Bucky's POV:
They taught me to fear the dark. They forgot to mention what happens in the light. Why would they? They're evil jerks who deserve to fall. But I need to stop thinking about that. I need to focus on what I'm trying to do: Get out of here and get to Brooklyn. Keeping my head low, I pay the elderly man running the bus with a few crumpled up dollar bills. Nodding to him quickly, I take my seat in the middle of the bus. Glancing about quickly, I notice only a few other people are riding. Resting my head on the headrest of the seat, I let out a long sigh and close my tired eyes.
I've been on the run for three months. Why? Because I broke out of the HYDRA base and they're looking for me. I know I'll be safer in Brooklyn; it's where I grew up, my home, my safe place. I know that I won't be able to find Steve but that's fine, I'll make due on my own. Besides, he'd probably try and turn me into an Avenger and no way's happening. I allow my thoughts to drift away and slowly, I drift off to sleep.
Virginia's POV:
Pulling my curly ash brown hair into a ponytail, I walked over to the mirror. Tugging my turquoise shirt into place, I inspect my outfit in the mirror: V-neck t-shirt, ripped black skinny jeans, and dark grey checkered Vans. My sea-green eyes shimmered with joy and I smiled. Today was going to be a good day, I can feel it. After giving my cat Benjamin a quick goodbye, I was out of the apartment and walking down the block with a bounce in my step. I waved to the neighbors as I passed them, feeling bubbly and excited today. I skipped into the coffee shop beaming.
"Morning Mr.Union!", I chirped, spinning behind the counter.
"Good morning Virginia! Ready to start another day?", He grinned, kissing the top of my head.
To me, he was the grandpa I never had. I pulled on my apron and tied the ribbon into a perfect little bow. After turning on the coffee maker and the cash register, I clicked on the old jukebox. Although Mr. Union was great, he was extremely old fashioned. He chuckled as I spun around the small cafe, enjoying the music. I breezed into the kitchen and prepared for customers. I heard the jingle of the bell above the door and I hurried to the front counter. "Morning Maggie! The usual?" I gushed, pulling a coffee cup from the shelf.
"You know me so well, deary", she cooed as I passed her the cup.
The rest of the morning was calm and just like the rest. The usual customers would enter and order what they always had a few new customers and the occasional little kid that wanted hot chocolate or a pastry. Everything was going just how I liked it too.
Bucky's POV:
I groggily opened my eyes to see that the bus had stopped. A few strangers entered the bus while others exited. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, trying to remember what was going on. Oh yeah, I had taken a bus hoping to end up in Brooklyn. Standing, I stumbled to the bus driver and asked him where I was.
He smiled and replied, "You're in Brooklyn, New York son."
I thanked him and couldn't help but smile just slightly. I'd finally made it to Brooklyn. Stepping off, I gazed up at the huge skyscrapers and towering buildings. This place had changed since I'd last been here. Trudging down the busy sidewalk, I feel my stomach grumble. As if by chance, I glance to my left to lay my eyes on a small coffee shop called The Coffee Corner. Shrugging, I stroke inside. A small bell jangles above my head as I stepped in. Looking around, I scanned the room of people. Then I saw her.
Virginia's POV:
I finished getting the order of a father and his young daughter and looked toward the door at the sound of the bell. A muscular looking man stood in front of the coffee shop. He had shoulder-length dark brown hair that covered parts of his face. His hands were buried in his pockets. But when his gaze met mine, I stopped dead. He had the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. They were gunmetal blue and they pierced my heart.
I felt something jolt through me, like electricity. My whole body tensed for a moment before I felt my cheeks flush. Then I relaxed again, still not breaking the gaze. I then sensed a feeling as though I'd seen him somewhere before but I knew that was impossible. Shaking my head, I looked away for a moment before putting on my waitress smile and walked over to him.
Bucky's POV:
Electricity shot through my veins and for a moment I felt like a plank of wood. Then the sensation faded and I felt red flash across my cheeks then quickly recede. But as I gazed at the beautiful waitress I sensed something in my heart, like I'd seen her before. I shook it off and glanced at the floor to break the intense gaze although I wished I hadn't. Looking up again, I saw her walking over to me. She smiled sweetly and my heart fluttered. When she spoke, her singsong voice made me grin slightly.
"Hey there! Welcome to The Coffee Corner! Follow me and I'll find you a seat", she chirped.
I nodded and followed her bouncy steps to a small table by a large window. I seated myself and she stuck out her hand.
"I'm Virginia", she beamed.
"James," I replied, shaking her small hand.
"So James, can I start you off with a drink? Or would you like to look first?", she asked.
"Just a plain black coffee thanks", I respond.
"Coming right up to James!", she smiled and hurried off to get the coffee.
As she poured the coffee, she hummed to herself joyfully. I couldn't help but grin at her bubbly personality. She practically bounded over to me and placed the cup on the table. I felt my lips tug into a smile as I looked at what the cup was.
"What else can I get you? A bagel or possibly some toast or a plate of eggs?", she inquired, pulling out her notepad, which also had Captain America's shield on it.
"You a fan of good old Cap?", I smirk.
She blushes slightly and looks at me with her stunning eyes. "I think his partner Bucky Barnes is cooler", she replies.
My heart swells and I feel my lips curve into a grin again. "Really?", I tease.
"Yeah, I think he's cool. He seems like a true hero", she rambles."But anyway, would you like anything else?"
"I think just a pastry will be great", I smile back.
She nods and skips over to the counter again. I listen to the jukebox play "Sweet Caroline" and I quietly hum along. I watch the passing cars and hurrying people. It was so much calmer inside here and I was grateful I found this small haven. Moments later, she returns with a warm pastry on a small plate and a napkin.
"Thanks, Virginia", I commented.
"No problem", she grins and returns to the register.
Halfway through the pastry, I wipe my mouth with the napkin but then notice something on it. I uncrumple it and read the handwriting.
My shift ends at 11. Wanna do something later?
There was a small heart after the question mark and I smirked. Was she asking me out? But we'd just met. Oh well, I thought and stuffed the napkin into my pocket.
Virginia's POV:
As I worked, I kept glancing over at James then quickly looking away. I hoped he'd seen the note I wrote on the napkin. Customers continued to roll in and out until it slowed to a trickle of people. The hours ticked away slowly and as the crowd shrunk, I noticed James was still there. When the clock finally chimed 11 AM, I pulled off my apron and bade Mr. Union goodbye. "See you tomorrow", he called from his office.
I nodded and walked over to James, who was writing something in a small red notebook. "Ready?", I asked shyly.
"You bet", he grinned, closing the notebook and standing.
Looking at him up close, I noticed he needed a shave and a haircut. I suggested we go to a barber first and he agreed. He held the door open for me as we exited the shop and I thanked him. We traveled down the sidewalk side by side, occasionally bumping into each other, which made me blush. We finally reached the barbershop and I was grateful to get off of the crowded walkway. James sat down and I asked the man at the register to give him a nice looking haircut and a shave. He nodded kindly, and when he asked for a name I said, James. He nodded again and I sat down next to my new friend.
"So where do you live in Brooklyn?", I buzzed.
"I haven't found a place to stay yet", he mumbled, staring at his shoes.
"I've got an extra room, wanna stay with me?", I blurt.
He looks at me and my heart melts when I gaze into his amazing eyes. "I'd like that", he replies, flashing a small smile.
I return the smile and after that, our conversation is much less awkward. We chat for a few more minutes before the man at the register calls James's name and he stands up and follows a hairdresser to a seat. He removes his hat and the man washes his hair, cuts it, and then shaves the bushy facial hair away. By the time the hairdresser is done, he looked like a whole new person.
I felt my cheeks redden as he looks over to me with a look that makes my knees go weak. Good thing I was sitting down. He stands up and walks over to me, looking much more confident. "How do I look?", he asks.
"Much better", I manage, feeling my heart skip a beat.
I pay the man at the register and we leave the barber. He asks what we should do now. I think about it for a moment, wondering what we could do together. After pondering for a few moments, I have an 'aha' moment.
"We could take a walk through the park", I suggest.
"Great idea", he beams.
So we make our way down the busy sidewalk to the park. Our hands brush up against each other every so often and I can't help but wish to take his hand.
AN:
Alrighty! How'd I do?! I can't wait to keep writing this story! I have so many plans! Please comment and vote!