Bucky put the glass down on the bar, silently telling the bartender to refill it. He was here nearly every night. Probably hitting what they called "rock bottom." But in all honesty, Bucky didn't give a shit.
He watched the couples dance across the floor. Bodies close together. Sweet words whispered. Bucky knew he'd never have that. Hell, he didn't deserve that. Not after all the things he had done. All the lives he had taken.
In an instant, he felt like his whole life had changed. The beautiful brunette smiled, sitting next to him. "Whiskey," she told the bartender, "Tennessee whiskey." Bucky smiled to himself, watching her every move.
"Drinking to remember or to forget?," he asked her and she chuckled. "Definitely forget," she told him and he nodded, introducing himself. "Kinda figured," she chuckled again, gesturing to his left arm, and he immediately covered it.
She put out a hand to stop him. "Don't," she said quietly and he looked at her. She wasn't afraid of him. That was definitely new. She intrigued him. He couldn't put his finger on it just yet. He nodded, blushing a bit and she smiled. "Don't seem the shy type," she teased and Bucky blushed again.
A slow, bluesy tune started and she smiled. "I love this song," she sighed and downed the rest of her glass. "Dance with me," she said, holding out her hand as she slipped off the bar stool.
"Oh I don't dance," Bucky said and shook his head. She laughed. "Wasn't asking, darlin'," she smirked and kept her hand out until he finally stood up, knowing there would be no arguing with her.
She led him to the floor and put her arms around his shoulders. He was shy, clumsy. At first. And as the song went on, he relaxed, letting his flesh hand brush over her exposed hip. He pulled back briefly, afraid he had crossed a line, but she only pushed herself closer to him.
Her head fell to his shoulder and she sang softly, Bucky couldn't wipe the smile from his face. "You're as warm as a glass of brandy, and honey I stay stoned on your love all the time," she sang quietly.
They danced until the bar closed, wrapped in each others arms. Bucky had never felt like this is his life. Happy. Relaxed. Blissful. She had given him this. And he'd forever be greatful.
Three years later, they made their way into the ballroom, cheered on by their loved ones. Bucky couldn't remember a time that he was happier in that moment. He held out his hand and led her to the floor, kissing her before wrapping her in his arms.
She was beautiful. Perfect. Wild. And he loved her just as much as that first night, if not more. The music began and she smiled up at him as he leaned his head closer to hers, kissing her cheek before he began to sing...
"You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey. You're as sweet as strawberry wine. You're as warm as a glass of brandy. And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time."
