A series of one shot chapters about Bucky Barnes mostly told in the first person by different people. Stories will reflect different times in the life of James Buchanan Barnes. This is PG rated and any sexual content will be kept to a minimum.
Mar...
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Present day
"June."
I heard my name, but I didn't respond as I was on the phone, talking to a library patron who wanted to renew a book without coming in. Still, I turned my head and saw my friend and co-worker, Ingrid. She saw I was on the phone and nodded her head, acknowledging I was busy.
For three weeks neither Ingrid nor I had heard anything from our favourite Avengers, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. When last we saw them, we were in mid-kiss, for me anyways, at a movie-viewing get together at my apartment. Ingrid was just about to be kissed by Sam when both of the men's phones had sounded a text message alert. It was a distinctive alert sound, apparently one that was assigned to the Avengers, advising them of a pending mission. Both of them apologized, then left within minutes. Since that time, we had heard nothing. Bucky had told me already that missions had to be responded to immediately and if they were classified then not to expect any communication, but it was still hard. We had just asked them if they would come to our staff Christmas party, a burlesque show, followed by a gathering in the party room at the burlesque club. Both men had agreed to accompany us.
I had faith that Bucky would make it, so I bought his ticket as well as mine. Ingrid, taking her lead from me, bought one for Sam when she bought hers. As the day came closer and closer, we both wondered if it was meant to be. So, when Ingrid tried to get my attention two days before the party just after she arrived at work on the afternoon to evening shift, I hoped it was because she had heard something. She jerked her head towards the staff room when I hung up the phone and I quickly followed her in. She pulled her cellphone out.
"I was notified by email of a money transfer," she said. "There was a message with it."
Opening her banking app, she clicked on the transaction and showed me the message attached to it.
On a communications blackout but we'll be there. Hope this is enough to cover four tickets. Sam.
"Did you give Sam your email?" I asked.
"Well, I kind of put everything into his contact list when he gave me his phone," she replied, blushing. "I really like him. There aren't many men not intimidated by a woman with a Master's degree in Library Science who's a burlesque dancer as well. Plus, that food he made ... it was divine."
Even though they only met the night that we watched movies together I think Sam's contribution of a shrimp boil had won the heart of Ingrid. To be fair, it was delicious, and everyone had raved over it. We both hoped this message attached to the money transfer meant both men were going to be at the party then headed back out into the library. When I finished my shift and drove home the building manager knocked on my door with a floral arrangement.
"This was delivered for you this afternoon," he said. "That guy who sent it sure likes you. I could smell these through the plastic cover."
Thanking him for bringing them up to my apartment I took them into the kitchen and opened the plastic. For a moment I stood there with an open mouth and looked at this arrangement that was made entirely of purple lilacs. Never before had I seen such an arrangement. They smelled wonderful and were different enough from any other bouquet that I wondered if they had some special significance. Looking them up on my cell phone I smiled as I read they symbolized first or new love.
