Ghost Soldiers || Bucky Barnes

Chapter 13: Central Park

That Friday evening, Bucky Barnes was finally going out with Steve and his friends from work to a bar in Manhattan. The boys loved going downtown, since it was the place where rich ladies would go. Bucky wasn't so thrilled about that, since he didn't want to meet Clementine and Thomas. He knew there was a low chance that happened, but he wanted to avoid it in case it did. However, he didn't say anything to his friends, and agreed on going with them there. He still had over six hours left to go, so he decided to take a nap. He didn't have to work that day, which was great, since the day had been extremely warm.

He was finding difficult to sleep in that weather, so he just stared at the ceiling instead. He could hear the cars and people yelling in the street, and he had always hated the noise, but it was difficult to find a place in Brooklyn that was quiet. He also started thinking about that night, and how he could go back to being his old-self and ask any girl out. He was planning on drinking and having a great night with his friends and then with the first girl he found attractive. He hoped there were good dancers in the club, even though so far he had never met someone who danced like Clementine.

A sudden knock on the door distracted him from his thoughts. He was not expecting anybody, so he wondered who would be knocking at that hour. He stood up quickly and went to the door, which was almost immediately next to his bed. He lived in a very small apartment, but for him, it had always been perfect, since it had everything he needed.

As soon as he opened the door, he was extremely surprised, and thought maybe he was dreaming. Clementine was there, standing by the door, and she looked as shocked as he was. She quickly smiled at him and tried to say something, but no words came out of her mouth.

"Clementine." He then whispered, loud enough for her to hear him.

"Hi James..." she said, blushing a little bit. Bucky had missed seeing her nervous, and for a second, it seemed like they hadn't stopped seeing each other.

"What are you doing here?" He asked her, chuckling. "I didn't expect you at all..."

"I know, I should have let you know I was coming. I can go if you're busy..." she said, staring at the floor.

"No, of course not. I'm surprised, that's all. But it's a nice surprise." Said Bucky, giving her a small smile.

"Good, I'm glad. Can we then go talk somewhere else? I would love to stay but being indoors is going to kill me... it's too warm today, and I feel that being outdoors will help a bit." She said.

"Yes, of course, I have time. I have plans in a few hours though..." He said, slowly.

"Oh, it won't take long, I promise. I was going to ask you to come with me to Central Park, but if you have plans soon then..." she said, before Bucky interrupted her.

"No, that's alright. Actually, it's perfect. I'm meeting the boys in a bar in Manhattan, so it would be great to go there now." He explained.

"Okay, Arthur is downstairs... so I'll just wait for you there. Take your time." She said, smiling. Before he could reply, Clementine started going down the stairs of the building.

Bucky should have asked her if she wanted to come inside, but he didn't know if it was appropriate. So, he went inside, washed his face and then put on some clothes on. He then took the stairs quickly and got into the car, where Clementine was expecting him.

"Good evening, Mr. Barnes. It's good to see you again." Said Arthur, who seemed to be in a good mood.

"Good evening Arthur, it's nice to see you again too." He said, sitting next to Clementine.

Arthur then started the car and started a conversation with Bucky, which Clementine was thankful for. She didn't know how to start talking to him; in fact, she regretted going to his house after having broken up with Thomas. After Thomas left the restaurant, Clementine used the phone there and called Arthur, and as soon as he got there, she asked him to take her to Brooklyn. She had first gone to the bridge, to see if he was working there, but he was not, so she went all the way to Brooklyn. She didn't regret her decision until she saw his building, and she thought of asking Arthur to leave, but she was already in the neighborhood, and she knew she had to be brave. Arthur knew she was nervous, and Clementine was sure that was the reason why he was asking Bucky so many questions.