Making it Official (Bucky x Reader)
You put on your favorite red lipstick and finish off your look with the diamond earrings he gave you the last time you went on a date with him. You’ve been going out for almost a year now, and you think you’re ready to tell him exactly how you feel about him.
“Hey, Y/N! Mr. Perfect is here!” your roommate yells from the hallway.
You quickly grab your purse and coat and head out to meet him. He’s standing at the door all suited up nicely, with your favorite flowers in his arms.
He lets out a breath, followed by a big smile, “Wow, you look stunning.”
“Thank you,” you reply shyly, “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“These are for you,” he says, giving you the flowers, also planting a kiss on your cheek.
“They’re beautiful. I love them,” you say, unable to control your smile, still looking into his eyes.
“Okay, before both of you go blind from looking at each other so absorbedly, Mr. Perfect please look after her, and Y/N, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” my roommate laughs, pushing us out the front door.
“Is that my new nickname, because I could get used to that,” he laughs, guiding you towards the elevator.
“No, it’s just Y/F/N’s way of teasing,” you answer, “And besides, I like your name as it is. James Buchanan Barnes. You sound like a superhero.”
He slightly blushes as you both get into the elevator.
“So, what are we doing today?” you ask.
“Well, I got us dinner reservations at this new restaurant that people have been raving about, and then I have a surprise for you,” he smiles, taking your hand in his.
You don’t ask any more questions but think about it the entire time you make your way to the restaurant. He opens the car door on your side and gently pulls your arm to link with his. You pass by a long line of people waiting to be seated and are quickly ushered in by a waiter to your seats that are far enough from the loud group/family tables.
You both settle in and the waiter wastes no time providing you with table water, menus and information on their specials. When he leaves, you start to panic remembering what you were going to tell James tonight. You bite your lip, worriedly looking at him as he looks through the menu.
“Are you ok?” He asks, looking up from the menu, “Is there something wrong?”
“No,” you smile, “Just thinking about which of the specials to get. Everything is perfect.”
He emulates your smile and takes one of your hands in his. “While we’re on the subject of perfection, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you…”
He’s about to continue when the waiter comes back. “So, have you had a chance to look at the menu?”
James drops his smile and quickly rushes through his order. When you’ve both ordered and the waiter leaves, he holds your hand again. “As I was saying…”
Suddenly, a violinist walks past, playing a beautiful song, however drowning out any chance of a private conversation. When the violinist moves on to another section of the restaurant, this time it’s your turn to take his hand and smile sweetly. “I’m pretty sure no one else will interrupt. What were you going to say?”
He takes a deep breath and gazes into your eyes when a lady accidentally bumps into him.
“Oh, I’m so sor- Bucky?” she questions, staring him down, “Oh my goodness, it is you!” She practically leaps into his lap as she gives him a hug, causing him to let go of your hand.
“Connie! Hey, good to see you again!” he retaliates.
“Wow, I haven’t seen you since that night we got drinks at that world expo we went to. Remember when we went dancing? That was a fun night,” she laughs, sliding her slender fingers over his shoulder.
You get up from your seat abruptly, firmly holding onto your purse. “It seems like you two have a lot to catch up on. You do that while I go to the ladies’ room,” you say, smiling with pressed lips as you briskly walk away from the table.
You reach the bathroom and take a deep breath, walking back and forth in front of the fancy line of sinks. You look at yourself in the mirror and examine your hair, makeup, and clothes, but you’re just brought back to the memory of the way he smiled at her and how her hands caressed his shoulder.
“I thought he might finally be the one…” you sigh, trying to hold back the tears.
You wash and dry your hands, then head back out to your table.
“Hey, is everything alright? You were in the bathroom for a while. I was starting to worry that something bad happened,” he says, trying to hold your hand, but this time, you pull your hand away pretending to fix your napkin on your lap.
“I’m fine. So, who’s Connie?” you query, taking your knife and fork, slowly cutting into your food.
“She’s an old friend. We go way back,” he answers.
“Seems like you two used to have a lot of fun together,” you say, cutting harder into the meat.
“Just dumb teenager stuff. Clubs and drinking,” he shrugs off.
“Shouldn’t you be with her, instead of me right now?” you ask, practically slicing through the plate. “It seems like you were having such a good time catching up, anyway.”
“Okay, I think we need to take a few steps back, here,” he says, taking away the knife and fork from your hands, replacing them with his own hands. “There’s nothing going on between me and Connie. For one, I’m pretty sure she’s married. Two, she couldn’t be further from my thoughts, and three, I came with the most beautiful girl in the world tonight, why would I want anyone else?”
You exhale and look apologetically at him, “I’m sorry. My overthinking really gets the better of me sometimes. I just wanted this night to be perfect and I feel like I’ve ruined it.”
“Hey, you didn’t. If anything, it’s my fault for choosing such an overcrowded restaurant. I really wanted this night to be special too because I love you. I’ve been dying to say that to you ever since our last date.”
You let go of his hands and look at him tearfully.
“Um, please don’t be upset. I’m not expecting you to say it back. Please don’t cry,” he panics, getting up from his seat to wipe away your tears.
“That’s not what I’m upset about,” you murmur, “I just wanted to be the one to say it to you first.”
He laughs, gives you a big hug and kisses you gently on the lips. The rest of the evening runs smoothly, both of you laughing as he leads you back out into the cool Spring air.
“Thanks for today, I really did have a fun night,” you say, holding his hand, while the two of you wait for your ride.
“I’m glad you’re happy. I love seeing you smile,” he replies, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear before pulling you in for a hug. He lightly presses his lips to your head, keeping you warm from the breeze. “But remember, this night isn’t over yet.”
“Hm?” you ask. As he releases you from your hug, you turn around to see a horse-drawn carriage waiting before you.
He helps you up and soon you’re roaming around the city, enjoying the views and drinking champagne. You’re deep in conversation when the coachman stops at the edge of a lake. He leaves you to have a moment alone.
“Why did we stop here?” you query, looking around, seeing nothing but the calm waters and flickering park lights.
“I really wanted to take you out on the perfect date,” he replies, wrapping his arm around your shoulder, then looking out into the distance.
First, a loud bang, and then the night sky fills with color. More and more fireworks set off, creating a wonderful display of light before you. Your eyes light up and you’re breathless thinking about the effort he put into your date. He really went the whole nine yards.
“I wasn’t lying when I said that I love you,” he says, gazing at your ecstatic face.
“Aw James, I know, but you really didn’t have to go through this much trouble. I’d still love you even if you just took me out to IKEA for lunch,” you laugh, snuggling close to him, still watching the fireworks display.
“Yeah, but I just wanted to spoil you for making me the happiest and luckiest guy in the world. I love you,” he responds.
“I love you, too.”