New Beginning - A Bucky Barnes Story

Chapter 22 - Back In Time

Bucky arrived at Adriana's apartment a little before 7 pm. Before going in he checked the flowers and dessert he had bought. They were thankfully intact. Taking a deep breath, he buzzed her unit. A couple of seconds later she responded.

"Hey Adriana, it's me." Bucky said.

"Hey Bucky, come on up." She replied.

As Bucky got in and walked nearer to her unit, he heard music coming from it. It sounded strangely familiar. He knocked on her door and a few seconds later Adriana opened it. She smiled brightly seeing him. Bucky's jaw dropped. She wore a knee length red dress that seemed to come from a different era. It was short sleeved and form fitting on the top with a v neck and flared out at the waist. The music coming out from the speakers was 40s music, he just realized.

Bucky felt for a moment that he was transported back in time. He had flashes of memories of him dancing with some girls in a club, to the tune of this exact song. He blinked and focused back on Adriana. She gave him a hug and a peck on the cheek.

"Sorry if I surprised you with the whole 40s theme." She said after seeing the look on Bucky's face.

"I hope you like it.. if you don't I can change my dress and turn off the music." She said carefully, studying his face.

"No..no..it's..perfect." Bucky smiled.

"I was just a little surprised. I had flashbacks. I once danced with a girl to the tune of this song." Bucky explained.

"Oh okay." Adriana smiled. "I'm glad that you like it. Come on in." Adriana opened the door wider and he let himself in.

"I brought something." Bucky gave her the flowers first.

Adriana's eyes lit up upon seeing the roses.

"I love roses. Thank you so much Bucky." She gave him yet another peck on the cheek.

"And I know you said I don't have to bring anything, but I thought some dessert wouldn't hurt, right?" He continued while giving her the box of dessert.

"Of course. I love dessert. Thank you." She smiled at Bucky.

"Let me put these flowers in a vase. And the dessert in the fridge. Why don't you have a seat." Adriana said.

"Okay." Bucky went to have a seat at the sofa while Adriana went to the kitchen.

He found Alpine on the sofa, sleeping on her back. She looked so cute. The other cat, Chloe, was sleeping at the foot of the sofa. She woke up sensing Bucky coming and immediately ran away. Alpine on the other hand, opened her eyes and rolled over to her sides lazily. Bucky sat next to her and greeted her.

"Hello Alpine. How are you today?" He asked while trying to stroke her. Alpine got up, stretched, and walked closer to Bucky. She stood on his lap, meowing gently and put her head on Bucky's hand, encouraging him to stroke her.

"You remember me, Alpine. That's great." He said smiling. She ended up sitting on his lap while Bucky stroked her head and back.

"Hey, I see Alpine's already taking my place." Adriana said, laughing.

"You want me to stroke you too?" Bucky asked, laughing.

"That's not what I meant..but now that I think about it, it's not a bad idea." She said, winking at him.

Bucky's face reddened.

Adriana sat in front of him and picked Alpine up from his lap.

"Stop stealing my boyfriend, Alpine." She said jokingly. Bucky laughed. She put her on the floor and Alpine went away. He was thrilled listening to her calling him her boyfriend. It felt right to him.