Crescent Acres (Steve Rogers AU)

11

Darby

"I mean...was it really that bad?" Bucky winces as we get back to the ranch later on, and meet once we've pulled up where the guests park.

"You stared at her for a full five minutes like a creep while she was scanning your items, and then literally threw your card at her just saying "card!" When you went to pay". I tell him. It was painful to watch, especially when he all but ended the conversation with "you have a nice face", before just darting out of the store.

"I get all nervous and sweaty!" He takes off his hat and runs his hand back through his hair. "She's gonna think I'm a loser".

I nod in agreement, "pretty much...but I guess you don't want me to put in a good word for you when I have a drink with her tonight".

His eyes widen. "Wait, she's coming here?"

"Mhmm, got a few things to drop off to Steve, and we got talking once you'd bailed on me - she's really nice".

"Darby, if you can convince her I'm not a total tool then I'll love you forever". He tells me in desperation.

"Oh you're a tool alright", Sam now appears leading a horse by us but stopping for a moment. "You fuck up in front of Nat again?" Bucky now nods tabs Sam chuckles, "I'm telling you man, you need to play it cool! Ain't that right Darby?"

I nod in agreement at this, "well, there's playing it cool and then coming across as a total dick".

"Who's a total dick?" Steve's voice comes out of nowhere and I turn to see he's behind me, getting something out of his truck, "don't tell me...he tried talking to Nat and failed dramatically?" There's a small smile on his lips as he knows this is exactly what happened.

"Bingo". Sam says, enjoying every moment of this.

Steve eyes his best friend knowingly. "You said she had a nice face again didn't you".

"Look, I'm not proud of it ok? Sure I've told her a couple of times, but I get a dry mouth and then know she's looking at me waiting for me to say something, so I just state the obvious!" Bucky rambles as we just laugh at the image.

Steve just shakes his head and closes the truck door, retrieving some paperwork. "Anyway I need to get on, your car all good now Darbs?" He asks on seeing it parked there.

Darbs.

He hasn't called me Darbs since we were kids.

"All good..." I manage to get out, "I really need to get these things to your mom". Now holding up the paper bag with Sarah's groceries inside.

"What about my non existent love life crisis!" Bucky exasperates.

I roll my eyes. "Just be in the bar tonight ok? And don't stare her down like a creep. I'll see what I can do - now I have to really go. It's my vacation after all", making for the farmhouse and feeling the three pairs of eyes staring after me.

The door is open just as Sarah says it is and I go on in, putting the bag into the counter and looking around. I remember coming into this kitchen more than once while
I was here last - Steve and I always sneaking drinks and snacks for the hikes we went on.

As I look around, I see the picture on the window sill, and pick it up. It's of Steve, Sarah and Joe - probably one of the last pictures as Steve only looks a few years younger than he does now.

"It was the last one taken". Steve's voice makes me jump and I immediately put the picture down as he walks in. "Few weeks later he was gone..."

"I didn't mean to pry..."

He shakes his head. "It's fine, a lot of people often comment on it or take a look when they stop by".

"All the same I shouldn't have".

"Darby, it's ok". He sounds tired, and only now I can tell by his eyes that he is. Physically and mentally. "I'd rather people look at it than avoid it". Then he shifts slightly as though he's uncomfortable. "I just came to check whether you could get in".

I look at him. "Your mom said she'd leave it open for me".

"You should be enjoying your vacation, not running errands".

"I was in town, I honestly didn't mind. I know if I'd have asked then she'd do the same for me". I pause for a moment. "I er, have some ideas for the barn...in regards to it holding weddings there potentially..."

"Right..."

Well this is awkward. "I shouldn't get involved, I'll let you get on". I go to pass him but he stops me.

"How about we grab some lunch, and you can show me what you have". He suggests much to my surprise.

"Are you sure?" I ask, "I know you have a lot on and..."

He stops me again. "I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't have time. I've got a quick call to make but after that I should be free, come along to the lodge and say I've asked to see you - one of the staff will show you in, and we can have a bite and talk about it".

Does this mean he is considering Sarah and Sharon's idea? It certainly seems like it.

"Erm...sure ok". I now say, feeling a little excited at showing him what I've come up with in terms of design. I just wonder whether I can convince him that it really is a good idea.

"See you in about an hour? That sound ok?" He asks me as we now head out of the farmhouse and onto the porch, his phone then going off, "sorry just need to take this". He apologies and answers it. "Hey, everything ok?" He asks as I stand and watch his brow knit together in concern, nodding every so often. "Ok, calm down - it's fine, we can get someone to cover you...I know, yeah I know but you also know I need to be here...ok, look..." he checks his watch, "I'll meet you at home, I'll have to cancel the call to Bruce and I'll see if I can juggle the staffing about...alright, see you in a minute". He says, hanging up and exhaling deeply. "Sorry, family emergency".

"Everything ok?" I ask with concern.

"Sharon's aunt Peggy isn't well, so she needs to go look after her for a while as her mom can't get over there. She's freaking out about staffing and stuff but I can sort that". He smiles weakly, "we're gonna have to talk about the barn another day if that's cool with you- besides you should be off riding, fishing, enjoying yourself".

I smirk, "so you keep saying - it's fine, tell Sharon that I hope her aunt is ok".

He nods at this. "I will do, she'll appreciate it - anyway I gotta get back to the cabin and sort stuff out before she leaves".

"Go, I'll see you later". I tell him and we part ways, feeling him look back at me as I go.

I don't have the courage to look myself and see if he really is, but the feeling I currently have confirms this.