Bucky Barnes Imagines Vol. 1 (BB X Reader)

Bite Me

Past due. Sent to collections. Past due. Eviction notice.

You sifted through the mail in your hand and sighed as tears pricked the corners of your eyes. Things had been going downhill for you over the last six months. Your company had shut down, laying off all of their employees and screwing them in the process by offering severance packages that wouldn't even cover a month of rent. Your savings was completely gone as you had used it to cover your bills for as long as possible and you were having difficulties finding a job. You had submitted application after application with nothing to show for it and now you were finally at the end of your rope.

In thirty days, you had to vacate your apartment. If you didn't find something within the next few days, you were going to end up homeless or couch surfing if your friends were gracious enough to let you stay until you had a solid plan in place. You didn't want to leave New York, it was your home. It was also expensive and in order to stay, you would need to find something sustainable that would allow you to support yourself.

Your apartment wasn't anything special. It was basically a small room with a kitchenette off to the side, a bathroom, and a closet next to the entry, but it was yours and you were proud of it. You dropped your mail on the desk across from where your futon sat and grabbed your laptop to start searching for jobs again. About an hour into your search, your phone pinged with a message from your best friend Nat.

Nat: Wanna grab coffee?

You: Can't, sorry.

Nat: Please? I have something I need to talk to you about. It'll be my treat.

Your caffeine addiction was begging you to take her up on her offer, but accepting would leave a bitter taste in your mouth and leave you feeling like a charity case. However, it could be the last time you would be able to visit your favorite coffee shop. Your fingers typed out your reply and you set your laptop down to gather your things.

You: Just so you know, I hate this and I'm paying you back as soon as I have a job. See you in ten.

Nat: Yay! See ya soon, babe.

~

"Hello, my beautiful bestie." Nat pulled you into a tight hug and then handed you a steaming cup of coffee.

You took a sip and sighed at the warmth of the liquid running down your throat, the chill of the late October day forgotten. The coffee shop wasn't busy, but there were a few people scattered around the room. Some were laughing with their friends, others were busy typing away on their laptops. You could already feel the sadness creeping into your soul as you realized that the times where you sat carelessly with your friends, enjoying a cup of coffee and conversation, were over. Nat rested her hand on top of yours to get your attention.

"Oh, Y/n. Don't cry, babe. Things are going to get better." She smiled encouragingly.

You touched your cheek and realized that you were indeed crying. Wiping the tears away, you returned her smile but it barely curved your lips.

"Sorry. I just don't know what to do. No one has called me back about any of my applications. I'm getting evicted, and I'm in so much debt that I feel like I'm drowning." A small sob pushed past your lips. "I don't think I've ever felt so hopeless, Nat."

The hurt in your voice sent a sharp pain through Nat. She had never seen you look so powerless. She was used to seeing a bright, genuine smile on your face and your eyes gleaming with happiness. The woman sitting across from her was a stark contrast to the one she called her best friend.

"I think I might have a way to help you, but you need to keep an open mind for this." Nat said.

You sat waiting for her to continue.