Books, Teas, and Good Cooking: A Bucky x Reader Fanfic

Chapter Five

Bucky and I walk in town. I wear my (F/C) sun dress with my matching (F/C) converse and my secondhand leather crossbody bag. As soon as I see the book store come into view, I grab Bucky by the hand and gently drag him towards it. I breathe in the familiar smell of roses, lilac, and books as we enter and the soothing familiar bell rings announcing our entrance. I step in farther and look around for my friend. Alpine jumps down from a shelf near the door and winds her way between my legs before winding between a very bewildered Bucky. But she is not who I was looking for. Finally my friend comes winding out from back of shop.

"Hey Lottie," I smile.

"(Y/N)! It's so good to see you," Lottie says. She turns to Bucky with a smile. "Welcome in Sargent Barnes. I'm Lottie. I own this store. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you and Bucky is fine," Bucky says.

"Now what brings you two into my shop today?" She asks.

"Bucky wants to pick out some books," I say. "I'm here to help him."

"Oh so you two on a book finding date," Lottie teases. I roll my eyes at her suggestion. She is older than me and always trying to get me on dates.

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't think it's a date," I say.

"Sure it's not," Lottie scoffs.

"Anyway, I see that Alpine hasn't left," I smile.

"Yeah, I'm tempted to take her home with me, but I know Mr. Dinh wouldn't allow it," she sighs. "He's such a strict landlord."

"And a hard ass," I say. "He didn't want to buy the boat. The boys managed to get it fixed up and now Sarah doesn't want to sell it anymore. So I call it a win."

"That's good," she smiles. "Well, I will let you two get to it. If you need anything, I'm here, but I'm sure you won't need it."

"Thanks, Lottie," I smile back. "Come on, Bucky."

I grab a wicker basket that Lottie keeps by the door for customer use. I hand Bucky the basket and he follows me further into the store. Alpine following closely behind us. I bring him to the fantasy section of the store. I smile when I see the complete Percy Jackson collection. I grab the first five books and place them in the basket. I then make my way to The Chronicles of Narnia and take all seven of those books. Bucky looks almost bewildered as I find a way to neatly pile them into the basket.

"I think those two series should tide you over nicely for now," I say. "Now remember they are supposed to be children's books. I think you may get through them quickly. I think starting with The Chronicles of Narnia would be good."

"Ok," Bucky says. "Thank you."

"No problem!" I smile. "Come on. Lottie also sells the best bookmarks."

I bring him over to where Lottie keeps the bookmarks. I noticed there is a discount sign on the table for ten percent off. Bucky picks up one that is Lord of the Rings themed. He smiles and shows me. It has part of the map of Middle Earth on it and a tassel on a string attached to the top. I giggle when I look back up at him. He has one of the biggest grin on his face. I pick up another one that is made of wood and has a hobbit door carved and painted into it and says "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." I show him and his smile gets impossibly bigger. It's contagious and I find myself smiling. I pick up a bookmark with a pressed (F/F) in it. I also grab a metal one to at can double as a hairpin and letter opener and looks like a small sword. Bucky looks like he is struggling to choose which one to buy.

"Get both if you want," I giggle. "I'm getting myself some."

He looks over to me and sees the ones I am holding. He takes them from me to inspect before saying, "I'm buy these for you."