You know that feeling when you just want to be at home, wrapped in the covers of your bed and just sleep? That was Bucky right now. He was seated in maths, resting his cheek in the palm of his hand, drowning out the annoying voice of his teacher, writing some equations on the board he would properly never use again in his life. He hated maths with a passion. It wasn't because he was bad at it, he was actually pretty good, it just wasn't for him. But Tony got him to take it saying he needed to play at his strengths, whatever that meant.
Bucky couldn't help but think back to when he went over to Sam's apartment. He and Steve cuddled together for a few hours and just talked. It was just what Bucky needed and he wanted to go back to then. And so, when the teacher wasn't watching, Bucky pulls his phone from his pocket, hides it under his desk and goes into his messages.
Steveeeeeee I'm boreddddd ~ Bucky
The three bubbles pop up in the bottom corner of the screen and Steve's response comes through in less than a minute, making Bucky quietly gasp and catch the attention of Natasha.
Hi bored I'm Steve ~ Steve
Oh you did not just do one of those things on me. ~ Bucky
Oh I think I did. And you should be paying attention in class, the teacher could call on you ~ Steve
Bucky rolls his eyes.
Eh. I know how to do this shit already and I probably won't need this in the future so why bother? ~ Bucky
Because it's school. So get back to work, cheeky. I might come see you after school, yeah? I need to ask you some things for your birthday ~ Steve
Ughhhhhh Fine you party pooper ~ Bucky
Oh get back to work. ~ Steve
Bucky smiles, a real smile, and in maths! He places his phone back into his pocket and looks back up at the board, finding a whole bunch of scribbled notes he would need to jot down.
Fucking hell.
By the time the bell rings, Bucky is up on his feet and stuffing his books into his bag, chatting away with Natasha who had a large smile on her face. "So wait," she says, linking arms with Bucky. "Steve's gonna go over to yours and talk about your.. birthday?"
Bucky smiles and shrugs. "Yeah, I guess. He's such a sweetheart."
Natasha laughs. "Yeah, so you say. How many dates have you been on?"
"Um... five? Maybe six?"
"And he still hasn't popped the fucking question!?" She gasps, stopping in her tracks and turning to face Bucky. "What the heck! I'm so coming over to yours after school and getting his number. God, so that's what you've been doing these past few weekends?"
Bucky nods with a small laugh, rolling his eyes. "Yes."
"How has your dad not found out?" Natasha asks, falling back into step with him. "Like— seriously."
"I dunno. He never goes on my phone so he can't read our texts and he always believes me when I say I'm going to hangout with you or Wanda or Bruce or anyone else."
"Wow. Have you kissed yet?"
"Fucking hell Nat, What is this? Yes we have. Many times."
"You mean many many MANY times."
"Shut up!"
Wanda falls into step with them, raising her eyebrows over at Nat who couldn't seem to stop laughing. "What's going on?" She asks.
Bucky sighs. "Don't worry."
"STEVE HASNT ASKED HIM TO BE HIS BOYFRIEND YET!" Nat yells, stopping and grabbing Wanda's shoulders, shaking them. "I NEED STUCKY TO HAPPEN."
Wanda snorts then gasps. "HE HASNT?"
"NO!"
Both girls turn to Bucky who was backing away slowly, hands up in surrender. "Is this true James?!" Wanda asks and he gulps.
"Uh... yes?" Then turns and bolts off down the hallway, ignoring the girls screams for him to come back. He's too focused at looking behind himself that Bucky doesn't realise someone is in front of him before he's slammed straight into their chest.
"I'm so sorry!" Bucky yelps, then looks up to see non other than T'Challa. Oh shit.
"Watch where your going." T'Challa snarls, eyeing Bucky up and down.
"Oi, chill." Pietro hisses, smacking his arm. "Leave him alone."
"Whatever."
T'Challa rips away from Pietro's grip, storming off down the hallway. He rolls his eyes with a sigh. "I'm sorry about him." Pietro mutters, pinching his nose. "He doesn't mean how angry he is. Just— he's being a dick."
Bucky waves him off. "It- it's okay.. I.. I deserve it."
"You really don't." He insists. "T'Challa was the one who ruined your and Steve's date. He's the one who's been acting like an ass when he's actually gotten over most of it. I think he still has feelings for you."
"But he's with Nakia.."
"Doesn't mean he feels the same. I think it's just a distraction- we.. I.. I was mad at you at first until I realised you didn't know you felt that way about Steve or you know- I just- I knew you didn't mean it."
Bucky smiles gently. "Thanks— I think."
"I just wanted to let you know that I forgive you even though you probably don't care what I think. T'Challa just needs a little bit more time to clear his head." Pietro says, patting Bucky's shoulder. "I should go after him. See you round."
"Yeah, see ya."
Bucky watches as Pietro walks away, clutching the straps of his bag with a small smile on his lips. Bucky hadn't realised how much he missed even talking to Pietro. At first, it seemed like their group was missing a small sense of laughter, and they finally realised where it had gone. Bucky desperately needed to sort things with T'Challa. For the sake of his friends and himself.
Though Bucky was happier then he has been in weeks, he still bet himself up about what had happened between them. He still hates himself, still has small episodes where he can't seem to stop crying and can't seem to breathe. He couldn't even think about how bad T'Challa may be.
But before Bucky could once again spiral, the bell for his next class erupts through the slightly empty hallway. He curses under his breath and makes his way to health.
Seated and books on his desk, Bucky pulls his phone from his pocket and goes onto Steve's contact.
Hey, do you wanna go to that diner? I just realised dad's gonna be moving some new horses he's just bought right after 3 ~ Bucky
Yeah sure, I don't mind at all. Want me to pick you up? ~ Steve
Bucky smiles.
Yes please xx ~ Bucky
Okay. I'll see you soon xx ~ Steve
*******
Bucky walks down the three steps leading to the carparks in front of the school, standing between Natasha and Bruce. "You coming home with us?" Bruce asks, holding a basketball underneath his arm.
Bucky shakes his head. "No sorry, Steve's picking me up and we're going to the diner."
"Oh nice. How come?"
"My birthday?"
Bruce furrows his brows. "Your birthday isn't until like- next month."
"I know." Bucky says, shrugging. "Guess he wants a head start on my gift or something? Not that I need anything."
Natasha snorts. "Yeah sure. Remember to give him my number and to text me. Him and I need to have a chat."
Bucky rolls his eyes. "Yeah whatever. See you guys tomorrow."
"Bye."
The couple join hands and make their way over to Bruce's polished car, starting up a conversation. Bucky smiles and stops in his tracks, waiting to spot Steve's motorbike when hands cup over his eyes, causing him to jump and yelp. The person chuckles, lips brushing against Bucky's ear. "Guess who..."
Bucky giggles. "Steve."
"Dammit."
Steve's hands are removed from over his eyes and Bucky turns around, punching Steve lightly in the chest. "You punk."
Steve laughs. "Jerk."
"How am I the jerk?"
"You called me a punk. So you're a jerk."
Bucky rolls his eyes. "Yeah yeah, let's just go to the diner already."
With another laugh, Steve joins hands with Bucky and leads him over to the motorbike parked neatly on the other side of the parking lot, handing over a helmet. Bucky takes it gracefully, sliding it over his thickly gelled hair and gets onto the vehicle in behind Steve, wrapping his arms around his middle.
Steve kicks the small stand away and turns the key, firing up the engine before gliding out of school grounds. Bucky yelps slightly, still not used to the exhilaration of it all and holds on tighter, eyes squeezed shut. Steve just grins underneath his helmet and speeds up, turning a corner.
In a matter of minutes they make it to the diner Bucky had suggested and make their way inside, taking a seat across from one another at one of the booths. "So how was school?" Steve asks.
Bucky sighs. "It was alright I guess. Kinda boring. How was your day?"
Steve shrugs, leaning back against the plush bright red chair. "Yeah it was alright, didn't do much. Hung out with Sam, went to go see Blaze— which reminds me. Has your dad been out to my cottage at all looking for him?"
"Yes. Almost everyday and comes back fucking angry. It's actually pretty funny."
Steve laughs, rolling his eyes. "Damn. That's.. wasn't expecting him to go everyday."
"Yeah, neither was I but- eh. Oh well."
"Anyway." Bucky says, shifting in his seat. "Tell me why you wanted to meet. My birthday isn't until next month."
"Oh, right." Steve mumbles. "I just wanted to talk about how we'd be able to see each other so I could give you your gift and stuff..."
Bucky is slightly disappointed by the words but gives a small nod nonetheless, biting his lower lip. "Oh um... I.. I dunno. Some art stuff or something? More film for my Polaroid camera?"
Steve nods. "Okay, cool."
Bucky looks down at his lap where his hands are placed, chewing at his lip. Who would've thought it would be this awkward between them? Texting, calling and making out we're easy. But this? This was fucking torture some days. Not knowing what to say, how to act, pausing on calling each other 'babe'. Bucky just wanted it to be easy. To be able to not sit in silence.
The clearing of Steve's throat cuts him from his thoughts and he looks up, still chewing at his lip, still fiddling with his hands. There's a look of guilt and pure awkwardness on Steve's features as he rubs the back of his neck. "I- sorry..." he says.
Bucky's eyes widen. "What? What for?"
"This. For being so awkward..." Steve mutters, looking away. "I just- I haven't dated anyone in quite awhile and the last time that I did, they were only using me... I'm just.. I have no idea what to say even though we've known each other for awhile and- sorry.. I'm rambling."
A small smile shapes Bucky's lips. He shakes his head and places his gloved metal hand over Steve's, rubbing the thumb over his knuckles. "It's okay... I.. I understand. I.. I have no idea what to say either..."
Steve seems reassured and interlocks his hand with Bucky's. "I.. thanks... I just— I really like you."
"I really like you too."
Steve smiles, wide and meeting his gorgeous blue eyes, then stands and leans over the table, pressing a kiss to Bucky's soft lips. He cups Bucky's cheek, caressing it with the ever most care that makes Bucky's heart melt.
God. Bucky really hopes that this works out.
** **
Bucky walks up his long driveway, wrapped in one of his many oversized hoodies he had stollen from Bruce and tucked away in his bag, shaking at the harsh wind that blew, shaking the branches of trees and creating a small whistling sound in the air. He stops when he arrives on the steps of his home, hearing the small whisper of his father and uncles coming from the barn not far from his right. Bucky bites his lip. He shouldn't eavesdrop, Tony never did that to him, but he couldn't help but think that whatever they may be plotting could happen to be to do with the very man Bucky was secretly going out with. Bucky sighs and tiptoes toward the doors of the barn, sliding his back against the wood to try and keep quiet, then peaks between the small crack in the doors, trying to see what was happening.
He gasps when he sees the hay bails placed out like a meeting, his father and uncles all seated together, grinning menacingly and nodding their heads. Bucky presses his ear against the crack, listening in to the conversation being whispered.
"Are you absolutely sure that it was the horse?" Tony asks, bouncing his knee.
Both Thor and Loki nod, looking at one another. "We're sure. Those blue eyes are hard to miss."
"He was this close all along? That bastard— I'll kill him." Tony growls, standing and kicking one of the bails over, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Bucky backs away from the barn, hands shaking fretfully as he tries to keep calm. His father knew where Blaze was. He might try kill Steve again. Steve! He had to tell Steve! He sets off on a run, up the stairs and inside of his warm home, ruffling Peter and Neds hair on the way to his room and shouting his hellos to Stephen whom was situated in the kitchen, making the boys a snack, then falls inside of his room, gulping down breaths. He fumbles with his phone then presses dial on Steve's number, slamming the device against his ear.
As soon as Steve answers, Bucky cuts him from any greetings. "My dad knows where Blaze is." He gasps out, "and he's planning on going and getting him!"
"Whoa whoa, what?" Steve asks, voice hinting a growl that was waiting in the back of his throat. "How? Who told him!?"
"I— I don't know! My uncles somehow found out. What— what are we gonna do?!"
"We? There's no we in this, Bucky! Your dad could find out so you're doing nothing. I'm heading to Peggy's now. I'll text you how it goes."
"Steve, you could get hurt? Don't you get that—
Bucky is stopped mid-sentence by the line cutting off and he yells in frustration. "FOR FUCKS SAKE!" He throws his phone onto his bed and runs his hands through his messed up hair, tugging and pacing back and forth, then dragging his hands down his face. Steve always did this. What was he supposed to do? He couldn't just go over to Peggy's, who, he might add, is in fact his history teacher! God, what would she think if he showed up on her doorstep claiming his father was about to take Steve's horse?
Bucky hears the front door open and pauses, knowing full well who had just walked through that very door and gulps, making his way out slowly into the kitchen. Tony was hugging Stephen from behind, chin resting on his shoulder, trying to grab at whatever food was being made while Stephen smacked away his hands, growling under his breath with small laughs. "Um— dad?" Bucky whispers and he's sure Tony almost doesn't hear him. His father turns to face him and smiles, but drops the expression at the worry on his sons face. "Buck- you okay?" He asks.
Bucky nods. "Yeah I just... was wondering.."
"Yes?"
"Could I use the Ute? Nat, Wanda and I really want to go out for a few hours and nats parents took her car..."
Tony sighs and shakes his head. "Sorry buddy, no can do. I'm taking the Ute in a few minutes." He snatches a small pinch of grated carrot from the chopping board and stuffs it into his mouth. "I'll be back hopefully by dinner."
Bucky steps in the way before tony can leave the room. "Is what you're doing really that important? I want to go and hangout with Wanda and Nat-
"Yes it is. I'm picking up a horse."
"Another one?" Stephen questions.
"Yes, the previous owner wasn't able to make it when all the other new horses came so I offered to go and pick it up."
Bucky nearly scoffs at the lie, rolling his eyes. "Whatever."
"Don't be like that, buck." Tony sighs. "You get to see the girls everyday—
"Yeah, at school where you are barely ever allowed to bloody talk to your friends unless it's lunch!"
Tony crosses his arms over his chest. That was never a good sign. "Don't use that tone with me, young man." He growls. "I have to pick up this horse whether you like it or not. So go to your room and tell them you can't make it."
With that, Tony turns on his heel and walks out of the room. Bucky growls under his breath, storming into his room and snatching his phone, calling Carol.
"Hey buck—
"Steve's gone to Peggy's to go and get Blaze, my dads on his way and I have no way of getting there. Can you go and make sure that Steve's safe—
Carol is quiet for a few moments. "Buck. Steve, Sam and I are already at Peggy's. Everything is fine. We're loading Blaze onto Peggy's float right now."
Bucky breathes out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding and grasps at Bruce's hoodie. "Oh thank god— tell Steve he's in big fucking trouble for scaring me like that."
Carol laughs. "I will. Bye Bucky."
"Bye."
That was fucking close.
********
Carol places her phone back into her pocket and turns to Steve who was making his way towards her, hands on his hips, eyebrows scrunched in confusion. "Why was Bucky calling you?" He asks, wincing when the sound of fretful neighs and stomps of hooves echo throughout the float.
Carol smirks. "Oh just to tell me that your in trouble, big guy." She says, patting his shoulder. "Bucky isn't happy with you."
Steve sighs. "Great."
"Hey, don't worry. I'm sure you can make it up to him." She winks before walking over to Sam who was getting into the Ute, leaving the other gawking. Nevertheless, as always, they are stopped by the screeching of tyres and doors slamming shut.
Steve turns to the driveway, catching sight of Tony and the two guys he had sent to go and beat Steve up, striding over with what looks like a police officer. He gulps, but manages to keep his composure as he begins to walk up to Tony, arms crossed. "The fuck do you think your doing here?" He growls, eyebrows raised.
Tony chuckles. "Oh, I'm just here to get what's rightfully mine."
"And what might that be?" Sam asks, taking a stand next to Steve and watching from the corner of his eye as Carol urshers Peggy inside.
"That horse you've got inside of that float. It's mine."
The two scoff. "Yeah as fucking if." Steve spits. "He's my horse."
This time, the police officer steps forward with his arms crossed. "Sorry sir, but we need you to hand over the horse." He says sternly.
"Or what?!" Sam growls. "You'll arrest him?"
"Yes."
***********
~ Maddi❤️