ineffable memories / / bucky barnes

[twenty-seven]

TIME STAMP: PRESENT

A few days later, Kai and Bucky finally found some time to have their date, and although Kai was nervous, Bucky was way more. There were a lot of questions crossing his mind but there was one that was freaking him out the most:

What if Kai realized that she didn't like him anymore? Or worse, what if she thought he wasn't worth all she had done for him.

All those dreadful thoughts disappeared when Kai walked across the bar, wearing a midi skirt and a plain top. They had tried to find a decent restaurant but all of them were too fancy so they did what they thought would honor them the most: they chose a bar that reminded them of where they met back in the '90s.

"Look at you." Bucky grinned, watching as Kai approached him with a shy smile on her lips. "And it only took us a bar across the city."

"And almost a hundred years." Kai teased, scrunching her nose, when Bucky pulled the chair out for her. "Some things don't change, do they?"

"You have no idea, sweetheart." Bucky chuckled, feeling a bit flustered. "I was afraid you'd keep me hanging here all night."

"I'm not that much of a menace, James."

"Aren't you?" He teased her, tapping his fingers on the table. "Before you question, I already ordered for us."

"How do you know what I want?" Kai raised an eyebrow, playing around.

"You wouldn't shut up about wanting to try their famous hot dogs since you've seen the menu. You're like a stressed child who wants to choose things to eat before going to places."

"In my defense, choosing the food before you get to the restaurants or bars spares a lot of time." She grumbled, watching as he laughed. The joy she felt hearing that laugh could heal her in thousands of ways.

"Stressed." Bucky whispered, smirking a bit.

"I'm an old lady, James. Give me a break." She pouted, smiling gently.

"We are indeed an old couple." He shrugged, taking a sip of his drink.

"Are we...? Cause I don't remember having a request to be your girlfriend." Kai frowned, tilting her head a bit.

"For someone who jokes about the past, you sure do like how those things were done." Bucky teased back, looking into her eyes and feeling relaxed.

"I have my standards."

"Then why didn't you tell me it was your birthday, my love? Back in the day, you'd get a present from me, now I couldn't get you anything." Bucky said softly, trying to contain his smile, especially when he saw her a surprised look.

"I don't know, I don't celebrate those anymore." Kai smiled sadly but was thankful that he remembered it. "And you wouldn't have to get me anything, not before and not now. I think we're a bit past that." Moving slowly, she grabbed Bucky's metal hand and locked their fingers. When someone embraced the metal arm, Bucky felt comfort and belonging, and Kai knew.

"Well, I have to apologize because I did get you something." He scrunched his nose, feeling a bit anxious. "It's not a typical gift and I'm a bit horrified that you'll find it creepy."

"Did you get a human heart? I'm a supreme witch, not a cannibal, James." Kai teased, smiling gently. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"You're the supreme witch, but let's not go there now." He scoffed, giving her a mid-size bag. "I will explain what it is if you don't get it."

Kai nodded slowly as she carefully opened the present. At first, she was confused because it looked like a typical photo album. However, her expression quickly shifted to a mix of sadness and surprise. Bucky had compiled all the documents, papers, photographs, and everything he could find related to them, organizing them into a timeline. He wanted to show her that he fully understood how connected they were, and how strong their love was. 

Among the pages was an antique picture of them from the '90s, where they appeared completely in love. Although the photos and documents jumped ahead to the later years, when they met again as The Winter Soldier and The Witch, Bucky had written little notes explaining how alone he felt after the train accident. He reflected on how he sensed something—or someone—was missing from his life, a feeling that lingered until they reunited as Bucky and Kai.

There were also pictures from their time on Hydra missions. While it might have gone unnoticed by anyone else, Bucky could easily see in those photos how Kai looked at him as if her sole purpose was to save him, as if that was her ultimate mission.

"James..." Kai whispered but couldn't say anything else as the tears rolled down her cheeks. "This is..."

"That's us with our bit questionable history." He smiled gently, fighting his tears. "I think we've come too far, especially you, to find each other."

"I would do it all over again," Kai whispered, squeezing his hand. "I would do anything for you, James."

"Hopefully, you won't have to, my love."