Chapter 3
You had just shut down the cafe for the night when you heard a small rapping on the door. You put down the broom and left the kitchen. Everything was locked so you didn’t have to worry about getting scared to death over someone being inside the small cafe. You weren’t expecting to see the same man you saw on your doorstep that night 4 weeks ago.
You quickly unlocked the three latches on the door and let him in. After quickly relocking, you ushered him to a chair and sat down with him. Bucky looked ragged, tired, and his eyes were bloodshot. You tried talking to him but he just wasn’t responding.
“Hey, what’s wrong? Bucky, hey,” You snapped your fingers in front of his face and grabbed your hand, bending it in ways it shouldn’t. “Bucky! Bucky please hey it’s just me.”
His eyes widened ever so slightly and he let go of your hand like he’d been burned. He looked unbelievably terrified and you couldn’t help but feel bad for him. You let out a deep breath and stood up. Bucky kept his eyes trained on you and you ever so slowly reached for both of his hands. You had him stand and follow you up the stairs to your small studio apartment.
“It’s okay. It’s my home, and I promise I won’t hurt you.”
Bucky was baffled. How couldn’t he be? He’d just hurt you, almost broken your wrist, and most likely left an ugly bruise, No normal person would have then proceeded to invite him into their home, but you did. Your apartment was cute, rustic, and felt ‘homey’ in every sense of the word. You sat him on the blush couch and as soon as he sat down, Napoleon trotted over and practically fell in his lap.
Bucky’s body almost instantly relaxed into the couch. He’d always had a soft spot for animals and they held a special place in his heart. Animals had almost no hatred in their heart. They didn’t betray you, use you, or try to hurt you unless they were protecting their young. He didn’t know when but eventually he’d grown to love animals more than humans. Only animals could calm him so quickly. So when he found Puppies & Pastries, he thought he’d found a goldmine. He’d never thought he’d meet such nice people, or find a place that was so welcoming and warm.
Bucky must’ve been lost in thought because the next thing he knew, you were back with two mugs in hand. You handed it to him with that warm smile you’d shown him every time he came to meet the puppies and dogs. He scrutinized the cup of dark liquid. Bucky hadn’t taken anything from any stranger in a very, very long time.
“It’ hot chocolate with whipped cream, cinnamon, and a little salt.” She smiled, obviously pleased with herself as she took a sip. Bucky watched her as he cautiously drank from the mug as well. It was unexpectedly delicious and after minutes of drinking in silence, she set her mug down and turned to him. She crossed her legs and waited expectantly. Bucky softly whispered her name and bowed his head.
“I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to hurt you the way I did.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “What happened? Why’d you come here? Are you in danger and do you need help?”
Bucky couldn’t help but smirk at that. This small, kind woman was practically offering to help him through whatever was happening. He knew that she couldn’t ever save him, not from who he was running from and not from himself. However, it was a pleasant thought to know she cared enough to ask him.
“I just couldn’t stay where I was. I thought of the dogs and…”
“And you found yourself here before you realized it.”
“Yeah that’s the long and short of it.”
She stood up and Bucky knew it. He didn’t know what he was expecting. No sane person would ever let a seasoned assassin stay in their house. You left the room into what he could only guess was your bedroom. When Nappy pressed his nose to Bucky’s cheek, his eyes eyes softened and he pet the old dog’s head. He buried his face in the pets shoulder and let out a deep sigh. You returned with multiple blankets and pillows, plopping them on the floor and throwing a change of clothes at him. Bucky caught them without looking up and let one eye glance out from under his long hair.
“What’s this for?”
“You’re spending the night, silly.”
“What?” Bucky was dumbfounded by the idea.
“Do you want to go back to where you just came from?” Silence. “Exactly. Those clothes should fit.”
“Your ex’s?” Why did he ask that?
“No they’re mine. I like wearing large clothes to bed.” She gave a sheepish smile and fidgeted it with the hem of her shirt. Bucky had made her uncomfortable. Before he could say anything, she smiled and took his now empty mug. “Get comfortable however you want. I wish I could give you a better place but you know.” She shrugged her shoulders and, from the sound of it, put the cups in the sink. She made her way to her bedroom and bid Bucky goodnight.
(Y/n)?”
“Yes Bucky?”
“Thank you.”
She smiled softly and slowly shut the door behind her.
“Good night, Bucky.”