Bucky gets dragged to a speed dating event by Sam and Kate. He's exasperated and unimpressed by everyone he connects with, until he comes face to face with Nora, the owner of a book store. She's sweet, kind, and funny, but she's not interested in a...
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CW: Some discussions of death, but they're very short. Lots of fluff, a dash of hurt/comfort, descriptions of wounds and blood.
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"Wait, wait, wait," Kari laughs as she puts her bag over her shoulder. "Okay, let me get this straight..."
"Take your time," Nora chuckles.
Kari is getting ready to leave for the night, letting Nora close up and wait for Bucky.
She wondered if she was coming on too strong tonight. There is a part of her that wants to open herself up to Bucky and get to know him. He just seemed so damn sweet, and Nora is lonely. Bucky seems lonely too. She's always had a type, even when it comes to friendship.
Kari waves her hand in front of her face, her eyes squeezed shut as she tries to work through this.
"You're telling me that you went on a speed date with this guy, you both really clicked, and you just want to be friends?!" She holds out her phone, showing Nora a picture of Bucky standing next to Captain America. "The guy who looks like this?! Tall, dark hair, really handsome? Great beard? Brooding? Kinda grumpy-looking?"
"Kari..."
"Exactly your type?!" Kari insists. She thrusts the phone out again. "Look at him, Nora!"
Nora rolls her eyes.
"It's still too soon," she whispers.
"It's been a year!" Kari whispers.
Nora shrugs and her eyes well up with tears. It's still a hard truth for her to face, but she's stronger than her past - and her pain.
"I'm not ready to lose someone again."
Kari closes her eyes and winces.
"Shit, I didn't even think about it like — I'm sorry," she whispers. "Gah, now I feel fucking shitty for dragging you to that speed dating thing."
Nora laughs and wipes away a tear, shaking her head. Her friends mean well, it's just that nobody asked Nora what she wants. Nobody ever has.
"It's not your fault. You guys were trying to help. I get it. I just... I had to be honest with him. He had those big puppy dog eyes, and I know where those big puppy dog eyes lead."
"Yeah, some super soldier dick," Kari replies.
Nora throws her head back and cackles. Kari might fuck up sometimes, but she's always quick to come back with a really good joke. Nora takes her glasses off and rubs her eyes with one hand, sighing once the laughter has subsided.
"Sure, that's a possibility. But then there's heartbreak. I can't put myself through that again."
