TIME STAMP: PRESENT
Bucky's metal fingers were tapping on the table over and over again, which was getting on John Walker's nerves.
"Do you mind?"
"I do mind, yes." Bucky shrugged, tapping harder. "We wouldn't be waiting if you hadn't gotten on Kai's nerves – now she's waiting for us."
"Speaking like a true soldier, aren't we?" Walker complained, making Yelena sigh.
"Behave, both of you."
"Any idea on why she would choose a bar to spend her day?" Bucky asked, looking around.
"She likes bars."
"Who doesn't?" Yelena asked, reading the confidential file on Kai – most of it was cut out.
"There she is." Walker mumbled, standing up.
"It shouldn't be y-"
"Let him go, I wanna see this." Bucky smirked, adjusting himself on the couch as he saw Walker approach the woman.
Something inside of Bucky twisted as the sight of the woman caught up in his eye. He couldn't tell what it was, but he wished that Walker wouldn't ruin the possibility of getting a closer glimpse of her.
"What's wrong?" Yelena raised an eyebrow, facing Bucky. "Your whole body shifted."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Bucky simply said, keeping his eyes locked on Kai's figure.
Per usual, Kai was sitting on her spot when she felt a presence behind her. When she turned around, she saw John Walker, which caused a groan to come out of her mouth.
"You... again."
"Listen, lady, I think we got off on the wrong foot." Walker started and Kai took a deep breath.
"I told you the other day to not call me lady."
"Please, just hear me out." Walker went to grab her arm, but Kai's reflexes were faster, and in a matter of seconds, Walker's head was smashed into the bar counter.
"Shit." Yelena and Bucky said at the same time, standing up.
"Come on, Kai!" The waiter screamed as some clients were standing up and rushing outside.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Walker asked once his head was no longer pressed against the cold counter.
"Tell Valentina to leave me alone." She mumbled and got ready to leave, Kai didn't even notice Bucky was behind her until she turned around fast and crashed into him.
Kai's heart fell into her feet as she remembered the deep blue eyes she once used to love. Bucky's expression was indecipherable as he tried to understand what the look on Kai's face meant, so he didn't even realize he was holding her arm until she took a step back, her hand trembling.
"You need to stay away from me." Kai's voice didn't sound convincing, but how could it be when Bucky's eyes didn't flinch away for a second. "All of you."
TIME STAMP: PAST, 1943
It was around 10 pm when Kai heard something hitting her window, so she stood up and chuckled when she saw her most recent friend Bucky, standing there, waving with a grin.
"Officer Barnes." Kai teased when she opened the window. "What do I owe the pleasure?"
"Goodnight, Miss Kai." Bucky flirted, tilting his head a bit. "I was wondering if you'd like to have a drink."
"At this hour? No bar would allow a woman to enter the bar and have a drink." Kai fought the urge to roll her eyes but watched Bucky with a curious eye.
"That's why you won't be alone, isn't it?"
"Asking me out on a date, Officer? We haven't been close for long enough." Kai chuckled, teasing him.
"Haven't we, doll?"
Kai tilted her head and looked at the calendar, realizing it had been over 4 months since she started to hang out constantly with Bucky (and occasionally Steve). Despite none of them having the courage to make a move, there was something between them – something that made Kai have hope again and that made Bucky stop fooling around.
YOU ARE READING
ineffable memories / / bucky barnes
Fanfictionkai has been around for many centuries, while james has only been around for one, yet their paths have constantly cross. when kai is recruited by valentina, she isn't aware that the whole universe will be at risk because of her secrets.
