All Those Who Wander (Bucky x reader Travel AU)

Part 7

Characters: Bucky, reader, Steve.

Summary: After a traumatic injury and honorable discharge from the military, Bucky Barnes finds himself wanting to travel and get lost in some of the most iconic cities of the world. One night he stumbles upon a girl who sparks something inside him and he finds himself following in her footsteps. How far will he go to find her and what will he discover about himself along the way?

Warnings: Some strong language.

Song Inspiration: "Amsterdam" by Gregory Alan Isakov

Word Count: 1.8k

A/N: This is it!! The last chapter before the epilogue. Oh, my goodness, this fic has been a journey. Literally and figuratively. I love these characters and I have loved imagining their travels. I hope you're excited to see where they end up. I appreciate all of you who have offered your support and love and comments. It means the world to me. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. I adore you all!! <3

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"Would you like to take a stroll through the city?" you offered, sounding hopeful.

Relieved, Bucky exhaled and met your eye with a smile. "I'd love to."

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As the pair of you exited the cafe, Bucky attempted to straighten the tie that was now loosening with how often he played with it. Seeing that you had noticed, he tried not to fidget.

"May I?" you asked, gesturing toward the tie.

Hesitating a moment, he then nodded and lifted his chin. Expecting you to do what he couldn't—tighten the tie with both hands— he was surprised when instead you pulled the tie free from its knot and slipped it from the collar. Your nimble fingers lingered a fraction of a second on his shirt as you undid the top button and Bucky finally felt like he could breathe again.

Holding the tie, you then seemed to realize the intimate nature of the act and looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, that was presumptuous of me. You looked very handsome in it and you still do without it, I just hate to see you uncomfortable for my sake. I can re-tie it if you want. Now or...later."

Now feeling relief, Bucky cringed at the idea. "I'd rather just abandon the practice entirely."

A laugh burst from you, causing Bucky to chuckle along.

"And thank you," he said softly.

"My pleasure," you replied. "I can keep this for you, if you'd like."

Bucky nodded and you slipped the tie into your bag for safe keeping.

Strolling through Amsterdam was gorgeous and enjoyable, conversation flowing between you with barely a moment of silence. Your walk brought you through a crowd and in order to not lose each other, you looped your arm in Bucky's and after the crowd had passed you still didn't let go. Bucky didn't mind in the slightest. You shared the bits of Dutch that you had learned and attempted to teach the phrases to Bucky. He did his best, but the many vowels seemed to trip and fall from his tongue clumsily. The blunders led to good-natured laughter from you, quickening Bucky's heartbeat.

The more time he spent with you the more at ease he felt. Not once did he feel like you were taking pity on him or uncomfortable about his disability. Your touch on his arm, soft look in your eyes, and what seemed like an affectionate smile all endeared you to him all the more. He never wanted to say goodbye. Turning a corner, it looked like there was a small grassy area up ahead with a gathering of people. Someone seemed to wave at the two of you and when you returned it, he finally understood and his heart sank. The walk had been in the direction of somewhere you had to be. Your afternoon together was over.