𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐒. ( 𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒 ) ✓

lx. RECRUIT

Sitting in the passenger side of some rusted old Beetle, you realised just how awkward the next few hours would be. You glanced sideways, catching sight of Bucky's whose eyes remained fixed on the road.

Under orders from Tony, Bucky had driven a considerably long distance to come and pick you up in order for you to join the Avengers in another mission to save the world or something like that. Admittedly you weren't really paying attention because when Bucky showed up at your door at 4 am when you were wearing sweats and smoothing down your mess of tangled hair, your hearing was too clouded by embarrassment to hear what he was saying.

"Are you hungry?" His gruff voice breaks your train of thoughts and you sit up in your seat, turning your attention to him. "I guess."

"Well, you didn't eat before we left so I'll pull over somewhere."

-

Bucky Barnes made you nervous. It might have been the stubble lining his chin, his constant bored tone of voice or his natural angry expression but regardless, it was something and you hated it. You gulped harshly, swallowing the sip of soda filling in your mouth as you awkwardly shuffled in your side of the booth, directly across from the super soldier who was seemingly interested in something going on out of the window the two of you were sat beside. You sighed, diverting your attention from him, noting that he clearly wasn't one to enjoy conversation.

"So why'd Stark want you?" You almost choked at his sudden questioning, looking up from the table surface to meet his inquisitive glare. "Wh-what do you mean?" Stuttering, nice work you thought, mentally scolding yourself for being so obviously flustered.

"He could've asked for anyone's help. Even that...spider-kid he always talks about, this time he wanted you." You pressed your lips together in a soft smile, shrugging nonchalantly and playing with the top of the plastic straw held between your fingers. "It's Spiderman and I guess I can ask Tony why he really needs me when we get there."

"Have you seen the height of that kid? Spiderman my ass." Bucky grumbles, making a soft chuckle slip past your lips though you quickly suppress it when you catch his eyes flick to you and then back at your surroundings. His lips turn up slightly, watching you clearly amused by his joke-that-he-didn't-really-mean-to-be-a-joke-but-would-pretend-it-was-intentional-just-because-it-made-you-laugh. "Since we're asking questions...why did you come? I mean, no offence, it's just that I am quite good friends with Steve."

"I don't know, Tony insisted. I think he just likes giving me a hard time." You raised your brows. "Oh no, not like coming to- I didn't mean that- I wasn't trying to say that coming to see you is bad, I just meant-"

"Bucky, it's okay, I'm kidding." He exhales, shaking his head as you send him a teasing smile.

The two of you leave the restaurant in a much less awkward headspace than when you entered which brought you a lot of peace and lessen Bucky's urge to constantly bounce his foot up and down out of agitation.

"How much longer?" you moan, noticing that you've been stuck in similar surroundings for the past half hour. "Um, that's a good question..." Bucky trailed off, sitting up in the drivers seat to peer through all of the windows. Yeah he was definitely-

"Lost?"

"Yeah." His mumbling gave away his obvious embarrassment and you bit down on your lower lip to resist the urge to laugh. "Sorry, I guess the roads aren't how I remember them."

"Don't sweat it. I'm sure I can figure this out." You pulled out your phone, opening your directions app and placing it ahead of Bucky's (confused) gaze. "Just follow the directions." You did your best to assure him that the app was trustworthy but it seemed he was too hesitant to believe a 'bunch of robot-things that could be under the influence of HYDRA' as he called it.

Eventually you insisted that you would give him directions. Though you were just reading off of a map, you liked how impressed he got when you knew the name of places you were nearing and his approval felt too good for you to admit that you were just reading off of your phone. "We should be there in a bit, I actually know where we are now." he chuckled softly.

When you pulled up to the Avengers tower, you felt some kind of nervousness bubbling up inside of you that restricted you from tugging open the door and exiting the car.

"You're gonna be okay. You've done this kind of thing before, right?" You nod, unable to muster words past the lump in your throat. "This is the same thing. Maybe a bigger scale, maybe a smaller one. You won't know until you go in there."

You turn to Bucky with a grateful smile. "That was inspirational, Barnes. Maybe you should ditch the superhero like and become a motivational speaker. You'd have great stories to tell...what with the arm and all."

"That was low, (Y/N), low." The pair of you couldn't help but burst into chuckles as you sat together outside of the facility. When your laughter died down, you glanced at the door, then at him and then the door again. "Come on, doll, once you get in there, no more nerves. I promise."

You nod, building up the courage to push open the car door and approach the entrance. Hearing Bucky trail behind you was the feeling of safety you needed and luckily you didn't have to commence the awkward 'I don't know where anyone is because this place is huge' wander around because Tony happened to exit the elevator just in time to greet you.

"I saw you two love birds pull up ages ago, what were you doing in there?" Tony raises his eyebrows, swinging his arm around your shoulders and squeezing reassuringly. You smile softly at your good friend whilst Bucky sends him a bored glare.

"Anyway," Tony decides it's best to change the subject before the daggers being thrown in Bucky's glare turn to actual daggers being thrown. "Let's talk up in the conference room, (Y/N). You can head up to the living room, Barnes, everyone's in there." Bucky nods swiftly before his attention turns to you.

"It was nice travelling with you." You contain your grin, knowing Tony's careful gaze lingers between the two of you. "I hope I'll see you soon." He returns the somewhat mischievous smile with a wink to accompany it before subtly waving goodbye. You watch him leave and when he's out of sight, Tony shoves your shoulder playfully.

"So, how was it?" You furrow your eyebrows, evidently confused and Tony just grumbles, whipping off his sunglasses and pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance. "How was what?"

"The ride with Barnes. I sent him there for a reason." Your eyes widen as you put two and two together. "Wait you selected him to pick me up, I thought it was random."

"Of course it's not random! You've been into the guy since the first time you saw him. Excuse me for trying to do a little matchmaking." Tony raises his hands in defence, entering the now open lift with you following him.

"It was fine. It was better than fine actually, it was quite pleasant." You smile sweetly, muttering moreso to yourself than to your teammate beside you.

"Can't wait for the wedding."

"Tony!"

A/N:
i realised i've done two car related parts in a row but ah well, who doesn't love a good road trip ?

anyway, hope you enjoyed!