Those Ocean Eyes and That Charming Smile

003

"Stay here." Bucky says before putting the car in park and getting out when we make it to the cafe

I sit with my hands in my lap obediently and watch as he walks around the front with such confidence and grace I will never have. His shoulders are pulled back so his chest is straining against the cotton fabric of his black shirt and black jacket. His hair is styled the same as yesterday, long and parted down the middle with volume I wish I had. He opens the door and sticks his hand inside to grab mine and help me out of the car again, not that I needed it but the gesture is appreciated and when I am out of the car, he turns me so I'm between him and the car at a distance safe enough not to lift awkwardness I seem to only notice.

To everyone else, they would see his moves as sexual but, I know what he's actually doing, he's using himself to protect me from the on coming traffic that would never hit me but, it's what we were taught. He never lets go of my hand until we walk in front of the car and up to the door so he can open it for me with a small smile. I murmur a quick 'thank you' as always and walk into the warmer building where Barron looks up at the sound of the bell chiming and immediately gives a knowing smile.

"Well, look at what the cat dragged in." Barron snickers and chuckles through his words

"Very funny, Barron. He found out where I worked and coincidentally, it was my lunch break so here we are." I explain while fanning my arms out and Bucky gives a nod of agreement

"You missed the part about how you smacked your head on the bookshelf." Bucky adds to the joke and I roll my eyes as Barron's eyes widen in genuine concern then smiles to join in on Bucky's laughter

"She's always been a klutz." He sighs and shakes his head

"So I've noticed." He agrees

"C'mon!" I raise my hands and drop them to make a smacking noise on my thighs in slight, playful offense

"What?" Both men look at me and just continue their laughter while I sit with a teasing offended look on my face not actually upset but I like to see Bucky smile because there is just something about seeing his face all lit up

"Alright, what can I get you two." Barron asks after coming down from his belly laugh

"Do you still have your baked mac and cheese?" I ask immediately and hopefully

"Just made some this morning, I'll get you some." He nods. "What about you, James?"

"I'll have the same." Bucky shrugs

"Coming right up!" He says in his old, cheery voice as he walks to the back

Bucky and I walk to the other side of the counter just like yesterday and just like yesterday, I stick my hand in my pocket, intending to grab my wallet but realize I left it at the bookstore like a total fucking idiot who promised themselves one thing and fucked it up in a five minute car ride. My face falls and I pat my pockets more aggressively, acting like it will magically show up and when I eventually realize it's not going to show up, I tip my head back and sigh at real irritation towards myself and now I feel like an ass who can't pay for their macaroni and cheese.

Maybe, Barron could start me a tab.

He's done it before.

"Fuck." I sigh under my breath and get ready to summon my wallet

"What's wrong?" Bucky asks and bends down slightly in case it's a secret

"Oh, nothing, I just forgot my wallet. I'll run to work real quick an-" I start to walk away when he holds his hand up

"Don't worry, I got it." He says happily, almost hoping this would happen

"No, Bucky, I couldn't ask you that." I refuse