Catch Me If You Can | Winter Soldier x reader |

CHAPTER 16

You'd been avoiding him completely. Like no, completely. You never looked him in the eye, you never stood around him and you most definitely despised being alone with him in the same tent. Barnes wasn't catching up on the cues, though. For some reason, his mind was occupied with optimism. Instead of acknowledging your distance, he was more occupied with the kiss.

You know? It became an unconscious habit to touch, wet or bit his lips when he was near you. He hadn't noticed till Goro pointed it out that day at the bonfire. Bucky was startled when he recognized the small detail since then. But eventually, he'd learned to stop. He learned to channel all these feelings for better purposes— such as figuring out ways to impress you.

Like there was this one time he bought flowers. But that girl who randomly sings songs? She was supposed to give them to you, but her depressingly loveless mind took over and she decided to take them for herself instead.

There was another time when he bought dinner. It was the best burgers on New York, as Clinton assured. The food bag didn't even make it to the entrance of your tent before Ethan, being the little jester he is, hollered at everyone about the news. It's been nearly a week and still Bucky felt sore from the stampede.

A few days later, the Winter Soldier was confronted by Goro again at the bonfire. "You look like you have blue balls."
Bucky quirked a brow at the young man, "What is that?"

The Ambassador laughed, shaking his head. He found a spot beside the soldier, "It's better off if you don't know. But forget that, what's the matter?"

"Nothing's the matter."

"Clearly doesn't seem that way. You think I'm an idiot? What is it?"

The soldier grimaced, "I've got to go. Steve will be looking for me soon," he said, perching to his feet. Just before he was about to head out, he heard the young man mutter something inaudible. "Huh?"

Goro straightened himself almost immediately. "News articles. She loves those. You grab her a few and she'll be talking to you again." Bucky was the hard-faced man who didn't show too much emotion. So when Goro made his suggestion, the man looked a little dazed as he gave a hesitant nod and left. In the excitement of finally making it up to you, Barnes didn't take the time to understand why Goro was so helpful with hooking you both together. So he didn't think of it too much and when he did, he was perplexed so he shoved the thought out of his head.

Two days later, after scrambling for a shîtload of news article, the Winter Soldier finally got his little gift and headed towards the warehouse early in the morning. You, unfortunately, weren't at your tent. He inquired around and heard a small troop decided to stay near the half-finished school to aid the construction procedures. He assumed you were a part of the recruitment. Eventually, the man gave up on his effort, left his present on your table and fled.

He spent a few minutes, here and there, speaking to Goro mostly about the recent construction of the schools. Apparently, the neighborhood was throwing a fundraiser to aid the process. It was kind of heart-warming actually. Although he wasn't directly involved with the heist that got the Ambassador's the money, Bucky felt proud for knowing them. When it was time to leave, Barnes bid Goro farewell and edged out of the tent. The only thing that was in his cluttered mind was your reaction and how well you'd take his attempt to impress.

Bucky did not want to believe that he liked you.

He imagined it more of an infatuation considering the fact he was forced to spend every single day with you.

But then, that kiss.

What was that?

It's not like he hadn't kissed a woman before. He was known to be a ladies' man back in his days, right?