Invisible String (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

Chapter 5

Once you were settled, Bucky grudgingly let go of your hand and took a seat opposite you while Sally handed you the menu.

"You'll probably have the usual, Bucky," she guessed and turned towards you. "What about you, pretty girl?"

You eyed the menu carefully and settled for some fries and a burger.

"Bucky? Where does that come from?" you asked after Sally left and it was just you and him again.

"My middle name."

"Your middle name is Bucky?"

"Buchanan."

"Cool." You said, realizing you've run out of topics to have a conversation with him. Why did you think having a meal with your boss who also owns the building you live in wouldn't be awkward?

"Why did you come here?" he asked out of the blue, making you look up at him.

"Because you told me to?" you told him, but it came out as a question.

"No. I mean this town. I've seen your CV, why did you leave a perfect life to pursue bartending?" he raised a brow, clearly intrigued by your life choices.

You were about to lie when he cut you off. "Don't tell me that 'change of scenery bullshit' because you and I both know that's a lie."

You were an honest person, but whenever you told people about your decision to quit your job, you were always met with judging eyes and feigned support. But, hey, he literally saw and held you while you had a breakdown, so your image is pretty much ruined in his eyes, and it can't get worse than that, so you didn't lie this time.

"I'm writing a book," you confessed and instead of laughing, he looked interested. "I mean, I feel it would be better not to do that nine to four job about promoting something I don't believe in. I wanted to write, and I approached a publisher and they really liked my drafts, but I couldn't focus on both things, so I gave up that stupid job and left that expensive city. Bartending leaves me free during the day and- and you must think I'm stupid."

"No, I don't," he replied instantly, without a hitch. "I think it's brave of you to pursue your dreams. "

"What about you? Are you doing what you dreamt of?" you asked. You were not even sure what he did. He probably used the club and apartment buildings he owned as a cover for his illegal side activities. You didn't ask because you knew if you did he'd just go back to the grumpy boss, and you really enjoyed the company of the man sitting in front of you.

"No." he replied honestly and you didn't ask any questions further which he was thankful for.

Sally came over and served you your food. Apparently, his usual was a chocolate milkshake and a cheeseburger with fries. This brought a smile to your face, a genuine smile that you haven't had in months. Bucky noticed it and felt a sense of pride both in you and himself. You, for overcoming a traumatic event bravely, and at himself for being the reason for your smile.

The rest of the meal was spent talking about your families. He told you about his mother and his sister and how his dad died when he was 17. He told you he isn't close with his family anymore because they don't support his income source. You told him about your family and how they are always comparing you to your sister and trying to set you up with one of their family friend's son who just wants a trophy wife to obey him.

"Wait, what does your sister do again?" he asked.

"She's a doctor."

"At least, one of your parents' kids is smart," he teased. You feigned offense, dramatically placing your hand on your heart, and he chuckled. He had a great smile that always brought a smile to your lips.

You both stayed at the diner till midnight talking about everything from your favorite book to your most embarrassing moment in high school. You were so lost in conversation that you didn't realize the time until Sally informed you both that she had to close the diner.

The ride to your apartment was spent talking about your music preferences. Working in a club made his pop music knowledge better than yours and you weren't so happy about it.

"What song were you humming that day when I dropped you home for the first time?" he asked and you just shrugged your shoulders. That night was mostly a blur, a nightmare that you had buried deep and weren't planning on revisiting willingly any time soon.

"This is me," you announced when the car came to a halt outside your building, that he owned by the way, so you didn't have to stop in between to be inspected by the security guard.

You outstretched your arms for a hug, and at the same time he raised his hand for a handshake. Instantly, he opened his arms for an embrace, whereas you closed yours to match his handshake. Both of you cursed under your breath and chuckled embarrassingly before he lifted his hands and placed his palms on your cheeks. Gently, he bent down to your face and brought his mouth closer to you before pressing a soft kiss on your forehead.

"I had fun today, doll." He whispered, lips still lingering on your skin.

Your breath hitched at your proximity and the name he called you and you didn't trust yourself to speak, so you just nodded and smiled before getting out of his car.

"I had fun today too, James." You murmured when he was finally out of your vision. Involuntarily, your hand raised to caress your forehead where his lips met your skin, and a grin spread across your face, making you ignore everything in your environment, even your buzzing phone.