Winter's Bride

3. Date

The sound of a siren carried through the street as the reflection of the red and blue flashing lights shone in the misted window of the restaurant. It was 10 to 10 and Bucky watched you as you busied yourself clearing the tables now empty of patrons, a couple of men that had had one drink too many were stumbling out onto the pavement. He looked down at the flowers that he held onto tightly with his right hand, questioning his judgement on whether he had made the right decision, not just with the flowers but also with going on the date at all, however something about you just made it impossible for him to cancel. He forced the mission to the back of his mind, the reason he had had to move into your apartment building in the first place. As probably the least recognisable of the Avengers after purposefully maintaining a low profile, Bucky had been perfect for this particular role, it's not like Steve could have moved in without garnering unwarranted attention. But who was to say he couldn't have a life or fun whilst doing so, something he hadn't allowed himself to do in a very long time, instead punishing himself for his past, something about you made him want to change that. He took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly before making his way to the door and pushing it open, the bell ringing to alert you of his presence. You looked over your shoulder, your back to the door as you gathered the plates up onto the circular black tray, your hair falling annoyingly into your eyes as you did so.

"Hey" you smiled stepping away from the tray to greet him as he held out the somewhat screwed up bunch of flowers, wrapped in a soft pink paper and tied with a ribbon, out for you to take.

"These are for you" he smiled sheepishly, his normal confidence suddenly gone, his nerves were apparent, taking you off guard, you hadn't expected him to be like this.

"Well if that's not the most adorably, old fashioned thing someone has ever done for me" you couldn't help but smile as you took the flowers from him and made your way behind the bar, grabbing a large jug and filling it with water before placing the flowers into it. You then grabbed a bottle of beer and popped the lid off it before sliding it over to where he leant onto the wooden surface of the bar.

"Thanks" he grabbed it before sliding himself onto one of the stools, wearing the same black bomber jacket you always saw him in except this time a button down shirt replaced the t-shirt or Henley that he normally wore under it.

"I just need to finish up here" you said gesturing to the table where you had left the half stacked tray of plates, "Then I'll be done" you smiled.

"Sure, no rush" he nodded with a smile before you went back to busying yourself with the plates. You picked up the tray and took it into the kitchen, handing it over to the young boy on pot washing as the chef was cleaning down the area.

"I'm off guys" you said as you disappeared into the cupboard where you hung your coat and left your bag and came out with them in tow. "See you later" you smiled as they both echoed goodbyes in return. You walked back in to see an already empty bottle next to James, putting it down to nerves you smiled before speaking. "So, where do you wanna go?" you asked as you shrugged on the thick green parka, its fur lined hood far too big for your head. You slung the strap of your embroidered, brown, leather rucksack over your shoulder and waited expectantly.

"I thought we could just head over to Fagan's?" James shrugged, referring to the Irish pub on the same stretch you were on.

"Sounds good" you agreed as you draped the red scarf around your neck, covering the bare chest the v neck of your blouse left exposed. James stood from the bar, heading over to the door to hold it open for you. "I'll make sure I'll take the flowers home after my shift tomorrow, don't fancy taking them into Fagan's" you added, not wanting him to think that you hadn't appreciated his gift because you had. He smiled and nodded as he waited for you to go through the threshold before following you out, the night air was cold and brisk, you could see your breath leave your body in clouds of mist as you exhaled. You shivered, adjusting your scarf and coat before starting your short walk to Fagan's. You had been there plenty of times, and as far as pub imitations went it wasn't bad, reminding you somewhat of home.