It was much chillier when they left the restaurant but Steve almost didn't even notice. He had never hit it off with someone as quickly as he had with Bucky. Everything about the evening had been enjoyable, from the food to the drinks (Bucky had managed to convince him to have one shot towards the end of the evening of something that he nearly choked on, but they had both laughed it off) to the conversation. Bucky was sometimes a bit on the quiet side and seemed to like just observing Steve as he talked, but when he conversed back there was no awkwardness.
Steve did notice how cold it was when he realized he was shivering before they had even reached Bucky's bike. He hugged his arms around his torso, trying to keep himself warmer. Bucky draped an arm around his shoulders and tucked Steve into his side. Bucky's warmth radiated even through the leather jacket and almost immediately Steve felt better. "Thanks." He mumbled and Bucky gave him a smile.
"Wouldn't want you getting cold, would we?" Bucky teased and Steve nodded, a smile on his face. Bucky wasn't just warming him on the outside; the arm around his shoulders made Steve felt safe and warm inside too. They went to Bucky's bike and Steve stepped away from him. He was feeling brave so he put on the helmet and settled a seat on the bike before Bucky got on. Steve gave him a cheeky smile as Bucky looked him over from head to toe.
The black clad man stalked forward and placed his hands on either side of Steve's body, helping to hold the bike steady. His arms also served to cage Steve in and Bucky face came very close to his. "I know I promised not to do anything you don't want, but if you keep teasing me like that I might not be able to hold back." He warned seductively.
Steve swallowed, forcing down a flash of arousal that came with Bucky's tone. The man was sure to notice if he became aroused right now and as much as he liked Bucky, Steve didn't want the night to end up in bed. Maybe eventually, maybe even soon, but just not yet. "It's getting late." Steve finally mumbled and Bucky hummed before he pulled back.
"Time to get you home then." Bucky answered and Steve nodded. Bucky finally moved his hands away and easily mounted the bike in front of Steve. This time Steve didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Bucky's waist and he felt as much as heard Bucky chuckle. "Hang on tight, doll." Bucky warned before they took off. Steve laughed as he clung to Bucky.
He was less cautious this time in his driving, and quite a bit more reckless than before. Steve instantly had the impression this was closer to how he usually drove. Despite how dangerous some of the maneuvers were and despite how fast they were going Steve trusted Bucky. He closed his eyes, pressing his forehead to Bucky's back as he gave him a little squeeze.
They didn't attempt to speak to one another as Bucky drove back to Steve's apartment and parked outside. The motorcycle was turned off and Steve slowly let go before dismounting the bike. Bucky got off as well and stood almost chest to chest with Steve. The brunet undid Steve's helmet and placed it on the bike. "I'll keep it for next time." He explained and Steve chuckled to himself, amused by Bucky's easy confidence.
Steve shifted, uncomfortable for the first time that night, and glanced around the parking lot as he took a breath. He could feel the cold air in his lungs and tasted just the tiniest hint of copper in his mouth that told him he needed his inhaler more than he thought. So as much as he wanted to hold off on the "goodbye" he wasn't going to be able to linger outside for long. Bucky got his attention by stroking his cheekbone lightly with his thumb, cradling Steve's face with his right hand.
"Hey, can I ask you a question?" Steve wondered out loud and Bucky nodded without moving his hand away. "Why do you only wear one glove?" He asked.
Bucky's expression shifted from flirty, fond, and warm to something completely unreadable in an instant. His hand dropped away from Steve's face and Steve immediately missed the warmth. "I'll tell you one day but not now." Just like his expression Bucky's tone held none of the warmth it had previously and Steve felt embarrassed.
"Sorry." Steve mumbled as he wrapped his arms around his body for warmth and comfort. "I should be heading in." He added after a moment and turned to go. He got barely a stepped before Bucky caught his arm and looped them together.
At Steve's look he offered a reason. "I wouldn't be a very good date if I didn't make sure you got safely inside." Bucky started walking and Steve kept pace as they headed inside. They didn't talk until the reached Steve's door, which he opened but hesitated in the doorway. Bucky's easy smile was back and Steve couldn't help but smile as well.
"Tonight was nice." Steve said and Bucky nodded.
"Good. I enjoyed myself too. The offer to rock your world still stands, but if not then I hope you'll at least agree to go on another date with me." Bucky's tone demanded rather than asked.
Steve let out a breath. "I'm interested, I promise, but I don't… I like to know who I'm sleeping with." Steve finally offered and Bucky nodded.
"Then eventually." He said and Steve nodded.
"I hope so." Steve agreed with a smile. "But I would like to go on another date. Hopefully soon." Steve offered.
Bucky's smile grew at that. "How's Friday?"
Steve considered it. "Well, I'm free after work but I work until 6." He said.
"That's early enough. I'll pick you up and we can go do something." Bucky decided.
Steve hesitated. "Well, um, I don't work at the flower shop on weekdays. I work in Manhattan, at a graphic design company." He said and Bucky shrugged.
"I don't mind." Bucky assured and Steve smiled. Bucky's expression shifted suddenly as something occurred to him. "Wait, how do you get to Manhattan?" He questioned.
"Public transportation. Bus, usually." Steve answered. Bucky's expression was less than pleased but at what Steve didn't know, and Bucky didn't offer an answer.
They stood there in a comfortable silence and Steve didn't want the night to end. But he could tell he needed his inhaler so he stepped inside his apartment. "Don't forget to text me your work address." Bucky reminded and Steve nodded.
"Of course." Steve agreed. "Then I'll see you on Friday?" Steve asked and Bucky smiled.
"Looking forward to it, doll." He ran the backs of his fingers down Steve's cheek and Steve closed his eyes, leaning slightly into the touch. It had been ages since anyone had touched him like this and it felt good. Even without looking Steve could feel Bucky smiling. Then he pulled away and Steve almost followed his warm fingers. Almost. Bucky's smirk said he knew it too.
"Drive safe. Good night." Steve mumbled and Bucky nodded.
"Good night, Steve." Bucky said. As Steve went to close the door Bucky ducked in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before he turned and walked down the hall. Steve stood there blinking. Slowly he raised a hand to the spot Bucky had kissed and sighed happily. He felt like he was living in a dream. He jumped when his phone started ringing in his pocket.
He closed the door as he pulled out his phone. It was Tony and that was when Steve realized he had missed Tony's last text. He answered his phone. "Oh thank god! I was getting worried, Steve!" Tony didn't sound super worried, but it was definitely worried for the billionaire.
"I'm fine, Tony. I just got home." Steve assured.
"So, is Bucky Barnes gone already? He must not be very good in bed then." As Tony answered Steve quickly used his inhaler then laughed.
"I didn't even let him into my apartment." Steve corrected and Tony groaned.
"Steve! You need to get laid!" He moaned, making Steve sigh.
"I'm not going to sleep with someone I've only known for a few days, Tony. No matter how well the evening went." Steve informed his friend as he moved into his bedroom.
Tony was quiet for a minute before he spoke. "So it went well?" He asked, more sincerely this time. Steve smiled at his tone.
"Well enough we're going on our second date this Friday. He's even willing to drive to Manhattan to pick me up." Steve admitted as he started undressing, using his shoulder to keep his phone at his ear.
Tony whistled. "Damn. The man was willing to drive through Manhattan work traffic to pick you up for a date? And you didn't even agree to sleep with him? He's pretty serious about this then."
Steve couldn't help but smile to himself. "Yeah, I think he is. And we really get along. It's been so long since I connected with someone like I did him. If I ever have. He can make me smile so easily and he's smart and he seems genuinely interested."
"Sounds like a real boy scout." Tony commented.
"Not really. He's definitely got a few secrets. And he wears leather and rides a motorcycle. Somewhat recklessly, I might add, like a certain someone I know." Steve added and Tony laughed.
"Okay, so not a boy scout. He sounds good for you." Tony said.
"I certainly hope so." Steve replied as he stifled a yawn. "But I've got to go to bed. I've got work tomorrow." He said. Tony groaned.
"Ugh, your boyfriend may not be, but you are totally a boy scout. Go to bed, old man." Tony teased and Steve laughed.
"Good night, Tony." Steve replied. He hung up and let out a breath as he set his phone on it's charger (a wireless one that Tony got him after Steve's phone kept dying because the blond was always forgetting to plug it in). He quickly got ready for bed and checked his phone once more after jumping into bed. He had one text, from Bucky.
Sleep well, doll. I'll be looking after you from afar. The message made Steve smile and he sent a quick reply before crashing.
Good night, Buck. Sleep well yourself. I'll see you soon.