𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝓈𝓅𝒾𝒹𝑒𝓎 - 𝓅. 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓀𝑒𝓇

chapter 19

A couple of months later

Alec was on the top of the compound, sitting on the edge of it, dangling his legs out while smoking. It was late at night and he thought no one would be awake to catch him smoking his blunt, way stronger than the ones for normal humans, but it was the only way for him to get slightly high.

But not everyone was asleep in the compound. Suddenly, Alec could smell the characteristic scent of Bucky: leather, metal, and something clean and woodsy, like fresh pine. Alec didn't even have to turn around to know who it was, but he did anyway, glancing over his shoulder with a lazy smirk.

- Hey, didn't think anyone else was up. - Alec said, offering a casual nod as Bucky took a seat beside him on the edge.

- Could say the same for you. - Bucky replied, looking out over the quiet, moonlit grounds of the compound - Didn't peg you for a night owl, but I guess we all got our habits. - his eyes flicked to the blunt between Alec's fingers, one brow raising - Thought you had cleaner ways to unwind.

Alec chuckled, taking a slow drag, before exhaling. He could see Bucky's eyes shine with something when he did it.

- Yeah, well, let's just say regular stuff doesn't cut it for me. - he glanced at Bucky, noting the slight intrigue in his expression - Way too strong for a regular person. - he added, almost as a warning.

- Mind if I try? - Bucky looked at him, a hint of challenge in his gaze.

- Really? I don't know, doll. This stuff is... intense. - Alec chuckled, surprised.

The unexpected nickname caught Bucky off guard. His eyes widened, a flicker of surprise quickly hidden as he tried to keep his expression casual.

- Think I can't handle it? - he replied, though his voice sounded a touch lower.

- Suit yourself. Just... take it easy. - Alec narrowed his eyes, intrigued but a little amused.

Bucky took it from him, examining it briefly before taking a cautious hit. Alec watched him, waiting for some sign that Bucky might have underestimated it, but he barely flinched, exhaling smoothly. He took another, bolder drag, and Alec watched as the shift began; subtle at first, a softening in Bucky's features, the barest hint of a lopsided smile, his pupils dilated, his gaze growing a bit hazy.

- You weren't kidding. - Bucky murmured, blinking slowly as he leaned a bit closer to Alec - That's... that's some strong stuff. - his voice had taken on a deeper, hazy tone, and Alec noticed his eyes lingering on him a bit longer than usual.

- Feeling it already? - Alec teased, laughing softly - You look about two seconds away from giggling.

Bucky scoffed, but a faint blush crept up his cheeks.

- Nah... just think you're looking a little cuter than usual. - he mumbled, almost shyly. His gaze dropped to Alec's mouth before flicking back up, and there was no mistaking the new warmth in his eyes - Or maybe that's just the blunt talking.

Alec raised an eyebrow, grinning.

- Oh, really? That's your pick-up line? 'Must be the blunt'? I expected better, doll. - he threw the nickname in casually, but the effect was instant.

Bucky blinked, visibly flustered, his cheeks going a shade darker.

- Uh... did you just call me 'doll'? - his voice was soft, almost uncertain, like the nickname had hit him somewhere deeper than he wanted to admit.

Alec leaned back, clearly amused as he let the silence hang, watching Bucky try to recover.

- Yeah, got a problem with it? - he asked, his voice light, almost challenging.