Attraction ~ a STONY Story ~

Chapter 11

The sky seemed to smile down, the warm sun cast shadows behind them, the ice cream in his hand tasted of vanilla and next to the sounds of the seagulls, the roar of the sea and the voices of the other people, the firm voice of his companion rang out melodiously in the foreground . The reddish shimmer of the evening sun began to penetrate the clouds. They visited the History Museum, walked the streets of Brooklyn while Bucky talked about his past, what he remembered. It was pleasant and exciting to tell Tony all of this. After all, this was one of the most comfortable days Bucky had in a long, very long time. The weight on his shoulders gradually eased, and after he presented Tony his favorite ice cream shop from the old days, and it actually still existed, they each strolled along Pier45 with their Ice. 

Tony was still tense that morning and Bucky didn't know how to lighten the mood. Where would that lead and whether they even had a topic outside of work. Of course there was a point in common, Steve. Unwillingly, Tony's interest began to rise more and more each time Bucky mentioned Steve's name. It seemed to break the ice around Tony. They joked, laughed, and found more in common. Barnes was very interested in technology and spoke about Tony's father when he showed off his flying car at the World Exposition of Tomorrow 1943. And other things that seemed unimaginable at the time. Bucky leaned over the railing of the fence that stretched along the edge of the pier. He saw the sun sink on the horizon. 

"Beautiful," said the voice next to him, taking off his sunglasses. The glowing red light of sunset glittered in Tony's eyes . Yes, Bucky confirmed in his head, beautiful. Tony's eyes still on the horizon, Bucky couldn't help but stare at him. He just had this magical attraction, especially in his expensive suits. This time, too, wore a dark blue supple suit. But Bucky certainly didn't care what Tony would wear, he still wouldn't be able to take his eyes off him. 

"It's time," Tony said, putting his glasses back on. 

With a sigh, Bucky pulled away from the cordon. Reluctantly, he followed Tony back to his expensive car. Night fell and after the last of the sunlight disappeared the first street lights and advertising lights flickered on. Driving through the city they appeared through a colored spectrum of lights that could have represented Bucky's innermost being. 

Tony parked in front of the Avengers HQ building, still holding the steering wheel tightly in his hands. He was silent. Both didn't know what to say. Until Bucky started laughing and Tony nut woke up in shock. 

"What is?!" he asked unsettled. 

"Oh ... it's just ... strange." Bucky smiled at him.

Yes, strange. A year ago they were fighting. A year ago Tony was blind with revenge. A year ago, Bucky didn't know Tony. A year ago, Bucky was trying to rip out his reactor and instead lost his arm. A year ago they would never have imagined spending a day just for two. A few months ago, Bucky would never have believed that he would be so interested in anyone. That Mr. Stark would tie him up like that. That there was something in his life that made sense to him. That there was something to live for other than fight, other than stand by Steve.

"I hope in a good way." Tony finally grinned.

Bucky smiled and he felt an inner warmth. It felt very special, like something was fulfilling him. He wasn't afraid of it. He liked it. He wanted it never to end. He felt safe. Right here, he thought, he's in the right place. But as deep as he stared into Tony's eyes, he recognized doubts, fears and a longing in the deep dark brown eyes. The same longing that Bucky felt, but also different.

After a few jokes to ease the situation, both of them got out of the car and walked towards the shared entrance of the HQ.

Tony paused in front of the double doors.