The Winter Cowboy || Bucky x Reader

Chapter 6

It's Bucky's birthday. So here's the chapter a little bit early. So, this chapter includes one of my favourite songs in the world. So excited for you to read it and please let me know what you think!

--------------------

When darkness began setting in and the crowds started to thin out, you and Bucky headed back for the car. You felt quite tipsy as the frequent spiked drinks Harper had given you had started taking effect, causing you to clumsily drop yourself in the seat with laughter on your lips. Bucky however seemed perfectly fine and laughed as he sat down in the driver's seat, his long legs practically in his neck as he squeezed himself behind the steering wheel. You hooted with laughter as he adjusted his seat and clearly made an effort to not make a remark on your size.

You immediately took off the shoes that had been tormenting you all day and propped your feet up on the dash, enjoying the feel of the cool night air between your toes. You fumbled for the radio until you found a station that was playing a song you liked. Your lips curled up in a smile as you heard the low opening notes of Springsteen's Tougher Than the Rest and bumped up to volume as high as it would go. You sang along louder than you normally would have, but the way-too-many drinks had taken off your reserved edge. Bucky kept his eyes on the road, a smile on his lips.

Some girls they want a handsome Dan

Or some good-lookin' Joe

On their arm some girls like a sweet-talkin' Romeo

You saw Bucky's now un-gloved hand resting on the steering wheel lightly as the other rested on the clutch. He looked at ease in the darkness, the only light coming from the lights in the car and the stars in the sky. The smell of the forest at night was calm but intense and always inspired a need for adventure in you. Bucky's eyes were dark and deep, but carried a calmness you were unable to explain. He caught you staring, but you didn't look away like you usually would have .

He looked back at you with a look of fond anticipation, as if he were waiting for something wonderous to behold; another smile on your lips;  another out-of-tune sung line or some un-ladylike comment that put most men to shame by the sheer abilities you possessed. Even though his body remained unaffected by the alcohol, he felt very much drunk on the sight of you and struggled to return his eyes to the road.

Right at that moment you knew you had fallen. The universe seemed indifferent to the sudden overpowering feeling that had taken over your mind, but you sat there, overwhelmed with the realisation you had fallen. You sat there awestruck as the song continued playing and you failed to sing along to the rest of it.

Well 'round here baby

I learned you get what you can get

So if you're rough enough for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

--------------------

Tipsy from the alcohol and the "goodnight doll" Bucky had left you with on the porch, you dropped yourself onto your bed, pondering the imminent doom that would undoubtedly befall upon you for falling for James Bucky Barnes. After an hour of tossing and turning, your restless mind had finally found sleep and pulled you into a long deep slumber.

Then, in the middle of the night- your cell phone rang loudly in your ear. The crude awakening immediately had you groaning as you felt your head pound heavily. You rubbed your eyes for a moment as you turned on your nightlight and grabbed your phone. Seeing Harper's caller ID cleared your mind instantly and you scrambled to accept the call.