Stucky One-shots

Pray - Chapter 1

"I don't see what the problem is," Bucky remarked, his hands in his pockets. He walked with a stride in his every step, standing tall. His cap was lopsided, and he was shaking his head. "You're about to be the last eligible man in New York," he declared. Behind the two of them, a large model of Earth stood tall, fireworks exploding in the background. Steve could see people from all walks of life as they walked down the steps to the front of the Expo, the crackle of fireworks filling him with anticipation in spite of his annoyance that Bucky had brought him to another 'Science Fair'.

"You know, there's three and a half million woman here," Bucky finished as he glanced to his right before giving Steve a 'look'. His best friend just shrugged indifferently, looking like getting a girl was the last thing on his mind. Steve put his hands in his pockets, trying to imitate Bucky's stride as he replied in a matter-of-fact manner, "Well, I'll settle for just one." Bucky grinned in spite of himself, eyeing Steve's oversized suit. He was at least a head taller than his best friend.

Bucky gave Steve a knowing smile as he announced, "Good thing I took care of that." He jutted his chin to gesture at two girls who were waiting excitedly at the entrance of the Expo. They were standing in front of a large statue, and Bucky's eyes lit up. Waving at them in jubilation, he stole a glance from Steve, who had absolutely no idea how Bucky got a girl for him. And maybe he was complaining. In all honesty, he would have killed to spend this night with Bucky alone.

"Hey, Bucky!" One of the girls called out. Bucky grinned and walked towards her, the charm pooling at his feet, melting of him. The tiniest blade of jealously stabbed him, knowing that Bucky had his choice of girls at any given moment, without even trying. Steve knew that Bucky would never love him. At least, not in the way Steve wanted him to.

There was a tinge of exasperation and annoyance in Steve's voice as he asked, unenthusiastic, "What 'cha tell her about me?" Bucky looked over at Steve, who was desperately trying to neaten his hair. He smiled his killer smile, and Steve's heart skipped a beat. But he knew he wasn't going to do anything. Bucky loved him only as a best friend, and as a brother. So, he buried his feelings deep inside him, not wanting to hurt Bucky, and let his feelings hurt him.

Bucky wet his lips slightly, his eyes shining, and his smile charming.

"Only the good stuff."

*****

"Bucky, on your left!" Steve's voice jolted Bucky back into the present. With a jolt, his eyes shot to his left and there was Steve, biting his lips to conceal his laughter. There was exasperation evident in Bucky's voice as he replied, "I've dealt with this for 90 years and I still can't get a break." The two of them were deep in enemy territory near a HYDRA base while they attempted to find weapons that HYDRA used in the war. Bucky and Steve were moving stealthily as they neared the entrance of the Siberian base. The night was cold and unforgiving, the wind slicing through the desolate alleyways of a nameless Eastern European city. The air around Bucky turned cold as he stood rooted to the ground, terrified. He glanced quickly around the base, coated with the icy cold snow. "Sure this is it?" Bucky whispered softly, looking into Steve's eyes. His best friend nodded grimly, looking into Bucky's steel blue eyes.

Bucky knew his voice no longer carried the lightness that it had in the '30s. Steve's voice was also more grown-up, and it no longer shook with uncertainty. It broke Bucky's heart just a little bit more, knowing that the kid from Brooklyn was now a distant shadow. He's all grown up now, and he doesn't need me anymore...so what do I do? Bucky thought to himself. He hated the formality that came with each word. He hated that he was no longer Steve's closest friend. He hated that their friendship was more like that of co-workers than partners. He hated that somedays, he felt like nothing more than Steve's acquaintance. When he knew the time grew near that Stark Expo for him to show his love, he didn't. He stayed away, hiding away from a word that he needed to hear now. But he knew that he won't hear that word from Steve again.