Avengers Preferences

Barnes ~ Wouldn't it be Nice

"Hey doll, may I have one last dance?" Bucky asked, holding his hand out to me.

Taking it, I stood up and readjusted my dress. "I would love to, Sargent Barnes."

Following him towards the crowd of couple, we eventually found an open spot. I placed my hands on his shoulders and he lightly grasped my waist.

I glanced around at the scenery, admiring the other soldiers uniforms. Decorated with various pins and honors, they still looked uneasy with their future. I turned my attention back to Bucky, realizing he had been gazing at my eyes for the entire time. Except he wasn't smiling.

"Bucky, is everything all right?"

Shaking his head softly and shutting his eyes, he muttered, "Yes, yes, sorry doll."

We swayed in silence for a few songs. I continued to let my eyes wander while Bucky kept his eyes locked on mine, still expressionless.

"Are you afraid?" I interrupted his trance.

He looked me up and down as his eyes ran glossy. "I should say no."

I sighed at his response. "If you looked at any other solider in this room, they are just as afraid as you are. It's okay."

Smiling down at me, I was pulled slightly closer.

"You can be afraid, Bucky. You don't have to put on a brave face for me. It's war. It's terrifying. There's nothing beautiful about it."

"I'm not afraid about the war part," his eyes suddenly filled with fear again. "I don't want to leave you here. I don't want you to move on and forget about me. Who's going to protect you? Who's going to take you out dancing every night? I don't want you to be alone."

I placed a hand on his chest, shaking my head in response. "You don't have to worry about me. Steve is staying. He'll protect me. And I won't forget about you... how could I ever forget about you, Bucky? You're the love of my life."

"Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?" he stated, placing his hand on top of mine, still resting on his chest.

"Then we wouldn't have to wait so long," I responded.

"We could be married..."

A tear fell from each my eyes as I shook my head once again. My voice shook in my throat, "Bucky, I can't marry you until you get back. I can't do that to myself."

His hand lifted up to my cheek and he tilted it towards him. "Doll face, I don't know if I'll come back."

"Then it's gonna make it that much better, when we can say goodnight and stay together..."

—

"Steve, you better protect my darling." He ordered his friend. Steve, much smaller than Bucky and often needed protection himself, nodded in response.

I stepped away so he could say goodbye to his best friend. Bucky was right. What if he didn't come back? I can't get married and let my husband go off to war for the first few years of the marriage. I can't do that to myself. Not to mention, but we could be too young. My father might not approve.

Steve motioned me back over. My heels clicked right up to Bucky and I sneaked my hands around his neck and pulled him to me. Our lips connected in perfect harmony, however very quickly. Pulling away, I brought my hand up to his face and held it as tight as I could, ruffling his hair through my fingers. "You will come home, Bucky. I love you so much."

"I love you too, doll."

The soldiers were called to their posts. Quickly, I pecked a small kiss onto his cheek and held him tight once more. Letting him go, he followed the other soldiers.

I stood there almost emotionless, watching his figure disappear from my sight. Attempting to remember every last detail of his face, his voice, his body, him.

I turned around and jumped into Steve's arms, almost knocking me over. He wasn't sure what to do, but eventually accepted the hug and pulled me tight as well.

I quietly whispered to Steve, "Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?"