| 𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙮 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙨 |

| Late Nights |

This one's short and sweet. Might post another oneshot later today to make up for it :)

Warning(s): none, just some late night chats with Bucket🥰

~~

The light from the clock on your bedside table mocked you as minutes ticked away. Sleep couldn't find you despite how desperate you were for it. You tossed in your bed hoping to become comfortable but to no avail. You let out a deep sigh.

The silence within the compound made you more aware of the noises that would have otherwise gone unnoticed: the humming of the air conditioning unit, the creaks from the floor under your bed as your shifted your weight, the far-off sounds of traffic. All distractions from your trip to dreamland.

You finally surrender and get out of bed. Headed to the kitchen, you thought that maybe a snack and a drink would help. You rummaged through the cupboards and fridge in hopes to find something. Taking your snack and a bottle of water, you began your trek back to your room.

On your way, you pass a familiar room door: Bucky's room door. Bucky was one of your dear friends. You had grown fond of the ex-assassin as he integrated himself into the Avenger's team. While Tony wasn't super thrilled initially, with time and some convincing from Steve, Bucky eventually felt at home. And while you two were the most unlikely of friends, you two became very close, thoroughly enjoying the others' company.

You wondered if Bucky was awake. You and Bucky had spent a number of nights in each others' rooms whether it was to talk Bucky down from a nightmare or a late-night movie marathon. You stood by his door, debating whether to take the chance of poking the sleeping bear or not. You decided to take the leap and knocked on his door gently. You didn't want to wake those in the neighbouring rooms, so you hoped that super soldier intensified hearing would pick up the sound.

Soon after, the door creaked opened and Bucky's head soon peeked out. His eyes adjusting to the dark hallway, they fixed themselves on you. Dark bags pooled under his eyes, but his eyes were still inviting. He offered a small smile, his eyebrows questioning why you were there so late at night.

"I couldn't sleep," you sighed, responding to his look of curiosity.

Bucky's face softened, "Did you want to come in?"

You simply nodded in response. Bucky stepped out of the doorway, leaving you room to walk in.

Bucky shut the door softly before turning to meet your gaze. It was only in the dim lighting of his room that you had noticed Bucky only wearing boxers, his chiselled torso exposed. You had to admit, Bucky was a good-looking guy. Super solider or not, you understood why he was seen as a lady's man.

Bucky noticed your staring and couldn't help but grin. He broke your train of thought, "Did you want to hang out here for a while? Help you relax a little?"

You smiled in response, taking your favourite spot on Bucky's couch. Bucky chuckled as he made his way to sit next to you. You began to dig into your snack, offering some to Bucky, who partook gladly.

"What were you doing before I came to the door?"

"Nosey, are we, doll?" Your face warmed to the familiar pet name.

You rolled your eyes playfully, jabbing your elbow into Bucky's side. He chuckled upon impact, the sound filling the room beautifully. As your laughter died down, you sat together in comfortable silence. You and Bucky had been friends for long enough that just being in each others' presence was comforting in and of itself. You'd occasionally look over in his direction between bites of your snack only to met with his blue eyes, fatigued but still gentle.

Bucky broke the silence, chuckling, "I am glad you showed up, [Y/N]. I was thinking about going to your room."

"Really? Why didn't you?" you inquired, your eyes snapping to meet his.

Bucky just shrugged, "Didn't want to wake you."

You laughed, "Bucky, you've walked to my room several times after a nightmare. Why would tonight be any different?"

Bucky kept silent. You didn't want to pry so you waited patiently, taking a drink of your water. "I guess... I guess I don't ever want to be too much for you," Bucky sighed.

You laughed but noticed that Bucky was being serious. "Wait, what do you mean too much?"

Bucky shifted his gaze to his feet, rubbing the back of his neck, "We just spend a lot of time together, [Y/N]. Which I love, honestly, doll. But I can't help but think that you'll get tired of me."

You gave Bucky an empathetic look as you scoot closer to him. You placed your hand on his shoulder, his eyes slowly making their way to meet yours. Tears began to pool in his eyes.

"Buck," you began, "You're easily one of my favourite people. Being around you makes life a little more bearable," you joked.

A small smile grew on Bucky's face. You continued, "You're not a bother. And I won't get tired of you. If anything, you might get tired of me first."

Bucky scoffed playfully, "Yeah, you're right." He nudged you slightly, your shared laughter filling the living room.

Bucky let out a yawn. "I think I'm going to go try and get some sleep," he said, standing up from his place on the couch.

You nodded slightly, taking it as your queue to leave. You headed towards the door when a hand reached to wrap itself around your forearm gently. You turn, giving Bucky a look of confusion.

Bucky offered a small smile, "Are you coming?"

A smile grew on your face as you followed him into his bedroom. The familiar sheets from his bed enveloped you with warmth as you moved towards him. Bucky hummed as his arms wrapped themselves around your body. Your head found his shoulder as you shifted comfortably in his embrace. His lips brushed your forehead as you let out a sigh of comfort, smiling to yourself.

"I love you, [Y/N]. More than you'll ever really know." Bucky muttered as he was slowly being lulled to sleep.

You smiled, "I love you more."