It Was Always You

Chapter Two

Bucky stayed true to his word and was at your parent's house the following afternoon. Laying in your bed, you could hear his voice carry up the stairs. As usual, he was being extra charming to your mom. Why did this have to happen to you? Why couldn't Steve have picked someone else to be his best man? Like Bruce. You wouldn't have minded spending time with him. He would've just played on his phone the whole time. It would have made for poor conversation, but at least you wouldn't have been miserable. You pulled a pillow over your face and screamed into it. Fucking Steve and his poor taste in best friends.

Once you peeled yourself out of bed and got dressed, you stood in front of your mirror and stared. All of a sudden, you didn't feel as comfortable in your skin. Your clothes felt too tight, and your hair looked too frizzy. You tugged at your sweater and rubbed your sweaty palms on your jeans when you heard your door creak. In the corner of your mirror, Bucky's tall figure emerged. He leaned on the door frame, crossing his arms, and you couldn't help your eyes as they took him in. How can a person make a long sleeve and jeans look so damn good? You quickly removed your eyes and could feel your heart rate pick up. Bucky noticed your longer than necessary stare and smirked.

"You ready to go?"

You looked up to see the mischievous glint in his eyes, and a scowl took its place on your face. You grabbed your purse and marched right by him.

"Let's get this over with."

The car ride to the bridal shop was quiet. You did everything in your power to pretend Bucky wasn't even there. Your body was so angled away from him that you were practically smashed up against the passenger side door. Bucky's fingers drummed on the steering wheel, and, occasionally, he turned his head to look in your direction, but he never said anything. You were happy when he finally pulled into the parking lot. You got out with a small smile. Maybe he wouldn't try to talk to you at all.

"So," he said, causing your smile to fall, "how was the flight from Los Angeles?"

Nothing ever seemed to go your way. You ignored his question, walking into the store and immediately finding an associate. Bucky trailed behind you as you asked about picking up the garments for Peggy. You hoped that he would take the hint that you didn't want to talk. But once the friendly store associate walked off, he picked up right where he left off.

"Was it busy? I mean, most people avoid coming up here during the colder months."

You clenched your jaw as you began to aimlessly browse through the dresses on display. Bucky followed you.

"Your mom seems pretty excited that you're back."

"I'm not back. I'm visiting." You snapped, not even making eye contact with him.

"Oh, so you do talk? I wasn't sure if you had gone mute in the time it took to get from your parent's house to here."

You gave him a dirty look.

"You're not funny." You said, letting your fingers toy with the sequins on one of the dresses. He chuckled and bent down to whisper in your ear.

"I wasn't trying to be, doll."

Your back stiffened, and you did your best to hide the blush that crept onto your cheeks. Where the hell was that lady with Peggy's order?

"So," Bucky said, taking a seat on one of the store's leather couches, "how is LA treating you?"

His arms fell across the back of the cushions, causing his shirt sleeves to hug his biceps. God, you wanted to slap him for still making your heart jump in your chest.

"Fine." You said curtly.

You stood in front of the couch under Bucky's unwavering stare. Just like the night before, his eyes slowly moved from your boots, up your tight-fitting jeans, over your sweater, and up to your face. You could feel yourself being sucked into the sea of his blue eyes. In an attempt at self-preservation, your arms unconsciously curled around your torso again. Something in Bucky's eyes flickered at the sight of you holding yourself, and the moment was gone. He cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter on the couch.