homecoming » bucky barnes AU

chapter seven

It was around 3:30am as Steve sat in the kitchen alone. Everyone at Nat's was quiet with sleep, except for him. It just seemed to replay and replay in his head.

"Kiss me again, James."

It was as if he had brought this upon himself, helping this girl and one of his best friends get along. It hurt more because, while romantically he had these feelings for Laecie, he also had this huge part of himself saved for Bucky. They'd grown up together, the same street, the same school, the same friends. They were so close, yet, he found himself suddenly resenting him. Worst part was, it wasn't even Bucky's fault. No one knew how he felt or how strongly he felt it. He wasn't even completely sure if he liked Laecie truly or liked the idea of her. All of this only came to him at the end of last summer and, while he thought it had disappeared over the year, when he saw her again it all just seemed to pick up where it left off. He wasn't in love with her, but he would have to admit his ego was bruised after tonight. He wasn't used to girls not liking him back or not wanting him, let alone mistaking him for someone else.

Either way, he had to admit, he felt pretty shit right about now. He was grateful he hadn't drank that much. Nursing a hangover while sorting through his thoughts sounded nightmarish. He sort of didn't have any ground to stand on- he wasn't even sure if Laecie got the message properly and if she'd even remember it once she woke up. He sighed, looking up at the dark ceiling. He walked into the living area and sat on the longest couch. He supposed he would lay down and try to sleep too. Although his mind raced, he shut his eyes.

»

Laecie crept down the hallway quietly, ready to leave. She had her bag with her and her outfit from yesterday on again. She slept easily last night, almost passing out in bed next to Wanda. She peeked around the corner to see Steve, mouth agape, arm hung over the side of the couch, breathing heavily in sleep. Relieved, she snook over and left a note on the coffee table in front of his face. It simply read; "I'm sorry."

She hoped he would just get it and they could let it go. She was drunk, so hopefully he wouldn't hold it against her. She didn't completely believe Steve liked her either, but she knew she didn't like him and she also knew that she had called him James last night.

The fear crept in on her just as she had crept in on Steve as she left the house. She exhaled shakily as she quietly shut the door. She put her face in her palms, frustrated with herself for being so foolish. For a moment, she just stood in the warm morning like this, listening to the leaves rustle and the birds chirp.

She began the walk back home.

»

Laecie sat by the pool, on the lounger. She was doodling in a notepad, sunglasses firmly planted on her scrunched up nose which was practically touching the lined sheet in front of her. It was around 2pm. She was oblivious, of course, to Bucky Barnes scampering down the steps beside her. He grinned stupidly as he watched her, quiet, to see how long it took her to notice him.

After a moment or two, he cleared his throat. Laecie jumped, looking up to see him laughing at her and eating pieces of a tangerine.
"Hey doll."
He said, tossing a piece of the orange in his mouth and smiling down at her as he chewed.
"Jesus, James."
She said, letting a breath out in fright.
"Hi."

He sat his usual sweaty self down on the lounger opposite her, elbows firmly placed on his thighs as he continued to eat away at the fruit.
"I was thinking,"
He said, concentrating on his food.
"We should go do something today, in the day. Like, no alcohol, no loud music- something fun. Innocent and fun."
His big eyes looked up at her now, through his brows, pieces of his brown hair falling over his face.