everything has changed

chapter two

"Isn't it a shame you can't get drunk?" You asked Bucky after taking a sip of the wine. "Yeah. It would help me tolerate you more." You smiled sarcastically at him, "Funny." The waitress returned to take your order and you couldn't help but notice how she looked at Bucky. She wasn't exactly being subtle about it, but Bucky either didn't notice or didn't care enough to say anything.

You excused yourself to the bathroom and she stopped you on the way. "You guys aren't on a date, right?" You nodded and she continued, "Great! So, it's fine if I give him my number? I just wanted to make sure." "Sure, go ahead." She smiled and thanked you. A part of you felt angry, but you couldn't pinpoint why.

She had every right to give Bucky her number. It wasn't a date, you two weren't even friends. So why were you angry at her? You told yourself it was because she was being unprofessional. That was the reason she wanted you guys to stay, not because you'd be missing out on the food. She didn't want to miss her chance with Bucky.

Stop stressing about it. It doesn't matter. You repeated this to yourself while you walked back to the table. "What's got you all angry now?" Bucky asked. "I'm not." Even if you were, you couldn't tell Bucky the reasoning for it. He'd get the wrong idea. "You were the one who insisted we stay. Not my fault you're stuck with me."

"I'm only here for the food and alcohol." You took a long sip of the wine, you'd need more to get through this night. "Another glass?" The waitress held the bottle out and you nodded. Bucky had barely touched his, but she gave him more anyways. Once she was gone you drank half the glass and had to stop yourself from finishing it.

"You might want to watch yourself," Bucky warned. "Why?" "I don't want to deal with you drunk. You're either emotional or giggly, there's no in between." You didn't get drunk that often, especially with Bucky around, but he was right. One night you had cried on the floor of Steve's apartment for no reason. Bucky made fun of you for weeks afterwards.

"But if I'm not drunk, how will I get through this night?" You teased. "Again, you wanted me to stay." "No, I just felt guilty about the reservations." He smirked before taking a drink. "Sure, keep telling yourself that." Your phone lit up with another text from Steve and you wished he was here to make the night somewhat bearable.

From: America's Ass - Did you end up leaving? I'll understand if you did.

To: America's Ass – We stayed. I'm starting to regret my decision.

From: America's Ass – Think of it as a bonding experience! :)

To: America's Ass – I'm about to wipe that smile off your face.

From: America's Ass - :(

The waitress was back with the food and it hit you how hungry you were. "Enjoy," she said while looking at Bucky. He smiled at her and you couldn't help but roll your eyes. "What was that for?" he asked. "She's practically drooling over you." "Huh. I hadn't noticed." You scoffed, "I find that hard to believe. You and your big ego love it."

He slammed his fork down a little too aggressively. "Aw, did I hit a nerve?" You mocked. "I'm trying to wrap my head around how Steve ever wanted to be your friend, or how he had a crush on you. You think you know someone and then they do something you can't quite understand." Was he ever going to get over your friendship with Steve?

"Maybe because he gave me a chance." Bucky never tried. It was like he decided the second he saw you, he would make your life hell. He didn't even try for Steve. "Why should I? Am I supposed to be okay with you trying to take my place as Steve's best friend? It's not fair." "I'm not trying to take your place, that wasn't and isn't my goal. My friendship with Steve isn't even close to yours. What's not fair is you treating me like shit because you're mad your friend has other friends. Get over yourself."

Both of you were fuming and staring at each other, it looked like you were ready to rip each other's throats out. "How was the food?" The waitress sure had great timing. "Great," you and Bucky answered together. She glanced back and forth before grabbing the empty plates. "I'm glad to hear that. Are the checks separate or together?" "Separate," Bucky said like he was trying to emphasize how you very much weren't together.

"I'll be right back with those." You couldn't wait to get home and go straight to bed. "That was the most painful dinner I've ever had," Bucky said. "I'm sure your date last week said the same thing." "At least I can get a date," he argued. "I'm sure it was a pity thing. Or she just wants to meet Cap and the Avengers and figured you could help out," you argued back.

The waitress was back with the checks and you could see her number scribbled on a piece of paper on top of Bucky's receipt. "Have a great night," she said, then to Bucky, "Don't let that go to waste," she motioned to the paper. He smiled and slipped it into his pocket. "I won't." She blushed and went back into the kitchen.

"See? Another one," he bragged. "Good for you." You slipped your jacket on and walked out of the restaurant. Your apartment wasn't far, but it was dark enough for it to make you scared to walk alone. Getting a cab wouldn't be worth it and there was no way you were asking Bucky to walk you, so you started walking.

"Y/N, wait!" You heard Bucky call after you. "What now?" "I wanted to see if you wanted me to walk you home since it's late." You were shocked he was offering, but you accepted. "Wow, I never thought Barnes could be a gentleman," you joked. "Hey, I'm not always an asshole. I just want to make sure you're safe." You ignored the way your heart skipped a beat and forced the smile off your face.

"I'm surprised you care." "You think Steve would forgive me if something happened to you because I didn't make sure you got back safely?" Right, he was doing it for Steve. Why else would he be doing it? "Right, right. Yeah, Steve would be pissed." A silence fell between you two as you walked side by side.

It was quiet for a Friday night, but most of the partying started later in the night. There were a few other people walking around; a couple holding hands, a group of girls dressed for the bars, and a guy around your age with a bag from the bodega on the corner.

Just a few minutes later and you were outside your building. "Are you coming up? Steve's probably home now," you asked. "He's had a long day, I don't want to bother him." "But you have no problem bothering me all night," you smirked. "I can say the same for you," he teased. "Whatever. Night Barnes." "Goodnight Y/N."