Invisible String (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

Chapter 5

"First of all, you are being super nice and it's making me feel very weird," you pointed out. "Go back to 'I don't trust you. I don't have friends, I have family.'"

He furrowed his brow in confusion and stated, "I never said that."

"Okay, whatever you say, Dominic Toretto."

"Second of all, I'm really tired and I just wanna sleep all day."

James walked towards the couch where you were seated and raised his hand for you to take it and get up. Carefully, you eyed him and then his extended palm before reluctantly placing your hand in his.

"I'm dropping you home, you can sleep or whatever you want to do, but then I'm picking you up at 5 and we are going to Barry's diner."

You didn't have the energy to tell him no because frankly, you didn't want to. You were going insane with constant drinking and zero progress in your book. An outing with your boss could be the only thing that could ground you, considering Mr. Barnes has been the only person who provided you any sense of comfort and safety since the incident.

The car ride back to your apartment was silent beside some random song playing on the radio. When you got home, you made your way inside and didn't even bother locking your door before passing out on the bed from exhaustion. You didn't realize how much time went by, so you didn't hear when Bucky rang your doorbell multiple times, you didn't hear when he called for you and told you that he's breaking in because your silence is scaring him. You didn't hear him sigh in relief when he found you asleep. Furthermore, you didn't hear him chuckling to himself, and you most definitely did not feel him draping your blanket over you to make you more comfortable.

You woke up around 6 and you cursed yourself under your breath before reaching towards your phone only to find a text from your boss and 3 missed calls from your sister and parents. Choosing to ignore your family, you proceeded to reply to the unopened text.

Unknown number: I'm waiting downstairs.

- James Barnes

Your lips arched upwards in amusement because, of course, he's one of those people who sign text messages.

You: Fuck, I'm so sorry. I'll be there in a minute. P.S. This is not a letter. I will not sign my name.

Unknown number: Okay.

Before you could keep your phone down to get ready, another message chimed in.

Unknown number: - James Barnes

You broke out in a laugh before containing yourself and getting ready. You picked an outfit that said this is not a date and you are my boss.

***

Barry's diner was very homely, you would not think that a man like James would enjoy this atmosphere, but then again you didn't know about him too. A woman in her forties greeted you warmly and hugged your boss, further proving that this is a regular for him.

"I see you've brought a friend this time!" the lady exclaimed, shoving aside your boss to make her way towards you. "I'm Sally. I own this little diner."

You introduced yourself and were about to offer your hand for a handshake, but she engulfed you in a warm hug and you returned her gesture sweetly.

She took your arm between hers and started moving towards a table in the back and told you it was Bucky's usual. You turned over your shoulder to look over your boss who was having trouble keeping up with the fast pace of the woman beside you and the growing crowd in the diner, so you stretched your hand for him to take and without hesitation he took it, intertwining your fingers with his.