Moments in Time

Orange Juice

For some reason I'm up at 3 AM writing a short story. What is wrong with me?

"Steve, we're out of orange juice!" Bucky whined, standing in front of the refrigerator.

"We have milk, tea, coffee, or grape juice, Bucky. It's not the end of the world," Steve pointed out.

"But I wanted orange juice!" Bucky complained, pouting like a five year old.

"Well, tough luck," Steve said, throwing his hands up, and going back to the bathroom to finish his shaving.

Bucky frowned, slamming the refrigerator door, and deciding to watch TV. He sulked, wishing he had a tall glass of the sweet and slightly tart drink.

"Hey, I'm stopping at the store after my run, do you want anything?" Steve asked, pulling on his good running shoes.

"Orange juice, waffles, and cloves," Bucky promptly replied, not looking away from the TV.

"Okay."

***

"Honey, I'm home!" Steve called out, nudging the door shut with his foot.

Bucky flew out of the bedroom, eyes sparkling with anticipation. His eyes shifted to the groceries in Steve's arms, his tongue darting out for a brief moment to moisten his cracked lips.

"Orange juice?" Bucky demanded, snatching the bags from Steve and putting everything ready in mere seconds.

Steve face palmed, paling as he realized his mistake. He knew he should've written the list down, but he was already running late that morning...

Bucky looked about ready to cry, and although it was little ridiculous, it still tugged at Steve's heartstrings.

"I'll go get some," Steve offered, already turning toward the door.

"Steve, it's dark out, and fixing to rain. I'll survive until tomorrow," Bucky sighed.

***

"Orange juice?" Bucky asked Steve the next day.

"They were out, Buck. I looked everywhere, but the only kind they had was in concentrate, and I know you hate that," Steve explained.

This time Bucky really was crying. Steve couldn't handle it, he just really couldn't.

"I'm sorry Buck. I'll go somewhere else and get you some, okay?" Steve sighed.

"I'm sorry, Steve. I don't understand why this is such a big deal..." Bucky sobbed, covering his eyes with his hands in embarrassment. "It's so stupid..."

"I don't care if it is stupid, Bucky. You deserve the world for what you've been through - the least I can do is get you some juice," Steve frowned, gently rubbing the tears away.

Bucky crumpled into his chest, cuddling into Steve's arms. Steve was warm and smelled like Christmas all the time. He was the perfect snuggle buddy, and he was so generous and kind...

"I'll be back with some OJ, or die trying," Steve promised, releasing Bucky once he was more serene.

"Don't you fucking dare!" Bucky hissed. "I'd rather have you alive than have all the orange juice in the world!"

Steve rolled his eyes, letting a small smile quirk his lips up.

***

"Bucky?" Steve called into the apartment.

"Yeah?" His voice seemed groggy and half asleep.

Bucky wandered into the hallway, his hair a mess and his eyes only half open. He'd definitely been napping then.

"Look, I got the orange juice!" Steve grinned.

Bucky looked like a child on Christmas morning as he dashed to the kitchen for a glass. He poured a cup, sipping it as if it were the elixir of eternal life or something.

"Want some?" Bucky offered, gesturing to a clean glass.

"Sure," Steve shrugged.

Steve blinked. He had forgotten how much he liked the juice.

"Huh, that's pretty good," Steve said.

Bucky only smiled happily to himself, indulgently pouring them both a second glass.

"I know."

***

"What's the matter," Steve asked the next morning, as Bucky looked forlornly at the freezer.

"Steve, we're out of waffles..." Bucky sniffed.

Steve let out a long-suffering sigh.