Marvel/Actor Stories

Physical Touch (B.B.)

Bucky and you have a unique relationship. You hold hands, cuddle with one another, and things like that; involving a lot of physical touch. You are not in a relationship. But then Steve makes a comment to you about it making you worry.

Warnings: none? It's short.

I don't know what it started, but Bucky became my person. He was the one I went to when I needed comfort, or just someone to talk to. We spend a lot of time together and I love it. I play with his hair, we hold hands, I cuddle with him, he rubs my back until I fall asleep.

A lot of people don't seem to get it. But I don't care what they think. He's my best friend, and this works for us. That's what matters.

We laid in his bed, with his head in my lap. I played with his hair as we talked about a mission we came from yesterday. He laughed lightly, "You're something else, doll. That huge guard definitely underestimated you. It was so damn impressive." I ran my fingers through his hair, "Thank you, that's high praise coming from you."

Steve came in looking for Bucky, "Oh, hey, guys. Buck, I was hoping we could go train some." I let go of Bucky's hair so he could sit up. "Yeah, sure. I just need to change." Steve glanced between us a couple times, then nodded, "Alright, see you down in the gym."

Bucky smiled at me, "I'll come find you later? We could talk more." I giggled, "Only if you want. Enjoy your workout, Bucky."

The next day as we walked around outside I held his hand. It was just one of those things we do – not meaning much. He didn't seem to mind.

We sat under a tree together and I played with both of his hands. I admired his metal arm. I ran my fingers over his and up his forearm as I spoke. He was smiling as he commented, that I'm goofy and a dork.

Once again as I was curled to him, playing with his fingers, Steve walked by. He looked at us but put a smile on his face before jogging off. I got a weird feeling. "What's with the frown, doll?" Bucky asked curiously.

"Does Steve not like me anymore? Is it because I spend too much time with you? He just... used to talk to me more, and seem happy to see me."

"I don't know. I could ask him." I shook my head at his offer, "Thanks, but it's okay. If it gets weirder I might ask you to, though." He nodded, "Deal, just say the word."

At dinner everyone was here; Wanda, Vision, Clint, Bruce, Tony, Natasha, Sam, Rhodey, Thor, Loki, and both Bucky and me. Bucky sat between me and Steve.

Throughout dinner I held Bucky's metal hand on and off. We joked, whispered, and I put my hand on his arm. Small things as we had our conversations with others as well. It wasn't a big deal to me or Bucky, it's just how we are.

Bucky walked me to my room after I had a few too many drinks. He set up Tylenol and water next to my bed and gave me my TV remote as he tucked me in. "Goodnight, doll."

Bucky had been busy all day, so when I figured he was free I went looking for him. I was ready to curl up and watch a movie, so I wanted him to hang-out.

I poked my head in the kitchen, Steve was in there. I smiled, "Have you seen Bucky?"

He looked me over – taking in my sweatpants and t-shirt, then he sighed, "Yeah. We just got done working out. He went to take a shower. Uh... listen... can I tell you something?"

I nodded, stepping fully into the kitchen, "Always." "Bucky doesn't like to be touched so much. He is a gentleman, and he cares about you, so he probably won't ever say something. But, since coming back touch isn't something he really enjoys."

My heart sank. Have I been making him uncomfortable this entire time? "Oh, well, thank you for telling me. I'll uh... back off."

I went and curled up on the couch and turned on my movie.

Fifteen minutes in he came walking up. "Hey, doll. You curled up watching a movie without me?" He asked with a smile but looked really curious.

I bit my lip and nodded, glancing his way slightly. He stepped closer, "Oh. Any reason why you didn't want me to join? Did I do something wrong to offend you?" I shook my head and paused my movie. "No, of course not. I uh... just wanted to give you a break. I'm okay by myself today."

He nodded slowly, eyeing me sadly. "You sure? I don't mind." "Yeah, thanks, though. You're the best, Buck. I swear."

Two days passed without me touching Bucky in any way. I haven't hugged him, held his hand, or cuddled up to him.

I was sitting on the couch with Steve and Sam when he came in looking like he needed to say something. "Maci, can I talk to you? Alone for a minute?" I nodded and got up to follow him.

We walked to his room. "What's up, Bucky?" He sighed, "I've been going over the past few days in my mind and I'm freaking out. I don't know what I did to offend you or push you away. But I'm sorry."

I smiled, "Bucky, you did nothing. Why are you apologizing? We're fine."

He rubbed his face, looking flustered and confused. "Are you sure? Because you just... you stopped being you with me. You don't jump up to hug me when I walk in the room. You don't hold my hand just to hold it. You haven't asked me to cuddle you while you watch a movie. And I don't understand why that is."

I felt awful. I pulled at my fingers, "Steve told me you don't like it." I whispered softly.

He surprised the hell out of me and took my hand in his. "Doll, he was wrong. I love it with you, Mace. I love having these moments with you. I'm sorry he told you I didn't. I don't know why he would."

I shrugged, "I don't know but... you like me? You like when I hold your hand, or play with your hair? Or use you as a human pillow?" He laughed, "Yeah, a lot."

"I really like you, too. I don't know when it happened. It just hit me one day. But then Steve told me you don't like to be touched..." He took a breath and cut me off, "I'm sorry he did that, doll. I wonder why he did. I never told him anything like that."

He pulled me close to him gently, "I'm glad he was wrong." I admitted, wrapping my arms around his neck. "You're beautiful. Do you know that?" "Oh, am I now?" He nodded, "Yeah... could I?" He looked at my lips. I smiled and nodded, "I'd like that."

His lips slowly met mine. Everything seemed to align. The reason I'm so comfortable with him. The reason touching him in some way is comforting and calming. We like one another. There's a real connection here.