All the things we could've been | Bucky Barnes

prologue - she & the apple tree.

    It's been a while since Steve last ate apples. Could he afford it? Yes. But does his shoes on the verge of smiling and needed to be replaced right before his toes could even introduce itself to the outer world? Also yes.

     So when Bucky told him about his plan to snuck into the big house 9 blocks away from their place to get some apples, to say that he was thrilled was an understatement. The boy was excited. Not only by the promise of having apples after a very long time but also taking home a few if they've manage to got enough.
 
    The thoughts about apples was cut shortly when his stomach growled, reminding him how he woke up late and didn't had the chance to at least pull up some bread. Trying to shove off his hunger he carried on with walking nearly getting ran over by a red cadillac v-16 when he swerved past a post with tons of uncollected garbage. He became quite familiar with the model as the boys his age never shut up about cars.

     With only 3 cents in his pocket and a book he borrowed from the library, Steve looked forward for a peaceful first day of class. Without bullies–which he was hopeful no longer exists in high school–and a book to keep him away from his thoughtst, he was quite hoping that this would be a great day.

     With only Jane Austen books available in the Library when he went yesterday, Steve settled with a novel titled ‘Mansfield park’. With utter dismay on mathematics or cook books, Steve picked the most decent title he could get, trying to avoid any cheesy Romance tropes.

    The "Man" on the title gave him the assumption that he might like it, unlike the latter options which he hate from the bottom of his heart. Knowing too well that men does not only do stupid things, but are also extremely funny when written by women, Steve was thrilled with the promising novel he had in hand.
   
    The Cadillac that he saw earlier zoomed past him, again. Leaving him with the conclusion that the passenger is a student in his new school for there weren't really any other place to go to in that area aside from his new personal hell, George Washington High School. Great. At least people have something new to gossip about.

   
    Within his periphery Steve saw his bestfriend's looming figure. Standing beside the gate, Bucky stood there as if he's scanning everyone who enters. He's been visiting Bucky whenever he's not taking shifts in the shop he's working for, but he still can't believe how tall and intimidating Bucky have become. Of course he's still the Bucky he knew, but he grew taller and bigger in just a span of 2 months. While Steve on the other hand—is still Steve, but more exhausted and needed a new pair of shoes.
   
    He doubled his pace and tightened his grip on the strap of his messenger bag. He already knew that he's gonna say “all the good seats are taken now” like he always used to when they were on their last two years of elementary and it's kind of obvious now that there were only few students entering the premises.

    "Steve! There you are." His bestfriend's adolescent voice caught his attention along with the few people who turned their heads. Of course, the school year should start with a good ol' Bucky exclamation. "You're late!" Bucky exclaimed as he put an arm on his shoulder. "You too." Steve replied. "Hah, I've been here since 7 am." Bucky took pride with his answer. "Then why didn't you entered already and find us a good seat?" Steve retorted. Bucky's lips twitched with a grin. "And what? Leave you here like a lost puppy being kicked around by uncultured lads? Come one buddy, you know what happens when you walk to school alone."

     After finding out that they're on the same class which he'd be surprised if not, they made their way to their assigned classroom. Bucky nudged Steve to try snap him away from his zombie-like trance, almost knocking him off. "Sorry." He apologized earning him a chuckle from Steve. When Steve tried to nudge Bucky back he almost toppled to the girl walking beside him, earning a hearty laugh from Bucky. "What was that?" he laughed harder causing the people around them to give them a second look.
   
    Their assigned room greeted them with bustling strangers. "Tsk, we should've went earlier. Now all the good seats are gone." Bucky sighed as they entered the packed classroom.