The little Brooklyn bar was packed with people. You leaned against the bar, irritated that your short stature was keeping you from catching the bartender’s attention in the crowd of people. You’d had yet another relationship blow sky high this week. He’d been an ass, and that was that. You’d already decided that you weren’t going to let it get you down, but damn you needed another drink to make it through this girls night out.
You sighed in annoyance when the bartender turned away from you and walked toward the other end of the bar.
“Whatcha doin in this place?” A suspicious voice asked suddenly from behind you. You recognized the overprotective tone, thick with it’s Brooklyn accent, before you turned around.
“I could probably ask you the same thing, Barnes.” You replied, as you turned to eye Bucky suspiciously. He should be out with that Jennifer girl he’d been seeing. You looked around the bar for her, but didn’t see her anywhere. “Where’s Jacklyn? Jess? Whatever her name is.” You rolled your eyes, pretending not to know her name. You hoped it would give off the impression that you didn’t care about her or his relationship.
“We’re not together anymore.” He said with a shrug, his eyes studying you quizzically. “Where’s Matt?” He countered.
“Oh.” The little word slipped softly through your lips before you could stop it. You tried not to look too effected by the news, then shook your head as though clearing the information from your mind. “Same.” You shrugged. “It blew up. Rather impressively, if I say so myself.” You tried to find some humor in the situation.
“Good.” He said shortly. “I didn’t like him.“
You couldn’t help but smile at his response, he’d always had that effect on you.
"Well,” He said, stepping up to the bar to lean on it. “Another round girl, whatcha think?” He tucked a strand of dark hair behind his ear and playfully raised an eyebrow at you, egging you on. The rare times when Buck wasn’t broody, he could almost be fun. He seemed to be in a good enough mood tonight, maybe he was a few drinks ahead of you. Maybe he was putting on a brave face and trying to play the breakup off as though it were nothing. You didn’t know how serious the relationship had been. With Bucky, it was hard to tell. He had rarely even mentioned her to you.
You had missed the friendship that came easily between you and Bucky while you’d been dating Matt. Your ex had always said he “just knew” Bucky wanted you. The thought was so ridiculous it had made you roll your eyes. Sure, you loved to let Bucky tease you, but being charming was just in his nature. Steve had told you many stories about the smooth talking James Buchannan Barnes who had made all the dames in Brooklyn swoon once upon a time ago. Matt had just been insecure and suspicious, that was all. Buck flirted carelessly with every woman he was friends with… Didn’t he?
You were deep in thought as you studied his ruggedly handsome face, thick with dark stubble. He was still waiting expectantly for your answer, with a smile on his face that almost seemed knowing. You couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to. You were always up for a drink, Bucky knew this.
“If you’re buying then you know I’ll drink. Make it 7 on 7.“ You told him with a confident smile as you stepped up to the bar beside him, comfortable with how your arm brushed warmly against his. He turned his attention momentarily back to the bar and waved the bartender down. As he gave his order, he let his arm fall around you to encourage you to step in closer to him. His hand settled warmly on your hip and gave it a comfortable squeeze. You had to force yourself to swallow, it felt so nice being tucked into the side of his hard body. It felt surprisingly soothing, like a balm on the stinging hurt of the last few days.
"Do you want it on the rocks?” He leaned down slightly to speak in your ear, ensuring you’d hear him over the noisy people next to you. His warm breath across your cheek gave you goosebumps. Momentarily breathless as your stomach twisted with unexpected excitement, you could only nod. What was with you tonight?
Suddenly a terrible idea occurred to you. “A double shot of heaven.” You gave a small, devious grin as you whispered eagerly.
His blue-grey eyes twinkled at your suggestion. “Spillin’ off the top.” He confirmed to the bartender, who hurried to prepare your drinks.
He turned his attention back to you. “How’ve you been, doll?” He asked softly, his eyes inspecting you carefully. “You look great.” He gave you another warm squeeze, welcoming your closeness.
You couldn’t help the flush of heat that crossed your cheeks as your chest came flush against his. “I… I’ve been alright, Buck.” You tried to shrug off the inquiry, but quickly realized honesty was the best policy with him. “It’s really good to see you.” You confessed, licking your lips nervously.
“It’s good to see you, Y/N. Who are you here with?”
“Nat and Wanda. They wanted me to get out of the tower.”
“Ahh, I see.” He chuckled. “They’re probably wondering where you ran off to?” He raised an eyebrow at you.
A corner of your lip turned up in slight displeasure at the thought. “They’re driving me a little crazy.”
“They care about you.” He chided gently.
“I know…” You traced your fingers absentmindedly over his muscled forearm, watching the goosebumps rise on his flesh from your teasing touch. “If you want, we could grab a cab and get outta here?”
He threw back his head in laughter at your suggestion. “Girl, we’ve got all night. I’ve got a bottomless tab.”
The bartender reappeared suddenly, placing your drinks in front of you. Perhaps you’d just been too wrapped up in Bucky to notice his approach.
“Go shot for shot?” Buck teased as he handed you your glass, dribbles of the warm burgundy liquid rolling down the sides and onto your fingers.
“Till we’ve forgotten what we came here to forget.” A grin spread across your face, knowing your thoughts of Matt wouldn’t stand a chance with Bucky here in front of you.
"Sounds like a night I could never regret." He teased, his voice husky as he grinned at you over his glass. He clinked his glass against yours before throwing the shot back. The veins in his throat tensed as he swallowed, making your belly curl with lust. You forced your attention back to your own shot, and gulped it down. You snorted with disgust as the liquid burned it’s way down your throat, making your nipples harden and the corners of your mouth turn down in disgust.
Bucky chuckled, reaching to take your glass as you fought to control the tickle in your chest left by the whiskey. “Here, let me.” He sat the tumblers back on the bar for the bartender to take away. Just then, the cover band playing at the other end of the bar began a new song, slow country that made you want to sway.
"I love this song." You mentioned, making his ears perk up at once.
"Don't worry doll, I've got you covered if you don't know how to dance," He teased, taking your hand to lead you to the dance floor. The whiskey already lowering your inhibitions, you let him pull you along and hold you close against him for the duration of the song.
“Who are you here with?” You asked as you swayed together, his hand clasping yours.
“Steve and Sam.”
“And where are they?”
“Playing pool.” He gestured toward the back of the bar where the dartboards and pool tables were.
“Shouldn’t you be getting back to them?”
“Leave my best girl for those yay-hoos?” He snorted, taking his hand from your hip and running a single metal finger teasingly up your spine. It made you shiver in delight. “Not a chance.” He smiled in a way that made your heart falter.
Recovering from his charm, you rolled your eyes, grinning at his teasing despite yourself. “You’re a shameless flirt, Bucky Barnes.”
“Babydoll,” His large hand moving to cup the small of your back, the other coming to hold you face. “This ain't that and you know it. I've been waiting for that dumbass Matt to get out of the picture for awhile now.” He raised his gaze bared darkly into yours. “I've been wanting a chance with you for a long time. I'm not going home alone tonight."
You turned your cheek to let his thumb slide across your bottom lip. “It does feel too good to let it end right here.” You agreed, surprised how confident your voice sounded when you spoke.
“So let’s not let it end right here.” He suggested. Though a little gruff, his voice was barely above a whisper, matching your soft tone.
“Alright then." You smiled, feeling your heart surge with excitement. "Let’s get out of here, Buck.”