Unexpected Sweetness

Authors note: this story was inspired by two one shots I commissioned from Weareallstoriesshop on Etsy. I highly recommend her writing.

Bucky Barnes scanned his new neighborhood, not thrilled with moving into the suburbs. He had liked his apartment, but the pipes in the old building bursting had made staying there impossible. He carried another box up the stairs to the porch as he heard a woman yell, "Florence Josephine Stop!" And a canine nose hit his backside. He jumped whirling on the black pit mix in a pink collar who was wagging her tail. "I'm so sorry! She can be a real houdini when she chooses." The woman who was chasing the dog apologized, holding up a leash with an empty harness, another leash in her other hand with a black fluffy dog, about the same size as the escaped pit on the end. "Moving in?" She asked, as she secured her dog. Bucky nodded, studying her. She was average height, curvy and had her brown hair in a ponytail that bobbed as she worked. She pushed up her glasses as she stood up. "I'm Shawna, this is Becky" she lifted the fluffy dog's leash, "and houdini is Flo. Welcome to our neighborhood. I live in the blue house two down. If you need anything or have any questions feel free to drop in. I'll probably stop by with a plate of cookies later." She chattered introducing herself and her dogs. She waited expectantly. Bucky snapping out of his staring at her.

"I'm Bucky. Nice to meet you. Flo's hello needs work though." He tried to joke.

Shawna smiled, "I know. Working on it." She said seriously. He blinked at her, were his jokes that bad? She looked away, pale cheeks tingeing pink. "Sorry, again. See you around." She said, leading the big dogs away and to the cozy blue house with lovingly tended to flower beds out front. Bucky sighed, an odd neighbor was not what he needed, but he had to admit she was kinda cute.

Shawna hummed as she worked, this recipe as familiar to her as breathing. Her grandma's peanut butter cookies were a family favorite and the woman had loved baking with her grandchildren, the kitchen their own cozy little world, the sounds of Santana, Elvis or Celtic Woman playing as they danced and made food filled with warmth and love. She sighed, glancing at a framed photo of them, her and her sister's face covered in flour, her grandmother proud of her girls. "Miss you." She said, as her girls took another lap around the house, both with a case of the zoomies due to the beautiful weather. Her thoughts floated to her new neighbor. He was sure handsome, not that that mattered. Men like that did not date the fat funny friend. Or put up with girls who absolutely hated outdoorsy things like camping or hiking. Or girls who honestly would rather be watching a movie and working on a project, then go out dancing and for drinks. She was going to just be the best neighbor she could be and be content with her many book boyfriends. She carefully used a sugared fork to mark the tops of the dough balls before sliding them into the oven. She picked up her book after setting up the next batch and of course setting her timer. No sense in burning good cookies because she got lost in Mercy and Adam's new adventure.

As soon as a sufficient number of cookies were cooled and quality had been ascertained by both woman and canine, Shawna piled as many would fit on a blue plate she had picked up thrifting. She wrapped it securely and headed to the white house two down. She knocked on the door, hearing grumpy grousing and big band music. "What?!" She was greeted as the door swung open.

"I brought the cookies I promised." Shawna said, avoiding eye contact and offering up the plate. Bucky immediately felt bad at grouching at his neighbor.

"Thanks, sweet doll." They both blinked at the jumbled pet name.

She started to giggle. "Not the worst one I have heard." Bucky smiled at her laugh, so she did have a sense of humor. He took the plate, before she gasped, "I forgot to ask if you had allergies or are vegetarian!" She knew better, working in kitchens.

"Nope, but are these Peanut Butter?" At her confirming nod, he broke into them, taking a big bite and moaning at the taste. "These are good." He said through a mouthful of cookie.

Shawna smiled. "I can make more." She said, as if it was a big secret. Bucky nodded, surprised at this bit of unexpected sweetness. Maybe this move wouldn't be so bad.