pov- imagines

TOMATO PLANTS AND COMMITMENT TESTS- B. BARNES

pairings: bucky barnes x reader
warnings: relationship misunderstanding, worried bucky, plantslaughter
about: inspired by an episode of new girl where nick kills a cactus and another where he decides he wants to grow tomatoes

you're excited when you arrive at bucky's apartment, bouncing on your heels with your hands clasped behind your back, biting back a wider smile than the one you have on.

"hi?" bucky greets in question, eyes flashing in satisfaction to see you so animated but confused at how elated you seem.

"i have a surprise for you," you blurt, disregarding all hellos because you just can't help it. bucky raises an understanding eyebrow and nods in amusement. you bend down to the side of the doorway where bucky can't see, and bucky pokes his head out to follow your figure as you reach for something. you straighten again, nearly falling back because of the weight of what you're carrying.

a plant. green and leafy with occasional splashes of bright yellow. "i got you a tomato plant!"

bucky's hands wrap around your shoulders to steady you before taking it from your arms, examining it. "wow, i've never gotten a... plant before. thank you."

you beam, still elated at the gift, "i know it's kind of a weird present from a girlfriend, but i saw it and, i don't know, i thought of you."

bucky can't help the smile at your explanation, pink tinting his cheeks at the prospect of you thinking about him when he isn't with you. "oh, thank you. i really appreciate it, i love—tomatoes."

you grin, clapping your hands, "i'm so happy you liked it!"

it's so sweet—how excited you are, so bucky carries it inside, setting it beside his window and listening to you ramble on about tomato plant care and all of the recipes you can make with tomatoes.

"it's going to be so great! you're gonna have fresh tomatoes, and it's always nice to have plants in the house—maybe you'll even discover a passion for gardening!" you continue eagerly.

"maybe," bucky complies with a chuckle, enjoying the way enthusiasm paints you golden. his fingers sneak between yours, the warmth of his skin making you lose track of what you were saying.

"you really liked it?" you implore, more nervous now.

"i loved it," bucky assures. "i love that plant like i love alpine."

you giggle, reaching up to cup his face in one of your hands and pull him into a kiss. "i'm really glad."

you pull away after a few seconds, humming in satisfaction before pressing your lips to his nose, "y'wanna pretend we didn't see tony's message and go get ice cream with me?"

bucky snorts. "obviously."

-

"didn't take you for a plant guy, barnes," sam tells bucky when he spots the tomato plant at his window, taking a sip of the coffee he picked up on the way. steve raises an eyebrow as he eyes it.

"it's more like plants aren't bucky-proof," steve corrects, "bucky's killed 'em within a week his entire life. winnie was so good with them, you'd think it woulda rubbed off on him."

bucky sighs, "it was a gift from y/n. and i know how to take care of plants."

sam whistles, "you better. you know why she gave it to ya, right?"

bucky furrows his brows as he turns to sam, "because it... reminded her of me?"

sam snorts, elbowing steve as if he knows what he's talking about, but steve is just as confused as bucky is. sam glances between them, watching as they share a confused look. "right. sometimes i forget how old y'all are. y/n gave you a plant because she wants to see how committed you are."