𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐒. ( 𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒 ) ✓

xxviii. STRESS

When you were stressed it was an absolute mess. Not only did you stress so much that you didn't get anything done but you would mope around and maybe spill a tear or two. Luckily, there was one person that could relieve your stress.

"Doll, I'm home." Bucky shouts from the doorway, several bags of groceries in his hands. His eyebrows furrow when he doesn't get a response from you like he usually does. He drops the bags immediately and rushes through your apartment.

When he opens the door to your office, to see you with your head in your hands, he finally lets out the breath he didn't realise he was holding in.

"You scared me." He laughs slightly, placing his hand over his heart, as if to steady its rapid beating.

Your reply is a simple mumble that Bucky can't understand and you barely even look towards his direction. He walks closer to where you're sitting and ducks down beside your seat. He lowers his head to the desk so he can get a view of your face and the gesture makes you smile slightly to which he smiles back with pride.

"What's wrong?" He asks pushing strands of your hair behind your ear whilst gently tilting your head to face him. He has to use all of his control to not smother your face in kisses when he sees your puffy eyes and forced smile.

"Oh no, it's nothing. I just have a lot on my plate." When the words leave your lips you realise that they sound far from convincing and you give up the act and collapse into Bucky's arms.

"I haven't read a book that I was supposed to read weeks ago for an assignment and the essay about it is due tomorrow. I have new classes with new people and I hate having to talk to them. I have tests coming up and I don't know any of the material. I just don't know what to do." You ranted into Bucky's chest whilst he rubbed your arm, comfortingly.

"My poor baby." He smiles, pushing you off of his chest but still holding you in his arms, so he can look at you.

"I just want to feel happy and I can't even manage that."

You wiped your tears away quickly, almost embarrassed that Bucky had seen you like this but he just presses his forehead to yours.

"Listen to me, everything you worry about today will at some point be over. Even then, you'll worry about something new. What you have to remember is that you've always got constants in life to ground you. To make you happy even. Find your constant."

With the end of his motivational speech, Bucky brings his hands to the small of your back and pulls you towards him. You gasp at the sudden movement and his strength which makes him smirk.

You laugh wrapping your arms, loosely, around his neck. Finally,  his warm, soft lips meet yours and they lock together perfectly. You can feel the tension leave your body and you melt into the kiss and Bucky's hand roams your back.

You smile, breathlessly when you pull away and Bucky sits his chin on the top of your head, still holding you in his arms.

"You are." you state, looking up at him.

"Hmm?"

"You're my constant. The thing that makes me happy."

Bucky can't fight the smile growing on his face and his face flushes slightly.

"I'm glad to hear that." He smirks, before leaning back down, towards your lips.