Date Night
It had been a few days since the escapade in the laundry room with Bucky and you were avoiding him any way you could. You heard screaming coming from his apartment and the door slammed. Looking out of your peephole, a man in a blue cap and a leather jacket was walking away and Bucky was watching your door. Flicking his hand back he shut the door behind him. You kicked one of Tatum’s toys and went back to what you were doing.
----------------
Setting Tatum down for her nap and grabbed a cup of coffee while opening the file on your counter. Grabbing a pen and making a few notes. Hearing your doorbell you sit down your pen and open your front door.
“Delivery for {Y/L/N}.”
“Thats me.” The guy handed you a clipboard and you scribbled your name on the dotted line. They man then hands you a long box with a pink bow on it.
“Thanks…” Shutting the door behind you, you take the box over to your counter and open it. Revealing a huge bouquet of flowers you picked up the small note.
Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you…
~James. Bucky had sent you flowers as an apology for kissing you the other night. The beautiful red roses popped against the cream tissue behind them. Grabbing a vase from a cabinet nearby you filled them with water and set them as a centerpiece on your small table. Chewing your bottom lip you opened you door again and glanced back in the direction of Tatum’s room. Stepping out into the hallway you left your door open and knocked on Bucky’s. Listening you could hear your heart racing about a thousand miles a minute. After a few minutes of waiting you knocked again but there was no answer. Hanging your head down you walked back into your apartment and admired the roses. Pushing them out of your mind for a little you decided to fix something for Tatum when she woke up. Taking some tortilla shells you spread out some peanut butter and strawberry jelly. Rolling them up into a small burrito you took a knife, chopping them into little rolls. Setting them in a line on a plate, you put away the jars and got another small bowl out. Getting a mix of fruit out of your fridge, along with some leftovers from the other day for you. Sticking the bowl into the microwave, you pressed a button, and put a mix of grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and some shredded coconut. Running them under the water, to get the chemicals off of them you laid them out in an orderly fashion. Grabbing a knife you cut the strawberries in half, along with the grapes and tossed the blueberries into the bowl, tossing them with some coconut. Hearing the microwave go off you set your leftovers on the stove as you heard Tatum waking up, and you went to her room, helping her out of the bed.
“Did you have a good nap?” Tatum shook her head and moved past you, to her small bathroom. Still being potty trained you always checked to make sure she knew, call it mother’s worrying. Waiting for her at the door Tatum tugged on your hand and you went with her to the main room.
“Are you hungry?” PIcking Tatum up you set her in the yellow high chair that you kept in the kitchen, and set down the little table that connected.
“Apple, Orange, Grape, or Milk?” Setting down Tatum’s disney sippy cup on the counter you smiled as you could see her trying to decide.
“Apple.” You nod your head and got out the quart of juice you kept in the fridge, filling the cup. You secured the pink lid, and set it in the corner of the little table while you grabbed the plate and small bowl, setting them in front of her. You kissed Tatum’s forehead, before pouring yourself a glass of water, you moved one of the chairs from the table and sat it in front of her. Tatum grabbed a piece of a grape ,sticking it in her mouth and chewing it. Taking a bite from your food you felt something hit the side of your face. Instantly hearing Tatum start laughing you saw a blueberry roll into your view. Leaning over, you grabbed the piece of fruit and threw it in the trash can.
“Tatum, You don’t play with your food. You eat it like this.” Eating a grape from her bowl you booped her nose as she picked up one of her PB and J pinwheels, eating it quietly. Humming quietly while you two ate Tatum’s eyes locked on the flowers Bucky had sent you.
“Pretty red plant.”
“Bucky sent them to me.”
“Is he gonna be my Daddy?” Your face went pale and sent shivers down your spine . Tatum had asked about her dad a little before but you found a quick way around it.
“Mommy?”
“Uh, no honey. Bucky just likes us, that’s all. He is just being nice.” Tatum’s smile faded a bit and you rushed over to the sink to clean your dishes while Tatum still ate.
“Hey, I have an idea. You wanna go to the park?” You asked her kneeled down beside her highchair.
“Park, Park!”
“Then you better finish eating.” While Tatum ate the remainder of her food, you packed a small bag with a jacket for Tatum, along with your small first aid kit you kept and a change of socks.
You glanced around you and Tatum was eating her last bit of fruit, picking up the two empty bowls, sticking them in the sink, washing them quickly as Tatum finished her juice.
“Alright little missy, let’s go get you dressed.” Helping Tatum out of the high chair you walked with her to her closet and held her up on your hip.
“What do you want to wear?” Tatum tapped her chin. Copying what you did when you worked on the files and she pointed to her orange striped shirt that was paired with a pair of jean shorts. Sitting her off of your hip you grabbed her small orange clasp shoes. Moving Tatum toward the bathroom you grabbed a cloth and wet it with water. Going over her skin and face you wiped away any dirt and grime that was built up. Also wetting her hair and taking a comb to it. Pulling the shirt over Tatum’s head, you pulled her hair out from under the shirt and helped her into her shorts. Sitting her up on the counter you combed her hair back and scrunched it a little. Sticking an orange headband you pushed back her bangs and pushed a few strands behind her ears. Picking up her shoes you clasped them on her feet and she smiled happily at you. Getting her off the counter, Tatum grabbed your hand leading you out of the house.
______________________________________________________________________________
Arriving at the park Tatum rushed toward the swings and you helped her into the swing.
“Push me Mommy!”
“Okay, let me set the bag down.” Sitting the bag next to the swing’s post you pushed the back of the seat gently. Tatum swingly forward slowly, you pushed her up as she swung back toward you. Tatum giggled as she went higher in the air, Swinging her legs along with her movements. After a few moments of pushing her Tatum turned her head back to you and pointed over at the track.
“Mommy! Look, it’s the man with the shiny hand.” You stopped pushing Tatum to see Bucky jogging around the track with his headphones plugged in his ears.
“Do you want to go say hi?” Tatum nodded at you and you helped her out of the swing. Grabbing the bag Tatum rushed a bit ahead of you and you followed after her. Tatum hopped in front of Bucky’s way and he stopped, looking down at her. Bucky kneeled down and pulled out his headphones.
“Hi.”
“Hey Doll, Where’d you come from?”
“Tatum...Don’t run off like that again. Sorry, she wanted to say hi.” Bucky stood up to meet your gaze.
“No problem, you two are welcome anytime, even just to say hi.” Bucky rubbed Tatum’s head and you picked at your nails a little.
“Thanks for the roses.” You played with your hair while Tatum glanced at the swings again. Tugging on your jeans Tatum pointed over at the swingset.
“Mommy?”
“What is it sweetie?”
“Can he push me on the swings.”
“I’m sure Bucky’s busy, why don’t you let me?” You took Tatum’s hand while she looked at Bucky with puppy dog eyes.
“Oh, why I’d be glad to.” Bucky reached out his hand to Tatum and you nodded at her giving her the go ahead. She took Bucky’s outstretched hand while he led her over to the swings, you followed . Picking her up he placed her in the same swing she was in before. You set down your bag in the same place and leaned against the pole while you watched Bucky push Tatum lightly.
“Wee!”
“Careful, sweetie. Hold onto the ropes.” Tatum’s hands wrapped around the ropes while Bucky pushed her higher. Seeing the way Tatum was with Bucky made you more interested in him, than you should have been. Normally you wouldn’t let your child be matchmaker but Bucky was great with her. Sweet, caring and cautious, answered every question and listened to everything she said. Smiling at Tatum you pulled out a bottle of water that you packed and took a sip from it.
“You want any Bucky? Tatum, are you thirsty?” Bucky shook his head while Tatum said the exact opposite. Grabbing her small sippy cup that you kept cold, Bucky stopped Tatum from swinging, and you handed her the cup. Tatum took a few sips before handing it back to you, tucking it back into the side bag Tatum gripped her hands together for you, wanting out of the swing.
“Can I go play on that?” You nodded your head while going over to a close bench with Bucky, sitting down next to you. Your eyes didn’t keep off Tatum for long while you chatted with Bucky.
“Ya know, I don’t send roses to most women.” Your face flushed a little, knowing where he was heading with this.
“Oh so you have a type?.” Bucky laughed a little at your sarcasm.
“Something like that. To be honest I haven’t seen anyone as beautiful as you in seventy years or more.” Blushing heavily you moved your hair a little to cover your cheeks.
“And I was hoping that you would go out on a date with me tomorrow night around seven?” You made direct eye contact with him, probably looking like a crazy person you were smiling so much.
“If I can find a babysitter in time.” Bucky took your hand in his own.
“She can come too.”
“Past her bedtime.” You waved your free hand over to Tatum who was starting to go down the slide and smiled the whole way down. Running over to you Tatum saw Bucky’s hand and your own.
“Mommy! Did you see that?”
“I did sweetie.” You picked Tatum up, placing her in your lap. Bucky stood up and said goodbye to you two before jogging off.
______________________________________________________________________________
Fixing the black sleeve on your blouse you pulled your hair back into a ponytail and curled the ends with a comb. Rolling your eyelashes over your index finger, you walked out of the bathroom to see the babysitter, Natalie rocking Tatum in her arms.
“I think someone is up past her bedtime.”
“I’m sorry, I tried to get her to rest but she wouldn’t” You took Tatum from her arms and bounced her a little.
“How do I look?” You tugged the skirt down a bit and smiled.
“Beautiful” Natalie cleaned up a little while you bounced Tatum around and started singing to her.
“Where are you going Mommy?”
“Well, Mommy is going to hang out with Bucky.” Kissing her head, some of her hairs got stuck to the lip gloss you were wearing. Humming a little tune you heard a knock at the door want motioned for Natalie to open it. Seeing Bucky in dark jeans with a light blue button up you smiled.
“Okay, let me just put Tatum to bed and I will be right out. Make yourself comfy.” Bucky came in and stood near the door not wanting to disrupt anything.
“But Mommy I want to go with you.” Tatum begged clinging onto your black crop top.
“Sweetheart, It’s past your bedtime...How about I sing you a song before I go?” Tatum settled for that and you carried her off into her room. Pulling down the cover on her bed, you laid her on her back and handed her the small puppy she had left last night.
{Heaven’s gift to me just the way you are, A new aged child from a distant star. It feels so good just to be, So close to your love. You are heaven’s gift to me...You are so sweet and pure, just the way you are. Mama’s precious jewel, and Mama’s rising star. There’s so much in life for you to see. And so much to be, you are heaven’s gift to me.}
Tatum’s eyes closed and you kissed her forehead before sliding up the gate, locking her safely in bed. You closed her door and carefully walked into the main room, where Bucky was leaning against the wall, close to the hallway and Natalie was sitting on the couch.
“Okay, she should sleep till I at least get back...if she wakes up play number three off of this CD. You tapped a case on top of a small stack and smiled at Bucky.
“Okay, I’ll be back around...when?”
“Actually we will be right across the hall. I figured we would stay close just in case something happened. Not that it will.” Bucky took your hand and lead you across the hall into his apartment. Seeing two black sleek candles in between two place mats and two glasses with champagne. Shutting the door behind you he lead you over to the table, pulling out the chair and sliding it in gently.
“You look beautiful as always.” Bucky complimented while he brought over two plates, sitting one in front of you and one in front of his seat. Popping the champagne bottle, he filled your glass half full and did the same with his own. Sitting the bottle down in the middle of you two and sat across from you.
“Bucky, this is…wow. Did you make this?”
“Yes, it’s vegan lemon asparagus pasta. I didn’t know what you liked or if you are a vegan or a vegetarian so I didn’t take any chances.”
“Oh no, the only thing about food that you need to know is I don’t eat bacon.” You took a bite from the plate and smiled at him.
“Oh. Is it a religious thing or..”
“No, I just don’t like it.” Bucky nodded his head and you two ate a little from the plates.
“I heard you singing to Tatum. You’re a beautiful singer.”
“Thank you, I um, had a plan to go into singing but then I met Loki then Tatum happened and I went with my backup plan. Can’t raise a child if I became a nationwide star.” Bucky cleared his throat while you drank some champagne.
“Did Loki steer you away from your path of becoming a singer.”
“He was the type of guy who wanted to keep you under wraps all the time. ALways wanting to know where I was, what I was doing, and who I was with. I was branching off, becoming a star and I guess Loki hated that he had to share me. But then when we found out about Tatum he started distancing himself from us, being away in Asgard more and it just wasn’t good.” You felt a few tears filling your eyes, and brushed them away with eating some more of the pasta. Bucky stayed silent for a few minutes and just ate.
“So Tatum has never met her dad?”
“Well he held her once right after she was born, but then left and I have never seen him since.” Finishing off your glass of champagne Bucky poured some more into your glass.
“Enough about heartbreaking...I hope you don’t mind me asking this but can you tell me about the forties?” Bucky’s face lit up and he patted his mouth with a small cloth, cleaning it off.
“Oh you would have adored it. I lived with Steve for most of my time before we went off to the war, but not to worry I didn’t leave any girl behind waiting. I hadn’t found the right one.” Bucky winked at you and a blush was rising to your face again.
“Now if we had went out on a date back then. It would have been dancing, dinner and a movie. I would have taken you to my favorite club along with the most famous restaurant we had back then. Then I would end the evening with either a movie or a stroll down the street, walking you back to your house and maybe a kiss to end it. If I liked you enough.”
“Sounds amazing. Bet you were a heartbreaker.”
“No, I didn’t date much, couldn’t find anyone.” Giggling you finished off your plate and Bucky jumped up instantly. Sitting the plates on his counters and clicked the radio, hearing a smooth jazz starting to play Bucky held out his hand and you stood up, letting him bring you close to his chest.
“Bucky, I can’t dance.”
“Everybody can dance, Angel. Most people are horrible and don’t have me as a dance partner.”
“Do I sense bragging, Barnes?” Bucky swayed slowly with the music and you relaxed against him. Bucky followed the beat of the music and you smiled. You could feel the warmth coming off of his body. Spinning outwards from him you went back into his hold and smiled a little.
“So this is what dancing with James Barnes is like?”
“Hehe, Why, you bored already?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Mhm.” Bucky continued swaying with you and kissed the top of your head.
“Anything else I should know about the forties?”
“Well the food now is much better than then, also there are lots of more choices with clothes.”
“Sounds fun, when can we go?”
“If I could go back right now. I wouldn’t. I want to stay right here with you and Tatum and the Avengers.” Your breath got caught in your throat for a little bit before ignoring it. This was the best date you had been on since Loki left. The music stopped and Bucky twirled you out once more before offering you more champagne or something else.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?”
“Not at all.” Smiling at him you kissed his cheek and sat down on his couch, patting the pillow next to you.
“Can I ask you another thing? Why me? Out of any women that you could have you chose a single mother with a heartbreaking past.” Bucky wrapped his arm around you and sighed deeply.
“I have five main reasons why, one, You are a beautiful woman who has a job and still can raise her own beautiful daughter. Two, After everything you smile and act like it is no big deal, You are a standing proud and strong on your own little rock. Three, I can empathize with you, about what seems like anything in the world. Four, You’re awesome sense of style and five. Eh, you’re hot.” You ended up laughing at the last two and leaned closer into him. Feeling a force moving your lips closer and closer till you heard a small knock at Bucky’s door. You hung your head down and stood up to see who was out in the hallway. Natalie was standing outside with Tatum on her hip and her face was in that I’m sorry don’t be mad I ruined your date look. You walked over to the door and grabbed Tatum from her.
“What is is baby?”
“She has a temperature of one hundred and two so I thought she needed her mom. I’m so sorry.” Natalie yawned a little and you sent her home before she got sick. Bucky blew out the two candles and you bounced Tatum a little.
“The date was perfect Bucky. Thank you.”
“Is there anything you need or that I can help with?”
“No, I’m just gonna take her home and keep a watchful eye on her.” Tatum coughed near your face and laid her head on your shoulder. Bucky walked across the hall and opened your door for you.
“You feel better and you keep your nights open.” Bucky kissed you on your cheek lightly, shutting the door behind him.
“No offense kid but you couldn’t have let us kiss?” You took Tatum into her bedroom and rushed to get her some medicine and the thermometer. Taking it again, seeing it was the same you fed her the dosage of some medicine before kicking off your shoes and standing in the kitchen. Hearing a knock on your door you sighed hoping it wasn’t anything important. You opened the door and Bucky was standing there with a can of tomato soup in his hand.
“Bucky, I have soup for…” You were cut off by Bucky slamming his lips into your own. He shut the door behind him and moved you up against the wall. Your lips in a hot synchronizing motion. Bucky dropped the can of soup in the small table without looking and felt your tongue teasing his own. Pushing back your own he felt every curve and indentation in your mouth before stopping.
“Goodnight.” Bucky winked at you before quickly leaving your apartment and heading back to his own. In shock of what just unfolded you pulled your hair down and licked your lips.
“Damn.” You muttered before heading off to take care of Tatum and hopefully get some rest after that.