We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Bucky Barnes x Reader

16 || Lie to Me, Cap

It's truly amazing that you still have a smile on your face. Between all the paperwork, experiments, and babysitting your supposed 'older' brother to ensure he doesn't blow himself up in said experiments, you've definitely had your hands full all day, yet the pep in your step remains strong. There's been no arguing nor pouting on your part despite how common both usually are after such a stressful week, so why the good mood? Because tonight's going to be perfect and you refuse to let anyone sour your joy.

Your boyfriend - your handsome, romantic boyfriend - has promised a surprise just for you. He insisted upon it despite your objections, worrying that he'd need rest instead considering he'd be returning directly from a mission, however James would hear to none of that:

"No, it's gotta be tonight...I just have a feeling, doll," he had given you a mischievous smile, trying to come off as only flirty, but you've been dating long enough to recognize when James is actually nervous. He gets fidgety, particularly with his fingers and feet, not to mention the man can't lie while looking straight at you even if it were to save his life. The kiss he pressed to your hand was just a distraction for him.

"Oh? What are you up to, Barnes?" You had raised an eyebrow, your suspicion towards his motives growing when he kept his lips to your skin for much longer than a typical quick peck. Bashfully, he was trying to use it as a way to hide his giddy smile.

"It's a secret. You'll just have to be patient for now, Ms. Stark."

His eyes had softened when he glanced up at you, letting you in on a peak of his expression which can only be described as pure admiration. 'Doll dizzy', as you've heard some of his fellow soldiers teasingly refer to it as.

Then quietly, he confesses, "...If I don't do it tonight, I'll just keep putting it off and I promised myself not to wait any longer. Steve's in on it, too. If I back out again, he'll throw me over his shoulder and make me tell you. You know how humiliating that'll be, doll? No one will ever let me live it down and it wouldn't be very romantic either...I want this to be perfect. The second I get back, I'm taking you out to dinner - a nice place, too, I've been saving -"

"- Bucky -"

"- The reservation is already set," you couldn't argue with that especially not with his finger pressed to your lips, "...Let me do this for you, Hollie. Eight o'clock sharp. Houghton's. I'd say wear something nice, but you look dazzling in anything."

His compliment made you blush and like a cheery teenager asked to the school dance by her crush, you had finally agreed to Bucky's planned date. With another long kiss (and another after that out the door), he promised to see you tonight, reminding you for good measure that he'll arrive to pick you up at Eight o'clock exactly and that you better be hungry because you can order anything you want, his treat.

That's why you've been in such a good mood today. Elated and blithesome, zealous and restless. According to Howard, you've been skipping around the lab like a rabbit with enough stars in your eyes to put the milky way to shame which he'd made sure to constantly tease you about as any sibling would, however even he can't faze your current delight.

"What do you think he means by a 'surprise'? What could he possibly be surprising me with?" You wonder aloud, your chin resting in the palm of your hand as you daydream about your upcoming date. It's seven thirty two; a half an hour wait.

"I thought dinner was the surprise."

"No, he said that's only part of it - the 'build up' if you will."

"And that's not enough? Geeze, Barnes is really trying to butter you up for something, isn't he?"

You scoff, knowing Howard well enough to understand what he's trying to insinuate, "First of all, contrary to yourself, some guys actually put in more than minimum effort when it comes to wooing their date. Second, they're not always nice to a girl just to get into her pants. Maybe if you followed James's example by being a proper gentleman for more than the first date, you'd be able to keep a gal longer than a one-night stand."