So Much Trouble (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

Chapter 2 - A Lost Phone

Bucky's feet picked up speed as he rounded the corner of the building. He could see the line of costumed people running the length of the city block, standing in the dark and chilled night air which was nearly cold enough to be able to see your own breath. Being so close to Halloween, the club was having a costume night. He ran a hand through his hair to make it neater from the hustle and bustle of trying to get there. Though he wasn't even a half an hour late, had never been late before, and had called ahead to his boss, he worried about the implications of arriving to work like this.

And there he is, Bucky thought as he got close enough to see the club entrance. It was Big Joe, his boss, the owner of the club, sitting on a barstool on one side of the entrance. The other side of the door was still guarded by Terry, Bucky's usual partner in bouncing. Big Joe appeared to be dealing with two women having an issue. One was dressed as a devil and the other had a red cape but he couldn't make out the costume just yet. Bucky always marveled at how smooth Big Joe was - he could solve anyone's problem and leave them walking away happy. Bucky could hear one of the women getting loud. He ran his hands over his gray suit jacket to straighten it up before stepping closer.

"And here's my associate, James," Big Joe said as Bucky walked up to them. "James will take it from here, you're in good hands." Big Joe moved off the stool and gave Bucky an exasperated look as he slipped back into the club.

"Good evening, ladies," Bucky said confidently. It wasn't his first nature to be confident with women anymore but Big Joe insisted on a certain type of demeanor when it came to keeping customers happy. Bucky understood this and could pull the charm out when needed so he had quickly become one of Big Joe's favorite employees.

"Yeah, not really," said the loud woman dressed as a devil. "My friend's phone was stolen while waiting to get into your club." She could have gone on but Bucky turned to look at her friend with a sincere look.

"I'm sorry to hear that," he told the friend. He now recognized her costume.

The friend had been quiet until now and she had a hint of a smile on her face when she told Bucky, "Thank you." She stepped forward a little closer to Bucky because the music was so loud from inside. "I told my friend," she started, but it was still difficult to hear her so Bucky leaned down very close to her. "I told my friend it's not the club's fault - we weren't even inside yet." She looked up at Bucky who was very close and nodding as he listened. It was hard not to notice that he smelled so good and was very attentive.

He looked her in the eye, "That's okay, I'll do what I can to help you."

"Thank you," she said loudly, "and I'm sorry my friend is so cranky." She gave Bucky a big grin as she laughed. Her laugh floated over his skin like a cool breeze causing goosebumps. It was music to his ears.

Bucky felt the nerves in his stomach rise as he looked at her and returned the smile. Even though it was an awkward situation and her friend was angry, this woman was easy to talk to and he hoped this wasn't the only interaction they would have that night. Though his nerves suddenly made him feel less than suave, he held out his right hand and said, "Call me Bucky."

She leaned in closer again as she shook his hand. "I'm Y/N."

"It's nice to meet you, Y/N." He looked at her costume again. "I like your Thor costume," he smiled.

"Oh, thanks," she blushed. "No one seems to know who I am for some reason," she hesitated and leaned in close again. "It's kind of honoring Thor - he saved me a few years back during the battle of New York."

Bucky's eyebrows raised, "Well, that's really nice. He's a good guy... I've uhhh... I've met him before." This was true, he'd hung out with Thor for a bit at Steve's birthday party. But he had to downplay it now.