Rules of Friendship | 18+

𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 ♡

𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺

➵➵➵➵➵➵➵♡➵➵➵➵➵➵➵

It was far too early for this.

"I'm just saying Serenity," Mr. Thomas smiled when I handed him his coffee, "My grandson just got stationed back here," I smiled, shaking my head, "I think you would really like him, I'll send him in for coffee, maybe you two can go have a drink somewhere." Mr. Thomas did this every week, and every week I smiled and laughed humoring him that I would consider it. I never did, and his grandson never came in, but today it was hitting a little bit deeper. The loneliness inside of me creeping up to the surface. I wanted a romantic relationship, I have craved it, but I only wanted it with one person, who didn't want me.

"I don't know Mr. Thomas," I chuckled because that's rule one in customer service, always wear a smile, even if it killed you a little, "He'd have to get approval from those two," I threw my thumb in the direction of where Bucky and Sam were lounging in a booth, both raising a hand in a friendly wave, "They're a tough crowd."

"Good, they need to be," Mr. Thomas replied, "Nolan would fit right in with them, I promise."

"Maybe one day," I kept my smile on, trying to hide my laugh when Bucky did the crazy sign as soon as Mr. Thomas turned back to me, a figure caught my attention in the window and I froze, feeling my heart shatter again. Steve was outside, leaning against a newspaper stand, talking to a pretty blonde, one I recognized as his ex-girlfriend, Sharon Carter. Bucky followed my gaze and his own jaw set, irritation flickering in his eyes. When he looked back at me, he nodded toward the hallway and I nodded once before turning back to Mr. Thomas. "I'll see you next week, maybe you'll bring your grandson in with you," the elderly man beamed at me, slipping a ten into the tip jar, he always was a generous tipper, "Have a good day!"

As soon as Mr. Thomas reached the door, I pulled my apron off, tossing it in the back before exiting to the hallway where Bucky stood, his arms open. I sighed, wrapping myself up in his embrace while he just rocked us, his lips on the top of my head. "I'm so sorry Serenity," Bucky's voice was gentle, trying to soothe a heartbreak I couldn't afford to have. Especially because I never even had a claim to Steve. I'll always be his best friend.

The doorbell chimed and I knew I had no choice but to face the pair, but Bucky cupped my face, wiping his thumb across the apples of my cheeks. "You going to be okay?"

"Yeah," I sniffled, I didn't even realize I had started crying, "How bad do I look?"

Bucky laughed, shaking his head, "You look beautiful Serenity, always do," I smiled, wiping away a tear that had fallen out the corner of my eye, "Go ahead, I'm here if you need me."

I was working alone this morning, so as much as I wanted to get up and run, I had no choice. Walking through the kitchen, I slid my apron back over my head, tying it at the waist while I walked to the counter, "Hi welcome to Steamy Sips," I plastered on a tight smile, looking up at Steve and Sharon, "What can I get started for you?"

Steve watched me carefully, his eyes locked on me and I knew he read how hurt I was, because his smile dropped, his arm being removed from around Sharon, "Serenity-"

"What can I get you?"

I wasn't going to do this, I didn't want to do this, and Sharon understood because she gave me a sad smile, stepping back toward the door. "It was good to see you Steve, Serenity," I couldn't even muster up a smile to offer her, only watching her slide through the front door and disappear with the people on the street.

Maybe I should feel bad for interrupting no doubt one of Steve's hookups, but I don't, in fact, I feel pretty fucking good about it. I'm tired of pretending I was fine, and while I felt Steve's eyes on me, I turned around, poured him a cup of coffee, and slid it toward him, "Mom, huh?"