good for tonight, even though he won’t be back till 9… He said he has big news.”
“Ooooh, what do you think it is?!”
“It’s either something to do with Greg… or his offer on the house was accepted.”
”Who’s Greg?!”
“Just this guy from work he and Pops hate, but honestly it’s probably the house…. I should bake cookies.”
”And what? Have a milk and cookies picnic at 9 o'clock at night with Bucky Barnes?”
You smile, getting all your ingredients back out. “Yeah duh. My dream date.”
7 Cookies and Milk :
By 8:45 you have your picnic packed with milk, cookies, a blanket and a little lamp. You know it’s not technically a date but the butterflies in your chest would disagree. It’s almost silly how excited you are, but you don’t care.
Just a few minutes later he walks in slowly and quietly. Looking around until he finds you in the kitchen. He’s in black slacks and a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up revealing his forearms. Neck tie long forgotten with the first 2 buttons undone.
You suddenly feel severely under dressed in your leggings and sweatshirt.
His eyes light up when he sees you and whispers “Hey.. I didn’t keep you waiting did I?”
“Not at all, I was just excited.”
He pauses looking at you with a gleam in his eyes. You can’t quite place. Almost like he wants to say something but is holding himself back. He finally sees the picnic bag you packed.
“What’s all this?”
You grab it off the counter. “It’s a surprise.”
He smiles at you but grabs the strap from your shoulder and takes it from you. “Let me carry it.”
You don’t stop his chivalry and follow after him outside. He waits for you to lock the door holding his hand out for you to take.
You let out a sigh just relieved that tonight is finally here, but he catches it.
“You alright?”
“Yeah, just happy.”
He squeezes your hand in response as we continue down the block. Your steps and the crickets are the only sounds. But the silence between you too isn’t awkward. It’s comfortable.
We get to his potential new house and he stops in the driveway.
“Can I know what’s in here now?”
You smile at him and reach in the bag for the blanket and start to drape it over the grass. He places the bag down and helps you and then sits with you on the blanket. Facing each other.
You then get the tupperware of cookies out and then two mugs and the cold milk.
He looks at you in awe. “Is this a milk and cookies picnic?”
You just nod, handing him a mug followed by a home made chocolate chip cookie.
“This is exactly what I needed after today.” He admits.
“Bad day?” You ask, dunking your cookie and taking a bite.
“No, not bad, just long. Meetings running long. People in and out of my office unannounced…. Never ending paper work.”
“I’m sorry.” He shakes his head at you, as if to say ‘how dare you apologize.’ Then dunks his cookie and takes a bite.
“MMMMy god…” He groans your name at the taste. That familiar sound you’ve missed so much sending chills through you.
You softly giggle. “That good?” You ask slightly doubtful. Feeling like he just wants to get a reaction out of you.
“Baby… these are heaven.” You freeze, mind hanging on the way he calls you baby..
“You said it..” You say shyly sipping your milk.
He winks at you finishing his cookie. “Yeah, that okay?”
You nod, “Honestly you can call me whatever you want.”
He laughs at that. You adore his laugh and fill with pride whenever you get it out of him.
You seal the cookies back up and focus back on him completely.
“Okay I am dying over here, what's the news?!”
He puts his mug down and stands up. Walking over to the for sale sign beside us. Takes off the ‘for sale’ part and flips it before putting it back. It now reads sold.
He stands beside it proudly, “They accepted my off-”
Before he could finish his sentence you get up and race over to him. Wrapping your arms around him for a firm hug. He instantly does the same, wrapping his arms around you. Keeping you close. Realizing as you're pressed against him, this is your first hug together.
His body is firm and strong but not too firm where he's uncomfortable to be pressed against.
“Congratulations!!” You mumble against his chest.
He squeezes you tighter for a moment then whispers, “What was that?”
You tilt your head up to look at him and whisper “Congratulations!! … How’s it feel to be a home owner?”
He traces his hands down your back, then rests them both on your lower back. Looking down at you. “Sureal honestly. I gave up on this dream long ago. So a little strange it actually happened.”
You smile up at him, couldn’t have happened to a more deserving man. And that man is sharing the excitement of the moment with little ole you.
“You worked so hard for this, no one is more deserving.”
He lifts his right hand to cup your face, vibranium hand still holding you close on your lower back.
He softly whispers, “Thanks baby” Then lets go but holds your hand. “Come on” He leads you up to the porch, admiring the view of the street.
You look at him and notice how deep in thought he is.
“What’s on your mind?”
He looks at you, hands still intertwined. “Just ready for my meetings with contractors in a few days. Going to take down that wall I told you about. Expand the master bedroom closet and bathroom. Will have to lose a whole bedroom for that but it’s fine.”
“That’s exciting! I can’t wait to see it.”
“I’m excited for you to see it too. I should get the keys in two days. I’d love to give you a tour.”
You step closer to him, both facing the street again. Standing so close your arms lightly touch.
“I’d love a tour. Have you told Pops yet?”
He hesitates a moment, you can’t read why but you brush it off to not ruin the moment.
“No.. not yet. Wanted you to be the first to know.”
Your heart skips a beat at that. But you don’t draw attention to that.
“What else do you have planned, furniture, color schemes, anything like that?”
He shakes his head, taking his hand back then turning around. Leaning on the railing as he faces the house now. Arms crossed over his chest. Even in the dark of the night you can still see the veins in his flesh arm and the gold in the vibranium arm shine. Your breath quickens at how insanely hot he looks but try to focus on his answer.
“I am completely lost on all of that. So out of my element and comfort zone.”
“If you’d like help… I’d be happy to. I’m no interior designer but I could maybe help point you in the right direction.” You now lean on the railing next to him, also facing the house.
A cold breeze whips through the patio, causing you to shiver. He wraps his arm around your shoulder and pulls you in closer to keep you warm.
“Yeah? I was afraid to ask because I feel like it’s a lot of work to of ask someone.”
“Nonsense Buck. I’d love it.”
You can't see it but he smiles wide as you rest your head on his shoulder, he strokes his fingers over your hair and kisses the top of your head.
Your heart is pounding like crazy at how affectionate he’s being. It’s almost like he’s finally relaxed. You can feel the walls you’ve both been keeping up crash down
You know in the morning you’ll probably care. But that’s future yous problem.
“Good. Are you free tomorrow? I canceled on the work fishing trip to start furniture shopping. Would you like to join me?”
“I’d be happy to go but I don’t really know what we’re working with..” You stand up straight again and start to walk across the patio. Admiring the house more.
He just watches you, admiring you.
You finally notice and get shy, “What?!”
He smiles widely, “You look good here.”
You walk back over to him and take his hand, “Where, on a dark patio?”
”On the dark patio of my place… it suits you.” You look down at your feet blushing.
He pulls you in closer by your hand, standing you between his legs as he leans on the railing. His vibranium hand tilts your chin up to look at him. He whispers your name, like a confession as he leans in slowly.
Slow enough to give you the chance to stop him. Slow enough for you to know what’s happening and the chance to back out.
Instead you move in slowly too. Until your lips meet. The world around you frozen in time as you kiss. His lips firmly pressed to yours. You grip the fabric of his shirt to pull yourself even closer to him.
Your subconscious screams to stop this, that this was a mistake. But if it was a mistake, why does it feel so perfect?
He glides his hand to the back of your head tangling his fingers in your hair as he breaks the kiss and rests his forehead on yours.
You both take the moment to catch your breath. The world continues to turn again as you do.
”We have a busy day tomorrow, we should head back.”
You’re not ready for the night to end.
”Can we finish the cookies I brought before we head back?”
He looks at you sweetly.
“You drive a hard bargain.”
You lead him back to the blanket and you both finish the last few cookies. While giving him your ideas for colors, furniture etc. He just agrees to everything you’re saying. Because after tonight, he’d follow you to the ends of the earth,even as you ramble about paint colors.
8 Antiquing:
You got an early start in the morning. Pops was already on his way out when you got up to get your first cup of coffee. He shared the news of Bucky being our neighbor soon. You weren’t sure if you should tell him you knew already or not. So you acted surprised, but didn’t have to act excited. You sent him off with coffee to-go and wished him a good day.
You weren’t sure when Bucky wanted to get started on the day, but since it was just you up so far, you got out your laptop and came up with a plan for the day. Hitting all the best antique shops and Lowe’s for paint samples. Getting it all mapped out for the best efficiency. Right as you finish that up you hear Bucky’s room door open. You finish your first mug of coffee as he turns the corner to see you. No shirt, grey sweat pants hanging on his hips for dear life, hair messy. You try not to stare but god you can’t help it.
It takes him a moment to spot you and when he does, he’s horrified.
“Oh gosh, good morning… didn’t expect you to be up this early.”
“I’ve been up for a few hours, coffee?” You walk over to the coffee pot to pour your second mug as he nods.
“Well I’m sorry to keep you waiting, last night was the best night sleep I’ve gotten in gosh, probably years.”
Hmmm… I wonder why?
“I had the opposite problem” You admit handing him his coffee.
He takes a sip and looks at you concerned. “You feeling alright?”
“Oh never been better, I think that’s the issue.”
He’s clearly confused now waiting for you to explain.
You sigh annoyed with yourself that you’re actually going to admit this. “Have you ever heard of being too excited to sleep?”
He shakes his head no, “No I can’t say I have. Is that a thing?”
You sheepishly nod your head yes, “Yeah it is. But it’s not a bad thing.”
He wink at you, “Well, I shouldn’t keep you waiting any longer for this…exciting… day.” He says with a little sarcasm in his tone.
Then he looks around, as if to check if the coast is clear.
“He left about an hour ago.” You explain, being able to read his mind as you get out ingredients for French toast.
You don’t see it but he smirks as he walks over to you. With your back to him he gently grabs your hips with both hands and then wraps his arms around your front. Then rests his chin on your shoulder.
“Whatcha making?” He asks playfully, avoiding the elephant in the room of his sudden affections making you weak at the knees.
“My favorite breakfast. Would you like to help?” You turn your body to face him. His hands rest on the small of your back. Your hands on his chest, fighting for your life to not explore his body more. Looking into his eyes. They sparkle much brighter in the daylight.
He takes a deep breath in and exhales as he softly kisses your forehead.
“I’d love to. But I don’t promise to be much help.”
You smirk at him playfully, “I’ll make it easy for you… wash your hands.”
He bites his lip and whispers “Yes chef.” Then washes his hands.
You set up baking sheets for him to place out the bacon. And explain it to him while you mix the French toast batter and warm the pan.
You admire how delicately he places the bacon on the baking dish. Calculating the perfect distance between each slice.
You walk him through placing them in the oven and the timer. Then he watches you start with the French toast. Explaining the process and what we’re looking for before we flip.
You finally look at him and he’s clearly lost in his thoughts just admiring you.
“Are you even listening?”
He looks down and laughs to himself, “I’m sorry, I got distracted.”
”By what?”
He steps closer to you, tucking your hair behind your ear and whispers, “How beautiful you are.”
“Bucky..” you whisper, like a secret plea he’ll know how to handle.
He cups your face with his vibranium hand. So delicate and gently, not out of fear of hurting you. But knowing how precious you are.
He’s clearly deep in thought, almost like he’s arguing with himself before he kisses your head and backs away to grab his coffee.
You finish up the French toast right as the bacon timer goes off.
“I got it!” He says as he grabs the sheet out of the oven with his vibranium hand, no oven mit.
Why was that, literally, so hot!?
You both move together effortlessly in the kitchen, plating breakfast, refilling each others coffee and bringing everything to the table.
He sat on the end and you sat on the side beside him. Suddenly he grabs your chair by the leg and pulls you closer, then drags your plate and coffee over to you too.
You look at I’m confused, before you could ask he explains.
“Wanted you closer to me.”
You let out a deep breath and melt a little before taking your first bite of French toast and moan at the taste. Followed by a little happy dance.
He smiles at you as he starts his breakfast, “Oh yeah?”
You just nod to him as you continue to eat.
“Note to self, make French toast for you as much as possible.” He winks at you. You playfully shove his side.
“Have to pay attention to my lessons first.”
“Stop being so distractingly beautiful and I will.”
Your cheeks instantly flush pink as you look down avoiding his looks. You're not sure you’ll ever get used to him saying that. Not that you’d ever want to.
“So I looked it up and there’s an… Ashleys furniture…? About 40 minutes away.”
You finish your last bite of French toast shaking your head no at him waving your finger to point at the paper on the counter. He grabs it and starts reading it.
“I looked up a few antique shops earlier. They will have better options for you than a place like Ashley’s. And then we can end at Lowe’s and get paint samples.”
He reads through your list then up at you in awe.
“I’d be lost without you.”
You wink at him, “I know.” Then you gather the dishes and take them to the sinks.
“As much as I hate to say this… you should get dressed and we should get started.”
“Oh yeah? And why do you hate to say that?” He brings the two coffee mugs over to the sink beside you.
“Don’t play dumb Barnes.”
He winks before getting up and headed to his room.
You take out your phone to text Meghan, ‘I think I’m past the point of no return…’ But you don’t think so, you know you are. It’s only been an hour together so far today and you’re way too invested. Not even knowing what he wants out of this or if its even anything to him. Your heart tells you it doesn’t matter, but your mind is telling you, ‘you’re going to regret this’.
Meghan responds ‘Girl…. I could have told you that…’ Before you give yourself the chance to dwell on it, Bucky comes back out in a black t-shirt that’s probably a size too small and dark grey jeans. Hair brushed through and tucked behind his ears.
”Ready?” He asks, reaching for your hand.
You take a mental picture in your head of this moment. Knowing you are simultaneously so ready and severely not ready.
———————————————————————————————————
We made it to the first shop pretty quickly. It is overflowing with furniture, but that’s always where treasures like to hide at places like this.
Watching Bucky find things that are from his childhood or little things that bring memories back has been so sweet.
You’ve already bought a few trinkets when he wasn’t looking to surprise him with once his house is move in ready.
You follow Bucky around to an area of dining tables and chairs. Watching him inspect them and look over the details with such grace and care, is low key kinda hot.
He looks back at you and catches you biting your lip.
”Come here.” He beckoned me over with a playful gleam in his eye. You walk over to him beside a dark wood dining table. Probably seats about 4.
“Yes?”
“Stand right… here.” He guides you to stand between him and the table.
“Okay…” You’re very confused, until he glides his hands to your hips, and presses himself into you. And then guides you to slightly bend over.
“Bucky!!” You whisper for him to be careful, and he doesn’t listen.
“Shhhh, we just need to test something.. reach up and place your hands on the table.” He demands with a low raspy tone that makes you do as told.
“We need to test the stability of this one.” As he punctuates his sentence he starts to grind into you. Starting out slow and gradually picking up his pace.
”Buckyyy!” You softly wine to him, not wanting to get caught but also not wanting to get too tuned on. But it’s already far too late for that.
The table starts to creek in tempo with his grinds but otherwise very sturdy. He lets out a little chuckle and comes to a stop. Gently pulling you up and turning you to face him.
“Just wanted to test it, thanks for your help.”
If he wasn’t holding you by the small of your back you probably would have passed out. We winked at you before walking to the front to let the employee know he’d like to purchase it.
”We also have the 4 matching chairs in the back. Would you like to see them too?” You hear the store clerk say. It gives you an idea so you quickly follow after them.
“I’ll give you two a few to look them over” The store clerk explains leaving you and Bucky alone in this tiny back room to inspect them.
Bucky admires the detailed wood work carefully.
“Test it out Buck, have a seat.” You insist innocently. So innocent he doesn’t see what’s coming.
Once he sits in the chair, you climb in his lap facing him. His hands on your hips watching you in awe and whispers “Whatcha doing baby?”
Before you answer him, you hold his head in both your hands and start to grind on him, starting off slow until you start to bounce at a very suggestive tempo.
You lean into him so your lips are pressed on his ear and whisper, “Gotta test the chairs too…. They’ll get the job done.”
Then before he could remember how to speak you’re off his lap. Your warmth leaving his lap causes him to softly wine.
You head out to the store clerk “We’ll take the chairs too.” Leaving Bucky breathless and amazed at how easily you keep up with him.
9 Butter Yellow:
The rest of furniture shopping went that way, but just slightly more PG rated. Playful flirting, shared laughter and silent glances that say what you can’t with words. It’s starting to feel like he’s yours, even though he’s not. And you’re starting to forget that he can’t be.
He was able to find all the basics he needed, living room pieces, bed frame, side tables and 2 book cases. All scheduled to be delivered in 2 weeks.
We’re now back home drowning in paint samples. We got so invested in debating colors you lost track of time to make anything so for the first time in months, you ordered pizza.
He only made 3 comments about how it’s ‘not brooklyn pizza but it’s good enough.’
Pops gets home right in the middle of our heated argument over butter yellow.
“Bucky… butter yellow has no place in the kitchen.”
“But… it’s butter… you cook everything with butter!”
“Are you really going to sit there and tell me what’s required in cooking?”
“Well hello what do we have going on here?” Pops interrupts you as he enters the dining room. You freeze, feeling like you got caught. Though technically you weren’t doing anything wrong. It still felt like it. You start to strutter, unable to find words.
“I brought back some paint samples and I thought she’d help me pick the best options. But she’s really just telling me how poor my taste is.”
You try to hide your blushing cheeks by looking down and laughing before fighting back.
“Sorry for not wanting you to live in an ugly house!”
“Oh so it’s ugly now?”
“It will be if you go with butter yellow!”
Pops laughs, “You two sound like siblings.” He walks into the kitchen. You and Bucky share a look, both clearly displeased with being compared to as siblings.
“Bucky… in my experience it’s best just to agree with her. Especially when it comes to anything in the kitchen.” Pops tells Bucky from the kitchen.
Bucky glares at you a little annoyed and you just innocently smile back.
“Thank you Pops! And on that note I say, this moonbeam blue is perfect for the kitchen.”
“Okay okay…. What if I compromise and go green?”
“Green!!??!”
You don’t see it but pops is watching from just outside the kitchen. Just carefully paying attention.
“Yes green!!! What if it was a dark green like this one” He places an emerald green in front of you.
“This just so happens to be my favorite color. But that doesn’t mean I’d put it on the walls of my kitchen!!!” You push it back over to him across the table.
Bucky just looks at you deep in thought wanting to fight back and wanting to do something more but holding back for obvious reasons.
“Your cabinets here are painted. What if I painted mine green”
You freeze trying to control your face. That’s actually brilliant but why would you give him the satisfaction of a good idea? “But what color for the walls?”
He leans back in his seat, all smug. “Leave them as is.”
Damn it.
“I think you got her Bucky” Pops says from where he’s been watching this whole thing, while he’s eating a slice of pizza.
You look over to Pops, genuinely forgot he was there.
“Whose side are you on?” You playfully ask him. He puts his hands up to surrender.
“Sorry. I’ll shut up.” He turns and walks back to the kitchen.
“I say you test one cabinet. Just paint one emerald green. And one moonbeam blue and see what speaks to you.”
“Not the walls?”
You shake your head no, “painting the cabinets won’t affect the looks of food like the walls would.” You take in a deep breath annoyed to admit this “so that’s a good idea…”
He loudly claps, proud of himself. “You hear that Rob?!” He gets up taking our plates to the kitchen.
“Don’t get used to it.” Pops warns him.
“As much fun as it is with you two conspiring against me…. I’m going to bed.” You announce as you get up, and gather your laptop.
Bucky quickly looks back at you. “Wait… do either of you have anything going on tomorrow?”
“Nothing for me.” Pops respond curiously.
“Just formatting my cookbook. Why?”
“I get the keys to the house tomorrow. I was wondering if you guys wanted to see it before renovations start?”
“Oh yeah!? I’m in!.” Pops says excitedly.
You pause a moment just watching Bucky share in the excitement with his best friend. Guilt sinking into your gut but you brush it off quickly.
“What time?” You ask, trying not to be too eager but also not disappointed that it’s not a private tour.
“Anytime after 10. What works for you?” Bucky asks, concern written all over his face.
“Afternoon, maybe 1ish?”
“Good for you?” Bucky turns to Pops to make sure he’s still included. He responds with a thumbs up.
“See ya boys then.” You say as you walk towards your room.
“Good night sweetheart.”
“Good night…” Bucky says your name as if he’s missed saying it. You freeze at your door a moment to savor it.
As you start to get ready for bed, you hear Pops start to talk to Bucky about the renovations. Their strong voices carry through the thin walls so you can’t help but really listen when the subject changes.
“And how are things with the mystery girl of yours, you wouldn’t want her input in paint color choices?”
Your heart sinks. So he was using Hinge and actively talking to other women on there?
You hear Bucky nervously laugh, “No no, it’s still so new, and we can’t get our schedules lined up…. We haven’t even gone on a date yet.”
Hearing that is somehow a relief and a gut punch at the same time. He hasn’t gone on a date with this woman, but he clearly wants to.
You wonder if she knows about you for a moment then realize… no one can know about you. You’re the other woman. The secret. The dirty little secret. A fantasy.
You immediately stop listening and go to text Meghan about it. But your hands are too shaky and your mind is running too fast to form a proper sentence.
This has to end here and now. Hurt and disappointed you crawl into bed and put on something to watch to distract, but it doesn’t work.
“I’m really happy for you. Finding something after everything. It’s inspiring.” Pops says to Bucky.
“Yeah? You know, if it’s not too late for the 109 year old, it’s not too late for you.”
Rob laughs, “Yeah I suppose so, but I have a daughter and I’m not handsome like you.”
“Rob.. your daughter is a grown woman, you can’t use that excuse anymore. And it’s not about looks.”
Rob brushes him off. “Maybe one day but not today…. Ya know I’d love to meet this girl.”
Bucky scoffs, “Yeah and I’d love to take her on a proper date.” And that gets Rob to laugh.
“Well, for what it's worth, this is the happiest I think I’ve ever seen you. WIth all the stresses and pressure from work lately, it’s nice to finally see you enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks man. I appreciate that, I am happy. Happier than I thought I’d be, settling down here.”
Rob pats Bucky’s shoulder, “On that note I’m calling it a night too..” They politely nod to each other as Bucky stays at the table till Rob enters his bedroom.
He pulls out his phone and texts you ‘Would you like to go on a walk?’
You hate that you read it, and hate it even more that you‘re responding to him this quickly but anger got the better of you. ‘Why don’t you go on a walk with your mystery girl?’
Next thing you know there's a soft knock at your door. He’s a smart man, keeping this fight inside, down the hall from Pops sleeping so it doesn’t get heated or loud.
You open the door and he sneaks in gently pushing you aside and closing the door behind him slowly. His right hand gripping your arm, firm to keep you there but gentle not to hurt you.
With slight anger in his tone he whispers “Are you out of your head? Who could the mystery girl possibly be in your eyes huh?!...... That day I called you at work, and before you hung up… you said ‘bye baby.’ God the way your voice melted and you played it so innocently. I was a putty in your hands… reacting to it right in front of Rob.”
He backs you against your door, hand just gently placed over you, no grip but still protective as he continues.
“He’s not stupid… He noticed immediately. He asked who had me smiling like that, clearly not work related…. What was I supposed to say…?” He said your name pleading for an answer that he knew you didn't have.
“I had to lie to him. I couldn’t tell him that my every waking thought is of you. All my future goals and dreams, you’re there. I couldn’t admit that every impure thought that's crossed my mind for the past month has been about you… Yeah a month…”
He brings his hand up to cup your face gently, vibranium hand on your hip rubbing your skin with his thumb that's peeking out from your shirt.
“From the first moment he told me about you and showed me your picture…. I’ve been captivated… God… and then we get back and you’re single…. I didn’t want to rush you. I didn’t want to overstep… But then you looked at me that night. You gave me silent permission with those beautiful eyes of yours…. And that’s all it took.”
He finally takes a breath, letting his lungs catch up a moment, your eyes locked on each other. Your mind frantically searches for words. And all you could come up with was a question.
“All it took for what?”
He looks at you just a moment, savoring the relief in your eyes before whispering again. “To be all yours.”
Before he can continue you lunge forward pressing your lips to his. He tastes like beer and revival.
He glides his hand to grip the back of your head. Trying to pull you in even closer. Nose pressing firm on your cheek, warm breath dancing over your skin. You let out a soft little moan that shivers from within him, that snaps you back into the present moment and the bigger picture. You push him away and he pulls back, pressing his forehead to yours.
“You okay baby?” He whispers breathlessly. Concern in his tone. Hand still cupping your face gently.
“Yes…but…. we can’t… at least not like this…. Not tonight.” He nods agreeing with you. Planting one more kiss to your forehead. Holding his lips there a moment to savor you a moment longer. Not fully knowing when his lips will be on you again.
In a soft threatening tone he whispers against your ear, “Don’t you ever doubt how important you are to me again.” Then softly kisses your ear. “Get some sleep.” He says before quietly leaving your room and slips into his quietly.
10 House Tour:
You ended up sleeping in, your body was not willing to give up your restful night of sleep apparently. But the smell of pancakes would be the only thing to get you up to start the day. You put a sweatshirt on and check the time, 10:30. Doesn’t give you much time to work on your cookbook before Bucky’s house tour but that’s fine.
You slowly stumble out of your room, “There’s sleeping beauty! You sleep okay?” A very excited Pops perks up, happy to see you.
You half wave to him with a grunt and you shuffle over to coffee.
”I’ll take that as a no, well I just made pancakes, If you wanted some there’s plenty.”
You start plating some for yourself before he finishes his sentence and bring them and your coffee over to sit with him.
”You feeling okay? You typically don’t sleep in like that.”
You nod with a mouth full of pancakes.
”What’s been going on with you? We haven’t had a chance to just sit and talk since I got back.”
You let out a little breath, it’s true. And you feel bad but you’ve been very distracted on top of a terrible liar. So you have been avoiding this.
“Yeah, things got a little busy for me. Just ready to have this book done.”
”You’re not burning yourself out to distract are you? I know how you get.”
Damn he really knows you.
“I promise Pops, I have a healthy amount of distractions. It’s how I heal and move on.”
“Speaking of moving on..”
You give him an intense side eye glare followed by a firm “Don’t”
Oh come on sweetheart. I know it hasn’t been long, but I don’t want you to hermit crab and avoid it for years again.”
He has a good point, Chad was only your third relationship. One from high school, avoided dating till sophomore year of college. Then when that relationship ended, avoided it again till a year after graduation. If only you could tell him that pattern is shattered like glass across the ground this time.
“It hasn’t even been a month Pops… I’m not in a rush.. Besides, I just want to focus on what’s in front of me for now.”
You let out a little sigh, relieved you didn’t have to lie to him about that. It’s all true, he just doesn’t know exactly what you’re focusing on.
“Bucky is even seeing someone…” You almost choke on your coffee.. “took me by complete surprise when I caught him on the phone with her.”
“Oh yeah? Why are you surprised?”
Why are you entertaining this conversation? You know this is dangerous territory. But you couldn’t stop yourself.
“I guess with how busy he is. Merging his company with another, moving to a new city, buying a house… to add meeting someone new and starting something seems so overwhelming to me.”
“Maybe she's just that special.”
Will. You. Shut. Up.!?
He shakes his head laughing as you continue to eat your pancakes.
“Yeah maybe. He seems happy so I’m happy for him. Just impressed I suppose.”
“That could be you, now that the merger is behind you… you could open up your calendar to put yourself out there.”
He shakes his head, “I don’t think so sweetheart… not now.”
You roll your eyes but he doesn’t catch it.
“Whatever pops.” You’re annoyed that he won’t even entertain the idea of meeting someone and settling down again. You get that it might be hard after what mom did to him. But you know he has a love left to give someone.
“I’m gonna go do some work in the yard, holler at me when Bucky gets back? I’m excited to see inside his house.”
You nod as you finish your pancakes.
You go get dressed for the day, denim shorts, floral blouse and a French braid. For the first time in a long time you had someone in mind when picking your outfit. And damn you’d be lying if you said you didn’t like that.
You get a decent amount of work done on your cookbook, formatting the pages to perfection. The only thing missing is photos that Meghan is helping with soon. You were so focused you didn't pay attention to the time till you heard the front door followed by Bucky’s excited voice.
“Guess what everybody…!!?”
”What?!”
He jumps up around the corner to see you at the table as he jingles his new house keys up.
”Oooooooh someone’s officially a homeowner.”
He smiles walking over to you, before he gets too brave you pull out your phone to call pops.
”Hey I’m hollering.. okay see you in a second.”
Bucky nods and winks at you.
“So, how does it feel?” You ask him as you wait for Pops to come inside and close up your laptop.
He jingles his keys with pride. “Surprisingly better than I expected. Ready to get everything done and moved in”
”There he is!! Official home owner!… Now when do you move out?” Pop barges in trying to be funny, you catch it immediately, Bucky does not.
”I uuhh whenever you-“
”I’m kidding.. So we going to see it or what?”
”Let’s go!”
You all walk out the door, following Bucky. He waits for you in the center of the driveway, like he always does, you both wait for Pops to follow behind you.
You want so badly to reach for his hand, look over at him, tease him about the pencil behind his ear and shamelessly flirt with him about his shirt being a size too small. But you can’t. Not with the audience.
What you don’t see is Pops paying attention to how easily you both walk together, how you’ve matched each other's steps despite your height difference.
But what really confuses him, is how you turn into Bucky’s driveway before he could say.
“Here she is!!”
“Wow Buck, it’s beautiful!! Love the brick!” Pops admires the house, you head right up to the poach dying to see this kitchen in person.
Bucky stays back standing with Pops. “Thanks man, appreciate that.” He taps his shoulder and leads him up to the porch with me.
“Excited sweetheart?” Pops asks sarcastically.
“You know me, excited to see a new kitchen.”
Bucky opens the door, winks at you and lets you both in. You’re in awe at the amount of natural light, even a sky light. Without a second guess you find your way to the kitchen and it’s even better than the pictures. Giant island in the center with a sink, and another sink under the window that looks out to the back yard.
Beautiful quartz countertops, that you immediately know would look amazing with emerald green cabinets.
“And what do you think?” Pops asks, but Bucky can already see you have fallen in love as he admires you in awe over everything.
“This is the most beautiful kitchen I’ve ever seen!”
“Hey I resent that, I paid a lot of money for you to redo my kitchen to your liking.”
“I know… and now I have new kitchen goals.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Bucky says softly, while he admires you. You finally look up at him to catch him staring. The smallest smile sneaking up his lips before Pops shouts at him from down the hall about the bedrooms.
Bucky winks at you before chasing after Pops as he goes over the changes he plans on making. You just stay in the kitchen, making imaginary plans in your head.
Bucky interrupts you while you cook. You both sneaking in for a late night snack. Slow dancing while dinners in the oven. Him sitting you on the counter and feeding you blueberries. Your mind starts to wander further until Pops breaks you out of your impure thoughts.
“You alright sweetheart?”
“Oh, um yeah! I’m good. Just really love this island.”
He lets out a laugh, “I can tell, well I’m headed back to the house, I have some errands to run.”
Before he can drag you with him Bucky interrupts, “Did you want to see the rest of the house?”
“Oh!! Yeah of course.” You laugh nervously, grateful Bucky found a way for you both to have a moment alone.
“Okay, well I’ll leave ya’ll to it. Great choice again Bucky. Welcome to the neighborhood. Will we see you for Sunday dinner tonight?”
“Thanks, am I invited?”
Pops laughs, trying to not be offended. “Of course you are, you’re family now. What a stupid question.”
“Then I’ll be there.”
We both freeze as we watch Pops disappear and then listen for the door to close behind him.
“Finally” Bucky whispers so soft you barely heard him, he practically sprints over to you and scoops you up with his hands on your ass. Pressing you against the wall and kisses you deeply.
You wrap your legs around his hips and hold his head in your hands kissing him back. Deepening the kiss into an intense make out. The world around you both long forgotten.
He groans into you causing you to moan back. That awakening something almost feral in him as he releases your lips and kisses down your jaw and neck with calculated precision.
“Bucky…. Wait…” you softly whisper breathlessly. Without pulling away or taking his lips off you he asks, “Yes baby?”
“Can we… can we pause…. and you show me the rest of the house?”
He tilts his head up and raises his brows at you, “Just pause, not stop?”
You smile at that and nod your head yes. “Just a pause, I’m not done with you yet.” You run your fingers through his hair as he slowly sets you down and takes your hand.
He leads you through the rest of the house and explains what he’s hoping to do. Will just need the contractors approval today.
Watching how excited he gets about all the plans and having a home that’s completely his. Watching him build his safe space almost from scratch melts your heart in the best way.
You can’t help but be extremely happy for him.
“So whatcha think?” He asks as he slowly starts to back you against the wall of his future bedroom.
“It’s perfect.” You whisper as you reach for his hips as your back presses against the wall.
Without a word he picks you up again, returning to your previous position. His lips on your neck again, scruff scratching and tickling your neck. His warm breath soothing the scratches.
He inches his lips back up to meet your lips as you make out again, intensely. Your fingers tangling and lightly tugging his hair. Time stands still as you break down the walls you’ve both been carefully building and defending for over a week.
Suddenly there’s a loud knock at the door that he groans at, annoyed. You pull back and whisper “Who could that be?”
He tilts his ear down slightly disappointed.
“Contractors are here.”
You let out a little sigh and whisper, “I should go then.”
He gently places you down and cups your face. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Can’t wait.” He leads you out the door, introduces himself to the contractors and watches you walk down the driveway before closing the door.
11 Perfect Dessert:
It was impossible to focus and get any more work done the rest of the day. Replaying you and Bucky in his house alone over and over again in your mind left you frustrated and not productive at all. You didn't entirely mind, but you wanted him to pay for it one way or another.
Pops requested tacos tonight so that had you in the kitchen doing a lot of prep work, while he sat at the table getting their next business trip booked. They’re headed to NYC and thankfully only a week this time.
“Alright well that’s all done and set, you sure you don’t want to tag along sweetheart?”
As amazing as a trip to NYC would be with Bucky, sneaking around and hiding from your dad and all of their colleagues sounds like a recipe for disaster.
“I am so close to being done with my cookbook Pops. I can’t slow down now.”
“Fair enough.”
And right as you finished with dinner, the front door swings open.
”Sorry I’m late” Bucky says as he comes in a little frantically.
“Nonsense, you’re right on time” You say before looking at him, shirt long gone, just in a white tank top that clings to him perfectly. Causing you to freeze. He smiles at you and tilts his head towards Rob entering the room.
You quickly turn away trying to be nonchalant.
“I’ll go change real quick.” Bucky says, almost sheepishly.
“Ah, no need, let’s not let dinner get cold.” Pops says. You don’t know whether you should be grateful or resentful that he said that.
You show them where everything is and have them build their own tacos from the kitchen.
Bucky stands next to you while Pops makes his plate. He has a musky smell to him. The kind you can tell he was working hard all day to earn. But a scent you also don’t mind smelling at all. Even his BO is hot? Unfair.
Once Pops is finished Bucky gestures for you to get your plate and he follows after you. Before you could say anything Pops starts telling Bucky that their NYC trip is booked, who all they’ll be meeting there and what he has planned for them to accomplish.
You silently join them and try to listen but frankly, their work is extremely boring to you. Looking at Bucky sitting across from you, replaying earlier in your head again.
Suddenly you have an idea, you scooch your chair further under the table and reach your foot out until you find his. You watch him freeze for just a moment, trying to not let Pops notice.
But that’s not good enough for you. You slowly glide your foot up his calf, up and down slowly.
At first he doesn’t react until your movements get slower. That’s when you notice he chews his food slower, he takes longer to blink and takes deeper breaths.
He finishes his water in one big swig then abruptly gets up for a refill.
With Pops back to him he looks at you with a playful glare then silently says something for you to read his lips. ‘You’re a bad girl.’
And even though it was silent, that makes your situation so much worse.
He quickly looks at you for a moment and winks as he sits back down in his seat. Then tells Pops about his meeting with the contractors. How he had to help them take down the two walls to save time. And that he’s even paying extra to have it all done in time for the furniture deliveries.
Then you feel his foot pressing into your leg and gliding up and down, just like you did to him.
Truthfully, you’re enjoying his touch despite how risky this is. This is the bravest you both have gotten.
You know you should be concerned about getting caught. But you’re not. You've been aching for his touch all day. You couldn’t wait to touch him again until your walk later. You’re relieved he felt the same.
“Was even trying to get this one to join us in New York.”
Pops breaks you out of your filthy thoughts a moment.
“Sorry boys, too close to being done with my book. Can’t let up now.”
“That’s exciting!” Bucky says before taking a bite of taco and taking his touch on your leg away.
“It is! I’m so ready.” You respond.
“But, tagging along to New York could be fun too. Could give you a chance to network, get your book out there.”
“That’s true!!” Pops adds.
You give Bucky a little smirk and then squint your eyes at Pops. “What? You guys can’t have fun without me?”
That gets them both to laugh.
“It will be a boring work trip if you don’t go.” Bucky admits, Pops nods his head in agreement.
“Maybe the next one then.”
“I’ll hold you to that!!” Pop says excitedly as he nudges you.
“Looking forward to it.” Bucky whispers.
“Oh! Well you’ll have to come to the celebration when we get back!”
You look at Pop confused and Bucky snaps, pointing at him with a mouth full of tacos.
“Yes, come to the gala!”
“A gala?!”
“Yes, we’ve had a very successful quarter alongside the merger. I wanted to throw a company-wide celebration. To show my gratitude for everyone’s hard work.” Pops explains.
“Calling it a gala makes it sound fancy.”
“It’s black tie.”
“Oh so it’s really fancy! Can I bring Meghan?”
“Plus ones are encouraged. Maybe Bucky will bring his mystery girl and we can finally meet her.”
You choke on your water a second at Pops unknowingly bringing you up.
“We’ll see.” He responds mysteriously.
“Ya know sweetheart, it doesn’t have to be Meghan that you bring. You can bring a real date.”
You roll your eyes as you get up and gather everyone’s plates. “I’ll bring a real date if you bring one Pops.”
That gets a laugh out of Bucky, “freakin got’em dude.”
That gets both you and Pops to burst out laughing with Bucky.
“Now I feel like you two are conspiring against me.”
Bucky shrugs and you shout at Pops from the kitchen, “I just want you to worry about yourself before you worry about me for once.”
Bucky gets up to join you in the kitchen, “Here let me do the dishes, it’s the least I can do.”
You smirk at him and bush your hand up from the sink, to his pants and then up his chest quickly, as if to dry your hand on his clothes. Then leave the dishes for him. Leaving him completely paralyzed by your quick and sneaky teasing.
“Did you make dessert tonight?”
You shake your head no, “No I didn’t give myself enough time, I’m sorry”
Pops shakes his head no, “Never apologize for that, I’m always so grateful for everything you do. No dessert gives me the chance to get to bed early.” He explains getting up and stretching.
You’re a little surprised by that, but also very grateful.
“I’ll see you at the office in the morning, I gotta let the contractors in the house in the morning.”
“Sounds good. Good night sweetheart, thanks for the great meal once again.” He says as he walks past you kissing the top of your head before heading to his room.
“Goodnight pops.”
You stay at the table, watching Bucky finish the dishes. A dish towel draped over his shoulder. Will you ever get used to how every single thing he does is hot as fuck?
“Quit staring.” He says without even looking at you.
“What makes you think I’m staring?”
“I can always tell.”
“And what if I don’t want to?”
That gets him to turn around, leaning back on the counter, pulling the dish towel off to dry his hands then places it on the counter. “Guess I’ll have to give you something to watch then.”
You get up from the table and enter the kitchen, keeping your distance but keep watching him.
“Well?” You softly tease, gesturing to him, waiting for something to watch.
He smiles and lets out a nervous laugh, making your heart skip a beat.
“I have an idea…” You say as you take one step closer. He raises his brows at you waiting for you to continue.
“You could finish what you started earlier..”
That gets him to step closer to you, leaving just a few feet of space between you both.
“If my memory serves me correctly, your foot reached for mine first this evening.”
You shake your head no licking your bottom lip. “Not that. Even earlier.”
He squints at you a moment clearly in thought until you see him realize what you’re referring to. “You mean, back at my place?”
You just nod yes as he closes the space between you both. Tucking hair behind your ear slowly.
“Fuck it” He whispers so softly you almost don’t even hear it, grabs your hand and leads you to the pantry. Pulling you in with him and closing the door behind you.
He pushes you against the door gently, flesh hand holding you still with his grip on your hip. Vibranium hand propping himself over you with his hand next to your head for balance.
“Bucky what are you doing?” You whisper breathless and frantic. You're sure your heart is about to pound out of your chest. As his lips find your neck again. Kissing you even more intensely than he did earlier.
He presses his lips to your ear “Finishing what I started of course.”
You could melt into a puddle right there. Never been so turned on before. You reach out for him, not completely sure what you’re doing other than enjoying all of him.
His flesh hand releases your hips and goes straight for your shorts unbuttoning and unzipping with just one hand.
“Bucky!!!” You whisper frantically and nervously, questioning what he’s doing with the only word you can think of, his name.
“Shhhhh baby. I got you. You want me to finish what I started?”
You shyly nod your head yes as you instinctively arch yourself closer to him. Losing all control over yourself.
“Atta Girl. You trust me?” He looks at you with a tenderness behind his eyes. Your mind has forgotten every word you’ve ever known so you just nod your head yes. Eyes never leaving his. He smiles and licks his lips.
“Good.” With his eyes staring deeply into yours, he takes his middle finger into his mouth, sucking on it just a moment. Then pops it out, glides his hand down your body, then puts his finger where you’ve needed it all day. Causing you to arch your back and sigh heavily, almost letting out a moan.
“Shhhh baby, you have to be quiet.” He whispers before kissing your lips and whispering again, “moan into me.”
And you do. Frantically and as softly as you're able to as you dissolve into the pleasure he gives you. Giving you a better orgasm with a single finger than you ever thought possible.
His kissing slows down and inches down your neck and across your collarbone as you start to wind down. Once he can tell you’re recovered, for the most part. He slowly slides his finger out of you, then sucks on it again. Eyes rolling back a moment before he pops his finger out again and grips your hips with both hands.
He presses his forehead to yours and whispers, “the perfect dessert.”
