Bucky started on the pancakes that madam requested, he didn't mind really. But when he got to the living room, that hopefully brief new addition to the group was still sleeping, feet over the arms of the couch, yeah, he was a tall guy after all.
Bucky rolled his eyes, great! he will still grace us with his jokes and -ok! -attractive- accent!
chillax! it's still fairly early, so it's a normal occurrence finding people still asleep at this hour!
and having sex at this hour was an occurrence too, apparently…
ugh! don't think abt that! Go, Stevie!
Maybe you should do the same!...
yeah! in my dreams!
oh sorry, yeah, not even in your dreams, poor you!
With a sigh, he turned over and resumed his task. After a moment, she emerged into the living room, gathering her hair up in a high ponytail, a dark blue turtleneck and grey skinny jeans.
Smiling when she noticed the house guest's overly overrated long legs across the couch, his head on the pillow, hair was laid openly scarcely over the space over his head; she giggled swiftly and went to him.
Bucky could see everything from the kitchen bar-like counter open to the living room,
she crouched down next to his head, noticing Bucky looking at her, she winked and took a few of his strands and started braiding them swiftly, no design or anything, mismatching left strands with right ones into small braids, so that when he'd woken up, his hair would look like a black nest defying gravity. she was giggling with every finger work.
Even if it annoyed him to see her playing with any hair other than his, he still found the joke amusing, he couldn't wait to see the result.
when Moon finished her mischievous artwork and grabbed her phone, snapped a picture, she entered the kitchen, got her cup and buck's and made coffee, Bucky was scooping the batter over the pan and that sizzling sound and the delicious aroma hit their nostrils, Moon hummed closer to him and out of nowhere, gave him a kiss on the right cheek.*
"Ohhh! You added bananas to the batter! " She noticed, happily surprised, or dreamily moaning whilst entering his personal space suddenly "it smells divine Bucky, Thank you!" She whispered and pecked a swift kiss over his right cheek.
Ok, he wasn't ready for this! he kind of missed her spontaneous outburst of affection! he can certainly not lie! Abort! Abort! ...or just ...just smile you dimwit!, but Please don't blush! Please don't let me blush. she smelled divine herself, Bucky thought, huffing a proud smile.
She was getting the plates and readying them for both of them without saying much, that comfortable atmosphere was back and thank god for it.
It was dearly missed, he hated being angry with her, or…Noo!, at himself and getting her in his mess and making her cry for shit he did.
He could never get angry at or with... her. Her emotional outburst backfiring over herself made Bucky curse his damn existence even more.
He already knew his luck to have her in this life, he just needed to not mess it up.
He hated not having this ease between them, that peace and that silent dance in the tight space of their kitchen. Totally in sync with each other's bodies, like dancing partners gracing floors for years on end. No talking was necessary nor explanations about anything, they just -were… It amazes Bucky how knowing her only a few months now was a completely far-fetched notion
After setting the full plate over the table and sitting down, the giggles were back because of the view they had over the couch.
"Shouldn't you wake him?" He asked tentatively, serving her three pancakes and adding syrup and a tad of whipped cream on top. A sweet grin was his reply, whether it was for the question or the packages… it didn't matter really.
"After breakfast! " She winked at him " This is our routine, isn't it? I like our little silent conversations Mr Barnes, and I'd like to keep them just between us if you don't mind!" She added with a smooth flirty voice! OK GURLLLL! high five !
To his disbelief, he really wasn't expecting that! But he downright beamed, Taking a bite from his fork, finishing it with his iconic tongue over his lips.
"Well, when you put it like that, doll, I'll do my best to extend these fleeting moments…"
"As you should! hehe !"She replied playfully, her smug expression making him warm all over.
Ugh!, and why would she share this with anyone other than her grey-eyed-lip-liking monster ?!
Moon kept stealing glances towards Bucky, she wanted to ask, she was dying to be honest! they haven't talked or cleared anything out yet! He noticed she was holding herself.
by respect and….lo-
so he did it for her.
"I had a couple of hours of sleep" He whispered, lying...He wasn't sure himself " Stop worrying for nothing, am alright!" He smiled mirthlessly, grey orbs on her.
"Yeah!?" She looked hopefully,
"Yeah! I'm alright, doll!" He quivered back reassuringly, a rebellious strand of auburn lock escaped his bun from his head tilt… Making him Disney like beautiful.
she seriously fought the urge to let out sneaking whin! He was soooo beautiful she could weep!
She lifted her free hand to tuck it back behind his ear, the treacherous side from within her taking control of her limbs once again, stealing some warmth in the process.
"But will you tell me when you're not, though!?" She asked, soft brown eyes begging
hand still on his face.
Apparently still not used to her ability to surprise him and honestly, he felt tired and hated this acting he had to employ to hide it!
Not to her,
It's alright...you can let go. or at least...try.
"I will!" He whispered closing his eyes and nuzzling her warm palm still lingering over his cheek
"Pinky swear?!" She teased, beaming at him
"huh! sure! " He chuckled hooking her little finger in his
They finished eating in a pleasant mood, after a burst of fairly loud laughter from her, the sleeping prince woke up and they finally had her art displayed in front of them this fine morning. She napped another picture in a blur of speed!
To Bucky's surprise and to Tom's lack of it explained that this art exhibition was a periodic affair, Tom seemed used to waking up with a coffee defying gravity due to his lack of reaction and just accepting and rolling with it.
"Haha! Hilarious!" Muttered Tom with long fingers over his face, rubbing the sleep of his features
"Morning sleepy head! Want some pancakes?" Moon Asked visibly pleased and not even hiding her input in this morning deed
"Let me get this bloody mess sorted out first!" Another look to add to the collection.
After a while, the two other house residents joined in all rosy and blissfully well-rested, the second breakfast started with chatter and lively discussions.
Steve was all smiles and happy sighs, Shin happy to have her morning coffee, Tom kept talking and Moon took over the pancake ordeal over Bucky, insisting for him to just enjoy his second cup for the black liquid.
Later on, Tom and Moon headed out, to Bucky's displeasure, even though they asked him to join courteously, he still didn't wanna feel like a damn third wheel and at least he can hate the whole fucking idea in piece alone! So he declined respectfully, using work as an excuse and headed to his routine.
After twenty minutes they were all out, leaving the house to Bucky and Shin and steve.
Our newly reunited couple were all over each other, no one can blame them, it has been a while since they've been in the same place together.
Again with the third wheel and this time in his house, he decided to actually go out for a bit, and maybe get that long lost forgotten idea he had about getting back on a 'saddle' before hell broke loose. Now was as good as any other day.
When the fresh air hit him, Bucky was silently grateful, it seemed like he needed to get out of the house, and see that he had missed.
Heading to the storing unit he had near the apartment where the rest of his stuff was being kept, and some of his old life possessions were a bit overwhelming to Bucky, he wasn't expecting to get back to them this soon. Some of the stuff there was from his darker days, the ones he couldn't get rid of nor keep close to him.
so keeping them in a storage unit was the best solution...for now
and walking to get there was a positive decision, it really has been a while since he went out.
…...
Taking the dusty material up which was protecting the beauty underneath it, Bucky had a blast from the past...He never thought he'd be separated from it ever in his life...And now, he's getting reacquainted all over again...Yet, melancholically and apprehensive.
Old life images still lurking in the corner of his eyes...If he just closed them ...maybe...
That version of him was ...not long gone, but...deeply inhibited or forgotten, eaten?! by that heavy new persona that showed up after he did his touring.
Sometimes, he can't even picture who he used to be. So many layers were added to himself with every passing moment, and other times, he couldn't recognise the self he became, so foreign and dark… Like his body was inhabited by another entity and he was just a passenger in his own mind… Locked, kept at bay…
"I have missed you!" He whispered to the sleek gleaming black metallic surface of a beautiful Harley road king.
The roaring of the engine was the loving reply when he turned the ignition on 'I was right here…' the smooth vibration seemed to whisper back.
With a few gas pumping here and there to make her roar, unwanted sounds were noticeable, which bothered Bucky, it's an old gem, unused for years, so it was expected.
Taking his time going over her with close to loving hands, Bucky was lost in his head once more, but now, it was with fun and better moments from his past… a welcoming change.
The bike needed a little cleaning so that she would get her old glorious purr back.
which was a good thing, Bucky would have something to work on outside of the house for once. Give it two days and his baby will be as good as new.
After all day in the thankfully empty section of the storage unit, Bucky lost all sense of time and was grateful for it; No rooming thoughts about a certain brunette and how her day was going with anyone other than him, no distracting dark thoughts, just what was in front of him. But now he was late for prepping dinner, being the 'unofficial official cook of the household made him worry sometimes, to be honest.
With a grunt he gathers and puts down the tools back in the toolbox and closes it, rubbing his greasy hands over the already black cloth.
Engrossed in his work, greasy hands and oily black fingers were bound to touch the face and other places, which explained the look on Moon's face when he got home.
"What happened Buck?" She asked when opening the door for him, great! the date was over then.
"What do you mean?!" He asked, completely oblivious to the monochromatic artistic canvas over his face. she kept stealing glances. Why was she blushing? What the hell happened with that dude?
"Ugh! had a PDA moment with a mechanic?" She added laughing at her joke, looking at Steve for a reaction; after a roll of blue eyes was her only reply to her feeble attempt at a joke to hide how she was uncomfortably flushed and how dirty blue-eyed Bucky made her warming up in places she honestly didn't wanna acknowledge,
The dismissive hand was her only repost. whether to dismiss the fog that was building within her or steve, no one needed to know the answer.
She really wasn't ready to see her current obsession covered in motor grease and looking that delicious…
"Had a date with Harley?" Asked steve with a cheeky smile.
"Eh! yeah, you can say that!" Bucky replied, finely understanding what all that was about after looking at the mirror close to the entrance.
"Who's Harley?" Quipped Moon, an intrigued look all over
The alarmed tone was not missed by Bucky, all rounded eyes intrigued and demanding answer, which made his heart do a thing. Could she ...like… is she jealous?...of me going with anyone?
"A blast from Buck's past!" Mocked steve, his eyebrows wiggling in amusement
without making it obvious, winking at Bucky when she was looking away
Trying to read her every facial shift….
"Amma go wash up!" cut Bucky with a roll of his eyes, "I'll start dinner after" stop dreaming buddy!
"No need James," replied Shin from the kitchen, " I've already seen to that, take your time, no hurry "
With a relieved sigh and a warm thanks to Shin, Bucky took off, winking at Moon before disappearing behind his room door. Whether she was jealous or not, it doesn't mean he should stop messing with her….with him looking like that, she wouldn't be the exception to the greasy mechanic rule set by women all over the world! he wasn't that oblivious to his charms!
"Who the fuck is Harley?" Moon stressed out! sitting closer to Steve on the couch after the menace disappeared behind the door!
"Wouldn't you like to know! "he joked with a shit-eating grin! a very knowing eye looking at her, she looked like a cat who got a canary suddenly all over her face
"You had one job! Steve !" You suck! "she said and got up heading to her room.
"Aha! These two idiots!" Sighed steve when shine came to him, " They have no idea how similar they are…" He added taking shine's hand that rested over his shoulder and kissing it
"I see you're having your fun!" She whispered a ruffle of blond hair
" So much fun!" He sighed again with a kiss, perfectly contempt
when she went back out to help shin set the table after a couple of minutes, Steve was stocking Bucky's head, both sitting on the couch with Steve going through his stuff in the living room.
Soon after freshening up, Bucky joined him without a word watching TV, gradually steve's hand found the usual place and started working over that tension on his brother's neck. No pressure or anything fancy, with time, he found out that just the closeness of that touch grounded bucky immensely.
Stealing glances from afar, Moon could hear mocking whispers.
"You look so tiny and adorable!" Commented Steve with a proud amusing grin all over his face.
"I could still kick your ass nonetheless" Replied bucky half asleep.
"I know."Replied Stevie, a hundred per cent sure the warm gooey feeling he was feeling was the same wrapping itself around Moon's insides right now. "Was going back there that heavy?"
"Yeah… I wasn't expecting it too, but Don't worry punk, am good"
" Alright! good"!
"Where is the British invasion?" Bucky asked, visibly annoyed after a short silent moment.
"Went to his place after getting Moon back home later this afternoon, why?" replied steve still over his paper amused by the name
"Nothing, just asking", finally! back to normal.
If you'd told me back then that I would have this guy sleeping in my house, I would have gloriously rolled my eyes at you and literally turned around and skedaddled.
And now, here he was, sharing a three-person sofa with his giant of a best friend cutely munching in his concentration over Gordon's latest hell and fighting his sleepy eyes,
I'm so gonna die from cuteness overload. maaaaan I wanna take a picture of them!
The morning after, Bucky was out early. He never went out before everyone was already having breakfast, but today, Moon felt lonely for the first time since the brunette started living with them. she was never a morning person, but that soon changed when they started their unofficial routine,
A soaring emptiness rained over the house this morning, Steve and Shin still asleep. She had some pending stuff for work before the weekend and Tony's party.
So here she was, having a boring coffee even though the pancake batter from yesterday was in the fridge. Bucky made more than he intended, but she didn't feel the appeal if she would enjoy it alone, so coffee alone will make due; she'll have a bagel later on maybe.
Soon after her 4 a.m coffee break, a name popped up on her screen as a caller ID, and who in hell uses full names for people's phone contacts! she certainly didn't do it!
Steve! she thought! that bastard fully knew what it would do to her.
So here she was having a call from Sergeant JamesB-Barnes. Thankfully, no picture was attached, or else they could find her heart in her stomach if they ever looked for it. Thank you very much!
"Hello!" She answered tentatively
"Hey, doll!" A cheeky smile, she could honestly picture it clear as day
"Hello, James!" She could play dis game too! "missed you at breakfast today"
after a slight huff from the other side of the line. 'Are you flirting this shamefully with me dear girl!?'
"You home yet?" He asked, suddenly in a better mood.
"I'll be off in like half an hour! why, are good?" She asked concern taking place rapidly,
" I'm alright doll; don't worry about me" He replied softly…. " I called to ask you something actually,-" he started, he sounded nervous
"Sure thing Buck, what is it!" audibly interested.
"well, hum… Ok, I'll not be home early this afternoon, and I was wondering if you'd be up for a-! I wanna show you something," He trailed off
"Bucky?" She asked, after a minute of silence, thinking the line was cut
" Yeah, I am still here, can you meet me in the lobby around seven?"
"Hum...ye..yeah sure! " waaaa t!
good, and hum!...could you dress..hum, warmly and practical!" he requested
s..sure!" Ok, she was lost but...happy! ugh, sucker!
"Alright! I have to go then, see you tonight!" affirmed, sounding pleased!
" Alright!"
What a blessed day that was!
Did this just happen? Like for reals? Did she dream it? Bucky actually asked her out for a d...da...Nahhh; it must be just a friend's fun time; like what you had with Lokity.
I mean, what if he… ok Ok! calm down! priorities first. THE HELL YOU GONNA WEAR!? and what warm and practical meant!?
The overworked brain of hers was in full blast, with all the coffee she had today, and the adrenaline from the damn call was adding and very much not helping her overthinking
So when she got home, around five-thirty, finding a house empty, Shin was over at the gallery with Steve all day, which was a bad fucking day for them to choose not come home early and Moon just needed her best friend to slap her reason back into her to calm the fuck down and just...breaaathhhe!
ugh! Ok she can do this!
She grabbed the phone and texted Shin, letting her know about the conundrum and maybe having that ghostly slap to wake her up from this dream she's having!
I mean, a date with ...and He was the one to..
UGHRRRR!
The familiar chime of the text came soon after with nothing but a fucking Thumbs-up emoji and a devil smirking
"what the fuck is this supposed to mean!?" She hollered to the empty house, tossing the phone on the bed, undressed. Go fuking shower first!
After a couple of minutes, a new text arrived and Moon stumbled off with the towel over her head while managing to hold the one over her form in place to grab the damn device.
- Hey baby, sorry, Steve had my phone for a bit, but he's right with what he sent. Tasteless but he's right, get your act together and just have fun, just be yourself, honey, it will be ok! alright, have fun baby, I love you-
"right! be myself! I can do that!... Just breathe god damn it!"
ok so a quick look at the clock, she still had an hour in her hand, so after drying her hair and starting her makeup! Bucky's request was still playing in her mind, warm was understandable, it was freezing, but still was a clear day by some miracle.
What does `` practical mean? Casual? as in not a fancy dinner of shit like that! so no heavy makeup, cool she hated doing that to be honest, so simple no-makeup makeup look!
Now the damn clothes! practical practical!
WARM AND PRACTICAL!
Fuck it!
After having the damn closet all over the bed for the past thirty minutes, rummaging through her full wardrobe, just because of the damn practical input.
Who the hell asks to be practical on a date!? unless it's not...a date,
And just like that, she found herself taking deeper breaths and just sitting down on the bed! in her underwear.
ok! stop thinking about it, just have fun with a good friend, you're used to that, no need to complicate shit, you always build things in your mind and end up being disappointed!
don't read too much into it!
With a few calming minutes, she went for her most comfortable combination, the clothes she felt the most herself and could be acceptable in all places they might go if you didn't have to dress up fancy. And it was night, so who fucking cares.
After the last checkup over the full wall mirror of the closet, she was fairly happy with herself and felt warm and was Practical!
Checking the phone, it was six minutes to seven, suddenly, a text chimed.
'I'm downstairs…' and she smiled..' coming down' closing the door smiling with a happy sigh